Well the 2007/08 season was certainly a stark contrast to last year for the reining C2 premiers. We were promoted up to B3's & were looking forward to testing our skills against better opposition with the confidence that comes from winning a premiership. But after a very promising start where we won 4 of our first 6 games it all went pear shaped with only 1 more win for the season & that was from a forfeit.

A number of things i think contributed to this, not least the fact that we couldn't actually get on the field due to the wettest summer i can remember. In one period in February we went 4 weekends in a row with no cricket. When we did finally get on the park we then had problems getting a full 11 players. The last 4 games were plagued with selection headaches with players unavailable for one reason or another. The second last game we had to play 2 short which really is unacceptable & gave us no realistic chance of getting into the finals.

Having said that, I feel our batting wasn't up to scratch in the 2nd half of the season and that was the major reason for our eventual demise. Despite these setbacks we still were in it up to the final game and with a little more luck could have sneaked in.

We also lost some quality players from last year including Billy Serong, Stuart Hill, Jeff Monin and Dave Richardson who all made big contributions to our premiership win last year. Add to this the limited availability of Dwane Thomson, Nathan Peterson and Mark Hill due to personal reasons or injury and we really were up against it.

That’s the negatives out of the way now for the positives (yes, there were some). The batting of Chris Kettlewell was a highlight. After missing all of last season with a knee injury he returned with a vengeance to wreak havoc on opposition bowlers. The partnership of 112 for the 9th wicket between Arthur Smith and Rob Spit in game one against Long Reef was one out of the box. Along with Nathan Peterson they took us from 7/50 chasing 281 to 269 and almost a famous victory. Also the fight back against Wakehurst when we were rolled for 31 in our first innings yet came within 3 wickets of an outright win.

Individual performances:
Dave Lang - Langy was reliable as always and although not as penetrating as last year was still a valuable contributor with the ball.
Anthony Ball - Bally had 2 outstanding innings of 140 against Manly leagues and 79 against Long Reef. If you didn't get him early he'd punish you.
Justin Barbaroux - Took the rains as captain after injury cut Nathan’s season short. Captained, managed and juggled a side which changed from week to week; a run machine in the top order was slowed a little this season but still scored runs at crucial times. (This assessment was brought to you by Gommers)
Mark Mullineaux - Even though his batting slipped this year his keeping was first class with some spectacular catches and stumpings.
Arthur Smith – A very consistent first season from Arty with his near match saving hundred in game one a highlight. Also valuable with the ball.
Nathan Peterson - Season cruelly curtailed by injury after a good start with the bat. Not much luck with the ball.
Rob Spit - Started off great with his 37 in partnership with Arty in the first match but suffered from a lack of opportunity after that.
Gary Hanson - Great inns of 40 in 131 run partnership with Chris Kettlewell against Wakehurst and showed ability with the ball especially in last game with 3-34. Good first season and will get better.
Wayne McDougall - Probably struggled a bit with the bat although his 47 opening the batting against Manly Leagues was fantastic to watch. Late season destroyer with the ball.
Dwayne Thomson - Fast and fearsome as always with his 5-56 against Wakehurst a highlight. He was greatly missed during his unfortunate absences.
Wayne Gormley - Improved his reliability with the bat with his 33 at Dee Why a match winning innings. Also picked up valuable wickets at crucial times.
Chris Kettlewell - What more is there to say. Outstanding.
Mark Hill - Finished his career at the Breakers in style with his usual wicket taking ability and experience. He was greatly missed at the end.

Well there it is. A season of great potential unfulfilled. Despite the setbacks it was still a pleasure to play with great team mates who always gave their best no matter the situation. Thanks to everyone who helped me on and off the field this year while Nath was away and here's to an enjoyable and successful 08/09 summer.

Justin Barbaroux
B3 Vice Captain