Tuesday 24th May 2011
They say the cricket season season goes quickly and it certainly has so far so where are we after the first four league games. Well, it's fair to say that it's been an excellent start to the season.....
For Barney and the first team, third place in the table and four positive results. Duckers and Josh have led the way with the bat with the latter racking up his first Alliance hundred and the former sporting a not inconsiderable league average of 151 and a shortage of balls due to his desire to de-leaf every tree that lines the road. With new pace signing Josh settling in well creating an exciting opening partnership with Jason and with Jeff continuing his all round improvement with bat and ball, the firsts look a well balanced and happy side who could make an impact in Division 4 this summer.
For the seconds, 4 games and 4 wins means a dream start for new skipper Sparko. 4 successful chases have backed up solid bowling efforts with Shendy, Hasty, Billy, Watto and Jase all impressing with the ball. The fact that nobody lower than number 5 has been required to bat yet shows the batting strength with Sparesy leading the way with the bat and with a good spirit and strong team selection, 2011 could be another successful season.
An excellent start to the season for the 3rds who despite the odd selectorial issue, have come up with 2 wins out of 3 including one of the clubs most notable in winning with only 9 players and a 16 year old girl helping out. When availability is good, on paper this looks a decent side and a top four finish should not be out of the question.
The cups so far have been more of a struggle with the firsts competing gamely but going out in the first round of the Carter Cup and the 2nds working hard before being knocked out by Caister in the first round of the Sunday Cup. Plate competitions start this Sunday with both teams hoping for more success.
The Sunday 1sts have started excellently with 3 wins out of 4 and have been well led by co captains Jason and Jeff, despite facing some serious travel time for a number of away fixtures. A tight well knit young squad should continue to develop and play some exciting cricket this summer.
For the Sunday 2nds, no wins of yet but in a much tougher league this season, the team should be pleased with how they have competed and a first win shouldn't be too far. Special mention should be made of the most recent game which saw a recovery from 20 -5 to 190 odd with a maiden hundred from Ross and even some runs for the Chairman!!
With the bank holiday 20 20 day soon here to officially open the new changing rooms, here's looking forward to a long cricket filled weekend and hopefully some more wins!