RECORDS tumbled for Armitage Bridge last summer as they swept all before them in winning the Cedar Court Conference.

Skippered by Paul Hamer, the Bridge became the first club to go through an entire season unbeaten in the League programme, with 20 wins from 21 games – the only one they didn’t win was a rain-wrecked match at Micklehurst.

They accrued a record-breaking 117 points (more points have been gained in the Premiership, but they play more games) to finish with a record 92.8% success rate.

It was the biggest margin of victory over their title rivals, in this case Thongsbridge who finished a massive 37 points behind Hamer’s side, and the highest-ever Hopkinson Trophy tally for the best results of the last six games (the maximum of 36 points) – although as League champions they were unable to take that prize as well – while two of the team, Carl Jump (bowling) and Andy Gledhill (fielding) won major League prizes.

However, 12 months on, and already the reality is that life in the Frank Platt Championship (the Second Division) is not going to be such plain sailing.

Perhaps that is a bit uncharitable as they have had only four games, and one of those, last week’s visit to Broad Oak, was deemed unplayable by one of the umpires.

But in those they have played, they were well beaten by Lepton Highlanders and Emley Clarence, while their only success has come against Holmfirth. And they were quickly knocked out of the Sykes Cup, going down to their second defeat against the Highlanders.

So Hamer, who is in charge again this season, already knows points won’t come as easily this summer and his team need to start performing if they want to avoid mirroring Paddock, who won the Conference, went up the previous season and came straight back down again.

The only major change to last year’s all-conquering side is the overseas player, with Aussie wicket-keeper/batsman Dean Wolf replacing opener batsman Hayden Jones.

Jones shouldered a lot of the Bridge’s batting last season, when he topped 1,000 runs (ave 61.00) which leaves Wolf with some pretty big shoes to fill.

But the 25-year-old specialist keeper from Canberra has already fitted seamlessly into the side, and his technique behind the sticks should bring an extra bonus to Bridge’s bowlers.

“Steve Harrison took over the gloves for us last season, and to be fair to him he did a pretty good job (he finished with 20 victims), but I’m sure he would be the first to admit, he’s not really a wicketkeeper,” reflected Hamer.

“So when we found out about Dean wanting to come over, we jumped at the chance, and although he’s a different sort of player to Hayden, he’s fitted in perfectly already.”

Wolf is a close friend of Slaithwaite’s overseas player David Hutchinson, they came over to the UK together, and both play for South Canberra Teachers (STC Pumas).

“I’m really looking forward to the season, but more than anything I’m looking forwards to harder wickets,” said Wolf.

“With the wickets the way they are at the moment I don’t know where to stand. I know it’s difficult for overseas batsmen and bowlers, but I think they can adjust easier than a keeper who doesn’t know whether to go up or stand back!”

Once the wickets harden up, then Wolf will come into his own and give another dimension to his bowlers.

“We have virtually the same attack as last year, Jump, Rick Lunn (who took 50 and 48 victims respectively), Jordan Williamson, spinner Faheem Hussain, Danny Moorhouse, Joel Harrison and new signing Oliver Huntington, one of our former juniors who has just re-joined the club after a spell at Shepley,” continued Hamer.

“Rick had an excellent season in 2011, while Jumpy is a player everyone would like in their team, but not necessarily one you want to play against. He is so infectious both on and off the field, and he is going to take at least three wickets for a steady return every week.

“Jordan is also very capable of performing at this level (against Holmfirth he took one for 13 from 13 overs), while Joel (Steve Harrison’s eldest son) is at Huddersfield New College’s Academy and is getting coaching from South African Peter Lombard.

“We already had a young side, but with the return of bowling all-rounder Oliver, and the inclusion of another of our younger players Cody Parr, who has a lot of potential, plus Danny Moorhouse and early order batsman Richard Sugden, who had a couple of tons last season in the Seconds, we are even younger this season.

“After playing against Lepton twice and Emley, it’s pretty obvious that teams in the Championship have a lot more strength in depth than in the Conference, and this year there will be no pushovers.

“On the plus side this season, we also have plenty of local derbies to enjoy, with near-neighbours, Meltham, Thongsbridge and Holmfirth all in our section which should guarantee some good close, enjoyable games.”

Armitage Bridge are on the short-list for the ‘Team of the Year’ a part of the Examiner’s Community Awards evening at the Galpharm Stadium.