Burridge Cricket Club - Formed 1968
Burridge CC Review 2001
In many ways, 2001 was the opposite to the previous summer. A year ago we spent nearly the
whole season propping up the league and finished the season on an incredible high with the win
at Cove that secured our Premier 'Gold' status. Last year started with an excellent win at
Andover and by the end of May had won two of the three games played - the same number of
victories that it took the entire 2000 season to achieve!
There were several very good results Andover (a), South Wilts (h) and Bashley (Rydal) (h), but
these were matched by undistinguished performances and results against BAT Sports (h), Bournemouth
(h) and Havant (a). Having spent much of the season in the top half, it was disappointing that
our performances fell away at the end to leave us in 7th place.
Selection was difficult throughout the year and we were unable to field our strongest side in
any one match, hindered as we were by county selections for Hampshire pair James Hamblin and
John Francis together with an unusually high number of holiday absences.
There were good performances with the bat, where Dave Jackson proved to be a remarkably
consistent performer, averaging just over 44 with a league aggregate of 574. John Francis (av. 39),
Neil Cunningham (av. 35) and Paul Hawkins (av. 33) all chipped in with runs at critical times.
The season's top score belonged to Paul Hawkins, who made a fine 121 against Andover in July
when Burridge scored over 300 for the first time in a Premier League match.
With the ball Paul Jenkins (27) and Paul Ancell (24) were consistent wicket takers, ably
supported by off-spinner Matt Godwin (18) and left-arm seamer Steve Williams (14). Paul Ancell,
Matt and Steve all bowled economically conceding an average of less than four runs an over.
Top bowling performance of the year went to Matt Godwin with his 7-49 against Bashley (Rydal).
General comment - some highs, some lows - overall good, but not quite good enough!
Congratulations once again to Burridge II who, for the second consecutive season, went undefeated
and won HLCD1. To end on a sad note, at the end of July, Burridge and Hampshire cricket lost one
of its great stalwarts, George Winkles - ex-cricketer and expert groundsman. George will be
sadly missed by all who knew him and benefited from his knowledge and experience.