2005 SEASON
1st Team
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FIXTURE (SNCL Div 1, |
RESULT |
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Greens Norton (H) |
L 24 all out / 25-1 |
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Syresham (A) |
L 95 all out / 89 all out |
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L 226-4 / 121 all out |
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Gayton (A) |
D Rained off |
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Scratched by BCC |
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Radway (H) |
L 176 all out* / 180-8 |
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Culworth (A) |
W 150-5 / 133 all out |
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Preston Capes (H) |
W 162-8 / 131 all out |
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Thornborough (A) |
L 243-7 / 99 all out |
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Woodford Halse (H) |
W 138-7 / 101 all out |
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Greens Norton (A) |
W 130 all out / 83 all out |
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Syresham (H) |
L 152 all out* / 153-4 |
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W 215-7 / 206 all out |
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Gayton (H) |
W 234-7 / 82 all out |
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Radway (A) |
L 92 all out* / 94-6 |
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Culworth (H) |
L 104 all out / 195-5 |
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Preston Capes (A) |
D Rained off |
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Thornborough (H) |
L 215-8 / 135 all out |
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Woodford Halse (A) |
W Walkover |
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12 Sep 05 |
Broughton & NN (A) Friendly |
W 273-5* / 275-5 |
Sunday 12th September
BODICOTE (275-5) beat BROUGHTON & NN (273-5) by 5 wickets
So the curtain was brought down on the season with a remarkable result at Broughton in the annual end of year match.
Skipper for the day Woodruff had selected an eclectic club mix with players from all levels of the club past and present. It was good to see Swannee and PT back playing and they helped Woody with his master plan. He chose to fight girth (Broughton have a number big boys in their midst) with pate and fielded five members who need to pack the sunblock on a sunny day.
The first half of proceedings followed the traditional pattern. Despite a wet wicket Broughton pounded the Bodicote attack and aided by some (well lots of) dropped catches and a short boundary on one side, went on to amass a big score. Bucks bowled well taking 2-23 off his 10 overs and Mark Smith bowled his longest spell ever taking 1-64 off 10 which in the circumstances was a good effort. Elsewhere Swannee went for 33 off 2, Inzy and Nigel Smith a few less and the Chair 2-85 off nine with a couple of tight wicket taking overs at the end preventing the first ever 100. Skipper Woodruff was unable to bowl having forgotten his boots and a trip back to Bodicote saw him return in his “Super Instones”. For younger readers “Instones” are named after ex-player Tony who would happily criticise opposition’s cricketing etiquette whilst playing in his black hockey trainers; Woody’s were the Super model because they were black golf shoes.
Bodicote sent out Dave Allen and Symmo to respond and they were soon in their stride – metaphorically speaking anyway as Symmo hurt his back again and needed a runner which allowed PT an early look at the bowling. This did not stop him hitting some good shots and the score had raced up to 104 in the 15th over before Symmo departed for an excellent 40. Dave soon followed for 67 which meant PT and George were together. As Broughton’s fielding followed on from the visitors (“There’s a disease here but it ain’t catching”) PT rolled back the years and went ballistic, ignoring the short boundaries he hit sixes to the furthest points of the ground. In all he hit 6 sixes in a score of 51 that took fewer than seven overs to compile. When he was out in the 24th over the score had raced onto 185. Swannee bagged the kitbag next ball to bring Woody to the crease and George now took centre stage with some mighty blow sin the gathering gloom. George scored 63 and took the team to within sniffing distance of victory with nine needed off three overs when he was out. Barlow hit two fours to win the game with two overs to spare and celebrated by demolishing a pint glass with his bat as he returned to the dressing room. Woody finished with 36 no and Bodicote had secured their best ever win chasing (by some 60 runs the historians thought).
Saturday 27th August
BODICOTE (20 pts) beat WOODFORD (-10 pts) by default. .
A most unsatisfactory end to the season. Woodford defaulted as Woodford Utd were playing in the FA Cup and would not let them use the ground.
A number of questions
Why not?
Could we have not played if we did not use the changing rooms have teas outside?
Why didn’t the football club tell them earlier?
Would this have happened if Woodford had needed to win to stay up or avoid the drop?
If this had meant we had avoided the drop how would other teams have felt?
Why weren’t more alternative grounds looked for?
A number of Woodford 1s played for Woodford 2s who could have still gone up.
Answers in the Discussion Forum please. Might raise these with the league as Woodford’s -10 points make difference for this season.
Saturday 20th August
BODICOTE (135 all out - 6 pts) lost to THORNBOROUGH (215-8 - 20 pts) by 80 runs.
A mix of 1sts & 2nds could not stop Thornborough from winning and taking the title. None of their batsmen made a huge score but they still reached a formidable total with Dave Cronin taking 3-26. In reply Polly remarkably got a few, 34 and Dean hit 28.
Further info to give a more detailed report gratefully received by the Editor.
Saturday 13th August
BODICOTE (10 pts) drew with PRESTON CAPES (10 pts) – rained off
Sadly
it poured down from
With most other games in the Division suffering the same fate we should surely now avoid the drop. Gayton would need to win their last two games and we would need to lose them obtaining no points along the way for them to draw level with us.
Saturday 6th August
BODICOTE (104 all out – 3 pts) lost to CULWORTH (195 for 5 – 20 pts) by 91 runs
With Andrew again lured by handbags and Simon H nursing a broken hand after falling down the stairs on holiday - selection proved difficult and in the end two members of Olde Barlow’s Bodicote Almanack were called up to make up the numbers. Enter former fast bowling legend Maurice Marshall and Alan Parfitt. It is 12 years since Maurice last pulled on a cricket shirt and that shirt would probably not fit him as he has put on 5 stone in that time. Alan by comparison is a regular with this his second game since 1994. With Anthony Baker (ex-Wardington) Andy Tucker (ex-Byfield) and Richard Harper lining up for the oppo it was a real case of all our yesterdays. Jerry also played for the first time this season and it was good to see the slip cordon graced by his feline prowess once again.
Captain Inzy inserted Culworth hoping to benefit from the damp end of the strip which George and/or Arthur had conspired to only water half of. However they reached 57-1 inside 14 overs with the only wicket a catch by the captain off Phil. Phil and Dan Smith who bowled well without any luck were they replaced by Dave Cronin and the Chair and Dave struck in his first over to remove opener King. Richard Harper joined Pete Bateman but the two were kept in check by accurate bowling and tight fielding and the two of them added 50 in 18 overs before Barlow removed Bateman and Harper was soon out to Dave to leave Culworth 115-4 with 8 overs left. Unfortunately Phil’s favourite public schoolboy Rupert Rowling joined the fray and he smashed a very quick 50 with good support and with 80 runs coming from the last 8 overs the target ended up a lot higher than expected at 195-5.
With resources thin Bodicote needed a good start but Craig Wilkins removed both Inzy and Polly with inswinging yorkers to leave Bodicote 8-2. Stand-in opener Barlow (24) and Cronin (30) gave the team a glimmer of hope with a 51 run partnership but they were both out along with Dan Smith either side of the drinks break to leave Bodicote 73-5. Apart from one huge six from Phil and some steady batting from Mark Smith (13 no) the tail did not wag and when Maurice strode to the crease to join Smithy the score read 98-9. The pair managed to take the score over the 100 to secure a bonus point before Maurice fell to the Culworth 15 year old spinner.
Fortunately Greens Norton and Gayton both lost again but it would be nice not to have to rely on others for safety!
Saturday 30th July
BODICOTE 92 all out (3 points) lost to RADWAY 94-6 (20 points) by 4 wickets
Well the editor was not there which explains the brief report rather than the poor performance (or maybe not). Only Dave Allen with 32 scored any runs with Dave Cronin’s fine run with the bat - 63, 99, 73 coming to an end. He tried to make up for it with the ball though taking 5-20 to earn yet another jug but this was not enough to prevent Radway from winning and doing the double over us despite being below us in the table! A disappointing effort and the team will need to bounce back against Culworth this Saturday to dispel any r........n thoughts.
Saturday 23rd July
BODICOTE 234-7 (20 points) beat GAYTON 82 all out (3 points) by 151 runs
Bodicote enjoyed their first “big” win of the season as they outplayed a Gayton side who are struggling at the foot of the table having lost some players and looking short on confidence.
Dave won the toss and of course we batted. Dave Cronin retained his opener’s spot with Stanno who the team were pleased to see was using a new bat to replace the Middleless wonder. The Gayton opening attack of Bobsin and O’Brien bowled well and their were few run scoring opportunities in the first eight overs. Thing became a little easier as Dave and Andy got their eyes in and Gayton made a double change after 12 overs with 30 on the board. The change bowlers presented fewer problems and the pair tucked into the bowling with aplomb. They both fell within a couple of runs after adding 138 in 27 overs. Andrew scored his second 50 of the season with a measured 56 and Dave hit 73, another boundary studded knock from the long time tailender. After their departure the team lost wickets trying to keep the momentum going and the score had only moved on to 173-7 with six overs to go when Phil Newman joined Dan Smith. These two put on an unbeaten 51 with Dan hitting one huge six over the tree and Phil two sixes in the last over to both end up in the mid-20s.
Gayton’s reply never go going as Phil and Dan both took c&b’s in their first overs as skipper Dave was allowed the luxury of resting Cronin. Phil’s was an athletic leap of a bat-pad and Dan held onto a fierce drive from a low full toss. Both each took a wicket bowled and Dan picked up his third when Balti caught one at point between his wrists to leave Gayton 19-5. They recovered to 62 before Bucks got going. He had the No 4 Trusler caught at slip by Dave C, and took three further wickets, including an athletic stretch by one-stump Pratt at point. He finished with 4-8 failing to record a five wicket haul when the Gayton No 11 spooned Barlow to Balti to leave the visitors 82 all out.
For Gayton’s take on proceedings including an interesting accolade for Phil see the Match Reports section of their website
Saturday 16th July
BODICOTE 215-7 (20 points) beat WARWICK UNIVERSITY STAFF 206 all out (8 points) by 9 runs
An excellent game of cricket and a fantastic win against a team who had only lost once this season before Saturday.
After
recent week’s problems in fielding eleven the Chairman was relieved to
arrive at the ground at
Dave won the toss and in hot conditions there was no question about batting. With Steve P and Andrew both unavailable Dave was looking for a volunteer to join Inzy in the opening role. Dave Cronin took up the challenge to complete his meteoric rise from top of the lower order to No 2. The heavyweight duo started in positive mood with Inzy smashing the 1st ball for 4 … through slip’s hands. Both played some positive shots and the score had reached 38 when Inzy was out for 20 in the 10th over. Skipper Dave A joined the fray but for once was overshadowed with Dave C enjoying the opener’s role playing some lovely shots to leg and hitting meaty drives. He brought up his 50 and the pair added 80 in 13 overs before Dave Allen was caught behind for 16. Enter another BCC big hitter Pollard and he too had to play second fiddle to the rampant Barbarian. Another 40 were added in five overs of which Polly contributed just 13 before being out with the score on 158 in the 28th. Up till now the Staff side had gone very quiet, more like an Exam Invigilators XI but they are not at the right end of the table for nothing. Mike Hawken went next ball and two overs later an exhausted Dave fell LBW cruelly for…99 - a great knock featuring thirteen 4s and two 6s. Andy Hawken and Stu Smith soon followed and the complexion of the game had changed with Bodicote 171 for 7 with five overs to go, 5 wickets having fallen for 13 runs in 7 overs. However Dan Smith and Barlow set about moving the score up to 200 and the Chair took the back seat as Dan smashed 41, including three enormous 6s for Bodicote to plunder 44 in the last 5 and set a challenging total of 215.
So
a good score but the Staff’s strength is in their batting and with
experienced Newman and Buckingham absent and Cronin shattered after his innings
it would still take some defending.
Dave opened with Simon Hawken and Barlow and Simon got the breakthrough on 29 when the dangerous Darius was well caught by Dave Allen at mid on. The wicket suited Barlow and he kept things in check with a tight leg stump line and picked up a wicket on 70 bowling the oppo’s No 3. SNCL regulations mean that U18s can only bowl 7 overs in a stint and Simon was replaced by a tired Dave who bowled manfully but could not prevent the scoreboard ticking over at the Staff fought hard to get up to the run rate. Barlow finished his spell with his 12 overs costing a (in the circumstances) parsimonious 29 and Dan Smith joined the attack bowling with good pace and line just outside off-stump. The score had moved on to 130 in the 29th over and things were looking onimous when the No 4 Wood mistimed a pull off Dave and Polly took an easy catch at mid wicket. Simon then replaced Dave, whose 8 weary overs had gone for 55 and the Staff upped the tempo looking for the win to keep them in the promotion race. The scoreboard had raced on with 31 coming off three overs before Dan struck to have the No 4 Lamb R, caught behind by Stu for 11 and two overs later he took the crucial wicket of opener Carter who was bowled after compiling an excellent 76. Simon struck to bowl Ali for 16 next over but then was hit for a 6 and a 4 to leave the score 183-6 with five overs to go. 8 came of Dan’s next over and then he played his part in the next dismissal as a fine effort at square leg saw him just to fail to pull off a catch off Simon but he recovered to run out the Staff skipper Lamb S for 11. Simon then bowled the No 7 and 20 were needed off 3. Seven came off Dan’s next over and he then had to leave fray having bowled his U18 spell of 7 overs finishing with good figures of 2-39. Hawkeye picked up his fourth wicket to have No 10 Keating caught behind by Stu who then almost caught the No 11 after a full length dive to leave 10 to win off the last over. Skipper Allen’s bowling options looked thin, figuratively at least, a choice between the ever willing Inzy and the totally knackered Dave, who like all the other fielders had worked hard to keep the score down. Luckily he chose the latter and Dave summoned up the energy to bowl a fast short one which was top edged by Stride and Stu Smith made up an enormous amount of ground backwards to take a tumbling catch to secure the win.
This was fantastic performance with Simon taking 4-72, Dan Smith turning a great all-round show and of course Dave producing his magnificent knock. However this was again a top team effort. Everyone played their part in the field with even some of the players whose more athletic days are behind them, at one stage the off-side ring consisted of Smith M, Hawken A and Barlow, produced some great stops. Credit too to Captain Dave who did not get flustered and defended the total shrewdly and to the opposition who were magnanimous in defeat.
When Warwick Uni Staff have recovered from the shock of defeat their report on proceedings will appear on their excellent website.
Saturday 9th July
BODICOTE 152 all out (5 points) lost to SYRESHAM 153-4 (20 points) by 6 wickets
Another
week where team numbers proved key. Teams’ Secretary Smith M proudly
announced on arrival we had 12 this morning and room had been made for Mike
Hawken to play in the 2s, little did he know what was to follow.. Dave won the
toss and we batted. By now only 10 players had arrived and a call to the
missing Dan Smith elicited the response from his dad that he had been called up
to play in the Bloxham School match v the Old Boys – It would have been
nice to have known! However on the pitch Inzy and Steve were compiling our best
start to the season. Mixed in with a few edges were some good shots including a
hooked six for Steve which would have made a mess of his unhelmeted features
had he missed it. Inzy was still suffering with his sliced finger and
complained it hurt when he didn’t middle it …. so there was a lot
of complaining. He was out for 19 when the score had reached 51 off 11. Dave
entered the fray and the score moved on to 66 before Syresham brought on
Unfortunately during tea Tom Lawrence was discovered to have gone awol so it was a case of Thornborough revisited and nine fielders. Phil and Simon both bowled some good deliveries that passed the outside edge of the bat but with gaps in the field the run rate was quickly up to speed. Simon struck on 28 when he had the Syresham opener wonderfully caught one handed by keeper Roger diving to his right. Phil bowled the No 3 soon after but Syresham moved the score up to 69 off just 14 overs before another breakthrough when Wyness drilled Bucks to mid off to be well caught by Phil. Butler joined the opener Brock who was playing well and he hit some big shots before thick edging one hard to Dave who took a nonchalant catch at slip. The score was now 101-4 off 19 overs but any chance of getting at the Syresham tail were nipped in the bud by Parry who thrashed Buckingham and Barlow, including three consecutive 6s off last week’s hero, for a rapid 39 to end the game in the 24th over.
So the long trip to Warwick University Staff awaits and with team secretary Mark Smith on his hols and Bodicote on tour heaven knows how many players we will have on display next week.
Saturday 2nd July
BODICOTE 130 all out (20 points) beat GREENS NORTON 83 all out (5 points) by 47 runs
An unlikely win which gave stand-in skipper Richard Smith the taste of success on his first match at the helm. Again Bodicote’s cause was not helped by pre-match problems. Phil didn’t arrive at The Plough and when contacted told Inzy that he had said he couldn’t play this week. All evidence points to this being a fabrication and Team Secretary Mark Smith left pulling his hair out – not literally it is a wig after all. So it was 10-man Bodicote… again and Skipper Smith also had bad news. He had sliced through his finger on Friday which required 6 stitches and meant he wouldn’t be able to bat or field properly (fill in your own punch line here).
Inzy’s first move was to lose the toss and we were inserted. Greens Norton opened with our nemesis from the first match of the season debacle Chris Bowmer and his swing bowling soon had Steve Pratt and Stanno in trouble. Stanno was also hampered by his middle-less bat which meant he could not get the ball off the square and at six strip Greens Norton that really is saying something. However the two stuck at it and their partnership reached 24 before Steve was bowled by Bowmer for 14. With batting resources thin skipper Smith had made the inspired move of putting Dave Cronin in at three and after Andrew was out for 5 soon after, Cronin and Smith M moved the score up to 55 before Mark was out chasing a wide one after a useful 13. Mike Hawken joined Dave and again batted carefully before falling for 4 soon followed by Tom Lawrence for 1. Bucks fell to a shooter for 5 and the score had reached 98 with six overs to go mainly due to Dave who was now in the 40s. He moved on to his 50 and beyond with a stunning display of hitting in the 37th over when he hit 20, including one enormous 6, one normal 6, a 4 and two 2s. He finally fell for an excellent 63 and Simon and Richard Smith soon followed – the latter batting no more badly than usual despite his injury to leave Barlow, who was just warming up on 9 no and the total 130 with two overs criminally unused.
So like the week before an early breakthrough would be needed and when Dave’s very first ball was loopily edged by the home team’s opener to second slip it looked like it had been achieved. Unfortunately Barlow was fielding there and dropped the catch. Despite Dave’s best efforts and a very tidy spell from Simon Hawken of 0-12 off 7 the Norton openers took the score up to 40 off 15 overs before the skipper’s next tactical masterstroke bringing on Buckingham and Barlow. Buckingham soon had a chance to take the vital wicket but missed out on an simple c & b when he was unable to catch the ball in mid-balletic pirouette appealing for an LBW. However two balls later he did bowl one of the openers and his colleague fell in Barlow’s first over when Mike Hawken showed the old men how to catch with a good diving effort to pick up an edge at gully. Barlow’s next over saw the dangerous Bodily lob one up to Simon Hawken at mid on and despite a mini-Buckingham dance he pouched it and 40-0 had become 40-3. The two wily campaigners kept things tight and when No 4 Jones tried to push the score along with a steepling big hit off Barlow he fell to a fine diving catch by Dave Cronin at long on. The stranglehold continued and with the last ball of the 26th over Barlow took another wicket with his one bad ball of the day, a high full toss sliced to Steve Pratt at mid off, to leave the total 44-5, ie four runs scored in 11 overs. The Norton captain Holton speeded things up a bit and even hit a smeary 4 off Barlow which left the increasingly manic Buckingham calling for the spinner to be replaced despite figures of 4-12 off 9 at this stage. Bucks bowled Holton for 12 and at 67-6 off 32 the game was looking safe. Barlow completed his first five wicket haul for years (August 1994.since you asked) when Andrew produced a neat stumping and Bucks swore at the home team’s No 3 for having the nerve to inside edge him for 2. This stung the batsman who had played very slowly up till then and he blasted Chris for a six next ball. Stanno stumped another batsman off Barlow and then to really show it was his day the Chair took a caught and bowled running to catch a skier as it dropped over his shoulder. With a run out in the next over Greens Norton had subsided to 83 all out and Barlow finished with figures of 7-15 off 11 overs.
Notwithstanding the individual performances of Cronin and Barlow this was a good team effort with the fielding keen and the spirit excellent. Credit also to Inzy the skipper who held things together.
For the oppo’s rather curmudgeonly take on proceedings visit their website.
Saturday 25th June
BODICOTE 138-7 (20 points) beat WOODFORD HALSE 101 all out (4 points) by 37 runs
Dave won the toss and despite the damp pitch and promise of the new ball opted as ever to bat. Runs were hard to come by early on with Woodford bowling well, Bodicote’s shot selection poor and a lush outfield, due to the gang-mowers refusing to work. Only the returning Andrew Stanley of the top six made more than single figures. Steve Pratt (4) played over a yorker, Dave (5) edged one to the keeper, Polly hit a big four then played all round one without adding to his score and Inzy (5) lobbed one up to point. This left the scoreboard grim reading at 34-4 off 20 overs. Andrew and Mike Hawken dug in and Andrew finally started to manage to get the ball off the square and the two of them ran well. The score was up to 89 off 34 overs before Mike was out for 6 having seen Stanno farm the strike to reach is half century. Enter Cronin the Barbarian and he really got the scoreboard moving. Dave hit a six, 4 fours and a breath gasping, sweat inducing 3 on his way to a rapid 37. By the time he was out in the last over the total was up to 138, a crucial partnership of 49 in under six overs. There was still time for Phil to claim the kitbag with a golden duck and Andrew finished on 68 no, an excellent knock.
So probably less than hoped for but given the conditions we were in with chance. Dave got an early breakthrough when he bowled Shrimpton round his legs on 10 but Woodford moved onto 30 at 3 an over before Simon picked up a wicket as skipper Dave pouched a catch at mid off. Big hitter Powell came in at four and hit Dave for 3 fours in an over to see Barlow brought into the attack. Powell and Haynes, a very correct looking 15 year opener, they had taken the score up to 53 before Barlow spun one past Powell to bowl him for 22. Popat came in and almost perished immediately when he hit a Barlow full toss straight at Polly at midwicket but he failed to take the catch. Phil replaced Simon and he took the vital wicket of Haynes, bowling him with a yorker, and at the halfway point honours looked even with the score on 71-4. Skipper Allen played his master card and brought on the cunning Buckingham instead of the raw power of Newman and along with Barlow they kept the run rate down. Barlow took the fifth wicket with another ball that turned (honestly) before Bucks mopped up the tail. Rolling back the year’s Chris took 4 for 7 in 5 and a half overs and along with a run out Woodford slipped to 101 all out in 34 overs.
This was a good win which means that at the halfway point of the season Bodicote have won three (of the required six) matches. Other results mean we are still third from bottom but have opened up a gap on the bottom two and closed the gap on the main pack..
Saturday 18th June
BODICOTE 99 all out (3 points) lost to THORNBOROUGH 243-7 (20 points) by 144 runs
So the good run of form hit the somewhat self induced buffers at Thornborough. Bodicote arrived with a nine man team and the promise of Andrew Stanley arriving from Southampton which never materialised. Worse still in that Dave Cronin who was back to his quickest last weekend had somehow pulled a muscle in his thigh whilst spending two days in bed ill so could only bowl half pace. On a baking hot day skipper Dave knew the pressure was on but he called incorrectly to leave the team toiling in the sun.
The Thornborough openers moved the score up to 38 off 8 overs before Edwards was superbly caught by keeper Smith chasing a wide one of Simon Hawken. Simon struggled to find his usual good length but took another wicket when Chapman, who had been missed off a simple c&b by the usually reliable Newman, glanced at a wide one down the legside only to see Stuart pull off another stunning catch. Dave C replaced Phil who had bowled well and was unlucky not to get the ‘Boro No 3 LBW (no league umpire) and it was Cronah took the 3rd wicket at 75 when he bowled Wood. Any chance of a shock victory evaporated as the fourth wicket pair added 80 in 13 overs finding the gaps, chasms more like, with ease. Barlow removed Dinnie for 65 at 157 and two more wickets followed but McStraw biffed his way to 65 and with good support from the tail the score ended up on 243-7.
Bodicote’s innings never got going and wickets fell with regularity. Only Dave C with 22, including one enormous six and Dave Allen 42 (given out LBW by Steve Pratt!) made double figures. With a batting point just one run away Phil was bowled round his legs to leave the large Thornborough crowd and team to enjoy a comfortable win and Bodicote to slink off a bit embarrassed. Words will be had to ensure that we do not look like a Mickey Mouse operation again.
Saturday 11th June
BODICOTE 162-8 (20 points) beat PRESTON CAPES 131 all out (6 pts) by 31 runs
So we are on a roll! Dave lost the toss and we were inserted. Steve Pratt fell early but Dave and Inzy put on 58 in 16 overs. Inzy scored 19 including an exciting flurry when he narrowly avoided decapitating Dave, the bowler and the umpire with a fierce drive for four and followed this up with a sumptuous hooked four. Once he went Dave (37) and Mike Hawken (4) soon followed to leave us 76-4 off 22 overs. Stuart Smith (now recovered from the George mauling in the nets) and Dave Cronin recovered the situation adding 50 in 10 overs before they went in quick succession each for a good 26. Barlow and Newman failed to ignite and it was left to Bucks to move the score to a competitive one with a quick fire 20 including four 4s to leave Bodicote 162-8 at tea.
Bodicote got just the start they needed when Dave had the Preston opener Bull caught by Phil at slip in the first over. Simon Hawken followed this up by bowling the other opener and the No 3 with successive balls in his second over to leave the visitors 4-3. By the 7th over the score stood at 19-5 as Dave had also grabbed two wickets, both bowled, in consecutive balls. Preston recovered to 49-5 before Barlow broke the partnership, then two wickets for Phil, including a rare Bucks catch and another one for Barlow, a good boundary catch by Jay Watts saw them reduced to 72-9. At this stage Dave gave the other two bowlers Watts and Buckingham their chance for glory but with the foot off the accelerator, the No 9 Stobart hitting cleanly and the 14 year old No 11 Wilson batting well the quick win proved elusive. In fact the last pair put on 61 and only needed another 31 off four overs when Jay took a catch behind square off Bucks to remove Stobart for 42.
Afterwards Preston’s best bowler, Higham and Stobart commented on how well the wicket had played with something in it for everyone. This is a testimony to the work George and JP in particular have put into the square although the comments would probably have been different if we had played on the arid tundra that George had prepared for us and was wisely ignored by Inzy when he turned up on Saturday to make final arrangements!
Saturday 4th June
BODICOTE 150-5 (20 points) beat CULWORTH 133 all out (4 pts) by 17 runs
A win at last! On a damp Culworth pitch Inzy fell early on to leave Steve P and skipper Dave to grind their way to 60 in 20 overs before both were out in their 20s. Tom Lawrence swished and missed for 10 overs for 3 but luckily birthday boy Woodruff hit 51 no to take the total up to 151-5. Smon Hawken again bowled well taking 3-31 and Dave Cronin a tight 2-25. Woodruff was called into bowling action as well as Bucks was stuck with bowel action and a nasty bout of gastric flu which prevented him from playing. He took 2-15 and by the time the last over had arrived 17 were needed with the last pair at the wicket. Ever one to keep the game going Dave tossed the ball to Inzy but fortunately a run out off his first ball prevented any nerve jangling wide-fest. Inzy did take two catches and a mention in despatches for Smith M who kept wicket well taking a catch and only conceding 5 byes. A good team effort and although still bottom this was a morale boosting performance.
Saturday 28th May
BODICOTE 176 all out (8 points) lost to RADWAY 180-8 (20 pts) by 2 wickets
Dave scored a good 54 in Bodicote’s first competitive score of the season but despite figures of 4-29 for Simon Hawken, Radway sneaked home for their first win to leave Bodicote bottom despite the 8 bonus points.
Saturday 21st May
GAYTON (10 points) drew with BODICOTE (10 points) rained off
Not a ball bowled and instead your correspondent went swimming at the indoor pool in Towcester about three miles from Gayton where it was only just wetter inside than outside.
Saturday 14th May
BODICOTE 121 all out (3 points) lost to WARWICK UNIVERSITY STAFF 226-4 (20 pts) by 105 runs
Bodicote were well beaten by a strong Warwick University Staff side who took advantage of an excellent track to rack up 226-4 and dismissed Bodicote for 121.
The visitors were initially held back by some good bowling from Phil Newman and Simon Hawken with Phil making an early breakthrough with the score on 14. However after this they gradually moved the scoring rate up to four + an over. Barlow slowed things down a little but the fourth bowling option, the occasional slow right arm of Roger Graham was not surprisingly a little rusty. The Staff moved serenely on to 130 odd before Barlow bowled the opener Carter for 66. No 3 Darius and No 4 Wood kept the board ticking over until the former became Barlow’s second victim in his last over with the No 5 Lamb soon to follow run out for 1. By now Wood was looking dangerous and Smith M unfortunately the one to drop a booming skier of a rare mistimed shot. The score had moved onto 190-4 with two overs to go but any hopes of keeping the score to below 200 soon evaporated as Wood hit 21 off Newman’s last over (dropped twice by Inzy on the way) and 14 off Simon’s last to end up with a rapid 64 No and the total of 226 for 4. Apart from one or two late drops the team worked hard in the field with Tom Lawrence using all parts of his anatomy to save runs and the bowlers will reflect that they will bowl worse and end up with better figures on other days.
Any chance of an unlikely win evaporated when Steve and Dave spooned up easy chances to leave Bodicote 14-2. Inzy (23) and Polly (20) helped the score up to 43 before Inzy departed having played some trademark punishing drives. Runs came freely but wickets even more so and the score slumped to 73-7. Barlow & Mark Smith inched the total towards Nirvanha and a batting point before Smith attempted to play his trump card. Complaining that his bat had no middle he called for his spare bat, signed by the Indian 2004 test side. Unfortunately he couldn’t find the middle of this bat either or in fact the edge (maybe sub-consciously he didn’t want to smudge or deface any of the autographs) and was bowled soon after with the score on 98. Newman hit a quick 11 including one huge six to take the total over the 100 and Barlow ended up 27 no with a surprising number of boundaries (albeit in the air) on the off side.
To see the opposition’s view on the match click here.
Saturday 7th May
BODICOTE 89 all out (5 points) lost to SYRESHAM 95 all out (20 pts) by six runs
Not one for the purists. Syresham raced onto 64-0 inside 17 overs before Bucks broke through with a run out, just dislodging a bail with an underarm roll from behind square. By now Barlow had replaced Hawken S in the attack and he picked up a couple of wickets and Bucks finished with three in his last two overs as Syresham self-destructed. Bucks was replaced by Cronin who bowled off four paces due to a dodgy ankle (no doubt caused by the strain of carrying all that extra hair). However even at half pace Dave was still dangerous and achieved a triple wicket maiden. Barlow also took a third wicket when Parry holed out to a good catch by newcomer Chris Davis at long on to leave Syresham all out for 95 in 28 overs. This left Bodicote needing to bat before tea although Inzy seemed to think we had to finish by tea as he swatted his way up to break, giving chances and almost running Steve Pratt out. So 9-0 at tea (and an unbelievable spread it was) and all looked OK. On the restart Inzy soon perished obviously on the look out for seconds or thirds but Dave and Steve took the score comfortably onto 42 before Dave was LBW. Polly hit a quick 15 and at 65-2 things were looking pretty good and Syresham had almost shut up. However when Steve (29) and Polly departed in quick succession home tails (and tongues) wagged again. Stu Smith and Tom Lawrence didn’t last long, Cronin was given out caught behind after flicking his pad with his bat and Chris Davis was run out after a mix up with the Chair. Barlow and Bucks seemed to be edging the team to victory before the former got a shocker of an LBW and when Simon Hawken was bowled with a couple of overs to go Bodicote had subsided to 89 all out and the home team ecstatic.
Saturday 30th April
BODICOTE 24 all out ( nul points) lost to GREENS NORTON 25-1 (20 pts) by nine wickets
The season started with an absolute disaster !!! No highlights for us, Greens Nortons Chris Bowmer managed 6-0 (pretty good figures). Positives to take from the game : Season can only get better, kit is hardly used so should be available for next Saturday’s action and Richard S Smith leading the 1st team averages (7). View the pictorial evidence here ! Still not our worst ever Saturday score see Hillesden (H) in August 1979, 17 all out.
2005 SEASON
2nd Team
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FIXTURE (SNCL Div 4, 2.30 pm start unless shown) |
RESULT |
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30 Apr 05 |
Wootton (A) |
L 91 all out / 267-5 |
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07 May 05 |
Syresham 'A' (H) |
W 183-9 / 147 all out |
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14 May 05 |
Woodford Halse 'A' (A) |
L 225-6* / 226-7 |
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21 May 05 |
Chacombe (H) |
D Rained off |
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26 May 05 |
Boddington (H) Cup 6.15 pm |
W 90-3 / 88 all out* |
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28 May 05 |
Evenley 'A' (A) |
L 193-6/ 68 all out |
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04 Jun 05 |
Charlton 'A' (H) |
L 102 all out* / 105-6 |
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11 Jun 05 |
Flecknoe (A) |
L 134 all out* / 135-7 |
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18 Jun 05 |
Boddington (A) Friendly |
L 193-9 / 113 all out |
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25 Jun 05 |
Preston Bissett 'A' (A) |
L 196-5 / 158 all out |
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02 Jul 05 |
Wootton (H) |
L 219-5 / 111 all out |
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09 Jul 05 |
Syresham 'A' (A) |
L 171-8 / 98 all out |
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16 Jul 05 |
Woodford Halse 'A' (H) at Culworth |
W 173-9 / 106 all out |
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23 Jul 05 |
Chacombe (A) |
W 106-4 / 104 all out* |
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30 Jul 05 |
Evenley 'A' (H) |
W 188 all out / 140 all out |
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06 Aug 05 |
Charlton 'A' (A) |
L 181 all out / 198-6 |
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13 Aug 05 |
Flecknoe (H) 2.00 pm |
D Rained off |
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20 Aug 05 |
Boddington (A) Friendly |
Cancelled |
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27 Aug 05 |
Preston Bissett 'A' (H) 2.00 pm |
W 154-3 / 153-3* |
Saturday 27th August
Bodicote ‘A’ (154 for 3 – 20 pts) beat Preston Bissett ‘A’ (153 for 3 dec. – 4 pts) by 7 wkts
Stayed up! Preston batted well and reached 153-3 in the 33rd over when they declared so as to not risk Bodicote gaining the 2nd bonus point needed to send them down. Bodicote’s reply saw bug gun Woody out for a duck but Slogger and Dean put on 55 for the 2nd wicket before Dean was run out for 30. George soon followed but Roger and Gary saw them team up to 100 and the necessary batting point to secure safety and mean the oppo were relegated. They then went on to win the game in the 39th over with Gary 31 no and Roger a fine 78 no – those new glasses doing the trick! Well done to all.
Saturday 13th August
BODICOTE A (10 pts) drew with FLECKNOE (10 pts) – rained off
No play and the foot of the table looks like this
Bodicote ‘A’ 15 4 2 9 141
Syresham ‘A’ 15 4 2 9 141
Charlton ‘A’ 14 4 2 8 138
Chacombe 14 3 1 10 114
Preston Bissett ‘A’ 14 2 2 10 114
Remaining games
20 Aug – Preston v Syresham, Chacombe v Charlton
27 Aug – Bodicote v Preston, Evenley v Chacombe, Charlton v Wootton
Various permutations but Chacombe and Preston need to win both their remaining two games to stand a chance of staying up.
If Syresham beat Preston and Charlton beat Chacombe, Bodicote will stay up. If Preston beat Syresham and Charlton beat Chacombe even if Bodicote lose to Preston but obtain more points than Syresham did against Preston they will stay up.
Saturday 6th August
BODICOTE A (181 all out – 7 pts) lost to CHARLTON (198 for 6 – 20 pts) by 17 runs
Usual correspondent Andy Hawken is on holiday so a briefer report than of late. Bodicote hoped that the presence of 1st XI start Chris Buckingham would boost their chances however Charlton A also had a 1st XI player in their ranks – none other than Michael Loggin who is recovering from a virus and hadn’t played for weeks. Michael showed that he has not lost any of his ability as he scored 93 admittedly after Bucks had dropped him in the 20s. Graham Knight also scored a half century to leave Bodicote a daunting task. Mike Hawken, Robert Booth and George all went cheaply as did Andy H after a run-out mix up with Bucks who, having the rare opportunity to bat up the order, was not going to sacrifice it for last week’s hero who stomped off with a few choice words to say about the Doc. Bucks and Gary Lee repaired the situation with a 93 run partnership for the 5th wicket before Bucks went for 27.Balti biffed an angry ginger 37 and Gary batted superbly only to be unluckily run out on 72 when the bowler deflected a drive onto his stumps. This proved the key moment and the tail was unable to get the necessary runs to leave the situation tight at the foot of the table. Help came the unlikeliest of sources with Woodford’s captain Mr Steels doing his bit as he steered his side to a 1 wicket win over Chacombe.
Saturday 30th July
BODICOTE A (188 all out – 20 pts) beat EVENLEY A (140 all out – 7 pts) by 48 runs
With a two match winning streak to protect and a possible fight against relegation still on their hands, a match against Evenley A who are riding high in second place was not what the doctor ordered. With a number of regulars also unavailable, on a damp wicket with the rain still falling, the team knew we were in for a hard afternoon, especially when we were put into bat first .
Gary Lee and Robert Booth took to the field at 2.30 to face the onslaught of Scott and Reader. Scott took his time to find his line, but still had Gary dropped in his first over. There was to be little respite however as Gazza was brilliantly caught at first slip by Mackway off Reader’s first ball in the next over. Dean ( Badger) Watts joined Robert at the crease , and proceeded to try to smash the bowlers into submission. Robert was defending well until he was bowled by Scott for 1 in the 5th over. Captain George was next to join the attack, but was soon back in the dressing room for 2 when bowled by Reader in the 6th. JP Pollard was next to join the action and showed once again that he has the ability to defend in the face of hostile attack, yet strike out when free to do so. When Badger was bowled for an aggressive 25 in the 8th , the score stood at 33 for 4 off 8 overs and an early tea seemed certain.
Big Andy then came to the crease, and the need for a good innings was required. After fending off the first few balls, he started to wind up with a 2 followed by a 6. Was this to be his day…
A partner ship of 37 was ended when JP was Reader’s next victim but the two had pushed the score onto a 70 off 15 overs. Simon Woodruff joined Big A at the crease and the two worked hard to drag the score into respectability. When Woody fell caught behind off Clarke in the 36th over for 37 the two had added 95 in a solid partnership. Next up came Paul Bolton, who in true Balti style mixed the hot with the spicy before being stumped for 6 following a charge up the crease to try to smash Clarke out of the ground. Al Starkie was next to join Big Andy at the crease and announced his intentions with a huge 6 off Clarke. With the score at 179 in the 38th over, Big A tried to smash another boundary but was caught just short of the ropes off Scott for 85.
Al Starkie was to hit another 4 before falling to Clarke LBW in the final over and John Morewood was also bowled by Clarke for 2, leaving Will Morewood not out for 1, and the final score 188 all out off 39.4 overs.
The team trudged off for tea with a slight spring in their step, as they had posted the highest score against Evenley A this season.
With tea over, Evenley knew that they were in for a fight. Bodicote’s new strike partnership of Watts and J ( Deadwood) Morewood were given the task of keeping the impressive Darby and Carter at bay. Some good tight bowling and good all round fielding restricted Evenley to 47 off 12 overs. Badger had been his usually aggressive self, but with little luck as the ball few past the close in fielders on numerous occasions but never close enough to offer the chance.
In the 13 over however this changed as Badger first knocked Carter over with a splendid slider, and then next ball blew his stumps away . The sight of Badger screaming down the wicket wagging his finger was enough to scare anybody, and a place in the next Ashes game must to an option, if only for aggression. Deadwood Morewood continued to bowl a good tight line and finished his 9 over spell with 9 overs, 1 maiden, 0 for 33… a tremendous effort in the conditions.
A tactical switch saw Al Starkie come on at the changing room end with Badger moving down hill from the Cow end. Further excellent bowling and fielding from both bowlers saw Evenley restricted to 76 for 1 off 22. A personal battle had developed between Balti and the Evenley opener Darby in terms of run outs. Balti was getting nearer and nearer with some excellent throws, and the money was him to get the result with his next effort. However Badger spoilt the fun with an athletic C&B on Darby who had scored 36 runs when he departed in the 23 over. When Badger had bowled out with figures of 12 overs, 1 maiden 40 for 2 , the game was swinging towards Bodicote . Woody joined Al in the bowling arena and helpedeep the score down to 106 off 31 overs. Big Al then produced a stunner as he bowled Nowell for 30 and the chase was on.
The next over saw Woody at his best taking two wickets , one caught by Badger the other clean bowled and Evenley had fallen to 111 for 5 off 33. When Rush skied a ball off Starkie, Captain George managed to juggle it before clasping the red orb to his chest. With 3 wickets going in the next 3 overs Bodicote were in full control. Mackway put a good fight but when he was caught by Gaz Lee off Al in the final over Evenley were all out for 140, and we had won by 48 runs. Big Al finished on 11.3 overs 4 for 42 and Woody on 7 overs 4 for 24.
An excellent day in the field by all had helped to keep the run rate down , but special mention must go to Will Morewood who chased everything, backed up the Balti run out attempts ( never easy) and threw the ball in with expert skills.
A great result to keep the run going …. Roll on Charlton.
Evenley’s take on proceedings should appear on their website.
Saturday 23rd July
BODICOTE A (106 for 4 – 20 pts) beat CHACOMBE (104 all out – 3 pts) by 6 wickets
On a warm but muggy Saturday the A team were in desperate need of another win as they attempt to avoid the drop to division 5 at the end of the season. The wicket at Horton view left a lot to be desired and many of the old timers in the team reflected on the demise of what was a tremendous track in years gone by.
Captain George won the toss and duly put Chacombe into bat. The new ball was taken by J and Big Al and we were set for an afternoon in the field. The first two overs produced 7 runs (one of which was a wide from Big Al that Big Andy had to take at 2nd slip). However this was not a sign of things to come and the two bowlers soon had their line and length. Al’s second over saw him trap Berry LBW with a fine swinging ball and Chacombe had been reduced to 1 for 12 off 4. In the next over Jay , who was by now firing on all cylinders had the dangerous Somerton caught behind by Gary “ Olga (Ronnie? – Ed) Corbet” Lee , who somehow managed to do the splits yet still hang on to the ball ( cricket) on the very underside of his glove. The next 8 overs saw 6 maidens in a festival of swing that was reminiscent of the 50’s ( chart toppers).Big Al’s seventh over saw him take two more wickets, 1 bowled and the other a fine catch from Captain George. With Chacombe on 22 for 4 off 14 , the Bodicote team were buzzing.
Feeling a slight pull Big Al was taken off , finishing with figures of 9 overs 4 maidens 12 runs for 3 wickets … a tremendous performance , and you could see the Chacombe batsmen relax at the end of this fine onslaught. However their relief was short lived as Dean (Badger) Watts joined his brother on the attack. With Badger soon fired up and bouncing balls from a length over the batsmen’s heads Chacombe were restricted to 39 for 4 off 23 as Js spell came to an end. If ever anybody deserved more wickets it was J who finished on 12 overs, 4 maidens , 24 for 1.
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This brought Simmo (Festa) into the attack (loose meaning of attack). In his first over Festa produced a swinger that had Parish loft the ball to the ever active Dosser who after a brief period of chest slamming was eventually brought back down to earth. Next over saw Badger deliver a cunning slower ball that looped off Jennings bat and into the safe hands of Robert (deep throat) Booth. The run rate was now rising , but further catches from Big A and Gaz Lee off Festa’s bowling, and a smart bit of bowling from Badger to dismiss Bedding kept the wickets falling. When Jay took a solid catch at slip, he had been moved there following his run stopping knee save the innings was over with Chacombe recording 105 off 38 overs (7 extras).
After tea the Bodicote boys went about their task. Requiring 2.5 per over the progress was steady but slow with Bob Lawrence and Robert in total control. When Bob went for 7 caught off a beamer from Bell we were 23 for 1 off 10. This brought Captain George to the wicket who announced his intentions with his now famous vertical four attempt. Fortunately for George the two fielders decided to both chase the skyer, and managed to crash into each other whilst the ball fell to ground. Unperturbed George kept swinging and managed a slash past slips for four and a couple off the bottom of the bat before he settled. Young Robert was the next to go by a fine catch off Kirby for 15.
Gaz Lee joined George at the crease and the two of them guided Bodicote towards their required total. With 23 required Gaz fell caught off Bell for 20, and Badger joined George who continued to smash the ball around the ground. A majestic 4 saw George register a well deserved 50 , only to be caught and bowled next ball with 10 still required. A performance that could be called a semi- cronin perhaps!!
This brought Big A to the wicket. His request to be allowed to finish it with two hits was cried down and he was told to still be there at the end. With one ball to go of the over Big A did as his Captain asked and played a straight bat defensive to guide Bell away to safety. However Badger had decided it was Beer time and duly smashed the first two balls of the next over for a 6 and then 4 to close off the match.
A good match , played in good spirit with some fine fielding by Bodicote ensured that we gained our third victory of the summer. Still a long way to go, but a much better performance. Special mention must go to Chacombe for their honesty and sportsmanship.
Saturday 16th July
BODICOTE A (173 for 9 – 20 pts) beat WOODFORD A (106 all out – 5 pts) by 67 runs
Hooray a win at last and revenge for the Woodford wide debacle earlier in the season. With the 2nd XI correspondent making his debut for the 1sts a full report is unlikely. Gary Lee (55), Dean Watts (40) and J!P! (20! no!)! led the way with the bat. Dean also took 4-39 and Symmo chipped in with three wickets to set up a comfortable win which moves the team off the bottom and back in touch with the rest of the Division with a crcuicla game at Chacombe this Saturday.
Saturday 9th July
BODICOTE A (98 all out – 4 pts) lost to SYRESHAM A (171 for 8 – 20 pts) by 73 runs
Match report awaited
Saturday 2nd July
BODICOTE A 111 all out (3 pts) lost to WOOTTON 219-5 (20 pts) by 108 runs
No disgrace losing to the league leaders who really could be playing in Division 1. Dean Watts took 3 wickets and George Lawrence hit 32.
Detailed report to follow
Saturday 25th June
BODICOTE A 158 all out (5 pts) lost to PRESTON BISSETT 196-5 (20 pts) by 38 runs
This week saw the A team in league action again, with the opportunity to pick up a much needed win at fellow strugglers Preston Bissett A.
On a damp and somewhat curvaceous wicket Bodicote were asked to field first. Uncle Festa and Kev “curve ball” Booth opened, with Festa coming down the hill like a raging bull. With both bowlers working hard the break through was bound to come, and sure enough Curve Ball took out the middle wicket of both opening batsmen with his trade mark delivery. The first change saw “Meano Deno”Watts and Big Andy offered the ball. Big Andy duly obliged with a wicked right angle spinner taking the middle wicket of the Preston No 3 , much to the bewilderment of wicket keeper Bob ”the cat” Lawrence.
Meantime Meano had found his length after his first ball landed approximately 2 ft from his feet and bounced down for a wide.
Big A’s wicket turned out to be a match defining moment , as it brought together 13 years old Tom Jones ( its not unusual) and 15 years old Ben Stafford. These two were stars of the day with Jones making 46 before falling to an Uncle Festa special in the last over , and Stafford making 90 no ( dropped off the bowling of Meano Deano in the second to last).
Captain for the day Simmo used Robert Booth (had a little trouble), Balti (I need to marinade my meat), Meano Deano and himself to try to break the partnership but without success. Preston finally finished on 196 -5 , with Festa, 11 overs 2 for 46, Curve Ball, 7 overs 2 for 25, Meano,10 overs 0 for 52 , Big A, 5 overs 1 for 22, Robert 2 overs 0 for 21 and Balti 5 overs 0 for 26.
The target always looked about 50 runs to high but the team took to the field with the delights of the comments of some friends from across the pond. Dosser had his own way of dealing with these gentlemen and this gave us a few minutes peace.
Festa and Bob the Cat opened the batting and soon started to chase the required runs. Unfortunately the fall of Bob, bowled for 12, heralded a minor collapse with Robert (attempting a vertical four) and Balti both back in the pavilion for 0. This brought “Meano Deano” to the crease, and despite a back injury and having bowled for a long period, he set about the Preston attack. Seven 4s and a single later he was unlucky to be caught chasing a wide ball by a spectacular catch from the Preston wickie for 29.
Tom Lawrence then took up the chase and played some great cricket. Just before drinks saw the fall of Festa for a tremendous 38. In came Big Andy to join Tom at the crease. With 100 still required to win the two batsmen set about their task. Big Andy soon regained his eye for the ball and smashed 26 runs before falling .JP joined Tom at the crease and the team hoped he could continue his form of last week at we only needed 50 odd to win. Unfortunately Tom soon fell (26) as did JP (0), and despite a gallant 6 (plus a single) from PC Pat, and 2 NO from Dosser (Kev got a sneaky one and was out for 0) we finished 38 runs short.
A better performance from the team, but we must learn to break partnerships. Game over, it was off to Balti’s to witness his famous marinade.
League leaders next week – bring ‘em on.
Saturday 18th June Friendly
BODICOTE A 113 all out lost to BODDINGTON 193-9 by 80 runs
On a glorious summer’s afternoon the A team travelled to Boddington for a friendly match and the opportunity to forget the pressures of league cricket. The thought of changing in the old portakabins was soon dispelled as we arrived to the site of their newly opened village facility with air conditioned changing rooms (but no working showers).
Captain George once again won the toss and duly put out to field.
With a number of regulars missing the opportunity to “ have a go” was given to most of the team. The first two up were Kilvo and Uncle Festa . Kilvo showed his usual control and managed to bowl two wides in the first two balls (the second being taken well by Gaz Lee just in front of first slip. Symo managed to control his desire to tear up the wicket with his speedier ball until his 5th over, and by that time we had been treated to a Kilvo Special Dibbly Dobbly that had the whole field including the batsman in fits .
The first set of changes saw Big Andy and PC Pat Knight take up the challenge. The two restricted the run rate and also saw Big A take a wicket in his first over, having the opening batsman stumped by an athletic Gaz Lee and finishing with 3/27 off 8 (including a dropped C&B). PC Pat also collected 1 wicket in a tidy spell of bowling thanks to an athletic catch from Kilvo.
Next up came Dead Eye Dozzer, who had just gained his new nickname by throwing down the stumps from 30 metres with a single stump to aim at. Unfortunately the batsman had reached safety by the time the ball hit.
JP was soon into the fray and started on what was to be a momentous performance. Five overs of “loop ball” produced the remarkable figures of 4/29 off 5. All batsmen were caught with the final victim C&B to the smiling assassin.
Balti and Captain George also turned their arms to produce a credible 1/28 off 7 for Balti, as usual nice and neat, and an adventurous 0/20 off 1 from George. The innings closed on 193/9 and all disappeared into the relative cool of the changing rooms for tea.
As usual with friendly matches, it was decided to change the batting order and Big Andy (currently in disastrous form ) and Kilvo (yet to bat this term) were asked to open. Big A had made his mind up not to be bowled through the gate again this season, and so was duly caught off the first ball of the innings. (words could not sum it up). Kilvo was soon to follow and Neil Shawyer was also back in the changing room within 4 overs.
The batting collapse continued until JP and George provided the backbone that was required and helped us past the 100 . A secondary collapse soon followed on George’s departure with only Gaz Lee aiding the in form JP.
All out for 113 with 8 overs left was typical of the season so far.
But what a great afternoon was had by all and a special mention must go to Boddington for the manner in which the game was played and the hospitality provided.
On a postscript it should be reported that Vice Caption Symo was bitten by an adder (small calculator with scales) and had to spend 3 days in hospital. I am glad to report that Uncle Festa has fully recovered but there has been no news of the snake’s fate
Saturday 11th June
BODICOTE A 134 all out all out (5 pts) lost to FLECKNOE 135-7 (20 pts) by 3 wickets.
An improved performance but still no second win. Despiute facing a useful attack Bodicote did not score enough runs on a small ground. Vice captain Paul Symington scored 34 and Bob (more comebacks than Frank Sinatra) and Gary Lee also scored 20s. In response Flecknoe were struggling a 70-6 but a crucial seventh wicket partnership moved them within touching distance and by the time it was broken only a few more runs were needed. Symmo also performed well with the ball taking 4-30.
Saturday 4th June
BODICOTE A 102 all out all out (4 pts) lost to CHARLTON A 105-6 (20 pts) by 4 wickets.
Symmo and Gary Lee both scored 20s and Alan Starkie took 3-27 but 40 from Brian Taylor helped Charlton to a 4 wicket win. Better than the previous week though.
Saturday 28th May
BODICOTE A 68 all out (3 pts) lost to EVENLEY A 193-6 (20 pts) by 125 runs.
Hammered…..
Thursday 26th May
BODICOTE A 90-3 beat BODDINGTON 88 all out by 7 wickets - CUP
A morale boosting cup win with Mike Hawken hitting 51 no and Jay Watts taking 3-29.
Saturday 21st May
BODICOTE A (10 points) drew with CHACOMBE (10 points) rained off
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Saturday 14th May
BODICOTE A 225-6 (7 pts) lost to WOODFORD HALSE A 226-7 (20 pts) by 3 wickets.
A game that was a tale of two captains. Bodicote’s fledgling, wet behind the ears man at the helm, George Lawrence, led by example and posted his best ever score (and one not even surpassed by his illustrious father Bob) of 72. He received huge support from Gary Lee who weighed in with 76 NO. This gave Bodicote a score of 225-6, surely good enough the excellent Woodford track notwithstanding. Woodford were 80-3 after 20