   |
|
Home 2003 Season 2002 Season News Photo Gallery Club Directory Umpires SPCL Umpire Appointments Rules/ Accreditation Officials SEC Cup Awards Statistics Links |
|
|
B.A.T.Sports Cricket Club - Formed 1928
Back to B.A.T.Sports CC Directory Page
B.A.T.Sports CC Review 2002 (written by Richard Dibden)
So near and yet so far. Retaining the Southern Premier League title has always been a tough task and so it proved for 2001 winners BAT Sports last term. The 'timed' matches again proved the foundation of the season, securing the pennant with relative ease by winning seven out of eight completed matches.A conservative Bournemouth run-chase on a benign Chapel Gate surface the only 'blemish' which ended an unbelievable run of 15 consecutive wins in this form of cricket, including a mid-season victory at Havant, who had won a 50-over affair at Southern Gardens in early May. Unfortunately, these levels of consistency were not matched in the 50-over competition and despite a satisfying victory against local rivals Calmore Sports on the last day of the season, second place was guaranteed when news of a convincing Havant win filtered through.
The bowlers certainly played their part in attempting to defend the title. Dan Goldstraw, particularly effective in the all-day games, returned a phenomenal 48 league wickets. Backed up by Richard Dibden (31), an excellent first BAT season for Kirk Stewart (28) and the evergreen Terry Rawlings (still the best gully fielder in the league?) taking 24 scalps, BAT achieved the incomparable accolade of four bowlers in the top five of the league's bowling averages.
Batting proved to be BAT's nemesis. Only the prolific Damian Shirazi (697) and Dave Banks (387)
showing any semblance of consistency. A major plus point of the season was the emergence of
batting all-rounder Ricky Rawlings (son of). He displayed ability and maturity beyond his years -
surely a big future lies ahead of this boy!