At the start of the season I thought if the 2nd's could have won more than we lost, it would have been a reasonable season. As it turned out 6 wins, 7 losses, a relegation scare, the season turned out to be disappointing. To sum it all up, there wasn't one side we played who I thought had more ability or talent than what I believed to be my strongest side, just a shame I never managed to get it out. So next season with more consistency and a lot of hard work, a few more personnel, I don't see any reason why the 2nd's can't challenge for promotion.
Much was said about the 2nds' inability to bowl sides out. Although I often picked sides a bowler light, I felt we lacked the strength in the club to be able to bring anyone up. I had looked at the younger players, hoping to be able to pick them regularly, but form dictated I never chose them. So I challenge all the younger bowlers coming through to get to nets, play indoors, work hard on fitness and start stepping up to where their abilities belong, C Raddon, J Scott, R Gibbens to name a few. What also must be remembered is that we never bowled 1st all year, so getting the old ball on some very good wickets. I can only praise the effort of everyone who bowled. S Roberts lead the way, bowling his heart out, often through the pain barrier in the cause. He deserved a few more wickets, but went for under 4 an over, just a fantastic effort, thank you Robbo. M McKeever bowled consistently well, C Gooch was looking better and M Bond bowling his off spin gave me a lot more options. Then we come to K Hammond, he started the season with a bang and then faded away. I'll make no secret I wanted him dropped during the season, not because of lack of ability, but to try and shake him up, as I believed he should have been winning matches for the 2nd's and forcing himself back into 1st team contention. I hope the 2nd's see more of the Keith we were used to seeing next year, congratulations on winning the averages.
On the batting side we finished with a stronger line up than what we started. M Clinch came in and scored loads of runs including a big 150 and was always a pleasure to watch batting. S Freemantle & M Bond scored consistently good runs after coming down from 1st team duties. J Weeks & M McKeever always got on the board without quite going on often enough, although Matt scored a six strewn 79 in the last game of the season. 2 more hundreds were scored as well as M Clinch's, S Freemantle & A Evans both hitting fabulous knocks. P Tosdevin came up from the 3rd's and scored runs and helped with the whole team spirit. With G Flower and S O'Toole getting a taste of the action, the batting looks in good shape.
D Millward came into the side behind the stumps and performed very well, so I hope he gets bigger and stronger and starts knocking on the door for a higher batting position next season.
Finally a big thank you for every player, wife, girlfriend or mum who helped with teas. To Lyn Joyce .mum' for scoring all year, though I missed slaps for forgetting or doing something wrong. .My Angela' who often scored for the opposition. To Ray for all his hard work umpiring, often doing both ends and to R Flower for filling in. To Neil for dropping himself down into the 2nds and helping us stay up. To 'Botley Bob' Joyce for all of this hard work on the ground and producing top wickets all year. Very last thing, thanks to everyone who has supported me over the last 2 years, which were very enjoyable and I can look back on with some pride. I hope everyone gives Bondie all their support and I wish him the best for next season.
