Fourth XI Captain's Report, 2010 Season

I am writing this report on the season on the eve of the last game of the season. I fully expect this to be a game that sees the 4ths gain promotion behind Portsmouth Community & Portsmouth Post Office in a campaign full of twists and turns. I think I might claim some credit for predicting a promotion party in last seasons report!

Ultimately I do think that we got a well deserved slice of luck at the end of the season when we missed two games due to rain and then saw one of our closest challengers (Hollybank) slip up to put us in pole position on the penultimate weekend. Had you told me at the end of May that we would be in the hunt to benefit in that way I would not have believed that. Anyway, to the details of a memorable season that saw a true team spirit and togetherness shine through all season, coupled with collective ability, which I believe was what got us over the line and secured promotion.

We had a difficult May. The advent of the Academy, the unavailability of some players early season combined to complicate selection, and we did not get it right in the first three games. Played three, lost two, the losses including a personal landmark (my first league hundred) against Fareham & Crofton which we lost to a freakish debut 50 by a 14 year old, left everyone deflated. Bob will tell you that I wasn’t enjoying things one bit. The rain did us a favour (didn’t know at the time) and the last game in May against a weak Hayling side was postponed.

The return of Mike Brogan (from illness), coupled with the early signs of Mark Callow finding the form of two seasons ago, complementing Martin Lander’s excellent bowling, led an unbeaten run of six wins through June and into July. This period saw many big performances from my streetwise and savvy senior players. Then came the performance of the season, indeed my time at Sarisbury. Unbeaten Hollybank (eight from eight) came to Stubbington. Bolstered by the inclusion of Dr Mike and the returning Tim Cooper, we went into the game in good shape. Their skipper put us into bat and it was the perfect game. The top three bats got 50s and we posted over 200. Then Dr Mike and a revitalised Billy Taylor dismantled Hollybank for 40. Two moments that captured the day were the dismissals of Hollybank’s number 3 (averaging 90) and number 4 (averaging 140) in two balls by Billy – the first a smart catch by Oz in the slips, then a diving catch at point by Dom Davis. The sheer joy in my team that day will stay with me for a long time. The latter two youngsters will surely be great players in Sarisbury’s future – more of that below.

We continued our run in with a solitary defeat against Emsworth 2nds (a day that saw us compete fiercely without three key players: Callow, Oz and Stu). Mark Callow, Stu Raddon and Tim Cooper played key roles in maintaining our position in the promotion mix as the strain showed. An unbeaten eighth wicket partnership of 50 between TC and Mark C epitomised the guts of the team winning a tight game against Denmead 2nds. I was grateful to the experience and accuracy of Ian Clark in the final games. Such a reassuring presence at the club.

In a slight departure from convention I will comment on each individual’s highlights and my assessment on their season. This is not intended to show favour or criticise individuals, but to reflect credit on all their contributions this season. Here goes:

Stu Raddon – Probably in the batting form of his life. Proof that application and concentration not to hand his wicket away cheaply is rewarded in league cricket. A great opening partner, whose personal highlights were 50 against Hollybank, and a match winning 77 not out against Waterlooville.

Steve Osgood – Talented and experienced club man. Can take the game away from the opposition at this level. Useful as a bowler, and I asked a lot of him on occasions when we were a little short. Personal highlights were game changing 117 and all round game against Havant, and a great 50 against Hollybank.

Dominick Davis – A precocious talent. Free spirit with the bat and excellent in the field. Dom will have benefitted from this season (he is only 14). One for the future. My personal highlight will always be that catch against Hollybank, but probably his 30+ not out and mature role in a 100 partnership with Oz against Havant.

Richard Chapman – Great bloke to have around. Excellent performances when stand in wicket keeper. Always a shot away from a big score this year – next year Richard!

Grant Bauchop – Difficult return after a few years away. Great 50 against Bedhampton and a cheeky 3 wickets at the death against Old Hambledonians.

K J Smith – Will have benefitted from league experience. Good batting display in defeat against Emsworth 2nds.

Ian Black – Kept me company against Fareham for a little while. Umpired against Old Hambledonians and Denmead. Good bloke to have around although I am sure he would love to play more!

Ian Street – Lovely bloke. Useful runs against Bedhampton and a great spell bowling against Havant when we were up against it.

Tim Cooper – Top, top wicket keeper. Very supportive and a fierce competitor. Match winning role against Denmead 2nds. One of the first names on my team sheet every week.

Graham Saunders (Swish) – A difficult year with the bat, losing two teeth against Emsworth. Brave guy though. Got a couple of four fors against Portchester and Denmead.

Mike Garner – Played the opening game of season and had shot of the day. Umpired several of our games. Mike still has plenty to offer as a player – 6th team skipper anyone?

Cam Pye – Played one game. Great lad, great attitude. I think he enjoyed it with us.

Milan Chauhan – Late call up on morning of first game. Got wet and cold! Glad he shone in Academy.

James Scott – Useful young keeper who took a catch and stumping against Havant. Had solid outings for Academy also.

Mike Cooper – Bowled very well on opening day. Got bad end of things in two early defeats. Found his wings in the Academy.

Ben Robinson – Can be deadly and got early wickets, but had a bad day versus Fareham. Still time to improve with the right guidance.

George Kimber-Sweatman – Good experience. I asked a lot for him to open the bowling. Maybe some experience in the Academy?

Toby Mitcheson – Played a couple of games. Bowled very well at the death in abandoned game with Post Office. Good in the field too. Good lad.

Martin Lander – Outstanding from the word go. Economical and always takes wickets, repeating that when in 3rds. Martin has been slower developing than others, but should play in more senior teams as he is good enough.

Billy Taylor – Second year 4th teamer at 15. Been steadily improving all season and has opened each week. Has received admiration and credit from opponents all year. My highlight was his 4 wicket haul against Hollybank. Billy is the future of Sarisbury and will be playing at a higher level soon without a doubt.

Ian Clark – I know all about Ian! Great bowler who did a terrific job opening during the run in. Economical and deadly. Very useful bat also.

Mark Callow – Mark is a ferocious competitor. Mark was my first thought as vice captain and he has been terrific. Supportive and knowledgeable, an ideal right hand man. Back in the form which makes him the best change bowler in the league. I hope the club could use Mark’s experience in coaching our younger bowlers, Billy Taylor has blossomed under his guidance. Once a winner always a winner! Six for 23 against Locks Heath – not bad for an Albino!

Mike Brogan – An absolute legend and club treasure. As soon as Micky was back in June we started to play. Five for in his first game. I reckon he will play for a few more years yet. Everyone loves him. A talisman for young or old in the 4ths.

Mike Edwards – The flying doctor. Brought a cutting edge to the bowling when he came back against Hollybank where his three wickets reflected his excellence. Always good for a laugh and good with the lads too.

Mark Hansford (by Mark Callow) A great opening bat and leader. Scored runs steadily and led the side in a calm and thoughtful manner. Improved tactically with each game as he began to understand his players more. Kept going through the season when the strain of the promotion race kicked in and the club found itself trying to jiggle things around to make sure three sides were always strong. The club has an absolute gentleman running the 4ths and i for one are proud to call him my mate and captain.

I thoroughly enjoyed my second season as skipper. It is made easier when you have such great characters and talent at your disposal. I thought I did okay personally as a batsman, although there is always room to improve – even at 45! If the club would have me again, I would like a chance to progress with this side, and a few more of our emerging talent in the next division. Who said that you can’t win anything with golden oldies?

Mark Hansford