2004 SEASON

 

DATE

FIXTURE

(SNCL Div1, 2.30 pm start unless shown)

RESULT
* batted first

Sat 01 May

Warwick Univ Staff (A)

A 25-2 (W Uni)

Sat 08 May

Afro Caribbean (A)

A

Sun 09 May

Grendon Underwood Friendly (A)

Cancelled by them

Sat 15 May

Woodford Halse (H)

W 235-8 / 114-6

Sat 22 May

Preston Bissett (H)

W 273-5 / 128 all out

Sat 29 May

Gayton (A)

L 273-6 / 107 all out

Sat 05 Jun

Croughton (H)

L 186-7 / 152 all out

Sat 12 Jun

Greens Norton (A)

W 176 all out / 129 all out

Thu 17 Jun

Warwick Univ Staff Cup (6.15pm) (H)

Conceded

Sat 19 Jun

Culworth (A)

L 175-6 / 174-6*

Sat 26 Jun

Hinton in the Hedges (A)

A

Sat 03 Jul

Warwick Univ Staff (H)

L 139 all out* / 140-2

Sat 10 Jul

Woodford Halse (A)

A 160-8 / 32-3

Sat 17 Jul

Afro Caribbean (H) at Horton View

L 131 all out* / 135-3

Sat 24 Jul

Preston Bissett (A)

L 103 all out* / 106-7

Sat 31 Jul

Gayton (H)

W 199-4 / 160 all out

Sat 07 Aug

Croughton (2.00 pm) (A)

L 192-7* / 196-6

Sat 14 Aug

Greens Norton (2.00 pm) (H)

W 114 all out / 103 all out

Sat 21 Aug

Culworth (2.00 pm) (A)

L 136-9 / 107 all out

Sat 28 Aug

Hinton in the Hedges (2.00 pm) (H)

W 163-8 / 161-4* 

Sun 12 Sep

Broughton & NN (1.30pm) Friendly (A)

 


SATURDAY 28 AUGUST

BODICOTE (163-8 - 20 pts) beat HINTON (161-4 - 7 pts) by 2 wickets
 
So we can look back now at a fine game of cricket which we won but with Woodford losing badly, ultimately didn't matter in terms of staying up, but at the time it was bloody tense!

With another damp drying wicket and the need for bonus points if we lost even Dave was persuaded that it was worth bowling first. Well it would have been had we not turned in one of the most insipid displays of the season. It soon became apparent that despite needing to win to stay up Hinton only had nine players, with a late arrival promised, so eight wickets would equal five bonus points. After an early wicket for Dave this became increasingly unlikely, not helped when the Chairman dropped Hinton's star bat Paul Turvey (who has scored 5 tons and over 1000 runs in the SNCL this season) when he was on 10. With the help of Cone, Turvey took the score up to 80 in the 20th over when he fell for just 36, bowled by Bucks who was easily the best Bodicote bowler on the day. Cone then took over and with the help of No 4 Ashton added another 75 in the next 15 overs. They were also helped by more dropped catches with Inzy, Cronin and even Phil in the slips spilling chances. When Cone was finally out caught by Steve Pratt off Phil for 89 the total was up to 155 but Hinton seemed to decide to restrict our bonus point chances rather than press on for more runs in the final overs. Phil however did take his 2nd wicket which meant that two bonus points had been earned and if we failed to reach our target then a score of 150 plus would see a further three batting ones would see us in a play off against Hinton next Saturday if Woodford won (see News section for permutations etc).

In the circumstances and despite Hinton only having 10 fielders for most of the reply 162 was not going to be easy against a side who were fighting hard to stay up, particularly remembering our lack of skill in chasing (it was probably 1999 that we chased down a target of this size). However Andrew Stanley and Steve Pratt gave us a good start adding 64 for the 1st wicket in about 20 overs. They fell in quick succession, Andrew for 33 and Steve for 30 which, showing alarming signs of anorakship, Steve knew was 8 short of what he needed to average 20 for the season! This brought Dave and Polly together and they upped the tempo with some big shots until Polly fell for 16 with the score on 106. Rog followed for a duck and then Dave was bowled leaving the score 118-5 with 6 overs to go. George (20) and Inzy (11) put on 27 but could quite get up with the run rate before George, who batted really well, was unluckily given run out in the 39th over by the umpire who was looking the other way at the time. Cronin hit a huge 6 off his first ball which meant that at least 150 had been achieved but he perished off the last ball of the over to leave eight needed for victory off the 40th over. Inzy was out caught first ball and Barlow hit the 2nd for one and with Phil now at the crease a leg bye was run off the third. Barlow connected well with the fourth ball but it plugged short of the boundary - forget the 4 x 100 relay gold, the sprinting achievement of the day was the Chair lapping Phil to run three - leaving three needed off two to win but a tie would be good enough. The fifth ball was well pitched up but luckily Phil chose not to play his late cut at it but smacked it through mid wicket for a four which secured the 20 points.

Heart-stopping stuff and hats off to Hinton who fought hard to avoid the drop.

It just goes to prove that whatever you do to the bonus points system Woody's old adage of needing six wins to stay up still holds true. Other adages include that if the rain comes from where the old pavilion used to be situated the game will be abandoned, you never score runs wearing new kit, however bad an opposition's bowling attack each team has a best bowler who has to be treated with utmost respect. Dave Cronin has addded a new adage this season that you will never take wickets or score runs if any member of your family is watching.

Other results

Croughton (145 for 6 - 20 pts) beat Warwick Univ Staff (144 for 6 - 5pts) by 4 wkts
Culworth (160 for 9 - 20 pts) beat Woodford (102 all out - 5 pts) by 58 runs
Preston Bissett (111 for 8 - 20 pts) beat Gayton (85 all out - 4 pts) by 26 runs
Afro Carribean v Greens Norton - waterlogged pitch - 10 pts each.

 

SATURDAY 21 AUGUST

CULWORTH (136-9 - 20 pts) beat BODICOTE (107 all out - 5 pts) by 29 runs

So it will come down to the wire as Bodicote failed to get the win they needed at Culworth to secure their Division One place.

With a drying wicket it was probably a good thing Dave was not playing (he was on holiday in the Chair's Cornish Cottage, click
here for details of excellent value September breaks) because when stand-in skipper Newman correctly won the toss he had no hesitation in asking the home team to bat. Phil soon made an early breakthrough getting opener Osbone caught behind by Rog and then produced a trade mark slip catch to dismiss Rumble off the bowling of Simon Hawken. Culworth struggled for runs against the openers but when Simon had to come off after his ECB restricted 6 over stint and Phil took himself off they did score more freely against change bowlers Barlow and Woodruff. Woody's 8 over stint of fast off breaks was his longest spell since the mid 1908s. The score reached 50-2 in the 20th when the No 4 Mallen was caught off Barlow by George, atoning for an earlier drop which saw him shovel the ball into his eyelid. George endured his own mini Curse of Culworth as he later took a full bloodied drive on his knee. No 3 Bassett and Baker took the score into the 80s when Barlow struck again to trap Baker LBW and Woody removed Bodicote's nemisis in the last match, Johnson, when he dragged a rank long hop onto his stumps. Skipper Newman produced his trump card when he brought on George who in his 1 over bagged Bassett for 49 caught at deep extra by Polly before bowling 4 consecutive wides. After this Culworth slumped to 118-9 only for an annoying last wicket partnership of 18 to move them up to 136-9, which on a difficult pitch would take some chasing.

Bodicote's cause was not helped by openers Graham and Inzy soon returing to the hutch with 11 on the board. Polly and Woody set about stopping the rot but in doing so saw the runs dry up. They stayed together until the score passed 50 but 28 overs were taken up in doing so. This high risk strategy meant that at least one of them would have to flourish but they were out within an over of each other, Woody for 21 and Polly for easily his slowest ever 18. Darren followed for a duck, Chris Rogers for not many more, George for a mature 15 and the skipper for a duck. Last man (of 10) Hawken joined Barlow with the score on 76 with only six overs to go. A flicker of hope was raised as Barlow hit two 4s and Simon a couple of huge sixes but he sent the Chairman back after he had called for a comfortable leg bye with just over two overs remaining to end their partnership of 31.

This win leaves Culworth safe and Bodicote needing a win so as not have to rely on them beating Woodford next week. See News section for a more detailed analysis of the various possible outcomes.

Other results

Croughton (175 for 8 - 20 pts) beat Preston Bissett (99 all out) by 76 runs
Woodford (189 for 6 - 20 pts) beat Hinton (186-5 - 7 pts) by 4 wkts
Greens Norton (106 for 6 - 20 pts) beat Warwick Uni Staff (105 all out - 4 pts) by 4 wkts
Afro Carribean v Gayton - no result phoned in.


SATURDAY 14 AUGUST

BODICOTE (114 all out – 20 pts) beat GREENS NORTON (103 all out – 6 pts) by 11 runs


A hugely important result but the visitors will be wondering how on earth they failed to win.

 

Heavy midweek rain hampered pitch preparation and the pitch was still drying out when skipper Allen tossed up. With a heavy humid atmosphere and Cronin champing at the bit after 11 wickets in the last two weeks surely this was the day for Dave to bowl if he won the toss .… but no.

 

A quick scan down the Greens Norton teamlist showed that they were missing most of the regular bowlers but this was to prove no handicap for Bodicote on “Mission Division Two here we come”. In the second over Bodily accounted for Andrew who fell for a blob to a wonderful diving catch at mid off which set the tone for a fine fielding display by the visitors.  Dave immediately set about showing everyone that the wicket was fine, what was the problem and with a flurry of boundaries he and Roger added 30 before Rog spooned one up to mid on for 6. Dave soon followed for 25 and Woody fell first ball to leave the score 38-4. All three wickets fell to the visitor’s captain Bowmer who, making the most of the conditions, then went on to reel off a series of maidens and ended up taking an impressive 4-13 off his 12.  

 

Polly and Darren Osborne repaired the damage a bit before Darren fell LBW to Bowmer, the first of many positive decisions by the umpire who was definitely not a “not outer”. Polly hit 20 but fell LBW hitting across the line and Dave Cronin scored 17. Meanwhile Kilvo had joined the fray (as a late replacement for girls blouse of the year award winner Irvine) and it was time for a classic Kilvo Komedy Kameo. Having struggled to make an easy two Kilvo feigned injury and requested the assistance of a runner (Rog). This allowed him to concentrate on his batting which saw him swatting widely in his straight legged style aptly described by Newman (maybe he’d make the all-time XI as team jester?) as akin to Douglas Bader. Pete was lucky to be adjudged (incorrectly) not out run out when he strayed from his crease after Rog completed an easy two for him but was caught for 11 a ball later. Another ball later and Barlow was out and the score stood at 90-9. Last pair Newman and Bucks put on a priceless 24 before Chris fell LBW to leave the total a pitiful 114 all out.

 

With the pitch getting easier, apart from the odd shooter, a win seemed unlikely. However an early wicket for Phil and two for Dave saw the visitors wobbling on 20-3 after 7. The fourth wicket pair decided to hit their way out of the trouble and soon the score had moved up to 50 after 12. Urgent action was needed and skipper Allen made a double change turning to the Over 40s and bringing on legends of the all-time XI Bucks and Barlow. This immediately brought dividends with Bucks getting No 3 Bodily caught round the corner by Darren. In the next over Barlow, after five decent balls, bowled a rank long hop miles down the leg side which would have bounced twice had the No 5 batsman Jones not managed to drag it on to his stumps. Bucks then turned back the clock and mowed his way through the lower order, with a little help from the umpire, to leave the visitors 72-9 and give him a season’s best haul of 5-27.

 

At this stage Greens Norton captain Bowmer, who was manifestly not a usual SNCL No 11, joined the No 6 Robinson who had patiently kept an end up whilst others perished. They inched the score up towards their target and Barlow was removed from the attack to be replaced by Cronin as things got a little desperate. Finally with the score on 103 with 3 and a bit overs to go Bowmer drilled one back past Dave into the safe hands of Darren at mid off to secure an improbable win by 11 runs. Share Greens Norton’s disbelief of the outcome by scrolling down the match report section on their website.

 

The importance of this win can be seen from the league table and results. Woodford won again so had the result gone the other way we would have been in the bottom two. Preston Bissett are doomed and Woodford meet Hinton next week who visit us for the last game of the season. Culworth who we visit on Saturday are also not out of danger. One more win will make us safe otherwise it could come down to those lovely bonus points..

 
Other results

Afro Caribbean  (154 for 6 – 20 pts) beat Hinton in the Hedges (152 all out – 6 pts) by 4 wkts

Woodford Halse (130 all out – 20 pts) beat Croughton (120 all out – 6 pts) by 10 runs

Culworth (116 for 3 – 20 pts) beat Preston Bissett (115 all out – 2 pts) by 7 wickets

Warwick Univ. Staff (210 for 5 – 20 pts) beat Gayton (208 for 5 – 7 pts) by 5 wickets

 

SATURDAY 07 AUGUST

BODICOTE (192 for 7 - 20 pts) lost to CROUGHTON (196-6 - 20 pts) by 4 wickets

A weakened Bodicote side put up a good display at promotion chasing Croughton only losing with 3 balls to go.

A skipper's knock of 108* from Dave helped Bodicote to 192-7. He received good support from Inzy who made 25. Croughton were reduced to 0-2 after Dave Cronin's first over and he went on to take 6-39. Unfortunately with Barlow, Bucks and Hawken all on their hols and vice captain Newman watching QPR(!) his colleagues were unable .to back him up in terms of taking wickets. However the team fought hard but 111 from the home team's Mitchelmore helped them to a four wicket win.

Other results

Gayton (179 for 8 - 20 pts) beat Hinton (162 for 8 - 7 pts) by 17 runs
Culworth (155 for 4 - 20pts) beat Warwick Uni Staff(152 for 8 - 5 pts) by 6 wickets
Woodford Halse (168 all out - 20 pts) beat Greens Norton (149 all out - 6 pts) by 19 runs
Afro Carribean (244 for 9 - 20pts) beat Presotn Bissett (146 all out - 6 pts) by 98 runs

 

 

SATURDAY 31 JULY

 

BODICOTE (199 for 4 - 20 pts) beat GAYTON (160 all out 4pts)by 39 runs


(Report by Inzy Smith just in case you thought the editor had lost his literary touch)

 

At long last a return to winning ways for the firsts. A solid start got us a good score on a cracking wicket. The runs contributed by Steve Pratt 44, Dave Allen 48 and Woody 37.

In reply Gayton lost wickets quickly with Dave taking 4-28 in a very good spell, Dave received top support from Simon Hawken who continued where he left of last week with a top spell of bowling aided by one of Phils 2 top quality catches in the slips. When it looked like Gayton maybe getting back into the game Barlow picked up 3-41, to end a top day.

Other results

Hinton in the Hedges (219 for 2 - 20 pts) beat Culworth (108 for 9 - 2 pts) by 111 runs
Greens Norton (207 for 7 - 20pts) beat Preston Bissett (156 all out - 6 pts) by 51 runs
Afro Caribbean (153 for 2 - 20 pts) beat Croughton (152 all out h 4 pts) by 8 wickets
Woodford Halse (183 for 8 - 20pts) beat Warwick Uni. Staff (128 all out - 6 pts) by 55 runs

 

SATURDAY 24 JULY

 

PRESTON BISSETT (106 for 7 – 20 pts) beat BODICOTE (103 all out – 4pts) by 3 wickets

 

Preston Bissett are not a good side, they lost to Woodford last week and a win for Bodicote would have probably condemned them to the drop….however a feeble batting display means that Preston boosted their chances of survival whilst Bodicote now find themselves in the relegation maelstrom.

 

Things looked bad from the start with only a 10 man XI. Dave lost the toss but as we were put in then this proved irrelevant. With a frailer than usual batting line up it was important the top order put runs on the board but alas this was not to be. Andrew hit over a straight one, Steve Pratt edged one to slip and walked and Roger chased a wide one to fall caught behind too. 40-3 looked bad but things were to get much worse as the home team introduced off spinner Valambhia who spun the ball a lot. He quickly snared Smiths R & M and George first ball to leave Bodicote teetering on 55-6. The Chair joined the Skipper and they took the score onto 78 before Dave fell for 22. Simon Hawken helped the score past the 100 with a good 15 but when he was out Jay soon followed with the score on 103 leaving Barlow 26*, the only player to play the prodigious spin of Valambhia with any confidence (takes one to know one).

 

In response openers Barlow and Hawken kept things tight as the home side batted with very little confidence. Simon’s (ECB restricted but even umpire Wilkins was amazed he is only 16) 6 over spell saw just 9 runs off his bowling and Barlow removed the opener with a rare straight one. A good run out from Steve Pratt also kept the pressure on. De Silva tried to hit his way out of trouble to be dropped off a hard C&B by Barlow then “dropped” by Mark Smith at silly mid off from an off drive that almost took his hand off. Jay Watts joined the attack and bowled the dangerous looking Valambhia before getting rid off de Silva who spooned a slower ball to silly mid off where Barlow took a text book catch – the text book in question being Coco the Clown’s book of juggling, the ball finally ending up in his lap as he knelt on the ground.

 

At 48-4 with 24 overs gone Bodicote were in with a fight. Barlow finished his spell with 1-20 and was replaced by usual keeper Andrew Stanley who showed his versatility with a good spell of left arm over. Jay’s third wicket and one for Andrew saw the home team struggling on 60-6 but after this the luck ran out. The home team’s No 6 Cox chanced his arm and played well for 42* and received support from Bryant to up the tempo and take the score up to 102 before Bryant fell to Andrew. Dave almost ran Cox out next ball which might have made it interesting but he hit the winning runs with 3 and a bit overs to spare.

 

Excellent spirit in the field and a promising 1st XI debut by Simon Hawken were the only good points to emerge from a poor performance. We need some wins and any part time players reading this (Craig for example) - we need you back to bolster the side.

 

Other results

 

Greens Norton (155 for 7 – 20 pts) beat Culworth (151 for 6 – 6pts) by 3 wickets

Afro Caribbean (145 for 7 – 20 pts) beat Warwick Uni. Staff (141 all out – 5 pts) by 3 wkts

Gayton (170 for 3 – 20 pts) beat Woodford Halse (167 all out – 4 pts) by 7 wickets

Croughton (207 for 8 – 20 pts) beat Hinton (179 for 8 – 8 pts) by 28 runs

 

 

SATURDAY 17 JULY

 

AFRO CARIBBEAN (135 for 3) beat BODICOTE (131 all out – 3 pts) by 7 wickets

 

Afro Caribbean brought their unique (for the SNCL) style of cricket to town and it was town with the village field not available due to the village festivities so Horton View was hired. (I am alone in thinking it is odd that a celebration of the village means that one of it’s most popular organisations gets shunted off its ground?).

 

Apart from Dave with 22, Bodicote’s upper order failed to cope with the visitors attack and we had soon slumped to 50-7. Slogger (26*) and Dave Cronin (39) ensured a pitiful score avoided but 131 did not look enough. Afro Caribbean’s intentions were made clear when their opener Pinna hit Phil’s second ball back over his head for 6. Dave added to his good score with 2-24 and has cemented himself into the leading all rounder berth (although you might hear otherwise at the Blarney Stone) but the oppo, who now lead the table, raced to victory with many overs to spare

 

Other results

 

Gayton (183 for 8 – 20 pts) beat Greens Norton (143 for 9 – 6 pts) by 40 pts

Croughton (171 for 6 – 20 pts) beat Culworth (159 all out – 6 pts) by 12 runs

Hinton in the Hedges (168 for 9 – 20 pts) beat Warwick Uni. Staff (150 all out – 7 pts) by 18 runs

Woodford Halse (166 all out – 20 pts) beat Preston Bissett (108 all out – 6 pts) by 58 runs

 

 

SATURDAY 10 JULY

 

BODICOTE (160 for 8) drew with WOODFORD HALSE (32 for 3) – match abandoned

 

Rain prevented Bodicote from gaining a morale boosting win at Woodford. A huge downpour on arrival meant that that the start was delayed. Umpire Berrysagely noted that there would be no play until 3.45 so a very earlier tea was taken and with the wicket hardly any different from an hour earlier a 28 over match ensued. With Steve Pratt away the captain allowed himself to be talked into letting Phil open but fireworks there were not as he played a bizarre sheet anchor role whilst Andrew battled freely. Andrew made a good 32 and the skipper then took over scoring a very quick 40. However the score slumped form 120-3 with 8 overs to go to 130-6 and it took some smearing from Barlow (21) and two big hits from Bucks (10*) to move the score up to a decent target.

 

Much to Bucks chagrin Phil was also allowed to open the bowling and he and Dave soon had the home team in trouble. The home side slipped to 38-3, including a fine slip catch from “Fly paper” Biggs at 2nd slip off Dave. However their saviour, the weather hovered ominously close. Finally in dark, windy and wet conditions not unlike a November afternoon the game was called off.

 

Bad weather also prevented other games to be finished but the Gayton-Croughton match did reach its conclusion despite the efforts of … well see the match reports section of the Gayton website for unsurprising details…..

 

 

SATURDAY 3 JULY

 

WARWICK UNIV.STAFF (142 for 2 – 20 pts) beat BODICOTE (139 all out – 3 pts) by 8 wickets

 

This was a disappointing defeat with not enough runs scored on a belting strip.

 

Bodicote were inserted and Andrew and Steve got us off to a slow start, 20 of 10 before Steve went for 15. The skipper hit a couple of nice fours before falling to the oppo’s wily spin/seam bowler and by 20 overs only 49 were on the board. Polly and Andrew got the momentum going before Andrew fell for 30. Polly, working on the old adage that there is plenty of room in the air – even more so in a swirling gale made 24 and Woody 16 to move the score onto 100 in the 30th and set up the big charge for a useful score. Unfortunately they departed in quick succession with Woody, out stumped for possibly the 1st time in his crease-hugging career. With Richard, Dave and Phil also all falling cheaply the score slumped to 120-8. Barlow and Slogger (19) inched the score up before Bucks, attempting to sweep a yorker saw the innings close in the last over.

 

Bodicote’s opening pair Newman and Cronin were hampered by injuring each other in a bizarre pre-match fielding suicide pact. However they strained hard for a breakthrough without success. One LBW shout on the back foot of opener Darius for Dave was just unbelievably not given. Buckingham and Barlow were brought into the attack but failed to make a breakthrough as the visitor’s opening pair moved serenely towards the target. Finally a run out brought Bodicote’s first wicket with 80 odd on the board. Barlow then turned one past the other opener’s bat for Andrew to take the stumping, however with wickets in hand and 40 needed off 11 it looked like one way traffic. Surprisingly Barlow found the left handed No 4 played him with the utmost respect and a couple of maidens kept it tight. 19 were needed off 3 overs when Barlow was hit out of the attack not in the usual pasting to far corners of South Northamptonshire way but, in attempting to field a ball off his own bowling, he took it in the face to lose one of his front teeth. As he departed bloodily Phil and Dave stiffly returned to the attack and the batsmen used the extra pace on the ball to steer the Univ Staff to victory with an over and a bit to go.

 

Barlow did surprisingly return briefly to the H&J by 9.00 pm with fractured part of tooth removed, nerve extracted and root filling undertaken. The oppo’s amazement of a wonderful NHS service in Banbury was dispelled as his father (aka Driller Barlow) formerly being “in the trade” had pulled a few strings to kindly get him seen to by a local dentist

 

Other results

 

Croughton (216 for 6 – 20 pts) beat Greens Norton (177 all out – 7 pts) by 39 runs

Preston Bissett (122 for 7 – 20 pts) beat Hinton (118 all out – 4 pts) by 3 wickets

Gayton (178 for 3 -  20 pts) beat Culworth (168 all out  - 3 pts) by 10 runs

Afro Caribbean (255 for 5 – 20 pts) beat Woodford Halse (163 for 9 – 5 pts) by 98 runs

 

 

SATURDAY 26 JUNE

 

HINTON IN THE HEDGES  v  BODICOTE  -  Rained off (10 pts each)

 

Well was it called off too early? Your correspondent can report a number of showers during the afternoon over Brackley. Still another match undefeated for stand-in skipper Newman who has forcefully explained that the comments about his lack of success in the Croughton match report are misleading as he captained the side to success against Preston Bissett.

 

Other results

 

Preston Bissett (158 for 5 – 20 pts) beat Gayton (154 for 6 – 5 pts) by 5 wickets

Afro Caribbean (41 for 3 – 20 pts) beat Greens Norton (40 all out – 1 pt) by 7 wickets

Culworth  v  Woodford Halse  -  Rained off (10 pts each)

Warwick University Staff  v  Croughton  -  Rained off  (10 pts each)

 

 

SATURDAY 19 JUNE

 

CULWORTH (175 for 6 – 20 pts) beat BODICOTE (174 for 6 – 6 pts) by 4 wickets

 

How on earth did we lose this one?

 

Despite the threat of showers Dave opted to bat first on the basis that we never win chasing and in the end only three overs were lost so it made little difference. Andrew fell early as the rain freshened pitch seamed about but Steve and Dave avoided any further mishaps putting on 50 for the 2nd wicket before Steve fell for 22. Polly added a quick 20 whilst the skipper went on to compile an excellent 78. Woody made 28 off just 20 balls but 176 was a little short of what we might have achieved although offered it before the start we would probably have taken it.

 

In reply Dave bowled his customary excellent spell and finished with 3-29 and Phil bowled well apart from an early over and a half when he failed to get it into the batsmens’s half. With 20 overs gone the rate was up to seven an over but the Culworth opener Rumble was still there and despite playing a missing the way left handers do he made a patient 51. He found support from the No 5 Johnson who also played and missed a number of times against an unlucky Bucks but was particularly severe on Jay Watts. Barlow was brought into the attack and he took a couple of wickets but Culworth kept up with the rate. 8 were needed off the last over and with two hard chances put down in the deep the runs were reached with a ball left – Johnson, who chanced his arm and was helped by some poor Bodicote fielding, scoring an undefeated 56.

 

Other results

 

Croughton (85 for 5 – 20 pts) beat Preston Bissett (82 all out – 2 pts) by 5 wickets

Hinton in the Hedges (169 for 6 – 20 pts) beat Woodford Halse (86 all out – 3 pts) by 83 runs

Afro Caribbean (107 for 2 – 20 pts) beat Gayton (103 all out – 2 pts) by 8 wickets

Warwick University Staff (105 for 1 – 20 pts) beat Greens Norton (103 all out – 1 pt) by 9 wickets

 

 

SATURDAY 12 JUNE

 

BODICOTE (176 all out – 20 pts) beat GREENS NORTON (129 all out – 7 pts) by 47 runs

 

After two defeats on the trot Bodicote fashioned a fine victory at Greens Norton - once a quiet village now seemingly the SNCL home of ganga if the advertising hoardings daubed on the adjoining cow shed were anything to go by.

 

First problem was that availability issues meant we only had 10 players. Roland Lawrence's girl friend did not dismiss out of hand the request to make up the numbers but did not turn out. Older readers will remember that the home team regularly fielded a female in our friendly matches back in the 80s.

 

Inserted on a grassy track Bodicote's openers Steve Pratt and Andrew Stanley put on a good 50 for the first wicket before the former departed for 20. He was soon followed by the skipper for 1 who was either bowled round his legs or the howling gale blew the bails off. Andrew went for 27 and Roland Lawrence for 15 but Polly came good and blasted an excellent 60 which took the total up to 150-5 when he departed. After this the slightly shortened tail failed to catch fire but Jerry hit a couple of good fours in his 12 which nursed the score up to 176 in the 40th over.   

 

With Bucks and Newman absent the captain opted to open with Barlow and Cronin. Whilst the spinner failed to make any impression Dave again bowled really well. He bowled 12 fast overs on the trot to take 5 for 37 with his fifth wicket the dangerous Bodily, coming in his last over caught nonchalantly at the third slip (there were no first or second) by Jerry, his second catch of the day. This left the score at 80 odd for 6 and with Greens Norton always close to the run rate the pressure was on Bodicote's change bowling of Jay Watts and Roland Lawrence. They responded well and backed up by some keen fielding, with a drop in the deep by the skipper the only blip, Greens Norton were kept at arms length. Jay finished with 4-34 including what editorial modesty can only describe as an unbelievable diving catch high to his left by Barlow at mid-off. Roland took the last wicket to fall as Greens Norton ended up on 129 all out.

 

All in all an excellent team effort with everyone playing their part either physically (nine players) or cerebrally (Skipper Allen – who marshalled his troops well).

 

The home side’s view on proceedings will be found on the Greens Norton site in the match reports section.

 

Other results

 

Culworth (206 for 5 – 20 pts) beat Preston Bissett (120 for 9 – 4 pts) by 86 runs

Croughton (225 for 8 – 20 pts) beat Woodford Halse (143 all out – 6 pts) by 82 runs

Afro Caribbean (208 for 7 – 20 pts) beat Hinton (207 for 3 – 7 pts) by 3 wickets

Gayton (121 all out – 20 pts) beat Warwick Unv. (79 all out – 5 pts) by 42 runs

 

 

SATURDAY 5 JUNE

 

CROUGHTON (186 for 7 – 20 pts) beat BODICOTE (152 all out – 6 pts) by 34 runs

 

Bodicote lost out to league Croughton after allowing the opposition to score too many runs. The visitors scorecard was dominated by 96 from Ollie Hawkins and Dave and Bucks both took 3 wickets although the latter conceded an expensive 58 runs on the way. Bodicote’s reply faltered apart from a mid order fightback from Roland Lawrence (48) and Inzy Smith (46). However this was enough to see stand-in skipper Newman fail to record a victory in his short time in charge, let’s hope the return of Dave Allen menas a change in fortune next week!

 

Other results

 

Greens Norton (122 all out – 20 pts) beat Woodford Halse (85 all out – 5 pts) by 37 runs

Warwick University Staff (138 for 7 – 20 pts) beat Culworth (135 for 8 – 5 pts) by 3 wickets

Gayton (83 for 5 – 20 pts) beat Hinton (82 all out – 2 pts) by 5 wickets

Afro Caribbean (171 for 3 – 20 pts) beat Preston Bissett (166 for 8 – 4 pts) by 3 runs

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY 29 MAY

 

GAYTON (273 for 6 – 20 pts) beat BODICOTE (107 all out – 4 pts) by 166 runs

 

This was not going to be Bodicote's day the moment we turned up with 10 men and then lost the toss and fielded. Despite only having one recognised 1st team bowler in skipper Newman we started well and were unlucky to beat the edge on a couple of occasions. The first wicket fell after 10 overs - Andrew Stanley taking the catch off the bowling of Paul Rogers - but this was to be a false dawn as Gayton raced onto 150+ inside 25 overs. Their popular Aussie Cameron got into the 50's against Bodicote again, and Gayton's new recruit from Norfolk racing to 82 (dropped by George on 45) before being stumped by Steve Pratt. Skipper Phil Newman bowled his 12 overs straight out without a wicket but bowled with much skill and determination and beat the bat on numerous occasions

The runs continued to flow until, their Aussie racing onto 86 before being snaffled by Irvine in the covers, but with wickets still in tact Gayton raced on but some good tight bowling by Rogers 3 for not many off his last 4 overs meant that at least Bodicote got some bowling points! This was to be their only joy of the day!

So chasing 274 (same score as last week) to win Bodicote had to make sure that they stayed in the game as long as possible. We started slowly, rapidly speeded up and then a loss of wickets (the last 8 wickets fell for 55 runs) made sure that Bodicote only picked up 1 batting point. The returning Andrew Stanley looked good, but then he always does, before he edged one to the keeper for 3. Craig Irvine and Pratt put on 50 inside 7 overs before the former was bowled by a skidder, and when Simon Pollard was caught behind down the leg side the game was up for Bodicote. George gave us some entertainment before he was caught at Cow (they have seen him play before then), while Pilkington and Rogers hung about for a while but without troubling the scorers too much. The biggest cheer of the day was when Pilkington hit one off the square and Bodicoite reached 100.

A loss by 166 runs is hard to swallow but considering their were nine first teamers not available this was not a bad effort.

 

The home side’s view on proceedings will be found at http://members.lycos.co.uk/gaytoncc/ in the match reports section.

 

Other results

 

Culworth (182 for 8 – 20 pts) beat Hinton (104 all out – 5 pts) by 78 runs

Greens Norton (161 for 3 – 20 pts) beat Preston Bissett (157 for 6 – 4 pts) by 7 wickets

Croughton (210 for 5 – 20 pts) beat Afro Caribbean (165 all out – 5 pts) by 45 runs

Warwick University Staff (60 for 0 – 20 pts) beat Woodford Halse (59 all out – 0 pts) by 10 wkts

 

 

SATURDAY 22 MAY

 

BODICOTE (273 for 5 – 20 pts) beat PRESTON BISSETT (128 all out – 4 pts) by 145 runs

 

Bodicote’s good start to the season continued with another huge score and a big win over Preston Bissett.

 

Match Action

 

After a shaky start that saw the score reach 57 for 3, Craig and Woody took over. Both gave chances before Woody reached his 50. Craig’s 50 came up after an earlier deafening silence when he reached 49 thinking he only needed one for his half century. After that the partnership grew into a record SNCL stand of 188 in just 21 overs. Woody fell for 88 but Craig went on to make a ton rounded it off with 21 off the last over to take him to 129 no.

 

The total was never going to be in danger and again the oppo annoyingly hung around for the odd bonus point, Bucks took three wickets, Dave Cronin two and Roland Lawrence also too a couple with a promising spell of off-spin.

 

Other results

 

Croughton (138 for 3 – 20 pts) beat Hinton (137 all out – 3 pts) by 7 wickets

Afro Caribbean (174 for 9 – 20 pts) beat Warwick Univ. (135 for 9 – 6 pts) by 39 runs

Greens Norton (165 for 8 – 20 pts) beat Culworth (145 for 9 – 6 pts) by 20 runs

Gayton (188 for 9 – 20 pts) beat Woodford Halse (133 all out – 6 pts) by 55 runs

 

 

SATURDAY 15 MAY

 

BODICOTE 235-8 (20 pts) beat WOODFORD HALSE 114-6 (5 pts) by 121 runs

 

A nice gentle start to the season as a weak Woodford side were put under the cosh by consistent Bodicote batting. 235 in May considering the outfield was pretty long being an excellent score.

 

Bodicote opened with Inzy and Pratt and the former played some trademark punishing off side drives before skying a high full toss to mid off. After he went for 10 the scoreboard was kept ticking over by consistent batting all the way down. The Skipper made 24 as did Polly, Craig Irvine 20, Roland Lawrence 19, Slogger 27 and Steve Pratt a good 31. Some idiosyncratic batting order work by vice captain Newman saw Bucks promoted to 8. He managed a 0 and walked off with the look of a man who knew he had secured the No 11 berth for the rest of the season. No 9 Cronin the Barbarian produced a ballistic spell of hitting in the 38th and 39th overs scoring over 20 of each which took him to 48. Woodford’s last over was delivered by Coco the Clown and in the mix of wides and grubbers Dave could only manage a single to miss out on a well deserved 50.

 

Woodford’s reply was more of an apology as they opted to grind out for 1 batting point. Even the self proclaimed (and at 1430 hrs factually correct) SNCL Div 1 leading wicket taker Newman couldn’t induce a breakthrough. It was left to Barlow to buy another four wicket haul with a mix of looping tempters and skiddy quicker ones and even Bucks got in the act with the other two wickets to fall.

 

Other Results

 

Croughton (206 for 6 – 20 pts) beat Gayton (204 for 6 – 8 pts) by 2 runs

Afro Caribbean (123 for 7 – 20 pts) beat Culworth (122 all out – 4 pts) by 3 wickets

Warwick University Staff (120 for 6 – 20 pts) beat Preston Bissett (118 all out – 4 pts) by 4 wickets

Hinton in the Hedges (149 for 5 – 20 pts) beat Greens Norton (96 all out – 2 pts) by 53 runs

 

 

SATURDAY 8th MAY

 

AFRO CARRIBEAN v BODICOTE

 

Milton Keynes was sodden so the game was cancelled by MK Council  on Friday evening - to the no doubt delight of BCC wives who moan about games not being called off early. .

 

 

SATURDAY 1st MAY

 

WARWICK UNIVERSITY STAFF v BODICOTE

 

Surprisingly Warwick was dry all morning so it was game on. Bodicote raced the rain up the M40 and the home side reached 25-2 before it arrived and set in over the skipper’s alma mater (look it up). There was a run out and a wicket for the new vice captain Newman obviously taking the responsibility seriously. For the home team's take on procedings click here

 

All other matches in the Division were rained off so 10 points all round.



 

 

 2nd XI - 2004 SEASON

DATE FIXTURE
(SNCL Div4, 2.30 pm start unless shown) RESULT
* Denotes batted first
Sat 01 May Warwick UnivStaff ‘A’ (H) A
Sat 08 May Evenley ‘A’ (H) A
Sat 15 May Woodford Halse ‘A’ (A) W 100 all out* / 102-2
Sat 22 May Bye
Sat 29 May Chacombe (H) L 113-9 / 96 all out
Thu 03 Jun Chacombe Round One Cup (6.15pm) (A) W 72-8* / 70-8
Sat 05 Jun Flecknoe (A) W 182 all out / 79 all out
Sat 12 Jun Boddington (H) W 182-5 / 131 all out
Sat 19 Jun Helmdon (A) L 149 all out / 102 all out
Thu 24 Jun Helmdon Round Two Cup (6.15pm) (A) L failed to raise a side
Sat 26 Jun Thornborough ‘A’ (H) T 116 all out / 116 all out
Sat 03 Jul Warwick UnivStaff ‘A’ (A) L 125-6 / 71 all out
Sat 10 Jul Woodford Halse ‘A’ (H) W 136-4 / 135 all out*
Sat 17 Jul Evenley ‘A’ (A) L 155-6 / 69 all out
Sat 24 Jul Earlswood Friendly (H) L - They were v good
Sat 31 Jul Chacombe (A) L - no details
Sat 07 Aug Flecknoe (2.00 pm) (H) L 113 all out* / 115-8
Sat 14 Aug Boddington (2.00 pm) (A) W 138-5 / 136-6*
Sat 21 Aug Helmdon (2.00 pm) (H) W 151 all out / 139-7
Sat 28 Aug Thornborough ‘A’ (2.00 pm) (A) W

SATURDAY 28 AUGUST
BODICOTE 'A' (186 for 8 - 20 pts) beat THORNBOROUGH 'A' (185 for 6 - 8 pts) by 2 wkts

A good way to end the season and 3rd place in the Division 4 table was consolidated.

Thornborough belied their bottom of the table status (or had some 1st teamers playing) because they rattled up 185-6 with Colin Robinson and Kilvo taking two wickets each. Colin also scored 32 but the response was faltering until Big Al Starkie came to the crease - according to Alan he scored 47, the SNCL result records it as 54, but as he doesn't normally get this many not surprisingly he lost count! With skipper Lee nursing a bad foot he came in at the end to hit a crucial 11* and secure a fine win with one ball remaining.

Other results

Boddington (206 for 9 - 20 pts) beat Woodford H. 'A' (89 all out - 4pts) by 117 runs
Warwick Univ. Staff 'A' (149 for 3 - 20 pts) beat Evenley 'A' (56 all out - 1 pt) by 93 runs
Chacombe v Flecknoe - match cancelled, waterlogged pitch (10 pts each)


SATURDAY 21 AUGUST

BODICOTE (151 all out - 20 pts) beat HELMDON (136 for 7 - 7 pts) by 12 runs

A highly satisfying win against the league leaders who whilst doing enough to secure the title did not have the satisfaction of achieving it with a win.

The 2s were boosted by the presence of Dave Cronin who was on-call from Kraft and could therefore not travel with the 1s. He scored 36 and skipper Lee 48 in Bodicote's 151 all out. When it was Helmdon's turn to bat they coped OK with the usual 2s attack of Starkie and Robison S however they soon struggled once Dave came on "Where did you get a change bowler like that?". He took 5-28 and Bodicote held on to win by 12 runs and move up to third in the table with a trip to bottom side Thornborough A next week to hopefully consolidate this.

Other results

Warwick Uni Staff A (77 for 2- 20 pts) beat Flecknoe (76 all out - 1 pt) by 8 wickets
Chacombe (119 for 2 - 20 pts) beat Evenley A (115 all out - 2 pts) by 8 wickets
Woodford A (158 for 3 - 20 pts) beat Thornborough A (157 all out - 4 pts) by 7 wickets

SATURDAY 14 AUGUST

BODICOTE (138 for 5 – 20 pts) beat BODDINGTON (135 for 6 – 4 pts) by 5 wickets

An important win for the second team after five defeats in seven games. This win staves off the danger of relegation barring a statistically improbable series of results.

Boddington made 136-6 in their 40 overs with Bob Lawrence the pick of the bowlers with 4-27. Bodicote’s reply was lead by Chris Rogers who hit 42 including some mighty blows. After this the team struggled until the sixth wicket pair of Lee and Lawrence G came together. George batted responsibly (allegedly) for 33* and
Gary scored 28* to take the team to victory with about 4 overs remaining.

Other results

Helmdon (110 for 7 – 20 pts) beat Warwick Uni. ‘A’ (109 for 7 – 4 pts) by 3 wickets
Chacombe (? – 20 pts) beat Thornborough ‘A’ (? – 4pts) by ?
Flecknoe (178 all out – 20 pts) beat Woodford Halse ‘A’ (99 all out – 5pts) by 79 runs

SATURDAY 07 AUGUST

FLECKNOE (115 for 8 - 20 pts) beat BODICOTE (113 all out - 5 pts) by 2 wickets

Same old, same old unfortunatley - not enough runs. Gary Lee scored 28 as did Chris Rogers who made a welcome return to Bodicote colours. Father and son combo Colin & Steve Robinson did their best with 4-22 and 3-35 but Flecknoe sneaked home by two wickets

Other results

Evenley A (118 for 6 - 20pts) beat Boddington (117 all out - 4 pts) by 4 wickets
Warwick Uni. Staff (242 for 6 - 20 pts) beat Thornborough A (62 all out - 3 pts) by 180 runs
Helmdon (160 for 4 - 20 pts) beat Chacombe (159 for 6 - 5 pts) by 6 wickets

SATURDAY 31 JULY

CHACOMBE beat BODICOTE

Patchy info I am sorry. Chacombe got 40 odd too many runs - but I don't know what they should have got! Bodicote finished about 40 short having been 40-7 with Alan Starkie scoring 44. Chacombedid not report the result to the SNCL along with three other results so there is only one other result.

Other result

Flecknoe (149 for 3 - 20 pts) beat Evenley A (147 for 8 - 3 pts) by 7 wickets
SATURDAY 24 JULY

Any report on friendly match v Earslwood would be gratefully received by the Editor.

Other results

Evenley ‘A’ (128 for ? – 20pts) beat Thornborough ‘A’ (125 for ?) by ??
Flecknoe (161 all out – 20pts) beat Helmdon (93 all out – 5pts) by 68 runs
Boddington (70 for 8 – 20pts) beat Chacombe (69 all out – 4pts) by 2 wickets
Warwick Univ. Staff ‘A’ (185 for 7 – 20pts) beat Woodford ‘A’ (183 all out – 7 pts) by 3 wickets


SATURDAY 17 JULY

EVENLEY ‘A’ (155 for 6 – 20 pts) beat BODICOTE ‘A’ (69 all out – 3 pts) by 86 runs

The 2s Jekyll and Hide run continued with the grotesque turning up this weekend (what’s new I hear you ask?). 155-6 was not a huge target but the visitors only made 69 with senior pros Andy Hawken (21) and Jerry Biggs (24) leaving the other 9 to share out the remaining 24 runs! So the chance to regain 2nd spot went begging.

Other results

Helmdon (151 for 7 – 20 pts) beat Boddington (92 all out – 3 pts) by 59 runs
Flecknoe (98 all out – 20 pts) beat Thornborough ‘A’ (89 all out – 5 pts) by 9 runs
Woodford Halse ‘A’ (299 for 5 – 20 pts) beat Chacombe (185 for 7 – 6 pts) by 114 runs


SATURDAY 10 JULY

BODICOTE ‘A’ (136 for 4 – 20 pts) beat WOODFORD HALSE ‘A’ (135 all out – 4 pts) by 6 wickets

An eventful game with Bodicote helping the visitors on their way to a defendable score thanks to 20+ wides. Then Bob Lawrence (didn’t he retire last season?) came into the attack to take 5 wickets In the meantime the changing rooms were turned over by a light fingered local. The Crimewatch reconstruction will show him being helped on his way by Alan Starkie who is probably not on his local neighbourhood watch scheme. Bodicote’s reply was based around 52* from Bob Lawrence (did I contribute to his retirement curry?) who also managed to pick a fight with one of the visitors. The 1sts were amazed to return from their rained off game to see the 2s playing in a torrential downpour as skipper Lee did not know the ruling if the game had been abandoned (we would have won on run rate). Woodford also complained about the behaviour of the watching 1sts who were enjoying the fielding sides aquaplaning too heartily in their opinion.

SATURDAY 3 JULY

WARWICK UNI ‘A’ (125 for 6 – 20 pts) beat BODICOTE ‘A’ (71 all out – 3 pts) by 54 runs

Feeble batting let down Bodicote after they had restricted the home team to 125-6. Alan Starkiewasthe pick of the bowlers with 2-20. Chasing this modest total Bodicoteonlymade 71 with stand in skipper Gary Lee scoring 31* and Alan Starkie 12. This result means the oppogo above Bodicote into 2nd and the 2s will welcome back their all rounder skipper Baltiwhowas probably burning up
St Pierre golf course on the Kraft golf day instead.

Other results

Evenley ‘A’ (167 for 9 – 20 pts) beat Woodford Halse ‘A’ (155 all out – 7 pts) by 12 runs
Boddington (70 for 4 – 20 pts) beat Flecknoe (68 all out – 2 pts) by 6 wickets
Helmdon (70 for 5 – 20 pts) beat Thornborough ‘A’ (68 all out – 2 pts) by 5 wickets


SATURDAY 26 JUNE

BODICOTE ‘A’ (116 all out – 16 pts) tied with THORNBOROUGH ‘A’ (116 all out – 16 pts)

In a game reduced to 38 overs Bodicote still criminally failed to use them all up managing only 116 in 32 overs with Colin Robinson (26) and Paul Rogers (20) top scoring. The visitors reached 55-0 before the entry of the Ginger destroyer Flintoff-Baltithenew all-rounder. He took 5-11 the last wicket coming when the scores were level with the second ball of the last over. This is the first tie in a league game since 1996 (Preston Capes A away) and the 16 points earned means Bodicote go up to 2nd in the table

Other results

Evenley ‘A’ (92 for 4 – 20 pts) beat Warwick U. Staff ‘A’ (88 all out – 2 pts) by 6 wkts
Woodford Halse ‘A’ v Boddington – Rained off (10 pts each)
Flecknoe v Chacombe - Rained off (10 pts each)


SATURDAY 19 JUNE

HELMDON (149 all out – 20 pts) beat BODICOTE ‘A’ (102 all out – 6 pts) by 47 runs

A disappointing result at top of the table Helmdon. The home side made a gettable 149 with Baltipick of the bowlers with 3-18. Bodicote slumped to 20 odd for 5 before 33* from Andy Hawkengave the score a degree of respectability. Bodicotewereleft hoping for a late shower as they did score their meagre total in only 22 oversbutthe rain and Duckworth/Lewis did not come to the rescue.

Other results

Woodford Halse ‘A’ (168 all out – 20 pts) beat Thornborough ‘A’ (84 all out – 5 pts) by 84 runs
Warwick University Staff ‘A’ (20 pts) beat Flecknoe (-10 pts) walkover
Chacombe (123 for 6 – 20 pts) beat Evenley ‘A’ (119 for 9 – 4 pts) by 4 runs


SATURDAY 12 JUNE

BODICOTE ‘A’ (182 for 5 – 20 pts) beat BODDINGTON (131 all out –