The 2019 season brought about a young TABS 1XI captain in 19 year old George Gibson, despite being at University in Newcastle and working there in the summer, he travelled down to play every week.
“It was always going to be a tough year and it meant that I needed some assistance from senior players; Guy Whatmore, Andy Jones, Mike Cole, Toby Wells and Goughy. A couple of injuries and a player leaving did not help as second team players moved up to the first team.
However, what a season it was with all players contributing! After an up and down first couple of weeks, the away loss at Scarborough proved a turning point.
Moving Niti and Eshaan up the order was a significant factor in our promotion to Division 1. Outstanding performances were; Chris Stephenson 80* v Pickering, Niti’s maiden 100 v Hovingham, Eshaan 7-37 v Hovingham & 90 v Easingwold and Ollie Riley 62* v Scarborough in an important home win, to name a few.
14 year old Ollie Walsh had another terrific season with the ball, taking 18 wickets including 4-31 v Thirsk – proving once again the benefit of TABS being proactive in giving talented young players a chance.
We won an incredible nine completed games on the trot which put us into a strong position in the league.
We got to the penultimate game of the season away at Ripon only needing seven points to celebrate promotion. Niti and Eshaan were unable to bowl until the 28th over due to being held up in Leeds (special thanks to Darren Young for picking them up) which meant a long day in the field especially when we only had nine players! Despite good spells from part timer Guy Whatmore, Simon Marriott and Rob Williams we had to chase an enormous target for victory. Knowing that we were light on regular first team batsmen we basically batted for a draw. Dale Gibson who hadn’t batted for 10 weeks due to a change in the first team order kept every ball out and defended well for 41 along with George who made the same score, a low score in reply but with only losing five wickets we were promoted! Great team effort! We finished 3rd on 441 points.
It’s going to be a lot tougher next year and we hope to acquire an extra player or two during the winter.
Special thanks to Chairman Adam Gough, Head Groundsman Andy Jones, Keren, Gaby, Louise and Umpire Matt Harris and everyone else who puts in the work at the club so that we can all play cricket.
Looking forward to 2020 and Division 1.”
Thanks,
George