End of season captains’ reports
1st XI
2019 was a disappointing year for the 1st XI, with only 3 wins achieved en route to finishing bottom of Division 5.
The side’s bowling proved itself to be the bright spot of the season. The attack was admirably led throughout the season by the ever-improving Ant Stowe and Martin Stevens, and the additions during the season of Taylor Thorpe and Ollie Foster offered variety, youth and pace.
Unfortunately, the batting lineup struggled throughout the campaign. With inconsistent availability and seemingly constant poor form, runs were often hard to come by. As well as making games more difficult to win, low-scoring losses only achieve the lowest of point scores – further compounding the match result.
Individual performances of note include maiden Stonham half-centuries for Dan Snell (home vs Nowton) and Steve Stowe (in an away victory over Hadleigh), Stephen Lewis’s career best figures (7-17 in a home victory over Maldon), and Ant Stowe’s maiden Stonham 5-fer (7-38 away to Easton).
Despite finishing bottom, Stonham will remain in Division 5 next season because of league restructuring. Next year it would be great to see as many existing and new members as possible at the pre-season nets, to help us prepare for another testing season of cricket.
Stephen Lewis, 1st XI (Saturday) Captain
2nd XI
With back to back promotions, Earl Stonham Sunday XI now found itself in Division 2 of the Hunts County Bats League; not knowing quite what to expect we began the campaign with an away game at Bury St Edmunds, a fixture we won. After five games we had recorded 3 wins and 2 losses, beginning to sense the quality of the league.
Across the campaign we had some brilliant individual performances and team efforts, Jake Dye’s match winning century against Brettenham and Sam Fenning’s brilliant 141* at Long Melford stand out, not forgetting Steve Stowe’s ruthless hitting which led us to victories over Nowton and Bardwell.
The bowling has also been key to our success this season with Ant Stowe really stepping up and showing maturity with the ball. Reliable as ever Jordan Dye was there to support along with stalwarts Paul Storer, Colin Macrow and Stephen Lewis. It was great to have Taylor Thorpe back in the side who always gives us a threat with his pace bowling and the occasional spell of spin!
Our fielding went up a level too, this was typified by Tommy Edgar behind the stumps who really shined with the gloves this season. His reliability makes my life as captain a lot easier, so I thank him for that.
Earl Stonham Sunday XI finished a strong maiden season in Division 2 with a win away at table toppers Bardwell. A great team effort by all which epitomised the whole ethos of the season. Overall finishing 4th in the league, winning 7 and losing 7.
My thanks to everybody who played and supported us this season. But special thanks to Mandy, Clare and Polly who help with all the off-pitch preparation. From helping with Cricket teas to washing up and tidying, your help is much appreciated.
Looking forward to the 2020 season with optimism.
Luke Edgar, 2nd XI (Sunday) Captain.
