Saturday XI end-of-season captain’s report
The 2023 Season was a positive year for the first XI, narrowly missing out on promotion to Division 5 by 6 points. Finishing 4th in Two Counties Division 6.
Earl Stonham’s bowling was key to our good form, Dan Jones was a new addition to the team and fitted in brilliantly on and off the field. Opening the bowling at Kesgrave, he frustrated the opposition with figures of 2/35 off 9 overs. This proved pivotal in a tight game, we went on to win claiming the full 20 points.
We made our home ground a fortress, playing 7 and winning 6 at home. Throughout the season all of our bowlers delivered, but especially at home.
Some notable performances were Ant Stowe’s match winning 5/39 at home to Braintree. Ben Water’s Maiden Fifer (5/46) against Colchester Cavaliers, again a match we won at home. Kieran Gregory’s 4/19 at home to Worlingworth was a joy to watch, Stephens Lewis’s 4/30 against Colchester Cavaliers was ridiculously good. Playing at Mildenhall on our opening game of the season, Ollie Foster delivered match winning figures of 4/29. But who can forget Colin Macrow’s bowling masterclass away to Worlingworth, in a tricky spot and the opposition looking settled. Colin stepped up and bowled his best figures of the season with 5/21, a great performance at 62!
As well as Dan Jones we welcomed a familiar face, in Scott Martin back to club. It’s great to see you back Scott! Some good innings at the end of the season bodes well for the 2024 campaign. Another new recruit was Jon Card (JC) it didn’t take him long to get settled scoring 85 on debut. His form was crucial to our success this season, scoring five 50’s in 12 innings.
Our other batters were on form too, Stephen Lewis’s match winning 92 at Mildenhall & Jonny Hails blistering 53 off 38 balls which included three 6’s stand out.
Along with the afore mentioned, we discovered an allrounder hidden in our ranks; Ollie Foster. After a mini batting collapse Ollie had a fair bit of time at the crease. He grasped this opportunity with both hands, scoring his maiden 50. Ending on 62 runs and hitting one of the biggest sixes I’ve seen up the hill at Stonham! Long may this good form with the bat continue.
Now the season has come to a close and end of year renovations have taken place, we look forward to our Annual Dinner and Presentation evening on Saturday November 18th. Tickets are still available, and if you wish to come along please get in touch with myself or Simon.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, at this early stage it appears to be another competitive league with some new opponents. With the league from 12 to 11 teams, we now have 2 weeks in the season off for some much needed respite. I believe we are in a great position as a club both on and off the field and improving on 4th position should be our aim.
I’d like to thank everybody for their efforts and continued support this season. I hope to see you on November 18th at the Dinner.
Luke
