Despite the terrible season weather-wise, Hawkley Cricket club continues to go from strength to strength. Our membership and fixture list continue to grow, and with some headline grabbing matches (most notable the last ball win over Steep) our club has had a great year. The 2008 season saw a fixture list of some 20 matches, 18 at home and just 2 away. We had 8 wins, 5 losses and 7 matches cancelled due to the weather. For every match Hawkley fielded a full 11 players with often 2 or 3 reserve players available. Luckily we managed to get our regular fixture against ‘Viv’s eleven'. The weather held off and a very enjoyable game of cricket was played (and won by Hawkley) and a lovely Lamb roast was enjoyed afterwards. It has also been great to see our young players come into their own this year, with all 3 of our regular youngsters taking wickets and playing good cricket.

We have seen some changes to the ground this year. The removal of the mound of earth from the far side of the ground (thanks to Rasher Hoare and Nigel Brown) has improved our already beautiful outlook. We now have lovely hand carved cricket club sign at the entrance to the ground (thanks to Roy Marvin) and we also have bought 2 sight screens.

No report of this season could go by without the mention of the Hawkley WAGS. The support provided from the sidelines is greatly appreciated by all the players (and probably many champagne companies). The WAG contingent has increased almost as much as the fixture list and we must have the best supported matches (definitely the noisiest) in Hampshire.

This year also saw the holding of the cricket club summer ball. This was a great event with over 260 guests partying until the small hours. It was held on the cricket pitch in fine weather. We raised in excess of £3,500 for the club, which enabled us to buy the sight screens and other ground keeping equipment, so thank you to all who attended and made the evening a success.

We have now invested in a Website (www.hawkleycc.co.uk), which is up and running, with the ability of players and supporters to add photos and comments, along with news and information about the club.

As ever we have many people to thank: Larry and Doris Knowles for the Umpiring and Teas. Charlie Knowles for ground keeping. Viv Evans for donating the lambs for the BBQ. Mark Hibberd for doing the fixtures. Rich Humphreys, with the help of Keith Madeley and Nick Hudson, for captaining the side with enthusiasm and fun. Sinclair Beecham for lending us ground equipment. Nick Hudson for being our press officer. James McCurrach for the help with the Website. Everyone who attended or worked at the ball- a special mention to Dominic for providing the fabulous flower display in the entrance. Finally all the Hawkley players for playing the game in the right spirit, and never taking themselves too seriously.

We can look forward to another great season next year, and hopefully the weather will just be a bit better.