Haxey could be model for other small cricket clubs to enjoy success in top league, says skipper

Captain Mark Atkins hopes Haxey will become the model for other small clubs looking to climb up the cricketing ladder.

Just 12 months after securing promotion from the Lincs League, the North Lincolnshire villagers secured the Lincs ECB Premier Division title with a game to spare.

Atkins says they have proved what can be achieved with a great team spirit.

"I don't think you can underestimate how important it is for us and the club's model being used by other small clubs to have that ambition to get promoted and challenge," said Atkins.

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"We're playing against big teams with plenty of money.

"In lots of ways we're punching above our weight because of where we're from and the small pool of players.

"Whenever I've spoken to people in the past they've said how it's a small village competing against big clubs and you need to be quite well off to do well.

"But we've done it because we're a team.

"Collectively we've all been responsible and contributed when we needed to."

Past players returned on Saturday to help Haxey celebrate.

And although they couldn't end the season on a high, losing to Bracebridge Heath, it remains a year to remember.

"Not many teams have won it," said Atkins.

"It's unusual for a club to rise through the ranks. To come up and challenge is quite a turn up for the books.

"We set out to consolidate and finish mid-table, or the upper part of the table – fourth, fifth or sixth.

"Ultimately, we're not disappointed, we've gone on and won it!"