Summary of 2005

Following promotion to Division One, consolidation was the main concern of the 1^st XI following a brief flirtation at this level in 1999.After an early exit in the League Cup, the initial league form looked encouraging as Royston Smith and Jon Powell continued to display the magnificent form of 2004. Both batsmen went on to score more than 700 runs in the league with Royston again passing 2,000 runs in total for the season. Once again, Jo Jayasuriya scored heavily with 572 league runs. The overall batting strength of the club was enhanced by the acquisition of Ian Russell and Robin Glassberg who both made a significant contribution to the league success and also passed 1,000 runs for the season. The main burden of the bowling fell on Mick Clarke who responded admirably with 40 league wickets at 19.50 and 80 in total. There were some fine performances too from the back-up bowlers James Wyatt, Simon Jeffries, Misbah Uddin and Jo Jayasuriya. The presence of two excellent all rounders in Misbah Uddin and Jo Jayasuriya provided the side with an improved balance as they were to produce notable achievements with both bat and ball. An untimely storm deprived the team of revenge for an early season defeat against eventual champions Brentwood and proved crucial to the final shake-up as we finished runners up by the narrowest of margins (matches won), but we offer congratulations to them on a fine performance. Where would cricket folklore be without the odd sad tale of rain. The cup competitions produced records and poor performances. Large scores were made against St. Albans, Aztecs and Egham but the batting was found wanting in heavy defeats to Wanstead and Purley as we exited the Cockspur Cup and Evening Standard Challenge Trophy at the third round stage and the Bertie Joel Cup in the quarter finals. The Essex Sunday League saw us finish in a respectable 3^rd place under the guidance of young Chris Cook with Gavin Castle, Martin Cason and Mick Clarke all making runs and Aaron Hills surprising a few with his pace and direction.

The 2^nd XI had a disappointing season as following an opening day victory at Leigh-on- Sea they recorded six successive defeats. Finding themselves in relegation trouble, the old stalwarts in the side dug deep with Gavin Castle and Martin Cason both passing 500 league runs. Russell Hawkins bowled splendidly to take 30 wickets at 16.23 and skipper Trevor Oakley took 21 wickets including a 6 for 9 spell in the return fixture against Leigh-on-Sea, with victory at Walthamstow on the penultimate Saturday of the season finally securing Division one status for 2006.

Ahmed Kiani announced himself to the 3^rd XI by turning a certain draw into a miraculous win as he struck 73 not out with 10 sixes and 1 four in the opening league fixture at Saffron Walden. Inspired by this victory, the 3^rd XI were defeated just twice in securing the Championship and promotion to the Premier Division. The ever-youthful combination of Keith Mitchell (46 wickets) and John Coxall (35 wickets) were largely responsible for bowling out the opposition with admirable assistance from Russell Savidge and Ahmed Kiani. Mark Gorsuch put nearly all of his weight into his batting to bludgeon some impressive scores whilst Ian Gibbs was as dependable as ever at the top of the order.

The 4^th XI became Premier Division runners up with just a solitary defeat at the hands of eventual champions Brentwood. Their success was built around consistent team performances with numerous players making contributions when needed. Kevin Brailey and Ken Moore provided most of the runs and Jon Bayfield departed to higher teams after an impressive run of form. Jon’s batting improved greatly in a season, which saw him score 1,000 runs and his maiden century. With Dave Brown missing through injury for part of the season Dean Pruscino (33), Al Surrey (21) and Andy Cook (20) were responsible for most of the wickets. Youngsters Alex Cason and James Haylett performed impressively as did Joanne Cook.

Vic Simmons captained the 5^th XI intent on developing the colts. However with Malcolm Waters scoring 358 runs without getting out and being aided and abetted by Keith Walmsley, Garry Green and Neil Cook it may seem that it was the old timers who produced the goods. However, youngsters they may be when compared to the principal bowler Graham Harris who took 35 wickets. Pipey was challenged to get his age in wickets but fell just short on 97 in total. There were some encouraging performances by Matt Simmons, Josh Barnard and Adam Green with the ball and Josh Barnard, Adam Green, Jack Gray and Scott Daws with the bat as the side finished runners up in the 4^th XI West Division.

Al Surrey took charge of the usual mix of oldies and youngsters in the Sunday 2^nd XI. James Lock, Ian Gibbs, Jon Bayfield and the much-improved Paul Hurworth scored consistently with Graham Harris, Al Surrey and James Haylett being the principal wicket takers. Al performed commendably in allowing most players a game whilst still winning more than half the matches, especially considering how he often seemed to have over reached himself in celebrating with the 1^st XI the previous evening!

Success was not confined to the men. In 2005, Joanne Cook was selected for the England Women's Under 19 Regional Squad. This was the culmination of a successful year for Jo who excelled for Essex at Under 15 and Under 17 level. As captain of the Under 15 team, she led them to victory in the National final and also the Under 15 Horsham tournament. Batting at number 3, Jo scored 423 runs at an average of 31.67 with a highest score of 75 against Cambridge Under 15’s. She also took 22 wickets at 16.28 apiece. Not surprisingly Joanne won the Essex County Cricket Club Best Player award at Under 15 level. She also won the Essex Women’s Coaches Player of the Year. Joanne performed admirably for Ardleigh Green as well participating in the Under 16 Matchplay team for which she was the top bowler. Enjoyment off the field matched the success on it with the friends and partners very much in evidence. Brian Haylett staged a variety of entertainment and will be a hard act for Stacey Nichols to follow in 2006. Our thanks to the girls who did a magnificent job with the teas and must be relishing the thought of lunches next year! Vice President Terry Jackson gave some sterling support and mercifully cut short his Vice-President’s day speech. It was great to see old stagers John Coyne, Jack Bennett, Reg Dobson, John Jillings and Dave Parmenter regularly attending the home games and providing an important link with the club’s history. Great strides were made in trying to level the outfield ruined by Water Board work several years ago and further improvements are planned in this mammoth task in the forthcoming year. A regular working party are also planning alterations to the pavilion, so be prepared for a new look in 2006.

On a sad note Ardleigh Green and the cricketing fraternity lost a great friend with the death of Ian Dale. Ian played for Ardleigh Green for over 30 years scoring 12,763 runs and taking 135 wickets. He was a very popular and sociable character off the field too and enjoyed his time with his umpiring colleagues on the panel. Following illness, Ian returned to action in 2005 scoring for the 1^st XI and enjoyed watching their success as they reached the Premier Division for the first time.