Saturday 29 September 2007

Wick Dinner 4 - The Wick xi

This year a new initiative was launched at the dinner. 12 men were picked who exemplified the playing effort on the sward during the year. Not necessarily those who played the 12 best innings or returned the 12 best sets of figures, these guys quietly or loudly delivered beyond their potential. A match winning knock here, a massive improvement shown or an impressive season there, these boys were much in evidence.

Paul Sayce - Forced his way from the 3s to the 1s by sheer weight of runs, with fifties for both the 3s and the 2s on the way up. Displaced Fudgey as best point fielder inthe club and picked up Fielder of the year at the dinner.

David Fudge - Runnnnnns at more than 40, unbeaten skipper of the promoted 2s. He led from the front, being the outstanding batsman in the team which included scoring his maiden league hundred. All this alongside 3xi organisation and all-round Wickness saw him claim the coveted Chairman's award for 2007.

Mark Mackie - consistent runnnnns including July purple patch for all teams. His ability to control the game from the middle order led to many vital partnerships and scores, especially for the 1xi where others faultered. His fielding was also consistently top drawer.

Kamran Raza - Tons of runs. Bags of wickets. Kamran was the best batsman and probably the best bowler in the 1XI for 2007. Rarely looking troubled, Kam scored vital big scores where others failed, notably against Effingham with a blistering hundred. The leading wicket taker, his bowling varied from the alarming and quick to the subtle and controlled. He is a leader on and off the field and was deservedly voted Player of the Year 2007. BOSH.

Simon Bishop - despite a quite hilarious run of ducks early season which everyone at the dinner was very pleased about, Barrell's attitude and commitment bounced him back with some serious innings and hitting only he can provide. Against Croydon, the league champs, he was quite breathtaking. His bowling was typically erratic, but he still found wickets where others were unable. Pushed Saycey very hard for best fielder in the club.

Alex Wright - Or should we call him Alex Red ink? A brilliant first season at The Wick, progressed from the 3xi with top score of 47* to score 76* and guide the 2xi home in a fantastic run chase at Old Tenisonians. Another great recruit for the club and as soon as he gets out we can start talking about his amazing average. React to Light specs meant he could always see and was often very cool.

Nick Clark - Old Iron Gloves. Did the business behind the sticks for the 2s and bashed 60 just when it counted to help secure promotion for the 2s to cap a great season.

Shaun Whinney – Bowled like a bowler and batted like a batsman which was more of a surprise. Played 90 per cent of his season in the 1s reflecting real progress at Winter nets and a keen ability to pass the outiside edge. Shaun also helped the 2s promotion push with a devastating Michelle against Old Sluts and a composed innings of 60* and 100 partnership with Alex Wright spared the blushes of the top ordure at Old Tens.

Zammack Tughral – The 2006 bowler of the year never really found his feet in what was a difficult season for legspinners. Despite stodgy decks and fewer opportunities than last year he progressed enough to play for Middlesex u19 and has been awarded a scholarship with Surrey CCC for 2008. He will do the Wick proud.

Iain Greenwood – Doc was the experienced prong to the 2s attack that helped the younger bowlers with consistent wicket taking performances. Doc found himself twice on a hat-trick this season. His agricultural hitting down the order especially his jug avoiding 48 against Old Sluts helped the side build totals on more than one occasion.

Junaid Iqbal – Junaid burst onto the WICK scene with regular impressive displays for both the Saturday 3s and Sunday team. His mature bowling and fantastic attitude meant that he took more than 25 wickets in his first season of senior cricket. If there is a game of cricket being played Junaid will be there and is a great testament to the colts section.

Tom Robinson – A popular 12th man, Tom’s commitment to the club this year has been fantastic. Ever present at Winter nets and a main player throughout the 3xi campaign, Tom finally broke into the 2xi to make his debut away at Effingham. Tom's first ever spell in league cricket was a phenomenal 7 overs for just 8 runs. Tom has a fantastic future ahead of him.

All the boys got a nice certificate and there are rumours that Clarky has framed his and it's now hanging in the downstairs Thomas at Wick Road...

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