This year was a turning point for Fakenham Cricket Club, which in the past had shown potential but never delivered.Chairman Martin Turner told Friday's annual meeting that the past year had seen that potential realised both on the field and off.

This year was a turning point for Fakenham Cricket Club, which in the past had shown potential but never delivered.

Chairman Martin Turner told Friday's annual meeting that the past year had seen that potential realised both on the field and off.

With the exception of a couple of games the East Anglian Premier League side showed they could compete and they took some of the best teams in the league to tight finishes. Achieving the target of a mid-table finish slightly eluded the team, who finished ninth out of 12, but only 21 points separated Sean Cooper's side from fifth place. “Next year I am sure will be a better and more competitive season,” said Turner, who hinted that an opening bowler was one of the priorities,

The Norfolk Alliance team was tasked with gaining promotion from Division Three and did so, going top for the first time in their last match to be crowned champions. “Paul Dunger showed all his experience as a captain to lead a team that had the right mixture of youth and experience.”

The Saturday thirds and fourths had very commendable seasons, playing at a higher standard because of the changes made in the Alliance leagues, and Sunday cricket at Fakenham proved to be a winning formula. “Youth cricket at Fakenham has hit a boom time as well,” said Turner

Looking forward, he said ladies' cricket would be introduced at Fakenham for the first time next season. Disability cricket had also been mentioned. “As a Focus Club with Club Mark accreditation we cannot stand back and ignore the need for all abilities to be able to play cricket.” Facilities would need to be ungraded and modified and more coaches found.

This year changing rooms had been redecorated, new showers fitted, a new portable net bought and a new spiker acquired. There were thanks to all who had helped in the club's successful season.

Player awards for 2009. First team, Stephen Gray; second XI, Daniel Hubbard; third XI, Aaron Spillett; fourth XI, Yin Lo; Sunday first XI, Phil Gray; Sunday second XI, Mark Spillett; U17s, Toby Hood; club person, Stephanie Dunger.

Captains for 2010: First XI, Sean Cooper; second XI, Paul Dunger; third XI, Andy King; fourth XI, Keith Bushell; Sunday first XI, Keegan de Ridder; Sunday second XI, Simon Featherstone; Sunday cups XI, Sean Cooper.