GAMLINGAY
CRICKET
CLUB

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Gamlingay Cricket Club will be playing in Division Three of the Bedford And District Cricket League next season after finishing second in Division Four this year.

After finishing fourth last season, Gamlingay needed to strengthen the squad for 2001 if they wanted to push for promotion. The arrival of talented local players Andrew Knibbs, Paul Knibbs and Nick Lenton, along with Graham Pitts and Les Sale from Caldecote, resulted in the club having a squad capable of taking Gamlingay up to the next division. Les Sale returning to the club he played for between 1995 and 1999.

The season started poorly with Gamlingay losing both their first league match and friendly against Hatley the next day. But nobody would have dared to predict what was about to happen after that. Just three days after defeat against Hatley, Gamlingay stunned Forrester Foods in the first round of the Hospital Cup by beating the first division pace setters with apparent ease. The win was also Gamlingay's first ever attempt at mid - week cup cricket.

The following Saturday Gamlingay scored 292 - 5 at home to Pilgrims III, a new club record score with Mark Spavins scoring 159 not out, a club record individual score. Les Sale then took five wickets for no runs as the home side ran out comfortable winners.

The club record score lasted just a week as Gamlingay scored a formidable 317 - 2 in 40 overs against Caldecote III in their next home game. Nick Lenton 104 not out and Graham Pitts 102 not out, putting on 199 in an unbroken partnership. The hundred for Pitts, a young, exciting wicket keeper batsman being made against his former club.

As the season progressed both Gamlingay and Steppingley continued to set the pace in the league. With two league games left Gamlingay travelled to Steppingley with the league title the prize for the winners. Unfortunately it was the home side that came out on top and Gamlingay had to settle for second place.

It was still an excellent season for Gamlingay who also defeated Millman League side Shefford in the first round of the East Beds Charity Shield and provided eight players for the two Biggleswade Chronicle charity invitation matches.

In August 2001, the club agreed a shirt sponsorship deal with The In Plaice, Gamlingay's Fish and Chip shop. As from next season the cricket club will wear shirts baring the clubs name and the name of their new sponsors.

Gamlingay Cricket Club's end of season prize giving was held at The Cock Pub on Monday 1st October 2001.

Winner of the Knibbs Butchers Batting Shield and Reg Wallis Cup:	Nick Lenton who scored 230 runs at an average of 38.33.
Winner of The In Plaice Bowling Shield:	Andrew 'Shamwar' Swannell with 15 wickets at an average of 8.73.
Winner of the Oldham Lighting Fielding Shield for the most catches (Excluding catches by the wicket keeper):	Andrew Knibbs with eight catches.
Winner of the Nigel Turner Player's Player of the Season Shield:	Graham Pitts.
Winner of the F. J. Careless Young Player of the Season Shield:	David Careless.
Winner of the Geoff Giddings Memorial Shield for Sportsmanship:	Jamie Steele.
Winner of the Gamlingay United Serviceman's Club Clubman Shield:	Brian Gray.

The club would like to thank everybody who has helped to make this season such a success, these include.

The National Lottery 'Awards For All' programme who awarded the club a grant during the winter. David Mercer and the Bedfordshire Cricket Board. Jackie Knibbs for teas. John Norman. Lesley Mayne and all at Gamlingay Parish Council. John Martin. David Jones. Roger and Tina at The Cock.

Thank you to our Trophy Sponsors: Knibbs Butchers, The In Plaice, Gamlingay United Serviceman's Club, Oldham Lighting, Frank Careless, Nigel Turner and the family of the late Geoff Giddings.

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Page prepared by Roderick Starksfield. RStarksfield@compuserve.com