The final day of the season will live long in the history of Lowerhouse Cricket Club.
While the First Eleven were finishing their campaign at Norden, the Second Eleven welcomed the same opposition to the Brooks Foundation Ground with the First Division title on the line.
And what followed was something very special.
SECOND ELEVEN MAKE HISTORY 🏆
Declan won the toss and elected to bowl, with Norden posting 167 for 8 from their 45 overs.
Charlie Bithell led the bowling attack with an excellent 3 for 43 from 10 overs, while Oliver Williams took 2 for 47 from 12.
Then came the chase.
Lowerhouse were soon in serious trouble at 61 for 6. The title was hanging in the balance, but there were still plenty of overs remaining.
Enter Chris Bleazard and Oliver Williams.
What followed was a magnificent display of composure and experience. Oli batted with a cool head, while the legendary Blez provided the calm assurance that only he can.
Together, they produced an incredible 110-run partnership to completely turn the game around.
Bleazard finished on a magnificent 81, with Williams contributing an unbeaten 27 as Lowerhouse reached the target with four overs to spare.
The celebrations began.
After 99 years, the Lowerhouse Cricket Club Second Eleven are First Division champions.
And the achievement is even more remarkable when you consider the journey.
Division Two champions last season. Newly promoted. First Division champions at the first time of asking.
From 61 for 6 to champions.
A 110-run partnership when everything was on the line.
A championship 99 years in the making.
History made. 💙💛
Congratulations to every player, captain, coach, volunteer and supporter who has played their part in an unforgettable season.
FIRST ELEVEN FINISH WITH A WIN 💙💛
The First Eleven travelled to Norden for their final game of the season, with the hosts winning the toss and putting Lowerhouse into bat.
Lowerhouse were bowled out for 199, with Francois Haasbroek top scoring with an excellent 69.
Charlie Gansler added a hard-fought 29 as Lowerhouse battled their way to a competitive total.
Then came a serious display with the ball.
The Lowerhouse attack ripped through Norden, dismissing the hosts for just 133 from 27.4 overs.
Dan Salpietro was outstanding, taking 4 for 19 from just 3.4 overs, while Toxy Hussain produced a devastating over, taking three wickets, including the Norden professional for a first-ball duck. Toxy finished with excellent figures of 3 for 45 from five overs.
A dominant bowling performance secured a comprehensive victory and brought the First Eleven’s season to a winning conclusion.
The First Eleven finish the season fourth in the league.
But on a day when one part of the club made history, there was only one story everyone was talking about.
The Seconds are First Division champions.
What a day.
What a season.
What a club.
💙💛 #UTH 💛💙