In 2008 Bapchild's 1st XI made a concerted effort for promotion which eventually ended in triumph. The season got off to an inconsistent start with 1 win, 1 loss and 1 abandonment. However, what followed what an amazing run of form as we remained unbeaten to the end of the season including superb last over wins against Pembury, Wye (twice), Lower Halstow, Finsbury. However, the key game in this run was the victory at then leaders Cowdrey. Bapchild scored an under par 164 all out and looked dead and buried with Cowdrey at 100/2, however, superb bowling spells from Hampton, Marsh, Larking and Roche dragged the Child back into the game and this was backed up by superb fielding. Wickets tumbled as catches were held, runs out applied and generally our fielding was of the highest standard. Eventually with Cowdrey needing 3 off the last ball we captured the last wicket to win by 2 runs.

In our last game we needed to claim 18 points to be crowned champion and despite a nervous start (and finish) we triumphed by 5 wickets.

There were many key performances throughout the season with the highlights being the following;

• Ben Fulton's debut season scoring over 650 league runs with 2 centurys
• Adam Larkings superb all round season with bat ball and in the field
• Lee Taylor's 11 stumpings and new opening partnership with Larking
• Ian Marsh, Barry Wood and Alan Hampton sharing the new ball duties with aplomb
• Ricky Dales's continued development as an excellent batsman and keen fielder
• Matt Roche continued to spin out attacks and contributed some key knocks
• Lee Cotterill bashing attacks with his 70lb bat
• Andrew Trigwell's enthusiasm in the field.
• Eric Phillips' safe hands behind the timbers

Finally, I would like to thank all those outside of the playing side for their continued support. Barry Wood, Mick Lidstone and John Mitchell often performed miracles to ensure that we had decent pitches and outfields to play on and this is key to any sides success. It is a confidence boost to know that you have a better ground than most over teams in the league and this is all down to these guys.

Roy Lincoln, Glen Taylor, Warwick Stevens, Richard Archobold and Mick Lidstone all supported the club by umpiring for the team on a Saturday. Thanks goes to these guys for giving up their vauable time.

And to all the Tea Ladies (and Men) throughout the season making sure we never went hungry (especially Dale).

I'd also like to thank Coggs for putting up with my last minute calls to burgle his players, umpire, match ball, kit. The 2nd XI was superbly run under him and was a massive support in our hunt for the title.

All in all it was a pleasure to skipper these boys as whatever happened we had a laugh together every week and thats what a cricket club should be about. Hopefully we can perform to the same standard next season and look for further success.