Review of the 2001 season

The 2001 season promised so much for the Club both on and off the playing field and once again the players brought home plenty of silverware! EAST ANGLIA PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, MARSH NORFOLK & SUFFOLK LADIES CHAMPIONS, BISS TROPHY WINNERS, FLOODLIT CHALLENGE CUP WINNERS AND NORFOLK JUNIOR PLATE WINNERS! With four new captains taking their sides on to the field in 2001, there was a settling in process which led to some disappointing team performances during the early season. The overseas professional, Matt Anderson from Queensland took a bit of time to adjust to the cold and wet conditions, but once the weather improved - so did his bowling ! He proved the scourge of all of the leagues top batsmen and those that witnessed it will never forget his (all too brief perhaps !) battle with Godmanchester professional Carl Bradfield at Ingham. An all-round team effort by the first team secured another EAPL title. As in 2000, it was not won until the last day of the season and again Carl Rogers was at the wicket when the winning runs were scored. The side could boast seven of the Norfolk minor county side at certain times during the season and all 14 members of the squad contributed during the campaign. Champagne moment of the season - that catch by Greg Easter at Maldon - not bad for a little fat lad !! The 2nds and 3rds unexpectedly struggled throughout the season and it took a great team effort on the last day of the season to keep the 2's up. By beating Old Buckenham by 5 wickets they secured the win that put them level on points with their opposition and they stayed up due to more wins during the season. Under difficult conditions, both Shaun Arthurton and Ashley Watson managed to maintain consistency with the bat. The former notching up 3 centuries whilst Ashley's sheer weight of runs and 'occasional' left arm spinners seeing him called up to the 1st X1 where he performed with great maturity. He should go on to secure a 1st X1 berth in 2002. With Don Gyton leading the colts side - well someone has got to drive the bus, the boys again led the league early but were picked off towards the end. Matt Gyton with 17 wickets at just under 5 runs per wicket deserves mention and begs the question why he did not feature more in the higher teams. The Ladies stormed the Norfolk & Suffolk League for the second successive season, tying up the title with a month of the season to go and ending the year unbeaten. Congratulations go to Ali Brand and the ladies squad.