B2 Captains Report 2008/09: Bally's Bulletin
| by Anthony Ball (captain) |
The B2s began the 08/09 season with a healthy squad of 16 players, with this we welcomed 2 new players to the club, Jon Eggins and Dean Mayall. It was not long until we saw their talents on the field and they became an integral part of our team for the season.
Although the initial squad was quite strong, we lost our opening bowling combination of Dwayne Thompson and Nathan Peterson early in the piece, both having to pull out of the team for various reasons, leaving a hole in our attack. Chris Kettlewell was our main opening bowler and we tried various other combinations throughout the year including our debutant Jon Eggins who really impressed us with his pace and his enthusiasm on and off the field. Justin Barbaroux and Phil Sweet were also used as openers during the season and were at times troubling our opposition with swing and movement off the pitch.
Our Bowling attack was a little under par but it was our batting that really let us down in quite a few games. Gary Hanson and David Lang were our opening batting combination in most games and did a good job putting on a couple of memorable partnerships, Gary making his highest score against Long reef of 83 n.o. in one game.
Chris Kettlewell made another century this season against Manly Leagues, eclipsing the century from last season (109). He belted a scorching 120 runs before being dismissed. Other notable scores were JB’s 88 , Wayne Mcdougalls 78 and Dean Mayalls 65 on debut all against Cromer in rd 1!
We had a BBQ at games this season and although it was a pain at times, everyone got a feed and a drink in to them which lifted spirits when we were down (and with only 4 wins this season were more often than not).
There were plenty of highlights throughout the year: Phil Sweets return to Manly Breakers!, Arthur Smith scored a few 30 odds and was required to bowl in most games, Rob Spit’s fielding this season was unstoppable and, Wayne Gormley found a new way to field a ball using only his shin bones, amusing all with his new found talent. Wayne McDougall ducked home to let fluffy off the leash returning to the field a relieved man and Gary Hanson did the worlds greatest shave and is still trying to shake off all the ladies.
All in all we had a good team spirit throughout the season and shared some laughs with each other during and after games and finishing with a win in our last game was a good way to cap off an unfortunate but fun season.
A big Thank You to Justin Barbaroux for all your help as Vice Captain and to Wayne Gormley for organizing BBQ and team essentials during the season.
Enjoy the off season boys as we look forward to 09/10
Cheers, Bally.
Individual performances:
Justin Barbaroux - A true gentleman of the game, had a very solid year with the bat and ball and was, as always, a very safe pair of hands in the field. Did a fine job as stand in skipper in my absence and was always offering good advice in tight situations as vice captain.
Jon Eggins - Jon was an immediate breath of fresh air, thrust in to the team. This man was as enthusiastic as they come, appealing for everything and launching himself at the red leather. His bowling was outstanding at times and late in the season he threw the bat at everything and hit some large sixes. Nice work Meggsy.
Wayne Gormley - Wayne really helped me out at the start of the season, putting ideas into reality and organizing things behind the scenes, He didn’t trouble the scorers this season with the bat, but he bowled exceptionally well and took some crucial wickets. He also found time to make sausage jokes and would always comment on my sausage.
Gary Hanson - Gary really developed as a batsman this season and put on quite a few partnerships making his highest score for the club and proving to his team mates that he is the real deal. Gary have you found your bike keys? Oh yeah, there in the ignition.
Chris Kettlewell - Chris had a fine year taking wickets and scoring runs. He took some amazing catches throughout the season and always managed to lend his advice to anyone willing to listen. He made another century this season and played in almost every game. Nice work Supercoach
David Lang - Langy was unstoppable with the bat at the beginning of the season featuring in 2 big opening partnerships. He bowled well when required and threw a leg at everything in the field. He was always there to umpire and score, well done Langy.
Dean Mayall - Dean’s first season with the Breakers, he scored 2 half centuries and was a force in the field taking some brilliant catches. We learnt that Dean is also a good bowler but never really got the chance to show us what he could do.
Wayne Mcdougall - Wayne had a flying start to the season with a fine 78 in the first game but it was his bowling that impressed later in the season, throwing the arm over and taking some wickets. It’s rumoured he also impressed throwing the leg over as well.
Mark Mullineaux - Skiddy had an average season behind the stumps, throwing himself at some wayward bowling and fielding, He did manage to upset a few opponents with some’ old time’ sledging tactics and it was good to see our little friend get into some runs this season. On ya Warren.
Arthur Smith - Arty had a Good year with the bat getting starts in many games and hanging around supporting other batsmen only to leave himself stranded. He also bowled well and was unlucky not to take more wickets.
Rob Spit - Robbie “the Cougar” Spit was a standout this season in the field, his presence at mid on was felt by all and rarely would a ball get past him. Wasn’t the best season for the cougar with the bat but he did love that sausage.
Phil Sweet - Phil’s return to the Manly Breakers team was as good as they come, this guy is cricket through and through, not only is he good at it, he makes it fun. Phil bowled very well during the season and was rewarded on a few occasions. His batting was solid but was unlucky not to score more. Welcome back Philby.
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Return to Summer 2008/09 Results