So, last weekend the season came to an end, as our three Saturday teams played their final matches.
After a disappointing loss the previous week, the 1st XI finished a very decent season with their best result - an away win at Parley. Premier League Champions Parley had won every game before this, and were looking to finish the season undefeated, so to turn over the run-away league winners was a tremendous way to end the season.
Key to the first innings was undoubtedly Stu Sweatman running out their prolific Australian for 'only' 115, with 12 overs to go. However, there was also a star performance from U-15 Harry Woolway, who took 5-47 as the rest of the Parley batting failed, leaving them on 203 all out. The chase started positively, with Sweaty first out for 60 with the score on 99 in the 18th over. A few wickets then fell, but Rob Burfitt remained solid and was joined by Harry at 142-5. Together they put on the remaining 63, Harry reaching 23 not out while Burf top-scored with a fine and disciplined 76 not out, to guide the team to a comfortable 5 wicket victory.
To finish 6th in the Premier league was a good result for the team this season, particularly as player availability was patchy. There were some fantastic wins - notably the big run chase to win at Wimborne and of course the win at Parley, and but for a poor run of five straight defeats after a good start to the season the team might well have finished in the top three. Well done to Chris Hedges and all his players on a good season.
The 2nd XI also beat Parley on the final day, but almost managed to snatch disaster from the jaws of certain victory! Having bowled Parley 2nd XI for just 87, an early collapse and the regular fall of wickets meant the Fred Chant was required to steady the ship with 46 to guide the team to a narrow 3 wicket win. Earlier 3 wickets each for Fred and Conrad Fish, and 2 for Cameron Rawson had done the bulk of the damage to the visitors batting. It was a strange games - with several of our players having fielded, batted, been out and showered before tea!!
Still it was a win, and saw the 2nd XI finish 5th in the league - again a decent finish given a poor start to the season and a mid-season slump that threatened to leave the team involved in a relegation battle. Rhys Horsman did a fine job as Captain, having to use a wide pool of players, and we will be wishing him well in his year away travelling down under!
The 3rd XI travelled away to Crewkerne for their last game and again, the team were essentially undone by one opposition batsman having a very good day! This time, Crewkerne's no.5 hit an aggressive 92, enabling the home side to post 233-6 in their 45 overs. Eddie Stevens picked up 2 wickets and Jordan Nettley bowled a decent spell of 1-22 in 7 overs. In reply, Stalbridge were always behind the required rate, but managed a respectable 154-8 at the close of play, with Eddie Stevens (57), Ben Chandler (42) and Julius Guthrie (26) the key contributors.
Though the side has this year lost a lot more games than they've won, it has nonetheless been an enjoyable season for the team, in which many young players have gained valuable senior cricketing experience against some decent sides. Well done to all involved and to those who've helped run the side, especially John Arter, Matt Coleman and Phil Calcott.
The Sunday XI's last game was the previous weekend so the team had to wait nervously to see how other results went this week, which would determine whether they ended up in 2nd, 3rd or 4th spot in Division 3! In the end, Sturminster & Hinton won their game, leaving our lads in 3rd place - last weekend's tied game against Stur proving an important result! Congratulations to Rob Knight and his squad for the highest league finish amongst our senior sides.
Now that the season has ended, we would like to express our thanks to all the players for the way they have represented the Club, both the seniors and our very successful junior sides. The weather this summer has made it a very much more enjoyable season than last year and we hope everybody has enjoyed their involvement with the club.
We all owe a great deal of thanks to all those who help run the Club. We won't name them all here, but many thanks to all our groundsmen, umpires, scorers, tea ladies, coaches, team managers, committee members and supporters.Your efforts are very much appreciated!!
Finally, a couple of dates for your diary:
Sunday 15th September - groundwork session in The Park at 10.00am (help needed to treat the pitch etc.).
Saturday 12th October - Annual Dinner & Senior Presentation - ticket details to follow soon.
Have a good and to the summer & see you soon!