Despite a forgettable last performance against a good Alfold side, report here the Wrecclesham Owls have won the I'anson Division II Championship for the 2010 season.Not a headline many expected to see at the start of the season but a fabulous 120 point haul from 19 games at an average of 6.32 has ensured it is very much true!
A quite remarkable achievement from a side that were smarting from relegation back to Division IV in 2007.
However the club has profited from an unprecedented rise of late rising from the doldrums like a phoenix from the flames to secure the clubs status amongst the I'ansons elite for the first time in it's history.
The clubs remarkable rise emanates from an amazing and unbeaten 2008 campaign which culminated in the Division IV crown.
A seemingly once in a lifetime achievement which was unbelievably repeated the following season in a higher Division but saw the Owls miss out on the title by a solitary point as they gained successive promotions.
The Owls, famed for their unique team spirit, will to win and social nights out, have seemingly done the impossible this year by securing the Division II title and a third successive promotion, something never achieved by an established club in the history of the I'anson, the oldest continuously running village cricket league in the world.
The successful 2010 campaign was once again built around some impressive home form as the Owls managed to remain unbeaten at the Recreation ground for a third successive season.
The very first home game of the season was in fact to provide one of the most crucial turning points of the season as the Owls, having lost their opening fixture of the season against Lindford, were skittled out for a meagre looking 89 and looking at a tough start to life in Division II.
However a stellar display from premier bowler Oli 'Bondi Beach' Caston and the ever reliable Dan 'Bionic Man' Vasey (5-11 and 4-11 respectively) backed up by some impressive fielding and catching saw the Mighty Wreccers claim a valuable 10 points and get their season up and running.
It was not so much the manner of the victory, which was undeniably impressive in it's own right, but the unerring belief in each other and the ability to win the game which was the underlying feeling taken forward, perhaps in some part a result of the previous two successful seasons.
From that point on the Owls never looked back and boosted by the return of their talisman Chris 'The Wave' Spooner, who cut short his travels to return to his spiritual home, Wrecclesham set the pace from the front of the pack.
Wrecclesham seemed to relish being in front as they continued to excel at home in particular sweeping away the challenges of established Div II sides such as Wood Street, CODY and Witley as confidence in the camp grew.
By the time Alfold, another recognised title contender were dispatched by 100 runs in mid June and local rivals Frensham were thumped by 8 wickets inside 31 overs having wracked up 237 the realisation became clear that promotion was a strong possibility if standards could be maintained.
As with the return of Spooner the introduction of Chris 'Colgate' Board at the mid way point also proved to be catalyst for the season as his injection of quality helped to galvanise the team and cement the belief even further.
The results kept on coming (wins against Witley, Thursley and a concession from Lurgashall) and despite a set back against a well drilled Wood Street Village side, who atoned for their previous defeat in fine fashion, the Owls managed to put themselves in a seemingly unassailable position at the start of September with a comprehensive win against Peper Harrow.
And so it proved.. With the weather claiming the penultimate game of the season against lowly Frensham Wrecclesham were crowned Division II Champions with a game to spare.
Skippers Review
Another quite remarkable season gentlemen and an absolute pleasure it was to be able to share it all with you and contribute a new chapter in the clubs history.
I have great faith in our ability as a group and feel that our team spirit and the way we approach the game sets us apart from other sides.
We were also fortunate to have several players who enjoyed tremendous campaigns and such balance in the team that we are pretty much covered for every eventuality.
In no particular order..
Oli, you were superb with the ball from the first (well second!) game to the last and to take 65 wickets (including eight 5 wicket hauls) is a great and thoroughly deserved reward for a great season. An average in excess of 20 with the bat is also a fine effort and underlines your ability as a genuine all rounder.
Spoons, another stand out display with both bat and ball, your consistency has been simply supreme in both disciplines and is a key factor behind yet another successful term for the club. To have seen you develop the power to go with your undoubted technique and dominate in the way you do now is a great pleasure and I am glad you are getting the success your ability deserves.
Chris 'The Rock' Windeatt, you have well and truly lived up to your nickname! With an average touching 39 often coming in under pressure you proved that you were more than up to the challenge this year and that class is permanent. Setting the standards in the field as ever with a number of great catches, you had another season to remember.
Wrighty, another great season for you scoring in excess of 500 runs at an average above 33, you have cemented your achievements of last season to prove that you are a quality performer and just as importantly, quality on a consistent basis. The best part is that with your ability, I still feel there is more to come.
Dan, a fine effort with the ball once again, which has been the case ever since you joined the club back in 2007. Some excellent and explosive cameos with the bat at the right time as well and an exemplary attitude means you are a vital contributor to the success of the side on a regular basis.
Matt 'MB is he on E?' Parkinson, another solid season from a guy who's worst season to date in the Wrecclesham colours is a second placed finish during an unbeaten campaign! Your commitment to the club is simply fantastic and your winning mentality and spirit has rubbed off on us all.
Henry 'Granny Basher' Bate, you were consistent with the gloves for the large majority of the season and you undoubtedly have the potential to make the keeper/batsmen position your own. Your contribution to team morale has been fantastic and I am sure you will be up to the challenge next year.
Boardy, an outstanding 5 game cameo, scoring 235 runs at an average of 117.5 and taking 9 wickets at an average of less than 10 just underlines your quality as a cricketer. It is vital that players of your calibre come and play on a regular basis if we are to compete at the next level and improve the quality of the club.
Ben 'Game Killer' Pound, you are a fine example of what I mention above about being able to cover every eventuality and having balance in the side Poundy. Having a player like you in the team allows other to play more freely knowing they have someone of your ability coming in if they fail, this is a crucial aspect of our success as avoiding defeat can be as important as victory.
Hammy, a solid season from an experienced head and more importantly one which showed that you are as we all knew, a genuine clubman. The last game of the season helped to show you are still up to it but frequently you were switched between teams and played in the right spirit.
Mitch, you are a cricketer with real potential and certainly have the quality to succeed in the first team, as proved by your catch to remove your new team mate Mr Hebditch! We will be relying on you next season and it is good to know the future of the club is in safe hands.
Merryweather, you stepped into the fray when called upon and approached things with a great attitude. You will be called upon again next year and if you continue to improve you will be challenging for a place in the side very soon.
Tom Caston, another guy with a very classy cameo. A shame we couldn't get a few more games out of you but given your circumstances and location it can be forgiven, it was enjoyable nonetheless.
AC, in your case I would say that statistics do lie as you have been a vital component of the side. Your sheer presence in the field is worth between 10-20 runs per game and more importantly your attitude and approach to the game embodies everything we try to encourage within the club.
Graeme '1000 wickets' Larby, to bow out with 6/34 says it all about you really. You have been a quality servant to the club over many years and it has been an absolute privilege to share the field with you. I am so glad that you are experiencing the success and recognition that your loyalty and ability deserves. You are a damn fine cricketer Graeme but an ever better bloke.
The WAGS, it is wonderful to have your support every week and your presence has helped to make Wrecclesham a really sociable cricket club once again. The on field success of late has been superb but to have a socially orientated atmosphere where everyone looks forward to seeing each other is what makes our club great in my opinion.
Similarly the efforts of Big Tone and Steve shouldn't be underestimated as their efforts with the ground and generally overseeing the club, with Pete in tow, are essential for our survival.
It is important to remember that it takes 11 players to make a team and where I think the club has made massive progress in recent years and why I feel we have continued to develop is our strength in depth.
In the past circumstances dictated that we had between 3-4 players every week who weren't able to influence a game on a regular basis.
These peripheral players have been replaced by guys who are capable of contributing and more importantly potentially winning a match, catches get taken regularly and in turn the quality of the side has improved dramatically.
It is vitally important that this development continues and with the implementation of the likes of John Hebditch, an outstanding performer and someone who definitely has the Owls spirit and one or two others as well as the retention of a certain Chris Board will enable us to compete next season.
Well done ladies and gentlemen, another one to be proud of!
Up the Owls
Twit Twoo
Social Calendar
The Owls Christmas do has been booked for Friday 3rd December, 7pm at Millers Kitchen as per the arrangements of last year.
I will be phoning round for availability and meal choices next weekend so clear your calendars for what should be a great night, WAGS involvement actively encouraged of course!
There is also the potential for a golf day on Saturday November 13th with a few beers in Farnham after, I will send a text round later in the week to gaugue interest/availability.
