Sunday Skips Speech at LCC Dinner and Awards

The 2001 Season was one of change.

Firstly, we lost our long standing Sunday Skipper Bomber who preferred the option of running a bar on a Greek island to that of skippering Letcombe 2’s for another summer.

Secondly, for most of the season we had to do without our main run making machine – the big man. As you all know Andrew’s domestic arrangements have been transformed and he now has better ways to keep him fit on a Sunday afternoon.

Fortunately we had a ready replacement to fill those big shoes. Richard Hales who made himself available on Sunday and ensured that no batsman dared throw his wicket away.

Our bowling attack also had to change. The legendary Letcombe opening attack of Trew and Hall was no longer available to us. The pace of Pete Trew was replaced with the raw aggression of Ben Morrish. And although Bomber is unmatchable in the flight and guile department we were able to fall back on Bill Cookson (plan C), Rob Jones and Pat Bryan. All of whom aquatinted themselves admirably.

For first change we relied upon the old hands, the oldest swingers in town of Hawton, Law and Gardner.

The wicket also appeared to be changing. A little more bounce? I even spotted a rare back foot shot being attempted in May. Thanks to Jim for his efforts.

The final change was the support team, this was the first (and possibly last) season for Stan and Eileen who provided the huge teas that helped dull the pain of another close defeat.

I would like to mention the “perfect game”. This was the LCC at its best, playing for the Ali Lidicott Memorial trophy against Frensham. A game that we had lost for at least the last five years and Frensham were so confident of retaining that they did not even bother to bring the trophy.

However, I knew this was no ordinary day when Pat Bryan pulled his third scoring shot to the boundary for 6. The Frensham opening quickie called Swampy was not impressed and working up some real pace removed Alan Laws middle stump.

Then Phil Austin joined Pat - both reaching their 40’s and in a co-ordinated attempt at Jug avoidance proceeded to be dismissed. Letcombe then wobbled with 2 quick wickets before the old hands of Pittard and Trotter jnr saw the innings home for 185.

185 is not a bad score but the LCC has contrived to lose games from much stronger positions than this. Aiden the Captain for the day used his resources wisely. And more surprisingly we held our catches - 7 in total!

The most important being a skier held by Pat to dismiss there dangerous number 3 batsman.

The mighty LCC went on to win the match and the trophy.

The perfect game.