For me there are not many other things that give can give you the same feeling of pride as pulling on the shirt and cap for the Manly Breakers every summer (and sometimes winter). This pride is canonized through the lads that make up the club and the privilege of leading these men each week as captain.

This season saw a quantum leap for the Manly Breakers Cricket Club, with the expansion from one team to two. I say quantum and in knowing the work that goes on behind the scenes by a number a people, it is probably an overstatement, but nonetheless it was a very significant step! To take a team that has been together for almost 4 years and been mates for more, and split them for the sake of Club growth, well it was a risk.

But.. it paid off. The two teams that the Breakers put on the field this summer into B3 & B4'S were absolutely cohesive and competitive!

The guys that joined the Manly Breakers this year have fitted in, contributed and brought all the added dimensions to the Club, that we were hoping for – they are our good team mates.

For the B4's, we had six new regular players join us: Matthew Beckett, Anthony Brown, James Johnston, Rob Lavery, Jeff Monin & Patrick Ryan. The depth of ability these lads gave to the B4's was fantastic.

We started our season on a great spring day and up against a team that we have some not so fond memories of, Dee Why RSL. This team for some reason is a bogie team for the Breakers and in the first round of 2002/03, that was not about to change! We lost to them in a narrow defeat in a game where we should have been flogged. With hindsight what that game displayed for me was the steel of the team I was in. It showed and the season proved that every member of the B4's had plenty of heart and the never say die attitude that develops and delivers champions!

We had a very gratifying and solid win against the Manly Leagues Cricket Club, in a game that was a highlight for me as a captain. Gratifying not just because we defeated the club that envies everything we are and stand for, but because of the spirit that was shared between both sides in a game that is always a bit more than just another round in the summer.

The year developed many new stars and reaffirmed many of the longer serving team members as those that can turn a game in your favour.

Rob Lavery was devastating with the bat, he bludgeoned plenty of opening attacks and was a pleasure for all of us to watch him score runs. His abilities as a keeper were not lost on the side and his glimpses with the ball have put him in good stead to terrify teams next season.

Jeff Monin, was solid as a batting opener and equally with the ball. Jeff was hitting some of his best form with bat & ball towards the end of the season and his ability will be a major contributor to the success of the team next season. Jeff took some memorable catches this season in the slip, gully and point regions and even managed to throw the keepers gloves on a couple of times for good measure.

James "Jimmy" Johnston, what can I say about Jimmy... Nothing! No plenty, Jimmy is a guy who even in the greatest challenge of his game (holding his pants up) never gives less than his best. James began to find form with the bat and the gloves throughout the season and even attempted the ball once or twice. He scored runs when others further up in the order struggled and picked up some very neat catches for the bowlers. Jimmy has plenty of character and ability, I'm looking forward to seeing go around next season. (The contract in the mail along with a new pair of cricket pants).

Anthony Brown, "Browny", "Tones", "Big Fella..." Absolute Nutter! Tony was our psychological weapon against teams. He would always be doing some bizarre dance, signal or war cry like "Cmon!" in the field. His personal behaviour with good mate Matthew Beckett, showed to many that they are close.. just don't ask! But on a serious note, Tony along with his 100-year old bat scored plenty of runs, rode many a pony and could find the boundary. Tony is a great bloke, good team man and is one of the most improved players this year who promises bigger things for the club in the seasons to come.

Matthew "Blitz" Beckett, Now I include Matthew here even though he joined the team just after Christmas, because it is fitting of their closeness and friendship that he and Tony be side by side. Matty is an absolute athlete! His bowling for the B4's in the second half of the season was excellent. Matthew's Contribution with the bat and in the field were equal to the effort with the ball. Matt or as Browny will call him "Ginger Nuts" gave the team further depth in all areas after the mid-season departure of Doug Alley. If the word on the street is true, a side with both Dougy and Blitz in the line up would be very exciting.

Patrick J. Ryan, I met Pat through work and he mentioned he had played a bit of cricket. I have to say I'm very glad we had that conversation, which led to him joining the Breakers in Winter Comp 2002 and this summer. Pat had a mixed season by his own standards, he hit his straps with the ball around December, taking 21 wickets for the season at an average of 21.33. His pace with the ball is what the B4's needed and he put the fear into one or two of each teams batting line up and at training some times ours. With the bat, Patrick has plenty of ability and he will be better next season for his run this year. His mind for the game was utilized by me throughout the year and I feel we have another future captain with Pat's ability for the game and leadership.

Now for some of the old guys – Matthew Fisher's run scoring and bowling feats were again a asset to the team, with Fish always providing a turn when you need it most. Matt was my vice captain this year and stood in for me on a few occasions this year. Matt is a stable the B4's or any team needs and is definitely our Mark Waugh of park cricket.

Anthony Ball made a brief return and it is scary to see that he has not lost any form even when he hasn't played for nearly a year.

David Lang, Colin Henderson, Roger Moore and Matt Phillips all backed up again this season and they each put 100% into every game and I certainly appreciate their effort and commitment to the team and the club. Roger in the last couple of games seemed to relax and showed us all the form we know he is capable of. He is without a doubt for me one of the most inspiring team members in the club.

Doug Alley, had a blinder of a season, then left to pursue his career in Queensland. Doug captured a couple of inspiring innings with the bat scoring personal bests of 51, 64 and 66 runs. He picked the ball up and took some impressive wicket hauls, one of which was against Seaforth taking 7 wickets for 21 runs. Not bad kid! Doug was missed after his departure for the remainder of the season.

A special note of thanks for Allan Le Marchand. Allan made a return for the Breakers this season to form part of the squad late in the season. Thanks for your effort and being a great clubman and answering the call. We're glad to have you back and look forward to you being a more permanent part of the team next season.

In the season that was 2002/03 the Manly Breakers B4 squad won their share of games and have set up a solid foundation for 2003/04. I personally look forward to being part of that team with a great bunch of blokes who I have enjoyed playing side by side with and leading as captain.

Special note, best game of the season without a doubt was the Presidents Cup! The B4's were awesome!