The First X1
| Captain | Chris Vagg |
| Vice Captain | Danny Turner |
| Umpire | David Harris |
| Scorer | Audrey Winn |
Last year's report remarked that better luck with the coin and the retention of the current players would lead to a better season in '98. Unfortunately, although the first X1 experienced a vast improvement with the toss, the loss of 4 players and the pre-season injury to Chris Park, who was available only for the final six matches, made it another struggle. In total 22 players represented the side, and this led to a disappointing 14th place. But all was not doom and gloom, as a great team spirit ensured that when the wins did come they were enjoyed by all. Victories over local rivals Walcountians with 2 balls to spare, Horley with 3 balls, and a relatively comfortable 3 overs unused over Richmond Town, were appreciated and, added to the win draw at Oxted when 4 was needed off the last ball, took away the pain of some very dismal batting displays.
Dan Turner shone with the bat for 405 runs at 37, including match-winning knocks of 127 against Richmond Town and 97 not out against Horley. Skipper Chris Vagg (357 at 28) was disappointing, giving his wicket away at crucial times, and his ton at Oxted highlighted what could be achieved with a little application. Bill Bessant (352 at 27) was a revelation when he was promoted to opener at the end of June, playing several steady innings including 90 off Tiffs and 85 v Oxted, and when allied to his consistent bowling (17 wickets at 28) he rightly walked away with the Player of the Year trophy.
Ralph Patel's 26 victims at 23 apiece showed what had been missed during his spell in the 2's. James Selby deserved a lot more than his 16 wickets, showing great heart even when things ere going against him. James Bull (11 wickets) bowled well when given the opportunity and greater things are expected of him, as with some of the emerging Colts. Sharper ground fielding and the same team spirit should ensure that Woods do improve next year.
Special thanks to umpure Dave Harris and scorer Audrey Winn for their loyal support.
Chris Vagg
First X1 Averages 1998
Match record: Played 18 Won 3 Lost 8 Win Draw 1 Losing Draw 3 Abandoned 2 Cancelled 1 Batting
| Inns | N.O. | Runs | H.S | Ave | 100 | 50 | 25 | |
| D.Turner | 12 | 1 | 408 | 127 | 37.1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| C.Vagg | 13 | 0 | 358 | 102 | 27.5 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| W.Bessant | 15 | 2 | 352 | 90 | 27.1 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| C.Park | 6 | 2 | 108 | 54* | 27.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| D.Pryor | 10 | 6 | 66 | 15* | 16.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| R.Turner | 14 | 0 | 223 | 44 | 15.9 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| R.Patel | 14 | 3 | 163 | 36 | 14.8 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| D.Brazier | 10 | 0 | 147 | 49 | 14.7 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| T.Phillips | 13 | 0 | 131 | 33 | 10.1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| J.Selby | 8 | 5 | 28 | 8* | 9.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| A.Conway | 5 | 0 | 35 | 24 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I.Waghorn | 3 | 0 | 21 | 17 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | J.Bull | 9 | 3 | 16 | 7* | 2.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling
| Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | Ave | BB | 5WI | 3WI | SR | ER | |
| I.Waghorn | 20.4 | 3 | 87 | 5 | 17.4 | 4-42 | 0 | 1 | 24.8 | 4.21 |
| R.Patel | 173.4 | 26 | 605 | 26 | 23.3 | 5-52 | 1 | 4 | 40.1 | 3.48 |
| W.Bessant | 139.3 | 26 | 476 | 17 | 28 | 4-16 | 0 | 2 | 49.2 | 3.41 |
| J.Bull | 75 | 5 | 342 | 11 | 31.1 | 4-49 | 0 | 1 | 40.9 | 4.55 |
| J.Selby | 174.4 | 28 | 655 | 16 | 40.9 | 3-42 | 0 | 2 | 65.5 | 3.75 |
| D.Turner | 107.4 | 23 | 375 | 8 | 46.9 | 3-36 | 0 | 1 | 80.8 | 3.48 |
Also bowled C.Hicks 5-0-34-1; T.Phillips 18-1-83-1; T. Whortley 5-1-44-0; C.Vagg 6-0-30-0
Fielding
Total catches during season = 36
7 D.Turner
6 C.Vagg, J.Selby
4 R.Patel
3 T.Phillips
2 D.Brazier, J.Bull, R.Turner, I.Waghorn
1 W.Bessant, E.Spurling
Wicket Keeping
D.Pryor
......Catches =12 Stumpings = 1
D.Brazier.....Catches = 2