Photo Neil Smith
Waterlooville break open the champagne after clinching the British Gas Southern League Division 3 title. Even though they suffered a seven-wicket defeat at Basingstoke, they picked up the bonus points they needed when they reached 175 out of an eventual 191-9.
Reflecting on the past season, Ville cricket chairman Andy Reynolds said: Having been knocking on the door over the last few years it's incredibly satisfying for both the players and the club that all the hard work both on and off the pitch has finally been rewarded.
“We've got very exciting previously and definitely took our eye off the ball so this year was a conscious effort to get our heads down, respect every opponent 100% and concentrate on playing more consistent cricket across the full 100 overs and make the opposition win the game as opposed to us losing it which, apart from one occasion, we managed to do consistently and which was always our goal from the outset.
“I think although painful, the previous disappointments have taught the guys an awful lot and therefore we were definitely more battle hardened for this year’s campaign.
“Max Goddard, as skipper, has undoubtedly matured, excellent support from a consistent seam (Sam Hillman & Jon Hudson) and spin (Archie Reynolds & Namish Verma) attack combined with a an intelligent batting approach spearheaded by Tasmanian James Hortle (617 runs), James Scutt, Tim Jackson & Alex Shephard gave us a winning formula.
“Most pleasing, however, was the continued development and integration of our younger players.
“Archie Reynolds is developing into a complete all rounder, Namish Verma's leg spin is becoming a constant threat, while Ashan Silva, Finn Rockett, Tom Greene and Hampshire Under-15 spinner Jack Pearce all made vital contributions throughout the campaign and will perform highly in both disciplines in future years which is extremely encouraging.
“With the winter ahead we've plenty of planning, practice and individual development coupled with fitness as a key focus to keep ourselves occupied during the closed season.
“With our 3rd X1 also securing promotion as Hampshire League Regional SE3 champions it's been great to see success at both ends of the scale which is an incredibly important component for any club to keep each league side within sight of each other.”
Reflecting on the past season, Ville cricket chairman Andy Reynolds said: Having been knocking on the door over the last few years it's incredibly satisfying for both the players and the club that all the hard work both on and off the pitch has finally been rewarded.
“We've got very exciting previously and definitely took our eye off the ball so this year was a conscious effort to get our heads down, respect every opponent 100% and concentrate on playing more consistent cricket across the full 100 overs and make the opposition win the game as opposed to us losing it which, apart from one occasion, we managed to do consistently and which was always our goal from the outset.
“I think although painful, the previous disappointments have taught the guys an awful lot and therefore we were definitely more battle hardened for this year’s campaign.
“Max Goddard, as skipper, has undoubtedly matured, excellent support from a consistent seam (Sam Hillman & Jon Hudson) and spin (Archie Reynolds & Namish Verma) attack combined with a an intelligent batting approach spearheaded by Tasmanian James Hortle (617 runs), James Scutt, Tim Jackson & Alex Shephard gave us a winning formula.
“Most pleasing, however, was the continued development and integration of our younger players.
“Archie Reynolds is developing into a complete all rounder, Namish Verma's leg spin is becoming a constant threat, while Ashan Silva, Finn Rockett, Tom Greene and Hampshire Under-15 spinner Jack Pearce all made vital contributions throughout the campaign and will perform highly in both disciplines in future years which is extremely encouraging.
“With the winter ahead we've plenty of planning, practice and individual development coupled with fitness as a key focus to keep ourselves occupied during the closed season.
“With our 3rd X1 also securing promotion as Hampshire League Regional SE3 champions it's been great to see success at both ends of the scale which is an incredibly important component for any club to keep each league side within sight of each other.”
Ian Farley picture
Waterlooville Premier Division 3 champions 2017
Back row (from left): Ashan Silva, Namish Verma, Alex Shephard, Finlay Rockett, Archie Reynolds, Tom Greene. Front: Tim Jackson, Jon Hudson, Max Goddard, James Scutt, Sam Hilman, James Hortle.
Back row (from left): Ashan Silva, Namish Verma, Alex Shephard, Finlay Rockett, Archie Reynolds, Tom Greene. Front: Tim Jackson, Jon Hudson, Max Goddard, James Scutt, Sam Hilman, James Hortle.
