2008 was the Maladroits’ most successful season to date with a record of played 14, won 9. After a loss to the Drovers in the April warm up game the Maladroits found their old school far more accommodating for a first win, with a great knock from Carrington (79) and a return to accuracy for Newman with the ball.

May saw a nail biting defeat to East Sheen (again!), despite 95 from Brewer and 70 from Carrington, losing by just one run. The Maladroits toured Menorca in May and came home with a respectable won one, lost one. On a pitch with a lovely setting in the middle of the island the Maladroits won the Sunday game with fine knocks from Bowes and Westcott and some inspirational fielding from the “Duracell Bunny” Lees. Despite a disappointing performance on the Saturday Ed Ryder provided valuable runs (whilst Watts offered nothing..)

After a few easy wins against weaker opposition in June we took on the arch rivals, the Drovers in a weekend doubler header. In what was a cracking weekend of cricket (and boozing) the droits won both games by 5 wickets to record a 2:1 victory in the first ever “Beadle-Cheesman” trophy.

In July a great tour was organised by Charlie BN and Ash to Exeter. The Droits romped to a win with plenty of agricultural cricket on display. Special mention to Amelia Sydenham for a fine debut with two wickets and the winning runs.

Any unjustified confidence we may have picked up on our winning run was smashed by a quality Jesmond Jaguars side in a game on the hottest day of the year. Chasing 315 to win the Maladroits crumpled to 160 all out (50 from Andy Ward).

Winning form was restored against the Badgers in August with worth performances from Lock (64*) and some special bowling from Norman-Butler (3 for 8 off 7).

After a few cancellations due to the atrocious 2008 weather the final game of the season against East Sheen summed up the season perfectly. After some enthusiastic fielding and tight bowling the Maladroits restricted Sheen to 161 all out. Some clinical batting saw the droits home with the loss of only 4 wickets. A first ever win over Sheen.

Although a fantastic season, 2008 will also be remembered as the year of the “Maladroit Metatarsal”, the thumb, with BN, Big Jim and Ash all suffering injuries. Thanks to all those who helped out in organising the Maladroits during the season, in particular to social secretaries Gumbo and Scouse. We can look forward to an exciting Ashes summer of 2009 with much anticipation for many more great Maladroit performances, both on and off the field…

Please click below for any of the 2008 match reports: