Crossbats Cricket Club

Bank of England Match Report

2009-05-12T11:11:00.001+01:00

Yet another sunny day greeted Crossbats as the arrived at the very picturesque
Bank of England Sports Centre.

A very popular fixture due to the location, the wicket and the tea, captain Dunbar had some tough decisions to make to choose only 11 from an available 14.

With the side selected, Crossbats were in the mood to avenge last year’s very disappointing defeat. The captains tossed and BOE sent the visitors into bat.

Wright, who was due to open the innings with Collier, had come down with the increasingly on the rise illness ‘another pint of pride thanks’ (Scientific name not yet available) and was swiftly bumped to number 6. Nicholls, ready and willing as ever, stepped into Wrights position at the top of the order and this prompted a double change, dropping Collier to 3 and bringing Brentford’s hometown hero, Spiro, into to number 1 to face the first ball.

The pair got off to a cautious start – some buffs and some swipes, but before to long found a little rhythm and bat began to connect with ball.

Nicholls was the first to collect some decent runs with a couple of well timed boundaries behind square – The running between wickets was also impressive, with Spiro, Crossbats only genuine sprinter between the wickets, pushing Nicholls hard for the
Quick single.

However, Nicholls was first to perish, after a gallant 12.

Collier arrived at the crease with intent and it wasn’t long before the boundary fielders
Were running out of puff. Colliers first 5 scoring shots were boundaries and from that solid base he set about building himself an innings.

Spiro at the other end was seemingly confident, having spent the majority of the first ten overs at the crease, but was undone by a lovely straight delivery for 8.

Winch joined Collier and the pair looked to consolidate against some nigly slow bowling.
Both Winch and Collier managed to find the boundary on regular occasion, frustrating the opposition who were staring down the barrel of a very healthy total.

At drinks, Crossbats were 92/2 – with roughly an hour to 1hr 20min to bat, Dunbar set a task of reaching 200 with approx 15 mins to play. Try as they might after drinks, the BOE hunkered down, put as many chaps on the boundary as possible and dried up the runs.

Collier, hitting some very sweet shots, just couldn’t get past the boundary fielders and was reduced to numerous singles – however, these singles took him past 50 in what was a very controlled innings.
Winch tried to up the anti, smashing a lovely six down the ground, to only try the same thing again two balls later and give up his wicket for a well earned 48.

Carter arrived at the crease and his stay was brief, being trapped absolutely plum LBW off just two deliveries for 0.

Wright, having nicked some lucozade, was ready for the challenge ahead. He played tentatively early on but slowly settled in at the crease.

Collier meanwhile, continued to work the ball into the gaps before frustration got the better of him and he holed out for an impressive 61.

Fraser joined Wright at the crease for his first innings of the year after injuring his nick.

He too looked solid, playing confident defensive strokes and working the ball into the gaps on occasion.

Wright was next to go, continuing a run of catches for 11.

Dunbar arrived at the crease, but was only there for a matter of five balls, losing his head and heaving at a ball that should not be heaved at, joining Carter in the duck club.

With Crossbats struggling to post a competitive total, Van Vuuren arrived to help save face. Fraser looked good before holing out for 11 which bought Lawrence to the crease for the final push.

Van Vuuren and Lawrence played cautiously but took there chances when they came and on 180/8, Dunbar decided enough was enough and called the pair in, Van Vuuren compiling a valuable 16 not out, assisted by Lawrence with 8.

Crossbats sat down to enjoy another lavish BOE tea – nobody gets sick of the scones and cream!!

With tea taken care of, Crossbats huddled in the middle, determined to put right the wrongs of last year.

Dunbar and Van vuuren opened the attack, both bowling sharply and accurately.

Dunbar claimed the first wicket when Andrew’s fished at one outside off and edged it through to an outstretched Collier, who took a brilliant catch. And it wasn’t long before Dunbar struck again, claiming the wicket of old foe Hilton, to another brilliant collier catch, this time gloved down the leg side. BOE were in trouble at 24/2.

There was no let up on the horizon as Dunbar claimed a third, this time relieving Collier of any duties, slipping one under the bat and sending the bails flying.

Van Vuuren had toiled at the other end and was unlucky not to have claimed a wicket, proving just a little too quick for the top order batsmen.

The pace was slowed by a change that bought Winch to the crease. It had immediate results as Winch tossed one up and the batsmen mis-timed, holing out to Van Vuuren, leaving BOE 29/4. Winch struck again moments later, tricking the batsmen with the quicker one and trapping him plum in front – 42/5 and crossbats could smell victory.

A double change was made, with Gumbley replacing Dunbar and Lawrence taking the ball from Winch. Gumbley, as always, didn’t take long at all to produce a wicket ball, lulling the batsmen into a false stroke, straight into the safe hands of Nicholls.
Gumbley chipped in again, when the batsmen again mistimed, scooping the ball up high
To a running Van Vuuren, who took a wonderful catch.

Lawrence wasn’t going to miss out on the action, and with a customary grunt, forced the ball past the batsmen, taking off stump to leave Bank 62/8 and only a slim chance of holding out for the draw.

All but the slimmest chances were dashed when Gumbley picked up his third, bamboozling the batsmen and bowling him middle stump.

With one wicket left, the job was left to Lawrence, and after a few overs of resistance and some momentary nerves, Lawrence produced another corker to wrap up the innings and Crossbats 4th victory from four matches.

It was a wonderful performance by all involved, in batting, bowling and fielding – The man of the match must go to Collier for his excellent contribution with the bat and his wonderful effort behind the stumps.

Crossbats relaxed in the evening sun on the balcony at the beautiful Bank of England Sports complex, beer in hand, looking forward to the next chance we have to come back here….unfortunately not until next season and we can only hope it is as successful as today’s performance.

Next week Morden, always an interesting fixture and a good contest!
Stay tuned!

Scorecard

Match report Crossbats V The Blues 2nd May

2009-05-08T10:34:00.002+01:00

After a fortnight laziness, I am pleased to publish the first match report for
Crossbats 2009.

A quick recap of the season so far sees Crossbats taking two victory’s from two outings, both with relative ease. The surprise package thus far is the form of opening batsmen, Clive Nicholls.

With all the averages and aggregate talks being around Winch and Collier, Nicholls has
Put himself in contention with two fine displays of batting, giving him an early season
Average of 72 and the undisputed lead in the race for the batting trophy.

The bowlers meanwhile have also had a chance to get out of the blocks early, taking all 20 scalps on offer from the two fixtures – It’s nick and nick in the bowling trophy stakes, with only a run or a wicket in it.

Crossbats 3rd assignment for the season was to dispatch of The Blues.

The venue was changed once, changed twice and finally settled as Hampton Wick.

The weather was good and the team was ready to go. Toss won, Dunbar elected to bowl – Upsetting various members of the side.
However, decision made, Dunbar and Van Vuuren took the new ball. Wickets didn’t take long to fall and both bowlers were rewarded for there efforts, with perhaps Van Vuuren being unlucky not to claim two or three more.

Van Vuuren bowled through and finished with impressive figures of 1/19 from 7 overs.

Gumbley replaced Dunbar and Tillson came on from the other end – Both bowlers found there mark and collected 3 wickets between them.
Ross struggled after last weeks performance, but still managed to claim 1 wicket.

Dunbar came back to tidy up the tail, assisted by a wonderful catch behind the stumps to Collier.

The Blues capitulated for 93 and although that left Crossbats in a strong position, nothing is a certainty when we get together!

After a filling tea, it was back to the track to get the job done. Nicholls started with a flourish, playing a selection of beautiful shots. Collier was cautious but fluent in his strokeplay.

Nicholls fell for 17, playing on to a ball just outside off.

Birthday boy Wright joined Collier at the crease, eager to get his average above 1 and begin staking a claim for the batting trophy.

He was far more controlled and played some elegant shots, whilst Collier began to play his natural game, and found many gaps in the opposition field.

With the game all but won, Wright holed out to mid on for 13 to bring Carter to the crease to get the job done – And sure enough he got the job done, compiling 6 and denying Collier his 50 by 1 solitary run – Brilliant!

With victory secure and beer in hand….thoughts turned to next week…..The Bank of England…..

With the captain criticised (some would say unfairly) last year for his declaration, he is looking to make amends this year and has a perfect plan in place to take Crossbats to the giddying heights of 4 wins from 4 matches….

Watch this space!

Score Card

Fixture: Crossbats CC 2nd XI v. Pacific CC

2008-10-20T13:40:00.003+01:00

And so it came, at last, the end of a 6 month season in which Crossbats have hit the occasional highs and the less occasional lows. Today’s opponents were the impressive looking Pacific, complete with the popular Billy Bunter, flown in from Australia for the occasion, and in many ways the match proved to be a microcosm of the season for the galant Crossbats.

Captain Dunbar successfully lost the toss again and Pacific chose to have a bat first on the wearing Moormead astroturf/bare concrete. On an implausibly hot and sunny October day, the Crossbats emerged from the dressing room with the familiar aroma of deep heat, sunscreen and diptheria resonating from the clubhouse.

Dunbar and van Vuuren opened the bowling at a lively pace, VV getting early reward for a good line with the wicket of Holman for 0. Pacific were not to be intimidated though and set about carving shots to all corners of the ground, this despite the presence of a 12th fielder at gully (in the shape of goalposts). While Spiro was mysteriously reported to be in Birmingham today, it was clear that he was still here in spirit, sat on a bench on the square leg boundary in the form of an octogenarian. It’s fair to say that the goalpost’s main contribution to the day was to help take some of the strain off of Wright’s ageing spine. Contrastingly, Spiro’s Spirit showed far more enthusiasm for the fight. His first contribution was to let the ball roll between his legs before falling backwards on his arse, narrowly avoiding a fractured hip. Not content with this humiliation, the old fella stayed true to the Law of Spiro by coming back for more. Again the ball came to him, again he lept from his bench and this time fielded the ball tidily. Alas, as he threw the ball back in, the poor old boy again lost his footing and again went arse over tit. Surprisingly, he again arose without the need of an ambulance, but the lesson had been learnt and soon after he softly disappeared, never to return.

Showing admirable concentration in the midst of the circus act on the boundary, the Pacific batsman continued to score at a healthy rate with the dangerous looking Tempany not afraid to take the aerial route. It was at this point that Dunbar made his last inspired decision of the season and brought on leg-spinner Winch from the Pavilion End. The tall Tempany’s eyes clearly lit up at the prospect and swung wildly at the first delivery. The ball went up and up, and up a bit more, as Smith circled underneath it. This was just the sort of catch that Crossbats drop at will, but today something changed and Smith clung on to take a superb catch.

Next in was Webley, and before he had a run on the board Winch bamboozled him with a flipper/googly which by all reports hit him on the ankle in line with middle stump. A concerted appeal from all Crossbats failed to shake the umpire’s resolve however, and the verdict was not out. From square leg, it looked out and your correspondent would certainly have raised the Finger. Given a reprieve, Webley set about the bowling with aggressive intent, making good use of the short boundaries to hit several maximums.

At the other end Bastin was labouring, eventually guiding Dunbar to the waiting Lawrence who took a smart catch at gully, using his full frame to good effect.
While Webley continued to score well, Atkin at the other end did not last long, well caught by Tilson at short midwicket off the bowling of Lawrence

This brought Billy Bunter to the crease, much the delight of old hands Lawrence and Carter. After a few scratchy shots, Bunter eventually found his ark, hoiking two sixes over the square leg boundary. However, it was the spin of Winch that proved the undoing of the chunky lefthander. Beaten in the flight, Bunter cracked a full-blooded drive straight to Nicholls at short mid-wicket, and surprisingly another catch was taken.

At 160/5, it’s fair to say that this was Crossbats’ opportunity to finish off an impressive looking side and have a target of less than 200 to chase. Unfortunately, in a season of what-might-have-beens, this proved to be beyond them and Webley along with Smith proceeded to add 90ish for the sixth wicket. A highlight of this period of play was when Wright was brought into the attack, only to be deposited first ball by Webley into the side door of a BMW parked on the boundary. Clearly sensing the danger of further carnage, at least 3 astute Pacific players took swift action and assumed fielding positions in the middle of the road for the rest of the over.

With Wright withdrawn promptly, Ross was given his first opportunity to show the Captain what he could do with the ball. 2 overs of steady medium pace followed, but still no breakthrough. Dunbar, in the true spirit of bowling captains, saw that the only man that could get a wicket now was of course himself. He thus came back for a brief, tortuous spell in which the flailing Collier could do nothing to stop 12 byes/wides from disappearing down the leg side in 3 successive deliveries. By this stage, Pacific were rampant, Webley had scored an impressive (though slightly controversial) century and although van Vuuren got late reward by bowling Smith, it was all too little to late and Pacific posted a daunting target of 262 for Crossbats to finish the season on a high.

The nearest they came to this goal was the fine tea enjoyed by all. Opening the innings were Nicholls and Tilson. In a last act of desperation, Nicholls had ditched his bat and borrowed the bat of Dunbar, and despite the ball hitting the middle of the bat on several occasions, he was soon on his way back to the pavilion after missing a straight one. Next over, Tilson decided to do the same and Crossbats were in trouble at 7 for 2.

This brought together Collier and Wright, 2 of the lynchpins of Crossbats’ batting line-up this season, and they set about rebuilding the innings with great application. Wright’s stand and deliver style looked to be in good working order, while Collier was quick to punish anything short on either side of the wicket. With optimism growing on the boundary that these two could get Crossbats back into the game, Winch was seen to be getting visibly more nervous with every run scored by Collier. Next man in, he was all too aware of the close race to win the season’s batting trophy between himself and the little Sphincter. Meanwhile, Wright had got into a bit of a rut against the useful bowling of Roberts and was subsequently bowled for a gutsy 23, having put on 101 with Collier. In strode Winch, knowing that he needed runs not only for himself, but for his team.
At the other end, Collier was making hay while the sun still shone (probably aware that it would not be shining for much after 5pm). However, having hit 6 fours in a row, he finally missed one and was out for an attractive 66. Winch was joined by Ross, but the glorious end to the season was not to be. Winch was soon bowled, a rare dismissal indeed for this usually sound technician.

This opened up the stage for Crossbats’ dangerous late order hitters, Dunbar and van Vuuren. On their day they can bring fear and destruction to bowlers and BMW’s alike. In the event, the private battle between the pair to avoid the Duck Cup proved of more relevance. Dunbar lustily scored 4, before being bowled, before van Vuuren lustily scored 0 and hence secured himself the well deserved trophy.

Ross soon followed the trend by also being bowled, which left Carter to show that there’s still life in the old dog yet by cracking a quick 36. At the other end, in a final act of hilarity, Smith pulled a groin and summoned to the boundary for a runner. The boundary’s response was lukewarm, leaving the stricken Smith to hobble on regardless. Having realised that it wasn’t in fact Old Man Carter that was injured, Skipper Dunbar hastily reversed his decision and sent in no. 11 Lawrence to run for Smith. Several confusing singles later, Carter was dismissed, only to replace Lawrence as runner. Several more confusing singles later, sprinkled with a couple of nice boundaries by both batsman, Smith was finally dismissed and Crossbats had literally limped to 193 all out.

A fitting end to a topsy-turvy season, the true Crossbat spirit was displayed by all at the Turks Head post match. Beer flowed, Winch won the batsman’s trophy by a run, Lawrence walked away with the bowler’s trophy and the winner of the chili growing competition, organised by Lips, was won by Lips.

Scorecard

Yarl v. Crossbats 2nd XI – The View from the Boundary

2008-09-02T17:21:00.003+01:00

Yarl v. Crossbats 2nd XI – The View from the Boundary

Venue: West Harrow Rec

A beautiful sunny day in Harrow greeted the eager Crossbats as they arrived at the home Yarl. Short sleeves and sunglasses were de rigeur, in direct contrast to the early season home fixture when balaclavas, mittens and Spiro’s luminous headgear were more appropriate.

The Crossbats had already been in the field for 10 minutes before their opponents arrived. Captain Shandy Pants decided to continue with his recent tactic of losing the toss and with a threadbare Yarl electing to bat first, Crossbats set about the task with gusto.

Opening the bowling were the fiery pairing of Tilson and Pants. After a couple of looseners, the bails began to fly. Tilson removed Beski, while at the other end Pants was on fire and had decided he might try bowling at the stumps this week. 3 quick wickets followed and at 28 for 4 Yarl were looking shaky.

Number 4 Tharma looked dangerous, and strangely reminiscent of a right handed Chanderpaul, clipping a couple of boundaries wristily through the on side. However, a moment of madness ensued when the youngster decided he would try to run a bye following a rare error my keeper Sphing. Misjudging the deceptive speed of Winch, the little batsman could only watch as Winch swooped, spun and hurled down the stumps with Tharma well short of his ground.

With bowling changes aplenty, Fraser trundled in off his short run up and took a bit of punishment (not helped by a boundary the length of a tennis court on one side). At the other end, perhaps distracted by having the combined skills of Arse and Mupes protecting the short boundary, Fitch was bowling with plenty of variety. From one of his cleverly pitched long-hops, Fitch struck. Ratna’s eyes had lit up, and expecting easy runs he carved it through the covers. However, the trap had been set and Jonty Arse plucked it out of the air with great aplomb.

Fitch soon showed himself again to be the thinking-man’s cricketer by opting to go around the wicket to the free-scoring Yogan. This tucked the batsman up on several occasions, and soon enough he had succumbed and was bowled.

At this point Shandy gave the call to his premier medium-slow bowler, Spiro. It was the end of August, his first bowl of the season and with barely an over to prepare, Spiro set about his task with enthusiasm. The Yarl batsman played some risky airborne shots, including one leading edge to Stroppules at long leg. Deceived by the spin (it’s not something he’s familiar with), Stroppy ran one way while the ball went the other. Four runs and now Spiro was really mad. Charging in, he got one to swing, seam and bounce off a length, Tilson taking a neat catch off of Yogan.

All that was left was for Stroppy to clean up the last 2 wickets and Yarl were all out for 103 and an early tea was taken.

In reply, Shandy decided to open the innings with the experienced Winch and the nervous Fingers. In a controversial move, Fraser enthusiastically volunteered to umpire from both ends to help out the fast fading Mupes. Winch set about the bowling well, carving some wristy boundaries across the fast outfield. At the other end, Fingers was showing a rare determination to stop the ball from hitting his pads by whatever means he could. While Yarl were strangely quiet, the square leg umpire was on several occasions heard to appeal on their behalf, but to no avail.

After a couple of scares, the opening pair had taken the score on to 39 before Fingers could resist no longer. The dreaded straight ball, he played, he missed, it hit his pad but sadly for Fraser it then hit the stumps before he was able to raise his finger.

Next in was Arse, striding purposefully to the wicket sensing runs were to be had. A couple of authoritative strokes were followed by a few quick singles, and several slower ones kept the scoreboard ticking along nicely. At the other Winch continued at a good rate and both players seemed to be playing with half an eye on the averages, much to the displeasure of the impatient Sphing on the boundary. Surprisingly, Winch misjudged one, playing back to a straight one from the left-armer and was bowled for a mostly fluent 42. Score 77 for 2.

Thus it was left to Sphing and a rejuvenated Arse to finish the match with a few lusty blows and Crossbats steamed home with 16 overs to spare.

A good all round performance from Crossbats against an admittedly below-par Yarl, it was their first victory since 5th July and sets them up for a strong finish to the season.

(Author: Fingers aka Clive Nicholls )

SCORECARD

Elthorne match report

2008-07-09T17:00:00.002+01:00

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

Crossbats v Clapham Nomads

2008-07-02T10:39:00.002+01:00

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.

Crossbats v Cranbourne click here for scorecard

2008-06-09T20:30:00.000+01:00

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.

Crossbats vs Melrose (click here for scorecard)

2008-06-02T10:50:00.007+01:00

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!

Crossbats v Rainmen

2008-05-26T10:23:00.002+01:00

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.

SCORECARD

Crossbats vs Morden

2008-05-18T13:34:00.001+01:00

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

Crossbats vs The Bank of England

2008-05-11T16:42:00.002+01:00

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

Crossbats vs The Blues

2008-05-05T14:07:00.007+01:00

Venue – Hampton Wick

Fine weather greeted Crossbats as they arrived at Hampton Wick for their match against The Blues. Some early season player numbers were a concern for The Blues as they could only manage to rally 7 troops for the encounter. Dunbar, being a very generous and understanding captain, discussed various options with The Blues captain, to ensure a fair match was had by all. With the toss again lost by Dunbar, it was The Blues who padded up.

The first breakthrough came early when Gumbley found the edge and it was safely pouched by stand in keeper, Tillson. The next breakthrough was some distance off and The Blues made use of a spongy pitch that offered little for the bowler, scoring runswith gay abandon. The partnership was finally broken when Reeve got one to leap up off the deck, surprising the batsmen who gloved it through to Tillson.

The Blues had some hitters and they were scoring plenty of runs, but it was only a matter of time before they holed out. And it was Smith who created the next wicket, enticing the batsmen to hit big – but he did not get all of it and Dunbar safely claimed the catch on the boundary.

Next it was Jones, frustrating his opponent into also hitting big and he too found the safe hands of Dunbar just inside the boundary rope.Jones claimed his second moment’s later going right through the batsmen and then Dunbar chimed in with one for himself. A stodgy last wicket partnership saw The Blues through to about 183 – Unfortunately the Blues players are not schooled in the art of scoring – a lot of dots and dashes that Closely resembled hieroglyphics made up the scorecard. The score board said 170, the scorebook transcripted into 183, so the only fair thing the Blues captain could do was take the 183…………..

It must be said that the Blues may well have scored a lot more runs had it not been for the athleticism of Crossbats Man of the Match, Alistair Wright, throwing himself around like a teenager, sprinting to save the single or the boundary, setting a perfect example to his team-mates, because as they say, every run counts, whether it’s off your Bat or the ones you save in the field….

Chasing 184 for victory, keeper batsmen Tillson made his first appearance with the bat for the season and his first appearance on the duck list when he was Bowled for nought. Wright was next and he soon settled into his work. Running two’s and hitting boundary’s was on the menu and he, together with Winch, put on 49 before Wright Perished to his signature dismissal shot, the flat bat crossbat to a crossbat, filling in the field for the Blues.

Carter, looking to improve on last week started solidly, but it was not long before he was undone, dragging the ball back onto his stumps.

3/89 Amongst the commotion, Winch passed fifty, trying desperately to make up for last weeks match losing performance… Dunbar came to the crease and was very lucky not to be back in the hut with a pair after the easiest of catches was grassed in the outfield – After a stern talking to from Winch, Dunbar knuckled down as best he could, until second ball after drinks, also playing his signature dismissal stroke, the ‘very average cut shot’, was caught in the gully.

At 108/4 Crossbats were still in the hunt and Van vuuren look in good attacking form, scoring boundaries and running hard. The pair added 40 before Van vuuren was caught at mid off. Smith was next in and added 7 before he too was caught.

Things were getting tense, 171/6 with 2 overs remaining…13 for victory, but not to worry, Winch was still there on 92 and nothing was going to stop him taking crossbats to victory…………….Alas, the muppet threw his wicket away once more……..I must commend him on his 92, otherwise we wouldn’t have got anywhere near the total, but again Winch left his Team stranded, still requiring 13.
With one over to play crossbats had narrowed the victory margin to 9. Reeve relieved some pressure with a boundary off the first ball of the last over…….5 from 5 Another 2 to Reeve off the next ball made it 3 from 4 and all seemed well….. Dot ball – 3 from 3 A quick single, 2 from 2 Bob, feeling the pressure, came down the wicket to the next ball and swoosh!.........2 from 1 Last ball, all was tense and what a circus!

Ball bowled, Bob has a swing and a miss, Lips is bolting down the pitch, Bob is standing his ground, Crossbats Are screaming from the boundary for Bob to run, Lips gets to Bob, they have a quick conversation and he turns and sprints for home, the opposition fumble the ball and
When they finally gather they can only manage to fire it in, hitting their bowler square in the middle of his head…….What we all failed to notice, including Lips, was that our Helpful South African umpire had called a wide! Scores were tied and there was still a ball to go!!!!! This should seal it, no problem…..But the pressure was too much for Jones who again had a swing and a miss and Reeve, doing his best was run out by the keeper, leaving the game a tie.

When all is said and done, it was a fair result for a good day’s cricket – Next week it’s the Bank of England at Barnes, which should be a cracker!

SCORECARD

Crossbats vs Nashers - 26th April, 2008

2008-04-27T11:42:00.006+01:00

Crossbats vs Nashers - 26th April, 2008
Venue - Hampton Wick

Considering the weeks previous - the weather, the pitch, the outfield etc. you would have expected Crossbats to relish the return to Hampton Wick, with it's superior facilties and grounds - not to mention the glorius weather that had been provided..........And, to be fair, for about 80% of the match they did.

Although losing the toss and being given the ball on a somewhat spongy wicket, Crossbats were in the wickets early.Lawrence struck with the first ball of the match, leaving the Nashers opening batsmen wondering why he had ever bothered ironing his kit. And again it was Lawrence in his very next over, claiming his second scalp with a spearing delivery that beat the batsmen all ends up.

In a match full of pivotel moments, we were about to be blessed with our first. Rags, fresh back from a stint as a father, was looking for some early success and it should've come in the form of a safe slips catch to birthday boy Graeme Winch. However, with Winch's mind firmly occupied by cake and presents, the simplist of catches was dropped and that saw the beginning of an excellent Nashers partnership.

Some 20 overs and 100 runs later the partnership was finally broken by Stroppy Bob Jones, when finally one beat the bat and cannoned into the stumps.

And it took Jones again to remove the product of Winch's generosity, when he hit deep into the waiting handsof Lawrence sweeping on the leg side.

Crossbats, sensing the danger men were gone wanted to wrap up the innings quickly.Gumbley was bought on with immediate affect, taking the most bizarre of caught and bowled's - nobody appealed,Carter said 'Hows That' and the umpire sent the bat back to the hut.

Fitch was in on the action shortly after when the Nashers were undone by a direct hit whilst attempting a quick single. And a second run out was affected when Lawrence bowled a wide outside off stump and Collier caught the batsmen napping beyond his crease and after a little stand off, he was sent back to the changing rooms.

Though the wickets were falling regularly the runs were still coming and the Nashers made use of the full 40 overs to get themselves a reasonable total of 180/9.

Back in the Pavillion, tea was laid on and it gave captain Dunbar some time to consider the Crossbats batting order.

Back on the pitch, the decisions had been made and it was Collier and Spiro to start the run chase.
Looking far more positive, Spiro set about his task, hitting some nice shots to various parts of the ground, before he fell to his nemesis, the strait ball. This bought Winch to the crease and feeling he owed his team something, promptly assisted Collier in getting the run rate up to 5. These two looked as classy as ever, stroking the ball expertly and running comfortably between the wickets.The impression that the Crossbats were cruising to their third victory must have entered everybodies mind at 126/1 with onlyanother 55 required from 15 overs.........

This, however, is about the time that we all decided that cricket was a stupid game and winning is a dumb idea.

126/1 became 126/2 when Collier perished to arguably the most legimate dismissal of the match for 41.Carter was next in and next out, when umpire Gumbley took a long hard look at an LBW shout before finally, reluctantly giving Carter out for 1....... 128/3. Wright, sensing Crossbats were in trouble, added 1 more before falling to spinner Burton. 134/4. Dunbar, feeling confident having earned the oppositions respect after bludgeoning their attack last year, strode to thecrease with victory on his mind. Today, unfortunately, the only thing he earned was his first legimate crossbats duck and left his team reeling at 134/5.

If this wasn't bad enough, Winch, the anchor, the man with a point to proove, somehow caught this contagious disease and hit out only to find a waiting deep mid on, giving his wicket away when we needed it most for a hard fought 55. Fitch and Reeve gave hope, taking the team through to 150 before Reeve was run out and Fitch was bowled.

Gumbley and Jones did their best to score runs until Jones fell trying to hit out and maybe, just maybe, Man of the match Lawrence should've been up the order a place or two as he was left an impossible task but hit a beutiful last ball boundary off the opening bowler to conclude the match with Crossbats falling 7 runs short of the target.

After snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, Crossbats will be looking to turn it all around next week against the Blues.

Scorecard

View from a Crossbat

2008-04-21T20:25:00.004+01:00

Risking death by poisoning from the lack of fresh running water on a Saturday afternoon is not my idea of fun; no doubt the forthcoming local elections have the full attention of our local servants as yet again the football posts took centre stage at gully.

It was a delight to see our Sri Lankan friends again, and one must commend their willingness to turn up in subzero conditions, knowing they would get a hiding. When Pinky makes up your team to ten players, you have a problem.

Captain Courageous was in fine form, the team organised at a level not seen, since Churchill masterminded his attacks on the Hun.

Due to the new ruthless selection policy, Carter found himself having to spend at least one hour in the company of Collier without a beer to dull the pain. This was impressive stuff! All hopes the opposition clung onto that we were as crap as last year, were extinguished by an impressive assault by the opening pair on our visitors.

15 overs later it was all over. The Sri Lankans were all but frozen to death and there was no way back. Their only hope, food poisoning, or some other disease picked up during the change over at tea. Dysentery perhaps the most likely option after a visit to the latrines. Just think about it. Toilets used without water for weeks, maybe months on end, sewage, rotting in the room, adjacent to where we change into our thermals. Nasty.

Back in the field a swift disposal of the old foe was essential, if we were not to find ourselves suddenly understanding what is was like for Spiro stuck on the Matterhorn for 8 hours in a piste basher.

Slip is an interesting position to field. It says one of two things. One, you are so crap and immobile this is the only position Courageous can put you at …….or two, you are a absolutely stunning fielder with lightening reflexes able to snaffle any edge at high speed. I fall into the 1st category, and today I took my spot at 2nd slip where to my left I found a large bulky Kiwi complete with biceps the size of my gut prior to the diet competition. If you study professional cricket you will note that the passing of the ball, once collected by the keeper, to slip, is in essence a practice for the slips to keep alert. This is not the sort of thing that should be attempted at our level, so it was with some surprise that my fellow slip tossed one to me in a flamboyant, athletic type, catch that one mate, nature. Moments later I was picking the ball off the frosty ground and lobbing it onto gully for onward return to the bowler. Mr “T” realised my inability and clearly made a mental note that any slip catches, were in fact his responsibility.

The last rites of the game dragged on. Please could we go to the pub now?

Thank God, Captain Courageous risked his dodgy hip to help finish them off.

It’s amazing how fast you can get to the pub when you can skip the shower and just ….well go! No worries about locking up or having a quiet word with one of the team who did not get a game.
“Yeah – I know its £10 but it was worth it. Next week I will make sure you get a bat in the snow” - I heard the Captain say to a DNB as I scarpered away.

Crossbats vs Yarl - 19 April, 2008

2008-04-20T17:03:00.000+01:00

Crossbats vs Yarl - 19 April, 2008

Venue - Moormead

Spring. What a wonderful time of year - The birds chirping, the flowers blossoming, the sun streaming through your windows giving hope of what the summer might bring..........
These are indeed all wonderful notions, but notions the Crossbats cricket team can only imagine as for the second week running, they were greeted with less than appropriate conditions for cricket.

With the sun refusing to make an appearance and the temperatures hovering somewhere between cold and really f*cken cold, Crossbats arrived at Moormead to face old foes Yarl, a talented team of Sri Lankens from North London.

It was no surprise when 1pm came and went and only two of the little Sri lankens had shown up to brave the elements - the following 45 minutes saw another 8 Yarl players arrive in attire more suited to a winter weekend in Chamonix than a cricket match in April.

With Yarl 1 short, big Pinky, who had kindly offered to umpire the match, stood in as their 11th man and it was time on in this 35 over fixture.
Crossbats won the toss and elected to bat first.

After a slow start the previous week, a change was made at the top of the order and it paid dividends from the outset.

Collier and Carter set about the task with confidence and ease, dispatching the bad balls to all parts and constantly turning the strike over with some clever running between the wickets. 50 came up after 10 overs and the pair put on 97 for the first wicket before Carter, after a good innings in his new spot holed out for 42 on the stroke of 20 overs.

Nichol's was given the role of first drop and did not dissapoint. Had the grass been mowed in the outfield, he may well have joined his partner at the other end with a fifty, striking some lovely blows in a Crossbats career best of 36. Collier joined Nichols in the run feast, also playing some wonderful shots resulting in a plethera of mid innings boundaries.

The pair added 93 in just 12 overs, taking the score through to 190 before Nichols was undone by a well directed ball from Ruban with two overs to play.

Collier, having played brilliantly all day, gave his wicket away just six runs short of a century and 11 balls short of a Not Out, but his 94 gauranteed him the Man of the Match and set Crossbats up with a formidable total. The innings was briskly finshed off with a couple of boundaries to Wright and a boundary a piece to Dunbar and Lawrence, leaving the Sri Lankens chasing 209 for victory.

Cold hands clasped hot cups of tea at the break as cakes, sandwiches and various other delights were consumed to fuel Crossbats bowlers in their bid to steer the team to a second victory. The new ball was given to Schalk and he started sharply, keeping the Yarl batsmen on their toes. At the other end, drama was unfolding as Gumbley, after just one delivery, opened up an old war wound suffered at Gallipoli and was losing blood at an alarming rate. Dunbar, fearing that some of his players might become infected with Australian, ordered Gumbley from the field at the conclusion of his over.

The first breakthrough came in spectacular fashion in the 5th over. Having seen the lightning quick reactions of his slip partner Wright only moments earlier, new face Sean Spurdle knew he had a lot to live up to. With Van Vuuren controlling the ball nicely and generating a good deal of pace, it was
a champagne moment when the Yarl batsmen, sighting easy runs through the slip corden, angled the ball in their direction only for it to be plucked from the air,one handed by Spurdle, sending the Crossbats players and the crowd into raptures. If that wasn't good enough, he pouched a second moments later off the bowling of Lawerence, who was astounded that somebody had finally held a catch off his bowling.

The flood gates opened and wickets began falling regularly. Lawrence, bowling his seven straight through claimed 3 scalps with good deliveries, supported by Reeve's safe hands in the outfield, in a impressive performance. Van Vuuren was retired after bowling 5 tidy overs, finishing with 1/14.

Leading wicket taker Reeve relished his chance with the ball, adding to his tally in his first over, claiming the wicket of opening batsman Jude with a deceptive ball that beat the batsmen and sent the bails flying.

A safe catch by Dunbar saw the back of Ruban and gave Reeve his second wicket and his third was to follow shortly after when big Pinky was dismissed with a well directed delivery.

Dunbar, like any good captain, bought himself on for a cameo and the chance of a cheap wicket. The first opportunity came when the batsmen cut the ball in the point/gully direction, where for some unknown reason, Gumbley had snuck back onto the field. A regulation catch was grassed when Gumbley, in a tangle of various jumpers, got confused and couldn't work out if he should drop the jumpers or the ball - he decided on the latter. The second opportunity however had a different result, when the batsmen tickled one into the gloves of Collier at keeper and assured Dunbar of his goal and Yarl were all but gone.

Gumbley was afforded 5 additional overs and kept the batsmen at bay and though not claiming a wicket, finished with tight figures.A last wicket stand threatened to keep the Crossbats in the field for the full 35, but this was not to be as Reeve finally knocked over the tail ender, claiming his fourth to finish with top figures of 4/16 off 7 overs and leave Yarl 119 short of the target.

Great batting, great bowling and great feilding assured Crossbats their second victory of the season and they will be full of confidence heading into next weeks match against the Nashers back at home in Bushey Park

Scorecard.

Crossbats vs Morden - 12 April, 2008

2008-04-13T20:13:00.001+01:00

Venue - Moormead

After a particularly good turnout to pre-season nets, the members of Crossbats were chomping at the bit to take to the field and put their new found skills and confidence to the test in the first match of the 2008 season.

Moormead was the venue and it's reputation did not dissapoint. Upon arriving at the ground, newly appointed skipper Dunbar was faced with numerous quandry's to overcome, not least the football posts still firmly erected in the middle of the ground, the contaminated water supply on offer and of course that burning question...'have we tossed yet skip?'

With plenty of eager helpers on hand, the problems were overcome and it was finally time to think about cricket........... and the weather......

With snow falling only a week ago, it was probably no surprise that the weather was going to be somewhat inclement. After losing the toss, crossbats were sent into bat and it was game on.......for one over, then it was game off. This hail break gave opening batsmen Spiro some time to consider his approach to the match, in light of the conditions of course......When Collier and Spiro returned, they went about their business in an orderly fashion, not looking to give their wickets away cheaply - Spiro had decided to play the 'anchor' role in the patnership and left any run scoring to extra's and to collier, who was showing glimpses of last years fine form in very difficult conditions.

When spiro was finally dismissed some 14 overs later, the opening pair had added a respectable 45......Spiro's contribution, a dogged 1.

Winch came to the crease fresh from some long sessions in the nets at the Brit Oval and was underway immediatley. However, only 11 more runs could be added before Morden had their second break through with the wicket of a grafting Collier for 23. This bought Carter to the crease and that signalled a change in the tempo of the crossbats run scoring. As longer, sunnier spells started to dominate, so did this pair of crossbats.

Boundaries were flowing and the run rate had moved up from 3 to almost 5 in a matter of ten overs. After one more rain break, it was decided to reduce the overs from 40 to 35 and crossbats made the final push - Winch and Carter batted on superbly to add 80 for the 3rd wicket before Winch, with 6 overs remaining, having scored 52, decided to hit out and perished to a good catch. Carter followed shortly after, being bowled by loopy one for a solid 43.

The damage had been done and the last few overs were comfortably seen off by Wright and Dunbar to take Crossbats to an impressive 178/4 off 35 overs. Hot cups of tea were welcomed at the lunch break and a particularly good spread was consumed quickly to beat the weather.

Crossbats were ready to defend their total.

When the Morden skipper was asked the question of a second new ball, the cunning kiwi declined and put crossbats to task with a ball that was 35 overs old, waterlogged and sporting a seam about 1 inch high. It would be fair to say that this decision backfired, as the crossbats bowlers used to the seam to perfection, getting the ball to cut back on a surface that offered nothing but the chance of injury.

Lawrence and Van Vuuren lead the charge with some beautiful bowling, reducing the Morden side to demoralising 9/3. Lawrence was relieved after 5 overs and a couple of wickets by a determined Steve Smith. Van Vuuren, at the other end, bowled his 7 overs strait through to claim very impressive figures of 2 for 12 off 7 overs.

This bought to the crease perhaps crossbats greatest success story of the off season nets sessions in the form of Simon Reeve.

With some new found confidence in his ageing body and some ability to match, he trotted into the crease, grey beard hairs glistening in the afternoon sunlight and produced 6.4 overs of quality bowling to claim himself 4 scalps in a Man of the Match performance. Lawrence returned for his final two overs and claimed the danger man Boss to finish with figures 0f 3/24 of 7.

With the game all but wrapped up, there was time for one more piece of brilliance.
Last years villan was at the crease, determined on saving face and scoring some quick runs to give his team a chance of victory, but Malcolm Spiro had other ideas.

Spiro, not unlike the villan at the crease, was also trying to save face after a 'slow' start with the bat. Feilding in his new found niche position at square leg, the ball was skyed in his direction and I'm sure if you listened closely, a collective groan of anguish was let out by all other Crossbats members, as catching, unfortunatley for Spiro and many of the crossbats, had not been a strong
suit......up until today.

Spiro stood calm, confident and gently perspiring under the ball, until, after what seemed like forever, it fell into his soft, small childlike hands and to the disbelief and jubeliation of the entire team, it stuck. From that point onwards, it was game over and the last wicket, fittingly, was caught Winch, bowled Reeve to top off a great afternoon of cricket.

We all retired to the Turks head and were joined by the opposition who were in good spirits and despite their loss, had enjoyed the encounter that thankfully was minus any of the shenanigans experienced last season.

A good win for Crossbats, bridges firmly repaired and it's onwards and upwards for season 2008.