The 1st XI entered uncharted territory in 2000 by contesting Section 2 for the only time in the Club's history. New Captain Stephen Dyer leading a happy and united team in what he described as one of the most important in the Club's long and proud history, was deservedly able to lead the celebrations on 19th August when defeat of Armagh secured the league title and promotion.

Failure to defend the Senior Cup in the first round against Muckamore enabled the team to concentrate on the League. New professional Darryl Anderson's contribution on the field was hugely important and he fully earned our thanks. The first half of the season produced 9 wins out of 9. The return fixture against Derriaghy was the first really competitive contest, when David Johnston's experience proved vital. With batting being stronger than bowling, the side preferred to chase targets rather than defend them. Winning 16 out of 18 matches was a complete team effort, but two players, whose skill, determination and commitment were important factors deserve mention. Jim Patterson and Luke Friedlieb were outstanding. Jim's experience as vice-captain and batsman was crucial to the team's success, and Luke's approach to the game was second to none. Luke has left us to further his career back in Australia and the Club wishes him well.

One of the pleasing aspects of the season was that a number of players made match-winning contributions, such as Neil McCall and Chris Fuller at Laurelvale, Peter Reid in the home match against Queen's, and Davy Haire's innings against Carrick. The best performance of the year was probably the title-clinching defeat of Armagh. The leading run scorer was Jim Patterson with 630 runs at an average of 45.00, including one century and four 50's. Luke Friedlieb scored 577 runs with six 50's. Darryl Anderson took 39 wickets at 11.46, and David Johnston 22 wickets at 14.36. Ulster Bank awards were won by Jim Patterson for his 130* against Queen's, and by Stephen Dyer for taking 5 for 25 against Cooke-Collegians.

Thanks are due to Peter Russell, in the first of what we hope will be many seasons as scorer, and to Henry Harrison for his constant advice and quality of pitches. Next year will provide a sterner challenge, but as recent seasons have shown, promotion can be a springboard to greater success and we look forward to leaving Ormeau next September in a healthy position. Stephen Dyer fully deserves congratulations on an excellent year as captain, and for his hard work in all aspects of the Club's affairs.

The Second XI, under Trevor Dalzell, had a season of two halves. The first half produced 3 wins and five defeats, but a strong finish provided 7 wins in 8 matches, securing joint third position in the League. The most impressive performances were victories against a strong Instonians side, where Philip Wilson reverse-swept his way to 60, and against Cliftonville, with the captain leading the way with 75. Trevor had an excellent season, leading by example scoring most runs (482) including 5 fifties and taking most wickets, 25. Amongst many notable efforts, Richard Finlay Jnr and Gary Wilson both scored over 150 runs and there were important innings from Philip Wilson and Guy Featherstone.

Neil Black continued to develop as a bowler of promise, and Philip Black twice took 2 for 5 in 10 overs, taking 16 wickets in all. One of the highlights of the season was a diving catch in front of the pavilion by Jonathon Hool to snatch a 2 run home victory over Lurgan from a ball which had four written all over it. The captain, who was the bowler concerned, still maintains that it was a planned move.

The Third XI had a disappointing season, only rescued from ignominy by some spirited performances during the final two weeks. A reasonable start to the campaign, with a 2 run defeat against Waringstown and an 8 wicket Cup win, in which Philip Wilson scored 102*, proved only to be the prelude to a dreadful trot where from 12 starts only 2 games were won and one of those was a walk over. However, from the depths of despair came their player of the year, David Dickson, who batted defiantly for 197 runs at an average of 32.80, until a minefield at Ward Park finished his season prematurely. It was also during this period that a number of father and son combinations took the field together - the Heaney Two (David and Michael), the Hamilton Two (Robert and Ian), The McKee Two (Colin and Richard) and most spectacularly, the Norwood Three (Laurence, Stephen and Patrick). We are drooling at the prospect of the Black Four at some stage next season.

The final 2 weeks found the team requiring 3 wins out of 4 to be sure of avoiding relegation. Sterling bowling performances from Simon Clarke, Neil Hutchinson, Gary Erskine, who took a hat trick against Muckamore, Richard Irvine, David McClelland and Paul Jackson, together with resolute batting and telephonic skills from the captain secured the three wins and safety at 5th equal position out of 8. As well as being the leading scorer, with 308 runs at 25.7, Ian captained the side with his usual calm authority.

The Fourth XI practically failed to have a league season at all. Despite heroic efforts by Richard Irvine to get teams out, the almost complete dearth of players resulted in the side being withdrawn from the League by the NCU for failure to complete fixtures, and the Fourths will play in Division 2 next year. There was a complete contrast in the Minor Qualifying Cup competition. After Philip Wilson had bludgeoned a young Instonians bowling attack to all corners of Cherryvale in scoring 138, their batsmen capitulated in a state of shell shock to leave North winners by 252 runs. In a high scoring semi-final against Larne, the highlight of a solid batting effort was a cultured 83 from Rory Wallace, who was dropped by the bowler first ball. The winning margin was 61 runs, but Larne were in the match until the dying moments.

In the final at Newforge, Armagh, the Cup holders, won the toss and batted on a good pitch and in fine weather. Good bowling from Davy McClelland backed up by excellent ground fielding, in which there were four run outs, reduced Armagh to 63 for 7 before a recovery took them to a score of 172. Particular mention must be made of the bowling of David Heaney, who took 1 for 6 in ten overs against a backdrop of a rowdy and abusive racket from the Armagh travelling circus. After a solid start to the North batting, Rory Wallace did his best to silence the barrackers with a superb and chanceless 100, ably supported by Simon Wallace with 32. Victory was secured by 4 wickets with 14 overs to spare. Armagh did not quite display all the attributes of the sporting loser. This was a sweet success for Richard Irvine who was an excellent captain and deserved better commitment from his players throughout the season.

The Colts XI lost in the first round of the Colts Cup, being only able to raise 9 players from a pool of 21. The U 15 XI had a reasonable season without winning anything. The U 13 XI only played two matches, which they lost, but they were a very young side and it is hoped that they will play more games next year with better success.

Philip Black and Colin McKee looked after boys cricket and we are indebted to them for their dedication. Congratulations are due to Chris Fuller, who played for Ulster Schools, and Gary wilson, who represented Ireland Under 15's.

Once again, Henry Harrison produced high standard pitches, blessed by better weather than usual. The Club hosted the Senior Cup Final after a long gap, and received many messages of congratulations for the manner in which it was staged. ( Report available ) A large debt of thanks is due to all those who worked long and hard for this, especially Wilfie Hanna, Brian Fitzgerald, John Law and Simon Corlett. It is hoped that the Club will host the Final next season. The Schools Cup Final was also held at Ormeau and again, particular thanks to Simon Corlett who took charge of the arrangements.

On the financial side, the Club broke even this year which is a most satisfactory outcome. We secured sponsorship from Eircom, and the ball sponsorship showed a healthy increase, thanks in large part to the energy of Brian Fitzgerald. Two successful sponsored teas were held, sponsored by Nicholson & Bass and by Brian Stafford. To them, and to all our sponsors and advertisers, we are indeed grateful. Andrew McAskie again discharged his duties as Honorary Treasurer with great efficiency and can be proud of his efforts.

Mark Marais and Stephen Dyer organised the Dinner Dance in March, which was both successful and enjoyable. Trevor Dalzell deserves a particular vote of thanks for setting up and running the cricket website and would appreciate contributions from any member with something to say.

Blair Buchanan took over as Secretary/Manager from Peter Bates during the season, and we wish Blair every good wish in an increasingly demanding task. Simon Corlett, the Club President, provided invaluable support and encouragement to all teams and it is fitting that his year of office has seen the return of the first XI to its accustomed status. His input into the development of the new grounds at Deramore has been of particular importance to the cricket club.

The Committee would like to thank all the players who turned out this season and those who came to support them and wishes all those involved in cricket at Ormeau a successful final season at headquarters in 2001.

Andrew Babington
Cricket Section Secretary - 2000
October 2000