Dunstall CC Annual Report 2010

Senior Cricket Report 2010 A season without a major trophy would rarely be seen as successful, but in many ways the performance of the senior sides last season was no less successful than the previous seasons. Promotions in recent years for both the second and third XIs now sees them playing in higher divisions. They both performed admirably at the higher level and another promotion is now well within their grasp. The growth within the clubs junior section enabled us to have a fourth XI for the first time giving the opportunity to many under 13’s and 15’s to take their first steps in senior cricket. For much of the season the first XI was caught in the relegation dogfight that went down to the final day when a convincing victory over fellow strugglers, Alfreton, confirmed Premier League status for another year. It is credit to the team that they managed to withstand the pressure of the run-in, put in extra training sessions and remain focused on the cricket in difficult circumstances. Consistency was not at the same levels as previous seasons in many areas, and many of the players acknowledge that performances were slightly below par. Amongst the difficult times there were some highlights. Jamie Benstead maintained his high standards and registered his 27 th first XI hundred after a drought of almost two years. John Jennings joined him as the only other centurion with his maiden first XI hundred. Bowling wise, John Jennings, Steve Scrimshaw and Craig Jennings registered five wicket hauls and Andrew Boulton’s wicket keeping was often faultless. Many others made contributions throughout the season, but batting and bowling partnerships were not at the high standards that the Premier League demands. With the squad likely to be similar to last season, it is unrealistic to challenge for the title, but playing to anything like our potential will result in a mid table finish. At times during the season the second XI looked capable of mounting another promotion challenge on the back of last seasons title win. Despite not quite managing to sustain a challenge it was still an extremely successful season. No less than five centurions amongst the batsmen was an impressive feat by itself, but the emergence of many younger players at the head of the averages gives optimism for the future. The bowling was shared between seam and spin, with Steve Brodrick often the stand out performer. As with the batting, several players have shown potential and it is hoped that some of these will now show the consistency required to demand first XI places in the near future. The third XI seemed to be cruising for a mid table finish, before a sparkling late season run saw them mount a late challenge for promotion. This feat should not be under- estimated as the team often contained many home grown youngsters recently emerged from or still playing for our own junior teams. The fact that the third XI was, until this season the ‘nursery’ side makes their performance even more commendable. Each player has showed considerable improvement in the last two years, and should as individuals start to challenge for second XI places, and as a team push on for promotion. The growth of the junior section in recent years can only be described as remarkable. It is this growth that led us to decide to enter a fourth XI for the first time. I’ll openly admit I