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13/04/2009
A closer look at the contenders
The Golden Fielder competition for 2009 will be well underway this time next week, so it is a good time to take a closer look at the serious runners and riders.
The first and most obvious point is that the winner will need to play a good percentage of the games. Therefore those who appear less than 50% will struggle to get enough points to trouble the leaders.
The 2007 Golden Fielder, Graham Tyrrell, will take all the beating this year as the rules have been slightly amended in his favour. He will be desperate to get his crown back and good availability is assured. The only thing that Mr Bell fans have to fear really is injury, as our eccentric keeper is prone to the odd injury or four.
Last years champion, Jim Downing, will defend his title well as he is another who is assured of playing a high percentage of the games. He catching is top drawer, but he could improve in the run out department to improve his points haul again from 2008.
A newcomer to the competition at the end of last season was Mike Freeman. Big Mike has quickly established himself as a diving catching machine, and if he gets enough games he will certainly keep the leaders on their toes.
Mat Freeman and Nick Shewring both have safe hands, but they often find themselves fielding in positions away from the action.
Tony Alfieri could be a dark horse for 2009 as his catching is a different league to that of the 2007 season. Tony has good availability and the ball sometimes has the habit of following him about. If he gets off to a good start he could well feature among the leaders when the trophy is due for engraving.
Andy Underwood and Sheridan Leigh are both established and reliable fielders and both can act as wicketkeepers when required. The number of games played is the key to both of these guys, but both may well fall just short to others who play more. Andy has gone close in both previous competitions and in fact was out in front for most of the 2008 season before falling away at the end.
The club's most enthusiastic fielder is Mark Cox, but he has not yet threatened to win the silverware. His run saving escapades have just not converted into the points needed.
The competition begins at Nazeing Common on Sunday and updates will be provided to the leaderboard after every game.
By
Jim Downing
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