It was nearly 1am when I left Moja's on the Saturday of the last league game, and the celebrations were still in full swing. What made the evening such a great event (apart from the Moet & Cobra) was that the whole club were celebrating together, not just one team in isolation.
I don't think there were many of us, if any, who thought back in May that we would finish the season top of the pile, especially without the services of an overseas player. But in a number of ways that last game at home to Calmore pretty much summed up our season...everyone chipping in with a contribution, no superstars, a little wobble in the middle, but ultimately everybody showing a real appetite and determination to play one another, and guts out a win.
Looking back, the wins against Andover and Portsmouth & Southsea were significant for us for a number of reasons. They were probably the 2 strongest teams we played, as they finished 2nd & 3rd in the league. However this year, with us playing 7 batters, we had greater strength in our batting line up to ensure that we could still post a score when up against good bowling attacks. Also, these wins gave the team great self belief that we can play good cricket against good players and good teams. The first 15 overs or so in the field against P&S produced some of the best 'team cricket' I've seen by a bowling & fielding unit.
There was no single reason for us doing well. Like the majority of sports teams that do well, we got most things right most of the time. Also, having the desire to put in a performance week in week out is a strong trait for any player to have, and when you've got 11 players with this attitude, the team really clicks together. There is still room for us to improve further though. We had a couple of slip ups at Alton and then at Portchester. Portchester put in a terrific performance against us, and pretty much did to us what we did to other sides for most of the season...11 guys playing for one another and competing for everything.
With the team showing a commitment to practice and prepare this year, it was noticeable that our fielding was much improved, especially our catching. I am convinced that one of the reasons why we took more bowing points than any other team in the league was because we practiced our fielding and hung onto our catches. Of course it helps if the bowlers put the ball in the right areas to start with, which on most occasions they did, with 6 guys taking between 15 & 28 wickets each.
Batting wise, we had 7 partnerships of over 100 involving 6 different players, and a further 15 partnerships of over 50 involving 9 different players. Again this demonstrates a real team effort.
There's no doubt that our team spirit and unity played a big part in our success this year. With 17 players appearing for the 1st XI, this also helped when players were selected from the seconds and welcomed into the team. Sometimes it can be difficult to move up to the next team, but every one of those players who came up from the seconds never looked out of place and each played with a positive attitude...the challenge next year is to ensure that a greater number of the second team are able and willing to step up.
A personal 'thanks' from me to Penny, David & Gooders for their support during the season, end to everyone else who makes the club tick along behind the scenes. Also, a special mention and thanks from everyone in the first XI to Bob (and his helpers) for the amount of work he has put into the ground. The improvement in the square since 2005 is staggering.
I am sure that the whole club will benefit from 2008 especially as the 2's, 3's & 4's are also moving in the right direction and had good seasons. So let's make sure that come the end of next season, the club is again celebrating a title or two in Moja's.
Finally, a thank you to the payers who played this year and who made it such an enjoyable season. Every single person contributed to the team:
Dave Agha, Bondo, Chris, Clarky, Fingers, Jason, Craig, Tooley, Jocky, Peter, Keith, Otis, Jewelly, Strongbow, Squidge & Pol Pot.
