News: Hollinghurst ushers new era (September 2004)
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| Hollinghurst – YM’s youngest ever skipper |
Ed Hollinghurst, the youngest player ever to be appointed a club captain at YMCA, has many reasons to be cheerful after transforming the Fourth Eleven’s league fortunes in 2004...
The business student used his analytical mind to great effect by masterminding a campaign which culminated in a fourth place finish in division three of the ‘A’ league - thanks to a new record of seven victories, more than the previous three seasons combined.
| 'A' ELEVEN DIVISION THREE - TOP FOUR | ||||||
| Played | Won | Lost | Bonus | Total | Ave | |
| Winterbourne | 12 | 10 | 2 | 101 | 261 | 21.7 |
| Bedminster 'B' | 10 | 8 | 2 | 87 | 215 | 21.5 |
| C. Sodbury 'B' | 13 | 7 | 6 | 90 | 186 | 14.3 |
| YMCA 'B' | 14 | 7 | 7 | 100 | 196 | 14.0 |
In conversation with this website the Henleaze based cricketer was asked what he considered the key to the success of last season: “The general commitment of players and overall team spirit made a massive difference. We were always very supportive in the field and never gave up.”
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| Routledge - 10 wickets offer promise for 2005 |
Finding the right balance
Arguably Hollinghurst’s greatest contribution during his first season in charge was to find the subtle balance between youth and experience, a factor so vital for any squad. The right blend of young and old was never more prevalent than with the teams bowling attack in which former Third Eleven Captain Tony Wilcox with 22 wickets (the second highest total in one season for a 4th team bowler) and Brian Dury (16 wickets) were complimented by the emergence of Chris Machin (14) and Will Routledge (10).
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| Sage – a welcome addition |
The batting also showed great promise and in right-hander James Thomas, who scored 185 runs in only 4 innings, the team possessed an act of genuine quality. Meanwhile, the ever reliable Chris Weeks, Roger Davis and Gareth Rees all made typically valuable knocks whilst new boys Julian Sage and Aaron Bush added strength a batting line up which, as times, showed some frailty.
A performance never to be rivalled?
One of the more remarkable features of the season was the one-off cameo appearance of first team supremo, Simon White. White, who was making slow progress back from injury, was persuaded to make his debut for the Fourths as part of his rehabilitation. White understandably looked highly accomplished and delivered an amazing performance that included 98 not out (a career best) and took four wickets at one run apiece. It maybe sometime until this all-round contribution is bettered!
Building on success for 2005
But as the dust settles on a highly satisfying year, Hollinghurst, like all effective leaders is already thinking ahead to April 2005: “It was a great season for the team, and one where we made some real progress. I am obviously pleased with the way things went, but want to build on this in 2005.”
With the support of key team players like loyal vice-captain Dickie St Jean and fantasy league fixer Phil Wilton, the Fourth Eleven can surely move the extra step and gain promotion in 2005.
Click here to view the Fourth Eleven league averages for 2004
