High Peak Cricket Society Junior Player 2002

MATTHEW RATCLIFFE HPCS JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Season 2002 saw the emergence of 17-year-old Matthew, a right-handed batsman, as a 1st XI player at Chapel-en-le-Frith. In his first game against champions elect Birch Vale he scored a classy 41 runs. His total for the season being 230 in all First team games, showing maturity and composure mixed with attacking stroke play.

In addition he played three games in the 2nd XI, producing 160 runs. 126 of which were scored against Stockport (home). He also bowled 21 overs, bowling right-arm fast-medium, taking 8 wickets for 73 runs.

He was also a principal member of Chapel Under 17's and scored 228 runs in 7 innings, including three not outs (average 57.00). His bowling figures were 7-89 (average 12.7). This helped Chapel to finish runners-up in their section of the Under 17's league, in a season which was abridged by rain.

He represented the Meridian Derbyshire & Cheshire Cricket League Under 18's in two games scoring 17 not out and 39.

Matthew is an extremely likeable and pleasant lad who joined in with the dressing room camaraderie and on the field supported the teams' cause with his athletic fielding.

Matthew currently attends Ridge Danyers College Marple.

[February 2003]