WERRINGTON Cricket Club first team skipper, Paul Smith, believes ‘there’s no other club that compares to Werrington’ after another incredible summer at Ladycross, which saw them reclaim the ECB Cornwall Premier League crown in the most thrilling title race for years.

After two tough seasons under Adam Hodgson, who was given the most difficult of tasks in replacing legendary captain Ben Smeeth (after ten years in the job), hopes were high of a challenge for their fourth league title in seven years.

But what transpired over the next four and a half months will go down in Werrington history as they won the title by one point from runners-up Penzance, despite losing to their nearest challengers in the penultimate game.

An eight-wicket victory over Falmouth on the final day ensured they were able to celebrate winning the league for the first time at Ladycross; although that looked a far-fetched dream when they found themselves 36 points behind after six games following defeats at Penzance and Redruth and their away game at Falmouth being rained off.

Smith said: “What we achieved in the run-in was a tremendous achievement.

“Going into the season, after finishing sixth and fourth in previous years, I didn’t really know what to expect, I thought after the start we had it was going to be a season of uphill struggle. But that was helpful in a way. It took off all the pressure, we were able to play cricket and just enjoy it and went on two very important runs for about six games at a time.”

“From about five or six games out we found ourselves in an awesome position, it was was hard not to think about winning the league but still we had to work hard every Saturday to win each game.

“Then to find ourselves eight points clear with two to play with one of those being against our nearest challengers Penzance, meant it was in our own hands.

“Looking back on it, the way the boys managed the two games was testament to how we pulled together as a club.

“We’re a team of best mates that all love the club as opposed to a bunch of individuals.”

Smith was also quick to praise the work behind the scenes.

He said: “It wasn’t just the first team that made it possible. The club as a whole is an incredible place to be around. A lot of people give up a lot of time and effort to do what they can to make the club such a happy place to be.

“Nick Lawson (first team vice-captain) does a hell of a lot for me as I’ve got to travel up and down from Birmingham while a handful of the first team players do youth coaching to bring on the next generation of players.

“There’s the chairman Richard Jenkin who has been in the post for over ten years. When he started we hadn’t won any Premier League titles but we’ve now won four, and then the list goes on. We have an enthusiastic committee who volunteer to keep improving and maintaining the club. I truly believe there’s no other club that compares to Werrington Cricket Club.”

Although the firsts quite rightly took the plaudits for their campaign, which also included winning the Clive Rosevear Insurance Hawkey Cup after a 42-run victory over St Austell, there was plenty going on across the rest of the three senior teams.

The seconds finished a remarkable fifth in County Division One; although they were only given a repreieve in the second-tier due to St Minver and Ludgvan being relegated over ECB Clubmark issues.

The thirds finished third bottom in Division Three East and were relegated while the fourths, despite finishing sixth in Division Five East, faced a play-off with Division Six East runners-up South Petherwin seconds and lost meaning they went down.

Smith said: “The seconds improved their league position which is fantastic for the club. Having them in the second-tier will only help us attract more players.

“The job Mark Hodgson does is a brilliant one. He mixes youth and experience very well which in turn, means having a second team in County One will only add to the club’s strength in depth.

“It was a shame that the thirds got relegated but Dan Jenkin is taking over the job so hopefully he can bring a fresh philosophy on the game. They’re a great team to be around and don’t complain about losing. Everyone needs that. But hopefully next year they’ll string a few wins together and get on board with the winning mentality throughout the club.

“Nick Wills did a fantastic job in all his years captaining the fourths and fifths. He’s brought through a lot of players that are playing in the higher teams but with former first team captain Nigel Dennis taking over, the club can continue to bring on the youngsters in the adult ranks.”

As ever, cricket talk in the winter usually revolves around incomings and departures and whether an overseas will be brought in.

Smith said: “The work we’ve been doing so far is about possible recruitment avenues. As a club we don’t want to rest on our laurels and get complacent but we’re also working around a budget that is sustainable for the club.

“We’ve already signed Ryan Pooley from Tintagel which will add to our strength in depth. Hopefully he can continue his good form from Tintagel with the maroon hat on and is definitely a player we’ll be looking to break into the first team in the near future.

“Other than that we’ve heard some very positive things from a number of prospects which we’ll be hoping to finalise in the new year.”

Smith is also hoping that Australian fast bowling all-rounder Jono Baldock returns to Ladycross.

He said: “After Jono’s performances last year, we’re definitely looking into regaining his services for the 2019 season.”

Although the Cornwall Cricket League fixtures haven’t been announced yet, Smith has already been busy sorting out friendlies.

He said: “After the Christmas period we’ll be looking to get back to the grind and brush off a few cobwebs in winter nets.

“Once Christmas is out of the way the season feels like it’s not too far away. We’ve got a couple of friendlies lined up against a team from the Devon Premier League and one from the West of England Premier League. It’s always a good way to get proper match practice before the season so we can hit the ground running!”

If Werrington can kickstart their season before the middle of May, then who knows what will happen!