13 July 2026
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NEWS
Excelsior'20 to return to Topklasse in 2027
After a year's absence, Excelsior ’20’s flagship team will return to the Topklasse. On their home ground, the Schiedam side defeated Salland by a wide margin, 188-64.
There was quite a lot at stake: a ticket to the Topklasse in 2027. Looking at this year’s Hoofdklasse competition, both Salland and Excelsior'20 were contenders for that spot. A head-to-head encounter in Schiedam determined which of the two clubs most deserved the golden ticket.
The match was to be played on neutral ground (HCC), but both teams favored finishing the final on a grass wicket. With the approval of the KNCB and Salland, Excelsior'20 therefore played a home game.
Excelsior opted to bat after winning the toss. However, in the morning hours, Salland had the upper hand. The two overseas players, Wood and Prinsloo, were dismissed relatively cheaply whilst Tim Etman made 32.
Homegrown players Roel Verhagen (47) and Stan van Troost (27) put Excelsior back in a somewhat more comfortable position with patient batting, but the Schiedam side could not manage more than 188 runs. For Salland, Saqibullah Usmanzai (2-27 in ten overs) excelled with the ball.
Innings Salland
Bowling and fielding Excelsior'20 went for the win from the start. In a short time, the score was 12/3 and Salland had their backs against the wall. Naqash (25) provided some breathing room, but noughts from numbers six, seven, and eight sealed Salland's fate. Salland was all out for 64. Jens Blankestijn took 3-18, Ayre 3-13.
The festivities at Sportpark Thurlede could begin, and Excelsior'20 can start preparing for a well-deserved return to the highest level.