News: Fourth Eleven batsmen offer promise for future (November 2004)
The comprehensive averages, which span the period since the YMCA entered a team in the BDCA's 'A' league back in 2000, offers proof that the latest squad will have plenty to contribute in the future....
One of last season’s most instantly recognisable newcomers was enthusiastic cricketer, Sid Ali. Big hitting, Ali made an extraordinary start to his YM career last season by top scoring on his league fourth eleven debut thanks to 38 rapidly executed runs against Winterbourne CC.
The score itself may not, on the surface, appear an especially memorable contribution until, that is, the full extent of his effort is revealed.
Ali's 38 runs, a score which remains his personal best, formed more than 67% of the team’s total of 57, the second lowest total in the team’s history. And, although accurate records are not available, it is likely that the rookie batsmen’s 38 runs - as a percentage of the total figure - is one of highest in the club's league history.
The match may have been forgettable but Ali's knock was certainly one to savour!
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| Ali - His 38 runs makes him the greatest...maybe! |
"I’m going to be BIGGER and BADDER for season 2005!"
Looking back at his innings and the outcome of the match, Ali said: "I was surprised to be called in to bat so early in the match, I was very nervous as this really was my first competitive match in 5 years. As overs had steadily gone by, my confidence gradually grew. I guess the pressure of an uphill struggle is what motivated me to be a little more conservative. Overall I was very pleased with my performance and hope to do the same in the future for YM."
Meanwhile, team captain Ed Hollinghurst will be asking for more of the same from one of his most promising new recruits. Looking forward to next summer, Ali added: "I can’t wait for the next season! I intend to get very ‘fit’ during the winter months so that I can hopefully score more runs rather than just relying on boundaries and to keep up with the youngsters. So watch out YM, I’m going to be BIGGER and BADDER for season 2005!"
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| Rees - Over 200 runs in only 11 innings! |
Another player who continues to make an impact in the Fourth Team is Gareth Rees. The locally based cricketer has seen his batting average steadily rise in recent seasons, thanks to a string of high scores combined with better consistency. The former language student, who's opportunities in the thirds were limited last year, has a reputation for fast scoring innings - a reputation that is backed up by his impressive average of over 21 at Fourth Eleven league level.
Indeed, his tally of 200+ runs gives him the second highest batting average for players in the 'Under 15 Innings' category.
The tall right-hander was pleased with his performance but demonstrated his ambition to cement a place at a higher level. Rees said: "Obviously I will give my best whichever team I’m in but it’s always good to test yourself at a higher level. I really enjoyed playing for Seconds and Thirds this year and hopefully will get more of a chance next season."
| 4TH XI HIGHEST RUN SCORERS | |
| R.J.BRITTON | 675 |
| R.DAVIS | 307 |
| M.C.SOMERS | 306 |
| J.THOMAS | 235 |
| G.D.REES | 214 |
| C.J.STARK | 176 |
| A.E.WILCOX | 162 |
| A.P.St. JEAN DICK | 157 |
| A.J.BARNETT | 157 |
| J.R.BOYCE | 144 |
Commenting on the marked improvements in the club's Fourth Team performance, the popular clubman offered his own view on the teams new found confidence: “The transformation in the 4ths this year was amazing and Ed and Dickie have to take a lot of credit for that but so does every single other player who contributed to such a great season. Hopefully it will be even better next time round!"
Finally, no Fourth Eleven batting summary would be complete without a mention for comfortably the most prolific batsmen in the Fourth's brief history, namely Bob Britton. Britton's run total of 675 - at an average of 33.8 - will take some beating. Even though the stocky all-rounder has been absence for long periods, thanks to a series of unfortunate major injuries, the former captain still dominates the averages with a cushion of over 370 runs on his nearest rival, Roger Davis.
