Newsletter #2
- odcuacoweb
- May 22
- 15 min read
Another action-packed week of cricket has seen our junior and senior teams putting in some fantastic performances across the board. The U17s kicked things off with a strong 36-run victory over Bromley Common, while the U13 Titans and U11s also secured convincing wins, showcasing the exciting talent coming through the ranks. Meanwhile, our U15 squads faced tough opposition, with Spirit and Brave sides falling short against Bromley teams.
On the senior side, it was a weekend of mixed fortunes. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and Sunday XIs all picked up brilliant wins — including standout hundreds from debutant Dan Richardson and a dominant bowling display by Alex Walker. However, the 1st XI fell to Kings Hill despite solid knocks from Will East and Kieran Hammond.
This week sees a bumper weekend of fixtures, with ODs hosting 4 senior games in a row to add to the bubbling junior scene. On Friday, we host Langley Park Boys school in a T20 before our usual four Saturday league games the next day. Following this, we have home friendlies on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday (which we still need a couple more players for so please respond on Teamer!)
Picture of the Week
1st XI v Kings Hill
A Series of Unfortunate Events
As mis-recorded by a deeply regretful observer
If you enjoy tales of triumph, unity and sportsmanship, I must advise you to stop reading immediately and turn to a story involving a wholesome village fête or perhaps a well-cooked lasagne. For the events that unfolded at Kings Hill - a deceptively cheerful name for a ground that has seen more ODs heartbreak than Oscar Jasper’s fresher year at the Uni - were riddled with calamity, confusion and cow corner chaos.
Our tragic tale began, as many do, with a problem. The 1st XI were without a wicketkeeper. All week, messages were sent, arms were twisted, and bribes may or may not have been offered. In the end, Jack McCarthy was liberated from the chains of Tom Howe’s employment and dragged back into the fray after a year of peace and quiet. Hero or hostage? The answer remains unclear, but thank you to Jack for stepping in where others c(w)ouldn't. Less thanks should go to him for bringing his Dad along...
Following the unsurprising slightly late arrival of Mike Parr's car at Kings Hill, Will East promptly felt ill, perhaps in premonition of what was to come. He missed the warm-up, which may have been merciful. Captain Chris, whose optimism can only be described as disturbingly persistent, won the toss and elected to bat — a decision that soon appeared to have been made incorrectly.
Mike Parr, a man with big dreams and little patience, attempted to dispatch the second ball of the day to the upper atmosphere and was promptly given LBW. Koot was dropped first ball by a lurking fielder from another dimension that he “had not seen” and Nick Worsley followed Mike’s example and got out LBW, but thankfully with a somewhat more respectful shot. Captain Chris “Shnickketted” off before Dan Webster declared aloud his fate (“I’m going to get bowled by this guy”) and, never one to break a promise, immediately was. Joe East, perhaps trying to escape the madness, uppercut himself with the bouncer he received, but sadly only connected with the ball which looped into the slips. At 20-5, the score looked less like a cricket innings and more like a tragic accident on the scoreboard.
Koot fell next — a catch on the boundary by an oppo Australian whose footwork defied both the laws of physics and the concept of honesty. Despite credible witnesses that this awful Aussie had trod on the boundary marker (Chris and Nick, two good honest, mainly English men), the umpires gave it out. 22-6.
At this point, the mood was not so much grim as post-apocalyptic. But like a daffodil in a nuclear wasteland, or a “You up?” message in Louis Boyden’s DMs, Will and Ainger began to rebuild and gave some hope. Ainger made a valiant 21 before succumbing to a rogue cover fielder just as ODs dared to dream.
Then entered Kieran Hammond, bat swinging like a man possessed. He and Will stitched together 88 glorious runs for the eighth wicket. Will crafted a fine 67, Kieran a thunderous 58. This resilience truly was the highlight of what was, overall, a terrible day. Jack McCarthy and Dan Baylis added a few crucial runs to scrape the total to 195 — which, in cricketing terms, was still about 70-80 runs shy of dignity.
Tea was… fine.
The outfield, however, was anything but. It was quick, it was bobbly, and at times the ODs fielders made it look like it was laced with landmines, or in the case of Dan Webster, invisible cricket balls. Kieran bowled a miserly spell (6-2-10-0), earning the admiration of no wickets. Baylis struck first, thanks to a sharp take by Jack McCarthy. We looked like we could have a sniff at this point, but it only got worse.
Then arrived their number 3. Miles Richardson — a man who had once played professional cricket and now, apparently, sought vengeance on recreational bowlers in exchange for some petty cash. He batted like a Greek god with a grudge, giving up just one extremely tough chance (dropped, naturally). His partner, a man of slightly less mythological skill, made 40 — thanks in part to multiple drops by the somewhat flat ODs fielders.
Eventually, Ainger dismissed the mortal. In came their number 4, widely believed to be the worst in the league. He scored 22*. Naturally.
Richardson reached his century late on and carried his bat through the innings and aloft off the pitch as Kings Hill defeated ODs by eight wickets.
Dear reader, let this be a warning: cricket may be a game of fine margins and much joy, but it can also inflict terrible misery in lots of different ways. Sadly for ODs, most of these came on the same day.
Thank you to Jane for scoring and well done to the following award winners from the day:
Man of the Match: Will East for his battling 67.
Catch of the match (VPCOM): Jack McCarthy for being the only person to take one.
DoD: Dan Webster for looking for a ball behind the boundary rope when it was still in play, and the batsmen not running as it would be “bullying”.
The End. We move on to next week and aim to replicate our superb week 1 performance back at the home of cricket!
Match report by Lemony Shnicked-It
2nd XI v Bromley
Bromley arrived at the home of cricket, and you sensed a certain level of confidence in their demeanour; their 1’s had been promoted to the Premiership and they stuffed us at OD’s on the penultimate weekend of the previous season to avoid relegation.
The plan of win toss, bat was helped greatly by them not turning up with an umpire. We had the redoubtable Howard Smith umpiring for us and were all very grateful for his assured and calm presence (surely, he’s worth a few fantasy points for umpiring?). Thank you, Howard.
Laurence has clearly spent the winter watching 20/20 cricket and persevered with dropping himself to 3 and using a pinch hitter to open, but it continues to not be the success he is hoping for. And he even brought the boundaries in by about 2 metres square of the wicket to encourage scoring, but don’t worry Gazball fans, straight and cow still required an almighty biff. The pitch itself was a contradiction; bowl too full or too wide and it was relatively easy to score, but anything straight and back of a length caused problems for all batsmen.
Gary Howarth and Laurence looked untroubled in a 38 run stand, helping the team recover from a wobbling 27 – 2 but when they were both removed within a run of each other, and followed quickly by debutant Lucas Mackenzie, we looked in a spot of bother at 71 – 5. In order to boost morale, the target score was quickly revised to ‘I still think we could defend 140’ from the skipper, but only he knows whether he really believed that.
But it didn’t matter. A wonderful 115 run partnership between Pete White 48* and Ash Arora took us racing past 140. It was a mixture of powerful boundaries, clever batting and milking the field through some ingenious and cheeky run calling, mixed in with a few suicidal calls resulting in overthrows which kept the players and the OD Ultras (Mr and Mrs Davison, Mrs Loader) highly entertained. When Ash was eventually out for a fantastic 63 off 70 balls, all that was left was to take bets on which of the shots in Liam’s 2 shot repertoire he would use. He vetoed the mid wicket slog in favour of the third man dab and dragged us to an excellent 189 – 6. Pete left the field to a well-deserved ovation and looked delighted and exhausted in equal measure.
Bromley’s response was predictable – try and thrash everything pitched up in the V and don’t get too concerned if it goes in the air or if you play and miss. They raced to 46 without loss until Kai nipped out the opener caught behind. He must have gone past the outside edge at least 20 times without further reward and bowled a great opening 9 overs. Bromley continued in a similar vein and reached 71 – 1 before Laurence was able to unleash his not so secret weapon of accurate slow bowling and spin wizardry. The triumvirate of Ash, Liam and Rakesh then turned the game with combined figures of 8 for 55 from 21.1 overs. Rakesh nipped out their skipper/opener who sent an ugly heave straight up into the sky to be caught by Laurence and then bowled their number 3. Liam took 4 including 2 stumpings and a notable catch by Kai at backward point whilst nursing a broken finger. Don’t worry – he can still hold a pint and a vape.
Ash removed their dangerous number 4 following a bit of sledging from Laurence. I say sledging. It wasn’t exactly Michael Clarke/Jimmy Anderson ‘prepare for a broken f***ing arm’ sledging. It was more ‘I don’t think you are very good’. Anyway, it worked as he tried to mow Ash onto the golf course and was bowled. The success of our spinners even brought about the return of Davo but this time bowling left arm round the wicket spin – he even took a wicket which showed the dominance of slow bowling. And as many 2’s matches end, so did this one with Ash picking up the final wicket caught smartly at mid wicket by Gary leaving us victors by 58 runs. Our next fixture – away on the ploughed field at Loring Hall. At least they do a nice tea…
Match Report by Richard Loader
3rd XI v London Knights
Meet time at the ODs 2nd Home ground was 12.15. Your reporter was the first to arrive at around 12.17 to find the oppo all there and warming up. The rest of the team gradually rocked up and sadly no-one thought to take the ultimate photo of ODs new boy James having a leisurely fag, resplendent in his bucket hat, whilst London Knights threw themselves around in catching practice. Anyway, someone won the toss and ODs were batting. New opening partnership Sherry and Lake (I think I bought an umbrella from them once) are a daunting prospect for any opposition however we weren’t treated to too many fireworks as Sherry powered his first ball for 4 and then decided to walk in front of his wicket. Chris (41) then joined Tom (78*) for a stand of 72 that went close to determining the match. Chris was full of his normal endeavour and looked nailed on for a 50 before popping up a ball for a catch that was, to put it mildly, a rather unexpected end to good innings and a great partnership.
At drinks we were 101-2 off 20 looking at a whopping score. Sadly, the subsequent 15 overs were not too much to write about as we either threw away wickets or suffered at the hands (or finger) of the London Knights umpire (Craig and Howard). He seemed a pretty fair guy so probably just bad decisions. 2 bright spots were 1) Tom batted absolutely magnificently to carry his bat for 78 and would have had a 100 if someone could have actually stayed with him. I don’t recall a single chance and he never looked in trouble. Always controlled, put away the bad ball, looked to have plenty of time to play his shots 2) a final wicket partnership of 25 between Tom and Howard. Howard has been putting plenty of off-season effort into his batting and it paid off. Sadly he discovered, like so many batsman before him, that no amount of practice can mitigate the umpiring “howler”.
London Knights (hereafter LK) were set 157 to win which was, how do you say, a sporting offer on a fast and bumpy outfield but a pitch that was up and down and a tendency to stop. If a couple of batsmen could get in then it could be chased down quite easily but lose wickets and it becomes a tougher proposition. East and Thomas opened up and the LK no 1 went off like a train. A thumping off drive for 4 at the beginning of East’s 2nd over, followed by a heave over mid-wicket for another 4 and then an absurd missed attempt at a “hoik” summed up 3s cricket in a couple of balls (18-1). The bowlers then settled into a steady pattern and the run rate dropped to a crawl. East picked up a couple more wickets to finish with 3-16. Alex took over from Howard, and after a few overs to settle in hit a beautiful rhythm, bowling with a bit of nip off the seam that made life difficult for the batters. At the other end the skipper had decided to pass the left-arm spinner duties to Tom who bowled with great control and together the 2 youngsters strangled the life out of LK. Some good catches in the field (2 for Tom, 1 for Alex and Hamza) and a run out from the bullet arm of Simon Henley meant that the LK were 98-8.
The required rate climbed from 6 an over to nearly 9 at one point. It probably should have been all over at this stage however the LK skipper batted very skilfully and was ably supported by the number 10 who blocked one end (and got a bit ‘Australian’ about a caught behind). Controversy ensued in the final overs as, with only 25 runs needed the skipper “suggested” to the square leg umpire that he could call no-ball as too many fielders were outside the ring. This was controversial as THERE WAS NO RING! It all got sorted, the skipper was out shortly afterwards which meant that we’d basically had a big argument for nothing. The last wicket pair lasted a couple of balls: Alex was on for 5-fer and duly picked up the last wicket. He finished with 6.4-0-20-5, very well deserved.
Match report by Robin East
4th XI v Bexley Park
A home game at Hartley on a beautiful early summer afternoon and a lovely wicket with no obvious demons according to Fox Senior so we expected to bat first should Skipper Coles win the toss. The toss was duly won and the opposition put into bat with the justification being that it worked last week; as good a reason as any I suppose.
Despite the Skipper’s confidence in his decision making, it is likely that a few doubts crept into his mind as Bexley Park certainly brought their “Bazball” version of themselves to the game with some impressive early boundaries and an aggressive approach. However, Steve Sawko ( 9-1-30-3) soon had his first victim lbw. This brought to the crease a chap called Shane. A cricketing triumvirate to behold of Sawko, Rouse Snr and Coles had already hatched their plan for the poor fellow having remembered his strength on the leg side from previous encounters. Starved of runs in his preferred area the left hander edged a ball perfectly slanted across him from Sawko into the skipper’s safe gloves. An excellent wicket of a key threat gone and all credit to Sawko for his ability to bowl, umpire and commentate at the same time…
Bexley continued with their aggressive approach and ODs kept taking wickets. Debutant Enoch Passamolla ( 5-0-34-2) bowled an excellent spell and was also responsible for the run out via a direct hit of the other dangerous looking opener. The Skipper also bowled a very effective spell (5-0-22-1) including the wicket of the top scoring number 4 who took one risk too many against Coles’ wily off spin. Tom Fox bowled a fantastic spell with flight, spin and changes of speed that deceived all of the batsmen that faced him ( 9-2-34-1). He will bowl a lot worse than that and take wickets. Billy Rouse also bowled a tremendous spell, uphill, in the heat and feeling pretty under the weather and did not get rewarded for making all the batsman uncomfortable – he certainly softened them up for the others (9 -2-30-1). The bowlers were backed up by good ground fielding ( Rousey said it was, so it must have been) and Fox Snr reminded us of what a good arm looks like in the field. So, the Skipper’s decision looked justified as the opposition were limited to 163. The only disappointment being the failure to take the final wicket.
ODs’ reply came with the same opening pair of Harding and Rouse from last week’s successful run chase. The first few overs were quite tricky to face, and Rouse was judged lbw early on. The Chairman kept his head down avoiding the umpire’s gaze but to no avail. Suddenly the temperature seemed a little chillier. A few on the sideline began to gather their pads to be at the ready but they needn’t have bothered. Harding (54*) joined by Anmol Pasamolla (79*) batted through the next 35 overs to see ODs over the line with 9 wickets in hand. Both played excellent innings, watchful on the good balls and taking advantage when scoring opportunities presented themselves. Harding particularly enjoying his late cuts to wider deliveries and Amnol combining solid defence with a range of well-timed strokes without ever looking in too much danger. The two also ran extremely well between the wickets with Kev matching Amnol all the way.
The rest of us sat back, relaxed, watched the wonderful batting display and got updates on Palace beating City in the FA Cup Final so a great day all around.
Now Steve, about those showers…
Match report by Mick Boyden
Sunday XI v Woodside Green CC
Junior Results
Under 17s v Bromley Common
It was a lovely evening for cricket, marred by the traffic chaos at Keston Mark, resulting in 45 minute journeys to Bromley Common and late arrivals for both teams. We were very thankful to 3 year-9’s who stepped up to get us up to 11 players, Zac Arratoon, plus U17 debutants, Chrissy Walker and Ben Lake.
Play finally started about 20 minutes late. Having lost the toss, we were pleasantly surprised to be batting first. However, when Tom was LBW for 3 and Luke caught for 12, 2 balls later, we were 23-2 and in trouble. Max and Marshall were at the crease and started rebuilding. The score passed 50, then 75, then 100 and when Marshall was caught for 34 in the 19th over, we had witnessed a 111 run stand. Max batted through to 60 not out and Ed made a quick 5 and we finished on a very respectable141 for 3.
In response, BC soon lost their captain, LBW to Ollie, in a wicket maiden over but their no1 and no3 steadied the ship and passed the 50 partnership. However, the no3 was caught by Marshall off Ben P at the start of the 11th over with the score on 61. The batters who followed struggled to make much impact until bat 8 scored 11 off 5 balls. The bowling figures were pretty good, though we still need more work on minimising the wides. Max 1-20, Ollie 3-25, Ben 1-17, Ed 2-15, Enoch 0-19 and Marshall 1-6. A stumping for Tom and good catches for Luke, Marshall and for young Ben Lake who had the biggest smile when he realised he’d taken it!
A much needed first win, finished in the gloom and cold, following the late start. Three weeks until our next fixture which is our first home game, vs. Old Elthamians.
Match report by Bob Bridges
Fantasy Cricket
Welcome to the 2025 edition of OD CUACO CC Fantasy Cricket!
Here you are able to make the decisions and choices that you want to make. Who are your big hitters going to be? Who are you going to trust to be your team's captain? Will you make the correct choice when selecting your all important all rounder? The answers will soon be clear in the coming weeks.
Every single adult match played on a Saturday will count towards the points tally so use your talent spotting to select their best possible 11 from a budget of £55 million.
Cost of entry per team is just £6, payment must be made via this website when you set your team up. You can enter as many sides as you like. There will be prize money available (details TBC).
Good luck and thanks for playing!
Communications - OD CUACO WhatsApp Announcements Group
Join our ODs WhatsApp Announcements group! By scanning the below from a mobile phone / tablet etc. you will be asking to join our newly formed members information group. The administrators of the group will provide amongst club updates, news of social/ cricket events, and any quick one line information bulletins considered useful to members. This will be an information only group and will not be a chat. Newsletters with more in-depth information will continue to be sent.
200 Club
The 200 club is a monthly raffle that occurs throughout the season giving members the opportunity to win up to £200. Entry is just £20 per ticket for the year.
Its not long until the first draw for the season, so if you would like to join, details can be found here along with the payment link.
Ball and Match Sponsorship
We are still looking for ball and match sponsorships for our games this year. These come at just at £25. This is a very important way for us to raise funds for various projects at the club, not covered in our normal budget. The link for this is below.
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