Luke steps down after Ealing make history
Luke Stoughton gave up the Ealing captaincy today 48 hours after leading his side to an historic victory in the Evening Standard Challenge Trophy.
Ealing cemented their place as the kings of London cricket by becoming the only team to retain the title with a thrilling two-wicket win over Sunbury in the 17th and last final of the 50-over event.
Stoughton ended his three-year reign, which also included a hat-trick of Middlesex League titles, by receiving the cup from West Indies Test great Alvin Kallicharran.
David Holt is the favourite to take over, but it was mission accomplished for Stoughton in the rescheduled final at Ealing after the previous week's wash-out at The Oval.
Sunbury openers John Maunders and Toby Roland-Jones put on 135 for the first wicket, but the rest of their batting folded and they were all out for 202.
Former Leicestershire left-hander Maunders, who last week signed a one-year contract with Essex, hit a masterly 102 with Roland-Jones supporting well with 60. The next highest score was seven as Ealing off-spinner Sameer Patel caused havoc with figures of five for 28.
Ealing were in deep trouble at 116 for six but Stoughton (38) and Ian Blanchett (45) guided them over the line with two wickets and three deliveries to spare.
That was vice-captain Blanchett's farewell to Ealing. He emigrates to Australia next week to take up a coaching job in Melbourne.
Final: Sunbury 202 (Maunders 102, Roland-Jones 60, Patel 5-28) lost to Ealing 203-8 by 2 wkts.
