2008 Season Review
REVIEW OF THE SEASON: The club experienced some highs and lows during their 2008 campaign, but unfortunately the weather proved to be the winner for the season, with more games being cancelled than I can remember.
The 1st XI, despite all the pre season hype, saw themselves relegated to the Third Division, winning only three of their games, with four matches being lost to the weather. Despite this, Phil Rich and Jamie Clapp showed some good form with the bat, both scoring a century a piece. And their was some useful contributions with the ball from Carl Woodley, Neil Buller and Gary Thomas. Youngster Michael Barrow, also made his 1st XI debut, a product of the Over Stowey youth system.
The 2nd XI faired better, finishing fourth in Division Five, and were at one stage leading the division, but again the weather took its toll, and four fixtures had to be cancelled to the bad weather. The seconds proved to be a good stepping stone for the Stowey youngsters, and the likes of Lee Villis making useful contributions during the season. And with experience campaigners like Norman Hicks, Roger Shepherd and Simon Pickard, there was a healthy balance to the side.
AVERAGES: The averages for the 2008 season have now been published. In his first season Jamie Clapp came top of the 1st XI batting averages with 55.25, which included an unbeaten century, Phil Rich, who top scored with 122, was second with an average of 32.92. Phil capped of a good season topping the 1st XI bowling averages taking 14 wickets at 15.71, with Barrie Buller second, claiming 19 wickets at 17.58. However, Gary Thomas had the best return for the season with 5-43.
Richard Duddridge topped the 2nd XI batting with an average of 33, which included two knocks of 43. Roger Shepherd, who was second, averaged 22.75, and he also top scored with 53no. The performance of the season goes to bowler Norman Hicks, who claimed 24 wickets at an average of 10.66, which included two five wicket hauls, with his best return of five wickets for three runs.
