With the mass exodus of players from the side that did so well in 2001 the general opinion throughout the club was for the 1st XI to avoid relegation and bring on the younger players for forthcoming seasons. Having been in with a chance of promotion right up until the last day of the season, a depleted 2nd XI finishing in the top 6 and the club winning the Sarisbury Festival, this year has turned out to be a hugely satisfying one and probably surpassed most people's expectations.

Once again we were fortunate to have had an outstanding overseas player. On occasions Amogh's batting was destructive and a joy to watch and coming so close to the league bowling record with 39 wickets was a great personal achievement. His undoubted class will be a great asset next year if we can get him back.

The main reason for this year's achievements was down to the exceptional spirit that was evident not only within the team but across the whole club in general. Most victories were down to team effort and rarely due to individual performances. This level of commitment to hard work and to playing for each other will be the ground on which Sarisbury, in the not too distant future, will become a Southern League club.

I would like to congratulate all the guys who were playing colts cricket only the previous season and two currently (namely Sam Freemantle and James Davies) for some magnificent performances. It was a big ask for so many young players to perform well at a significantly higher level. The ease in which they have bridged the gap to County 1 is a testament to the excellent colts set up at Sarisbury.

All in all I have enjoyed my first year at the helm. The support and commitment of the players, officials and other background faces has been superb. I would like to thank Dave Payne and Martin Davis for umpiring, Penny and Jan for scoring, all those involved in preparing the pitch (even if I chose not to use the prepared wicket) and not forgetting friends and family for their continued support on match days. I would also like to acknowledge the 2nd and 3rd XI captains and managers and Bob Joyce for their help and co-operation in establishing selection strategies and their timely advice when required.

Finally, I have to say a big thank-you to Mandy who has done the teas all year and generally put up with me being away at cricket for most of the week . a burdon most wives and girlfriends share.

I look forward to more success in 2003 when I hope you.ll all be fit and raring to go. (Dan, you need to work on your sprinting - you're getting noticeably slower between the wickets!!)