3rd XI Report - 2009
2009 was a another tough year for the 3rd XI - the record shows thirteen defeats and only two victories in Division 1 of the North Somerset League. Consequently we finished 9th and will play in Division 2 in 2010. Although disappointing, these results are hardly a disgrace - it should be remembered that NSCL Division 1 is a strong competition and that we were playing against village 1st XI sides and Bath 3rd XI who are also very strong.
The main problem has been that the playing strength at 3rd XI level has taken a dramatic dip in the past couple of years due to a variety of unrelated causes: Emigration (Lang Brothers & Rich C); Old age (Dave B and Nick P); Promotion (Adam H & Ross D); Marriage (Bikram & Naresh, but not to one-another you understand); Hen pecking (Tony E) and the dreaded Golf (Ian G). Whilst a gradual turn-over of players is always to be expected, we have struggled to cope with this ebb tide and hence the gradually worsening results. So, the message is clear - RECRUITMENT IS VITAL!!!
Notable individual performances were few and far between, but there were three centuries - Eako scored a fine 106 in an exciting but eventually fruitless chase at Bath CC and Malty managed 114* and 117* both against the much disgruntled Saltford Fairway. The leading wicket taker was Bradders (12) who bowled fewer full tosses than usual and the best bowling figures were Robbie Lang's 4-38 against Saltford.
The fixture list for 2010 shows that Division 2 is likely to provide plenty of competitive cricket. We look forward to re-acquainting ourselves with old friends such as Bath Hospitals, Larkhall, Weston Super Mare and Bristol CC so there is plenty of witty banter to look forward to. May the sun shine!
Awaiting our fate at Flax Bourton
