Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you indeed for your kind reception, whether my words can do full justice to all of you for your splendid efforts both on and off the field of play is a matter of some doubt, but I am on my favourite subject, and can only do my best. Certainly it has been a season with something to celebrate, but traditionally pride of place must go to our mothers, wives and sweethearts. They accept such a lot ungrudgingly in their men's' interests, by providing time, splendid teas, widely acknowledged by all our opponents, and above all a financial contribution of £650. Certain it is, this club would not survive without your patience and understanding and I ask our lads for a generous round of applause. Before I leave this subject and speaking as a mere male in mitigation of many years of cricket, you ladies at least know where your man is, and he could be doing worse than playing cricket.

Team-wise, and individually, the achievements on the field have been of a high order, 1992 will see the long-time ambition of the club playing in the 1st division of both the senior and reserve league of the Horne Brewery Millard Combined counties. The 1st XI being runners-up and the 2nd Xl a splendid 4v' in Division 2. The Sunday Steak-out league also saw us finish a respectable 6th, the 2nd XI were finalists in the Wishaw Trophy and narrowly beaten, while not to be outdone, our indoor cricket men were Champions of the 2nd Division of the Solihull Cricket League and are currently doing well in the 1st Division.

An entirely new departure for us after a lot of debate, was the decision to engage a professional player and coach. For a hitherto family and strictly amateur Club, this was an unknown step fraught with possible difficulties for our pro and ourselves. However, the results are there for all to see, Derek Walker from New Zealand soon settled down, a Kiwi who I dare to say added polish to our club, also his profound knowledge and experience of cricket was quickly imparted to our players who responded with "a completely new sense of urgency and dedication. Despite his obvious better class, Derek quickly became one of the lads and was popular in the many after-match celebrations. Over 1400 runs including 4 centuries and 52 wickets indicates his contribution in play, while his coaching during the close season he is continuing and he is also tremendously keen on developing boys of Under 13. Summing up Derek, thank you, you are giving us our money's worth and indirectly I should say you are the reason many of our members have futures as Channel swimmers.

Apart from a poor June, the weather was generally fine and warm and many close finishes led to much enjoyment for players and spectators alike. Sponsorship donations from companies and individuals reached just under £800 and we are very grateful indeed to all the subscribers. Perhaps it would be best to give you a diluted A-Z in verbal picture form of some of the characters who go to make up our club. Lets take Arthur Bishop first. Mower man and mobile mechanic, whose splendid work is there for all to see. Arthur loves dogs but not the owners, he has become so well versed in removing their excrement that he can tell you the breed of dog and the owner, and eventually the excrement finds it's way back to the owner's garden.

Steve Bose. Always immaculate himself, Steve did a great job in making us took like a cricket team by handling the kitting out prospect of SMCC caps and sweaters. On the field a splendid season, 9 times man-of-the-match. 907 runs with a cracking century against Chaddersley Corbett. Always attractive to watch, his expressions of delight or dismay show his deep love of the game.

How delighted we were at the return of Rambo Bucknall after him missing 1990. Strong and unassuming, topped his 1000 runs with 42 wickets for good measure, two splendid innings to remember were his 101 Vs Alvechurch and 97no Vs Aston Manor, benefitted greatly by several lucrative partnerships with Uncle Stan and his sound advice. I should mention one of Stan's cracks, that scorers could not tell them apart.

Simon Carlin. It is very apt there is a car in his name, and Sheldon Marlborough have an insurance in his certain cricket future. His baptism as captain took place, and he felt he was at a meeting of the Citizens Advice Bureau, but he soon recovered and I for one saw him give a splendid display of scientific hitting with his 96no against Moseley Ashfield.

Gary Clark or should I say Hussain Ahmed Clark, apparently runs a successful Pakistani Taxi Rank in Studley. His other association with the Far East was his great ability to bowl his chinamen successfully. A valued clubman is Hussain Clark.

Paul Davis. Another to return to the fold was Paul, capable with a pleasing personality and his help was valuable.

Pete Freeman. Our most valuable and efficient scorer, the past season revealed him as a Jekyll & Hyde character, always dour and uncompromising when doing his scoring, his attitude when under the influence was the entire opposite. His enjoyment on tour when caught by a kissogram girl's booby trap for his birthday was evident and he confided there was gold in dem der hills. Again under the influence of Derek Walker's barbecue hospitality, the bannisters collapsed possibly because he was trying to slide down them. The final episode is unique, following our worst display of the season he was voted man-of-the-match.

Sheldon Marlborough without a Genge is unthinkable and we have David, Neale and Jan. David, Chairman of Selection continues his valuable help, he is the only man who can out-talk myself on our favourite topic. Ian now uses a pen in his hands as well as a pint and has been invaluable as a 2nd team scorer.

Mark Gibney of the Rolling Sailors Cast and flowing locks continued his 1990 success as a destroyer of the opposition with 40 wickets.

Mick Hemming conceals a hate for the opposition with his cherubic face and smile. Great to see him playing more cricket, 28 wickets and a batting average of 29.7

Bryn Jones. The Graham Gooch of SMCC. With a helmet his confidence returned. A LHstylist, Bryn treated us to many fine innings, over 1000 runs with a cracking 105 Vs OldElizabethans.

Martin Lawrence. For the first time Martin is not the captain with the most victories, mainly because he relinquished the job to others and of course the increasing good form of our younger players caused him to bat at No.7 with which he was clearly unhappy. However Martin's leadership of the club is unsurpassed, his shrewd financial knowledge helps with the club's ever many financial problems. Interesting fact, Son Stuart made his debut on tour.

Ken Maguire. Limited appearances now but retains his ability, a Potteries man now too, but to us will always be Wedgewood class, young quaint Adrian was a valuable assistant scorer.

Danny Marshall and Rob Murray both continue to improve, indeed Rob Murray as Sunday 2nd Xi Captain tackled the job with zeal and how unfortunate that injury laid him low. Here's to a better 1992 Rob.

Richard Mousley. Blonde and beautiful. Always an outstanding player and clubman, specialist in fund-raising. Now sows his seed only on our cricket square. A great traveller and loves Dundee cake. Average of 31.6.

What a terrific season for Rob Nicholls, this boy's pace and accuracy was the architect of many victories, a suit of armour was necessary rather than a helmet against him, 88 wickets including outstanding efforts of 7-33 Vs Aldridge and 6-29 Vs Kenilworth.

The Prices, Nick and Phil. Both outstanding clubmen, Phil's improvement as a wicketkeeper was most marked with 25 catches and he took over from Rob as captain and did well. A very competent committee man too. I would like to couple John Plimmer with Nick, both resplendent in their new umpires coats. They looked like a couple of Medical Hospital Attendants from Highcroft Hospital and in accordance with some of their decisions that's where they ought to be. Thanks to both of you.

Neil Plimmer. First XI wicketkeeper and a good batsman with limited opportunities.

Ansell Pottinger. As so often happens Ansell had a fall from grace following his terrific 1990 season and struggled to find his form, worked hard at the captaincy of the 1st XI and was rewarded by the most wins.

The two Rasins. Andy and Jimmy. Diligent work at his game probably points to Andy as our most improved bowler following unfortunate earlier seasons restricted by illness. For all of us this was great work Andy, 37 wickets. Another great season for Jimmy, scored just under 1000 runs, all with style and power, a splendid fielder and change bowler- On occasions used his bat not only to hit the ball but the dressing room wall as well.

Again an SMCC team without Steve Reynolds is unthinkable. A veteran in terms of loyalty to the club, the old grinder remains a most fair minded captain and is still capable of being our best all rounder. Keep going Steve.

A tribute to Derek Walkers coaching has been the bowling of Matthew Read who has responded to him so well. The next character, and I do mean character is Stan Redding. So much has been said in his praise I can only say once again he made 1253 runs with a 38.9 average. To be kind to him Stan is no chicken so I would ask you how does he manage to produce the goods by batting and fielding for hours in 80 degrees with Walnut Cream Cakes floating on 2 pints of lager

Rhys Williams. Our most capable secretary had limited cricket opportunities but his love of cricket has only been surpassed by Welsh rugger. His recent return from Cardiff Arms Park after witnessing the demise of Welsh rugger was greeted by a chorus of "We'll keep a welcome" by the SMCC bar choir. However Rhys, we hope a return to your cricket form of a few seasons ago is imminent.

Paul Wakeley. Our eminent treasurer who looks after our money and his own so well. Had a terrific season with bat and ball. 68 wickets and batting average of 29.1 One of our lady supporters heard the remark Paul Wakeley has a short leg, whereupon she said is that why he runs so funny. Great work Paul, and your recent satire in the Senior-Junior game was much appreciated.

Finally. Rob Walker. Although down on his luck recently, Rob played 44 innings and was always available and there is no doubt he is one of the best stroke players in the club.

Before I conclude at last, there is one or two events which should be mentioned, Reg Trevethick states he will always be grateful to this club because through cricket he met Beryl and recently married her, in fact we are fast becoming a marriage-mart in many instances, even Damian plays her part in keeping our young men happy. A final word on a family whose support is available at all times is the Hey family.

The near future I feel will bring many changes and I do appeal to our younger members to keep our club going. If you don't you will do a dis-service to yourselves and those who have gone before. Cricket is the finest of games, it's a way of life that offsets the harshness of today, it helps to slow down and form friendships that will last.

Thank you for your attention and patience.