Four West Chiltington & Thakeham outfits gunning for promotion this season

Chilt’s sides endured mixed fortunes during the 2019 Sussex Cricket League campaign.

The firsts secured fifth in Division 3 West, while the seconds finished in the Division 6 West drop zone but were spared relegation.

Crawley Eagles CC third XI finished in a promotion spot in Division 7 West but were unable to take their place in the division above.

Sussex Cricket League rules state that two sides from the same team are not allowed in the same division.

As Crawley Eagles seconds compete in Division 6 West, the Eagles thirds were unable to go up, thus saving Chilt seconds from the drop.

The thirds took third in Division 10 West (North) in 2019, and this season will see the fourths compete in Division 12 West (North).

Skipper Howgate is now hoping to see Chilt progress on and off the pitch.

He said: “We are looking to achieve promotion for all four of our Saturday XIs while at the same time further the inclusion of the junior section into the adult sides, which is vitally important to the progression of the club.

“In addition, we have grand designs on the development of the women’s and girls’ section of the cricket club and have put many steps in place to achieve this.”

Last season saw a young Chilt outfit reach the semi-finals of the Sussex Cricket League’s supplementary August Cup competition.

And Howgate believes their current crop of youngsters can lead them to ‘the pinnacle of the Sussex Cricket League’s elite’.

He added: “Last year we had the opportunity to include and develop some of the young talent that we are producing through our incredible junior section and managed to get to the semi-final with an extremely young side.

“We will be taking this year’s league campaign very seriously as we feel that our future is in our hands and with the inclusion of Matt Machan as our club coach our sights are set on reaching the pinnacle of the Sussex Cricket League’s elite.”

Chilt’s first team have brought in all-rounder Martyn Swift, bowler Harry Bennett and keeper-batsman Jack Turner – from Worthing, Chichester Priory Park and Littlehampton respectively – for 2021.

Howgate said: “We are looking forward to welcoming them into the fold.

“As with our current set up however, no player is guaranteed immediate first team selection but we know that their ability will strengthen the club as we try to move up the leagues.”