1st XI Captain’s end of season report

Earl Stonham’s 1st XI finished the season strongly, securing two victories in the closing two weeks of the year – successfully and confidently chasing 164 (for the loss of two wickets) at St Osyth and 206 (for the loss of three wickets) at Needham Market. These two results saw Stonham finish in 8th place of Division Five of the Two Counties – a commendable result for everyone involved in the team this season.

My personal thanks go to all of the players who made themselves available this season. Across the twenty games only twenty players were needed, with eleven players playing over half the games. Having a strong core of players makes the difficult task of finding a team easier, and Stonham were able to field a full XI in every game – something that can’t be said for all the teams in our division (or, indeed, several teams from higher leagues).

Looking ahead to 2019, the makeup of Division Five will have something of a “Suffolk Premier League” feel about it. Stonham will once again face local foes Stowupland, Needham Market and Nowton, whilst old opponents Easton and Battisford bring the total number of ex-SPL members in our division to six. Luckily, only three trips to Essex await next season with the division primarily containing Suffolk-based sides.

Whilst enjoying a well-earned rest, remember that the ever-popular Dinner and Presentation Evening will once again be at the Stowupland Crown – this year on Saturday 17th November. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Stephen Lewis, 1st XI Captain