2007 Review
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1st XI Report
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The 2007 was a season that many had
hoped would be one of numerous victories for the 1st XI and an
instant return to Division One of the South Wales Cricket Association.
Having been reappointed captain my first aim was to ensure we had a
nucleus of a side that would firstly hold its own in the Second Division
(and if possible push for a promotion position) and secondly to introduce
some of the younger players into the 1st XI.
With the departure of John Davies (Pontir),
Rhodri Lloyd (Swansea) and Ben Wright (Glamorgan) there were batting
spaces available at the top of the order. It was pleasing to see the
return of Andy Daniels and Alex Tunnadine and with Mike Lloyd a year older
and having experienced senior cricket the batting seemed to be in good
hands. The batting line up was to be strengthened further with the arrival
of James Marsh. Alex Jones was informed by the County that he had to
remain playing First Division cricket so his departure to Tondu meant that
a new opening bowler was required. Tom Dilnot-Smith (formerly of Penarth)
filled the position.
So to the start of the season, we were
pleased that our opening game was to be against recently promoted
Pontyberem. It was expected that they would be one of the weaker sides in
the Division and a comfortable victory would be there for the taking. The
game was far from easy and despite winning, it was evident from the outset
that we could not be complacent. We would have to work hard every week if
we were to achieve our goals.
The following five weeks saw us up
against teams that no doubt considered themselves promotion candidates and
if we were to make any impact in the League then good results would be
needed. The excellent win at home against Dafen gave the team confidence
and with winning draws against Clydach and Skewen followed by victories
over Llanelli and Gorseinon, by the end of May we were well positioned at
the top of the table.
However, the winning ways were soon to
desert the team. A one run loss, at home to Pontardawe, (a game that
should have been won easily) followed by a defeat at Morriston and another
against Llangennech, brought the team crashing back down to earth. With an
abandoned match thrown in for good measure, we now found ourselves in mid
table and asking ourselves some searching questions about how to stop the
rot.
The answers were not found immediately
as we suffered the worst defeat of the season away at Dafen followed by a
losing draw at Clydach. However, the excellent performance in the field
against Llanelli the following week gave the side belief that we were
still capable of winning the remaining matches. A victory over Gorseinon
followed by the win away at Pontardawe, which was without doubt our best
performance of the season, ensured that we would certainly finish in the
top half of the table and if we could win the final two matches then one
of the promotion spots would be ours.
Unfortunately the penultimate game of
the season was abandoned so we had to travel to league leaders Llangennech,
needing maximum points in order to be promoted. Could we get the 26
points? In short – No.
So, were our goals for the season
achieved?
The team did finish mid table and were
in a position for a promotion bid at the end of the season, so the first
goal was achieved.
With regards to the youngsters, Mike
Lloyd played a full season in the 1st XI. He batted with
authority and common sense (most of the time!) and showed that he had
progressed significantly since the year before. We have high hopes for him
this summer.
Elliot Swallow played on several
occasions as understudy to Stuart Morton. His wicket keeping was
impeccable on every occasion and he made a notable contribution with the
bat at Clydach. In addition, Jack Harris showed he had the fight and
commitment when he played. I expect 2008 to be a big year for both of
them.
There is no doubt in my mind however,
that the find of the season was Nick Davies. He came into the 1st
XI to bowl his left arm spin and immediately took to the role like a duck
to water! He finished with 21 league wickets at an average of 17.6. A
great performance for the season. Just carry on Nick!
These youngsters performed admirably and
will hopefully play a vital role in the 1st XI in the 2008
season. If more of the Club’s youngsters, under the guidance of Richard
Finucane in the 2nd XI, can match the commitment and
contributions made by these then the future of Cowbridge cricket looks
good.
Jonathon Smart
1st XI
Captain
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