The first two matches of the new season were cancelled due to the weather and the First XI having won 6 out of their first 7 matches, occupied the top position of the League table. At one stage promotion to Division One looked a possibility but despite losing the final 3 matches of the Season, Biddestone finished in a creditable third position winning 8 matches, losing 6 with 4 being cancelled. Highlights of the Season were victories over Woodmancote, Malmesbury, Hatherley & Redding and Gloucester City with double victories over Cinderford St. John and Wootton Bassett. Dwaine Perry topped the batting averages with 569 runs and an average of 56.9 with the only centurion being Michael Lodder with 109 against Woodmancote. There were 3 century partnerships during the season: 2nd for 121 runs vs Gloucester City by Kris Boulton and Dwaine Perry), 3rd for 106 runs vs Woodmancote by Adrian Hunt & Michael Lodder, 4th for 121 runs vs Cinderford St.John by Dwaine Perry and Philip Boore. Other notable performances: Dwaine Perry with 97 vs Cinderford St.John and Kris Boulton with 84 vs Swindon. Dwaine Perry topped the bowling averages with 30 wickets at an average of 15.37and Michael Lodder was second with 29 wickets at an average of 16.69. Notable performances vs Cinderford St.John: Mark Unwin 5 wkts for 18 runs and Michael Lodder 5 wkts for 24 runs.

The Second XI started the season with 3 victories before losing to Redmarley by 5 wickets. Double victories over Winget, Woodmancote and Cinderford St.John helped the 2nds achieve a mid-table position at the end of the season. Arran Bell topped the League batting averages with 351 runs at an average of 39 and achieved the highest score of the season, 92no vs Gloucester City. Other notable performances Arran Bell 82 vs Malmesbury, Josh Barnes 73no vs Cinderford St. John, John Lawton 73no vs Cinderford St.John, Sam Thornton 71 vs Winget, Mike Tasker 53 vs Redmarley, and James Taylor 50 vs Marlborough. Best bowling by: Mike Tasker 6 wkts for 13 runs and 5 wkts for 31 vs Woodmancote and Sam Thornton 5 wkts for 7 runs (including a Hat-trick).

Congratulations to Kevin Mitchell and his team on gaining promotion to Division 7 having only joined The Wiltshire League in 2002 and despite a slight wobble towards the end of the season won Division 8 of the League with 301 points, 23 points ahead of their nearest rivals - Chippenham 4ths with Devizes 4ths in third position. Biddestone won 11 matches, lost 3 and tied 1 with 3 cancelled. Wins over Swindon 4ths, Bathford 2nds, United Churches 2nds, Warminster 4ths and Chippenham 4ths. Double victories over All Cannings 2nds, Blunsdon 2nds and Highworth 2nds.

Following the success of the 3rds in winning promotion Biddestone will be able to enter a 4th XI in Division 8 of the Wiltshire League for 2005

For those of you that do not know, our youth teams each play approximately 22 games during the season.

The Under 11's played an extraordinary 24 games, winning 11 and losing 13, many of the losses being by a very small margin. The under 13's had another successful season playing 23 games and winning 11 and reached the County Cup final for the second season in a row, losing once again to South Wilts CC. The Under 15's won 13 of their 21 games, a very creditible performance from a sign mainly comprising Under 14's Another County Cup Final although this time the lads were completely outplayed on the night, losing to a very strong Chippenham side.

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