Portsmouth & Southsea Cricket Club

With a record of Played 15 Won 13 Promoted as Champions it must have been a good year. (Table says played 14 but it's removed our win over folded Capital)

That record however doesn't tell the whole story. The way the side progressed throughout the season was excellent. The senior guys, Simon, Dean, Al, Roy, Smudge, Tim and Ian did all and more than was expected, while the guy's who had perhaps flattered to deceive in previous years showed what they were really worth. Most notably Dan but also Owen, Sherm, Andy, Kes and Doug. Add to them Matt Williams cracking debut season, Chris Rippins outstanding contribution and odd, often crucial, appearances from the Acadamy's Christian, Rob, Alex, Joe and Ali you can see what squad I had to work with.

While we had the best batting points in the division that was down in the main to our miserly bowling. Only once did a side get to 200 against us (although US did get max points and probably would have got 200+). Deano was the stand out bowler with 26 wickets and frightened the life out of a good few bats. He was very ably supported by all the other guys who next season we'll ask more of again - whether it be in the 2's or for the 1s!

The batting too was good. Dan topped the run charts and picked up his maiden century and had he been a bit fitter might have got a second (at Ryde). It was interesting to note that 9 different players got past 50 this year and 8 averaged over 30. Had we batted first a few more time that could well have been improved.

The fielding had its moments but proved to be our weakest suit and we'll have to work hard next term. However some spectacular catches were taken and a number of guys really came on. The two that come to mind are Dan who took, not just one, but 5 catches and Kes who was always quickest to the ball on the square.

The team was pleasure to captain and with the odd mometary exception, we had a great time all year. We'll have to see what next year brings but I have every hope the 2's can challenge again.

As skipper I thoroughly enjoyed the season and that wouldn't have been so easy with out the help I had all year. Very many thanks to Frank and Ida (scoring & sweet supply), Pete McBride (scoring), Mark (aka Mr Bump) & Kev (umpiring) and Phylis and Ian (and April) for teas and the after match refeshments. It's their work that makes the club a good one and a skippers job so much easier. Much appreciated.

Finally my thoughts for Champagne Perfomances:

Rob Evans - "black and blue" 50 v Bursledon
Chris Rippin - "Bunny Monster" 3 for 1 v Capital
Joy/Shaw - "Take us Home" 100 partnership v Bishops Waltham
Cleary/Smith - "Maiden Ton" 166 partnership v Hambledon
Alex Fletcher - "What Pressure?" 3 for 19 v Netley
Simon Smith - "Is it a bird etc.." catch v Denmead
Cleary/Jones - "Anything you can hit I can hit further" 100 parternship v Ryde
Matt Williams - "I only do the hard ones" catch v Purbrook
Dean Wilson - "Adios amigos - you'll miss me" 5 for 33 v Bosham and finally
Matt Smith - "where did that come from?!" title clinching unbeaten 54 v Bosham - superb.