Bloxwich CC 2nd XI 2006  – Captains Report

     Kelton Scott 2nd XI Captain 2006

It’s been a good season - our aim was to bounce back to Div 1A - and we did
it . However it wasn’t quite so easy as it should have been , we went through the
first half of the season unbeaten but we went to Codsall to fulfil a 4th team
fixture and our weaknesses were quickly exposed. ( Addmitedly I did swap the
batting order around that day expecting the opposition to be easy and to give
some of the middle and lower order batsmen some time in the middle - and it did
work for Dave Clarke and Paul Bailey who both got half centuries) We didn’t
get enough runs to cover for our appalling bowling and fielding that day and
unfortunately others to follow’

I don’t blame the older players who may be slowing a little as they still give
100% what concerns me is it seems like the younger players that struggle with
consistency determination and concentration. Its OK to pull off a great sliding
save or take a diving one-handed catch but we have to cut out the simple
rolling ball being missed and going for four or the dolly catch being spilled. It
comes down to attitude - all who come into the “seconds” have tried hard to
produce the goods but a lot just can’t cut the mustard when it comes to
fielding. What everyone must remember is no matter how good you are at
batting or bowling you are still going to spend more of your time fielding . So it
is important that you get your fielding right. There I’ve had my moan. So who
were the players in my side.

Rob (Buckets) Boden
Had a decent season - no huge scores but consistently got thirties and fourties
when we needed them. Also captained the side when I wasn’t available.Thanks
mate.

Dez (Wolfgang Van) Smith - The Moose
Only player to play every game and finished highest wicket taker. That sais it all
- What he lacks in mobility he more than makes up for in effort, not just when
bowling, real team player and my player of the year. “PS” Thanks for helping
on the ground when asked - Cheers big fella.

Dave (Grandad) Clarke - Black Beauty
Slowly catching up as the slowest outfielder but still produces consistent runs.
Great knock in the final game of the season at Penn ensured us of
“Champions” status.

Lee (Cadders) Perry - Big Ears
Had a good consistent year , must be the most unlucky bowler in the club.
100% tryer at everything he does and his scowls at opposing batsmen frightens
me never mind them. Also a fantastic supplier of shower gel, hair products and
deoderant.

John (Terence) Darby - JD
Most improved player in the 2nd team. His batting has come on in leaps and
bounds and overall fielding very good. Still prone to one bad ball an over and
needs to work on that - sure he will. Great attitude and always up for jobs
needing to be done. Big things to come. Well done - good season.
Steve (Teflon) Webster - Senior Pro
Decent season by “Webby” has the odd stinger now and again mostly due to
the odd beer or 12. Must thank his family too for being the team supporters
club along with Haley and Faye. Should bat a bit higher - class act.

Stuart (Migraine) Clarke - Big Chin
Talks a fantastic game and has bundles of talent - but this has been said before.
Needs to take his cricket more seriously. Winter nets will be a good first move if
he wants to pull his game up by the boot straps. Only he can do this - will be an
asset if he does.

Lee (Scamp) Waltham - Ickle
Superb attitude throughout the season. Does all the jobs that usually make a
captains job hard. Has performed well with the bat, fields very well and is the
first voice to be heard when encouragement is needed. Winter nets would do
him good and also allow me to see his legendary left arm over !!

Jason Birch - Jace
What can you say about Jace - he can bowl he can bat hit his first ton this year
but so inconsistent!! I remember in one game he took a wicket with his first ball
- a superb leg-cutter and I thought it was going to be his day. His next five balls
consisted of two beamers two full tosses and a long hop. Jace has talent but
needs to practice and concentrate on his consistency.

Steve Whyle - already has too many nicknames to mention
A fantastic addition to our school of players. Plays the game in the correct way
and has bundles of ability. Should work hard on his run-up during the winter to
cut down his number of no-balls. Will be an important player next year and his
Mom and Dad have supported us everywhere which is most appreciated.

Tom (Finger) Fellows - Nibsy
Started the season (to me) as a bowler who batted a bit. Ended the season a
batsman who bowls a little. He has impressed me this season - still nods off
occasionally in the field but has held some good catches. Wouldn’t totally write
off his bowling just needs to work harder on it.

Paul (Boring) Bailey - Big Bails
Paul is a tryer. Told me at the start of the season he wanted to open in the two’s
. After one of his numerous holidays I dropped him and he was gutted. I told
him to prove me wrong and he did that in the third’s. Would love to have him
at the top of the innings next year but needs to sort out his fitness.

Richard (Mrs Bucket) Jones
Fitted in well and added some batting to the middle order. His fielding is very
good and has a good pair of hands. More to come of him and his band of
supporters.

Mark Swinton - Swinbag
Has been rejuvenated with the bat . Scored important runs throughout the
season. His keeping is still of a high standard. What more can one say -
someone’s got to get um.

Matt Merrick
Matt is a solid cricketer, I like batting with him perhaps because he is left
handed, never gives his wicket away. The only thing that concerns me is his
availability if he were to be more available would push for a first eleven place.

Others have played in the two’s this year and I would like to thank everyone
for their efforts, Youngsters like Ashley Worgan Nathan Langley and Andy
Yorke have come in and done well Their time will come. Just keep working on
your game.

Finally I would like to thank a few people who have helped me this year, Gary
Fellows, Nick Burden, Paul Bradley and Chris Scott for helping me with the
ground. Gary Pearce for our press coverage and my Mom and Dad for their
continued work in the club kitchen and other areas.

Good luck for next year, it will be a hard one and we will all need to raise
ourselves to the challenge ahead.
KELTON SCOTT