Nevertheless, as the four teams relegated from the Premier League and First Division contemplate their fate and plan for their futures this autumn, they might be well advised to consider the views of Gary Speakman. On the last Saturday of the league season, and with their relegation to the First Division confirmed, the Highfield chairman wrote a piece for the match programme. Sections of it certainly deserve to be read by a wider audience.
“The first team’s relegation is undoubtedly a disappointment for all members but there is so much to be positive about this season. The seconds and thirds are comfortably placed in their leagues, the average age of the three senior squads is as young as it has been for some years and their progress is great to see. Today’s first team contains no less than six players whose fathers played first team cricket for Highfield, which is hard to imagine being emulated elsewhere in the Premier League.
“Our junior teams have again had good seasons and we have also seen three Highfield juniors, Harry Moxham, Rees Abbott and Awais Akhtar, make the Lancashire squads this season, the first such recognition for some years. That reflects the solid foundations that remain at this club including the strong junior set up; indeed during the recent Juniors Awards evening I was absolutely delighted to announce the prestigious award of Honorary Life Membership to Jacky Clark, our fabulous under 9’s coach who has given so much, on and off the field, to this true community club.
“The first team squad are very disappointed with relegation...However, as Chairman I am really proud of the way we have gone about our campaign, backing broadly the same group of players that achieved that marvellous promotion back to the Premier League last year at the first time of asking. They all regard themselves as Highfield players. There is no doubt that we have missed the unavailability of some key experienced batsmen this season which is reflected in our runs scored, but the younger players will be better for the experience and know what is required to play at this standard. I’m sure the wider first team squad will regroup and start to prepare early next year for a first division campaign.
“On behalf of our captains...I would like to thank both the travelling support and the home support, who give tremendous backing and encouragement. It will be a long winter for some but there are always things to be done at Billinge Road that can occupy any spare time!!
“Since 2009, we have been in the Premier league for five of the last six seasons, which is some achievement given we remain a relatively small club based here in the “hamlet” of Highfield. Some might say it’s a good example of a club punching above its weight! We look forward to being back there again in the future, stronger and better equipped for the challenges it brings, but in the interim, we will continue to do what is best for our club at all levels, going from strength to strength.”
What is particularly interesting and encouraging about Gary’s comments is the complete absence of self-pity or hard luck stories. Highfield’s members are encouraged to dust themselves down and get on with the next thing. Billinge Road is clearly the home of a club, not just a first team with a few dozen other players attached. I guess it must be a good place to enjoy your sport.
The truth is that relegation makes any cricket league more interesting. It is the flip side of promotion and can serve as a jolting reminder that a few things may need to change. Yet, as twelve first teams make their plans and think about recruitment for the 2016 season, they may be doing so without giving much thought to the fact that two of them will be playing in the First Division in 2017. That, though, is the truth and most players and supporters understand the value of a divisional structure.
For some, relegation may seem an unpleasant price to pay for such a structure but demotion presents clubs with opportunities and challenges. It is often the best test of a club’s true mettle.
