2011 Final Table and Results
Match Reports - 3rd XI 2011
3rd XI End of Season Report 2011
The 2011 season for the 3rd XI was a story of two halves. Up until the end of June we struggled with player numbers and only bonus points and some poor weather meant we had some points on the board going into the second half of the season. Despite this we were confident we could turn our fortunes round with a more settled team.
Our 6 wicket win over fellow strugglers Catford Wanderers kick started our season. And with belief back in the ranks we never looked back. A nerve wracking tie two weeks later to then leaders of the league proved to ourselves we were capable of giving any of the teams in our division a game. In this game Colin Cook bowled an amazing spell of 6-48.
Victory over Burgess Park in early August made our survival chances even better after a disappointing defeat to eventual league winners Catford Cyphers. Young James Alvey making himself a name by claiming 5-10 off 6 overs.
The following week against Bromley Common’s game was decided at the toss and Bromley managed to score too many runs going first, vital bonus points were picked up meaning the gap between us and EX-Blues and Old Wilsonians was closing all the time.
Away to Dulwich, next, proved to be arguably our best performance of the season as in wet conditions we bowled them out for 103 with all the bowlers contributing and then chased them down largely thanks to Will Sanders’s 30. This allowed Andy Rouse and James Alvey to see us home with ample time to spare.
This victory meant that a win over Ex-Blues the next Saturday would virtually ensure survival. Devastatingly the Kent ground deemed the pitch unplayable the day before. This gave both sides 10 points each, and gave us another must win match for the final game of the season against Old Wilsonians. As Ex-Blues were playing bottom of the table Catford Wanderers we were certain they would pick up 20 points meaning we’d have to beat Old Wilsonian’s or hope both games were abandoned.
The side without skipper Luke Hunter, who’d decided to go on holiday believing the team would have been safe from the drop zone by this point, were led by Colin Cook and batted first. A fifty from Will Sanders was the only major contribution in a score of 137 but with our bowling attack and effort in the field to come we were confident.
The early bowling of Cookie, Ollie Fishlock and Dan Smedley kept the runs down and this led the way for the youngsters James Alvey, Billy Rouse and Chris Webster along with Calum Hider to follow suite. James again bowled magnificently picking up amazing figures of 11.3-1-21-6. Bill and Calum chipped in with a couple of vital wickets as well meaning that Wilsonians finished 11 short.
In the end we finished 5 points clear of relegation and above both Wilsonians and the relegated pair of Ex Blues and Catford Wanderers.
With a consistant side this team could easily compete in this league and it has been pleasing to see some emerging stars from the colts such as James Alvey and Billy Rouse both performing well.
With the bat the evergreen Steve Smith and Will Sanders impressed both averaging close to 30 and big top scores. Colin Cook finished with 26 wickets, enough to see him finish with a best of 6/48. James Alvey claimed 14 victims at a strike rate of only 13.93. Dan Smedley, Calum Hider, Brenden Jessup and Ollie Fishlock put in consistant performances with the ball and bat and in the field and were a key aspect to our survival.
OD CUACO 3rd XI away to Dulwich 5th XI 20th August 2011
With the skipper returning, usual service resumed in the result of the toss and we were asked to bat. Dark clouds hovered above and the pitch looked pretty green and in less than perfect condition. After a quick analysis of the conditions from Laurence Sanders, we were set. The opening pair for Dulwich got settled quickly though never looked completely comfortable against Ollie Fishlock 11-2-32-1 and Dan Smedley 10.2-0-36-3. The rain soon started to fall and after one break of 10 minutes or so we returned to the game and picked up our first wicket, a well taken catch by Ben Smith off Smedley’s bowling.
Unfortunately further and heavier rain then came down and we were forced to leave the field. An early tea was taken at 3 o’clock, during which the sun came out and the clouds and rain disappeared. Their skipper very generously gave us the chance to continue with the game, setting in place an 8 o’clock cut off time. We knew that they would be forced to go for their shots with less than 4hrs of playing time available and this would give us an excellent chance in picking up 20 valuable points.
The young stars James Alvey 6-1-16-3 and Billy Rouse 6-1-17-2 replaced the opening bowlers and in their 12 overs picked up 5 wickets between them as we ripped through Dulwich’s batting line up. Dan and Ollie returned to finish off the tail. The fielding was excellent, especially a run out from Ben Stuart and 2 well taken catches by keeper Andy Rouse. The second part of their innings had lasted 20 overs for the loss of 9 wickets, while Dulwich had managed to add 70 runs to their total. We felt fairly confident especially as we had over 2hrs to get the total.
Sanders senior and junior opened for us and Sanders senior thought all of his Christmas’s had come at once when their skipper bowled spin for the second over….. he was duly dispatched for 3 big 4s. Unfortunately we lost Laurence and then Steve Smith early on, but Ben Stuart, hung around with Will for a bit before trying one big shot too many. Ben Smith helped get the score past the halfway mark and with still plenty of time the game looked like it was in our hands.
3 quick wickets then fell including Will for 30. Andy and Ollie tried to get our innings back on track, Ollie doing the only way he knows how with some big shots selection. It paid off as he and Andy added over 20 runs to our score and got us into the anxious 80s. When Ollie fell, youngster Jimmy A strode out to the wicket, their opening bowler returned, but this was not a problem for Jimmy A as he knocked the ball around with ease, leaving it to Andy to hit the first ball of the 30th over for four to win us the game. Andy finished on 16* with James on 12*.
A great team performance one which has put us 5 points clear of relegation. A big win this week against Ex Blues can keep us up without having to worry about the last game of the season.
OD CUACO 3rd XI Home to Burgess Park 6th August 2011
With replacement skipper Dan Smedley and 11 players (for once!), the team were confident despite facing top of the league. We set up early at the Warren ground right next to Od’s and waited for the opposition ...and waited…and waited some more. 2 o’clock past and we thought we had won, albeit by default. Calum was especially keen to go home, making him all the more disappointed when the oppo turned up in the back of a van at about 10 past 2. Skipper put them in to bat without looking at the wicket, which resembled more of a minefield.
Steve strange and Will Sanders opened to bowling doing everything and anything, mainly the pitch and wet conditions doing it. We lost Steve to a loose shot early, shortly followed by Will, Churcher and Dan Thorn (after a monumental stack, face first onto the deck). Dan Smedley and John McLaughlin managed to persist and stick around in tough conditions, scoring 32 and 33 respectively and James Alvey carried on his form from the week before scoring a quick 19. Hider smashed a 4 off his first ball which filled him with enough confidence to stare out the bowler who was clearly felt the effect, until he bowled him next ball. The team managed to reach 126 all out, a good score all things considered.
The bowlers were licking their lips and it was their turn to perform. We started well, Alex brown nearly struck in the first over with an uncharacteristic drop from Will Sanders and a characteristic drop from Smitho off Colin early on. More good bowling meant Browny got an edge to the skipper at gully, however a small first wicket stand appeared with the oppo putting bat to ball. Colin had a good LBW appeal turned down but the top wicket taker in the league didn’t give up that easy, removing his off-stump shortly after. Burgess Park resisted a little more however an inspired spell from James Alvey (or Jimmy A) took the game away from them with figures of 6 overs, 2 maidens, 10 runs for 5 wickets. Like the rest of London, he was on fire, bowling a potential wicket ball every delivery. Dan Thorne took a great catch and a stumping, Calum also took a good low diving catch to assist James and Will made up for his earlier mistake to assist Colin in his second and the final wicket of the game. They finished 78 all out, that’s right WE WON!
Well played lads it was a quality all round performance. Lets make sure were all available for next week so we can carry on this form and stay up! Thanks to John Ing, I bet he hasn’t had to give that many overhead wides in one game before, and thanks to Dawn for the tees.
Catford Cyphers 3rd XI vs. OD CUACO 3rd XI Away 30th July 2011
Thanks to the injured Dan Webster, we had an umpire, but only ten men due to numerous pull outs Friday evening/Saturday morning.
Having won the toss the skipper decided to field. Colin Cook (12-2-49-3) and U15 colt James Alvey (6-1-31-0) opened the bowling and were unlucky not to pick up an early wicket or two. One of their openers’ intent on swinging to leg no matter where the ball was. Colin eventually clean bowled him although by this stage they had built up a decent run rate. Their number 3 seemed to take over with the ‘only one shot’ way of playing and when he eventually tried to play straight could only find the hands of change bowler Sam Carp (7-0-24-2). Colin soon got rid of their other opener and we found ourselves getting on top, especially when Calum Hider caught and bowled their skipper in his first over. Unfortunately their number 7 took a fancy to Calum’s bowling, finding the tennis courts and the boundary on more than one occasion.
Calum ‘voice of the north’ Hider, refused to be outdone however and carried on bowling and gradually worked away through their lower order, greatly aided by Dan Smedley (6-0-33-0) bowling tightly at the other end. When Calum bowled their number 7 for 61 they had reached 212 and Calum finished on 7.3-1-61-5.
Everyone (well almost everyone!) fielded exceptionally well, especially Brendon Jessup, Dan, and James. Well done to Colin, who remains top of the wicket takers for this division!!
With 7 extra overs to get the runs we knew it was not impossible.
After tea, Will Sanders and Steve Smith went out to bat. Unfortunately we lost Steve early on, Brendon and Will (52) then set out to score some runs. Brendon was extremely unlucky when a ball that kept low hit his stumps. Dan was then caught at slip for 11 and the game seemed to be getting away from us. James Alvey (38) joined Will at the wicket and the two of them got us back on track, at drinks we needed just 4 an over of the next 29 overs. However when Will miss timed a full toss from their spinner we collapsed as their number 7 ripped through our lower order picking up 5 wickets to add to his 61 runs. Leaving us 77 runs short on 135. Well batted Will and James, who together scored half our runs.
7 valuable bonus points were picked up by us, with a game in hand and with games against each of the 4 teams above us after we face the league leaders next week, there is still a chance. For this chance to become a possibility though we must have 11 players rather than 10 each week.
OD CUACO 3rd XI vs. Roebucks 23rd July Home
Having lost the toss to high flyers Roebucks we were asked to bat. Playing a strong opposition with only ten players we were not hoping for much.
However Steve Smith (12) and Dan Thorne (29) got us off to a steady start. When Steve was caught this brought our new player Chinta to the crease. He and Dan took us to drinks on 85-1 at the 20 over mark.
Immediately after the drinks break we lost Dan, after which Chinta (69) and Dan Smedley (30) cut loose. Chinta playing the more extravagant shots, including a switch hit 6 which cleared the score box and a couple of reverse sweeps and more scoops than are found in an ice cream shop.
Smedley was bowled in the with 6 overs to go and Chinta also went as we did our best to add on as many late runs a possible, while all the time their wicketkeeper was letting us know we were far too short of a tough target. In the end we were bowled out for 188.
For the first 10 overs of the opposition’s innings they were well above the asking rate of 4.5 an over, however when Colin Cook (10-2-48-6) removed their numbers one and three in the space of a couple of overs we were back in it. Chinta (10-3-32-1) and Calum Hider (10-0-50-0) kept the run rate low between overs 12 and 32. Calum especially was unlucky not to pick up a wicket or 2. Chinta’s leg spin and occasional quicker ball were often too good for the batsman but was only able to pick up the one wicket.
With 9 overs to go the oppo needed 45 to win with 7 wickets in hand.
Enter Dan Smedley (4-0-22-3) who’s first over picked up 2 wickets for one run as we started to get back in the game more and more. Colin Cook returned at the other end and picked up a sharp caught and bowled to remove England international Susie Rowe.
Smedley, in his Dennis Lillee esq headband went one better than Colin with a diving return catch to remove their number 7.
Thanks to quick running between the wickets and throws missing the stumps by millimetres Roebucks kept up with the asking rate and with 2 overs to go required just 1 run with 2 wickets remaining.
A short ball was bowled the batsman miss-timed and it went straight in the air over Colin’s head, as he turned to go after the ball, the whole ground was deafened by none other than Steve Smith’s calling of “mine, mine, mine” as he lurched forward from mid off and plucked the ball from out of the air. One down and one to go, with numbers 10 and 11 in. Two more balls were bowled with not much happening and then Colin got one to hit the batter’s pad, we all went up in an appeal, John Ing’s finger slowly raised up from behind his back and we all celebrated jubilantly.
In the end it was a fine game of cricket, neither side deserving to lose. Roebucks were clearly frustrated they were unable to beat 10 men who lay second bottom of the table.
17 pts for us keeps our survival chances alive as we are now 16 pts behind Ex-Blues, who managed to pick up 12 bonus pts against Burgess Park.
Next week – away to Catford Cyphers.
OD CUACO 3rd XI vs. Catford Wanderers 3rd XI Home 9th July
Having lost the toss to a rather indecisive opposition captain we eventually found ourselves fielding. With this fixture featuring the bottom two sides, we knew a win was vital to keep our survival hopes alive.
Sam O’Neill (9-3-12-1) opened the bowling and took a wicket with the second ball of the game, clean bowling their opening batsman. Colin Cook (7-3-14-3), feeling slightly under the weather, had the second over and after seeing 5 perfect defensive shots from their number 3, bowled him middle stump thanks to a miss-timed swing.
Colin took 2 more wickets, one thanks to a catch taken by Dave Minette in the slips. A fine run out from Tom Churcher and we had Catford struggling badly at 7-5. A prolonged partnership from their captain and number 6 only delayed the inevitable as Dave Minette (4-2-7-3) grabbed 3 quick wickets, 2 bowled and 1 caught by Nick Gobel. Brenden Jessup (2.3-0-15-2) finished off the rest with a caught and bowled and then taking out their number 11’s off stump. Catford ended on 51 all out off 22.3 overs.
We required 52 in 69 overs – a run rate of 0.75 an over
Despite losing 4 wickets in the run chase it never looked in doubt, as the run rate remained below 1 for the entire innings. Tom Churcher (25*) and Dan Thorne (14*) both batted sensibly to ensure we made our target with no more wickets falling and secured a maximum 20 pts for the win.
Unfortunately a victory for Ex-Blues saw them keep the gap between us to more than 20 pts, but with 4 teams within 40pts (2 wins) of us we still have a chance.
Next up Old Colfes away.
OD CUACO 3rd XI vs. Old Wilsonians 3rd XI Home 2nd July
Due to the oppo not having an umpire we won the toss by default and selected to field first on a track which had been used as a car park a week earlier for Kent CCC.
Sam O’Neill (5-0-7-0) and Ollie Fishlock (12-3-37-1) opened the bowling and kept the run rate down as well as troubling the batsmen, unfortunately the early wickets were elusive this week. Brendon Jessup (7-1-17-1) joined the attack and found the breakthrough as he clean bowled their number 1 batsmen, John Lee (11-0-40-1) joined in the action thanks for a good catch by Scott Williams. Brian North (11-2-48-4) bowled extremely well and regularly picked up wickets. Despite this their left handed number 2 (60*) stuck around with a limited stroke selection to choose from. A sharp run out from Skipper Luke Hunter and a brilliant catch from Dave Caddy off Ollie’s bowling happened in the closing overs as Old Wilsonians reached 157-8 off 46 overs.
Once again though, it was our batting which let us down, as poor shots and good bowling meant none of our top 5 reached double figures. Only the batting of Dimu Silva (15) and Brendon (15) gave us any chance of reaching their total, and in the end we were all out for 101.
Next week we face fellow strugglers Catford Wanderers.
Away to Ex-Blues Sat 25th Jun 2011
Having won the toss, we fielded first with the pitch looking and feeling quite damp still. Colin Cook (10-3-41-3) took the first over and thanks to a good diving catch from wicketkeeper Dan Thorne got their opener out.
Sam O’Neill (6-3-6-1) came down the hill and like Colin took a wicket in his first over, again thanks to a well taken catch by Dan.
Before the opening bowlers came off Colin got another wicket as he took a return catch to leave Ex Blues at 12-3.
Brenden Jessup (10-2-32-1) and Ollie Fishlock (7-3-17-2) continued where the openers had left off and soon Dan had another catch after their second opener edged Ollie behind.
An incredible one handed catch by Sam at Mid Off, who couldn’t have looked more casual when he took it, gave Ollie his second wicket and at this stage we were looking good with the oppo 34-5 around the midpoint of the innings.
However with the pitch drying out and more sensible batting from the oppo, their score increased through the latter stages of the innings. Brian North (7-0-36-0) was unfortunate not to take a wicket as he continually had the batsmen in problems. The return of Colin saw us pick up a 7th wicket thanks to a superb tumbling catch from Richard Learmouth. They finished their innings on 139 for 7.
Our batting overall let us down, despite it being a difficult pitch to bat on, none of our batsmen played themselves in for long enough, Dave Minette hit some hefty blows for a quick fire 26. Brenden (12*) and Ollie (22) put on 40 runs together and gave us some hope, however when Ollie found a fielder on the boundary our last 3 batsmen failed to hang around for too long, with some thanks to the oppo umpire.
Some crucial games lie awaiting in the coming weeks and hopefully we shall be able to make some ground on the teams above us.
Away to Burgess Park U21B Sat 4th Jun 2011
Burgess Park CC - Under 21 B Won by 209 runs
Burgess Park 320 - 4
ODCCC 111 - 10 (34 overs)
3rd XI home to Catford & Cyphers - Saturday 28th May
ODCCC 111 - 8 (40 overs) S Smith 60
Catford & Cpyhers 112 - 4 (27.1)
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3rd XI no game on Saturday 21st May
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3rd XI home to Old Colfeians Saturday 14th May
No report received
Old Colfeians 184 - 8 (40 overs) Colin Cook 3 - 30, John Lee 2 - 40
ODCCC 99 - all out (28.4 overs) R Learmouth 33
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OD CUACO 3rd XI away to Catford Wanderers Saturday 7th May
We went to the ground specified on the play-cricket website, they went to a different ground. Had difficulty getting through to their contacts so abandoned the idea of playing the match. Game treated as abandoned by the league.
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OD CUACO 3rd XI vs. Roebucks 1st XI Saturday 30th April at Roebucks
Having been put in to bat, for our first game this season we were hopeful of a strong performance as we had a couple of players usually found in the club’s top two sides.
After 13 overs, however we found ourselves 33-3 as the Roebucks’ opening bowlers used the slope of the pitch and the wind to their advantage. Colin Cook and Dan Smedley (34) started the recovery and a useful 18 from Dave Minette took us up to the 100 mark. Skipper Luke Hunter (31*) with help from Alex Brown (9) and especially Ollie Fishlock (10*) helped see out the 46 overs and bring the score to 163-9.
After a pretty uninspired tea on the outfield we headed back to start the second innings. With seven strong bowlers we were reasonably confident we could bowl out Roebucks. Their opening batsmen however were obviously more experienced with the pitch and got off to a decent start by reaching 70-0 after 13 overs, despite the best efforts of Ollie (7-0-24-0) and Simon Henley (6-0-41-0). Colin (9-0-52-4) and Alex (9-40-3) then came on and picked up the wickets that they and the openers both deserved and the oppo soon required 30 runs with just 3 wickets remaining. Unfortunately their numbers 7 and 9 managed to knock off the required runs, although with a bit more luck we would have seen a victory come our way.
On the positive side, we managed to bat out our overs and with the continued effort in the field we managed to pick up 10 bonus points which is a decent effort. Hopefully with consistent availability we will be able to keep a core of 6 or 7 players and be able to push on this season.
The 2011 season for the 3rd XI was a story of two halves. Up until the end of June we struggled with player numbers and only bonus points and some poor weather meant we had some points on the board going into the second half of the season. Despite this we were confident we could turn our fortunes round with a more settled team.
Our 6 wicket win over fellow strugglers Catford Wanderers kick started our season. And with belief back in the ranks we never looked back. A nerve wracking tie two weeks later to then leaders of the league proved to ourselves we were capable of giving any of the teams in our division a game. In this game Colin Cook bowled an amazing spell of 6-48.
Victory over Burgess Park in early August made our survival chances even better after a disappointing defeat to eventual league winners Catford Cyphers. Young James Alvey making himself a name by claiming 5-10 off 6 overs.
The following week against Bromley Common’s game was decided at the toss and Bromley managed to score too many runs going first, vital bonus points were picked up meaning the gap between us and EX-Blues and Old Wilsonians was closing all the time.
Away to Dulwich, next, proved to be arguably our best performance of the season as in wet conditions we bowled them out for 103 with all the bowlers contributing and then chased them down largely thanks to Will Sanders’s 30. This allowed Andy Rouse and James Alvey to see us home with ample time to spare.
This victory meant that a win over Ex-Blues the next Saturday would virtually ensure survival. Devastatingly the Kent ground deemed the pitch unplayable the day before. This gave both sides 10 points each, and gave us another must win match for the final game of the season against Old Wilsonians. As Ex-Blues were playing bottom of the table Catford Wanderers we were certain they would pick up 20 points meaning we’d have to beat Old Wilsonian’s or hope both games were abandoned.
The side without skipper Luke Hunter, who’d decided to go on holiday believing the team would have been safe from the drop zone by this point, were led by Colin Cook and batted first. A fifty from Will Sanders was the only major contribution in a score of 137 but with our bowling attack and effort in the field to come we were confident.
The early bowling of Cookie, Ollie Fishlock and Dan Smedley kept the runs down and this led the way for the youngsters James Alvey, Billy Rouse and Chris Webster along with Calum Hider to follow suite. James again bowled magnificently picking up amazing figures of 11.3-1-21-6. Bill and Calum chipped in with a couple of vital wickets as well meaning that Wilsonians finished 11 short.
In the end we finished 5 points clear of relegation and above both Wilsonians and the relegated pair of Ex Blues and Catford Wanderers.
With a consistant side this team could easily compete in this league and it has been pleasing to see some emerging stars from the colts such as James Alvey and Billy Rouse both performing well.
With the bat the evergreen Steve Smith and Will Sanders impressed both averaging close to 30 and big top scores. Colin Cook finished with 26 wickets, enough to see him finish with a best of 6/48. James Alvey claimed 14 victims at a strike rate of only 13.93. Dan Smedley, Calum Hider, Brenden Jessup and Ollie Fishlock put in consistant performances with the ball and bat and in the field and were a key aspect to our survival.
OD CUACO 3rd XI away to Dulwich 5th XI 20th August 2011
With the skipper returning, usual service resumed in the result of the toss and we were asked to bat. Dark clouds hovered above and the pitch looked pretty green and in less than perfect condition. After a quick analysis of the conditions from Laurence Sanders, we were set. The opening pair for Dulwich got settled quickly though never looked completely comfortable against Ollie Fishlock 11-2-32-1 and Dan Smedley 10.2-0-36-3. The rain soon started to fall and after one break of 10 minutes or so we returned to the game and picked up our first wicket, a well taken catch by Ben Smith off Smedley’s bowling.
Unfortunately further and heavier rain then came down and we were forced to leave the field. An early tea was taken at 3 o’clock, during which the sun came out and the clouds and rain disappeared. Their skipper very generously gave us the chance to continue with the game, setting in place an 8 o’clock cut off time. We knew that they would be forced to go for their shots with less than 4hrs of playing time available and this would give us an excellent chance in picking up 20 valuable points.
The young stars James Alvey 6-1-16-3 and Billy Rouse 6-1-17-2 replaced the opening bowlers and in their 12 overs picked up 5 wickets between them as we ripped through Dulwich’s batting line up. Dan and Ollie returned to finish off the tail. The fielding was excellent, especially a run out from Ben Stuart and 2 well taken catches by keeper Andy Rouse. The second part of their innings had lasted 20 overs for the loss of 9 wickets, while Dulwich had managed to add 70 runs to their total. We felt fairly confident especially as we had over 2hrs to get the total.
Sanders senior and junior opened for us and Sanders senior thought all of his Christmas’s had come at once when their skipper bowled spin for the second over….. he was duly dispatched for 3 big 4s. Unfortunately we lost Laurence and then Steve Smith early on, but Ben Stuart, hung around with Will for a bit before trying one big shot too many. Ben Smith helped get the score past the halfway mark and with still plenty of time the game looked like it was in our hands.
3 quick wickets then fell including Will for 30. Andy and Ollie tried to get our innings back on track, Ollie doing the only way he knows how with some big shots selection. It paid off as he and Andy added over 20 runs to our score and got us into the anxious 80s. When Ollie fell, youngster Jimmy A strode out to the wicket, their opening bowler returned, but this was not a problem for Jimmy A as he knocked the ball around with ease, leaving it to Andy to hit the first ball of the 30th over for four to win us the game. Andy finished on 16* with James on 12*.
A great team performance one which has put us 5 points clear of relegation. A big win this week against Ex Blues can keep us up without having to worry about the last game of the season.
OD CUACO 3rd XI Home to Burgess Park 6th August 2011
With replacement skipper Dan Smedley and 11 players (for once!), the team were confident despite facing top of the league. We set up early at the Warren ground right next to Od’s and waited for the opposition ...and waited…and waited some more. 2 o’clock past and we thought we had won, albeit by default. Calum was especially keen to go home, making him all the more disappointed when the oppo turned up in the back of a van at about 10 past 2. Skipper put them in to bat without looking at the wicket, which resembled more of a minefield.
Steve strange and Will Sanders opened to bowling doing everything and anything, mainly the pitch and wet conditions doing it. We lost Steve to a loose shot early, shortly followed by Will, Churcher and Dan Thorn (after a monumental stack, face first onto the deck). Dan Smedley and John McLaughlin managed to persist and stick around in tough conditions, scoring 32 and 33 respectively and James Alvey carried on his form from the week before scoring a quick 19. Hider smashed a 4 off his first ball which filled him with enough confidence to stare out the bowler who was clearly felt the effect, until he bowled him next ball. The team managed to reach 126 all out, a good score all things considered.
The bowlers were licking their lips and it was their turn to perform. We started well, Alex brown nearly struck in the first over with an uncharacteristic drop from Will Sanders and a characteristic drop from Smitho off Colin early on. More good bowling meant Browny got an edge to the skipper at gully, however a small first wicket stand appeared with the oppo putting bat to ball. Colin had a good LBW appeal turned down but the top wicket taker in the league didn’t give up that easy, removing his off-stump shortly after. Burgess Park resisted a little more however an inspired spell from James Alvey (or Jimmy A) took the game away from them with figures of 6 overs, 2 maidens, 10 runs for 5 wickets. Like the rest of London, he was on fire, bowling a potential wicket ball every delivery. Dan Thorne took a great catch and a stumping, Calum also took a good low diving catch to assist James and Will made up for his earlier mistake to assist Colin in his second and the final wicket of the game. They finished 78 all out, that’s right WE WON!
Well played lads it was a quality all round performance. Lets make sure were all available for next week so we can carry on this form and stay up! Thanks to John Ing, I bet he hasn’t had to give that many overhead wides in one game before, and thanks to Dawn for the tees.
Catford Cyphers 3rd XI vs. OD CUACO 3rd XI Away 30th July 2011
Thanks to the injured Dan Webster, we had an umpire, but only ten men due to numerous pull outs Friday evening/Saturday morning.
Having won the toss the skipper decided to field. Colin Cook (12-2-49-3) and U15 colt James Alvey (6-1-31-0) opened the bowling and were unlucky not to pick up an early wicket or two. One of their openers’ intent on swinging to leg no matter where the ball was. Colin eventually clean bowled him although by this stage they had built up a decent run rate. Their number 3 seemed to take over with the ‘only one shot’ way of playing and when he eventually tried to play straight could only find the hands of change bowler Sam Carp (7-0-24-2). Colin soon got rid of their other opener and we found ourselves getting on top, especially when Calum Hider caught and bowled their skipper in his first over. Unfortunately their number 7 took a fancy to Calum’s bowling, finding the tennis courts and the boundary on more than one occasion.
Calum ‘voice of the north’ Hider, refused to be outdone however and carried on bowling and gradually worked away through their lower order, greatly aided by Dan Smedley (6-0-33-0) bowling tightly at the other end. When Calum bowled their number 7 for 61 they had reached 212 and Calum finished on 7.3-1-61-5.
Everyone (well almost everyone!) fielded exceptionally well, especially Brendon Jessup, Dan, and James. Well done to Colin, who remains top of the wicket takers for this division!!
With 7 extra overs to get the runs we knew it was not impossible.
After tea, Will Sanders and Steve Smith went out to bat. Unfortunately we lost Steve early on, Brendon and Will (52) then set out to score some runs. Brendon was extremely unlucky when a ball that kept low hit his stumps. Dan was then caught at slip for 11 and the game seemed to be getting away from us. James Alvey (38) joined Will at the wicket and the two of them got us back on track, at drinks we needed just 4 an over of the next 29 overs. However when Will miss timed a full toss from their spinner we collapsed as their number 7 ripped through our lower order picking up 5 wickets to add to his 61 runs. Leaving us 77 runs short on 135. Well batted Will and James, who together scored half our runs.
7 valuable bonus points were picked up by us, with a game in hand and with games against each of the 4 teams above us after we face the league leaders next week, there is still a chance. For this chance to become a possibility though we must have 11 players rather than 10 each week.
OD CUACO 3rd XI vs. Roebucks 23rd July Home
Having lost the toss to high flyers Roebucks we were asked to bat. Playing a strong opposition with only ten players we were not hoping for much.
However Steve Smith (12) and Dan Thorne (29) got us off to a steady start. When Steve was caught this brought our new player Chinta to the crease. He and Dan took us to drinks on 85-1 at the 20 over mark.
Immediately after the drinks break we lost Dan, after which Chinta (69) and Dan Smedley (30) cut loose. Chinta playing the more extravagant shots, including a switch hit 6 which cleared the score box and a couple of reverse sweeps and more scoops than are found in an ice cream shop.
Smedley was bowled in the with 6 overs to go and Chinta also went as we did our best to add on as many late runs a possible, while all the time their wicketkeeper was letting us know we were far too short of a tough target. In the end we were bowled out for 188.
For the first 10 overs of the opposition’s innings they were well above the asking rate of 4.5 an over, however when Colin Cook (10-2-48-6) removed their numbers one and three in the space of a couple of overs we were back in it. Chinta (10-3-32-1) and Calum Hider (10-0-50-0) kept the run rate low between overs 12 and 32. Calum especially was unlucky not to pick up a wicket or 2. Chinta’s leg spin and occasional quicker ball were often too good for the batsman but was only able to pick up the one wicket.
With 9 overs to go the oppo needed 45 to win with 7 wickets in hand.
Enter Dan Smedley (4-0-22-3) who’s first over picked up 2 wickets for one run as we started to get back in the game more and more. Colin Cook returned at the other end and picked up a sharp caught and bowled to remove England international Susie Rowe.
Smedley, in his Dennis Lillee esq headband went one better than Colin with a diving return catch to remove their number 7.
Thanks to quick running between the wickets and throws missing the stumps by millimetres Roebucks kept up with the asking rate and with 2 overs to go required just 1 run with 2 wickets remaining.
A short ball was bowled the batsman miss-timed and it went straight in the air over Colin’s head, as he turned to go after the ball, the whole ground was deafened by none other than Steve Smith’s calling of “mine, mine, mine” as he lurched forward from mid off and plucked the ball from out of the air. One down and one to go, with numbers 10 and 11 in. Two more balls were bowled with not much happening and then Colin got one to hit the batter’s pad, we all went up in an appeal, John Ing’s finger slowly raised up from behind his back and we all celebrated jubilantly.
In the end it was a fine game of cricket, neither side deserving to lose. Roebucks were clearly frustrated they were unable to beat 10 men who lay second bottom of the table.
17 pts for us keeps our survival chances alive as we are now 16 pts behind Ex-Blues, who managed to pick up 12 bonus pts against Burgess Park.
Next week – away to Catford Cyphers.
OD CUACO 3rd XI vs. Catford Wanderers 3rd XI Home 9th July
Having lost the toss to a rather indecisive opposition captain we eventually found ourselves fielding. With this fixture featuring the bottom two sides, we knew a win was vital to keep our survival hopes alive.
Sam O’Neill (9-3-12-1) opened the bowling and took a wicket with the second ball of the game, clean bowling their opening batsman. Colin Cook (7-3-14-3), feeling slightly under the weather, had the second over and after seeing 5 perfect defensive shots from their number 3, bowled him middle stump thanks to a miss-timed swing.
Colin took 2 more wickets, one thanks to a catch taken by Dave Minette in the slips. A fine run out from Tom Churcher and we had Catford struggling badly at 7-5. A prolonged partnership from their captain and number 6 only delayed the inevitable as Dave Minette (4-2-7-3) grabbed 3 quick wickets, 2 bowled and 1 caught by Nick Gobel. Brenden Jessup (2.3-0-15-2) finished off the rest with a caught and bowled and then taking out their number 11’s off stump. Catford ended on 51 all out off 22.3 overs.
We required 52 in 69 overs – a run rate of 0.75 an over
Despite losing 4 wickets in the run chase it never looked in doubt, as the run rate remained below 1 for the entire innings. Tom Churcher (25*) and Dan Thorne (14*) both batted sensibly to ensure we made our target with no more wickets falling and secured a maximum 20 pts for the win.
Unfortunately a victory for Ex-Blues saw them keep the gap between us to more than 20 pts, but with 4 teams within 40pts (2 wins) of us we still have a chance.
Next up Old Colfes away.
OD CUACO 3rd XI vs. Old Wilsonians 3rd XI Home 2nd July
Due to the oppo not having an umpire we won the toss by default and selected to field first on a track which had been used as a car park a week earlier for Kent CCC.
Sam O’Neill (5-0-7-0) and Ollie Fishlock (12-3-37-1) opened the bowling and kept the run rate down as well as troubling the batsmen, unfortunately the early wickets were elusive this week. Brendon Jessup (7-1-17-1) joined the attack and found the breakthrough as he clean bowled their number 1 batsmen, John Lee (11-0-40-1) joined in the action thanks for a good catch by Scott Williams. Brian North (11-2-48-4) bowled extremely well and regularly picked up wickets. Despite this their left handed number 2 (60*) stuck around with a limited stroke selection to choose from. A sharp run out from Skipper Luke Hunter and a brilliant catch from Dave Caddy off Ollie’s bowling happened in the closing overs as Old Wilsonians reached 157-8 off 46 overs.
Once again though, it was our batting which let us down, as poor shots and good bowling meant none of our top 5 reached double figures. Only the batting of Dimu Silva (15) and Brendon (15) gave us any chance of reaching their total, and in the end we were all out for 101.
Next week we face fellow strugglers Catford Wanderers.
Away to Ex-Blues Sat 25th Jun 2011
Having won the toss, we fielded first with the pitch looking and feeling quite damp still. Colin Cook (10-3-41-3) took the first over and thanks to a good diving catch from wicketkeeper Dan Thorne got their opener out.
Sam O’Neill (6-3-6-1) came down the hill and like Colin took a wicket in his first over, again thanks to a well taken catch by Dan.
Before the opening bowlers came off Colin got another wicket as he took a return catch to leave Ex Blues at 12-3.
Brenden Jessup (10-2-32-1) and Ollie Fishlock (7-3-17-2) continued where the openers had left off and soon Dan had another catch after their second opener edged Ollie behind.
An incredible one handed catch by Sam at Mid Off, who couldn’t have looked more casual when he took it, gave Ollie his second wicket and at this stage we were looking good with the oppo 34-5 around the midpoint of the innings.
However with the pitch drying out and more sensible batting from the oppo, their score increased through the latter stages of the innings. Brian North (7-0-36-0) was unfortunate not to take a wicket as he continually had the batsmen in problems. The return of Colin saw us pick up a 7th wicket thanks to a superb tumbling catch from Richard Learmouth. They finished their innings on 139 for 7.
Our batting overall let us down, despite it being a difficult pitch to bat on, none of our batsmen played themselves in for long enough, Dave Minette hit some hefty blows for a quick fire 26. Brenden (12*) and Ollie (22) put on 40 runs together and gave us some hope, however when Ollie found a fielder on the boundary our last 3 batsmen failed to hang around for too long, with some thanks to the oppo umpire.
Some crucial games lie awaiting in the coming weeks and hopefully we shall be able to make some ground on the teams above us.
Away to Burgess Park U21B Sat 4th Jun 2011
Burgess Park CC - Under 21 B Won by 209 runs
Burgess Park 320 - 4
ODCCC 111 - 10 (34 overs)
3rd XI home to Catford & Cyphers - Saturday 28th May
ODCCC 111 - 8 (40 overs) S Smith 60
Catford & Cpyhers 112 - 4 (27.1)
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3rd XI no game on Saturday 21st May
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3rd XI home to Old Colfeians Saturday 14th May
No report received
Old Colfeians 184 - 8 (40 overs) Colin Cook 3 - 30, John Lee 2 - 40
ODCCC 99 - all out (28.4 overs) R Learmouth 33
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OD CUACO 3rd XI away to Catford Wanderers Saturday 7th May
We went to the ground specified on the play-cricket website, they went to a different ground. Had difficulty getting through to their contacts so abandoned the idea of playing the match. Game treated as abandoned by the league.
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OD CUACO 3rd XI vs. Roebucks 1st XI Saturday 30th April at Roebucks
Having been put in to bat, for our first game this season we were hopeful of a strong performance as we had a couple of players usually found in the club’s top two sides.
After 13 overs, however we found ourselves 33-3 as the Roebucks’ opening bowlers used the slope of the pitch and the wind to their advantage. Colin Cook and Dan Smedley (34) started the recovery and a useful 18 from Dave Minette took us up to the 100 mark. Skipper Luke Hunter (31*) with help from Alex Brown (9) and especially Ollie Fishlock (10*) helped see out the 46 overs and bring the score to 163-9.
After a pretty uninspired tea on the outfield we headed back to start the second innings. With seven strong bowlers we were reasonably confident we could bowl out Roebucks. Their opening batsmen however were obviously more experienced with the pitch and got off to a decent start by reaching 70-0 after 13 overs, despite the best efforts of Ollie (7-0-24-0) and Simon Henley (6-0-41-0). Colin (9-0-52-4) and Alex (9-40-3) then came on and picked up the wickets that they and the openers both deserved and the oppo soon required 30 runs with just 3 wickets remaining. Unfortunately their numbers 7 and 9 managed to knock off the required runs, although with a bit more luck we would have seen a victory come our way.
On the positive side, we managed to bat out our overs and with the continued effort in the field we managed to pick up 10 bonus points which is a decent effort. Hopefully with consistent availability we will be able to keep a core of 6 or 7 players and be able to push on this season.