Congratulations to Shepherds Bush CC who have won the Rothesay National Club Championship with a five-wicket victory over New Farnley CC. They have became the first Middlesex side to lift thew trophy since Teddington in 1991.
The overcast skies and drizzle had cleared and allowed the match to start on time. Shepherds Bush won the toss and chose to field
Ramon Bailey and Idris Otto Mian opened the bowling, and kept the score down. Rain stopped play in the middle of the 7th over and we had a nervous 48 minute wait until it cleared sufficiently for play to resume. Chinmay Mullapudi had the opener caught behind in the 12th over but the Yorkshire bats dug in. 75-1 at the halfway drinks break. When Alex Blofield was hit for two 6’s in the 22nd over, hearts fell. But like a true pro, Alex responded with a fabulous caught and bowled to remove the dangerous Alex Lilley. Then next ball, had the new bat caught behind by an athletic juggling catch by Fin Trenouth. 94-3. Game on. Undeterred by not getting his second Bush hat trick off the season, Alex took his third wicket six overs later, well caught by Marcus Howard.
Just as Bush were squeezing New Farnley, the rain fell at 162-5. Umpires called for an early lunch. Eventually the match re-started with a second innings of 15 overs with a DLS adjusted target of 106.
Idris Otto Mian and Sid Thomson opened the batting. Idris was clearly up for this, and hit 14 in the first over, to keep us well above the DLS par score. At the end of the third over Bush were 25-1, well above the DLS target. 10 overs constitutes a match, and Bush were on their way. 12 runs off a very long fourth over, putting Bush further ahead of the DLS par. Mitch Crayn was out on 14 which brought captain Fin to the crease. The next wicket was lost at exactly the halfway point. 58-3, still well on track to reach 106 within their allotted 15 overs. Idris and Marcus kept the score ticking at the right rate, until Idris was out for a well made 34. Adam Chislett came to the crease, and hit 21 off his first 8 balls. The score was on 100 in the 14th over when Marcus was caught behind. 6 needed off 8 balls, Luke Matthews joined Adam at the crease
Four to win off the last over, Adam Chislett on strike. Here we go again. He scored the winning runs against East Molesey. He scored the winning runs against Teddington. Could he score the winning runs against New Farnley? Yes he could! Shepherds Bush reach the target with 3 balls to spare, to win the National Cup by five-wickets.
Shepherds Bush CC President, Alf Langley, said:
Shepherds Bush Cricket Club’s Men’s First XI achieved something no previous generation in our 144‑year history had managed: winning the ECB National Cup. It is a triumph that will be remembered not only for the quality of cricket played, but for the spirit in which it was achieved.
Throughout this remarkable campaign, the team has carried themselves with the sporting values that define our club. Their conduct — and that of our supporters — drew warm commendation from opponents at every stage. That, as much as the silverware itself, is a source of immense pride.
Equally extraordinary has been the passionate support from across the club. Junior parents, women’s players, social members, past and present cricketers — all travelled the country to stand behind the team. At every venue they created a carnival atmosphere, turning neutral grounds into something that felt unmistakably like home. Their presence lifted the players and showcased the unity that makes Shepherds Bush CC such a special community.
A special acknowledgement must be made of our captain, Alistair Easton. Though injury ruled him out of the final two rounds, his leadership, wisdom and perseverance over recent seasons laid the foundation for this success. It was on that platform that his deputy, Finn Trenouth, guided the team to the ultimate prize.
This victory belongs to every player, every supporter, and every corner of our club. It is a moment of history — and one we will cherish for years to come.
