Portsmouth & Southsea Cricket Club

Record: Played 14 won 10 (inc tie won on fewer wickets lost)
Hampshire Club Champions
3rd placed SEHCA U13a League
ECB  National Club Championship Regional Finalists

I guess  it's a great compliment to the boys that at the end of such a successful season it feels a little disappointing we'd didn't end on a high by making it to the National Finals Festival!

First things first, we entered the season as the indoor u13 indoor champions and expectations were high. A miserable night against Purbook saw us win well and suggested another soggy season. Fortunately we've completed all but one of our league games and had the excellent cup run which saw us beat the very strong Hartley Wintney and St Cross sides to be crowned deserved Hampshire Champions.

In the league we would have been a match for anyone with our first choice 11. However, (perhaps unsurprisingly) the unwillingness of the sides at the top of the table to play us on more convenient dates meant we took young and inexperienced sides to both Hambledon and Fareham to see us end up third behind them. Our congratulations go to Fareham the league winners who acted as gracious victors in our match up. 

Much of our success was thanks to "Big Guns" Harrys Wratten and Gadd who's inclusive captaincy as well as weight of runs and wickets gave us head starts. An indication of their worth is that we won every match in which  we could field them. Add to them senior players in two more Harrys, Leggett and Hoolahan who's bowling and middle order hitting provided steel, plus the returning John Buckman who's early season runs ensured imposing totals. Of the u12s in the side Daniel Cox proved a top bowler and resolute bat while Harlan and Ollie showed there is more to come from them next year with ball bat and gloves as both made important contributions at vital times. Last years most improved player, Daniel T has again improved with his bowling getting more and more incisive, while Kyle and particularly Henry, won't have wanted the season to end as their progress has been huge of late with runs a plenty and great fielding performances. With cameos  from Harry DM and Moni G who we would have liked to have seen more of and odd performances from the likes of Amir and more regular contributions from the young Will Perrin, we were well supported. It was good too to welcome George Wilcockson to the ranks for the last few matches where his whole hearted fielding and lusty hitting provided glimpses of fun to come. 

So in summary it was a very good year. Next years U 15s will have an outstanding bunch of recruits and the next batch of u13s have gained excellent exposure to allow for more improvement next year. 

This is far from an exhaustive list but my "Champagne  Moments" of the season included:

Ollie's one hand grab vs Purbrook
HHs maiden wicket - a blistering C&B vs Havant
Messrs Gadd, Wratten & Buckman demolishing Petersfield's attack
Harlan's first ball x 5 - ( yes folks 5 first ball wickets! - (if you ignore one wide))
The flying Gadd ( one of those wickets above) catch vs Ryde
Dan Cox hat trick (almost) vs Steep - blame the ump for the turned down LBW - it was missing though!
Henry's "leave it me" batting at Horsham

Perhaps the most memorable moments came on our cup run though.

The Harry's G&W fighting partnership against the best new ball attack we saw this year at Hartley Wintney.
HW's six smashed over deep mid wicket,
HH bowling set up bouncer/slower ball wicket taking double play and of course his pick up over square leg for six to ensure we could sneak over the line all in the same game.

And finally - Mr "Crisis? What Crisis?" Hoolahan  at it again with back to back boundary's in the cauldron vs St Cross.

My grateful thanks to all the coaches, scorers, umpires, tea and shop providers etc (as well as vocal supporters!) who helped give the boys a season to remember.

To the boys - It has been a pleasure to manage you and I look forward to seeing you at the awards day - details of which will follow in the next couple of weeks. 

Sean K