It's hard to believe another season already is upon us, it only seemed like yesterday that Lambshead took that famous first HOB wicket back in early May. What a start that was; victory in the first game of the season against Lazarus XI! Five successive losses followed where we played good cricket in patches but ultimately our inexperience told. It would be the beginning of July before our next victory when we would embark on a three match unbeaten run during which we played some of our best cricket of the year. There were some really good team efforts throughout the season, but areas for improvement too. The fielding was reasonable but there was a lack of concentration and alertness at times. Simple things like players walking in with every ball bowled will improve this no end.

Mainly because I'm sad and partly because I want to do it, I've done a player review. In order to enter this HOB 'Hall of Fame' you must have played a minimum of 5 games for the club. Sorry to those who have played less, but I can't be arsed to do everyone!!

I hope no one will take offence!

Stu Adams

Probably the most improved player of 2005, Adams made the transition from bit part bowler to an essential component in HOBs bowling attack. He finished the season as top wicket taker with 17 wickets, mesmerising batsmen with his variety of spin, swing and pace. His batting was consistent, protecting his wicket well but balancing that with aggressive stroke play. 2005 will be hard to top for Stu, but a few more runs with the bat and with a bit of work on the old economy rate with the ball, he could well manage it with a bit more besides.

Anthony Barrett

Anth only bowled 10 overs for us last season and although he took just one wicket it must be noted he was only given odd overs here and there at the end of innings. Batting down the order, Anth proved his potential with some swashbuckling sixes last year and although his time at the crease was usually brief, it was explosive! His goal for the summer must be to become a first choice bowler for HOB.

Joel Brown

Joel played the best shots and bowled the best balls last year and although his bowling was consistently of a high standard, he frustrated with the bat. Joel got going on several occasions, playing beautiful strokes only to lose his wicket, a top score of 30 last season will disappoint him. He was unlucky not to take a lot more wickets and was HOBs most dangerous bowler. A bit more concentration when batting should see Brown score far more runs in 2006.

Matt Clements

As HOBs rookie, Matt took the bull by the horns in 2005. Although batting opportunities were limited, when given the chance, he proved he has an excellent eye for the ball. 25 runs for the season a good return. Matt played with confidence in the field and made some smart stops. This season he will continue to develop and with some work on his batting technique, who knows what 2006 will hold?!

Ed Davies

HOBs 2005 player of the year, Ed produced some excellent performances with the bat, not only scoring runs but providing a stiff backbone to many HOB innings. His scoring rate may have been slow at times but his knack of protecting his wicket proved invaluable in some desperate situations. Ed also took some crucial wickets throughout the campaign with his high standard of bowling and in 2006, Ed will look to maintain his bowling and maybe look to squeeze a little more aggression into his batting.

Ashley Fillingham

Proved his capabilities with the bat with an excellent match winning 42 not out. 62 runs for the season will not satisfy this naturally aggressive batsman but in the context of game situations, Fillingham more often than not wasn't in a position to defend. As a lower middle order batsman, the need for quick runs was essential, giving his wicket to the cause. Always supporting the captain and motivating the team, Ashley was also consistent behind the stumps, taking some crucial catches and stumpings. In 2006 Fillingham will look to improve his batting, targeting at least 150 runs for the season and continue to improve his keeping skills.

Tom Lambshead

Lambshead started the season bowling really well and his fielding was exceptional but after one bad spell he seemed to lose some confidence. Underused as a batsman, Tom proved he could score when called upon with a top score of 17 and a handy average of 9. This season Lambshead will be aiming to redefine his bowling action and with a bit of work on his batting, a move up the order beckons.

Jo Smith

As one of HOBs most naturally gifted batsmen, the 2005 season promised much although it proved a frustrating one. Jo played to his true potential in one innings hammering a rapid 41 to show his capabilities. He still managed over 100 runs for the season but will be desperate to at least double that in 2006. His bowling however was a revelation after transforming himself to an opening strike bowler. Very quick and generating real bounce, Smith had many a batsman quaking. Jo also provided excellent support as vice captain.

Jon Smith

Will I prove to be a one season wonder with the bat? I must admit I even surprised myself at the amount of runs I scored last year and it was a nice feeling scoring 62. I've also learnt that perhaps it's not best to bowl myself out every game and hope to be a bit more flexible with bowling options this summer. This season I think I need to improve my captaining by being more assertive and trying to take the lead a bit more.

Pete Trahar

Pete played in eight games last season but only batted twice, preferring to come in last man, hopefully this year he'll have a more of an opportunity to shine. His 2005 highlights were in the made in the field, taking a couple of important catches and throwing down the stumps for an excellent run out on one occasion. Trahar has looked very positive in the nets this summer and has made himself fully available for the coming season.

Adam Warmington

Adam has sadly departed the HOB squad this season after emigrating to America. Last year he proved to be a very handy batsman to call upon, destroying one bowler and turning a game that was drifting away from us in the process. With a batting average of 20 from six games, we could have perhaps done with him for the whole season.

Our more inexperienced players should be commended for their efforts last summer. Clements in particular for his dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to bat in daunting circumstances at the end of an innings and Niko, for helping the team out when we were short. Special thanks also to Stu Adams for his breathtaking commitment in cycling from town to wherever we were playing and then back home to Kingswood. Thanks to Jo for doing a great job of setting up the club website, Ed for the thankless job of Club Treasurer and possibly the biggest thanks to Ashley for setting up the club and organising all the fixtures.

This season I hope will be one that proves even more successful than the last, and more importantly one in which we can take great pleasure and enjoyment from, because after all, it's about having a laugh with your mates....