Having now completed 3 seasons at the helm, it would seem an appropriate time for me to reflect upon the progress we have made as a County 50 plus club during this period.
After an indifferent 2008 season, 2009 showed considerable improvement – both on and off the field and 2010 has certainly carried forward this momentum.
Both the ECB and “A” squads have enjoyed their successes, with the ECB side again reaching the quarter-final stage of the national competition and the “A” XI winning 5 out of 7 matches played, including the Southern Counties Seniors Championship competition.
In the ECB quarter final, having been drawn away to Oxfordshire, the 2009 winners of the Competition, would have had neutral pundits looking for their nearest Ladbrokes betting shop. However, in spite of Oxfordshire having first use of a perfect batting track, their gargantuan total of 362 proved just too many for us - although our valiant 294 in reply meant that Dorset kept hopes alive until the last few overs when, finally, we had to bow to the inevitable. A great game !
Sadly, we have suffered more than our fair share of illness this past season and we therefore wish Paul Howard, Peter Lewis, Stewart Hand and Keith Balmer the speediest of recoveries.
However, on the plus side, several more than useful players have joined our ranks this year – an absolute priority for an age restricted organization such as ourselves – with “anno domini” having its inevitable effect.
Therefore, may I issue an open invitation to any Dorset 49+ year olds who are playing at a reasonable level of Dorset Club cricket to make themselves known to us and come along to our pre season net sessions. Our Secretary Manager, Roger Bosher and myself would love to see you.
Our season ended with the welcome resurrection of our annual dinner and awards. Organised with his customary flare and eye for detail by Roger Bosher - a good time was had by all !
As I left the Dinner venue that mid December evening, I found the words of W G Grace coming to mind. “A cricketer’s life is a life of splendid freedom, healthy effort, endless variety and delightful good fellowship.” Well said W G !
Following our success in winning the inaugural Southern Counties Senior Championship in the 2009 Season, it was inevitably a little disappointing not to repeat our efforts in 2010.
However, victories against Devon, Wiltshire, Surrey, Hampshire and Surrey again led us to believe that a second Championship was “well on the cards”.
However, a loss against a “reinforced” Bedfordshire side on a “sticky dog” at Hamworthy’s otherwise delightful ground - as well as a “points claimed” situation with Bedfordshire away (rather petty, we thought !) meant our chances for a second title were gone.
Completing yet another “double” over Hampshire went someway to easing our tender ego’s – although defeat in the last game of the season against Wiltshire rather spoilt my intended victorious “retirement from captaincy” celebrations !
Nevertheless, we have introduced several promising newcomers into the 50 Plus scene in 2010 – several of whom will, I am sure, progress into the full ECB side this coming year.
I suppose I should be happy to be passing over the reins to my successor, the admirable Tom White, who I know will do an excellent job – but I just know that, come this April, I will get all the old feelings again. The deckchair on the boundary beckons – ahhhh well………………..!
Merrick Wilkinson - Captain
Chairman Merrick Wilkinson presenting the player of the year trophy to Peter Lewis
Steve Webb
Captain
As many of you will know, Steve Webb has bean re-elected Captain for 2011 season. I hope all players will give Steve their full support throughout the season
Vice Captain Andy Jarvis
Andy was elected vice captain for the 2011 season,
These Gentlemen, along with the Hon/Sec, will make up the selection committee
Steve Webb 
Vice Captain Andy Jarvis