In the first of a series of articles ahead of the start of the 2016 season starting in just a couple of months time, it’s time to look back on the memories of the 2015 season.

It’s the 18th July.  And up at Loperwood Park, the 1st XI are up against Hook and Newnham Basics in SEPCL Division One.  After winning the toss, skipper Mark Lavelle decided to take first use of another outstanding Calmore wicket.

And didn’t he enjoy himself – hitting a superb unbeaten 117 from 163 balls with 16 fours and a six, carrying his bat through the complete 50 overs and being the mainstay of the 224-7 total.  Michael Cook stood alongside him to record his first Southern League half-century with 56 off 83 balls.

But, possibly buoyed by the news coming from up the road of his sons’ excellent knock, and preparing to chase down Sarisbury Athletic Sixth XI’s challenging 229-5, father and Club Chairman Pete decided to ensure that Mark didn’t have all of the family limelight!

Coming in at number three down at the ‘Old Ground’ for the Fourth XI, he strode to the wicket following the early loss of Callum Stanton and cracked eight fours and a six in a blistering innings of 68, sharing in a stand of 210 with centurion Liam Worrow (115 not out).

It certainly helped guide the Fourths to victory by an eventual five wicket margin while the first XI sadly came up short, losing their game by three wickets, despite Mark’s 10 over spell of 2/30 including an impressive four maidens.

A day for the Lavelle’s.  No doubt that day Angie also made a cracking tea as well ……