Promotion celebrations begin for Chichester Priory Park cricketers

They edged home in a low-scoring final at Glynde on Saturday – scoring 137–7 to overhaul Nomads’ total of 136.

Chi produced a composed but occasionally nervy run chase to secure a three-wicket,win, securing promotion to Division 2 and relegating Nomads to Division 3 in the process.

Preston Nomads were bowled out for 136 in 39.2 overs, after being asked to bat on an overcast and windy day at Glynde. Tom Symington was the pick of the bowlers, claiming his first five-wicket haul for the 1st XI with figures of 5-33 from 5.2 overs.

Andrew Crookham also returned an impressive 3–20 from nine overs, while Tim Wergan claimed 2–13 from nine, including a miserly spell that helped restrict the scoring rate.

Chichester's reply got off to a difficult start when Toby Toft was dismissed for a duck, but Wergan (16) and Simon Hasted (20) helped steady the innings. Hasted's dismissal was followed by useful contributions from Elijah Stead, who struck 17 from 18 balls, and Freddie Gillett, who made an aggressive 22 from 25.

With wickets continuing to fall, the match remained finely balanced with supporters and players heart rates starting to climb on the sidelines.

Adam Bardouleau added a determined 18, combining well with Mike.Smith before Chichester found themselves in a precarious position at 123–7.

That left the responsibility with captain Smith, and he delivered when it mattered most. He remained unbeaten with an important 31 from 40 balls, including four fours and a six.

He was supported by Symington (5)* as the pair guided Chichester across the finishing line in the 36th over, sparking jubilant celebrations that continued late into the evening.

The spirit, skill and determination on display from every member of the team in difficult conditions, against good opposition, embodied what this team has been about all season.

It was the perfect ending to the season and a justified reward for a group of guys who have produced a number of fantastic performances that culminated in remaining unbeaten at home, winning 14 competitive matches and losing just four games all season.

The group now look forward to returning to Division 2 in 2027, after four seasons in Division 3, and are relishing the exciting challenge ahead.

A footnote – from the 11 who played for CPP in the final, seven have been with Chi since joining the junior coaching and all but Elijah Stead, the overseas man, are stalwarts of the club.

What they said about the promotion win…

Gary Rustell, Chairman of Chichester Priory Park CC, said: "This is a fantastic achievement and a fitting reward for the hard work, commitment, and dedication shown by the players throughout the season. Every member of the squad has played their part in what has been a remarkable campaign.

“To see seven of Saturday's XI come through our junior ranks makes this promotion even more special. It highlights the quality of coaching and player development at Chichester Priory Park CC and demonstrates the strength of our pathway from junior to senior cricket.

"As we celebrate this success, our focus is already turning to 2027. We look forward to embracing new challenges, continuing to grow as a club, and building on this momentum as we establish ourselves at the next level."

Jonny Heaven , Head of Senior Cricket, said: “A memorable day for the 1st team and the club on Saturday, having narrowly missed out last season in the play-offs due to weather.

"The enormity of this final game wasn't lost on the players; they produced another top display as they have most of this season and held their nerve when it counted. Gaining promotion to Division 2 was always the aim so target achieved. Congratulations to Skipper Mike Smith and of course the players. Roll on 2027.”

Mike Smith, captain, commented: “What a game against Nomads! A proper low-scoring battle, but we held our nerve, put in a brilliant shift in the field and got the runs when it mattered most.

“It wasn’t a run-fest by any means, but sometimes you’ve just got to grind out the result — and that’s exactly what we did! A massive team effort, a huge win, and most importantly… promotion to Division 2.”