2001 Season Review
The first team had a very disappointing season in Division Two of the Norfolk League, finishing ninth and failing to distinguish themselves in many matches. It appears that the team will not be relegated but only due to the fact that nobody has dropped from the Alliance to the Norfolk League. There were some very creditable team displays, notably in the two matches against Cringleford Lodge when Drayton were vastly superior to their opponents - who were unable to display any mastery of the leg spin of Scott Brindle, and in the close fought victory at Hardingham where Andy Denny's explosive batting and Lee Cornfield's pace bowling brought about the home sides downfall. There were also several close defeats, twice, in the home games against Winterton & Ketteringham Hall, teenage wicketkeeper Edward Pink had to clear the boundary to secure points for Drayton (four against Winterton & six against Hall to tie). The away game against Ketteringham went down to the wire, with the home side coming out on top as wicketkeeper Rob Valentine's hitting prowess matched that of Andy Denny shown earlier in the afternoon. Towards the end of the season, and in particular the last three matches the strain of the season had taken its toll and some ordinary performances were served up. Injuries should not be used as an excuse, but a number of players suffered: Those missing matches included Andy Denny (knee), Dave Masdin (side strain), Kevin Roper (broken thumb), Lee Cornfield (ankle ligaments), Paul Eggett (calf & hamstring strains). Individually only Mike Sutton and Andy Denny hit half centuries, and only Gary Smith took four wickets in an innings.
Leading first team performers. Batting: Mike Sutton 399 runs @ avge 33.25, Andy Denny 286 @ 26.00, Saul Simpson 285 @ 25.91, James Kay 123 @ 20.50, Gary Smith 218 @ 18.17, Philip Wright 235 @ 18.08, Andy Hawes 125 @ 12.50. Bowling: Andy Denny 21 wickets @ avge 20.38, Lee Cornfield 8 @ 25.75, Gary Smith 21 @ 26.14, Nigel Massingham 5 @ 29.80, Saul Simpson 11 @ 32.45.
In contrast the 'A' team enjoyed, generally, a successful season. In finishing fourth in Norfolk League Division 7 they proved a credit to the club, but ultimately will feel disappointed that they failed to gain promotion. The main plus points were the performances of several of the younger players. Seam bowling all rounders, Chris Dennison & Jamie Scarff both did enough to earn, on merit, first team call ups at the end of the season after Lee Cornfield's injury. A third teenager, Richard Timm, also made a big impression in his first full season, making the most appearances and also appearing unnerved on his first team debut at Winterton. With the bat, only Keith Pink recorded a half century, but in general fell short of his own high standards, Tony Gregory also provided valuable experience and will be challenging hard for a first team place again in 2002. The leading batsman, however, was wicketkeeper Neil Chamberlain - the left handers move up the order to open was a great success as he gave the team a flying start numerous times. The one disappointment being his failure to turn any one of several fine starts into a half century. His tidy glovework was rewarded with a first team call up at the end of the season, and he will challenge Edward Pink strongly in 2002. Captain Marc Love was fortunate that he had one of the divisions strongest bowling attacks in his armoury. He was regularly able to call upon the youngsters Scarff & Timm, plus the experienced Nigel Massingham, swing bowler John Winter & the three Dennisons - dad Mike and sons Paul & Chris. It was no surprise when John Winter was rewarded with the division bowler of the season award for the second time in four seasons - congratulations to John on this honour.
Leading second team performers. Batting: Chris Dennison 127 runs @ avge 42.33, Tony Gregory 151 @ 25.17, Neil Chamberlain 262 @ 23.82, Keith Pink 176 @ 17.60, Marc Love 171 @ 15.55, Nigel Massingham 102 @ 12.75.Bowling:John Winter 29 wickets @ avge 10.03, Chris Dennison 15 @ 11.07, Nigel Massingham 16 @ 15.56, Mike Dennison 14 @ 16.29, Jamie Scarff 12 @ 20.58.
The Sunday team had a mixed season, enjoying a terrible run of form in the cup games, and a terrible run of weather in the second half of the season which saw several games called off. The cup games shouldn't be dwelt on for two long, as Drayton didn't come close to challenging in any of them, and several harsh lessons were learnt by the suffering players. Under "Captain Invincible" David Ayres the friendlies produced some exciting matches and several good victories. A boiling hot day at Sloughbottom Park, produced a game full of runs against Winchesters, where Ayres and Philip Wright, who recorded the seasons only century, steered Drayton to a dramatic victory. Vice captain Chris Ong, smashed a weakened Drayton side to an unlikely one wicket victory against Lowestoft Railway, as he scored his maiden half century. The win on a green wicket at Bungay was notable for fine bowling displays by Saul Simpson & debutant Richard Hunt. Mickey Holl returned his first four wicket haul against Hellesdon Hospital & Drayton, and generally impressed with his tidy off spin. The game against Leicester Taverners was lost, but both Saul Simpson & Lee Cornfield recorded half centuries as Drayton made a brave fight of chasing a large total. The end of season match against Etceteras should have marked the comeback of Keith Robertson after six seasons away from the club, but it was called off due to torrential rain - hopefully "Robbo" will pull on a Drayton shirt in 2002.
Leading Sunday performers. Batting: Philip Wright 264 runs @ avge 33.00, Keith Pink 101 @ 25.25, Saul Simpson 171 @ 24.43, Andy Denny 84 @ 21.00, Chris Ong 116 @ 16.57, James Kay 81 @ 16.20. Bowling: Andy Denny 7 wickets @ avge 17.71, Mickey Holl 9 @ 21.22, Saul Simpson 16 @ 23.44, James Kay 5 @ 43.80.
For 2001 fixtures and results click here