In the end, we did just enough to stay in J3B. That is assuming that the league doesn't go through one of its periodic reorganisations. We lost, but so did March at Cherry Hinton so they occupied the 2nd relegation spot alongside Girton. Cherry Hinton went up as did Granta IV (will we miss them?).
For everyone who says it hasn't been a good summer, let me ask, when was the last time you remember a season where not one game was lost to the weather, not just by us, but in the entire league? A shower before the start of the home game with Fen Ditton and a downpour at teatime in March appart were the sum total of the bad weather.
So played 16 won 5 is the final reckoning and we avoided the drop by 2 bonus points. We picked up 59 in the 11 games we lost (37 bowling, 2 batting) which was 2 more than March.
As for the match itself we welcomed back George Speller after missing a few games whilst Neil Sparnon has headed off to Africa. Dave Scotcher was back after his sojurn to Ireland replaceing Alfie Newman and Dave Hale returned which meant Dave Simmons missing out.
Richard won the toss and we batted first on a lovely afternoon. The boundary was quite small as evidenced by the number of sixes hit during the game. George and Billy Haynes opened and kept the openers pegged down, George removing the first of them. There was a lot of chatter in the field as four bowlers had the chance of being the top wicket taker for the season. These wickets moved George on to 16 apiece, one ahead of Billy, 1 behind the Scotch and 3 behind Rob Kaye. The first bowling changes brough Adam Wright and Dave Scotcher into the attack and the runs started to come more readily. Some catches went down (around 5 in total) and heads started to drop.
Rob replaced Adam while Dave kept plugging away at the other. He finally removed the second opener but the runs continued to come quite readily. The skipper changed things around to make a breakthrough and it worked: Billy removed Comberton's young number 3 with one that kept low and pinned him in front.
It was then that George broked through with 2 in 2 balls. The first was the game's champagne moment. It was hit firmly in the direction of mid-on where it looked to all the world to be over the head of the backpeddling Scotch. He didn't have time to assess the moral dilemma: take the catch and let George equal his wicket total or drop it? No one would notice amongst the other drops. In the end his team ethic won the day and leaping like salmon on the waterfalls he plucked the ball out of the air, staggered back, rolled over and held the ball.
Andy East's juggling at short mid on was more comedic but not as effective.
George kept it simple the next ball by castling their number 6 to move ahead of Dave in the wicket stakes. With the field crowding the bat (or were the deep guys just feeling lownly) the hattrick ball took an inside edge and squirted past leg stump.
Billy removed another Combertonian to move on to 17 wickets but came in for some harsh treatment at the end. George picked up another wicket to move level with Rob at the top of the charts then Dave removed two ferrets (the ones that go in after the rabbits) to pip Rob at the post. I was chuntering away to myself at deep mid-off, held back from bowling and unable to respond to the challenge.
It ended: Dave 20, George and Rob 19 apiece, Billy 17 and Neil 15.
So we batted. Like many other performances this season there was a good start, and then a trail off to inglorious end. Chris and Alastair Breward opened up and after sizing up the bowling Chris started to pepper the boundary. Alastair didn't look comfortable and departed for 2.
Dave Hale joined Chris and the assault continued. Chris smashed two sixes into the adjacent tennis courts almost hitting the family of the Comberton captain who took this as a hint that it was time to change the bowling.
And it worked. Mr Samways first ball was a rank "hit me" ball which Chris did, unfortunately straight at long on who took the catch. This was the first of four for a player who - in his own words - is generally hidden in the field due so as not to attract the ball.
That established the pattern. A series of bad balls that were obligingly dispatched straight to fielders. George creamed two immense sixes the second of which was still rising when it hit the trees on the square leg boundary before he was removed by a slip catch.
Gabriel Fox hit a six - an indication of the distance of the boundary - and was, for a 2nd week running not out LBW. Instead, like the rest of us he was caught althouugh there was an element of doubt in this at least in his mind.
All 10 wickets were catches: surely a first for the club.
So we declined to 106 all out, losing by 91 runs. Would two batting points - to go with four bowling - be enough we wondered as we supped some excellent beer at the Three Horseshoes? Next morning at the results on the website were to show that they were.
Between now and Christmas we have work to do on the pitch (lads -- this is a great excuse to get out for a bevvy, don't miss it) the AGM and a Christmas Dinner.
Despite our struggles it's been another enjoyable season with individual moments to celebrate and enough candidates for the champagne moment to make chosing a winner difficult. We've welconed some new friends and lost some old ones (Norts did reply to the email I sent after the game so we know he is alive and kicking in Middle Earth).
See you all soon.
Fun in the Fen
If this was football they would be talking about a 6 pointer. A run of just one win in the last 10 games had seen us slip into the relegation zone and a game against the Fen Ditton team that had climbed above us had really become a must win (sorry to use that hoary old cliche).
Well, we did win and with other results going our way the table looks a lot rosier now:
Back to the actual game. An inspection of the pitch lead us to the conclusion that it would be an early finish. However while there were a few balls that jumped or shot Fen Ditton batted out their full 40 overs and we used 38 in reply. I actually managed to win the toss and invited our hosts to bat. Neil Sparnon and Billy Haynes opened the bowling. Having hit the opener 3 times on the chest Neil defeated him with a full pitched ball that rearranged the furniture (feng shui'ed the readers according to Rads). Billy had three good shouts for LBW against the other opener, the last of which was given by the umpire.
Neil was storming in encouraged by the lively pitch and Billy bowled 6 tight overs, Rads having forensically examined the rule book and determined this new higher restriction.
Fen Ditton now fought back against the change bowlers, Rob Kaye and debutant Alfie Newman. It was during this phase that Dave Simmons did a nose dive over the fence on the leg side boundary. Nice try Dave, but nowhere near the comedy value of Neil's steeplechasing at Stow the other week. Alfie reeled off a very encouraging 8 over spell, picking up one wicket. Almost as encouraging was Billy's catch at slip; note to self, maybe putting someone with reflexes at slip instead of one of the old duffers might not be a bad idea!
Rob got one to slant across the leftie and jag back sharply to hit his leg stump before we switched again. Adam Wright started with two maidens but got a bit of stick later in his spell while Neil was now in full flow, pounding in and grabbing two more wickets. Billy finished off with another wicket and held his nerve well in the last overs. He combined with Alastair to get two runouts: one thrown from keeper to bowler, the other from bowler to keeper.
Fen Ditton finished on 145-9 or 145 all out if you prefer as they were one man short.
After tea we opened up with Chris Cooke and Dave Simmons. Chris was back from injury and holiday and although unable to bowl was soon into his stride batting. Dave departed for 1 but Chris was peppering the boundary with crisp drives, viscious pulls and elegant glances. Alastair smacked a couple of find boundaries before picking out mid-off with a strong drive that was taken low down and he was gone for 9: 48-2 after 16 overs.
Chris was looking untroubled and reached 50 out of 71 in the 19th over with 11 fours: one over from Andy Rabjohns yielded 4 of them. So it was something of a surprise when he was picked up by the 3rd change bowler during an over that consisted of a boundary, three wides and two wickets, the second being Paul Bradbury who had contributed a solid 0 during a stand of 23 with Chris. So 71-2 very quickly became 72-4.
The two new batsmen were Gabriel Fox and Adam Wright and together they put on 38 with some good running, and a series of fine blows by Adam. We were keeping up with the rate and when Gabriel missed a straight one (having not been given out LBW for once) we needed 36 off 10 overs.
Alfie joined Adam and the rate continued to tick over until Adam finally went for a very impressive 39 with 22 now needed off 7 overs.
This brought Neil out to join Alfie. He survived a very confident appeal for a caught behind which upset Fen Ditton somewhat. This in turn got Neal's dander up. He nearly decapitated the square leg umpire when he let go of his bat trying to pull: I ask you, is that any way to show gratitude for the not out?
[This illustrates another difference between Cricket and Baseball. A bat throwing incident often leads to both teams squaring off for some pushing and pleasentries. Even the guys on the bench stop taking steroids long enough to grab their handbags and join the fin.]
Neil then got down to the other end and smashed a couple of fours that got us in range of the target: 4 needed off 3. In the next over some quick running got us to the target with 12 balls remaining: Alfie a very commendable debut 6 not out, Neil 12.
So an excellent win in a keenly fought match between two well ballanced sides. Good fielding, tight bowling lead by Neil's 3-18 (with some superb appealing) and then a well paced run chase led by Chris and Adam with good support from the rest of the team.
See y'all at Comberton. Or we could all start practicing our rain dances as if the matches are cancelled, positions stay unchanged we are safe.
Well, we did win and with other results going our way the table looks a lot rosier now:
- 5th NCI - 158 pts
- 6th Coton - 153
- 7th March - 150
- 8th Fen Ditton - 149
- 9th Girton - 103
Back to the actual game. An inspection of the pitch lead us to the conclusion that it would be an early finish. However while there were a few balls that jumped or shot Fen Ditton batted out their full 40 overs and we used 38 in reply. I actually managed to win the toss and invited our hosts to bat. Neil Sparnon and Billy Haynes opened the bowling. Having hit the opener 3 times on the chest Neil defeated him with a full pitched ball that rearranged the furniture (feng shui'ed the readers according to Rads). Billy had three good shouts for LBW against the other opener, the last of which was given by the umpire.
Neil was storming in encouraged by the lively pitch and Billy bowled 6 tight overs, Rads having forensically examined the rule book and determined this new higher restriction.
Fen Ditton now fought back against the change bowlers, Rob Kaye and debutant Alfie Newman. It was during this phase that Dave Simmons did a nose dive over the fence on the leg side boundary. Nice try Dave, but nowhere near the comedy value of Neil's steeplechasing at Stow the other week. Alfie reeled off a very encouraging 8 over spell, picking up one wicket. Almost as encouraging was Billy's catch at slip; note to self, maybe putting someone with reflexes at slip instead of one of the old duffers might not be a bad idea!
Rob got one to slant across the leftie and jag back sharply to hit his leg stump before we switched again. Adam Wright started with two maidens but got a bit of stick later in his spell while Neil was now in full flow, pounding in and grabbing two more wickets. Billy finished off with another wicket and held his nerve well in the last overs. He combined with Alastair to get two runouts: one thrown from keeper to bowler, the other from bowler to keeper.
Fen Ditton finished on 145-9 or 145 all out if you prefer as they were one man short.
After tea we opened up with Chris Cooke and Dave Simmons. Chris was back from injury and holiday and although unable to bowl was soon into his stride batting. Dave departed for 1 but Chris was peppering the boundary with crisp drives, viscious pulls and elegant glances. Alastair smacked a couple of find boundaries before picking out mid-off with a strong drive that was taken low down and he was gone for 9: 48-2 after 16 overs.
Chris was looking untroubled and reached 50 out of 71 in the 19th over with 11 fours: one over from Andy Rabjohns yielded 4 of them. So it was something of a surprise when he was picked up by the 3rd change bowler during an over that consisted of a boundary, three wides and two wickets, the second being Paul Bradbury who had contributed a solid 0 during a stand of 23 with Chris. So 71-2 very quickly became 72-4.
The two new batsmen were Gabriel Fox and Adam Wright and together they put on 38 with some good running, and a series of fine blows by Adam. We were keeping up with the rate and when Gabriel missed a straight one (having not been given out LBW for once) we needed 36 off 10 overs.
Alfie joined Adam and the rate continued to tick over until Adam finally went for a very impressive 39 with 22 now needed off 7 overs.
This brought Neil out to join Alfie. He survived a very confident appeal for a caught behind which upset Fen Ditton somewhat. This in turn got Neal's dander up. He nearly decapitated the square leg umpire when he let go of his bat trying to pull: I ask you, is that any way to show gratitude for the not out?
[This illustrates another difference between Cricket and Baseball. A bat throwing incident often leads to both teams squaring off for some pushing and pleasentries. Even the guys on the bench stop taking steroids long enough to grab their handbags and join the fin.]
Neil then got down to the other end and smashed a couple of fours that got us in range of the target: 4 needed off 3. In the next over some quick running got us to the target with 12 balls remaining: Alfie a very commendable debut 6 not out, Neil 12.
So an excellent win in a keenly fought match between two well ballanced sides. Good fielding, tight bowling lead by Neil's 3-18 (with some superb appealing) and then a well paced run chase led by Chris and Adam with good support from the rest of the team.
See y'all at Comberton. Or we could all start practicing our rain dances as if the matches are cancelled, positions stay unchanged we are safe.
We Came, We Saw and We Got Beaten...
...quite badly, as it happens. On a hot afternoon in Stow-cum-Quy we took on Cherry Hinton II. Earlier in the season we had beaten them by 10 wickets at The Rec: could we repeat the feat? Cherry Hinton were confident before the match, cheerfully telling us about all their recent big scores so obviously they didn't think so. The wicket was set at the extreme edge of the square meaning that the boundary at one side was about 200 yards away while at the other the umpire had to peer around the trees at square leg to see the crease. There was a mad scramble by the bowlers to bowl at the end where the leg side boundary was the longest: George won.
The pace twins of Neil Sparnon and George Speller opened the bowling. So alike in looks and action the scorers didn't notice that George had changed ends after each of them had bowled three overs. The result was that Neil ended up bowling 8 overs and George 12 although both were credited with 10 in the book. Neil was slightly miffed by being short changed on the actual bowling and the fact George conceded around 30 runs on the two overs that ended up on Neil's analysis. George was less worried but somewhat more knackered.
Neil made the initial break through with a bouncer that was edged behind and Paul "tell Alastair we have a keeper" Bradbury dived forward to take a smart chance. That was the only breakthrough for a long while and the short boundary came into play. We spent several hour trampling the turnips searching for balls. Players returned to the field inches taller after the seaches due to the mud on their boots. It must cost Cherry Hinton a fortune in lost balls.
Dave Scotcher was most put out when standing at slip. The batsman turned to him and asked whether there was anyone standing behind him: definitely a sizest comment.
Rob Kaye replaced George who replaced Neil and then was himself replaced by Dave Scotcher. Dave was confused by the changes and tried to bowl when it was George who was being brought in: if we couldn't figure out who was who what chance did the scorers have? Cherry Hinton were moving along at 7 runs per over until their serene progress was interrupted by the combination of Rob and Andy East. The remaining opener prodded forward and after a brief search in Andy's midriff the ball was recovered and the catch given. I know: pot, kettle, black. A couple of overs later Rob struck again and at the stage the game was quite finely balanced.
It was then that Mr Ankur took over. By the time we got rid of him about 16 overs later he had hit 120 causing several more long searches and some fine steeplechasing by Neil. Eyes firmly fixed on a him straight shot he went back towards the hedge only noticing it presence as the ball disappeared for another 6. Into and over the hedge he went in slow motion. If anyone had had the foresight to bring a video camera we would have been quids in for "You've Been Framed".
Neil has since entered for the Cheltenham Gold Cup where he will be ridden by Gemelle Gracey-Davison (ooo err).
George changed ends again and amidst the carnage picked up two wickets. The first of these was a spectacular caught and bowled: the second time he has performed that particular feat this season. By this time the ball was flying everywhere. Billy Haynes had a brief spell and perfectly good balls dissapeared for 4 and 6. Captain Allison was watching the bowling in disbelief and decided to show us how it was done. His two overs went for 30. Rob came back for a 2nd try and took two wickets in two balls both caught at cover by Dave Hale who has stopped chuntering about the quality of the bowling long enough to pouch the catches.
But the last word went to Paul Norton. In his last game before heading back to New Zealand he was tossed the ball to end the innings. In his second over the Cherries skipper played all around a straight one and much to everyone's joy Paul got an LBW verdict. A wicket on his farewell performance. Another memory to take back to the Southern Hemisphere.
Cherry Hinton had amassed 321-8 in their 40 overs. Rob had 4 expensive wickets, George 2, Paul and Neil 1 apiece. Did I mention the whistling after every 4 or 6? No? Bloody annoying it was.
After tea, featuring cheese sandwiches with spicy potato, we started the reply in a very positive fashion. George and Dave rattled up 70 runs at about 9 an over. George in particular was sending the ball to all corners. We tried whistling but failed to make an impression so we resorted to animal noises much to the confusion of the Cherry Hinton team. At first it was coyotes but then a succession of barnyard animals came into play: boundaries were greated with sheep baa'ing, horses neighing and ducks quacking.
It all came to an end with the bowling changes. George was dismissed for a rapid - and elegant - 43 and out strode Mr Norton for his final bat.
Earlier on, with the Cherries one player short we had agreed to loan them our 12th man, Pete Brooks. Earlier on he had done a fine job in the turnip field he has done a fine job spotting balls flying and whilst at the same time scaring the crows. It was now that he had the presence of mid to not catch Norts before he had scored. They scampered a single and Paul now scored a run in his final game. In the next over he was unlucky to pick out a fielder on the short side for a catch: a yard either side would have been four.
The Cherries change bowlers worked through the batting and from 70-0 wicket we subsided to 111 all out. The farmyard chorus was silenced. Dave edged one behind and Neil dragged a wide onto his stumps (he did well to reach it). Richard launched one six across the Newmarket road before departing. Bradders hung around 14 overs for 2 runs (he did get the ball of the square once which brought a loud cheer from the square leg umpire).
Ankur, not content with his 120, then took a hat-trick. Gabriel Fox was first, LBW ("can you cheat next time and not give me out") then Andy East was Feng Shui'ed first ball. That was the end of the over but on the first ball of his next over Dave chased a wide ball and provided another catch behind. Billy avoided the 4 in 4 and batted calmly until the end of the innings. Paul was eventually removed and Rob had a quick swing to end the match before being bowled of his pads from one going well down leg side.
So that was that: well and truly beaten by 210 runs. But still, itwas a nice day, friendly opposition and we had some good laughs. In other results Fen Ditton beat March and Granta beat Waterbeach leaving us 6th. Next week it's March at home. A must win game? Maybe not but certainly a winnable one.
And finally, goodbye, Mr Norton, it's been a pleasure playing with you. Your contributions on and off the field will be missed. I hope you have some good memories of Coton to take back to New Zealand.
The pace twins of Neil Sparnon and George Speller opened the bowling. So alike in looks and action the scorers didn't notice that George had changed ends after each of them had bowled three overs. The result was that Neil ended up bowling 8 overs and George 12 although both were credited with 10 in the book. Neil was slightly miffed by being short changed on the actual bowling and the fact George conceded around 30 runs on the two overs that ended up on Neil's analysis. George was less worried but somewhat more knackered.
Neil made the initial break through with a bouncer that was edged behind and Paul "tell Alastair we have a keeper" Bradbury dived forward to take a smart chance. That was the only breakthrough for a long while and the short boundary came into play. We spent several hour trampling the turnips searching for balls. Players returned to the field inches taller after the seaches due to the mud on their boots. It must cost Cherry Hinton a fortune in lost balls.
Dave Scotcher was most put out when standing at slip. The batsman turned to him and asked whether there was anyone standing behind him: definitely a sizest comment.
Rob Kaye replaced George who replaced Neil and then was himself replaced by Dave Scotcher. Dave was confused by the changes and tried to bowl when it was George who was being brought in: if we couldn't figure out who was who what chance did the scorers have? Cherry Hinton were moving along at 7 runs per over until their serene progress was interrupted by the combination of Rob and Andy East. The remaining opener prodded forward and after a brief search in Andy's midriff the ball was recovered and the catch given. I know: pot, kettle, black. A couple of overs later Rob struck again and at the stage the game was quite finely balanced.
It was then that Mr Ankur took over. By the time we got rid of him about 16 overs later he had hit 120 causing several more long searches and some fine steeplechasing by Neil. Eyes firmly fixed on a him straight shot he went back towards the hedge only noticing it presence as the ball disappeared for another 6. Into and over the hedge he went in slow motion. If anyone had had the foresight to bring a video camera we would have been quids in for "You've Been Framed".
Neil has since entered for the Cheltenham Gold Cup where he will be ridden by Gemelle Gracey-Davison (ooo err).
George changed ends again and amidst the carnage picked up two wickets. The first of these was a spectacular caught and bowled: the second time he has performed that particular feat this season. By this time the ball was flying everywhere. Billy Haynes had a brief spell and perfectly good balls dissapeared for 4 and 6. Captain Allison was watching the bowling in disbelief and decided to show us how it was done. His two overs went for 30. Rob came back for a 2nd try and took two wickets in two balls both caught at cover by Dave Hale who has stopped chuntering about the quality of the bowling long enough to pouch the catches.
But the last word went to Paul Norton. In his last game before heading back to New Zealand he was tossed the ball to end the innings. In his second over the Cherries skipper played all around a straight one and much to everyone's joy Paul got an LBW verdict. A wicket on his farewell performance. Another memory to take back to the Southern Hemisphere.
Cherry Hinton had amassed 321-8 in their 40 overs. Rob had 4 expensive wickets, George 2, Paul and Neil 1 apiece. Did I mention the whistling after every 4 or 6? No? Bloody annoying it was.
After tea, featuring cheese sandwiches with spicy potato, we started the reply in a very positive fashion. George and Dave rattled up 70 runs at about 9 an over. George in particular was sending the ball to all corners. We tried whistling but failed to make an impression so we resorted to animal noises much to the confusion of the Cherry Hinton team. At first it was coyotes but then a succession of barnyard animals came into play: boundaries were greated with sheep baa'ing, horses neighing and ducks quacking.
It all came to an end with the bowling changes. George was dismissed for a rapid - and elegant - 43 and out strode Mr Norton for his final bat.
Earlier on, with the Cherries one player short we had agreed to loan them our 12th man, Pete Brooks. Earlier on he had done a fine job in the turnip field he has done a fine job spotting balls flying and whilst at the same time scaring the crows. It was now that he had the presence of mid to not catch Norts before he had scored. They scampered a single and Paul now scored a run in his final game. In the next over he was unlucky to pick out a fielder on the short side for a catch: a yard either side would have been four.
The Cherries change bowlers worked through the batting and from 70-0 wicket we subsided to 111 all out. The farmyard chorus was silenced. Dave edged one behind and Neil dragged a wide onto his stumps (he did well to reach it). Richard launched one six across the Newmarket road before departing. Bradders hung around 14 overs for 2 runs (he did get the ball of the square once which brought a loud cheer from the square leg umpire).
Ankur, not content with his 120, then took a hat-trick. Gabriel Fox was first, LBW ("can you cheat next time and not give me out") then Andy East was Feng Shui'ed first ball. That was the end of the over but on the first ball of his next over Dave chased a wide ball and provided another catch behind. Billy avoided the 4 in 4 and batted calmly until the end of the innings. Paul was eventually removed and Rob had a quick swing to end the match before being bowled of his pads from one going well down leg side.
So that was that: well and truly beaten by 210 runs. But still, itwas a nice day, friendly opposition and we had some good laughs. In other results Fen Ditton beat March and Granta beat Waterbeach leaving us 6th. Next week it's March at home. A must win game? Maybe not but certainly a winnable one.
And finally, goodbye, Mr Norton, it's been a pleasure playing with you. Your contributions on and off the field will be missed. I hope you have some good memories of Coton to take back to New Zealand.
Coton vs NCI IVs - 18/07/2009
Well, what can you say about that? I missed the first game against NCI: I was told that it was the nadir of the season. I think we managed to get worse the 2nd time around though.
Richard won the toss and put NCI in. That may have been the highlight of the match for us. NCI started slowly against some typical parsimonious opening spell from Chris Cooke. Billy Haynes continued his recent form from the other end and runs wer far and few between. The first breakthrough looked to have come when Billy rapped the NCI opener on the pads and Adam Wright raised the finger of death only to reconsider and give the right - not out - decision. Billy removed the batsman a few balls later with a deserved LBW.
Things started to happen after the change bowlers came on. Dave Scotcher soon broke through courtesy of a smart catch behind by Alastair. That was the first of three victims behind the stumps, three that should have been four when the most obvious catch was turned down because the umpire "wasn't sure". I have been told that drivers on the M11 heard the snick. I certainly did at long off.
The score meandered along and Rob Kaye removed two NCIers in the space of three balls. The first was plumb LBW (even though I say so myself). This lead to the NCI batsmen asking to replace Adam as umpire. Adam: thanks for coming along when not in the team, and thanks for standing as umpire and putting up with the complaints. You rescinded the bad decision and got the others right (which is more than can be said for their umpires and - possibly - me).
Anyway, the other NCI bat was still fuming when he got to the other end, took a wild swing and was bowled.
In the meantime, Chris's sore back had forced him off the field and Adam stepped back on as a fielding substitute. I am surprised that NCI didn't complain. The game now meandered a little and so did some of the fielders. A couple of chances went down, several more went in the air and without ever looking like they were scoring too many runs they made it to 142-8 in the 40 overs. This included 2 run outs in the last over, a stumping off Scotcher and a wicket to Richard Allison courtesy of another Breward catch. The NCI score included a fine knock by one of the three femaile members of the team, this one a 14 year old. Billy managed to bowl 4 wides in the space of an over to her: I'm not sure if this was a case of misguided chivalry. She certainly didn't need it.
We weren't helped by Chris being unable to bowl a second spell.
After a fine tea (by the Bradburies) we took the field.
First up were last week's unbeaten batsmen Dave Hale and Dave Simmons. The latter took first ball ... on the full, on the pads and in front of the stumps. A horrible ball first up and a definite LBW. Alastair was looking confident and stroked his first ball for 4. A couple of overs later he was hit amidships going back and much to his amazement, given out.
[I'm not going to comment on whether it was right or wrong, just to say that whoever thought it was a delibarate ploy on my part to never have to umpire again is just being cynical. Although it is a good idea in hindsight.]
Richard was next to go, edging to keeper and sportingly walking before the finger was raised to remove the onus of another tricky decision. Neither Bradders or Billy lasted long and less than 10 overs in we were 19-5. Dave Hale had watched carnage in stunned disbelief from the non striker's end. He then decided it wasn't worth hanging around and launched himself into a shot, which, ten minutes later dropped into the hands of mid-off. Chris now joined Rob at the wicket and we made a partial recovery until he chipped one back to the bowler. Andy East soon departed, and Rob (who had now batted about 10 overs longer than he normally manages, i.e., about 10 overs) top edged one to a fine leg. Paul Norton (for whom kudos must go for (a) the fine pitch prep and (b) not getting out of the way of several fierce shots) departed without scoring leaving us on 58 and thus short of a bonus point. Mr Scotcher carried his bat out undefeated. I'm sure he is trying to keep its unused appearance.
So, a defeat by 84 runs. Not too many positives to take away from the game. Next week we play Granta IV who are currently top of the table with just one defeat. Still, we all remember Cambourne last year.
Rob.
p.s. And I got through the entire report without mentioning bowling maiden overs or being bowled over by maidens.
Doh!
p.p.s. The sun had set several hours before anyone managed to get a pint.
Richard won the toss and put NCI in. That may have been the highlight of the match for us. NCI started slowly against some typical parsimonious opening spell from Chris Cooke. Billy Haynes continued his recent form from the other end and runs wer far and few between. The first breakthrough looked to have come when Billy rapped the NCI opener on the pads and Adam Wright raised the finger of death only to reconsider and give the right - not out - decision. Billy removed the batsman a few balls later with a deserved LBW.
Things started to happen after the change bowlers came on. Dave Scotcher soon broke through courtesy of a smart catch behind by Alastair. That was the first of three victims behind the stumps, three that should have been four when the most obvious catch was turned down because the umpire "wasn't sure". I have been told that drivers on the M11 heard the snick. I certainly did at long off.
The score meandered along and Rob Kaye removed two NCIers in the space of three balls. The first was plumb LBW (even though I say so myself). This lead to the NCI batsmen asking to replace Adam as umpire. Adam: thanks for coming along when not in the team, and thanks for standing as umpire and putting up with the complaints. You rescinded the bad decision and got the others right (which is more than can be said for their umpires and - possibly - me).
Anyway, the other NCI bat was still fuming when he got to the other end, took a wild swing and was bowled.
In the meantime, Chris's sore back had forced him off the field and Adam stepped back on as a fielding substitute. I am surprised that NCI didn't complain. The game now meandered a little and so did some of the fielders. A couple of chances went down, several more went in the air and without ever looking like they were scoring too many runs they made it to 142-8 in the 40 overs. This included 2 run outs in the last over, a stumping off Scotcher and a wicket to Richard Allison courtesy of another Breward catch. The NCI score included a fine knock by one of the three femaile members of the team, this one a 14 year old. Billy managed to bowl 4 wides in the space of an over to her: I'm not sure if this was a case of misguided chivalry. She certainly didn't need it.
We weren't helped by Chris being unable to bowl a second spell.
After a fine tea (by the Bradburies) we took the field.
First up were last week's unbeaten batsmen Dave Hale and Dave Simmons. The latter took first ball ... on the full, on the pads and in front of the stumps. A horrible ball first up and a definite LBW. Alastair was looking confident and stroked his first ball for 4. A couple of overs later he was hit amidships going back and much to his amazement, given out.
[I'm not going to comment on whether it was right or wrong, just to say that whoever thought it was a delibarate ploy on my part to never have to umpire again is just being cynical. Although it is a good idea in hindsight.]
Richard was next to go, edging to keeper and sportingly walking before the finger was raised to remove the onus of another tricky decision. Neither Bradders or Billy lasted long and less than 10 overs in we were 19-5. Dave Hale had watched carnage in stunned disbelief from the non striker's end. He then decided it wasn't worth hanging around and launched himself into a shot, which, ten minutes later dropped into the hands of mid-off. Chris now joined Rob at the wicket and we made a partial recovery until he chipped one back to the bowler. Andy East soon departed, and Rob (who had now batted about 10 overs longer than he normally manages, i.e., about 10 overs) top edged one to a fine leg. Paul Norton (for whom kudos must go for (a) the fine pitch prep and (b) not getting out of the way of several fierce shots) departed without scoring leaving us on 58 and thus short of a bonus point. Mr Scotcher carried his bat out undefeated. I'm sure he is trying to keep its unused appearance.
So, a defeat by 84 runs. Not too many positives to take away from the game. Next week we play Granta IV who are currently top of the table with just one defeat. Still, we all remember Cambourne last year.
Rob.
p.s. And I got through the entire report without mentioning bowling maiden overs or being bowled over by maidens.
Doh!
p.p.s. The sun had set several hours before anyone managed to get a pint.
Ball tampering incident overshadows comprehensive win
OK. You've made me feel guilty about the lack of match reports, so here goes...
July 11th, Coton Rec. The return fixture against a Girton II side that had been swept away by 10 wickets earlier in the season. With several team members missing (presumed on vacation) the return of Dave Hale to the ranks was very timely.
A short sharp shower just after 1pm blew over and we were able to start on time. I lost the toss, again, and was pleasently surprised when Girton elected to bat as we would have put them in anyway.
Dave Scotcher attempted to fill in for the missing Rads by arriving late but failed and we took to the field with a full compliment of players.
We opened up with Chris Cooke and Billy Haynes. Both would need to be removed from the attack after short spells: Billy because of the league rules to protect junior players, Chris because he had a sick note. It didn't look too promising when Chris's 2nd ball was dispatched straight for 4 but we soon struck back. Chris lead the way striking timber twice during a two wicket maiden. Billy was soon into the action as well. He completely flumoxed their opening bat by getting the ball to bounce twice before reaching the bat. Just before it bounced a third time (and thus becoming a no ball) the batsman obiligingly slapped it back to Billy who took a good return catch. Chris hit timber again so by the time the enforced bowling changes came they were 4 down for not very many.
It was at this point that Mr Scotcher retired to the trees at the Footpath End announcing that he hadn't had time to go before the match. It was from this incident that the allegations of ball tampering emerged, not to mention the use of dubious substances on the ball.
Whatever, shortly thereafter the heavens opened and we had to retire for a short break. There was some conjecture about the shower and whether it was a case of "anything you can do, I can do better" following Dave's off pitch activities.
Dave and Rob then took on the bowling duties and worked through the middle order and tail. The ball was swinging prodigously after the shower and Rob's spell consisted of either play-and-miss or swishes for 4. Dave was the first to strike and then Rob took wickets in three successive overs, two with aid of catches by Paul Norton at mid-off the third an LBW. Dave took a second wicket, spearing the ball in on leg stump having been hit for 4 and 6 on the two proceeding balls.
Billy returned to the attack to replace Rob and soon removed the final wicket with a fine ball that again rattled the timbers. [Note: removing myself from the attack with at this point does NOT constitute jug avoidance as there was only one wicket left.] So 3 wickets for Chris and Rob, 2 apiece for Dave and Billy and Girton were gone for 66 in just over 25 overs. It was a good all round performance from the bowlers and the fielders with good ground fielding and Paul's safe hands.
After a fine tea, courtesy of Billy's Mum (thank you!) we took the field. Could lightning strike twice? Surely we could chase down 66. With this in mind I tried to arrange the order to bring the guys who didn't get a bowl into the game. So, we didn't have the familiar sight of Chris taking strike to the first ball. The two Daves (Simmons and Hale) headed the order and the rest became something of a moot point.
There were some early scares, including two chances going down in the slips. But Dave H was soon into his stride, smiting the ball to all points of the field. He was putting the ball where the fielders weren't and boundaries came square of the wicket on both sides as well as straight. Dave S picked off some singles and the target was reached in the 14th over with no wickets down.
Another 10 wicket win: our 3rd this season, and our 2nd against Girton who haven't managed to take a wicket against us this year. It broke a streak of 4 league losses and moved us into mid-table ahead of next week's opposition (NCI).
We were in the Plough nice and early and treated to some fine jugs (of beer) by Mr Hale who had passed 50 in the run chase. He finished 52 not out with Dave Simmons on 8 not out.
Some jug avoidance did take place at this point as the tables were cleared of glasses.
Cheers,
Rob.
July 11th, Coton Rec. The return fixture against a Girton II side that had been swept away by 10 wickets earlier in the season. With several team members missing (presumed on vacation) the return of Dave Hale to the ranks was very timely.
A short sharp shower just after 1pm blew over and we were able to start on time. I lost the toss, again, and was pleasently surprised when Girton elected to bat as we would have put them in anyway.
Dave Scotcher attempted to fill in for the missing Rads by arriving late but failed and we took to the field with a full compliment of players.
We opened up with Chris Cooke and Billy Haynes. Both would need to be removed from the attack after short spells: Billy because of the league rules to protect junior players, Chris because he had a sick note. It didn't look too promising when Chris's 2nd ball was dispatched straight for 4 but we soon struck back. Chris lead the way striking timber twice during a two wicket maiden. Billy was soon into the action as well. He completely flumoxed their opening bat by getting the ball to bounce twice before reaching the bat. Just before it bounced a third time (and thus becoming a no ball) the batsman obiligingly slapped it back to Billy who took a good return catch. Chris hit timber again so by the time the enforced bowling changes came they were 4 down for not very many.
It was at this point that Mr Scotcher retired to the trees at the Footpath End announcing that he hadn't had time to go before the match. It was from this incident that the allegations of ball tampering emerged, not to mention the use of dubious substances on the ball.
Whatever, shortly thereafter the heavens opened and we had to retire for a short break. There was some conjecture about the shower and whether it was a case of "anything you can do, I can do better" following Dave's off pitch activities.
Dave and Rob then took on the bowling duties and worked through the middle order and tail. The ball was swinging prodigously after the shower and Rob's spell consisted of either play-and-miss or swishes for 4. Dave was the first to strike and then Rob took wickets in three successive overs, two with aid of catches by Paul Norton at mid-off the third an LBW. Dave took a second wicket, spearing the ball in on leg stump having been hit for 4 and 6 on the two proceeding balls.
Billy returned to the attack to replace Rob and soon removed the final wicket with a fine ball that again rattled the timbers. [Note: removing myself from the attack with at this point does NOT constitute jug avoidance as there was only one wicket left.] So 3 wickets for Chris and Rob, 2 apiece for Dave and Billy and Girton were gone for 66 in just over 25 overs. It was a good all round performance from the bowlers and the fielders with good ground fielding and Paul's safe hands.
After a fine tea, courtesy of Billy's Mum (thank you!) we took the field. Could lightning strike twice? Surely we could chase down 66. With this in mind I tried to arrange the order to bring the guys who didn't get a bowl into the game. So, we didn't have the familiar sight of Chris taking strike to the first ball. The two Daves (Simmons and Hale) headed the order and the rest became something of a moot point.
There were some early scares, including two chances going down in the slips. But Dave H was soon into his stride, smiting the ball to all points of the field. He was putting the ball where the fielders weren't and boundaries came square of the wicket on both sides as well as straight. Dave S picked off some singles and the target was reached in the 14th over with no wickets down.
Another 10 wicket win: our 3rd this season, and our 2nd against Girton who haven't managed to take a wicket against us this year. It broke a streak of 4 league losses and moved us into mid-table ahead of next week's opposition (NCI).
We were in the Plough nice and early and treated to some fine jugs (of beer) by Mr Hale who had passed 50 in the run chase. He finished 52 not out with Dave Simmons on 8 not out.
Some jug avoidance did take place at this point as the tables were cleared of glasses.
Cheers,
Rob.
Coton V Cherry Hinton II - Coton win inaugural game in IPL!
Well it certainly seemed that way when Cherry Hinton 2nds came to The Rec last weekend. Replete with a WAG entourage we saw what was possibly the biggest crowd for a Coton game (easily in double figures). We then proceeded to win a game that lasted about as long as a 20/20. Combined with the new early start time of 1:30 this meant that we hit The Plough before the final whistle went in the day’s Premiership games. (Dave H, nice try on telling me that Hull were losing. It was a safe bet but 48 hours too soon).
This is my 3rd season with Coton and each of these has seen us set off the campaign with a thumping win. This year it was by 10 wickets having bowled out the 10 men of Cherry Hinton for 56.
On a warm, dry, spring day Chris Cooke took the new ball and delivered an accurate opening spell. It wasn’t until his fourth over that he conceded a run whilst removing one of the Cherry Hinton openers. It soon became apparent that the heavy roller that had been hired during the close season had yielded benefits. The pitch – while still low – was very consistent and the ball looked to be coming through faster then previous seasons. George opened from The Footpath End and took 3 wickets in a fine opening spell. He was only denied the need to buy a jug through good spells from each of the three change bowlers employed(*).
During the morning during the kids coaching session George and Chris had been building up their excuses of bad backs in readiness for what might happen in the afternoon. I was surprised when they didn’t turn up with notes excusing them from hard exercise in the afternoon. To his credit, both remembered to limp and run stiffly when the other fielders were watching. Alistair also spent some time cultivating an excuse connected to the new keeping gloves. In the end, he didn’t need to use his either.
Debutant Dave Simmons took a wicket in a short spell courtesy of a fine catch by Richard at mid-wicket. That Richard then managed to stay upright – much to the disappointment of his team mates – highlighted the elegance he brings to each facet of his game. “Other” Dave was soon back on track with two wickets and is well on the way to hearing the sound of a razor being sharpened. Ross twirled away through his spell beating the bat on countless times (even though on occasion he had to resort to bowling wides to do so) and was also rewarded with two wickets. Ed pulled one of these out of the air at mid-on from a well hit drive.
They were one man short, and so with nine wickets down and in under 30 overs Cherry Hinton had come and gone for 56. None of the batsmen looked like staying long and the bowlers had done their job. All the catches that went to hand stuck and there was some steady ground fielding. We retired for an excellent tea courtesy of Mr Breward.
After tea Ross and Chris opened up and knocked off the runs without too much trouble. The bowling was steady but apart from a sharp chance in the 1st over neither batsman looked like getting out. As a last desperate measure we sent a very reluctant Dave Scotcher out to umpire but he didn’t get to make any decisions in the one over that he stood. Both batsman played some good looking shots and a comfortable victory was achieved in around 15 overs.
So, on the plus side:
This is my 3rd season with Coton and each of these has seen us set off the campaign with a thumping win. This year it was by 10 wickets having bowled out the 10 men of Cherry Hinton for 56.
On a warm, dry, spring day Chris Cooke took the new ball and delivered an accurate opening spell. It wasn’t until his fourth over that he conceded a run whilst removing one of the Cherry Hinton openers. It soon became apparent that the heavy roller that had been hired during the close season had yielded benefits. The pitch – while still low – was very consistent and the ball looked to be coming through faster then previous seasons. George opened from The Footpath End and took 3 wickets in a fine opening spell. He was only denied the need to buy a jug through good spells from each of the three change bowlers employed(*).
During the morning during the kids coaching session George and Chris had been building up their excuses of bad backs in readiness for what might happen in the afternoon. I was surprised when they didn’t turn up with notes excusing them from hard exercise in the afternoon. To his credit, both remembered to limp and run stiffly when the other fielders were watching. Alistair also spent some time cultivating an excuse connected to the new keeping gloves. In the end, he didn’t need to use his either.
Debutant Dave Simmons took a wicket in a short spell courtesy of a fine catch by Richard at mid-wicket. That Richard then managed to stay upright – much to the disappointment of his team mates – highlighted the elegance he brings to each facet of his game. “Other” Dave was soon back on track with two wickets and is well on the way to hearing the sound of a razor being sharpened. Ross twirled away through his spell beating the bat on countless times (even though on occasion he had to resort to bowling wides to do so) and was also rewarded with two wickets. Ed pulled one of these out of the air at mid-on from a well hit drive.
They were one man short, and so with nine wickets down and in under 30 overs Cherry Hinton had come and gone for 56. None of the batsmen looked like staying long and the bowlers had done their job. All the catches that went to hand stuck and there was some steady ground fielding. We retired for an excellent tea courtesy of Mr Breward.
After tea Ross and Chris opened up and knocked off the runs without too much trouble. The bowling was steady but apart from a sharp chance in the 1st over neither batsman looked like getting out. As a last desperate measure we sent a very reluctant Dave Scotcher out to umpire but he didn’t get to make any decisions in the one over that he stood. Both batsman played some good looking shots and a comfortable victory was achieved in around 15 overs.
So, on the plus side:
- We got to play after all last season’s frustrations.
- We won easily with a good all round performance.
- All the bowlers used had success and bowled economically.
- No dropped catches (and three smartly taken ones).
- Despite its appearance the pitch played well so thanks to everyone who put the work in during the winter (yes, I feel guilty).
- And on the downside:Most of the team will now have lost the benefit of attending the winter nets so don’t forget Wednesdays at 7pm.
This means we are joint top of the table at this early stage of the season and next week we are away at Waterbeach who also won their first game (against NCI). Waterbeach’s top scorer was “wides” with 31. So Ross should be right at home.
(*) This meant that your reporter didn’t get to turn his arm over. I am captain next week so this will be rectified, weather permitting.
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