Hampton Wick Sunday XI - Season highlights

Matty D voted Sunday player of the season by Jimmy C

With the weather causing no shortage of havoc at the moment, and therefore the matches coming to a close, it is time to reflect on the season just past. Wickman Junior has had the pleasure of watching all of this year's sunday games, and has experienced the highs and lows like any other wick fan.

For the record, the Sunday team finished with a record of 9 wins and 4 losses. A superb effort. And like any fan of the Wick, there were a number of highlights to pick out.

• Junaid's 5/15 against Ashtead
• Our 3, and then 4 run wins against Nepotists and Teddington Town. Jimmy C and Whinny claiming vital wickets in the last overs.
• Graham Tong's 6/17 against Teddington (wow!)
• Danny Lee's 109 against Hampton Hill, including 9 sixes. MS breaking his nose. or:
• Cransey's blistering 78 runs against the Village XI.

Regardless of these highlights, it has been such an enjoyable season. Special thanks need to go to, in no particular order:

1. Matty D - A pillar of knowledge and strength throughout the entire season. Effectively pulling the strings while Jimmy C tried to captain was no mean feat. His runs and crucial advice in the clutch moments, helped the wick to win a number of these games. A pleasure to watch. MOS
2. Junaid and Whinney - Worked tirelessly all season, and played with infectious enthusiasm (no matter what the conditions)
3. Sisso - for such brilliant banter and story-telling after the matches.
4. Sam Kemp for his banter behind the stumps, and positivity.
5. Colts - Harry Copeland, the MJs and Hirshy's - really stepped up this season and made invaluable contributions. The future of the Wick is in good hands.
6. Dominic Lowns - for organising games. You're a legend - FACT
7. Vaider - great spin bowling all season. Must have clocked up 30 wickets mate!
8. Alison and DBW - for making Jimmy C's job a lot easier.

So, with only one match to go, it is time to sign off for season 2008. Jimmy C is passing the reins for next weekend's match to Shaun Whinney, who will be making his debut as captain. Jimmy will be in the States chasing, what he describes, as the "ultimate" larger set.

In sad news, Jimmy C has decided to step down as captain of the Sunday side after this season. Much in the manner of Michael Vaughan's departure from the England set up, he felt that he "just knew" that the time was right to leave the post. He told me in a exclusive interview for hwrcc blogspot, that he was "honoured to have led the club" on Sundays and "very sad to be stepping down" after his first season as skipper. He said that he still "believes" and that the Wick is THE BEST CLUB IN THE WORLD.

From me, Wickman Junior, that's just about it as well. The blog has very much been my outlet to express everything good and decent about the Wick this season. I hope my posts have been enjoyable to read, and that you've all learnt something. And as i wipe the tears from my eyes (cutting onions, ats), it's been emotional.

I'll see you next season.

Wickman Junior SUNDAY WICK RECORD (as below)

HWRCC vs Ashtead

Wick win by 50 runs. Ashtead bowled out for 67 runs. Junaid 5/15. Vaider 2 wickets. Matty D 48 runs

HWRCC vs Kingston

Wick win by 100 runs. Golby 68 runs. Junaid 3 for. Vaider 2 wickets

HWRCC vs Nepotists

Wick win by 3 runs. Whinney takes 2/12 off 8 overs, including last ball heroics, where they needed 11 off the last over.

HWRCC vs Teddington Town

Wick win by 4 runs. Jimmy C taking two wickets off the last over to win the match.

HWRCC vs Teddington

Wick lose by 10 runs. Whinney and Jimmy C take blinding catches. Tong takes 6/17 and Matty D – 54 runs.

HWRCC vs Sutton

Wick win by 59 runs. Matty D makes 71, Whinney 43. Jimmy C takes 3 for 2.

HWRCC vs Hampton Hill

Wick lose by 1 wicket. 10-man wick. Danny Lee – 100, Harry Copeland 47. Jimmy C 4 wickets. MS goes to hospital – broken nose.

HWRCC vs. Colts coaches

Wick win by 30 runs. Tony Copeland goes mental. Colts annoy Jimmy C

HWRCC vs Deando Ruxley

Wick lose by two wickets. A tale of two pitches.

HWRCC vs Crossbats

Wick win by 50 runs. Whinney and Chris MJ making 60 runs each

HWRCC vs Village XI

Wick win on Duckworth Lewis. Cransey 78 and Matty D 60

HWRCC vs NPL

Wick lose by 2 wickets. International player gives us thumping.

HWRCC vs Old Spens

Wick win by 40 runs. Maloj 65 and Junaid 25. Clarkey 2/9 and Jimmy C 3/9.