| Knockers had a promising season in 2006, and despite waiting until mid June to even get together a victory, finished the season off well, winning more games than were lost. The season started in disappointing fashion, with a succession of games rained off. The first fixture proved to be in the Clark Trophy, with the team reeling from the sadness of the death of Steve Trounce just a few days earlier. Unfortunately, the good team put out showed their ring rustiness as they failed to chase a gettable looking score.
A much sunnier day that weekend saw the exciting debut of Alex Rayner, as Knockers posted 275-2 against the Lemmings. Rayner scored 114no on debut and went on to play an important part in the six a side triumph, more of which later. Unfortunately the game was not won, but confidence was starting to be restored. Linton Park was another close run and exciting game, as Knockers nearly chased down an imposing score. This proved to include the second exciting debut of the season, as Simon Slater scored 96 hard hit runs to get the team close.
Next up was the Steve Trounce memorial service and game. Many Knockers past and present had turned out to support the event, as did many Vine members, and a lovely evening on the Vine was the backdrop to the exciting game. Knockers looked well in control after chasing, but a familiar few wickets fell and the game ended up in a tie. This was considered by all to be a fitting tribute to the man who had supported both clubs with distinction.
Shoreham were next up, and once again a victory nearly resulted, but the Shoreham batsmen stubbornly held out. A good social occasion was enjoyed by all later as Kent were playing on the Vine as part of David Fulton’s benefit, and several Knockers members were able to support (including the treasurer who supported the event more than most!!) and the world cup final also featured high in everyone’s interest.
The team enjoyed a good tour to Chesterfield where some good nights out were had, although the less said about the cricket the better. Finally a win was recorded against Hurst Green, and a comfortable one at that, as Simon Slater saw the team home. Winning draws were recorded against Smith Cobb and Tonbridge (with a ton for yet another debutant, Ollie Jones), while Ken Cowan and Andy Darry batted out 13 overs against Shipbourne to secure a draw.
Knockers showed their best form at the end of August. A good (and unexpected) win against the Vine, with Ken Cowan chief destroyer, was followed up by a first win in at least 10 years against Ightham. The team, shorn of the Preston brothers, were bowled out cheaply and the runs were comfortably knocked off by Stuart Seldon, Paul Styles, Slater, and the in form Geoff Smith. Geoff showed much greater touch this year after replacing his antiquated bat with one from the Salix factory! Finally Knockers retained the six a side trophy with a very pleasing performance, although the trophy was eventually decided on runs scored. However, this is the third time the club has won since 2002 and long may this continue.
The club suffered a disappointing and unexpected loss to Holmesdale, but rounded off the season with a winning draw and a win against Coleman’s Hatch and Staplehurst respectively, with Dan Turner’s five wicket haul proving the difference.
All this shows much promise for future years. The playing base is now much stronger and the club were very fortunate to take on Alex Rayner, Simon Slater and Alex Cooper who should all dramatically raise the standard. Geoff Smith also showed good form in his second season, but perhaps the main man proved to be Dan Turner who took many wickets and scored plenty of hard hit runs. Bring on next year.
Stuart Seldon
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