Horsham skipper says 'no promotion' rule is a blow - and is a missed opportunity for many

Michael Thornely batting for Horsham against Eastbourne last summer / Picture: Jon Rigby

They suffered a surprise relegation last summer and had worked hard over the winter to put a team and structure in place which would ensure their stay in the second tier of the SCL was for one season only.

But now SCL officials, after consulting with all clubs, have decided that even if half a league season can be played after a July start, there will be no promotion or relegation.

For Horsham skipper Michael Thornely, it’s a big blow - and, he says, a missed opportunity for many sides.

“It’s very frustrating,” he said. “We did a lot of work as a club over the winter to try to make changes as last season was not one to remember.

“We conducted a proper review of things on and off the pitch and made a large number of improvements that we were looking forward to putting in place and seeing how they affected things.

“For us not to be able to hit a ball after all that is very frustrating.

“The option the league has decided on, with no promotion or relegation even if we can start in July, is disappointing. Our aim was to be promoted and even with half the games being played, we felt promotion and relegation should have been retained.

“We think it’s a negative view from those clubs who have voted not to have promotion. It could have been easier for many to go up, needing only five or six wins and not 12 or 13. It’s a chance many may have now missed. It could have spiced things up and clubs would have still have played all others once.”

Horsham had recruited off-spinner Ben Williams from Billngshurst as vice-captain and expected big things from one of the league’s top wicket-takers in recent years. They had a new overseas player lined up to open their attack – one they now hope to recruit next year instead.

There’d also been a big focus on improving the club’s coaching and training structures.

Thornely conceded it was quite possible the league would not be able to resume in July anyway.

If it doesn’t the league may organise a late-season T20 competition as long as play is permitted in August or September.

Thornely said some competitive cricket would be better than none.

Longer-term he is determined 2021 will be when Horsham regain their place in the top flight of Sussex club cricket.

“We have a lot to look forward and we’ll be determined to get promoted next season, albeit a year after we’d have liked to do it,” he said.