36 GAMES UNBEATEN

From Lee Freeman, captain - Louth 2nds, Lincs League div two

I would just like to congratulate all at Louth CC 2nd team after finishing for the second successive season as undefeated champions in the league.
To go 36 league games unbeaten is a rare achievement in any sport. But the nature of cricket means that it does not lend itself to this type of run easily.
Even the most dominant sides often find themselves capable of losing quick wickets or coming up against someone who just clicks on the day with bat or ball. We have had some close calls in the last two years, but somehow always managed to pull through.
Division one next season will be a welcome challenge, and no one at Louth expects any such repeats next season.
However, the last two seasons have been exceptionally successful for the club (with both the 1st team and the 2nd team progressing well in their respective leagues) and our new ground, at last, is begining to reflect the investments made on it.
With so many young players at the club not being able to get a league game on a weekend, Louth have also indicated their wish to enter a 3rd team next season in the Lincs League. Should this be agreed at the AGM, we look forward to fielding a young side under the watchful eye of a couple of our more senior players.
We are pleased that we have so many under-15 and under-16/17-year-olds with us, but they really need the competitive stretch of league cricket in a Saturday that we are not currently providing. The players are not quite ready for Lincs division one, or ECB cricket, but will no doubt benefit from an opportunity in the Lincs League lower down if given the chance.
Finally, thanks to Owmby CC for sharing their ground with us this year, whilst London Road was being finalised. Not only is it the most picturesque ground in the county, in my opinion, Nick Crowe and his club have made us extremely welcome and the 2 clubs have become firm friends.
Roll on April 2010.