It was another frustrating season weather wise for local cricket but unlike in 2008, there was just enough dry weather about to ensure that clubs were able to get their games played. 

Under the leadership of Jonny Baxter and Gareth Gaw, the 1^st XI enjoyed a terrific season in Section 2 of the Ulster Bank League and ended up finishing joint 2^nd and only being denied promotion on net run rate. They recorded 14 wins from their 18 league games and played consistently well all season with significant contributions coming from all members of the team. The batting was led by Gareth Alexander who scored 539 runs at an average of just under 40 and he recorded 2 half centuries as well as his 2^nd century for the club against Saintfield in July. He again had a very successful opening partnership with the skipper as Jonny recorded over 300 runs and this pair was able to get the team away to strong starts on many occasions. The other leading performer with the bat was Ian Hill who came on strong in the 2^nd half of the season and played several destructive innings while there were also some extremely significant and match winning contributions down the order from Gareth Gaw, Jonathan King and Chris Dempsey. The bowling unit was extremely strong all year and conceded 200 runs on just 1 occasion. Jonathan King led the way picking up 40 wickets with the new ball, the majority of which were the oppositions top order batsmen. He received good support from brother Darren and also Ian Hill who both took wickets with the new ball while the spin of Gareth Gaw and accuracy of Paul Ramsay gave the team control in the middle of the innings. 

Individually there were many excellent performances over the season and the club picked up 4 Ulster Bank Awards. Gareth Alexander collected two of these, one for his century against Saintfield and one for taking a hat-trick against Cregagh, Jonathan King got one for taking 7-21 against BISC and Ian Hill got one for taking 7-16 against Drumaness, the best bowling return in the clubs history. It all capped off a great season for the team and if they can maintain the same team and continue to improve the younger players then they should enjoy another strong season in 2010. 

It was more of a struggle for the 2^nd XI but 7 wins ensured that they finished the season comfortably in mid table. The highlights of the season were the 2 centuries scored by 15 year olds Robert McKinley and Chris Dempsey, with Robert scoring 125 against Victoria and Chris scoring 138 against Cregagh and this pair look sure to play major roles in the 1^st XI next season. It was good to see Dean McDonagh back and he scored two fifties while the experienced Gary Moore also scored two fifties during a fine season with the bat. The lack of player numbers meant it was not always easy for Mike Lyle in his job as match secretary but the team was competitive almost every week and will look to get some more stability in place for next season. 

It was a season of struggles for the 3^rd XI who found themselves playing at too high a standard and were relegated after winning just 1 game. It was a very youthful team that Esler Burke led but they managed to fulfil all of their fixtures and the experience will have helped to improve the many young players who should be much stronger in 2010. 

The Under 15 team which is coached by Jonathan King enjoyed a great season as they made it to the semi final of their competition before being beat by eventual winners Waringstown and the Under 13 team which is coached by Paul Ramsay participated in several excellent games through the summer. 

On the representative front, Robert McKinley played for the Ulster Schools U15s, the NCU 15s and then helped the Ireland U15s to win the European Championships in Scotland, while sister Joanne continues to represent the Ireland Ladies at full international level. 

Special thanks go to Jonny Baxter, Michael Walker, and Esler Burke for their tireless work at Sandy Bay in getting pitches prepared during the inclement weather, and also to Bobby and Myra McFetrridge for providing excellent teas through the summer.  

The club held its AGM on Thursday with the main change being that Jonny Baxter will no longer be able to captain the 1sts due to his work commitments meaning that Gareth Gaw will step up from the position of vice captain. The club also welcomes Wylie McKinty back as club Chairman after a highly successful 2 year stint as Chairman of the Northern Cricket Union. 

So another season has come to an end and the whites can be packed away for the winter but it is never long before the new season comes around again so fingers crossed for some sunshine in 2010