On a blustery day in Chiswick, Crossbats assembled for their match against Elthorne.
Elthorne had proved to be tough competitors in the past and today would be no different.
Elthorne won the toss and elected to field and the exciting crossbats opening pair of
Winch and Spiro took guard.
Little did the other Crossbats know that Spiro was in the mood to break a record or two. His first record came after facing only 28 balls................ 0 Not Out, what a master, what an effort. Winch chipped in with Spiro for the second record of the day...24 runs compiled after 10 overs - The scene was set for a blistering day of high intensity cricket.
The message was politely relayed to 'GET ON WITH IT'......and the message was taken on board as this pair began to dominate. At the half way stage, Spiro and Winch had managed to get the run rate up to near 4 and had set a good platform for the big hitters lower down the order.
The next record to tumble was one in a slightly more positive vein........the opening partnership. After almost 30 overs at the crease, Spiro and Winch had compiled an impressive 136 for the 1st wicket, before Spiro was run out for 32 trying to up the intensity.
Winch Followed shortly after for an excellent 86, when he was bowled by the part time spinner.
All the while, Captain Dunbar's mother, fresh off the boat from Australia and looking a little worse for wear, had been waiting patiently for her favourite son to make an appearance. She had toiled through the slow start and rejoiced at the increasing run rate and had also been privy to rumours that her young Shandy could hit a ball.
Now came his turn and he wanted to make an impression.
And he did just that with a first ball duck - thanks for coming mum.
Wright And Van Vuuren needed to get going but unfortunately neither of them succeeded to any great level, adding 9 and 6 respectively.
Fitch was in next and started putting bat to ball. Tillson at the other end also new what was required and began hitting out ferociously!
Fitch added a valuable 15 before being dismissed and Gourlay joined Tillson for the final onslaught. And what a quality onslaught it was with Tillson freeing the arms and hitting some wonderful boundaries and an excellent pull shot for six.
Gourlay chimed in with a boundary and a six of his own before falling. Barnes joined Tillson for the final over and a bit. Not known for his big hitting, Barnes surprised and impressed all with a first ball straight driven four, followed up by a quick single and affording Tillson the last few balls, of which he made the most of, bludgeoning boundaries and finishing on an unbeaten 34* and guiding crossbats through to 223 on the back of a very solid platform.
Tea was taken quickly as time was running short.
Previous thoughts that captain Dunbar entertained about wicket keeping were pushed aside as, in a last ditch attempt to impressive the old dear, he took the new ball, along with Van Vuuren.
And he had immediate success, sending the opener back to the hut on the last ball of the first over with a clever slower ball. Van vuuren toiled at the other end, keeping the pressure
on. Dunbar struck again in the second over with a well directed delivery that rocked middle stump backwards........and Van Vuuren continued to toil from the other end.
Dunbar's 3rd over saw yet another wicket off another slower ball, caught behind the wicket by the athletic Winch. Van Vuuren came close but just couldn't cash in.
And a fourth wicket was Dunbars when again the use of the slower ball bamboozled the batsmen......Unfortunately for Dunbar, his mother was fast asleep in his car and missed the
entire show!
The pair continued to pile on the pressure and at the end of their spells, Dunbar had claimed 4/21 and the unlucky Van vuuren no wicket for 24.
Tillson and Reeve continued and made immediate inroads. Reeve struck first with a beautiful bowled, reminiscent of his early season form.
The key wicket of Elthornes vice captain came via Tillson - Last year, this chap single handedly won Elthorne the match, but there was to be no repeat today when he holed out to James Gumbley for a dogged 28.
The rest was academic as Tillson continued his great day, claiming a further 3 scalps with some impressive bowling, finishing as Man of the Match with figures of 6 Overs, 1 Maiden, 4/14, to add to impressive showing with the bat.
Almost as if it were written in the script, Fitch came on to clean up the tail and he did so in spectacular fashion. He came steaming into the crease and delivered the ball with a very Fitch like accuracy. As Fitch's arms propelled him forward, the batsmen too came forward to meet the delivery, only to be surprised by it as it popped up off the track. He tried to defend it, but all he could do was spoon it in the direction of the flailing Fitch, who, on his way down to the ground managed to clasp onto the ball and claim a fantastic caught and bowled.
A fitting finish to an exciting days cricket.
It's Willesden next up and Crossbats will be looking to make it 3 on the bounce.
Scorecard
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Crossbats v Clapham Nomads
Venue - Hampton wick
With the sun shining and the promise of a 1pm start beckoning, all 11 crossbats fronted at Hampton Wick for the match against the Clapham Nomads.Unfortunately, some of the Nomads were still adjusting to the unfathomable changes of daylight savings and turned up well over an hour late!
Without any further ado, the toss was won and Crossbats elected to bat first.Spiro was first to go, bowled by that straight one again - although, in fairness, it did stay a little low....
Tillson was next out in the very same fashion and Captain Dunbar fell shortly after to leave Crossbats wanting at 27/3.
Smith came to the crease with a focused look in his eye and set about the recovery mission. Wright deserted him after scratching around to compile a miserly 4.
Van Vuuren joined Smith at the crease and the pair began to steady the ship with some well directed dabbles through the slip cordon area and some lusty blows to the boundary.
Unfortunatley the resurection didn't last, with Smith(18) falling and shortly afterwards Van Vuuren(14), leaving the Crossbats tettering at 71/6.
A new addition spawned from the brother of our resident Australian war veteran joined the crossbats campand played with gay abandon, adding an entertaining 14.
Lawrence, Reeve, Jones and Older Gumbley all did their bit in pushing Crossbats through to a defendable totalof 112.
On the casual walk back to the pavilion for tea, the opposition vice captain, whom was of an undisclosed origin, began to amusingly poke fun at one of the larger members of his team, suggesting that if he was not so fat and slow he would be a much better bowler......thank goodness he wasn't in a position to comment on any crossbats physiques! Needless to say the rolly polly gentleman became disgruntled....
Tea was devoured and it was back to the pitch. Dunbar decided to stand in as wicket keeper due to injury of fellowplayers and the wealth of bowlers available to him.
Gumbley and Lawrence took the new ball and it wasn't long before Gumbley had the first wicket, a surprise catch to Dunbar behind the stumps. Lawrence pulled up lame after only four overs and was replaced by Van Vuuren.After one over he found his rhythm, firstly removing the increasingly confident Abdul for 21 and then, very next ball claiming the wicket of Hassan. Both wickets came by virtue of Tillsons clean pair of hands.
Wickets were beginning to tumble and Van Vuuren wanted more. He signalled the slower ball to Dunbar, who in turn crept up onto the stumps, just in time to claim a great caught behind as the batter edged into his gloves!
Another wicket shortly after left Van Vuuren with excellent figures of 4/11 off of his 7.Tillson chimed in with two of his own, first, a lovely bowled and second was another catch behind the stumps to the safe hands of Dunbar, leaving The Nomads in disseray at 62/7.
Crossbats sensed victory and as the rolly polly gentlemen came to the crease, there was just a feeling that something was going to happen...........and sure enough it did. Batting with his captain, RP was at the non strikers end. Their captain turned a ball just in front of squareand called yes to his partner..........fractionally before calling no! Unfortunately for RP, the sudden change in decision left some of his body heading to the strikers end and the other trying to coax it back to the safety of his crease.......
What resulted was RP losing his footing a crashing to the ground in a cloud of dust, hopelessly trying to propell himself back behind the white line........
A quick bit of thinking and the Crossbats had removed the bails and RP was adjudged Run Out.It was what followed that really sent us over the edge. Firstly, the throwing of the bat, followed by various amounts ofabuse to his fellow player, then some loud mutterings as he trudged from the pitch......
With one wicket remaining, Bob Jones got one to turn square, taking the bails of leg stump and leaving crossbats victors by 38 runs.
As we left the park and moved closer to the group of players it became evident the RP was yet to calm down, in fac the had seemingly become angrier and far more aggressive, threatening to knock the lights out of his captain and vowing that he would 'get him'. The captain, understandabley disturbed asked some of the Crossbats to escort him back to the changing room!
With RP safely locked in a car (with the window down just a little bit) we enjoyed a beer with the nomads and looked ahead to our next meeting.
With the sun shining and the promise of a 1pm start beckoning, all 11 crossbats fronted at Hampton Wick for the match against the Clapham Nomads.Unfortunately, some of the Nomads were still adjusting to the unfathomable changes of daylight savings and turned up well over an hour late!
Without any further ado, the toss was won and Crossbats elected to bat first.Spiro was first to go, bowled by that straight one again - although, in fairness, it did stay a little low....
Tillson was next out in the very same fashion and Captain Dunbar fell shortly after to leave Crossbats wanting at 27/3.
Smith came to the crease with a focused look in his eye and set about the recovery mission. Wright deserted him after scratching around to compile a miserly 4.
Van Vuuren joined Smith at the crease and the pair began to steady the ship with some well directed dabbles through the slip cordon area and some lusty blows to the boundary.
Unfortunatley the resurection didn't last, with Smith(18) falling and shortly afterwards Van Vuuren(14), leaving the Crossbats tettering at 71/6.
A new addition spawned from the brother of our resident Australian war veteran joined the crossbats campand played with gay abandon, adding an entertaining 14.
Lawrence, Reeve, Jones and Older Gumbley all did their bit in pushing Crossbats through to a defendable totalof 112.
On the casual walk back to the pavilion for tea, the opposition vice captain, whom was of an undisclosed origin, began to amusingly poke fun at one of the larger members of his team, suggesting that if he was not so fat and slow he would be a much better bowler......thank goodness he wasn't in a position to comment on any crossbats physiques! Needless to say the rolly polly gentleman became disgruntled....
Tea was devoured and it was back to the pitch. Dunbar decided to stand in as wicket keeper due to injury of fellowplayers and the wealth of bowlers available to him.
Gumbley and Lawrence took the new ball and it wasn't long before Gumbley had the first wicket, a surprise catch to Dunbar behind the stumps. Lawrence pulled up lame after only four overs and was replaced by Van Vuuren.After one over he found his rhythm, firstly removing the increasingly confident Abdul for 21 and then, very next ball claiming the wicket of Hassan. Both wickets came by virtue of Tillsons clean pair of hands.
Wickets were beginning to tumble and Van Vuuren wanted more. He signalled the slower ball to Dunbar, who in turn crept up onto the stumps, just in time to claim a great caught behind as the batter edged into his gloves!
Another wicket shortly after left Van Vuuren with excellent figures of 4/11 off of his 7.Tillson chimed in with two of his own, first, a lovely bowled and second was another catch behind the stumps to the safe hands of Dunbar, leaving The Nomads in disseray at 62/7.
Crossbats sensed victory and as the rolly polly gentlemen came to the crease, there was just a feeling that something was going to happen...........and sure enough it did. Batting with his captain, RP was at the non strikers end. Their captain turned a ball just in front of squareand called yes to his partner..........fractionally before calling no! Unfortunately for RP, the sudden change in decision left some of his body heading to the strikers end and the other trying to coax it back to the safety of his crease.......
What resulted was RP losing his footing a crashing to the ground in a cloud of dust, hopelessly trying to propell himself back behind the white line........
A quick bit of thinking and the Crossbats had removed the bails and RP was adjudged Run Out.It was what followed that really sent us over the edge. Firstly, the throwing of the bat, followed by various amounts ofabuse to his fellow player, then some loud mutterings as he trudged from the pitch......
With one wicket remaining, Bob Jones got one to turn square, taking the bails of leg stump and leaving crossbats victors by 38 runs.
As we left the park and moved closer to the group of players it became evident the RP was yet to calm down, in fac the had seemingly become angrier and far more aggressive, threatening to knock the lights out of his captain and vowing that he would 'get him'. The captain, understandabley disturbed asked some of the Crossbats to escort him back to the changing room!
With RP safely locked in a car (with the window down just a little bit) we enjoyed a beer with the nomads and looked ahead to our next meeting.
Monday, 9 June 2008
Crossbats v Cranbourne click here for scorecard
Set against the backdrop of another pommy castle, the Crossbats met at Windsor for the penultimate match before the tour to Italy.
The Crossbats were bouyed by the previous evening's 20/20 success and had arrived focused on another victory.
Dunbar had a firm game plan after having suffered through some dismal time game efforts and when the coin landed it all kicked into action with the Crossbats skipper electing to field first.
Back in the picture and hoping to make up some ground on 2008 bolter Reeve, was Clive Lawrence. Lawrence was trusted with the new ball and it wasn't long before he was picking up wickets. The opening pair for Cranbourne were removed without fuss and Lawrence was looking at his best. Dunbar was keeping things tight from the castle end and the pressure was bringing wickets.
At 50/3 Crossbats were in a solid position. Fitch and Gumbley relieved the opening pair and continued to build the pressure, resulting in a good wicket to Fitch. Gumbley however was in the wars again and was struck whilst attempting a caught and bowled, bringing his spell to a premature end. The skipper then looked to his strike bowler Reeve for additional wickets. Unfortunately for Reeve this wasn't his day and the Cranbourne batsmen targeted him for some much needed momentum. Fraser was also employed to take wickets with similar results to Reeve and both were dragged before serious harm was done.
Ageing spin option Winch was afforded a handful of overs and would have had an early breakthrough had it not been for the slippery fingers of the captain. However, Winch was rewarded for some wylie bowling with a wicket to add to his impressive tally from Friday night.
Dunbar returned to the crease to pick up a wicket by virtue of a sharp catch from Winch at first slip and his opening partner Lawrence was also bought back on to claim his third and fourth wickets to finish his spell with an impressive 4 for.
Collier came on to perform the last rights, removing the final two batsmen and sending Cranbourne to tea with 165 to defend.
Crossbats had toiled in the field for 48 overs and given that this was a time game, they had been left 45 minutes and 20 overs to get the runs. Crossbats had feilded arguabley one of it's strongest batting lineups and all were confident of knocking off the runs in time for an early evening beer with Her Majesty.
Pineapple, rock melon and coconut were but a few of the delights on offer at the tea break and in the warm temperatures the tropical fruits were a big hit. Strangely ironic however was that the crossbats top order was not........
Collier and Spiro were first to the crease to face an upbeat Ray 'The Razor' Spencer aka Angry Anderson. It wasn’t long before Razor claimed his first victim, beating Collier with one that stayed low and sending him back to the hut for 0. Winch was in and out in a matter of moments, falling to a very sharp catch at silly mid on. Spiro was joined by Wright, who had a cool, calm feel about his approach. Unfortunately this didn't rub off on Spiro who was bowled moments later to leave the
Crossbats reeling at 12/3. Carter was in next and was looking to steady the ship, but it wasn't long before Razor got the better of him, bowling Carter for not many . Fitch looked to be in good touch, starting with a lovely boundary. He looked settled at the crease and it was a real blow to the crossbats when he was dismissed for 9, leaving the team languishing at 19/5. With hope's of victory fading fast, Fraser joined Wright at the crease and managed only 5 before he too was sent packing.
At 27/6 and 10 minutes + 20 overs remaining, Crossbats were in dire straits. Dunbar joined Wright at the crease and the pair had a brief discussion about saving face.
The pair managed to see off Razor Spencer, who's figures of 5/14 were more than impressive.
Wright and Dunbar negociated Crossbats to the first hurdle, 20 overs to play and 135 runs required. Spencer was replaced by some very average spin bowling and with personal enjoyment the only realistic achievement, Dunbar opened his shoulders and punished the bowling with a couple of boundaries and a six. Wright was comfortable at the other end facing the left arm seamer, picking runs off his legs at leisure and the pair took crossbats past fifty.
These two chaps were looking increasingly comfortable at the crease, turning the strike and hitting the bad ball, focused on what they could achieve personally and maybe, just maybe, hanging in there long enough to save the draw.
The longer they stayed the dimmer the Cranbourne mood became and a little in fighting began to creep in. Dunbar was looking in very good touch, driving cleanly and clearing the boundary rope on a handful of occassions. All of a sudden the scoreboard read 10 overs remaining and 60 runs required.......could this actually happen?
Composed and relaxed at the crease, the pair continued in exactely the same vein. Dunbar reached his fifty with a boundary and it all seemed to become quite possible. Wright continued to plunder runs off the left armer and was running two's hard and even getting through for 3's on a couple of occassions.
Cranbourne, realising the imminent danger and embarrassment, tried various options without success and when Dunbar found a couple of sixes and a few more runs from one over, the equation had slimmed to just 15 runs off 5 overs.............
Wright, playing the knock of his season kept the runs ticking over with yet more beautiful shots off his legs and the crossbats looked home and hosed.
Dunbar drew the scores level with 3 overs remaining - This pair had put on 138 for the 7th wicket and had done the job. Jubelation was the feeling that gripped both batsmen and with a flick of the wrists, Dunbar hit the winning....................was OUT, caught at square leg! Oh how he would've loved to hit those winning runs! No matter, he had played his part brilliantly and finished with a season high 83 and rediscovered some form.
Lawrence came to the crease to get the job done and he did just that, sealing victory for crossbats from the most unlikely of positions. Wright was overjoyed and finished with a fabulous 43*.
This was one of Crossbats finest victory’s and it was just the type of result we had been searching for.
Next Sunday, it's the North London Muslims and following that we will come to you live from the sandy beaches of Rimini.
La cane nero é caro.
The Crossbats were bouyed by the previous evening's 20/20 success and had arrived focused on another victory.
Dunbar had a firm game plan after having suffered through some dismal time game efforts and when the coin landed it all kicked into action with the Crossbats skipper electing to field first.
Back in the picture and hoping to make up some ground on 2008 bolter Reeve, was Clive Lawrence. Lawrence was trusted with the new ball and it wasn't long before he was picking up wickets. The opening pair for Cranbourne were removed without fuss and Lawrence was looking at his best. Dunbar was keeping things tight from the castle end and the pressure was bringing wickets.
At 50/3 Crossbats were in a solid position. Fitch and Gumbley relieved the opening pair and continued to build the pressure, resulting in a good wicket to Fitch. Gumbley however was in the wars again and was struck whilst attempting a caught and bowled, bringing his spell to a premature end. The skipper then looked to his strike bowler Reeve for additional wickets. Unfortunately for Reeve this wasn't his day and the Cranbourne batsmen targeted him for some much needed momentum. Fraser was also employed to take wickets with similar results to Reeve and both were dragged before serious harm was done.
Ageing spin option Winch was afforded a handful of overs and would have had an early breakthrough had it not been for the slippery fingers of the captain. However, Winch was rewarded for some wylie bowling with a wicket to add to his impressive tally from Friday night.
Dunbar returned to the crease to pick up a wicket by virtue of a sharp catch from Winch at first slip and his opening partner Lawrence was also bought back on to claim his third and fourth wickets to finish his spell with an impressive 4 for.
Collier came on to perform the last rights, removing the final two batsmen and sending Cranbourne to tea with 165 to defend.
Crossbats had toiled in the field for 48 overs and given that this was a time game, they had been left 45 minutes and 20 overs to get the runs. Crossbats had feilded arguabley one of it's strongest batting lineups and all were confident of knocking off the runs in time for an early evening beer with Her Majesty.
Pineapple, rock melon and coconut were but a few of the delights on offer at the tea break and in the warm temperatures the tropical fruits were a big hit. Strangely ironic however was that the crossbats top order was not........
Collier and Spiro were first to the crease to face an upbeat Ray 'The Razor' Spencer aka Angry Anderson. It wasn’t long before Razor claimed his first victim, beating Collier with one that stayed low and sending him back to the hut for 0. Winch was in and out in a matter of moments, falling to a very sharp catch at silly mid on. Spiro was joined by Wright, who had a cool, calm feel about his approach. Unfortunately this didn't rub off on Spiro who was bowled moments later to leave the
Crossbats reeling at 12/3. Carter was in next and was looking to steady the ship, but it wasn't long before Razor got the better of him, bowling Carter for not many . Fitch looked to be in good touch, starting with a lovely boundary. He looked settled at the crease and it was a real blow to the crossbats when he was dismissed for 9, leaving the team languishing at 19/5. With hope's of victory fading fast, Fraser joined Wright at the crease and managed only 5 before he too was sent packing.
At 27/6 and 10 minutes + 20 overs remaining, Crossbats were in dire straits. Dunbar joined Wright at the crease and the pair had a brief discussion about saving face.
The pair managed to see off Razor Spencer, who's figures of 5/14 were more than impressive.
Wright and Dunbar negociated Crossbats to the first hurdle, 20 overs to play and 135 runs required. Spencer was replaced by some very average spin bowling and with personal enjoyment the only realistic achievement, Dunbar opened his shoulders and punished the bowling with a couple of boundaries and a six. Wright was comfortable at the other end facing the left arm seamer, picking runs off his legs at leisure and the pair took crossbats past fifty.
These two chaps were looking increasingly comfortable at the crease, turning the strike and hitting the bad ball, focused on what they could achieve personally and maybe, just maybe, hanging in there long enough to save the draw.
The longer they stayed the dimmer the Cranbourne mood became and a little in fighting began to creep in. Dunbar was looking in very good touch, driving cleanly and clearing the boundary rope on a handful of occassions. All of a sudden the scoreboard read 10 overs remaining and 60 runs required.......could this actually happen?
Composed and relaxed at the crease, the pair continued in exactely the same vein. Dunbar reached his fifty with a boundary and it all seemed to become quite possible. Wright continued to plunder runs off the left armer and was running two's hard and even getting through for 3's on a couple of occassions.
Cranbourne, realising the imminent danger and embarrassment, tried various options without success and when Dunbar found a couple of sixes and a few more runs from one over, the equation had slimmed to just 15 runs off 5 overs.............
Wright, playing the knock of his season kept the runs ticking over with yet more beautiful shots off his legs and the crossbats looked home and hosed.
Dunbar drew the scores level with 3 overs remaining - This pair had put on 138 for the 7th wicket and had done the job. Jubelation was the feeling that gripped both batsmen and with a flick of the wrists, Dunbar hit the winning....................was OUT, caught at square leg! Oh how he would've loved to hit those winning runs! No matter, he had played his part brilliantly and finished with a season high 83 and rediscovered some form.
Lawrence came to the crease to get the job done and he did just that, sealing victory for crossbats from the most unlikely of positions. Wright was overjoyed and finished with a fabulous 43*.
This was one of Crossbats finest victory’s and it was just the type of result we had been searching for.
Next Sunday, it's the North London Muslims and following that we will come to you live from the sandy beaches of Rimini.
La cane nero é caro.
Monday, 2 June 2008
Crossbats vs Melrose (click here for scorecard)
Crossbats congregated at Melrose on a warm, muggy day for the 8th fixture of the season.
Last years encounter had seen Crossbats up against some sprightly colts and it appeared that todays match was not going to be any different.
The return of Collier to the team was immediately noticable, with the conversational volume going up and the conversational content experiencing a rather sharpe decline. However, with a time game thrust in front of them, the toss won, it would be Collier to take the reins alongside opening partner Clive Nichols.
Neither of the pair dissapointed, both living up to there reputations......one as a swashbuckling run scorer and the other a run out merchant.
With only a few balls bowled, Collier tickled one down the ground - Nichols, convinced there was more than a single on offer, turned and called the second.......however, Nichols was undone by youthful exuberince and a keen eye as he found himself floundering mid pitch with a fantastic view of the young chaps direct hit.
Wright was summoned to the crease a little earlier than expected, leaving his stella to get to a comfortable pommy warmth on the picnic table. Luckily for the beer, it wasn't too long before Arse's lips were cool and wet again, being bowled for 5.
In the mean time, Collier was adjusting to the pace of the pitch and beginning to stroke the ball nicely. He would have had 30 or 40 by this time had it not been for some good feilding and Collier's unique ability to hit directly to the oppostion players.
He was joined by Carter who was looking to continue last weeks good form. And continue he did, hitting a wonderful straight six to get his innings going, followed up by a lusty boundary for good measure. Unfortunately it all ended to soon for Carter, hitting one back to the bowler and perishing for 13.
Spiro, sporting a new B-cup breast implant on his right forearm, looked positive and he and Collier turned the strike and began to put together a healthy partnership. The pair added 50+ before Spiro was dismissed for 10.
Dunbar was searching for some of last years form and began in an agressive manner. The tempo was rising and these two looked as though they could take the game right away from Melrose. Collier, finding the middle of the bat, hit his first boundary in 15 overs and Dunbar chimed in with two of his own. The spinners were on and Dunbar took advantage, hitting a straight six down the ground, followed by a skied six into cow corner. His luck
ran out however, been caught in no mans land and stumped for a quickfire 22.
Collier, who had passed fifty was joined by Smith, who looked in good touch. The pair added more valuable runs - Collier, pushing on towards a ton was now in fine hitting form, finding the boundary on numerous occassions. Smith was also finding plenty of holes in the field, yeilding a plethora of singles and two's. Smith's innings came to an end after he was squared up by a straight one and bowled, not before adding a valuable 17.
Frasers stay at the crease was short lived. Having hit a very nice boundary a ball earlier, Fraser looked to turn one into leg side, but was undone when a young colt took and extremely sharp catch to send Fraser back to the hut for not many.
The message was sent to get some quick runs in preparation for a declaration.
Van Vuuren joined Collier and looked dangerous from ball one. He played some lovely shots and was rewarded with boundaries. Collier, with a century in sight, also began to hit out - but unfortunately his excellent innings came to an end when he feathered one through to the keeper for a well earned 86.
Van Vuuren finsihed with some more boundaries and a lovely six, before Dunbar said enoughs enough, having posted a commanding 217/8, leaving Melrose the target of 218 off about 40 overs.
Lunch was plentiful and it was consumed with vigor by the crossbats outfit.
On returning to the pitch, it would be Van Vuuren and Bob Jones to open the attack. After 5 or six overs it became apparent that Melrose had no real intention of winning this game. They shut up shop and played out for the draw.
Frustrated, the crossbats began to get restless and though the bowling was good, the breakthrough wasn't coming.
Some poor umpiring decisions gave lives to the Melrose batsmen. Bob Jones toiled and finally broke through, sending one of the young colts back to the pavillion by way of a good catch to Nichols.
Melrose captain was next at the crease and looked uneasy from the outset. Van Vuuren was on target but unlucky not to claim his wicket. It wasn't long before Crossbats had there second breakthrough, with Jones coaxing the batsmen to pull, but he got none of it and the simplist of catches was claimed by Spiro.
Reeve wasn't going to miss out and after replacing Van Vuuren, he picked up one for himself when the batsmen missed a strait one and was adjudged LBW.
All the while, one of the Melrose batsmen had been compiling a few runs and looked to be comfortable at the crease.
Things started to take a little turn however, when the batsmen, upset at the appealing from the crossbats behind the stumps, proceeded to inform keeper Collier that the appeals were wasted and shouldn't be considered.....a small exchange followed and this set about creating the tone for the last, dramatic stanza of the match.
With Melrose trickling along at about 1 run per over, Dunbar decided to bring Fraser on from one end and himself from the other.
After Fraser hit the batsmen with a full bunger and then having him dismissed shortly after, the non striker and main Melrose run scorer began to get a little wankerish. Dunbar, wanting to knock the batsmen over, over pitched slightly, taking the whinger on the glove. This seemed to compound the batsmens fear of medium pace bowling and
slow spongy wickets, requesting that the bowling be slowed down so the twat could see it and then hit it.
Riled, Dunbar dragged himself and Fraser from the crease, opting to make a point and give the batsmen a taste of Arse......Wright that is and his effective grenade style bowling.
What frustrated crossbats to the point of some colorful verbal sledging was the fact that this herpie started twating the slower bowlers to all parts. Mape' Carter was the fuel at the other end, tossing up some generous half volleys, to add to this spineless cricketers tally.
With the game rapidly fizzling out and the danger that Man of the match Collier, Spiro or any host of antipodeans might set upon the controversial batsmen, the last overs were bowled quickly and the game ended in a particularly boring, but mildly spicy draw.
The aftermatch was a little icy and the crossbats we sure not to outstay their welcome and returned to the safe haven of the Turks Head, where discussions of the days play, league cricket and coming tours were on offer.
The return fixture with Melrose is at the Wick in a few weeks time and one things for certain - there wont be a timed game in sight and the bowling will be hostile!
Last years encounter had seen Crossbats up against some sprightly colts and it appeared that todays match was not going to be any different.
The return of Collier to the team was immediately noticable, with the conversational volume going up and the conversational content experiencing a rather sharpe decline. However, with a time game thrust in front of them, the toss won, it would be Collier to take the reins alongside opening partner Clive Nichols.
Neither of the pair dissapointed, both living up to there reputations......one as a swashbuckling run scorer and the other a run out merchant.
With only a few balls bowled, Collier tickled one down the ground - Nichols, convinced there was more than a single on offer, turned and called the second.......however, Nichols was undone by youthful exuberince and a keen eye as he found himself floundering mid pitch with a fantastic view of the young chaps direct hit.
Wright was summoned to the crease a little earlier than expected, leaving his stella to get to a comfortable pommy warmth on the picnic table. Luckily for the beer, it wasn't too long before Arse's lips were cool and wet again, being bowled for 5.
In the mean time, Collier was adjusting to the pace of the pitch and beginning to stroke the ball nicely. He would have had 30 or 40 by this time had it not been for some good feilding and Collier's unique ability to hit directly to the oppostion players.
He was joined by Carter who was looking to continue last weeks good form. And continue he did, hitting a wonderful straight six to get his innings going, followed up by a lusty boundary for good measure. Unfortunately it all ended to soon for Carter, hitting one back to the bowler and perishing for 13.
Spiro, sporting a new B-cup breast implant on his right forearm, looked positive and he and Collier turned the strike and began to put together a healthy partnership. The pair added 50+ before Spiro was dismissed for 10.
Dunbar was searching for some of last years form and began in an agressive manner. The tempo was rising and these two looked as though they could take the game right away from Melrose. Collier, finding the middle of the bat, hit his first boundary in 15 overs and Dunbar chimed in with two of his own. The spinners were on and Dunbar took advantage, hitting a straight six down the ground, followed by a skied six into cow corner. His luck
ran out however, been caught in no mans land and stumped for a quickfire 22.
Collier, who had passed fifty was joined by Smith, who looked in good touch. The pair added more valuable runs - Collier, pushing on towards a ton was now in fine hitting form, finding the boundary on numerous occassions. Smith was also finding plenty of holes in the field, yeilding a plethora of singles and two's. Smith's innings came to an end after he was squared up by a straight one and bowled, not before adding a valuable 17.
Frasers stay at the crease was short lived. Having hit a very nice boundary a ball earlier, Fraser looked to turn one into leg side, but was undone when a young colt took and extremely sharp catch to send Fraser back to the hut for not many.
The message was sent to get some quick runs in preparation for a declaration.
Van Vuuren joined Collier and looked dangerous from ball one. He played some lovely shots and was rewarded with boundaries. Collier, with a century in sight, also began to hit out - but unfortunately his excellent innings came to an end when he feathered one through to the keeper for a well earned 86.
Van Vuuren finsihed with some more boundaries and a lovely six, before Dunbar said enoughs enough, having posted a commanding 217/8, leaving Melrose the target of 218 off about 40 overs.
Lunch was plentiful and it was consumed with vigor by the crossbats outfit.
On returning to the pitch, it would be Van Vuuren and Bob Jones to open the attack. After 5 or six overs it became apparent that Melrose had no real intention of winning this game. They shut up shop and played out for the draw.
Frustrated, the crossbats began to get restless and though the bowling was good, the breakthrough wasn't coming.
Some poor umpiring decisions gave lives to the Melrose batsmen. Bob Jones toiled and finally broke through, sending one of the young colts back to the pavillion by way of a good catch to Nichols.
Melrose captain was next at the crease and looked uneasy from the outset. Van Vuuren was on target but unlucky not to claim his wicket. It wasn't long before Crossbats had there second breakthrough, with Jones coaxing the batsmen to pull, but he got none of it and the simplist of catches was claimed by Spiro.
Reeve wasn't going to miss out and after replacing Van Vuuren, he picked up one for himself when the batsmen missed a strait one and was adjudged LBW.
All the while, one of the Melrose batsmen had been compiling a few runs and looked to be comfortable at the crease.
Things started to take a little turn however, when the batsmen, upset at the appealing from the crossbats behind the stumps, proceeded to inform keeper Collier that the appeals were wasted and shouldn't be considered.....a small exchange followed and this set about creating the tone for the last, dramatic stanza of the match.
With Melrose trickling along at about 1 run per over, Dunbar decided to bring Fraser on from one end and himself from the other.
After Fraser hit the batsmen with a full bunger and then having him dismissed shortly after, the non striker and main Melrose run scorer began to get a little wankerish. Dunbar, wanting to knock the batsmen over, over pitched slightly, taking the whinger on the glove. This seemed to compound the batsmens fear of medium pace bowling and
slow spongy wickets, requesting that the bowling be slowed down so the twat could see it and then hit it.
Riled, Dunbar dragged himself and Fraser from the crease, opting to make a point and give the batsmen a taste of Arse......Wright that is and his effective grenade style bowling.
What frustrated crossbats to the point of some colorful verbal sledging was the fact that this herpie started twating the slower bowlers to all parts. Mape' Carter was the fuel at the other end, tossing up some generous half volleys, to add to this spineless cricketers tally.
With the game rapidly fizzling out and the danger that Man of the match Collier, Spiro or any host of antipodeans might set upon the controversial batsmen, the last overs were bowled quickly and the game ended in a particularly boring, but mildly spicy draw.
The aftermatch was a little icy and the crossbats we sure not to outstay their welcome and returned to the safe haven of the Turks Head, where discussions of the days play, league cricket and coming tours were on offer.
The return fixture with Melrose is at the Wick in a few weeks time and one things for certain - there wont be a timed game in sight and the bowling will be hostile!
Monday, 26 May 2008
Crossbats v Rainmen
Venue - Hampton Wick
A blustery but sunny day was the flavour of the weather for Crossbats encounter with the Rainmen.
Being a long weekend, Crossbats were sporting a couple of new faces to help with the numbers and once all introductions were taken care of it was time for the toss.
Dunbar, with a firm game plan in mind, won the toss and immediately elected to bat.
In this, the second timed game of the season, Crossbats were looking to dominate and improve on their previous timed game record thus far.
The responsibilty was handed to Winch and Nichols, who both looked positive from the outset. But it wasn't too long before things started to wobble. Winch was first to go, playing on to his stumps, shortly followed by Nichols who was bowled.
Wright and Carter began to build a partnership, with Carter extremely lucky to survive after the simplist of catches was grassed by the opposition feilder.
Unfortunately for Wright, Dunbar had relieved Reeve of scoring duties and sent him in to umpire. Cockeyed and not sure what to do, Reeve was asked the question by the oppostion bowler after Wright's pads were rapped well outside the leg stump - Reeve slowly raised his finger, having seen umpires on the TV do the same, and sealed Wrights fate, who had looked comfortable compiling his 13.
Dunbar's stay at the crease was short and painful, not being able to put bat on ball against the spin, he was soon dismissed for 4.
Van Vuuren looked in good touch from the outset, hitting strongly over the top and he and Carter began to make a stand.
Carter had played a fine innings and having seen his way to fifty, he was looking increasingly settled before suffering a brain freeze and being stumped for a solid 51.
Van Vuuren's penchant for hitting finally saw him perish as the bowler was able to get one past the bat and into the stumps, not beforehe had added a valuable 19.
Surprise package and new face Ross was in the mood for runs and saved Crossbats from a low total as he caressed the ball to various parts of the ground. He was assisted at first by Van Vuuren, then by Spiro and lastly by the second new face White and finished his innings 33 not out and helped the Crossbats to a defendable 161/7 declared.
Tea bought it's usual discussion of the night before, the night ahead and murmers of the Italian tour on the horizon.
Fed and watered, the crossbats returned to the pitch looking to seal their fourth victory of the season. Dunbar and Reeve started proceedings andit wasn't long before wicket machine Reeve broke through, going strait past the defences of the opening batsmen. However, If Crossbats thought this was going to be a cake walk, they were wrong.
As the new batsmen found his feet and crossbats couldn't find the edge, the Rainmen pair began reeling in the target. At 75/1 and more than 20 oversremaining, Dunbar was concerned and consulted the brains trust on various tactics. It was decided to hunker down, tighten up and starve these batsmen of runs and hope that a cheap wicket could be brought in the process.
And it came almost immediatley when Jones had the batsmen edging into the gully where a 'safe' Alistair Wright claimed the catch.
Chances were coming but the ball wasn't sticking as a number of other opportunities went to ground, which may have proved the difference. Jones, Reeve and Van Vuuren were all in the wickets but Crossbats were running out of time.
Meanwhile, during a spell of bowling from Dunbar, wicketkeeper Malcolm Spiro was struck by the ball and proceeded to make a song and dance about it,which was ignored by the majority of the crossbats.....until such time as an enourmous egg appeared on his right forearm, giving some cause for concern -
With the most important part of his running style damaged and feeling somewhat wousy, Spiro left the feild to seek medical attention or any kind of attention that was available.
Crossbats toiled hard and must have beat the batsmens edge over 20 times, with no result.
With the match drawing to a close, Dunbar had one final plan - bring on Wright for the last over and hit them with geniune hand grenade bowling.
The equation, 2 wickets.
3rd ball in and Wright struck. Enticing the batsmen to have a go, he found the edge and it was claimed by Winch. 1 wicket required, 3 balls remaining.
Crossbats gathered near the bat and began to chirp a little - 4th ball defended......2 to come. Wright delivered the penultimate delivery and it seemed the wicket was on as the batsmens eyes lit up and he had an almighty swing ............ but it missed everything and with the final ball defended the game ended in a draw.
Man of the match honours go to Carter for his 51, but notable mentions must go to Van Vuuren, Reeve, Jones and Ross for their contributions.Thanks also to Lee White for for a good effort on short notice.
Though the match was drawn, the feeling was good and after a few beers with the opposition at the club, the bulk of crossbats headed to what could be the new local, The Swan, in Hampton Wick. The evening went on into the wee hours, with Spiro nursing his arm, healthy competition at the dart board and a lot of talk about nothing inparticular.
A blustery but sunny day was the flavour of the weather for Crossbats encounter with the Rainmen.
Being a long weekend, Crossbats were sporting a couple of new faces to help with the numbers and once all introductions were taken care of it was time for the toss.
Dunbar, with a firm game plan in mind, won the toss and immediately elected to bat.
In this, the second timed game of the season, Crossbats were looking to dominate and improve on their previous timed game record thus far.
The responsibilty was handed to Winch and Nichols, who both looked positive from the outset. But it wasn't too long before things started to wobble. Winch was first to go, playing on to his stumps, shortly followed by Nichols who was bowled.
Wright and Carter began to build a partnership, with Carter extremely lucky to survive after the simplist of catches was grassed by the opposition feilder.
Unfortunately for Wright, Dunbar had relieved Reeve of scoring duties and sent him in to umpire. Cockeyed and not sure what to do, Reeve was asked the question by the oppostion bowler after Wright's pads were rapped well outside the leg stump - Reeve slowly raised his finger, having seen umpires on the TV do the same, and sealed Wrights fate, who had looked comfortable compiling his 13.
Dunbar's stay at the crease was short and painful, not being able to put bat on ball against the spin, he was soon dismissed for 4.
Van Vuuren looked in good touch from the outset, hitting strongly over the top and he and Carter began to make a stand.
Carter had played a fine innings and having seen his way to fifty, he was looking increasingly settled before suffering a brain freeze and being stumped for a solid 51.
Van Vuuren's penchant for hitting finally saw him perish as the bowler was able to get one past the bat and into the stumps, not beforehe had added a valuable 19.
Surprise package and new face Ross was in the mood for runs and saved Crossbats from a low total as he caressed the ball to various parts of the ground. He was assisted at first by Van Vuuren, then by Spiro and lastly by the second new face White and finished his innings 33 not out and helped the Crossbats to a defendable 161/7 declared.
Tea bought it's usual discussion of the night before, the night ahead and murmers of the Italian tour on the horizon.
Fed and watered, the crossbats returned to the pitch looking to seal their fourth victory of the season. Dunbar and Reeve started proceedings andit wasn't long before wicket machine Reeve broke through, going strait past the defences of the opening batsmen. However, If Crossbats thought this was going to be a cake walk, they were wrong.
As the new batsmen found his feet and crossbats couldn't find the edge, the Rainmen pair began reeling in the target. At 75/1 and more than 20 oversremaining, Dunbar was concerned and consulted the brains trust on various tactics. It was decided to hunker down, tighten up and starve these batsmen of runs and hope that a cheap wicket could be brought in the process.
And it came almost immediatley when Jones had the batsmen edging into the gully where a 'safe' Alistair Wright claimed the catch.
Chances were coming but the ball wasn't sticking as a number of other opportunities went to ground, which may have proved the difference. Jones, Reeve and Van Vuuren were all in the wickets but Crossbats were running out of time.
Meanwhile, during a spell of bowling from Dunbar, wicketkeeper Malcolm Spiro was struck by the ball and proceeded to make a song and dance about it,which was ignored by the majority of the crossbats.....until such time as an enourmous egg appeared on his right forearm, giving some cause for concern -
With the most important part of his running style damaged and feeling somewhat wousy, Spiro left the feild to seek medical attention or any kind of attention that was available.
Crossbats toiled hard and must have beat the batsmens edge over 20 times, with no result.
With the match drawing to a close, Dunbar had one final plan - bring on Wright for the last over and hit them with geniune hand grenade bowling.
The equation, 2 wickets.
3rd ball in and Wright struck. Enticing the batsmen to have a go, he found the edge and it was claimed by Winch. 1 wicket required, 3 balls remaining.
Crossbats gathered near the bat and began to chirp a little - 4th ball defended......2 to come. Wright delivered the penultimate delivery and it seemed the wicket was on as the batsmens eyes lit up and he had an almighty swing ............ but it missed everything and with the final ball defended the game ended in a draw.
Man of the match honours go to Carter for his 51, but notable mentions must go to Van Vuuren, Reeve, Jones and Ross for their contributions.Thanks also to Lee White for for a good effort on short notice.
Though the match was drawn, the feeling was good and after a few beers with the opposition at the club, the bulk of crossbats headed to what could be the new local, The Swan, in Hampton Wick. The evening went on into the wee hours, with Spiro nursing his arm, healthy competition at the dart board and a lot of talk about nothing inparticular.
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Crossbats vs Morden
Venue – Raynes Park
In contrasting conditions from last week, Crossbats convened at Raynes Park with dark clouds, cool conditions and drizzly rain overhead.
With play in the first test at Lords abandoned due the above mentioned conditions, the Crossbats players may have been forgiven for Considering the same fate here – However, Captain Dunbar had other ideas and was fast summing up conditions and cooking up a plan.
The two captains met in the middle for the toss, Crossbats offer of two new balls was declined by the home skipper and when Dunbar won the toss he immediately chose to bowl, wanting use of the shine before it turned to soap.
With all but one of his charges bemused by the decision to bowl, the Crossbats trudged onto the pitch and the new ball was entrusted to Fraser, working in concert with Van Vuuren.
And what a sprightly track it was! The conditions belied the life in this pitch as the ball zipped around at good pace and with some good bounce to boot.
Stocky Moore had only one game plan on his mind – hit out or get out, unfortunately for him it was the latter that had the most impact, with Spiro holding a thick Edge off the accurate Fraser. Low looked to have the crossbats bowler’s measure and was of genuine concern to the captain. With the ball doing enough and the batsmen still looking to play their shots, Dunbar set a trap, moving his fine leg into a fly slip position at both ends of the Ground.
And just when he thought his grand plan might be becoming pointless, the danger man Low went at one from Fraser catching a big edge down to Van Vuuren In the fly slip position, who to the jubilation of the captain, made no mistake.
Both Fraser and Van Vuuren continued to suffocate the batsmen and had them trickling along at 2.5 an over. Van Vuuren was unlucky not to get a wicket But created immense pressure to finish with tidy figures of 7 overs, no wicket for 15. Both the opening pair bowled through with Fraser the beneficiary of two wickets and Very healthy figures of 7 overs, 2/16.
1st change was Bob Jones and joined at the other end by leading wicket taker Simon Reeve.
And it wasn’t long before Reeve began hauling in the wickets – With the batsmen under increasing pressure to get on with it, they began taking some chances and Those chances were going to hand and staying in hand. Reeves first wicket came by virtue of Dunbar poaching a catch from Carter, shortly followed up by Reeve slipping One through the batsmen to claim his second in as many minutes. Jones, not wanting to be outdone was rewarded when new keeper Spiro held a pearler behind the stumps To send this Morden side into disarray at 42/5.
Reeve struck again, enticing the batsmen to have a go, only to find Dunbar at mid on. Then, in what was a shambolic moment, Reeve again looked to have picked up a wicket when a huge LBW shout went up – the batsmen was fixated on the umpire and didn’t realise he was standing out of his crease – Van Vuuren realised, swooping on the static ball and firing it in, hitting the stumps – either way, the batsmen was out, but unfortunately for Reeve, it goes down as a Run Out and a good piece of work by Van Vuuren.
Reeve did claim his fourth moments later when the batsmen lifted one to a waiting Van Vuuren and it was all but over for Morden. Jones bowling tightly offered the tail end batsmen some flight and not being able to control himself, launched into a shot that found Reeve in the deep, taking a great overhead catch.
The ever patient Fitch was bought on to stop the tail wagging and get the innings over with and he did just that, coaxing the batsmen to again hit over the top, but to his demise as Man of the Match Reeve, calmly waited for the ball to fall into his hands, capping off a great inning for himself, finishing with 4/21 and two good catches and a great inning for Crossbats, bundling Morden out for a mediocre 78.
Hot tea and sandwiches were met by fat blokes unable to control themselves and when sufficiently stuffed, it was Steve Smith and Sean Spurdle to face the Opening onslaught from Morden.
The opening bowlers generated good pace and the ball was again zipping around, but it was the accuracy that proved the problem, leaking wides and byes they could ill afford, giving crossbats a healthy start and putting Morden on the back foot. Smith looked solid in defence and Spurdle aggressive in his strokplay and after 5 overs, the crossbats had raced into the thirty’s.
A change of bowling proved to be a good decision as Smith was removed after some dogged resilience. Wright came to the crease and was immediately off the mark With a well timed tickle off his legs.
Spurdle was next to go, when he was stumped after wandering out of his crease to show boat to the crowd, for a handy 20. Fitch had earned a promotion up the order and was not about to give his wicket away. He and Wright looked to have the bowlers worked out before Wright was dismissed by Sharma, who produced a brilliant catch off his own bowling.
Crossbats middle order had not been performing well of late and this was reiterated by Carter, who was caught shortly after to give Sharma his 4th and Morden a sniff of victory. But the sniff was snuffed out as Fitch and Dunbar, playing some good shots saw the Crossbats home, finishing on 14*(Fitch) and 11*(Dunbar) respectively and Taking Crossbats to a 6 wicket victory and their 3rd of the season.
A thoroughly satisfying result after a few weeks of near misses – Next week it’s the Rainmen at home in Bushey Park.
SCORECARD
In contrasting conditions from last week, Crossbats convened at Raynes Park with dark clouds, cool conditions and drizzly rain overhead.
With play in the first test at Lords abandoned due the above mentioned conditions, the Crossbats players may have been forgiven for Considering the same fate here – However, Captain Dunbar had other ideas and was fast summing up conditions and cooking up a plan.
The two captains met in the middle for the toss, Crossbats offer of two new balls was declined by the home skipper and when Dunbar won the toss he immediately chose to bowl, wanting use of the shine before it turned to soap.
With all but one of his charges bemused by the decision to bowl, the Crossbats trudged onto the pitch and the new ball was entrusted to Fraser, working in concert with Van Vuuren.
And what a sprightly track it was! The conditions belied the life in this pitch as the ball zipped around at good pace and with some good bounce to boot.
Stocky Moore had only one game plan on his mind – hit out or get out, unfortunately for him it was the latter that had the most impact, with Spiro holding a thick Edge off the accurate Fraser. Low looked to have the crossbats bowler’s measure and was of genuine concern to the captain. With the ball doing enough and the batsmen still looking to play their shots, Dunbar set a trap, moving his fine leg into a fly slip position at both ends of the Ground.
And just when he thought his grand plan might be becoming pointless, the danger man Low went at one from Fraser catching a big edge down to Van Vuuren In the fly slip position, who to the jubilation of the captain, made no mistake.
Both Fraser and Van Vuuren continued to suffocate the batsmen and had them trickling along at 2.5 an over. Van Vuuren was unlucky not to get a wicket But created immense pressure to finish with tidy figures of 7 overs, no wicket for 15. Both the opening pair bowled through with Fraser the beneficiary of two wickets and Very healthy figures of 7 overs, 2/16.
1st change was Bob Jones and joined at the other end by leading wicket taker Simon Reeve.
And it wasn’t long before Reeve began hauling in the wickets – With the batsmen under increasing pressure to get on with it, they began taking some chances and Those chances were going to hand and staying in hand. Reeves first wicket came by virtue of Dunbar poaching a catch from Carter, shortly followed up by Reeve slipping One through the batsmen to claim his second in as many minutes. Jones, not wanting to be outdone was rewarded when new keeper Spiro held a pearler behind the stumps To send this Morden side into disarray at 42/5.
Reeve struck again, enticing the batsmen to have a go, only to find Dunbar at mid on. Then, in what was a shambolic moment, Reeve again looked to have picked up a wicket when a huge LBW shout went up – the batsmen was fixated on the umpire and didn’t realise he was standing out of his crease – Van Vuuren realised, swooping on the static ball and firing it in, hitting the stumps – either way, the batsmen was out, but unfortunately for Reeve, it goes down as a Run Out and a good piece of work by Van Vuuren.
Reeve did claim his fourth moments later when the batsmen lifted one to a waiting Van Vuuren and it was all but over for Morden. Jones bowling tightly offered the tail end batsmen some flight and not being able to control himself, launched into a shot that found Reeve in the deep, taking a great overhead catch.
The ever patient Fitch was bought on to stop the tail wagging and get the innings over with and he did just that, coaxing the batsmen to again hit over the top, but to his demise as Man of the Match Reeve, calmly waited for the ball to fall into his hands, capping off a great inning for himself, finishing with 4/21 and two good catches and a great inning for Crossbats, bundling Morden out for a mediocre 78.
Hot tea and sandwiches were met by fat blokes unable to control themselves and when sufficiently stuffed, it was Steve Smith and Sean Spurdle to face the Opening onslaught from Morden.
The opening bowlers generated good pace and the ball was again zipping around, but it was the accuracy that proved the problem, leaking wides and byes they could ill afford, giving crossbats a healthy start and putting Morden on the back foot. Smith looked solid in defence and Spurdle aggressive in his strokplay and after 5 overs, the crossbats had raced into the thirty’s.
A change of bowling proved to be a good decision as Smith was removed after some dogged resilience. Wright came to the crease and was immediately off the mark With a well timed tickle off his legs.
Spurdle was next to go, when he was stumped after wandering out of his crease to show boat to the crowd, for a handy 20. Fitch had earned a promotion up the order and was not about to give his wicket away. He and Wright looked to have the bowlers worked out before Wright was dismissed by Sharma, who produced a brilliant catch off his own bowling.
Crossbats middle order had not been performing well of late and this was reiterated by Carter, who was caught shortly after to give Sharma his 4th and Morden a sniff of victory. But the sniff was snuffed out as Fitch and Dunbar, playing some good shots saw the Crossbats home, finishing on 14*(Fitch) and 11*(Dunbar) respectively and Taking Crossbats to a 6 wicket victory and their 3rd of the season.
A thoroughly satisfying result after a few weeks of near misses – Next week it’s the Rainmen at home in Bushey Park.
SCORECARD
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Crossbats vs The Bank of England
Venue - The Bank of England, Roehampton
An absolutely glorius day greeted crossbats as the arrived in the picturesque settings of The Bank of England's home patch at Roehampton. Various members of the team had some difficulty locating the grounds and were desperately trying to contact anyone with vehicular access to come to their aid as tempertures soared past 25 degrees.
As anticipated, Dunbar was coerced into a timed match and it was crossbats who were sent in to bat. Spiro, feeling the effects of exhaustion and dehydration was quickly dispatched by the lightning quick opening bowler, claiming he had played the wrong line and had been beaten by a brilliant ball...
Tillson, keen to make ammends for his previous weeks duck went about his business with a purpose, hittingsome solid 4's and 6's to get the run rate ticking over. Wright had joined Tillson after Spiro's demise and looked calm and confident at the crease. The pair began to look in control before Tillson was dismissed for a galant 39.
Wright, joined by Winch, continued to build his innings, picking up singles by dropping the ball into the leg side on at least half a dozen occasions with a view of turning the strike and keeping the run rate moving.
As the runs built, so to did Wrights aggressive approach to the match, becoming ever more expansive, picking off boundaries at will and looking far more like the Alistair Wright of old.
And it appeared to be at his utter surprise when the cheer rose up from the other crossbats members, with Wright having passed fifty.It only took a moment to sink in......Wright, realising this was not a fantastical dream, began to hop and dance around on the spot, raising his bat to an invisible crowd that only he could see.....this was Wrights finest moment for crossbats in some time and he was going to enjoy every bit of it.
Meanwhile, the reliable Winch looked in some discomfort as Wright had been pushing him hard for the quick singles. It wasn't too long before Winch was uncharacteristically bowled and returned to the pavillion having posted his most modest total of the season.
This bought Carter to the crease in the unfamiliar position of number 5. He joined Wright who was looking to get on with things.
Unfortunately, Wright's innings came to a close when he was undone by a slow double bouncer, but his contribution had not gone unoticed and he finished with a valuable 58.
Nichols joined Carter at the crease with instructions from Captain Dunbar to start pushing it along with a view of declaring in another 10-12 overs. Carter, try as he might was unable to get going and thick edged one to a safe pair of hands at deep gully.
Dunbar, armed with the final overs game plan, joined Nichols at the crease. His intent was made clear from ball 1 and Dunbar fancied finishing the innings with a flourish. Nichols however, had other ideas.
Nichols, knowing full well that Dunbar was a chronic strike hog and that he would not likely get to face many balls, thought 'to hell withhim' and started dropping the ball into the off side and took great pleasure in watching the 'burly' Dunbar 'scamper' for unlikely singles......and sure enough, with Dunbar having only posted 4 runs, Nichols cunning plan of attack was bought to fruition as Dunbar was found a yard short of his ground and adjudged run out.
And so the middle order collapse was in full swing once more. Nicholls didn't last much longer, also posting 4. Fraser stuck around for a couple of boundaries before being dismissed for 13 - and When Van Vuuren played a horror shot to be bowled, Dunbar, wanting to keep some pride and dignity intact, made a sporting declaration at 173/9, giving the opposition approximately 45 overs to get the runs.
The Bank of England tea is one of the highlights of the season, with it's sit down service and fine array of cakes, scones and other very English delights.
Full to the gills, the crossbats waddled back to the ground, having been unable to stop themselves from gorging at the interval.
Dunbar and Fraser took the ball after tea and it only took two deliveries before a fired up Dunbar sent the ball crashing into off stump for thefirst breakthrough. And it wasn't long before Fraser joined the party, claiming a wicket of his own, leaving the Bank in a little trouble, with 2 down and not many on the board.
A moment of Winch brilliance saw Dunbar pick up his second, the batsmen edging one past the keeper, only for it to be snaffled, one handed by agile Winch at first slip. Bank, 3/15.
After some further tight bowling, Dunbar and Fraser were replaced by Jones and Reeve respectively, with Reeve having immediate effect, taking thetop of off stump sending the Bank into further trouble. Jones wasn't going to miss out a claimed one for himself moments later, leaving the crossbats feeling excited and the Bank in demise at 49/5.
Somewhere from this point onwards, the game changed and no matter what the crossbats did, they could not breakthrough.
There were some strange moments to boot, with Spiro, still feeling the effects of his long walk from Barnes Station, constantly changingsides of the field, mid over, his only explanation being his self induced confusion with the game of cricket!
With the batsmen beginning to dominate it was Reeve who finally made the much needed breakthrough, enticing the young batsmen to hit on the up, but he found the safe hands of Van Vuuren at mid off and gave crossbats the renewed hope of victory.
A wylie old fox joined the existing slugger at the crease and the pair began to dominate once more. Dunbar, feeling compelled to offer his team something further, bought himself back on for a second spell. First ball into the wylie old fox was a full bunger, about waist high that had the old fella skipping and cursing a bit. Second ball compounded the batsmens frustration, when Dunbar again delivered a full bunger, this time hitting the right wrist of the batsmen, sending him into a fury and with apologies not forthcoming, the atmosphere was icy......
The Old fox however had a cunning game plan and with a fired up Dunbar not quite finding his spot, the fox dabbed at the ball and it turned outhe had a better edge than U2 and was picking up streaky boundaries at will and was very chirpy in letting Dunbar know about it.
As Dunbar lost all control and wanted to bowl beamers at kenny rogers, he had the presence of mind to drag himself, but the damage was done.
Van Vuuren, who had patiently waited all day for a bowl, came on and had immediate affect, picking up the big hitting batsmen at the otherend. But it was to little to late and as the sun set over Roehampton, it also set on any chance of a crossbats victory. With the last rights read, the game was completed and crossbats suffered their second loss of the season by 3 wickets.
Although they had been beaten, spirits were still up and it was a few beers with the oppo, with all shenanigans forgotten, then off to thepub where various points of view on the match were discussed. Curry was on the menu and as the lads made their way to the local establishment, it all became too much for captain Dunbar, who stealthly made his way to a cab, unable to digest any more theories on where it all went so wrong, let alone a vindaloo!
Next week, it's the return fixture with Morden and crossbats will be looking to get back to winning ways.
SCORECARD
An absolutely glorius day greeted crossbats as the arrived in the picturesque settings of The Bank of England's home patch at Roehampton. Various members of the team had some difficulty locating the grounds and were desperately trying to contact anyone with vehicular access to come to their aid as tempertures soared past 25 degrees.
As anticipated, Dunbar was coerced into a timed match and it was crossbats who were sent in to bat. Spiro, feeling the effects of exhaustion and dehydration was quickly dispatched by the lightning quick opening bowler, claiming he had played the wrong line and had been beaten by a brilliant ball...
Tillson, keen to make ammends for his previous weeks duck went about his business with a purpose, hittingsome solid 4's and 6's to get the run rate ticking over. Wright had joined Tillson after Spiro's demise and looked calm and confident at the crease. The pair began to look in control before Tillson was dismissed for a galant 39.
Wright, joined by Winch, continued to build his innings, picking up singles by dropping the ball into the leg side on at least half a dozen occasions with a view of turning the strike and keeping the run rate moving.
As the runs built, so to did Wrights aggressive approach to the match, becoming ever more expansive, picking off boundaries at will and looking far more like the Alistair Wright of old.
And it appeared to be at his utter surprise when the cheer rose up from the other crossbats members, with Wright having passed fifty.It only took a moment to sink in......Wright, realising this was not a fantastical dream, began to hop and dance around on the spot, raising his bat to an invisible crowd that only he could see.....this was Wrights finest moment for crossbats in some time and he was going to enjoy every bit of it.
Meanwhile, the reliable Winch looked in some discomfort as Wright had been pushing him hard for the quick singles. It wasn't too long before Winch was uncharacteristically bowled and returned to the pavillion having posted his most modest total of the season.
This bought Carter to the crease in the unfamiliar position of number 5. He joined Wright who was looking to get on with things.
Unfortunately, Wright's innings came to a close when he was undone by a slow double bouncer, but his contribution had not gone unoticed and he finished with a valuable 58.
Nichols joined Carter at the crease with instructions from Captain Dunbar to start pushing it along with a view of declaring in another 10-12 overs. Carter, try as he might was unable to get going and thick edged one to a safe pair of hands at deep gully.
Dunbar, armed with the final overs game plan, joined Nichols at the crease. His intent was made clear from ball 1 and Dunbar fancied finishing the innings with a flourish. Nichols however, had other ideas.
Nichols, knowing full well that Dunbar was a chronic strike hog and that he would not likely get to face many balls, thought 'to hell withhim' and started dropping the ball into the off side and took great pleasure in watching the 'burly' Dunbar 'scamper' for unlikely singles......and sure enough, with Dunbar having only posted 4 runs, Nichols cunning plan of attack was bought to fruition as Dunbar was found a yard short of his ground and adjudged run out.
And so the middle order collapse was in full swing once more. Nicholls didn't last much longer, also posting 4. Fraser stuck around for a couple of boundaries before being dismissed for 13 - and When Van Vuuren played a horror shot to be bowled, Dunbar, wanting to keep some pride and dignity intact, made a sporting declaration at 173/9, giving the opposition approximately 45 overs to get the runs.
The Bank of England tea is one of the highlights of the season, with it's sit down service and fine array of cakes, scones and other very English delights.
Full to the gills, the crossbats waddled back to the ground, having been unable to stop themselves from gorging at the interval.
Dunbar and Fraser took the ball after tea and it only took two deliveries before a fired up Dunbar sent the ball crashing into off stump for thefirst breakthrough. And it wasn't long before Fraser joined the party, claiming a wicket of his own, leaving the Bank in a little trouble, with 2 down and not many on the board.
A moment of Winch brilliance saw Dunbar pick up his second, the batsmen edging one past the keeper, only for it to be snaffled, one handed by agile Winch at first slip. Bank, 3/15.
After some further tight bowling, Dunbar and Fraser were replaced by Jones and Reeve respectively, with Reeve having immediate effect, taking thetop of off stump sending the Bank into further trouble. Jones wasn't going to miss out a claimed one for himself moments later, leaving the crossbats feeling excited and the Bank in demise at 49/5.
Somewhere from this point onwards, the game changed and no matter what the crossbats did, they could not breakthrough.
There were some strange moments to boot, with Spiro, still feeling the effects of his long walk from Barnes Station, constantly changingsides of the field, mid over, his only explanation being his self induced confusion with the game of cricket!
With the batsmen beginning to dominate it was Reeve who finally made the much needed breakthrough, enticing the young batsmen to hit on the up, but he found the safe hands of Van Vuuren at mid off and gave crossbats the renewed hope of victory.
A wylie old fox joined the existing slugger at the crease and the pair began to dominate once more. Dunbar, feeling compelled to offer his team something further, bought himself back on for a second spell. First ball into the wylie old fox was a full bunger, about waist high that had the old fella skipping and cursing a bit. Second ball compounded the batsmens frustration, when Dunbar again delivered a full bunger, this time hitting the right wrist of the batsmen, sending him into a fury and with apologies not forthcoming, the atmosphere was icy......
The Old fox however had a cunning game plan and with a fired up Dunbar not quite finding his spot, the fox dabbed at the ball and it turned outhe had a better edge than U2 and was picking up streaky boundaries at will and was very chirpy in letting Dunbar know about it.
As Dunbar lost all control and wanted to bowl beamers at kenny rogers, he had the presence of mind to drag himself, but the damage was done.
Van Vuuren, who had patiently waited all day for a bowl, came on and had immediate affect, picking up the big hitting batsmen at the otherend. But it was to little to late and as the sun set over Roehampton, it also set on any chance of a crossbats victory. With the last rights read, the game was completed and crossbats suffered their second loss of the season by 3 wickets.
Although they had been beaten, spirits were still up and it was a few beers with the oppo, with all shenanigans forgotten, then off to thepub where various points of view on the match were discussed. Curry was on the menu and as the lads made their way to the local establishment, it all became too much for captain Dunbar, who stealthly made his way to a cab, unable to digest any more theories on where it all went so wrong, let alone a vindaloo!
Next week, it's the return fixture with Morden and crossbats will be looking to get back to winning ways.
SCORECARD
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