Brentwood CC Yearbook - 2004 Season

Brentwood CC 1st XI celebrating the fall of a wicket on the way
to a four wicket defeat of Chelmsford on 3rd July.

In the photo are: Matt Westwood, Ben Cocklin, Richard Whitehall, Steve Taylor,
Morgan Rushbrook, Jon Walford, Ian Belchamber (hidden), Ben Debenham,
Paul Sutherland (partially hidden), Mark Tyler.

This is an on-line version of the Brentwood CC Yearbook produced by Malcolm Webb.
Hard copies of the yearbook are available from Malcolm for a small charge.

• Foreword - Malcolm Webb
• Report of the Executive Committee - Neil Webb
• 1st XI End of Season Report - Richard Whitehall
• 1st XI Averages
• 2nd XI End of Season Report - Stuart Townson
• 2nd XI Averages
• 3rd XI End of Season Report - Ken Lingwood
• 3rd XI Averages
• 4th XI End of Season Report - Neil Webb
• 4th XI Averages
• 5th XI End of Season Report - Steve Manterfield
• 5th XI Averages
• 6th XI End of Season Report - Ken Hobbs
• 6th XI Averages
• Victorians End of Season Report - Shane Surujbally
• Victorians Averages

Foreword

Once again it is a real pleasure to be able to report another successful year. We might not have collected any cups this season, but three runners-up pennants is something that most other clubs in the county would settle for, and even those sides that didn't get on to the rostrum can look back with a certain satisfaction at their performances - not least of all the 2nd XI who bucked the trend by staying in the Premier Division when the other five sides that have gone up from Division 1 in the past three years have all gone straight back down again. Equally the 5th XI did very well to finish in the top half of the 4th XI Division 2 (West). So all in all we can be justifiably proud of our efforts which, collectively, offered the view that we are probably the strongest club, overall, in the League at present.

Off the field of play we continued to nibble away at the bank loan taken out by the County Ground Club on behalf of the Cricket, Hockey and Tennis sections to fund the purchase of the OCG. At the time of writing we have paid back to NatWest all bar £4,500 of our original loan of £45,000. I appreciate that in 18 months time we shall have to pay back loans kindly and generously made to us by Club members and supporters, but it is still a magnificent effort by all concerned, especially Paul and his Marketing and Social Committee, to have made such a dent in the loan so quickly.

One of the factors that helped us financially was applying successfully for Community Amateur Sports Club ("CASC") status. This meant that we were able to claim back income tax on all gifts and donations made to us by tax-paying individuals, which came to a considerable amount. Better that we should have it than the Inland Revenue!

We also obtained Clubmark and ClubSX status during the year. These accreditations are principally in acknowledgement of our youth policy. They both signify our commitment to Colts cricket and display that the Club and especially its colts coaches and managers have achieved the necessary qualifications for child protection, amongst other things. Such accreditations are still relatively rare, certainly for local cricket clubs, and should assist us both in continuing to attract colts to the Club and also in obtaining funding via any grants for which we may apply.

On the subject of our Colts, we have had to say 'goodbye' to several of our long-time managers. Jon Coote, Steve Manterfield and Andy Fryd have all had to either to let go of the reins completely or at least tone down their involvement considerably. Every progressive club needs guys like those to nurture the colts and prepare them for adult cricket, but few can have been as lucky as us to have had the unwavering commitment of all three of them for so long. Their legacy is not only the superb colts section but also the fact that we can put our 5th and 6th XIs, comprising mainly colts, into the 4th XI League - and see them finish 4th and 2nd in their respective Divisions. We now need replacements from the senior end of the Club to carry on the good work. It would be bordering on criminal insanity if we allowed our colts set-up to degenerate through the apathy of our members.

We continue to enjoy a first-class relationship with Brentwood School. Once again they allowed us the use of their Heseltines Pitch out of term time for our 5th and 6th XIs to play their home games, which, apart from being an extremely good wicket, also meant that all three 'home' sides were playing in close proximity to each other which must be good for fostering club spirit. The new square on the 'back pitch' - which ground is also the property of Brentwood School - continued to improve as it settled, and we now have two squares of the highest quality at our disposal throughout the season. We are most grateful for the support and help that we have received from the new Head of the School, Ian Davies, the Bursar, Ian Bruton, and the Masters-in-Charge of Cricket, Brian Hardie and Phil Rees. The continued success of our colts section is in no small way due to the links that have been enthusiastically established between our two organisations.

Finally, the Committee, after careful consideration, decided at the end of the season to take a step that is way beyond anything that we have done before in the Club's history. Through the introduction of Danesh Kayani, known to most of you, I should imagine, as one of our keenest and most loyal members (and a Life Vice-President), we had the opportunity of acquiring an Indian test cricketer to play for us for 2005 and, hopefully, beyond. Quite apart from the obvious strengthening of our 1st XI by his presence, his coaching skills would be invaluable - mainly to the colts but also to the senior end of the membership. But he is a professional cricketer and, quite understandably, he doesn't come cheap. Ultimately, and not without any amount of soul-searching, we made the decision to go ahead. Unlike certain other clubs in the League we don't have a wealthy benefactor (although if anyone reading this knows of one who might be interested in sponsoring us, please let me know) and we have to generate all our own income. The Committee is satisfied that we can, with even more hard work, raise the required money, and even if we do have a short-fall at the end of the day we have secured guarantors so that the Club itself will not suffer financially.

As a Club, we have never sought to attract cricketing mercenaries of the 'have bat-will travel' variety, and nor are we now. We hope that the individual concerned will become as much a Club member, in every sense, as Danesh and Sutho. But we have to face up to the reality that if we want to become a big club representing a big town, and be a major player in, ultimately, the Premier Division of the Essex League, then we have to attract players of the highest calibre as well as developing our own. And if that means expending money, then so be it. I hope you will all agree with our sentiments and support us. We are not prepared to fund the 'project' by jacking up subs: we shall try to find the money through sponsorship and bar and social events revenue. But if you do see an opportunity for doing a bit to help us - please take it.

If our ideas for 2005 reach fruition, then we have exciting times ahead of us.

Malcolm Webb
President

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Report of the Executive Committee

In terms of tangible success, nothing was likely to match 2003 - let's face it, only three of our six League sides could physically have been promoted: the other three are already in their respective Premier Divisions. Yet it is fair to say that this past season was every bit as satisfying overall as the Annus Mirabilis of 2003.

Satisfying in as much as the consolidation that we sought as the 1st and 2nd XIs operated in higher and more challenging Divisions was achieved. Satisfying in that the 3rds and 4ths continued to be major players in their Premier Divisions, and satisfying in that the 5ths and 6ths continued to put out sides of predominantly colts who proved that they were quite capable of more than holding their own against the adult 4th XIs of the other clubs in the Essex League.

Satisfying, too, off the field, in that we continued to be a well-managed club: well run by an exceedingly competent, hard-working and enthusiastic Committee; financially sound, and with an exceptional blend of members who enjoy each others' company irrespective of age or ability.

But ...... was there not just a bit of frustration bubbling under the surface? Or have we set our sights so high that anything other than total success in everything that we do is regarded as disappointing? Put another way, does frustration signify healthy ambition, and does satisfaction equate to lack of ambition? Don't worry - I don't expect answers on a postcard, but it is a fascinating topic for a bar room discussion.

For what it's worth, your Committee believe that whilst, overall, the Club is in pretty good shape, there are - and probably always will be - a few areas that could be even better. But whilst the desire for constant improvement is perfectly healthy, we mustn't lose sight of the fact that we are all what the ECB refers to as "Recreational Cricketers", playing cricket and socialising for fun. The fact that we manage to be pretty successful at both aspects is what makes us currently such a great Club. And long may it continue.

As has become the norm in the last few years, I am summarising the season as a whole through the exploits of the four sub-sections of the Committee. These Sub-committees continue to work well, and the fact that the specific issues that affect a Club such as ours can be dealt with by an equally specific group of individuals ensures that those issues can be properly and effectively attended to - which I promise you is not necessarily the case at many (if not most) amateur sports clubs.

Cricket

Captains' reports and averages are all contained elsewhere in this Yearbook, and you will see that the common factor amongst them is the quiet satisfaction (that word again) that all sides continue to develop, either in terms of results or the progress of the young players who have come through the system from our colts factory, or both.

The 6th XI, brilliantly and sympathetically skippered again by Ken Hobbs, were runners-up in Division 2 (East) of the 4th XI League. Even with wizened (sorry 'experienced') campaigners like Ken, Alan Houston, Andy Fryd and John Smith in the side the average age seldom got above the early twenties, and that blend of age and youth worked superbly. It is truly a great starting point for colts to learn at first hand the skills needed to pit themselves against adults. Likewise the 5th team, who by general consent were in the more difficult division of the same League - Division 2 (West). They also acquitted themselves extremely well under the captaincy of Steve Manterfield and his trusty lieutenant Dave Barbone. And lest one thinks that looking after the colts is purely the preserve of the ancient, mention must be made of Carl Manterfield who, not long out of the colts himself, happily settled down in the 5th team to help the youngsters towards fulfilling their potential.

As captain of the defending 4th XI Premiership champions, I felt the challenge was more to prove that we could still perform well whilst bringing through the more precocious lads from below than concentrating solely on back-to-back championships. And although, as the averages show, I relied a lot on the support of Dave Childs and Damian Muncaster, I like to think that I achieved what I set out to do - and given better luck with the toss and a more adventurous approach on the part of some of our opponents I think we could have easily won the League again. Other sides might have been more experienced than us, but I truly didn't notice any that were demonstrably better than us.

The 3rds were another of the success stories of the year. At first glance it might look as though the Club's youth policy goes out of the window where the 3rd XI is concerned - Lingwood, Brooks, Patel, Prior, Coote, Bainbridge, Donkin inter alia - but in reality it continues to be the finishing school for the seriously good youngsters, as instanced this past season by the likes of Nick Childs, Peter Morgan, Tim Barbone and Kerrie Branson in particular, all of whom ('Rocky' excepted - but he was only 14 for most of the season, for goodness' sake) have experienced a taste of 1st and 2nd team cricket and who undoubtedly will follow in the footsteps of Dayan Gulrajani and become regulars in those higher sides sooner rather than later. And the fact that the 3's were runners-up in their Premiership was a fitting result for a consistently quality side who perhaps have been slight under-achievers for the past couple of years. Their success couldn't have come at a more opportune moment either, since it persuaded Ken that it was far better to play cricket well than golf indifferently on a summer Saturday and he performed an end-of-season U-turn of Blair-like proportions in deciding to continue at the helm of the 3rd XI ship for a further year.

Despite not having a cup or silk pennant to show for it, the 2nd XI probably had just as successful a season as they had in 2002 and 2003. In their first ever season in the Premiership they achieved what no other side promoted to that Division had done since 2001: they stayed up. Nor is that being flippant, since the difference in class between Division 1 and the Premiership was chasm-like - not least because frequently they were playing against genuine first teamers who simply chose not to play all-day cricket in their club's 1st XI. We were forced to improve to survive, and that's exactly what we did, showing a lot of character as well as skill along the way. And of course that enforced improvement helped to close the gap just a bit with our 1st XI so that when 2nd team players had to be drafted up to the 1's, Richard could do so confident that the individuals concerned could hold their own.

And so to the 1st XI. It was not lack of ambition that set the target for the season as 'consolidation': it was realism. Let's have a season of increasing our strength and then have a serious pop at promotion to the Premiership in 2005. In the event, the team punched above its weight consistently for the first half of the season to the point that promotion at the first time of asking was a real possibility. Ultimately the loss of Sutho proved crucial and we faded away slightly in the League as well as having the disappointment of being runners-up in the League Cup final, beaten on the day not so much by a superior Woodford Wells side as by having to bat in the worst of the conditions. But in truth, we would probably have settled for that overall outcome before the season started.

The Victorians continued to fly the flag for Sunday social cricket. It's interesting that there is no shortage of volunteers to 'guest' for the Vics, yet trying to put together a Club side on a Sunday (Cup games excepted) is an impossibility. It must be the way they approach their games (before, during and after). Whatever, they keep the true spirit of cricket alive, they keep the ground used and thereby generate income over the bar, and they ensure that everyone who wants to play (or watch) Sunday afternoon cricket can do so. Long may they prosper.

Marketing & Social

A year that started rather depressingly ended on the highest of highs. Just as the season was about to begin, NatWest, who had sponsored us to the tune of £3,000 for the two previous years, decided - with no warning - to pull the plug. "New management" was the alleged excuse (on the rare occasions that we could actually get anybody there to talk to us), but whatever the reasons the fact remains that it was unprofessional, left us in a mess, and doesn't instil confidence in NatWest as a service provider. At the same time, CoFunds also decided, albeit for more understandable reasons, not to renew their corporate membership of the Club. So we were facing a loss of £4,000 revenue before a ball had even been bowled! Fortunately Paul Webb just rolled up his sleeves and worked even harder at 'selling' the planned social events to all and sundry. He was helped as ever by Keith Lennon, and also by Keith Burgess who seemed to spend most of the summer slaving over a hot barbeque to raise funds. And it has to be said that the response from the membership was magnificent. At long last social events were well supported, and the climax was the annual Dinner and Dance, which was a virtual sell-out and which, with the dance floor in the marquee, was generally regarded as the best ever. If you missed it, I assure you you were the loser. It also gave us the opportunity of holding an auction of sports memorabilia. Again the response from members in terms of items donated was superb, resulting in a profit of almost £2,000. So one way and another we finished the year in almost as good a shape as we started it. But the hard work has to continue. Our outgoings, as explained elsewhere, are likely to increase next year, and unless someone knows of a rich potential benefactor, we are going to have to find that money from within. We could increase subs, but surely it's better to raise the money from well-supported social functions. What would you prefer - a twenty-quid hike on subs, or being coerced to attend four 'do's at a fiver a time?

House & Ground

Once again Mark Donkin looked after all the things that needed looking after at the Old County Ground so that you and I could just turn up and play cricket. Sure, Chris Boniface prepared the wickets - and prepared them as well as ever, but there's a lot more to the OCG than the square, and it's a big ground to keep an eye on. But sightscreen or cover repairs, outfield renovation - whatever it was, Mark did it. No fuss. No rewards. No glamour. He just did it. And we should all buy him a pint for it.

We now have two excellent squares at our disposal, and once again we are indebted to Brentwood School for allowing us to use their facilities as our own.

Colts

I know we say it every year, but where would this Club be without the conveyor belt that continually brings colts through the system? We wouldn't be putting out six league sides each week, for a start. And without the supply system we'd soon find the 4th XI, then the 3rds, the 2's and ultimately the 1st team slipping down the ratings.

We play our cricket in a very small natural catchment area. With so much competition from Hutton, Shenfield, Old Brentwoods and Billericay we need to keep our colts section thriving so that irrespective of whether new cricketers to the area choose to play for us or one of those lesser clubs, we still have a steady stream of home-grown talent. But the only way we can do that is to supply the coaches and managers to help produce cricketers from that raw material. We have collectively got into a comfort zone over the past few years. Annually there is a plea for senior members to help with the colts, and most times it falls on deaf ears, the general belief being that good old Hobbsy, Jon, Frydda and Steve will always be there. Well now they won't, not all of them. It's true that there were very encouraging signs that some of the younger guys like Carl Manterfield, Deni Mistry, Phil Crook and Nick and Tom Childs were prepared to help with the coaching, but for goodness sake - can't some of you 1st and 2nd XI chaps spare just a couple of hours once or twice a season - not once or twice a week, just once or twice a season? I exclude Richard Walford and Tony Jones from this tirade: both of them have done a lot for the colts, and, frankly, put the rest of us to shame.

Elsewhere in the Club, the bar operated well under the control of the Social Club and its Chairman, Trevor Coote. Unfortunately though, Vicky felt unable to provide teas for us on Saturdays which left us with a potential problem at the eleventh hour, a problem that was solved thanks to the joint efforts of Ash Patel, Maureen Webb and Judy and Sophie Coote, with the result that we had better quality for less money than for the past couple of years - and service with a smile. We are grateful to them all, and also to Frank Everett, Vic Coppin and Jack Blakeley for their usual help in the kitchen and support on the boundary's edge.

Whilst we're thanking people, we must as usual pay tribute to the scorers - Tom Reilly, Keith Lennon, Chantelle Galbraith when she could, and, in particular, Chris Stuart, and to Malcolm Webb for umpiring. As well as scoring, Chris also continued to be responsible for collating and submitting the results of all our league sides. Take a look at the League's web site when you've got a minute, and notice how many clubs were deducted points for submitting incorrect results sheets (or not sending them in at all). And in particular note that we weren't among them. Thanks, Chris.

And so, as I wish you all a happy Christmas and a successful 2005, let's just return to the question I posed at the start of this Report. Do three silk runners-up pennants and a set of runners-up medals equate to satisfaction or frustration? If we don't have all our first four elevens in their Premierships by this time next year will we be viewing the season as one of failure? And is there a club in the county with a better ground, better facilities, better members, better colts and a better spirit than ours? Something on which to ponder during the long, winter evenings.

Neil Webb
Hon Secretary
On behalf of the Executive Committee

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1st XI End of Season Report

The 2003/04 off-season was an extremely busy one. Whilst we had been pleased with the success of the 1st XI in 2003, it was also clear that improvement was going to be necessary as we moved up into Division 1. Therefore an enormous amount of time was spent during the winter trying to attract 1st XI calibre players. Ben Debenham, a proven opening batsman, had already signalled his intention to join us, but we felt further strengthening was necessary. Dai-Morgan Rushbrook an MCC Young Cricketer, who as an all-rounder was able to bolster both the batting and seam-bowling departments, was signed in April. As the season progressed it became clear that Mark Tyler was also of 1st XI calibre and as such our team was undoubtedly stronger than in the previous season.

Our plan in the League has always been straightforward. Bowl first, bowl our overs quickly and tightly, back the bowlers with solid fielding and thus concede less than 200. Then chase the runs with at least one batsman making a high score not out. Our weakness in the previous year had been that the first part of the plan was too reliant on Paul Sutherland and the last part too reliant on Jon Walford. Whilst some improvement in this area was noticeable in 2004, we still have a long way to go to match the strength in depth needed to be a Premier League side.

Following a wash-out in the first League game, we got off to an excellent start against Chingford, winning by 9 wickets. Sutho's 6 wickets and Jon's 83* showed both were in good form, but particularly pleasing was Morgan's innings of 43 not out providing support to Jon, which had otherwise been missing. If that game was an example of how we should play, the following week our frailties were exposed against a weak Harlow side. Chasing only 177 to win, we collapsed from 83-3 at 20 overs to 175-9 at the end of the game. The game was memorable for the tallest combined height of captains involved in the toss in an Essex League game. 13 feet and 4 inches! I was dwarfed by 6 inches and I now know how Micky Davis felt every week!

The next 8 games of the season followed a similar path. Four comprehensive victories were sandwiched amongst disappointments against Hadleigh, Wickford and Hornchurch. The away game against Orsett was a backs-to-the-wall performance of which we have become past masters. Batting first we were soon struggling at 65-6 off 30 overs, before a superb 135 unbeaten partnership between Sutho and Ben Cocklin rescued us. With Orsett's morale broken we then bowled them out for 175 off the last ball, thanks to a Jon Walford yorker, to win the game.

So with seven League games left we were well placed in second, well behind Wickford and with a small cushion over Hornchurch in third place. However our weaknesses were again exposed. We conceded 250 against Hadleigh due to poor bowling, albeit thanks to 108 from ex-test player Dev Gandhi who seemed not to have heard who Paul Sutherland is and dispatched him for 104 off 20 overs. We chased the total very badly and ended up 12 runs short. An admirable draw with Wickford was followed by a poor display against Walthamstow when again we conceded more than 250. Hornchurch used the fallibility of the League rules to their advantage in the home game against us. They scored 234 in 52 overs (4.5 runs per over) but only bowled 39 back at us, meaning we would have had to score at over 6 runs per over to win. A draw was the inevitable conclusion. We then failed to chase 214 against Chelmsford and only posted 161 against Chingford. Both games were lost and with them went any chance of promotion, although we eventually finished a creditable fourth.

To be beaten finalists in the Essex League Cup is an achievement of which we should be proud. Old Southendians were our first round opponents and we kept them to 118 off the allotted 45 overs. At 39-5 our chase looked in trouble but good innings from Rich Walford and Sutho saw us to victory by 4 wickets. Buckhurst Hill were defeated comprehensively, thanks to a 193 run opening partnership from Jon and Ben Debenham, with Jon scoring 107. The quarter-final brought us face-to-face with Gidea Park & Romford who had beaten us in the Semi-Final last year. It was time for revenge as we batted first scoring 194-7. I then had a 'good day', taking 4-15 off 9 overs, to leave GPR 38-4 off 15 overs. Running in to bowl, knowing exactly where the ball will land and what it is then going to do is an all too infrequent feeling for me. The last time was against Solihull School Under 11s in 1984 when I took 5-12. I can't wait for 2024! For the Semi-Final against Upminster I was on a beach in Majorca, which given my reputation at Upminster CC was probably no bad thing for the spirit of the game. The highlight was a century opening stand from stand-in captain Jon Walford and Graeme Walker on a break from his Barbadian sabbatical. We amassed 238 off 45 overs and bowled out Upminster for only 144. Most of you reading this will have seen the final. It included some of the best and worst of our season. Jon Walford dominated the bowling in difficult conditions, but then got out for 50. The middle-order failed to fire, before a late rally by Ben Cocklin and Rich Walford saw us to a competitive total. Loose bowling allowed Wells to get off to a flying start. But then tight bowling from Graeme, Belly and Jon, backed up by a determined attitude in the field bought us back into the game. However 14 runs off my last over sealed Wells' victory.

Ben Cocklin deservedly won the Player of the Season trophy. He has a passion for the Club which is far ahead of most of his fellow players. His wicket-keeping is recognised as being amongst the best in the Division. But it is with his batting that the award was won. His improvement over the last two seasons has been remarkable, from front-foot prodder to attacking stroke-maker. He has scored most of his runs in adversity, including two league 50s last year.

Writing a report in October allows a decent sense of perspective. When I agreed to captain the Club I set myself the target of continuous improvement. As I look back on the season I am confident that goal was achieved. We finished as high in the league as we have ever done in my time at the Club. We reached the final of the League Cup which is the best result the club has ever achieved. Thanks to the contributions of Morgan, Ben Debenham, Mark Tyler and Ben Cocklin we were not so reliant on Jon for runs, but we continue to be dependent on him for big innings. Only Jon has scored a first-team hundred in my two years of captaincy. We struggled to bowl sides out without Sutho, although even without him we remain a good bowling side in the context of Division 1. The sense of team spirit remains strong and game after game we show that we are prepared to battle when the odds are against us. Turnout to training has improved, but remains patchy. I still believe that as a club this is an area where we are far behind our competitors.

Only promotion to the Premier League can be regarded as a success next season. I am pleased with the attitude the Committee has taken to move the Club forward in signing Hrishikesh Kanitkar. I am aware that payment of players is an issue of much conjecture in local cricket. Having played most of my cricket in the Midlands I have seen the benefits of having a quality professional cricketer at a club. On-field performance is a given, but the additional benefits in terms of improvement in other players and the colts are where the real rewards can be reaped. I am always amazed that in a county so renowned for its love of free market economics in the 80s, so many have such a socialist view on the payment of players to play cricket!

My thanks as always are extended to Jeff Salt and Chris Stuart. In different ways both are integral to the success of the side and I thank them for that. Thanks also to Jon Walford for his support and advice as Vice-Captain. He already has the on-field knowledge and experience to be a successful captain and I am sure he will be Brentwood 1st XI Captain in the not too distant future. My gratitude is also extended to the officials of the club who run the club with ambition and efficiency. Jon Coote and his team of colts managers are also due thanks. Dayan Gulrujani's 3 wickets in the 1st XI against Colchester was undoubtedly a sign of things to come from the recently home-bred players.

Lastly I thank all of you for your support. It was most noticeable at the Cup Final, but the club atmosphere that is obvious at Brentwood throughout the season sets our club ahead of many of our rivals.

I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable winter.

Richard Whitehall

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1st XI Averages

Batting (5 completed innings)

Bowling (5 wickets)

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2nd XI End of Season Report

The climax to the 2004 season had a distinct feeling of déjà vu about it as we went into the last Saturday of the season needing 9 points to ensure that we achieved the goal set back in April. Last year we were looking to gain promotion to the Premier Division, this year we were looking to stay in it. As in 2003 we did not play to our potential in the last game and we once again scraped in by a single point.

However, we should not let the small margin of safety disguise what we achieved this year. We are the first 2nd XI to survive their initial season in the Premier League since 2001. Woodford Wells who were promoted alongside us, as Champions, followed the normal pattern and went straight back from whence they came. Our achievement was, I think, all the more creditable because it was achieved in the most competitive League I have ever played in. Before the last game only the top three could guarantee that, irrespective of the result, they would not be relegated, and after 18 games only 19 points separated third from tenth. Finishing eighth in the Premier League was the highest placing achieved by the 2nd XI during my time at the club, since 1996.

Although we achieved our goal of staying up, looking back we probably ought to have done better! The tactic of batting first to ensure that decent bonus points were picked up, ultimately ensured we stayed up, however on too many occasions the batting was not productive enough and we were either bowled out cheaply or struggled to set a competitive score. We batted first in 14 of the 17 games that were played and only passed 200 on 6 occasions (we actually won twice with scores below 200). We can't put this all down to the wet summer; some of it must go down to the batsmen.

A quick look at the stats would suggest that with the exception of Steve Taylor who averaged over 57, the end of season report must say could do better. Nigel McKay, Chris Boon and Tony Jones all had reasonable seasons, but very rarely fired together. On only three occasions did two batsmen score half centuries in the same innings.

Nevertheless there were some fine performances with the bat.

• Tony Jones' innings of 76 at Loughton, in the soaking wet, showed what was possible through determination and grit.
• Paul Larner scored a ton at home to GPR. He and I put on 180 having been 35-4.
• Steve Taylor batting through the innings at Valentines Park for an unbeaten 111
• My innings against Five and Heronians, which ensured they fielded for nearly four hours. It may not have been pretty to watch, but it was essential in the circumstances. I didn't score anywhere near enough runs this season, but I'd like to think I contributed when the chips were down.
• Peter Morgan's 70 at home to Loughton out of a total of 145.
• Mark Tyler smashed 78 at GPR when we were 60-5

This list is not meant to be exclusive, Boony also played a couple of decent knocks as did Sweaty, but the ones mentioned above are those that stuck in my mind. Basically, if the more experienced batsmen are able next season to play with more consistency and as more of a unit, I can see us moving up the league.

The quality of our bowling varied quite dramatically depending on who was available on the day, but in Joe Fryd we had, in my opinion, the outstanding quick bowler in the Division. His 22 wicket haul doesn't tell the full story as he only played in 7 games for us this season. Had he played the full 17 his strike rate suggests he would have been up near the 50-wicket mark. His bowling at South Woodford was unplayable which explains why he took 6-29 and they were skittled for 49. I only hope that next season, as he is no longer the station rookie, he will be able to wangle a few more Saturday afternoons off and has a similar impact either in the 2's or up in the 1's.

Dave Balroop was an interesting addition to the team this year with his brisk in-swing proving an asset. Dave initially came to the team as a batsman who bowled, but it was with the latter that he made his mark, particularly when he took 5-44 against GPR to help win the game. I'm sure that the 2's haven't seen the best of Dave's batting, but like Joe, I hope he can rearrange his commitments to increase his availability on Saturdays. I'm sure that now he has tasted competitive cricket again, he will make every effort to do so.

In the spin department we were well blessed with the experience of Keith Burgess being offset by the youth and promise of Dayan Gulrajani. I'm sure Sash will be the first to admit, that he had a slow start to a season that only really picked up for him from the mid point onwards, but nevertheless he finished up as the 2's top wicket taker with 25.

Dayan can take great pride from what he achieved this season. His 5 wicket hauls (against GPR and Chelmsford) were effectively match-winning performances. Dayan, did not want for anything compared to the other slow bowlers in the 2nd XI Premier, but like most youngsters needs to learn a little more patience. It was noticeable that he was at his best following an early wicket; if somebody got after him he got distracted. I have no doubt Dayan will overcome this as he already has the talent and maturity to succeed in this game, despite his relative youth.

Paul Webb also deserves special mention as he has shown all of us mature cricketers what can be achieved with some application and graft. I'm sure Webby won't mind me saying that a couple of seasons ago his 'underarm' seam bowling meant he was probably looking at playing 4th or 5th team for the remainder of his days, so he decided to take up the art of leg spin. His renaissance has now reached a level where he can hold his own and take wickets in the 2nd XI Premier League. In fact his 10 wickets don't really do him justice as at least 5 chances were missed (some of them not very difficult) off him before he took his first wicket. His fielding is generally top notch (apart from dropping the odd sitter off the Captain's bowling), adding an extra dimension to the team. I know we have a crop of talented young spinners coming through the colts' set up, but I'm sure Webby is going to make them fight for their places in the higher teams. Of course, when the OCG dries out, it favours spin over seam, so we might be accommodating them all in one side!

We still need to improve our fielding and I think this probably applies to the whole of the Club rather than just the 2nd XI. We looked second best compared with a number of our opposition and I frequently led teams where I couldn't trust the catching of about half of my colleagues. This is not difficult to remedy. Simply practicing catching a ball will ensure you improve. It goes without saying that fielding is an integral part of cricket and whilst batters and bowlers seem content to practice these skills in the nets, fielding drills are often neglected. The onus is firmly on the individual to improve his game in this area.

In this report it is normal and quite appropriate to make a number of 'thank you's'. Most importantly, big thank you's from all the team must go to Tom Reilly and Malcolm Webb, whose presence as scorer and umpire greatly enhance the enjoyment of the game for the players.

Malcolm, in particular, deserves thanks as despite his other commitments as Club Administrator and President he was able to stand as Umpire in over half our fixtures.

I would also like to thank Maureen Webb and Judy and Sophie Coote who stepped into the breach at the beginning of the season to help out with teas. The kitchen seems to be generally well run and the quality of the teas is better than last year.

So was it an enjoyable season? I have mixed feelings on this one. There were times in the season when I genuinely thought we would be relegated and I felt genuine despair. There were also times when the lack of availability meant that either the batting or bowling and sometimes both were badly under strength for the level of cricket we were playing. In Division 1 we generally got away with under strength sides but this year we were woefully exposed on a couple of occasions.

It is something I go on about each year but hopefully availability will improve next year and the 'feast and famine' weeks will even themselves out.

However, despite this we generally fought hard and I can't complain about the attitude of the team who always gave me 100% and I still come back to the fact that we survived where in recent times all others have failed. This in itself made it worthwhile and the fact that I had a poor year with the bat definitely contributes to my slightly negative perception of the season.

It was certainly a tougher job, captaining the side in the higher Division. Although we set out at the beginning of the season to ensure we stayed up, this probably led to my tactics being focussed more towards avoiding a drubbing than winning. With a couple of extra wins we would have been pushing for second or third place. Consequently, we know that we have nothing to fear, we know what the standard of opposition is likely to be and with a bit more attacking intent there is no reason why we shouldn't move up the Division. This slightly more adventurous approach will also, no doubt, come as a relief to Dickie, The Chair and Malcolm who probably bore the brunt of my "siege mentality" when I was going through the tougher parts of the season.

I said it last year but it is worth repeating. The importance of the 2nd XI remaining in the Premier Division cannot be underestimated. It narrows the gap between the 1st XI and 2nd XI standard and keeps the squad players in reasonable nick for when their turn comes in the higher side. Additionally, it provides the highest possible standard of 2nd XI cricket for those youngsters coming through the Club and better prepares them for the 1st XI game. With the 3rd and 4th XI's already well entrenched in their respective top divisions, if the 2nd XI achieve this too it will provide a solid platform on which the Club can move forward and achieve its ultimate aim of promotion to the 1st XI Premier Division.

From a selfish point of view, I am not going to be captain of the 2nd XI forever and I want to ensure that I pass the baton onto the next person with the team in better shape than when I took the job on, i.e. flying high in the Premiership.

Looking forward to 2005.

Stuart Townson

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2nd XI Averages

Batting (4 completed innings)

Bowling (5 wickets)

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3rd XI End of Season Report

The 2004 season was the most successful by far for our 3rd XI, but still left me disappointed at what might have been.

We had a squad of players the envy of every 3rd XI, and, courtesy of our wonderful colts set up, many youngsters of quality waiting in the wings who delivered when asked. Yet looking at the averages it was by and large, with the exception of a few notables, the more seasoned players who continued to perform most admirably.

As we began our campaign and mainly disposed of our opposition in very thorough fashion, I thought that the standard of the Division had slipped. I was however, reminded by Trevor on numerous occasions that we were actually so much better than most of the others. As ever the enthusiasm generated by my team was overwhelming: never once did I question their commitment or desire to win. For me Saturday is by a long stretch (no pun intended JP) the best day of the week and I look forward to playing on Saturday the moment I pick the team on a Tuesday. The job of captaining is made so much easier when your team mates feel the same and I would like to thank every one of them for making my job the absolute pleasure it is.

Despite losing to GPR in our third game, a game lost in the last over as we pushed hard for victory, we were top of the table after 7 games, having won 5, lost 1 and had a game abandoned due to rain. There were many notable performances in those early exchanges. Dave Childs batted three times and scored 61 not out against Upminster and accumulated a magnificent 126 not out against The Wells. Together with his performances for the 4th XI it made for a fine season for Dave. Mind you if you've ever seen him field then you'll know he has to score bundles to get into the positive!

Trevor Coote once again produced the goods. He has proved again what a valuable asset to a team he is. He has the experience and ability to adapt his style to any given match situation, be it scoring runs at the death lower in the order or pinch hitting at the top of the innings, as demonstrated with a very quick-fire 27 from 15 balls against The Wells, when a quick start was essential in chasing a formidable 300 total.

These early exchanges gave a platform to spinner Tim Barbone who in his first 3rd XI game finished with the remarkable figures of 22 overs 5 maidens 7 wickets for 59 runs. A staggering performance from one so young. I suppose I should have been more responsible and taken him off and used him more sparingly. As Chairman I know that is what should have happened, but with my Captain's hat on, no chance!

Veterans Tony Prior, Peter Bainbridge and Ash Patel were also turning in their ever so reliable brand of swing and seam and contributed greatly to our early success. Paul Webb started were he left off last season by continuing with his ever improving leg spin that would see him cement his place in the 2nd XI.

So top of the League we stood as we travelled to meet Wanstead and contrived to produce our worst performance of the year.

Wanstead opted to bowl first under grey skies and were rewarded when their normally placid pitch produced extravagant movement off the seam for the accurate opening attack. Our top order were quickly swept away and at 49 for seven - all bar one of the victims bowled - we were contemplating a very early return home.

Tony Prior and Ash Patel came to the rescue and as the pitch settled down staged a stout resistance, using their wealth of experience to defy the tiring opening bowlers before launching a series of commanding shots against the secondary attack. With Wanstead's early bullishness ebbing away, the pair achieved the notable feat of sharing a stand worth marginally more (98 runs) than their combined ages (96 years) before Prior miscued and was caught at mid-off for 60. Patel continued the good work and when he was last man out in the 49th over, caught on the midwicket boundary for 47, Brentwood had totalled a very respectable 172.

We failed to capitalise on the old boys' fightback. A tidy opening attack was unable to recreate the new-ball and conditions-assisted carnage from earlier in the afternoon and the Wanstead first-wicket pair rode their luck, putting on 75 before Ash made the breakthrough. We compounded their difficulties by putting down several chances and despite many indiscreet shots, Wanstead closed in on their target. The wily Yoda Patel ensured the match went deep into the last 20 overs with a miserly spell of bowling which brought him the outstanding figures of 14-2-36-4 to go with his batting feat.

The defeat was a real blow to the confidence. I knew we had the beating of them: man for man we were better yet all but the redoubtable Prior and Patel performed way below the standard of early season.

We got back to winning ways the next week against a very poor and doomed Harlow, courtesy of a five wicket haul from Tony Prior and runs from David Smith. Despite a rain-affected draw against Gidea Park and Romford we embarked on a run of five wins in six games following the Wanstead defeat.

Peter Morgan was now in the runs, notably a fine 70 at GPR. Peter I think will look back on the season with a tinge of disappointment that he didn't score more heavily, but he has matured into a good player who with a little winter technical fine tuning will see him achieve results higher up the Club. He too showed tremendous desire for the fight and time and again demonstrated what a fine fielder he is.

Tim Barbone was still performing great bowling feats, with another couple of 5 wicket hauls. He too is a well rounded character who belies his age and there is no limit to what he can achieve in the game. By now Nick Childs was scoring regularly in the 3rd XI following his sensational 200 for the 4th XI. He would go on to score 5 half centuries for the 3rd XI. With each innings his confidence grew, and he like Peter can push on to the 2nd and 1st XIs if he works hard in the nets this winter and tightens up his game - the potential and the desire are there.

Kerrie Branson has, by his own admission, not pushed forward with his game in the last couple of seasons. His confidence was at a low ebb and he was in danger of going missing from cricket. So it was with great personal pleasure that by the end of this season I could see Kerrie beginning to find his way again with both the bat and ball. Much credit for this must go to Trevor Coote who offered constant encouragement and the odd admonishment when required. He began to take wickets again and was to play one of the best innings of the year against Wanstead. I can only hope that he comes back next season with the belief that he finished this season with. If so he too will join the other young guns pushing for places further up the Club.

We were now second in the League and well clear of third placed GPR. The title was between us and Wanstead, whom we faced in our next match.

Upon winning the toss in a much delayed start (3 o'clock!!) courtesy of the M25, we elected to bat. We were to lose our first wicket for 27 as Barry Brooks was caught behind. Opening partner Nick Childs was looking in confident mood following his recent good form, but he was also to fall cheaply with the score on 55 after 13 overs. Kerrie Branson was joined in the middle by yours truly, as we set about repairing the earlier damage in the face of an accurate Wanstead bowling attack.

We played with a good deal of patience and played ourselves into a strong position, moving the score along to 112 from 33 overs. I had begun to play a more expansive game and was looking to dominate. All was going to plan until I was hit on the pads, the Wanstead close fielders leapt and appealed for leg before, then appealed for a run out as the silly mid off hit the stumps, however, their breath was wasted as I walked knowing that I had been caught having made the faintest of contacts with my bat.

So we were 3 down for 112 and still on top with a powerful middle order to follow. Kerrie had by now reached his maiden 50 for the Club, an innings of high quality in difficult conditions.

Regrettably, Kerrie was caught for 60 and an uncharacteristic collapse ensued as a further 3 wickets fell quickly. With our middle order removed Wanstead were into the tail. With 10 overs remaining the score was 152 for 7. Tony Prior and Peter Bainbridge did their best to cover earlier failures with scores of 20 and 19 respectively, but it was too little too late as we were bowled out in the last over for 187.

Although some 50 runs short of ideal, such is our collective will I felt sure of exerting sufficient pressure on Wanstead's batsmen to ensure a close battle between two evenly matched teams. We were also advantaged in that the delayed start meant that Wanstead would be batting in fast fading light.

For us to get anything from the game early wickets were required, yet despite great efforts and many an outside edge, they were not forthcoming, as Peter Bainbridge and Kevin Bradford came close. The first breakthrough came in the 6th over as at last an outside edge went to hand off the bowling of Bainbridge. The next wicket was not to fall until the 18th over courtesy of Tim Barbone clean bowling the attacking Ahmed. Our confidence rose further when in the next over veteran Tony Prior also struck in the middle of his fine spell. The score was 82 for 3 in the 19th over. The light was fading fast and we were fielding and bowling very well. The outcome of the match was very much in the balance.

The momentum we generated was dashed by sensible Wanstead middle order batting as they kept up with the required run rate without taking unnecessary risks. The 4th wicket was not taken until the 30th over with the score on 148. Our only saviour would now be the descending darkness that was enveloping the ground. Wanstead's captain was aware of this and came to the wicket intent on scoring quickly. It was a gamble that came off as he scored at more than a run a ball to finish 26 not out. Wanstead reached the required total without further loss, with just over 2 overs remaining. For the neutral this was a very absorbing contest between the two best teams in the League, for us it was a desperate disappointment. I was however proud to see the desire and attitude maintained by my charges even in defeat.

With 3 games remaining we found ourselves 13 points behind Wanstead.

We were now reliant upon an uncharacteristic Wanstead slip up to have any chance at the title. I also felt that we would have to gamble in our remaining games by hopefully batting first and collecting 20 points a game by bowling second. We had our opportunity against relegated Harlow.

We batted first on a damp wicket that promised to cause early problems, so I opened with the experience of Trevor Coote and me, a decision that was to prove correct as the early swing and seam movement was considerable. This was reflected in the modest run rate. The 20 over mark saw us reach 79 without loss but the early movement had diminished and it was now time to increase the run rate so as to declare early leaving enough time to bowl Harlow out and secure the all important 20 points.

The first wicket fell in the 31st over with the score on 164. Trevor had made a fluent 59 before being bowled by Rundall. I was by now in full flow and was joined by Nick Childs. We set about the Harlow bowling attack with a vicious display of shotmaking. I reached my century from 100 balls with 11 fours and 6 sixes. Nick, continuing his excellent form, was dismissing the bowling to all parts as he made 50 not out from only 27 balls. I was run out in the 39th over for 111. The innings was declared on 252 from 39 overs.

With such an early declaration the Harlow opening batsmen had to endure a very awkward 7 overs before tea which they negotiated without loss. After tea the new ball was taken by our young opening seam and swing attack of Owen Myers and Ian Smith. Both bowled with pace and accuracy, which allowed the batsmen no quarter. Smith was the first to strike as he clean bowled Harlow's captain for 0.

Although we were bowling very well it became clear that Harlow's ambition was limited in the extreme as they defended all that was thrown at them. Defence is an admirable quality that the Harlow batsmen displayed, in fact a couple of the young middle order batsmen showed great character in the face of good bowling and intimidating field placement. What was not admirable were a couple of appalling umpiring decisions that denied the our attack a couple of wickets and the necessary impetus. They were regrettable incidents as the young umpires were only following their captain's instructions, but they soured an otherwise excellent Harlow rearguard performance.

Although we toiled wickets were difficult to come by. We were to bowl in all 54 overs, yet were unable to secure victory by bowling Harlow out as they finished on 115 for 7, therefore drawing the match. Harlow's total lack of ambition may have saved defeat but also meant that they walked away from the match without any points or pride. The pick of our bowlers was Tony Prior who finished an 11 over spell with one wicket for only 10 runs.

Our title aspirations were ended and although we picked up 40 points in our remaining two games we finished in second place to Wanstead by 18 points. We played poorly twice in the season and it cost us dear. However, whilst to win the League would have been fantastic, it was more important that the 3rd XI once again proved to be the stepping stone for many to cut their teeth in before moving further up in the Club. Again, I believe we struck the right balance between selecting a winning team and introducing the aspiring colts to the world of learning how to win and compete.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking those who helped us make it the memorable season it was. Keith Lennon once again did us proud with the book. Barry Brooks for his support as Vice Captain. Trevor Coote for his great tactical help (whether I wanted it or not!!!). Tony Prior for every week putting his wizened old bones through the pain barrier and never accepting defeat.

Can we go one step further next season? I hope so although it will take an almighty effort. After much deliberation I will take charge again and if we again have the will, I know we have the ability, and then the title may well be ours.

Ken Lingwood

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3rd XI Averages

Batting (4 completed innings)

Also batted ...

Bowling (5 wickets)

Detailed statistics for the 3rd XI.

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4th XI End of Season Report

Having comprehensively won the Premier League the previous year, the 2004 season for the Fourth team will be looked back upon with somewhat mixed emotions by most of us. At the beginning of the season, I was supremely confident of defending our title and had every intention of doing so in even more spectacular fashion than the previous year. The fact that we didn't can largely be put down to our oppositions being noticeably stronger than 12 months before, a change in luck regarding toss winning and weather and the captain's tactical inexperience.

At the start of the season I felt I as captain and we as a team had nothing to prove given our success of the previous campaign. I therefore began the year stating that I felt my youth policy and promotion of our many talented youngsters was more important to the Club than winning the league again. Don't get me wrong. I still felt that we could sweep all before us with a team predominantly made up of under 18's, but winning wasn't the be all and end all.

In this respect, although a 4th place finish may be regarded as somewhat of a disappointment, I feel we achieved more this season than we did last. We played the entire season with a team including, on average, seven or eight under 18's, all of whom more than held their own against far more experienced opponents. All of my young protégés contributed at some stage during the season and, whilst many lacked the consistency required to mount a sustained title challenge, all finished the season as better players than they had begun it and several had cemented positions in the 3rd team.

What this meant was there was no room in my side for two of last season's regulars, Rob Coote and Chris Eaton. Another, James Coulson, had a year out of the game and, when I had to explain omission to a fourth, Rajiv Sesodia, he decided to graciously step aside to allow the youngsters to blossom. This allowed (and sometimes forced) me to fill the team with colts meaning my squad was set up perfectly to pursue my ultimate ambition of winning the league with a side predominantly made up of colts and students.

Having lauded the importance of youth in my team, it may seem contradictory that I chose Damian Muncaster as our Player of the Year. His stats speak for themselves though - top wicket taker with 24 at 15 apiece and a batting average of 23. Damo's unique brand of non-turning off-spinners (or arm-balls, depending on who you believe) was ideally suited to this year's wet wickets. Not only that, but the rate in which he rattles through his overs make him a captain's dream, especially when fielding first.

My vice-captain, Dave Childs again showed his class with the bat, scoring over 300 runs at an average of 55. Our batting order always looked far more fragile when work commitments or the Chairman robbed him from my team and the fact that we only had Dave for 10 games this year goes a long way to explaining our inability to win games early in the season. The team's abiding memory of DC this year however, will sadly not be his destruction of bowling attacks but his dismissal by a teenage girl during the crucial home game against eventual champions Walthamstow (a game in which he was captain and which we eventually lost might I add!)

Our top run scorer played even fewer games than Dave. Dwight Johnson played just six games for the fourth team but still managed just short of 400 runs. In those six innings, he scored two centuries and three half-centuries, averaging 66, a phenomenal record. The manner in which he scored his runs was often just as important as their volume. His belligerent style destroyed many an opening bowler's confidence and set the team on the way to imposing totals or comfortable run-chases. This should be no surprise however, from a player who played most of the 2002 season in the 1st team.

Arguably our most improved player this year was 'Crazy' Haran Sivapalan. Last year I dreaded asking Haran to bowl because I knew at least 3 balls an over would either be head-high beamers or ludicrously short bouncers. To his enormous credit though, this year Haran had worked on his action and had a lot more control. I used him sparingly in short bursts and this suited him as he was able to just run in and do what he does best, bowl fast. He took 11 wickets even though he only bowled 46 overs in the season, an impressive strike rate by anyone's standards.

In my opinion, 2004 witnessed a major alteration in Roger Mahadeo's approach to the game. In the past Roger has been somewhat of an enigma - blessed with great ability but lacking the concentration to make the most of it. This year though, Roger had a lot more steel about him and showed much greater maturity. The result was he didn't throw his wicket away as often and consequently he scored more runs. His performances rightly earned him elevation into the 3rd team for a third of the season, somewhere I and many others believe should be the very least of his ambitions.

Like Roger, Neil Wicks is a gifted opening batsmen and many believe him to be a future 1st team player. He showed his potential in sporadic bursts this season, not least of all during his 66 away at Wanstead. He does however need to tighten his technique and avoid throwing his wicket away quite so regularly because as he progresses through the club he will get worked out far quicker by better standards of bowling.

Perhaps our most consistent performer this year was our wicket-keeper. Alex Priddle only missed one game during the whole season and, despite distractions from the local constabulary, rarely failed to make a contribution to the team's performance. Alex's 'keeping was of a high standard, if occasionally a little "showy" and his batting improved markedly over the previous year. He claimed 15 victims and scored 250 runs at an average of nearly 20 proving himself to be a valuable all-rounder. My one criticism of Alex would be that, in fourteen innings he didn't manage to pass the fifty mark sometimes struggling to accelerate when well set for a big innings. We all want to see more jugs from Alex next year and I don't mean in Belly's car.

Tom Childs suffered the misfortune of having a finger broken by a Haran exocet in the nets before the season had even started. As well as keeping him on the sidelines for a month, this seemed to affect his confidence and one or two worrying flaws in his technique seemed to appear. His 87 against Ardleigh Green remained one of the best innings of the year however and showed what talent Tom has when he applies himself. I suspect Tom may find himself in the nets at Chelmsford over the winter where he will hopefully regain his confidence and be able to reproduce that form on a more regular basis next season.

I often sympathise with our young bowlers who, just as they've got into a nice rhythm and are causing the opposing batsman some problems, are forced to take a breather. Owen Myers typifies this frustration. I and several others in the Club rate Owen extremely highly and he has impressed a lot of people this year, not only in the Fourth team but also for the way he captained the Under 16's. He's also widely regarded in the team as the unluckiest bowler in the side ... it seemed if ever there was a dropped catch it was whilst Owen was bowling. However, I'm sure Owen will be disappointed with a return of only 7 wickets from the season. With a bit of hard work over the winter though (as well as a change in luck), I'm certain he'll return next season with a lot more wickets, many of which I'm confident will be for the third team rather than fourths.

Joe Surtees also suffers from having the number of overs he can bowl limited by the league's rules. Even so, Joe's immaculate length throughout the season saw him deservedly earn elevation into the 3rd team for half of the season where he impressed enough to be confident of spending even more of 2005 there than he did 2004.

One of the major positives from the season was the emergence of Chris Boon as a genuinely promising all-rounder. Towards the end of the season, his leg-spin caused problems for many batsmen. I'm convinced he would've won us the game at Upminster had the rain not intervened. As it was, he only bowled 15 overs and yet still claimed 5 victims at an impressive strike rate. His batting was less successful, often looking impressive in making a good start but then giving his wicket away. Boony's technique is sound though ... I'm sure he'll score a lot of runs next season.

Jamie Battu must be the only bowler in the club who took more catches than wickets during the season. He earned the reputation of being a bit like Matt Le Tissier in the field, seemingly never taking a straightforward catch but making a habit of taking spectacular ones. His bowling lacked a bit of penetration but next season when he's a year stronger and quicker he'll cause more problems. If there are any better fielders in the club I'd be amazed though.

Whilst the above players formed the backbone of the team, many others contributed during the course of the season. Mike Hornsby took 5-60 against South Woodford before a medial ligament injury brought a premature end to his season. Rob Coote topped the 4th team bowling averages despite only playing three games for us, mainly courtesy of his 5-12 against Hainault on the last day of the season. Finally, this report obviously wouldn't be complete without mention of Nick Childs' record breaking innings of 200 not out away at South Woodford which, added to knocks of 66 and 48 in the first two weeks of the season allowed him to finish with a rather unusual 4th team batting average of 314.

I'll conclude my report by offering my thanks to Steve and Hobbsy for enduring my frequent Friday night/Saturday morning phone calls which generally left them with some selection headaches and yet they never complained (at least not to my face!). Thanks also to Chantelle for scoring when work rotas allowed and to Ken for his support and endless hard work as Chairman. Plans for 2005 have been outlined elsewhere in this publication and I'm sure everyone will agree that next season promises to be one of the most exciting Brentwood Cricket Club has ever had. I will approach the season with exactly the same ambitions as I did 2004. Don't be surprised if we finish three places higher though.

Neil Webb

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4th XI Averages

Batting (5 completed innings)

Also batted ...

Bowling (5 wickets)

Also bowled ...

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5th XI End of Season Report

Playing in a highly competitive 4th XI West League, the 5th XI did well to finish in fourth position compared to our sixth place in 2003.

One of the reasons for this improvement was the change in selection policy that enabled the team to be selected ahead of the 6th XI rather than on an even basis. This meant that we fielded generally stronger sides than we had in previous seasons. However this did not alter our usual system of bringing forward the young players and passing them up to the 4th team and beyond, which was, as ever, highly successful for the whole club.

We won seven of our fourteen matches, with probably the most notable victory being the 9-wicket thrashing of eventual runners-up Wanstead at The Drive. In only a couple of games, where we fielded particularly weak sides, would we have to admit that we were well beaten.

There were some excellent individual performances during the season. With the bat we had Chris Boon (Junior) scoring two half centuries in three innings, Mark Palmer scoring his maiden 50 batting at number ten against eventual champions Hornchurch, and Tony Dann scoring 110 against Chingford on his 50th birthday. With the ball, both Dave Barbone and Rob Coote had five-wicket hauls.

Although we fielded very different sides almost every week, there was always a good strong spirit about the team which revolved around the regular, committed 5th team members - Dave Barbone, Tony Dann, Carl Manterfield, Chris Dann and Chris Eaton in particular all did a great deal for the cause, and for this I should like to thank them sincerely. It made my final season as captain a memorable one, and I look forward to 2005 with great optimism for the 5th XI, whoever is in charge. He will have my fullest support.

Steve Manterfield

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5th XI Averages

Batting (3 completed innings)

Also batted ...

Bowling (4 wickets)

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6th XI End of Season Report

This was our third year in the League and we had our most successful season to date as we finished runners up in the 4th XI Division Two East.

We only lost two games, both to runaway champions Chelmsford, who won all fourteen of their league games. We won nine matches (including a walkover against Billericay), drew two and tied with Hornchurch.

Without doubt the biggest contribution to our success was the batting form of veteran Alan Houston. He scored a remarkable 840 runs in eleven innings and was only out twice giving him an average of 420. He only failed to reach fifty on one occasion and, not surprisingly, he won our player of the season award.

Nearly forty different players appeared in the matches and the majority of them were colts, the youngest of them being Under 11 Matt Gamby, who kept wicket in the first game against Chelmsford.

There were good performances in every match so here is a brief summary of a few of them:

• Dev Gulrajani 3-14 and Ollie Hembrough (on debut) 4-14 v Stanford-le-Hope, and Phil Crook, who had a very good season, 67 not out in the same game.
• John Smith, 79 not out v Benfleet.
• Deni Mistry 4-31 v Hornchurch
• David Barbone, in his only appearance ever for the 6th team, 8-41 v Orsett
• Harri Jones 6-34 v Stanford-le-Hope
• Arun Ganesan 54 v Chelmsford
• Andy Fryd 4-45 v Hornchurch and 46 v Benfleet
• Newcomer Dave Firth 4-17 v Leigh-on-Sea

The best match had to be the tied game with Hornchurch, who looked to be coasting to victory despite some good bowling by Andy Fryd. The game turned our way when U13 'seamer' Chris Stockwell came on for a second spell and tried his luck with some off spin. He bowled four overs for two runs, took one wicket and was involved in two run outs including one off the last ball for the tenth Hornchurch wicket.

As always the team needs some older players to help with the running of the side and once again I would like to thank Andy Fryd, John Smith and Alan Houston for their help on and off the field.

Ken Hobbs

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6th XI Averages

Batting (4 completed innings)

Also batted ...

Bowling (4 wickets)

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Victorians End of Season Report

This was a new beginning for the recently elected captain, and I had a great deal to live up to with all the good work that had been done by Trevor Coote.

It all started well in the first game against Wickford with the Vic's chasing 238. Dave Balroop took (4-43) and may I say with all due modesty that I contributed a winning performance making a 'magnificent' 154. Unfortunately it didn't go smoothly because Balroop managed to break Des Alford's little finger in four places, which put him out for 9 weeks. This was the start of many injuries during the season.

Against Horndon on the Hill the Vic's were in some trouble at 24-3, but with a spectacular 29 from Dave Balroop and an inspired innings from Mark Donkin (70) we were back on track ending up on 192. O'Brien (4-41) and Joff Fernhead (3-15) reduced Horndon to 33-6 and the Victorians finished comfortable winners by 63 runs.

Against local rivals Herongate on an ideal batting wicket the visiting Victorians could only manage 241. A new improved batsman for this year was Roger Mahadeo with (46). Despite brief cameos from Trevor Coote (33), Dave Balroop (33) and Bob O'Brien (21 not out), the total of 241 was not enough, going down by 6 wickets.

The following week the Vic's welcomed Hutton. Electing to bat, the visitors put on 211 for 5 with Ash Patel the pick of the bowlers (3-55). The Vic's never really got going, apart from a 47 from Dave Balroop, falling by 64 runs.

Hornchurch were hosts for the next encounter which really was a continuation of the previous week, with the Vic's collapsing to127 all out chasing Hornchurch's 212.

On a very hot and humid day at Writtle with no breeze, the Victorians once again managed to lose the toss and were put in to bat. The opening partnership of Surujbally and Balroop proved not only entertaining but also fruitful. Surujbally scored 58 and Balroop a blazing 148 not out as the Vic's finished on 278-4. This was easily the best batting performance of the season so far, and a much needed return to form. Writtle replied with a solid opening partnership of 147 but couldn't maintain the pace, the Vic's winning by 70 runs.

Southend Trinity were visitors to the Old County Ground with Roger Mahadeo and me opening the batting on a flat batting wicket and putting on a first wicket stand of 153. I just missed a century (94) and Mahadeo continued his run of good form with 61. Mark Donkin then came to the wicket and, not for the first time, scored very quickly finishing on 45 not out from just 7 overs. The Victorians finished on 237-4 and had a comfortable win by 56 runs with Keith Burgess the pick of the bowlers (3-51). Against South Weald overseas player Danesh Kayani proved his quality with a splendid 131 (retired hurt) putting on 98 runs with Trevor Coote (42) for the 3rd wicket. Then came Mick Pinkney who was only drafted into the side as a late replacement and scored a magnificent 50 not out. The Victorians finished on 273-4 off their allotted 38 overs. Our veteran (YODA) Ash Patel took (3-29) and Chris Eaton (4-44). Victorians won by 78 runs.

The game against North Enfield was abandoned due to rain, but not before the hosts put on 211 for 4. The Vic's reply was solid making 125 for 2, Mahadeo 53 not out and Balroop 61, with plenty of time remaining.

Against Chelmsford at the OCG, Keith McIntyre who has been recovering from an injury came to the crease and showed great determination, which paid off with him making a well-deserved 69. Replacement wicket keeper Alex Priddle also made a superb 51 not out. He was helped along with hard hitting from Joff Fernhead (21) and Bob O'Brien (16 not out). The Victorians declared on 201 for 7. Ash Patel opened the bowling with guest player Paul Webb. They both kept the majority of the game tight and under control with Patel taking 2-59 from 19 overs and Webb 3-47 from 18, by far his best bowling performance this season. Match drawn.

An easy 5 wicket win at Great & Little Warley (111 a/o), Vic's 113 for 5 was followed by the home return fixture with Herongate. The visitors opted to bat making 254 for 7 declared. The Vic's reply had the worst possible start, collapsing to 54 for 5, before Alex Priddle (57 n.o.), Bob O'Brien (22) and Ash Patel (33) steadied the boat, and held on for the draw.

Next came the eagerly awaited game with Brookweald. After a most unlikely win last season against one of our closest rivals, it made it an important game to win. Unfortunately I was out for the next 7 weeks after breaking a finger (it did me a favour, in hindsight). Brookweald won the toss and invited the Victorians to bat on an overcast day. The two openers, Des Alford and Roger Mahadeo, constructed a solid opening partnership of 42 and our total of 235 was achieved thanks to a brisk 48 from Danesh Kayani and 47 from Mark Donkin. Brookweald found it difficult batting against the Victorians all spin attack. Ash Patel (2-16) and Keith Burgess (4-27) were the pick of the bowlers and Brookweald were bowled out for 164.

A hot day at the OCG saw the Vic's win the toss (!!) and decide to bat against Navestock. The Vic's had a good start with debutant Barry Brooks leading the way with a fine 66. Everyone chipped in, with Des Alford (20), Joff Fernhead (22), and Keith McIntyre (29), seeing us to 207 all out. The second half started well for Brentwood as another debutant, veteran Tony Prior (3 for 21) and reliable old warhorse Ash Patel (2 for 41) restricted the Navestock batsmen. Nonetheless, the game was favouring Navestock until Bobby O'Brien with a tremendous spell of bowling being rewarded with figures of 1 for 19 from 8 overs, and McIntyre returning 2 for 41 reduced Navestock to 186 all out and the Victorians were once again victorious.

Chasing a massive 311 for 3 against Billericay, the Vic's started the reply well with Mahadeo 56 and McIntyre 57 but with the last 6 wickets falling for just 40 runs we were well beaten, despite our total of 252 including an incredible 59 extras! Against Raphaels, Balroop scored a very quick 36, Mahadeo an even quicker 51 and Pinkney a great looking 50. The Vic's finished with 203-9 declared but Raphaels made the required total with some ease, finishing on 208 for 2.

The President's XI batted first but got off to a bad start when veteran Ken Hobbs was bowled with the first ball of the innings by Man-of-the-Match Dave Balroop (2-28). Phil Howlett then came to the crease out of retirement and played a remarkable and clean hitting innings of 76, well supported by Graeme Walker (47), Dave Childs (27) and Ash Patel (20). Once Ken Lingwood came to the crease he was haunted by Bob O'Brien who gets him every time they play, and - surprise - O'Brien struck again. Neil Webb played well towards the end of the innings and the President's XI ended up with 212-7. The Victorians started slowly and were behind the run rate with the first three wickets falling for 35 runs to fine bowling from Dave Barbone (1-17), Neil Webb (2-39), and Ron Bridge who was playing his first game for some 20 years. Then came Trinidadian Dave Balroop. Balroop batted exceptionally although he struggled against the prodigious turn of leg-spinner Paul Webb off whom he offered 4 chances, all of which went to ground on a luckless day for Webb. However Balroop rode his luck and showed the occasional touch of class and how West Indians should bat by scoring a brilliant 122 not out, turgidly supported by Alex Priddle (38) and Joff Fernhead (11 n.o.). The game was won with some ease in the end with Balroop hitting 2 consecutive sixes, which brought his season's tally to over 600 runs so far. After the game when asked if he was going to Sams (nightclub) Ash Patel was quoted as saying "Who am I going to pull?" as his reply.

Against Wickford, back from injury I felt I wanted to get back into the game quickly and that is what I did, straight in: next couple of balls straight out. Balroop went on to score a stylish 63. Roger Mahadeo then joined Keith McIntyre at the crease. The run rate seemed to be slowing down, but in the latter half it started picking up with some mighty blows from the pair. McIntyre (89) and Mahadeo (58 n.o.) both showed maturity in their innings with a final score of 235-3. There was accurate bowling from Bob O'Brien (1-39) and Keith Burgess (3-64) turning the ball from the other end. Wicket-keeper Dave Terrell took two catches and a stumping. The game was in the balance and the Vic's were running out of options until Mick Pinkney was called upon after not bowling for a couple of years and proceeded to produce his bowling performance of the year with figures of three overs, 4-18. Wickford ended on 205-8 and the game was drawn.

Against Theydon Bois, in only my second game back I felt in good nick and scored a very emotional century, smashing the ball to all parts of the field and including 19 4's and 2 6's. Pure class! Coote who played a solid innings and showed his immense talent and experience helped me. I made 107* and Coote 50* as we recorded the best opening partnership this year with 168 runs coming in just 23 overs. Then we retired as the effects of the Annual Awards Dinner the night before took hold. The Vic's declared on 281 for 3 from only 36 overs. Reliable Ash Patel bowled his full repertoire and finished with 1-44. Bob O'Brien took a bit of stick but ended up with 2-88, and Theydon Bois finishing on 249 for 3. Match Drawn.

The final game saw Bentley at the OCG. After winning the toss, I made a quick fire 59, but with Donkin (26) the only other batsman to really trouble the bowlers, we struggled to 159 all out. Although the Vic's produced a good all round bowling performance, including Donkin 3-23 and Patel 2-23, Bentley eased passed the required total to win by 4 wickets.

As Captain I would like to thanks all my players for advising me through the year, and giving 100% percent everytime they played. It was a good learning experience and hopefully 2005 will be an even better season.

Shane Surujbally

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Victorians Averages

Batting (5 completed innings)

Also batted ...

Bowling (5 wickets)

Detailed statistics for the Victorians.

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