Portsmouth & Southsea Cricket Club

Ultimately it was a disappointing season for me as skipper. I felt we were good enough to get promoted. Although we were soundly beaten by two sides I would say were better, that is Curdrige and Calmore, the other games we lost we should have done better. In the end though had we have played out the Portchester game (which was quite rightly abandened)and held just one of the 6 or so chances we missed at Hyde we would have been promoted.

Our record stands at Played 13, Won 8, Lost 5 which was one loss too many.

Despite my moaning we still have many good reasons to be cheerful. Clem, Dan and Matt Shaw all reached three figures (Dan twice, ripping the clubs highest league score from my grasp, with a blistering 181). Jack impressed enough to thoroughly deserve a run in the 1's. Ryan surprised me with one of the knocks of the season to see us home in a real tight one and went on to prove he's on his way through the ranks.

In the bowling we missed Deano but Jamie proved he has the pace if not yet the control - it will come. GP did what he always does and but for better catching would have challenged Keiron in the wickets column. "Brothers in Back Trouble" Messrs Fletcher and Williams were unable to give their all but Matt recovered enough to pick up a 5 fa for the 1's and produce some decent late season spells for us, while Alex continued to excell in the field and prove we'll make a batsman of him yet. Star this year with the ball was Keiron "The Shop" Dunstan who managed an amazing strike rate in picking up 20 wickets having played only 7 matches.

Our biggest problem this year was not having a settled side. It was interesting to note that only Jack and Ryan batted enough to be considered for the League Avereages and only Gary bowled enough. It's a real shame Clem, Sherm and Dan with averages of 118, 80 and 50 respectively, won't be in the handbook as all will surely be well placed. As of course would Kes in the bowling records.

Behind the scenes I am again indebted to help from Mickey G and Troy for umpiring early on, Frank and Ida for their unstinting support on book and sweet duty, Pete Mc for his efforts with the book and last but by no means least,to Ian and Phyllis for their running the bar and doing the teas. Many thanks to all.

My season's champagne moments are as follows:

The Home Guard see us home - Don't panic! - Kanvan/Smith vs CBBEA
The Chef Serves up 5 - Chandler 5/23 vs Nomansland
"He don't half give it some tap" - Kanavan's bust finger vs Curdridge
I call it "The Sprawl" - Chapman catch vs Portsmouth
"'bout time I had a bowl" - Dunstan 5/35 vs Sarisbury
"I couldn't see the problem" - top unbeaten knock from Way vs Sarisbury
"Short leg's easy" - Rippins catch at Hyde
"I just lept like a salmon.." Smith catch at Hyde
(Worst moments - everthing else at Hyde!)
Not bad - Cleary's 181 madness vs US
Cracking run rate - 175 in 15 overs Cleary/Shaw vs US
Aqualung required! - Clems century n.o. vs Woodgreen
6! over Extra! - Clem vs Woodgreen
Cleary/Shaw at it again - twin tons vs Portchester