Ashford Cricket Club

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Review of season 2006 - by Neil Tegg

The expression "So close but so far" sums up 2006 for Ashford's 1st and 2nd teams who both missed out on promotion after being in contention right up to the very last week of the season.

With Julian Day back at the helm as 1st team captain and Gary Sutton as vice captain, expectations were running high with what on paper looked like a superb all-round team - strengthened by Alex Watson making a welcome return to the club and Simon Taylor now available every week. Despite a lack of consistency the side were still very well placed going into the last month of the season but sadly fell away in the last two weeks and finished fourth. Paul Putland was back to his very best and week after week was the main contributor with the bat, finishing the season with a superb 539 runs, third highest in the division. John Brazier made some fine contributions with a top score of 104 not out in his total runs of 400 for the season. It must be said that other batsmen were inconsistent although Julian Day, Shannon Fattore and Simon Taylor all contributed useful runs at various times. In the bowling department it was "Mr Reliable" Simon Taylor who led the charge with 32 wickets. Matt Ealham was still very sharp and Alex Watson had some useful opening spells, with each of them ending up with 24 wickets. It was also great to see two youngsters make real progress with the medium pace of Mohsin Raza (18 wickets) being very successful and off spinner Alistair Neale making the most of his regular opportunity with 20 wickets. Alistair also represented Kent at U14 level.

The 2nd team under the experienced leadership of Darran Wood with Neil Tegg as vice captain were never out of the top two until the very last week when, after losing to Chestfield and the other results going against them, they undeservedly dropped out of the promotion places to third. The team played with great attitude and spirit all season with a delightful combination of "Senior Pro's" and enthusiastic youngsters. The team included two undoubted "Stars of tomorrow" with Stuart Paine and Liam Tegg leading the charge with both bat and ball, and both scoring their maiden league centuries. Stuart scored a magnificent 170 not out against Linden Park in his 505 runs and chipped in with 26 wickets. Liam opened the batting all season and just got better and better, culminating in a match-winning 109 not out against Downham and Bellingham in August. His consistent off spin also contributed 22 wickets and he also represented Kent at both U16 and U17. Neil Tegg also contributed 467 solid runs whilst Chris Senior with his normal cavalier entertaining style scored valuable runs and ensured there was never a dull moment. Ben Ealham and Colin Paine also contributed useful runs with Colin winning a game at Old Colfeians with some tremendous clean hitting when all had looked lost. Both Ben and Colin were the other mainstays of the bowling with their intelligent medium pace seam bowling accounting for numerous batsmen during the season. Mention must also be made of Peter Rolfe who continued to roll back both the years and the turf behind the stumps and young leg spinner Dean Clark who whilst not bowling a large number of overs made a great contribution to the team.

The very young 3rd team also had an enjoyable season under the leadership of Neil Brann and whilst results did not always go their way all the players showed great commitment. Young Luke Harcourt had a very promising season and thanks must also go to Michael Burbridge who gave sterling assistance to his captain.

The visit of Lashings was a tremendous spectacle in August. The ground looked absolutely immaculate with comments being made that it resembled a County Ground, which is a great reflection on all the hours of hard work put in by groundsman Adrian Llong. The wicket itself was an absolute "belter". With the likes of Richie Richardson, Aravinda de Silva, Alvin Kallicharran, Tatenda Taibu and Henry Olonga to name but a few, the crowd were treated to a great afternoon's' entertainment. Ashford skipper Julian Day ensured that all players including several youngsters were given the opportunity to play leading parts on the field and all in all it was a great success. From the struggling position of just three years ago it was a remarkable achievement for the club to put on such an event with the main organiser Nigel Crannis thoroughly deserving his "Clubman of the Year" award for his fantastic dedication, hours of hard work and event co-ordination.

Simon Taylor did an absolutely superb job in co-ordinating all the Colts teams in with over 130 youngsters now signed on. He has also put together a separate Colts committee for 2007 and is also arranging for Clubmark to be attained. His endless enthusiasm and great man-management skills make him extremely popular with players, youngsters and their parents. Just what the club needs.

Thanks should also go to the following ladies for all their great help to the club in 2006. Scorer Julie Gill, Lauren Tegg for being Leading Tea Lady, Lynette Wood and Sara Tegg for all their bar duties and for organising the club dinner and Shirley Rolfe for all her general help.

The club is looking forward to the coming season with the 1st and 2nd teams maintaining the same leadership teams and the 3rd team likely to have a new captain. An exciting new development for the coming season will be a return to a full Sunday fixture list under the leadership of Nigel Crannis and Liam Tegg, which will give an even greater opportunity for the club's youngsters to be involved in senior cricket.