4th XI 2009
The 4th XI season saw a period of transition in terms of players and captaincy. Organised by our wicket keeper Matt Grute and lead by Rob Miles, our first game of the season led to a resounding 90 run victory away at Midsomer Norton. A great start for a squad with new captains and a mixture of old and new players.
However, selection availability coupled with unavailable individuals led to no less than 52 different players being given a game at some point during the season. In terms of success, we managed to identify some good talent (As well as some bad!), and win a few games. There have, however, been a few absolute howlers.
4th XI vs Stratton on the Fosse, 5th May 2007. Photo by John Mildinhall
Specific highlights in the bowling department were Ben Pearson's 5-28 on debut, as wells as John Fair's 6-40 in a close loss against Whitchurch. Other highlights included Matt Grute's half centuries, Ashton Critchlow's stunning sixes and Rob Miles' "problem solving" bowling. Great to see were some top batting performances and debuts from Joe Marsden and Joe Collingwood. With a big thank you to some old faces back to the club after last season including Nish Patel and Dave "The Power" Plummer.
Despite some rather splendid fielding (Dave Haines - Specialist Fielder), it was all too often the team's poor batting and shot selection, as well as the odd undisciplined run out that cost us so many good performances in the field.
Looking forward, we hope for more talent to arrive into the club and now with the newly built TEAM atmosphere, it should make for an interesting season for both new and old faces.
We thank you for all your efforts and commitment to the 4th team; it makes the job worthwhile and far more enjoyable. Now, all to the nets this winter please!
Rob Miles and Matt Grute .... Captains 4th XI 2009
