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Team 1st XI
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1st XI's Season 2014
Back in April, before the season began, it was unclear as to what the 1st XI could aim to achieve this season without the great OD, Andrew O'Rourke in the side. Having placed 7th in 2013, following promotion in 2012, expectations were somewhat reserved. We did however, happen upon another overseas player to strengthen the side, not that we knew too much about him back then.....
Pre-season training was generally well attended and thanks to our coaches; Andrew Mew, David Fox and Steve Wright. More purpose was introduced to the sessions and I know that many of the guys that attended felt the benefits of this and their good performances were as a result of the efforts they had put in before the season began.
Our first pre-season game was against Sidcup, who had been promoted to Division 3 in 2013, and there were signs of promise almost immediately. We won the game in gritty and determined fashion, Tom Churcher and Ben Webster scored pleasing 50s and we can now forget that Matt Smit was out off the season's first ball! (He was never allowed to face the first ball of an innings again!)
Matt was quickly into his stride however, with a century the following day for the Sunday friendly side and another the week after against Beckenham 2nd XI, where Rowan Clapp also played an impressive innings to finish ninety-something not out. It was already clear that, in Matt, we had another very useful overseas player on our hands.
Rather than run through each game that we've played, here are write ups on the guys whose efforts have resulted in the 1st XI being crowned Division 4 Champions 2014:
Tom Churcher's batting stats this season speak for themselves, 557 league runs including 6 fifties at an average of 40. No ODs player has scored more league runs in a season since 2006, or 2005 for a non-overseas. Tom's contributions have been invaluable and his partnerships with Matt have laid the foundations for so many of our wins. In addition, on several occasions when Matt has failed, Tom has taken on huge responsibility and made crucial scores. Tom's attitude has been terrific and it's really pleasing to see that his efforts in the nets have been rewarded. A worthy winner of our batsman of the year award.
Where do I start with the highest run scorer in Kent? Matt Smit's 1,157 league runs including 6 hundreds at an average of over 96 have been incredible viewing. Matt has been by far the best batsman in the league this season and his infectious attitude, desire to win and drive to score more and more runs each week has rubbed off on everyone in the team. All of Matt's teammates have taken confidence from his efforts and partnerships with Churcher and his contributions have been instrumental throughout the season. Matt has fitted into the side brilliantly and his fielding and bowling have complimented his batting superbly. Just as importantly, Matt's been a great lad off the pitch and I think everyone in the team can call him a good mate. ODs Legend.
Dan Webster may not have got the big scores this season that he is very capable of, however his calmness, control and maturity at the crease have given batsmen around him confidence and put them under less pressure. His various partnerships with Matt and Aaron have been crucial, particularly against D&B, Ashford and Faversham. I have no doubts that Dan will return to making big scores for the 1st XI in the near future
Aaron White's season was kick started with an unbeaten fifty in a glorious partnership with Matt of more than 150 at Westgate. He went on to score his maiden Kent League century at Downham and Bellingham with an immense unbeaten 118. Everyone was tired and hungover from Tour, we fielded poorly and allowed D&B to score a competitive 240, Churcher and Matt were unusually both out before our score was 50, however Aaron stood up and played arguably his best innings in an ODs shirt to lead us to a crucial victory. Aaron's experience has been invaluable to me as captain and he has once again been a great leader for the team on and off the field.
This season Chris Webster has proved that at 18, he is already one of the finest all-rounders in the league - he will be in Division 3 too. A match winning unbeaten 93 off only 48 balls against Blackheath, unbeaten 52 to lead us to victory against Offham, hat-trick at Betteshanger and four wicket haul at Faversham underlined his potential. Perhaps his biggest moment was at backward point with a direct hit run out of Ashford's Luke Reeves, who was well set at the time, in a game that we won to leap-frog Ashford and regain the league's top spot. Chris was only out five times this season and ended with an average of over 45 in addition to his 19 wickets, which also earned him the new ball duties.
It should be no great surprise to anyone that we have won all 10 games with Jake Caddy in our side this season. Jake has also been one of the best all-rounders in the league this year and although he has been short of opportunities with the bat, he scored important runs against, Rodmersham, Blackheath and Downham & Bellingham where he shared a match winning partnership with Aaron and hit several imposing sixes. Jake's bowled with great control and maturity throughout the season and this is reflected in his economy rate of 2.76. He took 22 wickets, of which 18 were at the crucial business end of the season. In the field he's always set a high standard and put in some superhuman efforts on the ground.
Rowan Clapp's also been short of opportunities with the bat however he did finish unbeaten at Offham and Betteshanger to lead us to victory. Never short of a word to say, Clappy may have annoyed plenty of opposition and umpires, however he has been a fitting personality in the side and has worked hard at his game at training with David Fox. The perseverance and purpose he has shown at training has been a match for anyone and his century at the end of the season for the Sunday friendly side was just reward. With similar effort throughout pre-season, Clappy could feature strongly in 2015.
Nick Worsley finished the season as the league's 4th highest wicket taker with 32 victims and has contributed greatly towards filling Andy O'Rourke's void. 24 of Nick's wickets came in the first half of the season and Nick's performances played a large part in keeping us at the top of the table; his 5 for 19 against D&B and 7 for 22 against Blackheath were match winning performances which helped us defend relatively modest totals. Like a few of us in this team, Nick has been hampered by injuries but has bowled with control and swing and has made Offham's Tom Gittings his bunny!
Eashan Patel made his 1st XI debut at 2nd placed Ashford Town and immediately looked at home with a determined innings which ensured a crucial draw. Eashan quickly proved that he was the best keeper in the league (although possibly the quietest!) with some superb takes with rapid hands and feet. Although Eash put in many good performances, his best came in our important home game against Ashford where he took two classy catches standing up to the stumps and a rapid stumping along with many other good takes, well worthy of Man of the Match in that game.
Andrew Ainger has shown plenty of promise for the Sunday teams in previous seasons and this year he has delivered for the 1st XI with 28 wickets, 10 of which were against 2nd placed Ashford Town. Andy has bowled consistently well almost all season and has proved that he's one of the best spinners in the league, his strong performances have meant that Matt Smit hasn't been required to bowl all that often and could therefore concentrate on scoring loads of runs. Andy's fine 13 over spell in our final fixture against Blackheath was particularly crucial.
Like his younger brother, Rohan Patel also made his 1st XI debut at Ashford Town and started brightly, a week later he followed up with 2 important wickets against Betteshanger. During another season or playing for another of the league's clubs, Rohan would have had far more opportunities for the 1st XI, but for the first season I can remember, we have been blessed with 1st XI spinners.
James Alvey made his debut for the 1st XI this season. Jimmy put in great efforts with the ball and was particularly unlucky to go wicket-less at Betteshanger. His highlight was a swashbuckling 37 at Harvel on a wet wicket which gave us a total to bowl at and showed how far his batting has improved.
Simon Henley and Gary Williamson's seasons for the 1st XI should be remembered for their crucial last wicket stand against D&B which rescued us from 123/9 to 175 all out. This turned the tide in the match and gave us a competitive total to bowl at, we proceeded bowl D&B out for 136 and stayed top of the league. Serious experience.
Peter White was short of batting opportunities for the 1st XI but kept wicket well when called upon, particularly on Harvel's, wet, tricky pitch. Several other lads have played for the 1st XI this year and their efforts and contributions were all important. For example, Calum Hider and Dan Brown who were called upon to help the side out, both fielded with great assurance and were generally great lads to have about.
On behalf of the 1st XI I would like to thank Andrew Mew for all of the time and effort he has given us pre-match and at training (along with everything else he does for the club), Andy Rouse for giving Matt a home for the season (along with the Worsleys and Websters briefly) and working tirelessly to ensure that we get four teams out each week, Mark Cockburn for umpiring throughout the season and therefore putting up with us, Sheila Gardiner and Wendy Webster for keeping score and supporting us each week, David Fox for his coaching and advice at training, Gracie and Lynne Lake who have served us the best teas in Kent and Mark Watson and all other generous donors.
It has been a pleasure to skipper the side this year and great to watch many of the lads' games develop as they gain more and more experience at 1st XI level. We have gradually grown into a team of leaders who are all able to contribute something, on the field and off, as our personalities and skills have allowed and united. We've really enjoyed the season long process of becoming Champions and should celebrate our success, but be mindful that promotion to Division 3 is not the 1st XI's end goal, this should be temporary pleasure, to coin a phrase from Dr Ric Charlesworth. I don't want to publicise what our goal should be, but we are club with the potential to compete at a much higher level; to get there we need to continue looking to improve at every chance and give young lads every opportunity to further themselves, risk losing to win.
Back in April, before the season began, it was unclear as to what the 1st XI could aim to achieve this season without the great OD, Andrew O'Rourke in the side. Having placed 7th in 2013, following promotion in 2012, expectations were somewhat reserved. We did however, happen upon another overseas player to strengthen the side, not that we knew too much about him back then.....
Pre-season training was generally well attended and thanks to our coaches; Andrew Mew, David Fox and Steve Wright. More purpose was introduced to the sessions and I know that many of the guys that attended felt the benefits of this and their good performances were as a result of the efforts they had put in before the season began.
Our first pre-season game was against Sidcup, who had been promoted to Division 3 in 2013, and there were signs of promise almost immediately. We won the game in gritty and determined fashion, Tom Churcher and Ben Webster scored pleasing 50s and we can now forget that Matt Smit was out off the season's first ball! (He was never allowed to face the first ball of an innings again!)
Matt was quickly into his stride however, with a century the following day for the Sunday friendly side and another the week after against Beckenham 2nd XI, where Rowan Clapp also played an impressive innings to finish ninety-something not out. It was already clear that, in Matt, we had another very useful overseas player on our hands.
Rather than run through each game that we've played, here are write ups on the guys whose efforts have resulted in the 1st XI being crowned Division 4 Champions 2014:
Tom Churcher's batting stats this season speak for themselves, 557 league runs including 6 fifties at an average of 40. No ODs player has scored more league runs in a season since 2006, or 2005 for a non-overseas. Tom's contributions have been invaluable and his partnerships with Matt have laid the foundations for so many of our wins. In addition, on several occasions when Matt has failed, Tom has taken on huge responsibility and made crucial scores. Tom's attitude has been terrific and it's really pleasing to see that his efforts in the nets have been rewarded. A worthy winner of our batsman of the year award.
Where do I start with the highest run scorer in Kent? Matt Smit's 1,157 league runs including 6 hundreds at an average of over 96 have been incredible viewing. Matt has been by far the best batsman in the league this season and his infectious attitude, desire to win and drive to score more and more runs each week has rubbed off on everyone in the team. All of Matt's teammates have taken confidence from his efforts and partnerships with Churcher and his contributions have been instrumental throughout the season. Matt has fitted into the side brilliantly and his fielding and bowling have complimented his batting superbly. Just as importantly, Matt's been a great lad off the pitch and I think everyone in the team can call him a good mate. ODs Legend.
Dan Webster may not have got the big scores this season that he is very capable of, however his calmness, control and maturity at the crease have given batsmen around him confidence and put them under less pressure. His various partnerships with Matt and Aaron have been crucial, particularly against D&B, Ashford and Faversham. I have no doubts that Dan will return to making big scores for the 1st XI in the near future
Aaron White's season was kick started with an unbeaten fifty in a glorious partnership with Matt of more than 150 at Westgate. He went on to score his maiden Kent League century at Downham and Bellingham with an immense unbeaten 118. Everyone was tired and hungover from Tour, we fielded poorly and allowed D&B to score a competitive 240, Churcher and Matt were unusually both out before our score was 50, however Aaron stood up and played arguably his best innings in an ODs shirt to lead us to a crucial victory. Aaron's experience has been invaluable to me as captain and he has once again been a great leader for the team on and off the field.
This season Chris Webster has proved that at 18, he is already one of the finest all-rounders in the league - he will be in Division 3 too. A match winning unbeaten 93 off only 48 balls against Blackheath, unbeaten 52 to lead us to victory against Offham, hat-trick at Betteshanger and four wicket haul at Faversham underlined his potential. Perhaps his biggest moment was at backward point with a direct hit run out of Ashford's Luke Reeves, who was well set at the time, in a game that we won to leap-frog Ashford and regain the league's top spot. Chris was only out five times this season and ended with an average of over 45 in addition to his 19 wickets, which also earned him the new ball duties.
It should be no great surprise to anyone that we have won all 10 games with Jake Caddy in our side this season. Jake has also been one of the best all-rounders in the league this year and although he has been short of opportunities with the bat, he scored important runs against, Rodmersham, Blackheath and Downham & Bellingham where he shared a match winning partnership with Aaron and hit several imposing sixes. Jake's bowled with great control and maturity throughout the season and this is reflected in his economy rate of 2.76. He took 22 wickets, of which 18 were at the crucial business end of the season. In the field he's always set a high standard and put in some superhuman efforts on the ground.
Rowan Clapp's also been short of opportunities with the bat however he did finish unbeaten at Offham and Betteshanger to lead us to victory. Never short of a word to say, Clappy may have annoyed plenty of opposition and umpires, however he has been a fitting personality in the side and has worked hard at his game at training with David Fox. The perseverance and purpose he has shown at training has been a match for anyone and his century at the end of the season for the Sunday friendly side was just reward. With similar effort throughout pre-season, Clappy could feature strongly in 2015.
Nick Worsley finished the season as the league's 4th highest wicket taker with 32 victims and has contributed greatly towards filling Andy O'Rourke's void. 24 of Nick's wickets came in the first half of the season and Nick's performances played a large part in keeping us at the top of the table; his 5 for 19 against D&B and 7 for 22 against Blackheath were match winning performances which helped us defend relatively modest totals. Like a few of us in this team, Nick has been hampered by injuries but has bowled with control and swing and has made Offham's Tom Gittings his bunny!
Eashan Patel made his 1st XI debut at 2nd placed Ashford Town and immediately looked at home with a determined innings which ensured a crucial draw. Eashan quickly proved that he was the best keeper in the league (although possibly the quietest!) with some superb takes with rapid hands and feet. Although Eash put in many good performances, his best came in our important home game against Ashford where he took two classy catches standing up to the stumps and a rapid stumping along with many other good takes, well worthy of Man of the Match in that game.
Andrew Ainger has shown plenty of promise for the Sunday teams in previous seasons and this year he has delivered for the 1st XI with 28 wickets, 10 of which were against 2nd placed Ashford Town. Andy has bowled consistently well almost all season and has proved that he's one of the best spinners in the league, his strong performances have meant that Matt Smit hasn't been required to bowl all that often and could therefore concentrate on scoring loads of runs. Andy's fine 13 over spell in our final fixture against Blackheath was particularly crucial.
Like his younger brother, Rohan Patel also made his 1st XI debut at Ashford Town and started brightly, a week later he followed up with 2 important wickets against Betteshanger. During another season or playing for another of the league's clubs, Rohan would have had far more opportunities for the 1st XI, but for the first season I can remember, we have been blessed with 1st XI spinners.
James Alvey made his debut for the 1st XI this season. Jimmy put in great efforts with the ball and was particularly unlucky to go wicket-less at Betteshanger. His highlight was a swashbuckling 37 at Harvel on a wet wicket which gave us a total to bowl at and showed how far his batting has improved.
Simon Henley and Gary Williamson's seasons for the 1st XI should be remembered for their crucial last wicket stand against D&B which rescued us from 123/9 to 175 all out. This turned the tide in the match and gave us a competitive total to bowl at, we proceeded bowl D&B out for 136 and stayed top of the league. Serious experience.
Peter White was short of batting opportunities for the 1st XI but kept wicket well when called upon, particularly on Harvel's, wet, tricky pitch. Several other lads have played for the 1st XI this year and their efforts and contributions were all important. For example, Calum Hider and Dan Brown who were called upon to help the side out, both fielded with great assurance and were generally great lads to have about.
On behalf of the 1st XI I would like to thank Andrew Mew for all of the time and effort he has given us pre-match and at training (along with everything else he does for the club), Andy Rouse for giving Matt a home for the season (along with the Worsleys and Websters briefly) and working tirelessly to ensure that we get four teams out each week, Mark Cockburn for umpiring throughout the season and therefore putting up with us, Sheila Gardiner and Wendy Webster for keeping score and supporting us each week, David Fox for his coaching and advice at training, Gracie and Lynne Lake who have served us the best teas in Kent and Mark Watson and all other generous donors.
It has been a pleasure to skipper the side this year and great to watch many of the lads' games develop as they gain more and more experience at 1st XI level. We have gradually grown into a team of leaders who are all able to contribute something, on the field and off, as our personalities and skills have allowed and united. We've really enjoyed the season long process of becoming Champions and should celebrate our success, but be mindful that promotion to Division 3 is not the 1st XI's end goal, this should be temporary pleasure, to coin a phrase from Dr Ric Charlesworth. I don't want to publicise what our goal should be, but we are club with the potential to compete at a much higher level; to get there we need to continue looking to improve at every chance and give young lads every opportunity to further themselves, risk losing to win.
ODCUACO vs Blackheath 3s
Scorecard
Win toss bat was the policy adopted by skipper Smedley, despite the overcast, muggy conditions, with 20 points the target.
Of course, everyone outside the club believes that ODCUACO are a one man team, with overseas hero Smit scoring and indeed selling runs. What others did not know is the graft of the whole collective and the up and coming talents emerging this year around Smitty.
Today was the day that the team proved its worth. Smitty was dismissed by Staples for an uncharacterisitc duck, leaving Dan and Churcher to dig in for the boys. Dan was dismissed for a gritty 12 bringing an in form yogi to the crease. ODs were set on 52-2 off 25. He played well for his 23 before being dismissed. ODs new club hero Tom Churcher has been the steady, reliable batsmen of recent weeks, and he brought up another half century. He and Chris Webster upped the run rate and, when rain interrupted the game after 42.3 overs, ODs were on 153, with Churcher on 73* and "dubsy" on 41*. Tea was taken and the rain moved away. The players returned to the pitch when Tom decided to run himself out first ball. Clapp strolled to the crease and scored 12, while Chris decided to demolish the bowling figures of the opposition from the other end. He hit the all time leading wicket taker in Kent for 4 consecutive boundaries including a Dil-scoop, leaving the bowlers almost in tears. Flappy departed with an over and a half to go with Webster eyeing up a possible ton. This dream was taken away over the next three balls when Worsley decided to face two dot balls then take one off the last ball of the over, thereby stealing the strike. 11 runs from nick in the first three balls of the next over aided his redemption, with Chris hitting the last three balls for 13. He ended on 93* off 48 balls including 11 fours and 4 sixes. ODs had set a very good score of 229-5 off 50.
After showing that we were not a "one man band" with the bat, the opposite seemed to be the case with the ball. Mr Cricket himself Nicholas Worsley, the self proclaimed best bowler in Kent took a magnificent 7 wickets in ODs skittling of Blackheath for 108. Tim and Nick took the new ball with Worzzle getting the initial breakthrough. The less said about the ball bowled the better. Similar with the second wicket he picked up, leaving Blackheath 29-2. Good catches were taken by Rohan and Churcher for these two wickets. The skipper then joined the party getting the number three bat out before Worsley's swing lured a batsman out of his crease with Gaz taking a stumping off it. Webster picked up a wicket before Worsley picked up two more wickets, completing his 5 wicket haul. He didn't stop there. He bowled out his 15 over spell taking another two world class wickets leaving him with figures of 15-3-22-7, incredibly sore legs and a dirty pint for good measure. Ainger picked up the last wicket, caught well by Aaron at slip meaning ODs took the 20 points and retained their place at the top of the league.
The ODs performance should send as many warnings around the league as Smittys batting stats. We genuinely have 11 possible match winners in our team and as long as one or two stnd up and deliver, I have no doubt that we can win this league.
Thanks to Ben for umpiring, Wendy for scoring and Smitty for giving everyone else a game.
Scorecard
Win toss bat was the policy adopted by skipper Smedley, despite the overcast, muggy conditions, with 20 points the target.
Of course, everyone outside the club believes that ODCUACO are a one man team, with overseas hero Smit scoring and indeed selling runs. What others did not know is the graft of the whole collective and the up and coming talents emerging this year around Smitty.
Today was the day that the team proved its worth. Smitty was dismissed by Staples for an uncharacterisitc duck, leaving Dan and Churcher to dig in for the boys. Dan was dismissed for a gritty 12 bringing an in form yogi to the crease. ODs were set on 52-2 off 25. He played well for his 23 before being dismissed. ODs new club hero Tom Churcher has been the steady, reliable batsmen of recent weeks, and he brought up another half century. He and Chris Webster upped the run rate and, when rain interrupted the game after 42.3 overs, ODs were on 153, with Churcher on 73* and "dubsy" on 41*. Tea was taken and the rain moved away. The players returned to the pitch when Tom decided to run himself out first ball. Clapp strolled to the crease and scored 12, while Chris decided to demolish the bowling figures of the opposition from the other end. He hit the all time leading wicket taker in Kent for 4 consecutive boundaries including a Dil-scoop, leaving the bowlers almost in tears. Flappy departed with an over and a half to go with Webster eyeing up a possible ton. This dream was taken away over the next three balls when Worsley decided to face two dot balls then take one off the last ball of the over, thereby stealing the strike. 11 runs from nick in the first three balls of the next over aided his redemption, with Chris hitting the last three balls for 13. He ended on 93* off 48 balls including 11 fours and 4 sixes. ODs had set a very good score of 229-5 off 50.
After showing that we were not a "one man band" with the bat, the opposite seemed to be the case with the ball. Mr Cricket himself Nicholas Worsley, the self proclaimed best bowler in Kent took a magnificent 7 wickets in ODs skittling of Blackheath for 108. Tim and Nick took the new ball with Worzzle getting the initial breakthrough. The less said about the ball bowled the better. Similar with the second wicket he picked up, leaving Blackheath 29-2. Good catches were taken by Rohan and Churcher for these two wickets. The skipper then joined the party getting the number three bat out before Worsley's swing lured a batsman out of his crease with Gaz taking a stumping off it. Webster picked up a wicket before Worsley picked up two more wickets, completing his 5 wicket haul. He didn't stop there. He bowled out his 15 over spell taking another two world class wickets leaving him with figures of 15-3-22-7, incredibly sore legs and a dirty pint for good measure. Ainger picked up the last wicket, caught well by Aaron at slip meaning ODs took the 20 points and retained their place at the top of the league.
The ODs performance should send as many warnings around the league as Smittys batting stats. We genuinely have 11 possible match winners in our team and as long as one or two stnd up and deliver, I have no doubt that we can win this league.
Thanks to Ben for umpiring, Wendy for scoring and Smitty for giving everyone else a game.
Westgate-on-sea away
Scorecard
Due to my serious sporting injury I have been unable to write this report for a couple of weeks, therefore the majority of the game has been forgotten....all apart from the batting of one Mr Matthew Smit. (serious batsman)
After a long drive down, Tim lost the toss and we were in the field. The now settled opening partnership of the skipper and Nick took the new ball and before their openers had a chance to lay the foundations the skipper lured one of them in to a false shot resulted in him being caught behind. Nick quickly dismissed their number 3, clean bowling him and when Ainger and Jake picked up quick wickets we were well on top with them 4 down before the drinks break. However their skipper who opened the batting was still in and he was joined by a seriously experienced cricketer who looked to occupy the crease.
Together, aided by some poor bowling and poor fielding, they both reached their 50's before their skipper smashed a straight long hop smashed a rank long hop to the trusty hands of the bear who was patrolling the leg side boundary. This was pretty much the last good thing we did in the field or with the ball for the remainder of the innings. To say we were below average would be a massive understatement, as quite frankly we were embarrassingly poor. Bowlers bowled length, catches were dropped, body language was poor and this resulted in them having all the momentum going in to tea with 245 on the board 7 down, Worsley the pick of the bowlers picking up 3 wickets.
With Tom preparing world class wickets for other serious cricketers, Dan was back at the top of the innings alongside the ever-present saffa. They got us off to a solid start both valuing their wicket in what was tricky conditions. Dan made a technically sound 18 before being bowled. By this point Smitty had some serious cricket fans come down and watch him doing what he does best. One saffa was joined by another as Nick walked out to the crease to take guard and turn around and walk back after having his furniture rearranged 3rd ball, up stepped Yogi.
Aaron is a player, that since I got in the first team has, I'm sure he feels the same way, failed to score the runs that he and everyone else knows he should be scoring. However with Smitty going along nicely and with a big total on the board, Yogi was able to take his time and not think too much about scoring runs and set himself for that long overdue big innings.
Both players quickly had a fantastic understanding between one and another and soon after Matt reached his 50, Aaron was looking like a class act at the crease offering fantastic support from the other end. It was the perfect partnership and the oppo had no answers. Matt reached yet another league ton, meanwhile Aaron was nearing 50. Once Matt got his ton he went slightly mental, hitting pretty much every delivery he faced to the fence, more often than not it went for 6. The oppo's heads dropped as Matt reached his 150, and Aaron passed 50.
Not only was Matt's knock the best innings I have ever seen since playing for OD's but the partnership with the bear was class and we cruised to a 20 point win with 8 overs to go!!!
Fantastic stuff!! We love cricket, we love runs and we love winning. Roll on next week.
Scorecard
Due to my serious sporting injury I have been unable to write this report for a couple of weeks, therefore the majority of the game has been forgotten....all apart from the batting of one Mr Matthew Smit. (serious batsman)
After a long drive down, Tim lost the toss and we were in the field. The now settled opening partnership of the skipper and Nick took the new ball and before their openers had a chance to lay the foundations the skipper lured one of them in to a false shot resulted in him being caught behind. Nick quickly dismissed their number 3, clean bowling him and when Ainger and Jake picked up quick wickets we were well on top with them 4 down before the drinks break. However their skipper who opened the batting was still in and he was joined by a seriously experienced cricketer who looked to occupy the crease.
Together, aided by some poor bowling and poor fielding, they both reached their 50's before their skipper smashed a straight long hop smashed a rank long hop to the trusty hands of the bear who was patrolling the leg side boundary. This was pretty much the last good thing we did in the field or with the ball for the remainder of the innings. To say we were below average would be a massive understatement, as quite frankly we were embarrassingly poor. Bowlers bowled length, catches were dropped, body language was poor and this resulted in them having all the momentum going in to tea with 245 on the board 7 down, Worsley the pick of the bowlers picking up 3 wickets.
With Tom preparing world class wickets for other serious cricketers, Dan was back at the top of the innings alongside the ever-present saffa. They got us off to a solid start both valuing their wicket in what was tricky conditions. Dan made a technically sound 18 before being bowled. By this point Smitty had some serious cricket fans come down and watch him doing what he does best. One saffa was joined by another as Nick walked out to the crease to take guard and turn around and walk back after having his furniture rearranged 3rd ball, up stepped Yogi.
Aaron is a player, that since I got in the first team has, I'm sure he feels the same way, failed to score the runs that he and everyone else knows he should be scoring. However with Smitty going along nicely and with a big total on the board, Yogi was able to take his time and not think too much about scoring runs and set himself for that long overdue big innings.
Both players quickly had a fantastic understanding between one and another and soon after Matt reached his 50, Aaron was looking like a class act at the crease offering fantastic support from the other end. It was the perfect partnership and the oppo had no answers. Matt reached yet another league ton, meanwhile Aaron was nearing 50. Once Matt got his ton he went slightly mental, hitting pretty much every delivery he faced to the fence, more often than not it went for 6. The oppo's heads dropped as Matt reached his 150, and Aaron passed 50.
Not only was Matt's knock the best innings I have ever seen since playing for OD's but the partnership with the bear was class and we cruised to a 20 point win with 8 overs to go!!!
Fantastic stuff!! We love cricket, we love runs and we love winning. Roll on next week.
Betteshanger CW 206-9, OD Cuaco 210-4
Scorecard
The latest win was honoured with a Red Arrows fly past. Unfortunately no-one in the first XI could be bothered to tell the story of the game by writing a report..
..so you will have to make do with Emma's fine photograph.
Scorecard
The latest win was honoured with a Red Arrows fly past. Unfortunately no-one in the first XI could be bothered to tell the story of the game by writing a report..
..so you will have to make do with Emma's fine photograph.
Ashford Town away, 7th June 2014
Scorecard
Not a great day for the 1st XI who came away with a losing draw and 5 points to Ashford Town’s 13.
Eashan and Rohan Patel performed excellently in their 1st XI debuts against one of the strongest teams we are likely to face this season. Rohan bowled with guile and earned a well-deserved wicket from his 7 overs that were bowled in the mid to latter stages of the innings. Eashan kept wicket very tidily and batted shrewdly for his 8 not out to ensure that we saved a draw.
We restricted Ashford Town to 215/8 on a quality batting surface which seemed to be far below par, Andrew Ainger bowled well and took regular wickets to finish with 6/62 from 15 overs in conjunction with Matt Smit who bowled a tidy spell. Our opening bowlers only shared 1 good leg between them and unfortunately “World Class” Worsley had to end his opening spell after 2 overs and was replaced by Simon Henley who had had a morning tour of Ashford after driving to the wrong ground! Unfortunately we dropped 7 catches, 3 of which one of our players was responsible for! Had we taken these we may have been chasing less than 175, mentally a much easier target to get after. These drops cannot continue at this level if we hope to be at the sharp end of the table, perhaps only 1 of these drops we wouldn’t expect to take 9 times out of 10, fines of some sort may have to be introduced again……..
Churcher and Smit started strongly once more and after the departure of Smit for 38, we reached drinks at 25 overs on 98/1. Unfortunately we lost our away against Ashford’s spinner who took 4/31 from 15 overs and we only scored another 54 from the next 25 overs which we survived largely thanks to Eashan Patel. Churcher batted well for 53 but he knows he could have had many more on a wicket so good.
We are still unbeaten and will come back stronger.
Scorecard
Not a great day for the 1st XI who came away with a losing draw and 5 points to Ashford Town’s 13.
Eashan and Rohan Patel performed excellently in their 1st XI debuts against one of the strongest teams we are likely to face this season. Rohan bowled with guile and earned a well-deserved wicket from his 7 overs that were bowled in the mid to latter stages of the innings. Eashan kept wicket very tidily and batted shrewdly for his 8 not out to ensure that we saved a draw.
We restricted Ashford Town to 215/8 on a quality batting surface which seemed to be far below par, Andrew Ainger bowled well and took regular wickets to finish with 6/62 from 15 overs in conjunction with Matt Smit who bowled a tidy spell. Our opening bowlers only shared 1 good leg between them and unfortunately “World Class” Worsley had to end his opening spell after 2 overs and was replaced by Simon Henley who had had a morning tour of Ashford after driving to the wrong ground! Unfortunately we dropped 7 catches, 3 of which one of our players was responsible for! Had we taken these we may have been chasing less than 175, mentally a much easier target to get after. These drops cannot continue at this level if we hope to be at the sharp end of the table, perhaps only 1 of these drops we wouldn’t expect to take 9 times out of 10, fines of some sort may have to be introduced again……..
Churcher and Smit started strongly once more and after the departure of Smit for 38, we reached drinks at 25 overs on 98/1. Unfortunately we lost our away against Ashford’s spinner who took 4/31 from 15 overs and we only scored another 54 from the next 25 overs which we survived largely thanks to Eashan Patel. Churcher batted well for 53 but he knows he could have had many more on a wicket so good.
We are still unbeaten and will come back stronger.
OD Cuaco CC Vs Downham & Bellingham CC
Scorecard
The Gods were looking down on cricket on the weekend as the sun was trying its best to shine, but it was not raining so everyone at the home of cricket was happy. After two successful away trips, Tim and his troops were sitting top of the table. With a damp wicket and our batting looking string we were looking to bowl first and chase. Tim lost the toss and we were sent in to bat.
The new opening pair of Smit and Church went out to bat and were again looking solid until Tom decided to play a cross bat slog and the timbers were sent flying. Clapp was bowled for a brief but entertaining 10 and Aaron struggled to get going on a very slow track. Meanwhile unsurprisingly Smit was making the rest of us look like we had never picked up a bat before as he cruised to yet another 50. Finally he gained some support from the other end from the greatly talented hero of the HSBC victory, genuine all rounder Mr Christopher Webster. Matt was finally dismissed for a well worked 67 again showing his class and lover for the game. To say the middle order then collapsed would be a serious understatement. With Ben and Ainger lasting 3 balls between them and Nick again struggling to hit the ball off the wicket achieving a painful 3 off 27 either side of Chris throwing his wicket away after two of the best cover drives ever witnessed at the home of cricket we were in a spot of bother at 123 for 9 after the skip had been dismissed. Enter the two old timers Williamson and Henley!
Gary, after having to collect numerous throws on the half volley in the warm up and then having to sit through an abject batting display was in a terrible mood but was able to use his experience to channel his aggression and have his game face on while at the crease. Showing his ability to pick and chose the right balls to attack and defend he was able to reach 31* with ease. Meanwhile Henley went for a more see ball hit ball approach smashing one glorious 6 on his way to 21 and between them they had completely turned the game in our favour as we finished 176 all out leaving us 52 overs to get 10 wickets. Well done you two!!
Tim again paired up with Nick 'Dale Steyn' Worsley in a partnership which clearly doesn't need to be changed in the future. Both Tim and Dale were able to pick up early wickets leaving them 25 for 3 before Ainger and Chris were brought in to the attack. Chris was proving very tough for the oppo to face as he was 'swinging it more than the dancers in the 1960's.' Anyway this swing proves too much for a couple of the oppo batsmen as well as the bowler himself as a few too many wides were delivered, a problem I'm sure Dale will be happy to assist in rectifying in the forthcoming weeks. After this the oppo decided to drop anchor and despite Clappy's awful chat leading the batsman to the conclusion that none of his team mates even liked him we were struggling to take the 5 remaining wickets with time running out. Henley bowled a very useful spell picking up a wicket leaving them 6 down in the 42nd over. Up steps Nick 'Dale' Worsley!
In his next two overs which have been described as 'world class' and 'unplayable' Nick produced some delivery's which he took out of Clapp's sock drawer.
Firstly the over pitched wide delivery was hit towards the ever present mid off Tom Churcher who produced the most unnecessary juggling act ever, however he help on to the catch in an almost comical fashion leaving them 7 down.
Secondly, their set batsman (who was on 32) was delivered, arguably the ball of the century. A delivery which swung late, pitched and seemed glancing the top off of the off peg was a thing of beauty to a team of such cricket enthusiasts. A moment which would feature on Sky Sports News repeatedly if it was being filmed; sadly for the world this piece of magic will never be seen again but for the spectators and players at the ground they can say they were there and have witnessed the ball of the century.
With the oppo 8 down Worsley was to bowl his third and what would prove his final 6 deliveries of the day. The swing and pace was all too much for their tail as their number 10 miraculously connected with one, only to 'smash' it back to the bowler who unsurprisingly clung on to the chance. World Class. Finally the swing was all too much for their final batsman as he was struck on the pads, the fielders and bowler went mental, and then the finger was raised! We have done it, 136 all out and another propa nawti 20 points for the OD Cuaco massive! Worsley finishing with a career best 10-3-19-5 wow!
We have an 8 point lead at the top of the table and have no intention of that changing as we make the away trip to Ashford next week, roll on Saturday and roll on another big 20!!
See you all Friday for the 20/20 against Beckenham
#weareodcuaco #cricketislove # cricketislife
Scorecard
The Gods were looking down on cricket on the weekend as the sun was trying its best to shine, but it was not raining so everyone at the home of cricket was happy. After two successful away trips, Tim and his troops were sitting top of the table. With a damp wicket and our batting looking string we were looking to bowl first and chase. Tim lost the toss and we were sent in to bat.
The new opening pair of Smit and Church went out to bat and were again looking solid until Tom decided to play a cross bat slog and the timbers were sent flying. Clapp was bowled for a brief but entertaining 10 and Aaron struggled to get going on a very slow track. Meanwhile unsurprisingly Smit was making the rest of us look like we had never picked up a bat before as he cruised to yet another 50. Finally he gained some support from the other end from the greatly talented hero of the HSBC victory, genuine all rounder Mr Christopher Webster. Matt was finally dismissed for a well worked 67 again showing his class and lover for the game. To say the middle order then collapsed would be a serious understatement. With Ben and Ainger lasting 3 balls between them and Nick again struggling to hit the ball off the wicket achieving a painful 3 off 27 either side of Chris throwing his wicket away after two of the best cover drives ever witnessed at the home of cricket we were in a spot of bother at 123 for 9 after the skip had been dismissed. Enter the two old timers Williamson and Henley!
Gary, after having to collect numerous throws on the half volley in the warm up and then having to sit through an abject batting display was in a terrible mood but was able to use his experience to channel his aggression and have his game face on while at the crease. Showing his ability to pick and chose the right balls to attack and defend he was able to reach 31* with ease. Meanwhile Henley went for a more see ball hit ball approach smashing one glorious 6 on his way to 21 and between them they had completely turned the game in our favour as we finished 176 all out leaving us 52 overs to get 10 wickets. Well done you two!!
Tim again paired up with Nick 'Dale Steyn' Worsley in a partnership which clearly doesn't need to be changed in the future. Both Tim and Dale were able to pick up early wickets leaving them 25 for 3 before Ainger and Chris were brought in to the attack. Chris was proving very tough for the oppo to face as he was 'swinging it more than the dancers in the 1960's.' Anyway this swing proves too much for a couple of the oppo batsmen as well as the bowler himself as a few too many wides were delivered, a problem I'm sure Dale will be happy to assist in rectifying in the forthcoming weeks. After this the oppo decided to drop anchor and despite Clappy's awful chat leading the batsman to the conclusion that none of his team mates even liked him we were struggling to take the 5 remaining wickets with time running out. Henley bowled a very useful spell picking up a wicket leaving them 6 down in the 42nd over. Up steps Nick 'Dale' Worsley!
In his next two overs which have been described as 'world class' and 'unplayable' Nick produced some delivery's which he took out of Clapp's sock drawer.
Firstly the over pitched wide delivery was hit towards the ever present mid off Tom Churcher who produced the most unnecessary juggling act ever, however he help on to the catch in an almost comical fashion leaving them 7 down.
Secondly, their set batsman (who was on 32) was delivered, arguably the ball of the century. A delivery which swung late, pitched and seemed glancing the top off of the off peg was a thing of beauty to a team of such cricket enthusiasts. A moment which would feature on Sky Sports News repeatedly if it was being filmed; sadly for the world this piece of magic will never be seen again but for the spectators and players at the ground they can say they were there and have witnessed the ball of the century.
With the oppo 8 down Worsley was to bowl his third and what would prove his final 6 deliveries of the day. The swing and pace was all too much for their tail as their number 10 miraculously connected with one, only to 'smash' it back to the bowler who unsurprisingly clung on to the chance. World Class. Finally the swing was all too much for their final batsman as he was struck on the pads, the fielders and bowler went mental, and then the finger was raised! We have done it, 136 all out and another propa nawti 20 points for the OD Cuaco massive! Worsley finishing with a career best 10-3-19-5 wow!
We have an 8 point lead at the top of the table and have no intention of that changing as we make the away trip to Ashford next week, roll on Saturday and roll on another big 20!!
See you all Friday for the 20/20 against Beckenham
#weareodcuaco #cricketislove # cricketislife
Offham CC 1st XI v OD CUACO CC 1st XI - 24th May 2014
Scorecard
After giving Gary what can only be described as a "shark bite" during a football match in our warm up, skipper Smedley won the toss and due to a poor weather forecast, put top of the table Offham into bat, giving us a chance of chasing whatever Offham could muster.
Skipper Smedley and Worsley started well, limiting Offham to few boundaries until Worsley removed the dangerous Tom Gittings, having been dropped twice off the unfortunate skipper, for 13 with the score on 22. Tom was replaced by his equally dangerous brother Ben and after two rain interruptions, spinners Ainger and Jake Caddy were introduced into the attack in order to sneak in plenty of quick overs. Both bowled accurately and limited Offham's scoring options, but were unable to effect a breakthrough; Offham's plan was clearly to keep wickets in hand and "go big" later on.
Offham finally accelerated with 15 overs to go and at 177-1 in the 45th over, opener Evans was the next wicket to fall for a painful 58 off 116, few of which were scored in front of square. Ben Gittings fell 1 run later for a super 91 off 113, also to Chris Webster. With wickets in hand, Offham threw caution to the wind and dragged their score up to 239-6 off 50 overs with some strong hitting at the death. However, on a flat pitch and tiny boundary, the total looked below par and Offham would rue not playing positively sooner. The 6 wickets were shared between Worsley and Chris.
Openers Churcher and Smit carried on from their exploits of the previous week, starting steadily but in the knowledge that we wouldn't face more than 40 overs due to several first innings rain interruptions.
After accerating to hit Offham's openers out of the attack, it was clear that Offham had little to trouble the belligerent Churcher and brutal Smit, who at this point were batting like Slater and Hayden in their prime and bullied their way to a 207 run partnership.
Churcher went on to hit a marvellous 73 off 84 including 12 boundaries, many of which were sweet straight drives, before being caught at long on going for a 6 to the longest boundary.
Smitty saw us home in 32.2 overs with an excellent 139 off 97 balls including 16 4's and 9 6's. Punishment was dished out to every bowler with several balls being hit to the next postcode. Smitty was joined by Clapp who hit 17 off 10 balls including 2 4's and a 6 over the clubhouse.
The win leaves us top of the log but there's still room for improvement with the new ball, death bowling and fielding; where we dropped at least another 3. Roll on D&B...
Scorecard
After giving Gary what can only be described as a "shark bite" during a football match in our warm up, skipper Smedley won the toss and due to a poor weather forecast, put top of the table Offham into bat, giving us a chance of chasing whatever Offham could muster.
Skipper Smedley and Worsley started well, limiting Offham to few boundaries until Worsley removed the dangerous Tom Gittings, having been dropped twice off the unfortunate skipper, for 13 with the score on 22. Tom was replaced by his equally dangerous brother Ben and after two rain interruptions, spinners Ainger and Jake Caddy were introduced into the attack in order to sneak in plenty of quick overs. Both bowled accurately and limited Offham's scoring options, but were unable to effect a breakthrough; Offham's plan was clearly to keep wickets in hand and "go big" later on.
Offham finally accelerated with 15 overs to go and at 177-1 in the 45th over, opener Evans was the next wicket to fall for a painful 58 off 116, few of which were scored in front of square. Ben Gittings fell 1 run later for a super 91 off 113, also to Chris Webster. With wickets in hand, Offham threw caution to the wind and dragged their score up to 239-6 off 50 overs with some strong hitting at the death. However, on a flat pitch and tiny boundary, the total looked below par and Offham would rue not playing positively sooner. The 6 wickets were shared between Worsley and Chris.
Openers Churcher and Smit carried on from their exploits of the previous week, starting steadily but in the knowledge that we wouldn't face more than 40 overs due to several first innings rain interruptions.
After accerating to hit Offham's openers out of the attack, it was clear that Offham had little to trouble the belligerent Churcher and brutal Smit, who at this point were batting like Slater and Hayden in their prime and bullied their way to a 207 run partnership.
Churcher went on to hit a marvellous 73 off 84 including 12 boundaries, many of which were sweet straight drives, before being caught at long on going for a 6 to the longest boundary.
Smitty saw us home in 32.2 overs with an excellent 139 off 97 balls including 16 4's and 9 6's. Punishment was dished out to every bowler with several balls being hit to the next postcode. Smitty was joined by Clapp who hit 17 off 10 balls including 2 4's and a 6 over the clubhouse.
The win leaves us top of the log but there's still room for improvement with the new ball, death bowling and fielding; where we dropped at least another 3. Roll on D&B...
1st XI 262-9 at Rodmersham 212 ao 17th May
Scorecard
After 8 months of winter, countless winter nets, 2 preseason warmup games and 1 demolition of HSBC in the cup the league season is finally upon us. The first outing for ODCUACO 1st XI is down to the quaint village ground of Rodmersham where back to back boundary laps were full of riveting conversation such as “but if the ball hits the tree on the full, while the fielder is in the tree is it 4, 6 or out?” You could tell we were out of practice!
Conversely however practice was one thing Matt Smit was not short of, he bulldozed his way to a brilliant century in quick timing. Tom Churcher opened and started brightly, he was outscoring Matt at one point however managed to run himself out attempting a third to probably Rodmersham’s best fielder (Rama Vasantham). Apparently next week tom will be dealing in ambled singles and 4’s through midwicket... good job we have put so much effort into coaching this season! Further support came from Rowan Clapp with some unorthodox tennis shots being employed. That was until he tried one double handed backhand too many and managed to get himself bowled.
When Matt was out for 120 and the score 204-5 the OD’s were in danger of scuppering a brilliant start. Enter the late recruit Jake Caddy. 33 runs later and the team total had advance to over 250, even on the road that is the Rodmersham wicket that should be enough... surely? Well the skipper though so, after losing his wicket, the teams 9th and with Simon Henley eager to get his first runs of the season the skipper called close on the innings. This decision could have been fuelled in part by it taking 3:45 minutes for Rodmersham to bowl 48.2 overs. The skipper wanted to be sure he had enough time to bowl Rodmersham out.
With no Andy O’Rourke where was the new skipper going to turn to take the 10 Rodmersham wickets for victory? After 22 overs and Rodmersham sitting pretty on 106-1 we were still none the wiser. The ball was thrown to Smit at one end and Caddy at the other. Over the next 27.2 overs the remaining 9 Rodmersham wickets fell for the addition of a further 106 runs. The star of the show this time was Jake Caddy. Although he only took 3, leaving Matt to pick up the other 6, his bowling went for 24 runs in 13 overs. It was a great display a spinner varying his pace and not giving the batsman an inch of room. The economy rate was by far the best of all the bowlers on the day.
This was not a polished performance by any means, there are many areas still to work on for example fielding where 7 dropped catches could have proved costly. That said there were some exceptional performances from Smit and Caddy. It looks promising for the season ahead that even when the team is not at its best they are still able to comprehensively beat sides.
Scorecard
After 8 months of winter, countless winter nets, 2 preseason warmup games and 1 demolition of HSBC in the cup the league season is finally upon us. The first outing for ODCUACO 1st XI is down to the quaint village ground of Rodmersham where back to back boundary laps were full of riveting conversation such as “but if the ball hits the tree on the full, while the fielder is in the tree is it 4, 6 or out?” You could tell we were out of practice!
Conversely however practice was one thing Matt Smit was not short of, he bulldozed his way to a brilliant century in quick timing. Tom Churcher opened and started brightly, he was outscoring Matt at one point however managed to run himself out attempting a third to probably Rodmersham’s best fielder (Rama Vasantham). Apparently next week tom will be dealing in ambled singles and 4’s through midwicket... good job we have put so much effort into coaching this season! Further support came from Rowan Clapp with some unorthodox tennis shots being employed. That was until he tried one double handed backhand too many and managed to get himself bowled.
When Matt was out for 120 and the score 204-5 the OD’s were in danger of scuppering a brilliant start. Enter the late recruit Jake Caddy. 33 runs later and the team total had advance to over 250, even on the road that is the Rodmersham wicket that should be enough... surely? Well the skipper though so, after losing his wicket, the teams 9th and with Simon Henley eager to get his first runs of the season the skipper called close on the innings. This decision could have been fuelled in part by it taking 3:45 minutes for Rodmersham to bowl 48.2 overs. The skipper wanted to be sure he had enough time to bowl Rodmersham out.
With no Andy O’Rourke where was the new skipper going to turn to take the 10 Rodmersham wickets for victory? After 22 overs and Rodmersham sitting pretty on 106-1 we were still none the wiser. The ball was thrown to Smit at one end and Caddy at the other. Over the next 27.2 overs the remaining 9 Rodmersham wickets fell for the addition of a further 106 runs. The star of the show this time was Jake Caddy. Although he only took 3, leaving Matt to pick up the other 6, his bowling went for 24 runs in 13 overs. It was a great display a spinner varying his pace and not giving the batsman an inch of room. The economy rate was by far the best of all the bowlers on the day.
This was not a polished performance by any means, there are many areas still to work on for example fielding where 7 dropped catches could have proved costly. That said there were some exceptional performances from Smit and Caddy. It looks promising for the season ahead that even when the team is not at its best they are still able to comprehensively beat sides.