Well the 2nds won promotion behind Hook in a season full of twists and turns.
I do believe lady luck had some bearing on our season especially with some of the
games we missed, Vospers, South Wilts and St Cross, the latter when facing a
daunting 250+ before the rains came. However a true team spirit and togetherness
shone through all season and I believe that was what got us over the line and
secured promotion.
A big thanks to Macca for his inspirational leadership to secure wins against
Rowledge and Fareham during my illness, without which we would still be in Division
3.
Huge thanks to Dave P for umpiring, many times at both ends and not always in the
greatest of atmospheres. Lin as usual looked after us and kept us in line where
possible, Sandra for stepping in at Hook and Blacky for umpiring at Bishops Waltham
when he could have been playing for the 4ths.
I would also like to give an extra special thanks to Sheila, Beryl and the other
ladies who without ever being asked sort out teas and do all the clearing up every
home game, I really appreciate what you do for the club.
Our supporters also need a mention, Floyd snr, Leigh, George and Mrs John Whitlam
(medical advisor) for being at nearly every game cheering the boys on, funny how
Dulux's catching improved after being threatened to have his boy bags punctured by
Leigh....
Not forgetting Bob and the ground staff for their great work all season, to assist
our 9 spinners!!!!
Now those Highlights :
1. PJ with 3 hundreds averaging over 50, after remembering what a class opener he is.
2. Anytime Ags done a warm up!!!
3. Dulux for twice getting us out of the proverbrial with 50* vs Amport and 78* vs
Fareham
4. Ags trousers
5. Reevsy's 50 with the dog at Liphook (probably the worst 50 he will ever score but
great entertainment)
6. Ags inspirational team talks.
7. Fraz's 4 fer vs Highfield
8. Ags Karachi special tea
9. Sambo's 74 vs Wellow, and 4 fer vs Hook
10. Ags fielding prowess
11. Evs 80 vs Rowledge and 160 partnership with PJ
12. Ags 24 wickets, even missing 2 games playing in the 1sts
13. Alex with an average of 93, some awesome batting displays while injured.
14. Steve "John" 50* and a fantastic catch vs Wellow.
15. Butters keeping and chat behind the stumps, you are the unluckiest batsman I
have ever met, next year is going to be your year.
16. "Toooooo ley" batting at Hook and smashing a six out of the ground, and for
making their Silver Div batsman check his underwear after one heluva quick spell.
Sean you were a pleasure to captain mate, you never gave up and were an inspiration
to others.
Am sure I have missed other highlights but there were so many. A last thank you to
Senior for his support this season it has been a pleasure, sorry for making life so
difficult by not being able to make most selection meetings. Real shame that 3rds
and 4ths did not also gain promotion but a great effort. Also for the 1sts for more
than keeping their heads above water in Bronze.
I will be stepping down as skipper and hope that the next captain enjoys himself as
much as I did this year. It was very difficult not being able to make selection due
to other responsibilities and I don't think I was always able to give the commitment
to the team and the club that I would have liked. County 2 will be a big step up and
if we are to consolidate or even have the chance of promotion again it needs a
captain that has the time and experience to really take us further forward.
