A bumper weekend of fixtures took place last week, with ODs putting out 5 sides on Saturday, and 2 senior sides on the Sunday, in addition to all the junior cricket ongoing. Some great results emerged, and you can read all about them below.
Also next week, do not forget our club Bingo night is on at the clubhouse. 19:30 start and lots of money to win!
A Fond Farewell
ODs marked the passing of "Grandpa Shah" on Saturday before their game with Folkestone. A fond follower of our first team, and part of our famous supporter group of the Patel Army will be greatly missed on the boundary at our fixtures. Our thoughts go out to the Patel family on the sad loss of such a great character.
On Saturday, at our first home fixture since his passing, and on the return of Eashan to the 1st XI team after a stint away in Gibraltar, the 1st XI and opposition Folkestone held a minute's silence in his honour (Pictured below).
Results
Match Reports:
1st XI v Folkestone
The latest crunch match for the ODs 1st XI in their Championship campaign came at home to Folkestone, who rocked up with a few larger-than-life characters in their ranks. The broadest smile on Cameron Sanders’ lips indicated that amongst them was a former Test Cricketer. One of his teammates was beside himself with excitement.
Andrew Ainger won the toss again and decided to bat first on a warm day. Initially, things didn’t go according to plan, as Nick Worsley’s dot-ball vigil ended when he holed out to cow corner. At 13/1 from 9 overs, with the opposition’s best bowler still stood at slip, things looked a little sticky. At this point, Koot Pienaar’s famous patience finally ran out, as he stepped down the pitch and launched not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE sixes in a single over, two of which nearly killed the scorers. 43/1 at the end of the powerplay, nicely done.
Dan Webster nicked off playing an indeterminate prod, and spent the rest of the afternoon kicking himself that he was only two overs away from being able to say he’d faced a Test bowler (although he can console himself at the thought of surviving Martin McCague’s off spin from years gone by…) On came James Tredwell, and his fluent action had all onlookers purring immediately. A man who has dismissed Kumar Sangakkara, AB De Villiers and Rohit Sharma soon added Chris Webster to his esteemed list of victims with a fizzing delivery that hit bat, pad, and stumps. “He’s just like any other club off-spinner” was the verdict as he walked off, showing just how much his anger at the dismissal had clouded his judgement.
Jamie Batten joined the determined Pienaar in the middle and set about accumulating effectively. Since the quiet start ODs hadn’t looked back, with each spinner receiving a taste of the Pienaar medicine. A third attempt to deprive us of scorers resulted in the ball bouncing into the scorebox itself, where it then managed to become lodged in a box of spares – the perfect hiding place, until it was finally located. Further disrespect was shown by Jamie Batten, who dared to sweep one of the great servants of Kentish cricket for six. Revenge was as sweet as it was salty, as during the drinks break Batten requested a packet of Pom Bears to replenish his salt levels. “That’s what a seven-year-old would eat” smirked the one-time England captain.
With a ninth six down the ground, Pienaar reached his first hundred of the league summer. His intent to double it up was impressive, but eventually he missed one and was stumped for 115 (92). Joe East swept a couple of lovely boundaries before falling into the trap down the ground. With Cameron Sanders falling to a rough decision, Pip France being bowled soon after, and Jamie Batten being given lbw for 39, there was a risk that the positive scoring rate would come to nothing. Fortunately, captain Ainger stepped up and struck the ball nicely around the ground, contributing 45* and taking the team up to 283 before he ran his last partner out two overs short of the full 50.
Batten was finally back to full fitness and celebrated with a beautiful length ball that cut back in and hit the opener’s off stump. Despite this initial success the runs were flowing until the first drinks break, with Folkestone’s overseas playing some particularly impressive shots down the ground and square of the wicket. Occasional wickets kept a lid on things, with Alex Davison delighting his dad on the boundary with an lbw, and Koot bowling the number four with a straighter one.
After a rollicking partnership for the fourth wicket, the skipper turned to his strike bowler and Batten duly struck an important blow, dismissing the big-hitting number five. Dan Webster’s roly poly medium pace had been dispatched in the previous over, but now he had the chance to bowl at a man with a Test high score of 37. The leg stump half volley that was clipped over square leg for four smacked of a ‘thank you for all you’ve done, here are some runs’ delivery, so the skipper ended the experiment and returned with his spin.
Chris Webster replaced Batten, and got his revenge for the earlier dismissal by having Tredwell caught at mid-wicket – a slightly odd technique but a catch-of-the-match winner by the skipper all the same. Regular wickets kept falling but none were of the overseas opener, who reached a very impressive century and gave his side a great chance of victory with his continued presence at the crease. The one thing he’d lacked was aggression over the top, and when he finally attempted it, the execution was lacking. Stumped Eashan Patel, bowled Andrew Ainger for 123 (117).
Suddenly the tail had to take it upon themselves to score runs, rather than let the senior player do it. The rate was ticking up again, but in the penultimate over there was still a chance that the tenth wicket pair could sneak Folkestone home. The ball was struck down the ground, and the batsmen returned for a second run. Cameron Sanders hit the stumps with his throw, prompting the batsmen to attempt a scrambled third. Chris Webster chased it to mid-off, slid, threw from the floor to the keeper’s end. A despairing dive as Eashan removed the bails was not enough, the ball had won the race. ODs had won the game by 14 runs.
Smiles of relief and joy were shared around the winning team, as they were applauded off by a strong crowd of supporters and returning cricketers. The biggest smile of all was saved for later, when the losing side’s England hero was literally cornered in the bar by his number-one fan sporting a devotional shirt that he’d bought with his own money. Talk about rubbing salt into the wound after a defeat. On the subject of salt, has anyone seen my packet of PomBears?
MoM: Koot Pienaar
VPCOM: Andrew Ainger
DoD: Jamie 'PomBears' Batten (somehow pipped Dan 'Tredders' Webster)
Match report by Daniel Webster
2nd XI v Old Colfeians
In an exciting encounter at the Old Colfeians cricket ground, the ODs men emerged victorious by 5 wickets against Old Colfeians. ODs displayed exceptional bowling skills to restrict the opposition to a total of 137 runs, and then chased down the target with ease, completing the task in just 33.2 overs.
Old Colfeians won the toss and elected to bat first. Their opening batsman provided a steady start but adopted a cautious approach, scoring a slow and unbeaten 42 runs. However, the ODs bowlers showed their prowess by consistently taking wickets and limiting the run flow.
The standout bowlers for ODs were Andy Hall and Ash, who delivered exceptional performances. Andy bowled a tight line and length, conceding only 22 runs in his 9 overs, including 2 maidens, and took an impressive 3 wickets. Ash, on the other hand, maintained good control over his deliveries, giving away just 21 runs in his 9 overs, including 1 maiden, and picking up 2 wickets.
Kai Bennett also contributed to the team's bowling effort, with an economical spell of 9 overs, including 3 maidens, in which he conceded 32 runs. Liam Pooley showcased his skills by claiming 1 wicket while giving away only 20 runs in his 9 overs, including 2 maidens. Will East bowled with determination and managed to restrict the opposition, conceding 37 runs in his 9 overs.
Old Colfeians managed to reach a total of 137/6 in their allotted 45 overs, thanks to some resilient batting in the middle order. However, ODs bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings and prevented Old Colfeians from posting a more challenging target.
Chasing the target of 138 runs, ODs started off positively and with a steady approach. Gary, with his determined batting, emerged as the star performer of the innings. He displayed great composure and played a pivotal role in the successful run chase. Gary's brilliant knock of 56 runs anchored the innings and guided the team towards victory.
Apart from Gary, several other batsmen made valuable contributions to the chase. Isaac scored 22 runs, while Richard added 18 runs to the total. Will scored 9 runs, Oscar contributed 7 runs, and Bunners scored a hard-fought run before getting the ball of the century which ended his day.
ODs displayed a collective team effort in the chase, with each batsman playing their part and contributing to the victory. The team's disciplined approach and clinical execution allowed them to achieve the target with plenty of overs to spare.
In conclusion, it was an outstanding performance by ODs as they secured a comprehensive 5-wicket victory against Old Colfeians. The bowlers, especially Andy Hall and Ash, showcased their skills by taking crucial wickets and restricting the opposition to a manageable total. The batsmen, led by Gary's remarkable innings, ensured a successful run chase and sealed the win
for ODs. The team can take great pride in their efforts and look forward to building on this success in their upcoming matches.
Match report by Henry Hamilton
3rd XI v Orpington Ocelots
Boiling hot day and a cabbage patch of a deck. What a time for Craig to lose a toss…..
ODs inevitably sent out into the oven to see what the deck had to offer, and if they could cook up some early wickets. That was answered in the first over. Baylis (9-2-29-2) capitalising on the inconsistent bounce (think Sabina Park circa 1998) mixing chin music with full and straight. This removed the opening batter, his middle and leg pole uprooted with a well placed Yorker. East (4-0-29-1) took the new ball at the other end with the opposition looking to attack after losing an early wicket. East made the second breakthrough. Sneeeeeks straight to P Parke Jr behind the stumps. From there on numb
ers 1 and 4 bat pushed hard and found the boundary with help from the lightening quick outfield. Laycock (9-1-56-1) and Thomas (9-0-33-3) came into the attack and bowled superbly, some great wickets. The best of the bunch from Laycock. A ball on a good length that the batter had to play before shaping away and finding the edge. Thomas however was the pick of the bowlers. Ideal line and length. Finding the Hot-points on the deck and Bosch, his Valliant efforts rewarded with wickets. Rouse (9-2-35-1) and Baylis tried the wrap up the tail but in vein. A few too many extras and some aggressive batting from the Orpington tail gave them maybe 30-40 more runs than they deserved and a total of 190-9 at the close.
The tea break saw Sheri head in search of his usual chicken wing and chip supper but the upmarket Sevenoaks doesn’t have a chicken shop! Sez’s quest for fried chicken meant that White (3) and Colby (0) opened up, and there was soon trouble. Sheri (8) made it back in time to go in at 3 and was joined by Westmacott (2) and then Parke (1). ODs were 16-5. Chaos! I won’t go into detail but the wickets were a mix of an inconsistent deck, some questionable umpiring (Furthermore referenced as Trigger) and Sheri still wondering about looking for chicken wings outside of his crease. Bilal (42) and Laycock (27) steadied the ship but when Ewan fell ODs found themselves 63-6 with a lot of work still to do. Baylis (36*) put on some runs with Bilal including some big hitting by the latter! One too many big hits led to a smart catch and Rouse (15) joined Baylis. Reaching 120 before Billy was given run out in one of the worst decisions I have ever seen. A good 6 inches in his ground. Trigger unleashed his weapon from the holster quicker than John Wayne. Then even more hilarity. East (0) was beamed, chopped on with a bottom edge whilst having a swing at it. Of course, Trigger didn’t acknowledge the no ball and he gets his marching orders. Howard (3) supported Baylis but alas was run out and ODs were bowled out for 144.
A frustrating day, but we very much look forward to the return fixture. Anyone fancy umpiring?
Match report by Daniel Baylis
4th XI v LESSA
On a weekend where the temperature was due to reach 35C, the skipper had already decided if he won the toss he was going to bowl! Everyone knew he was going to get abused on PoB for this, but he had a plan.
The plan - part 1 - Fielding
"Our bowling attack will do better on this while it's green rather than after tea when it's gone brown"
OD's got to work with Avis coming down the hill, and Ansar up the hill. That green pitch was certainly looking good for Elliot as he settled into a rhythm and the ball did the rest. Billy was also looking good up the hill beating the bat consistently.
A nice bit of cloud cover settled in as well which aided the bowling. No wickets yet, but not many runs either. The opening bat was starting to puff a bit after trying to keep the board ticking with quick singles, and also after wearing the ball a few times courtesy of both bowlers.
At first drinks LESSA had roughly 40 for no loss, time for a change and Sawko was given the ball coming down the hill. The openers clearly fancied Steve's change of pace after facing Avis for 6 overs, but that cost the opening bat as he hit the ball to McCarthy in the covers, 1 down. Steve then struck again clean bowling the other opener. Another change of bowling saw Henley take over from the bottom end with a surprisingly tight first over of the season. More tight bowling brought both bowlers a wicket, 3 and 4 both bowled. The 5 bat clearly hadn't seen what damage Sawko was doing and decided to try and trouble the tennis courts, big swing and a miss, another big swing and a top edge that Steve took with comfort (and 4 other fielders had time to get to). The 6 bat looked like he'd been recruited in the car park as he walked out in his black tracksuit bottoms and trainers, but he did have a good eye and managed to keep his wicket in tact. The 7 bat wasn't so good and Sawko sent him back to the dressing room sharpish to secure his 5-fer. The opening bowlers now came back to finish their 9 overs, with Avis picking up 2 quick wickets to put him on a hattrick. A full toss looking for another yorker scuppered those hopes and Elliot finished with 2 for 19 off his 9. Billy Ansar from the other end was very unlucky not to get a wicket, his best chance put down by Dan Brown after some juggling and a stumble, and finished on 0 for 21. Sawko and Henley came back to finish things off and Sawko did just that mopping up the tail with glee, first caught by Bridges and then LBW. Henley finished with 1 for 15, but the man of the moment was Steve Sawko with 7 for 15.
A good fielding display despite a few dropped chances, including Sawko leaping like a salmon.
The plan - part 2 - Batting
Abhishek and Rohan started off for OD's, and the skipper very kindly took Sawko with him to umpire/give bowling advice.
Both batters were getting some good contact with the ball, but finding the field more often than not. No problem, plenty of time, and now the sun had come out and not a cloud in sight, perfect!
Abhi and Rohan kept on working, looking for spaces, not panicking. Unfortunately Rohan had to make way for Rowan after getting bowled by a good delivery.
Clappy was welcomed into the crease with one of the best balls of the innings and did well to survive the LBW shout, but survive he did and set to work booming the ball to the boundary in his own inimitable way! This was a good innings by Rowan as he didn't let the big shots take over unnecessarily, and it was a good partnership as well with some good running between the wickets, clear calling and pressure on the fielders when necessary.
Abhishek hit some of boundaries of his own, timing a couple of drives and hammering a couple of pulls to end not out on 27.
Rowan took 48 minutes and around 40 balls to reach his 50, and with 5 needed for the win we all wondered if he'd finish in style? and he didn't let us down, booming the ball into the trees for 6 to end 58 not out (ten 4s, one 6).
A great win, planned to perfection, and LESSA took away 1 solitary point!
Match report by Simon Henley
5th XI v Tonbridge Foresters
It is not often the Fifth Eleven find themselves as the stronger of the two sides and it was just as well the Skipper negotiated batting first on a very hot day in the Garden of England. We had a side of a nice age range of young/old and decrepit and fortunately they all got a game of sorts. Thanks go to all our youngsters who fielded for the opposition who were one short and who had the cheek to take two catches thus getting themselves into bat earlier than they would have expected.
A pitch of uneven bounce saw Kev and Ollie B give us a steady start until Kev was adjudged LBW. Amol came to the wicket and the run rate improved following bowling changes until Ollie B was caught by one of the subs. Hugo entered the fray and he and Amol played some beautiful cricket shots and that together with some fine running gave us a stand of 98. Amol sportingly ‘retired’ on 66 and Hugo gave his wicket away on 63. Sadly Tom Dyer who’d had his pads on for over 2 hours got a first baller and then Max, Tom and Ollie A took us up to 239 including 37 extras.
Like the old days it was lovely to have an old fashioned tea and out we went to field.
We opened with Max and Ollie A, both bowled well and Max was on a hat trick (failed) finishing with 3 wickets with Ollie A only getting one but deserved more. Tom Lake bowled an excellent two over spell bowling slow left arm and was also on a hat trick (failed) and also finished with 3 wickets. Phil wheeled away at the other end keeping the runs down and it was left to Tom Fox, giving each delivery more air, to wrap things up with the oppo getting 48 Including 13 extras.
Fielding was excellent with some fine catches. Phil ‘the Clutch’ Parke took two at first slip, Hugo a fine diving catch at gully with Tom Lake and the Skipper taking a couple of easy chances.
This week our thanks to Andy Hall for getting five Fixtures, to Tom Fox and Richard Bennett for scoring and extra thanks to Foxy who umpired both ends and tried hard to keep the match flowing.
Match report by Howard Smith
Sunday Development XI v Old Wilsonians
The start of the Dev league began at the home of Cricket. Most of the team had been out until 3am in the morning so it was dubious as to how it would play out.
William’s streak of winning the toss continued so he chose to bat first.
Henry and Rohan opened the batting but the partnership was short lived when Rohan stepped out of his crease and was duly stumped by the wicket keeper. In came James Sims who was playing against his former club. Henry and James put on a partnership of 38 before Henry fell having scored 26 with an array of boundaries. James played beautifully (even trying to take out the opposition umpire at one point) and made a very good 54.
William had been inundated with pleas from team mates wanting to bat so the middle order consisted of Hugo, Alex, Ewan and Jack. Their time at the crease was, however, short-lived and they put on 9 runs between them (not including extras).
In stepped the lower order of Oscar (43), Isaac (12), William (43* playing with Henry’s bat which was Yash’s bat!!) and Billy (18) who managed to score some much needed runs including a last wicket partnership of 61 that took the score to just under 250 and a good total to defend.
The second innings started very well. Two quick wickets from Alex and Oscar reduced the visitors to just 6 runs and then another one shortly after from Oscar meant that OWs were 35 – 3. However, the next stage of the game did not go to plan. A partnership of 152 between batsman 4 and 5 meant that the Winviz swung well in favour of an OWs win despite some good bowling from Billy and the team. The batsman who scored 90 was dropped on 1 and several times again after that. Finally, the partnership was broken with 2 wickets in 1 over and continued good bowling after that meant that OWs were always behind the run rate. It came down to them needing 14 off the last over. William stepped up and decided to make it interesting by bowling a no ball off the first ball. Luckily the free hit was not taken to its full advantage. A few runs as well as a wide, meant that OWs needed 3 off the last ball……….. it was tense……….. it could go either way. Luckily William decided enough was enough and bowled the batsman out. Victory to ODs by the barest of margins!
Well played to all the boys.
Thanks to Robin for umpiring and Jane for scoring.
Match report by Jane East
Sunday Friendly XI v Bexleyheath
With plenty of availability and a home Dev game, the friendly side was assembled and taken on a road trip to Bexleyheath. With a baking hot day ahead the pressure was on and the skipper delivered, calling tails and in Gazelle style runs on the board was the decision.
Majid and Kevan opened up, with Kev immediately taking liberties with the fielders and Majid thumping anything loose to the boundary. These two were scoring freely and with both approaching 50 and no wickets down the evil skipper was contemplating a double retirement. Kev, realising this selflessly pretended not to get back into his crease after Maj defended one to cover. The cover fielder obliged and pretended to throw the ball back to the bowler but hit the stumps. Dead ball? Who knows. Kev was out and Maj was free to continue his batting practice.
Anmol came in and straightaway his two beauties off of the hosts quick to the backward point boundary. Maj then improved the said bowlers mood by first being bowled off a no ball and then charging into him taking a single. By drinks though, these two were friends again and a bromance was brewing. Anmol departed bringing Dan Brown to the crease and he was straight into his stride, taking on anything not on the stumps. Maj got his 50 and the scoring was upped. He got to 75 before holing out and carnage was released, Billy Ansar and Dan scoring 60 in 4 overs. Dan got his 50 and then did the right thing, missing a straight one to give Steve Smith a bat. Unfortunately this only lasted a ball so Chris Sharp (2) and Billy (30) finished off. Bexleyheath chasing a massive 233 to win from 35 overs.
Tea was taken, with the OD's Tesco meal deals being eaten jealously whilst the oppo smashed their dominos delivery. With this injustice in mid, Hally and Zain steamed in for the lads, bowling 10 tight overs for one wicket (Bowled - Hall) which effectively took the run rate out of sight. A pulled muscle saw the end of Chowdhry Junior so Chowdhry Senior and Chris Sharp took over. Zahid took a couple of beauties but from that point it was the Chris Sharp show. Four of the oppo were ruthlessly taken out, a great catch from Billy A assisting. Batsmen were now running out, with the skipper desperate to give others a bowl. Enter Steve Smith, roughing up the 'in' batsman with an aggressive beamer before inducing a false shot towards Dan Brown. We all know you don't get away with that and Smith had his first ever wicket for the club. Sharp was given strict instructions that he had one over left to take his 5th and he delivered, 5th ball for his first ever 5-fer. Keen to deny anyone else a bowl he then brutally cleaned out the oppo's 13 year old, with zero cares given. Bexleyheath were all out and Sharp had an impressive 6-20.
Various fines were dealt out in the evening sunshine before Steve Smith regaled us with the story of when he forgot to tie down his cricket bag and only realised five miles later. Genuinely one of the funniest stories I've heard.
What a great day out. Thanks to everyone for turning out and thanks to John and Claudia for the BBQ when we got back to the club.
Match report by Andy Hall
U17s v Bickley Park
Why is it so difficult sometimes to get 2 teams of 11 together to play a cricket match?
Bickley Park didn’t do pre-match communications, in spite of my many prompts. They failed to tell us the code for the gate, their groundsman hadn’t prepared a wicket and there were the usual Friday evening traffic issues. However, we had our 11 there on time, plus Chris Colby, standing, yes I did say standing, as umpire! Welcome back Chris.
The wicket was quite used and so was the crease line! First-time captain, Ben Westmacott, saw the track and decided to bowl when he won the toss. Max Morgan opened with pace, partnered by Carter King, spinning it. A very slow start for Bickley, 1 off the first then Carter getting a wicket in the second, caught by Rohan, a maiden for Carter in the fourth leaving Bickley 15-1. They did have one very good batter who started scoring but Charlie Neil came on and bowled the number 3 bat in the 7th. Charlie Pickup, playing his first game for the team, partnered by Isaac Teague, playing his second, kept it tight in the middle overs, with Bickley on 57-2 after 11. Hugo then came on and bowled the number 4 first ball. Next over, captain Ben brought himself on and, though he openly admitted he didn’t bowl a great over, took 2 wickets, including the impressive number 1, caught behind for 42 by Tom Lake, and the number 5 caught above his head by Hugo. Hugo then bowled out another 2 and Max took the last 2 wickets, one bowled and one with a very sharp catch by Charlie Neil at mid-wicket to leave Bickley’s 10-man team all out for 82 at the end of the 17th over.
Ollie Bennett and Rohan started the run chase quite briskly, 24-0 after 4 overs. In fact, Rohan was in danger of being a bit too brisk for poor Ollie, just returning after a broken toe! Rohan, on 12, then got a slight edge to the keeper from a ball that surprised him with the bounce, leaving us 25-1 after 5. Luke Colby joined Ollie in the middle but was struggling to time his shots. Luke took was on 1 after 10 balls, then he suddenly found the pace of the pitch and proceeded to smash 8 fours, finishing 36*, still partnered by Ollie Bennett, who finished 29*. Proud father, Chris, said he was happy to be umpiring and having a front row seat for Luke’s show.
An impressive performance, with all the team contributing. Seven bowlers, 3 batters, a keeper and 4 catchers. A win for first-time captain Ben. Incredibly, we are fast approaching the end of the U17 season. Our current record is 4 wins out of 5 with 2 to play.
Match report by Bob Bridges
U15s v Beckenham
Caption competition
Answers on a postcard
Bingo Night - Saturday 1st July
Coaching Opportunity
Steve Sawko is 3 weeks in to a 6 week agreement with Marian Vian Primary School, running ‘cricket experience’ sessions on Mondays.
They have 3 classes in the morning, 3 in the afternoon and an after school club, covering ~200 children each week. This has resulted in 4 new joiners (from the school), attending Sunday Colts training and we hope to encourage more to attend.
It would be helpful to have additional volunteer support at the Monday sessions. If you would like to help, even if it is for just a half day, please message Steve directly.
The only requirement is DBS but I believe that we can arrange that very quickly.
Training times
The following times are designated for club training sessions. Nets will be available to use for club members outside of these times, and if there is no game on the main square.
Group | Day | Time |
Senior Nets | Wednesday | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Additional 1st XI nets | Tuesday | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
U15-U17 | Tuesday | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm |
Under 11 and below | Sunday | 10:00 am - 11:15 am |
Under U11s to Under 13s | Sunday | 11:15 am - 12:30 pm |
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