2nd XI Match Reports
Maids Morton vs Marston (League 26/05/2012)
Phew what a scorcher - summer is here at last. Unfortunately Maids Morton Parish Council, whose pitch we played on, hadn't factored in that a lot of moisture followed by sun and warmth results in the grass growing at a fair old rate. The wicket looked OK but the out field was long enough to lose the ball in and as Martin commented, with his usual diplomacy, there would have been football and rugby matches called off! Anyway same for both sides - so I managed to get the first thing right so far this season - I won the toss. Despite some pressure from the bowlers to bat first first due to the heat I decided to bowl as I couldn't get a ball park figure in my mind as to what I thought would be a good score - this was my second 'good thing' as first Neil Lake and Mike Froom set about getting them 4 for 4 without a run from the bat and then Mike continued with Darren Scott to bowl them out for just 35! Mike an amazing 6 for 17 and two wickets a piece for Neil and Darren who both bowled really well. Only blemish a dropped catch by yours truly - even our stand in keeper (Jamie W) pouched both of his!
There was about 56 years difference in the age of our two openers with Scott Upstone opening with 'old father time' (Martin Sirot -Smith for anyone that was wondering!) - I wonder if Lords have missed him yet from the top of the stand? Anyway it was the old stager who showed the way forward after Scotty got a 'jaffer' first up clipping the top of his off stump after the ball had swung a long way. Martin was joined by Jamie who saw us home without drama.
My thanks to all the Maids M team who were good company despite what must have been a bruising defeat - I'm sure the return leg will be tougher.
Tom B
Marston vs. Silverstone (League 19/05/2012) - New Season Starts At Last
Finally a league game after first three of the new season being washed out in what must be the wettest drought ever. Firstly, mention should be made of the huge effort that went into to getting the ground fit for play at all and looking pretty spectacular, thank you to all who have given up time but particularly head groundsman Mick Scott.
A traumatic week with selection difficulties and people dropping out at short notice (all very legitimte reasons) was alleviated at the last hour with the 1st team game being called off at Woodford. This meaning the return of the 2nd team vice captain, wicket keeper and opening bat (Conor Atkin) and opening bowler Neil Lake. (Thank you to Martin Sirot-Smith who selflessly stood down to allow Conor to play, having himself been one that has put hours in at the ground and then umpired for the entirety of the game. With help from various members of the Scott family we had managed to persuade Darren to play.....
We lost the toss and were put in to bat with Jamie Wilcox & Conor opening - scoring was quite difficult but both saw off the first 10 overs pretty comfortably before being out for 8 each - with the score on 18 as the 1st wicket fell and 31 when the 2nd went. Darren Scott, batting at three, was then joined by a succession of batsmen (Yours truly managing a first ball duck!) He managed to bat the whole innings through - scoring 67 not out. He was joined towards the end by son Matthew who scored a tremendous boundary in his 5n.o.. Matthew is probably still in shock from what can only be desribed a maniacal scream of 'run' from his father that had us all cringing on the boundary! An absolutely brilliant innings when no-body else made it into double figures. The bowling of J.Williams for Silverstone should also be mentioned - not just because SHE got me out but finished with 4 for 29. I do apologise I didn't get her first name -you can now see why I wasn't great with the ladies & fortunate to find Emma who told me I was going home with her....well that's another story!)
Things looked all too comfortable for Silverstone with the first pair making 37 in reply to our 106 - not because of bad bowling but steady batting with some riding of luck. Darren, now with a thigh strain, came onto bowl from the pavilion end with complete control allowing a 7-2 off side field. The first wicket fell to the father son combination with Matthew taking a catch at square leg (yes one of the two on the leg side!) Neil, who wasn't at his best opening from the pavilion end, came back to bowl two from the other end taking three wickets without a run being scored after Mike has bowled 10 overs for a miserly 22 runs. The youngsters in the side contributed in the field with Matthew taking another catch along with one by Scott Upstone and Tom Casey having the crowd applauding one of the strongest arms I've seen. Nick G spent the whole game fielding in what I'm going to poetically describe as gully saving numerous runs as he threw himself around!
Oh yes - the result. We one by 24 runs bowling Silverstone out for 82. The other wickets I've not described largely being taken by Darren who finished with 5 for 17. Hopefully we'll see a Summer and more of Darren!
Thankyou Jackie (& daughter) for a great tea and Chris Upstone for fielding display, glimpse of batting and most importantly great BBQ!! Great support as always (despite sub zero temperatures, or so it felt!)
Tom B
Marston vs. Finmere (League 23/07/2011)
A gap in report writing - it will be a trip to the Chairman's office with a magazine down my trousers! Family wedding on a washed out weekend and building work at home plus depression regarding another poor batting performance away at Gawcott being the reason - Gawcott saw us being skittled for 40 odd runs again with a piece of truly brainless running by yours truly which caused several sleepless nights - nothing more to be said.
We did return to winning ways in style this Saturday bowling Finmere out at home for 36 runs scored at marginally over 1 run an over. Wickets were shared pretty equitably between Mike Froom, Neil Lake, Matt Riddle and Frazer James who took two for one (that was a wide!) Matt took three catches in the slips with Jim claiming an assist with one that he decided to parry rather than catch himself - selfless!
Complaints from the Marston faithful who weren't too entertained - the runs were knocked off without loss by Conor Atkin & Jim Dobson (who was cheered on by his Mum & Dad - aah bless!) Highlight of the day yet another lovely tea - this time catered by Jan (Roy Hingston's carer better half) and a trip to watch the 1st team finish off a comprehensive win at Woodford Halse.
20 pts is 20 pts - Bodicote next who are a place behind us - hopefully have good news to report if a little more to write about!
Tom B
Marston vs. Wardington (League 02/07/2011)
This was the first of the second half of the season return games. It was important to return to winning ways after being skittled out for 41 on a lively wicket at Charlton last Saturday and losing by 7 wickets (apologies but I was too depressed to write a report and only Martin S.S. came out with any credit after almost carrying his bat)
Anyway back to the game in hand and at tea I wasn't feeling a lot happier having had the team left in my hands with Jamie W being away. Having put them into bat and got them about 80 for 6 - scoring fairly quickly but losing regular wickets we then struggled for consistent bowling and whilst the fielding was OK it all seemed rather flat. Two of their middle order batsmen scored 46 & 48 respectively and we contrived to concede 194 for 9. Mike Froom 3 for 52 from 10 overs and Matt Riddle 3 for 48 from his 12. The highlight from our point of view were three great and very different catches from Mike Froom. First aid skills were also tested when Fraser got a ball to lift hitting the batsmen, who by then was well set, on the head causing a nasty gash and a pool of blood on Mr Scott's hallowed turf!
In fairness it probably wasn't the strongest batting line up we have fielded this year although everyone can contribute, and after last week I wasn't feeling overly confident so set to work with bribery and ego inflation of the top order. I made the mistake of telling Martin Sirot Smith that I'd buy his jug if he scored 50 and letting Matt Riddle, batting at 3, know that if he was there near the end we would win. A very quick start for us saw us at about 90 runs by drinks and the half way stage, with only the loss of Conor who looked in great touch until he prodded at one on leg stump and looped a catch to square leg for 16. We were then left to watch as Matt grew into the innings and started taking the bowling to pieces with huge hitting and even Martin started to worry us with some aggressive stroke play causing us to warn Jen that he was obviously feeling a little frisky - Martin carried his bat for an unbeaten 64 even managing to run a three. The only slightly sour note was when Matt faced up needing only 4 for a century, and the team needing 1 to win, only for the bowler to to deliberately bowl a wide to deny him the opportunity. To be fair the rest of the Wardington team were as unimpressed as the rest of the us - as I said to Matt if I'd scored 96 N.O. you wouldn't get me out of the pub for the next week so look at the positives! A 9 wicket win must be good but the efforts in the field need to be sharper and more intense - perhaps with the return of the captain next week. (Yes I did buy the promised jug - Martin bought another for good measure and Nick Goode, so pleased with taking a catch, bought another - didn't see Matt's but suspect it's becoming a little expensive with some of the performances he has turned in!)
Tom B
Marston vs. Preston Capes (League 11/06/2011)
After Connor Atkin's recent good form with the bat came to an end and Martin's departure for a duck it was up to Matthew Riddle to step up to the plate in style. Scoring his maiden century with 10 boundaries, including two maximums, he saw MSLCC set a decent total of 164 - scoring was slow to start with Matthew re-building the innings before accelerating nicely. He was supported by Tom Brooks (34) who shared a 90 run partnership with good running between the wickets being a real feature. Matthew made his 100 after a short break for rain and was out LBW with a few overs to go. Well done Matt - I'm sure the head groundsman will be disappointed to have missed it!!
The Preston Capes reply was stifled by tight bowling from both the openers Mike Froom & Fraser James. Mike's first 9 overs going for only 16 runs and Fraser's first 7 overs going for 12 runs - both picking up a wicket in these spells. A couple of great catches by Conor Atkin behind the stumps were notable. Matt Riddle then cemented his man of the match performance with two wicket maidens in a five over spell of 2 for 9. Fraser returned to finish with 3 for 24 in what was his most fluent bowling of the season.
After a flurry from the Preston wicket keeper (48 N.O.) Marston secured a fairly comfortable victory by 31 runs despite some indifferent catching, or not, not least by yours truly!
This leaves us five wins from six - keep going!
Tom B
Marston vs. Finmere
After an indifferent performance at Wroxton it was nice to be at home to play a friendly high flying Finmere. For the first time this season we batted first and opened with Richard Stilgoe and Robert Redford. Redford was out to a shocking first ball with a shocking shot caught in the elbow.
In came, fit as a fiddle, Riddle who batted well for 19. Matt has no luck at the moment and makes one error and is out. Keep going the luck will follow. Stilgoe was then out for 11 and at 20 overs we were 61 for 3. Peter Sutcliffe was batting with older Kray (Connor) and they shared a magnificent partnership of circa 100 as 'Sutcliffe' smashed any loose ball for a 36 ball 55 hitting 2 sixes and 9 fours. Kray reached his maiden senior fifty with a range of deft strokes. The highlight of which was yes no wait sorry Alan as 'The retired' returned for a duck. This was followed by some great hitting from the skipper Jamie 17 and son of retired for 21* and a fine score of 213.
Sonof opened with Ricki Lake in the bowling stakes and they were very tight and gave nothing away as their 24 overs went for around 70. We then got Sutcliffe and Fiddle on who continued the hard work as the hitting began and 4 wickets and 3 wickets were taken respectively.
The fielding performance from all was very good but especially from Mr Fiddle who did numerous good stops and throws. Man of the match would come from Sutcliffe, Kray and Fiddle with the final honour going to Sutcliffe for 4 wickets and 55.
Thanks to the supporters, the Johnsons for sponsorship and Mrs D for a fine tea.
Roll on Willoughby next week.
Jim
Syresham vs. Marston
We travelled to Syresham with an under strength and relatively inexperienced side. At 1.00pm we only had 9 players but Geoff Dennison and James Morton came to our rescue at the last minute. Syresham won the toss and amazingly chose to bat on a dry and cracked wicket. With Mikey, Martin, Liam and Neil all missing our bowling options were slightly limited. John G and Tom H were given the new ball and Tom soon removed one of their openers. The other opener looked to be in tremendous form and they were 23 – 1 after 5 overs. I’ve never seen John bowl but it wasn’t long before he took his first wicket, quickly followed by four others. James G and Tom H both bowled well and although Tom B struggled he still took a vital wicket as we bowled them out for 99. James M and Geoff made a difference in the field which helped us restrict them after their quick start.
As we had bowled them out so early it left us 20 minutes to bat before tea. In Martin’s absence and a leg injury to Connor, I opened with Jim. There didn’t seem to be anything to worry about after the first couple of overs but they made a change and brought on a spinner. His first ball was a high full toss outside off stump which I played straight to a fielder. I didn’t expect a second high full toss and this time caught it far too high on the bat and was caught at square leg. After tea Jim and James batted steadily, before James was caught trying to force the pace. Tom B, John and Tom U all supported Jim who reached his 50 with a crashing off drive. We were in touching distance of the total when Tom U was out which brought Ross to the wicket for his first knock of the season. He added a couple with Jim before he was bowled and was quickly followed by James M. Syresham sensed victory with us on 90 for 7 but with Connor coming in at number 9 we were never in trouble and victory was ours as we reached 100 – 7 with the ‘Ginger Fool’ batting brilliantly to finish on 63 not out.
Jamie
Marston vs. Boddington
Did Scott go to the Antarctic?
Bit of a random title .... but for those of you watching .... you will appreciate that when Mick went out into the middle between innings to do his 'stuff' on the wicket it was a trip to the unknown. The groundsman's quote was 'not much damage to the wicket today' ..... the players quote is 'wickets do not wear out in perma frost'.
Definitely, the coldest cricket match in the last 30 years and aided by some fine to heavy drizzle and blustery to gale force wind the scene is set. We had one rain interruption when it reached torrential but we played a gallant 36 over game.
Jamie won the toss and bowled. Well Mike and Tom did actually and they bowled really well and the fielders always thought please do not hit it to me. Ross being the most productive as he had the pleasure of fielding the ball only twice. Tom bowled quickly and his 6 overs went for 9 runs and 1 wicket. Mike bowled 12 overs straight for 32 runs and 2 wickets including the quality open batsman with a fine ball that he managed to fluke twice out of the back of his hand. On came Liam and he maintained the pressure of the other 2 to get career best figures of 6 for 17 off 8.3 overs. Tom bowled very well and also got a wicket. The fielding was spirited and despite some catches going down we were all pleased to have 10 fingers in tact and came off with 70 as the target.
We all lost 1/2 a stone in the field so we ate Mrs F out of tea and the urn has never been used as much as we were all on defrost mode.
Our opening partnership of the Robin Cook lookalike and George Clooney (salt and pepper hair & guess who wrote the match report) lookalike was as grim as the weather and George was given out by our Peter Sutliffe lookalike for a plum LBW and a meager 8. Conner came in impersonating Long John Silver and after he tried a swipe for 8 we were left to the skipper who did actually provide the entertainment with a breezy, what else could it have been, 22* which left 'Robin' on 17*.
A heroic effort by all, who played, watched, prepared grounds and made tea. It made for some good banter in the pub but the hope is for warmer climes to come.
Jim
Crownhill vs. Marston
After four seasons in Division 4 I wanted to get off to a good start in Division 3. With several players having moved on during the winter we’ve lost Matt R, Steve and Frazer to the 1st team and travelled to Milton Keynes with 10 players. I won the toss and put them in on a greenish wicket and after 10 overs they were 14 for 1 with Mikey and Neil both bowling well. Our bowling and fielding continued to go well as I turned to James G, Ross and Martin. They struggled to 50 at drinks and 85 after 30 overs. The problem was that we hadn’t taken enough wickets at this point and although we fielded well and held some great catches, the last 10 overs went for another 70 runs allowing them to set us a challenging 156. The outstanding contribution came from Martin who returned fantastic figures of 8 – 55 as we bowled them out with the last two balls of their innings.
Our reply began quite slowly with Martin and Jim forming a new 2nd team opening pair. It lasted for 10 overs or so before Jim called Martin for a quick single. It was obvious Martin wasn’t going to make it as the cry of ‘You fool’ rang out across the ground and that was the start of our steady fall of wickets. Lee, on debut, was the only batsman to make any impression with a good looking 40 and we eventually fell well short on 119 all out. We did well to gain 8 points but it’s fair to say it’s going to be a difficult season if we have to bat and field with 10 on a regular basis.
Jamie