The First XI

The First XI had a bad season in the Pontefract League 1st Division which ended in relegation. Having lost players in the previous season, the squad was further reduced by the departures of Dave Webster and Dean Whitfield, and injuries to Gerald Webster, Shane Abson and Alistair Gilfillan. On the positive side, South African all-rounder Bobby Londt was recruited to strengthen both batting and bowling.

After the traditional rained off opening fixture, the team comprehensively defeated Conisborough helped by an aggresive spell of bowling by Anthony Clarke (4-24) and a solid 49 from Phil Archer. After that however, the slide started and points became difficult to come by. A low point was the defeat at home to Houghton Main where we were bowled out for only 55. Few points were picked up as the team struggled in the batting department, but one highlight was the convincing defeat of Sprotborough, who were bowled out for 93 thanks to Phil Archer (6-61). Bobby Londt hammered 65 not out in our reply. After that points were still hard to come by and relegation was confirmed with still 3 games to go. Batting was the main problem with the team being bowled out for less than 100 on no less than 5 occassions. Only 3 wins were achieved, the last of these in the meaningless final game at home to Streethouse, where the opposition disrespectfully decided to treat the game as a joke.

There were few highlights in a poor season, but Bobby Londt came out on top in both the batting and bowling departments. Phil Archer performed consistently well as usual, but the rest of the squad showed only fleeting glimpses of their undoubted ability, particularly the younger players. The team must re-build and consolidate for next season, and a typical Stainborough team spirit and comaraderie is now required more than ever before.

The Second XI

The Second XI also had a mediocre season, finishing third from bottom in the Pontefract League Division 4. and avoiding relegation by 23 points. Boosted by an influx of new players, the squad looked forward with some optimisim as the season started. Points were picked up reguarly and there were comprehensive wins over Featherstone and Askern, where a fine stand between Richard Grange (81 n.o.) and Chris Hall (50) resulted in the best performance of the season. Victory against Sprotborough followed, but soon first team calls began to decimate the side. Points became hard to come by as the team entered the second half of the season, one exception being the defeat of Old Sharleston, with Chris Hall again showing his undoubted ability with figures of 5-17. A fine victory against bogey side Royston soon followed, but other teams were winning as well and relegation was still a possibility. A run of defeats and rained off matches resulted in a slide, but safety was achieved in the penultimate game with 8 points against an already relegated Hundill Hall side.