1st XI Roundup 2009
"A stroll in the park" ..... JK
I think it's safe to say that 2009 was a fairly eventful season for OBWCC 1st XI. There were many highlights and also a few lowlights from time to time but all in all, I sit here reflecting on a historical season for all involved.
Amongst the most memorable moments of the season were countless stag dos, a couple of weddings, the arrival and subsequent departure of an overseas player, the debuts of a number of promising young players in the 1st XI, the renaissance of a number of more established players. Most importantly, however, the Club's first ever league championship at 1st XI level! There were also a few enjoyable nights out as a team during the season (in Bristol, Leeds, Prague, etc) but I am unfortunately subject to a high court injunction that prevents me from mentioning the details of any of these.
Being serious for one minute, 2009 was by far my most enjoyable as captain of the club or even in my 17 years of playing cricket at OBWCC. It's safe to say that we gelled fantastically as a team, achieved the goals that we set ourselves at the start of the season (both individually and as a team), enjoyed the vast majority of our time on the pitch and were able to turn this into ongoing success and the first league title at 1st XI level in the history of OBWCC. I won't go into detail with regards to individual performances as I feel that our success was borne out of the team ethic and everyone who represented the 1st XI made a mark in their own way. Looking back on the season I am immensely proud to have been part of what was a real rollercoaster ride that culminated in a final day win at Nailsea to secure the league title by just 2 points - the celebrations immediately afterwards (and for the next 48 hours or so) will live long in my mind.
2010 sees us return to the Bristol and Somerset Division of the WEPL and renew rivalries with old foes such as Brislington, Bedminster and Clevedon as well as a number of new challenges which I greatly look forward to. The standard of the division will no doubt be high but I have every confidence that as a group we have the ability to thrive at this level and a number of members of the side will relish the opportunity to play on some higher quality wickets and test themselves against some excellent cricketers.
2009 was a big step forwards for the 1st XI. I see 2010 as being an opportunity to make a giant leap for our club.
Best of luck to one and all.
JK
League winning Side vs Nailsea, 29th August 2009
Richard Glynne-Jones, Simon Hogg, Will Penny, James King, Phil James, Tom Parnell, Richard Leonard (coach), Gareth Griffiths, Rupert Swetman, Stuart Macarthur, Danny Hayward, Felix Currell
1st XI vs Hambrook, 1st May 2009
Danny Hayward, Paul Snelling, Phil James, Greg Malkin, James Domone, Dan MacNamara
Travis Townsend, Rupert Swetman, James King,
Gareth Griffiths, Kerry Lock
