Mr Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you very much. We knew that it would be tough at the top as events proved. The 1 st XI only avoided relegation by one point, but its also true to say that virtually most of the season was ruined by the appalling weather which affected no fewer than 30 games, must be a record, and in fact our players were truly weather beaten. If I can coin a phrase, enthusiasm was also dampened, frustration crept in for there were several games when we were in a winning position when the weather intervened affecting 1st and 2nd Xl's alike. Nevertheless, there were many exciting games and it is strange how games against Wednesbury 1st & 2nd XI always seem to provide a nail biting finish, and in the early season the 1sT XI had a real morale booster by defeating last year's champions Highway with superb teamwork, Rob Nicholls showed some of his 1991 form by taking 5 for 23. The final match of the season Senior Vs Junior, as usual provided a keen encounter, the juniors well led by Andy Rasin went to a comfortable victory by 7 wickets, a great opening partnership between Rob Nicholls and Martyn Bucknall laid the foundations while Danny Marshall disposed of 4 senior batsmen for 14 runs. Danny's girlfriend hearing the comment he had a good line and length showed a great deal of interest. That match too introduced a male stripper in Matthew Read. He certainly showed us all that his junior days were almost over.

Naturally individual performances were down on 1991. Only Derek Walker topped 1000 runs which included 2 centuries and had an average of 56.6. As depicts his professional status, this plus his captaincy and coaching have been a great asset. We do hope he will stay with us, but there are difficulties. The other Walker, Robert, made 2 centuries and had many excellent innings, one wonders what heights he may reach if he could overcome his financial difficulties. The familiar name of Bryn Jones crops up again with 809 runs and a century, and how pleasing to record the continued progress of Rambo Bucknall. 998 runs including 103 vs Alvechurch and Simon Carlin 899 runs, keep up the good work lads.

Richard Mousley had a splendid season, indeed his vigorous 70 against Droitwich gained us the one point necessary to avoid relegation. Jim Rasin 800 runs and a model of consistency, Steve Bose our new dad-to-be, Ansell Pottinger, Stan Redding, Ken Maguire and Martin Lawrence all had noteworthy knocks, Neil Plimmer as usual excelled behind the stumps. Stan has been disconsolate over his worst season for many years, but 748 runs can't be bad and shows he is far from over the top. Steve Reynolds leadership of the Sunday 1 st XI was again outstanding and he remains our best all-rounder, despite his 30 years with the club. On the bowling front, Mick Hemming, Mark Gibney and Rob Nicholls worked hard, and thoroughly deserved their success. Paul Wakeley and Andy Rasin took almost 100 wickets between them for the 2nd Xl. Andy of course will never forget his 8 for 14 versus Wishaw, he made sure we would not forget it either, placards still adorn our notice board, Matthew Read, Gary Clark, Rob Murray and Danny Marshall all had improving records. It is not often that a new playing member makes such an impact on our club that Paul Davis achieved. His all-round ability, application to the job in hand, personality and club spirit stood out and he obviously enjoyed his season. Which brings me to the many dedicated people whose efforts enable our club to continue. Top of the list must be our lady members whose efforts provided the splendid buffet this evening, and our teas throughout the season. They gave their time and services free and what is more provided over £700 to our club funds, they can only be described as angels. Two lads were talking, one said to the other, you look sad, what is the trouble, he replied. My wife threatens to leave me if I don't give up cricket. What are you going to do then, asked the other by God I'm going to miss her, came the reply. How short-sighted can some girls get. A close second in my view and peculiar to the past season was the formation of the Under 13 teams, this prompts me to quote a few of my favourite simple lines I like very much. It goes:

When I was small

My father began

With the help of a ball To make me a man

Now I am big and tall

I am glad

With the help of a ball

To keep him a lad

This has certainly happened to Martin Lawrence, Arthur Roberts and Keith Morris, whose work has been dedicated and tremendous. The brainchild of Martin, the enthusiasm of these boys for the game has to be seen to be believed, and how great to see their mums and dads interested. Surely this prospect provides the very grass roots of our club, and relieves anxiety for our future. Finance being so important these days, next must come our generous sponsors, so many here tonight, Derek Hey, family and friends never fail, our swimmers responded so well too, indeed almost every one responded when the call went out. There is dedication in our very capable secretary Rhys Williams, no one loves the game more than he. He leads our illustrious quiz team to many successes. He will not mind my comment when I say he is a passable wicket keeper, and he also suffers from syncopation. If you look up syncopation in the dictionary it states an uneven movement from bar to bar. Dedication in all they are asked to do applies to Pete Freeman, The Bishop family, John Plimmer, The Genge Bros and the Prices.Our worthy treasurer, Paul Wakeley who keeps such a watchful eye on our accounts, 100 Club organiser and Groundsman Richard Mousley, faithful John Green, Don Harrison and finally the skipper and man at the helm, Martin Lawrence, who believe me would take some replacing, the Devon Tour was a small example of that.

Dedication is a word truly personified by someone who is sadly no longer with us. I refer to David Genge. A true sportsman in every sense, he loved this club, his passing was a tragedy, we shall never forget him or his wonderful example to us all. If I have left anyone out I apologise, I know that many players had their times of satisfaction. You know, someone told me once that when on my favourite topic, the only way to get me to sit down was to tell me that my flies are open, but I will finish now, by thanking you all for your attention. One last fervent hope, is that one day our younger element will step into the shoes of these good people I have mentioned, and keep our club and this great game going.