Congresbury CC are on a crest of a wave right now after securing the WEPL Bristol & North Somerset league title and making history in the process. 

Captain Justin Yau said it is “exceptionally exciting to have a little village like Congresbury in WEPL 2 next season” after beating Bedminster Seconds to win the crown earlier this month.

It marks the club’s second promotion in six seasons after beating Downend by one run to clinch the Bristol & District Senior Division championship. 

Six years on, some players have left but the core of the side remains and will play a massive role in Congresbury’s first campaign in WEPL Prem 2 Bristol & Somerset next year. 

Weston Mercury Sport look back on the 2017 title winning team and where they are now. 

Ian Perry (Opening Batsman) – Steady eddy at the top of the order and made some valuable contributions with the bat. Retired from the game in 2021.

Richie Bann (Opening Batsman) – Stopped playing regularly after the league win in 2017 but still plays a few games a season. Scored 22 in the final match of the 2023 league win. 

Mike Fisher (Batsman) – Club legend who scored 666 runs in the 2017 title season, including 121 not out against Downend. Still plays for the club and was mainly in the ones during 2023. Has stated he will play Second XI in 2024.  

Cameron Harding (All Rounder) – Scored 621 league runs and took 27 wickets in playing a crucial part in the title win. Moved to Clevedon following the title winning season and despite returning to the club briefly in 2020-21 he went back to Clevedon.

Iraq Thomas (All-rounder) – Much loved overseas star from Tobago. Lit up the King George V Playing Field with some stupendous six hitting. Also claimed a marvellous 31 wicket in the title winning season. Played one more season at Congresbury before leaving to ply his craft at various clubs up and down the country. Can now be found entertaining the crowds at Clevedon or Shaftesbury Road.  

Stuart Castle (Batsman) - Another Congresbury stalwart who plays most weekends for the club, has also been the club’s shirt sponsor for the past few seasons. Made a very useful 404 runs during the title winning season including four half-centuries.

Jack Kearns (All-rounder) – A key component of the 2017 winning side during his first full season in the first XI. Scored 226 runs at an average of 25.11 and took some crucial wickets with his off-spin. Now a permanent feature at the top of the order.  

Sam Kearns (All-rounder) – Played some useful innings and took some key wickets during the title charge. Worldie catch on the boundary to change our fortunes during the key match with Downend. Currently lives in New Zealand but comes back to play for the club every so often.  

Sam Evans (Bowler) – Captain of the 2017 title winners. Took 27 wickets and scored 203 runs to lead his side to victory. Still plays for Congresbury First XI bowling his off-spin but relinquished the captaincy following the 2018 season. Currently the club secretary.  

Jos Tomlinson (Wicket-Keeper) – Congresbury’s livewire behind the stumps for the majority of the 2017 season. Made some key contributions with the bat and always a source of calm. Still a key member of the First XI but has become a pinch-hitting batsman and lightning fielder.  

Stephen Baker (Bowler) – Claimed 15 vital wickets in the league winning run and was often the partnership breaker. Still plays for the Second XI and can often be found working hard on the ground.   

Neal Frost (Bowler) – One of the biggest competitors at the club and played with a damaged shoulder for much of the season. Played his part in the title win with key wickets. Still scoring runs and taking wickets for the second team.  

Martin Ford (Bowler) – A tall fast opening bowler, who added great value when around. Played six matches during the title win and took 7 key wickets. Relocated to Chichester following the 2019 season. 

William Eyres (Bowler) – Only 16 during the league win but took three memorable wickets against Shirehampton. Has played plenty of First XI cricket since but has mostly played Second XI in recent years. Currently in the process of becoming a big-hitting opening batsman.  

James Vowles (Batsman) – Played six matches in 2017. An excellent fielder who took some important catches. Still plays for the club and hit a brilliant 50 against Twyford House this season.  

Marshall Clements (Wicket-Keeper) – Played several games in the first half of the season and was always solid behind the stumps. Hasn’t played for Congresbury since 2017 but rumours of a comeback in 2024. 

David Marsh (Groundsman and Wicket-Keeper) – Can still be found working on the ground most days in the summer. Perhaps provided the best moment of 2017 with his incredible one-handed grab at Bristol West-Indian Phoenix Club.