Promotions, Cup Wins and now, 3 teams on Saturdays
Thursday 26th November 2009
As the title says, the 2009 season was quite simply the greatest season in the clubs long history. Its difficult to really know where to start...........
I'll begin with the Sunday teams. For the 2nds, their most successful season since their joining the League. A new best of 6 wins, their highest position ever in the League and a successful mix of experience and youth well led by Ernie. The team can only kick on from this in 2010.
For the Sunday 1sts, heartbreak on the last day of the season being pipped to promotion in losing the last game. Despite this, the team which usually played most fixtures with at least 7 Under 17 players can be delighted with the success they had in playing not only adventurous positive cricket but also cricket in the right spirit. Well led by Subbers and with good performances coming from throughout the team, there is no reason why this team can not be equally and if not more successful in 2010.
Making up somewhat for the disappointment of missing out on promotion was this sides' success in the Broke Cup. Again playing a young side in the final against a sporting and resilient Gt Ellingham side, the team put in a composed and effective performance with both bat and ball to win by 20 odd runs. A real team effort, kudos should go to Oli, Rob and JP with the bat and to Stu, Sparko and Harry with the ball. A great result enjoyed by players and the healthy club support alike.
Moving to Saturdays and a competitive season for the 2nds ending with the side finishing in 3rd place in a competitive League. Good contributions with the bat came from J, Sparko and Lindy with Burty, Jez and Statto impressing with the ball. A side in transition, the continuing influx of talented young players will only serve the side well in 2010 and beyond.
Which of course leaves the Saturday 1st team in what proved to be a tumultuous, rollercoaster of a season ending with side winning Division 1 and being promoted to the Alliance. After losing 2 of the first 3 games, you would have got long odds on that outcome but a successful mix of strong batting, restrictive bowling and an unbelievable team spirit carried the side to the title. Along the way, their were great batting contributions from Rob, Barney, Duckers and Oli, whose 657 League runs saw him carry off the League U19 Batsman of the season award and excellent bowling contributions from Watto, Duckers, Oli , Stu and Jason. There were of course a number of unsung heroes - McClaw winning the game at home to Rollesby in the last couple of overs, Brendini stepping into the keepers role with real aplomb following Hearnos finger injury but overall, a team effort superbly marshalled by Barney bringing about the clubs greatest success since 1984. A big well done to all who reperesented the side 2009 and heres looking forward to Alliance cricket year!
The success in 2009 though doesnt stop there. The club also won the Wicklewood shield (3rd time lucky ) but it wasn't just the adults who had success. The Under 17s enjoyed a mini tour to Nottingham and were extremely unlucky not to win the U17 League with them participating once again in a tie against Garboldisham. A young Under 15 side can also be pleased with the progress made in winning 3 games in their respective League and the taste for many of our young players of competitive cricket for the club.
To top all of this off, the adults enjoyed the customary fun packed tour to Cambridge. New friends were made as the season saw a number of friendlies against new sides and touring teams alike. Plans for new changing rooms continue to move forward whilst the wicket with Dale at the helm drew praise from players and opposition alike. Finally, after ratification at the recent League AGM, the club will now be putting out 3 Saturday sides for the 1st time in 2010. With the clubs' own AGM coming up on the 1st December, its promising to be an exciting time for the club built around what has been without doubt.....the greatest season ever!!