Tuesday, 30 June 2009

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Teams in the North Lindsey League are asked to resume sending their match scores to Glen Sands, starting this Sunday.
We are delighted to report Glen is feeling much better after his operation.
"Yours truly" has been holding the fort this past few weeks.
If any teams forget on Sunday, and ring me instead, worry not - I will forward the information on to Glen.

SPREAD THE WORD

Teams wishing to join the Lincolnshire County Cricket League for next season have until July 31 to submit their applications.
They must be based in the county and have a ground which meets league requirements.
New applications for membership will be considered at the league annual meeting in October.
The Lincs League operates five divisions and involves 50 teams.
For further details email general secretary Mike Savage - mikesavage199@btinternet.com

SUNDAY BEST


Alkborough's North Lindsey League division two Sunday side, captained by that promising U18 strokemaker Craig Ross (back row, extreme left). One or two seniors are present in this line-up (back row, centre), notably Steve Clay and Fred Balderson.
Scunthorpe Telegraph photographer Katie Lunn took some fine action pictures of Alkborough v Luddington on Sunday. Hopefully some will feature with my North Lindsey League report on Friday.
Katie also took a superb shot of Scunthorpe Town 3rds' Sami Ahmed, narrowly avoiding a short-pitched delivery, used in yesterday's edition.

TALKING SENSE

There's an excellent article in today's Telegraph newspaper (the national broadsheet) in which Michael Henderson bemoans County Championship four-day matches being fitted in anywhere and everywhere around Twenty-20 thrashes, and also suggests England bowlers no longer have the stamina they used to in the days of Trueman and Statham. The columnist's view is players should be bowling as often as possible.
Maybe he should take a look at the way youngsters develop at club level.
The ECB was well-meaning when it brought in restrictions to ensure young players were not bowled into the ground and injured, possibly for many years.
Yet, as I heard a player in a Lincs League match say only the other day: "I can drive, go to the pub but can't have more than seven overs."
It's just plain crazy when a strapping lad in his mid to late teens - possibly the fittest he'll ever be in his life - can't exceed a handful of overs.
Quite how we get anyone at Lord's to take notice is beyond me. Could there be an approach from leagues? Or can we lobby our representatives at the Lincs Cricket Board?
Captains in club cricket are responsible for upholding the Spirit of the Game. That being so, surely we can rely on them to show good commonsense when it comes to deciding whether a young lad has bowled sufficent overs.
It's not easy to say how the current restrictions might be revised. Should they be removed altogether? Or maybe we could just double the current number of overs allowed for each age group. So someone who's already an adult (in all but cricketing terms) could be permitted 14, rather than the current seven.
It would be interesting to know what youngsters within North Lincs clubs think about it all. And to know the views of team captains and those who manage junior teams.
We'd welcome your thoughts. Email scoopfisher@aol.com - or post a comment here.

Monday, 29 June 2009

THANKING SPONSORS

Horncastle Cricket Club would like to thank its various sponsors and welcome people to the annual race night, which will be held in the Crown, Horncastle, on July 11, from 7.30pm.
For further details contact Mick Devereux, tel 07778 568817, or email
mick@firstcapitalifa.co.uk

ADD UP THE YEARS


Outcasts 2nds - hoping to gain promotion from division three of the Lincolnshire League (sponsored by Readers) this summer. They are led by veteran all-rounder Ian Fletcher (back row, extreme left). Others of senior status in Fletch's line-up include Preston Wallhead (second left) and Kev Buttrick (extreme right).
The umpire with them is Willie McVey - somehow not looking at all out of place on the back row, whose dates of birth remain confidential under the Data Protection Act!

MAN OF MANY TALENTS


Umpires are required to carry many things - team cards, spare balls, pens, bowler's markers and jumpers. But not usually drinks!
Finding himself without a fixture to umpire and having to spectate instead, Paul "Slogger" Goodhand tried his hand at serving the mid-innings refreshments on a very hot day.

Sunday, 28 June 2009

HOME ADVANTAGE

South Kelsey CC's national village cup game at Great Eccleston (Lancs) was rained off today. It all starts again at Kelsey's ground next Sunday, 1pm.

STING IN THE TALE


Luddington veteran medium-pacer Barry O'Brien was bothered by a bee for some overs during this afternoon's North Lindsey League game away to Alkborough. Very fitting, for his nickname is Buzz!

SCUNNY SECONDS


Scunthorpe Town 2nds, who play in division three of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League. With them is Willie McVey, a member of the Scunthorpe and District Umpires' Association. As with all our pix, double-click on the image to enjoy the high resolution version.

Find out about yesterday's nail-biting match involving this team through my reports in the Scunthorpe Telegraph, Grimsby Telegraph and Lincolnshire Echo.

RE-ARRANGED

Today's North Lindsey League division two game between Brigg Town 3rds and Outcasts 3rds has been postponed - at the request of the Isle of Axholme villagers.
That leaves just one game in division two, with Alkborough hosting Luddington at West Halton Lane.

CAISTOR CHANGE

Will Jacob, the experienced batsman, is no longer skippering Caistor Town 3rds in Lincs League division three. It appears Dave Gowshall, another time-served strokemaker, has taken the helm.

RIGHT, SAID FRED


Here's a fine action picture of Cleethorpes 3rds' Fred Lumby, who bagged seven for six in his side's Bob Welton Cup quarter-final triumph at Scunthorpe Town 2nds last weekend. It was taken by the Meggies' press chief, Graham Hackney, to whom we again extend our thanks.
The holders recorded a nine-wicket victory in a remarkable game that lasted just 17 overs. Bowling first, Cleethorpes dismissed Scunthorpe for just 22 in 11.2 overs. Richard Woodward picked up a wicket in the first over before 16-year-old Fred took centre stage. Despite his first delivery going to the boundary, three wickets fell in his first over that also included a no-ball. This set the pattern as he shot through the Scunthorpe line-up in what must be record figures of 7/6 in 5.2 overs. Backed up by Woodward's 3-14 in six overs, Cleethorpes had blown their opponents away. They lost just the one wicket in reply to navigate a safe passage into an away semi-final at Barton Town 2nds in late July.
Just in case Mariners' fans were wondering, it appears young Fred is not a close relative of Jim Lumby, the Grimsby Town FC striker of the 1970s.

Saturday, 27 June 2009

SET FAIR, OR NOT?

I'm heading off to Heslam Park later to officiate in the Lincs division three clash between Hari Bansal's Scunthorpe Town 2nds and Ian Fletcher's Outcasts 2nds, which starts at 1.30pm.
Should be an interesting game, with Fletch's boys chasing promotion. My umpiring collegue is due to be Willie McVey, still turning his arm over on Sundays in the North Lindsey League for Bottesford, despite being over....Well, OK, we won't reveal his age!
The weather doesn't look all that good for this afternoon, but we can only hope Lincs League cricket continues to live a charmed life. So little cricket has been lost this summer - compared with the previous few years.

LINDSEY ACTION 35 YEARS AGO

Just thought we'd add another scan from the Local Cricket Scoreboard, carried in the Scunthorpe Star on June 7, 1974. How many of these North Lindsey players can you remember?
Double click on the cutting for a close-up.

GREAT COVERAGE






Lincs Cricket Latest can upload information within seconds, and as many times as we like during a day - and every day. However, before technology advanced, dear old weekly papers like the Scunthorpe Star had just one opportunity to inform cricket followers of scores and performances. Miss the deadline and its readers had to wait seven more days.
Just as well, then, that long-serving Star sports editor Bill Sumpter gave fantastic coverage to cricket. Back in the late 1960s, and throughout the 1970s, I can remember the Friday evening ritual of spreading out the broadsheet Star on the living room carpet and reading through every one of the extensive, tabulated scorecards - plus the fixtures, team selections and umpires' appointments for the forthcoming weekend.
It must have taken Bill and the printing staff an age to tabulate all the scorecards - but he realised it was a huge 'seller' for his paper. The thing about cards, of course, is players are as keen to see who got a duck as they are to hear about someone making a half-century. Due to pressure of space, and the fact almost all local papers have switched to tabloid size, these days scorecards are usually printed only for top level games.
I am in possession of a copy of the Scunthorpe Star from June 7, 1974 - which has survived because it carried coverage of the terrible Flixborough Disaster, in which many lives were lost. Lots of cricketers, and spectators in North Lincs would have heard the huge bang the previous Saturday when the devastating explosion ripped through the Nypro plant. It was the major news story of the weekend for most of the world's media.
Cricket that weekend saw a Scunthorpe steelworks derby between Normanby Park Works and Appleby-Frodingham. It was gala day at Brumby Hall so the game must have taken place at Foxhills. NPW were bowled out for 110, despite decent scores by openers Ian Postles (27) and Barry Bassindale (22). Two bowlers operated throughout for App-Frod, Salim Uddin grabbing five for 20 and Mick Butler five for 29. The visitors won by seven wickets, Chris Riches scoring 39, John Taylor 40 and Harry Andrews 19 not out.
Scunthorpe Town were involved in a very low-scoring game with Hykeham - dismissing the Lincoln area side for 79 but then being skittled for 70 in reply. Top performer with the ball for Scunthorpe was Pete Dugdale (five for 20), while Claude Gregory scored 15 and Paul Sykes 12. Hykeham opener A Waldron hit 32 and their best bowler proved to be Graham Poundall - still connected with the club today, behind the scenes - who managed six for 30.
The 2nd X1 steelworks derby in division two - presumably played at the old Redbourn ground in Cemetery Road, Scunthorpe - saw App-Frod 2nds rattle up a huge 311 for three (Dave Morland 77, Roy Stephenson 92, Paul Morland 74 not out, Ken Driskell 50 not out) and NPW respond with 126 for six, in which John Herrick led the way with 32.
Lincs division one: Scunthorpe Town 2nds 184 (Gerry Longden 40, Sharpe 4-31, Blundy 4-51), St John's (Lincoln) 67 for eight (Sargent 17 not out, Blackbourn 4-34, Longden 2-10, Pete Townell 2-15).
Lincs div three: Grimsby BRSA 2nds 143 for eight (De Freitas 45, Ward 31, Cheater 29), App-Frod 3rds 108 for eight (Hill 29, Kearsley 26 not out).
Messingham 198 (Burtwhistle 40, W Elsome 30, Parnham 28, S Langford 18), Barton Town 2nds 16 (yes!).
Teams playing 35 years ago in the North Lindsey League included Winteringham, Crowle, Epworth, Gunness, Scunthorpe Town 3rds, Messingham, Laughton, Keadby Power Station, Nypro, Scunthorpe 4ths, Alkborough, Belton, Haxey, Scotter, Scotter 2nds, Lysaght's and West Butterwick.
The Broughton Evening League was thriving and teams taking part - now gone but certainly not forgotten - included Winteringham, Technical College, Scunthorpe Corporation, Gunness, Winterton, Barton Grammar School, Brigg Sugar, Scunthorpe Teachers and Nuform.
In the Scunthorpe Intermediate League, Mal McCullagh top scored with 40 for Broughton, but they lost to Scunthorpe Town.
The Star carried details of the Ashmore Cup preliminary round tie in which Luddington made 58 for nine (G Smith 23, C Campling 3-6) and lost by two wickets to Epworth, for whom K Johnson made 19, In Ludd's team a certain D Tighe took five for 32, leaving me wondering whether it might have been Dave Tighe, later to move to Trent Bridge, Nottingham, in an administrative capacity. Epworth's team featured Max Moment - a member of a very well-known cricketing family from the Isle of Axholme.
Back then the Lincolnshire League had a representative side playing in the Steiner Cup - a national competition. They turned in a great performance in June, 1974 to defeat the acclaimed Bradford League X1 by 20 runs. Geoff Robinson (Ross Sports) later to captain Lincolnshire's Minor Counties side, hit a half-century alongside John Sunley, while Grimsby Town's Brian Camplin claimed three for 17 in 10 overs - typical figures from this very accurate bowler.
That coming Saturday, in the Lincs Premier, Normanby Park Works were to host Bucyrus, Normanby Park entertain Scunthorpe Town, and App-Frod journey to Ross Sports (Grimsby). Teams playing in division one included Lincoln Claytons, Barton, Cleethorpes (the Star didn't indicate which X1), Alkborough and Immingham. Division two's membership included Holton-le-Clay, Nuform, Grimsby BRSA, Caistor and Southcliffe.
Scunthorpe Intermediates were poised to play a Sunday tie in the Joe Lumb Cup (or as the Star misprinted 'Joe Limb'). The team to visit Bradford was: P. Sykes (capt) and R. Walmsley (Scunthorpe Town);, G. Smith (N Park); J. Hutson (App-Frod), D. Kirkby, N. Barry, I. Blanchard, K Buttrick (N Park Works); J Roberts (Alkborough); M. McCullagh, I Miller (Broughton).
Yes, that's Neale Barry, later to become a Premiership football referee!

Double-click on the cutting for a close-up.

Friday, 26 June 2009

BIT OF A GRIPE


It's a shade disappointing to be handed team sheets by skippers who fail to read the not-so-small print. On the official team card, produced by the ECB for use in club cricket, captains are asked to state the AGE GROUP of youngsters. However, what we get on the card is often the player's age (eg 16).
If you ask the bowler, it's common to find he is in the next age category, and may well be entitled to an extra over in each stint.
The correct entry, such as U16, U15, U14, U18, would certainly help officials.
It must have been great to umpire in the days before the bowling restrictions and team cards came in, and it was not the norm to note the score/wickets lost at the end of every over on one of those special cards.

GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL

The full squad of players who took part in the Briggensians v Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg, friendly match (see yesterday's post).

Thursday, 25 June 2009

MILESTONE ANY TIME

This website's counter is due to click round to the 1,000 mark any time now. Not bad as we haven't yet been up and running for two weeks!
Drop an email to scoopfisher@aol.com if you get the counter to reach the milestone.

MAIDEN MAIDEN


Dave Willey (left) and Andy Sharp, who shared a 60-run, match-winning partnership for the Briggensians' Association against Sir John Nelthorpe School in the annual challenge match at Brigg Recreation Ground.
The School made 95 for six (Richard Eagles 27 not out) and the Briggensians reached their target for the loss of only one wicket, Andy Sharp scoring 49 not out and Dave Willey 12 not out.
Peter Douce kindly umpired the game, which was memorable for Old Boys' skipper Lee Fielden bowling the first maiden over of his career. He generally keeps wicket.
Many players visited Brigg's Yarborough Hunt pub after the game for a few beers.
School v Old Boys used to be a fixture at many schools in Lincolnshire - but not many have survived.

WOMEN'S WORLD

England Women's player Arran Brindle has issued the following information about developing this side of the game in Lincolnshire. In a circular to clubs, she says...

Sorry for the delay but we have finally managed to get the first women's session booked in and ready to go. We are going to run a taster/talent ID session on Sunday, July 5, 10am til 4pm, at Blankney Cricket Club, just outside Lincoln. They have been incredibly helpful after it became apparent Sleaford were occupied on all Sundays throughout the summer. Having just set up a women's team, though, we feel Blankney is a great place to see what talent we already have in the county. The aim of the session is to see how many girls/women we have playing and where our strengths lie. Therefore it will be open age, but must be girls who have or are currently playing which will hopefully allow some high quality coaching on the day and hopefully a few games.
We hope the turn out will be good so we would ask you to register with the Lincolnshire Cricket Board on 01522 528838, giving name, age and contact details
By all means indicate your thoughts to me as well, but please make sure you register so we can make adequate provision with regards coaching.
Requirements of the day is to wear a white T-shirt and bring along a drink and lunch.

PROGRESSING WELL

South Kelsey's 1st team play at Great Eccleston CC, near Preston, Lancs, in the sixth round of the Village Cup this Sunday (1pm). The competition is organised by the Wisden Cricketer on behalf of Npower. The final is at Lord's in early September.
Kelsey beat Burgh and District (near Skegness) in the last round - SK 263-5, Burgh 55-9.
Thanks to Kelsey's Mike Owen for the info.

MAX-IMUM EFFORT

By Graham Hackney

Cleethorpes 4ths were without a league game on Saturday but had a good workout in their six-wicket friendly win at Burgh le Marsh. They bowled Burgh out for 116 with Jame Withers taking 3/10 in five overs with Rob Brice (2/10 in 3) and young spinner Max Robinson (2/21 in 5) picking up a pair. Ryan Harrison and Sam Would also added wickets. Seniors Bob Leafe (55 retired) and Kev Blewitt (31) spearheaded the reply as they raced to victory in the 29th over.
Both Cleethorpes North and East Lindsey Sunday sides had emphatic wins last weekend. Alex Osmond’s North Lindsey side beat Hibaldstow by a massive 187 runs in the league cup semi-final.
Neil Wheeler took a young side to Sutton in the East Lindsey league and came away with an excellent 48-run win. Having been bowled out for 169 in the 40th over they then bowled Sutton out for just 121 in 30 overs. Dan Tolson (33), Benji and Sam Would with 23 apiece set the target for Cleethorpes, while Tom Latimer's fine opening spell of 3/19 in 8.3 overs put Sutton on the back foot. John Mansfield picked up an excellent 3/10 in six before breaking a thumb in the field - then Neil Wheeler (2/5 in 3) finished off Sutton.

Cleethorpes 1st X1 face the daunting trip to title-chasing York this Saturday. After last week's shock defeat at Harrogate, James Osmond’s side face a stiff task to get a result. Cleethorpes 2nds are without a league game this week, while the thirds travel to Cherry Willingham on Saturday eager to consolidate their position at the top of the table. Cleethorpes 4ths have successive home game at Chichester Road this weekend when they face Keelby on Saturday before Holton-le-Clay 2nds visit on Sunday. Both games commence at 1.30pm. Cleethorpes North Lindsey side travel to Marshalls in Gainsborough on Sunday, with the Academy X1 making the long trip to Woodhall.

FIRST FOR LINCS


This Press Pass brings back memories of a great day in 1990 when Lincolnshire's Minor Counties team finally got to play at The Home of Cricket - Lord's, in London - for the very first time.
I found it the other day while looking for my examination certificates ahead of a job interview. Which do I savour most? No contest, really.
While at Lord's for this cup final we got to visit the dressing room with the small balcony - the one so often featured in TV footage from this famous old venue - and to see the Long Room, where memorabilia showing the game's past glories is on display.
The back of the Press Pass carries the name of Lt Col J. R. Stephenson, Secretary of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). A very thoughtful chap, he had it laminated, which is why it has survived the past 19 summers and looks as fresh as the day it was issued.
I recall driving down to the game with Lincs committee man Len Skinns and Joe Minkley of Radio Lincolnshire. Unfortunately, it rained and no play was possible until the Monday, and I had to be back at work. So we didn't see a ball bowled.

Wednesday, 24 June 2009

THE WEAKEST LINK

This picture, taken last season during a visit to Caistor's ground, came after I spotted the Ann Robinson advertising board. My idea was the fielding side would surely put its poorest fielder in that area of the ground (roughly long-leg to the right-hander), him being The Weakest Link.
Goodbye!

DON'T THEY JUST LOVE IT

There's nothing bowlers enjoy more than making a few runs - just to show the so-called proper batsmen how it's done. So Broughton's Tom Brock - a number 11 who can reach the dizzy heights of 10 - is currently enjoying a great(?) run of double-figure scores, including a 22 not out for the first team.
He'll be very happy to tell you all about each and every run!

PUN FUN

It's always a challenge to enliven cricket reports with a few puns - good or bad.
So I'm enjoying the developing career of Outcasts youngster Peter 'Spud' Tait.
He can chip in to the total, score some crisp boundaries, and enjoy a rich harvest/crop of wickets.
Well, you get the idea!
My eyes lit up the other Sunday while at Haxey when discovering the lads in the Isle of Axholme club refer to their Sir Lankan overseas star Chinthaka Perera as 'Chin'. More scope for puns there in the coming weeks. Especially if the paceman gets one past the batsman at face level.
Looking back in time, Lincolnshire Minor Counties and Normanby Park stalwart left-armer Dave Marshall, also from the Isle of Axholme by the way, repaired domestic appliances to earn a crust, famously resulting in "Washing Machine Repair Man Has Them In A Spin".

NEWS HOUND

Thanks go to Ann Boulton for information about the Grimsby Town CC dog, photographed before play on Sunday at Augusta Street. Ann reports: "The hound's name is Molly, she is about 10-years-old and she belongs to Dave Blackburn, the groundsman, who told me a couple of weeks ago when we were at Grimsby that if it's raining she refuses to go with him and stays at home!"
The dog is much better behaved than the cows used to be in my days playing for Brocklesby Park. They used to surround cars parked near the ancient pavilion and often brush up against them. Wing mirrors were especially vulnerable.
There was no greater sin in those days than failing to close the gate after you, when entering the ground. If the cows had got out it could have meant big problems.
Cows going for milking at tea-time at East Halton's former Townside Farm ground were mentioned, briefly, in a previous posting.
Cricket grounds have had their fair share of God's creatures. I recall, many years ago, guesting for South Kelsey in a Grimsby League Sunday match at Ross Sports and encountering a house martin's nest, full of chicks, in the scorebox.

If you've got any animal-related memories to share with followers of Lincs Cricket Latest, please post them here or email scoopfisher@aol.com

MUST BE THE WEATHER

There were a couple of unusual incidents during Saturday's Bob Welton Cup second round tie between Alkborough 2nds and Hykeham 2nds at West Halton Lane.
First, Hykeham's left-arm seamer Richard Chester, who was having trouble keeping his feet in damp conditions, swapped footwear with a fielding colleague. This seemed to do the trick and he sent down some hostile deliveries during a really impressive spell.
Next, while his side were batting, Alkborough opening bowler Rich Kirman clearly thought he'd fill in time usefully, being a tail-ender. So he propped a ladder up against the clubhouse wall, climbed onto the roof and spent some time attending to the weather vane.
Hykeham 2nds are skippered by experienced opening batsman Steve Roe, the son of well-known Lincoln area all-rounder Peter, who many will remember from his years with Rustons.
Peter was still appearing in the Lincs League when well into his 60s, and in the Lincoln indoor competition even later than that!

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

"CAN WE BEAT IT? YOU BET WE CAN!"


A quick response followed from Chichester Road to Wes Allison's piece about Caistor's commitment to youth cricket.
Paul Hewstone points out: "Cleethorpes have five senior sides on a Saturday; this includes one in the 25-over Grimsby League which is generally an under-14 side. This is two more than Caistor.
"Also note the first four sides play in the highest standard possible. Is there any club in the country who could say that?
"We have a North Lindsey and an East Lindsey team on a Sunday - this is one more than Caistor. We also run six junior sides under the age of 15 - one less than Caistor.
"On a Friday night we have between 120 and 150 children - this is about 100 more than Caistor. Nice try, Wes."

Editor's note: We are sure there's a great deal of mutual respect between these two hard-workers for local cricket, and their respective clubs. Our picture shows Wes, by the way, just in case you are a member of the very small minority in Lincs cricket never to meet him.

LUDD LADS THROUGH

Luddington are through to the final of the Snaith and District Evening League Shield Final and will meet either Askham or Goole Town in the final.
In their semi, Ludd bowled out Howden for 115, with left-armers Andy Torr (spin) and Liam McAnaney (seam) both taking three wickets.
Six-favouring Andy Lawson then cracked 58 in a successful run chase, the margin of victory being six wickets.

CHOPPER TO BENEFIT


The worthy charity which will benefit from a special game at Cherry Willingham next month has now been announced as the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance.
On Friday, July 3 Cherry Willingham are playing against North Crawley (from Milton Keynes) in memory of former player Mally Elsey (pictured).
Mally, who represented Cherry, Market Rasen and Claytons in the Lincolnshire League, was tragically killed in a road traffic accident just before Christmas.
A team of Cherry players, Past and Present, will take the field.
Thanks go to Matt Dobson for supplying the fine action picture of Mally in action.

CAN YOU BEAT THIS?

Proud Caistor stalwart Wes Allison says his club runs three senior Saturday sides, one Sunday side, an under-17, two under-15s, two under-13s and two under-11s.
"Is there any other club offering as much cricket as us?" he asks.
Wes also reveals they have about 30 under-10s training on Friday nights and wonders whether any other Lincs club can match that.
Lincs Cricket Latest will be pleased to receive YOUR club's run-down of junior teams, if it can rival Caistor's.
Who has the most isn't really the issue, though. The point is lots of boys (and girls) are being introduced to the noble sport in the proper way - by people who know what they are doing. And in a safe environment. Back in the 1960s/1970s many of us from council estates, in particular, learned to play our cricket on rough bits of playing field, using a hard (cork) ball and without pads, 'boxes', arm-guards or gloves - never mind helmets.
Such rough and ready cricket helped you develop a good eye - the trouble was, you could easily have lost one by the time you got old enough for men's cricket!
Hopefully, through the efficient youth policies employed by clubs like Caistor (and many others), and encouraged by the Lincolnshire Cricket Board, scores of these kids will come up through the ranks, in the years to come, and keep our club sides fully manned (and woman-ed!).

Monday, 22 June 2009

BURGER-MEISTER CHIPS IN


ALKBOROUGH Cricket Club's Saturday night BBQ was a raving success with more than £550 raised to boost the club coffers.
The Chipmeister - better known as 2nd X1 captain Andy Clay (pictured) - is already planning the next big social event - a 'do' with a group at Brumby Hall, Scunthorpe, on Friday, August 21 (7.30pm til late).
Providing the entertainment will be Baby Fly, described by Chippy as a new up-and-coming group. There will also be a disco and pie/pea supper - all for a tenner.
Tickets are already on sale from the Big Man on 07900273663. All proceeds to help Alkborough Cricket Club. "All support greatly received!" he adds.
PS We need to ask Chippy who ate all the pies? And who polished off most burgers?

Lincs Cricket Latest is delighted to "plug" any fundraising events staged by clubs in our locality - FREE OF CHARGE. Please email scoopfisher@aol.com

Sunday, 21 June 2009

BACK ON TRACK



Grimsby Town dropped their third team, organised by experienced all-rounder Rob Smith, from the Lincolnshire League - but they have found a good home on Sundays in the North Lindsey League. Here's Rob (fourth left) with his lads who today defeated Wheatley and Leverton. No problem giving the club sponsors a bit of publicity on Lincs Cricket Latest - hence the unusual picture. The visitors to Augusta Street today drove the best part of 60 miles, from their base in Nottinghamshire. It was good to meet up with Pete Wood (ex-Lincs Minor Counties spinner) and club secretary Martin Fowler, to recall some memorable games in the past. Pity we couldn't have made a night of it.

AT THE DOUBLE


Steve Kirman (left) and Neil Gray enjoying a well-earned sit down outside the scorebox after both hitting centuries for Alkborough 2nds at home to Hykeham 2nds in the Bob Welton Cup clash at West Halton Lane yesterday. Steve made 104 and Neil 104 not out.

TOTALLY TOPICAL



Ann Boulton has supplied these images, in the light of today's World Twenty20 final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Ann and Steve went on holiday to Sri Lanka a couple of years ago, watching three days of the England Test in Colombo and being introduced to star Sangakarra at the practice ground.
"We met up with Charlie Baxter and Mark Duell, from Louth, and I got this photo of Charlie with Christopher Martin-Jenkins," Ann recalls.

MAN'S BEST FRIEND


The square being cut at Augusta Street, home of Grimsby Town, today before the Sunday team's home fixture. This faithful hound followed his master's every step, up and down the square.

Saturday, 20 June 2009

IMPORTANT CHANGE


Glen Sands - "Mr North Lindsey League" and fixture secretary of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League - has moved house, although he's still living in Luddington. All North Lindsey teams posting scoresheets to Glen, and all Lincs League sides writing to him about fixture changes, should now address correspondence to

109 Eastoft Road, Luddington, Scunthorpe, North Lincs, DN17 4QN.

His email address and telephone number remain unaltered.
Clubs are asked to update their records, handbooks and Lindsey League scoresheets to ensure all information goes to Glen's new address. Please ensure everyone who needs to know in your club is aware of the change.
A great worker for Lincolnshire cricket, Glen is also well-known as the very diligent match day scorer for Outcasts and Luddington, and is seen here with the trophy he collected a couple of years ago as scorer of the year in the Lincs League.

THE WORD IS SPREADING

We've TRIPLED our visitors to the site IN JUST ONE DAY- which is great news.
If you are enjoying the content on our new website, please be good enough to pass on, or email, the address to your friends, clubmates and fellow officials. The more people we have visiting the site, the more information we will get coming in, and the more enjoyable the site will become in the coming weeks.
Please pass on the fact our site is well worth visiting for all those who are involved in local club cricket.

http://lincscricketlatest.blogspot.com

STAR HANDSHAKE


Eric R Johnson, from Winterton, offers this picture of himself with New Zealand Test player Jacob Oram at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on June 11 this year. Eric says: "I met him when he was playing for Appleby-Frodingham when I worked on the ground on gala week. Very nice to meet him again."
Eric kindly adds: "Good website!"

LIFE IN THE HOT SEAT

Keelby veteran top-order batsman Jeremy Slater, the former Lincolnshire League general secretary, has been quick to contribute to Lincs Cricket Latest, saying: "What a superb idea - I really enjoyed browsing through the blog."
He recounts an incident from the match between Keelby 1sts and Caistor 2nds in last week's Lincs League division two game.
It was a really hot day and Keelby's captain, Grahame Avison, really felt the heat! Keelby were batting and a few wickets fell until Graham decided it was his turn at the crease. He quickly donned his cap, flicked his cigarette away, picked up the bat and walked towards the wicket.
About 20 minutes transpired in a largely unremarkable period of play then Graham's batting partner went to have a word the skipper.

"Are you hot, Grahame?"

"Why?" asked the skipper.

"Well, there appears to be smoke coming from your pad!" replied his partner

Grahame looked down and saw smoke and a slight flicker of flame. It was the fastest bit of legwork seen all day as Graham quickly ripped off his pad and started to pat his trouser to cool off.
Evidently Grahame had not thrown his cigarette to ground before he went out but had unknowingly dropped the tab-end down the pad.
Puzzled spectators took a few seconds to grasp what had happened and large guffaws of laughter followed.

That is typical of the funny, and memorable, incidents that occur in club cricket, and generally go unreported. So if anything similar happpen in your club, please ping off a quick email to Lincs Cricket Latest, the address being scoopfisher@aol.com

WES IN TOP COMPANY


Long-serving club official Wes Allison (left) has provided this picture of himself with Phil Neal, now an important figure in the England management set-up, who played for Scunthorpe's Appleby-Frodingham when Wes played for Caistor in Lincs League div one in the early 1970s when Phil was only 14. "I was unlucky that day - Phil won the battle with a big score," Wes recalls.
Strokemaker Phil was one of the last sportsmen to combine professional football (Lincoln City) with professional cricket (Worcestershire).
He hailed from Bottesford and was educated at John Leggott College, Scunthorpe, helping the Scunthorpe Steelmen to the Lincs League title in 1972, when only a very young player.
Left-armer seamer Wes took well over 1,000 wickets for Caistor CC.

Friday, 19 June 2009

DESERVING OF SUPPORT

Lincolnshire's sole Minor Counties championship match in the north of the old county this season will be played from Sunday, July 5 to Tuesday, July 7 at Cleethorpes CC's Chichester Road headquarters (11am start first day).
Despite Lincolnshire being successful and a good side to watch, attendances at Minor Counties games are not huge. So maybe a bit of publicity from Lincs Cricket Latest, in the run up to the game, will help increase the turn-out.
In reporting mode I've covered some fine Minor Counties matches at Cleethorpes, going back to 1984 when quick bowler David Gilbert (later to play Test cricket for Australia) played a major part in the defeat of Bedfordshire.
A few years later, Rick Burton (Normanby Park Works) did the same in the second innings to pull off a thrilling victory over Staffordshire.
Winding on the clock to more recent times, there was long-serving batsman/skipper Mark Fell's final championship appearance.
Happy memories, indeed! Let's all make a note of the date and do our best to get down there for at least one day of the three.

Thursday, 18 June 2009

KIWI IN GRIMSBY


Steve Boulton - well-known, high-ranking Lincolnshire umpire - has just read through our website and provided the above photo of current New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram playing for Appleby-Frodingham in the Grimsby Town Knockout in 1998.
Big Jake - then the Scunthorpe Steelmen's overseas player - is the non-striking batsman, and Ann and Steve Boulton think the striker might be Neil Camplejohn. Lee Stephens is the bowler and they reckon the wicketkeeper is Bob Wheeler, so the team involved is probably Old Rossonians.

VETERAN TRIBUTE

Dennis Linford batted at number 11 for East Halton Cricket Club on Saturday, away to North Ferriby 3rds at Hull's Costello Playing Fields, in the East Yorkshire Alliance division three, being nought not out. And East Halton, the North Lincs villagers, lost an unremarkable game by six wickets.
But, to me, just seeing the name Dennis Linford on the scoresheet was the most interesting thing. For although we won't reveal Dennis's age, his half-century connection with East Halton offers a clue.
A check of the useful Play Cricket website statistics suggests Dennis didn't play in the league last year, but has made three outings already in 2009. So it's good to see him back at the crease.
In his day he batted well up the order, including appearing in the famous 1979 game in Lincs League division three - at Townside Farm - when champions-elect Brigg Town posted 232 for eight, only for Dennis and Co to knock them off with three overs to spare. Back then, 120 would have been a par score in most matches at that level.
The East Halton lads photocopied the scorebook after that game, and the 'card' was displayed on the tea room wall for many years.
This season has seen East Halton switch to pastures new - the Immingham Blossom Way ground - for home games, as the wet nature of their old rural venue meant too many matches were being called off.
I wrote a lengthy Townside Farm ground 'obituary' for In A Spin last year, for the benefit of Grimsby and Scunthorpe area readers.
Townside Farm was one of my most favourite venues. You went through the farmyard and over a cattle grid to get to the ground, surrounded on two sides by mature hedges. The changing/tea rooms had been fashioned from the booking office at the long-defunct East Halton railway station, and late in the afternoon play was held up by the cows trudging by on their way for milking.
Very few grounds in our area could hope to match its quaint charm.

ENCOURAGING YOUNG TALENT

Appleby-Frodingham Cricket Club have staged two girls' cricket festivals.
Eight primary schools took part in a organised event, then four senior girls' schools were involved in a similar event.
"Both days proved excellent and were thoroughly enjoyed by all," reveals Ian Armiger, secretary of the Scunthorpe steelworks club.
Next Wednesday and Thursday, June 24/25, sees a two-day county game being held at Brumby Hall, Lincolnshire taking on Leicestershire at under-16 level.

VALUED SPONSORSHIP


Caistor Town Cricket Club first teamers in their newly-sponsored shirts, courtesy of Cherry Valley. Our thanks go to Caistor stalwart Wes Allison, the former left-arm pace bowler of so many summers, for supplying the picture to Lincs Cricket Latest. "Great website - well done, mate," he says. "I will be spending a lot of time on it and will send you some photos and information."
Just what we want to hear, Wes - keep it coming!

Wednesday, 17 June 2009

MEGGIES DELIVER WHITEWASH





Supplied by Graham "Ackers" Hackney, Cleethorpes CC

Sunday saw Cleethorpes' North Lindsey X1 complete a resounding 10-wicket win at Broughton. Eddie Carlton (71no) and Alex Osmond (59no) had little difficulty knocking off the 138 runs required. Stuart Harvey's (3-17 in six) had been the pick of the attack with five other bowlers picking up wickets as Alex Osmond used ten bowlers against a poor Broughton side.

Cleethorpes Academy X1 had a remarkable game at home to Horncastle at Chichester Road last Sunday. Horncastle batted first and posted a huge 299-2 in their 40 overs with their overseas player hitting a double-century. A Dan Tolson wicket and a run out being Cleethorpes only reward as the youngsters kept to their task. Despite a massive target Cleethorpes made a valiant attempt in reply with Gary Cowlam hitting a brilliant 142 not out. Josh Latimer (34) added 99 for the first wicket while Ryan Harrison (36) added another 101 for the second. Nathan Would (26) kept up the momentum before the overs ran out with Cleethorpes an agonizing 24-runs short.

Looking ahead to the weekend: Cleethorpes 1st X1 entertain Hull at Chichester Road (12 noon start) as they attempt to return to winning ways. Both the 2nd and 3rd X1s are in cup action this weekend. The 2nds make the short journey to Grimsby Town’s Augusta Street in the George Marshall Trophy for a first 16 tie, while the 3rds travel to Scunthorpe Town 2nds for a quarter-final tie in the Bob Welton Cup, of which they are current holders. The fourth X1 are without a league game but travel to Burgh for a friendly.

On Sunday Paul Hewstone’s Lincs div one table-topping 3rds entertain Nettleham 2nds(1.30pm start), with The North Lindsey X1 travelling to Hibaldstow in the league cup. The Academy juniors face the long trip to Sutton in the East Lindsey League.

Ackers has kindly supplied action pictures from Chichester Road, featuring Ishan, James and Alex Osmond, and Neil Wheeler (hammering another boundary).

Check out the Meggies' impressive website for more club news.

AMUSING TALE

By our Special Correspondent in Cleethorpes

Last Saturday our 2nd team are away at Bracebridge, in the Lincs Premier League. Dan Tolson (captain) is driving and Peter Thompson is following. We are only taking the two cars as they both have people carriers. Dan has a 'sat nav' so they tap in the postcode for Bracebridge and off they go.
As you know with 'sat nav' systems they tell you which way to go - and after about an hour's drive from Cleethorpes it says: "You have arrived at your destination!"
But the whole team, in two cars, are down a country lane in the middle of nowhere. So
Mike Shelton checks the league handbook and finally realises they have tapped in the postcode for the Bracebridge secretary, not the Bracebridge ground.
They actually arrive about 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Not a great start for the captain - but things go from bad to worse; he then gets a duck.
On the way home, Dan runs out of petrol about a mile from Morrisons, coming back into town, and the lads actually get a bus back to Cleethorpes, leaving him to walk to, and from, Morrisons by himself.


Check out the Meggies' impressive website for more club news.

JEZ'S BOYOS!


Led by determined opening batsman Jeremy Evans (front row, second left), Barton Town Cricket Club 2nds are chasing promotion in division three of the Lincolnshire League. Lots of promising boys in the team, plus a bit of experience added by the likes of seam bowler Alan Sanderson (or does he qualify for all-rounder status after recent run-making?).

Check out Barton's informative website for more club news.

MEL'S MEN


Hibaldstow CC, who play in division three of the Lincolnshire League, under the command of Mel Oades (centre, front row). They gained promotion from the basement section of the competition for this season.
This team is a good blend of youth and experience, including batsman Mark Nicholson (ex-Normanby and Bottesford), and all-rounder Simon Pullan (ex-Bottesford).
It must help playing half their matches - at home - on such a well-tended square!

SPREADING THE WORD

We've today been busy spreading the word about Lincs Cricket Latest with an email (reproduced below) to as many contacts as possible in our contacts list.

I hope you will be interested in a new website I have set up called Lincs Cricket Latest. It contains a wide range of interesting information, and pictures, about club cricket across the county. My aim is to update it daily, and I welcome snippets of information about funny incidents, top performances, characters, etc for inclusion in the months ahead. Please take a look and recommend it to fellow cricket-lovers and club members. I have been involved in club cricket in the county for 35 years as a player and umpire, and continue to supply reports to the local Press on Lincolnshire League matches, on a freelance basis. Matt Dobson, well-known official and player with Cherry Willingham CC, is one of those given a sneak preview of Lincs Cricket Latest in its early days, and says: “Your site looks fantastic, mate. Just read all of the stories currently on there. I’ve forwarded the link to a couple of other lads (those who work in front of a PC all day, like me).”
Please take up Matt’s recommendation. It’s on the internet and FREE to enjoy, so take a look by visiting

http://lincscricketlatest.blogspot.com

Then add it to your favourites/bookmarks and make regular return visits.
If you require any further information, or wish to contribute, please email scoopfisher@aol.com

Now the popular and long-running In A Spin column I used to write for the Scunthorpe and Grimsby Telegraphs has been discontinued, you can still enjoy that kind of story on Lincs Cricket Latest.


NIGEL FISHER

Tel 07824654661
scoopfisher@aol.com

WELL-EARNED PINT


Barton all-rounder Phil Burrell at Marsh Lane on Saturday, celebrating his super 128 against Hibaldstow in Lincolnshire League division three. Seamer Phil usually opens the bowling, but on this occasion he needed a rest after his efforts with the bat and did not come on until very late, to wrap up the tail in a convincing Barton win.

Check out Barton's informative website for more club news.

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

DESERVING OF A MENTION?

How come the umpires and scorers don't merit a mention in the vast majority of scorecards generated on the Play Cricket websites promoted through the England and Wales Cricket Board and its local offshoots in the counties?
Both sets of people are part and parcel of the game - so why not put them up alongside the players? Yes, we are all keen to know how many runs the batters made, and how many wickets and catches were taken.
But what about those very much involved in the game without actually taking part in it? Scorers are particularly hard to find, to let's give them every encouragement!
Post your views here!

Thanks to Jon Taylor - renowned Hibaldstow CC groundsman and run-maker - for pointing out clubs can add the umpires' names, if they wish, on Play Cricket. However, it seems (from my personal experience) very few are doing so. And then there's the question of the scorers, of course.

IN MEMORY OF MALLY

By Matt Dobson, Cherry Willingham CC

On Friday, July 3 Cherry Willingham are playing against North Crawley (from Milton Keynes) in memory of our former player Mally Elsey.
Mally, who represented Cherry, Market Rasen and Claytons in the Lincolnshire League, was tragically killed in a road traffic accident just before Christmas.
The North Crawley connection is via Stewart Phillipson, another former Cherry player who features heavily in the Lincs League handbook from his days at Claytons. He and Mally were best mates and drinking buddies.
Phillo’ himself lost an eye last year in an on-field cricket accident - he top-edged a ball into his eye, off a slow bowler.
The game is for Mally’s chosen charity, and a team of Cherry player’s from past and present will take the field.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Now registered with Keelby for Lincs League duty is Alan Wilson, who many will remember for his connections with Bottesford Town Cricket Club during its early years, when home games were being played at Ashby Ville, Scunthorpe, and before the current Birch Park set-up was established. He skippered one of their sides for a time.
All-rounder Alan was a very successful football club manager, notably with Ashby Institute FC, whom he steered to the Scunthorpe and District Saturday League division one championship in the late 1980s.
A year or two back Alan, who now lives on the North Bank of the Humber, was due to appear in one of our August bank holiday Monday charity games at Outcasts - Ian Fletcher's X1 against my In A Spin X1 - but couldn't make it in the end.

Monday, 15 June 2009

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE


This Friday will see the annual friendly between the Briggensians and Sir John Nelthorpe School, being played at Brigg Rec Ground (6.15pm).
This fixture is one of the few survivors from the days when Old Boys v School games were played all over northern Lincs.
Lee Fielden (pictured), the Brigg Town captain, is organising the senior side, with teacher Adrian Gibbons overseeing the school's efforts.
If you are an ex-pupil of Brigg Grammar, Sir John Nelthorpe or Brigg Sixth Form College, the Old Boys would love to hear from you. Turn up on the night or ring 01652 655134 to offer your services.
Peter Douce, from Broughton, has kindly offered to umpire the game.

TAKING IT ON THE 'CHIN'

Barton Town Under-15 player Lewis Barnes had everyone in stitches during yesterday's North Lindsey League division two encounter at Haxey, when he tried an outrageous shot against the home side's overseas star 'Chin' Perera.
As the game meandered to a convincing Haxey victory, the Isle of Axholme villagers brought on 'Chin', the renowned Sri Lankan paceman (who has first class experience), bowling off-spin from a two-pace run-up.
Having negotiated an over comfortably enough, the Barton boy decided to go down on one knee and paddle-sweep 'Chin' - using a shot you often see played in Twenty20 internationals, but very, very rarely in North Lincs club cricket.
The good news was the batsman got decent contact on the ball; the bad news was it looped straight to the short fine-leg fielder, who held an easy catch.
Quite an ovation greeted the batsman's return to the pavilion, while 'Chin' grinned broadly from ear to ear!

Sunday, 14 June 2009

LINCS LEAGUE AVERAGES

LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE LATEST AVERAGES

Including games played to June 7. Compiled by Andy Sharp

PREMIER DIVISION

Batting

Name Club Inn N O Runs H S 100s 50s Av
N Wilkinson (Hartsholme 1) 5 3 214 111* 1 1 107.00
D Odd ( Hartsholme 1) 6 3 230 76* 2 76.67
N Calvert ( Alford 1) 5 3 151 60* 1 75.50
C Wathukarage ( South Kelsey 1) 6 1 357 114 1 2 71.40
C Ross ( Alkborough 1) 6 2 278 105* 1 1 69.50


DIVISION ONE

Batting

Name Club Inn N O Runs H S 100s 50s Av
I Bellamy (Cleethorpes 3) 5 2 223 83* 2 74.33
J Drabble (Cherry Willingham 1) 5 1 291 93 3 72.75
S Coupland (Cherry Willingham 1) 6 3 203 81* 1 67.67
C Smith (Nettleham 2) 4 1 185 83* 2 61.67
R Chand (Scunthorpe Town 1) 6 1 275 115* 1 1 55.00



DIVISION TWO

Batting

Name Club Inn N O Runs H S 100s 50s Av
M Conyers (Hykeham 1) 5 1 310 131 1 1 77.50
K Bowring (Owmby) 5 2 206 92* 2 68.67
R Talbot (Messingham 2) 4 1 163 65* 2 54.33
M Roberts (Louth 2) 4 1 144 67 2 48.00
J Stanser (Owmby) 6 1 214 136 1 42.80



DIVISION THREE


Batting


Name Club Inn N O Runs H S 100s 50s Av
J Taylor (Hibaldstow) 4 2 201 119* 1 100.50
J Evans (Barton T 2) 6 3 240 55* 2 80.00
A Sharp (Keelby 2) 5 0 261 88 2 52.20
J Parker (Broughton 2) 5 0 139 49 27.80


DIVISION FOUR

Batting

Name Club Inn N O Runs H S 100s 50s Av
J Sewell (Washingborough) 4 2 170 91* 1 85.00
A Walton (South Kelsey 2) 4 1 135 65* 1 45.00
J Wadsworth (Washingborough) 5 0 219 58 2 43.80
A Sims (Alford 2) 4 1 128 104* 1 42.67
A Ashton (Hykeham 2) 5 1 160 54 2 40.00


PREMIER DIVISION

Bowling

Name Club Ov Mdn Wkts Runs B Mch 5-Wkt Av
S Kirwin ( South Kelsey 1) 67.4 17 22 199 8--18 2 9.05
C Perrera ( Haxey 1) 74.0 13 22 201 6--16 3 9.14
N Bisby ( Haxey 1) 37.0 10 11 103 4--31 9.36
J Roberts ( Hartsholme 1) 36.5 9 11 104 4--49 9.45
M Foster ( Barton T 1) 40.5 4 10 137 5--66 1 13.70


DIVISION ONE

Bowling


Name Club Ov Mdn Wkts Runs B Mch 5-Wkt Av
R Chand ( Scunthorpe Town 1) 85.4 37 24 160 6--14 2 6.67
I Bellamy ( Cleethorpes 3) 39.0 6 13 125 5--31 1 9.62
P Hilton ( Appleby Frodingham 2) 63.2 21 18 174 6--22 2 9.67
R Evans ( Grimsby Town 2) 56.1 17 14 166 6--53 1 11.86
G Priestlay ( Cherry Willingham 1) 57.0 16 13 168 4--18 12.92

DIVISION TWO

Bowling

Name Club Ov Mdn Wkts Runs B Mch 5-Wkt Av
C Hammond ( Hykeham 1) 52.0 18 13 112 8--10 1 8.62
N Chodhan ( Louth 2) 59.0 14 16 146 5--57 1 9.13
P Jackson ( Keelby 1) 96.2 20 25 288 7--40 3 11.52
C Potter ( Market Rasen 1) 57.3 12 15 179 4--24 11.93
D Langford ( Messingham 2) 74.4 17 18 217 6--20 1 12.06


DIVISION TWO


Bowling

Name Club Ov Mdn Wkts Runs B Mch 5-Wkt Av
P Bradley ( Haxey 2) 35.3 5 13 82 4-16 6.31
G Dixon ( Hibaldstow) 37.0 6 13 106 6-27 1 8.15
M Parkin ( Haxey 2) 44.3 5 13 112 4-28 8.62
P Burrell ( Barton T 2) 61.1 21 16 156 7-30 2 9.75
J Jacklin ( Scunthorpe T 2) 38.0 6 11 108 5-19 1 9.82


DIVISION TWO


Bowling

Name Club Ov Mdn Wkts Runs B Mch 5-Wkt Av
S Crooks ( Morton) 46.3 13 16 112 6-42 1 7.00
M Smith ( Alford 2) 39.2 7 13 99 4-4 7.62
M Plowright ( Hykeham 2) 40.0 11 14 124 7-38 2 8.86
M Gleadell ( Morton) 44.0 6 14 155 6-28 2 11.07
L Richards ( Market Rasen 2) 47.0 8 13 155 4-46 11.92

HORNCASTLE DISAPPOINTED

Horncastle entertained Barton yesterday (Saturday) and produced their worst performance of the season in losing by 51 runs, once again failing with the bat on a very good surface.
Unusually though, their bowling and fielding was also below par on a hot day, despite eventually managing to dismiss the visitors for 173. Suhail Chandhok was the star of the show with the ball for the second home match running as he took 7 for 36 from 12 overs, but although this should not have been a daunting total in such conditions, it was felt that Barton made 30 or 40 more runs than they ought to have been allowed to.
In the end however, it didn't matter as Horncastle were bowled out for just 122, with only Nick Paige's 47 registering as a significant contribution, batting in a new position of number 4.
Once again, too many early wickets fell and half the batsmen were back in the changing rooms before 70 was on the board and from that position, once Paige was out, there was no coming back this time.
So, with just 11 points from the last two games, Town fall below halfway in the league, though they remain close to all those above and now have a two-week break from league action, where they will focus on getting some batsmen into form hopefully.
On Wednesday evening they take on Lindum, on neutral ground at Nettleham, in the Albion Cup semi-final and on Saturday, they visit Hartsholme in the second round of the George Marshall Cup.

Our thanks go to Mick Devereux for supplying the above information.

Saturday, 13 June 2009

'WETHERS' THE STORM!


Having played for Appleby-Frodingham 2nds as a batsman in the Lincs Prem last season, former Scunthorpe Telegraph colleague Steve Weatherill is 'playing back in a proper cricketing county again' by which we think he means Somerset, as the boy hails from Taunton. Catch up with the genial giant on Facebook, if you use the networking site.

RAISING A FEW LAUGHS


Congratulations to Barton Town Cricket Club for the interesting content on the revamped website.
I especially like the lookalikes section, where the webmaster tries to match current Barton players to famous folk from the world of showbiz.
Not sure I agree with all his pairings, but there's not much chance of Alan Sanderson complaining about being likened to the dazzling frontman from pop group Ah-Ha!
James Austin is Rafa Benitez and David Guest; Jez Evans is Paul Calf and Rhys Ifans; Gaz Mellors is Alan Carr (among others). But we won't spoil it all by giving away all the look-alikes.
Take a look for yourself, and see what you think, by visiting

Check out Barton's informative website for more club news.

Friday, 12 June 2009

SCUNNY BOYS


Scunthorpe Town Cricket Club first teamers, chasing promotion from division one of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League, who saw duty against Nettleham 2nds at Heslam Park. Back row, left to right:, Danny Barratt, Simon Kiddle, Neil Patrick (captain), Pop Robson, Tim Foster, Liam Redmond, Matt Pashley, Jack Abbey (scorer).
Front row, left to right: Daniel Peacock, Ian Snowden, David Brown, John Hernon, Ramesh Chand. © Nigel Fisher, 2009

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN


While chatting to Appleby-Frodingham Cricket Club chairman Mike Campion (pictured) the other day, in the Brumby Hall pavilion, the topic of Jacob Oram and twenty20 cricket came up.
Jacob - a key member of the New Zealand team in the current world tournament being played in the UK - first honed his skills in this type of cricket while turning out for the Scunthorpe steelworks club in the Broughton and District Evening League, which then played 14 or 16 eight-ball overs, rather than 20 x 6-ball.
Jacob came to this country as a young overseas player with App-Frod, very much as a batsman. But while playing in the Yorkshire League for our local side he developed the seam bowling side of his game.
These days, some pundits would regard bowling as being his strongest suit, though he's useful with the bat at Test level and in one-day forms of the game.
Lincs Cricket Latest would love to hear from clubs cricketers in the Scunthorpe area who remember playing against Jacob while he was with App-Frod.
Post your comments and memories, or email scoopfisher@aol.com