Fourth XI Captain's Report, 2009 Season

Ultimately, this was a season of disappointment for the fourths. Early promise, three opening victories – the first, the only defeat of Portsmouth Community, who won the league – gave way to four consecutive defeats which did for our chances of promotion by late June. As a novice skipper, I wondered how I would cope, and although it didn't feel like it at the time, I learnt more about the side and myself as a skipper in those games than the ones we won.

On the pitch I believe there was some progress which leads me to consider next season very positively. As with the thirds, I think our batting did improve this year. When batting first, with the exception of a collapse against Gosport Borough, we have posted reasonable totals, and there have been some fine individual performances with the bat: Rich Azar’s 86 not out versus Portchester in partnership with Matt Spicer (48 not out), Chris Oliphant's super 81 not out versus Havant, Stu Raddon's 76 not out versus Hamble, and Graham Saunders' 61 in a fightback against Vospers. Not forgetting Ian Stewart's maiden league 50! There were also some decent little knocks by Dave & Lewis Mitchard and Rob Clinch. Yours truly got a 92 against Portsmouth Post Office. I think that game summed up where we need to improve the batting, at 144 for nought with ten overs left we could, and should, have posted 220 plus, but under pressure we were too often found wanting, particularly chasing totals.

Our bowling was solid all season, although at times we lacked the inspirational performances of the previous season. Our senior bowlers took most of the plaudits. The two Mikes were superb: I like to think that having Dr Mike as my vice captain and main bowler helped him rekindle his love for the game, and sharpened him up for Greg to unleash where he should be bowling! Sir Michael of Brogan took me some time to work out how best to deploy him. I like to think that I worked that out through those hard games early season, as he finished the season marvellously, richly deserving the leading wicket taker mantle. A superb role model for our young cricketers. Rich Azar was consistency personified, and his performances improved once I stopped batting him at number three and bowling him for ten overs straight off! I think he improved his wicket haul on last season. I also tempted Mark Callow out of his premature retirement. I know that at times he has been frustrated with his own performance, and the performances of those around him. 'Grumpy' Mark is a winner, and whilst sometimes vocal about what is wrong, he is vital to the future success of this side, and his haul of 14 wickets in seven games was very decent. Martin Lander improved the longer the season went on, and Will Jacobs and Billy Taylor emerged as bright new bowling talent – more about that below.

Perhaps the fielding should be worked on over the off season, but I don't want to dwell on some of the low points, as they have been chronicled enough this season. I would like to pay tribute to Tim Cooper and Hannah Clark for their keeping performances, and to Matt Spicer who had the hard job of dealing with Dr Mike at Turnpike!

I must talk about our future. This was probably my biggest dilemma this season, as well as contending with late changes to my side! The 4th side is currently the adult side where we expect our better younger players to cut their teeth on adult league cricket. There is a tension between including youngsters on merit, or including them because they are young, and that is what the side is about. I have no problem with the former, and in previous seasons stand out under 15s have more than done their bit for the team. I know I haven't always made the right decisions in selection (who can?) but I like to think I have been fair, possibly too fair on some occasions. The need to get our young players adult cricket is very important, but bridging the large gap between our third and fourth teams requires promotion, so I welcome the advent of a fifth side. I would like some input into the selection strategy and precedence (if I am 4ths skipper next season of course!) of sides if we take that option forward.

Big bonuses this season have been the emergence of Will Jacobs and Billy Taylor as bowling talents. Will in particular looks ready to open the bowling and will benefit from another season at this level as I am sure he will get a bunch of wickets. Billy looks like he can emulate that. Rob Clinch looks like he could be a star with a decent run in the side. Lewis and Matt can definitely bat, perhaps the step from 16 overs to 42 overs requires some work on concentration.

A bit of a stellar report. On a personal note, this was my most successful season with the bat for Sarisbury. The good thing from my point of view is I know I could have done much better – four ducks and several low scores demonstrate that. I think it helped having an established opening partner for consistency, and I think that would probably be the message for the team next year – perhaps fewer changes.

I have really enjoyed my first season as 4th team captain. I would like to thank my senior players for their support and advice, and the selection committee, particularly Ian Clark for their help this year. Special thanks also to Mike Garner for umpiring, and especially to Keith for his excellent scoring and report writing, and scouting reports from the colts also!

There are good times ahead I am sure. Perhaps next season my side can have the promotion party?

Mark Hansford