2008 Season Review

2008 was set to be a challenging year for the ladies section, with all but one player leaving the task was set to find a complete squad capable of fulfilling and competing in a number of 40 over and 20 over games. Some hard work over the winter including a media appeal eventually reaped the rewards just in time for the first league game.

The following is a summary of all the games this season with a selection of notable performances:

First game against an experienced and established Leicester side, with 9 Ashfield players playing 40 over league cricket for the first time! Leicester 229-2 Ashfield 25 AO

2020 V Moseley against a mixed Moseley side and with 7 Ashfield players having to adapt to playing with only 8 players in a reduce format of the game. Moseley 120 AO Ashfield 21 AO. Notable performances Sara Eccleston 4-17.

A mixed and young Walmley 2nds team was up next Walmley 117-7 Ashfield 40 AO. Notable performances. Sara Eccleston 3-22 and 14, Manjit Kaur 2 run outs.

Lullington Park posed a new challenge although a new team for 2008 they had some experienced players including 3 or more county standard. Ashfield 19 AO Lullington 20-0

Birmingham returned to the Graveyard with 7 players for a 2020 game, 5 experienced one county age group player and one inexperienced. Birmingham were helped to 114-3 through 56 extras! Ashfield 89-6. Notable performances Michelle Cole 2-6 and 51*.

Five ways 2020 league brought a young but talented side 143-2 53 extras! Ashfield 35 AO.

Derby 2nds were next opposition back in midlands league after having them 82-4 after 20 overs we looked to be keeping their target in reach until a 1st team player came in and gave us all a lesson in intelligent batting and bolstering their target to 178-6. Ashfield 51 AO. Notable performances Michelle Hughes 2-29, Laura Richardson 2-31, Michelle Cole 21.

Four Oaks Saints was the game from the beginning of the season I realistically thought we had a chance of winning some good bowling and fielding we restricted them to under a hundred runs for the first time this season 99-5, a strong start meant we required 18 from 7 overs the win was ours...lack of runs from the lower order heaped pressure on themselves, 10 was needed of the final over the 5th wicket fell on the penultimate ball leaving me to return to the crease to get 9 of the last ball! Ashfield 90-6. Notable performances Michelle Cole 33*

Lullington Park away, slightly different side but still with experience and talented players some very tight and frustrating bowling from the bowlers kept Lullington’s scoring down and we had them all out for 114 in 20 overs an realistic target for us to reach however a steady loss of wickets and lack or scoring meant we were 97 AO. Noticeable performances Michelle Hughes 3-31 inc 2 c&b, Laura Richardson 3-30.

Leicester was the next game a good opportunity to see how far we had come from the first game of the season. Leicester finished on 215-7 which was credible due to their experience and ability. Ashfield finished on 50 AO, we showed our ability to stay at the crease but showed we need to score runs at the same time!

Derby were the final game of the season they came with a much weakened side bar one/two players, with very tight bowling and fielding they set us a target of 56 AO very reachable, however lack of batting again let us down and a win turned into a loss. Notable performances, Sara Eccleston 5-7.

A special mention must go to Sara Eccleston who in her first year was given the responsibility of being vice captain, opening the batting and bowling and proved herself a very capable player, this also includes being nominated by the Midlands League committee for the Women’s Midlands League North bowler of the season.

The season overall has been a success, despite results. Having spent all winter net sessions with only Chris and myself, it was never thought we would get a side out for a single game yet alone fulfil every fixture, with many people proved wrong it happened and all the credit must go to the squad who have turned up to net sessions given 100% at every game and continued to work hard despite the losses. Both myself and Chris are proud of how far everyone has come and look forward with great optimism to season 2009 as should every player. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris once again for his hard work and commitment coaching and umpiring, to Neal and Brigdet Anson for their support likewise Angela Brown and Tommo. Also like to welcome Nigel Udoh who has agreed to help Chris.

Squad 2008
Michelle Cole (Capt), Sara Eccleston (V.Capt), Michelle Hughes, Vicky Sears, Manjit Kaur, Puja Kaur, Vicki Arch, Kate Huntington, Laura Richardson, Alice Burridge, Laura Mason, Sarah Cripps, Claire Cooper, Michelle Doughty, Jemma Greenway, Bridget Anson.

Season Summary
Played 11
Won 0
Lost 11
No result 2

Batting
Highest score 51* Michelle Cole

Leading run scorer 118 Michelle Cole

Bowling
Best performance 5-7 Sara Eccleston

Leading wicket taker 15 Sara Eccleston