Colts One Day Round Up
Would first like to say congratulations to the whole team for putting in our best one day effort yet, despite the end of season choke. Last year I think we won 2 games, which we certainly bettered this year.
We started strongly and by the end of the third quarter it looked as though we'd make the finals. Then, we lost to all the teams in the final quarter, bar Masters.
Our batting, which had been thin but capable for the first 75% of the season suddenly broke down, combined with our otherwise superb bowling attack conceding more runs than previous, international call ups and a banning, we really finished the season weakly, when we should've made the finals.
First up, batting.
Slow scoring was probably the biggest disappointment, with very few bats striking above 75/100.
Starting at the top and working our way down, Dan Rai couldn't carry over his fine off-season OD form and was subsequently dropped. Though he made a promising, and handy, knock down the order when called up as a replacement. Will have to work hard in the off season if he has any hopes of starting in the first game next season.
Bosco Fitzsimmons was brought in to replace Rai and fared little better, being inconsistent with plenty of starts but only 1 score above 50 to show for it, and a poor strike rate of 61. Will need to do the same as Rai if he wants to play regularly next season.
Dasa was a late inclusion, brought in to open and starting promisingly with 85. Basically then mirrored Bosco, scoring starts followed by single digit scores, managing to cross 50 just once more. Will be part of the battle for the openers spot next season.
Will Kerr started off opening with limited success, but then flourished after being moved to number 3. Cruelly made 99, then went 11 better soon after to register his maiden List A tonne. Strike rate could do with improving, but the number 3 spot looks to be his.
Mike Wilson started well too at number 3, though later shifted down the order, and his average hovered around 30. Mixed up paced innings with some quick hitting, and hit a couple of 50s. Will definitely be a starter next season, but in which spot is uncertain for now.
Chris Butler ravaged the attacks of Australia and Pakistan but was much more subdued against his domestic counterparts, scoring a solitary fifty in a season interrupted by international call ups. Was one of the quicker batsmen though, and will naturally continue at 4 next season.
Dan Towns started the season brilliantly, and became a rock and match winner in his new role at number 5. Showed maturity and commitment to steer the side away from defeat on a few occasions, scoring a hundred and five fifties along the way. Finished the season very quietly though, but will be sure to continue with his good form next season.
Dylan Cole's season was unluckily interrupted by injury, soon after playing his first few games. Looked good at the crease and hit a couple of 50s, but a strike rate of under 60 is something that will need improving, and soon.
Max was, on reflection, unfairly dropped after a few solid games down the order. In a late finisher type role, he typically scored faster than everyone else before him. Should be given a prolonged run next season.
Hancock played a couple of innings, but it was his innings of 37 at more than a run a ball that really stood out, in a side that seems to be full of grafters. With an impending retirement next season, we hope his son can step up as a one day player for the Colts.
Andy Pimpkins started very strongly to his first season, before tailing off, plus being out due to a ban. Could potentially be a real match winner for us with the bat down the order in the future, especially if he can do it at the rate he did this season.
Mittal was brought in as an international replacement and unfortunately failed to get going, aside from his top score of 26.
Bowling wise, this was possibly our best season ever.
Spinks co-lead the attack like as if he'd been doing it for years, cutting a swathe through line ups, but quietened out as the season progressed. Definitely one to watch for the future - a potential international player in the making.
Kyle Wright lead the team superbly, taking the most wickest plus a 5fer, combined with Spinks to form a very formidable new ball partnership. His experience shone through, though unfortunately, was somewhat let down by the batsmen meaning he couldn't lead the team into a final this year. Next year could be the one, though.
Ryan Dunn bowled okay, not really threatening but not being carted either. Was dropped, but then recalled due to Pimpkins ban and bowled an excellent spell to show us why he should be in the side next year.
Pimpkins started much as Spinks, dominating with the ball, despite being a fresh faced rookie. An impressive debut season, he'll no doubt feature as a regular next year.
Mike Wilson started as a specialist bat, and after a few wickets here and there, became a full time attacker, coming back from an abysmal season last time around.
Hutchinson averaged 2 wickets per match, also impressing in his debut season. Will start as first change next year for sure.
Tarick Weber unfortunately had a season much like the last, and despite an okay economy rate, was dropped, leaving the side with a seam only attack. Will need to work hard in the off-season.
Quinn got his chance thanks to internationals largely thanks to some good grade form, but couldn't transfer it over and wicketless in his two games.
Overall, a good season, but disappointing at the end. Batting is the area where we clearly need to improve on. If we do, we should be a shoo-in for the final imo.