Hastings captain hails 'special result' as his side secure Premier Division safety
Harry Scowen called Hastings’ thrilling two-run win over Preston Nomads a ‘special result’ as his side secured Premier Division safety on the final day of the season.
Hastings started the day bottom and knew they had to win to stand a chance of staying up and hoped one of Bognor or Cuckfield lost.
Bognor beat Haywards Heath to guarantee safety but Cuckfield lost to eventual champions Roffey, meaning Hastings stayed up by a clear 12 points.
Joe Billings was the star with the bat, carrying his bat for for an unbeaten 102 while eight bowlers pitched in as they sealed the win on the last ball with Nomads needing three to win.
And Scowen was delighted. “It was a really special result, one that highlighted the team spirit we have and a real never give up attitude. Joe Billings hundred in the first innings was really clutch in such a high pressure game and he showed his class.
"A Priory colt who has returned this year and really shown his worth to us as a group. In the second innings it wasn't always plain sailing, Nomads have some really talented young players and for a large part of that innings it felt as though they were cruising. Adam Pye and Troy Henry really turned it around, two wickets in two balls to dismiss both set batsman was the real game changer and we were ruthless from that moment in.”
He added: “The last hour was one of the best periods of cricket I have been involved in, the energy in our fielding, the discipline to bowl tight and not give runs away was amazing and proved that we deserve to be in this league.”
The skipper also highlighted what a special achievement it was for a club who do not have the same resources as others in the Premier Division.
"I think we are a unique club in so many ways, we do not have some luxuries of other clubs and bar Horsham the only other club to not have an overseas - to hold our place with predominantly home grown players is really special,” he said.
"Looking ahead to next year we will need some reinforcements, an overseas would be a brilliant addition but the key for me will be holding this group of players together and seeing some of our younger guys stepping up to really compete.”