12
1st XI 2015 Season Review by Dougie Brown
McCullum scores first 20-20 century
Our t20 campaign, although beginning slowly with a
defeat away to Notts Outlaws, was extremely consistent
and further reinforced the beliefs we have as a team in
that format of the game. Buoyed by the imminent arrival of
Brendon McCullum, we won 10 of our 14 group matches,
generally playing some excellent cricket and all players
identifying critical passages of play and delivering under
pressure, winning three group games off the last ball of the
match.
Rikki Clarke finishing the season with a staggering
economy rate of 5.42, despite bowling the majority of his
overs in the power play. Ollie Hannon-Dalby and Recordo
Gordon creating a reputation as two of the best death
bowlers in the country in the process. Mention must be
made of the role of our spinners, Jeetan Patel, Ateeq Javid
and Josh Poysden all taking responsibility at difficult times
to stifle the opposition when the game was in the balance.
Obviously, the highlight of the season has to be
McCullum’s 158 v Derbyshire. In addition to it being our first
hundred in the history of the competition, it was an innings
that was full of superlatives... Hardly a mistimed shot and
brutal from the outset. I’m sure it will sit firmly in the memory
banks of those fortunate enough to have watched it.
Despite that brilliant inning from Brendon, there were a
number of significant contributions from most of the batters
just when it mattered with all the top 8 playing cameos at
just the right time. Even Recordo Gordon, batting at number
10 against Lancashire, hitting the first ball he faced from
James Faulkner for 6 to set up a last ball win.
I do think our point of difference as a team was knowing
our roles extremely well and the selfless way in which we
carried these roles out to benefit the game.
Having played such good cricket to that point, it was
bitterly disappointing to lose the semi-final in front of our
home crowd at Finals Day. Even then, we showed some
remarkable resilience after a difficult start. Ateeq Javid and
Rikki Clarke setting up an onslaught from Laurie Evans to
give the Bears a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, it wasn’t
to be and Northamptonshire ran out winners with two overs
remaining.
Our RL50 campaign was a frustrating affair with weather,
in the end, getting the better of us as we fell just short of
qualification for the quarter finals. We got off to a difficult
start with heavy defeats to both Nottinghamshire at Welbeck
Colliery and Essex at Chelmsford. We then had back to
back wins against Lancashire and Glamorgan. Boyd Rankin
picking up 3 important wickets with Chopra and Ambrose
contributing the majority of the runs, it was left to Ateeq Javid
and Jeetan Patel to hold their nerve to give us a close fought
win at Old Trafford.
OHD with his maiden limited overs 5 wicket haul
and Josh Poysden with 3 wickets contributing towards a
disciplined performance with the ball to bowl Glamorgan out
for 175. Chopra 80* and Trott 73* passing the victory target
with ease.
Despite another solid performance at Rugby School
where William Porterfield’s 100 and Ateeq Javid’s mature
42* provided the cornerstone to a tricky chase, the rain,
unfortunately, was to prove extremely frustrating in the last
two matches at Edgbaston where Duckworth/Lewis made
life incredibly difficult against Hampshire. Knowing that a
win against Kent in our last match would see us to a quarter
final, heavy rain prevented play and the possibility of us
progressing in the competition.
Despite a frustrating season, we have all worked
incredibly hard this season and I would like to thank the
players for all their endeavors, even if we never took from
the season what we could have. I would also like to take
the opportunity to thank my Cricket Management team who
provide all year round support to both me and the team.
This season is another where they have all worked tirelessly,
and although we don’t have the trophies to show for it, I’m
sure we will see the rewards of this hard work as we move
into next season. Thanks again Fellas, your work is very
much appreciated.
We will come back stronger... We must!
The end of the season is also a sad time as we say
goodbye to Tom Milnes, Pete McKay and Tom Lewis. They
have all come through the Warwickshire youth system and
have each played their part in the club’s success over the
past few seasons. Unfortunately, opportunities have been
limited for them and I’m sure we all wish them all the best as
they move onto pastures new.
I would like to extend my congratulations to Ian
Westwood and Tony Frost who both recently added to
the number of cricketers who will celebrate wedding
anniversaries at the beginning of October, I’m sure you will
join me in wishing them all the best in married life.
Finally, I would like to thank Colin Povey for all his
support, not just during my tenure as Director of Cricket, but
on behalf of all the players over his reign as Chief Executive.
He has always supported us as a team, as a squad and
as a management. We talk a lot about leaving a legacy as
players... For me, Colin as the Chief Exec, has done exactly
that. He has been an incredibly loyal member of our team,
and leaves Edgbaston with a squad of players that we
should be proud of and some of the best facilities in world
cricket. Thanks again and all the best in your new role!
I look forward to everyone working hard and smart
through the winter months and provide you all with a brand
of cricket you can be truly proud of next season.
Thanks for your support
Dougie
