The season recently over saw over a record 100 games played, obviously events tumbled over one another, with their usual successes and disappointments, which means much must be left out. One player whose disappointment must have been acute is Bryn Jones. After being appointed 1st team Sunday Captain which everyone had eagerly looked forward to, he sustained an injury which put him out for the season, not before however, he had scored a great 103 not out. Along with Roy Hall being hors de combat, these blows were softened somewhat by the appearance of a fiery and explosive newcomer. With a Christian name of Guy, perhaps one should have expected this, but his innings of 137 almost on debut, which sent the ball out of the ground on at least ten times, coupled with the unfortunate appearance of the fire brigade on two subsequent occasions, provided plenty of colour. Guy Clifford, ladies and gentlemen.

Possibly the high spot of the season and few of those privileged to see it will ever forget it was the winning of the Central Warwickshire League KO Shield. At the time we had been on a lean spell and certain players had been accused of a lack of application. This was a complete vindication, teamwork was of the highest order, every man supported the other and long before the end of the game, Lloyd's Bank, the strong favourites, were completely demoralised. It is almost unfair to pick out individuals, but the game was a personal triumph for Ansell Pottinger into whose shoes the difficult job of captain had fallen. Along with doing this job in exemplary fashion, his 95n.o innings was full of attack and venture, had a story book look, and I am sure he will look back with justifiable pride for the rest of his lifetime. Sharing the same glow, Mick Hemming and Graham Plimmer gave first class examples of their particular skill. Almost an equal illustration of the art of batting was seen in a match at Cheltenham. Despite being in the twilight of a great career, in which he has been the hero on many, many occasions, Austin Caddick's effort that day must be among his best. One would hardly call David Genge a religious man, but he has a shrine and it is the hallowed turf at Stoney Lane. This good shepherd apart from this had a great season as 2nd team skipper. A young veteran showed undiminished enthusiasm in everything and this has rubbed off on our younger players who responded so well. Mention of young players showed that earlier seasons' promise bore fruit. Phil Stokes, Neil Plimmer, Mick Hemming and Stephen Bose all firmly established themselves, while Mark Homans, captain of the under 16 XI made a 2nd team place his own while the two Andys', Andy guest and Andy Rasin proved no handicap. Alas, and it is all part of their education, these boys were very firmly put in their place by the result of the senior junior match. Admirably captained by John Plimmer the seniors won comfortably, proving once again there is no substitute for experience.

Senior players Pete Holland, Les Pearson, Paul Wakeley, Roger Smith and Stan Redding all had great seasons, as did John Green and Martin Lawrence. Despite absence for a time with injury, Martin had an impressive record as 2nd team Saturday skipper, losing only one match. By the way, Martin is expecting a very fit and bronzed squad by the time next summer comes around, away with porridge and water cress the new measures are sauna, solarium and dare I mention the masseurs Apart from winning many laurels competing with the big clubs in a six-a-side tournament at Old Silhillians, the new venture of the cricket tour to West Wales was an outstanding success and enjoyed by everyone who took part. Admirably organised by Dave Genge and Brian Wilkins, the hospitality and cricket offered was of the highest standard, and although the weather did it's best to interfere, all games were played. Incidentally, anyone requiring a cure for blues, get Terry Hall to recount his adventures on the motorway and also the Castle Hotel Tenby which he names Faulty Towers, where the doors when pushed, immediately hit one in the face.

Well thanks for listening, might I just add that while we salute those who have won the awards, I feel sure the winners will not begrudge the thought that everyone sitting here tonight in one way or another shares in those awards equally. It is this spirit of goodwill and friendship in every quarter, that makes Sheldon Marlborough the great club it is.