BENWELL & WALBOTTLE CRICKET CLUB

LEAGUE REPORT - 2009

The 2009 season ultimately proved a disappointment playing wise for B&WCC, with both 1st and 2nd XI's losing their places in their respective divisions. The disaster was particularly so for the 1st eleven who will now play in the A2 Division for the first time in several seasons. Apart from playing matters however the club continues to develop, and in many respects 2009 saw a far greater degree of positivity running through the club, than had been the case for a number of years.

For the 1st XI, the 2009 season was always going to present an uphill struggle following the loss of several senior players during the close season. Mainly bereft of the services of two long serving club legends, with the retirement of Nasir Rashid and the departure of Graeme Angus to Shotley Bridge (generally 40-60 club wickets between them per season), and the club's fiscal decision not to appoint an overseas professional to replace the highly effective Aniruhd Singh. The 1st XI hopes of repeating the feats of recent years in avoiding relegation rested largely on the form of the one notable new singing Kameran Mansoor, and the hope that half a dozen of the existing players could lift their performances by a clear margin in comparison to recent years. In the final analysis this was not to be the case.

The bowling was led impressively, and with much energy for long parts of the season by Mansoor, who finished the year with 35 wickets and alongside Steve Reed and Richard Waddell the trio had a productive year, claiming over 80 wickets between them. Steady support was also provided on many occasions by Malla Brown. Batting wise Mansoor again lead the way by reaching the 500 run mark, a notable feat although a tally that could easily have been bettered bearing in mind the genuine talent the player exhibits. His task was made even harder in an inexperienced and less than average 'A 'Division side, where only Steve Reed with 420 runs and Geoff Prudhoe with 342 runs managed to break the 300 barrier. In the bowling stakes Mansoor, Steve Reed and Richard Waddell were the only bowlers to break the '20' wicket mark taking 35, 24, and 22 respectively.

We also had notable Achilles heel's in many key areas of the game, with a number of matches being lost by a relatively small margin. This normally following shuddering batting collapses once the more likely batsmen had been dismissed. The bowling often struggled to hold a consistent line and length on pitches that so often offered much encouragement to the bowlers. The teams moderate fielding improved little during the year, with several dropped catches also contributing tellingly to many a defeat. On the whole therefore this season, the club can have no complaints about the resulting relegation to the A2.

The 2nd XI also had a difficult season and as a result will make a swift return to B2 for 2010. The loss of their outstanding batsman Was Aslam and bowler Craig Oakes from the successful 2008 season, for disappointing reasons largely associated with the captaincy of the side, was always likely to be decisive. This proved to be the case, added to by the frequent loss of key players to the 1st eleven due to recurring unavailability, led to a difficult first year in charge for new skipper Barry Grice. Barry deserves credit for sticking to his task in what for much of the year were very difficult circumstances. The fact that 3 early wins were recorded before selection problems arose, suggests what the side may have achieved if this situation had not been allowed to develop. There were some encouraging performances on occasions with both bat and ball, in particular from veteran Michael Green, Martin Jeavons, and on occasions Nicky Singh. Michael again was top run maker scoring 418 runs and top wicket taker finishing with 24 victims. Young Martin Jeavons continues his fine development finishing with 22 wickets. Taking a positive sign from such a negative period with the loss of so many experienced senior players, was that it allowed many of our enthusiastic juniors to get a long, if somewhat premature experience of senior cricket, and they will be all the better for that experience.

The third eleven led magnificently by Martin Jeavons and Phil Grice has now been christened the B&WCC crèche. The team played to its best ability in the 'C' Division with no less than 34 different players turning out for the club most of who were juniors. The return of Mark Bertram from his time with Newcastle United reserves helped the batting, as he reached 195 runs. Good individual batting performances from Adam Richardson and Ryan Wake were also noted during the season, and bode well for their futures. Anthony Jeavons was the top 3rd team ticket taker with 11 wickets at an average of 12. He was ably supported by young Karan Vedhara, who is developing exceptionally well with his left arm seam bowling.

If on the field performances were a disappointment in 2009, events off the field followed a different path and offer much encouragement for the future. All three junior teams completed their seasons with the youngsters showing much enthusiasm for the game, a feature, which the club has recognised by its decision to devote significant resources to a winter coaching programme for them, and the further training and development of senior coaches. Much credit, as ever, goes to those who help out in this area led by the sterling work of David Cook. The club also boasted a full General Committee in 2009, with several new members who were elected for the year showing energy and drive and giving much appreciated contributions, especially in areas of groundwork and fundraising. This continued effort will be vital in terms of both taking the club forward and ensuring workload is finally lightened from a very small number who have carried it manfully over the last few years.

Finally the club would like to express sincere gratitude to those who willingly give up their time to enable the game to be played, in particular tea ladies, umpires and the league executive.

Steven Reed
Chairman.

SEASON REPORT 2009
BENWELL & WALBOTTLE SECOND X1

3rd XI Report

The first match took place with a young team with several new members ending in the gloom at Walbottle. The side failed by just 3 runs to beat a strong Tynemouth side, and at the time it augured well for the season. Dennis Knight made an almost match winning 41 in fine fashion, but unfortunately did not make himself available for the rest of the season. Availability was always a problem subsequently and the the loss of two of the new players didn't help. In the event the team finished bottom of the league with only 2 wins. However bearing in mind how young and inexperienced the side was, it was by no means a discouraging performance, if anything the opposite in view of how close many games were, and the young players are learning the game often against sides of very strong and experienced players. We also have to note a famous victory in the Ian Appleby Cup against South Northumberland before bowing out to Benwell Hill, the eventual league winners.

Under 15 XI Report

Again the club took the field with an inexperienced side which acquitted itself well given that in most games they were up against just one or two players who were able to dominate the game with bat and ball. As with the 3rd team many matches were close and it was unfortunate to win only one game, against Backworth, an excellent victory which delighted the lads and everyone present. The game was marked by a fine 50 from Tom Lough. The team was usually able to obtain the bowling bonus point, but on only three occasions was the batting point achieved, which pointed to the chief weakness. Had the side been able to score just a few more runs with more application and composure, more victories would have been possible. However the object was achieved; a team represented the club, boys played cricket and gained experience. The difference between the team and most others was not great, in fact given that most sides were reliant on one or two players it could even be that the average achievement as a team was better. Most boys will be going into the U-18 side with some optimism given there are one or two strong and experienced players already at that level. However next year's U15s will again be be a very young side.

Owing to failure of one of our opponents to provide details, the averages are incomplete for one game. It would be very much appreciated next season if more seniors could help on match days with umpiring, scoring and general supervision.

 

U13 XI Report

A very young Under 13 XI also managed to perform creditably, and several of them will still be playing in this age group in 2010. There were particularly good performances on occasions from Callum Bell, Connor Chandler, Kyle Burns, Jesse and Chey Robson who were the award winners. Esam Abdusamad, Ben Ramshaw, Gary Philipson, Jonathon Tindall, Jacob Donnelly and Dean Saunders were always keen and reliable and all the boys improved during the season. I am sure those who will be playing Under 15 X1 in 2010 will enjoy the game and develop further in what is bound to be a young and inexperienced side at that level.

David Cook
Feb 2010

Benwell & Walbottle CC 1st XI Report 2009

After losing 3 key players from the 2008 season, and only gaining one new player, the 2009 season was always going to be a challenge.

Our season started with a defeat at home to Morpeth in a game that summed up our season from the outset, failing to score enough runs to give the bowlers a real chance. We were dismissed in 45.3 over's for 121, extras top scoring with 24. We went to Shotley Bridge the following week expecting a tough game from one of the title contenders. In a rain effected game we bowled fairly well restricting the opposition to 193, 50 of which came in the last 5 over's mainly thanks to Benwell old boy Graeme Angus. In a rain effected 2nd half we started well and were 67-3 after 21 over's when rain interrupted a game that had the potential to be very close.

The following week we beaten by a strong Ashington side who posted 189-7 in their allotted over's, largely thanks to another ex Benwell player, Si Prudhoe making 92. Mansoor was the pick of the bowlers for the home team taking 4 wickets. Unfortunately some tight bowling from the away team restricted the home team's scoring and we lost regular wickets to be bowled out for 107, Waddell making the only significant contribution of 33. This was then followed by a home tie with Percy Main, where we posted 180 -7. Waddell again top scoring with 66. After a dream start after the away team were in trouble at 1-2 after the first over, but a dogged 87 not out from Malcolm Clarke saw the visitors home in the 45th over. Heavy defeats to Tynedale (Birrell 59, Mansoor 35) and Lintz again reiterated our lack of consistency with the bat but these games allowed Jordan Goodrich to show what he can do with the ball taking 4 wickets at Tynedale.

We then travelled to Swalwell for our next league game and on a good batting wicket watched the ball be dispatched to all parts, Swalwell making 268-5 in their 50 over's. Steve Reed being the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-51. In reply a spirited display saw us dismissed in the last over for 205, (Magin 39, Mansoor 72, Reed 32) taking full batting points. We then took our first win of the season at home to Ryton, batting first scoring only 110, with skipper Geoff Prudhoe and league debutant Jimmy Carr both scoring 22. This looked well under par and a win was going to be hard work, but the Benwell opening pair went through the Ryton line up in 18 over's, dismissing them for 57. Malla Brown bowled some unplayable away swing taking 5-29 with the aid of some snappy catching behind the stumps. The other 5 wickets fell to a spell of hostile bowling from Waddell (5-27) who managed to bowl all 5. Unfortunately we could not build on the victory and we were comprehensively beaten by Sacriston away by 8 wickets. After a rain disrupted game at Annfield Plain we played Leadgate at home, restricting the visitors to 150 (Mansoor 5-29), which should have perhaps been a few less, we were dismissed for 87. Only Graeme Robbie managing to stay at the wicket for any length of time, making 38.

The second half of the season pretty much followed the first half, although we should have beaten Morpeth away where they made 206 all out, which would have been far less if we had taken our catches. Falling 50 short in our innings 5 batsmen made starts but failed to go on to make more than 30. The following week we were stuffed at home to Shotley Bridge (B&W 109, Mansoor 54, Angus 4-16. Shotley 111-0). We then travelled to Percy Main with a severely weekend team and dismissed them for 165, Reedy again doing the damage with 6-28. But unfortunately we fell short again with the bat, Steve Cook making 74 and Reedy 31 the only contributions of note, had we had 2 senior players available instead of the two u15s playing the result may have been more favourable.

Heavy defeats to Tynedale, (B&W 137, Reed 36, Mansoor 35. Tyndale 138-6 (Brown 3-27), Lintz (282-5 B&W 232. Mansoor 54, Reed 81, Prudhoe 51) and Swalwell (B&W 61 all out Swalwell 62-1) pretty much doomed us to relegation to the A2 for the first time in a number of years.
We then went to Ryton and made 273-6 (Mansoor 87, Prudhoe 63) exploiting a decent wicket and some poor bowling. We then dismissed Ryton for 152 with our total never looking under threat. (Mansoor 3-15, Reed 3-51).
Relegation was sealed with heavy defeats to Sacriston (B&W 206-5 Mansoor 53, Reed 62 Not out. SCC 209-2 Muchall 104not out) and Annfield Plain at home (AP 279-4, Newstead 106. ) B&W 53. Khan 6-27) then finishing at Leadgate (B&W 74 LCC 75-3).

Overall although relegation was disappointing we competed in most games and the team spirit throughout the season was better than I can remember it being for a long time. I think we mostly enjoyed our cricket and we incorporated some youngsters into the team which is very encouraging for the future.

I would like to express my thanks to all those who make our cricket happen on a Saturday such as Colin, Kenny and Dave for preparing wickets, Dave again for running the bar, the umpires, the lads who turn up last minute due to drop outs and finally and possibly most importantly the tea ladies who continue to provide excellent teas for match days.

All the best for the 2010 season,

Richard Waddell.