Tilford lifted the I’Anson Cricket Division 1 Cup after a home win against last year’s winners Blackheath by 7 wickets. Blackheath captain, Will Melhuish, won the toss and decided to bat first but they were immediately in trouble as a bowler friendly wicket induced errors with Blackheath slumping to 42 for the loss of 5 wickets with Tilford skipper, George Ellis and Matt Bozier each taking two wickets and Huw Town-Jones holding on to a good running catch close to the Barley Mow boundary to dismiss Melhuish. Only Tom Vickers put up much resistance hitting three sixes in his cameo innings of 40 made off 26 balls. With the score on 70 he fell to a smart slip catch by Mark Ramesar off the bowling of Mike Braans, the off spinner, who proceeded to take the next four wickets with variations of length and flight, and finished with a fine return of 5-25, helped by some smart catching. Blackheath were all out for 97 in the 30th over.

Tilford began their reply brightly but lost an early wicket. Then opener Ramesar was joined by 15 year old John Barran and together they batted sensibly adding 77 for the second wicket. Barron was out for 30 trying to hit the winning runs off Melhuish to the fine leg boundary and the next batsman fell next ball in the same way to fine catches by Vickers before Matt Cook hit a cover drive to the boundary to see Tilford home at 99-3 in the 19th over to ensure an early finish. Mark Ramesar finished on 36 not out with six fours and one six.

President of the I’Anson League, Keith Ellis, handed out medals to the victorious Tilford team followed by the Cup to George Ellis in front of the Barley Mow where celebrations continued through the evening.