Captain's Notes - 2001

Having had two and half weeks to settle back and enjoy not having to worry about cricket, I was reminded that I also had to write a report of the season just completed. I decided to start by looking back at what I wrote back in April to all members and I quote "this season, our penultimate at Ormeau is without doubt one of the most important in our long and proud history", I think that sentence summed up the feeling at the beginning of the season. It did not take long before I was reminded by members and others of how important this season was going to be, and the necessity for the Ist.XI to gain promotion back to section one at the first attempt. To that end we, as a club achieved that aim. Our record of 16 league wins out 18 was sufficient to have the league won by the 19th, August ,the same day as the 4th.XI won their cup final. However, perhaps by lasting memory of the 2000 cricket season was when I was present to see Muckamore get relegated last weekend, it then became apparent to me that this season HAS to only be the start and all the good work that has been achieved cannot be lost, so maybe in next years opening letter the sentence quoted above will be more significant.

The season started back in May when we commenced our short defence of the Senior cup against Muckamore and I think the fact that we lost may have been a blessing. We consequently had nothing else to concentrate on other than 18 league matches. The club again decided on the services of a professional and Darryl Andersen arrived in late April and quickly settled into the club, it perhaps took him a while to settle on the cricket pitch but his overall playing contribution was hugely important and the club owes him a huge thank you. The team rightly identified three other teams that would be the strongest contenders for the league title viz Bangor, Holywood and Armagh. So when at halfway through the season we were nine wins out of nine things appeared to be going according to plan. It was to the teams credit that we had not really been tested but that changed and the second half of the season was harder. In fact it was not until the return match against Derriaghy that I think that we found ourselves in a really competitive cricket match and it was Davy Johnston's experience that proved vital on that occasion.

Over the season our batting was significantly stronger than our bowling to the end that it was decided to chase more often than not, without not wanting to pinpoint specific players more than others as the season was a total team effort, it would be remiss of me not to mention two players who without their overall commitment, dedication and skill the season would have been very different. Jim Patterson and Luke Friedlieb were outstanding, Jim's experience as my vice captain and talent with the bat were vital to this season's success, likewise Luke's approach to the game was second to none. Luke has left us to fUrther his career back in Australia and on behalf of the club we wish him well. I think one of the most pleasing aspects of the season was the fact that a number of players made match winning contributions on occasions, ones' which spring to mind are Neil McCall and Chris Fuller against Laurelvale away. Peter Reid against Queens home and Davy Haire's innings against Carrick are a few to mention.

The second half of the season was more difficult as the opposition raised their game against North, however, with two exceptions we raised our game higher. So it was on the 19th. August at Ormeau against Armagh in what I believe was our best performance of the year that we reached our goal for this year. As I said it was a team effort throughout the year and without exception everyone who represented the 1st. XI contributed to the side. There are things which will need to be addressed for next year as we make the step up back into section one but I believe the experience gained in section 2 can only benefit the club as a whole and players individually because having been there for a year I know I do not want to go back !!

In closing I would like to express my sincere thanks to most importantly the players who represented the Ist XI during the season. Without their work and commitment the successes of the year could and would not have happened. I would also like to thank publicly Peter Russell for scoring this year; the first of many I hope, and also Henry for his constant advice and quality of wickets. Also the cricket committee for their work and tireless effort; without them the cricket section could not operate. Final thanks goes to all those people who have supported us this year. Lastly as we approach our last season at Ormeau I believe we can do so with genuine hope and aspiration.

Anyone wishing to contact me directly can do so on the following: -

Stephen Dyer
1st XI Captain (2001)
December 2000