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On the back of a rollicking end to season 2008-2009 (see Bakery updates passim) Karori Bakery (1A) opened season 2009-2010 with almost limitless ambition. Champions League qualification seemed, at one pre-season meeting, a distinct possibility. 

9 wins, 4 losses and 6 cancellations equated to second place in the 1A grade and fell some way short of those hopes and dreams. Two crucial defeats to Collegians Axemen (one in freakish fog bound conditions at Karori Park) and a loss to Onslow Raging Stags on a Nairnville minefield put paid to any chance of overhauling that somewhat mechanical and soulless winning machine known by the simple and catchy moniker: "KaroriKaroriFireSecurityKaroriWakkas". 

It would be wrong to let the fact that the Bakery and the Wakkas never met on the field of play tinge memories of the season - the weather and a rather negative mind-set from the Wakkas conspiring against the derby that the 1A grade and Karori Cricket Club deserved. The Bakers enjoyed their cricket and attendant social occasions. They can look back with satisfaction on three results in particular.

vs Easts Originals at Kilbirnie Park

The Bakers, invited to bat on the number 1 artificial wicket, were immediately in difficulty at 32-3. A fourth wicket partnership of 113 between Scott Carson (60) and Piers Ovenden (44) laid the platform for some Bevan-esque batting from David Abricossow (43). A reverse sweep for four from skipper and No 11 Paul Dorrans was the cherry on a 223 run cake. 

In reply Easts' opening batsman compiled a brutal 118. However Abricossow (7.3-1-26-3) and Paul Dorrans (8-0-45-3) regularly took wickets at the other end. They were ably supported by Sam Ferrick (8-1-23-2) who eventually whisked one through the centurion's defences just as the run chase looked to peak. The Bakery held its nerve in a tight finish to win by 22 runs. Easts all out for 201.

vs University Indomitables at Ben Burn Park

Ben Burn Park, with its artificial wicket and fast outfield has hosted a number of run fests. It was therefore with some trepidation that the Bakers took the field in the second innings, defending a total of only 164. Ferrick (36) and Abricossow (34) showed glimpses of their good form but were tied down by disciplined bowling. Dorrans validated his promotion to number 9 with a brief but effective cameo (18 from 9 balls).

It was in the field that the Bakery distinguished itself. The bowlers applied pressure from the outset and were ably supported by committed fielders. Abricossow (7-1-15-4) was unplayable while Ferrick (8-1-27-1) bowled with the venom and urgency of a man with a plane to catch. Blair Martin's figures of 6-1-19-1 belie a tantalising but crucial spell; his off breaks thwarting University's attempts to accelerate their scoring after the drinks break. Dan Croft (7-0-31-3) mopped up the tail in what was an enthralling denouement for the residents of Campbell Street. University all out for 148.

vs Easts Originals at Karori Park

On the final day of the season, the Bakery defeated Easts Originals a second time, this time by seven wickets, to earn the bonus point that secured second place on the ladder. Easts looked like a team with an eye on the soccer season at 47-7 but a 105-run stand for the eighth wicket (courtesy of a sportsmanlike decision to recall the batsman after his own umpire had given him out) meant the Originals posted 161 all out. This was nonetheless a worthy effort from the home team given the Team Manager's 30th birthday celebrations had left the Bakery with only 9 players in the field. In reply Ferrick (63) and Oliver Gascoigne (55) quickly put the result beyond doubt with an opening stand of 117. Karori 165-3.

Overview

Statistically the batting suffered from the damp and green wickets that lingered well beyond December. Ferrick topped the run aggregates with 415 runs at 31.93, including three 50's. Abricossow topped the batting averages with 230 runs at 38.33. Scott Carson (241 runs at 20.08 and two 50's), Gascoigne (223 at 20.27 and one 50), Regan Miles (69 versus Thorndon) and Paul Dungey (49 versus Onslow) also warrant mention.

The bowling was the Bakery's strength. Ferrick (19 wickets at 13.73 and an economy rate of 3.52) and Dorrans (17 wickets at 17.18, econ 4.29) made good use of the new ball. Croft (12 wickets at 22.42, econ 4.78) and Dylan Ewing (11 wickets at 16.36, econ 3.53) were unlucky not to pick up more wickets. Blair Martin betrayed his taste for students with figures of 4-18 against University Sons of Pitches. However the stand out performer with the ball was Abricossow (16 wickets at 10.25 with an economy rate of 3.05). Nigh on unplayable in the first match against Thorndon (6-2-14-2) he finished the season by uprooting Easts' top order (8-0-24-3). 

Abricossow was a worthy winner of the team's MVP award. Upon receiving the trophy at the annual KCC dinner Dave declared his ambition, stating: "I'd like to play for a big IPL club, like Barcelona or Milan."

An unfortunate feature of the season was the injury toll. Robert Sanson suffered a broken thumb in the opening game against Thorndon, Andrew Laking a cracked rib against University SoPs. Sanson then broke his thumb again after his return some four months later. Ferrick broke his nose opening the batting against Easts but refused to come off and top scored. In the same match Ovenden managed to bottom edge a pull shot into his abdominal protector and insisted on coming off (retired hurt, 0). 

The Bakery enjoyed its nights out at the KCC quiz (taking out first prize), at Sam & m'Betty's big BBQ, at its mid-season function chez Martin and on the D floor at the KCC annual dinner.  There were also special moments at both the KCC single wicket competition (Ovenden making the final of the first edition, Ovenden and Ferrick quarter-finalists of the second) and at the Bakery's first ever intra-squad contest (Scones defeating Steak & Cheese by "several runs").

Happily most Bakers look set to return for season 2010-2011, committed to going one better in the standings. One notable exception will be Samuel "Hollywood" Ferrick (Bakery MVP 2008-2009) who is off to Wales to enjoy some Llech Cymreig. Over the past two seasons, Hollywood has:

- played more matches for the Bakery (25) than anyone else;
- hit the highest score (110, vs Indians);
- topped the run charts with an aggregate of 874 runs at an average of 34.96; and
- taken 30 wickets at an average of 17.90. 

A founding member of the Bakery franchise, Sam was a key factor in the turnaround in the Bakery's fortunes after the disastrous start to the 2008-2009 season. In so far as Hollywood can ever leave a Baker's heart he will be missed.

A big part of the success of the Bakery, on and off the field, has been the man and team management of Mr Davidson. Mr Davidson has worked tirelessly, poring over Excel spreadsheets, attending KCC committee meetings and manning the telephone exchange, for the greater good of all Bakers. A special thank you to you, Simmo. 

Appearances, 2009-2010: Sam Ferrick (13 matches), Scott Carson, Piers Ovenden (12), Paul Dorrans (c), Oliver Gascoigne (wkt) (11), David Abricossow, Daniel Croft (v-c), Dylan Ewing, Blair Martin (9), Paul Dungey, John Macfarlane (6), Lukas Davidson, Paul Smith (5), Rob Sanson, Regan Miles (3), Sam Eccles (2), Andrew Butler, Chirag, Andrew Laking, John-Paul Rice, Rupert Rouch (1).

Most Improved Player: Blair "Buckets" Martin

Most Valuable Player: David "Mary" Abricossow

This has been an Earl communiqué. Statistical errors remain Hollywood's.