By Matt Lock
Boredom sparked me into writing this report, anyone in love with spotless grammer and spelling please turn away now as you may lose the will to live reading this report.
The Saints season was plagued by inconsistancy, the 1st team failed to live upto expectations after a promising 2004 and finished mid-table. The second team however enjoyed a more fruitful season, captain Mike Bailey having a larger and more available squad to pick from which led to more victorys for the second 11.
The season kicked off for the 1st team at Greenmeads against Old Tiff's. After winning the toss Gavin Ward put the visitors in and the bowling attack reduced them to a puny 79 all out. The pick of the bowlers being Paul Chaplin with 3-9 off 11 overs. However this dream start would soon become a nightmare as the batting crumbled being bowled out for a laughable 74. The seconds battled bravely against a strong Caterham side with noteable performances by Matthew Leitch and Chris Lunn.
The following week both clubs were facing Long Ditton, a strong side. The second team grinded 135 out at Greenmeads with Steven Jenkins clubbing 71 where as the 1st team took advantage of a batsmen's wicket to post 207. The second 11 started well with Matt Leitch taking 3 quick wickets however a strong 5th wicket stand saw Long Ditton take the points. The 1st 11 on the other hand started badly with Paul Chaplin and Gavin Ward finding the wicket not to their liking as the Long Ditton top order made good work of chasing down their target. Only a sudden burst of pace from Adam Thomas who took 4 wickets made them game close as Long Ditton reached 207 with 3 wickets to spare.
Things didn't get any easier for the Saints when they faced Wandgas. The Second XI travelled with only 8 after players dropping out the night before. However they made a determined effort with the ball restricting Wandgas to 207 off 49 overs with Mike Bailey taking 2 wickets. The Saints however ran out of puff with the bat and were dismissed for 84. With only Paul Kelly and Tom Woods showing any fight with the bat. Diffacult conditions and the toss decided the result for the 1st team as the batsmen struggled to cope with a sopping wet wicket. Chasing a small total of 74 Wandgas struggled with Paul Norris and Gavin Ward giving the batsmen all sorts of problems. However they scraped home with only 3 wickets remaining.
The losing streaks for both sides continued when they faced newly merged Ottershaw & Hamm Moor. The Saints batsmen all got starts but failed to carry on as they posted a modest 167. Despite an inspired bowling spell by Gavin Ward Ottershaw chased down the total comfortably. The Second IX problems continued as they were dismissed for 68.
The arrival of Stoke D'Abernon saw a turn of fortunes for the 1st team, Alan Chaplin and Doug Newton doing well on a poor pitch to push the Saints score upto 155. Stoke seemed like cruising this total until a brilliant spell of fast bowling by Stephen McCrum who posted figures of 10-8-5 put the Saints on the backfoot. Unfortunatly the Saints could not find the final wicket and could only manage a winning draw. The seconds narrowly lost a thriller away, posting a modest 114 the second team bowlers all pitched in to get Stoke down to their final wicket. The Pick of the bowlers was Rafique and Sarah Midwinter taking 2 wickets a peice.
Poor batting would be the 1st teams downfall again against Woodmansterne. A fine bowling effort reduced Woodmansterne for 121 with noteable performances coming from Gary Smith 2-30 and Stephen McCrum 3-30. Despite a solid start from openers John Price and Matt Lock the batsmen struggled in the fading light and were dismissed for a dissapointing 103. The Second teams woes continued against a strong Croydon MO side as they were bowled out for 60. Croydon MO reached the target easily despite Habib and Jack Afzaal's efforts.
The 18th of June was a good day for the Saints with both sides posting wins. The second team showed their tremendous spirit as they dismissed Blackwater for 116 with Matt Leitch, Sarah Midwinter and Jack Afzaal all getting in the wickets. A captains innings by Mick Bailey guided the second IX to their first victory of the season. A superb innings of 82 by Gavin Ward saved the 1st team who posted 184 on a good looking wicket. Ward was in the wickets again as he combined with a good bwolign effort to dismiss Merrow for 116.
The 1sts followed up this performance with an excellent win against Merstham. A devastating spell of bowling by Stephen McCrum and Paul Chaplin reduced the visitors to 154 all out before tea. An excellent opening partnership between Matt Lock and Gavin Ward put the Saints firmly in control before Ward was bowled by an excellent full toss. Lock finally showed life with the bat and frustrated Merstham while Doug Newton set about smashing anything. A huge 6 put Ian Rosher won the game for the 1st XI who continued their march up the table. The second 11 lost out on a close game. 3 wickets by Tom Woods helped dismiss the visitors for 183 but despite efforts with the bat by Tom Woods and Paul Davies the seconds were dismissed for 155.
Shaqueel Khan was the hero for the 1st team as they won their 3rd game straight as his unbetaen 40 won against a strong Old Tenesonians side. Earlier the Saints 1st XI had destroyed their hosts batting with an excellent bowling effort. Ward, Smith and Chaplin all taking vital wickets. Despite a great knock by James Pembrooke the two's were pushed aside against Old Tenesonians.
Excellent bowling from Gary Smith and Stephen McCrum proved vital at Hampton Wick Royals as the Saints 1st XI held the Royals to 199 on the flattest track in the league. With Lock running himself out early on a strong partnership from John Price and Alan Chaplin kept the Saints on track to snatch a victory away from the high flyers, Doug Newton made sure of the win with a quick 56 off only 24 balls.
Basement boys Englefield Green were a welcome sight for both 1st and second sides as both team post wins with ease. The second XI batting first posted a huge 177 with Mohammed scoring an excellent 60, Tom Woods and Rafiq both chpping in well. 5 wickets from Jack Afzaal and a pair from Rafiq meant that the second 11 posted their second win of the season, dismissing Englefield for 160. The 1st team game was slightly less competitive, Gavin Ward and his bowling unit bowling the hapless Englefield for 61 leaving Matt Lock and Alan Chaplin the chance to tear an ordinary bowling attack apart. Lock finishing on 24*.
The Seond team continued their good form against Staines & Laleham with a winning draw. Efforts from Tom Woods (40) and Rafiq (4-34) gave Mike Bailey's men a much deserved win. The 1st team were a victim of the weather in a washed out affair. A depleted bowling attack reduced Whitely for 200 with noteable performances coming from Paul Norris (3-55) and Stephen McCrum (3-36). The Saints enjoyed a solid opening partnership with Matt Lock and John Price, before a slip on a wet wicket cost Lock his wicket when he was run out for 20. The rain then fell on an already wet Greenmeads and the game was called a tie.
The Second XI revolution continued onto Worplesdon & Burpham on the last game of the season as they bowled their hosts out for 95 after posting 117 on a poor track. The 1st team however had less fun as they were soundly beaten by a good Worplesdon side. Only Kiwi Liam Mcleod making runs with a superb 93.
Overall a frustrating season for the Saints, inconsistancy in the batting cost both sides dear. Hopefully next season with the introduction of new players the sides can become more consistant and start to think about promotion next year.
I apologise for a thoroughly bad read.