Well what a season!!!! Judas and his mob getting relegated (oops sorry wrong sport)
They say that when success comes along un-expected it is more joyous. I think if you ask all those who played for me this year that they would agree. I cannot think of ANY other season that was so good, not least because it was so unexpected.
At the start of the campaign both Paul and myself set a target of 5 wins to ensure we stayed in this division. We all know how the 2nds have struggled for years to get out of the league and so our aspirations were to survive. How little did both Paul and I know of what was to unfold.
Paul Captained the first game of the season and with a weakened side got us off to a good start with a win. From that point onwards we relaxed and with this confidence that victory brought we upped our game.
We had a blip during June my wedding and subsequent partying and missing of players during this time did not help, but when we hit top spot early July in the league everyone was focused on not just staying in the league but winning it.
The run in was difficult but we went unbeaten for the rest of the season and won the league by the narrowest of margins, without the need to bring in ringers, although I did ask a couple of times at selection?!?!!?
There were some fantastic games IBM (with Alex's maiden league hundred) Hamble where Olly took the best catch of his life and Paul took a catch that if he hadn't would have decapitated him (off my bowling as well!!!)
Bedhampton away where we bowled and fielded the best I have seen ANY Sarisbury side do.
And finally Hayling on the last day when we knew 22 points was our target and Olly batted beautifully to steady the ship. And then the bowlers (as they had done all season) tore into Hayling's batters.
I had nearly 30 players play in the side this season and everyone contributed, no one let the team down but in this historic season I would like to mention a few for their performances.
Olly has been the linch pin of our batting and he can take pride in his contribution through out the season.
Stuart Raddon was dogged and Robby Cooper played some very important knocks towards the end of the season.
Greg's wicket keeping has improved beyond all recognition and I am thankful to have him in the side not just for that but for the help he gives me in keeping the team spirit so high.
Young Jake Scott who came into the team for the second half of the season, and when he is not trying to catch the ball in his mouth (Hedge End away) bowled with fantastic aggression and enthusiasm.
Micky Brogan is a legend, end of.
Les Orr who upped his level in the second half of the season and set the foundation for Micky to weave his magic.
But our strength was in the bowling. Every side we played against (including the 2 games we lost) we bowled out and got maximum bowling bonus points. I do believe this achievement is the first for the club.
We had a simple game plan. Bat first rack up as many runs as we can then Les along with whoever I used at the start to keep it tight get the opposition behind the run rate and bring Micky on to take the wickets. Without exception this worked, even when occasionally it was felt better to bowl first. I always batted. 80% of all games are won by the side batting first.
To back the bowlers up though you must be a good fielding side and some unbelievable catches were taken during the season, besides Olly's and Paul's (mentioned earlier) leading the way was Robby Cooper, I cannot remember a better fielder for the club so high is the praise, although Robby did hog the pre-fielding group hug talk towards the end of the season.
But without doubt this side could not have achieved what it did if both Penny our scorer and Terry our umpire were not there. They helped me out and I cannot do it without them. Thank you guys.
As to next season we are going to have to find another level, our batting needs to improve and to this end I expect to see more third team players at the nets after xmas you never know I may even go!?!?!?
Our target for next year should be as it was this year, get enough wins to stay up and then you just never know...
