As the sun sets on what was Benwell Hill`s 143rd cricket season and restoration gets underway on our excellent square some news for Members to bring them as up to speed as I can.
First and foremost, my congratulations to Phill Bell on leading the Club back into the NEPL Premier Division at the first attempt. The heady mix of youth and a huge amount of experience (!) worked the oracle against what often seemed long odds. Phill spoke in the Changing Rooms after the victory against Sacriston of the success being a real team effort but it would be remiss of me not to make mention of some key individuals who led the way on and off the pitch.
Our Overseas Professional Thurindu Kaushal provided invaluable runs, brilliant fielding and regular wickets and he leaves the Club in a far better place. TK will be unable to come back to the UK in 2026 as he falls foul of the Visa Requirements but we wish him and his family well as they head to Sydney to play this winter.
At the youthful end of the age scale Max Williamson fell agonisingly one short of 50 wickets but it was no mean feat to end up as the leading wicket taker in the League whilst 16 year old Rory Mustard had a fantastic season with over 700 League Runs. Rory is off to Repton School to `larn how to taak` proper but he is destined for great things if he continues to develop along the right lines.
In the Changing Room I was able to reminisce with Lee Crozier how we celebrated League winning success in 1999 with a bottle of champagne each which we shared with the then President Jack Marshall. Lee has now won 19 League Championships in a stellar career which he was pleased to relate puts him 5 ahead of Adam Heather. I think Adam included the Dundee ASDA Shopping Trolley League in his total but for both it is still a remarkable effort.
Off the field Philip Nicholson brought order and invaluable experience to the mix, aided and abetted by Philip Haves who lives and breathes every ball. My thanks to both of them on behalf of the Club and of course to the Skipper who stood up when things were a little gloomy at the end of 2024.
Elsewhere an elite band of spectators saw the Cup Final finish of the ages on the last Sunday of the season. Chasing 90 in 15 overs against Felling the second team had staggered to 43-8 and all looked lost. Captain Peter Jones strode to the wicket and in partnership with Taylor Matthews proceeded to hammer the bowling to all parts to win with almost an over to spare. It was truly remarkable.
I will leave the cricket playing there – more will follow in the Annual Reports – but suffice to say my congratulations to all who have represented BHCC in 2025 – be that at Newbrough where are youthful Third teams have had to grow up quickly or in our excellent Junior Teams who have represented the club with distinction in 2025. The future looks bright if we can continue to build in the face of a strong competitive environment where money talks and player loyalty is no longer quite what it was.
One thing I must report to Members is that Mark Charlton of Trilogy Turf will continue to maintain the Ground in 2026. Since he arrived in 2022 Mark has been excellent in every respect and our pitches are just about unmatched in the North East. Mark is assisted by Geoff and John Chambers in maintaining the surrounds and the outfield and they make a formidable team.
Success on the field has been matched off the field – the Wakes business continues to thrive and BHCC remains a great place to socialise. Members will be in awe at the new Big Screen that has been installed courtesy of the Social Committee led by Brian Angus and Gordon Haxon amongst others. The Squash Club remains one of the Jewels in our Crown and one of the ladies that recently started playing tells me she has lost a stone since taking up the game. A message for a few of us I guess!
Congratulations to one of our main sponsors Andy Greenwell (of NBMS) who has recently completed a herculean set of challenges in aid of St Oswalds Hospice. Thank you to all those who supported the recent Charity Quiz in aid of Cancer Research UK. The regular quizzes will be getting underway in October after we have drawn breath.
Please keep your eyes on the website re upcoming events including the Annual Dinner which is on Thursday October 2nd and will be a fun event given the successes outlined above. Peter Jones batting tips will be especially worth listening to.
Enough for now – as ever thank you to all those who give so much to make BHCC a special place.
Onwards!!
Simon Lunn
