Sway started 2001 with 10 opponents in New Forest Division 4 due to play 18 matches having reappointed Steve Keen as captain and chosen Dave Hurrell as friendly captain, although there were to be only 2 friendlys and no cup entered this season it was at least a step in the right direction.

The first game of the new season fell victim to the weather then disaster struck with the outbreak of foot and mouth disease the club was not allowed to use Pitmore Lane for home games so hastily rearranged their match with Mudeford 3rds to Barrack Road in Christchurch and suffered a 180 run defeat.  The more convenient location of Pennington was booked but Ringwood ran out winners by 7 wickets  before Redlynch and Hale 3rds were defeated by 6 wickets, Chris Baughan hitting 52*. 

June opened with heavy defeats against Alderholt and Centurions however the last two weeks of this month saw a low scoring win over Langley Manor 3rds and a triumphant return to Pitmore Lane where Ellingham 3rds were bowled out for 149 (Rob Cooksey 4-30) before Sway knocked off the required runs losing just 2 wickets.

All four games in July were lost Mudeford and Ringwood completing doubles over Sway and there were defeats against Michelmersh and Timsbury 3rds and local rivals Hordle II, fortunately after a 40 run loss versus Alderholt II the season finished on a high with Langley Manor beaten at Pennington, Colin Hampton making 56 and Dave Hurrell taking 5-28 and on 1st September at Picket Post Ellingham posted 168 and Sway made 172-7 with Chris Baughan blasting 51. Sway finished in 8th place having won 5 and lost 9.

The two friendly games were against Curdridge (now a successful League team) where the elegant Graham Ferris made his debut in a 29 run defeat and Elliot C.C against whom the sophisticated Matthew Brearley started although with wicket keepers Russell Wade and Steve Keen opening the bowling he probably wondered what was going on!
 

League Records

Batting       Dave Hurrell      250 runs    av   19.23        

Bowling      Colin Hampton     23 wickets    @   13.17

Catches     Dave Barnard   6    Steve Keen   6 +  1 as W/K.      Wicket Keeper    Russell Wade     11 ct   2  st

Final Table

RINGWOOD 11                                       13     12     1     257       19.77

WELLOW and PLAITFORD                  13     12     1     255       19.62

MUDEFORD III                                        16     12      4     278       17.38

HORDLE II                                               15       9      6     209       13.93

MICHELMERSH and TIMSBURY III      15       7      8     175       11.67

LANGLEY MANOR III                             16       6     10    185        11.56

CENTURIONS                                        16       6     10    181        11.31

SWAY                                                      14       5      9     141        10.07

ELLINGHAM III                                       14       4     10     135        9.64

ALDERHOLT II                                      14      4      10     122       8.71 

REDLYNCH and HALE III                     15      3      12     123       8.20

Other Seasons Reviews