THE current crop of Sheriff Hutton cricketers have created club history with all three of their senior teams winning promotion, writes Josh Luckhurst.

The first team finished second in Hunters York & District Senior League division three to Ryedale rivals Duncombe Park, with the second team likewise finishing runners-up in division seven.

It was the first time the club had seen both sides gain promotion in the same season, with the first XI now set to play at their highest level since the 1980s.

And topping this off, the evening team won the Pilmoor League division two title.

Secretary John Armitage said: “It has been a good all-round year with a few good performances. Previously we have had one or the other go up, but we have never had both sides go up at the same time. Our evening side gained promotion too, so it’s been a good year all round for the club.”

After a poor start to the season, particularly for the first XI, who only won two of their opening nine matches, Sheriff Hutton turned things round in such fashion that Armitage was left not only delighted but also surprised.

First-team wicketkeeper Joe Schofield ended the campaign with the most dismissals in division three with 30 in total, from 22 catches and eight stumpings, while Michael Bradley produced the best figures in division seven with 7-21 against Huby II in June.

“We didn’t start the season well so the promotion was not expected at all,” said Armitage.

“For both teams, the squads were pretty inconsistent. We couldn’t name the same teams each week due to everyone having numerous commitments, which makes it more pleasing.”

Armitage is now focusing on consolidating the teams’ new-found statuses, with a long-term aim of competing with neighbours Sheriff Hutton Bridge, who ended the York Senior League season second in the premier division.

He said: “We have a great set-up here and it’s very picturesque.

“It’s onwards and upwards from here and hopefully we can close the gap on our rivals down the road, Sheriff Hutton Bridge.”