The 2nd XI finished a satisfactory 4th place in the table in 2006. However, it may be argued that they were worthy of a higher position in the table, as the side lost more games to the weather than any other team in the league, all of which were against sides lower than the 2nd XI in the table. Therefore, the fact that the team finished only 17 points off second place was even more pleasing.

The team managed at least one victory against every team in the division, except champions High Halstow who were a class above the rest as they lost only one game all season. This was a definite improvement on the previous year, with the young players in the side maturing with every game. Notably, 14 year old Matt Lewis took 6 wickets at a very respectable average of 24, and 16 year old Ricky Dale scored 215 runs at an average of 22, including an unbeaten 50 at Macknade. Of the more experienced members of the team, Barry Wood took 23 wickets, Steve Botting 18 wickets, and good all round performances came from Lee Cogger (395 runs, 14 wickets) and Matt Barraclough (200 runs at an average of 50, and 13 wickets). The most pleasing performance came against Frinsbury, where a very young Bapchild side lost by only 7 runs chasing 218, with excellent performances with the bat from young players Ian shrimpton (26), Adam Rayner (25) and Sam James (23), adding to a 50 from Henry Fairweather and 4 wickets from the evergreen Roy Lincoln.

This reflects the progress being made by the players at colts level, the contribution from Nick Page, Robert Kennet, Josh Hunt, Alex Ward, Michael Lawrence, Alex Shaxted and Joe Mills in senior cricket in 2006, should also be noted. Hopes for the 2nd XI are high for 2007, as we look to improve on a 4th place finish and witness further progression from our promising youngsters.

The players would like to express their gratitude to Mick Lidstone for umpiring throughout the season, as well as Lorraine Hunt, Sam Harraway, Teresa Kennet, Shirley Lidstone, Lynn Taylor, Perri Wood, Lynne Cogger and Jackie Inge, who all offered assistance with the teas throughout the season.

Lee Cogger