Womens 1st XI – 4th in Div 1, T20 league champions (and the final of the T20 K/O to be played, weather permitting, Sun 21st, 3pm at Hale Barns CC. Go Swordettes!)
Womens 2nd XI – 4th in Div 2
Womens 3rd XI – 4th in Div 4 East

The final round-up is of a watery genus, given the amount that fell over the weekend (washing out the two mens games on Sun) but also a few tears of pride/emotion at such a brilliant season coming to an end. I will review what action there was as well as offering a few reflections on personal highlights.

It was very pleasing that I was able to get back on Saturday and catch up with some of the triumphant players relaxing and basking in the fabulous achievements both the 1s and 2s had realised. The 1s, as you will have read, made it 11 from 11 in the W/L section of their season and if you throw in the T20 variety of pink ball cricket, they won 17 out of 18 all told. Phenomenal, unmatched, double winners, and a record over the past five seasons that is absolutely superb - Nick’s team to a man deserve huge credit.

The 2s made the short hop back from Georgians with another crushing win under their belts, the hosts already relegated and it showed, as Ryan’s side knocked off the 117 target in under 20 overs with Raza, no less, crashing the winning runs over midwicket.

Chris Becker was looking on, 52 ‘red’ at the other end (when scoring I have never, ever, used red ink for anything other than wickets, by the way, so why this modern patois is gaining credence whenever anyone is not out is a mystery and must be corrected with all speed) and probably a little sad to see the end of what has been a brilliant season for him. 1071 runs in all comps, 3 tons, 6 half-centuries, averaging almost a fifth of team runs whenever he batted – and most important of all, third most valuable player in the DCC fantasy league - is quite something and Chris will hopefully pick up next year where he’s left off. Bravo young man.

So a third successive league title for the 2s, and runners-up again in the T20 after having won it the previous four years, is magnificent. There is no doubt that they could compete with ease in Div 2 and 3 of the 1st XI competition, but a bit like Celtic and Rangers being allowed into the English Prem, that’s not going to happen. Whatever, the 2s are a quality side.

The 2As finished off with 11 wins and 11 losses in a rarely-dull season, 40 players used in all (the 2s used 20, by comparison) ending up in 7th spot in 2nd XI Div 1. By comparison, they finished third last year but that was after a torrid start when they just kept losing. This time around the losses and wins were a little more evenly spaced and it was great to finish on a high with a creditable 50 run win at Bramhall having only 154 to defend. OG the star of the show with a return of 7-4-8-5 while Rehmani, Mr Fantasy League himself - 1752 pts if you please - got a first baller, unaccountably lbw to Bramhall’s Tom Drury who is without doubt the slowest bowler I have ever seen in CCCL cricket. Think of a right arm version of DB, but twice as slow and with more flight. Deary me today!

Reflections
Personally a little sad that I couldn’t get to see more action than I did but, in the main, thoroughly enjoyed what I did see.

Sunday cricket is no easy task especially for captains, and the high levels of achievement by the three senior Sunday sides has been brilliant. I enjoyed the opportunity to umpire the 3s in their T20s – the win at Brooklands was a particular highlight. Madhu’s hitting, the number of lives they gave him, the Laurel & Hardy dismissal which gained brief on-line ‘traction’ – all great memories. Sad that the 3s couldn’t quite go all the way in the Final but to win the league as they did was very sweet indeed.

Sad too that the only time I got to actually see the 2s play, they served up probably their poorest performance in some time, mustering only 100 in the T20 final. Absolutely no reflection of their season of course, and I know from all I hear round the grounds of the high regard they are held in. Another dominant year with many, many fantastic wins – the crucial one at Toft, when it really mattered, summed Ryan’s side up perfectly.

The 1s have been a class apart. Only using 16 players (well, 20, but four of them were for one game only when things were all over anyway) has been a significant factor, but the confidence the side play with is a special thing indeed. Nick and Steve have led the side superbly and watching them play is a treat.

Highlights – the wins over Hyde (league and Cheshire Cup) were great to watch. For many, many years Hyde had it over us, and no matter how well we were going, they were always the barrier. But it’s five successive wins in all comps now against them and that has a great significance, as for me, Hyde are a benchmark for how well you are doing.

The heartstopper against Lindow turned into a brilliant game; I enjoyed the performance at Oxton and most of all at Urmston in the T20, an unforgettable night when the team gave a demonstration of hitting that took the breath away (and several balls too). The q/f win at Bowdon was a perfect example of how to play T20 cricket and it was another great night to be associated with such a brilliant display. And Jonty's catch at Davenham in the Cheshire Cup first round - what a moment!

The three Finals Days gave me the most personal satisfaction from a scoring perspective. The fact we lost all three finals is just how it goes, but all three presented their own challenges and I was pleased to be able to not only keep track on things but update scoreboards, keep colleagues advised and, best of all, get the score right. There’s a lot of pressure in the box at times on those days but it is pleasing to cope – it’s key to the overall occasion and when DLS comes to the fore, as on 1st XI day, satisfying to put knowledge to use.

It will be interesting to hear the reflections of others at Presentation Night – come prepared with yours! Many, many congratulations to all our senior teams on a fabulous year.