Harefield’s season was not one lived in comfort. Instead, it was carved out in tight finishes, unlikely turnarounds and the stubborn conviction that they belong in Division One.
They began the year clear about the scale of the task. “Our expectation was it was going to be a tough ask for us to stay up.”
It proved to be exactly that. But the squad never stepped away from the challenge. The opening win against Henley, the 2024 champions, became the first turning point.
“After the previous experience of Division One where we only won two games, to get one against the previous champions first up really gave the guys confidence.”
Later came the game that defined their character. Against Stoke Green, Harefield were 110 for 8 and drifting. Jordan McLeod produced an unbeaten 70 that kept hope alive. “Stoke Green needed 10 to win with three wickets left and we managed to pull off a victory with tight bowling and excellent fielding.” The final margin was two runs, a finish that felt almost cinematic.
“How many times do you win a game by that margin?”
There were standout seasons across the group.
“Dan Ogden had an excellent season with the bat. Six hundred runs is a great achievement in this league and he showed his ability with an excellent unbeaten 100 at High Wycombe.”
Zain Ali and Will Shepherd, still new to the division, played innings that lifted the side at key moments. With the ball, McLeod offered threat from the first delivery of the season to the last. Munjot Rajasansir also became a story in his own right.
“Munjot played a massive part in three of the four wins. In two of them he got three wickets including crucial players. I know everyone around the club was pleased to see him do so well.”
Inside the dressing room, the environment remained familiar. “Not too much changed. The guys trained hard and I think the only difference was maybe an increased focus each week, but that comes with playing a division above.”
The support surrounding the team played a vital role too.
“It allows the players and me as captain to focus on the cricket stuff. Paul Dean our scorer makes my life so much easier each week and I cannot thank him enough.”
Praise extended further. “The committee have been very proactive. Doug King our director of cricket has offered his time and advice. Barrie Knife the chairman has supported us and Custer, our groundsman, does so much for the club and the pitch.”
Next season will be about progression. “The main goal will be an improved league position. The big challenge will be showing that our position this year was not just a one off.” They know where growth must come from as they describe that “[our] goal is guys scoring bigger runs when they get in. The better teams have players who go on and get big scores which allows everyone else to play with greater freedom.”
It’s a simple mantra moving into the 2026 season. “Winning more than four games is something we are looking at. Ideally getting them as quickly as possible then moving on from there.”
In a league where seasons can turn on tiny margins, Harefield proved they can survive them. Next year, the aim is learning how to control them.
