Acknowledgments by Joe Zaccheo KWAAPOC Team manager Welcome to the 3rd annual KWAAPOC Presentation night and Annual Report presentation. Another successful season culminated in a Grand Final appearance for the second year in a row, however we had to settle for second place. We won a tough Semi Final against second place Newtown after we finished third in the minor premiership. KWAAPOC had high expectations of entering two teams this season, but with the loss of key players such as Noel Ornelas, Sam Giannini and Matthew Galligan the thought quickly faded. At the 1st KWAAPOC AGM in July, it was decided to indefinitely keep KWAAPOC as a one-team club. Just as well, because in February, we were short of numbers to the point that Greg and I recruited SIX new players in the space of a week to make up the shortfall. Two of them did not have their registrations approved by the association. But thanks go to Cal & Jess McGuirk, Paul Carey and Collin Shaw for filling in. In the following comparisons, keep in mind we were elevated a division, from 7th to 6th division. Batting: This season we scored a total of 2,907 runs (for the loss of 151 wickets), a good improvement on last year’s 2,692 (for the loss of 137 wickets). That’s up two years in a row with the average per wicket down slightly from 19.64 to 19.25. Individually, this season was the best, scoring 13 x 50’s, up one and 4 x 100’s, up three on last year (3 in 2000/01). Greg was an exceptional stand out with 8 x 50’s and 1 x 100 with a total of 800 runs exactly at an average of 57.14. Gino scored 3 unbelievably quick and exciting 100’s (total of 443). Most improved batsmen was Charlie, scoring 3 x 50’s with a total of 444 runs at an average of 27.75. Joe scored 380 and Deen as opener did a great job scoring 294. Both Greg and Joe brought up their 1,000 runs for KWAAPOC this season, and both Gino and Charlie brought up 500 runs. Bowling: This season, we were a bit down on wickets, having lost the likes of Noel and Sam. We took 162 wickets at an average of 19.24 (last season 192 @ 14.87). Individually, we took 5 x 5 wicket hauls. Joe took KWAAPOC’s 1st 10-wicket in a match haul. He also reached 100 KWAAPOC wickets, and for the first time in KWAAPOC history, he took 50 wickets in a season at an average of 16.30 (previous record was 45). Stuart took the 2nd 6-wicket haul ever for KWAAPOC. He ended up with 29 wickets at an amazing average 9.07. Fielding: Our catches were down over 40% to 82 from 116 last year. Greg took 25 catches, 24 as keeper. Gino had a great year with the hands taking 17 catches. Gino came close to Peter’s record set last year for a non wicket keeper of 21. Run outs were 12, up one. Even though it’s difficult to suppress the disappointment of losing the final, coming second is still a tremendous achievement. If you add the loss of Peter & Ranga to the above references to the loss of key players and going up a division, it’s really a great effort. Peter & Ranga provided us with a longer batting line up, they were useful change bowlers and both excellent fielders. Hopefully they’ll both play for KWAAPOC again. I would like to thank Greg for his support and assistance throughout the year. He is a committed team player and he more than fulfilled his role as a vice-captain, on and off the field. And even though Sam didn’t play, he still helped out where he could and thanks for volunteering to be the Player of the Year selector. A thanks goes to Mohammed for umpiring, packing up the kit and jumping into the Cooks River to get balls. He is a general all-round team man. I would like to mention John. He often comes to games to just field, and always helps me out. He took his first KWAAPOC wicket this year and his batting has really improved. Thanks to those who attend the training sessions. Regulars like Deen, Mohammed Greg, Gino and Michael kept training alive as it looked like it may have been temporarily suspended at one stage. Lastly, I would like to thank KWAAPOC’s no.1 supporters and my no.1 supporters, my wife Maria and my baby son Nicholas. Thank you for attending most days of most games, I really appreciate it. I love you both! It’s been a pleasure playing with you and being your appointed captain and manager. I hope you enjoy the night and the off-season. I hope you find this document worthwhile. See you next season!