cricket 20 Sep 2007 08:17 pm
The End (of 2007)
So we stayed up, just. Despite losing our last two games, enough of the other results went in our favour that Streetly and Marston Green finished below us. Whilst we had bad luck with the weather during the season, on a number of occasions we didn’t bat well and this made our life difficult. When we did bat well, we were always in the game, so this must be our major focus for next season.
Looking back at 2007:
Keith Rondeau cemented his place at the top of the order hitting 502 runs including four half-centuries - several of which could/should easily have been hundreds. His 28 wickets have also been crucial, and he deserved his pre-season label of ‘key player’.
Jack Hemming was our only centurion and was sorely missed in the final three games of the season. His and Ronnie’s partnerships have often got us off to great starts, and he will be looking to improve on his 340 runs next year.
Adam Coppell has made himself a first team regular. Several fine knocks, including his maiden Saturday 1st XI 50, hint at more to come. Committed in the field, and keen to succeed - one to watch.
Jim Shirley remains the foundation of our bowling attack, leading with 33 wickets from 202 overs of effort. His demolition of Rowlands was a high point. Still useful with the bat, often much-needed graft in the lower order this year - we need to relieve him of this duty so he can give his pads some rest.
Viz Parmar continues to improve his control, and 28 wickets shows his progress with the new ball. His spell at Camp Hill was his best, more of the same next year.
Tom Hemming, Warren Millard, Will Hemming, Neal Rughani, Martin Weir all had mixed fortunes with the bat, and this was reflected in our performances. None reached fifty this season, but all played notable innings at times - and will want to improve on this next year.
Pete Westwood, Kamil Munir, Rishi Parmar, Asif Munir, Simon Baxter all had limited appearances but had key moments. Pete and Rishis’ performances against Stockton hint at more to come in the future, whilst the Munir brothers talents are well known when available. Simon Baxter’s spell against Southam was crucial and he is always a ‘big’ presence when in the team.
And so we face the long winter until April 2008, when we’ll take to the field in the cold and start over again. Captaincy changes en masse present the club with the opportunity to reinvigorate itself. Thanks to all who turned out for me on a Saturday afternoon and gave it their best - I look forward to playing under the new skippers, wherever and whoever that may be.
Will
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