Elford Cricket Club Player Review 2003

Simon Smith (aka Smithy, Sparkey, Smudge)
An outstanding season for the new captain, in a season that included a personal highest ever score of 132, two centuries, 8 half centuries, over 850 runs to finish with an average of over 60. To top his personal performances, the debutant captain has led the side to the runners up spot in his first season.

Simon Carlin (aka blindspot)
Overshadowed by his namesake, but far from overlooked, Carlin has also had an outstanding season. His opening batting performances have included some fine personal innings. Most of all though, a never say die attitude has led him to some very gritty times at the crease, highlighted at Packington. Key moment of the season came at Walton when he scored 100* to carry his bat off the last ball of the innings. Didn't miss a game all season.

Ben Hughes (aka pot wah, buddah monk, worrell, bunge)
By his own admission, recent seasons haven't seen Ben Realise his true potential. However the 2003 season has brought about a change in fortunes as he has scored over 300 runs and taken over 25 wickets. His first sat 1st XI half century in 5 years and 5 wicket haul demonstrate this. Without a broken thumb, Ben would surely have been pushing for top spot in the averages.

James Paulson (aka captain caveman, pulse)
A late Start to the season for Paulson, but as always, well worth the wait. His 50 at Marchington, included shots that were in danger of with of interfering with low flying aircraft! Always entertaining to watch, a batsman that has never a use for the forward defensive.

Gaz Allen (aka Taz, Tourettes, gallen, gazza, victor)
A quieter season ( although not vocally as Mr S Kirkland of Appleby Magan will confirm), Gaz still managed to find his way into both the batting and bowling averages in the league handbook. 300 plus runs and the leading wicket taker of the season, with a superb bowling average of 11.76. His bowling demolition of Marstons confirmed his place in the Elford record books with 7 - 16, in a devastatingly accurate spell.

Danny Haines (aka onearm, windmill, bling)
An improved season saw Danny claim his highest haul of 1st XI wickets with 35 victims and three 5wkt hauls. On his day can be very effective as demonstrated against Tutbury, but once again a lack of consistency has let him down. If he can find a little more rhythm than surely he will take even more wickets. Didn't miss a game all season.

Rob Drabble (aka Drabbs, Dribbs, Dribble, Rommell, Bluto, the beard, walt)
In his 30th Senior year of playing cricket, the veteran has lost none of his magic and bowling menace as he become a real scrooge with the ball. Over 50 maidens ( a quarter of all his overs bowled) demonstrated his miserly approach. The only downside this season was the fact we weren't able to view and enjoy his unique approach to batting! Didn't miss a game all season.

Rob Wright (aka Sampras, chewy)
A dedicated member of the side and ever improving wicket keeper. Has a had a very good season with the bat and gloves. 12 Catches and just shy over 300 runs, has allowed Rob to take pride in this seasons achievements. A dangerous batsman when once in, he's more than capable to score runs, as demonstrated against Draycott when he placed the ball to all corners of the park to hit 88. If only he could take a stumping of his brother!

Rob Vickers (aka Mute, Parson, vicar)
The quit man of the team had a quiet season al in all. Despite some notable performances, notably at home to Marchington, the season promised much more. A committed work like player, with more time to play his shots than any other player in the side. Rob will always be dangerous if left at the crease to score runs.

Ant Wright (aka Teflon don, orville)
An indifferent season for the younger of the Wright brothers. A very able batsman on his day, as his performance against Walton proved, he hasn't quite made the runs he ought to on occasions. Best moment of the season was his bowling spell against Wilnecote, where he span them out of the game.

Gaz Hughes (aka GUTT, Tank)
Possibly the best of the season, despite playing for the club all of his life. The 2003 season has allowed him to shine. A keen fielder who seemed to take one handed catches with ease as well as being a gritty batsman. What he may lack in technique he certainly makes up for in determination, as he proved against Packington where he scored an unbeaten 41.

Andy Deakin (Deaks, Cat)
The return of the fielding legend! Finally after early release from McDonald's for time served, Mr Deakin stumbled back into the side and was quickly demonstrating what we all had missed. His trademark one handed fielding exploits were back on show. If only we could all see his unique approach to batting on show a little more often.

Ian Price (aka Pricey)
Although only playing three games, pricey's claim to fame came at Wilnecote. After a shaky start, he opened his shoulders and played golf with the cricket ball, to finish unbeaten on 36. A humorous squad member.

Tom Kanchanawat (aka TK Maxx, Thai Tom)
Things didn't really go the way of That Tom during his brief spell. A pair of Quackers didn't dent his enthusiasm (or his captains belief). A possible return to regular Elford colours is rumoured for next season

Tony Allen (aka Tallen, Romeo)
Despite mainly playing for the second XI, Tony was never out of depth in the First Team. A very able batsman, who will one day score at the consistency of his older brother. Maybe next season will see him a more regular fixture in the side he deserves to be in.

Nick Rammell (aka Pollock)
Appeared from nowhere, and seemed to disappear just as quickly! An affable young South African with a sharp eye for the ball. Like to drive the ball a lot, even when coming straight at his head, as he found out in a gritty performance at Packington!

Bob Aubury (aka Strawberry, Stringfellow)
The Grand Old Man! A living legend at the club and not just for looking like Peter Stringfellow. Played a couple of 1st XI games with the usual sarcastic and funny quotes, ones come to expect.

Gaz Starkey (aka Starks)
One of the few players to actually live in the village & play for the club, but normally plays for Nether Whitacre! Played the last two games of the season and eased comfortably into the team, taking 3 important wickets in the final game of the season.