'We showed our true Bognor spirit' - Skipper Maskell proud as his side avoid relegation on final day for THIRD consecutive year

Bognor had to beat Haywards Heath to guarantee safety and they did just that, winning by nine wickets thanks to Josh Sargeant’s five wickets and superb knocks from Theo Beynon-Ayres (110 not out) and Ollie Mason (76 not out).

And with both Hastings and Horsham winning, Cuckfield’s defeat to champions Roffey meant the Mid Sussex side were relegated.

Maskell was proud of his side’s efforts. “With a game that’s not uncommon for us with it being the third time in three years where us needing a win to stay in the Premier League, I couldn’t have been prouder of the boys,” he said.

"After getting off to a slow start in the field and with the ball and a stern talking to at drinks, we showed our true Bognor spirt it to pull it back to a very chase able total of 258. With Josh Sargeant taking a fantastic 5-fer and some great fielding in the back end of our bowling innings, I told the boys at the innings break, regardless of the situation we do the same things that we have done all season go out there and be positive."

And the skipper, who hit 48 himself, added: “Full credit to Theo and 16-year-old Ollie Mason. I was very pleased for Theo who batted excellently scoring his first ever century.”

The club are now focussed on next season and how they can avoid making it a fourth year of going to the final day. “There are plenty of things to improve on for next season we will unfortunately again have another rebuild as will be losing a few experienced players from the group but I’m confident in our ability to recruit and our youngsters to give it another crack for next season.

"The squad is young and extremely talented, so another year of Prem cricket under our will belts will put us in good stead. We’ve some time now to rest up and prepare for next year in what will be another fiercely contested league.”