2024 ECB National Champions
Champions of England - you’ll never sing that! By Joe Buttleman
Had you asked me at the start of the 2024 season whether Brentwood could clinch the national title or whether I would play a pivotal role in such a triumph, I would have had to set aside both my personal bias and ego to admit that neither seemed likely.
We were entering what I believed would be a transitional phase, a “changing of the guard” over the coming seasons. Several well-established, talented players with strong personalities were nearing the twilight of their first-team careers. We had already lost Tom Moore to retirement, and Chris Green wouldn’t be returning due to increasing commitments with franchises and his state team. Chris had been the glue holding us together, masking some of our weaknesses for a couple of seasons. On top of those irreplaceable losses, club legends James Redwood and Charlie Griffiths were quietly hinting that their days were numbered. Personally, I felt my best playing days were behind me; since COVID, I struggled to find joy and form on the field. After 16 years of chasing the dream of winning the national title alongside close mates - Redders, Will, Westy, Tokes, Griff, and Belly, I was resigned to the idea that it might never come.
Yet, our 2024 national campaign turned out to be extraordinary. Led by the exceptional and dependable Aaron West, whose versatility and leadership were instrumental, we played outstanding cricket and defeated the strongest teams en route to the final. The final itself has attracted much commentary, but for me, the entire day felt like a dream—a flawless performance and perfect celebration for our proud club.
A vital element in our success was Jordan Silk’s contribution. Though he started the season slowly, Jordan’s professionalism and positivity saw him deliver match-winning performances as the campaign progressed. Given his impressive professional career, one might expect such moments to be routine for him. Yet, the emotion he displayed when striking the winning runs against Bath in the semi-final at a packed Old County Ground told a very different story. That celebration remains a memory I will cherish forever. Winning the final without him was bittersweet, but the fact he stayed up all night watching back home speaks volumes about his character and the friendships he forged with us. It also silenced critics claiming we were overly reliant on our star player.
Jordan’s impact went beyond his batting. His attitude was infectious, inspiring those around him to raise their standards. No one benefitted more than Will Buttleman, whose batting soared to new heights and earned him Player of the Year. By all accounts, he averaged close to 100 in the National competition and his composed innings in the final epitomized his class as a cricketer.
One of my most cherished moments was walking off victorious after our quarter-final run chase against local rivals Wanstead, alongside my longtime friend James Redwood. That moment encapsulates everything Brentwood cricket means to me—why I have persisted through the years and why I intend to remain part of this squad for as long as my body will allow. The friendships and memories forged through cricket are unmatched. The sport reflects life’s highs and lows, often magnifying them. For James and I, Brentwood is more than just a club—it’s a family and a home. I believe this spirit showed repeatedly during our 2024 championship run, and I hope that the younger generation coming through will continue to fight with the same passion and determination. Success doesn’t come easily.
The whole campaign was littered with special performances and moments. Benny Allison crucial innings in the semi-final and fiery opening spell in the final were invaluable. Like Jordan, Ben is a joy to have around the club. Ian Belchamber, who has matured like a fine red wine, was a delight to watch throughout the season. His partnership with Griff was key to our success in the competition. Hebs has become a combative all-rounder, willing to run through walls for the team, and having both Hebs and Tom Oakley in the middle order proved a significant advantage. Tom was arguably our most important player with both bat and ball in the early rounds. Harry Phillips was very consistent throughout the campaign and is a real match winner on his day. Much depends on what might have happened the night before with young Harry. His marvellous spell at a confident Sutton side, set up victory.
Club cricket has always held immense meaning for me, and I have strived to be the best cricketer I can. Thankfully, I am not alone in this ambition at Brentwood—many of us have shared this journey, enjoying ourselves perhaps a bit too much along the way. To win this title alongside good friends—and family—was as good as it gets. Redders’ catch in the final, after missing out on semi-final selection, brought joy to all fortunate enough to witness it, many of whom had played a huge part in getting the club to where it was in on that special day at New Road.
The national competition provides a platform to compete against the best club cricketers in the country, and Brentwood has always taken pride in its strong record in this tournament. Winning it is undoubtedly the pinnacle of achievement for any club in England. I am immensely proud of every single member of our club—not just the players, but also the tireless volunteers whose efforts keep Brentwood thriving. Special thanks are due to Paul Webb and his father Malcolm for their relentless commitment to driving the club forward. And any celebration of Brentwood’s success would be incomplete without acknowledging Steve West—without whom none of this would have been possible—and his son Aaron, whose contributions continue to be vital to our ongoing achievements.
