However County Division Four South proved to be a tougher nut to crack, and Hayling finished the season in a respectful if slightly disappointing fourth place.

They won 11 and lost five matches leaving hopes and confidence high for 2009.

The batting honours went to Sam Thompson who scored 515 runs at an average of 42.9.

He was also the second highest run scorer in the league and hit a magnificent 114 against Brockenhurst.

Skipper Phil Mist was fourth highest in the league with 447 runs and all-rounder Mike Hallett ended 2008 with a notable average of 37.60.

The bowling honours were a tightly contested affair with Mike Lever – playing in his first full senior season as a spinner – taking 36 wickets including a marvellous hat-trick against Gosport, and Mike Hallett taking 34 wickets.

They were third and fourth respectively in the season's league averages.

Mr Graham "Consistent" Cottle, the club's vice-captain, was unfortunate not to add to his tally of 21 wickets but the opening bowler still had a fine season.

After being set a sterling example in previous years by the first team, the Second XI led by Keith Shimman, won promotion after took the Regional Division Four SouthEast League title.

The team won 13 of their 16 games. Promotion went down to the last match of the season with Hayling needing to win to secure promotion.

Hayling batted first and put on some 371 runs with Jason Skeet scoring 124 and vice-captain Rob Cordell scoring 88.

Their opponents Hambledon managed only 187 with six wickets falling in the last seven balls including a hat-trick for Ian Collier, who is usually the first team wicket-keeper!

Promotion was then certain, but the cream was added to the cake when the then league leaders lost – giving the title to Hayling.

It is difficult to pick out specific team members because the whole team made worthy contributions.

Of note are Gary Martin for his 372 runs, Alex Evans, who notched 239 with the bat, James Swan, who hit 234 runs, and Rob "Dell Boy' Cordell who added 230 runs.

Success with the ball was equally spread with Gary Martin taking 22 wickets; Jason "Rambo" Longhurst 21 wickets while David "Snap Dragon" Gorvin and Richie Poole both bagged 18 apiece.

It is also said catches win matches, J Swan claimed seven, G Martin picked up eight while Rob Cordell topped the safe-hands chart with nine.

This year the Racqueteers Mid-Week side was merged into the club being now known as the Hayling Island Racqueteers skippered by Rob Cordell.

They bought success with them winning the Hants and Sussex Evening League 20/20 Cup. J Longhurst produced some great bowling while Graham Cottle's solid batting throughout season was a feature while M Hallet fielded superbly.

The Hayling Racqueteer of the Year award went to G Martin for steady improvement in all area of the game.

Unfortunately the league was abandoned due to bad weather in late August but at the time the team were top of the league.

The club also enters a six-a-side team into the South East Hampshire (Fareham) Indoor Cricket League.

Last year the team was led by Mike Hallett and maintained a creditable position in Division Three against strong opposition.

The Colts section continues apace under the management of Peter Pearce.

Hayling also ran an under-nines section under the stewardship of Roger Thompson, in 2008.

As the youngsters are the 'life-blood' of the club; all new-comers are welcomed.

For anyone interested, initial details can be obtained from the club secretary, Keith Adams on 078787 05471 or chairman, Keith Shimman on 077343 25096.

Thanks go to all of Hayling Island Cricket Clubs' sponsors, Gable UK, Hayling Cycles, Clapps Newsagents and Carol and Roger from the West Town public house all of whom give invaluable support to the club.