After the defeat on Tuesday night, losing in the cup final would have represented our worst year ever and if I am honest, I was not confident. Somehow, we had just been off the pace a little all season.
Well that all changed last night. There was a real cutting edge to the fielding for the first time this season and having won the toss, we really showed what we were made of. The start, however, was anything but sure. One of their openers played a blinder and was back in the hutch on 25 after only 4 overs. This was the point the match started to turn though. They continue to score well and were well past 50 before we took our first wicket. With a weaker 2nd pair in, I took Dave and Steve off (who had bowled a really tight opening couple of overs), to replace them with Neil and I. We removed their second string pair with a short under arm throw from Dave, even though Graeme had wanted us to keep their number three hanging around for a while longer as he was scoring slowly. I then got rid of number 4 with a classic leg break just drawing the batsman forward and Steve snaffling a great catch at slip. This brought their opener back in again with some pressure on the final pair with only 90 on the board. With 4 overs left, Dave then pulled off the best piece of fielding of the night/season picking up off the side wall and throwing down the bowlers end to run out their returning opener with virtually no addition to his total. Their last man only lasted one more over before edging a short lifting leg break to Steve again at slip. So we had bowled out Redbourn for their lowest score of the season, 106.
Our innings started well, particularly Steve who attacked well and move the score along quickly. We were well ahead of the run rate when he was somewhat needlessly run out, but it was a good piece of fielding. Dave was next in and we continued to accumulate well with Graeme nearing 25, he was lucky not to be run out on hitting his retiring run. Russell, our gallant stand-in for the evening, sadly did not have time to show his talent, before being comprehensively run out too. Neil and Dave continued safely allowing Dave to retire having batted well, bring me in with less than 30 to win and plenty of overs. I felt there was no point in prolonging the match and tried to smash a few 8s and 6s to see us home quickly, this was a poor choice and I was smartly caught and bowled off the ceiling having run out Neil only a few balls before. This left Dave and Neil with plenty of time left to knock off the final 20, but we did this rather painfully and it wasn't until the final over that we hit the winning run.
Man of the match goes to Dave for two run outs, in particular the fine direct hit to get rid of their top scorer and an undefeated 30 to see us home.
Thanks to all those involved this season, to keep up the record of winning either the league or cup every season.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Match report v Frogmore
The Redbourn winfest sadly seems to continue, so with only two games to go for them, they have to lose both for us to overtake them (assuming the won on Tuesday, and they had notched up over 150 by the time we left). With that in mind, these last few games for us seem somewhat secondary and combined with the general economic mood there is less than really serious competitive spirit.
With the opposition running late, the game was already reduced to 11 overs per side. We lost the toss and were asked to bowl and Mike opened the bowling with Dave. Mike bowled to good first overs beating two of their first three for pace in castling them and they lost a wicket to run out in opening over. We had them under serious pressure at the half way point of 40 odd for 4 after 5 overs. With Mike's tail up, he went for broke but lost some of the earlier control, testing Graeme's keeping, spraying it down the legside and getting the ball to lift to the extent that he conceded a chest high no ball. They lost their 5th wicket with a few overs to go, but there last batsman did well pushing the score up to 107 for 5 at the end of 11th over.
Batting was a bit of procession, there was no real incentive to push the run rate, which we kept just on the right side of with Mike and Graeme opening. I went in three and pushed a few quick singles, but became are only wicket loss to a somewhat dubious run out. Dave and Neil finished things off with more than over to spare.
We will need to bowl more accurately and bat with more purpose I feel if we are to topple Redbourn in the final this year.
With the opposition running late, the game was already reduced to 11 overs per side. We lost the toss and were asked to bowl and Mike opened the bowling with Dave. Mike bowled to good first overs beating two of their first three for pace in castling them and they lost a wicket to run out in opening over. We had them under serious pressure at the half way point of 40 odd for 4 after 5 overs. With Mike's tail up, he went for broke but lost some of the earlier control, testing Graeme's keeping, spraying it down the legside and getting the ball to lift to the extent that he conceded a chest high no ball. They lost their 5th wicket with a few overs to go, but there last batsman did well pushing the score up to 107 for 5 at the end of 11th over.
Batting was a bit of procession, there was no real incentive to push the run rate, which we kept just on the right side of with Mike and Graeme opening. I went in three and pushed a few quick singles, but became are only wicket loss to a somewhat dubious run out. Dave and Neil finished things off with more than over to spare.
We will need to bowl more accurately and bat with more purpose I feel if we are to topple Redbourn in the final this year.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Colts 146 for 5, Park St Dads 108 all out
There is no point in trying to upstage Graeme’s last strictly come dancing match report, so this will be a more factual straight-bat style report.
Well my expectation were low for the evening as we were playing the bottom side who have lost every game so far this season. We were on a hiding to nothing as a victory was the least that could be expected and total ignominy if we some how even came close to losing. All did not auger well, when there skipper politely asked if we were any good, as this might affect what he would do if he won the toss, which he did. They also asked to borrow Trevor’s son as they only had 5 players. So were inserted, which is what I would have done if we had one the toss anyway. Andy and I opened the batting and my expectation dropped even lower as the first two balls made it nowhere near the matting, along with another two in the first over. A similar pattern emerged over the first few overs interspersed with a few legal deliveries that somehow seem quite hard to hit. As the overs went by, the bowling straightened but our ability to score worsened. Finally somewhat frustrated Andy clipped a nice drive towards the back wall, where Trevor’s son pounced and in Gary Pratt style rather too expertly threw down the bowler’s end stumps to run out Andy. Steven then joyed me but only for a short innings, when I limply drove straight back to the bowler for Steven to be run out backing up. Trevor and JohnCa quickly came and went for little addition to the score, leaving us at 90 odd for 4 off 9 overs. All this time I had scratched around and retired on 25 but quickly had to return to join Tim. The tide started to turn at this point when as usual Tim and I combined to run many quick singles and steal extra runs off their wides. All went well until the last ball of the penultimate over when Tim and I went for another quick single and Tim’s hamstring went. The last over was a real let down after the carnage in the previous two, with Tim succumbing bowled off an inside edge aiming for a 10. However we just got full bonus points finishing on 146 for 5. Compared to Redbourn last week though this was poor, they managed 208 again PSD.
Bowling was going to be a headache, I was counting on Tim to be one of our 4 bowlers, but he really couldn’t walk let alone run. So I turned to Trevor and Andy to work out who was the best to fill in, Trevor volunteered and took the 2nd over after a steady start from JohnCa. Trevor’s start could not have been scripted, being on a hat-trick after his first two deliveries. The first was a superb return catch taken high to his left hand side (from a ball that pitched off the carpet) and the second a fierce drive straight at me at silly mid-on to which I could only react by letting it hit my chest and arm, but I reacted better to the rebound that I snaffled. Trevor’s night just got better when he took another two wickets, a smart stumping from Andy and a possibly even better caught and bowled catching the ball just above the carpet to his left-hand-side. He was a bit generous though when his son came in last man and threw up a few dollies until his last ball when there was some attempt to take a record breaking 5th wicket. At 60 odd for 4 after 6 we thought it was all over, but Trevor’s son stuck around with their opener and they kept the score ticking over. I finally bowled Trevor’s son but their opener went on an all out attack but square rather than straight. He finally succumbed with an over to go to a suicidal single, leaving them 108 all out. An easy win in the end, but it didn’t feel like we played well.
Well my expectation were low for the evening as we were playing the bottom side who have lost every game so far this season. We were on a hiding to nothing as a victory was the least that could be expected and total ignominy if we some how even came close to losing. All did not auger well, when there skipper politely asked if we were any good, as this might affect what he would do if he won the toss, which he did. They also asked to borrow Trevor’s son as they only had 5 players. So were inserted, which is what I would have done if we had one the toss anyway. Andy and I opened the batting and my expectation dropped even lower as the first two balls made it nowhere near the matting, along with another two in the first over. A similar pattern emerged over the first few overs interspersed with a few legal deliveries that somehow seem quite hard to hit. As the overs went by, the bowling straightened but our ability to score worsened. Finally somewhat frustrated Andy clipped a nice drive towards the back wall, where Trevor’s son pounced and in Gary Pratt style rather too expertly threw down the bowler’s end stumps to run out Andy. Steven then joyed me but only for a short innings, when I limply drove straight back to the bowler for Steven to be run out backing up. Trevor and JohnCa quickly came and went for little addition to the score, leaving us at 90 odd for 4 off 9 overs. All this time I had scratched around and retired on 25 but quickly had to return to join Tim. The tide started to turn at this point when as usual Tim and I combined to run many quick singles and steal extra runs off their wides. All went well until the last ball of the penultimate over when Tim and I went for another quick single and Tim’s hamstring went. The last over was a real let down after the carnage in the previous two, with Tim succumbing bowled off an inside edge aiming for a 10. However we just got full bonus points finishing on 146 for 5. Compared to Redbourn last week though this was poor, they managed 208 again PSD.
Bowling was going to be a headache, I was counting on Tim to be one of our 4 bowlers, but he really couldn’t walk let alone run. So I turned to Trevor and Andy to work out who was the best to fill in, Trevor volunteered and took the 2nd over after a steady start from JohnCa. Trevor’s start could not have been scripted, being on a hat-trick after his first two deliveries. The first was a superb return catch taken high to his left hand side (from a ball that pitched off the carpet) and the second a fierce drive straight at me at silly mid-on to which I could only react by letting it hit my chest and arm, but I reacted better to the rebound that I snaffled. Trevor’s night just got better when he took another two wickets, a smart stumping from Andy and a possibly even better caught and bowled catching the ball just above the carpet to his left-hand-side. He was a bit generous though when his son came in last man and threw up a few dollies until his last ball when there was some attempt to take a record breaking 5th wicket. At 60 odd for 4 after 6 we thought it was all over, but Trevor’s son stuck around with their opener and they kept the score ticking over. I finally bowled Trevor’s son but their opener went on an all out attack but square rather than straight. He finally succumbed with an over to go to a suicidal single, leaving them 108 all out. An easy win in the end, but it didn’t feel like we played well.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tottenhoe 131-2 Colts 132-3
It was a somewhat depleted Colts VI that warmed up (well stood around) before the league match against Tottenhoe. No "Frank" Spencer, no "Frankie" Howard, no "Richard" Whiteley and no "Charlie" Williams. It was like a night at the Comedy Club but without the comedians. Anarchy was also in the air (there was a suspicion that Tim Murphy had eaten a curry) as different plans were hatched at bewildering speed: bat first, bowl first, Graeme to keep wicket, Andy to keep wicket. The list went on and on like an American election. Dance Captain Graeme called correctly and decided to bowl and the Colts took to the carpet with Andy in the gloves and Johnca & Johnco waiting to perform the foxtrot as the first couple on to the floor. Johnca was in a stunning red, satin off-the-shoulder dress and Johnco was looking forward to getting his newly acquired leg extension in to his delivery stride. Graeme stood at the back net like a kindly, benevolent but less agile Bruce Forsyth. In a certain light (i.e. pitch dark) Tim Murphy looked a bit like Tess Daly.
The Totts started slowly and in truth the first few overs lacked action and a bit of snap in their routines. Johnca was mixing good balls with a few odd wides chucked in here and there like a Rumba but without the rum. Johnco was rusty like an old accordion at the back of the garage but there's many a fine tune played on an old instrument (so they tell me) and the run rate was well below the desired 10 an over. The openers were making a heavy Craig Revel Horwood of it as Johnco finally trapped one dead in front for a plumb lbw and celebrated by chucking the next 4 balls down the American Smooth-side for plenty of wides. The introduction of Murphy and Ball changed the tempo of the innings. Murph is now thought more desirable by his superiors when he is away from his money markets computer console rather than when he is sitting at it clenching a stress ball between his teeth and unlike the markets recently he began straight and true. Bally was as reliable as ever until a sharp direct hit run out brought the genial "Woody" to the crease. "Woody" holds his bat like a frustrated frontier woodsman who hasn't seen a tree for a week and he had decided that Bally was the man to take on. A 6 and an 8 followed before Bally adjusted his range-finder and pinned "Woody" back for the rest of the over. The score was mounting and no more wickets fell as the Totts closed on 131-2 with the Colts leaving a few bonus points to go begging. Bruno Tonioli in the upper gallery thought the target was gettable if the run chase started well.
Graeme & Andy (who had already kept wicket very well) started as if they had been born to tango together since those early days at the Italia Conti Drama College. Runs came easily despite a fair Tottenhoe bowling attack and Andy got us well ahead of the run rate with a brace of 6's. At this point, the Len Goodman fell off. The calling had been good up until now but a mis-judgement left Andy doing a quick-step in mid-pitch whilst Graeme was break-dancing after tripping himself up. A shimmy followed a shake and either batsman could have been dismissed but in a fitting tribute to Armistice Day, Andy (who was on 19) sacrificed himself for the team and allowed Graeme to receive tug assistance and a crane barge in order to get to safety at the striker's end. Bally then came in and whacked it to all parts ending up retired with 28* but Johnca was run out without even getting to sniff the air at the striker's end. He had called for a suicidal quick one that most people thought wasn't even a dot let alone a single and he rather gave the game away that he was struggling when he yelped "Oh no !" as he was barely in to the first 4 bars of the overture let alone the final chorus. Johnca reported that his moment of madness was due to a dislike for being "in the cage" - an argument also trotted out over the years by discontented lions at London Zoo. Johnco was then bowled by a delivery that he reported swung both ways, pitched, yorked and left him all at the same time and it was left for Murph with 10* and Graeme with a cheeky 40* to waltz the Colts in to next week's cha-cha-cha with plenty of time to spare.
The Totts started slowly and in truth the first few overs lacked action and a bit of snap in their routines. Johnca was mixing good balls with a few odd wides chucked in here and there like a Rumba but without the rum. Johnco was rusty like an old accordion at the back of the garage but there's many a fine tune played on an old instrument (so they tell me) and the run rate was well below the desired 10 an over. The openers were making a heavy Craig Revel Horwood of it as Johnco finally trapped one dead in front for a plumb lbw and celebrated by chucking the next 4 balls down the American Smooth-side for plenty of wides. The introduction of Murphy and Ball changed the tempo of the innings. Murph is now thought more desirable by his superiors when he is away from his money markets computer console rather than when he is sitting at it clenching a stress ball between his teeth and unlike the markets recently he began straight and true. Bally was as reliable as ever until a sharp direct hit run out brought the genial "Woody" to the crease. "Woody" holds his bat like a frustrated frontier woodsman who hasn't seen a tree for a week and he had decided that Bally was the man to take on. A 6 and an 8 followed before Bally adjusted his range-finder and pinned "Woody" back for the rest of the over. The score was mounting and no more wickets fell as the Totts closed on 131-2 with the Colts leaving a few bonus points to go begging. Bruno Tonioli in the upper gallery thought the target was gettable if the run chase started well.
Graeme & Andy (who had already kept wicket very well) started as if they had been born to tango together since those early days at the Italia Conti Drama College. Runs came easily despite a fair Tottenhoe bowling attack and Andy got us well ahead of the run rate with a brace of 6's. At this point, the Len Goodman fell off. The calling had been good up until now but a mis-judgement left Andy doing a quick-step in mid-pitch whilst Graeme was break-dancing after tripping himself up. A shimmy followed a shake and either batsman could have been dismissed but in a fitting tribute to Armistice Day, Andy (who was on 19) sacrificed himself for the team and allowed Graeme to receive tug assistance and a crane barge in order to get to safety at the striker's end. Bally then came in and whacked it to all parts ending up retired with 28* but Johnca was run out without even getting to sniff the air at the striker's end. He had called for a suicidal quick one that most people thought wasn't even a dot let alone a single and he rather gave the game away that he was struggling when he yelped "Oh no !" as he was barely in to the first 4 bars of the overture let alone the final chorus. Johnca reported that his moment of madness was due to a dislike for being "in the cage" - an argument also trotted out over the years by discontented lions at London Zoo. Johnco was then bowled by a delivery that he reported swung both ways, pitched, yorked and left him all at the same time and it was left for Murph with 10* and Graeme with a cheeky 40* to waltz the Colts in to next week's cha-cha-cha with plenty of time to spare.
Thanks to Graeme for the write up.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Semi-final v Bamville
Having squeaked through in the quarter finals off the last ball, we were now in the semi-final against a full strength Bamville, looking to take their first victory against us. I won the toss and decided to bowl.
After Mike’s last indiscretions with the balls, he was clearly determined to make amends as I threw him the ball to open the bowling. He had a very unfettered approach and was just going to go for it without any fear of wides. The method clearly worked and he tore in making the ball climb alarming at times. I took the second over and whilst taking no wickets, after first two overs the score was well below par. By the third over, Bamville were in real trouble, with Mike bowling their opener with great ball that cutback and just clipped the top of the stumps. Neil then completed a run out to take them two down. In the fourth over, I produced an unplayable leg break pitching just outside leg and bouncing to take the shoulder of the bat with Neil taking the catch at gully. With 3 down only 50 on the board after 6 overs Steve and Neil took over the bowling, twirling away and keeping the runs down. The wickets tumbled though in Neil’s last two overs, firstly with a sharp stumping from Graeme, then in the 11th over, a catch to short mid off and the last man fell a couple of balls later trapped lbw, leaving Bamville 97 all out. So Neil had had a hand in all but one wicket to fall, having taken 3 for not many, completed a run out and taken the catch of my bowling. What a performance!
To even things up, poor old Tim had not been given a bowl, so he opened with Graeme. They made an excellent staff, with Tim nurdling the ball to the side walls and Graeme striking it as cleanly as usual. For once Graeme failed nearing 25 when he hit a good but aerial cover driver that was cleanly taken off the wall. Mike had the same unencumbered attitude to his batting, striking his first ball so fiercely that still smacked into the back wall for 6 having hit the leg of the short mid-off fielder. Mike had a couple of other close calls, being dropped at leg slip, but all the time was pushing the score along at a good rate. Both Tim and then Mike retired, leaving Steve and I to knock off the few remaining runs in the 8th over to complete an emphatic victory.
After Mike’s last indiscretions with the balls, he was clearly determined to make amends as I threw him the ball to open the bowling. He had a very unfettered approach and was just going to go for it without any fear of wides. The method clearly worked and he tore in making the ball climb alarming at times. I took the second over and whilst taking no wickets, after first two overs the score was well below par. By the third over, Bamville were in real trouble, with Mike bowling their opener with great ball that cutback and just clipped the top of the stumps. Neil then completed a run out to take them two down. In the fourth over, I produced an unplayable leg break pitching just outside leg and bouncing to take the shoulder of the bat with Neil taking the catch at gully. With 3 down only 50 on the board after 6 overs Steve and Neil took over the bowling, twirling away and keeping the runs down. The wickets tumbled though in Neil’s last two overs, firstly with a sharp stumping from Graeme, then in the 11th over, a catch to short mid off and the last man fell a couple of balls later trapped lbw, leaving Bamville 97 all out. So Neil had had a hand in all but one wicket to fall, having taken 3 for not many, completed a run out and taken the catch of my bowling. What a performance!
To even things up, poor old Tim had not been given a bowl, so he opened with Graeme. They made an excellent staff, with Tim nurdling the ball to the side walls and Graeme striking it as cleanly as usual. For once Graeme failed nearing 25 when he hit a good but aerial cover driver that was cleanly taken off the wall. Mike had the same unencumbered attitude to his batting, striking his first ball so fiercely that still smacked into the back wall for 6 having hit the leg of the short mid-off fielder. Mike had a couple of other close calls, being dropped at leg slip, but all the time was pushing the score along at a good rate. Both Tim and then Mike retired, leaving Steve and I to knock off the few remaining runs in the 8th over to complete an emphatic victory.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Frumpy Flamstead flop
Oh dear what a dull old game this was and very frustrating too.
We won the toss and asked them to bat and after a wide off the first ball, the second was hit hard straight back to John Cal and he had the easiest of jobs in running out the poor chap at the non strikers end who was sent back and had not faced a ball. The second over resulted in a second run out this time a spectacular throw from Graeme hitting the stumps at the bowlers end, fielding a gentle clip down the leg side. This got rid of their only really quality batsman for just 3. From this point on, they took virtually no risks, rarely running and leaving any challenging deliveries. Sadly we missed a catch and perhaps a run out, but they did not give too many chances. They ended up 88 for 4 in the end, with Dave taking a great catch off the side wall from me and then a late run out. Sadly their lack of ambition meant we dropped a bowling bonus point.
Andy and Graeme opened and struggled a little in the first 4 overs, but did not lose any wickets. They then pushed up the run-rate and each retired on 25 within a few balls of each other. Dave was the only wicket lost driving the ball back to the bowler, leaving John C and I to wrap things up in the 7th over.
We won the toss and asked them to bat and after a wide off the first ball, the second was hit hard straight back to John Cal and he had the easiest of jobs in running out the poor chap at the non strikers end who was sent back and had not faced a ball. The second over resulted in a second run out this time a spectacular throw from Graeme hitting the stumps at the bowlers end, fielding a gentle clip down the leg side. This got rid of their only really quality batsman for just 3. From this point on, they took virtually no risks, rarely running and leaving any challenging deliveries. Sadly we missed a catch and perhaps a run out, but they did not give too many chances. They ended up 88 for 4 in the end, with Dave taking a great catch off the side wall from me and then a late run out. Sadly their lack of ambition meant we dropped a bowling bonus point.
Andy and Graeme opened and struggled a little in the first 4 overs, but did not lose any wickets. They then pushed up the run-rate and each retired on 25 within a few balls of each other. Dave was the only wicket lost driving the ball back to the bowler, leaving John C and I to wrap things up in the 7th over.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Grumpy Graeme nearly totters Tottenhoe
Well we were somewhat up against it last night, as the time allotted arrived, we were only 5 men and no sign of other team member after some frantic ringing around.
Tottenhoe were raring to go, but due to late start we were reduced to 10 overs each, a decision in the end which I think probably helps us rather than Tottenhoe. At least I won the toss and for once we bowled first and got off to a good start with Dave and I opening the bowling, both of us finding a length and line. In my first and second over there were two smart pieces of fielding leading to two run outs, one a back heal from Murph that dribbled on to the stumps but just hard enough to knock of the bails, who would have guessed he used to be a footballer. The remainder of the Tottenhoe batsman hung around rather like limpits, not showing too much attacking intent. Neil twirled away and got some considerable turn at times, but with only 5 men, the batsmen kept finding the wall that was unguarded. I full team from us would have kept the runs down considerably. Murph took that last two overs and sadly gave a an 8 in the last over leaving them on 112 (off 10 overs), a score I think we all felt was well within us.
Dave and Graeme opened facing a close in field with no one on the back wall, however their repeated attempts to hit the back wall were thwarted with some excellent fielding, often resulting in dot balls. So after 6 overs we were behind the run rate just, instead of comfortably ahead and a growing frustration from Mr Angry himself. The verbal abuse started as a dribble, but then started to extend not just to the opposition, but also to his own side (poor old Dave taking the first salvo). Fortunately, he finally reached 25 and retired and out came Neil with a need to move the score along, as we were still behind the required rate. Neil swung manfully but made little impression before getting out and in a I came with a sum total of 3 runs from two innings so far. I really looked to force the running between the wickets and put the Tottenhoe fielders under pressure, which started to work, but then nearing 25, Dave was brilliantly run out from a smart underarm throw with just one stump to aim at. This left Tim and I to face the last two overs. I then solidly middled two drives one for 4 and the other for 6, Tim also scampered a couple of quick singles, leaving us just 9 off the last over. I went for another quick single which normally would have been comfortable, but a tremendous throw to the bowlers end was a direct hit and I was a gonner. Graeme returned and Tim scampered a couple of 3s, Graeme another 3, but with last ball remaining the scores were tied, but as we had lost more wickets, we had to score at least 1, which with Tim an Graeme gratefully scrambled which finally brought a smile to his face, but the opposition were later to be heard chuntering about the gob-shite behind the stumps.
This was not a bad win considering we only had 5 players and the opposition bowling was some of the best we had faced.
Tottenhoe were raring to go, but due to late start we were reduced to 10 overs each, a decision in the end which I think probably helps us rather than Tottenhoe. At least I won the toss and for once we bowled first and got off to a good start with Dave and I opening the bowling, both of us finding a length and line. In my first and second over there were two smart pieces of fielding leading to two run outs, one a back heal from Murph that dribbled on to the stumps but just hard enough to knock of the bails, who would have guessed he used to be a footballer. The remainder of the Tottenhoe batsman hung around rather like limpits, not showing too much attacking intent. Neil twirled away and got some considerable turn at times, but with only 5 men, the batsmen kept finding the wall that was unguarded. I full team from us would have kept the runs down considerably. Murph took that last two overs and sadly gave a an 8 in the last over leaving them on 112 (off 10 overs), a score I think we all felt was well within us.
Dave and Graeme opened facing a close in field with no one on the back wall, however their repeated attempts to hit the back wall were thwarted with some excellent fielding, often resulting in dot balls. So after 6 overs we were behind the run rate just, instead of comfortably ahead and a growing frustration from Mr Angry himself. The verbal abuse started as a dribble, but then started to extend not just to the opposition, but also to his own side (poor old Dave taking the first salvo). Fortunately, he finally reached 25 and retired and out came Neil with a need to move the score along, as we were still behind the required rate. Neil swung manfully but made little impression before getting out and in a I came with a sum total of 3 runs from two innings so far. I really looked to force the running between the wickets and put the Tottenhoe fielders under pressure, which started to work, but then nearing 25, Dave was brilliantly run out from a smart underarm throw with just one stump to aim at. This left Tim and I to face the last two overs. I then solidly middled two drives one for 4 and the other for 6, Tim also scampered a couple of quick singles, leaving us just 9 off the last over. I went for another quick single which normally would have been comfortable, but a tremendous throw to the bowlers end was a direct hit and I was a gonner. Graeme returned and Tim scampered a couple of 3s, Graeme another 3, but with last ball remaining the scores were tied, but as we had lost more wickets, we had to score at least 1, which with Tim an Graeme gratefully scrambled which finally brought a smile to his face, but the opposition were later to be heard chuntering about the gob-shite behind the stumps.
This was not a bad win considering we only had 5 players and the opposition bowling was some of the best we had faced.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Match report V Crabtree
First into bat, we lost wickets early with Trevor getting a faint nick to the keeper and Neil firing a sharp return catch to the bowler who clung on to the ball via his elbows! Tim had remained as an interested spectator whilst accumulating uneventfully and was joined by Laurie. Together they moved the score quickly to, statistically, a rather uninspiring 40 odd for 2 although only off 3 overs or so. Tim batted with the back lift of Lara but the touch of a surgeon to find the gaps retiring on 25 and was replaced by Steve Ball who, greeted with a high full toss first ball, only managed to ping it back to a grateful bowler. Every thing was going right for a delighted although somewhat disbelieving Crabtree. Their captain was beginning to froth in the anticipation. For the Colts, a second, and potentially even more, embarrassing defeat was looming. Enter skipper Tim Murphy to stem the tide and after Laurie, having batted well, was unluckily run out (correct me if I’m wrong), Tim S was last to return with the score on a rather worrying 60-4 albeit with 7 overs remaining. A disciplined and prolonged session by Tim^2 engineered the score up to a more respectable 130. Tim M playing his accustomed nurdling strategy laced with a refreshing straight six, and Tim S refraining from the usual trying to leather it until he also received a full toss well above the eye-line and managed to miss it completely. Tim M craftily continued the run gathering and got us to 149 before debatably being run out. Not bad give the earlier proceedings.
Crabtree innings never got going to be fair. After 3 over they had only managed 17, and after a series of run outs their captain was left on his own at 60 for 5. All bowlers bowled tightly – new recruits Steve and Laurie stepping up nicely. Whilst Crabtree managed to stay at the crease until the final over they did suffer the humiliation of being bowled at with all Colts fielders in the slip cordon in a blasé tribute to Crabtree’s likelihood of getting nowhere near our score and a blessed win.
Crabtree innings never got going to be fair. After 3 over they had only managed 17, and after a series of run outs their captain was left on his own at 60 for 5. All bowlers bowled tightly – new recruits Steve and Laurie stepping up nicely. Whilst Crabtree managed to stay at the crease until the final over they did suffer the humiliation of being bowled at with all Colts fielders in the slip cordon in a blasé tribute to Crabtree’s likelihood of getting nowhere near our score and a blessed win.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Colts 149 for 3, Redbourn 150 for 2
What can I say other than we were rubbish, well the bowling was rubbish, I think we easily exceeded are maximum ever for extras. Redbourn knocked off (or should I say we gifted them) the win with 1.5 overs to go and unbelievably one of the earlier overs was a maiden. And with all the turmoil in the financial markets this was a truly depressing evening.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Colts 142 for 3, Long Marston approx 80 all out
We had a good start to the season with an easy win. Having lost the toss, we were sent into bat and fresh from their success in winning the league for Harpenden 2s, Graeme and Dave set up the foundation of good if not excellent first innings total. The start was a little slow with Graeme becoming somewhat annoyed at the quality of the fielding at backward point which prevented several runs and almost brought and early run out. However, post this minor alarm the pair moved on with little fuss. They each cruised to 25 before retiring, Graeme the first having hogged most of the strike.
With availability this year dropping, we have had to fill our ranks with some new blood and the latest recruit Tony Hooper, joined Dave. He soon started to remember the differences between out and indoor cricket with the Long Marston first change bowling very slow leg breaks the first of which bounced to chest height. Tony soon adjusted though and connected cleanly with several deliveries only to be extremely well fielded. Unfortunately his innings did not last two long as he was well run out after Dave drove hard to extra cover. In came Don, quickly followed by Tim, as Dave retired. Another solid partnership developed, before Don retired having looked very comfortable. As last man in, I joined Tim for a very swift partnership, pushing a 3 of my first ball, then left a legside wide moved out of my crease and as the ball returned off the back wall, was pathetically run out. Graeme returned, Tim completed another 25 for Dave to return for the last over, and was caught off the last ball. Our final total of 142 for 3 seemed a reasonable start.
Dave opened our bowling and almost immediately they tried to push a single to Tony resulting in an easy run out, 0 for 1, not a good start. Tim took the 2nd over and was even more impressive and at the end of the 2nd over they were 7 for 1. Tony took the 4th over and bowled some accurate medium pace with a hit of extra bounce. I took the 5th over and hit the stumps for once, at real rarity, in fact I can remember the last time I bowled someone. They lost three more wickets I think all via run outs, Tony again being responsible for one, via a fine accurate throw from the back wall right over the stumps at the strikers end. From fairly early on it had been clear that they were going to get nowhere near our total and with one man, I felt safe enough to threw the ball to Graeme for the penultimate over. What a fine choice this was, as he finished off the match without the need for the final over.
They were all out for around 80 leaving us winners and maximum bonus points.
With availability this year dropping, we have had to fill our ranks with some new blood and the latest recruit Tony Hooper, joined Dave. He soon started to remember the differences between out and indoor cricket with the Long Marston first change bowling very slow leg breaks the first of which bounced to chest height. Tony soon adjusted though and connected cleanly with several deliveries only to be extremely well fielded. Unfortunately his innings did not last two long as he was well run out after Dave drove hard to extra cover. In came Don, quickly followed by Tim, as Dave retired. Another solid partnership developed, before Don retired having looked very comfortable. As last man in, I joined Tim for a very swift partnership, pushing a 3 of my first ball, then left a legside wide moved out of my crease and as the ball returned off the back wall, was pathetically run out. Graeme returned, Tim completed another 25 for Dave to return for the last over, and was caught off the last ball. Our final total of 142 for 3 seemed a reasonable start.
Dave opened our bowling and almost immediately they tried to push a single to Tony resulting in an easy run out, 0 for 1, not a good start. Tim took the 2nd over and was even more impressive and at the end of the 2nd over they were 7 for 1. Tony took the 4th over and bowled some accurate medium pace with a hit of extra bounce. I took the 5th over and hit the stumps for once, at real rarity, in fact I can remember the last time I bowled someone. They lost three more wickets I think all via run outs, Tony again being responsible for one, via a fine accurate throw from the back wall right over the stumps at the strikers end. From fairly early on it had been clear that they were going to get nowhere near our total and with one man, I felt safe enough to threw the ball to Graeme for the penultimate over. What a fine choice this was, as he finished off the match without the need for the final over.
They were all out for around 80 leaving us winners and maximum bonus points.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Vets fixtures 2008
Please see below this years fixtures, please post a comment, if you spot any obvious challenges with these dates. I will updating the usual availability sheet soon.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)