For the second year running we broke new ground. In 2008 we took part in Over 70’s Fixtures for the first time and this year we played in the new Over 60’s Championship kindly sponsored by Shepherd Neame.

The Spitfire National Over 60 Championship consisted of 19 County’s in four groups split into areas. We played in the South Group and the top two teams in each group went forward into the national final. The remaining teams played in a similar knockout competition for ‘The Plate’.

Sadly we didn’t play to our full potential in a couple of games and finished third in our group. Having lost the first group game we won our next four but sadly lost the next three when second place was in sight.Overall our final position was twelth so every opportunity for improvement next season.

We won four and lost four in our group but had more batting points than the other sides in the group and had the second worst bowling points.An interesting but useless statistic! We lost to a strong Derby/Notts side in our battle for eleventh place! The main competion was won off the penultimate ball by Norfolk who chased down Hampshire’s target of 270. An excellent way to finish the first year of the new Championship.

In all we played fifteen fixtures including friendlies with our 70+ group taking part in two matches with one match being cancelled. All in all a busy season with next year being busier. It is the intention of the National Championship to form a division for second elevens and Kent are one of eight teams who have indicated their support so we need to recruit even more players for 2010.

Our leading run scorers in all matches were Colin Breed (666 including one hundred), Peter Eames (514 with three hundreds) and Ralph Allsworth with 236. Colin and Peter were the only batsman to pass 50. Our leading wicket takers were Mike Thorndycraft (14), Ian Giles (11) and the seasonsb best analysis was 5 - 14 by Graham Roake against Hampshire. Wicket keeping was in the safe hands of Barry Smith (2ct/6st) and Dave Piper (4ct/4st) and it was good to welcome back Martin Burgess. Leading catchers were Ali Scott,Graham Roake and Micky Back with four each.

We also were delighted that Colin, Peter and Barry were selected and honoured with at least one International appearance each. Hopefully this is the start of a regular trend for Kent players of all ages into International cricket!

We had a very successful end of season dinner well organised by Micky Back and Barry Smith at The Plough in Langley well supported by the players and their partners.

Shepherd Neame have indicated not only their continued support of the National Championship but also of the Kent Over 60 teams for which we are most grateful.

Once again a most sociable year with a few disappointing results. However as we go forward we now need a second eleven skipper and a vice captain for the first eleven with the premature retirement of Chris Rogers who has been an excellent support to Ali Scott in his first year. To that end any new players would be more than welcome and should contact Howard Smith on 0208 402 5826 or by email if you prefer.