Sidmouth CC celebrate at AGM

lee.glanville@archant.co.uk
20 November 2009

Sidmouth Cricket Club held their AGM on Monday and chairman Tom Overthrow reflected on the most successful season in the club's modern history. In his chairman's report he reflected on the successes the club achieved in 2009.

He said: "Congratulations to the 1st XI for retaining the Premier League title by some 68 points and adding the Devon Senior Cup. Not to be outdone, the 2nd XI also retained the Premier 2nd XI team title. Under captain Will Murray (ably assisted by Nick Gingell), the 1st XI were undefeated in the league season and attained the best ever points total with 293.

"The bowling was strong with three seam bowlers in the top ten in the division. The batting improved on last year with the top four all exceeding 500 runs with Chris Williams, the club's overseas player from the Sutherland Club in Sydney, notably the highest aggregate scorer in the league with 602 runs. As always, the fielding was superb.

"Neil Hancock, the club professional, had another successful year with bat and ball. Neil took most wickets in the league with 49. Many players are now fulfilling their potential, illustrated by seven players representing the full Devon side in the various competitions, including Anthony Griffiths who rightfully represented the county for the first time after many years of outstanding service for the club.

"Adam Dibble, under contract with Somerset, is spending the winter playing grade cricket in Perth, Australia. His sister Jodie has been selected for an England Under-17 development squad who are touring South Africa in April.

"The 2nd team, with captain Saj Patidar again at the helm, ran away with the title by some 50 points. James Macey, Simon Sobczak, Luke Bess and Saj were the most productive batsmen with Charlie Dibble and Mark Jasper taking most wickets. Winning five Premier titles in the last six years is a remarkable feat. As always, the trick for the future is to ensure that young players progress through the system without affecting club success and, in this regard, we see Paris Pinney, Zac Bess, Greg Chaplin and others really pushing the old guard.

"The 3rd team, under captain Mike Dibble, maintained their position in the A Division for the fourth year running. Mike was the leading scorer in the division with 525 runs. Again selection was often difficult with so many players unavailable or injured, but this did give opportunities to the talented colts to experience and excel in adult cricket, notably Charlie Miles, Robbie Powell and William Sobczak.

"The Colts' section, under coordinator Charlie Dibble, continues to thrive. Congratulations to all the managers, David Miles, Charlie Dibble, Graham Briggs and Mel and Steve Le Roux for all their efforts and to Matt Cooke, Anthony Griffiths and Simon Sobczak and others who gave much of their time to coaching. A successful awards evening was held in September. Pride of place goes to the Under-13s who shared the League title and won the Somerset County Sports Cup competition."

Officers elected for the 2010 season: Chairman: Tom Overthrow; Secretary: Mike Dibble; Fixtures Secretary: Graham Munday; Ground Committee Representative: John Goodwin.

1st XI Captain: Will Murray; 1st XI Vice captain: Nick Gingell; 2nd XI Captain: Saj Patidar; 3rd XI Captain - Mike Dibble. Sunday Captains: Graham Bess & Saj Patidar;

Chairman of selectors: Mike Dibble; U15 Colts Manager: Charlie Dibble; U13 Colts Manager: Graham Briggs; U12 Colts Manager: Steve Le Roux; U11 Colts Manager: David Miles; U10 Softball Manager - Vacant.

Overall Colts representative: Charlie Dibble; Child Welfare Officer: Melanie Le Roux.