2nd XI Report 2009
The 2009 Season began with a change in leadership with Rich Miller looking to add to the team's previous strong showings in the division. We also welcomed Bishopston, Timsbury and Frenchay into the league to provide greater competition along with the always strong Claverham.
We started strongly with victories over Hambrook, Shirehampton, Frenchay and Timsbury but then a run of 3 defeats in 4 weeks stopped us in our tracks. This run culminated with Chipping Sodbury at home on a pitch we all thought 'might do a bit' for the bowlers on pre-match inspection. We duly won the toss, elected to bat and got skittled for 63! This slide was arrested going into the second half of the season and we found ourselves in a battle with Claverham for the league honours. Our only defeat in the second half of the season was in fact at the hands of Claverham and they were deserved eventual league winners with us finishing a close 2nd.
Performance wise, Steve Jacobs finished as the teams top run scorer with 349 in an excellent first season with the club. There were 14 half centuries scored for the team, too many to list here but I will mention; Rob Cunliffe, Steve Jacobs and James Domone who scored 2 half centuries each during the season. Of the bowlers, Phil Thorn finished top wicket taker with 31 and there were 2 five wicket hauls for Rich Miller and Andy Parkinson.
Preview to the 2nd Team 2010 season:
Much like last year the 2010 season will begin with a change in leadership, Steve Jacobs will be attempting to replicate previous team successes! This year we will be faced with a little more travelling than last year, obliterating last year's 'long-haul' of Chipping Sodbury with a July back-to-back trip to Minehead and Chard, one of the many benefits of promotion.
We are thoroughly expecting a much harder season this year, and so will need to show all the determination and commitment that made last year such a success!
Don't blame me .... I can only use the pictures at my disposal. Ed.
