The season overall was very satisfactory, finishing 4th was very creditable especially when you take into consideration we were rarely allowed the luxury of putting out a full strength side week to week.
There were some fine individual performances through out the season, for e.g. it was good to see Sir Michael of the Green re-emerge as an all rounder, not only taking his usual amount of wickets but putting in some influential knocks with the bat.
Then there was Colin Knapp, who we all know struggled with his knee problems, but for the most part was our rock at the start of the innings.
Andrew Oliphant was another who contributed, his best innings for me, was during the unbroken partnership he had with Colin when we played Hamble away. Andrew not only paced the innings well, but coped with Jimmy Phillips constant ear bashing as well!!!! It was a shame for the side that Andrew was not a constant figure in the side, we missed his presence in the later stages.
On the bowling front a special mention must first be made to Adam Tosdevin for his unique hat trick in 3 separate overs in two different games.
Our mainstay in the bowling was Les Orr and Micky Brogan as one would expect, and although Les in particular was not taking the wickets in the early weeks one would hope, he never was expensive, always bowling that tight line needed and was rewarded with better returns later in the Season (despite the Captains attempts at stopping Les bowl 12 overs right off!!!!!!)
One thing that must be mentioned is how well the younger players who stepped into the side, were given opportunities, and took them very well.
If anyone was worried about whether a fourth team should happen then all they had to do was look at the way the young players who stepped up from the 4ths performed for me. This really does bode well for the future of the club.
Finally with regards to the players it is appropriate to finish off by mention PEPPERAMI (Paul Tosdevin) my Vice-Captain. His early season form with the bat was disappointing but just got better and better as the season went on. His bludgeoning style compliments Colin's more orthodox approach at the start of the innings. Paul's ability to score quickly and in quantity is very important for the success we hope for next season. Not only is his cricket prowess important, but his general enthusiasm for the game and help he gave me in running the side was another important factor in our success. His team talks prior to taking the field have now become legendary and has started a tradition where 'guest motivators' now have their opportunity. Quality Paul!!Thank you PEPPERAMI
As to the games themselves we started the season very well and set the early pace but with constant pressure from the 2nds needing players and holiday commitments we just fell away at the end. Next season our aim must be to win the league. I see no reason why we cannot achieve that with the crop of mature and young players we have at our disposal.
We gave a good account for ourselves as ambassadors for the club wherever we went and it was a real pleasure in being your skipper for the season. Honest it was!!!!!
Finally I would like to leave till last Ray and Penny. For good reason, it is so important that we as a club recognise how valuable it is to have people of their class working for us on matchdays. Ray for his umpiring and Penny for her scoring, truly magnificent guys and a big thank you from not just me but I am sure all of the team. Just a couple of points though to ponder?
Ray had the best bowling performance of the Season by taking 7 wickets in the Fair Oak match (I know how much Fair Oak thought of Ray!!!) (Ray please remember next year that the Skipper always bowls straight and if he hits the pads it must be out) I got one decision from him all year!!!!!!
And for Penny please write a memo to self, I must not get my Kitchen fitted on matchdays (unless it is going to rain)!!!!
