Sheffield Cricket Lovers' Society Year Book 2016

14 twitter: @scloverssociety Sheffield Cricket Lovers’ Society By DAVID CALLAGHAN, BBC Back to back champions Dave Callaghan is the Yorkshire Cricket correspondent for the BBC and covers every Yorkshire fixture throughout the season. Dave, on behalf of the BBC in Yorkshire, provides Internet commentary on every Yorkshire game in addition to 31 daily reports for five BBC local radio stations, which includes BBC Radio Sheffield. As Dave reveals here, the 2015 campaign was once again a triumph as Yorkshire became back-to-back Champions. The 2015 title success was even more impressive than the 2014 title, as the White Rose achieved top spot with numerous players on international duty for much of the summer. There were several reasons why Yorkshire did it again to become back-to-back Champions. One of the main explanations is the strength of the Club’s pace attack. Ryan Sidebottom was leader of the pack but full marks also go to Jack Brooks, Steve Patterson and Tim Bresnan . Liam Plunkett also played a major part when England duties allowed. The batsmen as a unit were not quite as outstanding as in 2014. However, certain individuals came to the rescue and none more than Jonny Bairstow , who was at the top of his game with over 1,000 first class runs. Highlights of his season included 219 not out at Durham along with four other innings over the three-figure mark. In the end, the England selectors could not ignore his supreme form. But for much of the season it was Yorkshire who reaped the rewards. A recurring theme of the 2015 Championship campaign was individuals who stepped up to the mark when needed. Yorkshire had a series of game changers and fighters who helped to ensure just one defeat in the title campaign.