2011 Season

Played 13
Won 7
Lost 6
Conceded 1
Abandoned 1
Cancelled 1

The 2011 season was always going to be a tough season after gaining promotion to division 2 we were faced with tough and unknown opposition. The season opened with a T20 game at home v Four Oaks Saints which we comfortably won by 85 runs with contributions from M.Cole 22*, S.Eccleston 2-2, M.Kaur 4-2 and N.Aslam 11-2. We followed this with games against the strongest two teams Quatt (Shropshire) and Five Ways and despite contributions of 34* from M.Hughes and 25 from Z.Smith we were defeated comfortably. A long break in the Midlands League saw a group of T20 games against some weaker opposition, and a chance for other players to be more involved in the games. A win against Harborne by 68 runs with S.Baker 35* and V.Wise 8-2 making valuable contributions. S.Eccleston captained a 28 run victory against Exhall and Wixford and also contributed 7-3. Z.Smith 38*, M.Hughes 35*, M.Cole 5-3 and S.Eccleston 4-2 aided a comfortable win against Sutton Coldfield. A slightly narrower win over Moseley by 14 runs with M.Cole 23*, M.Hughes 20 and M.Kaur 14-2 making contributions.

The return of a 40 ove game v Old Hill; an unknown team, resulted in a 5 wicket loss in the last over despite contributions from Z.Smith 33 and M.Cole 28. A break once again in 40 over cricket switched our focus to the two toughest games of the T20 season. We suffered a heavy defeat to Walmley (Z.Smith 24-3) and a slightly less heavier defeat to the eventual league winners Five Ways (M.Cole 24, M.Hughes 20). Alcester and Ragley were the final game of the 2011 season and another opportunity for other players to bat higher up the order which they relished with E.Bishop 24 and A.Oliver 30 followed by an outstanding contribution from M.Hughes with figures of 1.4-1-0-4 including a hatrick a comfortable 72 run victory ensued. We duly finished third in this league.

The final two games of the season were a mixed set of results, despite contributions from N.Aslam 25-3 and M.Hughes 22. we suffered our third defeat of the season to Five Ways. The final game of the season was against Old Hill, we had a realistic chance of winning this game, despite the efforts of the Great Brtish weather to scupper our chances a successful toss stuck Old Hill in on a vey wet wicket only to be on the field for 10 overs until it rained again, we finally agree to pay a twenty over game N.Aslam 20-3, Manjit 5-2 and M.Hughes 29* and Z.Smith 26* giving us the 10 wicket victory that we deserved. This game was by far the most enjoyable game of the season, and not ony because of the win but because of the incredible steam spirit on on display throughout the afternoon and evening. We managed to finish a very respectable third place in division 2.

Again the importance of getting 11 players out every game became even more obvious this season with much stronger oppositions. The commitment shown by the core of the squad is incredible knowing that we were playing with less than 11 in all but one game still turned up to every game. The season finale once again immaculately organised by Janet was a highlight of the season. Everyone should be pleased with their performances this year and look foward with optimism to next season however the leagues are re-structured, with a positive intense winter, a few more players, a successful season in 2012 is something we can all look forward to.

Thanks goes to Chris for his support throughout the season, and Mark for scoring. Help and support from Neal, Bridget, Steve and Kate behind the bar. Tom Colesby for his commitment in umpiring T20 games, Sue Smith for cooking a chilli for our last game. Tommo for preparing the wickets and allowing us to use sawdust when needed! And finally Carole for sitting through numerous games despite not being a massive fan of the game.

Awards
Leading Run Scorer: Michelle Hughes 240 runs @ 26.67
Leading Wicket Taker: Michelle Cole 16 wickets @ 14.56
Players player: Michelle Hughes
Most Improved Player: Sarah Baker
Captains Award: Janet Stubbs and Sara Eccleston

2011 Squad
Michelle Cole (Capt), Sara Eccleston (V.Capt) Janet Stubbs, Michelle Hughes, Manjit Kaur, Puja Kaur, Nimmisha Aslam, Zoe Smith, Elisabeth Bishop, Sarah Baker, Vicky Wise, Adele Oliver, Kate Huntington, Emma Key, Gemma Carpenter and Hanna Allan.