2004 was always likely to be a difficult season for Knockers. The club are in what might be called a
"transition phase". Old faces have moved on, and while new faces have come in the team will inevitably take time to gel.
Knockers started the season with a new captain, Guthrie Miller, who took over the role from Andy
Darry. However, this was not the only change as the old match managers system was abandoned at the agm. Under the old system, a different team manager would be responsible for each fixture, however now it was all down to Guthrie, with the help of newly appointed team secretary Stuart Seldon.
Things did not get off to a good start as Stuart broke his leg playing football in April while all rounder Ed
Irwin broke his collar bone shortly after! A paper thin squad was now looking thinner but assurances of
commitment from the likes of Ollie Boreham and Guy Howe raised spirits.
The early fixtures, which have traditionally been difficult to fulfil, were now even tougher and the
club were grateful to new, and keen, recruit Scott Landers who himself played regularly despite injury
and was regularly able to produce a friend or two to supplement numbers. The first two fixtures, against
Sissinghurst and Shoreham, were competitive and the club could have won both but came away empty handed, finishing up only four runs short in the first and losing by a single wicket in the second. The bowling attack was boosted by the return of Dan Turner and the continuing commitment of Lynden Spencer-Allen who regularly travelled from Cambridge to play.
However, this was followed by a very difficult June for the club where heavy defeats were sustained
against the likes of Sheldwich (who were much stronger than the previous year) and Tunbridge Wells, featuring much of their Kent League side.
Improvements were made in July though. Stuart Seldon's return boosted the club and a club record partnership was made with Ollie Boreham as both scored centuries in a first win against Hurst Green. Despite a spirited defeat to the Vine, further wins were recorded on tour against Eastwood Town, and in an inaugural fixture against Hildenborough CC. The side now had a much more solid feel, however, defeats against Four Elms in a poor match and Ightham, where Knockers were reduced to 3-3 at one point, were disappointing.
The club finished the season well. The annual win against Holmesdale was fairly comfortable as ever and once again offered plenty of drinking time. The club was then runners up in the six a side tournament at Sevenoaks Prep, again a promising result although a win never looked likely against a much stronger Holmesdale outfit. The Coleman's Hatch fixture ended in a confusing defeat, but not before Knockers had posted a powerful 228-4, while the Staplehurst and Shipbourne matches both finished in draws, with Knockers having the upper hand on both occasions.
All in all the season must be considered to be something of a disappointment, but there were several
bright spots and good performances. Paul Seldon was leading run scorer, averaging over 50 for the season and batting with composure and style, while also taking 15 wickets. Ollie Boreham also came of age with his 330 runs. Lynden Spencer-Allen was leading wicket taker once again with 17 but the return of Dan Turner and his 14 wickets must not be overlooked. Joe Druce-Smith and Edward Darry show great promise for the future, and hopefully the arrival of Sam Druce-Smith as well should boost things further. Scott Landers' great commitment over the season was a bonus and we wish him well for his knee surgery in February. Other notable performances came from Martin Goff, who has now scored 246 runs for the club in his first five games, having been out just once. We hope he can feature more regularly in future.
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