2002 Season Review

12 October 2002: So finally the pictures have been received, and the site updated. I am not going to put the full averages on the site, though there is a summary of the first team averages below - if you want a copy of the averages for all the teams, please send me an e-mail and I will send them through. The 'A' team appear to have avoided relegation, by default much like the first team last year, and will compete again in Division Seven. The leading performers in the 'A' team were as follows: Batting Keith Pink 384 runs @ 42.66, James Kay 185 @ 30.83, Nigel Massingham 148 @ 16.44, Jamie Scarff 102 @ 11.33. Bowling Jamie Scarff 11 wickets @ 25.91, Nigel Massingham 7 @ 25.57, Steven Cannell 6 @ 21.66, Will Herring 6 @ 32.17, Chris Dennison 5 @ 9.20. The 'A' team also made Drayton history when Claire became the first female to appear for the club in a competitive match, when she made her long awaited debut in the final game of the season against Watton - unfortunately she failed to score any runs, but who knows they may be forthcoming in the future.

The club will be looking to strengthen the squad for next season, so if any club members hear of any players who may be looking for a change of clubs, get on to them. Alternatively, for any non Drayton players out there reading this - if you are interesting in playing for us next season, then drop us a line and we will let you know the details of pre season nets etc. It doesn't matter what standard you are, everyone is welcome to "give it a go".

I must also take this opportunity to extend my complements to all of the players and supporters of Ketteringham Hall, both during the final game of the season and at the Norfolk League presentation dinner, who were as gracious in defeat as they have previously been in victory. A particular thanks to captain Nigel Bobbin who sent me an e-mail within 48 hours - confirming what we already knew that they are one of the friendliest and most sporting sides in Norfolk. Good luck next season lads, I'm sure you will be pushing for promotion once again.

Finally if anyone has any ideas of any new features they would like to see on the website over the winter, let me know. Thanks Philip.

2002 First Team Review:

back row (l-r) Philip Wright, John Winter, Mike Sutton, Tony Gregory, Mike Dennison, Paul Dennison, Richard Timm, front row (l-r) Kevin Roper, Saul Simpson, Andy Denny, James Kay, Neil Chamberlain.

Rather than go through the season as a whole, instead I'll give a brief summary of every player who has contributed this year:

Mike Sutton: 16 Matches, 496 runs (avge 33.07), 8 catches, 1 stumping. Once again Mike proved he is still one of the finest batsman around, and gave the innings plenty of good starts. His fielding, especially an excellent diving catch against Ketteringham Hall, was also as sound as ever, as was his wicketkeeping when called upon.

Philip Wright: 16 Matches, 205 runs (avge 14.64), 2 catches. A steady season, without any big innings, but one or two useful cameos, most notably in the home game against Old Catton. Also some good contributions in the field, including an early run out in the promotion decider against Ketteringham Hall. Involved in an ongoing "feud" with captain Simpson which ended in revenge for Wright in the final game.

Richard Timm: 15 Matches, 51 runs (avge 25.50), 12 wickets (avge 39.75) 8 catches. Despite being the youngest member of the side, Richard shouldered the responsibility of "senior" bowler in the several of the seasons early games. Didn't get the wickets he deserved, or the opportunities with the bat which his talent merits. Also took several excellent catches in the deep, which helped secure promotion, and had the honour of scoring the promotion winning runs.

Tony Gregory: 14 Matches, 139 runs (avge 11.58), 1 catch. Club chairman and "senior pro", his experience and knowledge was a great assistance to both captain Simpson and captain Denny. Got out having made useful starts in several innings, and is sure to be keen to put that right in 2003.

John Winter: 13 Matches, 1 run (no avge), 20 wickets (avge 22.05) 7 catches. The extraordinary feat of not being bowled out in the whole season, meant John's chances with the bat were limited to one innings against Hales - and in several matches he was due to bat higher than eleven. Whilst conditions did not always suit his bowling, when they did he was able to take full advantage - in the games at Cringleford Lodge and Old Catton, he picked up "good" wickets which helped Drayton gain control.

Kevin Roper: 12 Matches, 91 runs (avge 13.00), 3 wickets (avge 40.00) 6 catches. The little Aussie started the season batting in the lower middle order and bowling a few overs here and there. Moved up to open the batting after John Sutton's return to Spurs, and gave the innings several flying starts. His best innings came at Halvergate when he was 47 not out, when the heavens opened - hence being denied his maiden fifty in the first team.

Andy Denny: 11 Matches, 284 runs (avge 28.40), 22 wickets (avge 16.91) 6 catches. Took over as captain after Saul Simpson's wrist injury. Scored vital (& quick) runs, and took wickets consistently. No-one was more delighted than Andy to be batting, when the winning runs were scored against Ketteringham Hall.

Saul Simpson: 11 Matches, 102 runs (avge 14.57), 3 wickets (avge 57.66) 4 catches. Inspirational Mike Brearley style captain of the team. Was disappointed to miss out on the final games of the season through injury, but his presence proved to inspire his "boys". Didn't have the greatest of seasons with bat or ball, but shared in two vital partnerships with Chris Sutton against Hardingham and St Andrews.

Neil Chamberlain: 11 Matches, 35 runs (avge 17.50), 4 catches, 1 stumping. Again Neil's batting chances were limited but played an excellent hand when required against Hales, scored good runs quickly. As a perfectionist he was at times disappointed with his wicketkeeping, but when it mattered most he was secure and competent.

Richard Taylor: 9 Matches, 164 runs (avge 18.22), 3 wickets (avge 32.00). Richard provided experience to the middle order, and scored his runs quickly, giving the innings impetus especially in the victory at Cringleford Lodge. Was also called upon to bowl some vital spells, and took some crucial wickets.

Mike Dennison: 9 Matches, 41 runs (avge 41.00), 16 wickets (avge 15.00) 4 catches. Unfortunately injured in the home game with Cringleford Lodge, when he and Andy Denny had taken control. Returned later in the season and carried on his previous good work. Like John Winter did not always find the pitches which suited him, but when he did (away to Ketteringham Hall especially) he gained due reqard.

John Sutton: 7 Matches, 394 runs (avge 65.66), 1 wicket (avge 35.00) 2 catches. Scored big runs and always made them in an eye catching manner - struck a century against Cringleford Lodge and 98 not out against Old Catton - and once again proved he is one of the best young batsman around. His fielding was also of the very highest class. But whats happened to his bowling?

Paul Dennison: 7 Matches, 106 runs (avge 53.00), 15 wickets (avge 13.47) 3 catches. Returned from university to lead the bowling attack - picking up vital wickets, not conceding many runs and always keeping the pressure on the batsman. His 12 over spells in the heat against Cringleford Lodge and St Andrews were particularly eye catching, whilst he also demonstrated himself to be a batsman of good technique and ability.

James Kay: 5 Matches, 59 runs (avge 29.50), 1 catch. The club secretary spent the majority of his season playing in the 'A' team, but when he was called upon as a last minute replacement for the final game against Ketteringham Hall, he played a crucial innings scoring quick runs at a time when the run rate required was beginning to rise. Still prone to the occasional misfield and fumble, as this picture demonstrates.

Noel Slattery: 5 Matches, did not bat, 6 wickets (avge 37.17) 1 catch. Despite limited availability due to work commitments, Noel added extra pace to the bowling attack at a time when it was missing. Bowled an exceptionally hostile spell against Hardingham, and was distinctly unlucky not to pick up more wickets.

Dave Masdin: 3 Matches, 35 runs (avge 35.00), 2 wickets (avge 48.50).

Nigel Massingham: 3 Matches, 3 runs (avge 3.00), 0 wickets 1 catch. The club stalwart made appearances in the first three matches of the season when the first team needed some experience. Returned to the 'A' team where he made good runs opening the batting.

Chris Sutton: 2 Matches, 223 runs (no avge) 1 catch. Chris once again proved when he's not scoring goals for Celtic, he's more than capable of scoring runs for Drayton. Despite not having picked up a bat for four years he was still able to score centuries both times he batted last season. By the looks of it, it will not be long before his oldest son, Frankie, is following his father, uncle and grandfather into the Drayton team.

Alistair Ogle: 2 Matches, 12 runs (avge 12.00). Mid season recruit - played a useful innings at a crucial time against Hardingham.

Lee Cornfield: 1 Match, 22 runs (avge 22.00), 4 wickets (avge 10.25). Able to play only once, but his pace was too much for Bungay's top order batsman to handle.

Andy Hawes: 1 Match, 15 runs (avge 15.00), 2 catches. Having played in the opening game of the season, Andy was unavailable due to work and family commitments - will hopefully be back challenging for a place next season.

Andy Boyle: 1 Match, 8 runs (avge 8.00), 0 wickets.

Warren Kedge: 1 Match, did not bat or bowl. A late call up for the end of season match with Old Catton, and as ever gave an excellent fielding display, including several fine stops on the boundary.

Jon Luis: 1 Match, did not bat or bowl.

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