After missing last winter through COVID-19 restrictions, the Cheltenham Display Refrigeration Ltd Indoor Cricket League returned in October 2021.
Despite some restrictions being in place during the early months 116 out of the 120 scheduled league matches were completed along with a full knockout cup competition which all fed into the ECB National Indoor 6`s Championship. All matches were covered by Gloucestershire Association of Cricket Officials (GACO) appointed umpires and scorers and 23 teams took part.
Apperley CC Division 4 Winners
Division Four
Apperley CC were unbeaten winning the division with maximum 20 points, St Philips North CC runners up. St Stephens CC were welcomed back into the indoor cricket league after several years absence.
- Batting award – George Wathen (Apperley) 238 runs, George also finished 2nd in the bowling.
- Bowling award – Adie Mayes (Apperley), Adie was the only player to finish top in both wickets taken and economy.
- Wicket-keeping – Ollie Greensweig (Whitminster), with the highest number of dismissals by any keeper in all divisions.
- Fielding award – Laurence Mezo (Ullenwood Bharat) 5 catches and 8 run outs.
Division 3 Fielding Award – Sathya Prakash from Birdlip & Brimpsfield
Division Three
A great run in the second half of the season by Bayshill CC saw them push early leaders Woodmancote all the way. Woodmancote winning Division 3 by just 2 points.
- Batting award – Paul Evans (Woodmancote) 263 runs and 2nd in bowling & wicket-keeping
- Bowling award – Michael Morris (Woodmancote).
- Wicket-keeping – “Evergreen” Steve Liley won the wicket keeping for the third time.
- Fielding award – 3 way tie (12 dismissals each), Ben Herd (Woodmancote), Fran Stirup (Bayshill), Sathya Prakash (Birdlip).
Charlton Kings Division 2 Winners
Division Two
Welcomed two new teams this year, both Sheepscombe and Charlton Kings migrating from the Gloucester competition. Charlton Kings won the division unbeaten and will move up to division one.
- Batting award – Chris Burrows (Charlton Kings) 268 runs highest total outside div one.
- Bowling award – Jeremy Ward (Charlton Kings) bowled in 8 out of 10 matches and took at least one wicket in each game.
- Wicket-keeping – Joint Steve Henley (Charlton Kings) & Jon Nicholson (Bourton Vale)
- Fielding award – Ben Meikle (Winchcombe) 12 x dismissals
Cheltenham Civil Service were presented with the League Winners Trophy by Mark Febery of Display Refrigeration Ltd
Division One
Contained just 5 teams instead of the usual 6 this winter. Cheltenham Civil Service were winners for 3rd time in 4 years.
- Batting award – Jitesh Thammisetti (Ullenwood Bharat) scored 273 runs. George Leadbetter (Civil Service) a close 2nd with 263.
- Bowling award – Charlie Hawken (University of Gloucestershire)
- Wicket-keeping – Robbie Baker (Cheltenham Civil Service).
- Fielding award – Curtis Oldroyd (University) 4 catches & 9 run outs.
Fair Play Award 2022 – Won jointly by Ullenwood Bharat CC & Cheltenham CC
Knockout Cup
Semi finals held 12th December 2021:
- Cheltenham Civil Service CC beat Hatherley & Reddings CC
- Cheltenham beat Charlton Kings
- A close final was won by Cheltenham CC
League Play-off
The traditional league play off match to decide the overall Cheltenham competition winners featured (Cup Winners) Cheltenham v Cheltenham Civil Service (League Winners). Civil Service came out on top scoring 133 – 30 runs each for Craig Baker & George Leadbetter. 34 from Ben Pegler & 33 Alex Haworth saw Cheltenham fight all the way.
County Play-off
This was a straight winner takes all match between Cheltenham Civil Service CC & Stroud CC. Stroud batted first and set 99 – Civil service reached the target with just a single ball and one wicket to spare. Civies went on represent Gloucestershire in the national indoor 6`s championship again where they were paired with Bridgewater in the first round.
Cheltenham Civil Service CC v Bridgewater CC
Playing in an unfamiliar hall Bridgewater were in early trouble at 6 for 2 before recovering to set 75 – Civil service won with an over to spare – Robbie Baker 25 & Bradley Attwood 17 were there at the end.
Regional Finals Day – Sunday March 20th 2022 at The County Ground, Taunton
“One wicket from Lord`s”
Neyland CC batted first in a tight semi final – 2 wickets for George Leadbetter, one to Steve Bridge along with 3 run outs restricted the Welsh champions to 68 – Cheltenham Civil Service achieved the target with overs to spare to set up a final match with Bashley CC , Brad Attwood & Craig Baker 30+ runs each as the Civies managed 3 figures to set a challenging 102 to win. Bashley although very experienced in the final stages of the nationals, lost 5 wickets in the chase but Jacob Gordon 33, Tom Jaques 31 & Sam Crisp saw them home with one wicket remaining in the final over.
Indoor League Sponsor – Display Refrigeration Hire Ltd
End of Season Awards
In traditional manner we rounded off the 6 month indoor season with an awards evening hosted by Cheltenham CC with awards presented in all team and individual categories.
Thanks to our sponsors Cheltenham Display Refrigeration Ltd for their ongoing support of indoor cricket.