Dorridge 3rdXI Captains Report 2007

 

The team that left the field after being soundly thrashed in the pre season friendly against Cookhill could hardly have considered themselves promotion candidates for the forthcoming season, and more disappointment was to follow with the news of John Wright's decision to retire from playing cricket.

However amidst the gloom, welcome reinforcements arrived in the form of club newcomers Tom Barker and Steve Griffin, and it was a transformed team that comfortably beat Alvechurch in the first game of the season. 

In the next fixture, with the deteriorating weather, Dorridge faced their sternest test and, after being put into bat on a very bowler friendly pitch against Bretforton, our feeble total of 106 proved no match for the eventual division champions, although they were wobbling at 40 odd for 4.

The pattern of the season had been set. The toss became crucial, and with the unrelenting weather making batting extremely hazardous the bowlers were usually in control. Options in the pace and seam department were somewhat limited and we frequently took the field with no less than five slow bowlers in their attack. However, over the course of the season, this proved something of an advantage. With the pace taken off the ball on the very wet pitches, Dorridge's tight consistency led to many teams succumbing to the constant pressure that was applied.

Our batting line-up frequently changed due to availability but generally performed well in the adverse conditions and the tail also made significant contributions on several occasions. I believe we still need to try and make bigger scores when well set, rather than getting out and leaving it to someone else. Apart from this minor criticism, and some questionable calling, our batsmen proved they were a match for any team and showed they could be formidable with their destructive hitting winning many games for Dorridge.

On a less positive note, our fielding leaves a lot to be desired. With an ageing side, it is painfully obvious that this is the one area where we were second best to most teams. It was proved just how important in the away game at Ashton Under Hill. The opposition were cruising to an easy win only for a great piece of fielding which resulted in a run out, followed by a batting collapse, giving Dorridge an unlikely victory by 6 runs.

If we are to compete in a higher division next year we will have to make significant improvements to this area of our game. Such moments can turn games and change defeats into wins.

To sum up, the team (some 32 players) performed with enthusiasm and a desire to win which resulted in promotion to Division 4 next year.

 
It would be wrong not to mention some outstanding individual performances, notably, Steve Hooper with an amazing 7 for 4 against Rowington and Rob Collen's promotion clinching century against Tanworth but the achievements were a great team effort and everyone who played should congratulate themselves on their contribution to a very successful season. 

Finally, I would like to thank all the players; Richard Adams and Malcolm Ord for selection advice; Tom Barker for doing an excellent job in my absence; John Wright for his work on the ground, umpiring etc and a special thank you to Linda for her many years of tea making. I wish you well in your retirement.....we will miss you.

Now we can look forward to next season with the knowledge that many teams who have been promoted from our division have gone on to gain promotion to the next division the following year.

So can we!  

 
Mick Perrin