My first year as captain for the Denham 1st XI did not start well, as we struggled in the early part of the season due to player unavailability. I didn’t register my first win until July, against Little Kingshill.

Tthe turning point of the season is when the team went on the cricket tour to the Isle of Wight. We came back enlivened with fighting spirit. After the tour our record was excellent played 6 won 3 drew 2 lost 1. This helped us to reached 172 points and to finish 8th.

Notable performances of the season: We had 6 players who scored centuries (Paul Hazell 2, James Nicholas 1, Colin Tobin 1, Faisal Mahmood 1 and Russell Bowry 1). The bowling was good as well with James Nicholas taking 23 wickets, Faisal Mahmood 21 wickets and Jamil Shiakh 19 wickets.

Tthese figures for batting and bowling are a great improvement from last year where no centuries were scored and no bowler took 20 wickets. 1st XI batting and bowling averages

I would like to congratulate Paul Hazell in winning the batting award and for some excellent displays of batting. He was well supported by James Nicholas, the reliable Colin Tobin, young Faisal Mahmood and the excellent recruit halfway during the season, Russell Bowry.

James Nicholas won the bowling award on the last day of the season from Faisal Mahmood and Jamil Shiakh.

I would also like to thank for the following players for the good availability during the season Stuart Payne, James Nicholas, ColinTobin, Joe O’Hara, Jack Grover, Jamil Shiakh and Faisal Mahmood.

I would also like to thank the following players for filling in at short notice for the 1st team when they should have been playing in the 2nd team: Phil Ashworth, Peter Schembri, Ken Knowlson and Steve Bull.

For the club to make progress, it is essential for players to play where they are selected, because if we have a good 1st XI we will be in a better position to attract more players, which will strengthen the club as a whole.

It is my belief that with the players who finished the season, plus a couple of acquisitions, the 1st team can challenge for a promotion place, because this season we dropped 60 points due to poor play and poor playing availability.

I would wish my successor all the luck in captaining the team as I we will be stepping down and I will be available for what ever side I am selected for.

PS I would like to thank Pete Murphy for again preparing an excellent wicket during the season and would also like to thank Yvette and Leighane Redmond in preparing excellent teas during the season

Played 16, Won 4, Drew 5, Lost 7

Thanks

Dave Maynard