How the mighty have fallen, yes unbelievable, Sheldon Marlborough were relegated for the first time, do not despair however, this happens to the best of clubs, a perfect example is Birmingham City Football Club. Seriously though, after many seasons of great success on the field 1989 was looked forward too with great confidence. Sadly, very early in the season adverse circumstances, injury and illness appeared, David Hart a great spearhead, left for Cornwall, experienced and dedicated players like Derek Hey and Rhys Williams disappeared from the playing scene as did Andy Rasin who had looked forward so much to resuming after a blank 1988. This ill-fortune continued, unaccountable loss of form by established players arose, a series of narrow defeats caused frustration, confidence quickly departed, team spirit became low and everyone seemed to try and find reasons other than their own ability. We can be sure a prime reason overlooked, was the very much better quality of the opposition. However, captains, team selection and umpires were shot at, so please forgive me, it was perhaps poetic justice when our players were shot at themselves in a miniature Hungerford at Nether Whitacre.

Enough of the gloom however, the two teams on Saturday finished 8th and 9th respectively which qualified us for Division Two of the new Combined Counties League for 1990, our main objective, many great games there were allied to splendid individual performances which in a moment or two I will outline in a short A to Z.

Pride of place must go to the tremendous record support for our club received from members and friends both practically and certainly financially. The 100 Club, most ably organised by Richard Mousley realised £800, Ball Sponsorship £750, once again special thanks to Bill Flavell for providing the ladies diamond dress ring as top prize in our Summer Draw. Looking around and they certainly make a charming picture, Lads make sure your glasses are full, let us toast our lasses. No club is better served by our wives, sweethearts and most certainly our Tea Ladies, we could not survive without any of them. On your feet lads, the toast is The Ladies of Sheldon Marlborough.

The beautiful summer weather resulted in few games being abandoned, the Devon Tour wonderfully organised by Martin Lawrence was a great success for all with four games won and no defeats. The perfect hot summer resulted in the ever-present home support of Bernie Rasin, Reg Trevithick and Pete Wilson. In the clubhouse suntrap their thirst too was unquenchable.

For a distinct change the only trophy we managed to win was the Marston Green 2nd XI K.O, which was a great match, but strangely enough the finest match one could ever wish to see was the friendly epic, Senior v Junior. Although the Juniors won by 12 runs only and were ably captained by Mick Hemming, the result was unimportant really. Everyone played like men possessed, cricket at it's very best.

Bear with me now, let me introduce some of our players and personalities of 1989 in A to Z fashion.

THE BISHOPS, Arthur, Clive and Barbara. Arthur 'mower man supreme', every match the outfield due to his efforts was a picture, his enthusiasm rubbed off on Clive, who never let us down when called upon at short notice to play as he invariably was.

STEVE BOSE, like the Blackadder in looks only, takes his cricket and life seriously. Hit a great 69 not out v Wombourne and 50 v Warwick. His marriage to Jane obviously took up his time. Congratulations to them both.

GARY CLARK. 1989 brought to Gary experience which we trust and hope will benefit the club and himself. 35 wickets indicate his potential.

DAVID DUNKLEY. David is our Under 16X1 Alpine Captain and a popular one and the club have high hopes of him. Hit 43 not out v Coleshill and took 5 for 15 v Castle Bromwich. Great work David.

PETE FREEMAN. The envy of every opposing club in his dedication to the job of club scorer. Bryn Jones will tell you he never let him down. Peter, almost unapproachable when doing his job, which also includes compiling statistics in a professional manner. A big hand for Pete.

JOHN GREEN. His marriage to Diane was the high spot of the club social season. A veteran now who still enjoys his cricket and all it stands for. Known as the 'prevailing wind' a long and happy future to two essential people.

MARK GIBNEY. One that can be well satisfied with his 1989 season. Mark showed great improvement obviously because of his very possible use of our new coaching facilities by Uncle Steve. 47 wickets, took 3 for 4 v Birmingham Municipal, 3 for 12 v Dorridge, Runner up in the Presidents Cup, Held 15 catches too. Well done Mark.

DEREK HEY & DON HARRISON. I will couple Derek and Don together, both have been great bowlers in past seasons and have been difficult to replace. Don has the respect of the players in the unthankful 1t XI umpires job, while Derek's committee work and experience continues to be invaluable to us.

MICK HEMMING. Discovered by Les Campton as a 15 year old for our 1st Alpine team, who reached the semi-final in 1976. Had a cherubic face then and he still has, but this masks his great determination to win. A prodigal son who returned to us from Moseley after a long spell in Birmingham League cricket. A quickie who can be really quick, how much we appreciate his return. 55 wickets with best performance 7 for 57 against Bridge Trust, a Vice Captain of value. A big hand for Mick.

BRYN JONES. Our 1" XI Club Captain. Despite scoring 868 runs and starting off with a great 107 v Tamworth and 65 v Wombourne, will I am sure feel a sense of disappointment with 1989. Terribly keen to lead the side to great things, a nasty injury upset his confidence and coupled with other key players and poor results he felt it keenly. 5 times man of the match, a most attractive batsman when on song. Heres to a better 1990 Bryn.

MARTIN LAWRENCE. Our hardworking Chairman and 2nd XI Captain. Had to take a lot of stick from well meaning people about the poor show of the teams in 1989, compared with previous seasons. As usual absorbed it all with a grin and a guffaw. His personal contribution 30 catches in the style of Peter Shilton and a century against Nether Whitacre. Will still need another cabinet for his trophies.

DANNY MARSHALL. An under 16 player of great promise, thrust into senior cricket perhaps too early, never let anyone down and made his mark.

RICHARD MOUSLEY. Following a super 1988, he is another player who lost confidence. After a great start with 101 not out against Walmley and 93 v Camp Hill seemed afraid to play his natural game. Came back strongly in nearly winning the man of the match Juniors with a hard hit 61. Big failing ... Aston Villa supporter.

DAVE MULL ARD. One day Dave will reveal his full potential which is that of a brilliant cricketer in every phase of the game. Despite 62 not out against Coleshill and a spell in the 2nd XI never really got going. Make 1990 your year Dave.

ROB NICHOLLS, Another hardworking lad at his game which showed results in all round fashion. A brilliant fielder, 760 runs and 40 wickets. Failed his first century by just 6 ruts v Bridge Trust.

STEVE O'REILLY. A popular and talented all rounder, circumstances limited his appearances, otherwise would issue a strong challenge for players. Had a splendid tour with 60 v Mendip Acorns and 49 not out against Blossomfield.

NEIL PLIMMER. A most valued player and former 1St XI Captain. Excellent wicket keeper with 23 catches, lacked batting opportunities, which must come.

NICK & PHIL PRICE. Hardworking season for Nick as Alpine XI Manager and showed further value to us as 2nd XI Umpire, while Phil's efforts as an improving wicket keeper brought him 17victims.

ANSEL POTTINGER. One of our longest serving and popular members with his charming family. He can rejoice in his own fan club, this is true, a lady supporter of an opposing refused to believe he was not Lionel Richie. A patchy season for Ansel, but the enthusiasm and determination never wavered. 760 runs, 39 wickets his best haul for several seasons.

THE RASIN FAMILY. Bernie, John, Andy and Jimmy. Bernie everyone knows as a sterling supporter in every way, but 1989 will depart with few regrets for John and Andy. They both set an example to us all in how to deal with the set back of serious illness. John's recovery was miraculous after a serious operation, no moaning or letting up in his background work for his club, Andy too. Therefore it must have been a source of great satisfaction to John and Pat to see mercurial Jimmy have such a terrific season. Nothing mercurial about his cricket though, except his occasional airy hand wave to spectators. Made the first team 1215 runs and 69 wickets. Man of the match 11 times. Practice made perfect, truly a reason for our congratulations.

STEVE REYNOLDS. Our longest serving member is Steve, confined to Sunday cricket only now, but our most reliable player for 18t XI batting and bowling. Invaluable work as Coach, long may he continue. 101not out v Lapworth, 69 v Wellington and 6 for 34 v Wednesbury were his best efforts. Thanks to Steve.

STAN REDDING. A groin injury turned into a groan injury when it prevented Stan from competing in the Senior v Junior game for the first time. He was like a caged lion, his enthusiasm for the game and his club is as great as ever and his popularity with friend or foe more so, a dressing room morale booster. Stan always provides a string of funny remarks. I invite you to ask him about his pet aversion, his next door neighbour. I know Stan will not mind me using his copyright when he referred to the bowling appeals of our now retired President Les Pearson. So loud were they that umpires in 4 different cricket matches over 2 square miles raised their fingers. For the first time in several seasons failed his 1000 runs by 89 runs. 66 not out v Hampton in Arden, 4 for 19 v Lapworth were his best efforts with 8 man of the match awards. Please keep going Stan.

NEAL SMALLWOOD. I wish I had some of his hair. Limited appearances only showed us his possible potential. Outstanding fielder in the Presidents Cup and also led the Falcons XI well.

PAUL WAKELEY. Part of the establishment and known as the 'Pump'. Has a deep love of aircraft and an ambition to pilot his own plane. Certainly rose to the giddy heights with 99 not out against Marston Green out of a total of 153, mainly shared with Steve Bose. In a display of fierce hitting in this cup match, his 10 sixes and 6 fours in less than 50 balls had everyone on their toes. Scored 671 runs and took 52 wickets. His best performance was 6 for 60 when the opposition batsmen couldn't see the ball even with the streetlights on.

ROB WALKER. Enjoyed his cricket in 1989 and so did we. A great stroke player and his fielding had so improved in 1989 holding 15 good catches. Scored 1120 runs with 90 against Alvechurch his best show and he never missed an opportunity to practice.

MARK WOOLLEY. A pleasing personality is just one of his assets. A 1978 product of our youth team, he returned to us and impressed immediately, we want him to stick this time, 482 runs and 24 wickets. He impressed on tour and also scored 61 v Wishaw and took 5 for 21 against Birmingham Municipal.

TONY WATSON. Tony loves cricket and while he was confined mainly to the Falcons X1, he is a great club man and will remember his 68 against Walsall.

JOHN WELLS. Not so slim as the old Marlborough days when he was such a stalwart. Lovely to see him all the way from Manchester and we appreciate very much his many trips to help us out.

In conclusion at last, mention should be made that RHYS WILLIAMS contribution off the field is of tremendous value to us, while KEN MAGUIRE, DAVE GENGE and JOHN PLIMMER who can not be with us this evening are stalwarts of the best. 1990 and the new Combined Counties League throws down a big and exciting challenge to us. I personally find it difficult to come to terms with present day philosophy on sport, which seems to indicate win at all costs. We must keep the ability to lose graciously as well, certain it is that we have come too far to let the club flounder, the true spirit of cricket is too deep in each and every one of us.

Your patience to put up with me so long is remarkable, thanks for listening.