Dereham Cricket Club chairman Neil Irons reflected on his hectic first season at the helm and is confident 2010 will see further improvement in the club's fortunes.

Dereham Cricket Club chairman Neil Irons reflected on his hectic first season at the helm and is confident 2010 will see further improvement in the club's fortunes.

Irons - better known as 'Buzz' - had a tough baptism into the role with a series of resignations in key positions and problems with machinery and the ground.

But he led from the front and as he delivered his end of season message at the annual meeting, praised all those

who had worked to support the club behind the scenes and on the field.

Irons said wicket supervisor Adie Hewitt had 'produced splendid tracks all year' and they got 'fantastic marks' from visiting teams.

He also praised Tony Finn and Tony Carter for their work around the ground.

Dereham also got excellent plaudits for its teas and Irons thanked his wife Tracy, Jo Fletcher, Carolyn Lake and Becky Carroll and other helpers for their efforts.

'Next season we will need more helpers to take the pressure off,' Irons told club members.

The bar and fund-raising - spearheaded by Gary Starling - ensured thousands of pounds came in to the club to help get covers and trolleys, and Irons said grants were being sought to get better nets and upgrade the pavilion.

On the field, the first team remain in Alliance Division Two, while the seconds - who regularly had a large number of teenagers - were relegated.

The third team also fielded many youngsters and gave a good account of themselves in the West Norfolk League Division Four.

Irons concluded his report by saying: 'So that was 2009 season, next season 2010 will see the club again rise and move up.'