Teams - Saturday League Teams - 4th XI 2013 reports
Fixtures, Results and Tables
Team 4th XI
League Kent Regional Cricket League Division 2C (South Thames) Captain Bob Lake Links Fixtures | Results | League Table Match Reports
4th XI end of season report
As the departing skipper of the 4th eleven I am more than happy with the past season. We finished a very creditable 4th with ten wins, one abandoned and seven defeats. At least two of the defeats were there for the taking so handing over a very successful team to new skipper, Mark Watson is a pleasure.
I always chose the best eleven available which meant I missed many games myself. So including me we had four skippers. So grateful thanks to Parkerman, 'H' and and in particular Mark Watson. Thanks also to Anne Webster and Gracie. Anne for scoring in every possible weather condition and not moaning. On one occasion the onset of a severe migraine and she was still able to direct operations with her head in her hands lying on the table. Gracie for teas described as scrummy and the bestest in the league. We utilised many players including four dads. Thanks to Peter Osborne, Graham Hutton, Mark Webster and Gordon Pratt who all stood up at the last minute to ensure we were not short. Peter did moan a bit but I am so used to H that I ignored it! Thanks again guys. This was the most consistent batting I have seen in the fours and some of the performances included Mark Watson, 4th in league, top score of 110, Steve Smith 5th in league, top score of 68no, Sam Parke best scores, 61 and 45no, Calum Hider 50no, Parkerman 67, Ben Smith 58no, Sam Spong 55, Liam Osborne 42, H 26no, Abishek 49, James Langford 47 ( then 'nicked' by Rousey and then Alex!), and finall Ariez whose 58 included five big sixes. So the batters held their own for most of the season. Our bowling in the fours has always been good and this season was the same. Martin Couch 6th in league, 19 wkts, best 5/2, Michael Boyden 10th in league, 19 wkts, best 3/32. Raj 17 wkts, a best of 4/18 but in one match he also had ten overs, nine maidens, one wicket for one run! Ben Smith 4/27, Calum Hider 2/23, Ariez 3/19, Jake Owen 3/11, Jonesey 2/23, Dan Brown 3/21 and Sam Hutton 4/24. In the last game we played young Callum MacLennan which finished in a win and his figures were 9 overs, 4 maidens, one for 14, so more of the same next season please. Our fielding this season was also much improved. H and Sam Parke impressive behind the stumps. Very few dropped catches and two direct throw run outs, Sam Spong and the ever youthful Martin Couch. People that must be mentioned for their work in the field, Sam Fishlock, Nick Gobel, Luke Hunter, Sam Spong, Ariez, Liam Osborne, Michael Boyden, Ben Smith, Calum Hider and Dan Brown. Special mention to the top appealer in the league, Ariez, sooo loud! Thanks also for their contributions to Dave Vigus, Jonny Hutchings, Paul Rispoli and 'Le Actore'. Hope I haven't missed anybody. Bob |
|
4s at New Ash Green
Scorecard
A lovely sunny day but still our scorer Anne packed her sleeping bag just in case! No umpires for either side but a match played in tremendously good spirit and all credit to New Ash Green who were depleted due to calls from their first eleven.
An opening partnership by Abishek (30) and the Actore (24) got us off to a good start. Sam Parke (13) kept us moving and then an excellent partnership between Sam Spong (55) and Liam Osborne (42) with really good running contributed to a fine 95 run partnership. They ran an all run four as did Michael Boyden and the returning skipper.
This enabled us to amass a 230 total which on a wicket of variable bounce looked good.
When we bowled the old timer, Martin Couch, 3-16 and the new timer Callum MacLennan, 1-14 of nine overs, Ben Smith 1-19, Michael Boyden 2-21 and Abishek 1-9 all bowled well.
Sam Parke excelled behind the stumps, a superb stumping off Couch and only four byes off a wicket of very variable bounce. This with no dropped catches, a run out to Abishek and Martin Couch and good catches by Liam and Abishek meant a good day all round.
Thanks to Anne for scoring and particular thanks to Callum's dad, Gordon for playing and for having a son ain't half a good cricketer.
A lovely sunny day but still our scorer Anne packed her sleeping bag just in case! No umpires for either side but a match played in tremendously good spirit and all credit to New Ash Green who were depleted due to calls from their first eleven.
An opening partnership by Abishek (30) and the Actore (24) got us off to a good start. Sam Parke (13) kept us moving and then an excellent partnership between Sam Spong (55) and Liam Osborne (42) with really good running contributed to a fine 95 run partnership. They ran an all run four as did Michael Boyden and the returning skipper.
This enabled us to amass a 230 total which on a wicket of variable bounce looked good.
When we bowled the old timer, Martin Couch, 3-16 and the new timer Callum MacLennan, 1-14 of nine overs, Ben Smith 1-19, Michael Boyden 2-21 and Abishek 1-9 all bowled well.
Sam Parke excelled behind the stumps, a superb stumping off Couch and only four byes off a wicket of very variable bounce. This with no dropped catches, a run out to Abishek and Martin Couch and good catches by Liam and Abishek meant a good day all round.
Thanks to Anne for scoring and particular thanks to Callum's dad, Gordon for playing and for having a son ain't half a good cricketer.
Home to Roan & Lambethans 10th August
Scorecard
ODCUACO 4th XI vs. Roan & Lambethans 2nd XI (Saturday 10th August) ODCUACO won by 34 runs.
OCUACO 193 for 6 (40 overs); Roan & Lambethans 159 for 9.
We chose to bat and that always seems to be the best thing to do, if you can, on a wicket that tends to deteriorate as the game progresses. Well, on this occasion the wicket remained 'relatively' well behaved all through so with the recently improved performances from R & L we needed to set a decent target of 150 or more. Unfortunately our openers let us down on this occasion. Steve S left one pitching just outside off stump that came in to nudge the bails off. Mark W, having just hit 4 boundaries holed out caught by the only deep onside fielder at square leg boundary. Wickets tumbled although the two Sams (Spong and Fishlock) tried to get started having got into the teens. At 69 for 6 we were looking very fragile, teetering on the edge of a catastrophic collapse. The captain would have bitten off an arm and a leg for any score over 100 at this point.
And then what we witnessed was an incredible recovery as unexpected as it was welcome. The stats just do not do justice to a partnership built and cultured from the finest of innings combining patience, sound judgement and shot selection and good running between the wickets. In fact everything you could want from two batsmen who were in concert and combined to forge a stylish stand of124 runs not out for the 7th wicket. Ben Smith, whose batting has been going from strength to strength with 58 not out and Calum Hider 50 not out. They played themselves in, took safe sensible runs early on, played out their danger bowler (Andy Pye) without taking any risks then accelerated the score with cultured cricket shots and excellent running between the wickets. Even in the last 5 overs they constructed shots and runs at between 8 and 10 an over without resorting to the swipes and slashes more often associated with the latter part of a 20/20 innings.
It was one of the finest partnerships I have had the pleasure to watch in any of our games of cricket. So thanks to the recovery from 69 for 6 to 193 for 6 we had a good chance to seal a win. But R & L were not finished.
We started with Mick Boyden and Ariez bowling in tandem and with a very attacking field, mainly to try and frustrate them and not give them any room to play. This seemed to work for a while as the first 15 or so overs kept the score to just over 2 an over and a wicket down. Ariez bowled very well for his 2 for 38 and Mick tight as ever with 1 for 15 in 9 overs. Raj was unfortunate to bowl, for the most part, to Ahmed Khan but still managed 2 for 34 in 10 overs and Ben Smith took 2 for 36. Then in came their number 4 bat, Ahmed Khan to make our bowling look very ordinary. He proceeded to hammer the ball all over the pitch until we had 8 fielders on the boundary towards the end. Fortunately his 78 was not enough even though he should really have been caught by the captain (bad example) on the mid off boundary.
The game was probably more exciting than it should have been but proved that nothing can be taken for granted on that pitch and wicket and with an opposing batsman who can hit the ball so aggressively and really go for it. The fielding, as usual, was exemplary with a brilliant cat like catch very low to the left from Calum H, a well judged catch from Ben Smith over his shoulder running away from the wicket and a really good and timely catch low down from Sam Spong. Liam Osborne fielded so well he covered as much ground at pace as anyone and also took a brilliant running catch. Howard Smith (Mr 'H') covered the stumps (and leg side) as if his life depended on it and only had 2 byes slip through.
For my money, Ben Smith was man of the match for his excellend batting, fielding and bowling. You could say he had a good day.
ODCUACO 4th XI vs. Roan & Lambethans 2nd XI (Saturday 10th August) ODCUACO won by 34 runs.
OCUACO 193 for 6 (40 overs); Roan & Lambethans 159 for 9.
We chose to bat and that always seems to be the best thing to do, if you can, on a wicket that tends to deteriorate as the game progresses. Well, on this occasion the wicket remained 'relatively' well behaved all through so with the recently improved performances from R & L we needed to set a decent target of 150 or more. Unfortunately our openers let us down on this occasion. Steve S left one pitching just outside off stump that came in to nudge the bails off. Mark W, having just hit 4 boundaries holed out caught by the only deep onside fielder at square leg boundary. Wickets tumbled although the two Sams (Spong and Fishlock) tried to get started having got into the teens. At 69 for 6 we were looking very fragile, teetering on the edge of a catastrophic collapse. The captain would have bitten off an arm and a leg for any score over 100 at this point.
And then what we witnessed was an incredible recovery as unexpected as it was welcome. The stats just do not do justice to a partnership built and cultured from the finest of innings combining patience, sound judgement and shot selection and good running between the wickets. In fact everything you could want from two batsmen who were in concert and combined to forge a stylish stand of124 runs not out for the 7th wicket. Ben Smith, whose batting has been going from strength to strength with 58 not out and Calum Hider 50 not out. They played themselves in, took safe sensible runs early on, played out their danger bowler (Andy Pye) without taking any risks then accelerated the score with cultured cricket shots and excellent running between the wickets. Even in the last 5 overs they constructed shots and runs at between 8 and 10 an over without resorting to the swipes and slashes more often associated with the latter part of a 20/20 innings.
It was one of the finest partnerships I have had the pleasure to watch in any of our games of cricket. So thanks to the recovery from 69 for 6 to 193 for 6 we had a good chance to seal a win. But R & L were not finished.
We started with Mick Boyden and Ariez bowling in tandem and with a very attacking field, mainly to try and frustrate them and not give them any room to play. This seemed to work for a while as the first 15 or so overs kept the score to just over 2 an over and a wicket down. Ariez bowled very well for his 2 for 38 and Mick tight as ever with 1 for 15 in 9 overs. Raj was unfortunate to bowl, for the most part, to Ahmed Khan but still managed 2 for 34 in 10 overs and Ben Smith took 2 for 36. Then in came their number 4 bat, Ahmed Khan to make our bowling look very ordinary. He proceeded to hammer the ball all over the pitch until we had 8 fielders on the boundary towards the end. Fortunately his 78 was not enough even though he should really have been caught by the captain (bad example) on the mid off boundary.
The game was probably more exciting than it should have been but proved that nothing can be taken for granted on that pitch and wicket and with an opposing batsman who can hit the ball so aggressively and really go for it. The fielding, as usual, was exemplary with a brilliant cat like catch very low to the left from Calum H, a well judged catch from Ben Smith over his shoulder running away from the wicket and a really good and timely catch low down from Sam Spong. Liam Osborne fielded so well he covered as much ground at pace as anyone and also took a brilliant running catch. Howard Smith (Mr 'H') covered the stumps (and leg side) as if his life depended on it and only had 2 byes slip through.
For my money, Ben Smith was man of the match for his excellend batting, fielding and bowling. You could say he had a good day.
Sidcup away 3rd August
Scorecard
Playing top of the table Sidcup whioch have yet to lose a game seemed somewhat challenging but one we could meet - on a good day. ODCUACO batted first on a placid if somehwat slow wicket which had little turn or movement at the outset. It was clear though, at least based on their batting performances this season, that we needed a target of 200 plus to defend. The openers started well and made swift progress to 47 in 10 overs when Steve S decided to drive at a ball that was slightly short and lofted a simple catch to mid off for 25 runs. Mark W tried to kep the score moving along but when well set and approaching his 50 played over a slower ball to be bowled for 42. After this the batting was a little hit and miss - well, a bit more miss than hit although Ben Smith and Callum Hider chipped in with 23 and 19 respectively. it is noticeable that although Ben S is often more recognised and selected for his bowling he has been batting well and increasingly looks like a solid and stylish middle order batsman who can contribute 25 to 50 runs on a regular basis. I nice cameo from 'H' at the end took us to 158 - about 40 runs short of our target.
The bowling and fielding was solid but we didn't really break through their innings as we needed to. An early wicket gave some hope but a good 60 from their in form (and league leading scorer) Matt Lewns and a well judged if not gritty 46 not out from their veteran and coach Alan McCawley saw them home with 10 balls to spare.
Ben Stuart bowled well (1 for 4 in 3 overs) as did Raj (1 for 26 in 10 overs). A gambling man would now say that 3rd is the best we can achieve this season but providing we can win our games against Burgess Park and New Ash Green.
Playing top of the table Sidcup whioch have yet to lose a game seemed somewhat challenging but one we could meet - on a good day. ODCUACO batted first on a placid if somehwat slow wicket which had little turn or movement at the outset. It was clear though, at least based on their batting performances this season, that we needed a target of 200 plus to defend. The openers started well and made swift progress to 47 in 10 overs when Steve S decided to drive at a ball that was slightly short and lofted a simple catch to mid off for 25 runs. Mark W tried to kep the score moving along but when well set and approaching his 50 played over a slower ball to be bowled for 42. After this the batting was a little hit and miss - well, a bit more miss than hit although Ben Smith and Callum Hider chipped in with 23 and 19 respectively. it is noticeable that although Ben S is often more recognised and selected for his bowling he has been batting well and increasingly looks like a solid and stylish middle order batsman who can contribute 25 to 50 runs on a regular basis. I nice cameo from 'H' at the end took us to 158 - about 40 runs short of our target.
The bowling and fielding was solid but we didn't really break through their innings as we needed to. An early wicket gave some hope but a good 60 from their in form (and league leading scorer) Matt Lewns and a well judged if not gritty 46 not out from their veteran and coach Alan McCawley saw them home with 10 balls to spare.
Ben Stuart bowled well (1 for 4 in 3 overs) as did Raj (1 for 26 in 10 overs). A gambling man would now say that 3rd is the best we can achieve this season but providing we can win our games against Burgess Park and New Ash Green.
4s v Bexleyheath
Scorecard
Anyone who plays on our ground, like many grounds this season, have come to know that there are runs to be made batting first. In our two previous home games we had noticed a distinct deterioration in the track after the first 20 or 30 overs. But we also wanted to send out a message that we were not giving up on 2nd spot after two successive and under performing losses.
Could we bat first and set an intimidating target? Could we then bowl tightly, take wickets quickly and get out our opposition for less than 100 when missing 2 or 3 stock bowlers? The answer to both questions was a resounding yes. We not only threatened and teased but executed - ruthlessly.
We had batting in strength down to number 11 so our openers could afford to attack the bowling early on.Once again the opening partnership was sound with 101 in 16 overs. Steve S went on to make 67 untroubled and chance less runs, that is until he tried to pull a short ball through mid-wicket that stayed low. Yes, the wicket was beginning to play up. Abhishek once again contributed quick runs and made an uncustomary jug avoiding swipe at a short ball to finish witha superbly contructed 49 (strike rate in the region of 75% to 80%). Good luck in the 3s this week, Abhishek, we'll miss you from the 4s.
Nick Goble and Sam Spong continued the attrition and upped the strike rate until Sam decided to be generous and offer the last ball of the innings to Ariez. The ever consumate professional, Ariez asked for instructions to which we said 'play yourself in'. He of course ignored this, ran half way down the wicket ( I thought he was going to attack the bowler, literally) and promptly dispatched a massive six over midwicket, the stream and into the tennis courts. So with a total of 231 for 5 off 40 overs we were pretty confident of a win and I was heard to say that i will resign as playing captain if we allow them to score 232.
Not a chance. We only used 4 bowlers, all of whom contributed wickets and bowled extremely well. Jake superb again with 3 for 11 in 6 overs, Ariez spinning the ball sideways for 3 for 19 in 5.5 overs and Calum Hider and Ben Smith bagging two each. Great effort and not one dropped catch from the 6 catches taken. the one catch of note was Calum's who positioned himself at somewhere between short cover and silly mid off and take a diving one handed catch low to his right the very next ball. Pride of fielding place goes to 'H' who only had 2 byes to his name. A great effort and fantastic boost to any bowler concerned with balls straying down leg side.
We can still nick 2nd from Bickley Park but have a tough challenge away to Sidcup this week. Another 230 runs and tight bowling and fielding display please chaps.
Anyone who plays on our ground, like many grounds this season, have come to know that there are runs to be made batting first. In our two previous home games we had noticed a distinct deterioration in the track after the first 20 or 30 overs. But we also wanted to send out a message that we were not giving up on 2nd spot after two successive and under performing losses.
Could we bat first and set an intimidating target? Could we then bowl tightly, take wickets quickly and get out our opposition for less than 100 when missing 2 or 3 stock bowlers? The answer to both questions was a resounding yes. We not only threatened and teased but executed - ruthlessly.
We had batting in strength down to number 11 so our openers could afford to attack the bowling early on.Once again the opening partnership was sound with 101 in 16 overs. Steve S went on to make 67 untroubled and chance less runs, that is until he tried to pull a short ball through mid-wicket that stayed low. Yes, the wicket was beginning to play up. Abhishek once again contributed quick runs and made an uncustomary jug avoiding swipe at a short ball to finish witha superbly contructed 49 (strike rate in the region of 75% to 80%). Good luck in the 3s this week, Abhishek, we'll miss you from the 4s.
Nick Goble and Sam Spong continued the attrition and upped the strike rate until Sam decided to be generous and offer the last ball of the innings to Ariez. The ever consumate professional, Ariez asked for instructions to which we said 'play yourself in'. He of course ignored this, ran half way down the wicket ( I thought he was going to attack the bowler, literally) and promptly dispatched a massive six over midwicket, the stream and into the tennis courts. So with a total of 231 for 5 off 40 overs we were pretty confident of a win and I was heard to say that i will resign as playing captain if we allow them to score 232.
Not a chance. We only used 4 bowlers, all of whom contributed wickets and bowled extremely well. Jake superb again with 3 for 11 in 6 overs, Ariez spinning the ball sideways for 3 for 19 in 5.5 overs and Calum Hider and Ben Smith bagging two each. Great effort and not one dropped catch from the 6 catches taken. the one catch of note was Calum's who positioned himself at somewhere between short cover and silly mid off and take a diving one handed catch low to his right the very next ball. Pride of fielding place goes to 'H' who only had 2 byes to his name. A great effort and fantastic boost to any bowler concerned with balls straying down leg side.
We can still nick 2nd from Bickley Park but have a tough challenge away to Sidcup this week. Another 230 runs and tight bowling and fielding display please chaps.
4s at Bickley Park 20/7
Scorecard
ODCUACO 150 for 9 in 40 overs; Bickley Park 152 for 5 in 38.2 overs.
Match Summary So, on a cooler and overcast afternoon at the Warren we decided to bat first on a flat if slightly green wicket. Outfield was quick and it looked from a very early stage we would need to set a target of around 200.
Smith ‘n Wesson (alias Watson) forged an opening partnership of 59 in 10 overs. Abhishek made a smart 24 followed by grinding 20 from Ben Stuart . Unfortunately, no one (including the openers) went on to capitalise on a good start and the middle order crumbled away in a similar manner as a certain team currently playing in the Ashes
The team defended bravely after a wonderfully laid out tea in which Graham Johnson caused many a groan saying the building was like a Warren.
The bowling was mostly as screw tight as was possible and the fielding as sharp as a knife. Jake Owen deserved more for his 10 overs effort, Sam Hutton snatched 2 wickets for some inspired outswing bowling and Ben Stuart took 2 quick wickets (5 overs for 13 runs) to fill the not so small boots of Raj. Raj tried to catch a bullet in his bowling hand (should have used his teeth) and had to go off with what looked like a broken finger. He returned a few overs later to bravely field right handed at short midwicket.
As usual Mike (dibbly dobbly) was as tidy and frugal as ever and Abhishek spun his way through 3 overs for 9 runs. Bob, the comeback kid, took a marvellous deep mid-on catch (from their match winner who took 4 for 29 and scored a quick 49). Not satisfied with using just his hands but he juggled the ball up and down his thighs whilst running before finally making his grab for glory.
A final congratulation to Sam Parke who nearly hung himself for letting a whole one bye past; you shouldn’t be so harsh on yourself Sam! Great effort!
Still 7 games to go and all to play for. We just need less brittle batting to go with our bowling and fielding standards.
Many thanks to Graham Johnson, who - jokes apart - preferred umpiring in the traditional manner and Anne, as usual, our ever reliable and engaging scorer.
ODCUACO 150 for 9 in 40 overs; Bickley Park 152 for 5 in 38.2 overs.
Match Summary So, on a cooler and overcast afternoon at the Warren we decided to bat first on a flat if slightly green wicket. Outfield was quick and it looked from a very early stage we would need to set a target of around 200.
Smith ‘n Wesson (alias Watson) forged an opening partnership of 59 in 10 overs. Abhishek made a smart 24 followed by grinding 20 from Ben Stuart . Unfortunately, no one (including the openers) went on to capitalise on a good start and the middle order crumbled away in a similar manner as a certain team currently playing in the Ashes
The team defended bravely after a wonderfully laid out tea in which Graham Johnson caused many a groan saying the building was like a Warren.
The bowling was mostly as screw tight as was possible and the fielding as sharp as a knife. Jake Owen deserved more for his 10 overs effort, Sam Hutton snatched 2 wickets for some inspired outswing bowling and Ben Stuart took 2 quick wickets (5 overs for 13 runs) to fill the not so small boots of Raj. Raj tried to catch a bullet in his bowling hand (should have used his teeth) and had to go off with what looked like a broken finger. He returned a few overs later to bravely field right handed at short midwicket.
As usual Mike (dibbly dobbly) was as tidy and frugal as ever and Abhishek spun his way through 3 overs for 9 runs. Bob, the comeback kid, took a marvellous deep mid-on catch (from their match winner who took 4 for 29 and scored a quick 49). Not satisfied with using just his hands but he juggled the ball up and down his thighs whilst running before finally making his grab for glory.
A final congratulation to Sam Parke who nearly hung himself for letting a whole one bye past; you shouldn’t be so harsh on yourself Sam! Great effort!
Still 7 games to go and all to play for. We just need less brittle batting to go with our bowling and fielding standards.
Many thanks to Graham Johnson, who - jokes apart - preferred umpiring in the traditional manner and Anne, as usual, our ever reliable and engaging scorer.
OD Cuaco 4s v Hartley 6s
Scorecard
What must our bowlers think One week they have to bowl the opposition out for an achievable target and the next week have to bowl the opposition out before they attain a winning target. This week was the former. They reduced Hartley to 121 in the 38th over with some tight bowling on a poor wicket. Some good catches were held, a couple missed but nevertheless an attainable figure. Raj got his usual 4 - 18 and 'Dibbly Dobbler' an impressive three and two catches. Ariez in his 2 overs may well have secured a bowling slot with 'Maestro' Couch off for 6 weeks.
The run chase never got off the ground. The opposition had quicker bowlers and made the most of the situation. Nevertheless despite some wayward bowling we weren't even a run a ball after 8 overs. Bad balls went unpunished, poor shot selection and we capitulated to 64 all out in the 35th over. We're still third and let's hope we bat better in the remaining matches.
Thanks Bob for part time umpiring and to Anne and her gnat bites by the river.
What must our bowlers think One week they have to bowl the opposition out for an achievable target and the next week have to bowl the opposition out before they attain a winning target. This week was the former. They reduced Hartley to 121 in the 38th over with some tight bowling on a poor wicket. Some good catches were held, a couple missed but nevertheless an attainable figure. Raj got his usual 4 - 18 and 'Dibbly Dobbler' an impressive three and two catches. Ariez in his 2 overs may well have secured a bowling slot with 'Maestro' Couch off for 6 weeks.
The run chase never got off the ground. The opposition had quicker bowlers and made the most of the situation. Nevertheless despite some wayward bowling we weren't even a run a ball after 8 overs. Bad balls went unpunished, poor shot selection and we capitulated to 64 all out in the 35th over. We're still third and let's hope we bat better in the remaining matches.
Thanks Bob for part time umpiring and to Anne and her gnat bites by the river.
OEs 4s v ODs 4s 6/7
Old Elthamians 4th's v ODCuaco 4th's
Scorecard
Would the match ever start,the oppo were players short but eventually started with nine which became ten. We started at 1.55pm and they'd bowled 5 overs by 2.25pm and The Timeless Test sprang to mind.However Mark Watson didn't seem too fussed and scored a fine 110 putting on 88 with Ben Smith (30) and extra's helped with 36.
Tea dragged on but with OE's needing 213 with ten men we took our foot off the gas. Four balls came and went,catches were dropped or ignored and our man who "Talked the Talk" didn't "Walk the Walk". We were definitely in danger of losing the plot.And whilst Raj and Dibbly Dobbly's figures aren't the most economical they halted the rot especially in overs 30 - 39 and with Ben Smith bowling an excellent last over to their main batter we won by 21 runs.
Our worst performance for a few weeks but we were able to cross the line as winners with no moans from the scorer about the heat and a inflammatory stand by our umpire!
Ex Stand in Skipper
Scorecard
Would the match ever start,the oppo were players short but eventually started with nine which became ten. We started at 1.55pm and they'd bowled 5 overs by 2.25pm and The Timeless Test sprang to mind.However Mark Watson didn't seem too fussed and scored a fine 110 putting on 88 with Ben Smith (30) and extra's helped with 36.
Tea dragged on but with OE's needing 213 with ten men we took our foot off the gas. Four balls came and went,catches were dropped or ignored and our man who "Talked the Talk" didn't "Walk the Walk". We were definitely in danger of losing the plot.And whilst Raj and Dibbly Dobbly's figures aren't the most economical they halted the rot especially in overs 30 - 39 and with Ben Smith bowling an excellent last over to their main batter we won by 21 runs.
Our worst performance for a few weeks but we were able to cross the line as winners with no moans from the scorer about the heat and a inflammatory stand by our umpire!
Ex Stand in Skipper
4th XI v New Ash Green 29/6
ODCuaco 4's 175 - 4 New Ash Green 2's 110 all out
Scorecard
At last a summers day and no Anne to complain about the cold. We lost the toss and were inserted on what can be described as a sporting wicket which did calm down as the match progressed. Steve Smith was instructed to bat through which he did (68*) and as a result the top five all got double figures which gave us a decent score. Sam Parke at last showed what he can do with an intelligent 30 and we went into yet another splendid tea quite satisfied.
Once again we bowled well,if a little wayward at times but our fielding let us down which hasn't been the case of late.However a magniicfent catch by Luke got us going and we finished up looking far better in the field than when we started. Sam Hutton wrapped up the tail (4 - 24) and Dan Brown,a surprise package,finished with 3 wickets having sprayed the ball in different directions. Mike 'dibbly dobbler' Boyden got his usual two and another win in the absence of the real skipper.
Scorecard
At last a summers day and no Anne to complain about the cold. We lost the toss and were inserted on what can be described as a sporting wicket which did calm down as the match progressed. Steve Smith was instructed to bat through which he did (68*) and as a result the top five all got double figures which gave us a decent score. Sam Parke at last showed what he can do with an intelligent 30 and we went into yet another splendid tea quite satisfied.
Once again we bowled well,if a little wayward at times but our fielding let us down which hasn't been the case of late.However a magniicfent catch by Luke got us going and we finished up looking far better in the field than when we started. Sam Hutton wrapped up the tail (4 - 24) and Dan Brown,a surprise package,finished with 3 wickets having sprayed the ball in different directions. Mike 'dibbly dobbler' Boyden got his usual two and another win in the absence of the real skipper.
Blackheath 8s v OD Cuaco 4s 22/6
Scorecard
Not the ideal arena for cricket and Charlton Park Oval didn't live up to it's name. The skippers decided on a 70 over match having doubts about our summer. ODCuaco won the toss, inserted the opposition and steadily took wickets. Ben Smith and El Couch opened up and Ben took a couple of quick wickets and finished up with 4 - 27. He was ably supported by Mike (Dibbly-Dobbly) Boyden who took two wickets and Jake Owen who bowled beautifully to pick up 3 wickets and was on a hat trick. The fielding was really good with Dan Brown taking three fine catches and improving our overall fielding dramatically. Blackheath finished on 94.
We batted 15 overs before an al fresco tea and finished up winning by 6 wickets after tea. Steve Smith (30) again, for the second week running,batted sensibly and Dan Brown crashed 37* not out to win the match in quick time.
Once again Anne was frozen stiff,soaked and generally unhappy but stuck to a thankless task with a forced smile. Anne thanks again.
Not the ideal arena for cricket and Charlton Park Oval didn't live up to it's name. The skippers decided on a 70 over match having doubts about our summer. ODCuaco won the toss, inserted the opposition and steadily took wickets. Ben Smith and El Couch opened up and Ben took a couple of quick wickets and finished up with 4 - 27. He was ably supported by Mike (Dibbly-Dobbly) Boyden who took two wickets and Jake Owen who bowled beautifully to pick up 3 wickets and was on a hat trick. The fielding was really good with Dan Brown taking three fine catches and improving our overall fielding dramatically. Blackheath finished on 94.
We batted 15 overs before an al fresco tea and finished up winning by 6 wickets after tea. Steve Smith (30) again, for the second week running,batted sensibly and Dan Brown crashed 37* not out to win the match in quick time.
Once again Anne was frozen stiff,soaked and generally unhappy but stuck to a thankless task with a forced smile. Anne thanks again.
v Burgess Park 15/6
After a disasterous start (10 - 4) Steve Smith (26) and Jonesy (22) batted with determination and a great deal of sense. Neither were prepared to give their wicket away and eventually when Steve fell they'd taken the score to 70. Raj (9*) and H (26*) got the score up to a defendable 118 - 6 and retrospectively another 20 runs may have done it.
Burgess Park got off to a flyer but after the fall of the first wicket we took wickets regularly with some outstanding catches (Ariez and Ben Smith) in particular.With the opposition 88 - 7 but a large number of overs left we fancied our chances. But with a little luck and catches not going to hand they won with 11 balls to spare. Couchy (3),Raj and Mike Boyden (2 each) all bowled really well and it was good to see everyone really working hard to secure a win.
Thanks to the non-playing skipper for admin and drinks,Mark for umpiring and our frigid (cold) scorer Anne.
Burgess Park got off to a flyer but after the fall of the first wicket we took wickets regularly with some outstanding catches (Ariez and Ben Smith) in particular.With the opposition 88 - 7 but a large number of overs left we fancied our chances. But with a little luck and catches not going to hand they won with 11 balls to spare. Couchy (3),Raj and Mike Boyden (2 each) all bowled really well and it was good to see everyone really working hard to secure a win.
Thanks to the non-playing skipper for admin and drinks,Mark for umpiring and our frigid (cold) scorer Anne.
Roan and Lambethans away 8/6
Scorecard
Roan & Lambethans 2nd XI 69 - 9 v ODCuaco 4th XI 53!
What must the bowlers think? 69 - 9 were the opposition (Which included 26 wides some of which seemed harsh) so not much of a chase in 40 overs. Martin Couch bowled 10 overs 9 maidens 2 runs 5 wickets,with Sam Hutton taking an excellent 3 wickets and Raj,Mike Boyden and Jonesy bowling economically we went to tea in a quite optimistic mood.
However the batsmen thought otherwise. It didn't help the skipper trying to win the match off a first ball wide and getting caught. The other opener who should have seen us through played an irresponsible shot which led to a number of similar shots by the later batsmen. Even then we had an outside chance but our aging wicketkeeper who looked as if he might drag us across the line,should have known better and played a disgraceful shot and all hope went.
It is interesting that the First Eleven write up suggests batsmen should value their wickets and not give them away.This of course applies to all teams and hopefully a lesson has been learned. Also a little pride in playing for your club helps.
Roan & Lambethans 2nd XI 69 - 9 v ODCuaco 4th XI 53!
What must the bowlers think? 69 - 9 were the opposition (Which included 26 wides some of which seemed harsh) so not much of a chase in 40 overs. Martin Couch bowled 10 overs 9 maidens 2 runs 5 wickets,with Sam Hutton taking an excellent 3 wickets and Raj,Mike Boyden and Jonesy bowling economically we went to tea in a quite optimistic mood.
However the batsmen thought otherwise. It didn't help the skipper trying to win the match off a first ball wide and getting caught. The other opener who should have seen us through played an irresponsible shot which led to a number of similar shots by the later batsmen. Even then we had an outside chance but our aging wicketkeeper who looked as if he might drag us across the line,should have known better and played a disgraceful shot and all hope went.
It is interesting that the First Eleven write up suggests batsmen should value their wickets and not give them away.This of course applies to all teams and hopefully a lesson has been learned. Also a little pride in playing for your club helps.
4s v Sidcup 1/6
Scorecard
A top of the table clash graced our ground this weekend. The visitors Sidcup CC, brought with them 4 wins out of 4 with maximum points in all (show offs).
Parker lost the toss and was put into bat. Things didn't get off to the greatest of starts with Liam Osborne falling to a superb first ball from the Sidcup opener. Liam came off and told me "Looks like I won't be making the match report"...This being the second thing he didn't see coming this week! Don't worry, Liam makes up for it later on. Andy "Axeman" Parker was solid as ever at the top of the order. Big thank you to the Sidcup bowler who repeatedly put the ball in Parkers ideal area of hitting time and time again. Unfortunately the hitting spree was minimal from all our batsman. Parker, along with Calum, Howard & the Couchmeister General hit a few boundaries each. but with a score of 120, the 4s batting was simply under par...and we knew it!
With a very low score against top of the table, a win for the OD Cuaco 4s looked awfully difficult to achieve. However with an inform, Addiscombe CC shirt wearing, Sam Hutton (http://www.seriouscricket.co.uk/shop/section.php/1276/1 SORT IT OUT AGAIN SAM!!!!), things weren't going to be so easy for Sidcup. After 7 runs on the board, Sam got the opener edging to gully! Unfortunately Calum had stuffed his face with lots of chicken in the break (Cheers Grace) and had slippery fingers...DROP 1! Next ball, Sam gets him edging to our "109 catches since 2002" wicket keeper Howard Smith (Available for after dinner speeches http://www.aitchsmith.co.uk/ )! Surely the wise owl would take it and make it 110...DROP 2! By this point Ariez was getting rather excited which was affecting the batsman. The team was pumped, the crowd were on their feet (Purely cause it was Sam's dad and he was walking the dog!). The next ball was bowled...BLOCK. Ariez tells us "It's coming". Sam "Can't stop talking" Hutton looked pumped (Full from tea) and steamed in for the final ball....opener hits it...Straight to the source...ARIEZ BLIMMING MEHTA.....OUT!!!! It was like we'd won the league!
Anyway enough excitement, it doesn't end well! The magician Martin Couch once again bowled a top spell whilst the excitement down the other end was happening. This was topped off with a wicket from what can only be described as a "top catch" from Liam Osborne. He took that catch like it was a soft ball gently caressing his hands from a close distance. I can assure you, it was far from it! Brilliant Osborne & brilliant Couch! Other notable fielding moments - Sam & Calum's run outs (Andrew Mew would be proud) & Bobby Lakes grafting in the field (Put Alex to shame)! After last week's 9 maidens & only going for 1 run, Raj came back down to Earth, going for just under 3 runs an over. Jake Owen who'd just returned to the side, didn't have the best of starts! However in his second spell showed so much promise for the rest of the season!
Unfortunately Sidcup got the small total with an over to spare. A tight game and one which we could have won. 3 wins out of 4, is still a great start. So much so, we're still the team with the most wins in the club this season! Next week sees us take on Roan & Lambethans. They've played 5 & lost 5! Let's make it 6!
A top of the table clash graced our ground this weekend. The visitors Sidcup CC, brought with them 4 wins out of 4 with maximum points in all (show offs).
Parker lost the toss and was put into bat. Things didn't get off to the greatest of starts with Liam Osborne falling to a superb first ball from the Sidcup opener. Liam came off and told me "Looks like I won't be making the match report"...This being the second thing he didn't see coming this week! Don't worry, Liam makes up for it later on. Andy "Axeman" Parker was solid as ever at the top of the order. Big thank you to the Sidcup bowler who repeatedly put the ball in Parkers ideal area of hitting time and time again. Unfortunately the hitting spree was minimal from all our batsman. Parker, along with Calum, Howard & the Couchmeister General hit a few boundaries each. but with a score of 120, the 4s batting was simply under par...and we knew it!
With a very low score against top of the table, a win for the OD Cuaco 4s looked awfully difficult to achieve. However with an inform, Addiscombe CC shirt wearing, Sam Hutton (http://www.seriouscricket.co.uk/shop/section.php/1276/1 SORT IT OUT AGAIN SAM!!!!), things weren't going to be so easy for Sidcup. After 7 runs on the board, Sam got the opener edging to gully! Unfortunately Calum had stuffed his face with lots of chicken in the break (Cheers Grace) and had slippery fingers...DROP 1! Next ball, Sam gets him edging to our "109 catches since 2002" wicket keeper Howard Smith (Available for after dinner speeches http://www.aitchsmith.co.uk/ )! Surely the wise owl would take it and make it 110...DROP 2! By this point Ariez was getting rather excited which was affecting the batsman. The team was pumped, the crowd were on their feet (Purely cause it was Sam's dad and he was walking the dog!). The next ball was bowled...BLOCK. Ariez tells us "It's coming". Sam "Can't stop talking" Hutton looked pumped (Full from tea) and steamed in for the final ball....opener hits it...Straight to the source...ARIEZ BLIMMING MEHTA.....OUT!!!! It was like we'd won the league!
Anyway enough excitement, it doesn't end well! The magician Martin Couch once again bowled a top spell whilst the excitement down the other end was happening. This was topped off with a wicket from what can only be described as a "top catch" from Liam Osborne. He took that catch like it was a soft ball gently caressing his hands from a close distance. I can assure you, it was far from it! Brilliant Osborne & brilliant Couch! Other notable fielding moments - Sam & Calum's run outs (Andrew Mew would be proud) & Bobby Lakes grafting in the field (Put Alex to shame)! After last week's 9 maidens & only going for 1 run, Raj came back down to Earth, going for just under 3 runs an over. Jake Owen who'd just returned to the side, didn't have the best of starts! However in his second spell showed so much promise for the rest of the season!
Unfortunately Sidcup got the small total with an over to spare. A tight game and one which we could have won. 3 wins out of 4, is still a great start. So much so, we're still the team with the most wins in the club this season! Next week sees us take on Roan & Lambethans. They've played 5 & lost 5! Let's make it 6!
4s At Bexleyheath, 25th May
Scorecard
Roses are red, violets are blue, Raj bowled 9 maidens, but also dropped 2
The inform side at the club were in action once again this weekend against Bexleyheath 4s.
The steam train Martin Couch once again opened the bowling in great fashion, making the opening batsmen look like Jedis playing with light sabers (Think about it)! The Couchmeister general's partner in opening bowling supremacy was none other than "Addiscombe CC" shirt wearing Sam Hutton (http://www.seriouscricket.co.uk/shop/section.php/1276/1 SORT IT OUT SAM)! Sam bowled really well and looks a real threat with a new ball! Mick Boyden, replaced Sam & was as effective claiming two wickets!
Big mention to bookies favourite for fielder of the year 2013 Andy Parker, who took another "Slip" catch off Mick's bowling! If he wins the trophy at the end of the season, Parker will join an illustrious list which includes R.Bond & C.Hider #Inspiring! Talking of Hider, he too got a piece of the action with some tidy bowling. This lead to him taking 2 wickets!
All the boys bowled well but....ONE MAN....ONE GLORIOUS MAN....SOME CALL HIM "THE DESTROYER"....OTHERS CALL HIM "THE CREATOR OF SPIN"...HOWEVER WE CALL HIM....RAJESH RAGHAVAN!!!! 10 overs, 9 maidens, 1 wicket for 1 run! GET HIM IN THE 1s....NO WAIT...WE WANT HIM TO STAY! Rumour has it Bexleyheath batsmen have woken up in cold sweats ever since screaming, "PLEASE NO MORE RAJ!!!!"!!!
Other mentions in the field go to Mick Boyden (Great run out), Sam Parke (Great wicket keeping) and Calum (A good catch). However catching needs improving for next time everyone! Bexleyheath finished on 106 for 7 off 40 overs.
So with a small target to chase, OD's set about winning the game. However we didn't get off to the greatest of starts! It was 20/3 when Sam & Calum's partnership began. The two had a great time in the middle scoring freely! The opposition knew they needed to break this partnership to have any chance of winning the match. Unfortunately Hider played on for 34, but the damage had already been done. Parke went on to score 45 n/o, alongside Jonathan Hutchings (playing his first adults match) who played a nice cameo with a couple of lovely drives for 4!
3 wins out of 3 for the team sits us 4th, being the only team in the top 4 to have a game in hand. Next week sees our toughest test with a game against top of the table Sidcup CC. However with the form we're in, they will need to be prepared for their toughest test! Well done gentlemen!
P.S. That win was for Luke who worked at our changing room facilities. I believe his kindness and warmth helped us win at the weekend!
Roses are red, violets are blue, Raj bowled 9 maidens, but also dropped 2
The inform side at the club were in action once again this weekend against Bexleyheath 4s.
The steam train Martin Couch once again opened the bowling in great fashion, making the opening batsmen look like Jedis playing with light sabers (Think about it)! The Couchmeister general's partner in opening bowling supremacy was none other than "Addiscombe CC" shirt wearing Sam Hutton (http://www.seriouscricket.co.uk/shop/section.php/1276/1 SORT IT OUT SAM)! Sam bowled really well and looks a real threat with a new ball! Mick Boyden, replaced Sam & was as effective claiming two wickets!
Big mention to bookies favourite for fielder of the year 2013 Andy Parker, who took another "Slip" catch off Mick's bowling! If he wins the trophy at the end of the season, Parker will join an illustrious list which includes R.Bond & C.Hider #Inspiring! Talking of Hider, he too got a piece of the action with some tidy bowling. This lead to him taking 2 wickets!
All the boys bowled well but....ONE MAN....ONE GLORIOUS MAN....SOME CALL HIM "THE DESTROYER"....OTHERS CALL HIM "THE CREATOR OF SPIN"...HOWEVER WE CALL HIM....RAJESH RAGHAVAN!!!! 10 overs, 9 maidens, 1 wicket for 1 run! GET HIM IN THE 1s....NO WAIT...WE WANT HIM TO STAY! Rumour has it Bexleyheath batsmen have woken up in cold sweats ever since screaming, "PLEASE NO MORE RAJ!!!!"!!!
Other mentions in the field go to Mick Boyden (Great run out), Sam Parke (Great wicket keeping) and Calum (A good catch). However catching needs improving for next time everyone! Bexleyheath finished on 106 for 7 off 40 overs.
So with a small target to chase, OD's set about winning the game. However we didn't get off to the greatest of starts! It was 20/3 when Sam & Calum's partnership began. The two had a great time in the middle scoring freely! The opposition knew they needed to break this partnership to have any chance of winning the match. Unfortunately Hider played on for 34, but the damage had already been done. Parke went on to score 45 n/o, alongside Jonathan Hutchings (playing his first adults match) who played a nice cameo with a couple of lovely drives for 4!
3 wins out of 3 for the team sits us 4th, being the only team in the top 4 to have a game in hand. Next week sees our toughest test with a game against top of the table Sidcup CC. However with the form we're in, they will need to be prepared for their toughest test! Well done gentlemen!
P.S. That win was for Luke who worked at our changing room facilities. I believe his kindness and warmth helped us win at the weekend!
4th XI 222-6 beat Bickley Park 201-8
Scorecard
We had really good numbers to choose from again this week so a selection headache, but a good one. We have some very good youngsters waiting in the wings for their chance. Howard and I will investigate the possibility of some 5th team games starting in a couple of weeks or so.
Parkerman the on field skipper chose to bat. An opening partnership of 59 at a good rate between Parkerman (40) and Mark Watson (28) got us off to a good start. James Langford (47) was next in and batted well in only his second innings in eight years! Young Sam Parke (17) steadied the ship after a couple of wickets to be joined by Ariez (58no). He decided quite rightly to get in and have a look. He then proceeded to hit five fours and five sixes in an entertaining knock. He was joined by Calum (9) at the end who perished to a rush of blood at the last ball of the innings.
After tea it was the bowlers turn and Bickley had some very good batters. Martin Couch (1 - 47) and Jonesy (1 - 35) took the first two wickets, aided by Parkerman slip catches. The first a juggling act, the second an excellent one handed reaction catch. Their next two then proceeded to bat really well to the drinks interval where they were 115 - 2 and looking good. Michael Boyden (1 - 52) got one to find the openers edge and Sam Parke did the rest.
Bring on Calum in the 25th over when their very good batsmen was looking to take them home. He slowed the scoring, then had a very good LBW shout turned down by me only to the clean bowl the good batter for 64. His figures of ( 1 - 17) were excellent. Raj ( 3 - 35) bowling at the other end took regular wickets and was also helped by Jonesy taking a good one right on the boundary. They were then looking for runs and Sam Spong at deep mid-off had a pick up and throw, which was a direct hit, run out by a yard and we were out of sight.
A good result for us particularly as their number four has regularly played at a higher level than this. Played competitively by both teams but in the right spirit and not too much moaning about the umpire. Thank you to Anne Webster for scoring, skipper says sorry for using Martin Couch to block your view of the umpire.
We had really good numbers to choose from again this week so a selection headache, but a good one. We have some very good youngsters waiting in the wings for their chance. Howard and I will investigate the possibility of some 5th team games starting in a couple of weeks or so.
Parkerman the on field skipper chose to bat. An opening partnership of 59 at a good rate between Parkerman (40) and Mark Watson (28) got us off to a good start. James Langford (47) was next in and batted well in only his second innings in eight years! Young Sam Parke (17) steadied the ship after a couple of wickets to be joined by Ariez (58no). He decided quite rightly to get in and have a look. He then proceeded to hit five fours and five sixes in an entertaining knock. He was joined by Calum (9) at the end who perished to a rush of blood at the last ball of the innings.
After tea it was the bowlers turn and Bickley had some very good batters. Martin Couch (1 - 47) and Jonesy (1 - 35) took the first two wickets, aided by Parkerman slip catches. The first a juggling act, the second an excellent one handed reaction catch. Their next two then proceeded to bat really well to the drinks interval where they were 115 - 2 and looking good. Michael Boyden (1 - 52) got one to find the openers edge and Sam Parke did the rest.
Bring on Calum in the 25th over when their very good batsmen was looking to take them home. He slowed the scoring, then had a very good LBW shout turned down by me only to the clean bowl the good batter for 64. His figures of ( 1 - 17) were excellent. Raj ( 3 - 35) bowling at the other end took regular wickets and was also helped by Jonesy taking a good one right on the boundary. They were then looking for runs and Sam Spong at deep mid-off had a pick up and throw, which was a direct hit, run out by a yard and we were out of sight.
A good result for us particularly as their number four has regularly played at a higher level than this. Played competitively by both teams but in the right spirit and not too much moaning about the umpire. Thank you to Anne Webster for scoring, skipper says sorry for using Martin Couch to block your view of the umpire.
Hartley (6) 93 all out v OD Cuaco (4) 161-5
Scorecard
Astonishingly we had 19 players to choose from! This early in the season that is a result. This meant that the 4's Skipper was not good enough for selection nor were 7 other proper cricketers so apologies to you guys.
We had an Umpire (the relegated Skipper) and a scorer, many thanks as usual to Anne Webster. We also had a new ground to find and a car containing three players getting a puncture which meant the on field skipper, Parkerman, chose to bat. This was most definitely the correct decision because we had to go off twice for rain in our innings and the wicket did not improve.
Our opening partnership was steady and Mark Watson (29) and Parkerman (67) put on 58 for the first wicket. Sam Fishlock (15) was also steady and when Sam Parke (6) came in wickets were understandably lost in the quest to increase the run rate. A bold (19 not out) from Sam Spong at the death took our total to 161 for the loss of five wickets. With a very sluggish outfield this seemed and was a good total.
Our four bowlers all used the wicket well and their figures were all good. Martin Couch 2 - 11, Jonesy 2 - 23, Raj 2 -21 and Michael Boyden 3 - 32 and Hartley being rolled over in the 39th over for 93. Excellent fielding with Ariez being greedy taking three catches and combining well with Michael Boyden for a run out. Sam Parke kept wicket really well and helped himself to three catches. A good catch taken by Sam Fishlock and an absolute stunner caught and bowled by Michael Boyden with the Umpire diving for cover. Three hard chances dropped but as we won convincingly I will not name and shame. A really good team performance with good captaincy and lots of encouragement all round
The game was played in a good spirit with one ours, James Langford, and one of theirs both walking to 'feathers' to the keeper which this umpire appreciates and many thanks to Hartley. The Umpire put in an excellent performance and the only moan was from us for a possible glove to the keeper. As it was only a possible glove he quite rightly did not give it!
If we keep the numbers up we will seriously investigate getting a fifth team together as this is possibly the only way the actual Skipper will get a game!
Astonishingly we had 19 players to choose from! This early in the season that is a result. This meant that the 4's Skipper was not good enough for selection nor were 7 other proper cricketers so apologies to you guys.
We had an Umpire (the relegated Skipper) and a scorer, many thanks as usual to Anne Webster. We also had a new ground to find and a car containing three players getting a puncture which meant the on field skipper, Parkerman, chose to bat. This was most definitely the correct decision because we had to go off twice for rain in our innings and the wicket did not improve.
Our opening partnership was steady and Mark Watson (29) and Parkerman (67) put on 58 for the first wicket. Sam Fishlock (15) was also steady and when Sam Parke (6) came in wickets were understandably lost in the quest to increase the run rate. A bold (19 not out) from Sam Spong at the death took our total to 161 for the loss of five wickets. With a very sluggish outfield this seemed and was a good total.
Our four bowlers all used the wicket well and their figures were all good. Martin Couch 2 - 11, Jonesy 2 - 23, Raj 2 -21 and Michael Boyden 3 - 32 and Hartley being rolled over in the 39th over for 93. Excellent fielding with Ariez being greedy taking three catches and combining well with Michael Boyden for a run out. Sam Parke kept wicket really well and helped himself to three catches. A good catch taken by Sam Fishlock and an absolute stunner caught and bowled by Michael Boyden with the Umpire diving for cover. Three hard chances dropped but as we won convincingly I will not name and shame. A really good team performance with good captaincy and lots of encouragement all round
The game was played in a good spirit with one ours, James Langford, and one of theirs both walking to 'feathers' to the keeper which this umpire appreciates and many thanks to Hartley. The Umpire put in an excellent performance and the only moan was from us for a possible glove to the keeper. As it was only a possible glove he quite rightly did not give it!
If we keep the numbers up we will seriously investigate getting a fifth team together as this is possibly the only way the actual Skipper will get a game!
Pre-season practice match
The cricket season started on Saturday 27th April on a bright but cold day. The 2's match was a non starter as it appeared Old Wilsonians had forgotten to turn up!
This allowed them to have a meaningful training stint on the main square. All getting a bat and a bowl and all seemed to benefit from it. Especially those that were out cheaply but although I know who you were they remain nameless!
The 3's and 4's mixed themselves up into Rousey's Royals and Bob's Bashers.
Again all benefited. Good knocks from Dan Smedley, Billy Rouse, Liam Osbourne, Steve Smith, Marc Woods, John McLaughlin, Ben Stuart and Jake Owen. Quite a few sixes with one from Ariez that sailed straight into the tennis courts much to the surprise of the people playing there!
Good bowling from Sam Hutton, Woodsy, Jake, Calum (shaky start) Hider, John Mac, Michael Boyden, Ben Stuart, Billy, Taylor Emblem, Ariez, Tom Nichols and Sam Fishlock.
Rousey's Snr and Dave Vigus both tidy behind the stumps, Dave taking two good catches.
Special mention for David Edwards attempt to take an extremely quick slip chance. After parrying the ball into the air he decided to dive in his second attempt. Well the earth moved for me and he is probably still feeling it!
A good day from start to finish and a really good atmosphere.
Thanks To Neville for umpiring and special thanks to Anne Webster for scoring on a day when she needed four layers of clothes, gloves and her faithful sleeping bag. Howard Smith did offer to give her a cuddle and was surprised when she turned him down.
League games start next Saturday with the 3's away.
This allowed them to have a meaningful training stint on the main square. All getting a bat and a bowl and all seemed to benefit from it. Especially those that were out cheaply but although I know who you were they remain nameless!
The 3's and 4's mixed themselves up into Rousey's Royals and Bob's Bashers.
Again all benefited. Good knocks from Dan Smedley, Billy Rouse, Liam Osbourne, Steve Smith, Marc Woods, John McLaughlin, Ben Stuart and Jake Owen. Quite a few sixes with one from Ariez that sailed straight into the tennis courts much to the surprise of the people playing there!
Good bowling from Sam Hutton, Woodsy, Jake, Calum (shaky start) Hider, John Mac, Michael Boyden, Ben Stuart, Billy, Taylor Emblem, Ariez, Tom Nichols and Sam Fishlock.
Rousey's Snr and Dave Vigus both tidy behind the stumps, Dave taking two good catches.
Special mention for David Edwards attempt to take an extremely quick slip chance. After parrying the ball into the air he decided to dive in his second attempt. Well the earth moved for me and he is probably still feeling it!
A good day from start to finish and a really good atmosphere.
Thanks To Neville for umpiring and special thanks to Anne Webster for scoring on a day when she needed four layers of clothes, gloves and her faithful sleeping bag. Howard Smith did offer to give her a cuddle and was surprised when she turned him down.
League games start next Saturday with the 3's away.