HYTHE & DIBDEN CRICKET CLUB

                           SKIPPERS REVIEW OF 2005

Over the next month I am hoping to get the views from the captains on the teams performances last season and also their expectations for the new season.

First XI skipper Simon Dixon goes first and looks back on his first full season in charge.

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Despite finishing below half way in the league for the first time since our elevationto County 2 some 3 seasons ago, 2005 was a beneficial and good season for Hythe's First XI.

With a weakened bowling attack due to the absence of a South African speed merchant, other bowlers had to take on more responsibility for the teams cause. Ben Kendrick bowled superbly all season with his 7 wickets against Calmore a highlight of the season, and as he was available for the vast majority of the season it was like having a new player on board.

Richie Froggett obtained his 100th wicket for the first team during the season and bowled, I believe the best he has ever done in the first team, again maybe caused by taking on extra responsibility due to no Christof or Eugene at the other end.

John Mayhew was a vital addition to the side. Having been away with the army, he joined for the second game against Ellingham, and bowled beautifully throughout the season. He will however be badly missed in 2006 as he continues his army career.

Simon Wright bowled very well and tidily when called upon and showed how vital it is to have back up bowlers throughout the side. Simon took his chance and finished with 11 wickets but deserved more. His bowling will be important in years to come.

Ian Bainbridge has the potential to become a very good first team player. It was unfortunate that he could only bowl in two games, but showed more than enough ability to play at this standard. Hopefully his appearances will be more frequent in 2006. Buncie, get on the case and sort it !!!

The batting was very good throughout the year, with the exception of the Portchester game when we were inserted on a rain effected pitch by their cheating good for nothing, slimly challenged captain. As with the bowling the batsman had to rely on their own talent instead of knowing their was an overseas player at the other end who would always bail them out. The top five all scored 240 runs this season with four of these passing the 300 mark.

Rob James was brilliant all season, easily the best since joining the club five years ago. Though he struggled with form early in the season, he still scored three unbeaten 50's on the trot in this time, and the hundred he scored against South Wilts was one of the best innings I have seen at this level.

Kev James, though missing some games during the season, had his best season with the bat for some years, his 60 against Hook a match winning knock in a closely fought match which sealed our survival.

Without bowling one's trumpet, I myself enjoyed the best season since playing for the First XI, especially batting with Rob James, with whom we averaged 69 for the second wicket through the season.

Sean Tongs was his dependable self, with his extremely patient innings at Calmore, and his innings against Hook being the highlight.

Simon Wright continues to improve with his 100 against Calmore, on a very slow low difficult surface, rating alongside Rob's as one of the best I have seen.

Ben Kendrick chipped in with some useful runs, as did Dave Guymer, a definate top 6 batsman for many years to come.

The fielding was, for the vast majority of the season, typically Hythe !!! By that I mean one minute brilliant ( Richie's catch at Calmore, Mine at Ellingham ) and one minute appauling ( all 43 overs at Basingstoke for example )

Our overseas player for the season Charlie Clemons was a demon off the pitch, but seldom one on it. He disappointed with his bowling throughout the season, and when he got a chance to bat, though showing obvious talent, tended to give his wicket away too cheaply. His bowling in the very last game gave an excellent example of the talent he has, and he feels he has let himself down as well as the club with his performances. He has spoken since his return that he would love to come back and perform for us. If it was upto me, i'd have him back tomorrow, but feel that this is something for all of us to discuss.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Ben Smith and Russell Moore for playing at extremely short notice through the year, indeed there was only one game where we fielded 11 adults ( and we lost that one ). We were fortunate to have Trevor Vaughan to umpire for us for the last two thirds of the season - thank you Trevor. Thanks also to the ladies for the teas.

Special thanks also go to Robbie, Richie and Paul who helped me in what was my first season as captain. Thanks also goes to Gary Howe for helping out with the colts, and Sean and Mike for preparing some excellent wickets throughout the year.

We set our stall out at the begining of the season to consolidate our position in County 2 and help the Second XI get promotion. Unfortunatley only the first part of this plan was successful.