from the Dressing Room

REPORT ON 1999

Town went into the season with a very much depleted squad missing the Wardman Twins, Private Jason Stones, Alex Wright, David "The Student" Able, Sturmers and for the main Colin "The Southerner" Richardson.

Town were under new leadership following the departure of "The Southerner" and his Lieutenant one of the Twins. "Fiery" and Simon "Kids" Kiddle took over the reins for the season. With no new signings arriving at the Club Andy ‘Yeado’Yeadon, Gareth ‘The Giraffe’ May and James Harrington were promoted to the 1^st XI.

In order to concentrate on the league early exits were arranged from the Cups against Hykeham and Cherry Willingham.

The first win arrived at ‘Cleggy’ afte being set 207 to win, ‘Fiery’ set the way with a fine 5-23 return, then the batters took over, with ‘Kids’ (41), Andy ‘Fid’ Fidell (48) and Jon ‘Jacko’ Jacklin (74) steering the boys to victory much to everyone’s delight (or 'em surprise).

Town responded to this with victories at Bottesford, with Ric ‘Wilko’ Wilkinson taking 6-29, as a total was set of 74. Town reply started well with Ando and Iggy back in the ‘hut’ inside the first over without a run on the board, nerves were steadied as Fid (18), Wilko (24*) and Jacko (15*) saw Town home to victory by six wickets.

On to the ritual hammering ‘The Telegraph Cup’ arived as did Barton. Within an over or two of Town batting second the crowds were streaming out of the ground unfortunately (well that is my way of looking at it) for them, they missed Town's best partnership of the evening with Jon Trippett (39*) and Fiery (XX*) putting on a large stand which got bigger as the season went on, quickly moving on.

Great news, bring on Brigg Town our next opponents, who set a useful target 206. Kids was in a rush, was he on nights, as he raced to 97 sharing a first wicket partnership with Ando (38) before he ran out, sorry, was run out. Town winning with more than 10 overs to spare.

The winning run was ended with a close game at Nettleham (270-5) after we batted we were a mere 206 runs away, with Hickson looking dangerous on 0 not out, but all his later partners had retired to the bar.

Back to winning ways, saw the arrival of Chris ‘The Doc’ Hall, who helped Town reach 244-9 with 51 and Wilko (79). In reply ‘The Meggies’ reached 186-8. Entertainment was provided by Fid and a member of the opposition followed by Kids having a running joke with the Umpire.

Towns lowest point of the season came in the next match against Bottesford (certainly things improved after the Horncastle game).

On to SJN, Brigg and that delightful batting track, where Town won the toss and invited the home side to take first use and they struggled on this excellent pitch against Jacko and Fiery who both took 5 wickets apiece to set the batters a target of 84 to chase for victory. On this flat track Kids (36) and Ando (38) knocked the runs off with ease inside 15 overs without loss and including 13 boundaries

Unfortunately Nettleham appeared again, Lost the toss here we go again, 252 to chase, Wilko made his 3^rd successive half century and at the end we were only a mere 96 runs behind. Close game then!!!.

Bad day’s at the office followed against ‘Louth’ and ‘Millennium’ so let's get to Haxey quick then.

On a good track the home side set us a target of 212 to chase, Skip having to bowl 18 overs for losing the toss. Town replied with Kids racing to 38, then he departed and in came Jacko (74) to attack the 'slow bowlers' with 4 x 6’s and 1 x 4 ably supported by the Southerner followed by a useful contribution from Kamikaze Hickson to finish just 20 short. On to the entertainment ‘The Forrester Arms’ and Carlton Chippy – were the food was VFM (Value for Money) and eaten in the luxury of Jaz’s home.

Last game points still needed Horncastle arrived at Heslam Park and batted first reaching 183 and although the game could have gone either way at 48-3, Wilko (89*) and thanks to a late call Fid (70*) saw town home without further loss and safety was assured. The next objective was then achieved as well a few pints in the club.

Simon ‘Kids’ Kiddle

Dick Lawton - for his useful contributions from the Scorebox

John Abbey - for not falling asleep

Howard Kiddle – for taking Dick to games etc

All the players for their support and efforts

Lorraine Abbey for teas

See You All Soon