In the 1999/2000 season, there were once again nine matches and thus an average of 90 VPs for each of our two teams. This time it was the turn of the ‘B’ team to finish in its highest position, 2nd, that I can remember, only missing out on the Porter Trophy because of a big Gloucestershire total. With the ‘A’ team around 5th with a dead average 90 VPs, the total number of VPs amassed by Oxfordshire may be a record for this county. The results were as follows:

‘A’ team Total: 90 VPs (5th?) ‘B’ team total: 110 VPs (2nd)

With two games to go, the ‘B’ team was clear by 7 VPs but the match against bottom-placed Leicestershire saw a number of pairs withdraw a week before the game, forcing us to field a scratch ‘B’ team. That match was lost 6-14 and Glos amassed 39 VPs from the last two games to render our last game redundant.

One casualty during the season was the reliable partnership of Hayes/Price but, apart from that, I feel that the squad is now stronger than at any time I can remember, particularly in terms of its younger players. Two new pairings, Cohen/Badiani and Landy/Walker, began to play for us as the season progressed and did well — as one would expect from such excellent players. The newish Lonsdale/McPhee partnership did well in the Tollemache (if not the Dawes League) and they too are an important addition. If we can keep these three pairs involved plus the Fearnheads and Noble/Bennett, we have the basis of a strong young squad which is keen to learn and move forward. They might even teach us oldies a thing or two and keep us on our toes.

With the toughest ever draw in the Tollemache, the county performed creditably but were outgunned in the end. With a better draw, I think we can hope to qualify for the final more regularly in future.

I announced before the season started that it would be my last as captain. After seven years, it is time to give someone else a chance and John Williams has recently been appointed in my place. I wish him the very best of luck in the position and I hope that the players will all support his efforts in the same way as they have for me. All players have been cooperative and enthusiastic, which has made my job a pleasure as well as a privilege.

County practices, although no longer once a month, have picked up a bit recently and, with Sandra Landy’s teaching contribution at the last session, there are signs that they will continue to serve a valuable purpose.

I am grateful to the selectors, particularly Geoff Nicholas, for taking some of the weight of paperwork off my back this season, and for supporting me over the years. As ever, I must thank Esme Alden for providing the best teas on the county circuit. Richard Lonsdale has promoted the county team via the OBA website, Marian Day and others have given valuable help with county practices and many others have helped in different ways. Thank you to one and all.

Nick Smith March 2000