So it seems all too quickly our equipment has had to be placed back in the kit bag along with the dirty whites not to be seen again till next April! This year started with promise as the expansion and success of the colts teams and the high placement of the senior teams in their respective leagues were still fresh in the memory.

However the 1^stXI disappointed, managing in the last two games of the season to scrape out of the relegation zone that had threatened for much of the year. Although team spirit towards the end of the season was unparalleled as the players pulled together to save the team and the club from an embarrassing Surrey Championship exit, one can only wonder what the team could have achieved if they had showed the same resolve at the beginning of the season as they did at the end.

The 2^nd XI finished 4^th, the same position as last year, showing that at least that they are consistent. Again, though, they may have progressed to the Second Division had they not been forced to field 39 players in the season, all credit goes to Gareth Evans for stepping into the breach when the captain was called up to the 1^st XI half way though the year.

The 3^rd XI had a similar season to the 1^st XI, in that they struggled all season to get away from relegation and managed with two games to go. Once again this could have been helped had it not been for the high turnover of players necessary with a general lack of availability affecting all the teams.

The 4^th XI finished second from bottom, but this belies their performance in what is undoubtedly a tough league and in which the side often found themselves playing against 1^st and 2^nd XI’s. Paul Cousens took over the captaincy from Robert Smith who had to bow out early in the season due to injury. All credit to Paul who never let a fixture become cancelled and roped in many as cover. Encouragingly the side regularly amassed high scores when batting and the experience for many of the younger members of the side should provide a good springboard for the future.

The colts section continues to expand, which is always good to see especially with the influx of local children coming down. As ever, that is in the main down to the managers and parents who give up their valuable time and who could do with more help – so if you fancy helping please contact a colts manager or a member of the Committee. Again the colts section has benefited from the continuing support of our sponsors, Halliford Construction Ltd, whose help has been put to good use in paying for much needed equipment and qualified coaching staff. Let’s hope that Halliford continue their support for a long time in the future. Of the colts team, special mention should go to the Under 11’s who won the Middlesex Plate competition, beating Twickenham in the final.

I would like to make note of three special achievements on the pitch this season:

1. Sean Cousens scoring over 1,000 runs for the season, a fantastic achievement for a boy of only 11 years of age, and particularly remarkable for the fact that he reached this feat with runs in all four colts sides and the senior sides as well.
2. Henry Faj for his 7 wicket haul in his debut match for Ashford, here’s hoping it will add to his enjoyment at Ashford for many years to come.
3. The brothers Smith – Gordon and Mark – for their unbeaten opening partnership of 251 to winning the 2^nd XI league match against East Molesey, surely a club and very possibly a league record.

Further news is that the Woodthorpe Road and Short Lane sites have formally separated with each now operating as an autonomous entity. Obviously this will mean that on an ongoing basis the Short Lane site will be managed by the Hockey and Cricket Clubs, who will both be jointly liable for the running of the club. At the moment the legal documents are being drawn up so watch this space. What this means is that as members the future of the club as a whole rests with you, so the more you help out or contribute over the bar will directly reflect on the facilities which can be available to you.