Let's hope the weather stays fine today - although, mid-morning, it doesn't look anywhere near as bright as the forecast suggested - for the Scunthorpe area's August bank holiday Monday cricketing showpieces.
From 10.30am, at Heslam Park, Scunthorpe Town CC stages its first Twenty20 Tournament, which should run until 6pm or 7pm. Refreshments available on the ground.
Across the Trent - at Outcasts' Hirst Priory ground, starting at 2pm - there's the annual veterans' match, organised by Ian Fletcher. That's 40 overs a side - spectators welcome. Any 45-and-over 'vets' reading this who fancy a run out are welcome to turn up with their kit.
The numbers have been swelled over the past couple of days by the addition of Paul Bradley (Haxey), Col Mumby (Broughton) and Bob Welton (Holton-le-Clay), although injuries have seen one or two drop out.
These games have always proved popular in the past, and the tally of wins currently reads Fletch 2, Fisher 2 (if I remember correctly).
Monday, 31 August 2009
Sunday, 30 August 2009
EXALTED COMPANY
Umpired today for only the second time at Chichester Road - Cleethorpes v Caistor, North Lindsey div one, the Meggies winning comfortably enough.
It brought back memories of seeing England captain Michael Atherton there, not so many years ago, when Lancashire saw off Lincs in a memorable NatWest tie. Much beer was consumed that day by the Brigg Town Barmy Army, plus breakast on the seafront and fish and chips on the way home. A great day out at the cricket.
Good to meet up with Howard Swain again, tending the turf at the end of a match which just got finished before the heavens opened. What a great servant to Cleethorpes cricket!
It brought back memories of seeing England captain Michael Atherton there, not so many years ago, when Lancashire saw off Lincs in a memorable NatWest tie. Much beer was consumed that day by the Brigg Town Barmy Army, plus breakast on the seafront and fish and chips on the way home. A great day out at the cricket.
Good to meet up with Howard Swain again, tending the turf at the end of a match which just got finished before the heavens opened. What a great servant to Cleethorpes cricket!
POULTRY SCORE
While his team was winning a low-scoring Lincs League div three match at Heslam Park against Scunthorpe Town 2nds yesterday, Haxey 2nds' skipper Gary Mann went for a walk round the boundary. Following not far behind, when he got to the scorebox, were three chickens. Where they came from, nobody knows. But it was a good omen for Gary, as his team clinched promotion as a result of the full 20 points gained, chasing down 75 to win.
Can't remember seeing any chicken legs on offer later when Mrs P. laid on another very impressive tea. But there were some nuggets!
Can't remember seeing any chicken legs on offer later when Mrs P. laid on another very impressive tea. But there were some nuggets!
Friday, 28 August 2009
Thursday, 27 August 2009
MASON CEMENTS VICTORY
By Glen Sands, Outcasts CC scorer
Outcasts continued their excellent form with a terrific win over Lincs div one leaders Scunthorpe Town at Hirst Priory last Saturday to ensure mid-table security.
Scunthorpe batted first and soon found themselves one down when Simon Kiddle inexplicably shouldered arms to Liam McAnaney and was bowled for just two runs with the score on 15 then skipper Neil Patrick was deceived by Jason Whiteley's slower delivery having made just one which left Town struggling on 20 for 2. Opener Ramesh Chand and Ian Snowden then took the total to 44 before Chand, having survived a close LBW appeal earlier in the over , was adjudged to be trapped infront of his stumps by Tom Sharpe for 25. Ben Ibrahim joined Snowden at the crease and began to move the score along quite sedately. The score had reached 109 when Ibrahim was stumped by Mark Coulman off Simon Lewis for 26 and from that moment on wickets tumbled regularly. Matt Pashley was caught by Andy Lawson off Lewis without scoring and Danny Quibell was bowled by Tom Sharpe for 0 with just four more on the board. Pop Robson became Sharpe's third victim when he was out LBW , again without having made a run, then Kerry Ling was run out following a good throw from David Hobson which reduced the visitors to 115 for 8. Snowden reached his half century but was then well caught by Andy Torr off Liam McAnaney and the final wicket also went to Macca when Nick Wright was caught at mid off by Joe Tonge with the total on 120. Sharpe took 3 for 27 and McAnaney 3 for 18 whilst Lewis ended with a creditable 2 for 22 and Jason Whiteley 1 for 24 for the Priorymen.
The Isle side made a good start when replying to Scunthorpe's score with the in form Jamie Belton in particular batting well. Andy Lawson had reached just four when he was bowled by Ramesh Chand with the total on 25, the Outcasts big hitter having a rare failure but Simon Lewis joined Belton and they took the game to their opponents. Belton is in the form of his life right now and he had played some outstanding shots in his 46 when he miss hit a delivery from Matt Pashley who took an excellent diving return catch which brought Mark Coulman to the middle and despite having missed a few games of late he batted superbly to take Outcasts within 14 of their target. He was caught by Nick Wright off the bowling of Simon Kiddle for an impressive 32 and although Lewis was out LBW to Chand for 20 the Isle side cruised to a 6 wicket win with Tom Sharpe scoring 11 not out and skipper Andy Torr four not out, ensuring a full 20 points haul whilst Scunthorpe picked up just two which puts a dent in their title winning hopes.
Outcasts 2nds continued their championship chase (in Lincs div three) with a very good 6 wicket victory at Hibaldstow in what was a tricky match for them.
Hibaldstow won the toss, chosing to bat first on the excellent track provided by groundsman of the year Jon Taylor. They punished any wayward bowling from the Outcasts opening bowlers but two exceptional catches by the old brigade of Preston Wallhead and Ian Fletcher saw Matt Mellers and Graeme Fletcher each pick up a wicket. Matthew Teale and Peter Tait then took on the bowling responsibilities and they certainly brought the run rate down, then they began to pick up wickets as Hibaldstow tried to step up the scoring again. Both youngsters took three wickets and when Preston Wallhead joined in by snapping up the last two men Hibaldstow had been bowled out for just 112 which was a good achievement by the Isle side.
Despite a relatively low target Outcasts found themselves in a spot of bother when tight bowling by Simon Pullan, Mel Oades and Gary Dixon saw them reduced to 41 for 4, Oliver Coulman, Tom Whitton and Russell Fletcher all getting a start before each one was out. A rare defeat could have been on the cards but just when someone was needed to step up to the plate youngster Charlie Mason produced his best performance for the club, along with Peter Tait who has batted really well throughout the season. Tait made 26 not out but it was Mason who really took the eye, hitting a marvellous 41 not out which included ten 4's as Outcasts eased to 113 for 4 and another 20 valuable points.
With three games remaining Outcasts 2nds find themselves just seven points behind Isle rivals Haxey 2nds who have a couple of tricky games to negotiate but whatever happens it has been an outstanding season for Ian Fletcher and his team who appear to be certainties to be playing in Division Two next season. Their next game will take them to Broughton whilst the first eleven have a home fixture against Holton le Clay when they will look to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Outcasts continued their excellent form with a terrific win over Lincs div one leaders Scunthorpe Town at Hirst Priory last Saturday to ensure mid-table security.
Scunthorpe batted first and soon found themselves one down when Simon Kiddle inexplicably shouldered arms to Liam McAnaney and was bowled for just two runs with the score on 15 then skipper Neil Patrick was deceived by Jason Whiteley's slower delivery having made just one which left Town struggling on 20 for 2. Opener Ramesh Chand and Ian Snowden then took the total to 44 before Chand, having survived a close LBW appeal earlier in the over , was adjudged to be trapped infront of his stumps by Tom Sharpe for 25. Ben Ibrahim joined Snowden at the crease and began to move the score along quite sedately. The score had reached 109 when Ibrahim was stumped by Mark Coulman off Simon Lewis for 26 and from that moment on wickets tumbled regularly. Matt Pashley was caught by Andy Lawson off Lewis without scoring and Danny Quibell was bowled by Tom Sharpe for 0 with just four more on the board. Pop Robson became Sharpe's third victim when he was out LBW , again without having made a run, then Kerry Ling was run out following a good throw from David Hobson which reduced the visitors to 115 for 8. Snowden reached his half century but was then well caught by Andy Torr off Liam McAnaney and the final wicket also went to Macca when Nick Wright was caught at mid off by Joe Tonge with the total on 120. Sharpe took 3 for 27 and McAnaney 3 for 18 whilst Lewis ended with a creditable 2 for 22 and Jason Whiteley 1 for 24 for the Priorymen.
The Isle side made a good start when replying to Scunthorpe's score with the in form Jamie Belton in particular batting well. Andy Lawson had reached just four when he was bowled by Ramesh Chand with the total on 25, the Outcasts big hitter having a rare failure but Simon Lewis joined Belton and they took the game to their opponents. Belton is in the form of his life right now and he had played some outstanding shots in his 46 when he miss hit a delivery from Matt Pashley who took an excellent diving return catch which brought Mark Coulman to the middle and despite having missed a few games of late he batted superbly to take Outcasts within 14 of their target. He was caught by Nick Wright off the bowling of Simon Kiddle for an impressive 32 and although Lewis was out LBW to Chand for 20 the Isle side cruised to a 6 wicket win with Tom Sharpe scoring 11 not out and skipper Andy Torr four not out, ensuring a full 20 points haul whilst Scunthorpe picked up just two which puts a dent in their title winning hopes.
Outcasts 2nds continued their championship chase (in Lincs div three) with a very good 6 wicket victory at Hibaldstow in what was a tricky match for them.
Hibaldstow won the toss, chosing to bat first on the excellent track provided by groundsman of the year Jon Taylor. They punished any wayward bowling from the Outcasts opening bowlers but two exceptional catches by the old brigade of Preston Wallhead and Ian Fletcher saw Matt Mellers and Graeme Fletcher each pick up a wicket. Matthew Teale and Peter Tait then took on the bowling responsibilities and they certainly brought the run rate down, then they began to pick up wickets as Hibaldstow tried to step up the scoring again. Both youngsters took three wickets and when Preston Wallhead joined in by snapping up the last two men Hibaldstow had been bowled out for just 112 which was a good achievement by the Isle side.
Despite a relatively low target Outcasts found themselves in a spot of bother when tight bowling by Simon Pullan, Mel Oades and Gary Dixon saw them reduced to 41 for 4, Oliver Coulman, Tom Whitton and Russell Fletcher all getting a start before each one was out. A rare defeat could have been on the cards but just when someone was needed to step up to the plate youngster Charlie Mason produced his best performance for the club, along with Peter Tait who has batted really well throughout the season. Tait made 26 not out but it was Mason who really took the eye, hitting a marvellous 41 not out which included ten 4's as Outcasts eased to 113 for 4 and another 20 valuable points.
With three games remaining Outcasts 2nds find themselves just seven points behind Isle rivals Haxey 2nds who have a couple of tricky games to negotiate but whatever happens it has been an outstanding season for Ian Fletcher and his team who appear to be certainties to be playing in Division Two next season. Their next game will take them to Broughton whilst the first eleven have a home fixture against Holton le Clay when they will look to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches.
JOHN BUSY "ZIELIN" VICTORIES
By Graham Hackney
Cleethorpes 1st X1 maintained their drive for a top six finish in the Yorkshire Premier League with a hard fought 4-wicket win over Sheffield Collegiate at Chichester Road last Saturday. However their inability to knock over late order batsmen once again cost them valuable points as the mid-table of the league becomes more congested. Sheffield Collegiate won the toss and opted to bat on a very dry wicket expected to turn favourably for the Cleethorpes spin twins, Alex Osmond and Harry Clewett. This proved to be the case as the pair took seven of the eight wickets on offer with a smart run out from Osmond accounting for the other wicket. After Sheffield’s openers had added fifty-three for the first wicket the introduction of the spinners was to prove decisive. However after having Collegiate struggling at 98-6, another half-century stand for the seventh wicket held Cleethorpes at bay. Eventually the innings ended with Sheffield grinding out 206-8 in their 55 overs. The league’s leading wicket taker, Osmond, had added another five victims to his impressive haul to finish with 5/54 in a marathon 24-over spell. Clewett provided excellent support to record 2/58 in 18 overs with Keeper Neil Wheeler taking three catches behind. Cleethorpes reply got off to a stuttering response as they soon lost the out of form Mutaliph for a single. Bill Kirby (15) and Chris Wragg (0) soon followed to leave them hanging on at 44-3. Alex Osmond (35) and Eddie Carlton brought some composure to the innings with a fine 61-run stand for the fourth wicket before both departed in quick succession. Carlton (53) followed up his mammoth unbeaten 142 for the North Lindsey side last week with another fine half century. Once again two new batsmen had to rebuild the innings with Charlie Tomlinson (20) and Skipper James Osmond adding 37 before the arrival of Neil Wheeler turned the game for the Meggies. He and the Skipper took Cleethorpes to victory with an unbroken stand of 59 with 2.2 overs to spare. Osmond looking assured made a confident unbeaten 44 with Wheeler prepared to play second fiddle to remain not out for 27. Cleethorpes take another six points from the game to remain in sixth place hot on the heels of Doncaster who they face this Saturday.
After looking out of the title race with defeats in three of their last four matches, Dan Tolson’s Cleethorpes 2nd X1 revived their chances of title glory with maximum points from the trip to Broughton on Saturday and home to fellow title-contenders South Kelsey on Sunday. The crazy nature of the Lincs’ Premier league meant that an of the top six in the ten-team league still had title-aspirations going into Saturday’s fixtures. Tolson’s trip to Broughton ended in a morale-boosting 10-wicket victory as Cleethorpes made light work of the villagers. They bowled them out for just 85 in 25.3 overs in a clinical bowling performance. John Zielinski (pictured here), returning after a knee injury was the pick of the attack with a hostile spell that produced excellent figures of 4/28 in 13 overs. Opening partner Rob Brice chipped in with 3/39 in seven overs with Stuart Harvey also adding 3/16 in 5.3 overs as their opponents wilted in the sun. Cleethorpes’ reply provided no comfort for Broughton as Tolson opted to use Elliott Drinkell as Indy Hayre’s opening partner. The explosive pair soon started to rattle the boundary as they raced to their target of 86 in an incredible 7.1 overs. Drinkell smashed a six and six fours in his rapid 40 not out while Hayre belted two maximums to go with his six boundaries to finish 39 not out to give Cleethorpes 20 points.
Sunday’s 2nd X1 encounter against South Kelsey proved to be an epic encounter that see-sawed both ways throughout the match. Batting first Dan Tolson’s side took maximum batting points in reaching 201 all out in the 49th over. The innings was held together by George Carlton who hit a brilliant 84 before being seventh man out with the score on 186. Rob Brice added 36 in a vital 50-run stand for the seventh wicket while Skipper Tolson hit a crucial 21. South Kelsey’s trio of Sri Lankans ensured they got off to a brisk reply and they had reached 105-2 and odds on for victory before Brice’s second wicket gave Cleethorpes hope. Another hostile opening spell from John Zielinski had brought just one victim but he would return to devastating effect later. Another 44-run were aedded for the fourth wicket before Carlton made a vital breakthrough. Up stepped Zielinski who unsettled Ex-Meggie Atiq Ullah into skying a return catch after a genial welcome to the crease. This seemed to bring doubt into the Kelsey batting order as Zielinski opted to pepper the batsmen with a barrage of short-piched deliveries on a benign track. With Brice returning to swing the old ball prodigiously Cleethorpes sensed victory. Kelsey slumped to 193-8 needing just eight more when a brilliant yorkers from Zielinski and Brice removed Kelsey’s ten and eleven to leave the side celebrating ecstatically as they took the vital twenty points to return to the top of the table with just games at Haxey and Alford to come. Zielinski’s ten-wicket haul over the weekend has certainly brought the Seconds back into the hunt for honours.
Bob Leafe led Cleethorpes 4ths for the trip to Keelby last Saturday and came away with a maximum twenty points. On an excellent batting wicket, Leafe won the toss and saw his side wrack up 252-7 in their 45 overs. A belligerent 64 in just 48 balls from Andy Haith proved the icing on the cake after Rob Cowlam had earlier hit a superb 67 from just 57 balls. With valuable contributions from Leafe (38), Callum Robinson (30) and an unbeaten 24 not out from Simon Taylor, Cleethorpes set a very challenging target. Keelby were never in contention during their reply as they finished 145 all out in the 44th over. Simon Taylor was the pick of the Cleethorpes attack with an eye-catching 6/43 in 15 overs. Lewis Markham passed the twenty-wicket mark for the side with 2/36 in 10.4 overs of leg spin. Danny Khan (1/19 in 5) had opened up well for Meggies while Matty Owen (0/5 in 5) proved hard to get away. The 20 points cements Cleethorpes third spot in the Second Division although they have only one game left.
TOUR INTEREST
We've already forwarded a couple of replies to Garmesh Chand, who's looking to bring a touring side to North Lincs next summer.
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
BACK IN ACTION
Scunthorpe Town's big scorebox at Heslam Park is now back in full working order, the problem with the number-operating having been resolved.
That will help them gain more marks in the official inspection should Town, as seems very likely, finish in the leading places in division one and so qualify for a return to the premier.
For the uninitiated, promotion into the top flight is not automatic - but a team's facilities have to be inspected and reach the higher standard required for the premier.
The league's inspection team - not officers but independent assessors - tour grounds in September.
That will help them gain more marks in the official inspection should Town, as seems very likely, finish in the leading places in division one and so qualify for a return to the premier.
For the uninitiated, promotion into the top flight is not automatic - but a team's facilities have to be inspected and reach the higher standard required for the premier.
The league's inspection team - not officers but independent assessors - tour grounds in September.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR 2010
From Garmesh Chand
I am trying to arrange a cricket tour for my team for next season into Lincolnshire. I was wondering if you could help me achieve this.
We are looking to play four games which includes a 20/20. I am looking at App-Frod, Cleethorpes, Scunthorpe Town and possibly one of the ECB teams.
Let me know if you can help - we are looking at either a week in July or August (Monday to Friday).
NF adds: Many will remember Garmesh from his days with Scunthorpe Town and Owmby. These days he generally plays over the other side of the Pennines, but returns to this area quite often. Any team wishing to get in touch about his tour should post a comment on this entry, email
LINCS CRICKET LATEST (so we can pass messages on) or see Garmesh's entry on Facebook, from where he sent us this appeal for help.
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
ON TOUR IN LINCS
From Wes Allison, Caistor CC
A photo of the two teams together - Caistor Under 16s v Castle Eden, from Durham, who are touring Lincolnshire this week. They played Sleaford on Monday, Caistor today and are at Grimsby Town on Thursday. Today's scores were Caistor 151-9, Castle Eden 115 all-out.
LUDD LADS REFLECT
Glen Sands reviews the completion of another North Lindsey League Sunday season by one of our most popular village clubs
So another season is over for Luddington who have given a good account of themselves throughout the summer. Skipper Graham Clark produced the innings of his life at Haxey in the Cup when scoring a quite magnificent 141, and new boys Oliver Saxon, Kristian Reed and Andy Singleton all improved and benefitted from playing more regularly. Old heads Barry O'Brien (pictured) and Geoff Smith rallied the troops when the dominant Clark brothers were lost to work commitments and vice-skipper Steve Proctor, unavailable for the last game, produced a couple of good batting performances when required.
All in all, Luddington have had a reasonable season and the club would like to thank groundsman Dill Pullan for all his hard work on the square, plus Michael and Lois Clark who have been on tea duties throughout the season. They are all very much appreciated.
Luddington's season came to an end last Sunday with a creditable performance against Alkborough 3rds which ultimately ended in defeat although their patched up team played very well against a good Alkborough team.
Skipper Geoff Smith won the toss chosing to bat first and along with Tom Whitton he batted well to ease Luddington to 27 before he cahsed a wide delivery from Joe Balderson and was caught behind by Matt Greenwood for 15. Gareth Parkin joined Whitton and between them they took the total to 64 then Parkin was trapped LBW by visiting skipper Craig Ross for 16 and it wasnt long before Oliver Saxon was back in the hutch having been caught by Will Harrison off Ross for just a couple. Jamie Arrowsmith, who hasn't played much cricket for a couple of years, went in at number five and produced a very good and sensible display despite losing Whitton for 31 who was caught and bowled by a tumbling Balderson and with the assistance of Arron Curry he moved the Luddington total past three figures. Curry spooned a catch back to Ross having made 12 and opening bowler Steve Kemshall returned to pick up his one wicket of the innings when bowling Kristain reed to leave Luddington on 112 for 6. Arrowsmith had reached 25 before he was run out by a direct hit but the tail wagged as Tom Oliver cracked a creditable 12 before being caught by Fred Balderson off Ian Ross and Balderson senior picked up a wicket when he caught and bowled Rick Green who had made eight. Matt Mellers hit a mighty six into the nearby school before he became Ian Ross's second vistim, Will Harrison doing the catching again which left Luddingon all out for 146, Craig Ross picking up 3 for 34 and dad Ian 2 for 8 from just 2.4 overs.
Alkborough began their run chase in rapid style with Craig Ross and Ben Walker pouncing on any loose deliveries to flash them to the boundary. The visitors, boasting no less than three father and son combinations in their team, namely Craig and Ian Ross, Joe and Fred Balderson and Andy and Steve Jenkins, quickly reached 50 and even went close to a 100 opening partnership only for Ross junior to eventually go for an excellent 61, caught by stand-in wicketkeeper Gareth Parkin off Arron Curry and Matt Greenwood soon followed when he was well caught on the boundary by Tom Whitton off Rick Green for six with the total on 103. Ben Walker deserved a half-century but unfortunately fell two short when he too edged to Parkin off Curry, who then bowled Will Harrison for 12 but by then the visitors were just a boundary away from winning the game and that duly arrived through Williamson who struck the winning blow to clinch a valuable three points for Alkborough who are right in the hunt for promotion to Division One.
ANDY ELLIS CHIPS IN
From Graham Hackney - our man at Chichester Road HQ
With the Cleethorpes CC North Lindsey X1 game at Hibaldstow being cancelled, Neil Wheeler led the Academy X1 to victory over Revesby at the Stamford Club on Sunday. After posting 176-6 in their 40 overs, the Academy then bowled Revesby out for 129 in the 30th over. Harry Clewett came agonizingly close when out for 49 in Cleethorpes innings with David Mansfield showing good promise with 30 at the top of the order. Veteran first teamer Andy Ellis chipped in with 29. Revesby soon lost wickets in reply with the pick of the bowlers being Sam Would with 2/15. John Mansfield, and Nicola Knapton both picked up a pair of wickets while, twins Tom and Josh Latimer, Fred Lumby and Ian Mansfield all grabbed a wicket apiece.
This Saturday the Cleethorpes 1st X1 travel to Doncaster and need the win if they have any hopes of reeling in their opponents and Castleford who lie just above them in the Yorkshire league table. On Bank Holiday Monday they travel across the bridge to local rivals Hull. Dan Tolson’s 2nd X1 can all but clinch the Premier league title with victory at second-placed Haxey on Saturday. Buoyed by their back to back wins this weekend Tolson’s side face a tough ask as they take on the best bowling outfit in the Premier league. Another side who can take giant steps towards their league title are Paul Hewstone’s 3rd X1 who entertain Scothern in an earlier start time of 12.30pm. They then welcome Holton le Clay to Chichester Road on the Bank Holiday Monday (1.30pm Start). Cleethorpes North Lindsey side can almost wrap up the league when Caistor visit Cleethorpes this Sunday (2pm Start).
NF adds: Word reaches me that the above-mentioned Andy Ellis was spotted in a Brigg hostelry recently. Perhaps reliving his years with Appleby-Frodingham when we used to see him in the Black Bull from time to time.
Graham Hackey has asked Lincs Cricket Latest to issue a reminder about the Cleethorpes CC Twenty-20 tournament, which we are happy to do. Double-click the picture here to read the full details.
Monday, 24 August 2009
MESSINGHAM GO THROUGH
By Ann Boulton
Having won the ECB Premier League's Winkworth Cup, which was this year played as a 20/20, next Sunday, August 30, Messingham will play in the regional finals of the ECB's League 20/20 Cup against the winners of the Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire competition.
The matches are at Woollaton CC near Nottingham.
Order of play:
10.00a.m. Cuckney v Kibworth
1.00p.m. Losers of 1st Match v Messingham
4.00p.m. Winners of 1st Match v Messingham
All supporters welcome. Postcode for the ground is NG8 2AN
The overall winners go on to play in the national final in September.
Also on August 30th at Augusta Street, Grimsby Town CC are playing Grimsby Town FC in a 20/20 (which will be played to Grimsby rules!). There will be a barbecue and bar all afternoon - all spectators welcome.
Having won the ECB Premier League's Winkworth Cup, which was this year played as a 20/20, next Sunday, August 30, Messingham will play in the regional finals of the ECB's League 20/20 Cup against the winners of the Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire competition.
The matches are at Woollaton CC near Nottingham.
Order of play:
10.00a.m. Cuckney v Kibworth
1.00p.m. Losers of 1st Match v Messingham
4.00p.m. Winners of 1st Match v Messingham
All supporters welcome. Postcode for the ground is NG8 2AN
The overall winners go on to play in the national final in September.
Also on August 30th at Augusta Street, Grimsby Town CC are playing Grimsby Town FC in a 20/20 (which will be played to Grimsby rules!). There will be a barbecue and bar all afternoon - all spectators welcome.
Sunday, 23 August 2009
306 OPENING STAND
Caistor stalwart Wes Allison has tonight supplied this photo of Harry Boulton (right) and James Wright, who had a magnificent opening stand of 306 (unbeaten) at Broughton in the North Lindsey League. Harry scored 177 and James 101.
Broughton replied with 228, Robbie "Mr Paddle Sweep" Glentworth scoring his maiden 50.
Scores: Caistor 306-0, Broughton 228 all-out.
Wes says it was "a very good batting track - a credit to Broughton."
Nigel Fisher adds: A few years ago I umpired Broughton v Hibaldstow, when Wayne "Moxy" Read and Nick Crawford put on 333/4 for the first wicket, which I think the North Lindsey League declared an all-time partnership record. I took a similar photo to Wes's with the two batsmen infront of the scoreboard.
URGENT CORRECTION: Thanks to our well-wishing Poster for pointing out it was Matty Hammond in the big stand, not Nick. Not that Nick will mind, of course!
MUSSY'S MATCH
Paul Musselwhite, who served Scunthorpe United FC, and others, so well as a Football League goalkeeper over many years, today turned in a fantastic all-round cricketing display to help Brigg Town triumph by eight runs in a low-scoring North Lindsey Cricket League division two game at Outcasts.
He began by scoring 63 not out in a Brigg total of 101 all-out; then took an amazing nine for 36 (including three wickets in what turned out to be the final over of the match) to see his side home by eight runs.
And who took the other wicket to deny Paul the chance of an incredibly rare 'ten for'? None other than his son, under-15 seamer Ryan, who trapped 'Spud' Tate leg-before!
However, that meant the Musselwhite family featured in the dismissal of all 10 batsmen at Hirst Priory. Which must be some sort of record.
Brigg's Paul Reed felt Paul's historic achievement ought to be recorded for posterity, and enticed his fellow all-rounder to emerge from the showers and pose for the Lincs Cricket Latest camera, infront of a scoreboard recording his super all-round achievement.
Musselwhite Senior is now being described within the Brigg club as 'the new age Gig Smith' - a reference to Town's greatest-ever all-rounder, who played until he was 60 and was, even then, capable of taking 50 wickets a season in the Lincs League.
Gig used to dominate the Brigg batting (opening in his prime), and open the bowling. Indeed, no-one could prise the ball out of his hand.
Paul, clearly, has a bit to learn if he is to become the new Brigg Town Gig. For the now goalkeeping coach was happy to leave the attack for three overs (after sending down 13) until skipper Tom Brock wisely brought him back for what proved a match-winning finale - just when Outcasts looked like sneaking home.
Gig would never have agreed to being taken off with six wickets under his belt!
However, unlike Gig who was renowed for his tally of front-foot no-balls, Paul didn't threaten the line, even once.
Wikipedia says: "Paul Stephen Musselwhite (born 22 December 1968 in Portsmouth) is an English footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Lincoln City, where he is also the club's Goalkeeping Coach. He has the most league appearances of any goalkeeper for Port Vale and as of 2009 has the 15th most league appearances of any Port Vale player, having made 312 league appearances between 1992 and 2000. He has also made 206 league appearances for Scunthorpe United, playing for them between 1988 and 1992 and again from 2004 to 2006. With around 100 games for Hull City between 2000 and 2004, he has made 613 appearances in the Football League and well over 700 appearances in all competitions."
The Unofficial Lincoln City website says: "Signed: July 2009. Paul Musselwhite is a surprise addition to the playing staff at Lincoln City as he signed playing terms for The Imps a month after retiring from football. He is also the goalkeeping coach for Lincoln."
The Lincoln City Mad website adds: "Musselwhite is currently our keeper coach, and spoke recently in the paper of his admiration for stoppers Rob Burch and Ayden Duffy. His experience will be extremely useful for both our rookie goalkeepers."
LINCOLN LADS TRIUMPH
Hartsholme today lifted the George Marshall Trophy. Many congratulations to Nathan Poundall's lads - hard luck to Appleby-Frodingham 2nds, who did so well to reach the final.
Full details will be supplied to the Scunthorpe Telegraph, Grimsby Telegraph and Lincolnshire Echo for publication later this week.
Full details will be supplied to the Scunthorpe Telegraph, Grimsby Telegraph and Lincolnshire Echo for publication later this week.
SPECTATORS WELCOME
This afternoon sees the final of the Lincolnshire League's George Marshall Trophy, between Hartsholme and Appleby-Frodingham 2nds at Augusta Street, Grimsby (1.30pm).
The league, and participating clubs, owe a big debt of thanks to Grimsby Town CC for again hosting the showpiece final.
Hartsholme have hit a purple patch and now moved up to third spot in the premier division, while the Scunthorpe Steelmen are mid-table in division one. It's very unusual for a team from the second tier of Lincs League cricket to make it this far in the Marshall Trophy.
League chairman Bob Welton will be officiating at the final - as he did at last week's Bob Welton final at Outcasts CC, where Cleethorpes 3rds beat Alkborough 2nds.
Spectators are very welcome at today's match, where the facilities of the clubhouse will be available.
The league, and participating clubs, owe a big debt of thanks to Grimsby Town CC for again hosting the showpiece final.
Hartsholme have hit a purple patch and now moved up to third spot in the premier division, while the Scunthorpe Steelmen are mid-table in division one. It's very unusual for a team from the second tier of Lincs League cricket to make it this far in the Marshall Trophy.
League chairman Bob Welton will be officiating at the final - as he did at last week's Bob Welton final at Outcasts CC, where Cleethorpes 3rds beat Alkborough 2nds.
Spectators are very welcome at today's match, where the facilities of the clubhouse will be available.
CHINAMEN SPOTTED IN SCUNNY
Keelby 2nds' veteran Jim Cowie sent down 17 overs of left-arm Chinamen in yesterday's Lincs League div three game away to Scunthorpe Town 2nds at Heslam Park.
This is the rarest style of bowling - left-arm spin, out the back of the hand, turning into the right-handed batsman.
I seem to recall South Bank/South Kelsey's Barry Potter - aka The Wizard of Spin - sending down some of these, but struggle to think of anyone else I faced who might have done for more than the odd experimental delivery.
Last night I was asked for the origins of the cricketing term Chinaman - and being a sad anorak on such matters was able to give the answer.
The term comes from the former West Indian player E E Achong, a left-arm spinner of Chinese origin, who bowled wrist spin as well as left-arm orthodox.
South Africa's Paul Adams and Australia's Brad Hogg revived the art of the Chinaman at Test level in recent times - but, of course, they've never been anywhere near the Lincs League!
This is the rarest style of bowling - left-arm spin, out the back of the hand, turning into the right-handed batsman.
I seem to recall South Bank/South Kelsey's Barry Potter - aka The Wizard of Spin - sending down some of these, but struggle to think of anyone else I faced who might have done for more than the odd experimental delivery.
Last night I was asked for the origins of the cricketing term Chinaman - and being a sad anorak on such matters was able to give the answer.
The term comes from the former West Indian player E E Achong, a left-arm spinner of Chinese origin, who bowled wrist spin as well as left-arm orthodox.
South Africa's Paul Adams and Australia's Brad Hogg revived the art of the Chinaman at Test level in recent times - but, of course, they've never been anywhere near the Lincs League!
Thursday, 20 August 2009
ALL HANDS TO THE PUMPS
It's high time we started getting a Lincs Cricket Latest line-up together for the bank holiday May (Aug 31) annual charity match at Outcasts CC against Ian Fletcher's X1.
Currently I've only confirmed Mick Smith (ex-Brigg and Bottesford), whose bowling really took the eye in this fixture a couple or three years ago.
If you are 45 or above - Fletch has reluctantly dropped the age level from 50 - and fancy a gentle run-out in this 40 overs-a-side contest, please get in touch as soon as you can.
It's open to players from across the county - retired, semi-retired or still turning out at whatever level.
If you can play, please post a response here or email I CAN PLAY
Don't delay - please confirm now!
Currently I've only confirmed Mick Smith (ex-Brigg and Bottesford), whose bowling really took the eye in this fixture a couple or three years ago.
If you are 45 or above - Fletch has reluctantly dropped the age level from 50 - and fancy a gentle run-out in this 40 overs-a-side contest, please get in touch as soon as you can.
It's open to players from across the county - retired, semi-retired or still turning out at whatever level.
If you can play, please post a response here or email I CAN PLAY
Don't delay - please confirm now!
TIME IS RUNNING OUT
August 31 is the deadline for receipt of rule changes for the Lincs League. Clubs should send them to league general secretary Mike Savage without delay. Mike's already received a couple.
Details of those received in time will be circulated to clubs for discussion, and voting, at October's AGM in Market Rasen.
Don't miss the date if your club has an improvement to put forward.
Details of those received in time will be circulated to clubs for discussion, and voting, at October's AGM in Market Rasen.
Don't miss the date if your club has an improvement to put forward.
BOB DOES THE HONOURS
Man of the Match in the Bob Welton Cup final was Ian Bellamy (Cleethorpes 3rds) with figures of 9-5-4-1. He is seen here receiving his trophy from Lincs League chairman Bob Welton.
MEGGIES' WINNING LINE-UP
Cleethorpes 3rd X1 won the Lincs League's Bob Welton Cup Final, chasing down Andy Clay’s Alkborough 2nds score of 113 all-out for the loss of four wickets in the 37th over.
Cleethorpes 3rd X1: Back Row (left to right) Ben Peacock (Scorer), Ian Bellamy, Kris Richardson, Jeff Todd, Richard Woodward, Matt Shelton, Paul Ridley. Front Row (left to right) Lewis Markham, Elliott Drinkell, Paul Hewstone, Fred Lumby, Bob Leafe.
Graham Hackney has penned the following report:
Sunday's cup final win over Alkborough 2nds was achieved after an outstanding bowling display, Cleethorpes 3rds dismissing their opponents out for just 113. Excellent opening spells from Richard Woodward (2/30 in 8.2) and Fred Lumby (1/22 in 9) had Alkborough on the back foot and this was followed up by Jeff Todd’s fine 2/13 in nine overs and Lewis Markham’s 4/41 in 8. Ian Bellamy produced to most miserly of spells of all in nine overs that was to bring him the man of the match award. Matt Shelton (33) and veteran Bob Leafe (25) added 68 for the first wicket in reply before a run out accounted for Shelton. With four wickets falling for just 19 runs Alkborough sensed a chance before composed batting from Paul Ridley (16 not out) and Kris Richardson (14 not out) saw Cleethorpes home in the 37th over.
Full marks to Andy Clay’s Alkborough side for the spirit in which the match was played as Paul Hewstone lifted the trophy for the second successive year.
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
HEADS YOU LOSE
A couple of cricketing stories in the national press have caught my eye in recent weeks - both involving similar-looking relatives substituting for each other in matches.
This comes as no surprise. Indeed it's quite usual these days for umpires, and opposing teams, to struggle when it comes to identifying batsmen arriving at the crease in full-face helmets.
Wearing hoods and crash helmets is not permitted in certain shopping malls and retail premises in the UK, due to the impossibility of identifying who's wearing them.
Which is a strange fact put alongside the ECB's insistence on under-19 batsmen (and keepers standing up) donning their lids.
This comes as no surprise. Indeed it's quite usual these days for umpires, and opposing teams, to struggle when it comes to identifying batsmen arriving at the crease in full-face helmets.
Wearing hoods and crash helmets is not permitted in certain shopping malls and retail premises in the UK, due to the impossibility of identifying who's wearing them.
Which is a strange fact put alongside the ECB's insistence on under-19 batsmen (and keepers standing up) donning their lids.
WICKET FOR NICOLA
Neil Wheeler led the Cleethorpes Academy side to a rare eight-wicket win at Hainton in the East Lindsey League after bowling them out for just 108 in 32.1 overs. Ian Mansfield had picked up a brilliant 3/5 in four overs with Stuart Harvey also picking up three wickets for 27 in nine overs. John Mansfield (2/10 in 6), Nicola Knapton (1/22 in 5) and David Mansfield (1/10) were the other wicket takers. Gary Cowlam made light work of the Revesby attack stroking a superb 75 not out as the Academy side reached their target in only the 17th over for the loss of two wickets. He added 72 for the first wicket with Ryan Harrison who hit 18.
This Saturday, Cleethorpes 1st X1 face Sheffield Collegiate at Chichester Road (12 Noon Start) while the 2nd X1 have a crucial weekend with back-to-back games. They travel to bottom of the table Broughton on Saturday before entertaining South Kelsey in a crunch game this Sunday (1pm Start).
Cleethorpes 3rds are without a game, while the 4ths travel to Keelby for their penultimate fixture of the season. The North Lindsey X1’s game at Hibaldstow has been cancelled owing to their opponents being unable to raise a side, while the Academy X1 are on the road again, this time travelling to Revesby in the East Lindsey League on Sunday.
This Saturday, Cleethorpes 1st X1 face Sheffield Collegiate at Chichester Road (12 Noon Start) while the 2nd X1 have a crucial weekend with back-to-back games. They travel to bottom of the table Broughton on Saturday before entertaining South Kelsey in a crunch game this Sunday (1pm Start).
Cleethorpes 3rds are without a game, while the 4ths travel to Keelby for their penultimate fixture of the season. The North Lindsey X1’s game at Hibaldstow has been cancelled owing to their opponents being unable to raise a side, while the Academy X1 are on the road again, this time travelling to Revesby in the East Lindsey League on Sunday.
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
COMING ON THURSDAY
....Pix from the Bob Welton Cup final - Alkborough 2nds v Cleethorpes 3rds - at Outcasts CC. Match details to be found in Thursday's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
STEADY, EDDIE
Eddie Carlton takes evasive action during the Cleethorpes 1st X1 home win over Barnsley last Saturday, which saw Cleethorpes climb back up to sixth in the Yorkshire League table. Picture from Graham Hackney. Thanks again, Ackers!
Monday, 17 August 2009
SNAP UP YOUR TICKETS NOW
Make a firm note in your diary about one of the highlights of close season cricketing events in the north of the county - the Barton Town CC sportsman's dinner.
The 11th in the successful series will be held on Friday, October 2 at Reeds Hotel, Barton (7.30pm for 8pm). Guest speaker is to be former Burnley, Wolves and Huddersfield footballer Steve Kindon. He will be supported by comedian Billy Bean.
Barton CC first team all-rounder Rich Birch points out tickets this time (£30) are actually cheaper than they were last year. Not something you hear very often! So you can use the saving for another drink or two. Not only that, it appears the price is inclusive of a bus running from Scunthorpe, Barton, Barrow and Goxhill.
Dress code is jacket and tie. Tickets are already available from South Humberside Industrial Supplies, Waterside Road, Barton, or contact Richard on 07989 551764.
Rich says: "All monies raised will be going towards our new 3 bay nets."
Lincs Cricket Latest is delighted to "plug" your club fundraisers free of charge, although a complimentary pint never goes amiss. Hint, hint! Just email with details.
The 11th in the successful series will be held on Friday, October 2 at Reeds Hotel, Barton (7.30pm for 8pm). Guest speaker is to be former Burnley, Wolves and Huddersfield footballer Steve Kindon. He will be supported by comedian Billy Bean.
Barton CC first team all-rounder Rich Birch points out tickets this time (£30) are actually cheaper than they were last year. Not something you hear very often! So you can use the saving for another drink or two. Not only that, it appears the price is inclusive of a bus running from Scunthorpe, Barton, Barrow and Goxhill.
Dress code is jacket and tie. Tickets are already available from South Humberside Industrial Supplies, Waterside Road, Barton, or contact Richard on 07989 551764.
Rich says: "All monies raised will be going towards our new 3 bay nets."
Lincs Cricket Latest is delighted to "plug" your club fundraisers free of charge, although a complimentary pint never goes amiss. Hint, hint! Just email with details.
GEORGE MARSHALL FINAL ACHIEVEMENT
From Ian Armiger, Secretary, Appleby-Frodingham CC
App-Frod 2nds are looking forward to the final (this coming Sunday against Hartsholme at Augusta Street, Grimsby) especially as we believe that we are the first genuine 2nd X1 to reach the final.
We would even have been a little confident until we saw Hartsholme's massive score on Saturday!
Also....at 63 years of age, will Mick Powell be the oldest player ever to play in such a final?
NF asks: Can anyone name anyone older than 63 who's appeared in the GM final. Or do we declare Mick the veteran of all veterans?
App-Frod 2nds are looking forward to the final (this coming Sunday against Hartsholme at Augusta Street, Grimsby) especially as we believe that we are the first genuine 2nd X1 to reach the final.
We would even have been a little confident until we saw Hartsholme's massive score on Saturday!
Also....at 63 years of age, will Mick Powell be the oldest player ever to play in such a final?
NF asks: Can anyone name anyone older than 63 who's appeared in the GM final. Or do we declare Mick the veteran of all veterans?
Sunday, 16 August 2009
VERY, VERY, VERY UNUSUAL
Further to Glen Sands' earlier reference to the ball lodging in the keeper's helmet, apparently resulting in a batsman being out caught, I've just located this on the internet:
QUESTION: “Whilst umpiring a recent Sunday friendly a ball top edged by the batsman lodged in the wicket-keeper's helmet. The fielding side claimed out, but, being completely unsure and feeling that giving out was not correct, I called 'dead ball'. As the fielders were equally unsure they accepted amicably, but naturally this caused much debate in the post-match analysis in the pub. Please advise.”
ANSWER GIVEN: Your instincts were correct; the ball becomes dead on lodging in a protective helmet worn by a member of the fielding side. Strictly speaking there is no need to call and signal Dead ball (see Laws 23.1 and 23.3), but the Law allows you to do so if you feel you need to let the players know what is going on. As the ball is dead there can be no dismissal.
It might be worth pointing out that, if the ball had simply hits the wicket-keeper's helmet rather than lodges in it, the striker cannot be out Stumped (Law 39.2). Additionally, if the ball touches a helmet worn by any fielder (and that includes the wicket-keeper) the striker cannot be out Caught (Law 32.3). However, in each case the ball remains in play and either batsman could be out Run out or in several other ways permitted by the Laws.
The answer was given by Armchair Umpire on www.umpires.tv/armchair/catch_in_helmet_ARC.html
NOW AN EXTRACT FROM LORD'S, WHO SEEM TO OVERSEE THE LAWS OF THE GAME...
Law 23 (Dead ball)
1. Ball is dead
(a) The ball becomes dead when
(i) it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or the bowler.
(ii) a boundary is scored. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).
(iii) a batsman is dismissed.
(iv) whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batsman or between items of his clothing or equipment.
(v) whether played or not it lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batsman or the clothing of an umpire.
(vi) it lodges in a protective helmet worn by a member of the fielding side.
What do YOU think?
QUESTION: “Whilst umpiring a recent Sunday friendly a ball top edged by the batsman lodged in the wicket-keeper's helmet. The fielding side claimed out, but, being completely unsure and feeling that giving out was not correct, I called 'dead ball'. As the fielders were equally unsure they accepted amicably, but naturally this caused much debate in the post-match analysis in the pub. Please advise.”
ANSWER GIVEN: Your instincts were correct; the ball becomes dead on lodging in a protective helmet worn by a member of the fielding side. Strictly speaking there is no need to call and signal Dead ball (see Laws 23.1 and 23.3), but the Law allows you to do so if you feel you need to let the players know what is going on. As the ball is dead there can be no dismissal.
It might be worth pointing out that, if the ball had simply hits the wicket-keeper's helmet rather than lodges in it, the striker cannot be out Stumped (Law 39.2). Additionally, if the ball touches a helmet worn by any fielder (and that includes the wicket-keeper) the striker cannot be out Caught (Law 32.3). However, in each case the ball remains in play and either batsman could be out Run out or in several other ways permitted by the Laws.
The answer was given by Armchair Umpire on www.umpires.tv/armchair/catch_in_helmet_ARC.html
NOW AN EXTRACT FROM LORD'S, WHO SEEM TO OVERSEE THE LAWS OF THE GAME...
Law 23 (Dead ball)
1. Ball is dead
(a) The ball becomes dead when
(i) it is finally settled in the hands of the wicket-keeper or the bowler.
(ii) a boundary is scored. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).
(iii) a batsman is dismissed.
(iv) whether played or not it becomes trapped between the bat and person of a batsman or between items of his clothing or equipment.
(v) whether played or not it lodges in the clothing or equipment of a batsman or the clothing of an umpire.
(vi) it lodges in a protective helmet worn by a member of the fielding side.
What do YOU think?
ONE TO WATCH FOR THE FUTURE
From Kevin White, Alford CC
We seem to be having a nightmare Premier League season at Alford but you may wish to include the following article on your 'blog' (you will be pleased to know that a number of the club members are regular visitors to your site!):
Fifteen year old Harry McHamilton made his Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division debut for Alford & District CC last Saturday in the club's home fixture with Hartsholme and had the misfortune to catch Daniel Odd twice at long on, and on both occasions stepped on or over the ropes to give the Lincoln sides Australian all rounder six runs.
Harry was playing for Alford's under 15 XI in the East Lindsey Under 15 League early in the season and has shown so much promise he has just played half a dozen or so Second XI games in Division 4 of the Lincolnshire League before being asked to play in the club's first XI.
He was obviously very disappointed that neither attempt counted and Odd went on to score a match winning 59 as Hartsholme overhauled the home side's score of 247 for 9 with just two overs to spare, but as his team mates were quick to point out, catches at long on are never easy and for someone with so little experience he took them like a senior member of the team.
On both occasions the unlucky bowler was Kevin White.
We seem to be having a nightmare Premier League season at Alford but you may wish to include the following article on your 'blog' (you will be pleased to know that a number of the club members are regular visitors to your site!):
Fifteen year old Harry McHamilton made his Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division debut for Alford & District CC last Saturday in the club's home fixture with Hartsholme and had the misfortune to catch Daniel Odd twice at long on, and on both occasions stepped on or over the ropes to give the Lincoln sides Australian all rounder six runs.
Harry was playing for Alford's under 15 XI in the East Lindsey Under 15 League early in the season and has shown so much promise he has just played half a dozen or so Second XI games in Division 4 of the Lincolnshire League before being asked to play in the club's first XI.
He was obviously very disappointed that neither attempt counted and Odd went on to score a match winning 59 as Hartsholme overhauled the home side's score of 247 for 9 with just two overs to spare, but as his team mates were quick to point out, catches at long on are never easy and for someone with so little experience he took them like a senior member of the team.
On both occasions the unlucky bowler was Kevin White.
FREAK DISMISSAL
By Glen Sands, reporting on Cherry Willingham v Outcasts, Lincs div one
Outcasts' response saw Andy Lawson produce his best batting performance of the season as he attacked the home side's bowling with some outstanding shots. He scored 62 of the Isle sides first 72 runs, hitting five 6s and five 4s in what was as good a display of clean hitting as you could wish to see.
Yet when he was out, caught by wicketkeeper Jon Drabble, off Matt Spikings when the ball actually stuck in the grill of his helmet, batting appeared to become a far tougher prospect...
There's more of that match in the Scunthorpe Telegraph, Grimsby Telegraph and Lincolnshire Echo this week.
Outcasts' response saw Andy Lawson produce his best batting performance of the season as he attacked the home side's bowling with some outstanding shots. He scored 62 of the Isle sides first 72 runs, hitting five 6s and five 4s in what was as good a display of clean hitting as you could wish to see.
Yet when he was out, caught by wicketkeeper Jon Drabble, off Matt Spikings when the ball actually stuck in the grill of his helmet, batting appeared to become a far tougher prospect...
There's more of that match in the Scunthorpe Telegraph, Grimsby Telegraph and Lincolnshire Echo this week.
OH, OH, DEANO!
With apologies to Dexy's Midnight Runners for the headline
What's this I spy on the scoresheet? Barton Town's Dean Cressey not only opening the bowling with his 'slow stuff' but also the batting in the same Lincs prem match. Those who know his batting pedigree might raise an eyebrow or two about that.
Surely he's not going to be claiming the title all-rounder from now on!
The batting experiment didn't seem to work out as planned - he got only two - but he did have a very good day with the ball at Haxey.
What's this I spy on the scoresheet? Barton Town's Dean Cressey not only opening the bowling with his 'slow stuff' but also the batting in the same Lincs prem match. Those who know his batting pedigree might raise an eyebrow or two about that.
Surely he's not going to be claiming the title all-rounder from now on!
The batting experiment didn't seem to work out as planned - he got only two - but he did have a very good day with the ball at Haxey.
GAME OFF
The scheduled North Lindsey League division one game between Appleby-Frodingham and Marshalls - at Brumby Hall, Scunthorpe - this afternoon has just been called off.
The Gainsborough boys were unable to raise a side, it appears.
The Gainsborough boys were unable to raise a side, it appears.
HOW CLOSE IS THAT?
We don't normally put tables for the Lincolnshire County League (sponsored by Readers) onto Lincs Cricket Latest - but today we are going to make a small exception, due to testing some computer coding to get the job done, should it ever be needed for other purposes in the future. The Blogger domain we use has presented a few problems as it generates white space automatically on each line of the table - but we've found a way round it. So here goes...
| Pts | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkborough | 199 | ||||||
| South Kelsey | 197 | ||||||
| Haxey | 192 | ||||||
| Cleethorpes 2nds | 191 | ||||||
| Horncastle | 190 | ||||||
| Hartsholme | 189 |
Saturday, 15 August 2009
HARD LUCK, SNOWY
Scunthorpe Town Sunday captain Ian Snowden picking up the runners-up trophy following the NLL D1 KO Cup final against Cleethorpes.
We'd better kick off by mentioning the big man's fine diving catch in the covers, early on.
However, Town were always chasing the game - physically and mentally - after a decidedly destructive knock from Elliott Drinkell. It's a long time since I've seen anyone take an attack apart like he did. Graham Hackney, who was playing in this final, reported the facts in an earlier posting - 41 runs in only 15 balls (four sixes and four fours).
Yet it was the way he made his runs which stunned Scunthorpe. We've written many complimentary things about Ramesh Chand's bowling in recent years - both in print and online. But his usual two-an-over seamers were blazed to all parts by Elliott.
As big-hitting Elliott arrived at the crease, keeper Dave Brown (he of the Silence of the Lambs face mask) was heard to remark: "The first ball's always a nightmare!" The batsman responded by clipping Ramesh's next delivery behind square for four. The following ball produced a massive straight six - and that set the tone. Talk about a sigh of relief among Town supporters when he finally went, caught at long off (a great effort by young Dec Toyne, who was in a real pressure situation as the ball reached him). But, by then, the damage had been done.
Town brought many supporters with them - a sort of Barmy Army - in the shade of the famous Hibaldstow tree, waving '4' and '6' boards when their team managed boundaries after tea. But once Matt Pashley, who was looking in very good nick, damaged a knee and was out soon afterwards, their hopes disappeared rapidly, despite a half-century from dependable opener Neil Patrick.
Leaving aside some rapid 20s and 30s from Outcasts' Andy Lawson, it would have to be 1988/9 since I've seen an innings to match Elliott Drinkell's for rapid scoring. That was 90-plus by Neil Vartan for Hertfordshire against Lincolnshire in a rain-ruined Minor Counties match at Stevenage.
It appears this is the way Mr Drinkell always bats. As the bowling end umpire I owe a large pint to Scunthorpe's genial medium-pacer Pop Robson for taking the sting out of an Elliott straight drive which was coming my way.
My Way? Yes, had it hit me between the eyes I might now be 'up there' listening to Frank Sinatra signing his classic song in person!
To view the full scorecard from the final(courtesy of Paul Hewstone) visit....
Cleethorpes' Play Cricket website page
HAPPY SKIPPER
Paul Hewstone receiving the North Lindsey Division One KO Cup from league rep Paul Saunders in the official marquee - following Sunday's final at Hibaldstow.
CUP HOLDERS
The Cleethorpes team which beat Scunthorpe Town - at Hibaldstow - in the final of the North Lindsey League Division One Knockout Cup, taking the trophy back with them to Chichester Road.
Back row, left to right - Mike Shelton, Stuart Harvey, Richard Woodward, Matthew Owen, Rob Griffin, Graham Hackney, Paul Ridley, Ben Peacock.
Front row, left to right - Paul Coultas, Paul Hewstone, Patrick Hughes, Elliott Drinkell.
Thursday, 13 August 2009
KICK A MAN WHEN HE'S DOWN
By Gary Smith, Brigg Town CC
As predicted in Lincs Cricket Latest, the West Wold League champions Hurdiss played a President's X1 on Tuesday at Caistor CC. Selected to play for the President's X1 was Nick Beacock, of Brocklesby Park. However, two days before the match, Nick - a Brigg Hockey Club regular - decided to play in a pre-season warm-up hockey match and sustained a nasty ankle injury and was in some pain.
Having secured Jack Richards as a worthy replacement, Nick managed to hobble down to the match to support the President's X1.
The president of the West Wold League, Mrs Kathleen Smith, prides herself in visiting all teams in the league throughout the season and has a very healthy record of victories for 'her' team in the annual fixture.
Upon seeing Nick she immediately recognised him as a Brocklesby player and said: "Sorry to hear about your injury. I recognise you from Broclesby Park - are you Nigel Fisher?"
Nick's expression was of sheer pain - not from the ankle but from the thought of being mistaken for Yours Truly!
NF adds: It must be 10-12 years since I last turned out midweek for Brock Park alongside Beaky. Not wishing to add to his misery, of course!
PS Couldn't resist so I've just checked on the excellent Brocklesby Park official website (many thanks, Webmaster Bedders) and my enjoyable, but gloriously unsuccessful, BPCC "career" actually drew to a close in 1996. The website reminds me I am 53 years 41 days old today, and reveals club best bowling as 6-12 v Rustons at Brocklesby (match best remembered for Lewis Strange making 44 in excellent style and the fact the famous "Subba Roe" was playing for them).
Claim to Fame 1: Took four stumpings in one over off Michael Burbidge v Elsham Golf Club, equalling the club record for stumpings in an innings.
Claim to Fame 2: Teamed up, in 1994, with Jamie Burbidge for their only current first class victim - Buck Venter (Griqualand West and South Africa A) being caught Fisher, standing up to Burbidge, for 87. There were suggestions Buck, playing for Caistor Grammar School, gave his wicket away. In my defence I would say Jamie was then pretty nippy to be standing up to if you weren't a specialist keeper. And I never came anywhere near. My view was if you were going to down a chance off the opening bowler, at least give yourself half an excuse by standing up! View this and other BPCC trivia by visiting
Brocklesby Park Cricket Club
As predicted in Lincs Cricket Latest, the West Wold League champions Hurdiss played a President's X1 on Tuesday at Caistor CC. Selected to play for the President's X1 was Nick Beacock, of Brocklesby Park. However, two days before the match, Nick - a Brigg Hockey Club regular - decided to play in a pre-season warm-up hockey match and sustained a nasty ankle injury and was in some pain.
Having secured Jack Richards as a worthy replacement, Nick managed to hobble down to the match to support the President's X1.
The president of the West Wold League, Mrs Kathleen Smith, prides herself in visiting all teams in the league throughout the season and has a very healthy record of victories for 'her' team in the annual fixture.
Upon seeing Nick she immediately recognised him as a Brocklesby player and said: "Sorry to hear about your injury. I recognise you from Broclesby Park - are you Nigel Fisher?"
Nick's expression was of sheer pain - not from the ankle but from the thought of being mistaken for Yours Truly!
NF adds: It must be 10-12 years since I last turned out midweek for Brock Park alongside Beaky. Not wishing to add to his misery, of course!
PS Couldn't resist so I've just checked on the excellent Brocklesby Park official website (many thanks, Webmaster Bedders) and my enjoyable, but gloriously unsuccessful, BPCC "career" actually drew to a close in 1996. The website reminds me I am 53 years 41 days old today, and reveals club best bowling as 6-12 v Rustons at Brocklesby (match best remembered for Lewis Strange making 44 in excellent style and the fact the famous "Subba Roe" was playing for them).
Claim to Fame 1: Took four stumpings in one over off Michael Burbidge v Elsham Golf Club, equalling the club record for stumpings in an innings.
Claim to Fame 2: Teamed up, in 1994, with Jamie Burbidge for their only current first class victim - Buck Venter (Griqualand West and South Africa A) being caught Fisher, standing up to Burbidge, for 87. There were suggestions Buck, playing for Caistor Grammar School, gave his wicket away. In my defence I would say Jamie was then pretty nippy to be standing up to if you weren't a specialist keeper. And I never came anywhere near. My view was if you were going to down a chance off the opening bowler, at least give yourself half an excuse by standing up! View this and other BPCC trivia by visiting
Brocklesby Park Cricket Club
ACADEMY TRAVEL TO HAINTON
Cleethorpes 1st X1 faced the daunting problem of facing the top two sides in the Oxbridge Yorkshire ECB Premier league last weekend and although they came away defeated on both occasions, gave their opponents a mighty scare. Saturday saw James Osmond’s side face second-placed Yorkshire Academy. The Academy featured Azeem Rafiq who has featured for the County 1st X1 on a number of times this season and are captained by former Scotland paceman John Blain. On a damp wicket the skipper won the toss and promptly inserted Academy. This paid immediate dividends as fine opening spells from Andy Ellis and Jack Harrison made full use of the helpful conditions to knock over the Academy top order. Despite losing John Zielinski to a fielding injury in only the fifth over, they found an able deputy in thirteen year old Ryan Harrison who capped a fine fielding display with a superb one-handed catch to help reduce them to 71-6. With Ellis finally getting the reward for some excellent recent performances, Cleethorpes appeared well on top. A 46-run seventh wicket stand put the brakes on the Meggies before a stunning catch behind from keeper Ishan Mutaliph, deputizing for the weekend for the absent Neil Wheeler, provided the breakthrough as Jack Harrison picked up two quick wickets in his second spell. A gritty 28-run stand for the last wicket took the Academy to their final total of 166 all out when James Osmond removed Blain in the 55th over. Ellis had been the pick of the attack with 5/46 in a marathon 22-over stint while youngster Jack Harrison continues to improve with 3/40 in 11 overs. Alex and James Osmond picked up figures of 1/36 in 11 and 1/17 in 3.5 overs respectively. With the ball still zipping about on the seamer friendly surface, Cleethorpes were always in for a stiff chase and so it proves. Bill Kirby and Ishan Mutaliph knuckled down to add 18 runs in 13 overs before Kirby departed lbw for 5. Mutaliph (7) followed suit in the next over to put Cleethorpes on the back foot. Chris Wragg, Charlie Tomlinson and Alex Osmond all came and went in the blink of an eye and when Eddie Carlton departed they were floundering at 29-6. Only James Osmond (13) and Harry Clewett (15 not out) reached double figures as they were eventually bowled out for 74 in the 39th over to leave themselves 92 runs short. After such a good bowling and fielding display Cleethorpes can take great heart from pushing one of the top sides so close.
Sunday saw the first X1 make the coastal trip to Scarborough and again they came away empty handed despite bowling their opponents out for just 151. A remarkable game saw all twenty wickets fall to spin as the dry square proved ideal for the spinners. Scarborough had opted to set a target first and after reaching 35 in relative ease soon slipped to 93-8 as the introduction of Alex Osmond and Harry Clewitt reduced the innings to tatters. Osmond picked up 6/46 in a 19.1 over spell at his favourite ground while Clewett showed a return to form with 3/52 in 18 overs. Once again a damaging last wicket stand of 37 had pushed the total further away from the Meggies as they reached 151 all out in the 53rd over. With Bill Kirby on Lincs’ county duty, Eddie Carlton (17) and Ishan Mutaliph (15) set about the reply. With Alex Osmond chipping in with a brisk 38 and brother James adding 28, Cleethorpes appeared well on course for a comfortable win. They had reached 130-5 in reply when Cleethorpes were undone by another poor umpiring decision as George Carlton (12) was given out caught at first slip when the ball had clearly turned sharply of the bowlers rough. This brought about an amazing collapse as Cleethorpes slipped to 136 all out with the last five wickets adding just six runs to leave them 15 runs shy of Scarborough’s total. Being on the end of at least three poor decisions had not helped Cleethorpes cause but they can take great heart from bowling the top two sides in the league out for a combined total of 317. Their ability to chase a total has been brought sharply into focus and is certainly something the side needs to work on in the coming weeks as they slipped to seventh in the table with six games to go in the season.
Dan Tolson’s 2nd X1 remain top of the Lincs’ Premier Division by a point despite going down to a heavy six-wicket defeat at rivals Horncastle. After losing a vital toss on a very damp wicket, Cleethorpes were shot out for just 77 in 25 overs. Only Stuart Harvey (12) and Rob Brice (12) reached double-figures as Horncastle’s bowlers made full use of helpful conditions. Cleethorpes made a gallant effort to pick up important bonus points and had removed four Horncastle batsmen before they reached their target in the 18th over to provide an early finish.
Paul Hewstone’s 3rd X1 remain in second-place in the First division despite being without a fixture for the second successive weekend.
Cleethorpes 4ths suffered the agony of a two-run defeat at the hands of Hartsholme 2nds at the Stamford Club last Saturday. Having restricted Hartholme to 204-5 in their 45 overs, Cleethorpes came up just short at 202-9 in an exciting finish. Fred Lumby had been the pick of the Cleethorpes attack with 2/39 in 11 overs while Lewis Markham contributed 2/40 in nine overs. Jamie Withers (1/30 in 5 overs) was the other wicket taker. Cleethorpes slipped to 118-7 in reply despite Bob Leafe holding things together with 32 and Ben Marris (19) and Josh Latimer (17). Fred Lumby (9) added 45 with John Mansfield for the ninth wicket as Mansfield decided to go down with all guns blazing. When Lewis Marham (1) was run out 37 runs were still required but Matty Owen stuck around to leave Mansfield on strike. He took full advantage to peper the boundary to such as extent that come the final delivery six runs were required for the win. Another mighty blow fell agonizingly short of the boundary for four to leave them just two runs short. Mansfield finished a brilliant 68 not out to record his first senior half century for Cleethorpes with Owen 4 not out. Cleethorpes take seven points from the defeat to remain third in the Second Division having played more games than their rivals with just two games left.
Paul Hewstone led Cleethorpes North Lindsey X1 to the club’s first silverware of the season as they lifted the Division One cup with victory over a strong Scunthorpe side at neutral Hibaldstow in the final last Sunday. After being asked to bat first on a superb wicket, Cleethorpes set a mammoth 237-8 in their 40 overs. Paul Ridley led the way with a man of the match 72 that set the foundations but he real momentum to the innings was provided from Elliott Drinkell who hit an amazing 41 in only 15 balls. Four sixes and four boundaries blazed from his bat as he threatened to take the game away from Scunthorpe before falling to an excellent boundary catch. Hewtsone (26) and Graham Hackney (26 not out) provided late impetus to the innings and set a challenging target. Scunthorpe’s Ramesh Chand briefly threatened in reply after hitting two massive sixes before a stunning running catch from Rob Griffin proving to be a pivotal moment in the game. Stuart Harvey picked up four middle order wickets as Cleethorpes chipped away at Scunthorpe’s middle order before Mike Shelton wrapped up victory adding three more late wickets to finish 4/36 in eleven overs. Harvey had taken 4/63 in ten overs. Paul Ridley completed a fine match with 1/18 in three overs.
This weekend the 1st X1 aim to get back to winning ways as Barnsley provide the opposition at Chichester Road in the Yorkshire league (12 Noon Start). Dan Tolson’s 2nd face a vital clash at title-challenging Alkborough on Saturday while Paul Hewstone’s 3rds have a weekend double header that will shape their season. On Saturday they travel to local rivals Holton le Clay aiming to get their own title charge back in gear while on Sunday they defend the Bob Welton cup when they face Alkborough 2nds at Outcasts ground in the Bob Welton cup final, backed by a bus load of travelling supporters.
Cleethorpes 4ths are without a fixture this week. Sunday sees the North Lindsey side led by Alex Osmond face Messingham at Chichester Road (2pm start) with the Academy X1 travelling to Hainton in the East Lindsey league.
Pictured: Ishan takes a superb diving catch - another cracker from Graham Hackey. (The picture, that is, not the delivery!)
NF adds: I have a scorecard - courtesy of Paul Hewstone - from Sunday's cup final, plus some observations of my own, a team pic of the Cleethorpes line-up, one of the Meggies being presented with the winners' trophy, and one of Scunny's Ian Snowden receiving the runners-up award. JUST NEED A BIT OF TIME TO UPLOAD THEM. Another 12 hours in two East Yorkshire editorial departments (Hull and Howden) beckons tomorrow. Plus a full day working on Saturday, so sometime over the weekend...I promise!!
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
COME ON, YOU MEGGIES
We hear Cleethorpes CC are taking a big coachload to Outcasts CC's Hirst Priory ground on Sunday for the 3rd team's Bob Welton Cup final against Alkborough 2nds (2pm start).
Best of luck to Paul Hewstone's lads and to Chippy Clay's in equal measure.
A couple of hard-workers who deserve to be skippering teams in a cup final.
Best of luck to Paul Hewstone's lads and to Chippy Clay's in equal measure.
A couple of hard-workers who deserve to be skippering teams in a cup final.
IT'S SHOWTIME!
From Andy Genney, Barton CC (Sunday)
As the only club with two teams in the North Lindsey League, naturally there is a great deal of friendly rivalry between Barton Town 3rds and Barton Academy Vikings. On Sunday, August 30th we finally get to find out who Barton’s true Sunday champs are. The two sides will be competing in a brand new format of cricket - 25/25. That’s right 25 overs each side – whatever will they think of next? Festivities commence at about 3pm and will be accompanied by beers, barbecues and other entertainment including a sledging contest.
Come along and enjoy this circus of cricket. Marvel at the throwing power of James Austin, gasp as Jeremy Evans repeatedly launches the ball out of the ground, laugh out loud at the comedy wicket-keeping antics of Coco the Clown.
All welcome!
As the only club with two teams in the North Lindsey League, naturally there is a great deal of friendly rivalry between Barton Town 3rds and Barton Academy Vikings. On Sunday, August 30th we finally get to find out who Barton’s true Sunday champs are. The two sides will be competing in a brand new format of cricket - 25/25. That’s right 25 overs each side – whatever will they think of next? Festivities commence at about 3pm and will be accompanied by beers, barbecues and other entertainment including a sledging contest.
Come along and enjoy this circus of cricket. Marvel at the throwing power of James Austin, gasp as Jeremy Evans repeatedly launches the ball out of the ground, laugh out loud at the comedy wicket-keeping antics of Coco the Clown.
All welcome!
Monday, 10 August 2009
CAISTOR CLARIFICATION
Following on from Saturday's reference to the Lincs ECB match, Caistor v Skegness, being called off without a ball being bowled, here's further information:
"It wasn't the outfield that gave cause for concern at Caistor, it was one end of the pitch itself. While one end was drying reasonable well, the other nearest the scorebox (including the bowler's run up) stayed very damp and just would not dry at all."
Pleased to set the record straight!
"It wasn't the outfield that gave cause for concern at Caistor, it was one end of the pitch itself. While one end was drying reasonable well, the other nearest the scorebox (including the bowler's run up) stayed very damp and just would not dry at all."
Pleased to set the record straight!
HELPING MUMBAI'S POOR
By Vic Mills, who is helping a project to get old Lincolnshire cricket kit out to India where it will be put to very good use.
Three weeks behind schedule, and perhaps a little rustic around the edges, but I’m happy to report that Project Front Foot in now online. You can find us on Project Front Foot or simply Google - Project Front Foot.
Given that I’m prone to increasing bouts of ELT (Extreme Luddite Tendencies) and my IT chum, Neil, is a technician and not a web designer, then I think we (or rather he) has made a damn good fist of it. I’m assured, too, that such a website remains a work in progress. Which is just as well as the revision work starts next week when Neil gets back off hols.
Meanwhile, the business end of the project begins. With the website up and running I can now start to badger the airlines to ship the kit out to Mumbai. And, of course, the collecting of equipment continues.
I was at the Lindum only last night taking possession of two bags of kit from the 2nd Lincoln Scouts. So good on them. With the season drawing to a slow and decidedly wet close, I’d appreciate if you’d continue to spread the word. The added bonus now being that you can simply ask folk to log on to the PFF website.
FROM THE WEBSITE
Project Front Foot is a kit for kids' campaign. With your help we aim to collect old, out-grown, cast-off and second-hand cricket kit and equipment and take it into Mumbai's largest slum, Dharavi. The second phase, once the kit has been distributed to schools and children, will be to put in place and run a series of coaching clinics.
Hot off the press, and inspired in no small measure by the movie Slumdog Millionaire, Project Front Foot was conceived in Mumbai in February of this year. Our co-partners, Reality Tours & Travel, successfully run the Dharavi community centre providing, amongst other things. English and IT classes for the slum children.
As diverse and extreme an experience as India is, cricket above everything else remains a constant unifying and uplifting factor; evidence this by the sheer volume of impromptu games that take place in Dharavi's streets, alleyways and on what waste ground exists. Our aim in providing kit and coaching is to add a little quality and joy to lives that have precious little.
If you wish to donate, help in any other way or just simply ask a question, then please contact us via the following method...
Alternatively you can telephone Project Leader, Vic Mills on 07956250069. Or email here, now through this link
CONTACT VIC MILLS
Three weeks behind schedule, and perhaps a little rustic around the edges, but I’m happy to report that Project Front Foot in now online. You can find us on Project Front Foot or simply Google - Project Front Foot.
Given that I’m prone to increasing bouts of ELT (Extreme Luddite Tendencies) and my IT chum, Neil, is a technician and not a web designer, then I think we (or rather he) has made a damn good fist of it. I’m assured, too, that such a website remains a work in progress. Which is just as well as the revision work starts next week when Neil gets back off hols.
Meanwhile, the business end of the project begins. With the website up and running I can now start to badger the airlines to ship the kit out to Mumbai. And, of course, the collecting of equipment continues.
I was at the Lindum only last night taking possession of two bags of kit from the 2nd Lincoln Scouts. So good on them. With the season drawing to a slow and decidedly wet close, I’d appreciate if you’d continue to spread the word. The added bonus now being that you can simply ask folk to log on to the PFF website.
FROM THE WEBSITE
Project Front Foot is a kit for kids' campaign. With your help we aim to collect old, out-grown, cast-off and second-hand cricket kit and equipment and take it into Mumbai's largest slum, Dharavi. The second phase, once the kit has been distributed to schools and children, will be to put in place and run a series of coaching clinics.
Hot off the press, and inspired in no small measure by the movie Slumdog Millionaire, Project Front Foot was conceived in Mumbai in February of this year. Our co-partners, Reality Tours & Travel, successfully run the Dharavi community centre providing, amongst other things. English and IT classes for the slum children.
As diverse and extreme an experience as India is, cricket above everything else remains a constant unifying and uplifting factor; evidence this by the sheer volume of impromptu games that take place in Dharavi's streets, alleyways and on what waste ground exists. Our aim in providing kit and coaching is to add a little quality and joy to lives that have precious little.
If you wish to donate, help in any other way or just simply ask a question, then please contact us via the following method...
Alternatively you can telephone Project Leader, Vic Mills on 07956250069. Or email here, now through this link
CONTACT VIC MILLS
Sunday, 9 August 2009
HOGGING THE LIMELIGHT
If any members of the East Halton batting line-up taking part in yesterday's East Yorks Alliance division three home game with Cottingham were a little hard of hearing, they might have suffered a few heart palpitations when the names of the visiting bowling attack were being mentioned.
For in action in the Cottingham attack was a certain Matthew Hagyard (not quite Hoggard of England and Yorkshire fame).
Pretty useful he proved, too, taking four wickets for 37 at the Blossom Way ground in Immingham.
For in action in the Cottingham attack was a certain Matthew Hagyard (not quite Hoggard of England and Yorkshire fame).
Pretty useful he proved, too, taking four wickets for 37 at the Blossom Way ground in Immingham.
Saturday, 8 August 2009
REST IN PEACE
How sad it was to see in the announcements column of the Scunthorpe Telegraph that Roy Baldwinson had died in Scotland.
He was a very well-respected umpire on the Scunthorpe panel, and also a long-serving official of the North Lindsey League.
In short - a great servant to local cricket.
He was a very well-respected umpire on the Scunthorpe panel, and also a long-serving official of the North Lindsey League.
In short - a great servant to local cricket.
STILL HELPING OUT
Great to meet up with veteran batsman Ben Jacob today - making a surprise (to me) appearance for Caistor 3rds.
Left-hand batsman Ben (ex-South Kelsey) was once one of the most consistent accumulator of runs in the lower reaches of the Lincs League.
He also played a key role as a senior official in the old (South) Humberside Alliance for some years.
These days, it seems, he helps out Caistor when they are struggling for numbers. Obviously the youngsters get preference - and that's only right - but sometimes an experienced head or two comes in handy.
Ben and I shared a few memories of times past - as we always do when our paths cross, which is not often enough these days.
Left-hand batsman Ben (ex-South Kelsey) was once one of the most consistent accumulator of runs in the lower reaches of the Lincs League.
He also played a key role as a senior official in the old (South) Humberside Alliance for some years.
These days, it seems, he helps out Caistor when they are struggling for numbers. Obviously the youngsters get preference - and that's only right - but sometimes an experienced head or two comes in handy.
Ben and I shared a few memories of times past - as we always do when our paths cross, which is not often enough these days.
CREDIT WHERE CREDIT'S DUE
Every Lincs League score was phoned through by 8.30pm tonight. Hopefully clubs can keep that up for the remainder of the season. It makes things much easier for all concerned, particularly fixture secretary Glen Sands who compiles the league tables.
DISAPPOINTING ALL ROUND
Disappointment today for Caistor's Lincs ECB League first team when no play was possible in their home game with Wade McCall's Skegness - the outfield being ruled unfit after heavy midweek rain.
Some of their officials (including Wes Allison) and spectators made the short drive over to Hibaldstow to watch Caistor 3rds in Lincs League div three action.
Very unfortunate for all concerned to have to sit on the sidelines while the sun blazed down on a Saturday in early August.
Two Lincs League games - at Market Rasen and Cherry Willingham - suffered the same fate, due to waterlogging.
Some of their officials (including Wes Allison) and spectators made the short drive over to Hibaldstow to watch Caistor 3rds in Lincs League div three action.
Very unfortunate for all concerned to have to sit on the sidelines while the sun blazed down on a Saturday in early August.
Two Lincs League games - at Market Rasen and Cherry Willingham - suffered the same fate, due to waterlogging.
FIRTH BROWN FREDDIE UPDATE
From Andy Sharp, Keelby CC/Lincs League statistician
I read your piece about Dave Matthews (aka Firth Brown Freddie) and I can shed a bit more light on this one.
Back in the late '80s I worked at Firth Brown Castings, on Dawes Lane, Scunthorpe, as did Dave. There was a lot of descussion regarding cricket so we decided to resurrect a company team in local cricket and we entered the North Lindsey League, including as many employees as we could. Ironically we played at Ashby Ville, rather than at the old "Firth Brown" ground at Brumby Hall. However, after a couple of yearsinterest fell away and we had to pull out of the League. Both myself and Dave moved on Brigg Town for regular cricket after that.
I read your piece about Dave Matthews (aka Firth Brown Freddie) and I can shed a bit more light on this one.
Back in the late '80s I worked at Firth Brown Castings, on Dawes Lane, Scunthorpe, as did Dave. There was a lot of descussion regarding cricket so we decided to resurrect a company team in local cricket and we entered the North Lindsey League, including as many employees as we could. Ironically we played at Ashby Ville, rather than at the old "Firth Brown" ground at Brumby Hall. However, after a couple of yearsinterest fell away and we had to pull out of the League. Both myself and Dave moved on Brigg Town for regular cricket after that.
NICE SHOT!
Neil Wheeler cracking another boundary for Cleethorpes CC.
Picture courtesy Graham Hackney.
Friday, 7 August 2009
MEMORABLE KNOCK
The rapid half-century scored by Brigg Town 2nds pace bowler Tom Brock - as a surprise opening batsman - must surely have been his first in senior cricket. I'll have to check with him on Facebook, but I can't imagine there's been another.
However, Sunday's 50 by Rob Sladen, for Hibaldstow, has been confirmed as his first.
Rob's a well-liked player on the circuit and one of those unsung heroes of the game, who turns out regularly, does what's asked of him with bat, ball and in the field, and doesn't complain about his lot.
There are dozens of these 'bits and pieces' players in the local game, and club cricket simply could not operate without them.
Most clubs have a few star performers who hit the newspaper headlines - but it's the run-of-the-mill types who are there, year in and year out, who form the backbone of any club. Keep up the good work, lads! Every now and again it will be your turn to step into the limelight!
However, Sunday's 50 by Rob Sladen, for Hibaldstow, has been confirmed as his first.
Rob's a well-liked player on the circuit and one of those unsung heroes of the game, who turns out regularly, does what's asked of him with bat, ball and in the field, and doesn't complain about his lot.
There are dozens of these 'bits and pieces' players in the local game, and club cricket simply could not operate without them.
Most clubs have a few star performers who hit the newspaper headlines - but it's the run-of-the-mill types who are there, year in and year out, who form the backbone of any club. Keep up the good work, lads! Every now and again it will be your turn to step into the limelight!
DON'T SPEAK TOO SOON
At July's mid-season Lincs League meeting at Market Rasen CC, top table officials congratulated clubs on their efficiency in notifying results and sending off completed scoresheets.
We spoke too soon.
In the past couple of weeks there have been half-a-dozen "missing" sheets, plus a result or two not rung in by the deadline (for which 2pts have been deducted).
This may well be due to the regular sender of information going away on holiday or otherwise not playing - but the league needs EVERY team to get things in on time EVERY WEEK.
Otherwise accurate league tables, and averages, cannot be compiled.
PS Officials are currently drawing up a list of fines for the past couple of weeks. So please, whatever the level of your Lincs League club, double-check your admin arrangements are in order. As with all such cases, a small minority can spoil things for the vast majority.
We spoke too soon.
In the past couple of weeks there have been half-a-dozen "missing" sheets, plus a result or two not rung in by the deadline (for which 2pts have been deducted).
This may well be due to the regular sender of information going away on holiday or otherwise not playing - but the league needs EVERY team to get things in on time EVERY WEEK.
Otherwise accurate league tables, and averages, cannot be compiled.
PS Officials are currently drawing up a list of fines for the past couple of weeks. So please, whatever the level of your Lincs League club, double-check your admin arrangements are in order. As with all such cases, a small minority can spoil things for the vast majority.
JUST A REMINDER
The transfer deadline in the Lincs League has now been reached.
No further transfers can be allowed this season, as per league rule.
One club has already made a tentative approach after the deadline but been advised such movement of players cannot be permitted.
Why? So clubs operate on a level playing field - particularly if involved in promotion or relegation issues during the closing weeks of the season.
PS This does not stop clubs REGISTERING NEW players, particularly youngsters, as they may be short during the August holiday period.
The term transfer apply to a player currently appearing for one club who may wish to move to another.
No further transfers can be allowed this season, as per league rule.
One club has already made a tentative approach after the deadline but been advised such movement of players cannot be permitted.
Why? So clubs operate on a level playing field - particularly if involved in promotion or relegation issues during the closing weeks of the season.
PS This does not stop clubs REGISTERING NEW players, particularly youngsters, as they may be short during the August holiday period.
The term transfer apply to a player currently appearing for one club who may wish to move to another.
NO EASY ANSWER
The Lincs League rule book does not allow matches to be called off, due to weather, until the morning of the match.
However, there are occasions after days of heavy rain when some outfields - even squares - become waterlogged and there's no prospect of Saturday's game going ahead.
Do you stick to the rules - or do you allow teams to inform their opponents, and the umpires, the day before the game that it should be called off there and then?
Could be, in such a case, that officials can be re-deployed to other games - and that players of both sides might find something more constructive to do than getting to the ground for a 1.30pm Saturday start and finding the inevitable conclusion is an abandonment (eg going to do a day/half's work or earning a few brownie points with the wife and kids).
On the other hand, most of us who've been involved at club level will remember occasions when we've been left with egg all over our faces through calling off a game mid-morning on Saturday, only to see a distinct, and unexpected, change in the weather in the early afternoon, leaving us to conclude: "We could have played - if only with a late start."
There's no easy answer. But if any clubs feel the current league rule needs revising they should send their thoughts (in writing) to league general secretary Mike Savage by August 31. Then the matter can be considered at October's AGM.
Otherwise, the league can only conclude that everyone is happy with the rule as it stands on cancellations.
However, there are occasions after days of heavy rain when some outfields - even squares - become waterlogged and there's no prospect of Saturday's game going ahead.
Do you stick to the rules - or do you allow teams to inform their opponents, and the umpires, the day before the game that it should be called off there and then?
Could be, in such a case, that officials can be re-deployed to other games - and that players of both sides might find something more constructive to do than getting to the ground for a 1.30pm Saturday start and finding the inevitable conclusion is an abandonment (eg going to do a day/half's work or earning a few brownie points with the wife and kids).
On the other hand, most of us who've been involved at club level will remember occasions when we've been left with egg all over our faces through calling off a game mid-morning on Saturday, only to see a distinct, and unexpected, change in the weather in the early afternoon, leaving us to conclude: "We could have played - if only with a late start."
There's no easy answer. But if any clubs feel the current league rule needs revising they should send their thoughts (in writing) to league general secretary Mike Savage by August 31. Then the matter can be considered at October's AGM.
Otherwise, the league can only conclude that everyone is happy with the rule as it stands on cancellations.
FINAL DETAILS
It sounds like the President's Cup final coming up on Tuesday at Caistor.
From memory I think that's the West Wold Evening League showpiece.
I've had a request to umpire but, unfortunately, will be working that evening.
That's a real shame as Col Butters has been pencilled in as the other official, and it would have given us the chance to chat over old matches from our playing days.
Big Col was a big hitter of a cricket ball - indeed, I'm struggling to think of many others who could give it as big a whack as he did.
We had some good contests with him not always, but usually, coming out on top.
I've seen him a few times since while we've both been watching matches at Caistor, but as he's a Grimsby area umpire (and also does Lincs premier games) we don't get to meet up in the middle.
From memory I think that's the West Wold Evening League showpiece.
I've had a request to umpire but, unfortunately, will be working that evening.
That's a real shame as Col Butters has been pencilled in as the other official, and it would have given us the chance to chat over old matches from our playing days.
Big Col was a big hitter of a cricket ball - indeed, I'm struggling to think of many others who could give it as big a whack as he did.
We had some good contests with him not always, but usually, coming out on top.
I've seen him a few times since while we've both been watching matches at Caistor, but as he's a Grimsby area umpire (and also does Lincs premier games) we don't get to meet up in the middle.
Thursday, 6 August 2009
'JOSH' IS LIKE FINE WINE
From Richard Bedwell, Brocklesby Park CC
One for the blog, which I always find interesting:
"Josh" White got his second fielder of the match award in the East Lindsey League this season for 2 slip catches in our tight win away at Skegness Sunday XI. This repeats his performance away at Woodhall earlier in the year.
He is comfortably in the super vet category of player (as I'm sure you know) and his catching seems to be improving with age!
One for the blog, which I always find interesting:
"Josh" White got his second fielder of the match award in the East Lindsey League this season for 2 slip catches in our tight win away at Skegness Sunday XI. This repeats his performance away at Woodhall earlier in the year.
He is comfortably in the super vet category of player (as I'm sure you know) and his catching seems to be improving with age!
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
VANDALS STRIKE
A very sad story has just appeared in the Scunthorpe Telegraph about vandalism to the cricket square at the Co-op sportsground in Brumby Wood Lane, Scunthorpe - these days used by clubs in the Scunthorpe Pubs League and the Midweek Friendly League.
Of course, older Lincs Cricket Latest followers will know it was once home to Nuform CC (remember them?) and also to Scunthorpe Town 3rds (teas being taken back at Heslam Park). Plus other sides, like West Butterwick, who hired it for Sunday games in the North Lindsey League.
The ground is now operated by North Lincolnshire Council, which inherited it from the old Scunthorpe Borough authority, removed by local government re-organisation in 1996.
Under the watchful eye of long-serving parks superintendent George Haynes, himself a keen cricketer, much Scunthorpe Borough Council time, money and effort was put into making all the town's municipal grounds (to use a modern phrase) 'fit for purpose'. Infact, they were very much more than that, being of a very high standard when compared with some of those operated by councils of similar size within a 50-mile radius of the steel town.
Grimsby readers can fill in the gaps here....
Next door to the Co-op ground on Brumby Wood Lane was what we called High Ridge - home to Scunthorpe Town 4ths (and a few others). And - just a couple of decent six-hits in the distance - was the famed Brumby Hall, home to Appleby-Frodingham CC.
A couple of times I played at Brumby Hall on what they called the Firth Brown ground - well away from the main square and not far from Brumby Wood Lane.
I think we played a couple of friendlies against a team from the British Steel Bloom and Billet Mill, so probably the Firth Brown ground was used by teams in the Appleby-Frodingham Inter-Departmental League.
Brigg Town CC acquired a great character, known to one and all as Firth Brown Freddie (aka Dave Matthews). But I never found out the exact reason for the nickname. Perhaps he had worked for the Scunthorpe heavy industrial company on Dawes Lane - or maybe he'd played cricket for them.
I can't date exactly when Firth Brown Freddie was in our team (he mainly turned out on Sundays in the North Lindsey League) but I do recall him playing in a match at Brumby Hall when Ramesh Chand (now the Scunthorpe Town first team star all-rounder) put us to the sword with the bat during his days with the Steelmen. So maybe it was the mid-1990s.
Of course, older Lincs Cricket Latest followers will know it was once home to Nuform CC (remember them?) and also to Scunthorpe Town 3rds (teas being taken back at Heslam Park). Plus other sides, like West Butterwick, who hired it for Sunday games in the North Lindsey League.
The ground is now operated by North Lincolnshire Council, which inherited it from the old Scunthorpe Borough authority, removed by local government re-organisation in 1996.
Under the watchful eye of long-serving parks superintendent George Haynes, himself a keen cricketer, much Scunthorpe Borough Council time, money and effort was put into making all the town's municipal grounds (to use a modern phrase) 'fit for purpose'. Infact, they were very much more than that, being of a very high standard when compared with some of those operated by councils of similar size within a 50-mile radius of the steel town.
Grimsby readers can fill in the gaps here....
Next door to the Co-op ground on Brumby Wood Lane was what we called High Ridge - home to Scunthorpe Town 4ths (and a few others). And - just a couple of decent six-hits in the distance - was the famed Brumby Hall, home to Appleby-Frodingham CC.
A couple of times I played at Brumby Hall on what they called the Firth Brown ground - well away from the main square and not far from Brumby Wood Lane.
I think we played a couple of friendlies against a team from the British Steel Bloom and Billet Mill, so probably the Firth Brown ground was used by teams in the Appleby-Frodingham Inter-Departmental League.
Brigg Town CC acquired a great character, known to one and all as Firth Brown Freddie (aka Dave Matthews). But I never found out the exact reason for the nickname. Perhaps he had worked for the Scunthorpe heavy industrial company on Dawes Lane - or maybe he'd played cricket for them.
I can't date exactly when Firth Brown Freddie was in our team (he mainly turned out on Sundays in the North Lindsey League) but I do recall him playing in a match at Brumby Hall when Ramesh Chand (now the Scunthorpe Town first team star all-rounder) put us to the sword with the bat during his days with the Steelmen. So maybe it was the mid-1990s.
INTERESTING IDEA
Earlier this year much interest was created within the Lincolnshire League by a suggestion that an application might be made for a Lincs Cricket Board Under-17 team to play in the premier division.
If I understood it correctly, the idea was for a team of promising youngsters from around the county - currently all with different clubs - to be brought together.
A bit like the Yorkshire Academy side in the Yorkshire League.
We didn't hear any more about it at the July mid-season meeting, and general secretary Mike Savage had no further information he could give to club delegates.
Chairman Bob Welton indicated he's been asked to a meeting when the topic might arise but reported that had yet to take place.
We shall have to wait and see.
If I understood it correctly, the idea was for a team of promising youngsters from around the county - currently all with different clubs - to be brought together.
A bit like the Yorkshire Academy side in the Yorkshire League.
We didn't hear any more about it at the July mid-season meeting, and general secretary Mike Savage had no further information he could give to club delegates.
Chairman Bob Welton indicated he's been asked to a meeting when the topic might arise but reported that had yet to take place.
We shall have to wait and see.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
CRICKET LOVERS
I see on the internet that the Lincolnshire Cricket Lovers' Society (based in Cleethorpes) is due to start a new programme in October, running through to February.
They roped me in as an emergency speaker at the end of their 2008/9 season and I thoroughly enjoyed the night at the Meggies' Chichester Road HQ, chatting about cricketing times long gone in the Lincs League and Humberside Alliance. What else?
Hopefully we can publicise all their events for the new campaign in some detail on Lincs Cricket Latest.
Watch this space!
To find out more visit the website Lincolnshire Cricket Lovers
They roped me in as an emergency speaker at the end of their 2008/9 season and I thoroughly enjoyed the night at the Meggies' Chichester Road HQ, chatting about cricketing times long gone in the Lincs League and Humberside Alliance. What else?
Hopefully we can publicise all their events for the new campaign in some detail on Lincs Cricket Latest.
Watch this space!
To find out more visit the website Lincolnshire Cricket Lovers
Monday, 3 August 2009
THE TAYLOR CLAN
From Jon Taylor, Hibaldstow CC
A team photo from the recent Taylor clan match. The Taylor team was composed entirely of our in-laws and nephews. The game was played on what was the first occasion that our combined family was old enough to put out a team.
The photo shows: Back row: Wilf Taylor (Gramps), wrong side of 70 and umpire for the day, still thinking no-balls were judged on the back foot. Richard Treloar (Jane’s brother and father of the other Treloars), Jon Taylor, Dafydd Taylor (my sister Catherine’s son), Pete Taylor, Ben Taylor (my sister Catherine’s 2nd son), Jack Treloar
Front row: Will Treloar, Joe Taylor, Tom Taylor, Edward Treloar, Michael Treloar.
The opposition was a mixture of Hibaldstow and the Scunthorpe Academy, selected as best as possible to get similar age ranges. It included brothers Sunny and Ronny Sen and father and son Dave and Jacob Sweeting. Pete Hanson had to borrow a son (Kane Brown) as his own son had gone on a school trip to France.
We played a 30 over a side game, with retirement at 25. The Taylors scored 145-8 and took the tenth wicket for the opposition at 125, although they went on to score 150-15 off the 30 overs. Leading wicket takers for the Taylor clan were Joe Taylor and Will Treloar. Leading batsman for the Hibaldstow_Scunthorpe Select 11 was Pete Hanson – manager of the Scunthorpe U11 team.
Three current and former County juniors played – Kane Brown (Lincolnshire), Will Treloar (Herefordshire) and Ben Taylor (Glamorgan)
MISSING THE BANTER
An email yesterday suggesting Skegness had managed to complete their Lincs ECB match on Saturday, despite the rain, got me thinking about chats with Skeggy's skipper, Wade McCall - usually on Saturday nights when he rang to inform me of his team's performance in the Lincs League prem.
His Aussie accent v my North Lincs drawl..it's a wonder we didn't need an interpreter!
Now, of course, Skeg first teamers have moved up to the ECB competition - and good luck to them.
Maybe, one day, we will see the return of Skeggy 2nds to the Lincs League. Trips there were always looked forward to - some teams even taking a mini-bus to make a night of it.
His Aussie accent v my North Lincs drawl..it's a wonder we didn't need an interpreter!
Now, of course, Skeg first teamers have moved up to the ECB competition - and good luck to them.
Maybe, one day, we will see the return of Skeggy 2nds to the Lincs League. Trips there were always looked forward to - some teams even taking a mini-bus to make a night of it.
GET YOU THOUGHTS DOWN ON PAPER
Changes to rules being proposed by member clubs of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League need to be with general secretary Mike Savage by August 31.
They will then be circulated to clubs for consideration at the AGM in October.
It's usual for a few proposals to come in each year from clubs - and something the league officers suggest a few changes of their own.
Correspondence should be sent to mikesavage199@btinternet.com
They will then be circulated to clubs for consideration at the AGM in October.
It's usual for a few proposals to come in each year from clubs - and something the league officers suggest a few changes of their own.
Correspondence should be sent to mikesavage199@btinternet.com
ANYONE MATCH THIS?
Such a rarity...father and son both run out by the entire length of the pitch, in the same innings! The unlucky duo were Mark and Ollie Coulman, of Outcasts 2nds - both involved in calling mix-ups with their respective batting partners.
COOLING OFF PERIOD
Footballers used to dump their manager in the communal bath after some memorable achievement.
Well, a new twist to this theme was delivered yesterday by the semi-final winning second team lads from Alkborough CC, who poured a bucket of cold water over the top of the shower cubicle and onto skipper Andy 'Chippy' Clay.
At least he wasn't wearing his clothes at the time...or (thankfully) his version of the Borat Mankini!
Well, a new twist to this theme was delivered yesterday by the semi-final winning second team lads from Alkborough CC, who poured a bucket of cold water over the top of the shower cubicle and onto skipper Andy 'Chippy' Clay.
At least he wasn't wearing his clothes at the time...or (thankfully) his version of the Borat Mankini!
Sunday, 2 August 2009
WONDER-FUEL
Hull Coal Exporters' Cricket Club is celebrating it centenary this year, have been formed in 1909. The club merged with Hull Ionians in 1996 to form Hull Ionians Coal Exporters (HICE).
These lads play Brigg Town 2nds and East Halton in division three of the East Yorkshire Alliance - and I umpired one of their Sunday trips to Brigg last season.
Perhaps they are one of the most oddly-named teams to play within the Lincolnshire boundaries. Other examples of strange ones will be appreciated.
You can view more about HICE by visiting the East Yorkshire Cricket Alliance website.
These lads play Brigg Town 2nds and East Halton in division three of the East Yorkshire Alliance - and I umpired one of their Sunday trips to Brigg last season.
Perhaps they are one of the most oddly-named teams to play within the Lincolnshire boundaries. Other examples of strange ones will be appreciated.
You can view more about HICE by visiting the East Yorkshire Cricket Alliance website.
RECORD SET
One team in the Lincs League set a record for the second successive week during yesterday's rain-ruined programme.
All will be revealed in my round-up in tomorrow's Scunthorpe Telegraph and Grimsby Telegraph, with the info also on its way this morning to the Lincolnshire Echo.
Make sure you get a copy!
All will be revealed in my round-up in tomorrow's Scunthorpe Telegraph and Grimsby Telegraph, with the info also on its way this morning to the Lincolnshire Echo.
Make sure you get a copy!
LIKE A BILLIARD TABLE
For the benefit of those who have yet to get the opportunity to play at Hibaldstow in 2009, here's a shot of the "business end" for which Jon Taylor was rewarded with the groundsman of the season trophy for last term's efforts. It's like a billiard table. Umpire George Armstrong is seen putting on the bails, by the way.
Saturday, 1 August 2009
FIRST TO BE CALLED OFF?
Rain caused the calling off of today's Lincs div three clash between leaders Haxey 2nds and second-placed Outcasts 2nds at Hirst Priory, near Crowle.
Disappointing for both veteran skippers - Gary Mann and Ian Fletcher - who were looking forward to this Isle of Axholme derby.
Gary reports bad weather heading in from the Doncaster direction.
Disappointing for both veteran skippers - Gary Mann and Ian Fletcher - who were looking forward to this Isle of Axholme derby.
Gary reports bad weather heading in from the Doncaster direction.
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