Bloxwich CC 1st XI 2006  – Captains Report

     Matty Langston Club Captain 2006

Think everyone will agree its been a pretty successful season even though we
didn’t win the league. We finished a very close second which ensures we return
back to Division 1 at the first attempt. The team played some outstanding
cricket for most of the season and I cannot give the lads enough credit for that.
We were a little under prepared for a couple of the games and didn’t have the
right application which resulted in us losing those games. There were some
outstanding individual performances - actually too many to mention but the
main thing for me is how well we played as a team. One week two or three of the
lads would do particularly well then the next week a different two or three
would do the business. That’s why we achieved what we have this season -
because of the exceptional team spirit. I would also like to congratulate Kelt
and the second team boys for winning their league and also promotion. Well
done lads.

Here’s “The Lads” :

John (Inzy) Ackrill
Had an outstanding year. Back to his very best and he got us off to so many
solid starts to an innings which made it easier for the middle order bats. Will be
a key player for the club next year and I’m sure he will get plenty of runs in the
tougher division.

Tom Revitt
Finally found his right batting position in the middle order and made a quite
excellent 90+ against Springvale which is the best I have ever seen him bat. His
opening bowling spells were quite excellent at times and he just needs to make
himself available more.

Jezza
What an outstanding year Jez has had. He has scored runs for fun and offered
me so much help through my two years for which I’m very grateful.The club
will need all his experience next season.

Martin Wootton
Solid year from Wooty - Scored runs when it mattered. Still waiting to see the
best out of him but sure it will come at some stage.

Mo Ishfaq
I took a huge gamble on “Ish” being as he had hardly played for two years. He
did a job with the bat but his bowlin was something else!!! He is well worth a
look at as a player next year.

Andy (The mouth) McArree
His wicket keeping is improving year by year but he needs to decide if he wants
to be a wicket keeper or a bowler. His five wickets in the final game was the
highlight of his season. Also he has grown up a lot this year which will put him
in good stead for the next.

Aaron (Not so celibate) Allcock
Brilliant season for Azza. I finally got him to be a bit nasty when bowling and
he got the rewards. His batting is still hit and miss but scored his maiden
century and I am sure Jez will put him right.

James (Poppye) Lewis
Excellent first full season in the “firsts” for Jimbo. He bowls just as well with
the new ball or the old ball and has a big future at the club. Some useful lower
order batting performances as well but he fields like a giraffe!!! On the whole a
smashing young lad.

Tyrone Swinton
Only played a couple of times and didn’t let the team down. Top bloke and can
offer plenty to the younger guys.

Danny King (Tommy)
Played only the latter half of the season but did well. His powerful hitting saw
him score consistently and is reminiscent of his Dad. His fielding is about as
good as “Bails” but lets hope he plays for our club next season.

Steve Webster
Played just a handful of games but I was extremely impressed by his glove
work. He has a grand attitude towards the game and fitted straight the team.

Lee (Whippit) Waltham
Came into the team a number of times and again never let me down. He’s a
100% trier and a team player. By far the best fielder - except “Ish” of coarse!

Lee Perry
Played only a couple of games but when he did play he bowled very well. He’s a
pleasure to have in team because of his never-say-die attitude and will bowl
all day for you.

Simon (The growler) Langston
Steady season for the old man - kept the scoring rate down and let the others
take wickets round him. Still took his fair share of wickets through the season
including his first “five wicket” haul in the first team against Codsall. Big help
to me with his support just needs to buy a watch.!

Steve (Coyote) Whyle
A good first half of a season for the lad. His attitude is spot-on and he plays
the game in the right spirit. One for the future but has to stop using the same
barber as “Swinner”!

Just a few thanks to Kelt for doing the ground; Mick and Joan for doing the
“Snap” Gaz for the press coverage and anyone else who has helped along the
way. That’s about it from me, lets hope the club has a good 2007.

MATT LANGSTON