Running a third team for any club is extremely difficult. Captaincy on the pitch is a relief after the trials and tribulations of getting 11 fit and able people turned out on a Saturday afternoon. I know. I've tried it and it's very hard work. So the real praise for this season has to go to Kevin Mitchell and his number two, Neil Millard for the excellent and professional way in which they ran the Biddestone third team in it's very first season.

Performances on the pitch were varied, not surprising with the team usually comprising 7 or 8 players under 16. Kevin, Neil and Daryll Smith particularly are to be congratulated for the help and encouragement they gave the youngsters which will surely reap benefits for the club as a whole over the years to come. A mid table finish was a creditable first season and the team were rarely outplayed (I'll not mention the 22 all out at this stage!).

With the bat, Neil made some good scores and Chris Smith established himself as a solid opener who could bat for long periods. However, this side was unusual for Biddestone in that its bowling was probably better than its batting. Chris Jones and Doug Miller were as good as anything in the league when they were available and James Taylor was another who could bowl a fiery spell. Mixed with Yan Klukowski's spin, this is a quartet of young bowlers who could be the foundation of Biddestone's attack for many years to come.

    John Lawton 20th September 2002

2002 Roll of honour

Results

Detail and Performances