HIMBLETON have the chance to make history tomorrow (Saturday) when they take on leaders Alvechurch & Hopwood in what is being billed as a ‘promotion shoot-out’.
A maximum point victory for the Meadow Boys would see them secure back-to-back promotions and a place in Division Two of the Worcestershire County League for the first time.
Himbleton can also seal a coveted top two spot if they beat Alvechurch & Hopwood by more than 12 points at a packed-out Harrow Lane.
The visitors will arrive in buoyant mood, though, having claimed five successive wins, while Himbleton suffered a seven-wicket defeat to fellow promotion-hopefuls Chaddesley Corbett last Saturday.
However, skipper Jon Critchlow said he was confident his side, who will be boosted by the return of Mike Rogers, will grasp their opportunity to make history.
“The boys were feeling a little bit down in the dumps last weekend, but we were bowled out for 74 at Netherton earlier in the season and we came back and got a good win the following week,” he said.
“We have done it for the past few years where we have had a real blips and then had the ability to bounce back every time, so I am quite confident.
“We have got Mike Rogers back who is our leading wicket-taker and a good batsman, who will lift people’s spirits, and being at home will help us as well.”
Himbleton have been battling it out with Alvechurch & Hopwood and Chaddesley Corbett for the title and Critchlow said he had a feeling it would go down to the last two games of the season.
“We see it as a promotion shoot-out between ourselves and Alvechurch,” he said. “We have lost to Alvechurch and we have lost both games to Chaddesley so if we end up losing on the weekend then we can look at it and safely say ‘we are probably the third best team in the league’.
“However, if we can win, like we think we can, then we will deserve it and it would be fantastic for the club as we have never been in Division Two.”
Critchlow will be unavailable for the promotion decider, though, as he will be turning out for Bromsgrove Rugby Club who visit Birmingham & Solihull in National Three Midlands tomorrow (Saturday).
Meanwhile, Droitwich Spa will kick off their Midlands Two West (South) campaign with a home clash against Leamington.
