2003/04 Cricket season, man what a ride!

This season for the Manly Breakers B3’s was like a roller coaster ride at a fun park!
There were plenty of laughs, thrills, scary and magical moments to go into our scrapbook of cricket life and we loved every minute of it.

This season we saw the return of a podgy Greek bloke who could take a couple wickets last year! Well he lost a few kilos, scored some runs and took a bag full wickets this season.

The two of the three most impressive moments of the season came from this fella, Nathan Peterson, with a game against Balgowlah Golf C.C where he claimed 13 wickets for 84 runs in that match and in another match against Dee Why (who are a sharp bowling side) he scored 65 runs, picking up 22 runs in one over! Much to the bowler’s depression Nath thumped him for 4,6,6,6.

I won’t mention the third moment just yet but will reflect on some others where as a team we rose together to give the competition a shake.

Round 1 we played Cromer and put on a nice 179 run total and beat the 2002/03 Premiers, R3 the Breakers played Harbord Bombers and with absolute grit and determination we fought for a draw. We scored 222 runs chasing 269 runs with some of the top order falling early and proved to ourselves that we had the steel and ability to score under pressure and not throw away our wickets. From here Harbord held a passion of bad blood for the Breakers that would see both teams take it to the wire for a spot in the semi-finals!

On the lads, Mark Mullineaux had one of the best seasons I’ve seen him have with the gloves in years! Mark turned the clock back to 1985 or something. He did a great job and along with his feel for the game, ability with the bat, his contributions were vital and often timely for us.

Paul McLennan, every team needs an athlete or two or three and Pauly is ours. Paul’s cricketing ability, be it with bat, ball, in the field or as a motivator has been a value that may be we took a little for granted. Paul moved to the South Coast and finished playing with the Breakers in January 2004 and we missed him!

A funny moment with Paul and also a heart stopping moment for me was round 1. Paul was opening the batting and faced the new ball, the first of the season. I was umpiring at the other end and asked Paul if he would like middle? He replied no it’s okay! Paul then planted his front foot down, swung the bat back and smashed the delivery out over mid-off for 4! My heart did stop for a second and in true Paul “Chalkie” McLennan fashion he was not fazed at all, except he had that half smile.

As far as the other lads, well I could write pages and pages, Ian “The Fashion Prince” North just grew as a cricketer in his approach and ability to surprise himself or may be just us, “nice wicket Ian”. Rob Herne, he is a wine that just keeps getting better with each season. Rob and Phil Sweet hold a great batting chemistry and what Rob missed this season he doubled through the mentoring he receives from Phil.

David Lang improved with the bat and while it did not reflect in the runs (I know the feeling Dave) it was evident to his team.

Rob Spit, this guy will be one to watch next season. Rob found a spot in the slips through a pre-game drill and looks to continue with that spot as his. With the bat Rob found his rhythm in the later part of the season and will score plenty of runs next year, building on this season.

Justin Barbaroux another good season and Justin has the ability to score his share of 50’s and I really feel a ton or two. Justin stepped up for us this season with a couple of stints with the ball and he too is a valuable leader within the team.

Chris Kettlewell, this guy can bowl and we’ve all seen the “frog in the blender” spin bowler Paul Adams, well Chris is a “frog in the blender” on full speed! (No Offence). A few batsman lost their wicket to Chris and blamed his bowling action as opposed to their lack of ability to play a very good ball. Chris had some cameos with the bat, but I think there are a lot more runs from Chris to come.

Bruce Flint “Copper”, came to us through a long and winding story told best by David Lang (You ask him..) A Flint highlight was against Collaroy Plateau where he belted the ball all over the park, out of the park, possibly to the moon and back to score 104* runs off a hand full of overs! He and Phil Sweet put on a 164 run partnership and I’m sure Phil might have wished for Bruce to retire, get out, fall over or anything so he could hold the strike just long enough to score a century himself. But true to Phil he turned the strike over giving Bruce his maiden century for the Manly Breakers.

Phil Dunn, our oldest member filled in with us and always put in and picked up some valuable runs, catches and a wicket for the B3’s and I hope he backs up again with the Breakers.

Phil Sweet, I have said it on many occasions and in every Captain’s report where we’ve played together, but I say it again and impress on you its sincerity and weight.

Phil is nothing less a champion both on and off the field!

I have always appreciated his mental input, even when we might not be eye to eye, his ability and contribution as a player and further as a clubman. Phil had what I’m sure he would consider a quiet season with the bat and a reasonable one with the ball by his standing, but when you consider that he still managed to score 315 runs and take 24 wickets it is only a glimpse of his ability as a cricket player.

The 2003/04 Manly Breakers B3’s had plenty of feel this season and bonded together as a team and as mates. We had our share of wins, opportunities grabbed and lost and those games where we may have lost but we didn’t let go until the very last ball had been bowled. We were put out of semi-final contention by an administration and management blunder of the Manly Warringah Cricket Association Committee and I feel we held ourselves as a team and a club through those trying weeks, setting a benchmark for others within the association.