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John Holmes (Captain): AKA ‘Ginger Grinder’, famous for his plodding innings and firm belief that it is better to put the opposition in at the ‘Gate. Also Wicketkeeper – 80 overs with the pads on.

Summary: Never, ever going to win a match with a six off the last ball.

Neil Stockton: Controversial left-arm seamer, finished 2nd in the league bowling averages in the '98 season but lack of consistency prevented a repeat last time round when just scraping 40 wickets.  Lost out on the Vice-Captaincy for failing to show up at the AGM.

Summary: Win a few, lose a few.

Mark Lane: Consistently the clubs leading scorer in recent times. A class act on his day but poor fitness levels let him down. Seeking to demonstrate a more 'mature' approach and make a bowling comeback this season, not for the first time. Stunned us all with the admission that he had joined a gym and was actually going.

Summary: Friday Night Fever!

Richard Holmes: Junior Holmes brother with an inferiority complex. AKA ‘Ginger Magician’, blessed with all the talent his brother never got and the best catcher by far. Drinking antics are legendary and bizarre.

Summary: Serial under-achiever. The Carl Hooper of Chop Gate.

Max Cook: Former member of the ‘Ginger Club’ but now more grey than red. Wily seamer with the ability to ‘scuttle’ a few along the deck– deadly! Capable of a few quick runs, technique sometimes owes more to golf than cricket.

Summary: Club stalwart and groundsman / treasurer extraordinaire.

Mike Tait: Another senior pro, Mike ‘transferred’ from Gt. Broughton and finished last season with 40 wickets and some handy runs. Nice line in sledging and sixes, a feisty character!  Perpetrator of the infamous and legendary 'dead mole' joke (see Chris Lane) and deservedly put us all to shame as the first over-50 to win the 'Player of the Year' award.

Summary: A Legend!

Kevin Brown: Has occupied one of the bottom 3 slots in the order for most of his career. Wholehearted trier and genuine club man, he has secured some notable victories with the odd 12n.o.

Summary: No good at politics.

Berkeley Henegan: Became a legend for taking a searing drive on the back of his head at the non-strikers end without going down. Fabled for his ‘Route 66’ off-spin bowling and a bloody nice chap.  Sadly, age and injury may finally have taken their toll for Berkeley - not the first cricket career to have ended at the 'Gate.

Summary: A credit to his teachers.

‘Irish’ Dave Austin: Our one permitted ‘overseas’ player returned last year after a Gazza-style knee op. Famous for always getting one that ‘pops’ and his inability to agree with the Captain...ever.  This is all the more amusing as Dave is Vice-Captain for the coming year (see AGM).

Summary: Pasty.

Brian Cook: A legend throughout the locality, fielders disappear when he strides to the wicket. The biggest hitter on the team and, though his powers are waning, still one to watch. Injuries a problem but rumours of a comeback this year.

Summary: “HEADS!!!”

Frank Rose:  Attacking middle-order batsman who relies more on ‘eye’ than technique. His ability to drop catches is a testament to how good his eyes are though he somehow won the catching award this year which doesn't say much for the rest of us!

Summary: Club Secretary and all round good egg.

Dave Hill: Has recovered from the damaging effects captaincy had on his batting to average more than 3. Never happier than when hurtling into bushes on the boundary edge for no good reason.

Summary: Easily pleased.

Chris Lane: Part of the 'youth policy' in which we are grateful if anyone under 30 plays for us.  Occasionally looks good as a batsman but  forever remembered as the victim of Mick Tait's infamous and legendary 'dead mole' joke.

Summary: Struggling in the shadow of Lane Snr. (no relation, like).

Mark Burgess: Erstwhile pub landlord of 'The Buck', occasional player and 'President' of CGCC.  A good fielder and a better bat than he gives himself credit for.  Puts up with us all with good grace, particularly Mark Lane.

Summary: What a top bloke!

Jimmy Scott:  A new signing for the 'Gate this year and has already settling in.  An excellent 'stand and deliver' batsman with a 50 under his belt already and reputedly a big fan of the Chop Gate teas.

Summary:  Likes food, beer and tabs - a CGCC natural.

Mark Grace: A relatively new addition to the team and the reserve wicket-keeper.  The Captains' general mistrust of his next in command (and the rest of the team) meant he only missed one match last year so opportunities have been limited.  

Summary: Too quiet by half.

John Melling: Another fairly recent addition, so far flattered to deceive after scoring double figures on debut.  Has found stepping up a grade difficult but hangs on to his catches - somehow.  An aversion to knitwear was finally compromised in a particularly freezing September encounter.

Summary: Too talkative by half.

Rog Healey: Brummie relocated to the North-East.  Has possibly played his last game for the 'Gate but not if we can help it!  Rog is famous for his hilarious running (not helped by increasing deafness), his ability to catch anything, some occasional big sixes and for always bowling Martin Barber (Maltby CC).  Who can ever forget him taking on Clayton Lamberts' arm at Normanby Hall and finishing half a pitch short or his freaky diabetic 'turns'?

Summary: Pure Comedy! Another Chop Gate legend.

George Cook: Another player whose appearances are all too infrequent.  Occasional 'pinch-hitter' and able to practice some quality swing bowling, also the best slip / gulley catcher we've had in years!

Summary: Sticky fingers.

Robin Baker: AKA 'Youth', has been labelled as the 'future of Chop Gate cricket' which is a little unfair as he is only 14.  Very keen on the game though prone, like all of us, to falling asleep in the outfield and displays some ability with the bat. Amuses the 'townies' with his forthright Yorkshire views on the game.

Summary: The Future of Chop Gate Cricket!