Skipper Chris Vagg had highlighted that the previous seasons failings had laid in Woods inability to bowl sides out, a criticism that the bowlers responded to admirably, securing maximum bowling points on six occasions. Woods' problems lay in its ability to score runs quickly enough either to chase a total or set a target and give the bowlers enough time to dismiss the opposition.

The first win was not secured until mid June away at Pyrford and that was followed immediately with another win at Old Paulines. With confidence sky-high Woods then played in one of the closest & most enjoyable games for years at home to highflying Godalming. To demonstrate how a couple of wins can change the belief in a side we crashed to 80 all out then reduced Godalming to 66 for 9, before a final wicket stand saw them home off 47 overs.

Relegation loomed after some indifferent performances mid-season before end of season wins at Marlborough 1870, thanks to a partnership between Dave Brazier and Dave Butler, and Old Guildfordians ensured Division 1 survival.

Dan Turner took both the batting 397 runs & bowling 30 wkts @ 14.8 awards and proved once again how vital he is to the side. Matt Brandwood 354 runs will be missed if he does achieve his wish to emigrate down under, although the emergence of fellow opener Neil Park 341 runs will help soften the blow.

Web master Bill Bessant 200 runs and 28 wkts @ 20.1 ensured he got regular mentions on his club website. Whilst Ralph (Wrong un) Patel 310 runs and 22 wkts @ 26.4 had ample source of material to keep the bar & curry house entertained long into the night. Opening bowler James Selby 17 wkts @ 26.5 waited until the league season had finished before demonstrating that he had been bowling from the wrong end for years and that he had no future as a pub singer!

Dave Pryor was a stalwart behind the timbers with 17 dismissals although his attempt at meteorology still requires a few more evening classes! Kiwi Nigel Harper was a welcome addition to the club before disappearing back home and Dave Clisby showed he had a lot more to offer if given the opportunity.

The future of the club in the coming season is dependent on the younger players like Tom Wortley, James Lander & James Bull continuing to break through into the 1st team and secure regular spots.

As always a special word of thanks to umpire Dave Harris and scorer Irene Harris for their assistance during the season and the hard work put in on the wicket by Dave Brazier, Andy Brazier and their apprentice Bob (RNLI) Conquest...THANK YOU.

First X1 League Averages 2000

Batting

Match record: Played 19 Won 4 Lost 7 Win Draw 1 Losing Draw 6 Abandoned 1