OD Cuaco 4's Season Report
Our season started strangely with us unable to get a team for the first three games although we only received penalty for two of these as Bexley dropped out of the league. So after two games we were minus ten points and bottom of the league!
Our first actual match against Blue Star had 'Totally Inept' as skipper so our first victory was all the sweeter. Reasonable batting Totally inept (21), Moany Ex (25) and Dave Marshall (30 not out) allowed us give our bowlers something to work with. 'Old Un' Martin Couch (5 -17), Paul Rispoli (1 - 21) and under 14 debutant Sam Hutton (4 - 5) giving us an 80 run win.
Next up away to Hartley and again we batted first with Totally Inept taking a punt. Good knocks from Parkerman (79) on what he called 'a road' but only because he scored well! and The Actore (21) also gave the bowlers something to work with. They did not disappoint with four used. Old Un (2 - 32), Under 16 James Alvey (3 - 19), Under 16 on debut Will Berry (0 - 35) but very unlucky and my 'Go To Bowler' Raj Raghaven 5 - 8. This gave us a 52 run victory.
Home to Bexleyheath was next and again Totally Inept batted first. We got off to a poor start and only late order runs from Moany Ex (18), Ben Webster (15), Totally Inept (24) and 'Go To Bowler' (19 not out) and a total of 102 which never looked nearly enough. Again bring on the bowlers, James Alvey (10 - 4 - 8 - 1) really excellent, Old Un (3 - 33), Go To Bowler (10 - 5 - 8 - 2) also excellent, young Sam Hutton (3 - 23) and Ben Webster (1 - 19) squeaking us across the line by 1 run!! So Totally Inept had had 3 victories out of three it didn't last.
The next week it was Old Elthamians at home with Calum Hider in charge. This time the batters very much under performed with top scores being Totally Inept (18), The Actore (13) and Under 16 Liam Osborne (11) and we finished with 79 -9. The bowlers gave it their best shot aided by Michael Boydens brilliant direct hit run out. The four bowlers all bowled well with Old Un (2 - 17), Sam Huttoe (1 - 15), Go To Bowler (2 - 20) and Calum Hider (2 - 27) so a 2 wicket loss. Calum then moved up to the threes so more new skippers for the 4's.
So away to Bromley Common and Totally Inept back in charge. A total of 58 all out with only Dave Marshall (10) and Moany Ex (19 not out) was never going to be good enough. That being said our young opening bowlers of Sam Hutton (1 - 16) and Will Berry (1 - 17) bowled well. then my Go To Bowler (2 - 8) and Dave Marshall ( 6.3 - 3 - 11 - 0) made them work nearly 25 overs to get the runs.
Home to New Ash Green 2's and again Totally Inept decided to bat first. Parkerman (12), The Actore (12), Nick gobel (34) and Dave Marshall (24) gave us a total of 154. The bowlers toiled hard but only one wicket each for The Actore and Dave Marshall and New Ash Greens first team batter scoring a ton meant we lost by 8 wickets.
A friendly against Chislehurst and West Kents 3's with yet another skipper in Parkerman. Batting first we lost only 3 wickets with both Parkerman (35) and Dave Minette (69) ending not out. Wickets for Old Un (2), Sam Hutton (2) and Paul Rispoli (3) enabling us to win by 31 runs.
Home to Nat West (1's) the eventual league winners and they totaled 173 - 7 after 40 overs. Wickets for Will berry (1 - 58), Old Un (2 - 12), Go To Bowler (3 - 38) and a debut spell of bowling for Michael Boyden giving him (1 - 23). Unfortunatley the rain during tea giving us no time to bat so a draw.
Away to Sidcup and yet another new skipper in the return of Moany Ex. Putting them in they finished on 106 - 9 after 40 overs. We did get the tenth wicket caught behind in 35th over but unfortunately our umpire missed it. He was the only one who didn't hear the edge but it gave us the opportunity to tell their last man the error of his ways! Using four bowlers old Un (3 - 24), 'Colonel' sanders (3 - 29), Sam Hutton (3 - 35) and Go To Bowler (10 - 4 - 12 - 0) and a really good all round effort. The batters started well with Parkerman (43), Nick Gobel (17) and Sam Fishlock (13). After this we wobbled but ended up prevailing by one wicket with Sam Hutton hitting the winning runs.
Next we were at Home to Blue Star 2's and Moany Ex inserted the oppo. Good bowling from Old Un (10 - 6 - 6 - 1), James Alvey (9 - 4 - 12 - 2), Michael Boyden (2 - 39) and Go To Bowler ( 4 - 20) getting them all out for 87. Parkerman (20), Nick Gobel (38), Sam Fishlock (12 not Out) and The Actore (5 not out) seeing us home by 8 wickets.
Home at the Kent Ground against Hartley and moany Ex inserted the oppo. The bowlers did us proud with Old Un (2 - 15), Liam Osborne (1 - 29), The Actore (5 - 26) and Go To Bowler (2 - 7), all out for 81. We only had ten men but still no problem! Michael Parr top scored with (13), we ended all out for 72 and lost by 9 runs so not good batting to say the least.
Bexleyheath away at Hall Place, not a great gound, an 'Al Fresco' tea and another poor batting performance. All out for 86 with Dave Marshall top score on 13. Old Un (1 - 15), Dave Marshall (2 - 25) and Go To Bowler (2 - 16) meant we lost by five wickets.
Old Elthamians away and Bromley Common at home and we again could not get even nine players so no points gained only a second loss of minus ten points.
o last game of the season away to New Ash Green 2's with Totally Inept back skippering. No umpire for us so we batted first and on a difficult track we scored 130 -6 with the main scorers being, The Actore (22), Scott Williams (31), Liam Osborne (14) and Ben Stuart (15). We had Tom Boyden and Jake Owen both under 13 making the first appearances for the 4's and impressive they were too. Our bowlers all took wickets, Old Un (1 - 22), Jake Owen (2 - 24), Go To Bowler ( 2 - 8 off ten overs), Ben Stuart (2 - 13) and my newest Go To Michael Boyden (1 - 14) giving us a 36 run win. Mention must be made of Jake Owens first bowling for the 4's. If he had any luck at all he would have taken a five for.
Many thanks to Anne Webster for scoring and John Ing for umpiring throughout most games this season.
So The season ends with six victories which had we not had four no shows and 20 points deducted would have got us to fourth in the table. Youngsters coming through, old Uns hanging in there, excellent bowling, much improved fielding and work needed on the batting. Roll on next season.
Bob
New Ash Green (2) 94 all out OD Cuaco (4) 131 - 6
The 4's took the field away to New Ash Green with yet another skipper in the return of 'Totally Inept' replacing 'Moany Ex' who was on holiday. Really good that the 4's could get a team out as we have had four games when we couldn't and this not only lost us possible match points in these games but also minus 20 points for the four no shows. Our season would have been so much better without this.
The 4's welcomed two debutantes today in Tom Boyden and Jake Owen (both under 13). This is very much the way forward and the fact that we have Tom's dad already playing and Jake's dad very much 'up for it next season' can only be good.
So to the game. The wicket did a lot!! Good batting from Scott Williams (31), The Actore (22), Ben Stuart (15) and Liam Osborne (14) got us to 131 - 6. To the 'Inept Skip' this was felt to be not enough but bring on the bowlers.
Martin 'Old Un' Couch returned 1 - 22, 'Very Much New Un' Jake had 2 - 24 and mucho played and missed. My 'Go To' bowler Raj had 2 - 8 off 10 which included 6 maidens!!. Ben Stuart took 2 - 13 and my newest 'Go To' bowler Michael Boyden had 1 - 14. Excellent fielding in catches for 'The Actore'(2!!), Ben Stuart and Michael Boyden and an excellent run out by Jake Owen complimenting the bowlers performance.
We also had Taylor Emblem behind the stumps who kept beautifully. On a track of variable 'everything' he was brilliant. Stopping everything, not moaning at the bowlers and also encouraging them. He was such a pleasure as a keeper and the 4's will treasure the memory. (Although he could have scored a few more with the bat!!)
So 'Totally Inept' finished with four of the six wins as skipper so he did't do too badly and roll on next season.
The 4's welcomed two debutantes today in Tom Boyden and Jake Owen (both under 13). This is very much the way forward and the fact that we have Tom's dad already playing and Jake's dad very much 'up for it next season' can only be good.
So to the game. The wicket did a lot!! Good batting from Scott Williams (31), The Actore (22), Ben Stuart (15) and Liam Osborne (14) got us to 131 - 6. To the 'Inept Skip' this was felt to be not enough but bring on the bowlers.
Martin 'Old Un' Couch returned 1 - 22, 'Very Much New Un' Jake had 2 - 24 and mucho played and missed. My 'Go To' bowler Raj had 2 - 8 off 10 which included 6 maidens!!. Ben Stuart took 2 - 13 and my newest 'Go To' bowler Michael Boyden had 1 - 14. Excellent fielding in catches for 'The Actore'(2!!), Ben Stuart and Michael Boyden and an excellent run out by Jake Owen complimenting the bowlers performance.
We also had Taylor Emblem behind the stumps who kept beautifully. On a track of variable 'everything' he was brilliant. Stopping everything, not moaning at the bowlers and also encouraging them. He was such a pleasure as a keeper and the 4's will treasure the memory. (Although he could have scored a few more with the bat!!)
So 'Totally Inept' finished with four of the six wins as skipper so he did't do too badly and roll on next season.
4s beat Blue Star by 8 wickets
Firstly many thanks to John (the bails) Ing and Geoff Alvey for umpiring, it really is a bonus to have two umpires.
As with most of the ODCuaco teams this season the bowlers have set up the game for the batsmen to win and Saturday in the Fourth Eleven was no different. Martin Couch bowled 6 maidens in his ten over's and James Alvey, who brings great enthusiasm to our side, took 2 for 12 in his 9 overs including a dropped caught and bowled which flew into the air and Nick Gobel diving forward from cover caught it inches from the ground. Mick Boyden bowled his first ever ten over spell and took a couple of wickets and Raj sneaked in with his usual four. We also dropped our usual number of catches but in the main fielded really well.
Parkerman (20) and Nick (38) batted Blue Star out of the game and it was left to Sam Fishlock to play some cracking shots at the end and nudge the winning run with a theatrical single from The Actor.
Well done to everyone despite some mixed keeping and apologies to those who didn't get much of a game. It must be said however that Blue Star despite their problems were the most friendly of teams and we wish them well for the future.
As with most of the ODCuaco teams this season the bowlers have set up the game for the batsmen to win and Saturday in the Fourth Eleven was no different. Martin Couch bowled 6 maidens in his ten over's and James Alvey, who brings great enthusiasm to our side, took 2 for 12 in his 9 overs including a dropped caught and bowled which flew into the air and Nick Gobel diving forward from cover caught it inches from the ground. Mick Boyden bowled his first ever ten over spell and took a couple of wickets and Raj sneaked in with his usual four. We also dropped our usual number of catches but in the main fielded really well.
Parkerman (20) and Nick (38) batted Blue Star out of the game and it was left to Sam Fishlock to play some cracking shots at the end and nudge the winning run with a theatrical single from The Actor.
Well done to everyone despite some mixed keeping and apologies to those who didn't get much of a game. It must be said however that Blue Star despite their problems were the most friendly of teams and we wish them well for the future.
4th XI win at Sidcup
Once again our bowlers put us in a winning position only for the batters to make really hard work of the win. More positives this week in the way both Cameron and Sam Hutton bowled really well in their second spells which doesn't always happen. Together with Martin Couch they got three wickets a piece and with Raj bowling 10 overs for 12 runs we limited them to 106 for 9. Again we dropped our share of catches but Mike Boyden and Liam Osborne held a couple of crackers with Parkerman gobbling up a couple.
It should have been a breeze with Nick (17) and Andy P (43) getting us off to a good start and Sam Fishlock (13) keeping up the momentum. However we got bogged down (the doughnuts at tea didn't help) and it was left to Sam Hutton to scramble a two in the final over to take us across the line. Good job he was batting with someone who was a good judge of a run!
Neverheless we looked a proper team in the field and stuck at it for 40 overs and got our reward. Third from bottom,the world's our lobster!
Thanks to Ingy and Anne for a good afternoons work!
It should have been a breeze with Nick (17) and Andy P (43) getting us off to a good start and Sam Fishlock (13) keeping up the momentum. However we got bogged down (the doughnuts at tea didn't help) and it was left to Sam Hutton to scramble a two in the final over to take us across the line. Good job he was batting with someone who was a good judge of a run!
Neverheless we looked a proper team in the field and stuck at it for 40 overs and got our reward. Third from bottom,the world's our lobster!
Thanks to Ingy and Anne for a good afternoons work!
4th XI home to NatWest 2nd XI
Despite the rain the warren annexe square was still playable at the start of the match. Martin Couch bowled an excellent spell of 9 overs 2-12 but unfortunately this week we did not hold on to all our chances with seven being dropped. Conditions were difficult but I think we were disappointed that so many fell to ground. The positive to be taken is that no-one shirked out of attempting the catches with a couple of valiant attempts made for particularly hard chances in the deep. I am sure the conditions contributed to the 9 byes as well.
NatWest 2s batted very well by seeing Couch off and then taking advantage of our generosity by continuing to hit out and increase the run rate. They ended on 173-7 of their 35 overs; the game having been shortened in the vain hope that we may be able to complete it.
Unfortunately during tea the rain restarted and continued for over an hour. Both skippers inspected the wickets, squelched for a couple of paces and shook hands on the third. Match abandoned. It was a shame we could not get the game in, but the fact that we had half a game serves to remind everyone that games are on until you are told they are off. Phoning the captain to see if it is on only serves to waste the captain's time.
NatWest 2s batted very well by seeing Couch off and then taking advantage of our generosity by continuing to hit out and increase the run rate. They ended on 173-7 of their 35 overs; the game having been shortened in the vain hope that we may be able to complete it.
Unfortunately during tea the rain restarted and continued for over an hour. Both skippers inspected the wickets, squelched for a couple of paces and shook hands on the third. Match abandoned. It was a shame we could not get the game in, but the fact that we had half a game serves to remind everyone that games are on until you are told they are off. Phoning the captain to see if it is on only serves to waste the captain's time.
4th XI away to Chislehurst & West Kent 3rd XI
With a week off from the league due to Bexley 6th XI's demise, we were lucky enough to find a friendly fixture to play, on pitch four at Hall Place, Bexley. On entering the pavilion we noticed a sign saying that it closed at 7pm. With a 2pm start that made for quite a short game.
Unsurprisingly the ground was very wet and there was still rain in the air so the two skippers decided that a time game gave us the best chance of a worthwhile game. We settled on 20 overs from 17:15 and started at about 14:20. Parker won the toss and decided to bat first, to the absolute amazement of the opposition.
Gobel and Parker opened up, the first couple of bowlers kept it very tight and it quickly became clear that batting was not going to be easy. Nick got a very good ball early on which came back into him and bowled him off his pads. Johnson strolled out, hit his first ball for four and then went back and across to be hit right in front by a ball that kept very low. Alan Yusuf then lasted a couple of overs before trying to cut a ball that bounced a bit more than he expected and looped a catch up to point. 17/3 in the 7th over.
Minette then joined in the fun and for the next twenty overs the score crept along with the long, wet outfield stopping many shots that would normally have reached the boundary. Once the skipper realised that we had been batting for nearly two hours we then tried to accelerate which Dave did very well by facing eleven of the last twelve balls and biffing six of them to the boundary. We declared exactly two hours after the start with Dave on 69 and Andy on 33 after 32 overs.
After a picnic between the innings Skanda and Couch started the bowling and both only went for about two an over with Martin picking up a couple of wickets including a very sharp caught and bowled. Sam Hutton replaced Skanda and Paul Rispoli replaced Couch and both kept up the pressure on the batsmen. Paul got a wicket with his first ball, a wide full toss that was hit straight to extra cover where Johnson completed the batsman's misery by holding on to the catch. Sam got a couple of wickets clean bowled and was very unlucky when a yorker managed to bounce up and cleared the top of middle stump by six inches.
Paul bowled through to the end and picked up a couple more wickets with catches by Nick and a 'made to look much more difficult than it was' one by Parker at slip. The final three overs from the other end saw two chaps have their first overs for the club, Alan Yusuf and Dan Hillier. Dan in particular was unlucky not to take his first wicket when the ex-ex-skip missed a match-winning stumping off his third ball.
The match was about as good as we could make it in the time available and all our bowlers did very well to put pressure on the batsmen by keeping the run rate down. This pressure created chances and every catch offered in the innings was held. Just a shame that the same could not be said of the stumping, but it was very difficult to bat or keep wicket as the bounce was so inconsistent with balls either popping or rolling. Still better than not playing, of course.
OD Cuaco 4s 133/3, C&WK 3s 99/8 (batting with ten)
Unsurprisingly the ground was very wet and there was still rain in the air so the two skippers decided that a time game gave us the best chance of a worthwhile game. We settled on 20 overs from 17:15 and started at about 14:20. Parker won the toss and decided to bat first, to the absolute amazement of the opposition.
Gobel and Parker opened up, the first couple of bowlers kept it very tight and it quickly became clear that batting was not going to be easy. Nick got a very good ball early on which came back into him and bowled him off his pads. Johnson strolled out, hit his first ball for four and then went back and across to be hit right in front by a ball that kept very low. Alan Yusuf then lasted a couple of overs before trying to cut a ball that bounced a bit more than he expected and looped a catch up to point. 17/3 in the 7th over.
Minette then joined in the fun and for the next twenty overs the score crept along with the long, wet outfield stopping many shots that would normally have reached the boundary. Once the skipper realised that we had been batting for nearly two hours we then tried to accelerate which Dave did very well by facing eleven of the last twelve balls and biffing six of them to the boundary. We declared exactly two hours after the start with Dave on 69 and Andy on 33 after 32 overs.
After a picnic between the innings Skanda and Couch started the bowling and both only went for about two an over with Martin picking up a couple of wickets including a very sharp caught and bowled. Sam Hutton replaced Skanda and Paul Rispoli replaced Couch and both kept up the pressure on the batsmen. Paul got a wicket with his first ball, a wide full toss that was hit straight to extra cover where Johnson completed the batsman's misery by holding on to the catch. Sam got a couple of wickets clean bowled and was very unlucky when a yorker managed to bounce up and cleared the top of middle stump by six inches.
Paul bowled through to the end and picked up a couple more wickets with catches by Nick and a 'made to look much more difficult than it was' one by Parker at slip. The final three overs from the other end saw two chaps have their first overs for the club, Alan Yusuf and Dan Hillier. Dan in particular was unlucky not to take his first wicket when the ex-ex-skip missed a match-winning stumping off his third ball.
The match was about as good as we could make it in the time available and all our bowlers did very well to put pressure on the batsmen by keeping the run rate down. This pressure created chances and every catch offered in the innings was held. Just a shame that the same could not be said of the stumping, but it was very difficult to bat or keep wicket as the bounce was so inconsistent with balls either popping or rolling. Still better than not playing, of course.
OD Cuaco 4s 133/3, C&WK 3s 99/8 (batting with ten)
ODCCC 4s 154-9, New Ash Green 155-2
The 4's took time out before the start to have a minute in silence for the recently deceased Pat O'Rourke who very sadly died in his sleep earlier in the week. Pat was a lovely guy and will be sadly missed by many at the club.
The Inept Skipper again had an umpire and scorer so thanks to John Ing and Anne Webster and again chose to bat first. He would have taken 154 before the start but 200 should probably have been achieved.
Five batters, Nick (34), Parkerman (12), Actore (12), Dave Marshall (24 and Inept Skip (10), any one or two should have gone on. Some poor shot selection and decision making kept the score too low.
Our bowlers performed well and with thirteen overs to go the rate was up to just over six so was still possible. Their top scorer who was 101 not out at the end was dropped on 40 and clean bowled by a no ball soon after so there were chances. The Inept Skip also dropping a chance and then messing up the run out. Again more chances.
The pick of the bowlers being Raj 10 overs, 6 maidens and only 12 runs conceded. The wicket takers were the Actore and Dave Marshall. A good catch from Parkerman and excellent fielding from Nick and Liam.
Come back soon Calum!! The Inept Skip has gone from 100% to 60% in two short weeks!
The Inept Skipper again had an umpire and scorer so thanks to John Ing and Anne Webster and again chose to bat first. He would have taken 154 before the start but 200 should probably have been achieved.
Five batters, Nick (34), Parkerman (12), Actore (12), Dave Marshall (24 and Inept Skip (10), any one or two should have gone on. Some poor shot selection and decision making kept the score too low.
Our bowlers performed well and with thirteen overs to go the rate was up to just over six so was still possible. Their top scorer who was 101 not out at the end was dropped on 40 and clean bowled by a no ball soon after so there were chances. The Inept Skip also dropping a chance and then messing up the run out. Again more chances.
The pick of the bowlers being Raj 10 overs, 6 maidens and only 12 runs conceded. The wicket takers were the Actore and Dave Marshall. A good catch from Parkerman and excellent fielding from Nick and Liam.
Come back soon Calum!! The Inept Skip has gone from 100% to 60% in two short weeks!
OD Cuaco (4) 58 all out Bromley Common (4) 59 - 4
The 100% skipper called on for one last game (thank god for that!) has at long last lost his record. We had an umpire and a scorer so thanks to John Ing and Anne Webster for that.
The inept skipper chose to bat and not a good decision. The new Bromley Common playing strip has been excellently constructed so all credit to them. We did not bat well against a pretty good bowling attack, certainly the best we have encountered this season.
Wickets fell at fairly regular intervals to a combination of good balls and some poor shot selection. We were all out pretty promptly with only the moany ex skip keeping his stumps intact.
So an unenjoyable tea interval despite the good food and then we have to bowl them out for less than 58, easy job! The best bit of the day was that the four bowlers, Sam Hutton, Will Berry, Dave Marshall and Raj all bowled well winkling four out and making their innings last 26 overs.
The fielding was also good with three good catches taken by moany ex, Sam Hutton and Dave Marshall. There was plenty of playing and missing, edges over slips and a very hard chance to Parkerman at slip.
So poor batting but good bowling and fielding and no heads dropping. Come back soon Calum.
The inept skipper chose to bat and not a good decision. The new Bromley Common playing strip has been excellently constructed so all credit to them. We did not bat well against a pretty good bowling attack, certainly the best we have encountered this season.
Wickets fell at fairly regular intervals to a combination of good balls and some poor shot selection. We were all out pretty promptly with only the moany ex skip keeping his stumps intact.
So an unenjoyable tea interval despite the good food and then we have to bowl them out for less than 58, easy job! The best bit of the day was that the four bowlers, Sam Hutton, Will Berry, Dave Marshall and Raj all bowled well winkling four out and making their innings last 26 overs.
The fielding was also good with three good catches taken by moany ex, Sam Hutton and Dave Marshall. There was plenty of playing and missing, edges over slips and a very hard chance to Parkerman at slip.
So poor batting but good bowling and fielding and no heads dropping. Come back soon Calum.
OD Cuaco (4) 79 - 9 Old Elthamians (4) 80 - 8
The 4's had a new and far more vibrant skipper than the previous 'Old Moaner' and 'Panicky 100%' in Calum Hider. Although today was a loss it was extremely close.
The new skip had an Umpire and scorer so appreciates both John Ing and Anne Webster's efforts but failed to take on board that as OE's did not have an umpire he had won the toss. So in innocence he tossed , lost and we were put in.
Our new ground is brilliant by virtue of the close proximity to the home ground meaning the bar with two home teams has a really good buzz to it. The drawback is that the wicket is a mystery to us in the 4's and also so it seems to our opposition doing more tricks than Tommy Cooper.
In batting first we lost our openers the Actore and Parkerman early and our ex 100% skipper foolisly running out Phil Anthony. A mature innings by Liam Osborne in staying as long as possible was good but wickets fell regularly with only Raj and Martin Couch stopping us being all out.
In all truth 79 - 9 never looked enough but there were time during the OE's knock when with that extra bit of luck it could have been. All four of our bowlers got wickets with good spells from Raj ( 2 wkts), Sam Hutton ( 1 wkt) Martin ( 2 wkts) and a first spell back from uni for the new skip ( 2 wkts) bowling off a shortened run and very impressive.
Also whilst in the field at square leg Mick Boyden had the ball hit firmly and the batsmen sprinted for what they thought was an easy single. With only the one stump to aim at Mick hit it and as a certain Bondy would say ' most impressive'!!
So although we lost it was close. There were no contentious decisions, except the LBW which the OE's bat at the non strikers end then told the slow to return out batsman 'no that was plumb'.
So a game played in very good spirits all round only the result going the wrong way for the new skip.
The new skip had an Umpire and scorer so appreciates both John Ing and Anne Webster's efforts but failed to take on board that as OE's did not have an umpire he had won the toss. So in innocence he tossed , lost and we were put in.
Our new ground is brilliant by virtue of the close proximity to the home ground meaning the bar with two home teams has a really good buzz to it. The drawback is that the wicket is a mystery to us in the 4's and also so it seems to our opposition doing more tricks than Tommy Cooper.
In batting first we lost our openers the Actore and Parkerman early and our ex 100% skipper foolisly running out Phil Anthony. A mature innings by Liam Osborne in staying as long as possible was good but wickets fell regularly with only Raj and Martin Couch stopping us being all out.
In all truth 79 - 9 never looked enough but there were time during the OE's knock when with that extra bit of luck it could have been. All four of our bowlers got wickets with good spells from Raj ( 2 wkts), Sam Hutton ( 1 wkt) Martin ( 2 wkts) and a first spell back from uni for the new skip ( 2 wkts) bowling off a shortened run and very impressive.
Also whilst in the field at square leg Mick Boyden had the ball hit firmly and the batsmen sprinted for what they thought was an easy single. With only the one stump to aim at Mick hit it and as a certain Bondy would say ' most impressive'!!
So although we lost it was close. There were no contentious decisions, except the LBW which the OE's bat at the non strikers end then told the slow to return out batsman 'no that was plumb'.
So a game played in very good spirits all round only the result going the wrong way for the new skip.
OD Cuaco (4) 102 all out v Bexleyheath (4) 101 all out
The fours had an Umpire and a scorer so many thanks to John Ing and Gail Caddy. As a very stressy skipper you would not believe how helpful this is so thanks again to you two.
The 100% stand in skipper of the 4's on winning the toss, by virtue of having an umpire, decided to bat first on a dampish track. If that was the correct decision he is still not sure as so many times during the match the decision looked good one minute then not good the next.
Opening with Parkerman the hero of last week and James Alvey resulted in both back in the pavilion in quick succession. Just after the drinks break we were about 40 ish for six with only the Ex skip contributing 19 and Ben Webster 15. The reluctant skipper (24) and Raj (19) added a few but we were all out for 102 in the 39th over.
Enter the bowlers and we had them 60 ish for 8 and the game looked won. Ben Webster then came on to bowl getting smashed to all parts and the position changed, not helped by Ben doing a brilliant piece of fielding and throw only for the ex skip to drop the ball instead of running out their ninth wicket.
Luckily the Ex Skips excellent catch standing up to Raj dismissing their skipper helped put us on the right track. With two runs required to win the last Bexleyheath wicket fell LBW to Martin Couch's very loud appeal. They were not happy and I can sympathise with them as an LBW is always subjective. All I would say is John Ing had turned down four very close LBW appeals all from James Alveys bowling in the overs prior to this. Also they did not have an umpire and John had to umpire at both ends and I know just how tiring this can be.
The bowling was a bit up and down with James Alvey 1 for 8 from 10 overs, Raj 2 for 8 from 10 overs, young Sam Hutton 3 for 23, Martin Couch 3 for 33 and Ben Webster 1 for 19 from 2 overs so a mixed bunch.
The fielding was good in particular Liam Osbourne actually understanding the reluctant skips zonal, Sam Fishlock and Graham Johnson also doing well. Not forgetting the moany Ex Skips good all round keeping, with the exception of the missed run out!! The 100% skipper now hands over to Calum with relief (if Cal can get in the team!!)
Bob
The 100% stand in skipper of the 4's on winning the toss, by virtue of having an umpire, decided to bat first on a dampish track. If that was the correct decision he is still not sure as so many times during the match the decision looked good one minute then not good the next.
Opening with Parkerman the hero of last week and James Alvey resulted in both back in the pavilion in quick succession. Just after the drinks break we were about 40 ish for six with only the Ex skip contributing 19 and Ben Webster 15. The reluctant skipper (24) and Raj (19) added a few but we were all out for 102 in the 39th over.
Enter the bowlers and we had them 60 ish for 8 and the game looked won. Ben Webster then came on to bowl getting smashed to all parts and the position changed, not helped by Ben doing a brilliant piece of fielding and throw only for the ex skip to drop the ball instead of running out their ninth wicket.
Luckily the Ex Skips excellent catch standing up to Raj dismissing their skipper helped put us on the right track. With two runs required to win the last Bexleyheath wicket fell LBW to Martin Couch's very loud appeal. They were not happy and I can sympathise with them as an LBW is always subjective. All I would say is John Ing had turned down four very close LBW appeals all from James Alveys bowling in the overs prior to this. Also they did not have an umpire and John had to umpire at both ends and I know just how tiring this can be.
The bowling was a bit up and down with James Alvey 1 for 8 from 10 overs, Raj 2 for 8 from 10 overs, young Sam Hutton 3 for 23, Martin Couch 3 for 33 and Ben Webster 1 for 19 from 2 overs so a mixed bunch.
The fielding was good in particular Liam Osbourne actually understanding the reluctant skips zonal, Sam Fishlock and Graham Johnson also doing well. Not forgetting the moany Ex Skips good all round keeping, with the exception of the missed run out!! The 100% skipper now hands over to Calum with relief (if Cal can get in the team!!)
Bob
4th XI away to Hartley VI at Eynsford
Once again we had a scorer and an umpire, many thanks to Anne Webster and John Ing, so we won the toss and chose to bat.
Parkerman and the reluctant 100% skipper opened and put on 30'ish when the duck scoring skipper was out to one spinning behind his rear end! A good partnership then by Parks and the Actore steadied the ship. Parkerman going on to score an excellent 79 and the Actore 21.
Cameos from Liam Osborne, Phil Anthony, the ex skip, Ally and James Alvey resulting in a total of 157 which once again the 100% skipper thought was 20 short even accounting for the fact that Hartley's attack bowled very well on a fair track.
Again the bowlers decided to prove 100% skip wrong. There was an altercation where the young and small Hartley opener was clean bowled by Martin Couch then signaled to their square leg youngster that the ball was over waist height. After a team vote the skipper was overuled and the lad was allowed to bat on (rightly so).
What teams need to realise is that under the Laws of Cricket over waist height is only applicable to fast bowlers and with the best will in the world Martin aged 72 can hardly be termed fast. The batsman signalling to the square leg is also not really on. The Hartley skipper on being informed this was very helpful and said he would chat to the lad who has no doubt learnt a lesson from our 100% skip who,when dreaming in the field in his spare moments, doubles as an umpire!
All four bowlers bowled well with Martin Couch 2 wkts, James Alvey 3 wkts and Raj 5 wkts coupled with a tight six over spell from Will Berry on his first appearance really kept the oppo on the back foot. Really good fielding with excellent catches for Liam, Parkerman, Phil and a corker for the old ex skip behind the stumps got them all out and a second 20 point haul for the fours.
Not sure if the new skip Calum will get in so perhaps he should await fitness trials and news of any injuries. The 100% skip will be handing over shortly!! (Good news). Get well soon Cal.
Parkerman and the reluctant 100% skipper opened and put on 30'ish when the duck scoring skipper was out to one spinning behind his rear end! A good partnership then by Parks and the Actore steadied the ship. Parkerman going on to score an excellent 79 and the Actore 21.
Cameos from Liam Osborne, Phil Anthony, the ex skip, Ally and James Alvey resulting in a total of 157 which once again the 100% skipper thought was 20 short even accounting for the fact that Hartley's attack bowled very well on a fair track.
Again the bowlers decided to prove 100% skip wrong. There was an altercation where the young and small Hartley opener was clean bowled by Martin Couch then signaled to their square leg youngster that the ball was over waist height. After a team vote the skipper was overuled and the lad was allowed to bat on (rightly so).
What teams need to realise is that under the Laws of Cricket over waist height is only applicable to fast bowlers and with the best will in the world Martin aged 72 can hardly be termed fast. The batsman signalling to the square leg is also not really on. The Hartley skipper on being informed this was very helpful and said he would chat to the lad who has no doubt learnt a lesson from our 100% skip who,when dreaming in the field in his spare moments, doubles as an umpire!
All four bowlers bowled well with Martin Couch 2 wkts, James Alvey 3 wkts and Raj 5 wkts coupled with a tight six over spell from Will Berry on his first appearance really kept the oppo on the back foot. Really good fielding with excellent catches for Liam, Parkerman, Phil and a corker for the old ex skip behind the stumps got them all out and a second 20 point haul for the fours.
Not sure if the new skip Calum will get in so perhaps he should await fitness trials and news of any injuries. The 100% skip will be handing over shortly!! (Good news). Get well soon Cal.
Blue Star 2nd XI 55 all out, OD Cuaco 4th XI 135-5
At last we had a team and with some infilling by some of the promising youngsters we ended up with eleven. After two weeks without being able to field a team this was progress.
So playing a team who come from the Dartford area at Catford at the old Private Banks ground almost made it a home game for us. We had an umpire and a scorer so the stand in skipper decided to bat. Thanks to John Ing and Anne Webster in their repective tasks.
An opening partnership on a difficult wicket of 44 wasn't too bad. Bearing in mind it was the stand in Skip (Bob) and the Ex Skip (H), and that H had pulled a fetlock walking to the wicket made it even better. No quick singles and H insisted it was almost on the rope before trotting a one! Good contributions from the youngsters, Liam Osbourne and Tom Nichols and a new recruit (a dad of two youngsters), Michael Boyden helped build the innings.
A final flourish from 'old hand' Dave Marshall (30 n.o.) and the 'Actore' meant we finished on 135 - 5 after 40 overs. We thought it was a 46 over game so had to re-think at the drinks break after 20 overs!!
The stand in skip was not too sure about 135 being enough even on an uneven track so the bowlers did there best to prove him wrong. Five wickets for Martin Couch and one for Paul Rispoli meant Blue Star were six down at the drinks break. The change bowlers of Raj and young Sam Hutton who took four wickets for 5 runs meant the game was wrapped up with 13 overs to spare.
A catch each for Michael Boyden and Raj and generally good fielding aiding the bowlers. So one game one win for Bob means he hands over to Calum with a 100% record for this season!!
So playing a team who come from the Dartford area at Catford at the old Private Banks ground almost made it a home game for us. We had an umpire and a scorer so the stand in skipper decided to bat. Thanks to John Ing and Anne Webster in their repective tasks.
An opening partnership on a difficult wicket of 44 wasn't too bad. Bearing in mind it was the stand in Skip (Bob) and the Ex Skip (H), and that H had pulled a fetlock walking to the wicket made it even better. No quick singles and H insisted it was almost on the rope before trotting a one! Good contributions from the youngsters, Liam Osbourne and Tom Nichols and a new recruit (a dad of two youngsters), Michael Boyden helped build the innings.
A final flourish from 'old hand' Dave Marshall (30 n.o.) and the 'Actore' meant we finished on 135 - 5 after 40 overs. We thought it was a 46 over game so had to re-think at the drinks break after 20 overs!!
The stand in skip was not too sure about 135 being enough even on an uneven track so the bowlers did there best to prove him wrong. Five wickets for Martin Couch and one for Paul Rispoli meant Blue Star were six down at the drinks break. The change bowlers of Raj and young Sam Hutton who took four wickets for 5 runs meant the game was wrapped up with 13 overs to spare.
A catch each for Michael Boyden and Raj and generally good fielding aiding the bowlers. So one game one win for Bob means he hands over to Calum with a 100% record for this season!!
