A move to the newly formed Three Counties Sunday League brought a difficult season for the Sunday team, with only a solitary win to celebrate, but there are still a number of positives to take forward into 2017.
A talented group of young players emerged – including Ollie Meadows, Freddie Vaughan and Joe Cuthbert. Fin Yates was the standout performer from the youth, though, with his creative stroke play and quick glove work enabling him to become a key contributor in the side.
That one victory came as part of back-to-back T20 games away at Brislington. With the home side having won the first game, successfully chasing down our total of 163-3 we were determined to come out firing after a delightful BBQ lunch.
The bowlers restricted the home side to 92-7 in a much stronger fielding performance which also included 3 run outs, before 31 from captain Matt Tavare and 18 from “The Crow” helped to usher us to a last ball win by 6 wickets – Freddie Vaughan hitting the winning runs.
Over the course of the season, a core of senior players became established, which will enable a young side to develop on the promise displayed in 2016. With Tav returning as co-captain, supported by opening batter Lisle Durrans, the expectation for 2017 is growth and all-round improvement (and probably fewer games for certain 4th XI captains!).