The Upminster Hunters claimed a six wicket win over Broomhills on Sunday evening, and with it claimed their first Riverside Indoor League Premier Division title. The victory completed a remarkable turn around for the side, as after five games of the season they were struggling to make the cut to be included in the top flight for the second half of the campaign. Since then they have won eight games in a row in the League and Cup.

Their performance on Sunday was in stark contrast to the Tandoori Boys’ efforts the week before, when they had needed to scramble enough bonus points to cling on to top spot. The Hunters were in control from the moment Louis Pickering struck with the first ball of the second over to leave Broomhills 2-1. Broomhills rebuilt steadily but Terry Wyatt executed a sharp run out to claim the second wicket and then Ellis Pickering struck thanks to a catch from older brother Louis. Once again Broomhills tried to recover and they reached 43-3 with four overs remaining. However, Adam Quested produced an excellent stumping off of the younger Pickering to pick up wicket number four before the same bowler completed a caught and bowled to claim number five, and veteran John Curtis then finished things off by bowling the last batsman to leave Broomhills 52 all out.

At that stage, bonus points and run rates meant the Hunters had effectively already sealed the title, but they left nothing to chance in the chase. Adam Quested and Louis Pickering started steadily, but Pickering then upped the ante, and reached the retirement mark with two maximums to the back wall. Terry Wyatt joined Quested and they saw Upminster home without any alarms, and with nearly five overs to spare.

Congratulations to Nicky Ison and his Team on an excellent achievement. Nicky has done a brilliant job in getting the side together and producing some excellent results, especially in the second half of the season.

Next week both the Hunters and the Tandoori Boys will be trying to seal their own League and Cup doubles as the Finals Day of both competitions takes place. Firstly the Tandoori Boys will take on Ingatestone at 3.30pm with the winners facing Chelmsford Tigers or Great Waltham in the Final at 4.30pm. Then the Hunters will again face up to Broomhills in their semi final at 7.00pm, with the winners facing Wickford or Springfield at 9.00pm.