Angmering Stoolball Club get their fifth grand slam

The grand slam consists of the Sussex League West Division title, Seaford county tournament, Sussex KO Cup and the Sussex Championship and it is the fifth time Angmering have achieved it, since their first triumph in 1994.

They went through 2010 without losing a game and Mantle said: “I think the most important factor in our success is the consistency.

“It is one thing being at the top of any sport but staying there is the real achievement. We have had key players retire over recent years but the younger ones are more than capable of stepping into their role.

“The other factor is that we have been successful in all forms of the game. We have won the league title 15 times – which is two games a week, over 15 overs. We have then stepped up to play the championship games over 30 overs – the difference from a one-day game to a Test match in our terms. We are also a really successful tournament side (played over four/six overs per innings, like Twenty20. These games involve totally different skills and tactics.

“We have key players for certain situations. I can bat all day long, so can Gill Hilliard and Karen Harmer, but in a tournament we rely on the speed and power of Laura Bull and Connie Chapman. Our fielding is exceptional with some of the girls having a cricket background (Sophie Parnell, Chelsie Collings, Hayley Shepherd, Anna Parnell), so that helps.

“We also have a committed team and have nine players who have played every game of the season.

“With all that put together, we know how to win. When faced with a difficult situation, the girls know what is required. With a Commonwealth gold medallist on your team (Karen Chapman Gain) and a Deafolympian (Jo Davison), one dare not win.”

Kelly Finneran was the team’s leading wicket taker for the season with 46, just beating Sophie Parnell, who took 42 – all in league games.

Laura Bull took the most catches with 34, and Mantle was the top run scorer with 1,408, which included five centuries.

Mantle added: “Sophie Parnell was the biggest difference in the league this season, especially as Lynda Royce has retired, with some superb bowling, especially caught and bowled.

“Our fielding has been extremely good with new recruit Chelsie Collings making an excellent contribution and Jo Davison returned to play because of a lighter training year.”