Also: Meet the new President. Same as the old President?
The Boot Room of the Iron Duke in Mayfair was the scene of Clapham In’s Annual General Meeting and End of Season for 2021.
With the best turnout in at least two years, more than 20 of the Clapham In faithful, new and old, took advantage of a Saturday afternoon of sport to get out of the house… and drink.
Successes were celebrated, failures were gently ridiculed, and England beat South Africa in the cricket (I think, memories of such minor details are hazy).
There was also a changing of the old guard.
President Doctor Jim ‘Kim Jong’ Clack stood down from his tenure as Glorious Leader and He Who Must Never Be Questioned – for fear of him explaining why you are so very, very wrong – after a period of five years as President.
The Committee would like to thank KJC for his blood, sweat and tears (let’s face it, mostly tears) on behalf of this club over his period as President. His love for Clapham In and his commitment to its future have strengthened this club immeasurably.
Dr. Clack handed his presidency on to one of the fixtures of Clapham In – one James Frecknall, canonised in 2014 as St. James of Prague. A former captain and long-standing Committee member, James is also the connection back to the original founders of the club and the reason so many of us have joined CICC. He was the natural choice and we look forward to his unique brand of tyranny. Kindness encourages compliance, Frecks.
And now for the awards…
Handing over of the baton, President Frecknall (also Player of the Year) and Ex President Clack 
Player’s Player, Dad, Captain, Matt Goodman 
Cocksoup winner Ed Gregory with last year’s winner Smithy
Player of the season: James ‘Sicknote/Pigeon/Courtney’ Frecknall
James played six matches in 2021, leading the wicket taking with 15, including a class five-for (his first for the club) and a run-out at Isis. He also scored 139 runs at 46.33 this season.
In 2021, James overtook all other opposition to become the highest wicket taker in Clapham In’s history, the Most Complete Cricketer for the second year running, and was generally the anchor of our middle order when he turned up. As a past President said, ‘His stats don’t tell half the story of the contribution that he makes to the club.’
Player’s Player: Matt ‘Dad’ Goodman
In times of uncertainty and strife we need strong leadership and Captain Dad proved to be the hero we needed, if not deserved. On the pitch he took 10 wickets at 28, and curbed his competitive American instincts to steamroller the opposition in favour of getting everyone into the game. Off the pitch he ensured we got (almost) 11 players out even when the weather was a bit too British, and organised the Tour of Leckford, pretty much everyone’s highlight of the season, roll on Leckford 2022.
Cock Soup Award: Ed ‘Radar’ Gregory
Ed was awarded the ignominious Cock Soup trophy (now with real Cock Soup!) for his escapades in getting to the match at Isis. [This felt harsh in retrospect as he has paid for that trip several times over now, but as Finesmaster, he deserves everything he gets.]
Honourable Mention: James ‘Smithy’ Smith – Last year’s winner of the Cock Soup and Player’s Player awards announced their non attendance at this years End of Season Awards 15 minutes before the start time, meaning we didn’t have the trophies to present to this year’s winners.
Catch of the Season: Riaan ‘Elba’ Ferreira
An exceptional, instinctive one-handed grab behind the stumps off Mike Rumbold at Gents of West London. Shame his celebratory throw in the air nearly landed on the outgoing batsman.
Safest Hands: Stephen Smith – 10 Catches
Bowling Award Winners
Best Figures: James Frecknall – 6-1-15-5
Leading Wicket Taker: James Frecknall – 15 wickets at 11 avg.
Batting Award Winners
Highest Batting Average: Riaan ‘Mull’ Ferreira – 69.97 (9 innings)
Highest Score: Ed Hewens – 105 vs Roehampton Bats
Highest Partnership: Steve Smith & Riaan Ferreira – 124 runs for the 1st wicket versus Plastics
Leading Run Scorer: Riaan ‘Cuba’ Ferreira – 418 runs
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If you’re new to the London area and looking for a club, just getting back into the game, or have never tried cricket and want to, we’d love to have you as part of the team.
Drop us an email on claphamincc at gmail.com and we’ll be in touch with details.
