From the brink of extinction, King’s Stanley Cricket Club have been crowned Stroud Premier League champions.
Jamie Bish’s side were set to fold just 18 months ago, but fortunes have been revived. In the final game of the season, Stanley took on Randwick at home, knowing a win would secure the title.
Bish won the toss and chose to bowl on a good wicket. Randwick started brightly, moving to 100 for one at the halfway mark with David Morss in fine form making 80 before he was dismissed by former Stroud legend and Gloucester rugby star Martyn Kimber – as they collapsed to 132 all out. Kimber finished with 3 wickets as did Ed Nash and chairman Gavin Dean.
Knowing the score was below par, openers James Weir and Kimber started positively until Weir prodded forward to one that jumped and was caught smartly at short cover.
Bish then joined Kimber who then took advantage of any loose deliveries to reach the required 133 in only 20 overs with Bish himself finished on 61* and Kimber undefeated on 50 to secure the win and the title for Stanley.
Chairman Dean said: “The club is now going from strength to strength on and off the field and would like to thank all of its sponsors and supporters who’ve helped to achieve this. The club is looking to add a second team again next season and would welcome players of any standard to get in touch.”
