Sunday 30 May 2010

Well done PK for setting this up.

The team for next weekend's game is :

Clifton T

Grigson N (Cpt)

Lund A.

Ross P

Keeling P.

Flint J.

Todd H.

Todd R.

Dean R

Richardson P

Berthon G.

Luvness from The Chair

Friday 21 May 2010

Rascal's v Grannies Score Book


Click on the score sheet to view a larger image



Wednesday 19 May 2010

Captain's Blog: Match Date 15.05.2010 RASCALS V GRANNIES @ STONEGATE

Match format: 2.30pm time game, 20 overs after 6pm.

Rascals win by 5 wickets

Apologies for the lack of supporting stats for the following report, but with no scorebook available…

The Grannies lost the toss and the Rascals’ skipper put them in to bat. There followed an absolutely classic display in the field by the Rascals, catalysed by a stunning catch at shoulder height and to his left by Will Drew at point to dismiss their opener.

Paul Keeling (village end) and Anthony Lund (pavilion end) opened the bowling for the Rascals with 10 excellent and consistent overs each, restricting the Grannies run rate dramatically and taking three wickets between them in to the bargain. In light of this, and seemingly a little short of bowling, the skipper was left with the easy choice of keeping Keeling and Lund on for longer than any limited over game would have allowed.

At first change Richard “Dixie” Dean came on to bowl from the pavilion end, and began his season with some equally fine (if at times a little leggy) deliveries. Dixie continued in the same vein as the opening bowlers in restricting the run rate.

He was joined at the village end by our perennially late arrival Toby Clifton (work commitments), whose deceptively short run up disguises some pretty medium-quick, fizzing seamers. This change spelt trouble for the Grannies, whose wickets quickly started to tumble. Clifton’s opening wicket was a high catch to the skipper at deep mid-off, who fortunately held on. There followed another brilliant catch at point, this time taken by Jamie Flint who had begun proceedings with the gloves but had had to hand them to Will Drew owing to recent knee surgery. This one was hit equally sharply but was picked up by Flint low down to his left.

Some very sharp ‘keeping by Drew was responsible for another of Clifton’s wickets.

In all Clifton took 6 wickets (for an unknown sum) and was the pick of the bowlers in terms of cutting edge, but credit must go to all four who bowled superbly and for long spells.

Considering it was our first game of the season one can presume that arms had not been turned for at least eight months, and our sympathies must surely lie with the four bowlers whose pain the following day can only be imagined (and smirked about!).

The Grannies were reduced to 162 for 9 (all out as they only fielded a team of ten).

The only dampener on their innings was the need to stop for rain, which fortunately led to only a 15minute delay [ironic to think that the Chair/Grounds-man had been praying for the previous two weeks for a drop and had even had to have the hose pipe out on the strip the evening before!].

A delightful tea was then enjoyed by all – kids and adults alike – provided by the Chair’s wonderful wife, Carole. She even made the cakes herself.

So with a gettable target of 162, the Rascals’ opening pair of Paul Ross and Matthew Roberts arrived at the crease, and between them set us on our way with fine displays of patience and punishment of the bad ball, of which there were few.

After an assured start, Ross clipped one to short mid-off and went for a useful 24, which brought in Drew who started to play some classy shots and glances. The pitch was playing well and there was some bounce (although as ever there were one or two that kept low). However such bounce did for Drew as he tried to glance to third man and was caught behind.

Roberts continued to bat with efficiency until his wicket fell, but not before he had posted a very useful 43(?).

Geoff Knight and Jamie Patterson continued the upward trend before losing their wickets with the score in the region of 125 for 5.

Flint and Grigson made a winning contribution to see us home with a couple of overs to spare and 5 wickets in hand, the skipper making an unbeaten 36.

All in all a very good opening to the season. The Grannies had cancelled the fixture for the last three years, so it was great to welcome them back to Stonegate – and to send them on their way “tail between legs”.

Much thanks must go to the Chair for preparing our wonderful cricket pitch and for such a flat, playable wicket.


NeiloRascals Club Captain

Tuesday 18 May 2010

Rascals v's Grannies 15th May 2010

A Fantastic start to the year in all respects, other than the early sight of our bent a withered chairman festering around with strimmer and general grounds man’s accoutrement. But what geezer is he! Even in his dilapidated state he had managed to produce a pitch of exceptional quality, but sadly had to retire to his cave before a toss had even been tossed. Talking of the toss, our gallant captain started the day well by winning that (although he did expound at some length on how he had not actually won it, it was a case of the oppo losing it!?!).

Whatever the outcome it was a massive fillip to the team to have him back in our midst’s. Taking to the field in high spirits, it seemed like we’d never been away. The bowling and fielding was of the highest calibre – special mention of Mr Clifton's 6 wickets (did not see much sign of the jug at the Bull later though!) and a spectacular diving catch at point from Mr Flint. The long and the short of it was a contained and attainable chase of 163 to win. Great batting meant we got there with 4 wickets and 3 overs to spare. As usual we did not keep a score book of our own so will have to wait until copies can be obtained from the Grannies for the full stats to be released.

Also as usual there was much jollity at the Bull later, with much discussion of what a generally marvellous, fantastically talented, generally all-round-good chappish and, most importantly, unbeaten team we are!

2010 Fixture List

Saturday May 15th Grannies - HOME
Sun June 6th Donkey’s Impediment - HOME
Sun June 20th Matfield Green - AWAY
Sat July 10th Mike Martin Memorial Match - HOME
Sat July 17th Linkenholt CC - AWAY
Sun July 25th The Canbashers - HOME
Sat Sep 4th The Chelsea Arts Club - HOME
Sun Sep 12th Northiam CC - AWAY
Sun Sep 19th Walland Wanderers - HOME