KIBBY IN MCCL DIV 3 TOP XI
By Simon Heaney
Congratulations to our 2016 player-of-the-year Kibreeth Rameez who was chosen as one of the best 11 players from the Middlesex County Cricket League First Teams Division 3 for last season. Here is the full list of players as selected by Salman Ali of the MCCL:
1. Hussain Shabbir RHB/RM - North London CC
Since his arrival from Edmonton CC, Shabbir has established himself in the North London batting order and this season played some crucial innings to help, his club seal promotion. May come across quite abrasive but very intelligent and committed cricketer who captained the side in the absence of Sam Bardon, and will be a big player for them next season.
2. Manoj Prasanga RHB - Osterley CC
Fitting that Prasanga was a part of the Osterley side who were crowned champions as he has featured in their rise from the Middlesex Championship to where they are now. Often the catalyst for Osterley's aggressive starts which put them in a pole position in many games, Prasanga was a key player in both formats.
3. Jim Gatting RHB/RM - Winchmore Hill CC
Gatting went off like a train at the start of the season, scoring a hatful of runs as Winchmore Hill looked worthy promotion contenders, but sadly for him their charge fell away. However, Gatting remains a class act and probably a player who deserves to play at a higher level where he has proven in the past he has the ability to succeed.
4. Tom Brandreth LHB - Brentham CC (Captain)
One of three B’s and Brentham players, to make the eleven, and so unfortunate to not get promotion. 708 runs highlights the ability Brandreth possess and I'm confident his side will be in contention again next season. Will captain the team, which he did for his club very well.
5. Luke Budden RHB - Brentham CC
The second part of the glue in Brentham's batting order, and without him Brentham may have not had the season they did. Like his captain had a fantastic campaign with the bat, 10 scores of over 50 from 17 innings, which would have been small consolation for not getting promotion. With many years on his side, Budden will definitely be a player to look out for in the future.
6. Felix Walker RHB/WKT - South Hampstead CC
Entertaining cricketer who wastes no time in getting on with it. South Hampstead's season could have been described as indifferent but Walker remained ultra-consistent with over 650 runs and also two hundreds.
7. Kibreeth Rameez RHB/SLA - Bessborough CC
Spin bowler Rameez, had a stellar campaign taking 37 wickets in a Division dominated by spinners. But his batting was also something which made people stand up and take notice, and he is a player who in my eyes has the makings, of becoming a genuine all-rounder. The only Bessborough player to feature in either of the top 10's for batting and bowling, Rameez will look to build on this in 2017.
8. Kavi Kannathasan LHB/LFM/SLA - MTSCC
Flamboyant cricketer who loves to attack either with bat or ball. Also possess the ability to turn his hand to left arm spin which he did effectively. Probably doesn't score as many runs as he does but on his day is capable of taking part any attack in the division.
9. Fahim Baharami - RHB/RFM - Osterley CC
Slightly controversial pick, but I have followed Baharami for a couple of seasons, and feel there is a lot more to come. A hand injury hindered his year, but he still played a major role for Osterley. 20 next year so should be able to get more overs under his belt and also, with a bit of work on his batting could become a genuine all-rounder.
10. Jaisreet Bajwa RHB/OS - Brentham CC
Off spinner who forms the final part of the Brentham trio, following a season which saw him take 43 wickets at an average of 15.53. Bajwa like Brandreth and Budden will look forward to the next season and feel, a reproduction of this form should take them one step better.
11. Shakil Ahmed LHB/SLA - Uxbridge CC
With a Test cap under his belt, Ahmed had to call on all his experience and class to save Uxbridge from relegation. The 50-year-old spinner was the saviour for Uxbridge captain Abrar Dar who admitted without Ahmed his side would have been in trouble, finishing with a haul of 46 wickets.