Soon the days will get shorter, central heating systems will be switched on and the fans and air conditioners that we all bought during the summer will appear nothing more than a distant memory. So what is the verdict on the latest experiment at ACC, the fifth team.

For five the season ended on a high, winning the last game against Bloemendaal 3 by 13 runs. It was a team performance with everyone contributing with the bat and Dickie Broggel was especially unlucky to be stumped on 49.  Bloemendaal only had two batsmen but they made a good effort to chase the runs but fell short of the mark and five celebrated the win thanks to generous contributions from Nagesh would get my vote as our player of the season.

What were the highlights of the season? Well Nagesh’s positive contribution with bat and ball apart, we had a century from Paul Liebenberg and Tim Lewis knocked over six wickets in one game. The emergence of Bob Wolfe as a strike bowler as well as top catcher in fourth class has ensured his place in the five hall of fame. While the new athletic version of Patrick Phillips has demonstrated that there is hope for all of us on the fat side of cuddly (Skipper definitely included). Bert or is it Ernie has had wicket keeping lessons from the Gimp and is now firmly established as  a wicket-keeper batsman. Richard Matchett continues to trouble batsmen and umpires as our opening bowler and has finished as top wicket taker in a very close contest. Frankie our newest member has shown himself to an adept fielder and I predict his contributions with both bat and ball will only get better next season.

Robert England is another new member with the most correct English accent you will ever hear. His contributions with bat and ball have been assured, add to that his dashing good looks and the result is some competition for Dickie Broggel in the prettiest pole vaulter competition. Alex Taylor our recruit from Ajax has made his mark on the team and his close friendship with Patrick made them almost inseparable on tour.

Which brings us to the highlight of the season which was five’s tour of Oxford this year. Five’s cricket tours are fast becoming urban legends with each subsequent tour surpassing all expectations of previous tours. The success of this year’s tour was down the precision planning of Tim Lewis and the performance of all members and guests of ACC5.

From Haans Smout’s nonchalant catch on the boundary, to Bob drinking Cheddar Valley cider before batting. There was Richard Wolfe being forced to take a nap for the first time ever on tour and mine was a Cheddar Valley. From Richard Matchett’s hilarious contributions from the commentary box , to the Skipper breaking the most sacred rule on tour by bringing his family. To Sean Walsh breaking the record for youngest member of ACC5 and completely ruining someone’s weekend by taking his first wicket in England. There was Tim Lewis’s leg side field and even more Cheddar Valley. To Paul Leibenberg being forced to surrender his hairdryer at the airport and to Marvin’s signature tunes. There was Captain Caveman being awarded the Duck and Guy remembering his wallet this year so he could buy some Cheddar Valley.  There was Hasrat turning up late, to five fielding two teams at the last minute and more Cheddar Valley. There was the biggest mismatch of all time between Alex Taylor and Patrick Phillips followed by, yes you guessed it, a pint of Cheddar Valley please. And finally to sleeping in a four-poster bed.

This is old MacDonald signing-off for another year.

Take care

P.S. Phil Spierings who was only a boy when he joined this team is sadly leaving us to go to University in England. I am sure you will all join me in wishing him well!!