HNNL October 2004 page 4
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October 2004
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Series 29 No 5
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Sports
HOOK NORTON FOOTBALL CLUB
The reorganisation of the Club, following this season's return of the First Team to play home fixtures at The Bourne in the Hellenic League Division 1 (West) always seemed likely to offer an interesting challenge and so it has proved. With just six matches played, all but two of which have been away from home, the team is currently close to the midway point in the table, reflecting its mixed fortune in this short, early season period. Indeed, after a disappointing opening two matches, when certain key players were not available and the relatively new and young team were still getting used to playing together, Hooky remain undefeated for the past four matches. Undoubtedly, the high point so far has been the thoroughly deserved 3-0 victory in front of a crowd of over 213 peaceful spectators at The Bourne on August Bank Holiday Monday against local rivals, Easington Sports, when Richard Northover notched a hat trick. On this occasion, the obvious growth in confidence and team spirit, engendered by enthusiastic Joint Managers Anton Sambrook and Ben Spiero, was there for all to see and, with these building blocks in place and a hopeful continuation of such skill and endeavour for the remainder of the season, Hooky should be quietly confident of doing well.
At the time of writing, the Second Team has only played one match so far (at Trowbridge) which resulted in a defeat. Under the expert and continuing guidance of Adrian White and Mark Willis, the team hopes, once more, to have a good season in Hellenic League Division 2 (West), when the opportunity will be available to blood emerging local talent from the Junior Section of the Club.
Home fixtures are as follows
| 1st Team |
2nd Team |
| 2nd October |
v Clanfield |
9th October |
v Shrivenham |
| 16th October |
v Malmesbury |
23rd October |
v Bicester |
Geoff 'Jesse' James Senior Section Secretary
HOOK NORTON CRICKET CLUB
After a somewhat indifferent start the 1st Eleven suddenly realised at the end of July that the season was nearing its end and so they started to win more matches. The result was that we won 7 lost 8 with 3 cancellations ending up 5th in Division 1.
Tim Lunel headed both the batting and bowling averages and the features of the last part of the season were the 10 wicket defeat of Great Horwood, the 8 wicket defeat of Charlbury and a stand of 57 in just over 4 overs by Nick Leader and Kenny Smith which put the game beyond the reach of Freeland. Other features were the excellent and economical bowling of Chris Belcher and Paul South, 5 catches in an innings by Greg King plus a remarkable catch by Chris Manderson which amazed everyone present not least the batsman who thought it was a certain 4 runs. The policy of playing promising 16 and 17 year olds in the 1st Xl has certainly paid off.
The 2nd Xl's season can be divided into three — a poor start, a frustrating middle (due mainly to availability and injuries) and a good end. The team ended up 4th in the Division. Batting honours go to Barry Souch, Chris Manderson and Nick Leader. Chris Belcher headed the bowling averages followed by Matt North, Stuart Brownless and Jim Williams. Top scorer was Barry Souch (68) followed by Nick Leader (59) and Chris Manderson (56)
Sunday Friendlies had a good start but fell away a little towards the end. However, there were some very bright moments. Nick Leader's first century the day after his 17th birthday when, with Greg King they scored 170 to beat Churchill by 10 wickets. Later on Nick scored 134 against Martin Harris International Xl; a game which also saw Grant Wallis score 81 during which he made it dangerous for the residents of The Bourne to be out of doors. The bowler- a local resident-wishes to remain anonymous.
The Juniors' season ended at the end of July and winter indoor nets are being organised by Paul and Jackie White (730031). With the promising start by the young players we are looking forward to an even better season next year.
Colin Scarrett