 A.W. Green Shield Annual Report
The season, like most cricket seasons, provided moments of great excitement (the one run victory over Bankstown) tempered with others of disappointment (the close loss to Wests). However it was overall a lot of fun, even though Sydney’s “great wet” in November played havoc with coach Rod Hokin’s well planned pre-season, meaning the team’s preparation was rather limited!
Declan Jakrot, a talent to watch in the future
That said, the team did play some very good cricket which resulted in wins over Bankstown, Sutherland and Sydney University and a draw in a washed out game against eventual finalists St George. These results were however counteracted by losses against Blacktown, Western Suburbs and Hawkesbury, meaning the team finished mid table on 18 points.
Having to play our home games at Beauchamp Park with its very slow outfield and lively wicket did present problems for all teams that played there. However it would be hoped that the boys learnt from playing under those rather difficult conditions and in the end it will make them better cricketers for the experience.
During a season which attracted much negative publicity at many levels for poor player behaviour it was extremely gratifying that the Gordon boys were exemplary in their behaviour. This was evidenced by first class umpire, Mr Darren Goodger, awarding Gordon the highest points possible for “the Spirit of Cricket” when he umpired the boys in round 2 against Bankstown.
 During the season there were some notable performances, the standout being Tom Lamont’s undefeated 212 against Sydney Uni, a rather special moment in any cricketer’s career.
Tom Lamont, such a destructive player, hitting the ball clean out of Beauchamp Park
A special thank you must go to coach Rod Hokin. His calm and thoughtful approach to the game kept things in perspective while all the while helping the boys understand their game a little better. Gordon is fortunate to have such a person looking after the young players.
Captaining a cricket team is never easy, yet Henry Carmichael did a fine job in encouraging the team and ensuring that everyone was involved.
The season does require a lot of input from the parents and I would like to thank everyone for their assistance, particularly Jamie Soper and Howard Wigham (scorers), Alex Carmichael (scoreboard) and Carolina Wigham (afternoon tea). To Gordon Club Officials Michael Falk, Tony Wilson, Jim Cattlin and Paul Stephenson thank you for your assistance, likewise to the ground staff at Beauchamp Park.
It was a pleasure to manage this team and I wish everyone continued success with their cricket.
The team for 2007/2008 was: Henry Carmichael (Capt), Declan Jakrot, Tom Lamont, Jono Wigham, James Ryan, Darren Jayasakera, Tom Ledgerwood, Michael O’Shea, Mark Anderson, Chad Soper, Justin Avendano, Dan Lake, Chris Hulston, Alex Shaw.
Mark Carmichael | 
