Last week’s bulletin was busy with reporting on the final league matches of the season and colts day, and it was amiss not to give a few column inches to a reflection on the club’s achievements this season. From a league cricket perspective, we had 2 objectives for the season:

The first was for the 1st XI to be promoted – we not only achieved this but we won promotion as division champions, winning 12 matches, drawing 2 and suffering only 4 defeats. CLCC had 4 of the top 10 batsmen in the division (Alex Martin 370 runs @ an average of 61.7, Mohammed Ateeq 386 @25.7, Charlie Anderson 408 @51 and Harry Dahiya 432 @ 54) and the leading wicket taker in the division in Dave Brown (37 wickets at an average of 16.95). The other leading bowlers for the 1st XI were Roger Vessey (21 @ 18.2), Bilal Nisar (16 @20.4), Waqas Kiani (14 @ 15.3) and Steve Hallam (13 @ 20.4).

The second objective was for the 2nd XI to avoid relegation having been promoted the year before. This was achieved comfortably as we finished in mid table, 71 points clear of the relegation zone. We won 7 and lost 11. Leading run maker was Mike Pickard (473 @ 43) backed up by Alex Martin (288 @ 96), John Moffit (226 @ 17.4) and Brian Shipley (211 @ 21.1). Brian Shipley was the leading wicket taker with 23 @ 30.1 but he was closely followed by Alex Walker (21@ 13.3), Emily Brown (17 @ 19.3) and Max Higginbotham (17 @ 26.9).

From a batting perspective both Alex Martin and Mike Pickard have outstanding aggregate season returns from their performances in both the 1st and 2nd teams. Alex aggregated 658 runs at an average of 73.1 and Mike totalled 593 runs at 39.5.

A third key success of the season has been the re-establishment of Sunday cricket. With good availability we have been able to play most Sundays with the odd exception since mid June. And Sunday cricket has been a key component of the fourth major success of the season, that being the development of senior colts within adult cricket. Many of our colts are not just turning out in league cricket, but are also performing to a high standard and contributing to the club’s successes. But Sunday cricket is crucial to keeping that flow of talent going from the colts to the adults. In all, 11 colts have represented the club in adult sides this season and you will have read about the performances of most of them in these pages throughout the season.

With league cricket finished, there was just the one fixture played this week, a friendly on Saturday at home to Northwood. The weather was perfect and a close game of cricket was enjoyed by all. The visitors batted first and a typically economical opening bowling partnership from Emily Brown and Alex Walker meant that on a good batting track and a fast outfield, the Northwood line up were always playing catch up. Dave Brown further tightened the screw taking 1-7 from 5 overs and 2 wickets apiece for Ronald Eltringham, Shan Patel and Alex Walker meant that the Northwood innings could only get to 175-7 from their 40 overs. The chase got off to a rapid start with Alex Martin dominating the Northwood bowlers. Skipper Brian Shipley was playing the supporting role but when he went in the 13th over for 16 Alex kept going until he was dismissed in the 22nd over for 72 and the Chenies score had reached 100. Ian Gilmour kept the impetus going with a brisk 34 but when he was dismissed the innings momentum had subsided and it was left to Youie Nichols to take charge, and she did an excellent job of marshalling the remainder of the chase alongside Luke Marsden, then Shan Patel and it was Ronald Eltringham’s well placed nick through the slips that sealed victory. Youie finished on 17 not out, but it was her calm approach to the chase under pressure that caught the eye.

Next week we are intending to arrange a friendly fixture away on Sunday.

Colts News:
This week we have a summary of the season from our U7 coach, James Herring:

This year has seen an increase in membership, attendance and standard across the section throughout the season. All of the players have developed in their core skills of batting, bowling and fielding. After impressing all of the coaches early on in the season, two teams – “Thunder” & “Lightning” – were entered into the Marlow Big Bash on Sunday 30th June. This was the first competition for the players so nothing major was expected apart from everyone enjoying themselves. With some great play by everyone on both teams, Team Thunder managed to win the tournament. It was a great surprise for not only the coaches but also the players along with their parents, who were thrilled by the result. The season culminated in the big finale game of the players versus the parents. The players won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 91 runs off some mediocre bowling from the parents. This left the parents having a tough run chase against some “keen and accurate” bowling attack from players. Unfortunately for the parents, they were all bowled out leaving the players to win by 11 runs; well done everyone. The game was played in a great spirit by all. It was an excellent end to a successful season with plenty to build on for next year in 2020. A huge thanks to Shaun, Ian and Charlie for their commitment, patience and excellent coaching throughout. We are also very grateful to the parents for the time and effort that they have made to the club; but most importantly in supporting all the children. The season will start again next April where we will aim to play more matches throughout the season. Thanks to all involved.

In other news:
As the season draws to a close attention turns to events at the club throughout the winter:

Sun 29th Sept, from 10.30am – working party to put the ground to bed for the winter. Further details to be communicated shortly.

Senior Awards night. Current plans are for this to be on Sat 5th Oct. Further details to follow.

2 November – Bonfire Night. This is the single biggest fundraiser of the year. Please do make some time to help out either at the event itself or in the run up to the event. There is lots to do and it falls to the same few people every year – please help out to make it easier for everyone. Look out for further details in due course.

18 January – AGM

1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th March – Winter nets at Dr Challoners Grammar School.