FIRST ELEVEN RETROSPECT 2009 SEASON
by Paul K.Beacroft
YMCA welcomed two extremely talented cricketers to our club in Reinhardt Strydom (from North County CC) and James Parkinson (from Parramatta CC, Sydney, Australia) in addition to the already talented players available. Expectations for the season of 2009 were high.
The primary objective was to obtain promotion to the re-vamped Leinster Senior A League for 2010, which was duly accomplished.
During the season the team also performed well in the four other competitions that we participated in and had the clubs best season for many years under the dynamic captaincy of Warwick Armstrong.
DGM League Campaign
The season started with an away fixture to North County, without Reinhardt facing his old club as he was away on Irish duty. In previous years YM have been mauled on such occasions and often embarrassed at this ground. This year was to be different though and a comprehensive victory over arguably the best club team in Ireland during the past decade started YM's season off on the right note.
We then played Old Belvedere at Claremont Road and promptly bowled them out for 60, chasing the runs down in only a few overs. This set up a crucial match against Phoenix with a spot in the semi-finals up for grabs. YM's preparation for this crucial fixture was not great. James Parkinson was released from A&E at 8am on the morning of the match as he was caught up in some Dublin hospitality at a nightclub. Rob Nandi turned up late to the ground because he thought the match would be called off due to the adverse weather and Reinhardt was once again on International duty. YM however, were not to be denied and once a reduced overs match started all contributed to a wonderful win under the astute captaincy of Stuart McCready. Highlights included Rob Nandi's patient 31 off 74 balls, Simon-Wilson-Moore's quick-fire 30* and Umar Jehangir bowling an exceptional spell into a gale force wind to take 3 wickets.
So we had reached the semi-final where we took on Railway Union CC, a team that we thought we were equal too. Unfortunately for us Trent Johnston scored a magnificant hundred and took the game away from us. Given Railway would go onto win this competition and were one of the top sides in Leinster, this was no disgrace and our season had started reasonably well. (Ed's notes * - Although the team chased admirably wickets fell steadily and the team failed to bat out their allocation of overs which was both crucial and criminal)
Leinster Senior Cup
Possibly our worst display of the season was unfortunately in the 1st rd. of the Leinster Senior Cup against arch rivals Pembroke in Claremont Road. The Pembroke professional, Anthony Brooks was lucky when he was not given out to a clear edge behind the wicket when he had only scored 10. He went onto score 155 and gave the 'Broke a competitive total, yet one that YM still should have chased down. However, we got off to a bad start and couldn't recover, thus exiting this Cup at the first hurdle.
Leinster Twenty/20 Cup
In our two games in this competition we absolutely hammered a depleted CYM team, who resembled an U14 team, but unfortunately lost to Leinster in Rathmines where a crucial catch was spilled and with it our chances for victory. Given Leinster went onto become eventual champions of this Cup (and also became Irish Senior Cup Winners) again this was no disgrace. Twenty/20 games can be decided in a few balls or minutes and so this was not a huge setback for our team or season.
Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup
YM had a good run in the ISC in 2009 beating a Cork County team (with Alan Lewis to the fore scoring a wonderful hundred) and then defeating a strong Strabane side. Unfortunately, in the next round we came up against Lisburn who proved too good and in particular their professional Gerry Strydom, brother of our own Reinhardt, who blasted quick runs and we failed again in our attempt to progress any further in that Cup. We were not far away and were encouraged by our teams' ability to compete with the best teams in the country. (* Even so previous mistakes, like failing to bat the overs,were again evident and this was definitely a missed opportunity)
WMK Leinster Senior League/Section B Campaign
All season we had been building to try and put in a good performance(s) in this league campaign and secure promotion to the top tier for 2010. It has to be said that this league contained 4 or 5 genuine contenders for the top 2 spots available for promotion. (* Really?)
One of these contenders was Rush CC and we played them first and scored over 300 runs, largely due to Reinhardt's very impressive hundred. James Parkinson then took 5 wickets in the Rush innings to give YM a commanding win and to set the tone for our entire league campaign. During the league we only lost 2 games, one by Duckworth Lewis in trying circumstances and the other on the last ball by one run, in a meaningless game, as we had already been declared champions of the league.
Two great victories that will be remembered long into the future, were two great run chases. The first was our home game against Old Belvedere when they scored 291. Rain reduced our overs available and we had to score 235 off 34 overs, a target which we achieved with both wickets and overs in hand. The second great chase was against Phoenix when we scored 265 off less than 45 overs to win. This was set up largely by Reinhardt's 94 and he was unlucky to be denied a century by a poor umpiring decision.
So during the season of 2009 there were many highlights, which included;
Best Bowling;
James Parkinson
5/17 v Rush (WMK)
4/12 v Rush (WMK)
Most wickets in Leinster Senior Cricket & 2nd in bowling averages.
Reinhardt Strydom
6/15 v CYM (WMK)
Special mention of Umar Jehangir for his 3/29 v Phoenix (DGM) bowling into a gale force wind and Stuart McCready bowling in the same gale force/same match conceding less than 2 runs per over.
Best Batting;
Reinhardt Strydom
94 v Phoenix (WMK)
132 v CYM (WMK)
127 v Rush (WMK)
Alan Lewis
122 v Cork County (ISC)
Angus Dunlop
92* v Malahide (WMK)
Ehtesham 'Shami' Ahmed
61 v Rush (WMK)
Best Fielding;
Fielding does not usually get a mention in the season highlights but this year there were two particularly special moments, from the same player, Alan Lewis, that deserve recognition.
1/ Fielding in the slips against CYM with James Parkinson steaming in Lew dived fully stretched and caught the ball one handed diving away to his left. This was definitely one of the best catches of our season and possibly one of the best catches we had all seen.
2/ Again fielding in the slips, this time against Malahide and again with James Parkinson steaming in Lew dived again at full stretch and caught the ball one handed low down. If it had not been for the catch the week before against CYM, this would comfortably have been the 'Champagne Moment of the Season'.
'THE PLAYERS'
WARWICK ARMSTRONG (Capt.)
Lead the team admirably on the field and off it while achieving the clubs ambition of securing promotion. Always a consistent wicket taking bowler Warwick actually improved his batting this year and was involved in some good partnerships which were very helpful to the team.
Personal Highlight: Has to be 'that over' against Old Belvedere in Claremont Road. Priceless.
ALAN LEWIS
As ever the most enthusiastic person on the pitch for the entire season. Brilliant batting performances at the top of the order gave the team an assured start and he and Reinhardt continually got the team off to a great start. Add in those 2 catches and a season to remember.
Personal Highlight: Definitely entertaining the crowd on the dance floor in Athlone on our end of season trip.
REINHARDT STRYDOM
Phenomenal debut season for YM as both opening batsman and bowler. Exceptional player and will captain the team in 2010. Continues to be in and around the Irish squad which is justification of his status as one of the very best cricketers in Ireland.
Personal Highlight: Anyone of a number of great scores for the club in his debut season.
ANGUS DUNLOP
Rolled back the years with a very impressive knock of 92* on the final day of the season and was more consistent with the bat for some years. Also contributed vital wickets with the ball which should motivate him enough to come back bigger and better in 2010.
Personal Highlight: Definitely the 92* v Malahide.
STUART McCREADY
Continues to be the clubs premier all-rounder doing the simple things of seeing the ball and 'smacking' it and bowling with great control. Very valuable member of the team and a great reader of the game.
Personal Highlight: Any of his 3 scores between 50-54.
JAMES PARKINSON
Unknown to anyone at YM before the season but became one of the most popular overseas players ever at Claremont Road by the end of it. Fitted in extremely well and was close to being the best bowler in the league, hardly wasting a delivery. Averaged over 30 with the bat despite not making it to 50, which showed how consistent he was. Clean striker of the ball which fits in very well in the team ethos.
Personal Highlight: Bringing his friend Elle to Dublin and to watch cricket for a week.
ROB NANDI
Season was cut short by a hip injury (as usually trying to get his leg over and failing...). Started the season well and gave the team the solid platform that has been missing from previous years. (* ??)
Personal Highlight: Either the Man-of-the-Match batting performance against Phoenix (31 off 74 balls) or the brilliant fielding exhibited against Rush (if anyone needs coaching of the 'long barrier' than Rob Nandi's your man!)
SIMON WILSON-MOORE
Best batting performance for many years and finished the season with an exceptional average, but maybe denied some opportunities due to the performances of others. Injuries prevented more bowling, which is a shame, because he is consistently the clubs best bowler at nets. Also filled in for the 2nds this year and performed admirably.
Personal Highlight: Massive 6 off former 1st class cricketer Andrew Downton of Phoenix.
PAUL BEACROFT
Another good season saw 'Beaco' contribute vital performances with both bat and ball. Never giving less than 100% brings a nice blend of power and aggression to his play and like all great Aussies loves a moan and a 'chirp' now and again.
Personal Highlight: Any story involving Rob Nandi and his mis-adventures.
CARL HOSFORD
One of the best technical batsman at YM. Carl did exceptionally well when he played but his season was cut short by an extended holiday. Played a crucial part for the 2nds helping them avoid relegation by scoring big runs when needed most.
Personal Highlight: Getting into his first ever on-field fight with the Pembroke professional, with a shoulder charge of great force. Made all the more exceptional by the fact that Carl was not even looking as he hit the 'Broke pro with the middle of his back.
EHTESHAM 'SHAMI' AHMED
The player with the most potential in the team. Shami performed strongly at the back end of the season and was Man-of-the-Match in two crucial games against Old Belvedere & Rush, which helped us secure the league title. A good club man, Shami also made himself available for the 2nds and performed well for them.
Personal Highlight: Getting a Christmas card from Belvo's Del Boy.
JONATHAN HARTE
Limited role in the team this season as like Carl Hosford he has also opted to take advantage of school holidays as a teacher and see the world. Still the best communicator in the club, best fielder in the club and one of the best all-rounders in the club. So all round a very positive club man.
Personal Highlight: Possibly Brazil.
JAMES SHORT
Was given an extended run in the team with the gloves and performed exceptionally well both as wicket-keeper and batsman. Made wickets with great stumpings (one memorable dismissal down the leg side against Malahide) and catches. 'Jammer' also scored his long overdue maiden 50 for the club against Phoenix and against one of the better bowlers in the league. Techincally very good and has been rewarded in 2010 by being given the vice-captaincy.
Personal Highlight: Maiden 50 for the club, fore-mentioned leg-side stumping versus Malahide or turning up later than Angus for our semi-final in the DGM when he arrived one hour after the game began.
GRAEME McCOY
Limited opportunity to play in the team this year and not one of his best with the bat. Pushing Johnny Harte as the best fielder in the club and pushing Alan Lewis as one of the most enthusiastic people at the club.
Personal Highlight: Batting performance at Rush in the league had to be seen to be believed.
ROSS JOHNSON
Played only a handful of games for the team this year but is another with great potential and someone who could quite easily fit in and become a key member of the 1st XI in 2010. Batted with great maturity and we hope to see Ross firing on all cylinders next season.
Personal Highlight: Touring South Africa with Wesley RFC during the Lions Tour.
LEE COLE
Again played only a few games in which he showed he has the talent to succeed at this level. Only 14 he has represented Ireland at youth level and has been included in winter squads for the Irish U15 's . One to watch in 2010.
Personal Highlight: Probably watching 'Mucker' bat at Rush.
Note: Individual and team records in 'Averages' and 'Stats ' links in the top menu bar.