Review of the 2003 Season

Although a better season than last year, in true Woodmansterne tradition the 3rd XI got off to a poor start, yet again, losing their first four games, although the last of the four was by only 1 run, against Addiscombe. June was a better month with a win against promoted Carshalton & Croydon Gas and a winning draw against East Molesey. However, the turning point this season was a month earlier than last year, when Woodmansterne had three wins in four games, in July, with the most notable being against an unbeaten, at that time, Epsom side. The season ended disappointingly, with only one win from the last five games, although the winning draw against Kempton was the most satisfying result of the season, as it was achieved through the efforts of the younger members of a weakened team.

The 3rd XI would have finished higher in the division, but for their inconsistency and at times lack of application and patience. At least four matches were needlessly thrown away, by poor decisions by more experienced players who should have known better. However, several of the younger players improved throughout the season, as shown in the Kempton game and the future looks brighter for Woodmansterne 3rd XI, who should do even better next season.

As was the case last year there was little consistency from the recognised batsmen, in general, with the exception of Delroy Gordon, who averaged over 50 and some of the younger players who could be relied upon to add 20 to 30 runs a game. A year on and these players will be producing even higher score on a regular basis.

On the bowling front, although there were no major wicket takers, there were several bowlers who consistently took wickets and some good one off performances, such as D. Gordon's 6-53 against Old Hamptonians and G. Burbedge's 5-26 against Egham. However, the best overall performance was by a colt, R. Anderson who in his six games took 11 wickets at an average of 14.55, which bodes well for next season.

2003 Averages