Callington Cricket Club's first XI can look back on their 1999 season with a great deal of satisfaction They welcomed West indian professional John Sylvester from Grenada to their ranks, and his all round performances with both bat and ball were everything that the Club had hoped for from their investment. Happily, John also enjoyed his season with Callington, both he and the club are delighted to confirm that he has already signed his contract to return next year.
Callington finished the season in eighth position in County Division One, which despite being disappointing on paper, reflected an excellent second half to the season, after a dismal start which saw them wait until the May Bank Holiday Monday to record their first win.
In the end, they won ten games, lost eleven, and one (against Helston) was abandoned due to bad light and rain. A total of 254 points were accumulated. Highest score of the season was an excellent 255 for 6 against Truro at New Road on July 17th, and they will want to forget the 60 all out against St. Buryan on August 8th. Best bowling achievement was the amazing 33 all out suffered by Troon at Callington on July 31st.
The personal achievements revolved around Sylvester who topped the batting averages with 657 runs at an average of 32.85 which included a highest score of 141 not out against Penzance on May 31st. Hot on his heels was Andrew Hocking with 655 runs at 31.19 and Andrew Snowdon, who by his high standards had a disappointing season, but still managed 493 runs at 23.48, including a superb 138 not out against Truro on July 17th. Wicket keeper Nick White also enjoyed a successful season, with four stumpings and 18 catches with Sylvester taking 11 catches and Snowdon 10.
Colin Kitt topped the bowling averages with 10 wickets at an average of 12.50, which was perhaps a false reflection of the season as he only bowled 29.1 overs. Sylvester bowled 282 overs taking 42 wickets as a cost of 688 runs, giving an average of 16.38. His strike partner, Andrew Brenton, bowled 191.3 overs, taking 31 wickets for 698 runs giving an average of 22.52. Best bowling figures went to Colin Kitt with 7 for 39 against Hayle on August 28th, but who could forget Sylvester's 5 for 8 against Troon.
However, the 1999 season was not all about the league. Callington were proud to win the Clive Roseveare Hawkey Cup when they beat a battling Trevone by 40 runs on July 6th. Callington then went on to strike a blow for East Cornwall cricket, when they lifted the prestigious Edwards Cup by beating Camborne by 5 wickets at Truro on July 28th. A hat trick of cup finals was on the cards, but Callington narrowly lost to Truro in the semi-final of the Wickham Wines Cup by a mere 8 runs in a pulsating game which saw 434 runs scored in a rain-affected game reduced to 31 overs a side.
So Callington can look back on 1999 with pride, and credit is due to Captain Jamie Hatch who managed his troops with confidence and enthusiasm, along with his lieutenants Farrant and Mortimore, whose tireless fund raising efforts and burger vending made sure that the season was a financial success as well.