06/09/2026
First XI Match Report sponsored by Shanaz of Lewes and Foxdown Construction Ltd.
Barcombe 1st XI - 106-2
Rottingdean 2nd XI - 105-10
Barcombe win by 8 wickets.
With evening skies darkening and the aromas of pumpkin spiced latte lurking around every corner, the 2026 cricket season entered September and, as is tradition, the final game for Barcombe's experienced team. Usually there is no jeopardy on the final game but this time things were different. With promotion secured last week thanks to an act of God, the title was on the line - with just 9 points required to ensure they could not be overhauled.
The team assembled at Rottingdean, with the chance to become heroes and celebrate later on. Coincidentally, 'Heroes' and 'Celebrations' formed the bulk of Barcombe's warm up as everyone enjoyed a few chocolates whilst watching Rottingdean go through their paces - apart from one young member who was spending time searching for a 'long weight' behind the furthest sightscreen. Harry Stewart, with laser precision, called correctly at the toss and elected to bowl first - despite the fact that one of his opening bowlers was clearly still operating on Canadian time.
Fortunately by the time the game was due to start everyone had made it and Allan Trower and Joe Wheatley - both returning from accidentally holidaying at the same time again - shared the new ball. Rumours that one cannot function without the other have yet to be proven but like always the pair immediately hit their straps and put Rottingdean under pressure. Once they had both realised they were bowling too full, each picked up an early wicket - Trower's courtesy of an excellent catch behind the stumps from Callum Coppard - and Barcombe were on top. Perhaps more impressive was the fact that from the first 16 overs, Rottingdean only mustered 31 runs thanks to the miserly old pair.
Josh Wheatley and Paul Coppard were next to turn their arms over, although in Coppard's case not for long as, in his own words, "he was not bowling very well" (edited to be family friendly). Stewart replaced him and together with Wheatley turned the screw on the Rottingdean middle order. Stewart was superb, rushing down the hill with the breeze running freely across his shining dome, moving the ball at will to bamboozle more than one batter. He ended with 3 well deserved wickets and Barcombe were well on top in the game and on course to claim their first title since 2009.
Rottingdean provided solid resistance with several of their youngsters putting in excellent performances with the bat and with overs running out, Barcombe needed something to ensure they could take the all important 9th wicket. Stewart turned to the ever present Ade Broadway who continued where he left off at Lindfield, bowling excellent lengths and even more impressive, excellent lines. He made the breakthrough, knocking back the stumps to give Barcombe the point they needed to secure the championship. Shortly after, David Christmas wrapped up the innings - fittingly the ball nestling in Paul Coppard's hands for his eleventh catch of the season - and Barcombe had bowled Rottingdean out for just 105.
The hosts were gracious and gave Barcombe a guard of honour when the left the field that was much appreciated by all. Most of all there was relief that Barcombe's aging bodies would not have to field again this season. Congratulations were shared and a watching spectator was sent to the nearest shop to find something bubbly and cheap that could be sprayed at the end of the game.
Matt Tucker and Ole Callf set about chasing the total and were overheard discussing who could go harder at the ball prior to setting up at the crease. Unfortunately no one ever found out how hard Callf was going to go at the ball as he was clean bowled by the sneakiest of all deliveries first ball - a straight one. Tucker was joined by Josh Wheatley and the chase was on. Even though the title was in the bag, the team were keen to finish with another win and both batters got the memo as they began to score freely. Tucker was his usual brutal self, striking boundaries at will including one six that was not far away from landing in Saltdean. At one point Wheatley was lucky to survive one straight drive that would have decapitated a less nimble mover.
With the finish in sight, Tucker cleverly avoided having to buy a jug by getting caught on the boundary. This just brought Joe Wheatley, the league's top run scorer, to the crease although the way he scratched around you would have thought that his brother had more. Credit must go to the Rottingdean youngsters who bowled excellent lines and lengths and made scoring as hard as possible.
With four required it was fitting that a Josh Wheatley pull was dispatched to the boundary to give Barcombe the win - umpire Paul Trower signalling with aplomb, a big smile on his face, possibly because it meant he could finally sit down. It brought to a close a stunning season, the team remaining unbeaten in their final eight games and only losing three times (all at home...) all year.
A jug of beer, courtesy of Rottingdean, was brought into the changing room as the team enjoyed probably the best shower facilities of the year. A huge thanks must be extended to the hosts who were excellent throughout. In fact, all teams in the division this year have played hard but in the right spirit making for an excellent advert for village (very at times) cricket.
That's that for 2026, roll on 2027!
Player of the match - Harry Stewart - 3-28 with the ball and a well deserved trophy in his hands (at some point)
