The 2013 season was always going to be hard to replicate in terms of being genuine title contenders. Unavailability of players who had been heavily involved in that triumph meant that there would be a fairly significant change in the playing staff. John Dickinson was ruled out for the season with a knee injury while all-rounder, Mark Assiter, would also not be available for selection. However, their respected absences would create opportunities for others to try their hand at Strathmore Union Cricket. It also allowed for blooding of younger players who would be expected to be challenging for First XI places in the not too distant future.

The team suffered an indifferent start to the season; a comfortable win over newly relegated Dundee High was followed with a couple of disappointing batting displays which ended up being the story of the season. Over the course of the season, we continually found ourselves having to rely on the lower order to rescue us when chasing seemingly under par targets. The team was continually changing due to first team requirements and injuries and attaining a settled XI proved difficult. Nonetheless, there was never a lack of determination and team spirit.

Youngster Connor Shorten was a main stay in the side for the vast majority of the season and he performed very admirably. His bowling was continually economical, picking up some very impressive scalps along the way. He was ably supported weekly by his father, Steve, who had originally stepped in to help the team out when short. However, his performance with both bat and ball became so consistent that his selection throughout the season was based on merit. Rene Van Oorschot, Rahul Chandu and Hamish Niven (when not playing in the First XI) were as consistent with the ball as ever, however, it was David Gamblen who more often than not stole the bowling plaudits. His efforts have been rewarded in the shape of picking up the League Bowling Trophy for best average (T.D Ireland Cup). Often the unsung hero, David is unrivalled on effort and on field determination and his winning of the trophy is just reward for his efforts.

We were often described by other teams as being bowler heavy; however, we felt this was an unfair reflection on our talents. In truth, we did struggle with the bat and this was reflected by the fact that only two Second XI fifties the entire season, including a very well-crafted 81 by James Musgrave who would appear to have a lot of talent at his disposal. He is still adjusting to the slow and low Scottish wickets, but very much has the capability of being a very good First XI player. On the whole the batting performances fell well below the standards that the team was capable of and many of the usual run scorers were disappointed that they did fulfil their abilities. Confidence on the batting front appeared low and players continually got themselves out in bizarre and uncharacteristic fashions. Shay Nanthakumaran consistently made 30s and 40s when playing in the Second XI and his efforts were rewarded, somewhat ironically, while playing for the First XI where he made his maiden 100 against Forfarshire. There are few, if any, that are more deserving of such an accolade. His dedication and commitment to Aberdeenshire Cricket Club is unrivalled and the plaudits that came his way in the shape of fellow players, opponents and the press show how highly regarded he is as both a player and a person.

Kieran Findlay and Andy Russell both continually made the step up to the Second XI and performed well enough to show that this level is not beyond their respected abilities. The experience of playing on good wickets more often than not shall have done them no harm. Will Anderson, Andy Innes and Grant Jamieson shall overall be disappointed with their batting efforts throughout the season, despite occasionally showing glimpses of what they should be doing on a regular basis.

The team finished the season in 5th position which was somewhat disappointing after the success of the previous season, but it must be remembered that there was continual changing of the XI. Nonetheless, the team lost a couple of very tight matches which in the previous season we had found ourselves coming out on top. Victory in these matches would have made a considerable difference to our finishing position. However, we must learn from these games and ensure we maintain the high standards throughout the course of the game, not giving the opposition a route back in.

The 2015 season should see the younger players having developed and gained invaluable experience from the previous year. Additionally, the senior players should look to achieve the levels of consistency which were associated with the 2013 season.