Another step closer to promotion
Old Elthamians 4s took another step closer to promotion with a winning draw and maximum bonus points against a dogged Dulwich 5th 11.
Skipper Forde won the toss and decided to have a bat and lost two wickets in the first ten overs, Sam Murray going to a fine catch in the gully for 13 and James Worf caught at deep mid off for 5 leaving the home side 36/2. Jeff Brown was joined at the crease by Russ Palumbo and the pair rebuilt slowly before deciding to up the tempo and keep the scoreboard moving; after playing aggressively Russ was bowled attempting a heave over mid wicket. The partnership was just over 100 and Jeff had brought up his 50 before departing for a brilliant 82 after setting the bowler up to bowl a short ball by coming down the track and nicking the short ball to the keeper!
The innings ended on 219/5 with big hitting by Harrish Maheethan who ended on 40 not out having found good support from Charlie Lewis and Nigel Williams.
The Dulwich chase never got going thanks to the top 4 batsmen falling for single figure scores. The wickets came from skipper Forde, Maheethan and Yates (2 of the wickets falling to long hops!). Joe Sparrowhawk then took the 5th wicket to fall before a period without a wicket ensued - then James Worf picked up a wicket with possibly the worst ball of the game. The ball was almost on it's second bounce when a sweep shot was top-edged to 'keeper Murray who took his 3rd catch of the game. The home side though could only pick up 3 of the 4 required wickets in the last 15 overs; Worf, Forde and Maheethan picked up the wickets. The biggest reason for victory not being forced was 4 dropped catches in this time.
The 4s move onto Colfeians next week looking to get another win closer to promotion.
Josh Forde - 7/08/2009
The 1's kept up their march to division 3 at home to Walmer. Due to the bikers being in we were over on the 2nd square which was a refreshing change. The skipper lost the toss and Walmer decided to bat! So, with great confidence, the OECC 1's took to the pitch. The bowling was a little wayward to start but the introduction of the very impressive Jack Green made the break through. One Walmer player decided he was going to hang around but he was losing regular partners at the other end. Baline Carey was exceptionally tite with his lines picking up 1-10 off 9 and the young Callum Nash showed just what he can offer with the ball with tidy figures of 1-29. The fielding was once again very good and was summed up by another youngster, James Pearse, taking another good catch on the boundry to finish off the Wlamer tail and to give Thorogood figures of 4-27 along side his 'spin twin' Dylan who picked up 3-25.
The run chase got off to a bit of a poor start with Rob Kennedy and Dan Driscoll going very early, leaving Thorogood and DeBeer to set about the total of 144 to win. These two put on 40 before the skipper was lbw to a low one, and then Pearse(14) went to a loose shot, but it was the calm and confident Callum Nash(19) who, along with Dylan De Beer (73 not out) got us over the line for another victory and kept up the 90% win/loss percentage!
Edd Thorogood - 06/08/2009
The 3's went to Catford to play improving Blackheath Select confident after 2 consecutive wins, but lacking some of their most influential players - although still with a strong bowling attack
We were inserted on what looked a poor and rutted surface. My experience was that it played better than it looked and although this wasn't believed by my team-mates, so it proved - and although Webby had to survive one uncomfortable over from Singh, nothing else misbehaved particularly. Dave Simpson bowled tidily for the home side but, as so often happens to bowlers, claimed his one wicket with a full toss.
OE's batted steadily to reach around 75 for 3 at drinks, and a target of around 180 seemed on. But your correspondent's dismissal (37) top-edging what would have been a wide triggered a sudden collapse with only skipper Phil Alger (33) resisting for long. Runs were scraped together and, towards the end, Peter Lee (25) played a good innings including an on-drive for 4 that was the indisputable shot of the day. BSE's young off-spinner Chris Boreham returned impressive figures of 5-22. And Percy was dismissed by a superb catch.
But while taking tea (a very good one too), the rain came down heavily and, although a brief respite allowed 3 tentative overs to be bowled, rain came on again to leave both sides thinking they could have won.
The 3's remain 5th with an outside chance of promotion having played the top 2 already.
(Jeff Brown)
Like the prices in BP Harrish Maheethan's stock at OECC is increasing with every game he plays. After the 1 run win for Old Elthamians 4s earlier in the season Harrish clinched a 2 wicket low scoring thriller with a spell of 5/17 and 28 not out with the bat.
On a shocking pitch Captain Josh Forde won a crucial toss and put Wilsonians 5s into bat. The skipper and Peter Lee opened the bowling and were probably too excited about bowling on such a pitch and allowed the Wilsonians openrs to put on 28 for the 1st wicket before Pilgrim Skied a drive to Harrison at point who took a comfortable catch. Despite his batting and bowling, Harrish's first act of the game was to drop a catch off Joe Sparrowhawk, the drop didn't matter too much as the opener was gone in the next over LBW to skipper Forde. Then it was time for Harrish to rip through the Wilsonians batting 58/2 became 64/3 then 86/4 before the home side were rolled for 109 with Michael "Danielle Renton" Yates and Charlie Lewis (who put in what he described as the perfect bowling performance 1 ball 0 runs 1 wicket).
Chasing 110 the 4s were happy, but knew it would not be easy and that was proved right when Sam Murray was caught short cover for a duck in the 2nd over. Lockwood and Worf however rebuilt and took the score to 47/1 before some bad calling by Worf led to Lockwood walking back for 23 having looked in good nick. A massive wobble then occurred in the away team's batting as opening bowler Dave Anthonisz found and peppered the right length reducing the 4s to 78/6 with Worf, Russ, Harrison and Lewis all joining the two Sams in being dismissed. Peter Lee joined Harrish at the crease and the two took the score onto 92 before Lee was caught in the slips driving for 6. Yatesy then came in but not for long as Harrish ran him out with more poor calling. The next man in was skipper Forde with 18 still needed to win and the pair completed the win with Harrish playing some sensible shots and picking the right ball to hit, while the skipper simply played the forward defence. The win came up in style with Harrish hitting a 4 over the top and with 2 needed to win a 6 over mid-on to slightly dent Anthonisz's figures which finished on 13.3-2-47-6.
16 points closer to promotion and the league title after a second thriller against Wilsonians. Despite this the 4s will know that they haven't batted well in the last two games and this will need to pick up.
Josh Forde - 30/07/2009
Firstly I would like to say what a lovely team and what fantastic facilities, clearly a club going in the right direction with 5 Saturday sides and 2 Sunday teams. There nets cost £46000!!!!.
Anyhow on to the game, a few late withdrawals meant that the skipper had to do some late ringing around, never pleasant but as usual the lads came to his rescue. This has probably got a lot to do with the skipper's nature and the fantastic spirit the team has built up, what a great team ethic.
Orsett won the toss and chose to bat on a nice track on a somewhat windy and overcast day. Green opened from the Allotment end and as usual was top drawer being pulled off (!!) early as he was too good and the opening pair could only but sniff the leather. Yates junior, spurred on by the site of his dad in the slip region, again bowled with great maturity, as I have said before; it is a pleasure to be involved in this team. Green 5-2-13-1 and Yates 4-0-18-1 took a breather and young Sparrowhawk came off his perch to bowl with aplomb, fantastic and “take a bow son” 5-1-16-4, young Josh Beekman was unlucky with a dropped catch from his first ball, no names though, H…..he was yet again a real star, bowling into a strong wind 4-0-23-0. At this stage the opposition were rocking and on 77 for 6. Nawaz, fresh from his undefeated ton plus last week bowled quality, as usual, 4-0-15-1 with Maheethan steaming in from the allotment end, bowling left arm pace with real finesse and finishing on 4-2-16-0. Moriarty after taking a great catch bowled some nice spin and can count himself very unlucky to be wicketless but can take great pride in the way he kept going. Finally the moment the boys feared most, the robot appeared. 2 wickets left, was this his moment? Yes - the robot finished on 1.1-0-4-2. They were bowled out for 142 off 31 overs. This was great stuff from all the lads with young Appleyard performing very well behind the stumps, Senior Yates in the slip region and a skipper who took a fantastic catch that is pure class.
We enjoyed a fine spread and I chatted to the Chairman about playing a double next season as they have two teams on a Sunday and 3 pitches, we have the same with 2 pitches, job done.
Skip decided to open with himself and Yates junior and started nicely, whilst I and Scott tried to use the remote for the electronic scoreboard but stopped after the sky channels and television kept going on and off. Sam had a nice knock and retired on 50, with a back foot cover drive and front foot drive being of exceptional quality. Young Yates also played very nicely with a front foot drive and cut shot over mid wicket (does he mean 'pull'? – editor) showing his undoubted ability. Young Yates unfortunately got out caught on 33, a fine knock and got to bat with his dad, true class and what this game is all about, hopefully the start of many? Moriarty was unlucky before Appleyard strolled out to the batting crease. Was he going to defend? Was he heck as he crashed the first ball for 4 eventually caught on a lightning 14. Beekman was next and hit a class cut shot for 4, not out on 7 and backed up by Nawaz who was not out on 16.
A fantastic job, played with Great Spirit. Well done all young and old and once again well done skip, as usual a pleasure.
The Robot
OECC BATTING
P.BELL 48
A NAWAZ 48
N JOHNS 39
OECC BOWLING
A NAWAZ 9-1-40-3
N.JOHNS 6-3-14-4
P.COOK 6.3-2-7-3 HATTRICK TO WIN THE GAME
Graham Alger
We batted first on a lovely pitch once again freshly prepared by peter. We had an eye-opening young team out for this one, I did feel old this week and much older than the 32 that I am. Still on with the report and what a show, Billy Smart eat ya heart out. Mr Nawaz and Mr Maheethan stepped up to the crease and after a slow start banged and crashed the team to 184 for 0. Mr Nawaz retired on 116 to the cries of “I like” and Mr Maheethan hit a fine 66. It has always been the skipper's policy to play the youth and it has been great to watch. Skip decided that he and Dan was to have 3 overs until the youth arrived at 5. Mr Driscoll went to the crease and scored quickly followed by Skip who retired for 18. In came the new Fred Flintoff, young Tompkins not out on a crashing 23 and the talented Mr Yates on 17 not out. We amassed a score of 283 and one to be proud of. Well done Mr Nawaz.
The bowling was mature and nice to watch; again it was the youth that all stepped up to be counted, foaming at the mouth in anticipation of what was to come, like hungry wolves. Well the oppo scored 162 …….. This was a fine game to be involved in against a great bunch of lads and played in fantastic spirit, well done Chislehurst.
Bowling figures;
Sparrowhawk 6-1-25-2
Beekman 6-1-27-2
The Robot 4
Moriarti 6-1-22-0
Daniels 6-1-27-0
Yates 4-1-12-1
Tompkins 4-1-14-1
Driscoll 4-2-12-2
Thanks to all who played and their support for a great young skipper.8 of the boys this week were under 16 and this is a great team to be involved and play in. All I can say is “take a bow son” and once again well done skip.
The Robot
Promotion chasing OE's continue to remain grateful that points are not awarded for their ability to find away grounds. Having arrived, Edd chose to have a bat and the new ball proved to be a tricky challenge on a cracking batting track. Once Charlie had gone and Dylan had been snaffled by the second youngest member of the opposition, Rob put himself out of his misery and Pearso gave Mappy a chance to get in the game, warming him up very nicely for some of that old Mapstone bus theory – accounting for Calum in the very same over with the very same finger of dread. Captain Edd remained, joined by wily old HamDawg and the pair chuntered on about not taking risks while taking plenty to move the score from a wobbly 86-5 to a slightly more promotion challenging 165. Edd finally succumbed to a sweep which he tickled on, perhaps he should have repeated his over the shoulder shot executed with great Sri Lankan style. Things plodded on until the last wicket pairing of Richard 'the best number 11 in the Kent league and possessor of the highest batting average in his family despite Pure Mathematical arguments about infinite answers being given when dividing by zero' Pearse and Jack Green, went nuts, peppering the boundaries with a succession of lusty blows, taking us onto a total of 240.
Bowling was likely to prove tricky after significant tea-time chip munching, but the terrifyingly handsome Amman Samsoodeen proved himself to be as threatening as Michael Jackson in a _________(fill in the gap yourself). Blaine rushed magnificently into the gale and as Amman's body did a great impersonation of Sir Freddie of Flintoff, the astoundingly unplayable Jack Green came on – firstly to break up the all-Hogwarts second wicket partnership, before dismissing the opposition's star (1stXI) bat with an absolute peach, and finally inducing a top edge from the opposition's top scorer which James Pearce pouched low down, on the dive, having covered what seemed like 80 metres to get to the catch. With the heart ripped out of the opponents' batting line-up, and Edd finally managing to dislodge the limpet-like Potter with a clever full toss, it was left to Dylan to cope with the psychological warfare of being praised to the stars by his opponents and Blaine to dismiss Braveheart himself thanks to a catch from Rob that didn't involve the use of his 'male areas'.
A pretty professional job done well, with lots of contributions, racks up the points total by another 20 as the quest for promotion continues for Edd's OE army – lessons to learn but a great squad should learn those quickly as Dylan himself might suggest. Now, lets not chuck it all away next week by throwing wickets away or other such foolishness against Walmer.
Andy 'professional author' Hammond
A great win which cemented the 4's top spot in the fiercely competitive South Thames League Division 2. The pitch at St Mary's was a good one, and the groundsman went out at tea to brush up and re-mark the pitch - luxury!!
From a dreadful position of 72-7, OE's battled their way to 153. This was thanks to a great partnership of 50+ from Tom Harrison (who got a 50) and Michael Yates and one of 24 between Tom and Josh Forde. So we gave ourselves something to bowl at.....
.... and bowl at it we did - all the bowlers sent down some great lines and lengths, Peter Lee especially using all his experience at the start of the innings. Josh took a vital early wicket and Harrish (who had his spikes this week) bowled his 5 overs at a great pace and accuracy, before leaving the pitch Freddie-style just before the end. Sam Lockwood effected a great stumping off Harrish and kept very very well. Blackheath's best bowler was also their best bat, and he smashed a quick 32 with lots of 6's but when Michael Yates deceived him with a slower one, he was given out LBW. He departed with the speed of an asthmatic slug - but the game was virtually all over. A great moment towards the end when the Blackheath skipper did a fine impression of Michael Jackson!
A mainly shoddy batting performance but rescued a super bowling show, backed up by some great catches not least by the chairman Russ P who took a catch at mid-off, both feet off the ground!
Jeff Brown
Following on from last week's splendid performance but narrow loss we got to see Mr Fowle (yes James's dad) enter the batting early doors and have a fine knock for 27 to add to his splendid catch. He was well assisted by Mr Nawaz 44 and Mr Glenny 75 not out. This was wholesomely backed by some fine bowling by all who bowled and a huge mention to 2 new and gifted players. Young Beekman 4-1-29-1 and Moriarty 4.2-0-22-3 bowled with real quality and should be proud of their first senior wickets. Well juggled and great chest control Scooby and once again well done skip, it is a real pleasure.
The Robot
Gravesend put OE 3's in and took early wickets of Brown and Hilliker. Webb, severely hung over and a somewhat reluctant opener, took full advantage of anything loose and rushed to his fifty in the 17th over, Nigel Williams supporting but hitting most of his best shots straight to fielders. A few balls surprisingly misbehaved early on. A mini-collapse took OE's to 85-5, with tight bowling from skipper Lak, but in strode Rich Pickerill to join Harrish and change the match around. Encouraged by a noisy crowd (Webby and chairman Russ back on the Magners), Rich proceeded to put a vast number of balls into the woods, of which the author managed to retrieve all but two. Shaggy's showy signal of 6 became a common sight, and Nigel took over to come off complaining of sore arms. Rich reached his hundred with another 6 and to applause from Gravesend, the 3's and the 1's on the adjoining pitch. He was ably supported by Harrish and James Fowle putting on big partnerships. The 40 overs came up with Rich unbeaten on 140, 13 6's and 11 4s. 257-6, 6.5 an over.
OE's knew that the visitors contained one or two danger-men including former 1st team skipper from Gravesend's premier league days John Hinks (brother of ex-county player Simon, I think). A good early spell from Leapy Lee, James Fowle getting up a good head of steam and good control from Rich Saunders making a belated first start to the season and showing no signs of his knee injury - all put the 3's in the driving seat. However Rich P was unable to bowl fast due to a stiff neck incurred no doubt in peering after too many of his massive aerial shots, and some of the other bowlers (mentioning no names) bowled too short, feeding Hinks' favourite pull shot. A very long partnership was eventually broken by another catch from Shaggy having a good game behind the timbers, then Hinks trod on his wicket to make OE's favourites again. A great knock of 116 from him. However Hinks partner Huelin (snr), who had been content to give his partner the strike, took over with a few good blows. 13 wanted off the last over, everyone on the boundary, but another 6 over mid-wicket made Gravesend favourites again. A stunning stop by Webby at short mid-wicket saved 3 runs, and took the game with the scores level to the last ball, but a leg-bye was scrambled to secure victory for the visitors.
Still no disgrace in losing such a game, over 500 runs scored and down to the last ball out of 480 in the match. Thanks to the 1's and other spectators for their support at the end. We fielded really well all through.
Jeff awarded man of the match to Richard Pickerill, and with acknowledgement to Webby, James Fowle, and Peter Lee, gave captain's choice to Rich Saunders for his great bowling spell.
Jeff Brown
After days of hot weather the track at Foxbury was a belter. The skipper was distraught as the coin came down the wrong way only for the opposition to stick us in. So it was down to the Dashing Hammond and the Imperious Kennedy to get us off to a good start. After Hammond was caught for 1, Kennedy and DeBeer rattled the score along at over 5 an over, much to the delight of the watching crowds (In the bar for the lions!) DeBeer went caught in the deep and Kennedy lost his off bail as Gravesend made a recovery. Thorogood and Pearse settled things down to drinks, before the former was guilty of some poor judgement on the sweep and Pearse fell to the impressive Gravesend leggie. The tail wagged somewhat and helped the OE's to a total of 194 which in honesty was 100 shy of what it should have been.
The Gravesend reply started well getting to 30-0 with out loss before Carey came on to bowl and strangled a catch down the leg side to the quite outstanding Mathews behind the stumps. The visitors looked to be comfortable untill the young Jack Green came on to bowl and was quite outstanding. His line and length was superb and picked up a deserved wicket. His figures of 7-3-14-1 mean he deservedly keeps his place in the 1's this week and he really is one for the future. After another partnership was broken by the impressive Ankit Patel the door was left open for Dylan DeBeer to pick up a couple of wickets and then Amman Samsoodeen returned to mop up the tail and keep OE's on the rise with 20 points.
Edd Thorogood
OE's 4s stretched their unbeaten run to 5 in a winning draw against Bexley 6th 11 and remain top of the league.
After losing the toss for the 5th game running the 4s were put into bat which they were happy with. Raisey and Brown were reunited at the top of the order and made a solid start before Raisey had a go at Shelvey and was bowled for 11. Sam Lockwood came to the crease and survived a couple of nervous moments before clipping a juicy full toss to deep square leg for 18. Jeff soon brought up his 50 during a three over spell where the boundaries flowed. The run rate was slowed when first Matkins, then young Aiden Griggs was brought into the attack for Bexley- the latter found a bit of turn and bounce and bowled nice areas. Jeff was out for 65 in former Old Elthamian James Casey's first over, caught deep square leg pulling a short one. The run rate slowed as Casey and Griggs bowled well and Byers and Harrison departed in need of quick runs enter Harrish Maheethan on senior debut. Harrish really took on the bowlers by playing proper cricket shots and making a well played 45 before being LBW in the penultimate over. The 4s finished on a total of 228 for 8 from 45.
Bexley lost Casey early in reply bowled by a beauty that nipped back and hit the top of off stump. Two more wickets were gone soon after with Neeley and Maietta both out for 9 to Percy and Joe Sparrowhawk respectively. Bexley continued to chase with opening bat Jones playing well for 50 before being caught at mid-off by Nick Byers off Percy. James Worf got the next wicket and the 4s scented victory but a 6th wicket partnership between Matkins and young Griggs looked set to end the game in a draw before, in the space of two overs, Sparrowhawk removed Griggs and Raisey dismissed Wenham and Austen, the latter going to a brilliant stumping by Sam Lockwood. With two overs to see out Skipper Griggs and Matkins played them out well for the draw.
Overall a good game played in a good spirit ended with the 4s collecting another 13 points to stay top.
Harrish was man of the match and Jeff was captain's choice.
[A great all-round team effort especialy in the field - very good bowling from Percy, Joe Sparrowhawk who continues to impress with his calmness and accuracy, James Worf who didn't bowl a bad ball, Harrish who was lively left-arm over, and Phil Raisey who was also lively when finally tossed the ball - Jeff]
Skipper Sam Lockwood went to the middle in expectation to make it 3 out of 3. He has done a fantastic job building up a nice, exciting and vibrant team and with victory over the Canterbury Sunday 1 and Catford and ciphers they were buzzing, could he make it 3 in a row?
The toss was lost and the oppo decided to bat on a track freshly prepared by Peter.
Green was making his debut for the now popular Sunday 1 and was told in no uncertain terms by skipper Lockwood “pull your socks up son, you aint playing for the 1 X1 now, got plenty of people waiting to fill those smelly boots” Green responded with some breathtaking pace and the thud into the young skipper's gloves could be heard at the bar. Young Tompkins another Sunday virgin bowled with venom, pace and bounce and these two young opening studs had the visitors reeling. It was not long until the visitors were walking back one after the other, their tails between their legs.
The pace seemed too much with Tompkins (4-1-10-3) bowling the 1 3 wickets for 0, being backed up by some outstanding catches in the vibrant field, the first a rocket and caught by at point. Green (5-2-12-1) bowled very,very well and came on again for one over at the death, cranking up the pace to smash down the stumps and depart the skipper for a steady 64. Next came Gaywood (4-0-22-2) who bowled with aplomb but looked a few pounds heavier than he did the day previous. Lockwood Senior came onto bowl (7-0-30-0) and blamed the team for his poor bowling “I told you to put a fielder there” he repeatedly chanted. By this stage the visitors were being humbled 5 for 48 after 13 overs. Next in came Davies (4-0-18-2) and with his strange action had the oppo in all types of trouble, I am sure he was in X-men. Daniels junior(4-0-16-1) assisted and the great bowling from the young pair had the ever desperate Strollers 88-8. Everybody was shooting their hands up to bowl, but it was Murray (4-0-29-0) and Deller ( 4-0-32-0) who stepped up to the plate both bowling well to their team mates' delight. Appleyard (2.2-0-9-1), Lockwood Senior and Green finished of the Strollers with skipper lockwood making sure it was competitive 191-9 to chase of 38 overs.
The Appleyard family once again produced a fine tea and we prepared ourselves for the long chase.
Appleyard opened with Willoughby and the two got the team off to a fine start, Appleyard being in 20/20 mode and hungry to get to his 50 in record time, the game was won in 34 overs. Once again an anchor role by the skipper, and the finish by Gaywood and Tompkins made the thought of any slip up disappear.
Another fine performance from all the lads, young and old, and very enjoyable played in good spirit. A good win against a good side that was made to look easy and one this fine young skipper should be proud of. Well done son and bring on Blue star!!
On sunny but muggy morning, the B's won the toss and chose to field. The visitors seemed intent on hitting the ball out of the park but the two Joe's (Bellingham and Sparrowhawk) did well to contain the openers but they were still 36-2 after six overs. Runs were being scored at a fair rate but we let ourselves down by dropping a whole series of catches and failing to run one of their batsmen out when it would be easier to have sent him back to the changing rooms. With runs still easy to come by, enter Charlie Bell, our Demon left armer who not only stemmed the flow of runs, but also took a wicket. At the mid way point, Colfes were 65-3 seemingly looking to run away with the game. The boys stuck at it but with Colfes moving up to 114-3, it was tough going. The guys did really well in the closing overs to peg the visitors back to 130-6 - Game on!! Having scored 122 the previous week, the manager was confident that sensible batting again would put the boys in with a shout for a victory (the boys themselves didn't seem to be that convinced
though!!)
After an early wicket, Archie Balkwill and Ellis Rogers set about the task of providing a good platform for the lads to work with. Archie has continued his fine form this year with another well constructed 38 putting on 54 with Ellis before top-edging to fine leg, 69-2 off of 14 overs. Enter the captain..... the side needed six an over and were scoring steadily until Liam came out and was intent to lead from the front with some fine boundaries. Both Liam and Ellis looked completely in command in the middle but nerves were jangling on the sidelines. Five overs left, 34 still needed, four overs left 27, two overs left and fifteen still needed - the side lines were getting nervous!! Eleven were scored off of the 23rd over leaving four to win from the last six balls - easy!! Fours balls later, it was still 2 off of 2, oh dear, fifth ball of the over, scampered single - scores tied.......Ellis then thumped the last ball for four and walked off wondering what all the fuss was about (well if you have 24 overs to get the runs, why not use all 24 overs!!)
Great performance from the boys, particularly as we haven't had the best of starts to the season. You could have easily dropped your heads at half way, but the batters got stuck in and proved that even is you do need more than five an over, you don't have to knock the cover off of the ball from the first over to get the runs. Well done to everyone but the plaudits must go to Charlie for his 2-13, Archie for his 38, Ellis for his 28 Not Out, but more importantly sharing in partnerships of 54 and 65 respectively. Last, but not least was our captain, Liam - marvellous stuff, a real captain's innings seeing his side home with 44 not out . We are off the mark with our first win and off of the bottom of the table (I told you boys that you were too good to be bottom!!).
A brief report this, as I only watched the game from the other square. Apologies to anyone who did anything spectacular I didn't notice.
After a solid start, OE's were 30-0, then 100-9 as the middle order were ripped out. Linden Park were cock-a-hoop. Then Azhar - becoming an OE's legend - joined the pugnacious Tim Garrett and these 2 put on 55 to the dismay of the visitors. This gave OE's something to bowl at.
OE's took the early wicket of the visitors' professional, then chipped away at the rest of the batsmen. The storm intervened, and although we only caught the edge enough time was lost to make a full game impossible. However, enough overs were left to still mean that any result was possible, and the fate of the match wavered when wickets fell and runs were scored. Eventually, some splendid bowling from Azhar and Cookie, and great catches from OE's - I saw two, Guy Heskins and especially Richard Pearse with an outstanding diving catch at mid-wicket - meant that Linden Park settled for an incomplete match and the points shared, OEs needing only one wicket to seal victory. An obdurate innings from xxx stopped this happening.
Without that last wicket partnership, the game would surely have been lost, so congratulations again to Tim and Azhar.
Jeff Brown - 29/06/2009
I'm not sure who won the toss - but BSE batted, and at the very welcome drinks break were 88-2, OECC fearing a score of 200 plus. Mike Yates continued to display his abilities with the ball as he troubled both openers - then came back to bowl a splendid second spell during the last 10 overs. An inspired move by skipper Graham Howie then saw Adam Parums brought on. Bowling which looked innocuous (sorry Adam!) from the boundary brought a whole series of rash strokes - actually attempted slogs - from BSE as they tried to accelerate. On the 'they miss, I hit' principle, most of his wickets were bowled as well as a good skyer held and a smart stumping from Paul Glenny. A good fielding display in the heat was highlighted by two splendid catches. The first from Charlie Robson, ambling onto the pitch a few overs late, then diving to leg slip from first slip to hold an airborne catch off the back of the bat. Then late on, Peter Lee ran in hard from long leg to hold a skyer inches from the ground. On both occasions Mike Yates was the bowler.
So BSE finished up all out for 164, a small total on the relatively short boundaries of the Foxbury second square, and hard to defend against a team batting properly, as we found out ourselves last week.
However, OE's started disastrously and were soon 32-4, two run outs contributing to this dreadful start. BSE tails were up and they were now favourites. Powley, Singh and Shah bowled very tightly. A fightback of sorts began as Adam and Paul dug in, taking the score to 56 before Adam timed a chip too well and straight into the hands of mid-off. The run rate was fine but wickets were running out. Graham then joined Paul Glenny and they mixed solid defence with aggression against any loose ball. A near run-out had hearts in mouths! OE's started to accelerate as the weather deteriorated, it began to rain on and off, and the ball became wet and the grass slippery. Eventually, it became too bad and with 21 needed the players came off, with Armageddon in prospect. But the lightning storm slipped to the north and east of us and we missed the worst of it. After a break of about 20 minutes, we came back on, and the game was soon wrapped up - the 100 partnership being passed in the process. Our thanks to BSE who endured some pretty grotty conditions.
A really fine innings from Paul Glenny who ended up 68*, I can not remember him playing better, and a super supporting role from skipper Graham Howie.
A game played in amazing weather conditions - from 1:30 to 5:30, baking hot, then from 5:30 to 7:30, cooled down 10 degrees centigrade, dark, gusts of wind, rainy, and a great view of the electrical storm moving along the Thames to our north and east. We had enough rain to drive us off, but not the monsoon conditions experienced from the A2 northwards. At one point it was pouring down on the trees 50 yards away but dry on the pitch !!
BSE made their way over to the pleasant Foxbury ground to play Old Elthamians III's on a sultry day to find themselves asked to have first use of a good looking track.
Looking at previous scores by their opponents before a ball was bowled a score over 200 was the requirement of the day. Although BSE lost Sim Wimore for a scratchy 4, bizarrely caught by first slip who ran round to leg slip to catch an attempted pull shot, the other BSE opener, Tarun Sharma, was in superb form from the off, suggesting a big score was on the cards. Although Sharma fell unexpectedly for 29, with BSE on 50-2, Sagar Gaur & Herdy Singh put on an untroubled 60 run partnership in the next dozen overs. However, as with Sharma, it was somewhat of a surprise when both Gaur (35) and Singh (31) fell to poor shots, leaving BSE on 123-4, still with 13 overs remaining. The emerging Chris Boreham, having just cleared a leaping mid-off in getting off the mark, played his best innings for the Club. While not pretty to look at his technique of taking a huge slog at any ball that was slightly short or over pitched was effective. However the BSE batsman at the other end completely lost their heads to the somewhat innocuous slow bowling of Parums who grabbed 6-30, BSE slumping from 144-4 to 164 all out in under six overs. Chris Boreham eventually falling for 28.
After a hugely disappointing batting display BSE were fully aware that they had a difficult task and would be desperate for early wickets and that was exactly what happened. Shah immediately struck second ball of the Old Elts innings trapping Brown, a player who had turned out a few times for BSE, for a duck. Then a bizarre dismissal, Robson slogged the ball straight up in the air where three BSE fielders circled beneath it. Somehow, without any communication between them, it fell in, and then straight out of, the hands of Chalk. However the batsmen stood statuesque in the middle of the pitch watching these events unfold, a quick thinking Alan Wilmore collected the ball and ran him out, OE 28-2! Meanwhile Simon Powley was bowling beautifully with his dibbly dobblers. He soon accounted for Yazdani caught by the skipper. He then ran out Viswanthan aided with some neat work by the BSE keeper Mick Boreham. Next he induced Parums to blast the ball to Chris Boreham who caught a good catch at mid-off, OE finding themselves in some trouble at 61-5. This brought together the sixth wicket pairing of Glenny & Howie which coincided with a huge thunderstorm which encircled the ground, accompanied by a spectacular lightening show and eventually rain. The weather certainly didn't put off the batsman and they proceeded to put together a seemingly effortless match winning century partnership in double quick time. Although there was a brief break for heavy rain the match was over in the 32 over, OE winning by 5 wickets. In his last ever match for BSE due to his return to India; Sagar Gaur took the BSE Man of the Match Award with his 35, his highest score in his brief spell for the Club.
With the hot weather, a flat looking pitch and a “lightning quick” outfield skipper Chris Gaywood lost the toss… again! Fearing the worst the opposition skipper decided to bowl.
So out went Tom Harrison and Phil Raisey, Old E's didn't have the best of starts with Raisey getting caught in the second over off Hardy for none. Then came the in-form Adam Hilliker to join Tom, the pair looked good batting together putting Old E's 28-1 off 6. then went for one too many shots and edged behind. Hilliker was then joined by Russ Palumbo, the two powered through the next 10 overs play putting on 85, Hilliker departing after a very entertaining 50. Old E's run was then pinned back by the S&M spinners who bowled well, but didn't seem to bother Russ too much who went onto score a brilliant 83. Reardon and Gladstone went onto take the wickets of 6 Old E's batsmen and looked as if they were going to take the last wicket with ease until Chris Yobbo Lockwood walked out into the middle. In his usually fashion Chris didn't hang around slapping the ball everywhere and no respect for the bowlers. Well supported by young Matt Raisey. Chris went onto score a blistering 50n.o in 6 overs leaving Old E's on 281-9.
Just after tea the team walked out onto the field ready to go… then came the rain. Not looking too good the thought of the game being abandoned was creeping into everybody's mind. Luckily the weather cleared up the S&M openers came out into the middle. Old E's opening bowlers bared the brunt of Gladstone who played his shots freely and hit a quick 50. But as soon as he reached his milestone he was caught off Ajay. Then came other wickets after Gaywood had Moll caught at 2 slip by a great catch from Phil Raisey. After the catch Phil wanted to join the party yet again… taking 5-11 off 7!!!!! S&M were batting for the draw with Lynch defending anything on the stumps and looking like he was there to stay, until Lewis flighted one outside of off stump and ripped back in to bowl him. One wicket left led to the re-introduction of vice-skip Forde, who straight away had the batsman pinned back and with his second ball back trapped the last man in front.
Overall, a great team performance, well batted a huge total to get, highest yet! And well bowled to take all of the wickets for all 20 points!
Scooby - 30/06/2009
U15 vs Old Colfes
Now do you remember how I started last weeks match report with; "wow, oops, ooh, ahh, well done, ohh, great, brilliant, groan, pressure, yes, could it be, yes, hooray", following our win against Old Wilsonians?
Well not so much for this weeks game against Old Colfeians at Home, and yes, same as last week it wasn't for the faint hearted, with our U15A side losing the toss and being asked to bat first.
The batting started slowly; 4 in the first over, and in the second over after another 6 runs we lost our first wicket!
Then in the fourth and sixth overs two more wickets were lost for 21 runs, things weren't looking too good, strange Old Colfeians hadn't won a match this season, strange because their bowling was the best I'd seen!
When Junaid Akhtar joined Harish Maheethan "things" changed for the better, and by the tenth over when Harrish was caught for 13 runs, there was 45 on the scoreboard, and when Junaid was bowled in the fourteenth over for 20 runs we were 60 for 5.
Then Michael Yates and James Fowle found themselves starting a reasonable partnership, oh no, then it happened in the sixteenth over when Mike was caught spectacularly, and we were 64 for 6, could it get worse?
But then it happened, James was joined by Cosmo Adolphe, and the runs started to arrive, by the time James was given LBW he had put-on 43 runs, and at the end Cosmo was 18 not-out, having been joined by Will Riley-Gowing who was 3 not-out, so we ended on 131 for 7, reasonably respectable.
Next on, Old Colfeians, starting with a good spell of bowling by Tom Edwards, they started to move in-front of our score at the same stage, being 27 for 0 in the sixth over, oh yes, "nought"!
What then happened was something quite special, at the start of the seventh over, Will Riley-Gowing, who decided to bowl a slower delivery had their number one batsman caught behind the wicket by our erstwhile wicket keeper, Alex Jones, well done!
However, it was not until the tenth over, when the opposition had reached 42 did something really good occur, Josh Oatley in his third over bowled their number three batsman, yes, maybe, just maybe?
Then in the nineteenth over it happened, Mike Yates bowled out their number four batsman, and Old Colfeians were 91 for 4, could it be?
In fact yes, at 112 runs it happened, yes, it happened, Rikesh Patel in his second bowling spell, bowled out their number two batsman for 47, upsetting the oppositions scorer no end, whose son it was, and making me extremely happy.
Then what at the time seemed like a miracle, two balls later Rikesh took another wicket, both in the twenty second over, they were now 114 for 5.
And, in the next over Josh Oatley took another wicket LBW, followed then after two more balls by another, they were now 119 for 7 in the 23rd over, deep intake of breath!
And then it happened, in the last over, everything started moving extremely fast; Harrish Maheethan bowling; first ball, one run, second ball, one run, third ball, one run, a no ball followed by a run which then led to a run-out by Harrish as they were going for another, then two more runs leading to a run-out by Harrish as they were going for a third, and on the last ball having run three more runs, Sam Murray ran toward the wicket and like a footballer having scored a goal dived toward the wicket and demolished it, deep breath again, theeeeeewwww!
Yes, on the last ball of the 24th over WE WON; they were 129 for 10 wickets, we won by just 2 runs.
Overall, we gave away some 21 extras, better than the last match, but still not good enough!
Steve Yates - 23/06/2009
On a warm but mainly overcast day the 3's were brought down to earth after 2 consecutive wins.
Skipper Phil Alger won the toss and batted on what looked to be a very good track. Openers Brown and Mendez started at 3 an over, but Paul was out soon after slapping a long hop straight to cover - he must still be kicking himself now (Monday a.m.). Then both Paul Glenny and Adam Paruns retired hurt after bizarre injuries off the same bowler, Paul returning after Adam limped off. This did not help the scoring rate which stayed at 3 an over. Trying to get on with it Jeff Brown (34) spooned a return catch to the bowler, Phil Alger (38*) played aggressively from the start and Paul also got going before falling for 31, Nigel Williams got 15 in about 7 balls, but in chasing runs wickets fell and the score ended at 172 and before Phil could run anyone else out.
A very good tea indeed ensued, the 'Appleyard dynasty' ensuring that they should not be outdone by last week's record scoff at Nurstead's ground. Lemon and fruit cake especially good.
Nurstead started slowly as James Fowle especially bowled very well, and OE's tidied up after last week's 'wide-fest'. However Nurstead started to accelerate and the ball began finding its way over the boundary as it stopped swinging especially for Percy. Paul Daniels bowled well for 3-17, claiming perhaps with some justification that his earlier introduction might have made a difference. Nurstead passed OE's total before the 30th over. OE's were left with a nagging feeling that if only we could have got the top 6 out earlier, that the 5 youngsters at the bottom of the order might have been dismissed cheaply. But we shall never know (until the August return fixture anyway).
My summary of the game is that Nurstead outdid OE's in all departments. They bowled very well on one side of the wicket and let go very few loose balls, Walker especially being quite lively too, and good field placing stopped quite a few hard hit shots from getting to the boundary. OE's batted mainly in an orthodox style, and after losing Paul Mendez early, went on carefully, and too slowly (I take my share of the blame for this) although we weren't helped by the two injuries. 80 at 25 overs is not enough in a 40 over league on a small ground, and acceleration against a tidy bowling attack is difficult. OE's also bowled loosely (excepting James Fowle and Paul Daniels), and Nurstead's middle order hit the ball very hard. Also, OE's attack lacked any variety while the 4's featured 4 spinners.
Jeff Brown - 22/06/2009
Phil Raisey rolled back the years with a match changing spell of 5 for 2!
Skipper Josh Forde lost the toss and the 4s had to field. Left handed opener Smith made an aggressive start taking Fordes first two overs for 17 but was out hitting a length ball to Chris Lockwood at mid off, off the skipper's bowling, giving us to see what we wanted to see - the robot! After another 2 wickets fell Orpington reached 120/3 in the 25th over looking at a total of around 250 which would have been hard going. Enter Raisey to change the game completely. In a spell that lasted just 3.1 overs Phil bowled 2 maidens took 5 wickets and conceded just 2 runs a wide and a no ball which left him commenting to the umpire "you're the only one to score any runs off me today." Chris Gaywood took the other two wickets bowling two bemused batsmen round their legs. Orpington had collapsed from 120/3 to 141 all out, five of the top six made starts but got out.
The tea was on a par with that described by Jeff in last weeks 3's match report, leaving the bowlers with no worries but to eat.
The 4s reached the total of 142 without any alarm losing 3 wickets along the way. Charlie Lewis played over a full and straight ball for 13 having looked solid. Phil Raisey not content with a spell of 5/2 made 38 before falling to a brilliant one handed catch at mid off. Adam Hilliker was the other wicket to fall caught behind for an aggressive 40.
Josh Forde - 22/06/2009
Wow, oops, ooh, ahh, well done, ohh, great, brilliant, groan, pressure, yes, could it be, yes, hooray, so much emotion against the Old Wilsonians U15A Team.
This Game was not for the faint hearted, our U15A side really needed a win, however having lost the toss they were asked to bat first with an outfield that needed mowing!
The batting started slowly; 4 in the first over, 2 more in the second, then 8 more in the third, oops, in the fourth at 17, we lost our first wicket!
Thereafter, 34 for 2, 39 for 3, and 53 for 4, by which time Josh Oatley had taken guard and things were starting to turn around.
By the 15th over Josh made 28 before being caught, ooh, then in the 19th and 20th two more wickets went down, ahh!
Then Michael Yates arrived to partner with Junaid Akhtar, from 88 for 7 in the 20th over, they powered their way to 127 in the 24th over, with Junaid making 9 and Mike 24 not out, well done both of you..
So, Next on, an unbeaten Old Wilsonians side, who by the third over were moving in front of our run rate, ooh!
Next a breakthrough, James Fowle got the first wicket at 21 runs, then not until the twelve over did Rikesh Patel have the second batsman caught off his bowling by Josh Oatley, great!
Although they were in front of our run rate, two overs later Will Riley-Gowing bowled their fourth batsman, absolutely brilliant!
And, as their run rate started to slow, having taken only two more wickets we found ourselves about to start the last over, groan!
At 120 runs for four wickets it wasn't looking too good, then James Fowle stepped forward to bowl the last over, pressure!
What an over, the emotions started to boil, OW's were starting to sing, their parents were ready to celebrate at the bar.
Then it happened, yes, their best batsman was caught by Nick Tompkins, yes again, having scored 48 runs, could it be?
Again, another wicket, this time bowled out by James, and finally on the last ball a run out by our erstwhile wicket keeper Sam Murray.
Yes, on the last ball of the 24th over they were 125 for 5 wickets, we won by just 2 runs, hooray!
Overall, yes we did win, although we gave away some 35 extras, must do better next time.
OECC 3's continued their run of good form beating bottom club Gravesend at Nurstead's nice country ground.
Nick Byers lost the toss and was asked to bat, the home club probably hoping to restrict the runs with a young fielding team. OE's were soon in trouble at 34-2, debutant Dan Yazdani showing a lack of patience after a good start and Nigel Williams undone by a good one.
Nick Byers then joined the recalled Jeff Brown at the wicket and these two put on 120 in 22 overs, Byers very severe on anything loose and Brown picking up runs mainly on the on-side and often aerial. Brown went for 67 in the 32nd over, followed by the unlucky Mike Fowle who picked up a golden duck in following his skipper's instructions to hit. Mike, your time will come !! Suresh then maintained his good form mixing delicate glances with lusty blows while Nick got to his fifty and started to attack. Nick finished with 66, making it 263 runs for the 3's already this season and his third fifty in a row !!! He will be missed next week. Charlie Lewis making his debut for this year batted very nicely and ran hard, and Leapy Lee continued to raise his average with another not out. 214-7, with a few feeling that perhaps it should have been 20 or so more. For Gravesend, the opening pair bowled well and shared all the wickets, and young Tahir making his Saturday debut (I was told) bowled very straight. All in all the mostly young Gravesend guys stuck to it well in the heat.
A truly splendid tea of sandwiches, bread, jam, cakes, tea, fruit loaf, scones, cream, cakes, sausages, and cakes, was served, making the fixture at Nurstead later in the year one that is already looked forward to eagerly.
OECC went out stuffed but determined to make early inroads, however Pahal had other ideas and, advancing down the track, knocked Mike Yates out of the attack with 3 fours in the opening over. Peter Lee then took a wicket with the first ball of his opening over, Gravesend then proceeding reasonably calmly to 100-3, just after drinks, and at that time they had a sniff. OE's suspected that once the old heads could be winkled out, the youngsters may not stay around long, and that proved to be the case. Some great fielding, including an excellent high catch by Michael Yates and a direct hit run out by Brown, kept the home side on the back foot and wickets began to tumble regularly. Nigel Williams despite pulling a calf muscle bowled straight to end up with 4-27 off 8, and Mike Yates recalled into the attack finished with 3-28, including a stunning one handed low diving catch by Danny Yazdani and a great leg-side stumping by evergreen Paul Glenny to finish things off.
So 2 wins out of three (with a 2 run defeat by leaders Luddesdowne in between), and OE's can approach the middle of the season with confidence. Two words of warning though - perhaps a few more runs will be needed against better sides, and when bowling, we gave away far too many wides - these are just free runs!!
Jeff Brown 15/06/2009.
Alternative 3rd XI match report by Paul Daniels
The 3's away match was switched to Nurstead as Gravesend's pitch was not available. Nick Byers lost the toss and was put in front of a delicious Victoria sponge which he polished with some ease. Jeff Brown quickly followed with a scrumptious beef and horseradish sandwich with little hint of watercress before he blew the opposition away with late cut of a jam sandwich. Paul Daniels couldn't resist bowling his way into the most wonderful cheese and pickle sandwich and Peter Lee couldn't get enough cups of tea declaring that the tea was so perfectly brewed that it was enough to make him give up alcohol, just drink tea and bowl straight. Michael Yates did the OE's proud by hoarding the cake stand to himself and doing a mighty impression of Billy Bunter. Suresh surely couldn't eat any more but he did! The opposition were silent as they tucked into their tucker and marvelled at the OE's ability to scoff so much wonderful food. A late rally by Nigel Williams (who studiously avoided the cream buns ) saw the OE's to the close and salivating over the prospect of a return visit to Nurstead to play them in their home league fixture on the 29 August. A fixture not to be missed. Without doubt the best cricketing tea ever!
OE's 4's moved up to 2nd in division 2 of The South Thames Cricket League after a 134 run win over Old Colfeians 4's at Foxbury.
Skipper Gaywood lost the toss (again) and the 4's were asked to bat. They made 218 for 7 in an innings of solid contributions and partnerships. Each of the top 6 reached double figures but the star of the show was club chairman Russ Palumbo who punished anything short with his brand new bat and ended up unbeaten with 76 his highest score for the club.
The Old Colfeians innings never got going and lasted just 25.3 overs for 84 all out. Opening bowlers Forde and Pearce were chalk and cheese but got their rewards and went through the top order. Forde was very erratic but picked up 4/36 from 6. Whereas Pearce was very accurate and returned the figures of 2/4 from 7. Harrison, Sparrowhawk and Worf all picked up one wicket each to wrap up the game and cap a brilliant performance from the 4s.
Josh Forde 15/6
OE's 2nds maintained their unbeaten record by recording their 3rd win out of 5, beating Cowdrey by 122 runs.
The opposition were mid-table Cowdrey, promoted last season and thus an unknown quantity to the home side. OE's lost the toss and were put in to bat first on a dampish pitch. The ball moved in the air and off the pitch alarmingly at times as Cowdrey bowled very tightly early on, Hood bowling with a lot of invention and Marsh keeping it very tight. The run rate was never above 3 an over and at the halfway stage OE's were 4 down and in need of a partnership or two. As the change bowlers came on, Sachin Patel, skipper Graham Alger and Paul Cook went on the attack, taking a few necessary risks to get the scoreboard moving and put the visitors on the back foot. It paid off handsomely with a partnership of 80 between the contrasting styles (and profiles) of Patel and Cook, both batsmen getting into the forties while deserving of 50's. A total of 197 was reached when at one stage the batting side might have hoped for 160.
After tea, OE's kept up the momentum created and ripped through the Cowdrey top order, Jack Green (3-18) especially bowling superbly up the hill making the ball do seemingly whatever he wanted. Kam Yousef also bowled with pace to take 3 wickets, Azhar also swung the ball, too much at times, but got a wicket too and, following a brief rally for the 8 wicket, 2 run outs symbolized Cowdrey's day. Hood stood out for the visitors with bat and ball.
A great win for what is becoming a great side – and Man of the Match went to Sachin Patel for his major contribution with the bat for a second week running.
Jeff Brown - 08/06/2009
On a cold and cloudy day OE's threes took on old rivals Luddesdown seeking revenge for their close run game earlier in the season. Cap Alger making his first appearance for the three's this year won the toss and stuck the oppo in on another belter of a wicket(???????????) and OE's made a good start keeping the run rate down and Classy batsman Airey in check before he was removed by a smart one-handed catch by Suresh which he followed up by two other smart catches and eight overs of tight bowling 8 overs for 23 runs. This followed a good opening spell of 4 overs for 11 runs from Mike Yates. All bowled well with N Williams finishing with 3 wickets for 36; Lockwood was also amongst the wickets with 3 wickets but slightly expensive with 4 overs for 35 but overall OE,s fielded and bowled well with Luddesdown's runs coming mainly from thier top order Stiddard 43 Cox 21 and Garvey 35no.
In reply OE',s got off to a poor start with three batsmen back in the hutch - 11 for 3 off 9 overs. Byers(58) and Alger(45) (thats not their ages - BUT CLOSE) then set about rebuilding the innings and a good partnership putting on 104 in 13 overs to get OE,s back in the game. Both batsmen fell in succesive balls some poor shot selection then bought Suresh (34) to the crease and he set about trying to win the game mixing some cracking boundary shots with good running. Two maidens then put Luddesdown back in the game so the last over required six runs to win with two wickets in hand Suresh then fell to the second ball and with 8 men on the boundary OE's were unable to score the runs for victory and were all out off the final ball of the innings ending up on 177 all out
A great game played in good spirit; and as Luddesdowne are hoping to join the Kent village league next year we may not play them in league action, but look foward to possibly playing them in a friendly match.
Phil Alger - 07/06/2009
OE's lost the toss for the first time this season and were asked to have a bowl so 20 points were immediately out of the question. However, having bowled first on numerous occasions and won last season the team was confident that they could still grab the 16 points on offer. Things could not have started any better for the home side as Tom Scorgie had the opposition skipper lbw inside the first over. Bromley Town then edged and bluffed along with a few wild swipes, much to the amusement of the home skipper, and got themselves over the 40 mark for the loss of 1. Then Harsh Chauhan got his reward with 3 quick wickets with Thorogood and Nichols helping out with tough catches. In-between all that DeBeer picked up a couple including another sharp chance at slip by Thorogood. Then at 96-6 the wheels came off for the OE's as they allowed the opposition late order hitters to get the opposition up to 201 before DeBeer had the last laugh.
The OE's reply started steadily with Hammond and Dan Driscoll hitting the bad balls to the fence before the unlucky Hammond was stumped down the legside. DeBeer joined Driscoll and between them they steadied the ship with some cracking shots and some electric running between wickets as DeBeer started to find his feet. After Driscoll played all round one and Harsh Chauhan was dismissed by a cracking catch Edd Thorogood joined DeBeer at the crease. Fresh from the 20/20 on Thursday, the skipper and vice skipper went about hitting 89 off 9 overs to rip the game away from Bromley Town. Unfortunately Thorogood managed to get himself out and another wicket followed before the patient Tom Archer saw DeBeer to a magnificent hundred.
Top of the league 4 from 4 and OE's is a happy place to be. Plenty more hard work on its way as we take on Bexleyheath this weekend.
E Thorogood
Old Elthamians 4th XI recorded their second league win in their 4th game in dramatic fashion. The win came by just 1 run with only 4 balls of the 90 overs remaining.
Captain Chris Gaywood lost the toss and Old Elthamians were sent in to bat and were reduced to 32/3 in the 7th over with James's Fowle and Worf and Siddhu Viswanath all dismissed for single figures. Russ Palumbo joined Phil Raisey and the two took the score to 108 before Russ played on for 26. After Chris Gaywood was dismissed for 4 Young 'keeper Sam Murray joined Phil Raisey 96 for the 6th wicket with Murray scoring his first senior fifty at better than a run a ball. Phil Raisey batted the innings for an unbeaten 93 punishing anything short and all half-volleys as Old Elthamians made 218/7.
All was going well for Old Elthamians when defending the score as Wilsonians were reduced to 93/6. However a partnership of 67 for the 7th wicket gave Wilsonians a glimmer of hope. Captain Gaywood was the partnership breaker removing the number 8 caught behind for 30 which was followed by a run out in the same over when Gaywood collected Nigel Pearce's throw. The 9th wicket fell when the left handed number 10 had a heave at Chris Gaywood and lost his castle with the score on 188. The last pair kept moving the score along by finding the gaps and running hard, and the number 4 reached his century despite surviving a controversial run out call. After a couple of chances went begging Wilsonians needed 5 for the win off the final over which Phil Raisey despite a bad back stepped up to bowl. The 1st ball was a single which brought the number 11 on strike, he hit the ball to Siddhu Viswanath who was sweeping on the legside boundary, the return throw was wild and the pair completed the second run. Joe Sparrowhawk was backing up deep in the offside as the number 11 called for the 3rd, he was sent back but kept running. Joe kept his cool despite the whole team shouting at him and threw an accurate return to Phil Raisey who whipped the bails off to cue the celebrations.
The result means 20 points and moves the 4's up to 3rd in the table.
Josh Forde 1/6/09.
Following a wild goose chase around the south east coast looking for the ground that, at one stage, appeared not to be there, the skipper won the toss and elected to bat. After some early jitters with both Hammond and then Dan Driscoll returning to the pavillion with the score just on 8 it was down to DeBeer and Thorogood to try and dig the OE's out of a hole. With a number of neatly timed singles and fluent stroke play the two gradually moved into 5th gear until, with the partnership well over 100, they started to take the Walmer attack for 6/7 and at one stage 13 an over. While really trying to up the tempo DeBeer went for a second successive 6 only to see the ball land in the hands of deep square for 75. James Pearse on debut came in and added a run a ball 30 partnership with Thorogood before both he and fellow new boy Tom Archer came and went. The mid innings stumble was looking to put a dampener on a very good position for OE's but following the dismissal of Nicholls, Thorogood and Samsoodeen picked up the tempo once more and smashed a further 60 before Samsoodeen went for 28 followed by the skipper for a well played 82. The OE's felt confident enough to declare on 252-9 gaining themselves an extra over to win the game.
The bowling was spot on from the start. Amman Samsoodeen bowling with decent swing and pace and the young and ever impressive Tom Scorgie bowling with real pace that crept up to 80mph. Samsoodeen managed to force the Walmer opener into chipping it back to him and, having conceded a couple of boundaries, Scorgie uprooted the off stump of the host's No.3. One of the moments of the day came when a Samsoodeen short ball was fended off the hip and with electric reactions Tommy Archer snapped up a very sharp chance at short leg. After the initial fast and accurate spell from Scorgie and Amman the skipper took the ball and within 5 overs had picked up 3-5 and OE's were on for victory. It was left to DeBeer and Nichols to spin the league leaders to victory with a good day being finished off with a quite magnificent catch from James Pearse as he lept full length to his right to take the ball inches off the turf.
A fantastic win and a great start to the season but the hard work must continue next week against Bromley Town. Top of the league, 60 out of 60 some might say Well Nice!!!!!
Edd Thorogood - 26/05/2009
Jeff Brown 24/5/09
On a breezy but not bright day, OE's 3rds were beaten by 4 wickets. On a brand new square, still a bit damp, soft and quite bouncy, OE's made a slow but steady start and reached 90-2, but were unable to push on and were out for 124. There were good knocks from Paul Glenny, Siddhu Viswanath and Peter Lee promoted to 4 in the order rewarded the skipper's faith with a solid and aggressive 22 not out and staked a claim for a permanent place up the order. Catford bowled well in helpful conditions.
OE's were unable to make such good use of the pitch and aggressive batting from Catford soon took them to 89-2, the introduction of spin (Ben Daniels and all-rounder Siddhu) brought some problems to the opposition batting but some big hitting from Paul Adamson took Catford home but with a few alarms. Some good fielding from OE's especially Michael 'Shaggy' Kirby with a spectacular diving catch and good run out.
The return fixture is next Saturday at Foxbury when OE's will be out for revenge.
OECC had a good win vs Chelsfield Park in a game played in excellent spirit; highlights being siddu's 113 not out.
Also two good catches by Matt Davies one a one handed catch off his dad's bowling. They dont just catch sheep those welsh boys.
Also noted excellent wicket keeping by young Sam Murray.
Big thanks to leepy lee for skipering and magic (paul daniels) for help in sorting out the teams.
OECC 177-10
S&GCC 180-5
OE's skipper Paul Daniels won the toss and chose to bat on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The strip looked good and played better with plenty of pace and the recent rolling looks to have paid off. OE's couldn't have got off to a worse start when Phil Raisey drove the first ball of the afternoon uppishly and short cover took a good catch. However, Jeff Brown and James Driscoll saw out the rest of the first 10 overs without further alarm. But James fell to a leading edge and when Calum Nash was out caught soon after, OE's were back in trouble at 45-3 – all the first three batsman having been caught by the same fielder. Enter Jack Green making his 3 XI debut, and he and Jeff saw the score through to 80-3 at drinks. A score of 200 was the target then but Jeff was out soon after and there was some accurate bowling from the visitors, especially Joe Fernando (7.4-1-14-2) and Amit Patel with 2-21 off his 8. Jack was also finding fielders with a lot of his best shots, but kept his head and kept going. Paul Glenny chipped in with useful runs also, but, seeking quick runs in the last 6 overs, there was a bit of a collapse. The skipper joined Raisey in the day's primary club hutch. However, Jack Green reached his fifty in the penultimate over with an outrageous off driven 6 to generous applause from both sides. OE's ended up all out in the last over for 177, Green making 52, and S & G's Frazer Barnes taking 5 catches. The visitors bowled, fielded, and especially caught well in the heat. Phil Raisey completed another marathon umpiring stint.
After tea, S & G started relatively sedately in the face of some tight pacy bowling from Green (8-1-24-1) and the nagging accuracy of Peter Lee (after one or two sighters). Raisey and Azhar also bowled tightly to begin with. However S & G's dogged keeper/opener/skipper Danny Benson chipped away at the target and he was helped by big hitting from Cheema and Pleydell (with 3 maximums in his 40). A further tight spell from Chris Gaywood (5-0-23-1) pegged the score back and accounted for Pleydell stumped; At 100-2 OE's started to wonder, and had a couple of big shouts for LBW adjudged not out, but Benson kept going and he was assisted by some cultured batting from Amit Patel. S & G kept up with the rate, but with victory within their sights they lost 3 wickets. The first was when Patel hit a stinging drive towards the short off side boundary that went straight at Brown out of the sun like a Japanese kamikaze, which he caught using his leg rather than either of his hands to arrest the progress of the ball. Then James Driscoll's slight misfield encouraged Benson to try a risky run with terminal results, and lastly with only 2 wanted Daniels (1-18) induced a nick which Glenny pouched easily at the 4th attempt. There were only 11 balls to spare when S & G hit the winning run.
Altogether an encouraging performance from OE 3's who kept going to the end, but never quite looked like winning. No disgrace in losing to a strong S & G who move up to 3 in the table. OE's drop a couple of places to 10 out of 17.
Man of the Match: Jack Green for a patient 52 and some good pace and accuracy to return 1-24 off 8
Captain's Choice: Jeff Brown's catch despite being blinded by the sun
High Halstow 144-9
OECC 146-7
A top of the table clash that gave the seconds a chance to depose the current league leaders started under leaden skies, with High Halstow strolling out to open up, faced by the mighty opening combo of Kam and Harley. An early breakthrough by Harley (too quick to pull) shifted one opener, whilst the other fell to a leg-side catch by Menzo off Percy, who had replaced the ever lively and deadly accurate Kam from the top end. Halstow's 3 and 4 batted for a long time at little more than 2 an over as Percy and Harley sent straight ball after straight ball down on a slightly slow pitch that discouraged the drive (or indeed any shot from this pair). Cookie replaced Harley by this stage having overcome the disappointment of flushing his mobile down the toilet, but he failed to bring many more shots from the obdurate Halstow 3rd wicket pair. The deadlock was finally broken by Cookie as Menzo took a slow motion catch to signal Halstow's desire to push the run-rate on from the 2 an over they had managed off the first 25 or so. Wickets started to tumble with increasing regularity as the bowling remained accurate, and skipper Ferret executed a run out following what may have been a more suicidal single attempt than even Phil Raisey's in the 3rd XI game on the adjoining square.
The Halstow innings closed on 144 all out in the 50 over – the product of some suberbly straight bowling from Kam (2-23 off 10), Harley (1-37 off 12), Percy (2-37 off 15 with a sore backside, and, we later saw, a dodgy party shirt) and Cookie (3-34 off 13 with no phone).
145 to win, 50 overs, a strong batting line up and a reliable track – it couldn't be a problem really. Hammer and Menzo started things off and Hammer impressively lasted longer than his one ball of last week, surviving the whole of the first over without any major scare. All seemed well until Menzo played round a straight full toss bringing the previously sane Cookie to the middle. Quite what had been put in his tea in unclear, but the bare statistics – 16 off 5 balls - indicates that he'd clearly decided that the Halstow opening bowler needed to be hit for four off every ball. It couldn't last, and indeed didn't, and Uzair strode out to join a bewildered looking Hammer. These two moved the score on well, with Uzair playing some nice shots in his 15 before he too fell victim to one of the day's poorer balls. Webby seemed unfazed by the chirping in the field that greeted him but sadly fell to an uppish drive and Charlie 'Fizzle' Robson ambled to the crease with the Elthamian innings creaking a little. Fortunately, Charlie and Hammer stayed put to take the total past the 100, before Hammer (52) hit a full toss straight back to the Halstow bowler. Ferret and Charlie took us to within 20 of the target with Charlie playing the first, second and probably third best shots of the day with languid cover drives skimming their way to the boundary. The fall of Ferret brought the ever uncomfortable sight of Kam and Percy padding up, but Harley strolled out to join Charlie, though only briefly as the oppo's umpire gave him LBW without scoring. At this point, perhaps the convoluted selection process showed its mastery as the ever-reliable Jeff Brown took his economical backlift out, tickling a lovely stroke behind square leg and allowing Fizzle (37*) to finish proceedings.
A win that took the 2s to the top of the table was earned off the back of some great bowling and fielding and a couple of good batting performances, notably Charlie's fluent finishing – bring on Linden Park next week.