Cuckney celebrate after Butler’s silver service
LONG-standing captain Will Butler has decided to step down from his role after leading Cuckney to their third Nottinghamshire Premier League title in five years.
The 35-year-old hopes that his decision will clear the way for the younger players to flourish and further the club’s development over the next few years.
Despite his announcement, there was no shortage of celebrations in Cuckney on Saturday as their abandoned match saw them crowned champions and visitors Hucknall avoid relegation.
Cuckney were 107-3 after 24 overs when the rain came preventing any further progress in pursuit of Hucknall’s 162-6 from 35 overs.
Nottinghamshire’s Jake Libby had top-scored with 60 for the visitors while James Hawley took 3-29 for Cuckney.
But the 11 points gained by Hucknall in the abandonment was more than Ordsall Bridon managed in defeat against Clifton Village, so it was they who finished in the bottom two with Welbeck.
Plumtree, who had hoped to challenge Cuckney for the title on the final weekend, saw their game against Welbeck washed out without a ball being bowled.
Butler said: “It’s been quite a ride.When I first took over in 2006, we were still in the Bassetlaw League, but look where we are now.
“I feel it is the right time to retire as captain. It’s time for some of the younger lads to come in with fresh ideas and stamp their authority on the club. It has been a great ten years.”
The Cuckney skipper was also quick to pile praise on his young squad following their victory – and admitted his surprise at their success.
“I didn’t expect it because we have such a young side and because we had some availability issues during the season,” he added.
“Our opening bowler, Lewis Bramley, missed the last ten games because of work commitments and our overseas player, Trent Lawford, missed six games because he had the wrong visa.
“As a result, we had to use more players (21) than any other side in the league, including young lads coming through the ranks.”
Elsewhere around the country, Leigh’s comprehensive ninewicket win over Wallasey saw them lift the Liverpool title. County man Luis Reece topscored with 70 not out as Leigh made light work of chasing the 123 runs they needed for victory.
In Cheshire, a fine performance from Lancashire’s Jordan Clark, who hit 119 before taking 3-15, helped league winners Alderley Edge hammer home the title with victory over Hyde.
Despite York’s best efforts, Harrogate wrapped up the inaugural Yorkshire North title by 12 points as they edged to a twowicket win over Stamford Bridge.
In East Anglia, Woolpit were relegated after their clash with Horsford – their closest rivals at the bottom – was rained off before the players could get out onto the pitch.
St Just were crowned champions in Cornwall after a superb bowling performance from Harry Medhurst saw him take 3-21 as Falmouth were bowled out for just 128.
Josh Semmens then hit a vital unbeaten 32 to see St Just get home with five wickets in hand.
Llandudno won the North Wales title last weekend and celebrated that achievement with a comfortable 91-run win over Mochdre, while Pontblyddyn joined Pwllheli in being relegated after a narrow-two wicket loss to Brymbo.
Four points separate firstplaced Blackpool from second-placed Leyland in Northern – they meet this weekend in the final game of the season.
Hinckley Town also have to beat Barrow Town to stand any chance of staying up, after their Leicestershire relegation battle with Market Harborough fell foul to the wet weather.