2010/11 was the first year in which “The Mighty” entered the 3rd grade. It was stepping into a little bit of the unknown because we weren’t quite sure how competitive we were going to be.

For the majority of the season particularly before Christmas we were stationed toward the head of the table. It was only towards the end in that we developed an unfortunate losing streak that saw us slip and finish up toward the middle of the table. Om the face of it, results aside, a respectable performance for a new team in a tougher competition. While our fragile batting order again struggled at times it was our bowling and fielding that stood up and generally kept us competitive. Unfortunately our bowling attack began to struggle on the post Christmas batting tracks and it was several games since we had managed to bowl an opposition out. This coincided with that late string of losses towards the end.

Needless to say, we enjoyed many moments of great success. A fortunate change of weather patterns led to a 10 wicket demolition of Hornby away. Successive victories to Marist-Harewood and BWU by 9 wickets and 8 wickets respectively followed. An outstanding fielding and bowling performance pulled us out of the fire at home against Hornby again.

We had a solid squad of around 12 or 13 for much of the season and as per other seasons, we relied on some solid contributions from our fill-ins.

In the batting, Jeremy Boyd was the leading run scorer and produced some consistent efforts with 393 runs. A couple of brutal knocks (match winning) of 80 not out and 79 not out were the highlights.

Regular opener, Tom Goodwin, was solid and in particular before Christmas got us off to some good starts. Ben Richdale and Jeremy Bowden again were consistent and the likes of Axe and Stevie K had their moments.

Unfortunately there was a distinct lack of large scores which forced our vulnerable middle lower and tail to do much batting. That was a disappointment. A special mention needs to go however to Simon who filled in for two games. His scores were 95 & 88not out. A great performance. Next season a lot will be promised by Nico Doornebal who looks a good player in the middle order.

The strength of our team has always been our fielding unit. We were inconsistent. Some days we were brilliant and others a bit sloppy and disinterested. With the batting techniques of the opposition better, our raw pace was negated to an extent with J Boyd and S Dillo not as effective as previous years. An injury curtailed Boyd’s bowling at the end of season. Bramwell Haynes was our leading wicket taker but was probably more effective as an economical bowler at the start of innings. He was supported by an honest if unspectacular attack. Axe, Phil. Boyd, Goody and Sha all had very strong spells at various stages.

Generally there is a slight feeling of disappointment after the season. We are a team that plays to win. However we have learnt a lot of lessons and now know what to expect and how much we need to step up. With the core of our squad plus a couple of new players next year, there is a high degree of optimism ahead for 2011/12. There is no reason why we can’t finish near, if not at the top of the competition next year.

Phil MacDougall

Third B captain