GAME ON!!!!!!!!!!

The outfield was very wet when we arrived, and the square was starting to dry out, but it was a very weird pitch, it looked ok, but being Les Quennevais, you knew it could do absolutely anything. A toss we desperately wanted to win, was lost. Robbo snr, blamed the coin I gave him, I blame the fact he didn’t walk to the middle. But he’s getting on, so I’ll let it go. Put into bat, we felt extremely good.

However, it just wasn’t going to be our day on a wicket that was almost certainly a bowlers. It was swinging and moving more than Pete Canham on a trip to Alderney.

Ed Kean, who would probably have failed a drugs test today was out early doors, chasing a wild one, shortly followed by Monty Renouf. Unfortunately, they both got very good balls, and it just wasn’t to be. Peter Osmont in his usual 4 spot, took the challenge, and was pushing the ball around quite nicely, until he was caught very well for 4.

So with the Robson’s at the wicket, they set about posting a partnership. To be fair they did their best until Paul got a beauty which just nicked his off stump. Woody feeling good, after so many ducks on this wicket, was starting to look very very useful, until a slight mix up led to him being run out. Up next, a young chap, Alex Cooke, tried his best, but soon followed. Richard Parker, fresh from zero cricket over the past few weeks, looked like a man possessed, and in true RP style, refused to run singles. Boundary was the name of the game. 22 off very few balls followed until he was caught out, playing a trademark swipe, by a man who can only be described as strange. 2 t shirts, a jacket and a jumper. Hmmm, if I’m not mistaken, is that not a man on the come down, or one who is ill and shouldn’t be playing cricket.

Ryan Evans went to the crease, with myself for accompaniment, and we set about pushing the score on. I did my best, and 2 edges through Pugsley, who in all seriousness couldn’t actually catch a cold, were followed by the most sublime cover drive for 4. It really was picture perfect. However, next time, I might be better off not appreciating my shots, as next ball I chose to play all around a straight one. Stupid! Up next was one of the men of Springfield who has shown true spirit this year, but Will Villiers cow corner shots were cut short when he was bowled by a peach of an inswinging yorker after scoring just one.

I think this might be the worst Aztec Springfield 2nd XI batting performance of the year, but 115 all out was a team effort, and everybody contributed. Well done boys.

After a short session in the changing room, back out we went with a task in hand. The order of the day was to enjoy ourselves, but if we had last, all was not in the battle for the league. A fantastic team talk by Robbo snr, and a hand in to start set the tone. However, their opening batsmen, were looking sharp and in the mood to do the business. One Fairbairn SCF quote was that this will be done in 10 overs. Hello! This is Springfield sunshine, the game ain’t done yet. After backing up a dive from Monty to chase down a ball at mid on, Will Villiers threw in true from 30 metres (for the first time ever) and Cookie took the bails to ensure the (frankly stupid) run out. 1 down. Paul Dicker lasted very little time before giving a dolly to Woody at short mid on. The team were celebrating before the catch was in. 2 down.

A large partnership soon came to fruition, but with 2 down, we could smell more. With the help of the Pat Kelly voice in my head, I could only think what if we got one more. Up stepped Peter Osmont, who got thrashed around in his first over, produced an absolute peach, which I gladly took when their best batsman clipped it. To be honest it was a good job he walked as I don’t think the umpire would have given it. (I have been subsequently informed by Will that he over heard the umpire say he would have triggered him if he didn't, so apologies there). 3 down.

With the very strange batsman at the other end who was giving lip like nobody’s business, we could smell something funny. For once it wasn’t a finger pulling session. He was giving it large to Robbo snr, who bit his tongue, and then had the last laugh when he caught him attempting another agricultural shot. 4 down.

At 92 for 4 at the drinks break, it looked pretty much done, but a fired up Cookie basically demanded to be given the ball back as he wanted to finish his allotted 8 overs. Games as finely poised as this are never done. Ever. Good call Master Cooke. He returned to take a further 2 wickets, and finished with figues of 8 overs, 3 for 21. While at the other end Peter Osmont, was doing his all round thing again, and was chipping in with wickets. 5,6,7 and 8 down.

The only problem at this stage, was that we were running out of runs to play with, while they still had a lot of overs and a few wickets. Nevertheless, there is only one Springfield, and it can only be said that the heckling/support of us from Yvonne & Roly, that got us through. There was all sorts of abuse flowing, but you know what it did the trick.

Up next Ryan Evans. He might be young, but his dad could learn a few things. Will Villiers at the other end had come off, after being bashed around a bit, but more importantly was upset after a decision didn’t go his way. Perhaps the umpire should watch the game and not concentrate on sleeping! Plum LBW if ever I’ve seen one. (Should have been 9 down).

Anyway back to business, Ryan’s bowling, it can only be said, was decisive. He bowled accurately, and with the advice of a certain Mr Villiers who really kept him going took the wicket of Pugsley. Now this was Plum LBW. He had to give it, although Pugsley didn’t want to walk. Good decision umps. 9 down.

With so few runs required and an awful lot of overs to play, yet one wicket, it was nail biting. Thank god I had gloves on. Batting at 10, Screech looked pretty useful and got them to 110 with 12 overs left. Yes 6 runs from 12 overs. ½ a run an over was not a lot. Their number 11 took a few balls to get going against miniature Evans, but hit 2 runs to take them to 4 runs from victory. But Ryan followed up with a dot ball. His next ball was an absolute peach. It was so good, as soon as it left his hand, I knew it was a wicket taking delivery, yes, the stumps were shattered.

10 DOWN!!!! AZTEC SPRINGFIELD 2ND’S WIN BY 3 RUNS!!!!!!!!!

It was an absolutely fabulous game today, and it really was the spirit of the side which took us to victory. I cannot say how elated I am, that we won from the point at which we were.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank a few people for coming to today’s game, Scott Roberts, James Vallois, The Evans Family, Roly & Yvonne. Guys, really special thanks for coming and heckling, and Phil to umpiring.

So it would seem that the 2ND’s have done the business and should have secured the league title with one game to play.

Guys it has been an absolute pleasure all season playing with each and every one of you. Everyone has put so much effort in, and really contributed when the chips have been down. Its really well deserved for everybody. The only sad factor is that skipper Will Gorman is on holiday/honeymoon and missed it. Nevertheless, I held out as long as I could not to tell him, just for pure fun factor, but have now informed him of the result. He’s off out to enjoy it in Spain.

And on that note, I am too! I will be out 'till late, enjoying myself having a drink for everyone that has played!

Gents a super season is very nearly at a close, but its been a rollercoaster, and one which is really well deserved. Enjoy it, you've earned it.

GORMAN + GORMAN = GORMAN x 3 - J. Burrows

Yet another Springfield wedding happened yesterday. There must have been some form of gentleman’s agreement, that both the 1st and 2nd team captains would get married within 2 weeks of each other. First congratulations must go to Will Gorman, who finally made an honest woman of Hayley (her father is an accountant, now you see!) and secondly to Simon, who Michelle has made an honest man. She does JEP Street Talk, there’s no getting away from it.

What amazes me, is that Will decided cricket was more important today. Having said that, you are now married, and with such, all action is likely to dry up very rapidly. I am a touch worried though, as seen as the captains have done it, do the vice captains also have to do it? I know Lillian caught the bouquet at Sparky’s, so perhaps we’re on? I might have to have a word and swing it, but maybe we could do a double wedding?

With a few sore heads amongst the squad, there is nothing better than a game of cricket to sort you out. In Will Gorman’s place, stepped up the ever experienced Paul Robson. I would have done it, but I could hardly see the ball, never mind a coin. On a day with the sun shining, we smelt victory. However, the crater that Dean Morrison had left at both ends, was one of the worst sights on a cricket pitch I have seen for many years. Nothing like a good fielding session in the afternoon.

There’s something about this season, where the 2nd’s just smell fear or blood, and then go for the throat. Tristan Hanson fresh from his 4 for 24, last week, opened up, but unfortunately this week, he seemed to have lost his mojo. At the other end, a young chap called Alex Cooke, or Cookie, or Monster, was doing the damage. He removed Jimmy Perchard with a nice short ball, that he just popped up to the ever reliable James Cartmell. With one down, you could see the Caesareans fearing for their lives, and not fancying too much of a game. However, the main reason that the youngsters haven’t taken so many wickets this year, is because they can only bowl in 5 over spells.

With Tristan not firing on all cylinders, up stepped a young chap called Ryan Evans, he’s only 14 you know. With a few wickets down already thanks to the Cookie Monster (Not Richard Parker), Ryan started to swing the ball, and wrapped their useful left hander up in all sorts of knots before getting one to come back, and shiver his timbers. Will Villiers has been superb this year, not only for the team, but for the club. His spell of 8 overs straight through was quite phenomenal, getting a lot of swing and bounce. He would have had more than his 3 wickets, but for some stupid running which ended another one of the desparate Caesarean partnerships! The next ball he bowled to Higgie, was stunning. All those net sessions have paid off! It was straight and very nasty heading towards Higgie’s face, so he gloved it and Robson snr took a good clean catch. (Will would like me to thank Phil for him for some impromptu coaching from the "sidelines" just by the stumps). We would have won sooner, but for Stuart’s lack of catching today. Back to business, with Will done taking his wickets, Monty Renouf wanted in on the act, and duly obliged with yet another and the final wicket with a pulled shot going to Robson Snr.. Job done, 105 all out.

Feeling good, the Robson sisters went out to bat, but for the first time ever, I saw Robson snr, get a first baller, when he gloved a ball going way down the leg side. The worse thing is, the keeper couldn’t have caught a cold, but like Brownie, he’ll be going on about catching that Robson for years to come! Next time leave it, and hump the next ball. He was having facing a young Charlie Perchard who took 8 for 39 last week. In the hour of need, cometh the man, cometh the Hanson. Up stepped young Tristan Hanson to force the run rate up a touch, however on 27, he got a beauty which clean bowled him. With Robson jnr pushing on then being bowled, it was left to Ed Kean & Michael Woodrow to finish the biz. Those who don’t know Ed, he’s like a squirrel on speed, ecstasy and coke, washed down with red bull. He never shuts up, but his batting and maturity has come along way this year. From playing playground cricket, he now plays with the big boys, but his 2000 playground runs still count!

Ed & Michael pushed the run rate on, so much, with some ‘made up’ non textbook shots, that the drinks break was cancelled. With only a three required to win, their bowler, decided a beamer at Michael Woodrow was a good idea, but it went way above the midget wicketkeeper and away for four.

And so the Caesareans declared the immortal Bee Gees lyrics, You win again! We could have had it much quicker, but the performance was a true team one, with absolutely everyone chipping in. Big thanks to JCB for his superb scoring again albeit with pen rather than bat, this time!

Next up is the mighty Sporting Club, who still believe they can win the title, and wreck the Aztec Springfield 2nd XI dreams. Team will be released later on this evening, perhaps tomorrow. The lead must now have been stretched that little bit further to put some pressure on the chasing pack.

Feel free to come down and support the mighty 2nd Team next week, we will be on Les Quennevais 2. Would be excellent to see you there, bring a barbecue, bring the wife, bring the kids, have a good day out, and come and watch the 2nds. Thanks to the Evans, the Gormans, the Cooke’s, the Hanson’s and the freshly married Parkers for coming down. Next week could seal the title. Dare you ride the Springfield train???

MMMMMBOP DOES THE TRICK- J. Burrows

On a beautiful bright day on the bouncy wicket of FB2, a game of cricket was played today, however, this time it was 11 a side. Up next were a strong St Ouen side, that fancied their chances against the league leaders, the might Aztec Springfield 2nd XI!

We had a few more visitors to the match today which was very well received. Perhaps a few more next week against the Caesareans please! Bring a bbq and have a good day with the family and cheer on the prospective champions! It was great to see, Mr Cooke with junior Cooke, Phil ‘big six’ Evans, the mighty Richard Parker, Mark Saralis, Charles Woodrow, Soon to be Mrs Michael Woodrow?? Tristan’s father, Will & Marianne, plus miniature Villiers x 2, and Scott Roberts & Nicola! Scott if you married her, she’d actually be a member of girls aloud, all be it the ginger one, but still worth having!

Today it was sore, bearing in mind some of the squad played in the sixes, but not to be outdone, there was some cricket to be played. Every part of our game has been so important this year, so when asked to bat, we gladly obliged. Ed ‘2000 playground runs’ Kean and James Cartmell, opened up and it was touch and go for a little while, until JC got his eye in, and started playing some beautiful shots, and in fact at one stage, I did see a textbook forward defensive! However, he went for one too many shots and skied one to mid off.

Up stepped Tristan ‘Powers’ Hanson to push the attack on, and he did. Nevertheless, Ed Kean couldn’t quite do the business today and was out for 12. Double figures at least Edward. In his place, a man in the form of his life came in. The man in question is Peter Osmont. How he isn’t playing Island Cricket I really don’t know. Peter took a few balls to get into his stride, but went onto hit a magnificent 42, but one shot too many, lead to him being caught. In the mean time, danger powers hanson, was ticking along very nicely, accompanied by Michael Woodrow, who proved he can actually bat. Sorry Michael, you’ve had a few dodgy innings, including a first baller, and I did rip it out of you in front of the future Mrs Woodrow! I suppose you had a point to prove! Unfortunately Danger Powers Hanson, fell one short of what would have been a superb 50, going for one big shot too many. While Woodrow junior, managed a very very very quick 27.

However, Aztec Springfield won’t be outdone, EVER! And the boys really did their thing. The nice thing today, was every batsman got going right from the off! Michael Renouf, Josh Farrow and Gregor Sykes all got runs. In fact Michael Renouf now has an average, seen as today was the first time he’d got out all season. 220 – 7 was the score posted, and one we were very happy with.

For the first time ever in his time with Springfield, Ed Kean was tasked with providing sandwiches, and to be fair Ed, your mum did well there. It was a damn good spread. A long time, since a woman has put on a spread like that for me and not expected anything out of it!

High from the batting attack, and a lot of mini rolls, we could smell victory! Once we get that smell, there is no way another team is going to get anywhere near our total. It’s a simple fact, and we don’t mind admitting it! I think a lot of our luck today, was gifted from a certain little Miss Villiers, who provided the match ball! Good work Mia.

Josh Farrow, had a bit of a point to prove today, seen as last weeks game was rained off, and boy was he determined to make up for it! The astro pitches provide an awful lot of bounce, and pace, and Mr Farrow, you got your money’s worth today. I have to say I don’t think their opening batsman saw any of the first few deliveries, even the ones going past his nose! It was an interesting first over, and a description of chin music, would not go a miss. It took him a few overs to find some rhythm, but he didn’t half find it damn quick. A bit like his bowling speed! It was like watching Jimmy Anderson bowl, it was swinging and occasionally erratic, but the slip cordon didn’t fancy a catch at all!

Josh pulled out a corking delivery to remove the opening batsman. Soon to follow, was El Blazey, who chose not to wear a helmet, and fended off a delivery, which I duly obliged in catching. Something about new gloves I think. With 2 down already, it wasn’t looking good for St Ouens, and they will have wished for a bit more digging deep. However, Tristan ‘Austin Danger Powers’ Hanson was given the ball, and boy, can he swing it! It was like being in a room with a bowl full of car keys it was moving that much! He made a great effort for a caught and bowled and was so unlucky not to catch it. Tristan’s wickets today were great, and he was a bit special!

The whole team played really well today, and Tristan went on to take a few more wickets, including another catch for me. Fact is, I couldn’t catch a cold earlier this season, so 2 in one day was a bit special. The team always needs a bit of experience, so in place of Robson snr, up stepped Gregor ‘Psycho’ Sykes, who bowled a few good overs, but took a magnificent wicket to help break another partnership.

However, a lot of this season has been based around our youth policy, and a young lad aptly named ‘Monty’ Renouf, who has been an outstanding find for the club, was given the arduous task of taking the last few wickets. If the top 8 batsman had batted anything like the last 3, they might have had a much better chance today. Michael Renouf is a superb left arm spinner, who ran rings around their guys. The ball that removed Scott Simpson was almost like the one Shane Warne bowled Mike Gatting with. How on earth it didn’t clip leg stump I don’t know. But with Scott Simpson’s legs in a twist, and way out of his crease, I thought it appropriate to stump him! There’s a certain element of justice in that, bearing in mind the decision he didn’t give against the firsts earlier this summer! One wicket left to go, Monty is the man in this situation, runs needed, have a go. He flighted it, and the no.11 went for it, but he was never going to clear the in field, and Peter Osmont took a superb catch at Mid On. Good move there, to switch a man who can catch, instead of the usual Gorman!

Job done! Today was a real team performance, and absolutely everybody chipped in from start to finish, which was the most pleasing thing about it. The team spirit that has been generated over the past few weeks is out of this world. The even better news is Sporting Club losing to Romerils. It’s a statement I say, with a certain amount of disgust in my mouth, but it does us a huge favour!

I think I can safely say on behalf of everyone who played today, a big well done, and a huge pat on the back. Everybody contributed today, and it’s a pleasure to play cricket with you all. You are all fabulous, and there is a massive amount of banter between the team, some superb nicknames, and its truly the best way to enjoy cricket.

We are now at least 40 points clear of the chasing pack! It’s a massive massive lead to have, and we can only get better. Boys, we are the team to beat! Next week sees Caesareans up against the mighty Aztec Springfield! Dare you come and support?? Next week we have no Will ‘Skipper’ Gorman, as he’s doing a crazy thing called marriage on the Saturday. Stupid I know, but some people are destined to do it, and he is one of them! This can be done, and I truly believe we can do the business and win the league! Please come down next week and show your support. It really does make a massive difference, as we are all part of the club! Even a newly married man will be there, minus wife (probably).

WELL BOWLED OS-MONTY!! - W.Villiers

Today we saw an Aztec Springfields side that showed that why, coming into this match, we had won 6 of 8 games.
LQ2 was bathed in the kind of sunshine that broils rather than burns and with nary a cloud in the sky, we looked on for a tiring day and by God we weren't dissapointed.

Will Gorman walked out to the middle with his wide brimmed hat set at a jaunty angle and tossed with his brother. Fortuntately we were in St Peter and so no one took notice. In what would appear to be Will's attempt to break Nasser Hussain's record of 14 lost coin tosses on the trot he once again lost the toss. Fortunately Wanderers decided to put us into bat, apparently playing into Will's plan of tactical genius. (Hindsight is 20/20, Will ;p)

With a somewhat rocky record in the first twenty overs, Will impressed upon us the need to put somewhere in the region of 100 runs for 20 overs and hopefully no more than 2 wickets. Ed Kean had asked to be put in at four, so naturally was delighted when Will told him he was opening with Robbo, the very slightly senior. I would like to say credit where credit is due, but because of the credit crunch, I have to be satisfied with 70% deposit where 70% deposit is due, Ed batted with a very mature head, he must have left the normal one at home, and with Robbo finding the boundary, Ed was keen (see what I did there?) to find the singles that kept things ticking over. They say that time flies when you're having fun, and an early drinks call at 15 overs somewhat disorientated me so I thought our run rate was ok. However, when I realised that we had reached a very pleasing 90 off only 15 overs I was pleasantly surprised. Unfortunately Ed fell shortly after that but had eaked out a respectable 21 in mostly singles that showed how much he had supported Robbo to reach that very good stage.

Going out at third, Will was giving Cookie the chance to find his eye. Unfortuntately, Wanderers were not quite as accomodating and after only a few balls, Cookie was bowled by big Al.

In came Pete Osmont. Pete's batting this season has been as varied as the number of bats he has in his bag. I often thought that Pete should be called Batboy, but I fear to many jokes in there so I will leave it at that. KAPOW, BLAMMO (sorry I really will stop now), Pete and Robbo set to the Wanderers bowling and despite the Wanderers best efforts, kept finding runs and boundaries. The scoreboard kept ticking up and up. Robbo had said he wanted a hundred today, but sadly he fell just 11 runs short. A magnificent innings which shows the old dog doesn't need to be taught any new tricks, thank you very much. (I jest, Robbo, we all know you have the body of a man half your age. Just next to the pizza in your freezer).
As Robbo walked off, on walked Woodrow Jr, a man with a mission and who had been told how important his 5th man innings would be, how he needed to build on the platform set by Robbo's innings. Woody walked to the square with a set jaw and his trademark red soft cap placed at angle that said "Don't judge me until I have spanked you over mid-on for 4". He took his gaurd, checked the field and with eyes as steel stared down the bowler. He was out about 6 seconds later as the ball beat his bat and removed him for a Golden. How long is it since that happened, Woody?

As the quacking died down, in came RP and he started well. A thick edge for 4, another 4 a couple of singles, RP not so much batted but bludgeoned the ball across the boundaries. Alas RP's reputation preceeds him and the Wanderers had set two fielders at the long on/long off area and temptation getting the better of him, he put one straight down the throat of the fielder and walked back to the changing rooms.

Jimmy Cartmell went out to help Pete Osmont get some more runs on the board and by Jimminy didn't he (see what I did there too? God, but I'm good at this stuff). Let's face it, George Sampson, Jimmy C is not. His feet move not with the flair of Fred Onstairs, but then who gives a crap when he weilds the bat like a conductor? JC(B) bulldozed his way through the bowling, all comers met with a bat that seemed a mile wide. The runs clicked up like the height in feet clicked down on the video of the Quantas flight. With the ball finding exits here, here, and here, Wanderers heads went down but unfortunately Jimmy C fell to a, frankly, trademark Jimmy C shot to catch for around 20. I know he gets dissapointed when he does that but he had a good knock at a time when Wanderers could have capitalised on a mini-collapse (much in the way RP capitalised on the mini-rolls).

Mike, stepping in for Biggers, proved an asset and he and Pete found a good rythym together. At least they did until Pete was bolwed for 65. I was really pleased for him after his dissapointment last week. He showed great maturity to put that behind him and had a constructive innings.

Wanderers came up against the in form Julian Burrows and when Mike fell on 25 with only a couple of overs left, Will G stepped in and together Julian and he put on 20 runs, Jules 15 and Will G 5, that took us to 265 for 8.

This had now taken nearly 3 hours, and we were keen to get stuck into the Wanderers. We knew they had an effective top 5, with Al on an average of at least 50 per game this season at 3, but we were determined not to lose this game.

Tight fielding and bowling were the order of the day and JC(B) opened with Cookie. JC(B) took a wicket in his third over and when Cookie had to stop because of the ridiculous ruling on kids his age, I took the ball. Opening with my trademark legside wides, I wasn't confident; despite some good bowling in the nets, my rythm has been all over the place. However, Al was looking threatening until I bowled him with a yorker.
Willem came in and we knew he could bat. JCB maintained good pressure at the other end and but Willem, teamed with Kristian, who it must be said had an excellent innings, started to up the run rate Fortunately, despite some shocking bowling from your's truly, I managed to knock Willem's off peg back and send him home.. Frankly I didn't deserve my 2 wickets today, considering it was more a case of fooling them with the straight one but I'm glad I did, as I've been feeling a little wayward recently and to be honest I feel I'm not really worth the spell.

Woody came on for a spell but couldn't find turn and despite a very good LBW shout that was turned down, he didn't find the lines that have proved so effective in the last couple of matches and with the bowlers taking a liking to that, he came off. Things pretty much settled down thereafter with Kristian plugging away, frustrating us with some good shots but a better defence.

Will Gorman resisted the temptation to bowl himself, despite actually having a good spell last game, and instead selected Pete Osmont. Now this was not a nice time to bowl. Wanderers have a very strong "slog section" at the tail end but Pete Osmont performed well. In fact I'm surprised there wasn't a request for a drugs test from Wanderers.

I almost sued Pete for flagrant copyright infringement when he pulled a half tracker wicket on his second ball. The batsman got a very thick top edge and the ball went up, along, ooh say 22 yards, and then down again, straight into Pete's hands for a classic caught and bowled. The rest of the over passed with only a couple of singles taken.

RP came into the attack and with me going from long on to long on (I swear I jogged over 2km in a cricket match) I kind of lost track of who was doing what, which is why when Pete was bowling I lost track of who he bowled. So I will try to get it right. Until today, I held, I think, the SCC record for wickets in a seconds match, that being 5. As Pete Osmont hit his second wicket we were all pleased. We were ecstatic when he hit his third, only for the umpire to give it a no ball because of the height at which it passed the batsman. This was hotly disputed as it hit the stumps half way up but anyway Pete let it go and decided to answer by getting another wicket (if you're counting it's now 2).

Matt Prenter should have gone off both Pete and RP's bowling but I dropped the bugger twice on the same shot to the same place and I am truly sorry.

It didn't seem to worry Pete though as he bowled Kristian, the ball hitting Kris' pads and then onto the wickets. I think Kris got 47 and was out there for about 2 hours. He played some great shots but in the end fell to what looked like indecision.

Pete went on to get another 3 wickets in fairly quick succession, one a great catch by Ed Kean at point and the other two bowled. I cannot say how happy I am for my record to be beaten by Pete. He is a man who loves his cricket but unlike so many of the Stattos of this world he can play it too. Such a great asset to the team, Pete is always happy to play and by God didn't he do just that today.

I wish I had the lexis to describe how well he played but I fear that ability lies only with men in tweed coats and bow ties.

Woody came on and to finish off an extraordinary day, Pete made a catch at deep cover to remove Matt Prenter and take the game.

An unbelieveable game today which has put us 8 points clear at the top of the table.

Man of the match....hmmm....well it's between Robbo and Pete and I...ah who am I kidding? Well played, Pete. 6 overs, 6 wickets for 26 and 65 runs, Man of the match goes to you. To everyone else, COME ON THE BOYS!!! 6 in 9!!!

Will "Inzi" Villiers

PS Account may not match actual facts.

PPS Thanks to Scott for coming to support us today.

AZTEC SPRINGFIELD WIN BY 31 RUNS! - W.Gorman

Does anyone remember the title of the song by Aztec Camera?

Today we did what we have come so close to doing three times in a row;. WE BEAT ROMERILS. Their defeat completes a double loss for them this weekend, opening up both leagues.

What was best about our victory today was that, even though we saw five changes to the team that bowled OVs out for 56, we were still able to post a total of 193 for 8 and take 10 wickets. It again highlights the strength of our squad. Today everyone contributed... It was a proper team victory.

Will Villiers was on cakes. Sorry, RP, if I’d had the right number for you you probably would have been playing mate! The eclairs were devine!

It’s great to hear of Pete Canham being in the runs again in the firsts. So high was public demand to watch his innings that the police closed the road and cordoned off the ground. I’m still trying to work out what the honorary policeman thought he was achieving at the five oaks roundabout by holding up all the traffic and waving cars though one at a time.

Anyway...

I lost the toss and was asked to bat. Ed Keane and Mickey Johnson opened and looked comfortable before Mickey was bowled for a duck. Ed Kean and Lewis Williams built a partnership and when Ed played around a ball that turned a little, Peter Osmont stepped up and played an important inning and by drinks we were at 75 for 2. Admittedly this was 25 runs short of where I wanted to be but Lewis and Peter had batted positively and we were again in a position to capitalise on some tired fielders and a ball that was now very rough.

Peter Osmont was out lbw, sorry Pete, I have to be utterly convinced to give an lbw, but it was bang in front. Although Peter only scored 19 runs, they were 19 vital runs, his partnership with Lewis was what created the platform that Stuart Robson inherited when he strode to the crease.

Lewis was unlucky to be out for 34, again vital runs, he middled a bad ball to the fielder behind square on the leg side but then he’d middled just about everything. Michael Woodrow again looked superb with the bat, playing some lovely shots, but then was out, caught at short cover for 9.

Then the tail started to wag! JC hit the innings’ only six, and then got out to a half shot that saw him caught. I batted with Stuart for about four overs and we were scoring quickly, I even managed to smite a four before missing a straight one from Paul Connolly. Then In stepped Jules. Julian batted like a man possessed, and ended the game 20 not out, including a couple of beautiful cover drives. What made his innings so good was the fact that he was using my bat...instead of the plank he’s had in his bag for the last 26 years.

Stuart Robson was unlucky to fall for 49, JUG AVOIDANCE! But Will Villiers and Julian ensured that the last over was productive despite a near run out after a moment's confusion; Will was hit on the hip as he tried to turn a leg-side delivery and not sure where the ball went he stayed in his crease only to look up at Julian screaming "YEESSSSS" as he was about 2 yards from Will's crease. Will took off at a rate of knots that would have had Suthan proud and although he was well in, the ball hit him on the arm from the throw and was on target! We really pulled it out of the bag today, from a slow start we posted a very competitive total and showed again how important wickets in hand is at 20 overs.

At the start of the day I was expecting Mat Bignell to open the bowling. But Matt is still in France and I’ve had the wrong phone number for RP who I’d had on standby for Michael Woodrow who was almost stuck in france. So at the last minute James Cartmell agreed to step in. James was left out of the original eleven so that I could continue the rotation policy, a foolish move on my part given that he stepped in and bowled 8 overs 3 for 18, and took a VITAL catch at shallow square leg (deep square leg on a short boundary).
Peter Osmont Bowled three good overs to open up at the other end and then once the ball started to swing I gave it to Will Villiers. Despite some early (and somewhat harsh) leg-side wides, Will got the crucial Kearns wicket that opened up the tail and another wicket soon followed, caught at gully by Stuart Robson, after seeing 3 drops off his bowling. They were five down when I bowled the 18th over and took the sixth wicket. My first ball was a wide of course but no runs came off the over after that.... Just 25 off the next three as Nick Walmsley started to find the middle of his bat.
James Vallois came on and got a wicket with the worst a ball of the day, he bowled really well but a half tracker that didn’t bounce earned him the seventh wicket of the day.

Nick Walmsey fell to a brilliant catch from Stuart Robson who came running in from the long on boundary and at eight down for 110 I thought we had it in the bag, but then their slogger hit sixes in all directions. 110 for 8 became 142 for 9 when Will Villiers took his third wicket; JCB took a catch running in from his position on the shallow square leg boundary like some elephant/cheetah super-breed.

The game was delicately poised for a finsih that would leave the grass covered in bitten-off nalis. With 10 overs left, they need 60 runs but their final wicket came after they had succesfully maintained that average, their number 8 batsman decided to try the reverse sweep and was duly adjudged LBW to Michael Woodrow.

We should have won by a much bigger margin today but some wayward bowling at times and the fact that the ball was roughed up very quickly by the dry and abrasive pitch.

Man of the Match this week is tough, it’s between JCB for his late entry to the team and match winning bowling, or Stuart Robson for his three catches and match winning batting. I’m calling it in favour of Stuart because his 49 runs were the what allowed us to create the pressure in the field.

Two quotes of the day:

Ed Keane, after seeing Will V in the shower: “ I wish I had a hairy chest”

Will G: “Come on Ed take off my pants” (we somehow managed to put on each other’s cricket trousers during the course of the first innings. We were in the course of swapping back.)

Thanks to everyone who turned up today, it was a hard fought game and one that was played in the very best spirits on both sides. Next week we meet the Wanderers on LQ2, and the week after that the colts on the same ground. We are now second in the league with a good gap to third and only 15 points behind SCF.

Played 8 won 5! Go the AZTECS!

06.07.08
Vs Rathbone's OVs

13,14,14,15,16 (that's the ages of all who bowled today for us) - W. Gorman

Right... first things first.... I don’t want to tread on Sparky’s toes here but Pat Played in the seconds last year so here goes... Yesterday Pat Kelly scored a hundred and a very important one in the context of the game and the season. It was the club’s first of the season, and the first I’ve seen since that spine tingling innings Nishant Sharma played against St Ouens last year. As I said to Pat afterwards, I’ve been waiting 12 months to see that, Pat’s always looked so comfortable at the crease I’m always surprised when there aren’t three figure scores next to his name. Perhaps the best thing about Pat’s innings, apart from the pressure of being 65 for 5 chasing 316, was that he played with so much aggression and confidence. It’s important because is shows what talent we have in the club and what we’re capable of even from 65 for 5. It was also realy nice to see Pete Canham scoring effortlessly batting at seven, and a bloody good job he was there to partner Pat.

What is annoying is that Phil Evans had him down as captain in the fantasy league, and Matt Bignell hasn’t been added to the fantasy league yet, so I wasn’t allowed to pick him! PFFFFFFT, tut hrrrmph.

Peter Osmont looked good at eight for the firsts, scoring 22 before toe-ending a drive to mid on. ...which is what he did today too. Hard Luck Pete, you’re starting to look like such a commanding batsman, if you could just pick those shots there’s a ton out there for you this season.

Before the game Paul Robson did us all the favour of explaining just how he got his wicket against the Caesareans, after three rank half trackers outside the off stump he had the batsman caught at wide mid on...and he informed us all today this leg side shot was created by none other than Paul Robson’s doosra! None of us picked it, except Stuart Robson!
There was actually some dispute between the Robson siblings today... over who deserved first slip and who deserved gully, Stuart took slip, much to Paul’s disgust and promptly dropped a difficult chance.... Wet ball. Paul took over and seemed to have bragging rights after taking a blinder of Matt Bignell’s bowling, but then dropped one too. All I can say is that If I’d been fielding there it probably would have been four runs each time! It’s great to have the experience of the Robsons in the team, as well as their humour. Paul was delighted at the return of the cola haribo today and was quite territorial about them, eventually walking off with the last handful muttering words to the effect that “these are mine”, though much more articulately of course!
Today we all turned up expecting the game to be rained off, but with 6 under 18s in the side all eager to get going. Having lost the toss and been asked to field in the horrible wind and rain we opened with Matt Bignell and Cookie.
Ever wondered how to get five consecutive maidens off your opening bowler? ... Including a wicket? ...Cookie was so horrified at not getting choice of end, I even teased that I was thinking of opening with Ryan and letting Cookie come on first change after Biggers, so horrified that he bowled the best spell I’ve seen him bowl. INTO THE WIND!
Anyway, first up, “Biggers” Bignell bowled John Mackintosh with the first ball of his second over and then we went off for rain.
At this point I thought it was home time. The rain seemed set in. But we waited twenty minutes and were out again, on the agreement that if it rained again that was game over.
Bignell bowled 6 overs one maiden three for 14. Cookie Six Overs FIVE maidens one for three. Ryan Evans bowled five overs and took two for fifteen, three overs from the cookie end and two from the Bignell end, the best ball being the first of his second spell when he clean bowled Tim De La Haye, the only OV to get into double figures. In fact our spanish friend E Xtras out scored all but one OV and he only got seven. James Vallois, bowling first change also proved difficult for the batsmen to get away and took the crucial wicket of Tony Shiplee, James has found a really good line just outside off stump that he bowls consistently, enough to get rid of anyone behind square on the leg side in fact. Monty Renouf stepped also stepped up and bowled well with the wet ball and took a wicket.
The best thing about bowling the OVs out for 56 was that the oldest bowler was sixteen and the others were 13, 14, 14 and 15.
Chasing down the total Paul Robson, as perceptive as ever, recognised the opportunity for the youth of the club to run the show and carefully guided the ball to first slip so bring on Peter Osmont. I saw Paul play the same shot for four against Caesareans ... I think they call it muscle memory, when you practice the same thing so many times you can execute it perfectly without thinking.
Peter Osmont’s been in the runs recently and also decided to make way by playing a snooker shot to mid on and bring in Cookie. Cookie kept us all on the edge of our seats while he and Stuart Robson pushed around to get us to 30 for 2 off fifteen overs. Then cookie changed gear and hit four fours and a six to suddenly end the game.
There are two options for man of the match. Matt Bignell for his superb fast bowling, and Cookie for his awesome bowling and match winning innings. As last week’s MOTM was not here today I’m calling it for Cookie, as his positivity with the bat was exactly what we needed...bottle of wine for Mr Cooke Snr.
Our victory today underlines the strength our squad has, and how our youngsters, with the right support from the adults, are able to do an adult job on the cricket pitch. Just seven extras again today. Brilliant!
Cookie, Ryan and Robbo P are unavailable for the next game, which is on the 20th, the game is vs Romerils which is a MUST WIN if we are to stop them running away with the league title. I know there are many who've not played as much as they might this season, please remember we're only just half way through the season!

Death by a thousand cuts - W. Gorman

There are so many what-ifs about today’s game. But the post-match analysis concluded that they’d played well and it’d been a good game of cricket. Will remembered the Haribo (even if they did pull half my fillings out,) Julian didn’t get bowled and James Vallois played a hook shot for four, twice in one over!
We were put in to bat on a SLOW LQ1 track and saw out the first ten overs without losing a wicket, unfortunately we only scored 22 runs. By twenty overs it was 60 for 1, it had been like death by a thousand cuts. The pitch was so slow and they bowled really well. There was just nothing to get away. John Fearon played an excellent anchor role and by the time he was out for 51 he’d guided us well towards a respectable total.
What was missing today was partnerships, we lost 2,3,4,5 and 6 all for about 14 runs each. Everyone got started and then got out, and it’s something we need to think about for next week. Peter O hit 14 off an over and then skied a leading edge first ball at the other end. This was typical of our luck today, it’s difficult to judge shots on such a slow track.
Michael Renouf and James Vallois batted superbly to steer the side to 170, a total I think was about par for the track.
After tea was came out all guns firing and reduced them from 11 for 0 off two overs to 15 for three. Scott Roberts’ bounce and James Cartmell’s slow right arm providing a great combination. Peter Osmont took another one of the best catches I’ve ever seen. One thing we’ve done really well this season is MAKE wickets happen.
Then they got away, a catch carried over the boundary for six, great catch but Woody didn’t know the line was so close and ran straight over it. In one over they went from 38 for 3 with pressure to 52 for three and we were on the back foot.
The chances kept coming and the half chances that sometimes go our way all went theirs, then at 93 for 3 we got the break through, John Fearon taking a caught and bowled. At 104 for 4 at the drinks break we felt we were well in the game and the spin of Michael Renouf and Michael Woodrow slowed up the scoring and created pressure. We had them six down with 145 on the board and made the game come down to the last 4 overs, thirty more runs would have done it.
James Vallois has bowled really well in both of the last two games, and his batting today really impressed. Well done James, good to see all the net sessions have done their job.
Elanco, in his maiden game for SCF since leaving Caesareans batted really well for his fifty, but once he went they really looked uncertain.
What is good is that, despite losing wickets in the last 20 overs we batted though a very tough situation at the start of the innings and came out of if with wickets in hand. We scored 110 runs off the last 20 overs and used every ball available to us, all 40 overs. Julian Burrows didn’t get a first ball duck and has taken away two not out bonuses.
Another big positive was that despite losing, there was laughter in the changing room after the game, we’d put up a good fight... And had a good laugh along the way.
A WORD OF WARNING! If Will Villiers buys SPORTS MIXTURES, or whatever they were, DON”T HAVE TWO AT ONCE, it took me fifteen minutes of chewing and I’m still picking bits out of my teeth now.
Thanks to everyone who turned up, and sorry to those who missed out today. I’m doing my best to keep everyone involved so please let me know if you’re feeling left out.
Ov’s next week! Today they set 217 in the first innings and failed to defend it, in fact the Wanderers got the runs in 23 overs! So next week is a must win if we are to keep up with SCF and Romerils in the top three of the table. But more importantly the team spirit will roll on and cricket will continue to be fun! And we’re at GRAINVILLE next week! HOORAH!
Scott Roberts was MOTM judge today and has awarded it to John for his 51 runs and excellent bowling. John asked that I note his innings ended to a PIE, rather than a good ball.

Elton John's DIY botox - J. Burrows

An interesting challenge on Astroturf was always going to be key. Myself & Will duly went to check out the pitch, and noted there was nothing going on, so were happy with any outcome. With a lack of cloud cover, we knew we might be just as well not wasting Will Villiers bowling. Will lost the toss, and Dave Gascoyne, decided to put us into bat. A decision we were more than shocked about. But in true style, we don't mind and will happily put runs on the board.

Robbo & Lewis went out to bat, neither finding too much of the middle of the bat, and Lewis popping one off to 1st slip. Robbo & Robbo came together, and it looked as if we were set for a huge target, that is, until the younger of the pop duo, played all around a straight one, and was duly bowled. Woody came to the crease with a feeling he was sure to get runs. Not so this week, young Woodrow. Maybe next time. He was playing quite a good role to Robbo, until Robbo decided on the eve of the drinks break, he wanted to do his very own piece of plastic surgery, playing a top edge right into his left cheek. He now looks like Elton John with botox.

Cookie came out to fill the void left by Botox Robson, and was looking quite lively, in his new role with Peter Osmont. Cookie seemed to be showing Peter the way to play shots, as Peter seemed to be stuck playing a late cut shot for the first few overs of his innings, and was dropped at 1st slip. He then went on to hit some big shots, and looked to have matured a little. He was given the signal to go for a few big hits, and obliged with a huge six. Cookie felt left out, and went for his own big stride down the wicket, to be caught at long on. Next time, don’t middle it.

Not fazed by his DIY botox, Robbo went back out to complete his 50, and went on to score 70, this time wearing a helmet. He actually played better with it, despite not being able to see! Michael Renouf went out and helped Peter push the score on, and duly obliged. The nice thing about our own innings was Peter's maturity to go on score a patient and unbeaten 50. It could have been a lot more had the groundsman cut the grass. Our old Spanish friend, Mr E Xtras also scored well on our behalf today providing us with an unbeaten 46, taking our total to double nelson, 222 for 4. A really good effort.

Buoyed on from an outdoor lunch, due to the worlds smallest changing room, Cookie and Will V took the new ball, on the lush green astroturf, accompanied by the 2 normal openers and a runner. Chaos was sure to ensue, as we found out a few weeks ago. Dave Gascoyne's runner had already decided he was gonna take on the quick singles, and was lucky the 1st time, but chanced his arm against Woody and myself, sorry only one winner! Us! Off he went with Gascoyne, only to come back out and bat, properly this time, however, not happy with being run out once, he took on Jimmy V, who showed great composure tricking him with a misfield, to run him out with a direct hit. See all that Winter practice hasn’t been wasted. Out came the big hitting number 4, who also reminded us, of Richard Parker, perhaps, again being a brother from another mother?. He didn’t like the look of Michael Renouf’s spin, and was stumped, to be given not out. He even left his foot out, after it. Another strange decision.

However the spin twins of Renouf and Woodrow, looking like a combination of Panesar and Tufnell, patiently chipped away, earning themselves three wickets each, the both of them bowling and using flight to their advantage including a superb one handed catch from a juggling Peter Osmont. Really good job boys, I think Woody has more tufnell about him, and Renouf, top up the tan please.

But if it was going to be anyones day, it was going to be Botox Robson,, who when fielding a ball, had already been described as swooping like a corpse in a morgue, was offered the chance to turn his arm, and thought everyone was joking, but took a wicket, with his more talented brother taking the catch. Yes, you've guessed it, bowled Robson, caught Robson. But not actually caught and bowled in the way you would expect. Its a bit like Mark & Steve Waugh playing, yes guess the more talented one?

James Vallois bowled at the other end, and was doing his stock, and did the business taking a wicket after his run out. Deciding we wanted to win the game, Will Gorman decided he wouldnt bowl, even though they only needed 70 to win, and Peter Osmont did the Springfield thing, opened with a wide, and then went on to take number 10! Another convincing win this week, by 68 runs, with maximum points again.

The really great thing again this week, was the maturity in the field, and the way in which we bowled, for the second week in a row, there were very little extras, our Spanish friend only appearing during our own batting. Disappointment of the day, was a serious lack of Haribo, which should have been Will Villiers, but he decided a bbq for the club should exempt him from that. He kept very quiet about it during the fielding. Unfortunately it doesn't exempt him, and therefore as punishment, you must provide a bbq for the club, on a suitable date.

From those who didnt make the game today, you misssed a superb effort. Next week is Sporting Club, on the delightful Les Quennevais. However, I will be watching the 1sts game on the Saturday against Romerils, to see if Ryan Driver is in fact bowling 10mph faster, after his visit to the Selvachandran School of Cricket. Yes another one of Suthan's wild comments at the BBQ. This I have to see.

Man of the match this week goes to Robbo, who hit a good innings either side of his DIY botox, and took a wicket with his bowling, proving he's not going to be outdone by his brother.

Villiers dived like a rampant Salmon - W. Gorman

With the sun shining and Saturday’s hangover well slept off I called tails. To my amazement, Elizabeth our Duke was face down in the turf and I had to decide what to do. Having watched OVs hit 268 on Saturday and with Paul, the talented one, Robson, and Stuart, the talented one, Robson at one and three it seemed like a good idea to bat first.

Scott Roberts is on the road to recovery after injuring his groin on the massage table, and opened with Robbo. They saw off the early movement from the newball and blasted their way to 72 off twelve overs before Robbo was bowled around his legs by a GIRL!
And Robbo doesn’t get bowled.......
...by men.

Anyway, up stepped the other talented Robson sibling, Stuart Robson who carried on the left-handed carving of fours. (Do you guys have sons or daughters who play?)

Robson and Roberts continued the hardwork. When Scott was bowled for 52, after a slight lapse of concentration and minor groin strain that is sure to see the massage table come out again, we were well on course to a good score. Michael Woodrow, despite a couple of early deliveries beating the dangled edge, batted as agressively as those before him and on 30 overs we had reached the dizzy heights of 187 for two. Stuart Robson looked superb in his first competitive innings for the club.
A minor collapse ensued, Woodrow and Stuart Robson, (46) both a little over-zealous, being caught inside the ring, and RP, in all honesty, was concerned that the Sandwiches provided by Will Villiers were not left unattended while Peter Osmont was padding up, especially as Robbo had brought M&S EXTRA CHOCOLATEY MINI ROLLS... You always get that reassuring adjective with M&S food.
In the end Peter Osmont, and Michael Renouf saw us home, though Peter perished to a late yorker this allowed Will Villliers to get me some more points by being three not out!
Michael Renouf played an excellent little innings at the end, cleverly angling the ball to third man to keep the strike rotating.

So with 224 on the board we ate a good tea, to be honest we could have had 260+ if we’d been a little more careful around the thirty over mark, but 224 is asking close to six an over of them so they were always going to be under pressure.
Opening off a short run up Scott Roberts got bounce and seam. Richard Parker worked off lunch with six tight overs, wicketless but they generated pressure, they were 31 for 1 off ten.
Scott Roberts bowled 8 overs straight and took four wickets, one of which came when Michael Woodrow tried to reclaim the best catch of the season crown from Michael Renouf. Diving forward and to his left he took the ball cleanly at full stretch about half an inch off the ground. No springfield shoe here. Then for the second Woodrow catch he ran full speed and took an overhead diving catch. Is there no stopping him.
Scott Roberts was replaced by Michael Renouf who caused problems from the start. He gave the ball flight and got turn. His first wicket was an LBW which shows the variation he is capable of.
What was most impressive was that, despite getting some tap from Scott Simpson, who has really matured...and doubled in size...Michael kept flighting the ball and finished with three wickets.
Will Villiers found rhythm moving the ball away at the other end and was a good replacement for RP who had been getting some in swing. Despite a wobble mid-spell over I kept will on and he ended up taking three wickets for 28.
Today was a satisfying victory because we played to pour potential. We started positively and posted a commanding score. Our fielding was tight and we took all of our catches. There were no over-throws and I didn’t bowl any wides. I didn’t bowl. Will Villiers almost took a catch, we were torn between rampant salmon and floating walrus....

I remember commenting, in my match report following the game the day after the sixes tournament, on the grunt RP made as his stiffened frame released the first ball of the innings. Today he saved this for after the game, having limped to the carpark he let out a forlorn wail getting into his car. I saw a t-shirt today in checkers that said, “down the stairs backwards, it’s what happens after marathons”. My and RP had to hold on to each-other walking down the steps from the landmark after the game, both so stiff that steps were too much!
Man of the match was chosen by Will Villiers who won the title last time he played. He rightly chose Scott Roberts, who not only took four wickets and scored 52 runs, he was superb in the field.
Next week against the Caesareans I will continue to rotate players to keep everyone involved but we will be looking for a victory that will allow us to compete for a spot at the top of the league.

We should have won - W. Gorman

Today we posted 188 for 2 off 35 overs. A good score, and one that should have been defendable. Robbo hit confident fifty and Scott roberts looked superb opening with him. I believe scott has been underused as a batsman. Scott looked solid but was run out following a groin strain when his runner was called through for a quick single. It also put him out for the rest of the game.
Lewis and Robbo, then Lewis and Ed Keane batted superbly to guide us to what I thought was a good total. Especially having been put it.
But the wanderers boys came out and batted very agressively and by ten overs were 66 for 1 and had 80 up shortly after. Positive batting plus a few edges part fielders to the boundary put them in a very strong position very quickly.
Eventually wickets did fall and they were 6 down when they passed our total with about ten overs to spare.
Our youngsters all played well today, Michael Renouf in his first game took two difficult catches and caused some problems with the ball, but he came on to bowl in a pressure situation and, although he may have had a stumping, was faced with some aggressive batting.
Bonus Ball James took a wicket that was the breakthrough we needed but they were too close to the 189 they needed for us to put any real pressure on them.
I bowled 6 overs in two spells and took two wickets. Despite a dreadful over of wides against a left hander I felt that the rhythm was coming back.
What today's game highlights to me is that we need to maintain a balance of experience and youth. Losing Scott Roberts today made a big difference to our bowling attack. It is also clear that a positive and aggessive approach to our batting is the best way forward. Not everyone was convinced that opening with Scott was the best move, but it was, we got off to a positive start and had a solid platform on which to build.
Going forward I need to know who is available to play and who is not. I will continue to rotate players to keep everyone involved. I will also look to establish the right balance of experience with youth. Both Ed Keane and Lewis Williams are away next match so there will be changes, however they will be changes that will bring strength and balance to the side so that our youngsters can continue to thrive.
Man of the Match is between Ed Keane and Lewis. Ed scored more runs, 60 not out, but I'm giving the bottle of wine to Lewis, because his solid batting at three was what put us in the winning position. he also took a fantastic catch at slip and loaned me his high pressure hose last.

Firstly, thanks to everyone for turning up and playing such a good-spirited game of cricket.
Although we lost the game today, we came very close to winning it. More important from my point of view, is the fact that despite loosing four quick wickets with fifty runs on the board, we rallied and got ourselves into a match-winning position. The Evans-cooke, Cooke-Cartmel and cooke-gorman partnerships showed just exactly what we can do if we bat with confidence and patience.
I won the toss, for a change, and put them into bat. Cookie took the wicket of Willem Pretorius in the first over and created chance after chance. Ryan Evans should have had my brother caught as slip twice and behind the stumps once. The big positive here was that after seven overs they were seven for one. My brother played a superb number three innnings, and with wickets falling around him kept the wanderers scoring. One batsman, Sharpie, slogged 38 runs before we managed to get him out. The result of their strength in bating was 177 all out. Probably about twenty more than they should have had.
Robbo opened the batting with mickey and he the scoreboard rattling along as he took a liking to Hillius’ bowling. But then mickey missed an off-cutted from Hillius and peter Osmont did the same thing next ball. Robbo got a peach from Mat Prenter and suddenly we were on the back foot. When Michael Woodrow was plumb lbw Cookie went out to join Phil Evans. Cookie batted superbly and never looked troubled, that sounds too cliche but he showed a maturity with his shot selection that many others, myself included, could learn a great deal from.
New boy James Cartmel also impressed the judges with his batting, though his suicidal run that lead to him being (just) run out perhaps ended our chances of chasing down the runs. Or so I thought.
Ryan Evans made the same mistake as me, playing a back foot shot at LQ1. But while I was at the crease with Cookie we added runs quickly, mostly running 2s and 3s. And we were only 7 an over off five overs away from victory. Unfortunately I lacked the patience and judgement that got cookie 40 runs. As did Jules who got his second first baller in two games.
Dan Hanby had bowled great looping off-spin and batted well. With 29 needed of three overs cookie went for a big shot and got stumped. It was a shot that was out of character for his innings and a real shame that he could not end the innings not-out, but he was trying to win rather than thinking of himself.
So we lost. But in losing we showed that if we have more patience in the opening overs, peter, then the runs will come.
Finally, something happened during the course of our innings that caused some heated debate among the cordon of scorers. We spotted that the scoring of the wanderers didn’t add up. Although their batting plus extras added up to the total on the board, the bowling figures were all over the place. It looked like the wides had been added twice. Which would have made the real total 153, one more than our final score.
To me the most important rule in the book is the ‘spirit of the game’ rule. When we spotted the mess in their score book we were 90 odd for five and cookie and James Cartmell were going well. Stopping the game to ‘renegotiate’ the score would have lead to arguments, bad feeling and would have interrupted the good batting that was taking place. I agreed briefly with my brother that we would carry on with the 177 that we had started out with. I believe this was not a defeatist decision. Ultimately it is our job to make sure we are happy with the score book before we start batting, and a lesson is learned there. But stopping an innings half-way through to recount the score would have lead to all sorts of chaos and would not have set a good example to our youngsters.
What worked well today was a positive attitude, and we must carry that forward to the next game. We fielded a team that had a good balance of experience and youth. We meet the wanderers again in the cup on the first of June.
With the right focus from the start we should win.
Man of the match is not difficult, team Evans took a load of wickets and catches, but Alex Cooke was brilliant. He can’t have the wine but, as he pointed out, his mum can. Bottle of wine on the way!

Bonus Ball's Brilliant Batting!

Today’s been a long hard graft, and we’ve eaten five packets of Haribo, fifteen bananas and the three sandwiches that Peter Osmont didn’t scoff while the rest of us were finishing off the innings. Peter, SANDWICHES for you next week! And the LEMON DRIZZLE cake was so good. Should have been there rich!
We were put in to bat on a damp and uneven LQ1 and ended up with 166 for nine. Both Will Villiers and James Vallois ending the game with not out bonus points for various fantasy teams.
We opened against a strong bowling attack confidently and were 23 for 0 off the first four overs. However they tightened things up and restricted us to 45 off the first ten. But 45 without loss. The Suthan/Johnson opening partnership was proving fruitful again.
Then we lost Mickey Johnson and Michael Woodrow in the space of three balls things slowed down. When Suthan was out Peter Osmont and Paul Robson batted superbly and built a good partnership. In fact as the hundred came up I was starting to think really positively. Peter was sweeping Wayne Summers for four with ease. Twice he middle a sweep shot to cries of catch, I looked in the air but the ball was hit flat along the ground for four. Nice.
But then Peter and Robbo fell in the twenties and it was left to the tail to scramble up to 166. James Vallois looked really useful with the bat and certainly deserves to bat higher up in the order in his next innings.
Sporting Club defended 150 odd there yesterday so I felt we has a good chance going into the second innings. When Cookie took a wicket with the last ball of the first over things were going according to script.
James Vallois has shown a lot of promise in the nets and I backed him by letting him open the bowling. I think if our youngsters are going to improve we need to give them the ball! James caused problems for the batsmen but a rather harsh umpire did little for his confidence.
Cookie bowled superbly in both of his spells. His first spell regularly found the edge of the bat, unfortunately every edge missed the slips and catching fielders and often found the boundary.
Michael Woodrow bowled superbly but as their score went past 110 I felt I needed to keep changing things to get the wickets we needed. If this had been the first innings he might have bowled through.
I bowled myself for two overs before bringing Cookie on for his second spell. Never again. I seem to have lost all sense of direction with the ball and bowled as many wides as straight ones. They didn’t score many off the straight ones but then they didn’t need to.
I either need to learn to bowl leg spin or concentrate on batting. Or both. ...or take up golf.
Will Villiers took a couple of wickets in his spell but by the time they were 120 for 4 our heads we going down.
Gregor’s spin was too much for Paul Connelly, who had survived a missed stumping, several edges to no fielder and an eighteen inches out of his crease run out when our appointed umpire was not looking. Gregor bowled superbly and on another day might have had 5 wickets.
But to be fair to them, despite the luck going their way, including the toss, they played well, they were the better side.
Michael Woodrow awarded Will Villiers the Man of the Match bottle of wine for his all round effort and team-spiritedness. I thought Cookie was a contender but he can’t have the wine for another four years! Will’s away next week so the honour will be Robbo’s to decide next week’s winner. It was nice to see you back in the side Robbo.
There will be many changes to line up next week. Mickey Will open with Robbo as Suthan is away. Will Villiers and Gregor are also away and I will continue to rotate our youngsters. James Cartmell returns from Spain and will fit into the middle order. With Suthan away I see a good chance of a father and son appearance from the Evanses, was it peanut and coconut?
We’ll have an advantage on LQ1 next week knowing how it has played, especially if the Wanderers play the way they normally do!
Thanks to everyone for turning up today and for such a big effort on a hot day.

Points all round! - W. Gorman

Its been a long day, but one that has seen us chalk up our first win of the season and seen fantasy league bonus points all over the place! Including a jammy not out bonus for misters Burrows and Job.
Sorry to those who picked me in their teams. I got "seven children" on at the end of the innings and didn't bowl, I was spoiled for choice and was quite happy to focus my efforts on thinking about the next move than bowling leg stump half-trackers at the same time.

Do i get points for guiding us to victory?

We lost quite a few key players at the end of our run last season. Pat Kelly and RP to the firsts, Nishant Sharma to India. Into Nishant’s shoes stepped fourteen year old Alex Cooke, Peter Osmont was promoted to number three because nobody else fancied it, and Michael Woodrow came into the side at number four.

We were also joined my new-boy Marcus Job whose wife now has a job for life in charge of chocolate brownies for Springfield teas! Rumour has it even the Croissant Gourmet are after the recipe.

Having watch the firsts make Sporting club (188 al out off 43 overs) struggle against a swinging ball and slow wicket yesterday being put into bat wasn’t in the script. That said if we could bat confidently and post a competitive total I knew we could put the boys under pressure in the second innings. Mickey Johnson and Suthan opened well, taking us to fifty before Suthan skied one off the middle of his edge. In came Peter Osmont and got the scoreboard moving. Another lapse in concentration cost Mickey his wicket and brought Michael Woodrow to the wicket. He played some lovely back foot shots down to third man as well as some lofted drives and never really looked troubled. Peter Osmont had another ‘brain fart’ having got himself into a good position in the twenties and got bowled trying to hit a yorker onto the leg side. But his mature innings at three was a promising one.
Scott Roberts hit some powerful shots and was beaten by a well flighted leg break off Ollie Johnson., shame as he was looking dangerous! Alex Cooke, Will Villiers and Ryan Evans all proved able partners while Woody smashed the ball around to bring up his fifty before he was caught at cover for fifty four.

What was most impressive about our 177 for 9 was that we batted properly. It was hard work out there and we built partnerships, punished the bad balls and were watchful of the good ones. Both Mickey and Suthan should have gone on the get fifties and despite losing them both in the twenties they’d done their jobs as openers, we had a good platform and had seen off the opening spells. At thirty overs we were still in a good position, wickets in hand and runs on the board. Although the last five or six overs were a bit of a scramble we kept the run rate up and put pressure on the fielders, Ryan Evans ran well between the wickets and did a good job of tiring me out. Also, the fact that we WERE ABLE to lose wickets in the last ten overs was what allowed us to get up to just under 180. And everyone contributed, Marcus Job’s delicate edges to the boundary past the bemused keeper earned us the runs that were the difference between the first and second innings.

At tea we spend most of our time appreciating the chocolate brownies and Evans sandwiches. RP, you should have stuck around, you missed out mate. Villliers is back in the team in two weeks, we’ll get him on cakes and make sure you’re in the squad.

Our opening attack was missing Mr Sharma and Kelly. Up stepped Cookie to bowl one of the tightest five over spells I’ve seen for a while. He was accurate and consistent, taking an early wicket with a very well directed short ball. Interesting that both first wickets on Saturday and Sunday went to short balls at that end. Pretty much carbon copies.

Scott Roberts has had a hard weekend, sixteen overs, three wickets for not many runs. He bowled his eight overs straight through and was instrumental in betting us into a position where we could apply some real pressure in the last twenty overs. Thanks for the hard work Scott.

Will Villers had bowled with some degree of threat but we needed to take the pace off the ball if we were going to apply pressure. Up stepped Ryan Evans and bowled three overs that caused trouble but we still needed wickets.
Michael Woodrow came on after Scott Roberts at the 16 over mark and found a rhythm straight away. He created pressure and was economical. I dropped a dolly of Will Villiers bowling at gully but when Aiden McGuire middled a flick past me at shortish mid-wicket it somehow stuck. It can’t have been more than half a second from bat to hand and I really have no idea how it stayed in my hand but it did. Poor Aiden stood there in disbelief before trudging off. He’d made 35 and looked dangerous. He’d just started opening up and had played some powerful square drives for four. Will Villiers’ excited should of “I want to have your babies” was a little worrying but I can understand his excitement.

At drinks they’d only lost two wickets and we just about up with the run rate. But given the quality of their batsmen who were now out I was happy, and we had a selection of eight bowlers to choose from.
Ryan Evans caused problems for three overs before Cookie came back on to complete his eight overs for the match. He was brilliant and provided the economy that created the pressure we needed for the last eight overs. He also took the crucial wicket of Jack Gibbs, who had looked very comfortable at the crease. Michael Woodrow finished with three for 24 off eight and Cookie two for sixteen of eight. So at 31 overs they needed sixty.

Up stepped Suthan and Mickey Johnson. Bowling slow, straight and full they both took wickets, Mickey with his first ball. The ball became very wet and when, with four overs remaining and thirty three needed, Mickey lost control of the wet ball and bowled a couple of wides.

Fourteen needed off three. Suthan bowled brilliantly and kept taking wickets.

Eleven needed off two.Will Villiers bowled the perfect over dot, dot, dot, two, dot. Well almost...

Nine needed off the last over.

Suthan....

Dot dot two, WICKET! 170 all out.

We were on the wrong end of a number of nail-biters last season and I’d like to think that today’s victory was a sign of progress. We learned to hold our nerve. We batted properly and we backed ourselves in the field, even with a wet ball and dark clouds.

Man of the Match is a no brainer. If I had as much wine as some (no names) I’d give everyone a bottle for the man of the match, but the single bottle of Chateau Roquefort goes to Michael Woodrow. It was really nice to see him in the runs and wickets. I’m wondering if Gregor might be a good bowling partner for him?

Thanks to all for turning up and playing with so much Spirit. Apologies to Marcus who was accused of eat ing all the Haribo, it turnout that Matt Smith, the umpire had stashed them in his pocket and their reappearance at thirty four overs rounded things off nicely.

2007 Season

Haribo - W. Gorman

Rumour has it that Haribo are interested in sponsoring us now that their brand is so closely linked with our success.
Today was the last game of the season for the second team. We began the day with a chance of gaining one and possibly two places in the table, and ending with our highest position in the league all year.

We came up against a St Ouen’s team that had been ‘very short’ and had called in a number of first team players. I won the toss and put them in to bat on a damp LQ1 wicket. Pat Kelly and Scott Roberts bowled out of their skins, their eight over spells costing just 12 and 27 runs respectively and both taking two wickets. It was really hot today and both scott and Pat worked really hard to bowl tightly and build pressure on the batsmen. With four wickets between them their opening partnership was as good as a captain can hope for.

So at the drinks break on 16 overs we were looking at a double bowling change and the two strongest batsmen were at the crease. They had very few runs on the board but I was aware that they still the potential to make a very high score.
Will Villiers came on first change and started with a leg side wide which worried me a little. What happened next horrified Pat Kelly and brought the Haribo out for the fifth time. Will bowled a half tracker that was edged onto the stumps.
“God, I’ve toiled for eight overs trying to get this guy out and you step up and do it with a half-tracker” Pat said as he ambled in from square leg.

The best thing about it was that Peter Osmont decided that anything Will could do he could do better, so he took the wicket of Richard Tribe with one of the worst balls of the day. Will Villers went on to take 5 for 19 off seven overs and leave St Ouens 88 all out. What is most pleasing about this performance is that Will was not confident at the start of his spell and asked to come off after four overs. I think both Will and Scott should have more confidence in their ability as both troubled some superb batsmen and were instrumental is bringing down a very able line up.

We were missing some of our regulars today, Paul Robson through injury, Nishant Sharma is in India and Richard Parker is on holiday, and today’s victory shows again the depth that our squad has. It was nice to see Mike Gafoor open the batting today, and to see Matt McManus and Tom Seal back in Springfield colours after a few weeks off.

In our persuit of 89 runs to win we set off positively and Suthan and Mike took us to 16 runs quickly before falling in quick succession. Pat Kelly and Ed Keane took us up to 62 for 2 and both looked in good touch, Ed played a superb pull of four that was the best shot of the day. Then Pat had what he later described as a “brain fart” and got bowled. And we pressed the panic button, or to put a more positive spin on it, we decided to let everyone have a go at contributing to the team’s victory.

Please note, Peter, Ed and Scott got bowled by a girl! Julian was lbw and walked calmly off to the changing room without a word.

So it was left to Will Villiers to steer us home, five wickets and two successive fours to win the game earns him man of the match,

As I write this I’m shattered, and a little sad I suppose. Springifeld Cricket Community has been such a large part of my life since April I don’t know what I’m going to do with all the spare time I’m going to have now I’m not writing reports and selecting teams and making sandwiches…..though as most of you are aware I’ll be up to my ears in dirty nappies by the end of October. When I think about what we’ve achieved this year, the difference between third and second in the table doesn’t really matter. We’ll find out the final position on Tuesday. What matters is that people who had known each other from the nets before the season have become friends both on and off the pitch. Our players are gaining confidence and our squad is growing larger and stronger and more people have an opinion on the various Haribo sweets available. I’d like to think that as a second team we’ve done our job in developing the new talent that comes our way, the likes of Pat Kelly, Scott Roberts, Will Villiers and Ed Keane all have a future in the first team. We’ve also done a great job this year of making a good name for our club in the wider cricketing community, our sixes success was a great end to a very sociable day of cricket and this evening after our game members of four different teams converged on the Landmark Pub to mark the end of the season. The banter and good spirit was a really nice way to round things off.

I’d like to take the time to thank everyone in the club for their support over the year as I’ve found my captaining feet. Suthan has been brilliant as a vice captain and as a friend, and Julian Burrows’ voice behind the stumps and inventive field placing ideas have also been an asset to the team and a huge help to me. I’d also like to say thank you to Paul Robson for is very eloquent advice through the season and to Phil Evans for all the support and encouragement that he has offered me.
We are lucky to have so many talented youngsters in our club and Peter Osmont’s bowling today and Ed’s batting were good signs of the future success of the club.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the cup matches next weekend and hope that we can add to the silverware that we’ve already won.

So Close - W. Gorman

Today we came within two wickets of ending the day top of the league. SCF lost to the strong OV side that we beat, Wanderers were bowled out for 40 by Caesareans. We had Romerils 90 for 8 chasing 144 to win and they got the runs.
They pulled off similar victory against us earlier in the season and although we came so close we should also take our hats off to them for fighting so well.

Today's game was hard graft throughout, our batsmen struggled to get in we were lucky to get to 143, thanks mostly to another outstanding innings from Scott Roberts, who was out for 38 on the last ball of the innings.
Before I say anything else I'd like to thank three people for their contributions to the club this season, they will not be around next week.

Firstly Richard Parker, he has played all but one game this season and has bowled 53 overs this season and scored 162 runs at an average of 27. His good nature and commitment to the team is an asset to the club and will continue to be.
Secondly, we say farewell to Nishant who is off to India for University. Congratulations on your fantastic A level grades. Nishant has bowled and batted with so much enthusiasm and energy he has lifted every game. I will never forget his 104 not out against St. Suens, the best game i have ever been part of.

Finally James Vallois will not be playing with us next week. He too has played the majority of games this sseason, and has not bowled as much as he might, but he has always produced the goods when asked and is superb in the field. I look forward to seeing him develop in the nets and indoor season this winter and look forward to his contributions next season.

Our bowling today was initially superb, with Nishant bowling fast and straight and Pat Kelly doing the same at the other end, five wickets fell quickly. Our fielding too was impressive, Pat bowled to a field with eight men on the off side and ONE on the leg, Nish to a 7-2 and 6-3 field. It was this attacking approach that brought the early wickets Their opening spells were followed up by a run-out, a wicket form Scott Roberts and another from a returning Pat Kelly we had them 90 for 8. But their left handed 14 year old who had dug in could not be removed, we all had a go at him, and their number ten played with a straighter bat that any of the rest of their team. So they got the runs.

As captain I always feel a degree of responsibility when we lose. All the 'what-ifs' creep in.
The big what if for me is about Karma. Their sixth wicket that fell was a run out. Not everyone was convinced the ball was taken cleanly but their umpire gave it out. Now you'd take a dodgy LBW so why not a run out, I just don't like it and I truly regret not calling him back. Lesson learned.

But we must look at the positive side, our bowling attack was superb today and with a little of the luck going our way the last two wickets could have fallen. Our youngsters continue to impress me, Peter Osmont was unlucky getting out when he did and had looked commanding at the crease, Ed Kean's banter keeps us all entertained and his batting looks solid. Furthermore Scott Robert's late debut for the team has been very successful and I look forward to seeing him gain confidence both with the bat and the ball. His six today bounced once on the roof of the table tennis building before landing on the track.

Nobody is more gutted at our loss than I am today, so many hours have gone into getting us to where we are, to come so close is frustrating. So we must not forget where we are and how far we’ve come. We’ve earned a lot of respect this season in the way we’ve conducted ourselves and enjoyed a lot of close games and a winning streak of five in a row.

We have every chance of finishing second in the league, and if we can't win we should make it our mission to finish ahead of Romerils and St. Ouens.

Thanks to everyone who played today.

A Bit of a Mongrel - W. Gorman

As he sat down at the wooden table at the pub after today’s game RP said, “you might need a saw to get me out from here.
It’s been a long weekend, one in which Springfield CC have scored 505 runs in 60 overs and in the process earned the first silverware of the season and given the second team their fourth win out of four games.

I feel a little guilty saying too much about the sixes tournament that Simon Parker lead his team to win on Saturday, as I was not playing, but their spirited performance really made the day what it was.

They scored 86 for 1 off their five overs in their semi final against Bradley Vautier’s Walkovers team, including 32 off seven balls from RP (6442664), you have to retire at 30. it was fantastic to watch, though as umpire I was standing a LONG way back from the stumps and wondered about wearing a helmet.

The final was a close fought game with Nishant and RP leading the way to 80 for 1 off their five overs. When Pat Kelly took 32 off the first seven balls of the HSBC innings they looked in a strong position, but Springfield bowled cleverly and wickets kept falling. Mosty impressive and most worthy of note was the fact that, at the start of the last over, with 18 needed and Pat Kelly back from retirement, Suthan took a catch on the long on boundary to secure the game and tournament. There was never any doubt that he would catch it, honest!

So there were some sore bodies at the start of the game today, RP’s audible grunt as he released his first ball received empathy from six other members of the field who all managed similar noises at some point. RP ended the game without wickets but as one of our most economical bowlers.

The OV side consisted of eight Victoria College first eleven players plus John Mackintosh, Ian Ritchie and Fraser McGuinness (sp?). It was no overstatement to say they batted down to 11.

Our openers bowled well and Nishant instantly had the two openers in all sorts of trouble. As Scott Roberts gained in confidence he started taking wickets and his 8 over spell of 3 for 43 put us in a strong position with them at 50 for 4. But Aiden McGuire and Matt Brookland are both excellent players and their partnership of over a hundred took them to a more commanding position. But we kept at it and although my own disastrous four overs did nothing to help our cause, we broke the partnership and kept the wickets falling, 220 for 8 is a high score but it could have been higher, the wicket was the driest and hardest LQ2 has been for years.

220 suddenly seemed a long way off when Robbo was caught at deep cover in the second over and Ed Keane shortly afterwards.

Pat Kelly, Batting with a heavily bruised foot, and Suthan fresh from his 6s glory the day before took us up to 83 before Pat fell to a good ball from Aiden Maguire. 83 for 4 became 83 for 5 when Nishant was bowled in the same over and 220 looked even further away.

But we never give up. Pat Kelly said, “God, I hate loosing, come-on fellas, we can do this.”

RP made 13 steadily and was unlucky to be caught right on the boundary. At 120 for Seven it was last chance saloon.
One person that I haven’t really mentioned yet is Suthan. He was dropped a couple of times but they were half chances and was looking well set. A number of people commented on his superb timing and delicate footwork playing the spinners.
As Scott Roberts walked out to bat Pat asked “me can he bat?”. The answer came when he smote the first ball he faced for 4. In a flurry of runs Suthan brought up his 50 and the pair put on 43 in four overs and left us needing just five an over for the last ten.

When Suthan finally fell to another superb catch by Nick Baxter at deep cover, we needed 22. It was a match winning performance and one that he was more than due, 75 priceless runs.
More excellent fielding saw Julian Burrows run out and it was left to yours truly, who got a first baller on this track last time, to partner Scott through the 25 still needed for victory. 206 for 8. I managed to squeeze a jammy 7 off six balls while Scott continued to hammer the ball around the park before Ian Ritchie brought himself on to bowl. Scott smash the first ball Ian Bowled for four straight over the bowler’s head to leave him 42 not out and bring a cheer from the Springfield boys.
The OV’s thought they had it won but were gracious in their defeat. I was grateful to Derek De La Haye who volunteered to umpire and stood out on the pitch for close to 80 overs.

Today’s performance shows the depth we have in our team, even when 4 of the top six are out in single figures we can chase down 220. It is no surprise we have more batting points in the league than anyone else.

Suthan will be gutted to score 75 and not win a bottle of my win, but two things keep this from him. Firstly, he drank a fair amount of it last weekend and secondly,The man of the match has to be Scott Robers. It was his all round performance, 3 for 43 bowling, athletic fielding throughout the innings, and an effortless 42 not out in no time that brought us home.
Isn’t that what you call “ Having a bit of mongrel’ in Oz?” It’s been a long weekend and one that’s done the Springfield name proud.

Let’s hope that the Summer Sixes trophy is the first of three pieces of silverware this season. I believe the Magnum of champagne won on Saturday will be drunk in Alderney, whether RP intends to any of share it is not yet clear.
Red of White Scott?

Stop Press, Stop Everything - W. Gorman

Stop everything, put down your pens, hold your calls. Two very important things have happened, events that will change the way we see cricket in Jersey. Events that will have fielders and batsmen sleepless for weeks to come. Event one, Suthan took a catch at mid on! Event two, and this is the impressive one, Suthan scored an ALL RUN four in his thunderous innings of 26. All were impressed by his lung capacity, not only being able to fuel his legs going at ten thousand RPM but to continue the barbarian call throughout all four runs, this was something we are all still coming to terms with.

Yesterday’s game was a pretty one-sided affair in the end. Caesareans only had eight men and we had a full strength side, with Nishant taking a wicket in the first over of the game it looked like this would be over pretty quickly.
I have to admire the spirit with which the boys from Caesareans play, despite having not won a game this season and being down to eight men they played with enthusiasm and commitment that made us work for our win down to the last ball of the game, they will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come and a lot of credit must go to Dave Gascoyne for his hard work.
So they dug in and a young lad called Ben Stevens drove beautifully through the covers a number of times to reach his 29 before being caught behind off RP We it was not clear who was more surprised by the catch that Julian pulled off having first moved towards the left hander’s leg side he took the outside edge with the very tips of two fingers of his left hand at full stretch to his left. Remember Strauss at slip in “the ashes”.

The day was very hot and our bowlers worked hard for the wickets, when the pace attack seemed to have stopped taking wickets, and Nishant had caught up with my ten wickets for the season, I had to reluctantly bring myself on to bowl and once more proved that if you can’t get them out with a good ball, bowl them a bad one!

We saw a rather late but very much welcome return to cricket for Scot Roberts who bowled with increasing pace and confidence as well as fielding excellently. Rory Gordon stepped in with three confident and accurate overs which was a pleasure to see, I think he realised that his captain had already bowled our full allotment of wides for the day and stuck to line and length and was rewarded with a wicket..