14/09/2026
434 days since we last tasted victory, Boxgrove CC ended the 2026 season on a high with victory at Lancing Manor Cricket Club.
We turned up on a muggy, damp afternoon in Lancing hoping to finish the season on a high and lost the toss with the opposition choosing to bat first.
The opening bowlers of J. King and P. Mant (making his first appearance of the season) started well and picked up a couple of early wickets, leaving the score at 23-2 off 9 overs. J. Callnon then took an excellent juggling catch at point to pick up our 3rd wicket, followed by a catch behind by R. Wilcox.
Then followed a brilliant partnership of 84 with some big hitting helping Lancing Manor reach 170 before some excellent fielding from J. King and C. Ashdown led to a run out. Lancing Manor finished with a total of 225 for 5 off their 36 overs.
Another selection of excellent teas were enjoyed by all before we begun our run chase.
With the option of a draw on the table, the opening pair of J. King and T. Vinnicombe set about seeing how we would fair. The runs flowed at a steady rate and we reached the drinks break without losing a wicket with 105 runs on the board and ahead of where Lancing were at this point of their innings.
Both openers reached their half centuries and were batting sensibly, including some quick running between the wickets.
56 runs were needed from just 60 balls and those of us watching on the sideline were enjoying watching the spectacle. T. Vinnicombe reached thrid century for Boxgrove (his first since 2011) and the total kept creeping up towards the required figure.
With the ball smashed to the boundary with 7 balls remaining, we picked up our first win since July last year!
The partnership of 228* goes down as the fourth highest ever for Boxgrove and the highest partnership batting second to win a game!
Thanks to Lancing Manor Cricket Club for an excellent game played in great spirit.
A big shout out to all the players who have turned out for Grove in 2026.