2012 NEWS

NETS (01/02/12)

Indoor Nets will be held at Banbury School on Tuesday evenings from 8-10 pm starting on Tuesday 6th March and running for eight weeks. There will be a small contribution to the cost of hire. See you there.

1ST XI FIXTURES

28/04/2012	Stoneleigh	H
05/05/2012	Afro Caribbean	A
12/05/2012	Northampton GP	H
19/05/2012	Willoughby	A
26/05/2012	Preston Capes	H
02/06/2012	Byfield 'A'	A
09/06/2012	Greens Norton	H
16/06/2012	Radway	A
23/06/2012	Wroxton	H
30/06/2012	Stoneleigh	A
07/07/2012	Afro Caribbean	H
14/07/2012	Northampton GP	A
21/07/2012	Willoughby	H
28/07/2012	Preston Capes	A
04/08/2012	Wroxton	H
11/08/2012	Radway	A
18/08/2012	Greens Norton	H
25/08/2012	Marston 'A'	A

2ND XI FIXTURES

28/04/2012	Gawcott	A
05/05/2012	Dunchurch & Bilton	H
12/05/2012	Braunston Paddox	A
19/05/2012	Maids Moreton	H
26/05/2012	Silverstone	A
02/06/2012	Wardington	H
09/06/2012	Sibford	A
16/06/2012	Gayton	H
23/06/2012	Marston St Law 'A'	A
30/06/2012	Gawcott	H
07/07/2012	Dunchurch & Bilton	A
14/07/2012	Braunston Paddox	H
21/07/2012	Maids Moreton	A
28/07/2012	Silverstone	H
04/08/2012	Wardington	A
11/08/2012	Sibford	H
18/08/2012	Gayton	A
25/08/2012	Marston St Law 'A'	H

AGM, MONDAY 30 JANUARY (01/02/12)

There was a good turnout for the AGM held in the lounge of The Plough.

The following people were elected officers

Chairman - Paul Boulton
Secretary – Stephen Barlow
Treasurer – Dave Allen
Assistant Treasurer – Mark Smith
100 Club Promoter- Richard Barnden
1st XI Captain – Matt Miller
1st XI Vice Captain - Paul Symington
2nd XI Captain – Paul Rogers
2nd XI Vice Captain – Dan Lord
Midweek Captain – Dan Lord
Midweek Vice Captain – Santosh Singh

There followed a short Treasurer’s report outlining a healthy financial position and a less short Secretary’s report on the SNCL AGM and an tub thumping Chairman’s message reminding us all why we play for this great club.

2011 NEWS

BEAUJOLAIS GOLF DAY (12/11/11)

There was a good turnout for the annual Beaujolais Golf Day on Friday 11 November vs Grendon Underwood at Tadmarton Heath. The move to a Friday helped increase numbers from the paltry BCC 7, GUCC 6 in 2010 to BCC 13, GUCC 17. So that was first blood to the visitors as the time honoured regulation is that the team with the most players discount the worst scores to even up the numbers.

The day has experienced high winds, rain, sleet, sunshine in the past but 2011 saw heavy fog and the course was only just opened by the time the teams teed off hitting blindly into the gloom. There was also a two minute silence at 11 to commemorate Armistice Day which was immaculately observed by 29 of the 30 players – only Inzy hadn’t been listening and blundered about wondering what was going on.

The early three balls were back in the clubhouse by 1350 & 1410 but there was then a huge delay before any of the fourballs came in. The fog had lifted but was setting in again and just as the search party was being assembled the Slogger/Pete Avery fourball came wandering in, closely followed by the rest.

The post-match meal was then consumed (henceforth known as cottagepieandbeansnotevenonaplate-gate) and then on to the awards. All scores are based on 17 holes as the signature seventh was out of use as it being remodelled.

Nearest the Pin - Christian (GUCC)
Longest Drive – Alan H (GUCC)
Joint 5th – Woody, John Washburn, Dave (GUCC) – 32 pts
Joint 3rd - Alan & Wilf (both GUCC) – 33 pts
Joint 1st – Paul Culter & Angus (GUCC)

The overall team prize was won by Grendon – by a massive 376 – 311 margin, to regain the Ali Haddow Trophy..

Bodicote’s individual scores were - Wigger 13, Slogger 16, Barl 21, Balti 26, Polly 24, Bobby 26, Gary 29, Ian (mate of Woody) 9, Woody 32, Symo 31. John W 32, Inzy 17, Cuts 35. So apart from Cuts and John the Taddy members did not really make the most of home advantage.

Despite the loss it was a good day and the date for next year’s 25^th anniversary match – we started in 1988 and despite some dissent that this erroneously makes 2012 the 24th playing of the fixture – is Friday 9th November,

SNCL 2012 (12/11/11)

The Divisions for 2012 have been announced by the League Committee and Bodicote will play in Div 1 and Div 3 as below

Division 1 Radway Afro Caribbean Willoughby Bodicote Preston Capes Stoneleigh Northampton Grange Park Byfield 'A' Wroxton Greens Norton

Division 3 Sibford Silverstone Dunchurch & Bilton Marston St. Lawrence 'A' Bodicote 'A' Gawcott & Hillesden Wardington Gayton Braunston Paddox Maids Moreton

ANNUAL DINNER (21/10/11)

40 covers were ordered for the BCC dinner and despite the work enforced absence of Matt & Mrs Miller a good time was had by all 

Awards were made as follows

2^nd XI Bowler of the Season – Wasim Hussain
2^nd XI Batsman of the Season – Paul Rogers
1^st XI Bowler of the Season – Stephen Barlow
1^st XI Batsman of the Season – Matt Miller

Bob Lawrence won the Bodicote Bitter moment  for his tremendous slip catching in the Midweek League game vs Middleton Cheney. There were two special awards made by Symmo too. Porge won the “Chicken” award for his performance at Great Tew and Bob Lawrence won the “Sausage-gate award” for, well.... his role in sausage-gate.

Special thanks were made to Jerry for organising the evening

The 2011 averages, as kindly produced by Paul Rogers are available here.

BCC SWEATERS- STEPHEN BARLOW REPORTS (31/08/11)

We are going to put in an order for BCC sweaters.

You may have seen some of the older players modelling these. They are British produced, wool with red & green trim plus the Bodicote emblem embroidered on the front.

They are not cheap but they are quality products that do last.

The costs are

Longsleeved - £53.00
Sleeveless - £47.00

The jumpers come in chest sizes are 38", 40", 42" and 44". For info I have a 42" sleeveless and 44" long sleeved, both generous sizes. Any larger size is subject to a £2.00 surcharge for the extra wool

We need a minimum of 6 sweaters in the order and once placed the order will take approx 7 weeks till delivery. I would like to make the order by 1 October.   

If you want to order one please let me know. We will require cash/cheque prior to order. This can be given to me, Wigger, Symo or Balti.

Any queries please let me know at chairman@bodicote.com otherwise look forward to hearing from you.

QUIZ NIGHT (31/03/11)

Bodicote Cricket Club Quiz Night

Let’s support our social events in 2011!

Friday 15th April at Banbury Rugby Club
Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start

£5 per person, maximum of 5 players per team, partners and children more than welcome.

April and March 100 Club Draw’s will be made throughout the evening.

A selection of nibbles will be provided and a raffle will be taking place during the break.

Please RSVP to one of the below before Friday 8th April if you can make it.
Paul Rogers     07540536991  paulrogers50@msn.com
Shaun Harris   07841632571  shaun.harris@bodicote.com
Jerry Biggs      07748378753  jerry.biggs@bodicote.com 

CLOTHING (31/03/11)

Bodicote CC Clothing for 2011

A great new range of BCC clothing has been arranged for this season – poloshirts, caps, cricket shirts, golf sweaters, golf sleeveless sweaters and reversible fleeces

Click on the attached to see the full range. Orders to Jerry or Balti by 20 April.

BCC Clothing 2011

TOUR (18/03/11)

This year’s tour will see a return to Carmarthen. It will run from 14-17 August with 40 over games on 14^th and 16^th and a 20 over game on the 15^th . The cost will be £30 per night. Please let Stephen Barlow if you are keen to go. We will sty at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel in Carmarthen, hotel of Paul & Ann Jeacock who are great supporters of our tours and will no doubt make us very welcome with good food and long bar hours.

NETS (18/03/11)

Nets are every Tuesday evening at Banbury School until 22^nd March, 1900 – 2100 hrs.

1^st XI CAPTAIN (20/02/11)

Following the first meeting of the new committee Matt Miller agreed to be 1^st XI Captain with Paul Symington Vice Captain)

AGM and POST AGM (13/02/11)

The club AGM was held on Monday 7 February 2011 at The Plough. The minutes for the meeting will be posted shortly.

In terms of appointment of officers the following was agreed at the AGM and subsequent emergency actions by the executive.

Chairman – Paul Boulton
Secretary & 100 Club – Jerry Biggs
Treasurer – Dave Allen
1^st XI Captain – Matt Miller
1^st XI Vice Captain – Matt Miller
2^nd XI Captain – Paul Rogers
2^nd XI Vice Captain – Shaun Harris
Midweek Captain – tbc
Midweek Vice Captain - tbc

A new committee will run the club consisting of the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, 1^st XI Captain, 2^nd XI Captain. Stephen Barlow, Paul Symington, Steve Harris.

FIXTURES 2011 (13/02/11)

MIDWEEK
April 27th	Upton House	v	Bodicote
May 4th	Bodicote	v	Banbury
May 11th	Banbury XX	v	Bodicote
May 17th	Bodicote	v	Brackley (Cup)
May 18th	Bye
May 25th	Bodicote	v	Byfield
June 1st	Brackley	v	Bodicote
June 7th	Bodicote/Brackley	v	Preston/Middleton
June 8th	Bodicote	v	Cropredy
June 15th	Middleton Cheney	v	Bodicote
June 22th	Bodicote	v	Preston Capes
June 29th	Marston	v	Bodicote
July 6th	Bodicote	v	Royal Mail
July 13th	Great Tew	v	Bodicote
July 20th	Bodicote	v	Shifa

SNCL	1^st XI			2^nd XI
April 30th	Willoughby	v	Bodicote	Bodicote 'A'	v	Preston C 'A'
May 7th	Bodicote	v	Castlethorpe	Willoughby 'A'	v	Bodicote 'A'
May 14th	Dunchurch	v	Bodicote	Bodicote 'A'	v	Gayton
May 21st	Fenny Compton	v	Bodicote	Bodicote 'A'	v	Charlton
May 28th	Bodicote	v	Middleton	Marston St L 'A'	v	Bodicote 'A'
June 4th	Grange Pk	v	Bodicote	Bodicote 'A'	v	Croughton
June 11th	Bodicote	v	Stoneleigh	Finmere	v	Bodicote 'A'
June 18th	Bodicote	v	Preston Capes	Gawcott	v	Bodicote 'A'
June 25th	Afro Caribbean	v	Bodicote	Bodicote 'A'	v	Wardington
July 2nd	Bodicote	v	Willoughby	Preston C 'A'	v	Bodicote 'A'
July 9th	Castlethorpe	v	Bodicote	Bodicote 'A'	v	Willoughby 'A'
July 16th	Bodicote	v	Dunchurch	Gayton	v	Bodicote 'A'
July 23rd	Bodicote	v	Fenny Compton	Charlton	v	Bodicote 'A'
July 30th	Middleton	v	Bodicote	Bodicote 'A'	v	Marston St L 'A'
Aug 6th	Bodicote	v	Grange Pk	Croughton	v	Bodicote 'A'
Aug 13th	Stoneleigh	v	Bodicote	Bodicote 'A'	v	Finmere
Aug 20th	Preston Capes	v	Bodicote	Bodicote 'A'	v	Gawcott
Aug 27th	Bodicote	v	Afro Caribbean	Wardington	v	Bodicote 'A'

2010 NEWS

BEAUJOLAIS GOLF DAY, 18 NOVEMBER (28/10/10)

The annual Beaujolais Golf Day match against Grendon Underwood took place at a new upmarket venue for the fixture – Tadmarton Heath. Sadly despite the chance to play at the area’s best golf course, Bodicote’s numbers were low with some late cry-offs which sat a various positions along the excuse-o-meter from very plausible to lame. Bodicote did welcome a new player, John Washburn, who is eager to put something back into the club having milked the 100 Club in the September & October draws. Other team members included the die-hards Polly, Symmo, Wigger, Sid and making his annual appearance on the golf course but his 23^rd successive one since the fixture started in 1988, El Chair. Also, lured by the opportunity to play on his home course (am I the only one to think standards must be slipping when he can get membership of Taddy?), Inzy, who was fussing around ensuring club etiquette was being followed to the letter by the plebs , Grendon of course normally outstrip us on numbers but this year for their various reasons only had 6.

The traditional breakfast at The Plough was eschewed for a pre-round snack at Tadmarton. As ever the banter flowed with Inzy proudly giving El Chair a new nickname – Stompe. Inzy of course also has a new lookalike himself the ubiquitous burger van owner - Angelos Epithemiou.

Although there was some light drizzle for the first few holes in the end the sun, as it nearly always, does shined (albeit palely) on the teams.

On the course the quality of the upkeep, especially the greens was evident even to the non-golfers. The benign weather allowed for some reasonably high scoring on both teams. Grendon cleaned up on the spot prizes taking the nearest the pin and the longest drive. However it was a Bodicote player (and possibly a Bodicote cricket player in 2011 if the rumours are true) Steve Cracco who took the individual award with a fine 42 points. This was two better than runner-up Symmo who was therefore only able to look back on a sporting week of two wins and not a treble – having (so he claimed) secured the FI title and the FI constructors title the Sunday previously.

On to the main team event and the tried and tested Stapleford method was used to determine the score. The team with the highest number of players loses the scores of it worst players – in this case Grendon’s 6 scores would count against Bodicote’s best six. This was lucky for Bodicote as it meant that El Chair’s paltry return could be discounted and Bodicote regain the trophy, last won in 2004 by a total of 197-187. Individual scores were Sid 42, Symmo 40, John Washburn 34, Inzy 28, Polly 28, Wigger 25, El Chair less then 25.

El Chair with Trophy after wresting it from Grendon captain Pete Avery

So a good day and Sid took the trophy back to hang in the Jockey ….. a shape of things to come?

Both teams vowed to get more players out next year and agreed that the traditional third Thursday in November should be retained. So please note in your diary the 17th November 2011.

AVERAGES 2010 (28/10/10)

Click here to download the 2010 averages. Thanks to Paul Rogers for producing these.

ANNUAL DINNER, FRIDAY 15 OCTOBER (28/10/10)

35 members and partners (far fewer of the latter) attended this year’s dinner.

It was a good night with awards going as follows – no surprises

1^st XI Batsman of the Season – Dave Allen
1^st XI Bowler of the Season – Dave Cronin
2^nd XI Batsman of the Season – Darren Wyatt
2^nd XI Bowler of the Season – Adam Harris

The Bodicote Bitter award for the highlight of the season saw strong bids for Dean’s 6 to win the game at Culworth, Slogger hitting Dickie Taylor of Charlton for 6, El Chair’s catch and subsequent upgrade to wonder catch at Syresham and Symmo trying to taker Brockhampton from the rear going off road in his van through the foliage on the far side of the ground. However Scott took the prize for his supreme gardening skills – mistaking grass seed for fertiliser and emptying a £100 bag all over the square.

Scott (Midweek) and Shaun (2^nd XI) tried to outdo each other with the brevity of speeches, luckily Bucks (1^st XI) was longer and he announced his retirement from the skipper-ship after four up (2007) and down (2010).

Paul Rogers took over from Woody in producing the averages and did a good job on these which were circulated at the dinner.

It was late a night for the diehards marred only by flying Sarson at the end of the evening …..

ANNUAL DINNER, FRIDAY 15 OCTOBER (28/09/10)

Details of the annual dinner have been circulated by email but in case you have missed them they are in the attachment Annual Dinner. Hopefully all members will come but if you cannot you can still vote for your players of the season and the annual Bodicote Bitter moment using the voting form. See you there

GOLF DAY (11/04/10)

Organiser Polly reports…….

For those of you who do not know, it is my responsibility to organise the Bodicote Golf Day for 2010.  I am pleased to confirm that it will be a similar format to last year and will be played once again at the Wychwood GC on Friday 21st May 2010!

Please can you add this date into your 2010 diaries NOW and please, please, please can you confirm back to me via email or text ASAP whether or not you are able to play so I can confirm numbers with the club. 

Full details of the day are as below :-

Location: The Wychwood Golf Club, nr Lyneham, Chipping Norton, Oxon.  OX7 6QQ (turn off 4 miles out of Chippy on Burford Road).  Phone No -  01993 831841.

Time: Please arrive for 8:45am in the clubhouse where coffee will be provided to all and this is included in the package cost.

Breakfast: Please note breakfast is not included in the package price.  If you require breakfast then you need to email me with you order by Wednesday 12th May.  The course have made it very clear to me that we will not be able to order breakfast on the day.  Bacon or Sausage Sandwiches are available at a cost of £2.50 each, please let me know if you require this ASAP so I can let the chef know!

Morning: The 1st Tee is booked from 9:30am and we will be playing a 9 hole Texas Scramble competition in teams of 4.

Lunch: A soup and sandwich lunch is provided as part of the package cost.

Afternoon: The 1st Tee is booked from 1pm and we will be playing an 18 hole individual Stableford competition.

Dinner: Tables have been booked for everyone from 7:30pm at The Plough, Bodicote.  Please note that the cost of dinner is NOT included in the package price below and you will be required to fund your meal yourself.  Please can everyone ensure that they can make the dinner as prizes, fines and speeches will be awarded!

Beer: Lots of it (quote from Balti!) from 10pm'ish onwards and not included in the package cost price!

Cost: £39.50 per person which includes coffee, 27 holes of golf and lunch!  Additional costs payable by you are for breakfast (if required), dinner and beers!

This promises as per previous years to be a great day so please can you confirm your attendance ASAP to simon.pollard@pearson.com.

NETS (11/04/10)

Outdoor nets at Banbury CC will start on Tuesday 20^th April, 6.00pm. Symmo, who has successfully completed the ECB Level II coaching course has kindly agreed to assist with the running of the nets sessions. This will mean that there will be a little more structure to the evening including some fielding practice sessions. Symmo will undertake individual coaching – batting or bowling only if requested by individuals.

One important thing to note is that Banbury have reviewed their operation procedures at the club and if people from their club are doing work elsewhere on the ground balls should not deliberately be smashed out of the nets, tempting as it is. Please could members comply with this to avoid any issues with Banbury, who of course provide the nets free of charge to us. It will be good practice to hit the ball along the deck of course.

SELECTION POLICY (11/04/10)

As discussed at the open forum last year and as agreed at the AGM the club executive committee have drawn up a selection policy for the forthcoming season. If this was an easy straightforward process it would of course have been done years ago and selection would never be an issue! The Saturday captains and vices are committed to endeavouring to make this work whilst of course noting that there will be challenges along the way. However if we do not have the basis of something to work to we will never improve the situation. The key to this is communication from everyone so once the season is up and running and we are trying to implement this please do not let things fester

The policy is available by clicking here. Any views to the Chairman please.

QUIZ NIGHT (11/04/10)

THIS HAS BEEN POSTPONED UDE TO A NUMBER OF MEMBERS NOT BEING AVAILABLE, A NEW DATE WILL BE SET

The annual quiz night will be held on Sunday 25^th April at 7.00 pm in The Plough. El Chair will set the questions – teams of 4-6 (max). There will be a small charge for participants.

El Chair will of course try and ensure that there is something for everyone in the quiz so please make every effort to attend. The open forum highlighted the desire for social functions so let’s start the season with a good turnout.

POSTER (26/03/10)

We are actively looking for new players for 2010. We have designed a poster which we need to get out and round noticeboards in the area so if you can put one up at your work or anywhere else please do. Click here to download the poster but if you don’t want to use all that ink in printing it then contact Jerry, secretary@bodicote.com who will send you a hard copy.

FIXTURES 2010 (26/03/10)

Date	1^st XI	2^nd XI
01 May	Hinton in Hedges (A)	Helmdon (H)
08 May	Radway (H)	Flecknoe (A)
15 May	Evenley (A)	Middleton Cheney A (H)
22 May	Byfield (H)	Northampton GP A (A)
29 May	Warwick Univ Staff (A)	Braunston (H)
05 Jun	Marston St L (A)	Chipping Warden (H)
12 Jun	Wootton (H)	Dunchurch & B A (A)
19 Jun	Culworth (A)	Woodford Halse A (H)
26 Jun	Syresham (H)	Charlton (A)
03 Jul	Hinton in Hedges (H)	Helmdon (A)
10 Jul	Radway (A)	Flecknoe (H)
17 Jul	Evenley (H)	Middleton Cheney A (A)
24 Jul	Byfield (A)	Northampton GP A (H)
31 Jul	Warwick Univ Staff (H)	Braunston (A)
07 Aug	Marston St L (H)	Chipping Warden (A)
14 Aug	Wootton (A)	Dunchurch & B A (H)
21 Aug	Culworth (H)	Woodford Halse A (A)
28 Aug	Syresham (A)	Charlton (H)

Midweek

Date
28 Apr	Shifa (A)
05 May	Kings Sutton (A)
12 May	Byfield (H)
18 May	Great Tew (Cup) (A)
19 May	Banbury (H)
26 May	Great Tew (A)
02 Jun	Banbury 20 (A)
09 Jun	Broughton & NN (H)
16 Jun	Shifa (H)
23 Jun	Kings Sutton (H)
30 Jun	Byfield (A)
07 Jul	Banbury (A)
14 Jul	Great Tew (H)
21 Jul	Banbury 20 (H)
28 Jul	Broughton & NN (A)

2009 NEWS

BEAUJOLAIS GOLF (19/11/09)

The third Thursday in November – Beaujolais Golf Day a must in the BCC player’s diary – sadly this year not many diaries as we were only able to field a team of eight in our struggle to regain the trophy from Grendon Underwood last won back in 2006. Still the team were in bullish mood as they met in The Plough for breakfast courtesy of Richard & Kim. Grendon were 15 strong and fielded their usual mix of cricketers and non-cricketing bandits. There were no bandits in the BCC line up although El Chair and Irv looked the part sporting moustaches in line with Movember charity work.

A feature of Beaujolais Day is the remarkably good weather with only a very wet day at Brailes a few years ago spoiling the record. This year there was no rain but a howling wind which seemed to shift around so it was always in your face when you were playing the longer holes.

On the course scoring from Bodicote was remarkably good with individual scores as follows reluctant EL Capt - El Chair 27, Super Dan 29, Gazza 31, Wigger 33 (after 12 pts on front 9), Symmo 34, Irv 36, Polly 38 (and top effort having got back from Dublin after midnight) and Woody a fantastic 41. This gave a team total of 269.

The rules of the competition however were drawn up by First World War generals, ie it is all about numbers and if you have more but lose a few along the way so be it. So Bodicote’s score would be up against Grendon’s best 8, with 7 players’ scores discarded. Their total was 277 enough for them to keep the trophy whilst accepting the moral victory belonged to Bodicote. Woody took the honours in the individual prize, well done having not played for 15 months!

This was the 22nd playing of the fixture let’s hope for a few more players next year to keep the tradition alive.

CLUB DINNER (19/10/09)

40 people attended the 30th Annual Club Dinner on Friday 16 October at The Plough.

It was an entertaining night with Plough profits no doubt boosted by the thirsty cricketers back in the pub. A good number of partners also came and Rita and Jane were able to compare bumps – Rita winning easily.

DC arranged everything in super organised fashion. There were one or two notable absentees including Balti who sent his apologies from Portugal. He was missed but some of the female guests were relieved that his usual match by match analysis midweek speech would not be forthcoming. There was a thought we could ask Dan to do a ball by ball analysis speech instead but finally Adam was called upon to say a few words, which he duly did. Jay also gave a short 2nd XI speech almost forgetting to award the Batsman and Bowler awards (nice engraved glass tankards) to Craig & Adam – both well deserved. Bucks of course gave a longer report for the 1st XI – finally getting out his Stanno being all at sea joke and working the word fecund into the speech. He gave the 1st XI awards out – batting to Matt and bowling to himself, via the Chairman, after some initial alacrity that he was not going to be the recipient.

Bucks was also the recipient of the Bodicote Bitter Moment 2009 award. Inzy’s leave at Wroxton, Craig’s 92 v Syresham and Tariq hitting Bucks for the last ball of the season over the houses at Evenley were mentioned in dispatches but Bucks won it hands down, well hands up actually and feet up, lying on his back after the wheels came off against Syresham “I’ve always thought him a bit odd” commented umpire Wilkins at the time.

Scott and Craig kindly sold raffle tickets and thanks go to Wigger, Steph (Mrs DC to be) and The Plough for their prizes. Over £100 was raised. DC then did three 100 Club draws, including the big one, the October Super Draw won by our man in Twin Duck Mountain City, NE China, Maurice. More surprisingly after 51 barren draws El Chair finally came up trumps taking the top prize for September – let’s hope they are like buses. For full details see 100 Club section.

All in all a good night and when your correspondent left at 1.00 am Porge was holding fort with the younger members in his rapt.

Next stop Beaujolais Golf Day on 19 November. El Chair has somehow become El (Golf) Capt so please elt him know if you can play. Full details to follow.

CLUB DINNER, 16 OCTOBER IN THE PLOUGH (22/09/09)

DC is in charge of arrangements. You could help him by emailing your choice of meal, batsman & bowler of the year votes and your Bodicote Bitter moment.

The cost of the dinner is £17.50 per head

Choice of starters – soup, potato skins, pate & toast
Choice of main course – beef in red wine, salmon, mushroom stroganoff – potatoes now or roast
Cheeseboard

Three 100 Club draws including the Super Draw
Raffle
Entertaining speeches

Limited space so contact DC to book your place.

OPEN FORUM, 14 SEPTEMBER (22/09/09)

There was a good turnout of 16 at the club Open Forum. El Chair opened proceedings explaining why he had organised it – an evening to discuss issues prior to the AGM. The evening followed traditional facilitated sessions only El Chiar didn’t charge a fortune for his services. Attendees were split into small groups and first asked to consider why they play cricket for Bodicote CC. The responses were as follows

• To improve
• Loyalty
• Snicko
• Competitive but not life or death
• Social side
• Exercise
• Not elitist or cliquey
• Comradeship
• Going to pub
• Banter
• Well organised
• Travel - ok

Question 2 was what do you think could be done to improve the club. In response the following was put forward

• Pre-match fielding practice arriving early
• Nets – structure – get a coach in to organise so we can run without one
• Bowling machine
• Tour
• More close season social events
• Bowling, Rugby lunch, Dog racing
• Club night 1st Sat of each month
• Club dinner with speaker
• Organise a Six a side tournament
• Sunday side
• Welfare Find representation
• Village Hall, changing facilities
• April spring clean
• Polo shirts worn to games, new ones
• Encourage young players
• More one club
• Website – more people with admin access
• Wicket ctte
• Subs?
• More regular meetings
• AGM before Christmas

And finally discussion about selection!

• Agreed captains and vices plus one or two others? Should meet on Saturdays to discuss selection
• Players must give availability early and also we should collate players known non-availability.
• We need a policy – the easy bit

So we will have the AGM before Christmas so that these ideas can be structured, agreed or otherwise. It was pleasing ot note that there were some volunteers for some of the tasks!

Thanks to everyone who participated

GOLF DAY, 6 JUNE (09/06/09)

Thanks to Bob L for the report

As I remember the day, can't remember the night !!!!!!!!!! A good time was had by all during the evening. Singing led by ex chair, Tim Rogers.

Morning Texas scramble winners
Craig Irvine
Paul Symington
Dan Haywood
Stuart Quick ?

Afternoon team event (points scored on each hole -in handicap order.)

Afternoon main event
1) Paul Foster B.C.C. (Banbury Cricket Club) 41 pts (off 22) Will be off 17 next year if he wishes to come.
2) Matt Miller  B.C.C. (Bodicote     "         "  ) 40 pts ( "  18)    " "    "  14  "        " ,   he is coming.
3) Ian Johnson B.C.C (Banbury      "         " )  37 pts ( "  18 ) "    "  “ 17  "        "  if he wishes to come.
( on count back from Steve Harris who also had 37 pts)

Nearest the pin on the 6th, ? May have been Craig Irvine.
Nearest the pin in two on the 18th, Tim Rogers
Longest Drive, Richard Smith.

Great turn out with 27 "players" attending. Good scores with no one below 21 pts, -outstanding.

Thanks to The home of Bodicote Cricket Club for providing great fare and to the guys from Banbury Cricket Club for their support in one of our "major" events

.TRANSFER NEWS (17/05/09)

The list of players who have left BCC for other SNCL clubs is a short one. Players don’t usually leave for pastures new - either stop playing or keep going for ever with, until recently, only three players moving to other clubs, the lamented Peter Tubb (Croughton), Guy Wilby (Sibford) and Christian Davies (Middleton), the latter two hardly featuring anyway. However to add to these ranks El Sec had a call from Stoneleigh wishing to register J-Rod, the Tin Man, Jared. No contact had been made with the big South African over the winter and we assume it was the distance travelled from Leamington rather than any falling out that led to his move. Whatever we of course wish him well.

Postscript – Jared read the story and phoned up the Chair to apologise for not having notified everyone of his departure which is purely on the grounds that Stoneleigh is just around the corner for him. He did say how much he had enjoyed his cricket with us, wishes everyone well and hopes to catch up with us soon.

OUTDOOR NETS (27/04/09)

Outdoor nets at Banbury CC will beheld every Tuesday, weather and any major game on at the club permitting, from 6.15 pm onwards

PRE-SEASON QUIZ (27/04/09)

About 40 people enjoyed the annual visit into the inner workings of El Chair’s mind for the pre-season quiz. There were certainly more people there then had advised they were coming, although not at the advertised start time, so the communication systems worked partly at least! Topics ranged from sports nicknames to cartoon characters and national anthems. The Dave Allen plus harem plus kids plus Matt Miller combo ended up convincing winners with a team of Bob, Phil, Rita, Linda and DC second.

A small amount was raised for club funds boosted by the generosity of Dave the new landlord at The Plough, who provided sandwiches for free.

For those interested who could not attend the two rounds with local colour are reproduced below.

Name the villages in the SNCL where the following pubs are located

1. Cross Keys
2. Hare & Hounds
3. Kings Head
4. Fleur de Lys
5. Dolphin
6. Rose & Crown
7. North Arms
8. Crewe Arms
9. Blackbird

10Two Brewers

Name the Bodicote players from the clues below

1. Dr Livingstone & Accrington

2. 1980s West Indian fast bowler & 1947 European Recovery Program

3. Greyhound Mick and farmer Windy

4. Partner of Hammerstein & famous architect

5. Tweed & a didgerdoo

6. Lady Chatterley’s Lover & Stoke City footballer

7. Reebok & one-pot Pakistani style of curry

8. Hi de Hi & tree surgery
9. Are friends electric & Eddie Felson
10.Joanna Lumley & Take That

SNCL 2009 27/03/09)

Bl***y Priors. (See stories below). Have now told league their side is not strong enough for Premier Division so playing in Div 5 after all. SNCL decided too late to change everything, fixture book at printers etc so Premier Division will only be 9 teams with BCC having byes on 16th may and 11th July.

SNCL 2009 07/02/09)

Here are our fixtures for 2009. In the end Priors were unhappy having their only side in Division 5 (where there A team were) so opted to stay in the Premier

DATE	1st XI – SNCL PREMIER	2nd XI - SNCL DIV 3
May 2nd	Syresham v Bodicote	Bodicote A v Boddington
May 9th	Bodicote v Radway	Northampton GP v Bodicote A
May 16th	Priors v Bodicote	Bodicote A v Crowns
May 23rd	Bodicote v Evenley	Finmere v Bodicote A
May 30th	Wootton v Bodicote	Bodicote A v Syresham A
June 6th	Fenny Compton v Bodicote	Bodicote A v Warwick Univ' Staff A
June 13th	Bodicote v Warwick Univ' Staff	Gawcott & Hillesden v Bodicote A
June 20th	Byfield v Bodicote	Bodicote A v Wroxton
June 27th	Bodicote v Marston St Lawrence	Middleton Cheney v Bodicote A
July 4th	Radway v Bodicote	Bodicote A v Northampton GP
July 11th	Bodicote v Priors	Crowns v Bodicote A
July 18th	Bodicote v Syresham	Boddington v Bodicote A
July 25th	Marston St Lawrence v Bodicote	Bodicote A v Middleton Cheney
August 1st	Warwick Univ' Staff v Bodicote	Bodicote A v Gawcott & Hillesden
August 8th	Bodicote v Fenny Compton	Warwick Univ' Staff A v Bodicote A
August 15th	Bodicote v Wootton	Syresham A v Bodicote A
August 22nd	Bodicote v Byfield	Wroxton v Bodicote A
August 29th	Evenley v Bodicote	Bodicote A v Finmere

2008 NEWS

SNCL 2009 (24/11/08)

Click here for the proposed formation of the SNCL for 2009. Nostradamus predicted the fall of Priors so we have the honour of being the last team they played in the Premier Division!

We have put forward two motions to the SNCL AGM that have been seconded by other cubs – 1. entry to midweek cups to no longer be compulsory and 2. 1st XI matches to start at 1.30 pm. A 3rd motion from Bucks about rain affected games did not receive any seconding, possibly because it was even more bamboozling than George’s slower ball.

The AGM is this Friday, another proposal to be voted on is making “covers” mandatory in the Premier Division!

GOLF DAY 2009 (24/11/08)

The 2009 Golf Day will be a similar format to this year and will be played once again at the Wychwood GC on Friday 5th June 2009.

Please can you add this date into your 2009 diaries NOW and please please, please can you confirm back to the organizer Polly via email or text (07909 974729) ASAP whether or not you are able to play so I can confirm numbers with the club.  Cost should be very similar to the 2008 price of £45 which included lunch, 27 holes of golf and dinner but I will confirm this once we have final numbers sorted.

Please add the date into your diary now and let me know if you can play!

Polly

BEAUJOLAIS GOLF (24/11/08)

The weather for the annual Beaujolais Golf fixture was certainly better than many times during the season and Bodicote fielded a 10 man team to take on the 11 from Grendon Underwood in the 21^st meeting between the sides. Bodicote’s side was El Chair, Balti, Gazza, Symmo, Slogger, Wiggy, Polly, TV, making a welcome return to a BCC team Sid and guest Kev Boneham.

The course was in reasonably good nick but some Masters-esque pin positions meant that there was not much green to play with at times or put it another way - a lot but a long way from the hole!

Bodicote did well on the spot prizes with Balti booing out the longest drive on the 9^th and Gazza, taking the nearest the pin on the 13^th. Sadly Polly along with oppo skipper Pete Avery were tied for the lowest score and in the absence of reverse countback to decide who would “win” Pete was awarded the prize on the basis of the most garish fleece award. Polly’s excuse for the low score the arrival of fatherhood as baby Leila had arrived a fortnight ago, weighing in at 8lb 8oz.

The mild weather led to some good scoring and six players were tied for second place in the individual competition on 38 points. Wilko from Grendon took this award on countback after amassing a gringo bandit score of 21 on the back nine off his 28 handicap. The individual winner was another Grendon man Daddo with 39 points.

Despite reasonable 28 point contributions from usual rabbits Slogger and El Chair the Bodicote big guns did not do enough to wrest the trophy from Grendon who won 357 to 307.

A good day out enjoyed by all who participated. Tim volunteered to organise it next season to allow El Chair to concentrate on his game, so put it in your diary now Thursday 19th November 2009.

AVERAGES 2008 (24/11/08)

The 2008 averages have finally been added as a download, click here to access.

BEAUJOLAIS GOLF (13/10/08)

The 21st annual Beaujolais Golf fixture is due to be held on Thursday 20 November and is always a good day/evening out. There is a date for your diary. Currently no-one has stepped up to organise the day, we really could do with a willing volunteer rather than let the same people help out. Save El Chair the problem of organising it himself or hassling someone to do it by giving him the pleasant surprise of volunteering.

INDOOR CRICKET (13/10/08)

The indoor league for Bodicote starts on Tuesday December the 2nd at Spiceball Leisure Centre. We are currently in Div 2, having being promoted from Div 3 last season. We do have a duty night on 14th of October, which involves us helping with the scoring, so if people are available for that it would be a great help, otherwise we can get docked points. Please contact Midweek Captain Stanno for further details.

FIREWORKS NIGHT (13/10/08)

The Bodicote Welfare Fund organise the biggest firework display in the area and the profits are used to support the field and the village hall. This year, like last, they have agreed we can rope off the square to ensure our hard work repair it in the Autumn is not trampled to death. The Fund always need volunteers to staff the gate and car park and general stewarding. If you are able to help on the evening, guessing 6-6.30 pm onwards please let El Chair know. The Welfare Fund have supported us so we should reciprocate .

CLUB DINNER (13/10/08)

The organisation of the dinner again fell into the capable hands of Dave Cronin and his hard work ensured an excellent night for the 50 members and guests who attended. As ever the convivial setting of the lounge at our spiritual home, The Plough meant a relaxed atmosphere on the 30th anniversary of the club dinner. Historians will be interested to note that this was held from 1979-1996 at The Plough, then Banbury CC in 1997, Rye Hill GC in 1998, back to Banbury CC in 1999, Three years at The Moat House (or whatever it is called these days), then return to Banbury CC until 2006.

Team captains undertook the traditional speeches remembering the good, bad and the ugly of the season. Awards were dished out as follows:

Midweek Player of the Season – Matt Miller

1st XI Batsman of the Season – Andrew Stanley

1st XI Bowler of the Season – Dan Smith

2nd XI Batsman of the Season – Simon Woodruff

2nd XI Bowler of the Season – Hassan Iqbal

Bodicote Bitter Moment – fighting off the strong challenge of George’s strop – walk back to his house, having to turn back and walk past his colleagues, because he didn’t live there any more! The winner was Chris Buckingham for his wonderous catch at Willoughby.

PRE-SEASON QUIZ (04/05/08)

There was a good turnout to the pre-season quiz held on the Sunday evening of the practice match at The Plough. Eight teams did battle with about 40 people there. All supported famine relief thanks to Porge who had failed to pass on the message regarding food. El Chair took on the quizmaster role and an early architecture question had aficionados thinking he had borrowed the Big(gs) Book of Quizzes. However members were actually treated to his bizarre selection of knowledge and trivia with questions ranging from the location of the secret passages in Cluedo, how to spell Subbuteo, to the two teams we have played in the SNCL where there is a railway station with the same name as the town/village. Team Barlow were early front runners and a Zimbabwean style fix was on everyone’s lips. However they fell away to be beaten by the Smiths (Mark, Celia and Alexander), Campbell, Graham combo. The marathon round is repeated below for those who did not attend to try their luck at.

All in all a good evening with a small amount of cash made and the Sunday evening timing seemed more popular than recent years.

HERE IS A LIST OF SINGERS, GROUPS AND SONGS WITH THE NAME OF A BCC MEMBER MISSING. THE NAME MAY BE A FORENAME, SURNAME OR NICKNAME. YOU HAVE TO FILL IN THE MISSING NAME. One point for each correct answer, 2 pts available on Q11 and Q14.

To help

The answers are in alphabetic order and there are one or two clues along the way.

The answers may not match the exact spelling of the name but do sound the same (usually!)

The name may sometimes connect two words ie the end of one word and the beginning of another

1 …………..…ski

2 …………..…s Girl

3 …………..… Fizz

4 …………..…hot (Billy Joel song)

5 The Year of the …………..…

6 …………..…man of the Board

7 AC…………..…

8 …………..…is …………..…is (same name repeated twice)

9 C …………..… Dave

10 L…………..… de …………..… (2 different names)

11 The O…………..…s

12 …………..…s. in White Satin

13 Li …………..… …………..…(2 different names)

14 I’m gonna be (500 …………..…)

15 Randy ………… (ironically)

16 …………..…ce

17 Harper Valley …………..…A

18 Aero…………..…

18 …………..… Road

29 Max …………..… Park

21 The sun always shines on …………..…

22 …………..… Going on

23 …………..… lie to you (has to be said in a Birmingham accent)

CONTACT DETAILS (04/03/08)

The club are looking to ensure we have up to date contact details for all members. If you have changed mobile or home phone, postal address or email address recently or know that incorrect info was included on last season’s fixture card then please advise new Secretary, Steve Harris.

AGM (04/03/08)

The minutes of the AGM can be accessed by clicking here. In summary key points are below

Club Funds

AGM agreed we should look to ensure running costs of club were met by match fees and supported the following match fee rates for 2008

Saturday Fees

£9 – non 100 Club members

£8 – 100 Club members

£4 – Juniors / Students

Midweek Fees

£5 – non 100 Club members

£4 – 100 Club members

£2 – Juniors / Students

Events

Pre-season event

We are planning to have an intra(thanks Chris) club game at Kingsfield on Sunday 27 April. Match will be 2-7 with no tea. This will be followed by a Quiz Evening in The Plough. Match Fees £5 to include some food for evening, £4 for those just attending the quiz. Quizmaster will be El Chair.

Bodicote Open

Friday 6th June at the Wychwood Golf Club

Breakfast - order as required
AM - 9 hole Texas Scramble (10.00)
Light Lunch - soup and sandwiches
PM - 18 hole Individual Stableford (13.30)

Evening meal at the Plough, Bodicote
Cost tbc
All welcome including guests. Let Balti know if you wish to play

Club Dinner

10 October at The Plough

Clothing

We will be doing a clothing order pre-season – cricket shirts, fleeces, polo-shirts, caps, golf sweaters. Details to follow In addition. However if you want to buy a cricket sweater these need to be ordered soon. Please email Mark Smith  if you want to keep warm in a BCC sweater.

INDOOR NETS (24/01/08)

Indoor Nets have been organised at Banbury School on Monday evenings from 1900-2100 hrs running from 11 February to 31 March with the exception of 18 Feb and 24 Mar.

There will be a charge to cover the cost of the nets. We hope as many members as possible will attend and we will discuss the format of the evenings at the AGM on Monday 4 Feb

2007 NEWS

SNCL AGM, 23 NOVEMBER (24/11/07)

Lots of decisions at the league AGM, download these here.

2008 GOLF DAY (17/11/07)

Balti has booked the Wychwood for Friday 6 June 2008 for the annual Golf Day. Get it in your diary or face the ginger wrath of the organiser.

2008 AGM (17/11/07)

The date of the AGM has been set for Monday 4 February, 2030 hrs in the lounge at The Plough. More info to follow but please put the date in your diary as it is an important meeting for all to attend to discuss the running of the club.

100 CLUB (17/11/07)

To satisfy some post Beaujolais Golf musing in The Plough here is analysis of who has won what in the 100 Club which has now been running for 30 months. This means that each number has cost an individual £75 to date if they were in from the start. (nb some of the Number of No’s might not be 100 % accurate based on the info available at the time of analysis). What it does show is how much some people contribute to the club. Any comments via the forum.

Name	No of No’s	Wins	Total
Adam Harris	1	1	30
Al Starkie	1	1	60
Alan Parfitt	1	3	130
Andy Hawken	3	4	130
Bob Campbell	2	1	50
Bob Lawrence	2	1	50
Chris Buckingham	2	4	190
Colin Thurbon	2	1	20
Craig Irvine	1	1	50
Dave Allen	4	6	200
Dave Cronin	2	3	110
David Barlow	2	2	55
David Andrews	1	0	0
Eric Woodruff	2	3	115
Gary Lee	2	7	180
George Lawrence	1	1	10
George Walker	1	1	30
Hamblett	1	0	0
Jerry Biggs	4	7	145
Jimmy Blencowe	1	0	0
Jo Baker	1	2	20
John Morewood	1	2	20
Jon Pollard	4	1	13
Judith Andrews	1		30
Mark Smith	4	5	183
Matt Miller	2	1	50
Maurice Marshall	1	1	30
Pat Knight	2	3	70
Paul Boulton	2	3	70
Paul Symington	1	1	90
Pete Eaton	2	2	70
Richard Barnden	1	3	60
Richard Smith	2	3	110
Roger Graham	2	2	80
Simon Pollard	4	4	81
Simon Woodruff	2	3	85
Stephen Barlow	2	0	0
Steve Pratt	1	2	55
Stuart Smith	2	2	70
Tim Rogers	2	2	90

BEAUJOLAIS GOLF, 15 NOVEMBER 2007 (Updated 17/11/07)

The 20th year of this annual fixture v Grendon Underwood was held at Cherwell Edge GC on 15 November. As ever the traditional Beaujolais Nouveau date of the 3rd Thursday in November was chosen although the link with the vinegary offering that is passed of as Nouveau no longer exists. 20 golfers assembled out the Plough for breakfast, 12 from Grendon and a rather disappointing 8 from Bodicote. A variety of reasons had been profferred by stalwarts with Symo in Spain, TVR suffering from a poisoned elbow, Woodah and entourage busy at work etc. Stu Smith had at least had the good grace to tell everyone he wasn’t coming with a Bob Lawrence-esque “reply to all” message. However Bodicote’s team was to be boosted(?) by the arrival later at the course of El Chair who, whilst the others had enjoyed their breakfast, had spent the morning sitting in his wife’s broken down car in deepest South Northants waiting for roadside recovery whilst said better half had sped off in his car to work. His arrival at the course in a car transporter prompted some odd looks from the members.

This year the match was dedicated to Grendon stalwart Ali Haddow who sadly passed away during the summer. Ali had been a great supporter of the event and Grendon had engraved the annual trophy in his name.

It was a cold but beautifully sunny day and generally scoring was good. Chris (Baldrick) East from the visitors took the prize for being nearest the pin in two at the 10th whilst Inzy won the nearest the pin at the 13th having narrowly survived an Irvine exocet at the 12th.which sailed over his head in full view of (and total silence from) blind spotter Slogger. Slogger himself, who with the Chair form the BCC rabbits section, played well for 29 points. Smith and East showed that their awards were not a flash in the pan as they also took 2nd and 3rd places in the individual scoring each with 37 points. This was two fewer than the winner, Andy Walker from Grendon. In the team competition the time honoured tradition of scoring was carried out. Ie the team with the fewest players drops one score and the other team picks the same number of scores so can drop more low scores. This grapeshot approach means that Bodicote’s poor turnout counted against us. El Chair’s 23 points (“Sorry Team”) was happily dropped to give BCC a combined score of 272, whilst Grendon dropped four scores of 12(!), 23, 27 & 28 to leave a final total of 276 to retain the trophy. However this was a fine effort by the team scores are in brackets – Wigger (36 – including 23 pts on the back 9 for the midas touched Mark) , Steve Harris (35 a good debut), Slogger (29 – laudable for his first game since the 2006 event), Irv (31 – good back 9, mare on front), Inzy (37 – has the big man found something he is good at), Polly (36 – 18/18 solid golf), Balti (36 – lots of swearing and beware of flying clubs), Shaun Quick (32 – mate of Polly thanks for playing), El Chair (23)

It is always a good day and put a the date in your diary for 2008, Thursday 20 November - don't worry if you think your golf isn't great - the range of abilities is wider than Inzy's stomach.

A good meal was enjoyed by all and fitting tributes in memory of Ali Haddow were made leaving time to muse on the history of the event, happy memories of rounds akin to Scott’s trip in the Antarctic at Rye Hill, the Portakabin at the club, rain at Brailes, The Fist’s orange tracksuit bottoms, Woody playing whilst holding simultaneously hands with Helen in his youth, Wilf from Grendon consuming bottles of whisky. Happy days!

In trying to remember the team of ’88 the following were mentioned in dispatches – Woody, PT, Bucks, El Chair (who for a non-golfer has remarkably played in every 20 fixtures), Vealli, Bill Reed, John Shaughnessy, Ross Greig, Nigel Dolan and Yer Man Trevor Morrow.

CLUB AVERAGES 2007 (16/10/07)

To view the averages for 2007 use this download.

CLUB DINNER (16/10/07)

So the first club dinner back in The Plough since 1996 and a revival of the tradition started in 1979. For those members lucky enough to get the hottest ticket in Bodicote the question was why had we ever gone anywhere else? The lounge of The Plough proved an intimate setting, Pete & Michelle and staff laid on a fantastic meal, and Symo kept his speech mercifully short – what more could you want from an evening’s entertainment?

Credit especially goes to the newly domesticated DC who organised the meal and Wigger who organised the raffle for which Adam and Scott willingly sold the tickets. There were three 100 Club draws, August, September and October. Results will be posted to the site but the October Super Draw was won by Alan Parfitt, someone who was a regular attendee at the annual dinner in its early days before his work took him round the world to some rather more high brow functions. Flowers were provided for Mrs Harris for her sterling support of the 2nds, Mrs Pat for her work with the barbeque and Michelle, with Pete receiving some wine glasses – our way of thanking them for all they do for the club. El Chair paid tribute to the core of the club Wigger, JP, Balti, Symo and Baltie and Bucks both entertained the troops with amusing speeches

For the official awards, 2nd XI Batsman of the Year was Shaun Harris and 2nd XI Bowler Jay Watts. 1st XI Batsman was Matt Miller and Dan Smith took the 1st XI Bowler award (as well as the Inzy Smith “Most scruffily dressed attendee” award but then he is a bl***y student and to be fair had come down from Sheffield to pick up his tankard. Also to be fair Inzy has now invested in a DJ and along with a number of other members took advantage of the smoke free atmosphere to posh up without the need for post-meal dry cleaning.) Miller cleaned up taking the Bodicote Bitter moment for his magnificent 167 against Woodford which easily beat off Dean’s double bouncer at Bloxham, Bucks twisted knee at Thornborough, Bloxham’s running track and George’s attempt to go off road in Inzy’s car at Thornborough. Woody and George also gave a special display and award for Chemical Toilet shot of the year to the Ambassador.

So overall a fitting occasion to celebrate our two championships.

DOREEN BLENCOWE (08/09/07)

Some belated sad news to report that Doreen Blencowe passed away a fortnight ago. Doreen had been ill for some time and the funeral was held on Friday 31 August. Doreen was of course the former landlady of The Plough and along with Old Jim ran the pub from 1957 until it passed into Young Jim’s hands a few years ago. For most of the local players their first pint was served in the pub under the Blencowe stewardship. Along with Jim, Doreen was a big supporter of the club. She was always interested in how the club and individuals were faring and was one of those pillars that are so important to village life. As well as her Beaujolais Breakfasts Her piece de resistance was the annual dinner which she cooked and arranged for a full lounge bar of cricketers from 1979 through to 1996. It will different as we go back there this year for her not to be there and perhaps a chorus of “Doreen, Doreen etc” from older members might be an appropriate epitaph (as long as we explain the reason for it to Michelle). With Doreen’s departure another little bit of recent Bodicote history is brought to a close. We send our condolences to Old Jim and Young Jim.

SOCIAL NEWS (26/07/07)

Our congratulations go to Matt (& Mrs) Miller on the recent birth of son Joe. Joe was born on Friday 20 July with it all happening a bit earlier and quicker than anticipated so much so that Matt was hurrying back on the train having been at Lords for the India test match. Joe weighed in at 7 lbs and after some routine checks, as he was born early, is now at home with mother and all are doing well (certainly doesn’t seem to have affected Matt’s batting).

Congratulations also go to Polly and Zoe who were married on Friday 3 August at Fawsley Hall. By all accounts it was a good day and we wish them every happiness together. By all accounts Zoe looked radiant but she had to compete for the limelight with Polly’s newly whitened teeth.

BOB CAMPBELL (26/07/07)

www.bodiocte.com has received this message from Bob Campbell. Bob remains a big supporter of the club after an illustrious playing career through the 1980s and 1990’s. We hope you will be able to support Bob in his efforts and trust that he will not fall foul of any dope testing!

Over this coming weekend beginning Friday 27 July I am to cycle round the central region Cheshire Homes to raise money for that charity. I have been linked to the North Oxfordshire Cheshire Home for over 10 years, being part of a group that runs a bar for the residents each Friday evening and Sunday lunch time. Attached are a sponsor form and poster giving more details of the bike ride. To add a little more interest I am asking people who donate to guess the total time it will take me to ride the 200+ miles to complete the ride. I'd be delighted if you could support this and even more delighted if you were able to persuade colleagues, etc. to guess the time taken - at a price! I have set up a web page at www.justgiving.com/bobcampbell. The web page has a Comment column where you can make your guess. The first day involves cycling through parts of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire that are currently flooded. Contingency plans are in place!

BODICOTE v BODICOTE (21/07/07)

This annual fun event will be played on Friday 27th July, 1800 hrs at Kingsfield Aquadrome. Symo and Wigger are team captains. Balti has organised beer and a BBQ, music to be played. A gret night’s entertainment. If you wish to play contact them – using these links Well Spoken Mark or Not So Well Spoken Symo.

GOLF DAY (21/07/07)

The Golf Day has been re-arranged for Saturday 8th September at Brailes. Those interested in playing should contact Symo, who will undoubtedly organise a good day’s entertainment.

BODICOTE CC FUTURE STARS (21/05/07)

It is pleasing to report that two of our younger supporters are making great strides in the cricketing world. Sons of Bodicote stars Luke Symington and Ross Allen both recently attended trial for the Oxfordshire U10 team and both were selected. Luke has already helped out this season, fielding at Charlton A for the 2nds when Woody hurt his back and no doubt proved a quicker more agile presence in the field (though his arm probably isn’t up to Woody’s quite yet). Both boys are on loan to Banbury until they are old enough to make the step up, back over the hedge for some serious cricket. Manifestly the lads’ ability runs in their families as Ross has obviously got his father’s eye for a ball and … err on second thoughts … we didn’t know Mrs Symo played cricket.

FRANK TAYLOR (09/05/07)

Some sad news to report that one of our Vice Presidents, Frank Taylor, passed away on Sunday 6 May after a long illness.

Frank was a highly respected local sportsman, best known as an opening bat and wicketkeeper for Banbury and Oxfordshire, but he also won the Banbury Advertiser cup for table tennis several times. He was also Captain and President of Chippy Golf Club. His sporting CV shows how talented he was but to talk to him about his achievements you would never have guessed it because he was incredibly modest about his talents. His support for the club came out of working with the Woodruffs at Weatherwise and he became a keen follower, particularly of the midweek XI if fellow employees TJ, John Morewood and Woody were  playing. He also supported our Golf Days and attended Quiz Nights. 

The funeral is at Banbury Crematorium at 11am on Monday 14th May.

He will be missed by many in the town.

Here is a picture of Frank, closest to the camera, watching a game with Eric Woodruff. 

BODICOTE CC POSTER (09/04/07)

If you can help the club by downloading the attached poster and sticking it somewhere suitable that would be great. Please feel free to change the contact details to your own if that is appropriate for your place of work  etc.

BCC poster

SNCL FIXTURES 2007 (08/04/07)

The club’s fixtures can be downloaded using the link below. Details of Brackley & District Midweek League have been added.

Fixtures 2007

INDOOR NETS (22/01/07)

Indoor nets will this year be held at Banbury School on monday nights from 7.30 - 8.30

They will run as follows

Monday 29th - Monday 12th Feb inclusive
Week break for AGM - ALL TO ATTEND
Monday 26th Feb - April 2nd april inclusive
Week break for Easter monday
April 16th

As previous years there will be a charge of £2 seniors £1 juniors.

What shouldn't have escaped your notice is that the AGM will be held on Monday 19th February, 8pm start, (Inzy - there will be no nets that week before you email to check!).
The AGM will this year be held in the Lounge of the Plough, Bodicote and shall be accompanied by some refreshments courtesy of Pete and Michelle. Please all try to attend as it is your chance to voice any opinions you have regarding the running of the club, (rather than use the forum).

2006 NEWS

BEAUJOLAIS GOLF (19/11/06)

Always a good day! And this year was no exception. Bodicote mustered a team of 16 but for once Grendon arrived with more players – 19 in total. Cherwell Edge was in pretty good nick with only one temporary green. Some of the early starters got a bit wet but it soon stopped and was a crisp Autumnal day. The course certainly suited Balti who went round the front nine in one over and ended up with 43 points playing off 11. This earned him the individual prize for the day but Grendon took the nearest the pin and the longest drive and also wrestled the main trophy from Bodicote’s grasp after a few season’s absence.

Next year will be the 20^th anniversary fixture and hopefully a good turnout to mark the occasion.

CLUB DINNER (14/10/06)

A disappointing turnout for what is traditionally a good event and this year was no exception. Maxine & JP did a great job of organising the evening and Maxine’s raffle would have graced any function. Highlight of the speeches was undoubtedly Balti’s midweek report which was a classic, mainly about Bhavin but others got a mention too.

The awards for the season, voted for (in small numbers it has to be said) by club members were as follows.

1^st XI Batsman – Dave Cronin
1^st XI Bowler – Chris Buckingham
2^nd XI Batsman – Robert Booth
2^nd XI Bowler – Bhavin Kotecha – who to his credit and putting some non-attendees efforts to shame, had driven up from “The Smoke” to attend
Bodicote Bitter Moment went to Dave Cronin for his six hitting fest on his way to a ton at Radway. 

The committee will be trying to come up with a strategy to encourage more people to attend and would of course welcome any feedback - fat chance!

END OF SEASON RAMBLINGS (31/08/06)

www.bodicote.com caught up with Club Chairman Stephen Barlow who gives his views on the end of the season.

Firstly I’d like to thank Dave Allen for his four years as Skip. Dave announced he is standing down after Saturday’s game although he plans to keep on playing. He took over with the club struggling after relegation from the Premier Division in 2002 and has led from the front with some outstanding batting displays. His four years at the helm is the longest continuous run in the position since the club was reformed in 1971. Dave of course paid tribute to those around him, particularly Wigger, who have made the job easier by shouldering much of the admin load. Thankfully the 1sts stayed up – comfortably in the end but Division One will no doubt be more competitive next season with Croughton and Thornborough returning from the top flight and Dunchurch & Bilton and Stoneleigh coming up from Division Two. With a number of players’ availability up and down credit must be given to Fastlane, Inzy, Porge, Crona and more latterly Deano for turning out most regularly and forming the core of the side.

The seconds struggled after topping the table in June and Bhavin’s absence certainly made a difference. Skipper Symo scored runs took wickets and put in hours of work  on the square and for the club in general. He has also kept the Discussion Forum interesting, it’s a pity more people don’t contribute. The regulars Big Al Big A, Almost as Big Gary have put their weight behind the team and Dosser and Balti have also played regularly. It has been good to see Robert develop with his leg spin and his batting and hopefully he might come into 1^st XI reckoning next season. Balti has also done a fine job with the midweek XI in the face of some stiff opposition. I have never seen a Midweek League table but the team’s excellent four match wining streak at the end of the campaign must have taken them off the bottom. Balti and JP also put a great deal of work into keeping the club running with work on the square, a great deal of admin and polite nagging of the Chair if things need sorting out.

At the start of the season we were concerned about how things would go with The Plough however new owners Pete and Michelle made all our fears unfounded and have been great hosts and Michelle’s teas are as good as any in the league. Saturdays have been as entertaining as ever and the mark has not been overstepped mainly because Phil hasn’t played as much, Porge wants to keep in with his employers and Dosser is no worse than on the other evenings he spends in The Plough. The end of season BBQ went very well and the karaoke enjoyed by all with Dave Baltistepfather producing a version of The Leader of the Gang that sounded like Telly Savalas on acid.

So thanks to all who have contributed to the success of the club. If I have missed out anyone from the above then apologies.

Any comments then please add them to the Discussion Forum!

BODICOTE v BODICOTE (14/06/06)

Next Friday 23rd June sees the annual Bodicote vs Bodicote cricket match take place.

It will take the format of last years event, meaning there will be a BBQ, beers and music during the game. Balti has kindly agreed to do the BBQ, but will be looking for assistance.

The game will start at 6.15-6.30

If you are available to play please can you contact JP (email, phone or leave a message on this forum) so we can then put together 2 teams. Captains are Wigger and Symmo – but teams won’t be selected on hair coverage.

If you don't fancy playing, still come along and enjoy what should be a good evening/night!

CLUB BBQ (14/06/06)

Another date for your diary is Saturday 15th July when the annual club BBQ will take place, in order to save Balti's lawn (sanity) and The Chair’s parents this will take place in the newly refurbished courtyard at the Plough in Bodicote. Further details will follow shortly but we hope for a good turnout please.

TEAS UPDATE (20/04/06)

Members will be relieved to know that Pete & Michelle, the new tenants of The Plough have agreed to do teas for us this season. A BCC catering sub-committee met with Michelle recently and we are confident of a very good spread. The cost to the club will be slightly higher than last season and this will need to be absorbed by existing financial arrangements plus the possibility of some extra fund-raising – a World Cup draw perhaps?

PRE-SEASON UPDATE (05/04/06)

The minutes of the AGM are now available by clicking here.

Items of note from the AGM:

· Match fees increased from £7 on Saturdays and £4 for midweek. However there will be a £1 discount on these for 100 Club members.

· Selection for each week’s fixtures will be coordinated by all 3 captains who will meet on the preceding Saturday to discuss and agree selection.

· SNCL Saturday games will start at 2.00 pm throughout the season.

Items on note following the recent meeting of your hardworking Club Committee.

· You can download a fixture list for the season here. nb SNCL Midweek cup dates still to be added. Fixture Cards will be produced and distributed soon. We will be asking for members to confirm or update their contact details, please help us ensure we have a comprehensive list as possible.

· Outdoor nets will start shortly and details will be posted as soon as known.

· As ever we remain on the lookout for players so if you find any potential recruits do try and get them involved.

The club have bought a new mower courtesy of a grant from the Banbury Charities Trust. We hope all members learn how to use this and the roller which has a new steering wheel and throttle courtesy of Balti and an impending service courtesy of Symo’s brother in law. 

· Early impressions are very favourable in terms of our relationship with the new tenants of The Plough, Pete and Michelle. For those who have yet to visit the pub, the internal structure has not been altered but decorated and the place is a lot “fresher” (not possible I hear you say). The lounge is a non-smoking restaurant and the yard is being developed as a proper outdoor drinking area. They have taken George on so their judge of character might be in question. The Committee have discussed the crucial question of them providing teas and we very much hope that we will be able to come to an agreement on this despite Symo’s bigging-up of Jim’s teas!   

Dates for diary

The Bodicote v Bodicote game will be played on Friday 23 June captained by Symo and Wigger (Described somewhat unfairly by the Chair as “Class War”)

A Barbecue is planned for Saturday 15 July, venue to be agreed.

And finally Easter will see the BCC reality show – Celebrity Scoreboard. Members will be asked to vote between Balti’s tried and trusted board and Symo’s monster carbon fibre construction which is currently taking up all of George’s garden.   

BANBURY RFC (15/03/06)

BCC have a table booked for lunch at Banbury RFC prior to their last home game of the season v Stockwood Park on Saturday 8 April. Places are going fast and if you want to go please contact Slogger.

THE PLOUGH (15/03/06)

The Plough 2006 remix re-opens on Friday 24 March. We are obviously keen to make a good early impression otherwise we will all be making sandwiches and baking cakes in the summer. So do try and get along to give the new tenants a big BCC welcome. Rog is looking to do the March 100 club draw that evening..

TOUR NEWS (17/01/06)

The Baltmeister reports that he and Woody and I are keen to get this years tour sorted and booked up.....This year sees the return of tour specialist Dave Allen so the possible dates are now later into the school holidays...

Plan is to go to Paul's other hotel - The Cliff Hotel - Gwbert and the usual format being Sunday - Wednesday - 3 nights. Possible dates being Sun July 30th or Sun Aug 6th

Please reply asap whether you can come or not and your preferred date. Email the Eminence ginge.

GOOD TRIUMPHS OVER EVIL (09/01/06)

Those readers who believe in justice will be delighted to learn that the BCC 1^st XI Bowler of the Season Award for 2005 has been restored to its rightful owner. Stephen Barlow. Attendees at the club dinner may recall the captain Mr D Allen being so inebriated he awarded the tankard to the wrong player and worse than that the unlawful recipient, the Evil Mad Doctor Chris, refused to part with it. Over the Christmas holiday the intrepid hero pulled together a crack team and planned a daring raid on the Mad Doc’s Leamington hideout to win back his rightful prize. His unit consisted of Simon “Hands of Steel” Woodruff and Helen “Fighting Machine” Woodruff. Under cover of a social soiree for the great and the good of Leamington they attacked. The raid was not without victims – many items of vegetarian food perished on the way however despite the Mad Doc’s screaming pleas “Look at the averages!” and “It should be mine!” the trio managed to wrestle the tankard from his grasp and return it to Brackley.    

AGM (08/01/06)

The 2006 AGM will be held in the Church House on Monday 6 February at 8.15 pm. As ever it is important that we get a good turnout from the club to agree how the club should be run.

Directions for those who have not been before - Carry on past the Plough, the Bakers and the Church. Church House is on the right.  

LAST (BLENCOWE) NIGHT OF THE PLOUGH (08/01/06)

There was a fine BCC turnout for the last Blencowe Night of The Plough on Saturday evening with over 20 current players making an appearance for some or all of the evening. This number was boosted with a few ”better halves” including Gemma who, surprisingly for someone who seems quite intelligent, has fallen for the earthy charms of El Porgerooni. It was also good to see a couple of old faces, Alan Bristow and Ivan Veall, back in The Plough and Mrs Rogers enjoyed them swapping tales of bringing up their children with The Chair as the three of them had been the confirmed batchelors of their day… how times have changed. Word has it that Bodicote’s current incumbents of this role have also moved on with Inzy finding a handy regular servicing somewhere near Toddington on the M1 and Crona playing the mountie to a Canadian marooned in Banbury.

So for the last time a Saturday evening’s entertainment was provided by the Blencowe family and as ever it was a really good night which we hope will be recreated in the regime. The pub has been in the family hands since 1957 which pre-dates even Tim Rogers first visit to it. Older members enjoyed reminiscing about the pub – a favourite being the time during a power cut that the now Chair suffered a nasty gash on the leg from a broken glass. A request to the staff for medical supplies brought a beer towel which he used to staunch the flow for about an hour. When it was handed back blood soaked Jim carefully laid it out on the bar.

Our thanks go to Old Jim and Doreen for all their kindness and support over the years and also to Young Jim who has looked after us well after our recent sabbatical up the road. In his negotiations with Wadworths he has stressed the need for the club to be looked after in the future by the new owners. We wish him the best for the future too.    

INDOOR NETS (04/01/06)

Indoor Nets start on 25 January 2006 at 20.30 hrs at Warriner School

2005 NEWS

LAST (BLENCOWE) NIGHT OF THE PLOUGH (29/12/05)

As readers may be aware The Plough has been sold. The pub has been in the safe, BCC friendly, hands of the Blencowes since the late 1950s. The last Saturday night under Young Jim’s ownership is Saturday 7^th January and a good turnout of BCC players and supporters is anticipated to mark this occasion. The December and January 100 Club draws will be held early in the evening.

SNCL FIXTURES 2006 (29/12/05)

These have been sent out by the league may be accessed by clicking here. One interesting point is that Wroxton 1^st XI have folded so Croughton have not been relegated from the Premier Division.

BODICOTE OPEN 2006 (29/12/05)

Did you get a diary for Christmas? Then fill in Friday 9^th 2006 June with the Bodicote Open Golf Championship at Lyneham.

BEAUJOLAIS GOLF (20/10/05)

Thursday 17^th November was a beautiful clear day only ruined by the hacking and cursing of the 18^th playing of the annual BCC v Grendon Underwood Beaujolais Golf Match with a return to Cherwell Edge, the original home of the event, after a gap of some 12 years.

Rumours of Grendon’s lack of team proved unfounded and they arrived with a squad of 9 to take on the 15.5 of Bodicote. The .5 being Stuart Smith who had to leave after 9 holes – possibly because his a**e was so tired after all that wiggling before each shot. The frosty conditions meant a late start but this did not prevent Bobby Lawrence finding an unusual early water hazard …. when he dropped his mobile phone down the clubhouse loo.

On the course Bodicote took control and the individual award went to the 20 Club’s finest Craig Irvine (for the second year running, he has promised to join the 100 club) with 37 points with TJ in hot pursuit – or not so hot as TJ and debutant brother DJ went round in tee shirts whilst everyone else was wrapped up in layers of clothing. Three teams returned with their yellow ball, including, rather surprisingly the Symmo, Slogger, Chair three ball. Balti had earlier caused a mass hold up when looking for his team’s lost yellow ball as early as the second. Mark Smith’s cunning plan of playing an alternative yellow ball backfired when he lost this and then the real ball with his next shot. David Jeremy & Stuart Smith plus two Gredonites won this competition with a fine 35 pts. Bodicote ringer John Washburn took the longest drive and the only success Grendon had was to win the nearest the pin.

In the team competition Bodicote won in all the different ways the result could be decided with the official result 254 – 234 (based on top 8 scores from each team) to retain the trophy.

The prize giving saw organiser Tim Rogers eschew the usual trawl round the pro shop in favour of a trip to B&Q. With an innumerate sales assistant and judicious use of his OAP discount card (he claimed it was some passing old lady’s) a veritable bazaar of the most bizarre golf prizes ever awarded were given out. Craig picked up an electric multisaw and TJ a four way adaptor in the individual category. The Yellow Ball winners all took home dancing singing Christmas novelties and Wigger sneaked in to claim Stuart’s for the lowest score of the day – a mighty 14 (He’d be happy with that in the cricket season). The longest drive and nearest the pin winners were rewarded with clock radios.

As ever a good day was had by all and those doubting Inzy’s who moaned about the bad weather last year might deign to return next year … if selected.

Thanks as ever to Tim for his excellent organisation and to Jim and The Plough for (his last) excellent Beaujolais breakfast as news was circulated of the sale of the pub with 9 January 2006 the sad day - surely to be commemorated in style.

CLUB DINNER (18/10/05)

The Annual Dinner was held on Friday 14 October 2005 at Banbury CC. JP and Maxine organised it very well and a good night was had by all. The meal was certainly better than last season. The Annual Awards based on votes from players were as follows:

2^nd Team Bowler of the Season  - Paul Symington
2^nd Team Batsman of the Season – Gary Lee
1^st Team Bowler of the Season – Chris Buckingham
1s Team Batsman of the Season – Dave Cronin
Bodicote Bitter Moment – an annual award for the most memorable incident of the season. Symmo won this for the snake incident at Boddington (see 2^nd XI reports) an almost unanimous choice. 

The September and October 100 Club draw were also held and Symmo and Gary had further cause to celebrate as Symmo won the £90 Super Draw 1^st prize and Gary won prizes in each. One person not celebrating was the Chair who had modestly sorted out the award winners’ tankards with a warm glow of pride as he had been awarded most votes in the 1^st XI Bowler of the Season category. So he sat back ready to receive the award only for Skipper Allen to overlook him, ignore the engraving and award it to Bucks. Too shy a character to jump up and down and scream about it at the Dinner the Chair accepted his fate phlegmatically and can only assume Dave had heard his wife complain about “Another bloody trophy for the downstairs loo”. When you have played cricket (and hockey) for as long as him then a few trophies are bound to come his way despite his lack ability**.

(**although did you know he picked up the 1st XI Bowler and Batsman of they Year Awards in 1994 – the only ever double)  

INDOOR LEAGUE (17/10/05)

Bodicote got of to a winning start in the Indoor League beating Preston Capes A 108 – 60 ish on 11 October. Sketchy details but PT scored 25* and Sid and Rog also got a few. Balti bowled well. Any chance of regular more detailed reports and a fixture list please?

CLUB BBQ (26/06/05)

Our thanks go to Maxine and Paul for their hospitality and making their garden and kitchen available to the club for the BBQ on Saturday night. Hope the “hard core” did not stay too late! The first 100 Club draw was made and details are in the 100 Club section of the site.

BODICOTE CC TOP 10 INJURIES (Revised 25/06/05)

With Bodicote’s latest injury going straight in at No 1 (see below) the following injuries now even fail to make the Top 10

Jerry Biggs’ split lip when keeping wicket and struggling to cope with a Barlow fast bouncer at Gayton in 2003.

Woody’s dislocated collar bone on the 1985 tour at Frocester. He still played the following Sunday at Radway, batting one handed in his motorcycle helmet.

Stephen Barlow's teeth survived but a lot of blood with a split lip when he top edged one into his face at Twyford in 1992. He also received crushed ribs from the trip to Buckingham Hospital in the passenger seat of the 25 st Twyford scorer's Mini Metro as it veered round the narrow lanes to get there.

Polly’s dislocated shoulder at Greens Norton in 2003. Maybe that is why he can’t catch any more ... although come to think of it could he catch before?

THE TOP 10

10. Woody's fractured cheekbone injured by a ball that flew up off the outfield at Aynho in 1982. Woody has not performed a "long barrier" since.

9. Alan Parfitt's head hit whilst batting. Admittedly not achieved whilst playing for Bodicote but memorable in that it left a bruise that looked like a large red egg and he was translating for President Gorbachev of the Soviet Union the following day who of course had similar look himself and must have thought Young Al was taking the p***.

8. Chris Adams hit on the head at Preston Capes A in 1994 necessitated a trip to Casualty at the Horton....... where he met

7. Neil Bunting, minus teeth. v Preston Capes at home. Having agreed to play Barlow's friend top edged one into his teeth in the first over. Teeth and blood were left all over the wicket. When he came round he uttered the immortal line "Do I look like Shane McGowan?"… Yes he did

6. Stephen Barlow's broken tooth when he fielded one in the mouth off his own bowling against Warwick Uni Staff, 3 July 2004 .

5. Chris Buckingham's broken ankle whilst bowling at Culworth in 1993...... followed one year later by …….

4. Gareth Lewis' broken ankle as he slipped whilst fielding on a wet outfield at the accursed Culworth

3. Bob Campbell's collapsed lung when he fell on a ball he was trying to catch against Sibford in the National Village Cup in 1993. Having been touch and go whether he would be fit to fly to Guernsey for the upcoming tour he then split his eye open fielding in the gully - which made it a bit difficult when he returned home as he had said he wouldn't be playing.

2. Russell Gronow's temporary loss of sight when he used his eye rather than the gloves when keeping wicket in a Midweek League game in 1992. He spent a week in the John Radcliffe. He described the view out of the injured eye as like looking through a tin of tomato soup.

1. Paul Symington bitten by an adder at Boddington on 18 June 2005.  Retrieving a ball hit into the undergrowth Symmo felt a sharp pain in his ankle. He saw nothing and assumed he had stepped on a thistle. The pain continued and next morning his foot had swelled up like a balloon. A&E at the Horton rushed him through (no triage) and called a toxicology expert from Oxford. He arrived and confirmed that Symmo had been bitten by an adder. The doctor advised that his heart had shrunk by 10% and he was strapped to drips and injected with various serums under constant monitoring. Finally all settled down and he discharged himself Monday evening! 

Beat that!

PHIL RIVERS (13/05)

Sad news, that Phil Rivers died suddenly whilst on holiday in France on 6 June. Phil, who was in his early sixties, was very much a village man and helped re-form the cricket club in 1971 after it had disbanded a few years earlier. He continued to play on Saturdays until 1979 but was tempted out of retirement to play occasional midweek fixtures by his great friend Tim Rogers well into the 1990s. He would have admitted he was not one of the best players ever to play for the club although his wind-up bowling action was unique. His enthusiasm for the game and the team was infectious with morale often boosted by his legendary Jerry Lee Lewis impersonations. As a Vice President he was a big supporter of the club, maintaining a keen interest in how it was faring as well as attending many social functions. He also played football in goal for Bodicote Sports, supported the church and was a trustee of the Playing Field amongst many other village roles. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him and our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Eileen.

The funeral was on Thursday 16 June, 1200 noon at Bodicote church. It was a case of standing room only as the many people who Phil knew paid their respects to him. The club made a donation to Katherine House Hospice in Phil’s memory.

GOLF DAY, 10 JUNE (12/05)

Balti, who let’s face it hasn’t been setting the cricket world alight this season, showed his prowess lies elsewhere as he amassed 41 Stableford points to take the Bodicote Golf Day title at Lyneham on 10 June. He finished three points clear of John Morewood and ringers Shawyer and Quicke with Symmo and Bob Lawrence a further two points back. A new ornithological feature entered the BBC/Golf vocabulary… Birdie, Eagle & Albatross (whoop whoop) were joined by Crow (deceased). Pat Knight found the dead bird and persuaded JP he had killed it and it then turned up in Balti’s and Symmo’s bags with the latter absolutely s**t scared by the sight of it. The day ended with a long session in The Plough with various recommendations for a new menu along the lines of Bangers & G**h etc (Did anyone think of Cr**k of Lamb?)

100 CLUB (05/05)

Promoter Roger Graham reports a steady trickle of 100 Club forms. This really does need to turn into a torrent. Please fill in that form that is lurking in your kitbag asap and return it to Roger. The first draw will take place on 25 June at the club BBQ at the Bolton/Watts. To be in it (to win it!) your form has to have been processed by the end of May.

CUP MATCHES (05/05)

Thursday 26 May sees both teams in action in their respective Divisional Cups. The 2nds are at home to Boddington, the 1sts travel and the emphasis is on travel, to Warwick Uni Staff. Consequently we need everybody to play. SNCL rules prevent us from scratching the 1^st team game and plating in the 2^nd team competition so availability is key – please make your self available  

ANY NEWS (04/05)

Now we are up and running again we would welcome any news for the website. Send it to the Editor who really would welcome any contributions rather than making it all up himself!.

20/20 MATCH

Although this is not an official Bodicote CC event.....

A group of us from within the club who regularly drink together (and shall remain anonymous) are proposing to go and watch;

Warwickshire vs Worcestershire in the Twenty20 Cup on Friday July 1st @ Edgbaston starting at 1730

I am not proposing to book everyones tickets, so I am providing information on how to obtain tickets which go on sale.

The tickets for these games will be available to purchase from the 12th April. Please apply online at www.edgbaston.com or ring the ticket office on 0870 062 1902 to make a booking.

We believe that the ticket is a general admission and you can sit in any non-member part of the ground, so in any case we should all be able to sit together.

Closer to the time i will let you know which train we are going up on for what should be a good night on the beer!

So if interested puchase a ticket and we shall see you there.

SOUTH NORTHANTS CRICKET LEAGUE (04/05)

The first matches are on Saturday 30 April. The 1st XI are at home to Greens Norton, the 2nd XI away at Wootton.

BRACKLEY & DISTRICT MIDWEEK LEAGUE (04/05)

The season kicks off on Wednesday 4 May at home to Kings Sutton. We have been put in a Division with Marston, Preston Capes, Sutton, Cropredy, Byfield, Middleton and Brackley so barring cup runs no games over the hedge. Teams play each other twice so fixtures run through until Wednesday 27 July  

SOCIAL CALENDAR (04/05)

First event in the diary is the quiz night at Banbury CC on Friday 22 April at 7.30 pm. Always a good night, email JP if you need any more details. Jerry has stood down as quizmaster so no more questions on Doric architecture.

Richard Smith will be organising an early season curry night on 30 April, the first Saturday of the season.

Balti has come to the rescue and nailed down the Bodicote Open (Golf). This will be held on Friday 10th June at Lyneham with the programme as follows.

AM 0930 hrs - 9 holes Texas
PM 1300 hrs - 18 holes.
Coffee on arrival, post golf meal £40.50.

Email Inzy to play.

Further dates for your diary

10-13 July, tour to Wales. JP and brother are organising.

Club BBQ, Balti caught Max on a good day and she agreed to this being held chez Boulton/Watts, date tbc

Annual Club Dinner, 14 October at Banbury CC

Beaujolais Golf - 17 November, provisionally at Cherwell Edge. 

NET PRACTICE (04/05)

Indoor nets have been successfully run at Warriner School and turn out has been so good that we have actually made  a profit. The last one is this Wednesday, 6 April. Outodo nets should start on Tuesday 12 April, 6.00 pm onwards at Banbury CC.

AGM REPORT (02/05)

Brief report from AGM.

Roger stood down as secretary and Jerry stood down as Treasurer - both thanked for their contribution. Roger agreed to take on accursed role of 100 Club promoter which has already  seen off Polly and Jerry, we hope it will come to fruition in 2005. Mark Smith agreed to become treasurer and Jonathon Pollard brings youthful vitality to the secretary position. The chair agreed to remain the chair, Dave will stay on as 1st XI captain and John Morewood likewise for Midweek XI. Balti stood down as 2nd XI captain and has replaced him with a potentially puppet government of George Lawrence. Phil Newman retains the 1st XI vice spot whilst Paul Symington takes on a similar role for the 2nds.  

Big debate about teas - watch this space, hopefully to be filled by large cakes and loads of sandwiches in sumptuous surroundings.

2004 NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS TO PAUL & SARAH SMITH (23/08/04)

.... on the recent birth of baby Emma who weighed in at 8 lbs 1 oz. Mother and daughter are reported to be doing fine and father has recovered from fainting during proceedings.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN - IT IS IN OUR HANDS! (22/08/04)

SNCL DIVISION ONE AFTER 17 MATCHES

Bodicote   178
Woodford  174
Hinton        163
Preston B  129

NEXT SATURDAY'S GAMES

Bodicote v Hinton
Woodford v Culworth

THE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES - WE THINK

If we beat Hinton we stay up

If we lose to Hinton but get 6 or more bonus points we stay up irrespective of what happens between Woodford - Culworth

If we lose to Hinton and get 5 bonus points and Woodford win we will have to play off against Hinton on 4 September

If we lose to Hinton, get less than 5 bonus points and Woodford lose and get less than 9 bonus points we stay up.

If we lose to Hinton and Woodford lose and get 3 or fewer bonus points than us we stay up.

If we lose to Hinton and Woodford lose and they get 4 more bonus points than us we will have to play off against Woodford on 4 September.

If we lose to Hinton, Woodford lose but get 5 or more bonus points than us we go down.

If we lose to Hinton, get less that 5 bonus points and Woodford win we go down

BODICOTE CC TOP 10 INJURIES (03/07/04)

Inspired by the Chair's recent dental work here is the all-time BCC best injury list..

10.Woody's fractured cheekbone injured by a ball that flew up off the outfield at Aynho in 1982. Woody has not performed a "long barrier" since.

9. Alan Parfitt's head hit whilst batting. Admittedly not achieved whilst playing for Bodicote but memorable in that it looked like a large red egg and he was translating for President Gorbachev of the Soviet Union the following day who of course had similar look himself and must have thought Young Al was taking the p***.

8. Chris Adams hit on the head at Preston Capes A in 1994 necessitated a trip to Casualty at the Horton....... where he met

7. Neil Bunting, minus teeth. v Preston Capes at home. Having agreed to play Barlow's friend top edged one into his teeth in the first over. Teeth and blood were left all over the wicket. When he came round he uttered the immortal line "Do I look like Shane McGowan?"

6. Stephen Barlow's teeth survived but a lot of blood with a split lip when he top edged one into his face at Twyford in 1992. He also received crushed ribs from the trip to Buckingham Hospital in the passenger seat of the 25 st Twyford scorer's Mini Metro as it veered round the narrow lanes to get there.

5. Jerry Bigg's split lip when keeping wicket and struggling to cope with a Barlow fast bouncer at Gayton in 2003.

4. Chris Buckingham's broken ankle whilst trying to field a ball off his own bowling at Culworth in 1993...... followed one year later by

3. Gareth Lewis' broken ankle as he slipped whilst fielding on a wet outfield at the accursed Culworth

2. Bob Campbell's collapsed lung when he fell on a ball he was trying to catch against Sibford in the National Village Cup in 1993. Having been touch and go whether he would be fit to fly to Guernsey for the upcoming tour he then split his eye open fielding in the gully - which made it a bit difficult when he returned home as he had said he wouldn't be playing.

1. Russell Gronow's temporary loss of sight when he used his eye rather than the gloves when keeping wicket in a Midweek League game in 1992. He spent a week in the John Ratcliffe. He described the view out of the injured eye as like looking through a tin of tomato soup.

Any gruesome incidents we have missed then do let us know!

MID-SEASON NEWS (27/06/04)

The club barbeque planned for 26 June was postponed due to the weather. Hopefully we will reschedule for later in the season.

Congratulations to Mark Rogers and Kate on the safe arrival of Dawson Archie Rogers, born on 21 June at 6.15 am  weighing in at 8 lb 3 oz. Mother, father and son are doing well and grandparents Tim and Jessica are as pleased as punch! Even the editor cannot think of the last time that a grandparent played for the club.

100 Club take up has been pretty poor so please expect to be hassled about this if you haven't joined up yet! 

Congratulations to Tim Jeremy who won the Bodicote Open at Wychwood Golf Club at the beginning of June.

CUP NEWS (31/05/04)

The 2nd XI have a chance for quick revenge against Chacombe in the Cup, 6.15 kick off this Thursday, 3 June at.Bodicote. The 1st XI will play Warwick Univ Staff on 17 June, 6.15 pm at home in the quarter final of the Div 1 Cup after the "Dons" beat Croughton in the Preliminary Round.

PRE SEASON NEWS (21/04/04)

Thanks to Jerry for the Quiz evening on 16th April. Just remember everyone Athens was built using Doric architecture, that will be one to impress your friends with during the Olympics.

Fixture cards will be posted out by the Hon Sec shortly.

As soon as we have a slot for outdoor nets over the hedge we will advise.

Woody and Balti are co-ordinating pre-season pitch work. Any spare hour you can spend on the roller would be most welcome - please contact them.

Mark Smith has new Bodicote CC poloshirts - £15, very smart but can't see grungey George buying one.

SNCL AGM (01/12/03)

The 80th SNCL AGM was held on 28 November at Brackley FC. Proceedings were carried out in their usual eccentric fashion. New City, who had (im)famously issued an injunction against the SNCL at the end of last season over an issue which was eventually settled out of court, were expelled from the league after a vote by clubs. Bodicote voted to do so along with about 30 odd other clubs. There were a few votes against and quite a lot of abstentions but the sum of the latter two was less than those who voted for the motion. it will be interesting to see if this is the end of the matter.

Other matters voted on included a proposal that bonus points should only be awarded to losing sides with winning sides gaining 20 points. Bodicote voted against this but the motion was carried.

A proposal to expel teams who scratch more than 2 games was defeated but clubs agreed fines and points loss for cancelling games should be considered.

With New City no longer in the league the re-organisation means that Hinton stay in Division One, Preston Capes stay in the Premier Division and Helmdon and Chacombe, the 3rd and 4th placed teams in Division Five behind the mighty Bodicote A, are also promoted.

INZY HORROR SHOW CONTRIBUTES TO GOLF DAY LOSS (01/12/03)

The 16th Beaujolais Golf Day on 20 November saw Bodicote lose to Grendon Underwood for the first time in three years. Brailes was in fine condition and the weather held but Bodicote failed to produce the goods losing the top 12 per team Stableford competition 377 - 335. 

Bodicote did well individually with Craig Irvine the day's top scorer with 39 points, Simon Pollard winning the longest drive and Inzy Smith taking the nearest the pin prize. Unfortunately this was a rare glimpse of ability as he only managed 14 points in total. Regrettably there was no prize for the most points on the front 9 which the Chairman burnt up with a massive 21 points.

CUP DATES 19 JUNE

On Thursday 19 June the 2nd XI are away at Boddington in the Division 4/5 Cup and the 1st XI home to Preston Bissett in the Division 1 Cup. With a Midweek League fixture the night before too resources will be stretched so would all players please make every effort to be available. Dave Allen do you really need to be at Parents' Evening that night?

SIX-A-SIDE

Bodicote are entering the Syresham Six-a-Side on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 August. George Lawrence is organising the team so let him know if you wish to play.

RESULTS ON SITE

1st, 2nd & Midweek teams' results, along with all other scores from games in SNCL Divisions One and Five, are shown in their respective sections of the site. Tables have also been added to each page - scroll down to foot for these. Yes we know there is a lot of info on each page we will be separating out this information soon.

TUESDAY NIGHT IS NET NIGHT

Outdoor Nets now up and running, Tuesday Nights, Banbury Town Cricket Club, 6.30pm.

OTHER CLUBS' NEWS

Links section shows other SNCL clubs websites you may wish to look at. They must have people with a lot of time on their hands!

IMPORTANT NOTE

Please Note Games Start at 2.30 and not 2pm as in the Fixture Card

Rogers Quick Report of the Season So Far

Highlights so far :
Midweek team out drink Cropredy, it was still April so officially outside of the cricket season, so the result did not matter.

First's win by 53 runs against Syresham, skipper Dave Allen returns after a year out to score 88 in his first innings, and Dave Cronin take 7 for 20.

Second's give up a winning position due to some untimely swatting, dodgy scoring and a homer umpire at Silverstone A. New boy Paul Symington made his mark with a rapid 40.
The curry night after the games on Saturday was enjoyed by those who attended.
The quiz night a couple of weeks earlier was well supported and a profit of £18 was made on the night.
Anyone who has not got a fixture card let me know.
See you in the Jockey
Roger

New SNCL Scoring System

New bonus point’s scheme has been adopted by the SNCL for all division.  There will be 10 points for a win and a possible 5 batting and 5 bowling points available.

Dave Allen puts best foot forward for Firsts as Seconds bolt on with Boulton.

Dave Allen and Paul Boulton were elected as the first and second teams captains for the 2003 at the AGM held on the 30^th September.

Dave will be supported by young dynamo George Lawrence as his vice captain, while Gary Lee the tried and tested second team vice captain will support Paul.

In an innovative move, Mark Smith will become the club team administrator for both firsts and seconds.  Club chairman Steve Barlow urged all players to help the captains and Mark by making themselves available as often as possible.

John Morewood continues as midweek captain, with Tim Rogers supporting.

Emotional Display at Annual Dinner Awards Ceremony.

Richard Smith gave an emotion charged acceptance speech, on receiving his award for second team batsman of the year.  His delight was only slightly marred by his award bearing the name of Richard White. 

Dave Cronin picked up the first team bowling award for his outstanding efforts throughout the season, with Andrew Stanley taking the batting honors.  New boy Mike Hawken was named second team bowler in his first season.

The Bodicote Bitter Award went to Chris Buckingham for his astonishing 100 in the last game of the season.  Can his batting talents be ignored any longer?  Dave Allen will have to find the answer, now that Chris is officially classed as an all-rounder.

SNCL Vote For New Bonus Points Scheme

At the recent SNCL AGM attended by the secretary and chairman the league clubs voted for a new bonus point’s scheme for all divisions commencing next season.

In brief there will be 15 points for a win with batting points being earned for every 25 runs up to a score of 200.  A bowling point is earned with every two wickets taken.  A maximum of 25 points is therefore available.  The system of win or lose without draws is maintained

It was confirmed that both sides next season will be in divisions one and five.