The Saturday 1st XI
The Saturday 1st XI made history by not only clinching their second consecutive Championship but also reaching the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history. The side won 13 of their 15 matches were led by their inspirational captain Ian Booth who won the Batsmen of the Year Award scored 530 runs at an average of 50. This included 2 centuries and 2 half-centuries. The highlight was his 2 century partnership’s with Matt Thomas and Mike Nash. The other notable contributions with the bat came from Thomas who scored 450 runs at an average of 35 which included a sublime century and 2 other half-centuries. Ben Baczala struck 3 half-centuries, Mike Nash scored 2 half-centuries also Paul Higham and Mike Hernandez registered a half-century each.
The bowling award went to Ricky King who took 20 wickets at an average of just 14 which included a 5 wicket haul. The other main bowler’s Ben Baczala, Booth, Ryan Norman and Jem Warner all recorded 4 wicket hauls and Lewis Kirby’s sensational wicket-keeping was rewarded with the Fielder of the Year award. The ‘champagne’ moment of the season was when Ashley King smashed the penultimate ball of the top-of-the-table clash against Bere Regis to the boundary to secure a crucial victory.
Saturday 2nd XI
The Saturday 2ndXI had an incredible first season winning 10 of their 13 games to win Division 6. The batting award went to Mike Hernandez who scored 3 half-centuries but the highlight was Paul Norman’s century. The other batsmen to register half-centuries was David Haines 3 times, Mike Haines and Jem Warner, twice, Liam Blake, Nick Pestana and Mike Wells. The bowling award was won by Elliott Baczala who claimed three 4 wicket hauls, however, the highlight was Dave Morton’s 7 wicket haul.
There were several other bowlers who claimed 4 wicket hauls’ Andy Tillman and Jem Warner twice, Nick Pestana and Mike Wells. Their Fielder of the Year was Paul Norman who kept wicket brilliantly.
The Sunday 1st XI
Won 8 of their 14 matches to finish runners-up for the second year running – a phenomenal achievement considering the exploits of the Saturday team who were normally celebrating ‘long into the night’!! It also marks the ‘end-of-an-era’ for Ron Barker who will go down as one of the greatest captain’s in the clubs’ history.The batting award went to Matt Thomas who scored 3 half-centuries. Booth again excelled scoring a majestic century and 2 other half-centuries. Ricky King and Ben Baczala both also struck half-centuries.
The bowling award again went to Ricky King for his tremendous consistency. He was ably supported by Ben Baczala, Ron Barker and Booth. Again, Lewis Kirby’s wicket-keeping was rewarded with the Fielder of the Year award.
The Sunday 2nd XI
The third Championship being picked-up by the club at the AGM will be Terry White whose side won 9 out of their 12 matches. Their batting award went to Paul Norman who scored 3 half-centuries. Other notable contributions came from Pete Barker who scored 2 half-centuries and Dan Salmon also registered a half-century. The Bowler of the Year award was won by Terry White who recorded two 5 wicket hauls. Ryan White also claimed a 5 wicket haul and there was also significant contributions from Matt Beard, Binoy Devasia, Jem Warner and Mike Wells. Their Fielder of the Year was Dan White who took some stunning catches.
The other award went to Jem Warner who was voted the ‘Most Improved Player’.
The club’s youth section has continued to flourish at both Under 13 and Under 15 level. The Under 13’s team won the their league with a fantastic squad of players – Ross Tooley, Ollie Shrubsole – who has played in a Senior team, Rufus Dorey, Josh Dennis, Tommo Curtis, Barnaby Knibb, Will Prior, Steven Wooley and Alex Wood all making signifiant contributions.
The club would like to place on record their much appreciated, continued support from all of their Main Sponsor’s:- Gee Whites Restaurant, Humphries Kirk Solicitors, Masala Restaurant and PJC Accountancy Services. As well as PTN Systems for their exceptional, innovative website. The club would also like to recognise all of their fantastic Coaches:- Peter Clark, Jon Dorey, David Haines, Liz Hernandez, Steve Tooley and Andy Tillman. The club would also like to offer their sincere thanks to Tom Yeates for all of his stirling work preparing the wicket/ground especially in the early part of the season when the weather was so bad.
Two other men who have been extremely important particularly for the Saturday team is firstly, Phil Ridell – who has looked after the bar thus, allowing the team to celebrate much more easily and secondly, Pete Dyer who has given-up his time to do the scoring which allows the team to have a full quota of 11 players. Finally, a personal thank you from the Press Secretary to Angie Page – whose healing powers saved my season and enabled me to continue to play in one of the greatest side’s in the clubs’ history.
The 2012 season was one of Swanage Cricket Club’s finest and thanks must go to all the players for their efforts. The Club would especially like to thank all those members who helped in those vital duties which often go unnoticed but, without which, the club would undoubtedly suffer, let alone prosper. We would also like to thank all those individuals, sponsors and organisations who have donated to the club, our new facilities have meant we have been able to progress to new levels, a fact borne out by the Club’s performances on the field.