I am not sure when or even if I agreed to Captain the Academy side for 2009! I am sure Ibbo and Hamps will maintain that I did indeed agree!
Having played and at times skippered the side in Division One the previous season I felt I knew enough to suggest that the role would be rewarding and challenging in equal measure.
The background to the season was relegation from Division One with just one victory, thanks to the carpet bowls skills of Goldberg in holding his nerve to run out the last Oughtibridge batsman. Our performance simply reflected a step too far too soon for the team in a very tough league. We did however continue to do things properly and to give 100%. The benefit of this was evident during the 2009 season.
I went in to the season safein the knowledge that the past was mine and the future belongs the lads who would come under my leadership for season 2009.
My strong view was that the side should consist of players capable of going on to first eleven cricket and hopefully beyond together with more senior players who had experienced cricket at that level and who could assist young players in their progress towards that goal.
I apologise if this did not meet with universal approval but not too strongly.
It also became apparent during the course of the season that perhaps the second eleven for a variety of reasons was not the best place for young cricketers to continue their path towards first eleven cricket. I therefore tried to shield as many players as possible from that experience, again controversially (what me?) but in my view for good reason.
I hoped at the outset that every young player who played for the club would give his all in terms of training and on match days and that each one of them would improve as a cricketer and learn from the Academy experience. I am satisfied that nearly every single player achieved this, which stands the club in good stead for the future.
One or two more senior players were adopted along the way as part of their rehabilitation and hopefully were all the better for the experience. No not you Priesters!
There were times when there was a distinct lack of more senior players and Simmo at 26 was next in time to myself, followed by the positively ageing 21 year old Tom Lister! We must ensure that Simmo has a better balance for 2010.
Thanks to all the parents who provided assistance with transport when the number of eligible drivers in the team fell as low at 2!
So, many highs, many frustrations, the usual internal conflict or two later how did we fare. Well despite relegation (which may be no bad thing for the club long term) I would say we achieved a considerable amount.
The players under the excellent guidance of Riaz trained hard in well structured practice sessions. They represented the club in keeping with the Collegiate tradition of hard but fair play and impressed many opponents, umpires etc along the way. This was probably best demonstrated in our cup run and in our ultimately unsuccessful final appearance. That day summed up what we are trying to achieve.
We also it must be noted won 7 league matches and were relegated by 1 point in a league containing a good number of first elevens. I think in so far as a side which is relegated can say this, we achieved an awful lot.
To all who sailed in her the Academy ship was a happy one I believe, an environment in which young players felt able to express themselves and to improve their cricket. This is in no small measure to the contributions made by the likes of Hamps, Mr Chairman Sir, Priesters, Simmo, Shaka and Lobber (apologies to those senior charges not named- you know who you are).
I wish my successor Simmo all the very best for season 2010 and look forward to working closely with him in my capacity as leader of the Stiffs. I also look forward to working with a good number of the 2009 Academy team on their journey to YL cricket. Josh and T have already had a taste of YL cricket and have both made promising starts. May there be many more!
The junior section of the club could not be healthier and is a credit to those volunteers who have given their time to developing young cricketers. In particular Julie Lister and Riaz. Apologies to the many others.
Here's to a succesful 2010 season whilst not forgetting many happy memories of the 2009 season.
Cheers
Jonesy
I have collated all my match reports (we are just a couple short Simmo),scorecards , player profiles and this summary and will be happy to add any photos to the account if anyone can assist.
I will be happy to provide copies of the finished but far from polished product should anyone be so obviously short of anything worthwhile to do.
