Droitwich Spa cricketer Paul Bryan reflects on what proved to be an up and down season for his club.

DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club had a mixed season in 2008.

While the second team won the Saturday league for the third consecutive season, the firsts got relegated from the top division of the Worcestershire Crusader League.

Needing a win from the last game of the season, a wash out doomed Spa who finished second from bottom.

Despite a good run of results in mid season, too many below par performances at the start and end of the season meant there was to be no great escape for Andy Fletcher’s men.

Meanwhile, the timeless Martin Woodward led the seconds by example and they headed the table for much of the season. Numerous contributions from all players helped Woodward, none more so than the fielding of Richard Smith and the wicketkeeping of Max Young.

The thirds had a shortened season, thanks to the weather which intervened too often in 2008.

Skipper Peter Gurr - who is standing down for 2009 - showed great enthusiasm as ever and blooded a number of talented youngsters, as well as cajoling the veterans of the club.

At the club’s annual dinner, held at Droitwich Golf Club the following players were awarded for their contributions to each team by club chairman Simon Holliday.

Neil Davies was awarded for the first team, Rhys John for the seconds and Paul Foster for the thirds.

The Clubman of the Year was awarded jointly to Keith and Sally Clarke for their efforts organising social events and sponsorship, while another joint award was made by president Kevin Bryan to Ralph and Caroline Davies for their unstinting work.

In addition, Holliday highlighted the club’s continued commitment to youth development, stating the amount of under 16s who had made a successful breakthrough into the senior sides.

With 12 qualified coaches, Spa had a good junior season, with regular games played for youngsters aged 10 to 17.