The 2003/2004 season was probably not one of the strongest for the C1 side. A great many factors contributed to this, but really it came down to a lack of numbers week in week out for the first half of the season. As you have probably guessed or know the C1’s side failed to register a win in the first 6 matches of the season. This had a detrimental effect on confidence and on the team’s chances of making the top 4 and gain a semi final berth.

However, even with confidence and numbers down, the C1 boys managed to have fun despite losing, and this saw the team remaining positive and edging closer that elusive first win. This win came in Round 7 against Dee Why RSL. It was a good win and there was a small chance of an outright victory, this was also the second game of the season where we had a full side – again lifting confidence and reminding the guys of what winning was like. This win was followed up with another win against Cromer Green, a loss against Manly Waratahs, another win against Long Reef and then another three losses before a big win against Dee Why RSL, and finishing up the season with a narrow defeat at the hands of Cromer Green. Despite the number of losses the C1’s were in with a chance of the finals until the last round. A few small things going our way through the season may have seen us scrape in for a semi final spot, but them’s the breaks and the season was fun for all involved.

Rather than dwelling on how many games the team won and lost it may be better to look at the more positive aspects of the team, such as the fine looking bunch of players that appeared in C1’s throughout the season.

The C1’s side saw no less than 24 players grace us with their presence, whether it be for a fielding stint, a half game, a whole game, or for much of the season. Without these guys making appearances the season could have been a whole lot less fun. I will give a run down of the players and some comments on each

Alley, Douglas: played two games, didn’t find the form of last year with the bat, still a freak in the field, and even got called up to open the bowling in one match – probably his highlight.
Ball, Anthony: played three games, still and absolute power hitter of the ball, involved in the highest opening partnership of the year, and managing to knock up a 50 in double quick time. Infamously ran over the boundary and up the hill next to a ground after taking a catch – giving the batsman 6 runs instead of catching him out. Funny after the game, but maybe not as funny when we looked like losing (however, we did win).
Beckett, Michael: Sherman was a new comer this year and played in the first 5 matches before being unable to play more matches due to other commitments, was establishing himself a solid opener, an excellent fielder, and a player of much promise. A good bloke however and we hope to see more of him in the future seasons.
Brown, Anthony: An inspiration for all of us on and off the field, for his great attitude, his hugs, and his tireless efforts to help the team out. Mr Brown had a good season establishing himself as very good change bowler, a reliable batsman anywhere in the order, and even as a fill in vice captain on more than one occasion. Further improving and managing to be a close challenger for most improved for the second year in a row. Won the moustache growing comp with his John Newcombe impression.
Eames, Daniel: played half a match, scored 0 not out without facing a ball – seemed like a nice bloke.
Fisher, Matthew: captain, played every match, didn’t do too much this season with bat or ball, but had fun with boys and enjoyed a beer after the match. Probably pick of the keepers in C1’s for the season, with 6 catches from 2 full innings as keeper.
Foye, James: played half a match, scored a duck, and then hasn’t been seen since. Would be good to have back at the club in the not too distant future.
Griggs, Grant: played the first game of cricket in his life this season. Seemed to have fun and racked up 8 runs with the bat with some sweetly timed fours. Has been a regular one the sidelines for a few seasons now, managed to tear him away from his chair and beers, funnily enough never saw him again.
Henderson, Colin: only saw “sexy” Col for one match, looked like he was in for a good year with the ball and maybe even with the bat. Unfortunately wedding plans stopped Col from playing any further part, but congratulations to him on his engagement and just in the past month his marriage to Alyssa. Hope to see more of him next season.
Hopper, Ashley: the “eclipse” was a great gain for the breakers club, hailing from Zimbabwe, Ash was great batsman, a solid fielder and one of the truly great drinkers of our time. Unfortunately lost to the Breakers as he has headed back to England. The first player to find the club through our website at www.manlybreakers.org for those who do not know.
Hoskins, Nicholas: fielded for half a game and took a catch. A good kid.
Johnston, James: the “pelican” probably didn’t have his best season, but he managed to turn up for matches week in week out – if he didn’t it was usually due to car trouble. Took his first wickets for the club, and managed to score a few runs when he got past the duck. Jim was the regular keeper and at times looked very good behind the stumps, but at other times he looked like a fine leg fielder trapped in keepers gear. Another contender for most improved.
Lavery, Robert: again the star player this season, as well as vice captain. Rob started the season well with twin 70’s in the first match. Rob took a bag full of wickets, scored over 500 runs, and even scored a century in round 7. Seemed to lose concentration in a few innings, but Rob had a fun season and was an excellent vice captain. Thanks to Rob for his work on and off the field. Picked up the nickname of “Lego man” from an opposition team due to his white plastic helmet.
Lemarchand, Allan: Al – he’s a whole lot of man. Al was at the heart of the C1’s all season, he turned up to every game and gave 100% week in week out. Al’s best work this season was generally in the field, and he managed to bag a few good catches and actually was leading the catchers for a good while. The runs were a little scarce, and also the wickets – but each time Al had a go and would never die wondering. A true team man who I am sure we will see next season.
Lincolne, Andrew: played one game, didn’t get a bat (played the one game where we got to a position where we were able to declare), and only bowled one over. A nice guy whom we didn’t see much of.
Monin, Jeff: the super sub. Although Jeff didn’t play every game this season he was a handy acquisition when available. One of our leading wicket takers, probably a little lean on the runs this season, but always handy with the new ball and higher up in the batting order. The type of all rounder any team requires week in week out to be a competitive force in any competition.
Moore, Roger: the ultimate team man and all round great bloke. Rog played just three games this season, but was there most weeks scoring, saying g’day, and/or helping the team in the field. Rog was still plagued by his bad knee, but always gave 100% for the team, and he truly bleeds blue, maroon and a dash of gold. Would be great to see back as a fulltime player in coming seasons.
Myers, Adam: played one game, scored runs where many failed to get off the mark and really enjoyed his first cricketing experience.
Naidoo, Shiven: made the step up to C1 Manly Warringah park cricket from the Sydney Shires competition. “Token” scored quite a lot of runs, shook off his MBCC catching bogey and chimed in with some handy bowling, yielding some handy wickets. “Toke” was able to make an appearance at most games despite work commitments and fit in with the club really well. It is a shame he is heading to Brisbane for his new job, as he is a great guy to have around on and off the field.
Phillips, Matthew: Matty has been around the club for a while, but managed to play a lot more games this season. Matt improved out of sight through the season, making the step up as a formidable opening batsman, and a snappy close in fielder. Matt’s bowling continued to be consistent, but probably didn’t yield as many wickets as he may have liked. A worthy winner of the most improved award and a close runner up in the moustache growing comp, with his half Elvis, half Dennis Lillee impression. A great guy to lift spirits on the field with bizarre chants and constant innuendo.
Reckerman, Ryan: Ryan again continued his rise in the bowling ranks with some great spells, a few handy wickets and tireless work rate, both while bowling and in the field. Ryan’s batting also reached another level this season, managing some good scores, very few ducks, and even to hold on and hit the winning runs in one of our few victories. A guy who continues to improve and could be one of the best in the club with a bit more time.
Smith, Richard: Another newcomer to the club, Richo was a fantastic find, but probably a bit to late in the season. Rich managed to score a lot of runs, without to many dismissals in only 5 games. Will be at the higher end of the batting averages and aggregates with a full season under his belt. Funnily enough, another guy who loves a beer with the boys, but then again who doesn’t?
Stivens, Benjamin: Stivo was also a good find for the club and with some more game time will be handy all rounder. Stivo can bowl and bat and managed a few runs and a few wickets this season. Despite sporadic and limited appearances. Definitely hope to see more of young Ben next season.
Sweet, Christopher: What can you say about this guy, he has done it all in park cricket and now is in the twilight of his career – now it seems the game is about having a good time to this man. A close competitor with Jimmy as receiving the most nicknames this season, some of the best include “Dude”, “Digger”, and “Grandpa”. Chris was probably the most consistent bowler this season, and again claimed a bag full of wickets. He hit a quick fire century in the second last round to show us all he can still bat, and was always the first guy at the pub for a beer (as long as someone gave him a lift). Managed to be leading wicket taker, leading field catcher and one of the highest run scorers – a solid season despite his claims it wasn’t one of his best.

Anyway that just about sums this up. Overall it was a fun season, involving many great characters and some shining moments for most of the guys. Hopefully next season will be better in terms of team performance, and hopefully it comes somewhere close in team spirit and enjoyment. I’d like to thank all the guys who helped out with everything this season on and off the field, and hope you all take out some good memories and come back next season for that elusive first Breakers premiership.

Lastly, congratulations go to the B3’s on winning the President’s Cup match in extraordinary circumstances with Rob Herne’s brilliant 6 of the last delivery of the day – just remember no one remembers who bowled the ball.

All the best
Matt Fisher
C1 Captain
Manly Breakers C.C