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Barton v Bideford 2nd September 2017
Never Mind the why and wherefores - H M S Pinafore Gilbert & Sullivan
And so after a long hard season that has, contradictorily flown past, we reached the final game of the season having been overtaken last week by Abbotskerswell but having nonetheless secured promotion, we went to Barton – the team that has probably underachieved more than any other this year – who were on a several win roll that had been necessary for them to avoid relegation. We had last played them in Division A 3 (?) years ago. They were desperate, we wanted to be champions and herein I believe lay a great difference. After the incredibly tight game against Ipplepen last week, it seemed to me that the there was a flat feeling about – so different from the rest of the season. The absence of James Ford from sickness – and even (perhaps) Michael Lemmings (only joking) from some sort of muscle complaint or other (being ably re-placed by Alex Hannam and Jack Ford) did not augur over well. And so it was. Last week we won the toss and batted. This week we lost the toss and batted, and therein lies the germ of an idea to think about. In any event the results were much the same. The batsman put on too few runs for the bowlers to bowl at – a problem that will have to be attacked next year if we are to succeed. As one of the umpires told me today ‘you need bowlers to get you there, and batsman to keep you there’. Well the bowlers have got us there – the figures show that all the bowlers have shared the wickets in a very impressive manner, but the runs have not been so plentiful. Enough however of that.
Today started poorly. Matt Shepherd and Tom Brend in the hutch, as they say before ten runs were in the bag, and really that set the tone for the day, Oliver Hannam again impressed scoring the highest score with the bat (25) (wides were also 25 with a total extras column of 31. Jamie Lathwell, Alex H and Josh Atkinson all got into double figures but no-one got a grip of the bowling on a surface that 140 or 150 would have been challenging.
The problem then facing the bowlers was that Barton knew how much was needed and with two hard hitting openers set to work. The opening stand was 58, the second wicket didn’t fall for another 32 runs and although three more wickets were picked up the truth was there were not enough runs to protect and the end came too easily. In many respects it was a pity that the season didn’t end two weeks ago.
However, enough of that. Last year the final match was at Ivybridge were we could have secured promotion, but we were rained off. Today we went to our last match having already been promoted, so never mind the why and wherefores, we achieved with an incredibly good and young team – the view expressed on the ground was that this was probably the youngest team to have played in a representative Devon League match for Bide, and next year we will be going to Ivybridge in A division. At the time of writing I do not know what happened at Ipplepen, nor do I know who is coming down from A and the premier – so where will we be going next year – nobody knows but you can bet your bottom dollar we will clock up even more miles.
So well done everyone. Paul H is to be congratulated even if his success on the toss is a bit dodgy. Well done to the players and all associated.
I will in the course of the next week be doing a review of the year – so anyone suffering from insomnia keep your eyes on this spot
The Quill
And so after a long hard season that has, contradictorily flown past, we reached the final game of the season having been overtaken last week by Abbotskerswell but having nonetheless secured promotion, we went to Barton – the team that has probably underachieved more than any other this year – who were on a several win roll that had been necessary for them to avoid relegation. We had last played them in Division A 3 (?) years ago. They were desperate, we wanted to be champions and herein I believe lay a great difference. After the incredibly tight game against Ipplepen last week, it seemed to me that the there was a flat feeling about – so different from the rest of the season. The absence of James Ford from sickness – and even (perhaps) Michael Lemmings (only joking) from some sort of muscle complaint or other (being ably re-placed by Alex Hannam and Jack Ford) did not augur over well. And so it was. Last week we won the toss and batted. This week we lost the toss and batted, and therein lies the germ of an idea to think about. In any event the results were much the same. The batsman put on too few runs for the bowlers to bowl at – a problem that will have to be attacked next year if we are to succeed. As one of the umpires told me today ‘you need bowlers to get you there, and batsman to keep you there’. Well the bowlers have got us there – the figures show that all the bowlers have shared the wickets in a very impressive manner, but the runs have not been so plentiful. Enough however of that.
Today started poorly. Matt Shepherd and Tom Brend in the hutch, as they say before ten runs were in the bag, and really that set the tone for the day, Oliver Hannam again impressed scoring the highest score with the bat (25) (wides were also 25 with a total extras column of 31. Jamie Lathwell, Alex H and Josh Atkinson all got into double figures but no-one got a grip of the bowling on a surface that 140 or 150 would have been challenging.
The problem then facing the bowlers was that Barton knew how much was needed and with two hard hitting openers set to work. The opening stand was 58, the second wicket didn’t fall for another 32 runs and although three more wickets were picked up the truth was there were not enough runs to protect and the end came too easily. In many respects it was a pity that the season didn’t end two weeks ago.
However, enough of that. Last year the final match was at Ivybridge were we could have secured promotion, but we were rained off. Today we went to our last match having already been promoted, so never mind the why and wherefores, we achieved with an incredibly good and young team – the view expressed on the ground was that this was probably the youngest team to have played in a representative Devon League match for Bide, and next year we will be going to Ivybridge in A division. At the time of writing I do not know what happened at Ipplepen, nor do I know who is coming down from A and the premier – so where will we be going next year – nobody knows but you can bet your bottom dollar we will clock up even more miles.
So well done everyone. Paul H is to be congratulated even if his success on the toss is a bit dodgy. Well done to the players and all associated.
I will in the course of the next week be doing a review of the year – so anyone suffering from insomnia keep your eyes on this spot
The Quill
Bideford v Ipplepen Devon League 26th August
Lost by one wicket
If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same
(from) If – By Rudyard Kipling
There really could be no other way of introducing this so important match . With Abbotskerwell 12 points behind and 2 points needed by Bide to ensure promotion, Ipplepen lost the toss and Paul Heard elected to bat. Those with memories better than mine will recall that at Ipplepen earlier in the season we lost by one wicket stand after a last wicket stand of over 50. Surely history could not repeat itself? Perhaps Paul was reckoning that 2 batting points (80 runs) would be easier to get under our psychological belts than 4 wickets .
Well if that was in anyone’s mind we were all immediately disillusioned. James Ford had, apparently, told his opening partner Matt Shepherd to hit the first ball straight. Always one to follow advice, Matt did just that – the problem was however that the ball hit the bowlers hand and went onto the wickets with JF 2 yds out of his ground 0-1. This was a very unusual dismissal. I have been unable to find another example of this, and in fact consulted the Primary Club – the club to which anyone who has ever scored a duck in any sort of cricket can join*. The late Brian Johnson was a great supporter. Their secretary has advised me that it certainly is a duck, but also not a golden duck. He is of the view that it probably is a platinum duck – but I think more investigation may be needed. However the position then got considerably worse. Matt S was caught in the slips also in the first over 2-3. Tom Brend couldn’t find his touch either 10-3. This brought together Paul H and Jayson Bartolo who have dug the batting out of some pretty sizeable holes this year. Things got better – at least marginally until Jayson was out at 31 for 15. Paul H managed a bit better with 19. The only person to show any maturity in his batting was Ollie Hannam who held the remnants of the batting together, shepherded the team to those oh so precious 2 points and promotion. All thought of a crushing win seemed to be out of the window. Ollie and the tail managed to creak the score up to 101. Tottaly insufficient clearly.
However this has been a crazy season with any team in Division B (apart from Ottery) capable of beating any other team from any position. Ipplepen started well and had 49 on the board in relatively quick order.Michael Lemmings apparently injured himself in the field – not sure how he did that but he assures me he did, and couldn’t bowl. Inspired captaincy can win a game on its own – Brearly of England proved that. Tom got two LBWs in his first over, and with Martin Stewart at the road end brought scoring to a near standstill between them giving away 35 runs in 18 overs with 7 wickets and 6 maidens. Tom finished with 5-22 and his first man of the match award this year. Wickets fell regularly from Tom two LBWs 67,68, 80 92, 94 and 99. The last two wickets were taken by Paul Heard bringing himself back on. With the first ball of proved to be the last over Jamie Lathwell and the team thought they had their man but it was not to be and three balls later a 4 secured a win by Ipplepen by (yes you’ve guessde it) one wick – what a match but:-
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same
then the A division which is now upon us will be much easier. Tremendous credit to the team for being so involved and passionate about their cricket – but next week is the final match of the season away to Barton. Last time we played them was in A division when they turned out to be our first victory of the season after a very trying time – mainly on the back of a fine half century by Matt Shepherd – so with Abbotskerswell one point ahead now we need 20 points if we want to stand a chance of the Championship – but never forget we have been promoted already.
* The Primary Club raises money for blind cricketers.
If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same
(from) If – By Rudyard Kipling
There really could be no other way of introducing this so important match . With Abbotskerwell 12 points behind and 2 points needed by Bide to ensure promotion, Ipplepen lost the toss and Paul Heard elected to bat. Those with memories better than mine will recall that at Ipplepen earlier in the season we lost by one wicket stand after a last wicket stand of over 50. Surely history could not repeat itself? Perhaps Paul was reckoning that 2 batting points (80 runs) would be easier to get under our psychological belts than 4 wickets .
Well if that was in anyone’s mind we were all immediately disillusioned. James Ford had, apparently, told his opening partner Matt Shepherd to hit the first ball straight. Always one to follow advice, Matt did just that – the problem was however that the ball hit the bowlers hand and went onto the wickets with JF 2 yds out of his ground 0-1. This was a very unusual dismissal. I have been unable to find another example of this, and in fact consulted the Primary Club – the club to which anyone who has ever scored a duck in any sort of cricket can join*. The late Brian Johnson was a great supporter. Their secretary has advised me that it certainly is a duck, but also not a golden duck. He is of the view that it probably is a platinum duck – but I think more investigation may be needed. However the position then got considerably worse. Matt S was caught in the slips also in the first over 2-3. Tom Brend couldn’t find his touch either 10-3. This brought together Paul H and Jayson Bartolo who have dug the batting out of some pretty sizeable holes this year. Things got better – at least marginally until Jayson was out at 31 for 15. Paul H managed a bit better with 19. The only person to show any maturity in his batting was Ollie Hannam who held the remnants of the batting together, shepherded the team to those oh so precious 2 points and promotion. All thought of a crushing win seemed to be out of the window. Ollie and the tail managed to creak the score up to 101. Tottaly insufficient clearly.
However this has been a crazy season with any team in Division B (apart from Ottery) capable of beating any other team from any position. Ipplepen started well and had 49 on the board in relatively quick order.Michael Lemmings apparently injured himself in the field – not sure how he did that but he assures me he did, and couldn’t bowl. Inspired captaincy can win a game on its own – Brearly of England proved that. Tom got two LBWs in his first over, and with Martin Stewart at the road end brought scoring to a near standstill between them giving away 35 runs in 18 overs with 7 wickets and 6 maidens. Tom finished with 5-22 and his first man of the match award this year. Wickets fell regularly from Tom two LBWs 67,68, 80 92, 94 and 99. The last two wickets were taken by Paul Heard bringing himself back on. With the first ball of proved to be the last over Jamie Lathwell and the team thought they had their man but it was not to be and three balls later a 4 secured a win by Ipplepen by (yes you’ve guessde it) one wick – what a match but:-
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same
then the A division which is now upon us will be much easier. Tremendous credit to the team for being so involved and passionate about their cricket – but next week is the final match of the season away to Barton. Last time we played them was in A division when they turned out to be our first victory of the season after a very trying time – mainly on the back of a fine half century by Matt Shepherd – so with Abbotskerswell one point ahead now we need 20 points if we want to stand a chance of the Championship – but never forget we have been promoted already.
* The Primary Club raises money for blind cricketers.
Filleigh v Bideford (away) 19th August 2017
Bideford won by 6 wickets
Veni, vide, vicci. I came, I saw, I conquered Julius Caesar
Anyone who was fortunate enough to see this match today would agree that after 7 overs with Filleigh, having been inserted, at 11-4 would, I am sure agree with the above. There were a few jangled nerves in the middle of the reply but it was pretty plain sailing at the end.
As I said, Paul H won the toss and put the opposition in. A searing opening spell by him and Fred King had the opposition reeling. Paul bowled his full 9 overs for 22 runs with three wickets and four maidens, while helped him with 2 so that after 14 overs when Fred was replaced by Jamie Lathwell, Filleigh were 50 - 5 and going nowhere. Jamie L and Josh Atkinson took over and kept the pressure on to such an extent that Jamie finished with 2-14 off 6.4 (two maidens) and Josh 3-18b off 5 with one maiden. All the bowlers took advantage of a very damp pitch that was not easy to bat on, but even so to keep the opposition down to 77 runs off the bat with 15 extras (one 5 run wide contributing nearly half the total) was a great tribute to the quality of the bowling. Also I must pay tribute to the fine catching today. Last week we probably lost the match due to dropped catches, but today only one went down that I saw, and many lifted shots just eluded the fielders, if they had gone to hand Filleigh may have scored less than 50. However I am sure that if you ha offered the team 92 all out before the start, they would have bitten your hand off.
Tea was delayed due to the early end of the first innings. It is not always easy to chase a small target. Matt Shepherd started off in his usual ebullient mood but after a 6 and 4 was bowled. James Ford, having hit his 5th ball for 6 was going along in his usual manner (not that hitting his 5th ball for 6 is typical) when he played a shot which he himself described in colourful language (heaven knows what Geoff Boycott would have said). Tom Brend was becalmed and eventually LBW which brought Jayson Bartolo and Paul H together. Very slowly at first then accelerating, they took the score from 40-3 (nerves jangling) to 75-4, just 18 needed. Oliver Hannam, fresh from his successful innings for Devon earlier in the week) showed maturity (really?, yes really) and helped Jayson get Bideford over the line with 20 overs to spare and 20 points in the bag.
A short match and therefore a short report. Those who usually follow on TCS can see the details there as I have transcribed it from the book). Man of the match - the Captain of course. Nothing else to say really. Next week Ipplepen at home, for the last home match of the season. We were beaten there earlier in the season by a 10th wicket stand that couldn't be broken. Next week a win will bring the spoils home - but lets not anticipate.
Next week also we will, d.v. be live on air again, so make a date.
Veni, vide, vicci. I came, I saw, I conquered Julius Caesar
Anyone who was fortunate enough to see this match today would agree that after 7 overs with Filleigh, having been inserted, at 11-4 would, I am sure agree with the above. There were a few jangled nerves in the middle of the reply but it was pretty plain sailing at the end.
As I said, Paul H won the toss and put the opposition in. A searing opening spell by him and Fred King had the opposition reeling. Paul bowled his full 9 overs for 22 runs with three wickets and four maidens, while helped him with 2 so that after 14 overs when Fred was replaced by Jamie Lathwell, Filleigh were 50 - 5 and going nowhere. Jamie L and Josh Atkinson took over and kept the pressure on to such an extent that Jamie finished with 2-14 off 6.4 (two maidens) and Josh 3-18b off 5 with one maiden. All the bowlers took advantage of a very damp pitch that was not easy to bat on, but even so to keep the opposition down to 77 runs off the bat with 15 extras (one 5 run wide contributing nearly half the total) was a great tribute to the quality of the bowling. Also I must pay tribute to the fine catching today. Last week we probably lost the match due to dropped catches, but today only one went down that I saw, and many lifted shots just eluded the fielders, if they had gone to hand Filleigh may have scored less than 50. However I am sure that if you ha offered the team 92 all out before the start, they would have bitten your hand off.
Tea was delayed due to the early end of the first innings. It is not always easy to chase a small target. Matt Shepherd started off in his usual ebullient mood but after a 6 and 4 was bowled. James Ford, having hit his 5th ball for 6 was going along in his usual manner (not that hitting his 5th ball for 6 is typical) when he played a shot which he himself described in colourful language (heaven knows what Geoff Boycott would have said). Tom Brend was becalmed and eventually LBW which brought Jayson Bartolo and Paul H together. Very slowly at first then accelerating, they took the score from 40-3 (nerves jangling) to 75-4, just 18 needed. Oliver Hannam, fresh from his successful innings for Devon earlier in the week) showed maturity (really?, yes really) and helped Jayson get Bideford over the line with 20 overs to spare and 20 points in the bag.
A short match and therefore a short report. Those who usually follow on TCS can see the details there as I have transcribed it from the book). Man of the match - the Captain of course. Nothing else to say really. Next week Ipplepen at home, for the last home match of the season. We were beaten there earlier in the season by a 10th wicket stand that couldn't be broken. Next week a win will bring the spoils home - but lets not anticipate.
Next week also we will, d.v. be live on air again, so make a date.
Bideford v Abbotskerswell 12th August 2017
Lost
"Into each life some rain must fall." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poet.
And on Saturday afternoon the rain (metaphorically) didn't just fall, it crashed down, not like Portia's gentle rain in the Merchant of Venice by a midlander of the name of Shakespeare but in ruddy great drops that threatened to drown Bideford. Heroics from our captain prevented disaster.
Members of the Club and those who read these occasional random thoughts will be aware that this was potentially the most important match of the season for both teams, being numbers 1 & 2 in the League table. It was also fascinating in prospect as the fixture in the first half of the season was abandoned without a ball being bowled, so neither had the knowledge of the others strengths and weaknesses.
First as always the toss. I seem to think I have cast some doubts on Paul Heard's calling of the toss. I am beginning to think I should cast comment on his coin flipping. We lost, but the Abbotts, which seems to go against the norm, elected to bat.
The first few overs went well. Paul picked up a couple of early wickets, and at 29 for 2 with a point in the bag everything looked fine. However their number 3 a big hitting opening bowler Aussie immediately attacked the bowling, scoring 73 in 51 balls and with their number 4, took the score to 110 in 18 overs. on his dismissal their number 4 took over and scored 98 in 96 minutes and shepherded the rest of the batting to a par or above pat total of 246. It was unfortunate, very unfortunate (as Pres. Trump would put it) that a few catches went down and the fielding suffered a bit. Some of the catches were straight forward and may well have been game winning/losing, but there we are, these things happen.
After the Aussie was out, a bit pore control was obtained the bowlers - the best being Josh Atkinson 3-37. Jamie Lathwell also got 3 late on and Michael Lemmings 1.
Superb tea as always, and then back to the cliff face. Before the game started, one of the umpires discussed the policy of what to do when winning the toss. He favoured bowling as 'the game can be lost in the first 10 overs'. However he did not go on to point out that the game can also be lost in the first 10 overs of the 2nd innings, which is what, effectively happened.
Poor old Matt Shepherd was caught down the leg side. You know the luck he is having at the moment is such, that if he won a holiday in a prize draw, he would probably find the destination was North Korea. However after that, Abbots very hostile fast bowlers caused havoc. James Ford touched a fast one to first slip, and Olive Hannam and Jayson Bartolo did not last long, and Bideford were 25-4. Paul Heard by this time had arrived and was solidly showing the world that whatever might be going on around him he would impose his mighty presence. With Jamie Lathwell he got the score 60 66, with Fred King, 74. Michael Lemmings stayed awhile, hitting 3 4s and helped the score to 117, 2 precious batting points in the bag, then with Josh Atkinson they got up to 135 and finally with Gareth Davies and Martin Stewart got to the 160 mark necessary for 4 points. So 8 in total and Abbots close the gap by 12 points.
It is worth shouting loudly how good Paul's innings - a final 60 not out off 91 balls with 5 fours and 3 sixes. He showed how to bat against hostile fast bowling and how to build an innings in that situation. In this context it is worth noting that the only other two batsman in the match who scored more than 16 runs was Michael Lemmings. Abbots success was built entirely around those Number 3 & 4 batsman and those first 10 overs.
One very noteworthy point is the extra column in the Bideford bowling figures. Just 3, two wides and a no ball, against 32 by Abbotts.
In prospect I always felt that this would be one of the most difficult days. Ever since I have been scoring - certainly for the preponderance of the time, Abbotts have been an A division side - lets hope we both are next week.
The next match is against Filleigh away. This is a tough match in prospect, Filleigh are a good team and their position in the table following promotion shows this. What is far more worrying however is the fact that there is no electricity to the ground. So what I hear you say, So What? Your scorer will have to get his pens out of the box and his brain out of hibernation and start adding up.
Finally I was told that one or more of the Abbotts players read these few feeble remarks - I am of course immensely flattered, but haven't you anything better to do,
So to Filleigh - Oh and by the way, no electricity of course means no live scoring. I will try to transcribe the match from book to computer so that the result will eventually appear on the TCS page, but can't promise when. But I am sure the players networks of facetube and youbook (is that the wrong way round) will keep you up to date.
Well there we are, a fascinating day - a shame to lose but that wretched mythological rain didn't half fall down.
The Quill
I am sorry the presentation isn't up to normal standard's. The Quill's assistant, Big Chief Little Feather is on hols with his two sons etc (no clue there then) so the Quill has had to turn to electricity instead of ink. Hopefully next week normal service will be resumed
Bideford v Thorverton. Devon League B
5th August 2017
For he looked for a city that hath Foundations. Hebrews Ch. 11
On a day that the forecasters seem to promise would be pleasant, it turned out to be a very windy affair with rain threatening at the start.
The toss was won by Thorverton and again Bideford would have to score enough run to defend. Matt Shepherd and James Ford opened as usual, and Matt got some clean contact with the ball and managed 2 4s and 2 6s before being caught and bowled, pulling out of a shot with the score at 24. However whilst it is a shame that he was unable to cash in on that start, it was possible to discern that Thorverton's head was downed by this savage attack which had the effect of removing Thors 'new' overseas player. Tom Brend at number 3 again showed some classy shots before steering a ball that should have gone for 4 straight into gully's hands. 44- 2. This is the point that a match turns, in previous years we could have well have started a mini or major collapse. Not know. Veteran opener James Ford who had at this point only made 4, and Australian Jayson Bartolo proceeded to lay a foundation for the remaining part of the innings on which a fortress could have been built – and effectively was. (See the link - clever?)
James and Jayson proceeded, slowly at first then with acceleration to demolish the Thors attack. In the space of 32 overs they put on a stand of 162 (enough in is own right to beat Thors eventual total) before Jayson was eventually caught for 77 with 9 fours. Over the last several matches, Jayson has come in when a couple of wickets have gone early and slowly and cautiously at first built an innings which each time has secured our position. But what about James the magnificent he proceeded to destroy what little confidence the bowlers had left scoring 6 6s, yes I will repeat that six sixes, and was only out caught for 95 trying his 7th, - shame really it would have been nice to see him score another hundred, he will have to try to control his boyish tendencies.
It was 258 when he was out. Paul Heard had replaced Jayson and he made 25 quick runes 1 4 and 2 sixes and was out in pursuit of even quicker runs and Fred King at the dying embers of the innings scored 23 off 10 - for grand total of 286. With their season no-one fancied Thorverton not even themselves.
After another superb tea, Paul and Fred opened. Paul claimed an LBW early on, Fred was not so successful, and he, and even Jamie Lathwell who has been so good at making breakthrough this season were unable to make their mark. Thors second wicket partnership ground on for 95 runs in 27 overs just over 3 an over when something nearer 10 was needed at that point. Martin Stewart took over from Jamie - and then one of those unplanned events occurred which turns a game. Their most promising batsman drove a Martin Stewart delivery straight back which he deflected onto the bowlers end stumps and ran out their stubborn opener. Two overs later their most successful batsman found out to his cost that one didn't want to try a third run to Fred King's arm, and he was run out. In very short time, Josh Atkinson got two, Martin Stewart 4 - 24 and suddenly we all awoke to find the match over with another 20 points in the bag.
Criticism if any would be fielding. Whilst the ball stopping was wonderful, the throwing in general was not and too many overthrows were scored, and the general area behind the stumps did not appear to be quite as tidy as usual. However this was a splendid win and another 20 points.
From the early reports we have seen it seems that Abbotskerswell who we play next week won, whilst Ipplepen lost. Next week is Abbots at home - what a match in prospect.
Thought for the day. There are 4 matches left this season - where has summer gone?
For he looked for a city that hath Foundations. Hebrews Ch. 11
On a day that the forecasters seem to promise would be pleasant, it turned out to be a very windy affair with rain threatening at the start.
The toss was won by Thorverton and again Bideford would have to score enough run to defend. Matt Shepherd and James Ford opened as usual, and Matt got some clean contact with the ball and managed 2 4s and 2 6s before being caught and bowled, pulling out of a shot with the score at 24. However whilst it is a shame that he was unable to cash in on that start, it was possible to discern that Thorverton's head was downed by this savage attack which had the effect of removing Thors 'new' overseas player. Tom Brend at number 3 again showed some classy shots before steering a ball that should have gone for 4 straight into gully's hands. 44- 2. This is the point that a match turns, in previous years we could have well have started a mini or major collapse. Not know. Veteran opener James Ford who had at this point only made 4, and Australian Jayson Bartolo proceeded to lay a foundation for the remaining part of the innings on which a fortress could have been built – and effectively was. (See the link - clever?)
James and Jayson proceeded, slowly at first then with acceleration to demolish the Thors attack. In the space of 32 overs they put on a stand of 162 (enough in is own right to beat Thors eventual total) before Jayson was eventually caught for 77 with 9 fours. Over the last several matches, Jayson has come in when a couple of wickets have gone early and slowly and cautiously at first built an innings which each time has secured our position. But what about James the magnificent he proceeded to destroy what little confidence the bowlers had left scoring 6 6s, yes I will repeat that six sixes, and was only out caught for 95 trying his 7th, - shame really it would have been nice to see him score another hundred, he will have to try to control his boyish tendencies.
It was 258 when he was out. Paul Heard had replaced Jayson and he made 25 quick runes 1 4 and 2 sixes and was out in pursuit of even quicker runs and Fred King at the dying embers of the innings scored 23 off 10 - for grand total of 286. With their season no-one fancied Thorverton not even themselves.
After another superb tea, Paul and Fred opened. Paul claimed an LBW early on, Fred was not so successful, and he, and even Jamie Lathwell who has been so good at making breakthrough this season were unable to make their mark. Thors second wicket partnership ground on for 95 runs in 27 overs just over 3 an over when something nearer 10 was needed at that point. Martin Stewart took over from Jamie - and then one of those unplanned events occurred which turns a game. Their most promising batsman drove a Martin Stewart delivery straight back which he deflected onto the bowlers end stumps and ran out their stubborn opener. Two overs later their most successful batsman found out to his cost that one didn't want to try a third run to Fred King's arm, and he was run out. In very short time, Josh Atkinson got two, Martin Stewart 4 - 24 and suddenly we all awoke to find the match over with another 20 points in the bag.
Criticism if any would be fielding. Whilst the ball stopping was wonderful, the throwing in general was not and too many overthrows were scored, and the general area behind the stumps did not appear to be quite as tidy as usual. However this was a splendid win and another 20 points.
From the early reports we have seen it seems that Abbotskerswell who we play next week won, whilst Ipplepen lost. Next week is Abbots at home - what a match in prospect.
Thought for the day. There are 4 matches left this season - where has summer gone?
Shobrooke Away 29th August 2017 Devon League
Drawn Match abandoned
I came, I saw I conquered Julius Caesar
The away match against Shobrooke Park was an extremely important match for both sides, obviously bor us as we head the table, but also for Shobrooke who were candidates for the top until recently been have fallen back, and there was a certain spice added to the occasion by the fact that matches here are always tight with a little bit of niggle.
I was not surprised therefore to pass a large band of Romans who had just decamped from a bus and were heading towards the ground - clearly I thought a tactic to put Bideford under pressure, Roman cheer leaders if you like - but somewhere they vanished into thin air. Fred King and Oliver Hannam, who undoubtedly know about these things, assured me that they were not all Romans, but in fact some were Spartans. A very significant difference I assume. However the object of the afternoon was to conquer Shobrook Park and cement our lead. The fact that the Met Office had forecast rain at 4 o'clock made the toss even more important, so Paul Heard called wrongly and Bideford were inserted.
Matt Shepherd was our straight away - he is going through a very difficult period (but it will come right), bringing Tom Brend in to join veteran opener James Ford - the closest amongst the players to have known a Roman I suppose. Tom and James put on 24 before Tom missed one that the umpire thought would have hit the stumps. Jayson Bartolo our resident number 4 joined James and together they put on 72. What Jayson must think about our weather and wickets after that short beautiful spell we had I do not know. It was however James out next for a patient 42 off 68 with some brutal hits in between. Until Paul Heard later hit a towering 6, I thought JF was again going to be the only batsman to hot a six - what odds on that! Jayson departed at the same score for 26. Oliver Hannam hot 6 before he too missed a straight one which hit his pad. This brought Paul Heard and Jamie Lathwell who had had important stands together this year - this time it was 49 - most from the bat of Paul Heard including that six who made 50 off 49 . After Paul departed Fred King joined Jamie Lathwell for a quick fire stand of 27 - Fred making 10 before being out to a fabulous catch on the boundary, the fielder I understand had been a semi pro goal keeper with Torquay. Jamie during all of this made 31 with some delicately placed boundaries (who said a couple were edges!) Michael Lemmings still contemplating the Greek earthquake did not last long and Josh Atkinson and Martin Stewart both tried to pretend they were openers with a very competent stand of 18 for the last wicket, for a total of 221.
Whether this would have been enough we will never know because in the light of the weather forecast, astonishingly it started raining properly at 4 and after about 45 mins the match was abandoned - 11 points each. What this result will have on the table nobody knows at the moment as Bideford was the only team on line from our division again - make sure every knows this.
So we came and saw, but the weather eventually conquered but I have a sneaking feeling that would have been enough, but we will never know.
Lets hope for better weather next week at the Ho!
I came, I saw I conquered Julius Caesar
The away match against Shobrooke Park was an extremely important match for both sides, obviously bor us as we head the table, but also for Shobrooke who were candidates for the top until recently been have fallen back, and there was a certain spice added to the occasion by the fact that matches here are always tight with a little bit of niggle.
I was not surprised therefore to pass a large band of Romans who had just decamped from a bus and were heading towards the ground - clearly I thought a tactic to put Bideford under pressure, Roman cheer leaders if you like - but somewhere they vanished into thin air. Fred King and Oliver Hannam, who undoubtedly know about these things, assured me that they were not all Romans, but in fact some were Spartans. A very significant difference I assume. However the object of the afternoon was to conquer Shobrook Park and cement our lead. The fact that the Met Office had forecast rain at 4 o'clock made the toss even more important, so Paul Heard called wrongly and Bideford were inserted.
Matt Shepherd was our straight away - he is going through a very difficult period (but it will come right), bringing Tom Brend in to join veteran opener James Ford - the closest amongst the players to have known a Roman I suppose. Tom and James put on 24 before Tom missed one that the umpire thought would have hit the stumps. Jayson Bartolo our resident number 4 joined James and together they put on 72. What Jayson must think about our weather and wickets after that short beautiful spell we had I do not know. It was however James out next for a patient 42 off 68 with some brutal hits in between. Until Paul Heard later hit a towering 6, I thought JF was again going to be the only batsman to hot a six - what odds on that! Jayson departed at the same score for 26. Oliver Hannam hot 6 before he too missed a straight one which hit his pad. This brought Paul Heard and Jamie Lathwell who had had important stands together this year - this time it was 49 - most from the bat of Paul Heard including that six who made 50 off 49 . After Paul departed Fred King joined Jamie Lathwell for a quick fire stand of 27 - Fred making 10 before being out to a fabulous catch on the boundary, the fielder I understand had been a semi pro goal keeper with Torquay. Jamie during all of this made 31 with some delicately placed boundaries (who said a couple were edges!) Michael Lemmings still contemplating the Greek earthquake did not last long and Josh Atkinson and Martin Stewart both tried to pretend they were openers with a very competent stand of 18 for the last wicket, for a total of 221.
Whether this would have been enough we will never know because in the light of the weather forecast, astonishingly it started raining properly at 4 and after about 45 mins the match was abandoned - 11 points each. What this result will have on the table nobody knows at the moment as Bideford was the only team on line from our division again - make sure every knows this.
So we came and saw, but the weather eventually conquered but I have a sneaking feeling that would have been enough, but we will never know.
Lets hope for better weather next week at the Ho!
Saturday 22nd July at Home v Ottery St. Mary
Won by 9 Wickets
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well. It were done quickly Macbeth - William Shakespeare or to put it another way, if you are going to do something then get on with it.
And today at the Ho! which constantly threatened rain, get on with it is exactly what Bideford did this afternoon, and if it had not been for an annoying near 15 minute break for rain, then there would have been every probability that a much earlier end would have been reached . (Under league rules if a side is bowled out before 3.40 then tea is put back for an hour - and without that rain break that would probably have been the case - but I divert myself.
The fixture t Ottery St Mary earlier this yer had been an overwhelming win for Bideford against, one has to say a very weak Ottery who fielded only 10 players. Today at the Ho! they arrived with a full compliment - but only at the most 5 first Xl players. It seemed likely that the weather - with the appalling forecast foisted on us by the Met Office - would be our greater enemy.
Ottery called wrongly at the toss and were inserted. No surprise there then, I hear you say.
Paul Heard (sea end) and Fred King opened the bowling and each bowled with as much venom as I can recall on this dampish wicket. Several balls, - particularly from - Fred reared alarmingly - a sight which could not have helped spread much joy amongst the Otters. Paul had 1 for 13 with 3 maidens, and Fred 1- 20, also with 3 maidens so that after 18 overs they were 34 - 2 at a scoring rate of about 1.7. The pressure did not ease then either Josh Atkinson and Jamie Lathwell then accelerated the demolition Josh taking 3 - 11 with 3 maidens off 8.1, and Jamie 3-13 with 1 maiden off 7. Martin Stewart came on for one over and two wickets in two balls. The bowling was very tight, only 6 wides and one leg bye leaving Ottery on a very sad 63 all out. Remarkably very nearly one third of the overs were maidens, and all wickets fell to catches except one very swift stumping by Ollie Hannam.
Another superb tea was provided for us - really the standard we have provided over the years is remarkable, and then the question really was, how many overs? Matt Shepherd was very unfortunate to have a well hit sweep/hook well caught at fine leg, and that was it. James Ford (26 not out including the only 6 of the game - who would have bet on that) and Tom Brend 16 not out, with the help of Ottery's wides (also 16) saw us home after 14.2 overs with 20 points in the bag and still top of the table. It is in fact sad to see a team like Ottery, against whom we have had some fine exciting matches struggle as they are this year, but like all clubs have to from time to time, they seem to be going through e regeneration process)
Having said all that, there is little more I can say. A convincing win against a hapless foe - thank goodness the weather forecasters were wrong - at least for Westward Ho!
The fielding and catching were superb - I though a couple of very stiff chances may have gone down - but that would be overly critical.
Next week against Shoebrook away - always a difficult match, so no complacency, they will not fold as the opposition today did.
The Quill.
If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well. It were done quickly Macbeth - William Shakespeare or to put it another way, if you are going to do something then get on with it.
And today at the Ho! which constantly threatened rain, get on with it is exactly what Bideford did this afternoon, and if it had not been for an annoying near 15 minute break for rain, then there would have been every probability that a much earlier end would have been reached . (Under league rules if a side is bowled out before 3.40 then tea is put back for an hour - and without that rain break that would probably have been the case - but I divert myself.
The fixture t Ottery St Mary earlier this yer had been an overwhelming win for Bideford against, one has to say a very weak Ottery who fielded only 10 players. Today at the Ho! they arrived with a full compliment - but only at the most 5 first Xl players. It seemed likely that the weather - with the appalling forecast foisted on us by the Met Office - would be our greater enemy.
Ottery called wrongly at the toss and were inserted. No surprise there then, I hear you say.
Paul Heard (sea end) and Fred King opened the bowling and each bowled with as much venom as I can recall on this dampish wicket. Several balls, - particularly from - Fred reared alarmingly - a sight which could not have helped spread much joy amongst the Otters. Paul had 1 for 13 with 3 maidens, and Fred 1- 20, also with 3 maidens so that after 18 overs they were 34 - 2 at a scoring rate of about 1.7. The pressure did not ease then either Josh Atkinson and Jamie Lathwell then accelerated the demolition Josh taking 3 - 11 with 3 maidens off 8.1, and Jamie 3-13 with 1 maiden off 7. Martin Stewart came on for one over and two wickets in two balls. The bowling was very tight, only 6 wides and one leg bye leaving Ottery on a very sad 63 all out. Remarkably very nearly one third of the overs were maidens, and all wickets fell to catches except one very swift stumping by Ollie Hannam.
Another superb tea was provided for us - really the standard we have provided over the years is remarkable, and then the question really was, how many overs? Matt Shepherd was very unfortunate to have a well hit sweep/hook well caught at fine leg, and that was it. James Ford (26 not out including the only 6 of the game - who would have bet on that) and Tom Brend 16 not out, with the help of Ottery's wides (also 16) saw us home after 14.2 overs with 20 points in the bag and still top of the table. It is in fact sad to see a team like Ottery, against whom we have had some fine exciting matches struggle as they are this year, but like all clubs have to from time to time, they seem to be going through e regeneration process)
Having said all that, there is little more I can say. A convincing win against a hapless foe - thank goodness the weather forecasters were wrong - at least for Westward Ho!
The fielding and catching were superb - I though a couple of very stiff chances may have gone down - but that would be overly critical.
Next week against Shoebrook away - always a difficult match, so no complacency, they will not fold as the opposition today did.
The Quill.
Bideford v Seaton at Westward Ho! 15th July 2017
Won by 64 runs
Those lazy, crazy, lazy days of summer' Nat King Cole
Or rather, what has happened to those hazy lazy crazy etc? I arrived at Westward Ho! for the second home game in a row to find a nasty drizzle, low clouds and a general attitude of autumn – where have all those lovely summer days gone on a Saturday. The immediate question was what affect would this heavy cloud cover have on the pitch the ball and the players.
Seaton away was of course our second match of the season – and at their ground they had put up little fight, fielding 10 men they had been blown away very quickly.
Seaton won the toss and inserted us. At Seaton, Matt Shepherd had hit their opening bowler out of the attack in the first over, however commencing with a different bowling combination neither Matt nor James Ford found free scoring so easy – in fact the first bowler bowled his 9 overs for 22. Matt did manage to bludgeon 13 (3 4s) before falling to the old habit of playing across the line rather than clean straight hitting. Tom Brend, back from a week off found it difficult to get going at all and was bowled. This brought together James Ford and Jayson Bartolo who put on 57. James in his usual methodical Boycott type innings got to 27 off 61 balls when he suddenly leapt into life (he would later in the afternoon leap for other reasons) hit three four in a row. and then clearly deciding that he was really Joss Buttler tried a fourth and was caught at the second attempt at slip. It was a very valuable 39 as clearly the bowling was tight with a hint of seam movement. With the departure of James, enter the hero of Tavistock, Paul Heard. both Jayson and Paul, slowly at first and then with greater momentum out of 97 in 18 overs. Paul who couldn't find quite the fluency of the week before nonetheless struck another 41 runs off 55 balls. Fred King was promoted to speed up the scoring and put on 49 with Jayson (Fred hitti1ng 19). At this point Jayson decided it was up to him and with 10 four and two sixes on his innings of 85 took the total score to out season's highest of 246. Also what should not be overlooked in despatches were the wides. Last week Tavistock gave us over 30, yesterday Seaton's contribution – 31.
Generally speaking 246 should be a relatively easy total to defend, but certainly Seaton made a better shot of it than they had two months earlier. However, our in form opening team of Paul and Fred really took the match away from Seaton in the initial stages. After 7 overs each, Paul had 2 – 18 and Fred 1 – 21, and the required scoring rate needed by Seaton was already nearly 9 and over. It steadily climbed from then onwards.
Alex Hannam took over at the sea end in place of the absent Josh Atkinson whilst Jamie Lathwell was at the road end. Alex bowled a few decent overs – but is out of match practice and Jamie bowled as always this season with pace and fore. Alex gave 27 off 5 which was pretty good after a first ball no ball (is that an oxymoron?) that cost (with the free hit 8 runs), while Jamie gave 22 runs and picked up the wicket of Seaton's opening batsman.
James ford bowled 9 overs from the sea end, in the middle of which spell he took a very good catch in the gully and appeared to suffer some terrible trauma whilst tumbling forward to take the catch. Certainly he seemed to have to lie on the ground for a while I never discovered exactly what happened despite James trying effect repairs in front of the score box. Nice one I believe the common phrase.
During all this, Seaton's batsman wicket keeper was trying on hos own to up the scoring rate and get Seaton nearer their 5th batting point and our total.
However at this point, the hero of last week's tense last over came forth – Martin Stewart and blew away any vestiges of hope Seaton may have had. he ran through the next 5 wickets for 28 runs in 9 overs, taking two in his last over with the help of two identical hits catches from Tom Brend at long on. During the spell with James at one end and Martin at the other, the batsman were unable to up the scoring rate, and come the final ball were 64 runs short. 19 more points in the bag.
One final word actually two. First mention must be made in despatches to Gareth Davies who, when calls for help were made willingly volunteered to help. Last week he made an invaluable contribution with the bat in the very brief time he was able to, whilst this week without being asked to bat and ball was there to play and equally valuable role in the field. Secondly the fielding and catching were again up to a high standard a significant improvement on last season. Some of the ground fielding was stunning.
Man of the match. two candidates this week. Martin obviously with 5 wickets, but he had to have runs to bowl at so its a joint decision, Martin and Jayson.
Well there we are – weather wise a dreary afternoon with occasional mizzle or drizzle frankly, as long as we win on a Saturday as the last two weeks who cares were the lazy hazy crazy days of summer have gone?
At the time of writing no other results yet published but we must still be top of the table, but its very crowded up there. Next week at home again to struggling Ottery – without a win. We must be very careful, Ottery are in the position we were in Division A a few years ago when we went to Barton in the second half of the season winless and thrashed then, for which I don't think they have ever forgiven us. So when confronting Ottery no complacency – but could we have just a little bit of the sun back please.
The Quill
Those lazy, crazy, lazy days of summer' Nat King Cole
Or rather, what has happened to those hazy lazy crazy etc? I arrived at Westward Ho! for the second home game in a row to find a nasty drizzle, low clouds and a general attitude of autumn – where have all those lovely summer days gone on a Saturday. The immediate question was what affect would this heavy cloud cover have on the pitch the ball and the players.
Seaton away was of course our second match of the season – and at their ground they had put up little fight, fielding 10 men they had been blown away very quickly.
Seaton won the toss and inserted us. At Seaton, Matt Shepherd had hit their opening bowler out of the attack in the first over, however commencing with a different bowling combination neither Matt nor James Ford found free scoring so easy – in fact the first bowler bowled his 9 overs for 22. Matt did manage to bludgeon 13 (3 4s) before falling to the old habit of playing across the line rather than clean straight hitting. Tom Brend, back from a week off found it difficult to get going at all and was bowled. This brought together James Ford and Jayson Bartolo who put on 57. James in his usual methodical Boycott type innings got to 27 off 61 balls when he suddenly leapt into life (he would later in the afternoon leap for other reasons) hit three four in a row. and then clearly deciding that he was really Joss Buttler tried a fourth and was caught at the second attempt at slip. It was a very valuable 39 as clearly the bowling was tight with a hint of seam movement. With the departure of James, enter the hero of Tavistock, Paul Heard. both Jayson and Paul, slowly at first and then with greater momentum out of 97 in 18 overs. Paul who couldn't find quite the fluency of the week before nonetheless struck another 41 runs off 55 balls. Fred King was promoted to speed up the scoring and put on 49 with Jayson (Fred hitti1ng 19). At this point Jayson decided it was up to him and with 10 four and two sixes on his innings of 85 took the total score to out season's highest of 246. Also what should not be overlooked in despatches were the wides. Last week Tavistock gave us over 30, yesterday Seaton's contribution – 31.
Generally speaking 246 should be a relatively easy total to defend, but certainly Seaton made a better shot of it than they had two months earlier. However, our in form opening team of Paul and Fred really took the match away from Seaton in the initial stages. After 7 overs each, Paul had 2 – 18 and Fred 1 – 21, and the required scoring rate needed by Seaton was already nearly 9 and over. It steadily climbed from then onwards.
Alex Hannam took over at the sea end in place of the absent Josh Atkinson whilst Jamie Lathwell was at the road end. Alex bowled a few decent overs – but is out of match practice and Jamie bowled as always this season with pace and fore. Alex gave 27 off 5 which was pretty good after a first ball no ball (is that an oxymoron?) that cost (with the free hit 8 runs), while Jamie gave 22 runs and picked up the wicket of Seaton's opening batsman.
James ford bowled 9 overs from the sea end, in the middle of which spell he took a very good catch in the gully and appeared to suffer some terrible trauma whilst tumbling forward to take the catch. Certainly he seemed to have to lie on the ground for a while I never discovered exactly what happened despite James trying effect repairs in front of the score box. Nice one I believe the common phrase.
During all this, Seaton's batsman wicket keeper was trying on hos own to up the scoring rate and get Seaton nearer their 5th batting point and our total.
However at this point, the hero of last week's tense last over came forth – Martin Stewart and blew away any vestiges of hope Seaton may have had. he ran through the next 5 wickets for 28 runs in 9 overs, taking two in his last over with the help of two identical hits catches from Tom Brend at long on. During the spell with James at one end and Martin at the other, the batsman were unable to up the scoring rate, and come the final ball were 64 runs short. 19 more points in the bag.
One final word actually two. First mention must be made in despatches to Gareth Davies who, when calls for help were made willingly volunteered to help. Last week he made an invaluable contribution with the bat in the very brief time he was able to, whilst this week without being asked to bat and ball was there to play and equally valuable role in the field. Secondly the fielding and catching were again up to a high standard a significant improvement on last season. Some of the ground fielding was stunning.
Man of the match. two candidates this week. Martin obviously with 5 wickets, but he had to have runs to bowl at so its a joint decision, Martin and Jayson.
Well there we are – weather wise a dreary afternoon with occasional mizzle or drizzle frankly, as long as we win on a Saturday as the last two weeks who cares were the lazy hazy crazy days of summer have gone?
At the time of writing no other results yet published but we must still be top of the table, but its very crowded up there. Next week at home again to struggling Ottery – without a win. We must be very careful, Ottery are in the position we were in Division A a few years ago when we went to Barton in the second half of the season winless and thrashed then, for which I don't think they have ever forgiven us. So when confronting Ottery no complacency – but could we have just a little bit of the sun back please.
The Quill
Tavistock v Bideford at the Ring of Stones. 8th July 2017
WON, WON WON
Del Shannon, a pop star of the 60s sang 'Hats off to Harry'. Well, I don't know anything about Larry but it certainly is Hats Of to Martin, Paul, James, Gareth and the other members of our gallimaufrous team.
Readers of this column may remember that, facing Tavistock at the start of the season, I described how the team twice managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. This pulsating match played on the fringes of the wilds of Dartmoor, on a steamy day under at times heavy cloud came to its glorious conclusion on the last ball of the game, where Bideford managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with a brilliant final over from Martin Stewart. This nerve tingling match did not end when he final ball had been carefully snared by wicket keeper Ollie Hannam – as we shall see.
After my longest trip of the year the team duly assembled with Martin Stewart and Gareth Davies replacing the missing Alex Hannam and Tom Brend. Not a good start when captain Paul Heard called wrongly and Bideford were inserted. For those of you who have not visited Tavistock's stone circle, it is a strange ground with a huge slope towards the pavilion, with the wickets being on a platform which effectively is built on a platform. Was there, we asked, anything in the pitch after such a long dry period. The answer initially seemed yes. Mat Shepherd was adjudged LBW, Jayson Bartolo caught and Ollie Hannam bowled before the score reached 27. This, I felt could be the sort of humiliation we wreaked on Tavistock two years ago at home. However I had not bargained on the determination of our two senior players, former captain courageous James Ford and the present captain courageous, Paul Heard. In a partnership which formed the platform of the innings, against hostile fast bowling to start, and very economical spin after that James and Paul rescued the immediate crisis with a stand of 74 off 17 overs of which James made 25 and Paul 37. At this point James was adjudged LBW, and although he is never LBW on this occasion it did, I must admit, look pretty plum!
Would there be another collapse - not a bit of it, out strode Jamie Lathwell, who has been the backbone of the team this year with his overall performances strongly supported Paul in a stand of 93 with Jamie letting Paul have the strike, to the effect that Paul reached a quite brilliant century in 99 balls with 12 fours and 4 sixes. When he was out at 193, this seemed a good score after 26/3 but the pitch did look very flat. Jamie Lathwell made a very important 25. Fred King Michael Lemmings and Josh Atkinson all came and went sacrificing their wickets in the teams interest, but Gareth Davies gathered a very important 15 off 12 balls. Critically, we were the beneficiaries of 39 extras including 37 wides.
After that excitement, the start of the second half was taut. Paul bowled as a man who had just scored a century and took 2 - 18 in his first 7 overs and soon Tavistock were 37 - 2 off 12. The asking rate at the beginning was about 5.25 about the 36th over, this rate had climbed until it was approaching 9 an over. Josh Atkinson bowled 5 overs for under 5 an over with no luck, Michael Lemmings bowled his 9 at a shade over 5, but got the wicket of their barnacle like captain, whilst Martin Stewart tempted Tavvy's wicket keeper batsman, David Manning to edge a ball to James Ford - who took the catch well - in his first over. This brought together two dangerous batsman, who started to up the tempo dramatically. It was no doubt in Tavvy's minds that they won on the last ball the previous week and things seemed to be going rapidly in that direction. Jamie Lathwell replaced Michael lemmings to bowl out the innings from one end. Martin Stewart got two more important wicket, and Jamie one, but the batsman still kept decreasing the run rate despite good bowling. Paul Heard returned for one over, but that didn't work. With time running out, overs running out, and, I admit, my hopes running out Paul Heard decided that the man for the crisis was Martin Stewart, and was he right. 3 runs to win off this over, so, we thought, would be a four or a six. A dot first ball seemed just a preliminary, at this point Tavistock had to batsman who were in and had hot sixes. Clearly the batsman shared my dichotomy as to whether it should be a 4 or a six and launched the 2nd ball high and handsome - but hold on - was it so handsome. It was certainly high but there was Josh Atkinson steaming in from the boundary like a latter day Flying Scotsman. The laws of physics and gravity are a fascinating study. Due to the combination of these - plus the IQ of Josh he and the ball arrived at the same time and place. Wicket! However, we thought, the batsman had crossed and the other batsman had his eye in as well. The next ball of the over was hit for a single. 2 to win. The next ball, the new batsman missed. The next he only managed to pat back down the pitch so one ball and two runs. I would myself would have been a quivering wreck but Martin, cool as you like (from the outside at any rates) bowls it wide of off stump – was it a little bit too wide, the batsman thought so – straight through to Ollie Hannam. He hurled the ball in the air and all the players rushed to the centre of the field – but hang on, the batsman are running two runs. What is going on.
After a conference, the Umpires adjudicate (quite properly) that the ball was dead and there we were, home by one run and top of the table again. There might be a tale of caution here – in such a close match it might be sensible to hold onto the ball after such a delivery, other umpires could have taken another view.
However lets not be a spoilsport, it was a wonderful pulsating match with a thunderous pulsating end. All the team deserve to be man of the match, and statistically Paul Heard was man of the match – but on this occasion, and risking the captain's wrath, I am going with Martin Stewart – that last over showed incredible nerves and stopped what at that point was clearly becoming a Tavistock win.
Stephen Sondheim wrote a marvellous son Bring on the Clown. There were no clowns on show today but my rewrite of that famous song would be Bring on the de-defibrillator. I mean, I can’t at my age be expected to take much more of this.
The Quill
Del Shannon, a pop star of the 60s sang 'Hats off to Harry'. Well, I don't know anything about Larry but it certainly is Hats Of to Martin, Paul, James, Gareth and the other members of our gallimaufrous team.
Readers of this column may remember that, facing Tavistock at the start of the season, I described how the team twice managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. This pulsating match played on the fringes of the wilds of Dartmoor, on a steamy day under at times heavy cloud came to its glorious conclusion on the last ball of the game, where Bideford managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with a brilliant final over from Martin Stewart. This nerve tingling match did not end when he final ball had been carefully snared by wicket keeper Ollie Hannam – as we shall see.
After my longest trip of the year the team duly assembled with Martin Stewart and Gareth Davies replacing the missing Alex Hannam and Tom Brend. Not a good start when captain Paul Heard called wrongly and Bideford were inserted. For those of you who have not visited Tavistock's stone circle, it is a strange ground with a huge slope towards the pavilion, with the wickets being on a platform which effectively is built on a platform. Was there, we asked, anything in the pitch after such a long dry period. The answer initially seemed yes. Mat Shepherd was adjudged LBW, Jayson Bartolo caught and Ollie Hannam bowled before the score reached 27. This, I felt could be the sort of humiliation we wreaked on Tavistock two years ago at home. However I had not bargained on the determination of our two senior players, former captain courageous James Ford and the present captain courageous, Paul Heard. In a partnership which formed the platform of the innings, against hostile fast bowling to start, and very economical spin after that James and Paul rescued the immediate crisis with a stand of 74 off 17 overs of which James made 25 and Paul 37. At this point James was adjudged LBW, and although he is never LBW on this occasion it did, I must admit, look pretty plum!
Would there be another collapse - not a bit of it, out strode Jamie Lathwell, who has been the backbone of the team this year with his overall performances strongly supported Paul in a stand of 93 with Jamie letting Paul have the strike, to the effect that Paul reached a quite brilliant century in 99 balls with 12 fours and 4 sixes. When he was out at 193, this seemed a good score after 26/3 but the pitch did look very flat. Jamie Lathwell made a very important 25. Fred King Michael Lemmings and Josh Atkinson all came and went sacrificing their wickets in the teams interest, but Gareth Davies gathered a very important 15 off 12 balls. Critically, we were the beneficiaries of 39 extras including 37 wides.
After that excitement, the start of the second half was taut. Paul bowled as a man who had just scored a century and took 2 - 18 in his first 7 overs and soon Tavistock were 37 - 2 off 12. The asking rate at the beginning was about 5.25 about the 36th over, this rate had climbed until it was approaching 9 an over. Josh Atkinson bowled 5 overs for under 5 an over with no luck, Michael Lemmings bowled his 9 at a shade over 5, but got the wicket of their barnacle like captain, whilst Martin Stewart tempted Tavvy's wicket keeper batsman, David Manning to edge a ball to James Ford - who took the catch well - in his first over. This brought together two dangerous batsman, who started to up the tempo dramatically. It was no doubt in Tavvy's minds that they won on the last ball the previous week and things seemed to be going rapidly in that direction. Jamie Lathwell replaced Michael lemmings to bowl out the innings from one end. Martin Stewart got two more important wicket, and Jamie one, but the batsman still kept decreasing the run rate despite good bowling. Paul Heard returned for one over, but that didn't work. With time running out, overs running out, and, I admit, my hopes running out Paul Heard decided that the man for the crisis was Martin Stewart, and was he right. 3 runs to win off this over, so, we thought, would be a four or a six. A dot first ball seemed just a preliminary, at this point Tavistock had to batsman who were in and had hot sixes. Clearly the batsman shared my dichotomy as to whether it should be a 4 or a six and launched the 2nd ball high and handsome - but hold on - was it so handsome. It was certainly high but there was Josh Atkinson steaming in from the boundary like a latter day Flying Scotsman. The laws of physics and gravity are a fascinating study. Due to the combination of these - plus the IQ of Josh he and the ball arrived at the same time and place. Wicket! However, we thought, the batsman had crossed and the other batsman had his eye in as well. The next ball of the over was hit for a single. 2 to win. The next ball, the new batsman missed. The next he only managed to pat back down the pitch so one ball and two runs. I would myself would have been a quivering wreck but Martin, cool as you like (from the outside at any rates) bowls it wide of off stump – was it a little bit too wide, the batsman thought so – straight through to Ollie Hannam. He hurled the ball in the air and all the players rushed to the centre of the field – but hang on, the batsman are running two runs. What is going on.
After a conference, the Umpires adjudicate (quite properly) that the ball was dead and there we were, home by one run and top of the table again. There might be a tale of caution here – in such a close match it might be sensible to hold onto the ball after such a delivery, other umpires could have taken another view.
However lets not be a spoilsport, it was a wonderful pulsating match with a thunderous pulsating end. All the team deserve to be man of the match, and statistically Paul Heard was man of the match – but on this occasion, and risking the captain's wrath, I am going with Martin Stewart – that last over showed incredible nerves and stopped what at that point was clearly becoming a Tavistock win.
Stephen Sondheim wrote a marvellous son Bring on the Clown. There were no clowns on show today but my rewrite of that famous song would be Bring on the de-defibrillator. I mean, I can’t at my age be expected to take much more of this.
The Quill
Bideford v Barton 30th July at Westward Ho!
Won by 8 wickets
From 'over the hills and far away' (trad) to 'Home again, Home again' John Florio Worlde of Wordes' 1611.
Another fine, but ultimately disappointing day weather wise, greeted us at the Ho! on our return from the hills far away at Ipplepen – what a disappointing match that was, but how exciting. Whilst for the spectators it is always nice to have an exciting match, it is not always good for those of the age of the Quill to have too many each year.
Bideford put out its regular Xl with the return of Michael Lemmings, and captain Paul Heard's ability to renew hostilities with the ball.
Pretty well every member of the team will remember that day about 2 years ago in A division when we visited Barton having lost about 10 matches of the trot and fir a while were apparently drifting to defeat when a remarkable innings of, from memory about 60, not only stunned us, but stunned Barton as well, and from my conversations with their scorer, it was quite clear they were out for revenge – and a pretty feisty bunch some of them are.
With Paul and Fred King opening as usual, Barton’s openers seem to decide that it was a 20/20 type match and after 6 overs the score was up in the 30s – and apart from a 9th wicket stand, that was about it. Paul Heard managed to get their young opener to miss a ball that in the umpire’s view would have cleaned him out, and the game immediately was turned on its head. Fred King at his most hostile and probably his best spell of the season had their no 3 spectacularly caught at slip by Jayson Bartolo, and then prompted an edge to keeper Oliver Hannam (I didn't here his voice from the boundary this game, some minor throat ailment perhaps?). The dangerous middle order all rounder managed to get run out without scoring and their wicket keeper gave Tom Brend some gentle catching practice of James Lathwell, who in his turn took a fine catching running away from the area of hostility to catch a ball coming over his shoulder off Josh Atkinson. Their openimg bowler who we met last year as captain of South Devon put up some resistance at no 8. while Ollie took another straight forward catch to dismiss their captain – who seemed to suggest to the many admirers that he wished he had been a good enough batsman to get his bat anywhere near the ball – but the scorecard shows he did. Paul Heard uncharacteristically returned for a second spell from the road end broke the dangerous 9th wicket stand that had taken the score 84-8 – 150 – 9, and at the same score Jayson cleaned up the 10th wicket.
So a score of 150 on a pitch which I had told the umpires I though 220 was probably a par score.
After the usual sumptuous tea (we have been lucky over all the years – what a good thing I don't put on weight) Matt Shepherd and James Ford strode out to see what they could do. Matt started in his usual aggressive style and the score had got to 32, when a general discussion started on the pitch between the batsman, one of whom seemed to be waving his bat round – a wasp or something I expect and the fielders. This conversation must have been interesting because the umpires seemed to want to join in. After a while the batsman appeared to get tired of the subject and the umpires and Barton skipper seemed to want to have a few more words. It then appeared to everyone that they should actually be playing cricket. The result was that Matt Shepherd was out next ball..
was this to cause a collapse. Well, no was the answer. Tom Brend who has not had hos best season strode out took a few overs to generally get settled in and started to play some glorious shots. Bideford were by now more than halfway there. James Ford, either misjudging the speed of the ball, or perhaps feeling rather sorry for Barton, gave their wicket keeper some simple catching practice and was replaced by Jayson B. That really was that. Both of them hit the bad balls, defended the good ones and took quick singles wherever possible and in a stand of 66 took is home with 8 wickets 15 overs to spare and 20 points in the bag.
Tom had the luxury of a free hit off what turned out to be the last ball of the game and drove it for 6 towards the sea.
It is always pleasing to see those who have not been in form, get in form and Tom Brend’s 58 not out with 8 4s and one 6 earned him, rightly, the man of the match.
Here endeth the first half of the season – where has time gone. At the time I right this we are top of the table, but with Tavistock's result not to hand yet, we may be second.
What a good start and how well everyone has plated. The fielding was again exemplary.
So next week week, off we go again away to Tavistock where we must wipe the memory of that poorish first match against when twice we snatched defeat from the jaws of victory
The Quill
edit.
Ipplepen v Bideford 24th June 2017. Devon League B
Lost by one wicket
There's a breathless hush in the Close to-night--
Ten to make and the match to win--
A bumping pitch and a blinding light,
An hour to play and the last man in.
And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat,
Or the selfish hope of a season's fame,
But his captain's hand on his shoulder smote
"Play up! play up! and play the game!"
I make no apology for quoting this again, the most famous perhaps of cricket poems, for in truth, this was one of the most heart stopping games I have seen in many a long year. The last 20 minutes saw the game flow first one way, and then the next, and ultimately it was the Ipplepen last pair, who won the day for Ipplepen in this top of the table clash. This was, I believe only my third visit to Ipplepen and I don't recall coming away on the other occasions with many points, so perhaps the 9 points we achieved can be considered some solace.
Bideford welcomed back captain Paul Heard from his enforced absence last week due to injury, but only as a batsman. He lost the toss and Bideford were inserted. The usual partnership of Matt Shepherd and James Ford opened as usual – well perhaps not quite usual as Matt seemed to have brought some defensive shots with him. Nevertheless he started off in his usual style and after accumulating 67 with 13 fours and one 6. His dismissal was a great pity as, as I am sure he will acknowledge, it being the first ill selected shots of his innings. James Ford in a slightly more traditional way than he has of late and he also went to a half century being out to a shot that he described as a -well perhaps I better not say what he said! However Matt and James put on 111, I think the best opening partnership of the season. They were replaced by Tom Brend and Jayson Bartolo. The tempo at this stage did fall a bit as always happens after a large opening stand, but the score was 202 before they were both out in over 41. Thereafter wickets were sacrificed in the quest for quick runs, Paul Heard a quick 17 and Fred King smashed 23 off 12 balls. With 24 extras the total of 244 for 7, our highest of the season seemed good, but achievable.
After a splendid tea Josh Atkinson and Fred King opened, as last week. After a couple of expensive overs, Josh bowled one opener - the other was to be a thorn in Bideford's side until the 34th over. Fred bowling with mire hostility and accuracy than we have seen this season got number 3 to top edge a pull to a relatively simple catch to Ollie Hannam behind the stumps. After Fred and Josh were rested, Jack Ford and Jamie Lathwell carried on the attack. Jack had a difficult first over, but can be congratulated on a maiden fr his second – but this did not seem to be his itch, while Jamie Lathwell – unlucky to have a catch dropped off the first ball after drinks – bowled as well as anyone – probably the bowling star of the season and bowled his 7 overs for 22 – by far the most economical of all the bowlers on show. Ipplepen's wicket keeper came in and hit the bowling around until he was well caught by Fred on the boundary for 49. At that stage the Pens were 135 for 3. The next stand took the score to 189 and it appeared that all was lost. Suddenly the opening batsman who had been keeping the scoreboard ticking along ran himself out for no apparent reason, Jayson Bartolo got two for ducks in one over, and another in his next, and Ipplepen had suddenly subsided to 209-9. 36 needed. That old fox James Ford, the prime collector of late innings wicket was brought on and got the 9th wicket but could make no further inroads and with some big hitting by their captain the Pens were suddenly there, by one wicket and with 2.1 overs left.
The Umpires immediately said to us that it was a wonderful game played by two good teams in good sprints – and so it was. It really was so exciting before the end, that my co-scorer could not watch, unfortunately I could.
In retrospect this game was a bit similar to the Tavistock game at the start of the season inasmuchas there were at least three occasions on which the game suddenly turned and what was clearly a winning position was lost. Whilst this is disappointing it shows that the team has matured and can withstand an attack of the nerves.
Next week, the last match of the first half of the season is home against Barton – a team who after several losses have started climbing the table- another very important match. I think we can all hope that this is not a match which creates a breathless hush – I am not sure how much more breathlessness I can stand
The Quill
There's a breathless hush in the Close to-night--
Ten to make and the match to win--
A bumping pitch and a blinding light,
An hour to play and the last man in.
And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat,
Or the selfish hope of a season's fame,
But his captain's hand on his shoulder smote
"Play up! play up! and play the game!"
I make no apology for quoting this again, the most famous perhaps of cricket poems, for in truth, this was one of the most heart stopping games I have seen in many a long year. The last 20 minutes saw the game flow first one way, and then the next, and ultimately it was the Ipplepen last pair, who won the day for Ipplepen in this top of the table clash. This was, I believe only my third visit to Ipplepen and I don't recall coming away on the other occasions with many points, so perhaps the 9 points we achieved can be considered some solace.
Bideford welcomed back captain Paul Heard from his enforced absence last week due to injury, but only as a batsman. He lost the toss and Bideford were inserted. The usual partnership of Matt Shepherd and James Ford opened as usual – well perhaps not quite usual as Matt seemed to have brought some defensive shots with him. Nevertheless he started off in his usual style and after accumulating 67 with 13 fours and one 6. His dismissal was a great pity as, as I am sure he will acknowledge, it being the first ill selected shots of his innings. James Ford in a slightly more traditional way than he has of late and he also went to a half century being out to a shot that he described as a -well perhaps I better not say what he said! However Matt and James put on 111, I think the best opening partnership of the season. They were replaced by Tom Brend and Jayson Bartolo. The tempo at this stage did fall a bit as always happens after a large opening stand, but the score was 202 before they were both out in over 41. Thereafter wickets were sacrificed in the quest for quick runs, Paul Heard a quick 17 and Fred King smashed 23 off 12 balls. With 24 extras the total of 244 for 7, our highest of the season seemed good, but achievable.
After a splendid tea Josh Atkinson and Fred King opened, as last week. After a couple of expensive overs, Josh bowled one opener - the other was to be a thorn in Bideford's side until the 34th over. Fred bowling with mire hostility and accuracy than we have seen this season got number 3 to top edge a pull to a relatively simple catch to Ollie Hannam behind the stumps. After Fred and Josh were rested, Jack Ford and Jamie Lathwell carried on the attack. Jack had a difficult first over, but can be congratulated on a maiden fr his second – but this did not seem to be his itch, while Jamie Lathwell – unlucky to have a catch dropped off the first ball after drinks – bowled as well as anyone – probably the bowling star of the season and bowled his 7 overs for 22 – by far the most economical of all the bowlers on show. Ipplepen's wicket keeper came in and hit the bowling around until he was well caught by Fred on the boundary for 49. At that stage the Pens were 135 for 3. The next stand took the score to 189 and it appeared that all was lost. Suddenly the opening batsman who had been keeping the scoreboard ticking along ran himself out for no apparent reason, Jayson Bartolo got two for ducks in one over, and another in his next, and Ipplepen had suddenly subsided to 209-9. 36 needed. That old fox James Ford, the prime collector of late innings wicket was brought on and got the 9th wicket but could make no further inroads and with some big hitting by their captain the Pens were suddenly there, by one wicket and with 2.1 overs left.
The Umpires immediately said to us that it was a wonderful game played by two good teams in good sprints – and so it was. It really was so exciting before the end, that my co-scorer could not watch, unfortunately I could.
In retrospect this game was a bit similar to the Tavistock game at the start of the season inasmuchas there were at least three occasions on which the game suddenly turned and what was clearly a winning position was lost. Whilst this is disappointing it shows that the team has matured and can withstand an attack of the nerves.
Next week, the last match of the first half of the season is home against Barton – a team who after several losses have started climbing the table- another very important match. I think we can all hope that this is not a match which creates a breathless hush – I am not sure how much more breathlessness I can stand
The Quill
Bideford v Filleigh Devon League B 17th June 2017 At Westward Ho!
Won by 6 wickets
‘Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun’ Ecclesiastes Ch 11 v 7.
After last weeks miserable afternoon sat watching the drizzle come down in deepest South Devon, what a joy it was to come home for only the third time this term, and to see the ground looking as fine as IU can remember, the wicket and outfield cut to perfection and everything sparkling under the sun (did I hear someone say it was too hot?)
The only concern was how the injury to captain Paul Heard which made him unavailable to play would affect the team – one of the strengths being the very few changes that have had to made. History shows us that the fewer changes that have to be made the more successful the team is. It appeared that things may not have started as well as could be when Filleigh called correctly at the toss. They opted to bat. I suspected that if Bideford had won we would have bowled so I don’t think in the end that made too much difference. And what a start. Josh Atkinson resuming his role as opening bowler at the sea end snaffling the dangerous Jaz Kalsi in his first over,. Josh followed this up with 2 other wickets claiming 3 – 38 off 9. Jamie Lathwell from the top end also claimed 3 wickets – what a season he is having (actually all of them are having) for 25 off 5. Steve Bond replacing the injured PH, after one nervous opening over bagged 2 for 25 and Michael Lemmings – never one to be ought of the spotlight claimed the last two for 17 off 4.3, which was very appropriate on a day when his father was the match sponsor. I hope our sponsors now how much we appreciate their help and what a difference they make. If not perhaps we should tell them. Interestingly all 10 wickets were catches, 4 behind the wicket for Ollie Hannam, and all the catching was superb – one sensational catch by Jayson Bartolo at 2nd slip had to be seen to be believed diving far over to his right, and a catch by ML taken running back over his shoulder particularly stay in one’s mind. but the truth of this team is that the catching and fielding this term has been exceptional.
Hospitality behind the bar and at the tea table were provided by the Chairman and Assistant secretary and were in keeping with the incredibly high reputation the club has for teas – I shall have to see if I can sue the club for putting on weight as a result.
However the tea was not taken between the innings as is usual because Filleigh – who I thought at one stage must have thought that this was a 20/20 were all in in the 26th over and as a result tea was not taken until the 17th over of our innings. As usual, Matt Shepherd and James Ford opened. Matt in his usual style despatched the ball hither and thither until he mistimed one and was caught at mid off for 15. James Ford and Tom Brend stayed for a while but did not find scoring easy. After JF was out enter the gladiator – Jayson Bartolo who has not hitherto had a chance to play a decisive innings. However here was the chance, and he did not squander it. Calmly and methodically at first, ferociously at the end, he took the Filleigh bowling apart and finished on 74 not out with 16 fours. By far the highest individual score of the day and an innings that earned him man of the match and there we were, after 27 overs home and dry with another 20 points. Who knows where we might be if that wretched drizzle had not happened last week, but there we are history is history as a politician may say and always remember what a pleasant thing it is to see the sum and, as the writer of Ecclesiastes may have said, to win well in the sun.
Well next week we return close to Abbotskerswell – to Ipplepen, always an interesting match, and very much one of this season’s front runners. It should be interesting.
I was to0ld today that when the match is finished and I press the ‘match over button’ the match disappears from TCS. I shall take this up tomorrow with TCS but I will also try to see what happens when I don’t press the ‘match over’ button, apparently I was the only person who didn’t know this, well there we are, if no-one tells me………
The Quill.
After last weeks miserable afternoon sat watching the drizzle come down in deepest South Devon, what a joy it was to come home for only the third time this term, and to see the ground looking as fine as IU can remember, the wicket and outfield cut to perfection and everything sparkling under the sun (did I hear someone say it was too hot?)
The only concern was how the injury to captain Paul Heard which made him unavailable to play would affect the team – one of the strengths being the very few changes that have had to made. History shows us that the fewer changes that have to be made the more successful the team is. It appeared that things may not have started as well as could be when Filleigh called correctly at the toss. They opted to bat. I suspected that if Bideford had won we would have bowled so I don’t think in the end that made too much difference. And what a start. Josh Atkinson resuming his role as opening bowler at the sea end snaffling the dangerous Jaz Kalsi in his first over,. Josh followed this up with 2 other wickets claiming 3 – 38 off 9. Jamie Lathwell from the top end also claimed 3 wickets – what a season he is having (actually all of them are having) for 25 off 5. Steve Bond replacing the injured PH, after one nervous opening over bagged 2 for 25 and Michael Lemmings – never one to be ought of the spotlight claimed the last two for 17 off 4.3, which was very appropriate on a day when his father was the match sponsor. I hope our sponsors now how much we appreciate their help and what a difference they make. If not perhaps we should tell them. Interestingly all 10 wickets were catches, 4 behind the wicket for Ollie Hannam, and all the catching was superb – one sensational catch by Jayson Bartolo at 2nd slip had to be seen to be believed diving far over to his right, and a catch by ML taken running back over his shoulder particularly stay in one’s mind. but the truth of this team is that the catching and fielding this term has been exceptional.
Hospitality behind the bar and at the tea table were provided by the Chairman and Assistant secretary and were in keeping with the incredibly high reputation the club has for teas – I shall have to see if I can sue the club for putting on weight as a result.
However the tea was not taken between the innings as is usual because Filleigh – who I thought at one stage must have thought that this was a 20/20 were all in in the 26th over and as a result tea was not taken until the 17th over of our innings. As usual, Matt Shepherd and James Ford opened. Matt in his usual style despatched the ball hither and thither until he mistimed one and was caught at mid off for 15. James Ford and Tom Brend stayed for a while but did not find scoring easy. After JF was out enter the gladiator – Jayson Bartolo who has not hitherto had a chance to play a decisive innings. However here was the chance, and he did not squander it. Calmly and methodically at first, ferociously at the end, he took the Filleigh bowling apart and finished on 74 not out with 16 fours. By far the highest individual score of the day and an innings that earned him man of the match and there we were, after 27 overs home and dry with another 20 points. Who knows where we might be if that wretched drizzle had not happened last week, but there we are history is history as a politician may say and always remember what a pleasant thing it is to see the sum and, as the writer of Ecclesiastes may have said, to win well in the sun.
Well next week we return close to Abbotskerswell – to Ipplepen, always an interesting match, and very much one of this season’s front runners. It should be interesting.
I was to0ld today that when the match is finished and I press the ‘match over button’ the match disappears from TCS. I shall take this up tomorrow with TCS but I will also try to see what happens when I don’t press the ‘match over’ button, apparently I was the only person who didn’t know this, well there we are, if no-one tells me………
The Quill.
Thorverton v Bideford 3rd June 2017 at Thorverton
Won by 6 wickets.
The Rain, it Raineth William Shakespeare King Lear
Visiting Thorverton always seems to conjure pictures of damp and defeat. Today certainly was damp, but defeat was taken off the table by some exceptionally good performances.
The first (and perhaps critical) performance was that of captain Paul Heard in calling correctly and inserting Thorverton. With rain forecast and gloomy overhead conditions, it was quite clear that batting second, even if the pitch may be affected by rain was going to be a huge advantage. And so it was. After 12 overs of high performance bowling from PH and Fred King, torrential rain brought a halt to proceedings for just over an hour by which time the game was reduced to a 36 over match. The accuracy of Paul and Fred's bowling was such that, after those 12 overs Thorverton was 20-2 (at a similar stage Bideford were 48-3). Although the rain stop meant that Paul could only bowl two more overs, finishing with 2-22 with 2 maidens, and Fred could only bowl one more (finishing with 7 overs for 13 runs) Thorverton were already on the back foot. The first change bowlers, Jamie Lathwell and Josh Atkinson carried on with the great work. Although in the natural course of things they would be put under greater pressure because the batsman simply had to make up for the slow start, JL took another 3 wickets to add to the 5 last week, for a mere 17 runs with 2 maidens, and Josh joined him with 3-26. Michael Lemmings and Alex Hannam finished off the bowling (as Thorverton were finished off) ML finishing with 2-11. Thorverton finished on 103 all out off 33.5 overs - two overs unused. Three further points about this innings. First the ground fielding was superb, I cannot remember a misfield that cost any runs, the catching was exemplary – no catches to my knowledge were dropped, and finally and thirdly, a word about the umpires. During the first innings the weather was awful. Despite having to come off, the umpires got the game going very promptly and were to be praised carrying on when others may have been tempted to come off.
So, off we went with Matt Shepherd and James Ford opening as usual needing 104 off 36 – at 2.86 per overs. It can be noted that the weather at this point completely changed and it was a lovely simmer day. I suspect that the rain and sun had made the ground a little bit more helpful to the bowlers, for after Matt had hit a few shots around and James trying to emulate him doing likewise, Bideford had scored 38 and they were both out, Matt for 16 and JF for 10, batting became a much more difficult occupation Tom Brend and Jayson Bartolo both were caught trying to up the scoring rate and for a little while, although the innings was not becalmed, progress was very slow. This was due to some very sensible batting by Ollie Hannam (19 no) and Paul Heard (30 not out finishing the match with consecutive sixes) who really got their heads down and took the singles on offer and only trying hit the bad balls, of which, for a long time there were very few. OH had the great luck to be dropped off his first ball by the wicket keeper but road this luck to help PH bring the game home with overs to spare and 20 points in the bag. A great game of serious cricket and, I fancy, for various reasons, a very satisfying win.
So next week its off to the depths of South Devon, at Abbotskerswell, a new venue for me. The Abbots were top of the division in the early weeks, but have recently slipped. This game will be another test of the teams all round strengths.
Man of the Match – well it had to be the captain, didn't it.
Tomorrow the 1st NDL xl are at the Ho! and the Quill will, I understand, be there to record it. I also understand that the 2nds lost their first match of the season today after a remarkable run – but both teams have an 80% record with 4 out of 5 – and the 2nds having been promoted a really remarkable story.
The Quill.
Visiting Thorverton always seems to conjure pictures of damp and defeat. Today certainly was damp, but defeat was taken off the table by some exceptionally good performances.
The first (and perhaps critical) performance was that of captain Paul Heard in calling correctly and inserting Thorverton. With rain forecast and gloomy overhead conditions, it was quite clear that batting second, even if the pitch may be affected by rain was going to be a huge advantage. And so it was. After 12 overs of high performance bowling from PH and Fred King, torrential rain brought a halt to proceedings for just over an hour by which time the game was reduced to a 36 over match. The accuracy of Paul and Fred's bowling was such that, after those 12 overs Thorverton was 20-2 (at a similar stage Bideford were 48-3). Although the rain stop meant that Paul could only bowl two more overs, finishing with 2-22 with 2 maidens, and Fred could only bowl one more (finishing with 7 overs for 13 runs) Thorverton were already on the back foot. The first change bowlers, Jamie Lathwell and Josh Atkinson carried on with the great work. Although in the natural course of things they would be put under greater pressure because the batsman simply had to make up for the slow start, JL took another 3 wickets to add to the 5 last week, for a mere 17 runs with 2 maidens, and Josh joined him with 3-26. Michael Lemmings and Alex Hannam finished off the bowling (as Thorverton were finished off) ML finishing with 2-11. Thorverton finished on 103 all out off 33.5 overs - two overs unused. Three further points about this innings. First the ground fielding was superb, I cannot remember a misfield that cost any runs, the catching was exemplary – no catches to my knowledge were dropped, and finally and thirdly, a word about the umpires. During the first innings the weather was awful. Despite having to come off, the umpires got the game going very promptly and were to be praised carrying on when others may have been tempted to come off.
So, off we went with Matt Shepherd and James Ford opening as usual needing 104 off 36 – at 2.86 per overs. It can be noted that the weather at this point completely changed and it was a lovely simmer day. I suspect that the rain and sun had made the ground a little bit more helpful to the bowlers, for after Matt had hit a few shots around and James trying to emulate him doing likewise, Bideford had scored 38 and they were both out, Matt for 16 and JF for 10, batting became a much more difficult occupation Tom Brend and Jayson Bartolo both were caught trying to up the scoring rate and for a little while, although the innings was not becalmed, progress was very slow. This was due to some very sensible batting by Ollie Hannam (19 no) and Paul Heard (30 not out finishing the match with consecutive sixes) who really got their heads down and took the singles on offer and only trying hit the bad balls, of which, for a long time there were very few. OH had the great luck to be dropped off his first ball by the wicket keeper but road this luck to help PH bring the game home with overs to spare and 20 points in the bag. A great game of serious cricket and, I fancy, for various reasons, a very satisfying win.
So next week its off to the depths of South Devon, at Abbotskerswell, a new venue for me. The Abbots were top of the division in the early weeks, but have recently slipped. This game will be another test of the teams all round strengths.
Man of the Match – well it had to be the captain, didn't it.
Tomorrow the 1st NDL xl are at the Ho! and the Quill will, I understand, be there to record it. I also understand that the 2nds lost their first match of the season today after a remarkable run – but both teams have an 80% record with 4 out of 5 – and the 2nds having been promoted a really remarkable story.
The Quill.
Bideford v Shobrooke Park at the Ho! 27th May 2017 Devon League B
He who would Valiant be
Let him come hither from the hymn ‘To be a Pilgrim’ based on the ‘Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyon
As I drove through some quite heavy rain to the ground I reflected on the fact that all the matches the current scorer has scored against Brookes have been keenly fought, sometimes a little feisty, but on balance Shobrooke have got the better of Bideford.
Driving into the ground and seeing the ‘whale’ mopping up water from our new and improved covers did not add much the his fears. Nor did it seem to confirm the optimistic p[prognostications of the BBC and the Met Office that in the afternoon there would be bright sun. The occasion was not improved on learning that Shobrooke had called correctly and inserted Bideford. I wonder, I reflected whether someone else should have control of the coin, but in the same instant remembered that our last two wins had come on the back of defending a score on the board.
Matt Shepherd and James Ford opened, this time in that order, and soon Matt was despatching their vaunted Kiwi opening bowler to parts of the ground that he did not realise were there. Although Matt scored ‘only?’ 24 with 2 fours and 2 sixes, his treatment of the bowler was such that he was taken off after 3 overs and did not appear again until, in retrospect, the game was already won.
James Ford made a more stately 25 as is appropriate to such a senior player and it was a great surprise when he was suddenly caught for 25.
It was very nice to find Michael Young recently of this Parish as they say visiting us for the day, and in the next few overs one may have asked if he would help. Things did not go too well in the middle order and from 50-1 it became 90-6 and things looked pretty serious. However, at a time when someone valiant was needed, enter the valiant Jamie Lathwell. With a mixture of super drives and clubbed pulls, with 7 fours, he scored 39, the highest score of the day, and his partnership with Fred King of 28 (Fred 13) was the basis of our eventual win. Michael Lemmings hit 10 at the tail end of the innings, but another crucial factor were the extras of 26 – including 20 wides.
After the usual superb tea, Shobrooke’s innings commenced. Fred K had one opener superbly caught by Jamie L (who else?) but their senior pinch hitter scored 33 and caused Paul Heard to bring on Jamie L and Michael Lemmings, fairly early in the piece. (Paul was his usual parsimonious self).
Jamie and Michael proceeded to dismantle the innings totally. Jamie finishing 5-18 off his maximum of 7 overs and Michael with 2-18 off 9. Both truly remarkable figures. There was also some high quality catching, one by Tom Brend particularly caught the eye, as did one by Jayson Bartolo. The introduction of these caused the score to plummet from57-2 to 91-8. At one point JL and ML had bowled13 overs and taken 4-24. Astonishing. It was also very pleasing to see Alex Hannam come on at the end to take one wicket and then take the last, when the last wicket stand seemed to be beginning to have signs of life.
I have seen some fascinating and exciting days at the Ho! But this was probably the strangest, for apart from the high quality of the bowling the Bideford bowlers seemed to inflict a serpentine hypnotic spell on the batsman to commit suicide, but, as the writer said he would valiant be come hither, and today that valiant hero was Jamie L. A magnificent performance by him and the team
Tomorrow is aNorth Devon League match sat Instow. Unfortunately The Quill will not be on hand to cover this, advancing years and diminishing mental prowess (from a not very high base) is I am afraid impinging on his abilities, however next weekend there is another away match in the Devon League against Thorverton and a home match on Sunday versus Hatherleigh in the North Devon League. Deo volente both of these will be covered.
So, as they say, we left a ground humming with excitement as all the pilgrims wended their happy ways home.
The Quill
Let him come hither from the hymn ‘To be a Pilgrim’ based on the ‘Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyon
As I drove through some quite heavy rain to the ground I reflected on the fact that all the matches the current scorer has scored against Brookes have been keenly fought, sometimes a little feisty, but on balance Shobrooke have got the better of Bideford.
Driving into the ground and seeing the ‘whale’ mopping up water from our new and improved covers did not add much the his fears. Nor did it seem to confirm the optimistic p[prognostications of the BBC and the Met Office that in the afternoon there would be bright sun. The occasion was not improved on learning that Shobrooke had called correctly and inserted Bideford. I wonder, I reflected whether someone else should have control of the coin, but in the same instant remembered that our last two wins had come on the back of defending a score on the board.
Matt Shepherd and James Ford opened, this time in that order, and soon Matt was despatching their vaunted Kiwi opening bowler to parts of the ground that he did not realise were there. Although Matt scored ‘only?’ 24 with 2 fours and 2 sixes, his treatment of the bowler was such that he was taken off after 3 overs and did not appear again until, in retrospect, the game was already won.
James Ford made a more stately 25 as is appropriate to such a senior player and it was a great surprise when he was suddenly caught for 25.
It was very nice to find Michael Young recently of this Parish as they say visiting us for the day, and in the next few overs one may have asked if he would help. Things did not go too well in the middle order and from 50-1 it became 90-6 and things looked pretty serious. However, at a time when someone valiant was needed, enter the valiant Jamie Lathwell. With a mixture of super drives and clubbed pulls, with 7 fours, he scored 39, the highest score of the day, and his partnership with Fred King of 28 (Fred 13) was the basis of our eventual win. Michael Lemmings hit 10 at the tail end of the innings, but another crucial factor were the extras of 26 – including 20 wides.
After the usual superb tea, Shobrooke’s innings commenced. Fred K had one opener superbly caught by Jamie L (who else?) but their senior pinch hitter scored 33 and caused Paul Heard to bring on Jamie L and Michael Lemmings, fairly early in the piece. (Paul was his usual parsimonious self).
Jamie and Michael proceeded to dismantle the innings totally. Jamie finishing 5-18 off his maximum of 7 overs and Michael with 2-18 off 9. Both truly remarkable figures. There was also some high quality catching, one by Tom Brend particularly caught the eye, as did one by Jayson Bartolo. The introduction of these caused the score to plummet from57-2 to 91-8. At one point JL and ML had bowled13 overs and taken 4-24. Astonishing. It was also very pleasing to see Alex Hannam come on at the end to take one wicket and then take the last, when the last wicket stand seemed to be beginning to have signs of life.
I have seen some fascinating and exciting days at the Ho! But this was probably the strangest, for apart from the high quality of the bowling the Bideford bowlers seemed to inflict a serpentine hypnotic spell on the batsman to commit suicide, but, as the writer said he would valiant be come hither, and today that valiant hero was Jamie L. A magnificent performance by him and the team
Tomorrow is aNorth Devon League match sat Instow. Unfortunately The Quill will not be on hand to cover this, advancing years and diminishing mental prowess (from a not very high base) is I am afraid impinging on his abilities, however next weekend there is another away match in the Devon League against Thorverton and a home match on Sunday versus Hatherleigh in the North Devon League. Deo volente both of these will be covered.
So, as they say, we left a ground humming with excitement as all the pilgrims wended their happy ways home.
The Quill
Bideford v Filleigh at Westward Ho! 14th May 2017. North Devon League
Better Late than never – Proverbs,
It is certainly true that, as Proverbs says it is better late than never, but there are times when the late is too late to be better than the never, and this afternoon at the Ho! thus was true.
With Matt Shepherd leading the Sunday 1st X1 for the first match of the season, the one scheduled against Bratton Fleming having been cancelled due to rain, the team were anxious to start the season on a high note, especially as Filleigh had been promoted in the Devon League to our division so that we will, weather permitting, be playing them 4 times this season.
At this time of year, tosses are crucial to win, but unfortunately Filleigh called correctly and Bideford were inserted. It is very difficult on pitches that have not yet achieved the hardness of an august wicket to estimate what is or isn't a defensible target. Be too cautious and you are out of the contest, be too ambitious and you may run out of wickets.
The openers were the regular Saturday openers, Matt himself and James Ford, but Matt took the first ball. There were a few scares with balls in the air and soon JF was out for 8, caught and bowled, and Matt for 19 (3 sixes) dismissed in the same say and Bideford were 30 – 2. Clearly Jayson Bartolo and Paul Lathwell needed to provide a secure platform, which they proceeded to do. They put on 56 to give the innings a sound basis, and JB played very well as the man around whom the innings would shape. Paul was out for 20, and Ian Hayter joined JB to give the innings impetus which he did striking 32 off 28 with 3 sixes. The ever dependable John Weeks was 15 off 12 not out, Fred King making a welcome return after injury, 13 off 9 and Jamie Lathwell 12 off 9. Jayson ended with splendid 60 with 8 fours but the question was, was it enough.
After a splendid Ball family tea, we were to find out. The Filleigh opening batters found a solid opening partnership which survived 13 overs and put on 63. It is true to say that from the start Filleigh were always up with the required run rate. Eventually Jamie Lathwell accounted for both openers (caught by IH behind) and Martin Stewart had a well deserved victim. He certainly looks better (from the score box at least) bowling his left arm spin. However there then developed the match winning partnership, one half of which was their overseas player. He was dropped at least 3, possibly four times which makes it very difficult to win a match. Turning to his last card, Matt turned to James Ford, how many times has he been called upon in this sort of situation, and he immediately was rewarded with Jamie Lathwell taking a good catch in the deep. In his next over JF had 2 in 3 balls. In the next over Fred got a clean bowled was it still possible. Seven down and 12 to make. But no, it was to late to be better and their number 9 smote 3 mighty blows and that was that, Just a little bit too late. - (Title of a song by the Mindbenders a group (or band) from the 60s who backed Wayne Fontana - don't say you get know cultural references here! ) Filleigh 20 points, Bideford 7.
Next week normal service on Saturday from Ottery St Mary, but on Sunday I am afraid I am available so you will have to persuade the players to spread news through facetwitter or some other line of communication – what happened to the cocoa tins and ball of string I would like to know (if you don't understand this reference ask your parents, if you do should you still be playing?)
Well, there we are disappointing but 7 points is a better start than we made last season so lets not be down,
The Quill
It is certainly true that, as Proverbs says it is better late than never, but there are times when the late is too late to be better than the never, and this afternoon at the Ho! thus was true.
With Matt Shepherd leading the Sunday 1st X1 for the first match of the season, the one scheduled against Bratton Fleming having been cancelled due to rain, the team were anxious to start the season on a high note, especially as Filleigh had been promoted in the Devon League to our division so that we will, weather permitting, be playing them 4 times this season.
At this time of year, tosses are crucial to win, but unfortunately Filleigh called correctly and Bideford were inserted. It is very difficult on pitches that have not yet achieved the hardness of an august wicket to estimate what is or isn't a defensible target. Be too cautious and you are out of the contest, be too ambitious and you may run out of wickets.
The openers were the regular Saturday openers, Matt himself and James Ford, but Matt took the first ball. There were a few scares with balls in the air and soon JF was out for 8, caught and bowled, and Matt for 19 (3 sixes) dismissed in the same say and Bideford were 30 – 2. Clearly Jayson Bartolo and Paul Lathwell needed to provide a secure platform, which they proceeded to do. They put on 56 to give the innings a sound basis, and JB played very well as the man around whom the innings would shape. Paul was out for 20, and Ian Hayter joined JB to give the innings impetus which he did striking 32 off 28 with 3 sixes. The ever dependable John Weeks was 15 off 12 not out, Fred King making a welcome return after injury, 13 off 9 and Jamie Lathwell 12 off 9. Jayson ended with splendid 60 with 8 fours but the question was, was it enough.
After a splendid Ball family tea, we were to find out. The Filleigh opening batters found a solid opening partnership which survived 13 overs and put on 63. It is true to say that from the start Filleigh were always up with the required run rate. Eventually Jamie Lathwell accounted for both openers (caught by IH behind) and Martin Stewart had a well deserved victim. He certainly looks better (from the score box at least) bowling his left arm spin. However there then developed the match winning partnership, one half of which was their overseas player. He was dropped at least 3, possibly four times which makes it very difficult to win a match. Turning to his last card, Matt turned to James Ford, how many times has he been called upon in this sort of situation, and he immediately was rewarded with Jamie Lathwell taking a good catch in the deep. In his next over JF had 2 in 3 balls. In the next over Fred got a clean bowled was it still possible. Seven down and 12 to make. But no, it was to late to be better and their number 9 smote 3 mighty blows and that was that, Just a little bit too late. - (Title of a song by the Mindbenders a group (or band) from the 60s who backed Wayne Fontana - don't say you get know cultural references here! ) Filleigh 20 points, Bideford 7.
Next week normal service on Saturday from Ottery St Mary, but on Sunday I am afraid I am available so you will have to persuade the players to spread news through facetwitter or some other line of communication – what happened to the cocoa tins and ball of string I would like to know (if you don't understand this reference ask your parents, if you do should you still be playing?)
Well, there we are disappointing but 7 points is a better start than we made last season so lets not be down,
The Quill
v Seaton away 13 May
He who overcometh by force, hath overcome but half his foe. John Milton
After last weeks rather lacklustre affair against Tavistock, both on the field and in the scorebox it was clear that today was a very important one for all involved. The loss to Tavistock did not come under the head of a few of those games you come across when you are beaten by a better team and can do little about it, but rather by a lack of something at various moments of the game. It was vitally important that those somethings that were missing were found quickly. Seaton were promoted last season and for a team eyeing promotion such as ours, this was an absolutely must win.
Importantly Paul Heard won the toss and opted to bowl. It was clear from last week that on early season pitches, however well prepared, it is impossible to judge what is or is not a defensible target.
Paul himself opened from the sea end and in 9 high quality overs with 3 maidens took 1-15inb a spell of high quality bowling which set the scene for the afternoon. His parsimony wormed itself into he Seaton soul and it was only for a brief spell that Seaton's scoring rate was over 3 runs per over.
Jamie Lathwell in his first over, found the opener anxious to get away from his bowling and in trying to take a short single run out his partner to a fantastic direct hit from Alex Hannam. Jamie finished with an economic return of 20 runs from 7 overs, always looking threatening. Josh Atkinson and Alex H then bowled in partnership for 14 overs Josh finishing with 2-32 whilst Alex finished with 3-27 and bowled as well, as aggressively and as sensibly as I have seen him bowl for some time. However they were all bettered by Michael Lemmings, who seems anxious the take over the role played for so many years by James Ford of bowling out the tail and snuffing out any late danger finished with 3-9, plus some catches. Seaton were bowled out for 121 – should have been 221 at the very least. Great thought had also gone into the ground fielding which was as good as I have seen for a long tome. I shall long remember the senior member of the team (age wise) diving on the ball at mid-off to stop a 4. The fact that the ball went for 4 makes now difference to the intent. The only blemish was 3 catches, at least one very difficult, but to bowl a team out on their home ground with overs to save for such a miserly total shows great control.
After tea, the now established pairing of James Ford and Matt Shepherd opened. Now here I am in some difficulty with my text, for if there is one man in the County who overcometh by force, it is Matt and this he did to great effect. He faced the second over, and took 24 including 3 sixes. That is nearly 20% of the total required and bringing the required total to under 1.9 an over. Thereafter it was a case of sensible batting. This JF (of course) did immaculately, Tom Brend emulating Matt by hitting 3 sixes (not in the same over) and finishing on 38 not out, and James brought up yet another 50 with a straight 6. Seaton were sent packing with 3 points to Bideford's 20. Just a small adjustment of attitudes from week one made all the difference.
And back to the beginning, what about the scoring. Well after a great deal of difficulty this was eventually delivered back to its original location to, hopefully, everyone’s satisfaction. So what about man of the match. The computer had its own ideas, but there were many in the offing, the batsmen all the bowlers, but I, The Quill, unbiased as I am, think that on this occasion that accolade must go to the hard working scorer – any objections?
Tomorrow we are the Ho! to host Filleigh after last weeks wash out. Weather forecast not too good but lets hope.
Next week its Ottery St Mary away – another short hop for the scorer over the Blackdown hills.
A very satisfactory day.
The Quill
After last weeks rather lacklustre affair against Tavistock, both on the field and in the scorebox it was clear that today was a very important one for all involved. The loss to Tavistock did not come under the head of a few of those games you come across when you are beaten by a better team and can do little about it, but rather by a lack of something at various moments of the game. It was vitally important that those somethings that were missing were found quickly. Seaton were promoted last season and for a team eyeing promotion such as ours, this was an absolutely must win.
Importantly Paul Heard won the toss and opted to bowl. It was clear from last week that on early season pitches, however well prepared, it is impossible to judge what is or is not a defensible target.
Paul himself opened from the sea end and in 9 high quality overs with 3 maidens took 1-15inb a spell of high quality bowling which set the scene for the afternoon. His parsimony wormed itself into he Seaton soul and it was only for a brief spell that Seaton's scoring rate was over 3 runs per over.
Jamie Lathwell in his first over, found the opener anxious to get away from his bowling and in trying to take a short single run out his partner to a fantastic direct hit from Alex Hannam. Jamie finished with an economic return of 20 runs from 7 overs, always looking threatening. Josh Atkinson and Alex H then bowled in partnership for 14 overs Josh finishing with 2-32 whilst Alex finished with 3-27 and bowled as well, as aggressively and as sensibly as I have seen him bowl for some time. However they were all bettered by Michael Lemmings, who seems anxious the take over the role played for so many years by James Ford of bowling out the tail and snuffing out any late danger finished with 3-9, plus some catches. Seaton were bowled out for 121 – should have been 221 at the very least. Great thought had also gone into the ground fielding which was as good as I have seen for a long tome. I shall long remember the senior member of the team (age wise) diving on the ball at mid-off to stop a 4. The fact that the ball went for 4 makes now difference to the intent. The only blemish was 3 catches, at least one very difficult, but to bowl a team out on their home ground with overs to save for such a miserly total shows great control.
After tea, the now established pairing of James Ford and Matt Shepherd opened. Now here I am in some difficulty with my text, for if there is one man in the County who overcometh by force, it is Matt and this he did to great effect. He faced the second over, and took 24 including 3 sixes. That is nearly 20% of the total required and bringing the required total to under 1.9 an over. Thereafter it was a case of sensible batting. This JF (of course) did immaculately, Tom Brend emulating Matt by hitting 3 sixes (not in the same over) and finishing on 38 not out, and James brought up yet another 50 with a straight 6. Seaton were sent packing with 3 points to Bideford's 20. Just a small adjustment of attitudes from week one made all the difference.
And back to the beginning, what about the scoring. Well after a great deal of difficulty this was eventually delivered back to its original location to, hopefully, everyone’s satisfaction. So what about man of the match. The computer had its own ideas, but there were many in the offing, the batsmen all the bowlers, but I, The Quill, unbiased as I am, think that on this occasion that accolade must go to the hard working scorer – any objections?
Tomorrow we are the Ho! to host Filleigh after last weeks wash out. Weather forecast not too good but lets hope.
Next week its Ottery St Mary away – another short hop for the scorer over the Blackdown hills.
A very satisfactory day.
The Quill
v Somerset home 7 May
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside
Last Sunday dawned fair and bright for this important day for the club. The Ho! Was looking sparkling with the sun shining on the Gazebos and tents, not to mention the mobile bar and all looked fair for another Testimonial match, this time for the very popular James Hildreth. 8 of the players who represented Somerset yesterday in 50/50 against Hampshire were on duty which was a great gesture by the Somerset.
The picturesque state of the ground reflected the organisational skills of our supreme leader, Rod Hannam, who surely showed himself to be worthy of a great national leadership job – if one was available at present!
As seems miraculously to happen on these occasions, Somerset won the toss and batted. Bearing in mind the talent of the batting, one may not want to dwell on figures too much but the following are worth noting. Michael Lemmings was the most economical and got one wicket, Jamie Lathwell and Jack Ford each got 2 in 2, while Josh Atkinson and Alex Hannam got one each Ollie Hannam – one could not help but mention him – had a good day behind the stumps and in general the fielding was of a high order, bearing in mind that 26 of them they couldn’t field at all as they soared overhead. A figure of 302 – 87 seemed a mite daunting at the time.
Bideford openers, Matt Shepherd and James Ford faced the might of the Overtons to start with, but did not flinch from their duty, with James Ford hitting 35 off 28 including several bouncers, did someone mentioned they had played against each other before, and contributing to an excellent opening stand of 86. Matt Shepherd was in fact the main contributor with 56. Tom Brend then scored 12 in his usual style and Jayson Bartolo, who seems to have arrived from Australia to be greeted with sickness and a county side scored 21. Oliver Hannam got 17 off 13 whilst the others hit with abandon, Jamie Lathwell and Josh Atkinson being not out at the close 158 -7. A highly enjoyable day for all.
After the game the players and officials had a wonderful tea provided by Gareth Davies and his team of helpers, following an equally splendid sponsors lunch.
And there the day ended. Hopefully everyone enjoyed themselves by the seaside (hence my text at the start, clever?) and hopefully one day, again, perhaps……
The Quill
Last Sunday dawned fair and bright for this important day for the club. The Ho! Was looking sparkling with the sun shining on the Gazebos and tents, not to mention the mobile bar and all looked fair for another Testimonial match, this time for the very popular James Hildreth. 8 of the players who represented Somerset yesterday in 50/50 against Hampshire were on duty which was a great gesture by the Somerset.
The picturesque state of the ground reflected the organisational skills of our supreme leader, Rod Hannam, who surely showed himself to be worthy of a great national leadership job – if one was available at present!
As seems miraculously to happen on these occasions, Somerset won the toss and batted. Bearing in mind the talent of the batting, one may not want to dwell on figures too much but the following are worth noting. Michael Lemmings was the most economical and got one wicket, Jamie Lathwell and Jack Ford each got 2 in 2, while Josh Atkinson and Alex Hannam got one each Ollie Hannam – one could not help but mention him – had a good day behind the stumps and in general the fielding was of a high order, bearing in mind that 26 of them they couldn’t field at all as they soared overhead. A figure of 302 – 87 seemed a mite daunting at the time.
Bideford openers, Matt Shepherd and James Ford faced the might of the Overtons to start with, but did not flinch from their duty, with James Ford hitting 35 off 28 including several bouncers, did someone mentioned they had played against each other before, and contributing to an excellent opening stand of 86. Matt Shepherd was in fact the main contributor with 56. Tom Brend then scored 12 in his usual style and Jayson Bartolo, who seems to have arrived from Australia to be greeted with sickness and a county side scored 21. Oliver Hannam got 17 off 13 whilst the others hit with abandon, Jamie Lathwell and Josh Atkinson being not out at the close 158 -7. A highly enjoyable day for all.
After the game the players and officials had a wonderful tea provided by Gareth Davies and his team of helpers, following an equally splendid sponsors lunch.
And there the day ended. Hopefully everyone enjoyed themselves by the seaside (hence my text at the start, clever?) and hopefully one day, again, perhaps……
The Quill
v Tavistock home 6 May
The First shall be last - The Bible
The season started today, as last year, witth a home match against Tavistock - always a keenly fought affair.
Last year I was unable to attnd this match and arrived at the ground at about 6 to see that Bide had steam rollered Tavistock into a early trip home. Alas, the same was not to happen this year. Bideford won the toss and captain Paul Heard opted to Bat. For the first few overs, Matt Shepherd, James Ford and PH all seemed infected with some kind of Shepherd bug namely, to see how high the ball could be hit without reaching the boundary. Tom Brend was caught in the slips, and Oliver Hannam showed some good shots before he played back to one he should have come forward to, brother Alex mistimed a drive, Jamie Lathwell was bowled and suddenly we were 7-95 and 8-105 with defeat staring us in the face. However our visitor Jayson Bartolo is clearly made of sterner stuff and in very sensible partnerships with Josh Atkinson, and Michael Lemmings he scored 67 and saw Bideford to a modest but possibly defendable total of 172 all out on the last ball.
after the usual splendid tea, Tavistock set of like a greyhound from the traps and were 65 for none after 10 overs. Paul Heard bowled splendidly from the sea end taking 3 wickets for 24 off 9 overs with 3 maidens. The top end was more problematic with nearly 50 runs coming off the first 5 overs. However after a couple of overs Jamie Lathwell straightened one and got an LBW. Josh Atkinson got a caught and bowled first ball, and Michael Lemmings bowled his first 6 overs for 5 runs and got one wicket.
However Tavistock's number 3 batsman held firm and assisted their number 3 to get Tavvy over the line with 4 wickets and 3 overs to spare.
Next week we are at Seaton, a match we must win.
However, as one can judge from the brevity of this report, all eyes are at the moment focused on the match against Somerset Tomorrow.
However, back to my text for the day. The best stands on both sides were achieved with the lower order batsman - should 'the first be last - I think not, well not yet, and not really
The Quill (cold at the seaside)
The season started today, as last year, witth a home match against Tavistock - always a keenly fought affair.
Last year I was unable to attnd this match and arrived at the ground at about 6 to see that Bide had steam rollered Tavistock into a early trip home. Alas, the same was not to happen this year. Bideford won the toss and captain Paul Heard opted to Bat. For the first few overs, Matt Shepherd, James Ford and PH all seemed infected with some kind of Shepherd bug namely, to see how high the ball could be hit without reaching the boundary. Tom Brend was caught in the slips, and Oliver Hannam showed some good shots before he played back to one he should have come forward to, brother Alex mistimed a drive, Jamie Lathwell was bowled and suddenly we were 7-95 and 8-105 with defeat staring us in the face. However our visitor Jayson Bartolo is clearly made of sterner stuff and in very sensible partnerships with Josh Atkinson, and Michael Lemmings he scored 67 and saw Bideford to a modest but possibly defendable total of 172 all out on the last ball.
after the usual splendid tea, Tavistock set of like a greyhound from the traps and were 65 for none after 10 overs. Paul Heard bowled splendidly from the sea end taking 3 wickets for 24 off 9 overs with 3 maidens. The top end was more problematic with nearly 50 runs coming off the first 5 overs. However after a couple of overs Jamie Lathwell straightened one and got an LBW. Josh Atkinson got a caught and bowled first ball, and Michael Lemmings bowled his first 6 overs for 5 runs and got one wicket.
However Tavistock's number 3 batsman held firm and assisted their number 3 to get Tavvy over the line with 4 wickets and 3 overs to spare.
Next week we are at Seaton, a match we must win.
However, as one can judge from the brevity of this report, all eyes are at the moment focused on the match against Somerset Tomorrow.
However, back to my text for the day. The best stands on both sides were achieved with the lower order batsman - should 'the first be last - I think not, well not yet, and not really
The Quill (cold at the seaside)
2016 Season Review
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If t'were done, then best t'were done quick (Macbeth probably slightly corrupted – which as you all know was written by a Westmidlander of the name of Shakespeare).
I have never made secret of the fact that Sandford is one of my favourite grounds, and I may have said in the past that I always enjoy playing against Sandford. Even if the cricket is hard they always seem decent guys and the games are always played in good spirits, as, so far as I could gather, was today’s. They also have one of the best and nicest scorer’s in the League – after Bideford’s of course – and today we had two of the better (I was going to say best, but better not go over the top) umpires in the League and the whole thing went swingingly along. In fact, the first 20 overs were bowled in an hour and the whole 40 overs, including the drinks break took just over 2 hours 5 minutes. Test Cricketers read this !!
There was clearly an intention to get things going, so when Sandford won the toss and elected to bat visions of the Heathcoat game at the Ho! were conjured up to me. Readers may recall that in that astonishing match, Fred King and Chris Luxton opened the bowling and reduced Heathcoat to 24 – 7 after 16 overs. The same did not quite happen, but certainly CL was back to his old mean bowling clocking 2 20 off 8 overs. Fred was not quite back to his old self, having I gather been injured, but he took two importantly catches to make up for this. So after CL had the first two, Jamie Lathwell, hot from playing a semi final I n some other form of cricket, got 2 more, David Staddon got one as did Rob North, and Ji Eccles got two stumpings – it could have been more if the umpire had been to specsavers – and showed really quick hands. However the star of the bowling department was Tom Parkhouse with an astonishing 4 – 18. All this meant that Sandford had racked up a rather puny 136 all out – 6 more, the reader will recall, than D & T managed yesterday.
With pressure on numbers with the Hannam family been on some sort of jolly in Ireland, Andy Webbe was persuaded to open the e batting, and racked up 46 with 3 sixes and 6 fours. His partnership with Jack Ford at 3 (18) and Jack’s Partnership with Ji Eccles who hit 37 off 18 balls (four sixes and 2 fours) the match, like yesterday’s was over in a trice (if t'were done its best if etc....you didn't think I would make that one did you) and that was the season, for the Sunday 1st team, over. Hovering precipitately near the bottom of the Division lets hope that we have done enough to save us from relegation – but nothing is decided in reality until the North Devon League AGM.
So well done, Chaps. It’s been a real rollercoaster, and if there has been a problem it’s not been in winning matches – we have done plenty of that, it’s that when we get beaten, we don’t seem to pick up any points. Perhaps next year we could consider this at the start of the season. However today is a day for celebration and jubilation, and any other ‘ation’ you wish to add. It’s been fun, so let’s start thinking about next year.
The Quill.
I have never made secret of the fact that Sandford is one of my favourite grounds, and I may have said in the past that I always enjoy playing against Sandford. Even if the cricket is hard they always seem decent guys and the games are always played in good spirits, as, so far as I could gather, was today’s. They also have one of the best and nicest scorer’s in the League – after Bideford’s of course – and today we had two of the better (I was going to say best, but better not go over the top) umpires in the League and the whole thing went swingingly along. In fact, the first 20 overs were bowled in an hour and the whole 40 overs, including the drinks break took just over 2 hours 5 minutes. Test Cricketers read this !!
There was clearly an intention to get things going, so when Sandford won the toss and elected to bat visions of the Heathcoat game at the Ho! were conjured up to me. Readers may recall that in that astonishing match, Fred King and Chris Luxton opened the bowling and reduced Heathcoat to 24 – 7 after 16 overs. The same did not quite happen, but certainly CL was back to his old mean bowling clocking 2 20 off 8 overs. Fred was not quite back to his old self, having I gather been injured, but he took two importantly catches to make up for this. So after CL had the first two, Jamie Lathwell, hot from playing a semi final I n some other form of cricket, got 2 more, David Staddon got one as did Rob North, and Ji Eccles got two stumpings – it could have been more if the umpire had been to specsavers – and showed really quick hands. However the star of the bowling department was Tom Parkhouse with an astonishing 4 – 18. All this meant that Sandford had racked up a rather puny 136 all out – 6 more, the reader will recall, than D & T managed yesterday.
With pressure on numbers with the Hannam family been on some sort of jolly in Ireland, Andy Webbe was persuaded to open the e batting, and racked up 46 with 3 sixes and 6 fours. His partnership with Jack Ford at 3 (18) and Jack’s Partnership with Ji Eccles who hit 37 off 18 balls (four sixes and 2 fours) the match, like yesterday’s was over in a trice (if t'were done its best if etc....you didn't think I would make that one did you) and that was the season, for the Sunday 1st team, over. Hovering precipitately near the bottom of the Division lets hope that we have done enough to save us from relegation – but nothing is decided in reality until the North Devon League AGM.
So well done, Chaps. It’s been a real rollercoaster, and if there has been a problem it’s not been in winning matches – we have done plenty of that, it’s that when we get beaten, we don’t seem to pick up any points. Perhaps next year we could consider this at the start of the season. However today is a day for celebration and jubilation, and any other ‘ation’ you wish to add. It’s been fun, so let’s start thinking about next year.
The Quill.
V Dartington & Totnes at home 27th Augus
Go South young man, go south (American Stock Market Slang).
It was a somewhat despondent 10 man D & T team who arrived shortly before 1 pm at the Ho!, and whilst all eyes were on this game, half an eye (if you can have 2 and a half eyes) were on the game at Plymstock were the home team, second in the table, were playing the top team. If Ivybridge won, they would be promoted and it would be left to Plymstock to win their last game to be sure of promotion. However, although they struggled, Plymstock beat Ivybridge – and guess where we are playing next week? – that’s right, at Ivybridge. I have not seen the latest table yet but a convincing win could put us back into the A division. But first things first, we had to beat D & T first.
Already relegated after an awful season, D & T lost the toss, were inserted and although all their batsmen got some sort of start, Paul Heard with 2 – 26 off 9, Michael Lemmings and Jamie Lathwell got one each, Fred King bowling off his short run got 3 – 8 off 5, and Martin Stewart did the James Ford thing of getting the last two. The only blemish was three catches going down in two overs towards the end., A total of 129 never really looked as if would be good enough. Certainly Josh Atkinson and Paul H got some life from the pitch early on but D & T were hardly inspiring.
A fantastic tea, following a fantastic vice-presidents lunch, I only had time for a taster (shame really) was awaiting the players, and with the amount provided (and consumed) it was surprising that the teams managed to get onto the pitch for the second innings. James Ford opened (of course) with Matt Shepherd again. Matt smashed 50 off 25 balls and took the game away from D & T virtually before the innings had started. James Ford, his usual caution showing at the start, suddenly got into the ‘Shepherd node’ and got caught at mid off, after which Tom Brend (on one leg) and Pail Heard on 30 and 24 respectively – ended the game with 25r overs still to go. It couldn’t really have been much easier. However, to win promotion we have to go South young man, next week (yes I know it’s a bit contrived but it has been a long season and I have just moved house – well my wife did help) and thump Ivybridge. Can we do it, well we thumped them up here, so there’s no reason why not. It has been an exhilarating season let’s hope for an exhilarating ending.
Tomorrow back to the Ho! For a very important relegation battle against table toppers Sandford, a game that must be won. So hold on tight, for in this roller coaster season, anything can happen
Cheers
The Quill
It was a somewhat despondent 10 man D & T team who arrived shortly before 1 pm at the Ho!, and whilst all eyes were on this game, half an eye (if you can have 2 and a half eyes) were on the game at Plymstock were the home team, second in the table, were playing the top team. If Ivybridge won, they would be promoted and it would be left to Plymstock to win their last game to be sure of promotion. However, although they struggled, Plymstock beat Ivybridge – and guess where we are playing next week? – that’s right, at Ivybridge. I have not seen the latest table yet but a convincing win could put us back into the A division. But first things first, we had to beat D & T first.
Already relegated after an awful season, D & T lost the toss, were inserted and although all their batsmen got some sort of start, Paul Heard with 2 – 26 off 9, Michael Lemmings and Jamie Lathwell got one each, Fred King bowling off his short run got 3 – 8 off 5, and Martin Stewart did the James Ford thing of getting the last two. The only blemish was three catches going down in two overs towards the end., A total of 129 never really looked as if would be good enough. Certainly Josh Atkinson and Paul H got some life from the pitch early on but D & T were hardly inspiring.
A fantastic tea, following a fantastic vice-presidents lunch, I only had time for a taster (shame really) was awaiting the players, and with the amount provided (and consumed) it was surprising that the teams managed to get onto the pitch for the second innings. James Ford opened (of course) with Matt Shepherd again. Matt smashed 50 off 25 balls and took the game away from D & T virtually before the innings had started. James Ford, his usual caution showing at the start, suddenly got into the ‘Shepherd node’ and got caught at mid off, after which Tom Brend (on one leg) and Pail Heard on 30 and 24 respectively – ended the game with 25r overs still to go. It couldn’t really have been much easier. However, to win promotion we have to go South young man, next week (yes I know it’s a bit contrived but it has been a long season and I have just moved house – well my wife did help) and thump Ivybridge. Can we do it, well we thumped them up here, so there’s no reason why not. It has been an exhilarating season let’s hope for an exhilarating ending.
Tomorrow back to the Ho! For a very important relegation battle against table toppers Sandford, a game that must be won. So hold on tight, for in this roller coaster season, anything can happen
Cheers
The Quill
v Shobrook Park away. Saturday 20th August
The Wind bloweth...and thou hearest the sound of it. (Gospel of St John)
With the dire forecast of wind and rain it scarcely seemed sensible to set out for Shobrook Park from the humble abode in Somerset, but on arrival the weather was quite pleasant, although the wind certainly bloweth. However, having won the toss and elected to field nothing really went right. Steve Bond, Michael Lemmings, Josh Atkinson and (of course) James Ford each had one wicket and there was a run out. Shobrook scored 225 in 41 overs – four lost to rain – a difficult score to chase.
After tea however, not only did the wind bloweth, but the rain raineth. After an on off period, When the overs were reduced to 35, the rain raineth with a vengeance and after some shilly shallying Shobrook conceded that there was no hope if finishing the game and we all went home with 8 points in our pocket – 2 more than most teams in our division. Next week bottom of the table Dartington and Totnes, already relegated come to the Ho! and if we beat them it is possible that the final game of the season is for promotion.
However subject to pitch conditions, tomorrow is Newton Tracey at home in as very unimportant North Devon League match. Hopefully I will be reporting tomorrow
Sunday 14th August Sunday 2nd Xl v Bude
Well, here the Quill is, safely ensconced in sunny Somerset following a deeply harrowing move – but its done, and Mrs Quill is on top of the matter – suffice it to say that about a ton of Somerset Soil was lifted from the carpet on the 1st wash.
I was disappointed to miss the Braunton match – I have missed two this season, the first v Tavistock. Both matches were resounding wins for Biddy and it seemed to me a hint that the excellent stand in Jeff King (its not usual for the stand in to be better than the 'principal, but there we are), should perhaps take over, but for some reason he seems reluctant, so I am back again and thoroughly enjoyed Sunday's encounter against Bude. The weather was infinitely preferable to the away match, which I believe was played in April, although the wind from the Arctic on that day made it feel like January. Sunday's fine weather was such a change from some of the weather in recent matches. Bude won the toss and elected to bat. The openers made good progress, but when Jamie Lathwell was introduced, after a range finding first over proceeded to take 5 wickets for 22 off his eight overs. At one stage Bude were 82-5 but somehow slipped away until at the end Josh Stephenson took 3 wickets in three overs and James Ford came on to take his usual tail end wickets 2-0. A final total of 234 was more than they should have got, but it was a flat wicket.
John Weeks opened with Matt Shepherd who, following his heroics against Braunton scored a rapid 11 before being unluckily caught at fine leg. JW seemed out of touch which brought together James and Jack Ford. Son outscored father 32 – 11 but both were out when they shouldn't have been. James Hayter scored a decent 11. However at 113 for 5 anything could happen. What did happen was Jamie Lathwell and Ollie Hannam. With caution when appropriate, quick running, and smashing the bad ball, they put on a partnership of 122 and took Bideford home with 8 balls remaining. Jamie Lathwell was not out 82 (his 50 off 63 balls, Ollie Hannam not out 60 (50 in 53 balls). This was an assured mature partnership and shows great promise for the future. So there we are home by 5 wickets, 20 valuable points.
Saturday takes the 1st Xl to Shoebrook Park but the weather forecast isn't too good, whilst Sunday takes us back to the Ho! with Newton Tracey visiting, again the weather forecast is difficult. However the Shoebrook game is fascinating both teams needing a victory – for different reason so I will report back after that game.
I was disappointed to miss the Braunton match – I have missed two this season, the first v Tavistock. Both matches were resounding wins for Biddy and it seemed to me a hint that the excellent stand in Jeff King (its not usual for the stand in to be better than the 'principal, but there we are), should perhaps take over, but for some reason he seems reluctant, so I am back again and thoroughly enjoyed Sunday's encounter against Bude. The weather was infinitely preferable to the away match, which I believe was played in April, although the wind from the Arctic on that day made it feel like January. Sunday's fine weather was such a change from some of the weather in recent matches. Bude won the toss and elected to bat. The openers made good progress, but when Jamie Lathwell was introduced, after a range finding first over proceeded to take 5 wickets for 22 off his eight overs. At one stage Bude were 82-5 but somehow slipped away until at the end Josh Stephenson took 3 wickets in three overs and James Ford came on to take his usual tail end wickets 2-0. A final total of 234 was more than they should have got, but it was a flat wicket.
John Weeks opened with Matt Shepherd who, following his heroics against Braunton scored a rapid 11 before being unluckily caught at fine leg. JW seemed out of touch which brought together James and Jack Ford. Son outscored father 32 – 11 but both were out when they shouldn't have been. James Hayter scored a decent 11. However at 113 for 5 anything could happen. What did happen was Jamie Lathwell and Ollie Hannam. With caution when appropriate, quick running, and smashing the bad ball, they put on a partnership of 122 and took Bideford home with 8 balls remaining. Jamie Lathwell was not out 82 (his 50 off 63 balls, Ollie Hannam not out 60 (50 in 53 balls). This was an assured mature partnership and shows great promise for the future. So there we are home by 5 wickets, 20 valuable points.
Saturday takes the 1st Xl to Shoebrook Park but the weather forecast isn't too good, whilst Sunday takes us back to the Ho! with Newton Tracey visiting, again the weather forecast is difficult. However the Shoebrook game is fascinating both teams needing a victory – for different reason so I will report back after that game.
Plymstock Away 7 August
Yesterday was disappointing, losing by 80+ runs while Plymstocks overseas player made 116 - all to reminiscent of the Budleigh Salterton match last year. Fred King and Paul Heard opened with a great spell of bowling Fed getting a couple and Paul very economic.
Josh Atkinson and Michael Lemmings each got 2, but the whole match was taken away by that Mr Bronte Bess.
James Ford again opened with Matt Shepherd who hit his usual sprightly 28, and of particular mention in despatches is Ollie H in at number 3 who dealt with thebowling very effeciently while riding his luck. Paul H came and made another 40+, but after that the oressure if having to score at 8 runs an over was jypust too match. However, and this is important, we did get 8 points. On a more worrying side JF injured his leg and had to have a runner - but managed ro run himself out taking a short single -with the runner also running, classic stuff.
I am on paper and pen at Belstone today -no electricity, znd i wil try to get something to be put up - but it will not be on TCS Next saturday I will be living in a different county, Jeff King will keep you in touch and I will return (hopefully) the following day Marten Stanburys match v Bude at home- don't forget to bring the computer back Fred!
The Quill
Josh Atkinson and Michael Lemmings each got 2, but the whole match was taken away by that Mr Bronte Bess.
James Ford again opened with Matt Shepherd who hit his usual sprightly 28, and of particular mention in despatches is Ollie H in at number 3 who dealt with thebowling very effeciently while riding his luck. Paul H came and made another 40+, but after that the oressure if having to score at 8 runs an over was jypust too match. However, and this is important, we did get 8 points. On a more worrying side JF injured his leg and had to have a runner - but managed ro run himself out taking a short single -with the runner also running, classic stuff.
I am on paper and pen at Belstone today -no electricity, znd i wil try to get something to be put up - but it will not be on TCS Next saturday I will be living in a different county, Jeff King will keep you in touch and I will return (hopefully) the following day Marten Stanburys match v Bude at home- don't forget to bring the computer back Fred!
The Quill
V North Devon at the Ho! in the North Devon League Won by by 8 (Yes 8) wickets
In this beautiful day at the Ho! everything was set fair for the return fixture against North Devon, having beaten them at Instow earlier in the season off – you may recall – the last ball of the game. We were also blessed by two of the best (in my opinion - but what does my opinion count for) of the best umpires in the League, whimsical at times but able to deal with trouble should it arise, and indeed later in the piece it did threaten to arise. It was suggested to me that Mahler's Symphony – The Resurrection should be used as the topic, but I think that that is too gloomy, so I think the inspiration for today’s great victory should be Beethoven's Ode for Joy from his great ninth symphony.
We ll, if you are still with me, what about the game. James Ford was captaining in the absence of Alex Hannam, sunning himself in Sweden, or whatever you do in Sweden, and JF duly lost the toss. Fred King opened from the top end and bowled with pace but no luck. Captain JF to everyone's astonishment except perhaps his opened from the sea end. JF accounted for the opener, early doors as the awful expression goes – and then their South African number 3 was caught. This was disputed with some vigour from spectators on the boundary, to the point that the Umpires had to intervene, which they did diligently, but there is little doubt that this incident caused a certain rancour and the match was certainly spicier that it would otherwise have been. Jamie Lathwell got 2 wickets and Jack Ford 3 but the innings was dominated by two centurions from the North Devon team and they ended on 273. This was the highest score for a 1st Xl game on this field for some time.
Sages were nodding wisely to themselves at the interval that this was far too many for a team shorn of so many regulars. But sages, what do they know.
JF in a more than usually obdurate mood, almost truculent at times made it quite clear from the out that he was going to be there at the end even if 300 was needed by him. Opening with John Weeks, himself in a more swashbuckling role, they had soon rattled up 55 and John himself was on 25 and looked well set when he accidentally got run out. It was difficult to say from my position whether there was anyone more at fault than the other, but in a game of this magnitude it would be uncharitable to point the finger, apart from saying that it did not seem to me that there was ever a run in it. This brought to the crease Ji Eccles who I am sure would be the first to say that he has not of late scored as many runs as he would have liked. Well, forget all that, today he played an innings of huge importance scoring 82 in a stand of 182 in 151 balls with JF, and by the time he was out 6 fours and four sixes, most of the hard work had been done, but the game still needed putting to bed. Fred King was the man for the job scoring 4 in a final partnership of 39 with JF – yes folks that's right. So what about JF, 100 off 108 balls, 127 not out, 17 fours and 4 sixes and there at the end – the game ending with 5 wides, which I have to say rather summed up the bowling, 39 extras being given to us. It was a fabulous innings – so here's a little hint to the Saturday Xl, get Plymstock to annoy him. Yes, that's right, next week we are off on the long trip to Plymstock. That is the last Devon League I shall do before we move – no, I am coming back, so there, and I will be delivering the machine to Jeff King who will take over duties for the Braunton game the following week. On the day after Plymstock, the Sunday Xl go to Belstone so we will all hand over to JF and take the 20 points, thank you. However Belstone, pretty as it is does not at present provide electricity or telecommunication facilities so the match will not be on TCS and I will not be doing a report. I shall be back for the Sunday 2nd Xl match at home against Bude.
But today was all about JFs innings and those bowlers fielders and batters who supported him. As
we were leaving the great news of the second Xls victory at Instow with one Hayter Scoring a half century – so lets have that Ode for Joy for the next generation – after all JF still acts like a child sometimes!
Cheers
We ll, if you are still with me, what about the game. James Ford was captaining in the absence of Alex Hannam, sunning himself in Sweden, or whatever you do in Sweden, and JF duly lost the toss. Fred King opened from the top end and bowled with pace but no luck. Captain JF to everyone's astonishment except perhaps his opened from the sea end. JF accounted for the opener, early doors as the awful expression goes – and then their South African number 3 was caught. This was disputed with some vigour from spectators on the boundary, to the point that the Umpires had to intervene, which they did diligently, but there is little doubt that this incident caused a certain rancour and the match was certainly spicier that it would otherwise have been. Jamie Lathwell got 2 wickets and Jack Ford 3 but the innings was dominated by two centurions from the North Devon team and they ended on 273. This was the highest score for a 1st Xl game on this field for some time.
Sages were nodding wisely to themselves at the interval that this was far too many for a team shorn of so many regulars. But sages, what do they know.
JF in a more than usually obdurate mood, almost truculent at times made it quite clear from the out that he was going to be there at the end even if 300 was needed by him. Opening with John Weeks, himself in a more swashbuckling role, they had soon rattled up 55 and John himself was on 25 and looked well set when he accidentally got run out. It was difficult to say from my position whether there was anyone more at fault than the other, but in a game of this magnitude it would be uncharitable to point the finger, apart from saying that it did not seem to me that there was ever a run in it. This brought to the crease Ji Eccles who I am sure would be the first to say that he has not of late scored as many runs as he would have liked. Well, forget all that, today he played an innings of huge importance scoring 82 in a stand of 182 in 151 balls with JF, and by the time he was out 6 fours and four sixes, most of the hard work had been done, but the game still needed putting to bed. Fred King was the man for the job scoring 4 in a final partnership of 39 with JF – yes folks that's right. So what about JF, 100 off 108 balls, 127 not out, 17 fours and 4 sixes and there at the end – the game ending with 5 wides, which I have to say rather summed up the bowling, 39 extras being given to us. It was a fabulous innings – so here's a little hint to the Saturday Xl, get Plymstock to annoy him. Yes, that's right, next week we are off on the long trip to Plymstock. That is the last Devon League I shall do before we move – no, I am coming back, so there, and I will be delivering the machine to Jeff King who will take over duties for the Braunton game the following week. On the day after Plymstock, the Sunday Xl go to Belstone so we will all hand over to JF and take the 20 points, thank you. However Belstone, pretty as it is does not at present provide electricity or telecommunication facilities so the match will not be on TCS and I will not be doing a report. I shall be back for the Sunday 2nd Xl match at home against Bude.
But today was all about JFs innings and those bowlers fielders and batters who supported him. As
we were leaving the great news of the second Xls victory at Instow with one Hayter Scoring a half century – so lets have that Ode for Joy for the next generation – after all JF still acts like a child sometimes!
Cheers
v Ottery St Mary Won by 40+ run
'Ring forth ye Bells' The Sorcerer by Gilbert and Sullivan and for those of you who have never heard of Gilbert & Sullivan ask someone as old as me, and whilst I am drivelling on the rumours that Sue and I are moving to Wellington are true in 13 days time, but for those of you desperate to find a decent secretary or scorer you will have to wait because I have no intention of quitting my watch at the moment – unless there is a referendum on the subject. But I will miss the Braunton match, but there we are you will be in the capable hands of Jeff K (actually he's much better than me!)
Any rates, back to the matter in hand. When we visited the home of the Otter earlier this season, we won a taught thriller by a few runs. Much the same was true of today. However, whilst earlier in the year we were in a desperate plight at five down for very few, today, with Matt Shepherd standing in for Tom Brend (on holiday 'in the cricket season ? you may say) things got off to a different start. At Ottery if I remember, Tom was run out by his captain, today Matt Shepherd, and to some extent James Ford started off as if it was a 20/20, and, like TB and JF had done in numerous matches this season, 50 was on the board for no loss, until Matt was out (caught on the boundary going for another six) for 34. The momentum was kept up by the other batsmen, James F anchored the innings in a more robust manner than usual for another fine half century, Paul Heard 26 Fred King 23 Alex Hannam 17 and Josh Atkinson still striving to cement his place as an al rounder – which he has probably achieved, 28 not out all kept this going for a final score of 203. In this wet summer this was one of the highest scores for a number of matches- but was it enough.
Both Paul H and Fred K opened with great hostility and pace. Paul had 1 – 13 off 6, and whilst Fred was more expensive but desperately unlucky with many balls flying over or between fielders and eventually got his reward. Josh A replacing PH as usual immediately made an impact on the game with 2 – 24 off 9 with 3 maidens. Michael Lemmings replaced Josh A, had the batsmen missed first ball and bowled second and ended with2 – 14, and Alex Hannam, with a rare bowling outing rook 3 wickets for two runs to end Ottery's resistance – very reminiscent of James Ford 3 – 0 in the away fixture. So there we are, home by 43 runs, 20 points in the bag and we will be at least 3rd when the latest tables are published, perhaps even in promotion spot again. However, next week the long trip to high flying Plymstock, we will have to be on top form.
Tomorrow we entertain North Devon at the Ho!. Readers will recall the desperately close match at Instow when we won on the last ball who knows?
Back to the packing cases
Any rates, back to the matter in hand. When we visited the home of the Otter earlier this season, we won a taught thriller by a few runs. Much the same was true of today. However, whilst earlier in the year we were in a desperate plight at five down for very few, today, with Matt Shepherd standing in for Tom Brend (on holiday 'in the cricket season ? you may say) things got off to a different start. At Ottery if I remember, Tom was run out by his captain, today Matt Shepherd, and to some extent James Ford started off as if it was a 20/20, and, like TB and JF had done in numerous matches this season, 50 was on the board for no loss, until Matt was out (caught on the boundary going for another six) for 34. The momentum was kept up by the other batsmen, James F anchored the innings in a more robust manner than usual for another fine half century, Paul Heard 26 Fred King 23 Alex Hannam 17 and Josh Atkinson still striving to cement his place as an al rounder – which he has probably achieved, 28 not out all kept this going for a final score of 203. In this wet summer this was one of the highest scores for a number of matches- but was it enough.
Both Paul H and Fred K opened with great hostility and pace. Paul had 1 – 13 off 6, and whilst Fred was more expensive but desperately unlucky with many balls flying over or between fielders and eventually got his reward. Josh A replacing PH as usual immediately made an impact on the game with 2 – 24 off 9 with 3 maidens. Michael Lemmings replaced Josh A, had the batsmen missed first ball and bowled second and ended with2 – 14, and Alex Hannam, with a rare bowling outing rook 3 wickets for two runs to end Ottery's resistance – very reminiscent of James Ford 3 – 0 in the away fixture. So there we are, home by 43 runs, 20 points in the bag and we will be at least 3rd when the latest tables are published, perhaps even in promotion spot again. However, next week the long trip to high flying Plymstock, we will have to be on top form.
Tomorrow we entertain North Devon at the Ho!. Readers will recall the desperately close match at Instow when we won on the last ball who knows?
Back to the packing cases
Devon League B v Thorverton away – 23rd July Lost by six wicket
It was Mark Twain who said "if you have nothing to say, say nothing'. Its not that I have nothing to say, but rather not very much, but I can't find a quote saying ' if you haven't very much etc etc'. So I am stuck with Mark Twain.
So, Paul Heard won the toss and batted. Everyone around including the umpires, who I am bound to stay seemed to me probably the best two we have had this year, agreed that whoever won the toss should bat – but I am not certain that I agreed, but in any event, we batted.
With James Ford and Paul Heard back as they say in the hutch, the auguries were not good. There was some hostile bowling, but perhaps not as hostile as warranted 38 - 5. Against Ottery, who we play next week, the batting was in a similar plight but there the middle and lower order batted incredibly well and we raised the highest score of the year so far, but here, against Thorverton, this was not the case. Tom Brend scored 14, as did Ji Eccles and Jamie Lathwell, all of whom seemed to be coping well until luck or carelessness got them out. The best batsman on show was Fred King who was run out (not his fault) a wicket it was tragic to lose when the batsmen were misfiring. A batting total of 72 with 32 extras, 105 all out, was always going to be below par. Fred King bowled with pace and got one well deserved wicket and Josh Atkinson picked up another 3 to add to his 5 last week and for a flicker of a moment we thought perhaps........, but unfortunately that was that and the match was all over before tea, with a slender 4 points in the bag. Thorverton were near the bottom of the pile before today’s match but I have to say I can't see why. But there we are, as Mark Twain, if you have nothing to say, say nothing, I haven't so I will say nothing more.
Tomorrow its the 2nd Xl at the Ho!, lets hope I can import more encouraging information
Devon League v South Devon. 16th July 2016, at the Ho!
Won by 9 wicket 20 points
Led Zeppelin wrote and recorded 'Good Times, Hard Times' - and I presume that there is no-one out there who hasn't heard of Led Zeppelin, which in reverse order sums up perfectly the last two weeks. Last week, with the losses to North Devon in the 20/20, and the heavy defeat by Newton Tracey in the Sunday League, sandwiching the miserable gloom on Dartmoor on the Saturday was very hard, but today the Good Times returned in their full glory with a sweeping comprehensive defeat over South Devon, who, after a disappointing start to the season, had just come off three wins in the trot. Newton Abbott was out first away victory (our first away match) of the season, so this is the first double of the season, and a more comprehensive defeat than the away match.
South Devon skipper lost the toss – how significant was that I wonder – and Paul Heard promptly inserted them. He had an immediate success when James Ford held on to a smart catch at first slip off Paul Heard's third ball. Fred King, opening as usual at the road end was marginally more expensive but in his second over had the dangerous South African, Divan Marais caught by Matt Shepherd at square cover. PH bowled 7 over with 3 maidens.
Again as is now traditional, Jamie Lathwell took over from FK at the road end and Josh Atkinson from PH. Jamie bowled superbly, his figures 7 overs, 4 maidens 6 runs and one wicket belied the number of times he beat the bat, and slowed the scoring rate down to the point that desperate measures had to be taken by the South, whilst Josh A, unusually expensive in his first 2 overs (17 runs) then found his radar and ended with 9 overs 2 maidens, 5 wickets for 34, and the man of the match. JL and JA stopped the flow of runs and then destroyed the innings. Martin Stewart replaced JL and took the 9th wicket - one for 10 off 2,5 - and there was a smart piece of fielding to tun out the last batsman., With the enthusiastic reaction of the team to the run out, I was unable to see who it was – but if the fielder were to tell me, I can still correct the score card.
So South Devon were hustled out for 103 and a wicket on which care was needed but apart from some bounce for the spinners did not seem to hold too many horrors, which, after another superb tea, was proved by James Ford who hit 4 fours in his first two overs, and who with Tom Brend put on another 50+ runs opening stand. In fact it looked for all the world that a 10 wicket victory was on the cards until Tom whose play had freer and freer as the total came closer, missed one and was adjudged LBW for 39. An opening stand of 90.
So 14 runs were needed when Mat Shepherd came in at three and hit the 14 runs off 5 balls (2 sixes) and there we were, home and dry with 21 overs left - James Ford 45 not out - (a brief rain adjournment had reduced the match to 44 overs) - job done – bring on the good times. As comprehensive a victory as one could wish to see. Next week away to Thorverton. Their match at the Ho! was rained off so there is no form to judge, although Thorverton have been amongst the strugglers in the division thus far, so another important match.
Tomorrow's 2nd xl match against Dulverton has been forfeited as they can't raise a team so that’s all for now, tune in to me from Thorverton next week.
Led Zeppelin wrote and recorded 'Good Times, Hard Times' - and I presume that there is no-one out there who hasn't heard of Led Zeppelin, which in reverse order sums up perfectly the last two weeks. Last week, with the losses to North Devon in the 20/20, and the heavy defeat by Newton Tracey in the Sunday League, sandwiching the miserable gloom on Dartmoor on the Saturday was very hard, but today the Good Times returned in their full glory with a sweeping comprehensive defeat over South Devon, who, after a disappointing start to the season, had just come off three wins in the trot. Newton Abbott was out first away victory (our first away match) of the season, so this is the first double of the season, and a more comprehensive defeat than the away match.
South Devon skipper lost the toss – how significant was that I wonder – and Paul Heard promptly inserted them. He had an immediate success when James Ford held on to a smart catch at first slip off Paul Heard's third ball. Fred King, opening as usual at the road end was marginally more expensive but in his second over had the dangerous South African, Divan Marais caught by Matt Shepherd at square cover. PH bowled 7 over with 3 maidens.
Again as is now traditional, Jamie Lathwell took over from FK at the road end and Josh Atkinson from PH. Jamie bowled superbly, his figures 7 overs, 4 maidens 6 runs and one wicket belied the number of times he beat the bat, and slowed the scoring rate down to the point that desperate measures had to be taken by the South, whilst Josh A, unusually expensive in his first 2 overs (17 runs) then found his radar and ended with 9 overs 2 maidens, 5 wickets for 34, and the man of the match. JL and JA stopped the flow of runs and then destroyed the innings. Martin Stewart replaced JL and took the 9th wicket - one for 10 off 2,5 - and there was a smart piece of fielding to tun out the last batsman., With the enthusiastic reaction of the team to the run out, I was unable to see who it was – but if the fielder were to tell me, I can still correct the score card.
So South Devon were hustled out for 103 and a wicket on which care was needed but apart from some bounce for the spinners did not seem to hold too many horrors, which, after another superb tea, was proved by James Ford who hit 4 fours in his first two overs, and who with Tom Brend put on another 50+ runs opening stand. In fact it looked for all the world that a 10 wicket victory was on the cards until Tom whose play had freer and freer as the total came closer, missed one and was adjudged LBW for 39. An opening stand of 90.
So 14 runs were needed when Mat Shepherd came in at three and hit the 14 runs off 5 balls (2 sixes) and there we were, home and dry with 21 overs left - James Ford 45 not out - (a brief rain adjournment had reduced the match to 44 overs) - job done – bring on the good times. As comprehensive a victory as one could wish to see. Next week away to Thorverton. Their match at the Ho! was rained off so there is no form to judge, although Thorverton have been amongst the strugglers in the division thus far, so another important match.
Tomorrow's 2nd xl match against Dulverton has been forfeited as they can't raise a team so that’s all for now, tune in to me from Thorverton next week.
Weekend of 10th July
Well, this has not been a very happy weekend, for the 1st Xls. The 20/20 Final against North Devon went the way one would expect, but hopefully all those who took part enjoyed the occasion and appreciated playing against Premier League (and County Players). Yesterday in the Devon League we sat and watched the mist/fog swirling past the Tavistock club house's windows until the fixture was abandoned at about 3.15, and today at Newton Tracey in the North Devon League we succumbed pretty spectacularly to the bottom team in the League, the only saving grace, I am told is that the 3 points we managed to salvage, thanks to 2 wickets by Jack Ford, and a catch off his father's bowling have kept Newton T just below us. However, this is going to be a very difficult end to the season if we are going to avoid relegation. We have got Belstone away, and Newton Tracey, North Devon and Sandford at home.
Without many regulars, and with James Ford captaining, we lost the toss and were inserted. It was clear from the start that it was a difficult wicket, with swing, spin and lift. A total of 43 all out was not what the doctor ordered, Ji Eccles 18 being the only double digit score, and two of the Gear's achieving bowling figures of 5-14 and 4-1, seven ducks being recorded.
When they batted, it was of course much easier inasmuch as they knew they only had to score at about one run an over and took take their time. Messrs J & J Ford did put them under a little pressure, but with a loss of only 3 wickets and 25 overs in hand, the game was well over before tea, and my report has been written before the end of the Men's final at Wimbledon.
There is, to be frank nothing more to be said.
Next Saturday we are at home in the Devon League against South Devon – a team whose performances early in the season seemed to have doomed them already to relegation, but with three wins on the trot we are going to have to be very careful. A very important match. Next Sunday there is no 1st Xl match so I have the pleasure of scoring for the seconds. let's hope I can give a more optimistic report
Without many regulars, and with James Ford captaining, we lost the toss and were inserted. It was clear from the start that it was a difficult wicket, with swing, spin and lift. A total of 43 all out was not what the doctor ordered, Ji Eccles 18 being the only double digit score, and two of the Gear's achieving bowling figures of 5-14 and 4-1, seven ducks being recorded.
When they batted, it was of course much easier inasmuch as they knew they only had to score at about one run an over and took take their time. Messrs J & J Ford did put them under a little pressure, but with a loss of only 3 wickets and 25 overs in hand, the game was well over before tea, and my report has been written before the end of the Men's final at Wimbledon.
There is, to be frank nothing more to be said.
Next Saturday we are at home in the Devon League against South Devon – a team whose performances early in the season seemed to have doomed them already to relegation, but with three wins on the trot we are going to have to be very careful. A very important match. Next Sunday there is no 1st Xl match so I have the pleasure of scoring for the seconds. let's hope I can give a more optimistic report
Filleigh v Bideford North Devon League 3rd July Lost by 4 wickets
I was reminded this afternoon in glorious sunshine at the Deer Park Filleigh of Cat Stevens song Father & Son (although Cat Stevens is now known by a different name, can' remember what'). The reason for this particular rambling on the Quill's part being the fact that without father & Son Ford this afternoon, points would, to be frank, as rare as snow in July (actually this summer that's quite possible).
Captain Alex H won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch that had green on it. John Weeks opened with James Ford. JF, still no doubt savouring the roast lamb and bread and butter pudding at a local hostelry, struck 10 runs off the third over and then departed. John W clearly finding timing difficult on this pitch played a very effective anchor role eventually departing for 15. Ji Eccles struck cleanly for 16 before being adjudged LBW (he was some way down the wicket?) Capt AH was caught off a mistimed drive and Paul Lathwell to have the ball rebound off the wicket keeper's pads whilst out of his ground. The only batsman in any way to master conditions was Jamie Lathwell who was 31 not out at the close having put 27 with Jack Ford for the 9th wicket, the highest stand of the innings. Bideford were all out in the 37th over for 126. As yesterday when Ivybridge were unable to post a competitive first innings score, so Bideford were today.
As yesterday, our openers set up the victory, so Filleigh, with an opening stand of 71, took the game from us with the pace bowlers unable to make any real impact. James Ford came on and took the first three wickets, and having bowled his statutory 8 overs for 13 runs, 3 wickets and three maidens, and was then followed by Jack who took 3 wickets also for 32 runs. The time may be fast arriving when J Ford jun. may out bowl the figures of J Ford senior. However there we were, beaten by 4 wickets with nearly 10 overs to spare. Really there is little left to say so as they say, when you have nothing (else) to say, say nothing – so I shall say nothing more.
You will have realised that there was no live TCS because of the lack of power at Filleigh, but the match is up on TCS - I hope you realise how I slave over the computer and does anyone thank me, no, but there I am ......I'm sorry, I thought I was at home for a moment!!
Next Friday (hopefully) the rearranged 20/20 final, then Tavistock away in the Devon League, and I think I have the short trip to Newton Tracey on Sunday.
Captain Alex H won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch that had green on it. John Weeks opened with James Ford. JF, still no doubt savouring the roast lamb and bread and butter pudding at a local hostelry, struck 10 runs off the third over and then departed. John W clearly finding timing difficult on this pitch played a very effective anchor role eventually departing for 15. Ji Eccles struck cleanly for 16 before being adjudged LBW (he was some way down the wicket?) Capt AH was caught off a mistimed drive and Paul Lathwell to have the ball rebound off the wicket keeper's pads whilst out of his ground. The only batsman in any way to master conditions was Jamie Lathwell who was 31 not out at the close having put 27 with Jack Ford for the 9th wicket, the highest stand of the innings. Bideford were all out in the 37th over for 126. As yesterday when Ivybridge were unable to post a competitive first innings score, so Bideford were today.
As yesterday, our openers set up the victory, so Filleigh, with an opening stand of 71, took the game from us with the pace bowlers unable to make any real impact. James Ford came on and took the first three wickets, and having bowled his statutory 8 overs for 13 runs, 3 wickets and three maidens, and was then followed by Jack who took 3 wickets also for 32 runs. The time may be fast arriving when J Ford jun. may out bowl the figures of J Ford senior. However there we were, beaten by 4 wickets with nearly 10 overs to spare. Really there is little left to say so as they say, when you have nothing (else) to say, say nothing – so I shall say nothing more.
You will have realised that there was no live TCS because of the lack of power at Filleigh, but the match is up on TCS - I hope you realise how I slave over the computer and does anyone thank me, no, but there I am ......I'm sorry, I thought I was at home for a moment!!
Next Friday (hopefully) the rearranged 20/20 final, then Tavistock away in the Devon League, and I think I have the short trip to Newton Tracey on Sunday.
Bideford v Ivybridge 2nd July 2016, Devon League - won by 7 wickets
Experienta does it as papa used to say Charles Dickens (David Copperfield).
I don't know whether James Ford can be considered the 'papa' of the team, but there are certain times in life, and indeed in cricket when the experience of hundreds of thousands that (say) JF has faced in his career, can enable one to weather the tense atmosphere and difficult pitch to bring home a well deserved and exciting victory against a team above us in the table, and a side, Ivybridge, whose experience showed up the youth of our team. It is pleasing that such a young side as we have can roll-over a good team like Ivybridge in the manner that it did. It also shows what a tight division this is, how any team can beat any other team on its day.
A very good start, captain Paul Heard won the toss, well to be strictly accurate I suppose, Ivybridge lost it and were inserted on a very green looking pitch - which is hardly surprising bearing in mind the rain we have had.
Right from the start, PH and Fred King, opening as always caused the batsmen great difficulty Paul snaffled the first two, one caught in the gully by JF the other behind by Ji Eccles. Ivybridge's young Devon U 15 batsman was injured in a collision making his ground after being called for what seemed to be a suicidal run, but made his ground but had to retire injured until later in the innings. Mike Lemmings then took a good running catch from mod afterwards cover off Fred King.
Jamie Lathwell, taking over from Fred at the road end, no doubt notice that Ivy's Sri Lankan batsman De Silva was going across his stumps to the off, cleverly bowled him round his legs and then brought out a sensational slip catch from Alex Hannam. De Silva then managed to run out one of his colleagues and with another run out, Josh Atkinson clean bowling their wicket keeper who was beginning to look dangerous, Fred taking another wicket, and Mike Lemmings taking the last wicket, a well judged catch by Alex H at deep mid on, Ivybridge were all out for 129. The popular view at tea was that it was 20 runs or so too little.
This indeed proved the case when the hugely experienced JF and the less experienced Tom Brend opened as usual, and again put on a mighty impressive opening stand of 71 – over half the required total. Tom Brend hit a might six and several 4s before succumbing to an LBW decision – the only such decision of the day. Paul Heard as usual at Number 3, struggled to hit the ball cleanly and was caught at slip off a ball that seemed to hit bat, pad, and possibly the wicket keeper. All this while JF had been keeping the good balls out and punishing the (very few) bad balls. His experience was key to the eventual result. The innings was falling a little behind the required run rate scoring was difficult, so PH promoted Matt Shepherd who duly thumped 19 in 10 balls with 2 sixes and completely altered the impetus of the innings, so that when JF hit the winning runs (44 not out) there still over 6 overs to go. It is so pleasing to see a mixture of youth and age – er I mean youth and experience of course – go about the job so efficiently and in such a joyous mood, this was a very important game – well done one and all.
Tomorrow an NDL match at Filleigh, no electricity or 'dongle' signal so you will have to be patient until the evening I am afraid.
Next week there is the reserve date for the 20/20 final at Barnstaple against North Devon, and on Saturday a trip to Tavistock in the Devon league which, with three of our players being away, including captain PH, will be a test. However if we can play like we did today.....
The Quill
I don't know whether James Ford can be considered the 'papa' of the team, but there are certain times in life, and indeed in cricket when the experience of hundreds of thousands that (say) JF has faced in his career, can enable one to weather the tense atmosphere and difficult pitch to bring home a well deserved and exciting victory against a team above us in the table, and a side, Ivybridge, whose experience showed up the youth of our team. It is pleasing that such a young side as we have can roll-over a good team like Ivybridge in the manner that it did. It also shows what a tight division this is, how any team can beat any other team on its day.
A very good start, captain Paul Heard won the toss, well to be strictly accurate I suppose, Ivybridge lost it and were inserted on a very green looking pitch - which is hardly surprising bearing in mind the rain we have had.
Right from the start, PH and Fred King, opening as always caused the batsmen great difficulty Paul snaffled the first two, one caught in the gully by JF the other behind by Ji Eccles. Ivybridge's young Devon U 15 batsman was injured in a collision making his ground after being called for what seemed to be a suicidal run, but made his ground but had to retire injured until later in the innings. Mike Lemmings then took a good running catch from mod afterwards cover off Fred King.
Jamie Lathwell, taking over from Fred at the road end, no doubt notice that Ivy's Sri Lankan batsman De Silva was going across his stumps to the off, cleverly bowled him round his legs and then brought out a sensational slip catch from Alex Hannam. De Silva then managed to run out one of his colleagues and with another run out, Josh Atkinson clean bowling their wicket keeper who was beginning to look dangerous, Fred taking another wicket, and Mike Lemmings taking the last wicket, a well judged catch by Alex H at deep mid on, Ivybridge were all out for 129. The popular view at tea was that it was 20 runs or so too little.
This indeed proved the case when the hugely experienced JF and the less experienced Tom Brend opened as usual, and again put on a mighty impressive opening stand of 71 – over half the required total. Tom Brend hit a might six and several 4s before succumbing to an LBW decision – the only such decision of the day. Paul Heard as usual at Number 3, struggled to hit the ball cleanly and was caught at slip off a ball that seemed to hit bat, pad, and possibly the wicket keeper. All this while JF had been keeping the good balls out and punishing the (very few) bad balls. His experience was key to the eventual result. The innings was falling a little behind the required run rate scoring was difficult, so PH promoted Matt Shepherd who duly thumped 19 in 10 balls with 2 sixes and completely altered the impetus of the innings, so that when JF hit the winning runs (44 not out) there still over 6 overs to go. It is so pleasing to see a mixture of youth and age – er I mean youth and experience of course – go about the job so efficiently and in such a joyous mood, this was a very important game – well done one and all.
Tomorrow an NDL match at Filleigh, no electricity or 'dongle' signal so you will have to be patient until the evening I am afraid.
Next week there is the reserve date for the 20/20 final at Barnstaple against North Devon, and on Saturday a trip to Tavistock in the Devon league which, with three of our players being away, including captain PH, will be a test. However if we can play like we did today.....
The Quill
Bideford v Belstone 26th June 2016 at Westward Ho! NDL lost by 5 wicket
For the rain it raineth every day - William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
It may not have raineth every day, but following last weeks horrible rain drenched affair at Petrockstowe, today, if not as bad was not much better.
We sat in the Pavilion for 90 minutes discussing major issues, such as the EU referendum, and came to the conclusion that if politicians were cricketers the world would be a better place (actually that's not true that is my belief), when the umpires declared the ground fit for play at 3.01 pm, the game reduced to 27 overs per side. Captain Alex Hannam won the toss at elected to bat. Rob North opened with Ollie H, fresh from his 56 not out yesterday, and immediately laid into the bowling rapidly smashing 19 before being caught very well off a toe of the bat smash which was well caught by mid off running towards the boundary. John Weeks was out stumped, and we then had the opportunity of seeing the Hannam Brothers together. Ollie proved the better at stealing the bowling at the end of each over, and it did appear at one point as if each were trying to run the other out. However eventually Ollie was bowled for 38 and Alex stumped for 41 having put on 64 together Ji Eccles nurdled, sprinted and smashed a quick 17, before being run out (Nemesis?) and after the 27 overs Bideford had managed 136. The score box view that this was 20 too few, on this occasion right.
After another delicious, and substantial tea, Belstone took up the cudgels. Opening as usual with himself and Fred King, Alex Hannam had plenty of pace bowlers to call on, but was short of spin, and in the Bideford innings (as yesterday at Dartington) taking the pace off the ball may well have been key. Fred had no luck today, Alex picked up a bowled, Jamie Lathwell a simple catch by Ji Eccles at gully, Ollie H having the gloves, the best bowling being by Cameron Atkinson who did remarkably well to land his leg spinners in the conditions which by now were awful, and took two wickets in one over and ended with 2 - 27 off 7. The fifth wicket came from a run out. Ji Eccles having yesterday thrown down the batsman's stumps having chased the ball from behind the stumps, today from square of the wicket threw the stumps down again – is this his speciality, should he be encouraged to roam the field whilst keeping – well of course not, but its an idea. In any event Belstone got the runs with a few overs to spare in conditions which the game would never have started in. Belstone 20 points Bideford 5. Last year there was precious little rain on Saturdays, and Sundays were terrible with much cricket lost – could this be because the BBC is parting from the Met Office soon, to get their forecasts from another weather forecaster, will another forecaster give is better weather? I don't know but it would be nice to play Sunday cricket under blue skies.
I addition to the fixtures I mentioned for the coming week, I omitted to mention the final of the North Devon 20/20 cup at Barnstaple and Pilton Ground at 6.00. There's a lot of cricket next weekend
It may not have raineth every day, but following last weeks horrible rain drenched affair at Petrockstowe, today, if not as bad was not much better.
We sat in the Pavilion for 90 minutes discussing major issues, such as the EU referendum, and came to the conclusion that if politicians were cricketers the world would be a better place (actually that's not true that is my belief), when the umpires declared the ground fit for play at 3.01 pm, the game reduced to 27 overs per side. Captain Alex Hannam won the toss at elected to bat. Rob North opened with Ollie H, fresh from his 56 not out yesterday, and immediately laid into the bowling rapidly smashing 19 before being caught very well off a toe of the bat smash which was well caught by mid off running towards the boundary. John Weeks was out stumped, and we then had the opportunity of seeing the Hannam Brothers together. Ollie proved the better at stealing the bowling at the end of each over, and it did appear at one point as if each were trying to run the other out. However eventually Ollie was bowled for 38 and Alex stumped for 41 having put on 64 together Ji Eccles nurdled, sprinted and smashed a quick 17, before being run out (Nemesis?) and after the 27 overs Bideford had managed 136. The score box view that this was 20 too few, on this occasion right.
After another delicious, and substantial tea, Belstone took up the cudgels. Opening as usual with himself and Fred King, Alex Hannam had plenty of pace bowlers to call on, but was short of spin, and in the Bideford innings (as yesterday at Dartington) taking the pace off the ball may well have been key. Fred had no luck today, Alex picked up a bowled, Jamie Lathwell a simple catch by Ji Eccles at gully, Ollie H having the gloves, the best bowling being by Cameron Atkinson who did remarkably well to land his leg spinners in the conditions which by now were awful, and took two wickets in one over and ended with 2 - 27 off 7. The fifth wicket came from a run out. Ji Eccles having yesterday thrown down the batsman's stumps having chased the ball from behind the stumps, today from square of the wicket threw the stumps down again – is this his speciality, should he be encouraged to roam the field whilst keeping – well of course not, but its an idea. In any event Belstone got the runs with a few overs to spare in conditions which the game would never have started in. Belstone 20 points Bideford 5. Last year there was precious little rain on Saturdays, and Sundays were terrible with much cricket lost – could this be because the BBC is parting from the Met Office soon, to get their forecasts from another weather forecaster, will another forecaster give is better weather? I don't know but it would be nice to play Sunday cricket under blue skies.
I addition to the fixtures I mentioned for the coming week, I omitted to mention the final of the North Devon 20/20 cup at Barnstaple and Pilton Ground at 6.00. There's a lot of cricket next weekend
Bideford v Dartington and Totnes (away) Devon League Won by 20 run
Like Lemmings they threw themselves.........(anon).
What a roller coaster, thrill a minute this game was. Beautiful ground, reminiscent of the England their England of years gone by, steam trains whistling in the distance, the only discordant sound being the clatter of ball against stumps, or the bellowing of an appeal.
D & T won the toss, I have spoken of captain Paul's propensity to lose the toss! (must do better next time) and were duly inserted on a pitch with little pace. Messrs Ford (James) and Brend opened and dealt with D & T's opening attack (who were very liberal with wides) very effectively and put on another 50+ opening sand. Tom B was unfortunately run out, for the second time this year, and I can't help feeling that JF was a touch guilty here. Captain Paul strode to the wicket and af6ter his usual careful start, hit some mighty blows to top score with 46. In the meantime JF was given out LBW - a generous interpretation might be that the ball would have missed by a foot, cynics might think more than that (but the game was, like the Plymstock match littered with decisions that looked strange to put it mildly, so neither side could complain that the result of the match was affected - only the batsman's confidence and statistics. Alex Hannam stayed around for a long time helping Paul H, but no-one apart from Paul managed to attack the ball with any great confidence, and when the plethora of spinners started, runs became very difficult. After this only JI Eccles and Michael Lemmings managed double figures and the last 10 overs seemed to resemble the last few overs of a 20/20 - apart from anything else, I had the feeling that, from one end at least, the batsman were fearful of letting the ball anywhere near the pads, All out for 163, 4 batting points, 4 overs unused, in Thee Quill's opinion some short of the required sum. (Wrong again)
Second Innings
Paul and Fred King opened the bowling as usual, (Paul very sparing) apart from three balls which their South African despatched for 4,3,6, and Fred claimimg two early wickers. Apart from their seasoned opening bat who hung around for half the innings for 22, their only batsman to show any form was their South African who scored 75, more than half D & T's total
Enter the Spin twins
The pace bowlers had no more success after Fred's initial incursion and Martin Stewart and Michael Lemmings took over. Martin S was expensive for his first three overs, as seems to be usual, but hearty applause to the captain for resisting the temptation to take him off. Martin S claimed the valuable wicket of seasoned all rounder Chris Cook - who I recall being a pain to get out when he played for Clyst St George whilst JI Eccles (wicket keeper of course) had the distinction of a run out with a direct hit from about mid off - yes, that needs thinking about. After this some beautiful bowling from ML persuaded coaxed or fooled the remaining batsman either to miss the ball (bowled), misjudge the line (bowled) or let it hit their pads (LBW) (like throwing themselves off a .....get it?) and fittingly, having missed a hat trick ball, bowled No, 11 with the last ball of his spell for a fabulous 9 overs 2 maidens 6 - 23, and clearly man of the match. At the present time Bideford has such a variety of bowling that it is difficult to understand how we failed last week against Shobrook - but sometimes the batting does cause a tiny bit of concern with some of the more aggressive batsmen not always picking the right the shot. However another 19 points in the bag and a pleasing win away, but before exultation breaks out we must remember that D & T are bottom of the League with no wins.
Tomorrow, with the background of a bad weather forecast, the Sunday 1st Xl are at home against Belstone, another important match - and on Sunday the last march of the first half of the season, where does time ago, so turn on again for another exciting instalment of The Boys from the North!
What a roller coaster, thrill a minute this game was. Beautiful ground, reminiscent of the England their England of years gone by, steam trains whistling in the distance, the only discordant sound being the clatter of ball against stumps, or the bellowing of an appeal.
D & T won the toss, I have spoken of captain Paul's propensity to lose the toss! (must do better next time) and were duly inserted on a pitch with little pace. Messrs Ford (James) and Brend opened and dealt with D & T's opening attack (who were very liberal with wides) very effectively and put on another 50+ opening sand. Tom B was unfortunately run out, for the second time this year, and I can't help feeling that JF was a touch guilty here. Captain Paul strode to the wicket and af6ter his usual careful start, hit some mighty blows to top score with 46. In the meantime JF was given out LBW - a generous interpretation might be that the ball would have missed by a foot, cynics might think more than that (but the game was, like the Plymstock match littered with decisions that looked strange to put it mildly, so neither side could complain that the result of the match was affected - only the batsman's confidence and statistics. Alex Hannam stayed around for a long time helping Paul H, but no-one apart from Paul managed to attack the ball with any great confidence, and when the plethora of spinners started, runs became very difficult. After this only JI Eccles and Michael Lemmings managed double figures and the last 10 overs seemed to resemble the last few overs of a 20/20 - apart from anything else, I had the feeling that, from one end at least, the batsman were fearful of letting the ball anywhere near the pads, All out for 163, 4 batting points, 4 overs unused, in Thee Quill's opinion some short of the required sum. (Wrong again)
Second Innings
Paul and Fred King opened the bowling as usual, (Paul very sparing) apart from three balls which their South African despatched for 4,3,6, and Fred claimimg two early wickers. Apart from their seasoned opening bat who hung around for half the innings for 22, their only batsman to show any form was their South African who scored 75, more than half D & T's total
Enter the Spin twins
The pace bowlers had no more success after Fred's initial incursion and Martin Stewart and Michael Lemmings took over. Martin S was expensive for his first three overs, as seems to be usual, but hearty applause to the captain for resisting the temptation to take him off. Martin S claimed the valuable wicket of seasoned all rounder Chris Cook - who I recall being a pain to get out when he played for Clyst St George whilst JI Eccles (wicket keeper of course) had the distinction of a run out with a direct hit from about mid off - yes, that needs thinking about. After this some beautiful bowling from ML persuaded coaxed or fooled the remaining batsman either to miss the ball (bowled), misjudge the line (bowled) or let it hit their pads (LBW) (like throwing themselves off a .....get it?) and fittingly, having missed a hat trick ball, bowled No, 11 with the last ball of his spell for a fabulous 9 overs 2 maidens 6 - 23, and clearly man of the match. At the present time Bideford has such a variety of bowling that it is difficult to understand how we failed last week against Shobrook - but sometimes the batting does cause a tiny bit of concern with some of the more aggressive batsmen not always picking the right the shot. However another 19 points in the bag and a pleasing win away, but before exultation breaks out we must remember that D & T are bottom of the League with no wins.
Tomorrow, with the background of a bad weather forecast, the Sunday 1st Xl are at home against Belstone, another important match - and on Sunday the last march of the first half of the season, where does time ago, so turn on again for another exciting instalment of The Boys from the North!
Bideford v Shobrook Park. Westward Ho! Saturday 18th June 2016 Home.
All Good Things must come to an end
The last time I recall visiting Shobrook Park it was incredibly tight game Bideford winning by a few runs with less than 225 runs in the day. However today was not so close, in fact the loss by 8 wickets was probably the most disappointing of the season to date, especially following the two great results of last weekend - but then all good things must.....
To start, Captain Paul Heard lost the toss, or to be fair, I think Shobrook Park won it, and inserted Bideford. James Ford and Tom Brend opened. The Shobrook opening bowler bowled tight line and scoring was difficult. The opening partnership was 27 before JF was caught at slip, another 27 was put on before TB was out, for the top score of 24. Capt Paul H and Alex Hannam took the score to 84 for 2 and drinks. Immediately after, there was a mini break which was the match decider. 82-2 became 82-5, but with PH making 19, AH 16, Fred King 15, Jamie Lathwell 12 and Michael Lemmings17, everyone made a start, no-one carried it on and the total of 149 seemed 30 or 40 runs too light.
When the Shobrook openers started, although PH and Fed K bowled tidily, and Fred very economically, no-one seemed able to get the ball to bounce or rear up as had been the case in our innings. The fact that Shobrook were never ahead of the required run rate until something like the 38th over showed how well, from an economical point of view, Bideford bowled, but with the openers putting on 135, it was clear that Bideford were always chasing dreams and a late wicket each for James Ford and PH, with one bowling point was small reward. This was such a reversal of the form displayed at Braunton that it is difficult to recognise it. However another day, another result. Next week we are at Dartington and Totnes who are struggling at the foot of the table, out last away fixture of the first half of the season and surely a must win match.
Tomorrow, the 2nd Xl are at Petrockstowe - where I hear you ask. Do they have electricity or phone connections, will my dongle work who knows, only time will tell. The weather forecast isn't too great but we will see. I will try to ensure the match is posted somewhere sometime. If not catch the next thrilling live instalment from Totnes (and Dartington!)
The last time I recall visiting Shobrook Park it was incredibly tight game Bideford winning by a few runs with less than 225 runs in the day. However today was not so close, in fact the loss by 8 wickets was probably the most disappointing of the season to date, especially following the two great results of last weekend - but then all good things must.....
To start, Captain Paul Heard lost the toss, or to be fair, I think Shobrook Park won it, and inserted Bideford. James Ford and Tom Brend opened. The Shobrook opening bowler bowled tight line and scoring was difficult. The opening partnership was 27 before JF was caught at slip, another 27 was put on before TB was out, for the top score of 24. Capt Paul H and Alex Hannam took the score to 84 for 2 and drinks. Immediately after, there was a mini break which was the match decider. 82-2 became 82-5, but with PH making 19, AH 16, Fred King 15, Jamie Lathwell 12 and Michael Lemmings17, everyone made a start, no-one carried it on and the total of 149 seemed 30 or 40 runs too light.
When the Shobrook openers started, although PH and Fed K bowled tidily, and Fred very economically, no-one seemed able to get the ball to bounce or rear up as had been the case in our innings. The fact that Shobrook were never ahead of the required run rate until something like the 38th over showed how well, from an economical point of view, Bideford bowled, but with the openers putting on 135, it was clear that Bideford were always chasing dreams and a late wicket each for James Ford and PH, with one bowling point was small reward. This was such a reversal of the form displayed at Braunton that it is difficult to recognise it. However another day, another result. Next week we are at Dartington and Totnes who are struggling at the foot of the table, out last away fixture of the first half of the season and surely a must win match.
Tomorrow, the 2nd Xl are at Petrockstowe - where I hear you ask. Do they have electricity or phone connections, will my dongle work who knows, only time will tell. The weather forecast isn't too great but we will see. I will try to ensure the match is posted somewhere sometime. If not catch the next thrilling live instalment from Totnes (and Dartington!)
Sunday 12th June 2016 v Heathcoat at home, North Devon League
Won by 121 Runs!!!
I should have known better - The Beatles. from A Hard Days Night Album
Early in the season, in a bitterly cold day we visited Heathcoat and got well trounced. I never thought that situations could be so reversed, and how! But then I should have known better!.
Captain Alex Hannam won the toss and decided to bat - a decision which did not seem to be universally agreed with. Bideford duly opened with James Ford (who else?) and Jamie Lathwell. James Ford struck 6 off the first over, presumably to show his credentials as a pinch hitter, whilst Jamie was unfortunate having received a no ball (can you actually receive a no ball?) first of all, to receive what appeared from the scorebox to be a straight yorker second (or is it first?) ball. This brought Billy Blackburn to the crease and he wacked a few good hits before being well caught, one handed, for 15, James F on 22 was caught in the gully and Capt AH caught and bowled for 8. Paul Lathwell played a long and important innings giving others the chance to put bat to ball, but it certainly seemed that either the pitch wasn't true as a result of the rain earlier in the day, or because of superb bowling. I suspect the former. Paul stayed there while Ji Eccles made 15 and Fred King 14, and he was eventually out for 15 himself. Gareth Davies was the top scorer of the day on 34, particularly savage on some leg side short bowling. Chris Luxton contributed 14 and the total ended at 169. I had earlier expressed the view that at least 160 was needed to give us any chance. What do I know?
After a superb tea, hostilities were resumed in the shape of Fred King from the road end and Chris Luxton from the sea end, and what an opening it was. The statistics are staggering. After 10 overs, Heathcoat were 13-2. Chris L's first four overs were maidens (with one wicket). In the first sixteen overs (8 each), there were 7 maidens. After the full 8 overs each, Heathcoat were 24-7. In his final over Fred got a hat trick. The second wicket a superb one handed take by keeper Pete Stevens, the third an 'oh so' satisfying clean bowled. Fred finished with 4 for 16 with 3 maidens off his 8. Chris bowled 8 overs 4 maidens 5 runs 3 wickets. Between them they bowled 16 overs taking 7 for 21. Who could follow that. Well the answer was Jack Ford who bowled 7 overs taking 1 - 13 with 4 maidens, and Jamie Lathwell who bowled 5 overs with 4 maidens and two runs. With two run outs that was that. All out for 48 and only one batsman in double figures. Quite superb. In the crazy world of the North Devon League, we have this season, beaten North Devon away, Hatherleigh away and Heathcoat at home, the three clubs who play their Saturday cricket in higher leagues, but we must be careful, there are clubs out there who would fancy doing to us what we did to Heathcoat today. Did I think that we would win today, no way!. But then I should have known better .
There is a busy week coming up. a 20/20 semi final against Braunton at Westward Ho! at 6 pm on Wednesday, Shobrook Park at Home on Saturday - a very important match, and then I am taking a trip into the country with Marten Stanbury's second Xl - at Petrockstowe - never been there before so I do not know if they have electricity and access for my dongle but we will see. Be sure to follow the Quill for every riveting moment!
Won by 121 Runs!!!
I should have known better - The Beatles. from A Hard Days Night Album
Early in the season, in a bitterly cold day we visited Heathcoat and got well trounced. I never thought that situations could be so reversed, and how! But then I should have known better!.
Captain Alex Hannam won the toss and decided to bat - a decision which did not seem to be universally agreed with. Bideford duly opened with James Ford (who else?) and Jamie Lathwell. James Ford struck 6 off the first over, presumably to show his credentials as a pinch hitter, whilst Jamie was unfortunate having received a no ball (can you actually receive a no ball?) first of all, to receive what appeared from the scorebox to be a straight yorker second (or is it first?) ball. This brought Billy Blackburn to the crease and he wacked a few good hits before being well caught, one handed, for 15, James F on 22 was caught in the gully and Capt AH caught and bowled for 8. Paul Lathwell played a long and important innings giving others the chance to put bat to ball, but it certainly seemed that either the pitch wasn't true as a result of the rain earlier in the day, or because of superb bowling. I suspect the former. Paul stayed there while Ji Eccles made 15 and Fred King 14, and he was eventually out for 15 himself. Gareth Davies was the top scorer of the day on 34, particularly savage on some leg side short bowling. Chris Luxton contributed 14 and the total ended at 169. I had earlier expressed the view that at least 160 was needed to give us any chance. What do I know?
After a superb tea, hostilities were resumed in the shape of Fred King from the road end and Chris Luxton from the sea end, and what an opening it was. The statistics are staggering. After 10 overs, Heathcoat were 13-2. Chris L's first four overs were maidens (with one wicket). In the first sixteen overs (8 each), there were 7 maidens. After the full 8 overs each, Heathcoat were 24-7. In his final over Fred got a hat trick. The second wicket a superb one handed take by keeper Pete Stevens, the third an 'oh so' satisfying clean bowled. Fred finished with 4 for 16 with 3 maidens off his 8. Chris bowled 8 overs 4 maidens 5 runs 3 wickets. Between them they bowled 16 overs taking 7 for 21. Who could follow that. Well the answer was Jack Ford who bowled 7 overs taking 1 - 13 with 4 maidens, and Jamie Lathwell who bowled 5 overs with 4 maidens and two runs. With two run outs that was that. All out for 48 and only one batsman in double figures. Quite superb. In the crazy world of the North Devon League, we have this season, beaten North Devon away, Hatherleigh away and Heathcoat at home, the three clubs who play their Saturday cricket in higher leagues, but we must be careful, there are clubs out there who would fancy doing to us what we did to Heathcoat today. Did I think that we would win today, no way!. But then I should have known better .
There is a busy week coming up. a 20/20 semi final against Braunton at Westward Ho! at 6 pm on Wednesday, Shobrook Park at Home on Saturday - a very important match, and then I am taking a trip into the country with Marten Stanbury's second Xl - at Petrockstowe - never been there before so I do not know if they have electricity and access for my dongle but we will see. Be sure to follow the Quill for every riveting moment!
Bideford v Braunton away, Saturday 11th June 2016 Away
Won by 71 runs.
Not Fade Away - The Rolling Stones.
On a day which the BBC weather web site predicted would provide sufficient rain that would make the finish of this match unlikely, when rain stopped play at Instow, and when Ivybridge, one place above us in the table, had their match abandoned, Braunton greeted us with some decent sunshine - sufficient for your scorer to display his official scorer's tee shirt, shorn of a pullover. I had some concern after such a bright start to the season, that the disappointments of last Saturday and Sunday might cause our form to fade away. Not a bit of it.
Braunton won the toss, (Capt Paul Heard will have to brush up this facet of his game) and predictably inserted Bideford, probably with an eye to the erroneous weather forecast. What however was not predictable. James Ford has shown fine form early in the season, and Tom Brend hit a splendid 50+ last week, but today both of them saw off, what one of the umpires said was the best opening bowling of the year so far in Division B. During those fantastic years two or three years ago when we started the push from C to B, and then B to A, the major point, as The Quill frequently said in these columns, was to have 9 or 10 wickets in hand at the drinks break. If this can be done, then the platform built can then be used by the big fitters to follow, to treble the score. At 23 overs we were 87 - 0, and eventually we poled up 265 - 5, more than three times the half time total. Tom and JF eventually put on 116 before Tom played his first rash shot and was bowled. This opened the door for Paul Heard to get his eye in and then belt the bowling for 60 off 43 balls. JF went on his merry way until he had poled on 76 when he snapped up in a sharp caught and bowled. Matt Shepherd struck a sprightly 24, Fred King sacrificed his wicket in the interests of the team, and Ji Eccles 13 off 11 and Alex Hannam 31 off 13, added the icing to the cake. With quick ones and stolen twos together with taking advantage in the last overs of leg-side bowling, the final total of 265 got us out 5 batting points and surely was too large a score for a relatively fragile Braunton team to chase.
Well for a while, it seemed that Braunton could make it. Their openers put on 52 and at the drinks interval were 92-1, ahead of Bideford in terms of runs. Jamie Lathwell, taking over the southern end from Fred K after 4 overs got their opener well caught by Alex H off a skier, peddling backwards. This brought journeyman Neil Bettiss to the wicket and with Braunton's other opener, they looked very dangerous. However Martin Stewart, relieving Jamie L got Neil Bettiss caught at gully by JF, and then in tandem with Michael Lemmings, ripped the heart out of the Braunton innings, Martin S 3 - 45 and Michael L 3 - 35 both off 9. Then there was a good run out - I couldn't see who the fielder was, but no doubt his friends will tell me, Fred came back and picked up one, and, of course, the last wicket was picked up by JF (is no-one else in the team allowed to get the 10th wicket) and there we were home by 71 runs with 20 points. The fears that The Quill had were unjustified, Bideford is not going to fade away. It is likely, I think that we may be second tomorrow when the results are published of the other games.
Next week Shobrook Park at home. A potential toughy, they have batsmen capable of scoring runs.
Tomorrow in the North Devon league we entertain Heathcoat, but the weather forecast.......
Wednesday 6 pm at home is the 20/20 match against Braunton I am told - that could be fun
The Quill.
Won by 71 runs.
Not Fade Away - The Rolling Stones.
On a day which the BBC weather web site predicted would provide sufficient rain that would make the finish of this match unlikely, when rain stopped play at Instow, and when Ivybridge, one place above us in the table, had their match abandoned, Braunton greeted us with some decent sunshine - sufficient for your scorer to display his official scorer's tee shirt, shorn of a pullover. I had some concern after such a bright start to the season, that the disappointments of last Saturday and Sunday might cause our form to fade away. Not a bit of it.
Braunton won the toss, (Capt Paul Heard will have to brush up this facet of his game) and predictably inserted Bideford, probably with an eye to the erroneous weather forecast. What however was not predictable. James Ford has shown fine form early in the season, and Tom Brend hit a splendid 50+ last week, but today both of them saw off, what one of the umpires said was the best opening bowling of the year so far in Division B. During those fantastic years two or three years ago when we started the push from C to B, and then B to A, the major point, as The Quill frequently said in these columns, was to have 9 or 10 wickets in hand at the drinks break. If this can be done, then the platform built can then be used by the big fitters to follow, to treble the score. At 23 overs we were 87 - 0, and eventually we poled up 265 - 5, more than three times the half time total. Tom and JF eventually put on 116 before Tom played his first rash shot and was bowled. This opened the door for Paul Heard to get his eye in and then belt the bowling for 60 off 43 balls. JF went on his merry way until he had poled on 76 when he snapped up in a sharp caught and bowled. Matt Shepherd struck a sprightly 24, Fred King sacrificed his wicket in the interests of the team, and Ji Eccles 13 off 11 and Alex Hannam 31 off 13, added the icing to the cake. With quick ones and stolen twos together with taking advantage in the last overs of leg-side bowling, the final total of 265 got us out 5 batting points and surely was too large a score for a relatively fragile Braunton team to chase.
Well for a while, it seemed that Braunton could make it. Their openers put on 52 and at the drinks interval were 92-1, ahead of Bideford in terms of runs. Jamie Lathwell, taking over the southern end from Fred K after 4 overs got their opener well caught by Alex H off a skier, peddling backwards. This brought journeyman Neil Bettiss to the wicket and with Braunton's other opener, they looked very dangerous. However Martin Stewart, relieving Jamie L got Neil Bettiss caught at gully by JF, and then in tandem with Michael Lemmings, ripped the heart out of the Braunton innings, Martin S 3 - 45 and Michael L 3 - 35 both off 9. Then there was a good run out - I couldn't see who the fielder was, but no doubt his friends will tell me, Fred came back and picked up one, and, of course, the last wicket was picked up by JF (is no-one else in the team allowed to get the 10th wicket) and there we were home by 71 runs with 20 points. The fears that The Quill had were unjustified, Bideford is not going to fade away. It is likely, I think that we may be second tomorrow when the results are published of the other games.
Next week Shobrook Park at home. A potential toughy, they have batsmen capable of scoring runs.
Tomorrow in the North Devon league we entertain Heathcoat, but the weather forecast.......
Wednesday 6 pm at home is the 20/20 match against Braunton I am told - that could be fun
The Quill.
Bideford v Hatherleigh 5th June 2016 Lost by 10 Wickets
How the mighty are fallen Book of Samuel.
It is easy to say that the team who beat North Devon and Hatherleigh in two successive matches before this weekend, has fallen. Truth to tell, Hatherleigh played probably the strongest they could, whilst we put out a very inexperienced side which is not to criticise any of those who turned up, some at mighty short notice to appear for their club.
However against a determined full strength Hatherleigh it was always going to be a struggle, and really the story of the game bears very little telling. Hatherleigh won the toss, John Weeks opening with Billy Blackburn. JW batted stoically for a stoic 24, captain Alex H top scored with 36 and Ji Eccles with 12, was the only other player to get double figures. Too many wickets were lost, as yesterday, with such regulatory that no moment at any time was built up. The total score of 102 was at least 75, probably 100, below par, clearly defeat was always going to be a question of time.
This was illustrated by their overseas batsman who scored 62 off 33 balls, Hatherleigh knocking off the total in 9.1 overs.
To be frank their is little more that can be said. The causes and causation are obvious as are the remedies. To stay competitive in this division we will have to put out strong teams, however the wins against Hatherleigh and North Devon and Filleigh show what can be done, and what a potentially good side Bideford is.
There really is nothing more to be said.
How the mighty are fallen Book of Samuel.
It is easy to say that the team who beat North Devon and Hatherleigh in two successive matches before this weekend, has fallen. Truth to tell, Hatherleigh played probably the strongest they could, whilst we put out a very inexperienced side which is not to criticise any of those who turned up, some at mighty short notice to appear for their club.
However against a determined full strength Hatherleigh it was always going to be a struggle, and really the story of the game bears very little telling. Hatherleigh won the toss, John Weeks opening with Billy Blackburn. JW batted stoically for a stoic 24, captain Alex H top scored with 36 and Ji Eccles with 12, was the only other player to get double figures. Too many wickets were lost, as yesterday, with such regulatory that no moment at any time was built up. The total score of 102 was at least 75, probably 100, below par, clearly defeat was always going to be a question of time.
This was illustrated by their overseas batsman who scored 62 off 33 balls, Hatherleigh knocking off the total in 9.1 overs.
To be frank their is little more that can be said. The causes and causation are obvious as are the remedies. To stay competitive in this division we will have to put out strong teams, however the wins against Hatherleigh and North Devon and Filleigh show what can be done, and what a potentially good side Bideford is.
There really is nothing more to be said.
Bideford v Plymstock at Home. 4.6.2016 First Defeat of season.
History repeats itself - Proverbs.
This Proverb wormed its way in to my mind for two reasons when considering how to represent this match. It is to write a report about a victory is easy, a fool can do it, well a fool does do it, but for that fool to fairly represent such a disappointing defeat is more difficult, an observation can be viewed as a personal criticism, an observation to try to help may seem a personal slight.
So why history? Two years ago Bide went to Plymstock without me - I was on other duties - Jeff King taking the chair. All seemed to going OK on a difficult wicket when a senior batsmen played a rash shot and the castle crumbled and we went down by one run. The defeat yesterday was 23 runs but there is something of an analogy here.
Thee second reference to history takes my mind back to some of the horrible matches of last year, when after a very cautious start seeing off the overseas opening bowler, after drinks everything feel to pieces. There was a nasty similarity here.
However the beginning. Ply won the toss and elected to bat. Second ball of the match a screamer at gully which Chris Luxton comfortably grasps. One to captain Paul Heard, he then had another, Fred King, spot on today, got two and Ply were 28-4, Fred finished on 2 - 28 off 9. Paul H had 2 - 23off 6, but did not reappear, and it did cross my mind whether he may have been slightly hurt - so many wickets fall after drinks to lower order batsmen by the returning strike bowler, I did wonder, but I am sure there is a very good tactical reason.
Thereafter, Chris Luxton bowled his 9 overs out in hi usual manner for 40, very unlucky not to get a wicket. Martin Stewart got two for 42 off his 9, Jamie picked up one, and JF picked up his usual 3 towards the end.
However a word has to be said about the catching. 9 of the dismissals were catches. Alex Hannam took two on the boundaries one particularly good. Mike Lemmings caught there overseas on the boundary, straight to him but...., Jamie Lathwell took one shoulder high at mid on just as it passed him, and the only chance that I can recall not being taken was one that went near to the sun, and the fielder never got underneath. This was very reassuring.
174 all out seemed achievable, the score rate was just about 4 an over and see off the openers. Well the first part went well JT and Tom Brend saw the two openers off by sensible batting, leaving defending and attacking the appropriate balls. Tom and JF put on 46 when JF, having been dropped at slip, played at a wide ball outside off and was caught behind. It was a long time since I recall JF playing two such shots in two balls. PH came in 3 and, as he always does played carefully put on 38 with Tom, and then, after drinks hit a ball down deep mid off's throat. The bowler was what I could only describe as a dibbly dobbly bowler very tempting, but line & length. With Ply captain bowling slow/medium mixers, the scoring rate slowed. All this time, Tom Brend, showed how it should be done and went to a super 54, - my man of the match, Alex Hannam was caught for 11, Fred King run out (really?) and then came 4 clean bowled caused, in my view by bad shot selection due to the pressure of the slowing scoring rate. However with 9 wickets down, Jamie Lathwell at 109 and Martin Stewart at 11 pit on 24 - it all so 'if only'.
One thing I must comment on was the number of quick singles taken off our bowling, as opposed to attempted big shots attempted by some our batsman. I would also, although again I am sure there is a good reason, a rather strange look to the batting order as against our earlier matches. This was our first loss of the season, and it was a top of the table clash, so the record of 3 won, 1 abandoned and one loss at this stage of the season, but this makes next week's event against Braunton away very important.
Today at home against Hatherleigh in the NDL. Having just beaten them away, and then beating North Devon away last week, Hatherleigh, having lost three matches in a row will be licking their wounds. This will be a difficult and there must be no complacency.
History repeats itself - Proverbs.
This Proverb wormed its way in to my mind for two reasons when considering how to represent this match. It is to write a report about a victory is easy, a fool can do it, well a fool does do it, but for that fool to fairly represent such a disappointing defeat is more difficult, an observation can be viewed as a personal criticism, an observation to try to help may seem a personal slight.
So why history? Two years ago Bide went to Plymstock without me - I was on other duties - Jeff King taking the chair. All seemed to going OK on a difficult wicket when a senior batsmen played a rash shot and the castle crumbled and we went down by one run. The defeat yesterday was 23 runs but there is something of an analogy here.
Thee second reference to history takes my mind back to some of the horrible matches of last year, when after a very cautious start seeing off the overseas opening bowler, after drinks everything feel to pieces. There was a nasty similarity here.
However the beginning. Ply won the toss and elected to bat. Second ball of the match a screamer at gully which Chris Luxton comfortably grasps. One to captain Paul Heard, he then had another, Fred King, spot on today, got two and Ply were 28-4, Fred finished on 2 - 28 off 9. Paul H had 2 - 23off 6, but did not reappear, and it did cross my mind whether he may have been slightly hurt - so many wickets fall after drinks to lower order batsmen by the returning strike bowler, I did wonder, but I am sure there is a very good tactical reason.
Thereafter, Chris Luxton bowled his 9 overs out in hi usual manner for 40, very unlucky not to get a wicket. Martin Stewart got two for 42 off his 9, Jamie picked up one, and JF picked up his usual 3 towards the end.
However a word has to be said about the catching. 9 of the dismissals were catches. Alex Hannam took two on the boundaries one particularly good. Mike Lemmings caught there overseas on the boundary, straight to him but...., Jamie Lathwell took one shoulder high at mid on just as it passed him, and the only chance that I can recall not being taken was one that went near to the sun, and the fielder never got underneath. This was very reassuring.
174 all out seemed achievable, the score rate was just about 4 an over and see off the openers. Well the first part went well JT and Tom Brend saw the two openers off by sensible batting, leaving defending and attacking the appropriate balls. Tom and JF put on 46 when JF, having been dropped at slip, played at a wide ball outside off and was caught behind. It was a long time since I recall JF playing two such shots in two balls. PH came in 3 and, as he always does played carefully put on 38 with Tom, and then, after drinks hit a ball down deep mid off's throat. The bowler was what I could only describe as a dibbly dobbly bowler very tempting, but line & length. With Ply captain bowling slow/medium mixers, the scoring rate slowed. All this time, Tom Brend, showed how it should be done and went to a super 54, - my man of the match, Alex Hannam was caught for 11, Fred King run out (really?) and then came 4 clean bowled caused, in my view by bad shot selection due to the pressure of the slowing scoring rate. However with 9 wickets down, Jamie Lathwell at 109 and Martin Stewart at 11 pit on 24 - it all so 'if only'.
One thing I must comment on was the number of quick singles taken off our bowling, as opposed to attempted big shots attempted by some our batsman. I would also, although again I am sure there is a good reason, a rather strange look to the batting order as against our earlier matches. This was our first loss of the season, and it was a top of the table clash, so the record of 3 won, 1 abandoned and one loss at this stage of the season, but this makes next week's event against Braunton away very important.
Today at home against Hatherleigh in the NDL. Having just beaten them away, and then beating North Devon away last week, Hatherleigh, having lost three matches in a row will be licking their wounds. This will be a difficult and there must be no complacency.
W O N W O N W O N
North Devon away, North Devon league 29th May 2016
There's a breathless hush in the Close to-night--
Ten to make and the match to win--
A bumping pitch and a blinding light,
An hour to play and the last man in.
The first lines of this famous poem by Henry Newbolt sums up the match today perfectly - well perhaps not perfectly as there was only two to make, the last man wasn't in and the pitch was flat, but apart from that.........
Where does one begin. It is a tale of two Kings head to head, of three wickets on the last over (yesterday JF took 9 balls for his feat), or your scorer, on his own, with the computer freezing 3 overs out, but I suppose at the end of the day, it is a story of "We Beat Them". Close does not begin to describe it.
Captain AH won the toss and elected to bat. This was, it seemed generally a 'bad thing' to quote 1066 and All That by Sellers and Yeatman (if you have never read a history book this is a must) on the belief that the strength of the ND side was such that we would all be home by 4.00. However AH opted to open with JF and himself, and when AH was first out for 21, 64 had been put on. Mmm we thought, perhaps not such a whitewash after all. Jamie Lathwell contributed 15, JI Eccles 15, Ollie Hannam 17 and Martin Stewart 11 n.o. off 4 balls (how valuable were those) while all the time, with Fred K adding another valuable 36 runs. JF beavered away (get the link to yesterday’s report?) and astonished everyone by getting out for 73, a century seemed inevitable. The total was 216, substantially greater than expected but generally considered to be 40 or so light.
So after tea, off we went with Jamie Lathwell and Fred K opening. On this flat track the openers scored quickly and it seemed that it would not be too long before the inevitable. However Martin Stewart with one for 20 off 8, and Jack Ford with one for 47 including the two penultimate overs at the sea end, radically decreased the strike rate. Thereafter Dave Staddon with some challenging overs and James Ford another 3 wickets, put Bideford back into the reckoning. So the last over, 8 runs needed to win/lose. First ball a wide, Oh!, second ball - wicket, then a fumbled bye, then two. ND back as favourites, then , another wicket, four needed, two balls, and then two runs, and thus we come to the last ball. Simple North Devon need two to win, one will tie the match and a dot ball win it for Bideford. The crowd holds its breathe, the scorer, who had had to abandon the computer and his adoring on-line fans, was trying to find bits of paper to record the happenings, peace reigned. Fred thundered in and - well none of the above, but it was a wicket, yes really, a wicket and Bideford were home by one run. Joy and jubilation all round. What a win, what a 10 days, Hatherleigh and North Devon in the Sunday League, Ottery in the Devon League and Westleigh in the 20/20. Cricket dull - not a bit of it.
What can I end with, well there was the sight of the Hannam brothers both under a towering miss hit (it was dropped!), but I think Morecombe and Wise closing song:-
Bring me sunshine in your smile
Because believe you me, if we carry on like this there will be lots of smiles - apart from any
aged supporters who may well be unable to take the strain.
Next week, 2 at home, Plymstock on the Saturday (equal with us in the top spot) and the Hatherleigh rematch on Sunday. I’m off for a spot of Bombay Sapphire whilst the party continues.
North Devon away, North Devon league 29th May 2016
There's a breathless hush in the Close to-night--
Ten to make and the match to win--
A bumping pitch and a blinding light,
An hour to play and the last man in.
The first lines of this famous poem by Henry Newbolt sums up the match today perfectly - well perhaps not perfectly as there was only two to make, the last man wasn't in and the pitch was flat, but apart from that.........
Where does one begin. It is a tale of two Kings head to head, of three wickets on the last over (yesterday JF took 9 balls for his feat), or your scorer, on his own, with the computer freezing 3 overs out, but I suppose at the end of the day, it is a story of "We Beat Them". Close does not begin to describe it.
Captain AH won the toss and elected to bat. This was, it seemed generally a 'bad thing' to quote 1066 and All That by Sellers and Yeatman (if you have never read a history book this is a must) on the belief that the strength of the ND side was such that we would all be home by 4.00. However AH opted to open with JF and himself, and when AH was first out for 21, 64 had been put on. Mmm we thought, perhaps not such a whitewash after all. Jamie Lathwell contributed 15, JI Eccles 15, Ollie Hannam 17 and Martin Stewart 11 n.o. off 4 balls (how valuable were those) while all the time, with Fred K adding another valuable 36 runs. JF beavered away (get the link to yesterday’s report?) and astonished everyone by getting out for 73, a century seemed inevitable. The total was 216, substantially greater than expected but generally considered to be 40 or so light.
So after tea, off we went with Jamie Lathwell and Fred K opening. On this flat track the openers scored quickly and it seemed that it would not be too long before the inevitable. However Martin Stewart with one for 20 off 8, and Jack Ford with one for 47 including the two penultimate overs at the sea end, radically decreased the strike rate. Thereafter Dave Staddon with some challenging overs and James Ford another 3 wickets, put Bideford back into the reckoning. So the last over, 8 runs needed to win/lose. First ball a wide, Oh!, second ball - wicket, then a fumbled bye, then two. ND back as favourites, then , another wicket, four needed, two balls, and then two runs, and thus we come to the last ball. Simple North Devon need two to win, one will tie the match and a dot ball win it for Bideford. The crowd holds its breathe, the scorer, who had had to abandon the computer and his adoring on-line fans, was trying to find bits of paper to record the happenings, peace reigned. Fred thundered in and - well none of the above, but it was a wicket, yes really, a wicket and Bideford were home by one run. Joy and jubilation all round. What a win, what a 10 days, Hatherleigh and North Devon in the Sunday League, Ottery in the Devon League and Westleigh in the 20/20. Cricket dull - not a bit of it.
What can I end with, well there was the sight of the Hannam brothers both under a towering miss hit (it was dropped!), but I think Morecombe and Wise closing song:-
Bring me sunshine in your smile
Because believe you me, if we carry on like this there will be lots of smiles - apart from any
aged supporters who may well be unable to take the strain.
Next week, 2 at home, Plymstock on the Saturday (equal with us in the top spot) and the Hatherleigh rematch on Sunday. I’m off for a spot of Bombay Sapphire whilst the party continues.
Bideford v Ottery St Mary Away, Devon League B. 28.5.2016
(and mid week 20/200
Ottery St Mary is really very pleasant place not too far away to make it a long journey, and of course a town through which the River Otter flows. Odd, I thought, that the River Otter is (one of) the place(s) where the European Beaver has been reintroduced. This became very symbolic, Beavers are notoriously hard workers which is what Bideford had to be yesterday - to pull of a spectacular win when, at 32- 5, I was packing up the computer to go home.
Weather forecasts predicted thunder storm, we had several storms at home, and the atmosphere was heavy and brooding, Paul Heard won the toss - either part of a master plan, or else very brave - and opted to bat. Within a few overs, at 32 - 5 the innings seemed doomed. The ball was swerving and seaming. The team was as before with Chris Luxton back for Josh Atkinson who has a bad back.
The middle and late order, surveyed this wreckage, put the best foot forwards 245 – 9. the last 5 wickets put on 213. The individual scores shows what happened, the first 5 8,4,1,5 0. The sun started at this point to lift the atmosphere, the openers bowlers came off and suddenly the next batsmen made 32, 61, 18,56 and 37, and the partnerships went, 15, 3, 8, 0, 6, 48, 51, 19, 83. I am not sure whether I have seen an innings before so totally turned upside down. So lets put some names to these achievements. Fred King playing probably his most important innings since a 36 or so against Ivybridge a few years ago, made a superb 61 (50 in 60 balls). Ji Eccles a hard hitting 32, Chris Luxton back to the lst time help steady the ship again with 18 and |mike Lemmings having 'got him, belted the ball to all parts for 56 (50 in 40) with 3 fours and 3 sixes. ML put on a match winning stand of 83 with Jamie Lathwell for the 9th wicket he striking 37 in 34 balls. So from such a large hole, Bideford stopped digging and got out in a big big way. One could feel the effect on the those last few stands draining Ottery's confidence away.
When Ottery started their Chase of 245. Pail Heard opened as always with himself and Fred K. It would I think be fair to say that Fred was not at his best but he still got the first wicket. Although the batting was, or appeared to be much easier, Paul H seemed almost unplayable. H did get one caught behind but deserved more - the batsmen were not good enough to get bat on ball. However it was worrying that, from the start, Ottery were above the required run rate right up to the last wicket. Fred King gave way to Chris Luxton who immediately rolled all those years back with 89 overs 2 maidens 2 for 26. Martin Stewart replaced Paul H. His first over was a but expensive but he settled down got spin and lift and picked up a further 2 wickets for 45, 24 of them coming off 2 overs when the batsmen where going hell for leather. During this period Martin managed remarkable run out at the non striking end with direct hit from deep cover. The batsman appeared dumbfounded – as apparently were the Bideford fielders!
So Ottery were getting nearer the total all the time. Chris and Martin were bowled out, Jamie Lathwell bowled well for four overs when the long handles were really out, Alex Hannam and Mike Lemmings came and went and 235 – 8 eleven needed, 4 overs to go, what do Beavers do - call on Daddy Beaver! James Ford, well what can you say. Is it his unusual action, is it the less than hair-suit head, or is he, (dare I say this) and really good bowler. Well, whatever, enter the shining hero, 9 balls, 3 wickets, 0 runs and Bideford home by 4. I couldn't believe it. Two matches in succession, Hatherleigh last Sunday, Ottery today, right up to the wire – you'll need a younger scorer with a sounder heart if this goes on. So off we go home with 20 points under our belts - maximum score to date, given last week's wash out.
Midweek, we went off to Westleigh for a some what uneven 20/20. Bideford batted first and scored 254, Matt Shepherd and Alex Hannam scored 70 and 110 respectively, Jack Ford and Dad got one wicket each, Martin Stewart another 3, and Tom Brend 2. I had trouble with TCS that evening - due
to not being able to see the screen in the sun, and Bideford are in the next round of the cup. When and where, - we will probably be told the day before!
This afternoon off to North Devon in the NDL – they are apparently putting out their strongest team, I should really be gardening. I will put up a report and will be on line.
Next week will be much more fun Saturday at home with Plymstock on Saturday and Hatherleigh on Sunday. So I will return.
The Quill
(and mid week 20/200
Ottery St Mary is really very pleasant place not too far away to make it a long journey, and of course a town through which the River Otter flows. Odd, I thought, that the River Otter is (one of) the place(s) where the European Beaver has been reintroduced. This became very symbolic, Beavers are notoriously hard workers which is what Bideford had to be yesterday - to pull of a spectacular win when, at 32- 5, I was packing up the computer to go home.
Weather forecasts predicted thunder storm, we had several storms at home, and the atmosphere was heavy and brooding, Paul Heard won the toss - either part of a master plan, or else very brave - and opted to bat. Within a few overs, at 32 - 5 the innings seemed doomed. The ball was swerving and seaming. The team was as before with Chris Luxton back for Josh Atkinson who has a bad back.
The middle and late order, surveyed this wreckage, put the best foot forwards 245 – 9. the last 5 wickets put on 213. The individual scores shows what happened, the first 5 8,4,1,5 0. The sun started at this point to lift the atmosphere, the openers bowlers came off and suddenly the next batsmen made 32, 61, 18,56 and 37, and the partnerships went, 15, 3, 8, 0, 6, 48, 51, 19, 83. I am not sure whether I have seen an innings before so totally turned upside down. So lets put some names to these achievements. Fred King playing probably his most important innings since a 36 or so against Ivybridge a few years ago, made a superb 61 (50 in 60 balls). Ji Eccles a hard hitting 32, Chris Luxton back to the lst time help steady the ship again with 18 and |mike Lemmings having 'got him, belted the ball to all parts for 56 (50 in 40) with 3 fours and 3 sixes. ML put on a match winning stand of 83 with Jamie Lathwell for the 9th wicket he striking 37 in 34 balls. So from such a large hole, Bideford stopped digging and got out in a big big way. One could feel the effect on the those last few stands draining Ottery's confidence away.
When Ottery started their Chase of 245. Pail Heard opened as always with himself and Fred K. It would I think be fair to say that Fred was not at his best but he still got the first wicket. Although the batting was, or appeared to be much easier, Paul H seemed almost unplayable. H did get one caught behind but deserved more - the batsmen were not good enough to get bat on ball. However it was worrying that, from the start, Ottery were above the required run rate right up to the last wicket. Fred King gave way to Chris Luxton who immediately rolled all those years back with 89 overs 2 maidens 2 for 26. Martin Stewart replaced Paul H. His first over was a but expensive but he settled down got spin and lift and picked up a further 2 wickets for 45, 24 of them coming off 2 overs when the batsmen where going hell for leather. During this period Martin managed remarkable run out at the non striking end with direct hit from deep cover. The batsman appeared dumbfounded – as apparently were the Bideford fielders!
So Ottery were getting nearer the total all the time. Chris and Martin were bowled out, Jamie Lathwell bowled well for four overs when the long handles were really out, Alex Hannam and Mike Lemmings came and went and 235 – 8 eleven needed, 4 overs to go, what do Beavers do - call on Daddy Beaver! James Ford, well what can you say. Is it his unusual action, is it the less than hair-suit head, or is he, (dare I say this) and really good bowler. Well, whatever, enter the shining hero, 9 balls, 3 wickets, 0 runs and Bideford home by 4. I couldn't believe it. Two matches in succession, Hatherleigh last Sunday, Ottery today, right up to the wire – you'll need a younger scorer with a sounder heart if this goes on. So off we go home with 20 points under our belts - maximum score to date, given last week's wash out.
Midweek, we went off to Westleigh for a some what uneven 20/20. Bideford batted first and scored 254, Matt Shepherd and Alex Hannam scored 70 and 110 respectively, Jack Ford and Dad got one wicket each, Martin Stewart another 3, and Tom Brend 2. I had trouble with TCS that evening - due
to not being able to see the screen in the sun, and Bideford are in the next round of the cup. When and where, - we will probably be told the day before!
This afternoon off to North Devon in the NDL – they are apparently putting out their strongest team, I should really be gardening. I will put up a report and will be on line.
Next week will be much more fun Saturday at home with Plymstock on Saturday and Hatherleigh on Sunday. So I will return.
The Quill
22nd May 2016 Bideford v Hatherleigh away. North Devon League.
Bideford won by 7 runs.
As I was driving to Hatherleigh, parts of the road clearly showing downfalls of rain and wondering whether, like yesterday my journey would be in vain, I was reflecting - goodness knows why - on Charles Dickens Tale of Two Cities. In fact come the end of the day I could reflect on a Tale of Two - Fords, or perhaps Hannams, or, in our batting innings, a Tale of two Batters, (or on another track, the visitor from the North) but emphatically not a tale of two bowlers - fortune dictated success for all of them. When I was settling down in the scorebox just after the toss (lost by Mr A Hannam, must try harder!), Hatherleigh's scorer told me that all their matches had been very tight, ending in the last over - prophetic words if ever there were any.
So, Bideford were inserted with James Ford and Ollie Hannam opening. Young Mr Hannam departed in the first over (rather quietly I thought, though normal service would be resumed later). Rob North, playing for us for the first time in quite a while if my memory serves me, joined JF and together they built the platform on which the total (and victory were built). Indeed between them they scored very nearly half of the batting runs (excluding extras) putting on 77 in 15 overs. JF suddenly and surprisingly, launched the ball in the air towards the pavilion achieving a commendable amount of height, but alas not enough distance, so he was caught. Bearing in mind how quickly JF and RN were scoring I was marginally surprised at the shot - JF is usually so certain about the right one (well consider his experience!) - but then it occurred to me that he was probably putting in his bid to be the pinch hitter in the 20/20 against Westleigh on Wednesday. RN kept going reaching his 50 and ploughing on to 83 invaluable runs. Things at the other end were, however not going the same way. Captain Alex Hannam made the same contribution as his brother, Paul Lathwell was run out in a fearful muddle, and Ji Eccles ran himself out in a rather cavalier effort. John weeks strode to the wicket in his usual authoritative style and became only the third batsman to reach double figures, a statistic that appeared to be set in stone until Jamie Lathwell at No 10 (very low!) thumped 20 off 12 balls to help the innings to a respectable if not awe inspiring 171.
After the usual super tea, hostilities were resumed with Fred King and Capt. AH opening the bowling - far more fire power than Hatherleigh had had. AH struck in his first over with an LBW, while FK a few overs later took a gentle caught and bowled. They each bowled 6 very effective overs (AH claiming two maidens and another wicket) Jamie L took over from Fred and Jack Ford from AH (thus must be the youngest 1st Xl ever, mustn’t it. Jamie claimed one, caught by Fergus Bradbeer, making a welcome return and Jack Ford two, one bowled and one caught by his father (tale of two Fords!) Wiley old JF took over from JL and did not immediately get a prize but persisted in his usual style (if style is the correct word). Fergus B given one over to fill in, first missed a very difficult caught and bowled (JF had missed a really hard hit the over before) and then had Hatherleigh's hard hitting captain caught goal keeper style by Mr O Hannam at square leg. It seemed to be going like a rocket, as indeed did Ollie when he had held it, and normal service was resumed.
Fred bowled out his last two overs and AH returning for his last two claimed a clean bowled. This was good timing as Hatherleigh had gone from 66-6 and seemingly out of it, to 140 for 6 and seemingly heading for victory. JF had the responsibility of the penultimate over and had the main opposition batsman (in 62) well caught by Jamie L near the boundary. I know it went straight to him but he just had enough time to think about it. This left Jamie L with the last over with 12 runs and 1 wicket. The last two batsman were clearly not up to Jamie's pace and N0 11 was run out. Victory by 7 runs and another 20 points in the bag.
So AH with his wickets and OH with that so important catch, Messrs J & J Ford with their runs and wickets, Messrs JF and RN with those so important runs, not to mention the other wicket takers all added up to a tale of two somethings. As the game ended I was reminded that I had forgotten to take my blood pressure tablets, so can we have something a bit easier on the scorer's nerves please.
So next week, there is the 20/20 at Westleigh 6.00 pm on Wednesday – I will try to have this live on TCS but if not I will get it on as soon as possible, while on Saturday we are travelling to Ottery St Mary.
So, let the good times roll and cheers to everyone. After a win like that the Bombay Sapphire does taste that little bit better.
The quill.
Bideford won by 7 runs.
As I was driving to Hatherleigh, parts of the road clearly showing downfalls of rain and wondering whether, like yesterday my journey would be in vain, I was reflecting - goodness knows why - on Charles Dickens Tale of Two Cities. In fact come the end of the day I could reflect on a Tale of Two - Fords, or perhaps Hannams, or, in our batting innings, a Tale of two Batters, (or on another track, the visitor from the North) but emphatically not a tale of two bowlers - fortune dictated success for all of them. When I was settling down in the scorebox just after the toss (lost by Mr A Hannam, must try harder!), Hatherleigh's scorer told me that all their matches had been very tight, ending in the last over - prophetic words if ever there were any.
So, Bideford were inserted with James Ford and Ollie Hannam opening. Young Mr Hannam departed in the first over (rather quietly I thought, though normal service would be resumed later). Rob North, playing for us for the first time in quite a while if my memory serves me, joined JF and together they built the platform on which the total (and victory were built). Indeed between them they scored very nearly half of the batting runs (excluding extras) putting on 77 in 15 overs. JF suddenly and surprisingly, launched the ball in the air towards the pavilion achieving a commendable amount of height, but alas not enough distance, so he was caught. Bearing in mind how quickly JF and RN were scoring I was marginally surprised at the shot - JF is usually so certain about the right one (well consider his experience!) - but then it occurred to me that he was probably putting in his bid to be the pinch hitter in the 20/20 against Westleigh on Wednesday. RN kept going reaching his 50 and ploughing on to 83 invaluable runs. Things at the other end were, however not going the same way. Captain Alex Hannam made the same contribution as his brother, Paul Lathwell was run out in a fearful muddle, and Ji Eccles ran himself out in a rather cavalier effort. John weeks strode to the wicket in his usual authoritative style and became only the third batsman to reach double figures, a statistic that appeared to be set in stone until Jamie Lathwell at No 10 (very low!) thumped 20 off 12 balls to help the innings to a respectable if not awe inspiring 171.
After the usual super tea, hostilities were resumed with Fred King and Capt. AH opening the bowling - far more fire power than Hatherleigh had had. AH struck in his first over with an LBW, while FK a few overs later took a gentle caught and bowled. They each bowled 6 very effective overs (AH claiming two maidens and another wicket) Jamie L took over from Fred and Jack Ford from AH (thus must be the youngest 1st Xl ever, mustn’t it. Jamie claimed one, caught by Fergus Bradbeer, making a welcome return and Jack Ford two, one bowled and one caught by his father (tale of two Fords!) Wiley old JF took over from JL and did not immediately get a prize but persisted in his usual style (if style is the correct word). Fergus B given one over to fill in, first missed a very difficult caught and bowled (JF had missed a really hard hit the over before) and then had Hatherleigh's hard hitting captain caught goal keeper style by Mr O Hannam at square leg. It seemed to be going like a rocket, as indeed did Ollie when he had held it, and normal service was resumed.
Fred bowled out his last two overs and AH returning for his last two claimed a clean bowled. This was good timing as Hatherleigh had gone from 66-6 and seemingly out of it, to 140 for 6 and seemingly heading for victory. JF had the responsibility of the penultimate over and had the main opposition batsman (in 62) well caught by Jamie L near the boundary. I know it went straight to him but he just had enough time to think about it. This left Jamie L with the last over with 12 runs and 1 wicket. The last two batsman were clearly not up to Jamie's pace and N0 11 was run out. Victory by 7 runs and another 20 points in the bag.
So AH with his wickets and OH with that so important catch, Messrs J & J Ford with their runs and wickets, Messrs JF and RN with those so important runs, not to mention the other wicket takers all added up to a tale of two somethings. As the game ended I was reminded that I had forgotten to take my blood pressure tablets, so can we have something a bit easier on the scorer's nerves please.
So next week, there is the 20/20 at Westleigh 6.00 pm on Wednesday – I will try to have this live on TCS but if not I will get it on as soon as possible, while on Saturday we are travelling to Ottery St Mary.
So, let the good times roll and cheers to everyone. After a win like that the Bombay Sapphire does taste that little bit better.
The quill.
Bideford v Filleigh North Devon League Westward Ho! Sunday 15th May
Let's the Good Times Roll. (Ray Charles) Here we go again (The Hollies) or a variation of Cat Stevens, '[Paul] and son'
What a day - at home, the sun shining, and a victory, and this following the decisive victory yesterday, and even better, no criticisms of the officials!
Filleigh has always been a sort of bête noire for me, usually we have got in a position to win and then managed to lose (may be my malign influence of course). It is always essential that everything goes right, so captain Alex H winning the toss was a very good start. Rob Hill opened with James Ford. The opening bowlers did not seem too threatening but difficult to get away. However RH and JF put up a very respectable 53 before JF was LBW. Captain AH joined Rob H but RH was out immediately for 29, and AH left for a modest 4 - bowled (it seemed to me) rather walking up the pitch rather than playing the ball on its merits, although in fairness it had been rather slow progress. Paul Lathwell rather tentatively approached the wicket, giving little clue as to the heroics to come. A further couple of wickets fell cheaply and at 73 for 5 I had an awful feeling of 'here we go again'. However John Weeks, fresh from his success the previous day steadied the ship with PL with sensible batting, playing each ball on its merits. He and PL put on 71, and provided a platform for the big hitters to some. And come they did. Pete Stevens hit 21 from 9 balls (3 sixes), Jamie Lathwell 22 from 17 and Fred King 36 from 16. While these three were battering the bowlers into submission, PL glided along, unperturbed for a magnificent 55 off 64. All out for 231 with one ball left.
After tea provided by the Fishleighs (and very good it was), and after sorting out the wreckage of the scorer's chair, donated by my brother, which collapsed under the visiting scoring, Filleigh began their reply. Fred K, down hill as usual, and Alex H uphill, bowled with real pace, and I thought Alex had gained a yard or 3 of pace in the winter. AH won an LBW decision and Gareth Davies, (first change) persuaded the other opener to present him with a fairly straight forward c & b. Jamie Lathwell took over from GD and immediately claimed 2 clean bowled in his first over and ended with 3 for 21. James Ford (either the inspired choice of capt AH, or else putting himself forward to claim some wickets - no fool is our JF) cleaned up with 4 for 5 runs. and with one run out, that suddenly was the end. 20 points, our first win the 1st Division of the NDL this year after some very tough away games. So let the good times roll, 40 points in 2 games this weekend, very reminiscent of a few seasons ago. As for the Lathwell's what a day for them (hence the rather cunning reference to Cat Stevens at the beginning) - and for those of you who have never heard of Cat Stevens, he was a singer of the 70s who latterly embraced Islam and changed his name, so I changed his hit Matthew and Son to Paul & Son - clever?. No! well I think it is. (Was it my imagination or did father Paul look a little tired at the end of the game).
Little more to add, a special day, AH's captaincy was effective and exemplary and everyone contributed. Next week, Thorveton at home in the Devon League at home on Saturday - more difficult I fancy, and on Sunday, no idea at the moment, but wherever it is I will be there.
And the final blessing TCS is back again so 'let the good times roll'.
The Quill
Let's the Good Times Roll. (Ray Charles) Here we go again (The Hollies) or a variation of Cat Stevens, '[Paul] and son'
What a day - at home, the sun shining, and a victory, and this following the decisive victory yesterday, and even better, no criticisms of the officials!
Filleigh has always been a sort of bête noire for me, usually we have got in a position to win and then managed to lose (may be my malign influence of course). It is always essential that everything goes right, so captain Alex H winning the toss was a very good start. Rob Hill opened with James Ford. The opening bowlers did not seem too threatening but difficult to get away. However RH and JF put up a very respectable 53 before JF was LBW. Captain AH joined Rob H but RH was out immediately for 29, and AH left for a modest 4 - bowled (it seemed to me) rather walking up the pitch rather than playing the ball on its merits, although in fairness it had been rather slow progress. Paul Lathwell rather tentatively approached the wicket, giving little clue as to the heroics to come. A further couple of wickets fell cheaply and at 73 for 5 I had an awful feeling of 'here we go again'. However John Weeks, fresh from his success the previous day steadied the ship with PL with sensible batting, playing each ball on its merits. He and PL put on 71, and provided a platform for the big hitters to some. And come they did. Pete Stevens hit 21 from 9 balls (3 sixes), Jamie Lathwell 22 from 17 and Fred King 36 from 16. While these three were battering the bowlers into submission, PL glided along, unperturbed for a magnificent 55 off 64. All out for 231 with one ball left.
After tea provided by the Fishleighs (and very good it was), and after sorting out the wreckage of the scorer's chair, donated by my brother, which collapsed under the visiting scoring, Filleigh began their reply. Fred K, down hill as usual, and Alex H uphill, bowled with real pace, and I thought Alex had gained a yard or 3 of pace in the winter. AH won an LBW decision and Gareth Davies, (first change) persuaded the other opener to present him with a fairly straight forward c & b. Jamie Lathwell took over from GD and immediately claimed 2 clean bowled in his first over and ended with 3 for 21. James Ford (either the inspired choice of capt AH, or else putting himself forward to claim some wickets - no fool is our JF) cleaned up with 4 for 5 runs. and with one run out, that suddenly was the end. 20 points, our first win the 1st Division of the NDL this year after some very tough away games. So let the good times roll, 40 points in 2 games this weekend, very reminiscent of a few seasons ago. As for the Lathwell's what a day for them (hence the rather cunning reference to Cat Stevens at the beginning) - and for those of you who have never heard of Cat Stevens, he was a singer of the 70s who latterly embraced Islam and changed his name, so I changed his hit Matthew and Son to Paul & Son - clever?. No! well I think it is. (Was it my imagination or did father Paul look a little tired at the end of the game).
Little more to add, a special day, AH's captaincy was effective and exemplary and everyone contributed. Next week, Thorveton at home in the Devon League at home on Saturday - more difficult I fancy, and on Sunday, no idea at the moment, but wherever it is I will be there.
And the final blessing TCS is back again so 'let the good times roll'.
The Quill
South Devon v Bideford. Saturday 14th May 2016 away at Newton Abbott
Another One Bites the Dust - Queen (Freddie Mercury)
After the big win last week which of course I missed, due to what I claim to be my academic life although others in fairness have called it lots of other things, today's encounter was against South Devon, based by those who weren't sure, at Newton Abbot. South Devon lost away at Braunton last week, so as each week goes by it is possible to make a sounder judgement on the relative strengths of each team in what would seem a very challenging division.
However little did I know what problems your scorer would have, reminiscent of what Jeff K had last week.
The problems - there was no electricity in the score box which was about half a mile away from the pavilion, and secondly there was no wifi. However we worked out that by a careful use of the battery by inputting 5 overs or so at a time, and with my brother taking the machine to the nearest point to charge, we could get by, and in fact due to circumstances it worked. The second problem was solved by the introduction of the dongle. However what we could not cater for was the fact that TCS were doing some maintenance and apologised for the inconvenience. However I see that virtually all teams scores are not shown on TCS so everyone has been affected. Its a pretty poor show when the inability to use TCS live scoring are the headlines. I will look further into this and only hope that it will be resolved by tomorrow.
So, at last to the match. Having, may I say trounced, Tavvy last week, and South Devon having lost to Braunton, it was with some hope that we arrived at Newton Abbott. Paul H won the toss - how much luck helps a captain (it is luck I presume, there is no secret coin or Harry Potter Charm?) and Bideford batted. Paul H opened with Fred and had there opener clean bowled second ball. A great start 0 - 1 their number 3 following in the same manner a few runs later. Fred K bowled threateningly with many a ball going past the edge but with no numerical success. Jamie Lathwell took over from Fred and also beat the edge on many occasions with nu success. Josh A took 2 in 2 one a smart chance but Alex H the other an LBW - a few mutterings among the ancients dotted around the ground. They then gave way to the spin twins Martin Stewart and Michael Lemmings, is it the amount of turn, the height the ball comes from or the cunning? Whatever and I am sure they will tell me its their skill, Martin took four for 33 off 8.2, and Michael 2 for 17 off 7. Jamie Lathwell took a fine catch and the fielding in general was of a much higher standard than some performances last year - but then its easier and much more fun when you are winning.
Because South Devon were bowled out at 3.38 rather than 4.00 the umpires insisted that - in accordance with the rules, - Bideford would have to bat until 4.40 or 15 overs before tea. This is the rule so who am I to complain, but the fact that the tea was already ready with one of our opening batsman well into his tea, and the tea brewed, and the fact that the facility was shared with the local football club whose game was due to finish at the same time was never apparently considered. I may, in my old fashioned way be a bit of a rebel, and really one minute, Not a word to anyone I may be drummed out of DACO - I suppose they rip the margins of the score book. Dour grapes it may be, but the net affect was that the game finished probably half an hour later than it would otherwise have. I do wish the rule makers would add that common sense can sometimes be used!
Enough of the moans but if no-one says anything, and it was a rotten trick to tear James Ford away from his tea.
However as a result, it was an even mote tenacious James F who opened with Ton Brend who was given out to a ball which puzzled both scorers as to who. Enquiry discovered the fact that he was apparently LBW, a fact that surprised him, as much as a couple of South Devon batsmen.
Paul Heard in at number 3 hit the ball hard when it was bad a chalked up 44, while Alex H at 4, scoring 17 gave a very creditable imitation in his final over of how not to copy Josh Buttler - reflection perhaps on keeping wickets in hand at the end for more precious points. James F reached his half century, not out at the end, and Matt Shepherd ended the match with a 6 which showed I was right to park my car in the public car park outside rather than by the ropes.
So a second team bites the dust by 7 wickets. A splendid game fought hard and well. However let us not forget that there will be tougher hurdles ahead.
Next week home to Thorverton, tomorrow Filleigh at home, let’s hope the gremlins have been sorted by then
The (grumpy) Quill
Another One Bites the Dust - Queen (Freddie Mercury)
After the big win last week which of course I missed, due to what I claim to be my academic life although others in fairness have called it lots of other things, today's encounter was against South Devon, based by those who weren't sure, at Newton Abbot. South Devon lost away at Braunton last week, so as each week goes by it is possible to make a sounder judgement on the relative strengths of each team in what would seem a very challenging division.
However little did I know what problems your scorer would have, reminiscent of what Jeff K had last week.
The problems - there was no electricity in the score box which was about half a mile away from the pavilion, and secondly there was no wifi. However we worked out that by a careful use of the battery by inputting 5 overs or so at a time, and with my brother taking the machine to the nearest point to charge, we could get by, and in fact due to circumstances it worked. The second problem was solved by the introduction of the dongle. However what we could not cater for was the fact that TCS were doing some maintenance and apologised for the inconvenience. However I see that virtually all teams scores are not shown on TCS so everyone has been affected. Its a pretty poor show when the inability to use TCS live scoring are the headlines. I will look further into this and only hope that it will be resolved by tomorrow.
So, at last to the match. Having, may I say trounced, Tavvy last week, and South Devon having lost to Braunton, it was with some hope that we arrived at Newton Abbott. Paul H won the toss - how much luck helps a captain (it is luck I presume, there is no secret coin or Harry Potter Charm?) and Bideford batted. Paul H opened with Fred and had there opener clean bowled second ball. A great start 0 - 1 their number 3 following in the same manner a few runs later. Fred K bowled threateningly with many a ball going past the edge but with no numerical success. Jamie Lathwell took over from Fred and also beat the edge on many occasions with nu success. Josh A took 2 in 2 one a smart chance but Alex H the other an LBW - a few mutterings among the ancients dotted around the ground. They then gave way to the spin twins Martin Stewart and Michael Lemmings, is it the amount of turn, the height the ball comes from or the cunning? Whatever and I am sure they will tell me its their skill, Martin took four for 33 off 8.2, and Michael 2 for 17 off 7. Jamie Lathwell took a fine catch and the fielding in general was of a much higher standard than some performances last year - but then its easier and much more fun when you are winning.
Because South Devon were bowled out at 3.38 rather than 4.00 the umpires insisted that - in accordance with the rules, - Bideford would have to bat until 4.40 or 15 overs before tea. This is the rule so who am I to complain, but the fact that the tea was already ready with one of our opening batsman well into his tea, and the tea brewed, and the fact that the facility was shared with the local football club whose game was due to finish at the same time was never apparently considered. I may, in my old fashioned way be a bit of a rebel, and really one minute, Not a word to anyone I may be drummed out of DACO - I suppose they rip the margins of the score book. Dour grapes it may be, but the net affect was that the game finished probably half an hour later than it would otherwise have. I do wish the rule makers would add that common sense can sometimes be used!
Enough of the moans but if no-one says anything, and it was a rotten trick to tear James Ford away from his tea.
However as a result, it was an even mote tenacious James F who opened with Ton Brend who was given out to a ball which puzzled both scorers as to who. Enquiry discovered the fact that he was apparently LBW, a fact that surprised him, as much as a couple of South Devon batsmen.
Paul Heard in at number 3 hit the ball hard when it was bad a chalked up 44, while Alex H at 4, scoring 17 gave a very creditable imitation in his final over of how not to copy Josh Buttler - reflection perhaps on keeping wickets in hand at the end for more precious points. James F reached his half century, not out at the end, and Matt Shepherd ended the match with a 6 which showed I was right to park my car in the public car park outside rather than by the ropes.
So a second team bites the dust by 7 wickets. A splendid game fought hard and well. However let us not forget that there will be tougher hurdles ahead.
Next week home to Thorverton, tomorrow Filleigh at home, let’s hope the gremlins have been sorted by then
The (grumpy) Quill
Sandford v Bideford Sunday 8th May away NDL
Lost by 8 wickets.
First Apologies
The thing about TCS is that it is a marvellous scoring system, and the way that those interested can keep in touch with a game in real time is one of the wonders of the world BUT the system is becoming so all embracing and its tie up with Playcricket so extensive that there are many little bugs and nuances in the system. If you are using it day in day out you can usually find a way around this - which part of the laptop to hit with a hammer for instance - but sometimes it is just so damned awkward that it seems destined not to work that day. With me away on Saturday TCS or the laptop decided that it was one of those days to do something really awkward. It was probably just one of those things, it may be that it likes me more than Jeff (very unlikely!), it may prefer G & T to Guinness, or more likely, it realised that Jeff K is a far better scorer than me and was suggesting that I should stay away. Who is to say, who cares. Well I do. I have given the laptop a hearty smack, told TCS to behave and today it seemed to work. You will I suspect now all know that it was a convincing win, which according to the website has put us top of the table with 30 points whilst all other winners got 20 - bit of a slip of mine really!
However hopefully this was the only game this year in which we will see such gross misbehaviour.
TODAYS GAME
After the Lord Mayor's Show.
Having missed the entirety of yesterday's game I was hoping that the feeling of winning would transfer itself to the Sunday firsts. I was sorry that only 10 players were available. It does make one think what on earth is going to happen next weekend when we have two Sunday games - and no, if anyone asks I am not going to play. Nearly one third of the team were Atkinsons of various varieties. Captain Alex won the toss, elected to bat, and all seemed to be going fine until 22 was on board, after which there was a constant clatter of wickets. They say Cometh the Hours, Cometh the man, well the hour certainly Cometh and Capt AH cometh in a big way he scored 58 of the total of 142 with some splendid shots. Jamie Lathwell got 10, no other batsmen in double figures. Extras were 35 so AH and extras=93 of 142. It has again to be stressed that this is a very difficult league with most of the teams featuring sveral Premier or A batsmen and/or bowlers but having 10 men does limit one's chances a bit, even though Sandford were reduced to 10 when their week keeper left injured with a suspected broken finger. So a total of 142 was reached - better than it seemed it would be at one stage, but frankly not enough it would appear to trouble Sandford.
So after tea, Sandford batted with Fred K and Josh A opening the bowling. However neither made any inroads into the experienced Sandford line up. However Cameron, the youngest of the Atkinsons' on show eventually broke the partnership with an LBW decision. Cameron's bowling was very interesting to watch, not fearing to give the ball plenty of air - a star of the future? The veteran experience of David Staddon got us the second wicket, also an LBW. That was the extent of the damage inflicted. The batters of Sandford in truth were too good. However full marks to those who turned out to help and to Alex H, the captain who not only made the runs but, in my view lead the team in an exemplary manner and gave full opportunity to everyone. The fact remains that this is going to be a tough haul for us against the teams in this division.
Next week Devon League South Devon away, and our first home match v Filleigh in the NDL - with two games on the need for everyone to be available to help us win our first home game is imperative if not, it is going to be a very difficult year . As for me, I'm off to pack my bags for a well deserved short break and to try to stop moaning, after all I can't bat or bowl!
The Quill
Lost by 8 wickets.
First Apologies
The thing about TCS is that it is a marvellous scoring system, and the way that those interested can keep in touch with a game in real time is one of the wonders of the world BUT the system is becoming so all embracing and its tie up with Playcricket so extensive that there are many little bugs and nuances in the system. If you are using it day in day out you can usually find a way around this - which part of the laptop to hit with a hammer for instance - but sometimes it is just so damned awkward that it seems destined not to work that day. With me away on Saturday TCS or the laptop decided that it was one of those days to do something really awkward. It was probably just one of those things, it may be that it likes me more than Jeff (very unlikely!), it may prefer G & T to Guinness, or more likely, it realised that Jeff K is a far better scorer than me and was suggesting that I should stay away. Who is to say, who cares. Well I do. I have given the laptop a hearty smack, told TCS to behave and today it seemed to work. You will I suspect now all know that it was a convincing win, which according to the website has put us top of the table with 30 points whilst all other winners got 20 - bit of a slip of mine really!
However hopefully this was the only game this year in which we will see such gross misbehaviour.
TODAYS GAME
After the Lord Mayor's Show.
Having missed the entirety of yesterday's game I was hoping that the feeling of winning would transfer itself to the Sunday firsts. I was sorry that only 10 players were available. It does make one think what on earth is going to happen next weekend when we have two Sunday games - and no, if anyone asks I am not going to play. Nearly one third of the team were Atkinsons of various varieties. Captain Alex won the toss, elected to bat, and all seemed to be going fine until 22 was on board, after which there was a constant clatter of wickets. They say Cometh the Hours, Cometh the man, well the hour certainly Cometh and Capt AH cometh in a big way he scored 58 of the total of 142 with some splendid shots. Jamie Lathwell got 10, no other batsmen in double figures. Extras were 35 so AH and extras=93 of 142. It has again to be stressed that this is a very difficult league with most of the teams featuring sveral Premier or A batsmen and/or bowlers but having 10 men does limit one's chances a bit, even though Sandford were reduced to 10 when their week keeper left injured with a suspected broken finger. So a total of 142 was reached - better than it seemed it would be at one stage, but frankly not enough it would appear to trouble Sandford.
So after tea, Sandford batted with Fred K and Josh A opening the bowling. However neither made any inroads into the experienced Sandford line up. However Cameron, the youngest of the Atkinsons' on show eventually broke the partnership with an LBW decision. Cameron's bowling was very interesting to watch, not fearing to give the ball plenty of air - a star of the future? The veteran experience of David Staddon got us the second wicket, also an LBW. That was the extent of the damage inflicted. The batters of Sandford in truth were too good. However full marks to those who turned out to help and to Alex H, the captain who not only made the runs but, in my view lead the team in an exemplary manner and gave full opportunity to everyone. The fact remains that this is going to be a tough haul for us against the teams in this division.
Next week Devon League South Devon away, and our first home match v Filleigh in the NDL - with two games on the need for everyone to be available to help us win our first home game is imperative if not, it is going to be a very difficult year . As for me, I'm off to pack my bags for a well deserved short break and to try to stop moaning, after all I can't bat or bowl!
The Quill
Heathcoat v Bideford NDL Div 1 30th April 2016
As I drove down the link road to Heathcoat, my mind, or what I choose to call my mind, wandered to think about the years I spent at Blundells School (no, you would never have guessed it would you) and its Latin motto – actually I can't remember the exact words. However, be that is it may, I was reminded of the words of Julius Caesar, Veni, vide, vici I came and saw and conquered. So driving through the gates at Knightshayes (they were open) I felt that immediately we had done the veni and vide bit. However the vici bit went a bit awry along the line somewhere.
Uncle Andrew – that is Alex Hannam's uncle, had gallantly turned up to give maturity to the side. However Alex H, for the second time this year called wrongly, and we were inserted. To anyone driving from North Devon yesterday, it is quite astounding that any cricket was played at all, so foul was the weather we left behind, but during the match, although clearly there was rain all around the ground, there was little during the match - well not enough to trouble your scorers any rates.
John Weeks opened with Billy Blackburn, and initially there appeared to be no difficulty, rans came and neither batsman was duly troubled apart from a suggestion of a dropped catch by slip, which went for four off the first ball, which was bowled by a young Devon hopeful. However Billy Blackburn was suddenly unexpectedly caught at slip, and he was replaced by the ever youthful Marten Stanbury who dealt with the bowling in his straightforward manner and having got to 24, decided to miss and straight ball.
This brought in Josh King. Having followed him on the rugby pitch this winter (I am assuming it really is still winter) it was a real pleasure to see him back with his home team. However having hit a 4 and a 3 to get things going, Josh steepled a catch to mid on and was caught, a brief remembrance of his exploits for us over the years. Alex H came and hit some sweet shots before being caught and bowled rather unexpectedly. This brought Ji Eccles to the crease. Perhaps tentative to start – and for him coming from the southern hemisphere it must feel the same as if we went to Antarctica – he displayed an array of cheeky delicate glances, some sumptuous drives and some good old fashioned smashing. His acumen in picking up short singles was very clear until he tried one short run too many and was run out.
John Weeks again played an very important role as the anchorman, but some big shots made me realise that there is a Chris Gayle in their waiting to get out.
Jamie Lathwell and Fred King 22 and 12 respectively, and wides featured heavily in the final score of 221 all out. Two things are, I am sure evident about this. First, as I said in the report v Braunton, all batsman are going too have to participate with some runs – in other words batting will be a team effort, and secondly, bearing in mind the potential strength of most opposition teams in the Division, to be successful will make it a hard season, all teams in the division are strong.
So, after a splendid tea, and getting the feeling back in my fingers the second innings started with definite dampness in the year. Fred King pitched one up and got their captain, Josh K, looking a bit leaner and fitter this year I fancy got dangerman Menhenneot with his second ball, but the Heathcoat batsman got well on top and by the time Jamie Lathwell got one to come back and get a clean bowled, the match was unfortunately long gone, and we trooped home in the drizzle with 3 points for our troubles. Heathcoat are a strong premier division team, and matches against them and the likes of North Devon are going to be very difficult, but we have the whole season before us and who knows, we may yet be champions - after if Leicester can do it (if they do do it!)
I am away next Saturday I am doing an 18 month course which offers one face to face tutorial, and guess what – its next Saturday. As I said yesterday I am not yet sure what the arrangements will be but I will try to get a message on face book, or the club's site. Next Sunday its Sandford away, one of my favourite grounds, when normality (if anything I do is normal) will return
The Quill
As I drove down the link road to Heathcoat, my mind, or what I choose to call my mind, wandered to think about the years I spent at Blundells School (no, you would never have guessed it would you) and its Latin motto – actually I can't remember the exact words. However, be that is it may, I was reminded of the words of Julius Caesar, Veni, vide, vici I came and saw and conquered. So driving through the gates at Knightshayes (they were open) I felt that immediately we had done the veni and vide bit. However the vici bit went a bit awry along the line somewhere.
Uncle Andrew – that is Alex Hannam's uncle, had gallantly turned up to give maturity to the side. However Alex H, for the second time this year called wrongly, and we were inserted. To anyone driving from North Devon yesterday, it is quite astounding that any cricket was played at all, so foul was the weather we left behind, but during the match, although clearly there was rain all around the ground, there was little during the match - well not enough to trouble your scorers any rates.
John Weeks opened with Billy Blackburn, and initially there appeared to be no difficulty, rans came and neither batsman was duly troubled apart from a suggestion of a dropped catch by slip, which went for four off the first ball, which was bowled by a young Devon hopeful. However Billy Blackburn was suddenly unexpectedly caught at slip, and he was replaced by the ever youthful Marten Stanbury who dealt with the bowling in his straightforward manner and having got to 24, decided to miss and straight ball.
This brought in Josh King. Having followed him on the rugby pitch this winter (I am assuming it really is still winter) it was a real pleasure to see him back with his home team. However having hit a 4 and a 3 to get things going, Josh steepled a catch to mid on and was caught, a brief remembrance of his exploits for us over the years. Alex H came and hit some sweet shots before being caught and bowled rather unexpectedly. This brought Ji Eccles to the crease. Perhaps tentative to start – and for him coming from the southern hemisphere it must feel the same as if we went to Antarctica – he displayed an array of cheeky delicate glances, some sumptuous drives and some good old fashioned smashing. His acumen in picking up short singles was very clear until he tried one short run too many and was run out.
John Weeks again played an very important role as the anchorman, but some big shots made me realise that there is a Chris Gayle in their waiting to get out.
Jamie Lathwell and Fred King 22 and 12 respectively, and wides featured heavily in the final score of 221 all out. Two things are, I am sure evident about this. First, as I said in the report v Braunton, all batsman are going too have to participate with some runs – in other words batting will be a team effort, and secondly, bearing in mind the potential strength of most opposition teams in the Division, to be successful will make it a hard season, all teams in the division are strong.
So, after a splendid tea, and getting the feeling back in my fingers the second innings started with definite dampness in the year. Fred King pitched one up and got their captain, Josh K, looking a bit leaner and fitter this year I fancy got dangerman Menhenneot with his second ball, but the Heathcoat batsman got well on top and by the time Jamie Lathwell got one to come back and get a clean bowled, the match was unfortunately long gone, and we trooped home in the drizzle with 3 points for our troubles. Heathcoat are a strong premier division team, and matches against them and the likes of North Devon are going to be very difficult, but we have the whole season before us and who knows, we may yet be champions - after if Leicester can do it (if they do do it!)
I am away next Saturday I am doing an 18 month course which offers one face to face tutorial, and guess what – its next Saturday. As I said yesterday I am not yet sure what the arrangements will be but I will try to get a message on face book, or the club's site. Next Sunday its Sandford away, one of my favourite grounds, when normality (if anything I do is normal) will return
The Quill
Braunton v Bideford at Braunton. Saturday 30th April 2016 Friendly ##
This was the first outing of the year for the prospective Saturday Xl, and was played under Devon League rules.
I was going to take as my text that the best, 'shall be seen, and not Heard' Proverbs. However in view of our captains unfortunately short innings, I decided that this could be misinterpreted and therefore have opted for 'and like Lemmings they jumped off the Cliff' - Anon
Braunton won the toss and opted to bowl. James Ford opened today with Tom Brend as his partner. I was relieved to see that JF had thrown away the gay abandon with which he had batted at Bude and had reverted to his more contemplative style. They put on 25 with no discernible difficulty when both missed straight ones. Paul Heard coming in at first wicket down, was very unfortunate to miss a straight yorker first ball, and Ji Eccles trying to force the pace was caught at mid off. After that the young brigade put their best feet forward. Alex Hannam stroked 20, Matt Shepherd bludgeoned 29, Fred King 34, Jamie Lathell17 and Michael Lemmings was 30 not out at the close. This may have been a friendly but I think it bade (or is it boded?) well as I believe that this year, as in previous successful years the team will need all members to contribute runs rather than rely on one or two heavy scorers. However the 180 0ff 45 was not sensational, but very respectable.
After tea, Paul H opened with himself at the town end and Fred at the river end. PH was as ever economic and threatening bowling 4 overs for seven runs. Fred was slightly more expensive but took three wickets in a spell of hostile bowling, 3-36. Mike Lemmings and Jamie Lathwell took over, ML with his gentle off spin caused something of a pack panic taking 4-18 off 5 with Jamie an equally impressive 2=11 off 5. Martin Stewart picked up the final wicket and Braunton had jumped off the cliff for a batting total of 81 with 10 extras. A very impressive win.
Fred King, Jamie Lathwell and Michael Lemmings were all in with a shout for man of the match, but the computer picked ML, and who am I to argue with a computer. A good and encouraging game to start the season.
Tomorrow the Sunday 1sr Xl travel to Heathcote to start their campaign, and my report on that will be up as usual. A note on the website. The Devon League has a new website and the link to TCS is not as obvious there as it used to be, however it is there, and of course the TCS match ball by ball is on the Bideford website.
Next week, the first competitive DL match is at home against Tavistock, who of course were promoted and relegated with us. It hugely sad for me that I cannot be there. I do not know whether that match will or will not be live, but if it isn't I will do all I can to get it reported as soon as I can. The following day the 1sr Xl are away at Sandford and all being well normal service will be resumed.
The Quill
This was the first outing of the year for the prospective Saturday Xl, and was played under Devon League rules.
I was going to take as my text that the best, 'shall be seen, and not Heard' Proverbs. However in view of our captains unfortunately short innings, I decided that this could be misinterpreted and therefore have opted for 'and like Lemmings they jumped off the Cliff' - Anon
Braunton won the toss and opted to bowl. James Ford opened today with Tom Brend as his partner. I was relieved to see that JF had thrown away the gay abandon with which he had batted at Bude and had reverted to his more contemplative style. They put on 25 with no discernible difficulty when both missed straight ones. Paul Heard coming in at first wicket down, was very unfortunate to miss a straight yorker first ball, and Ji Eccles trying to force the pace was caught at mid off. After that the young brigade put their best feet forward. Alex Hannam stroked 20, Matt Shepherd bludgeoned 29, Fred King 34, Jamie Lathell17 and Michael Lemmings was 30 not out at the close. This may have been a friendly but I think it bade (or is it boded?) well as I believe that this year, as in previous successful years the team will need all members to contribute runs rather than rely on one or two heavy scorers. However the 180 0ff 45 was not sensational, but very respectable.
After tea, Paul H opened with himself at the town end and Fred at the river end. PH was as ever economic and threatening bowling 4 overs for seven runs. Fred was slightly more expensive but took three wickets in a spell of hostile bowling, 3-36. Mike Lemmings and Jamie Lathwell took over, ML with his gentle off spin caused something of a pack panic taking 4-18 off 5 with Jamie an equally impressive 2=11 off 5. Martin Stewart picked up the final wicket and Braunton had jumped off the cliff for a batting total of 81 with 10 extras. A very impressive win.
Fred King, Jamie Lathwell and Michael Lemmings were all in with a shout for man of the match, but the computer picked ML, and who am I to argue with a computer. A good and encouraging game to start the season.
Tomorrow the Sunday 1sr Xl travel to Heathcote to start their campaign, and my report on that will be up as usual. A note on the website. The Devon League has a new website and the link to TCS is not as obvious there as it used to be, however it is there, and of course the TCS match ball by ball is on the Bideford website.
Next week, the first competitive DL match is at home against Tavistock, who of course were promoted and relegated with us. It hugely sad for me that I cannot be there. I do not know whether that match will or will not be live, but if it isn't I will do all I can to get it reported as soon as I can. The following day the 1sr Xl are away at Sandford and all being well normal service will be resumed.
The Quill
North Devon League Review
North Devon League
1st Division 2015
The 2015 Sunday League commenced, after a few friendly matches, ahead of the Devon League season, late in April at Barnstaple, and we were all reminded why cricket shouldn’t start until May! It was a horrible day. However Alex Hannam in his first outing as acting captain for this team in the absence of Josh Roach, the elected captain, wandering the outback still, won the toss and inserted Barnstaple on a green and lively pitch. The pace attack spearheaded by Josh King (how we missed him Saturdays this season) who thankfully wanted still to play his Sunday cricket with us, and Josh Atkinson, a rare visitor from the Devon League team. With Alex Hannam taking four himself for 212 off 8, Josh 3 – 12 off 6 Tom Parkhouse 2 – 30 and Josh King 1 – 19 off 8, it was clear that Bideford had struggled.. Will Barratt and Reece Stanbury put on 98 off 12 overs, Reece the only wicket falling for 54, Will Barratt not out for 60 and Marten S not out 12 we were home and dry in less than 20 overs. An early finish and a hot bath at home!
Our next match was at Sandford. Josh Roach now with us and captaining won the toss and elected to bat. He got 37 and with James Ford 58, Josh King 52 and Fred King 48 the total of 241 for 54. Off 40 overs this seemed like a good score, but alas Sandford got there with 6 wickets and 5 overs to spare.
Our first home match of the season was against Filleigh, but with only Will Barratt, Josh King (captain for the day) and Josh Atkinson getting over 30, in a score of 189 all out, only 27 over were required by Filleigh to get home with 7 wickets to spare.
Next a visit to Hatherleigh (a week after the Devon League match against them) , and this time with only Josh Roach on 25, and John Weeks a wonderfully aggressive 56 on one leg due to an injured ankle contributing anything, Bideford struggled to 137 for 9 a score that Hatherleigh passed with 7 wickets and nearly 230 overs to spare.
The end of May saw at us North Devon for the usual funeral rites. Josh Roach won the toss and batted. James Lathwell and Rob Hill both got into the 20s but out of a score of 225 – 9 Josh R himself contributed 119 and extras second highest with 30.
The beginning of June heralded the visit of Hatherleigh who piled up 300 for 4 (James Ford getting all 4) and then shot Bideford all out for 133, Josh R Josh King and John Weeks getting into the 20s..
The next home match was against Sandford and brought us only the second win of the season. Sandford won the toss and batted with Dan Barratt taking 4 wickets, Chris Luxton and Fred King 2 each, the other two by Tom Farnell and Tom Brend. Sandford could only manage 164, a score that seemed easy enough to reach but at 5 – 66 things seemed very difficult, but a 6th wicket stand of 99 between Chris Luxton 47* and Josh R 37* got us home with 5 wickets to spare.
Next newly promoted Belstone came to the seaside. Bideford eon the toss and batted Josh R 53, Will Barratt 42, Ian Hayter 31 and James Ford 21 were the principal scorers in 219 -8. In reply Belstone could only manage 112 with Tom Brend taking 4, Matt Parkhouse 2 and Josh King Alex Hannam and Josh Roach bone each.
The first match of July against Filleigh was abandoned due to thunderstorms and rain, as was the Newton Tracey match away the following week, we had no other fixtures in July, so no Sunday League Div 1 matches were played in that month
Into August with the return of North Devon. Quite a strong side I thought. Their openers put 48 in 7 overs, then one was run out, the other bowled by James Ford and a general exodus occurred. James Ford had 2, Josh Roach 3 and Carl Stanbury 3, Fred K got the other. Josh R and Billy Blackburn opened, Josh R was out for 43 but Billy B 31* and Ian Hayter 34* off 16 saw us home with 26 overs to spare. Some revenge!
Then to the Hound of the Baskervilles country, on ‘the moor’. Belstone like us were very near the bottom of the table, so this was a very important match. Josh R again won the toss and batted. In dank and dreary conditions he made a superb 110, with his principal support coming from Josh Atkinson 43 (it should have been 50!) in a total of 226 – 7.
Belstone were just on the pace all the way through their innings and with the last over, to be bowled by David Staddon in his debut this year in the first team, they needed12 and we needed two wickets. David bowled the over superbly with only three runs and two wickets and we were home in the most exciting match of the season.
Our next match was against Newton Tracey – again abandoned due to the weather, which left just one match, the return fixture to end the season against Barnstaple.
Having beaten them comprehensively at the start of the season, we went on to do so again at the end. Winning the toss and batting, they lost two wickets in the first Josh Atkinson over, Gareth Davies got 2 wickets, Josh A finished with 3, Josh King 3 and Fred King 1. Barnstaple were all out for 54, 39 off the bat, and of the extras, 5 were one set of wides, and 5 one set of no balls. Take those away... Barnstaple before the match were bottom of the table and Bideford technically, if we had lost and not got 4 points could, in strange circumstances, have been relegated. However it now looks like Barnstaple will be relegated and Heathcoat promoted so another longish Sunday journey next year.
And so what about the season. A good start, a very poor middle and a strong end, partly or indeed mainly because of lack of availability of players. It is difficult to rely on a Sunday for the majority of the team, those who have played on a Saturday, but those who have seem to have enjoyed themselves in a League not quite as competitive as the Saturday one. The team has again relied on Josh Roach for the majority of the runs, and I think everyone has benefitted from his wisdom as captain – boy we will miss him.
The way the League is set up, with so many of our matches in the front half of the season does mean that many are played before the younger players are back from Uni, and then the gap between matches does seem to disincentitive some, but a happy season enjoyed by all – as Roy Orbison (An American singer and writer) sang – Its Over.
The Quill
SATURDAY 5TH EPTEMBER 2015. NDL.
Bideford 2nd Xl v Newton Tracey 2nd Xl at Newton Tracey
'Going Down' Freddie King
I'm grateful to Josh Roach's father, last year, for alerting me to the great American Guitarist and Blues singer, Freddie King, whose work I was not, before then, acquainted with.
As I sat outside the Pavilion at Newton Tracey looking at the hills rolling over into the horizon, and watching my dogs gambolling around my garden in the distance, I reflected that one thing was clear. When Fred King came on to bowl this afternoon the wickets were 'sure going down'.
It was frankly a horrible day when we arrived at Newton Tracey's ground, alluringly close to the Hunters Inn, Bideford won the toss under the captaincy of John Weeks, and decided to bowl.
Jamie Lathwell opened from the Pavilion end and bowled as well as I have seen him and ended with 6 overs 2 maidens two wickets for seven runs, gone were the wides I have previously seen and instead a really good straight line. The fact that both were clean bowled speaks volumes. Matt Parkhouse opened at the other end and bowled nicely apart from one over, the rest yielding one wicket for 17 off 5.
Tom Brend and Josh Atkinson then took over, each taking one wicket for thirty something, Josh A being a touch more expensive than usual – because he hadn't bowled for a fortnight he told the Quill.
However after Joseph Stevens took over from Tom Brend – a new name to the Quill – all new names are pleasing – the first star of the day, Fred King came on and with four clean bowled, and one catch behind by Jack Ford behind the stumps, the wickets really were 'going down' and Fred finished with 5 – 9 off 5 overs. Josh Stephenson took a couple of good catches. Newton Tracey's sixth wicker stand had put on 107 before Fred took over and had threatened to make big score but Fred........
After tea, James Ford opened with Rob Hill and put on 88 before Rob was unfortunate when a ball crept under his bat and knocked the bails off. James Lathwell was not as fortunate batting as he had been bowling, but following his dismissal, Jack Ford joined his father and proceeded to make 25 off 22 balls, a scoring rate his father did not match. After Jack was out, Josh Atkinson joined James Ford, but it was James who at the end of the day took the batting plaudits – ending with 113 off 113 – including one six that nearly had the Quill floored, literally! Lines are open as to whether the direction of the shot was deliberate or not.
Be that as it may, the match was over and Bideford was home by 7 wickets.
That ends may association with the NDL 2nd Xl for this season. I have found it very rewarding and it has been great fun – cricket played in the right spirit.
The very last match of the season is tomorrow at Westward Ho! Although in the death throes of the 2015 season, this is a very important match. My last weekend report of the year will appear here tomorrow night
The Quill
DEVON LEAGUE 2015 DIVISION A
Review of the Year
Isaac Newton who of course ‘invented gravity’ is credited with this remark – which has latterly become the title of a song and is frequently heard. Scholars believe that the theory came to him when he saw a cider apple falling off a tree into a tin of Thatcher’s, (no, not really) but my view is that the idea sprang into his mind when he saw the bail fall off his off stump when he was clean bowled by William lll.
However, whatever the reason for this theory it does unfortunately apply to Bideford this se4ason. Having last year come second in the Division B to Tavistock, we were both promoted, and 12 months later, we have both been relegated. Apart from anything else, I believe that this shows the difference in quality and experience from Division B to A, and difference we (and Tavistock) were not prepared for, and in truth, not equipped for.
The season was due to start with an away match to Bradninch. A foreboding sky, and an even more foreboding weather forecast followed us down the M5 and the players spent the afternoon playing pool, while The Quill sat in a dark corner with Bradninch’s scorer, Bernadette, trying to work out the dark secrets of the ‘Playcricket’ website, the system that does away with paper reports – all being done on the computer at the end of the match. (We succeeded, the team got 6 points). I still believe that this was very unfortunate, because, all though we were a weak team, Paul Heard being absent ‘with a back’ and Josh Roach somewhere in the outback, on a wet pitch, and probably reduced overs you never knew what would happen. However, as things turned out 6 points was probably a good call.
Our next match was at home, against Barton. With PH still absent the ‘old’ opening partnership started with Fred King and Josh Atkinson who got a wicket each, Alex Hannam followed up with one himself, and Martin Stewart with his left arm spin had 3 and with Barton 206 off 50. It seemed that our first match was not going to be a disaster. That was however before tea. Calamity struck immediately with James Ford and Josh Roach out with only 6 bon the board. Dan Barratt made 28 and with Ian Hayter knocking 14 the only other in double figures, Bideford were dumped out for 91 -0m, 3 bowling points and no batting.
Following this we were on the road again, to neighbours Hatherleigh, one of the teams that had been highlighted as possible scalps. However after they had piled up 207 for 6, another nightmare opening with Josh R out for another 4, 5 ducks and only Matt Shepherd (34), Ian Hayter (25) and Josh A (16) making double figures – 91 all out again. Only 3 points again. By this time we were truly at the bottom of the table and alarm bells, if not ringing were perhaps tinkling a bit.
Next Cornwood at home. This time we batted first, but little else changed. Josh R and James F both out for 3, Dan Barratt, (26) Will Barratt (14) Matt Shepherd (14) the only double figure candidates – all out 89. With Fred King as well as Paul H unavailable, Martin Stewart assumed his old role of opening the bowling and got two early wickets. Cornwood home by 8 wickets – Bideford 1 point. Tavistock next came visiting. Paul H was now restored to full health, and with Josh A opening with 2 wickets, Paul was first change and got 3 for 22, with that sly old fox, James F coming on late and picking up the last three wickets. 5 Bowling points.
Tavistock being our joint promotees this year they had to be potential victims. Josh R and Dan B put on 54, Dan 21, and Josh 35. Paul H, following his bowling was well set on 44 and then…and then..well and then came one of those moments. An LBW against Paul just when everything looked under control. I do not criticise officials often, but from where we sat, the congregation of Tavvy supporters called it a shocking decision. I thought it was clearly bad, and then despite 24 from Matt S and 18 from Alex H, we fell short by 17 runs (although we did get out first batting points of the season). I think to some extent that, more than anything else, really knocked the stuffing out of our season.
The pattern was then well set. At Lewdown, Dan B and Josh R (23) and (29) put on 64. No-one else got into double figures and we were down by 8 wickets.
The bowlers came to a horrible roadblock the following week when Budleigh forsook their South Devon beach (or Marsh). Things were going fairly normally; Chris Luxton had picked up a couple and Paul H and Mike Lemmings one each, when the rain came down. Hopefully that would have ended Budleigh’s innings, but fate oh! Fate!, the umpires decreed that 3.5 overs were left and the massive figure of international batsman Cephus Zhuaou resumed his innings on 95. In the next 3.5 overs he went to 159. The bowlers were lashed around the beach, Tesco,s the tennis courts etc. There was nothing that could be done. Shell shocked at tea, the batsmen put up a reasonable effort with James F making 57 and Paul H 60. However we lost by 69. If only the rain had gone on 10 minutes longer!
Brixham came to visit us and scored 351, their two overseas players making 133 and 96 respectively, Josh A, Tom Brend and Dan Barratt taking 2 each. Josh R, Dan B, James F and Josh A getting into double figures. 136 all out.
We then went to one of my favourite grounds – Sandford. However the Sandford batsman didn’t reciprocate scoring 337, James F taking 5 for 97 off 10 overs (why couldn’t they have scored another 3!) and Tom B 3 – 50. When we batted there was at least a spark, Josh R, for the first time was really on form and scored a glorious 101, James F a determined 44, Alex Hannam 37. However although we got 5 batting points, Sandford had been a team designated as possible victims. We were now firmly stuck at the bottom of the table – Division A’s answer to Leicestershire.
The second half of the season heralded Bradninch’s visit. They were of course the only team we hadn’t played as the first match had been called off. However with Josh R making 94, Alex H was the only other in double figures and 3 ducks, we were hustled out for 127 and Bradninch were home by 8 wickets.
So, next we made the long trip to Barton. From my point of view I had been looking forward to the visit. I had heard that there was doubt as to whether the Quill was fit enough to climb the ladder into the score box. Well I was, but vertigo was present when I eventually came down.
However things on the field of play were going on as normal, Josh R was unfortunately caught of bat and pad for 31, Paul H was run out (again?) for 23. Then something strange happened. Fred K and Matt S found themselves at the wicket together. Matt S started to blaze away as 0nly he can. They put on 56, Fred scoring 1 and finished with a total of 207. Not overwhelming but a reasonable score away from home. After tea, Paul H started from the far end and got 3 quick wickets, Josh A picked up 1, as did Alex H and Fred and at 125 for 6 Barton were in a complete turmoil. They were behaving like a rabbit caught in a cobra’s stare, and by the time that Mike L came on with his (no doubt) vicious spinners, they were in a state of abject surrender, ML finishing with 4.1 – 2 – 4 – 4. A win, and our worst fears were exorcised. We might go down but we were not going to be white washed.
We were riding on this wave of success, when Hatherleigh made the return trip and there was no stopping us. Josh R stroked 130, Dan B accumulated 52, Alex H 36 off 37, and 254 – 3 (a bit better than the 91 we made there). Could the bowlers follow suit. Well, yes of course they could Fred 2, Paul H 1, Josh A 3 and James F 3, Hatherleigh 217 all out and we were home and dry by 37 runs.
Next was a trip to Cornwood. Some of our visits have been to places I had not visited before – on the road from Yelverton to Cornwood you suddenly get the most astonishing view of the entire city of Plymouth and the harbour – quite breathtaking. What was not quite so breathtaking was the way that we were bundled out for 108, Josh R 24 (another bat pad), Paul H 22, no-on else double figures. We got three of their wickets and the end came before tea.
Next we made another trip to Dartmoor, this time to the stone circle of Tavistock; James F lost the toss on a horrible day when persistent drizzle kept giving way to rain. With a very fussy Umpire on board, our innings kept on being interrupted, such conditions of course giving the team batting second a huge advantage (did I hear someone say bring on Duckworth Lewis?) Any rates, we stuttered to 139 for 7 off 35, Josh R 67, James F 22, Martin S claimed 2 wickets, as did Jack Ford bowling for the first time in Devon League (better than his father?) but Tavvy were home by 5 wickets with 6 overs to spare.
Lewdown then visited the Ho!, no doubt already counting the points from the way they had rolled us over earlier on, but were they in for a shock. An opening partnership of 74 between Josh R and Dan B (23), with Paul 65, Josh A 22 and Tom Brend 17, Josh R smashed glided, cut and drove his way to 161 – one of the finest innings I have seen. A total of 337. Lewdown did their best, but with Fred getting 4, Alex H 2. Josh a, ML, Dan B and Tom B one each we had one again, this timer by 50+
This left two away matches, Brixham and Budleigh away – in August, ‘Well I ask you’ – Eden Kane 1962!
Budleigh I had not been to before. I learnt that the pitch had previously been a river bed, drained by the Napoleon soldier prisoners – however when we arrived it didn’t seem as if they had done their work very well – the ground was saturated. The game was started having lost 7 overs per side. Josh R another fine 68 and with Paul H (17), Matt S (19), Josh A (20) and Fred K (12) we put up a passable 180. With |Paul H getting two early wickets, Josh R took Cephus Z (remember him?) down the leg side, but he was given not out. So definite was Josh that he had hit it, that he didn’t take the bails off. With that decision went the match.
An even worse journey to Brixham ensued. Having been inserted, we lost Josh R for 0 (0? that can’t be right), James F got 13, Paul H and Fred K 25 each, the total of 111 was never going to be enough, and Brixham were home easily before tea, the only 2 wickets going to ML.
Finally, yesterday’s game against Sandford. Something of a festival match, with the batting order chosen by Lot, and consequently the bowling influenced by those who would play a more prominent place in the batting order. Paul H took the gloves, and a very fine job he did as well. Fred took 3, Josh R (yes Josh Roach) 3 – 24, Martin S 5 – 2 – 4 – 3, with Alex H getting the odd one. Paul H and ML opening the batting made a reasonable opening. After ML was out, Josh A replaced him as the designated number 3 and played a fine innings of 54. Paul H did all the hard work for 25, and then played a reckless slog. Martin S and Pete McMillan, another welcome recruit from Beaford (should we add Beaford to our all embracing title – just a joke!) making 13 and 20 respectively, but we fell 12 runs short. A great shame, but a good game. As I said, I always enjoy playing Sandford.
So what about the season? Played 17, one abandoned and 3 won. Bottom and relegated. But the players have all learnt many things from playing higher grade cricket. James Ford left the captaincy after a distinguished spell (I never did understand some of his bowling changes though!!) which took us from C to A in two seasons. I have no doubt however his skills will be needed certainly at times next year, if not all the time plus of course to get the average age of the team over 20. Josh Roach tops the runs quite easily. He has played some quite exquisite innings and as I said in an earlier report is considered the best overseas player in the division bar none. He has been a huge asset at the club and will be greatly missed. The Quill wishes him well, and we all hope we will see him again.
Alex H did not have good as season as I am sure he would have liked, but as the captain said, class is forever, form temporary, Fred K was clearly hampered by his injury and perhaps came back a week or two too soon but had some fine performances. Paul H was invaluable both with bat and ball and clearly will be the lynch pin next year. Martin S bowled some very impressive spells, and Tom B also bowled tightly and with some success. Dan Barratt, particularly earlier in the season formed a good opening partnership with Josh R and was frequently in the 20s. Matt S struck some fine sixes, particularly at Barton – but if he hit down the line more often! – but next year could make a real contribution. Ian Hayter kept in the early matches in his inimitable way, and clouted some big hits and others made appearances which all helped to make a happy team.
However the one missing from the above list is my tip for the most improved player, Josh Atkinson. He bowled when and where asked without (obvious at least) complaint, and although up against batsmen of higher pedigree than last year had his successes. But in penning this rubbish I have been struck by the number of times his name appears in the batting columns.
What about me. Well, the Quill has luckily attended every match and scored with many different characters, most fairly sane – well as sane as scorer’s go. Some of course are old friends like Sandford and Hatherleigh but some well?! There was one, for instance who determined that the best way to score was to have two different computers both working the same programme of TCS at the same time. Result – total corruption of programme and loss of all data. Then there was the one who arrived in his box just as the umpire called ’play’ only to find that he couldn’t get his computerised board to work at all. Despite various helpful comments from the Quill, the technical staff were called and twenty minutes later is was discovered that the plug hadn’t been put in. Then there was the highly eccentric scorer who not only had his computer, but 10 other devices on which various facets of the game were recorded, together with various football scores and other matters – he never knew what was going on – but then, there may be 9 other scorers who are saying ‘you know we went to Bideford, and there’s this strange chap there who….’, so I’ll leave the rest alone.
So that only leaves the Umpires- and with some of them, that’s all that need be said!
So, all in all, I think Paul is right, it’s been fun, and we’ve had fun. Let’s forget the few forgettable things from this year and next year we’re going to tear them apart.
See you in 2016
The (exhausted) Quill.
North Devon League
1st Division 2015
The 2015 Sunday League commenced, after a few friendly matches, ahead of the Devon League season, late in April at Barnstaple, and we were all reminded why cricket shouldn’t start until May! It was a horrible day. However Alex Hannam in his first outing as acting captain for this team in the absence of Josh Roach, the elected captain, wandering the outback still, won the toss and inserted Barnstaple on a green and lively pitch. The pace attack spearheaded by Josh King (how we missed him Saturdays this season) who thankfully wanted still to play his Sunday cricket with us, and Josh Atkinson, a rare visitor from the Devon League team. With Alex Hannam taking four himself for 212 off 8, Josh 3 – 12 off 6 Tom Parkhouse 2 – 30 and Josh King 1 – 19 off 8, it was clear that Bideford had struggled.. Will Barratt and Reece Stanbury put on 98 off 12 overs, Reece the only wicket falling for 54, Will Barratt not out for 60 and Marten S not out 12 we were home and dry in less than 20 overs. An early finish and a hot bath at home!
Our next match was at Sandford. Josh Roach now with us and captaining won the toss and elected to bat. He got 37 and with James Ford 58, Josh King 52 and Fred King 48 the total of 241 for 54. Off 40 overs this seemed like a good score, but alas Sandford got there with 6 wickets and 5 overs to spare.
Our first home match of the season was against Filleigh, but with only Will Barratt, Josh King (captain for the day) and Josh Atkinson getting over 30, in a score of 189 all out, only 27 over were required by Filleigh to get home with 7 wickets to spare.
Next a visit to Hatherleigh (a week after the Devon League match against them) , and this time with only Josh Roach on 25, and John Weeks a wonderfully aggressive 56 on one leg due to an injured ankle contributing anything, Bideford struggled to 137 for 9 a score that Hatherleigh passed with 7 wickets and nearly 230 overs to spare.
The end of May saw at us North Devon for the usual funeral rites. Josh Roach won the toss and batted. James Lathwell and Rob Hill both got into the 20s but out of a score of 225 – 9 Josh R himself contributed 119 and extras second highest with 30.
The beginning of June heralded the visit of Hatherleigh who piled up 300 for 4 (James Ford getting all 4) and then shot Bideford all out for 133, Josh R Josh King and John Weeks getting into the 20s..
The next home match was against Sandford and brought us only the second win of the season. Sandford won the toss and batted with Dan Barratt taking 4 wickets, Chris Luxton and Fred King 2 each, the other two by Tom Farnell and Tom Brend. Sandford could only manage 164, a score that seemed easy enough to reach but at 5 – 66 things seemed very difficult, but a 6th wicket stand of 99 between Chris Luxton 47* and Josh R 37* got us home with 5 wickets to spare.
Next newly promoted Belstone came to the seaside. Bideford eon the toss and batted Josh R 53, Will Barratt 42, Ian Hayter 31 and James Ford 21 were the principal scorers in 219 -8. In reply Belstone could only manage 112 with Tom Brend taking 4, Matt Parkhouse 2 and Josh King Alex Hannam and Josh Roach bone each.
The first match of July against Filleigh was abandoned due to thunderstorms and rain, as was the Newton Tracey match away the following week, we had no other fixtures in July, so no Sunday League Div 1 matches were played in that month
Into August with the return of North Devon. Quite a strong side I thought. Their openers put 48 in 7 overs, then one was run out, the other bowled by James Ford and a general exodus occurred. James Ford had 2, Josh Roach 3 and Carl Stanbury 3, Fred K got the other. Josh R and Billy Blackburn opened, Josh R was out for 43 but Billy B 31* and Ian Hayter 34* off 16 saw us home with 26 overs to spare. Some revenge!
Then to the Hound of the Baskervilles country, on ‘the moor’. Belstone like us were very near the bottom of the table, so this was a very important match. Josh R again won the toss and batted. In dank and dreary conditions he made a superb 110, with his principal support coming from Josh Atkinson 43 (it should have been 50!) in a total of 226 – 7.
Belstone were just on the pace all the way through their innings and with the last over, to be bowled by David Staddon in his debut this year in the first team, they needed12 and we needed two wickets. David bowled the over superbly with only three runs and two wickets and we were home in the most exciting match of the season.
Our next match was against Newton Tracey – again abandoned due to the weather, which left just one match, the return fixture to end the season against Barnstaple.
Having beaten them comprehensively at the start of the season, we went on to do so again at the end. Winning the toss and batting, they lost two wickets in the first Josh Atkinson over, Gareth Davies got 2 wickets, Josh A finished with 3, Josh King 3 and Fred King 1. Barnstaple were all out for 54, 39 off the bat, and of the extras, 5 were one set of wides, and 5 one set of no balls. Take those away... Barnstaple before the match were bottom of the table and Bideford technically, if we had lost and not got 4 points could, in strange circumstances, have been relegated. However it now looks like Barnstaple will be relegated and Heathcoat promoted so another longish Sunday journey next year.
And so what about the season. A good start, a very poor middle and a strong end, partly or indeed mainly because of lack of availability of players. It is difficult to rely on a Sunday for the majority of the team, those who have played on a Saturday, but those who have seem to have enjoyed themselves in a League not quite as competitive as the Saturday one. The team has again relied on Josh Roach for the majority of the runs, and I think everyone has benefitted from his wisdom as captain – boy we will miss him.
The way the League is set up, with so many of our matches in the front half of the season does mean that many are played before the younger players are back from Uni, and then the gap between matches does seem to disincentitive some, but a happy season enjoyed by all – as Roy Orbison (An American singer and writer) sang – Its Over.
The Quill
SATURDAY 5TH EPTEMBER 2015. NDL.
Bideford 2nd Xl v Newton Tracey 2nd Xl at Newton Tracey
'Going Down' Freddie King
I'm grateful to Josh Roach's father, last year, for alerting me to the great American Guitarist and Blues singer, Freddie King, whose work I was not, before then, acquainted with.
As I sat outside the Pavilion at Newton Tracey looking at the hills rolling over into the horizon, and watching my dogs gambolling around my garden in the distance, I reflected that one thing was clear. When Fred King came on to bowl this afternoon the wickets were 'sure going down'.
It was frankly a horrible day when we arrived at Newton Tracey's ground, alluringly close to the Hunters Inn, Bideford won the toss under the captaincy of John Weeks, and decided to bowl.
Jamie Lathwell opened from the Pavilion end and bowled as well as I have seen him and ended with 6 overs 2 maidens two wickets for seven runs, gone were the wides I have previously seen and instead a really good straight line. The fact that both were clean bowled speaks volumes. Matt Parkhouse opened at the other end and bowled nicely apart from one over, the rest yielding one wicket for 17 off 5.
Tom Brend and Josh Atkinson then took over, each taking one wicket for thirty something, Josh A being a touch more expensive than usual – because he hadn't bowled for a fortnight he told the Quill.
However after Joseph Stevens took over from Tom Brend – a new name to the Quill – all new names are pleasing – the first star of the day, Fred King came on and with four clean bowled, and one catch behind by Jack Ford behind the stumps, the wickets really were 'going down' and Fred finished with 5 – 9 off 5 overs. Josh Stephenson took a couple of good catches. Newton Tracey's sixth wicker stand had put on 107 before Fred took over and had threatened to make big score but Fred........
After tea, James Ford opened with Rob Hill and put on 88 before Rob was unfortunate when a ball crept under his bat and knocked the bails off. James Lathwell was not as fortunate batting as he had been bowling, but following his dismissal, Jack Ford joined his father and proceeded to make 25 off 22 balls, a scoring rate his father did not match. After Jack was out, Josh Atkinson joined James Ford, but it was James who at the end of the day took the batting plaudits – ending with 113 off 113 – including one six that nearly had the Quill floored, literally! Lines are open as to whether the direction of the shot was deliberate or not.
Be that as it may, the match was over and Bideford was home by 7 wickets.
That ends may association with the NDL 2nd Xl for this season. I have found it very rewarding and it has been great fun – cricket played in the right spirit.
The very last match of the season is tomorrow at Westward Ho! Although in the death throes of the 2015 season, this is a very important match. My last weekend report of the year will appear here tomorrow night
The Quill
DEVON LEAGUE 2015 DIVISION A
Review of the Year
Isaac Newton who of course ‘invented gravity’ is credited with this remark – which has latterly become the title of a song and is frequently heard. Scholars believe that the theory came to him when he saw a cider apple falling off a tree into a tin of Thatcher’s, (no, not really) but my view is that the idea sprang into his mind when he saw the bail fall off his off stump when he was clean bowled by William lll.
However, whatever the reason for this theory it does unfortunately apply to Bideford this se4ason. Having last year come second in the Division B to Tavistock, we were both promoted, and 12 months later, we have both been relegated. Apart from anything else, I believe that this shows the difference in quality and experience from Division B to A, and difference we (and Tavistock) were not prepared for, and in truth, not equipped for.
The season was due to start with an away match to Bradninch. A foreboding sky, and an even more foreboding weather forecast followed us down the M5 and the players spent the afternoon playing pool, while The Quill sat in a dark corner with Bradninch’s scorer, Bernadette, trying to work out the dark secrets of the ‘Playcricket’ website, the system that does away with paper reports – all being done on the computer at the end of the match. (We succeeded, the team got 6 points). I still believe that this was very unfortunate, because, all though we were a weak team, Paul Heard being absent ‘with a back’ and Josh Roach somewhere in the outback, on a wet pitch, and probably reduced overs you never knew what would happen. However, as things turned out 6 points was probably a good call.
Our next match was at home, against Barton. With PH still absent the ‘old’ opening partnership started with Fred King and Josh Atkinson who got a wicket each, Alex Hannam followed up with one himself, and Martin Stewart with his left arm spin had 3 and with Barton 206 off 50. It seemed that our first match was not going to be a disaster. That was however before tea. Calamity struck immediately with James Ford and Josh Roach out with only 6 bon the board. Dan Barratt made 28 and with Ian Hayter knocking 14 the only other in double figures, Bideford were dumped out for 91 -0m, 3 bowling points and no batting.
Following this we were on the road again, to neighbours Hatherleigh, one of the teams that had been highlighted as possible scalps. However after they had piled up 207 for 6, another nightmare opening with Josh R out for another 4, 5 ducks and only Matt Shepherd (34), Ian Hayter (25) and Josh A (16) making double figures – 91 all out again. Only 3 points again. By this time we were truly at the bottom of the table and alarm bells, if not ringing were perhaps tinkling a bit.
Next Cornwood at home. This time we batted first, but little else changed. Josh R and James F both out for 3, Dan Barratt, (26) Will Barratt (14) Matt Shepherd (14) the only double figure candidates – all out 89. With Fred King as well as Paul H unavailable, Martin Stewart assumed his old role of opening the bowling and got two early wickets. Cornwood home by 8 wickets – Bideford 1 point. Tavistock next came visiting. Paul H was now restored to full health, and with Josh A opening with 2 wickets, Paul was first change and got 3 for 22, with that sly old fox, James F coming on late and picking up the last three wickets. 5 Bowling points.
Tavistock being our joint promotees this year they had to be potential victims. Josh R and Dan B put on 54, Dan 21, and Josh 35. Paul H, following his bowling was well set on 44 and then…and then..well and then came one of those moments. An LBW against Paul just when everything looked under control. I do not criticise officials often, but from where we sat, the congregation of Tavvy supporters called it a shocking decision. I thought it was clearly bad, and then despite 24 from Matt S and 18 from Alex H, we fell short by 17 runs (although we did get out first batting points of the season). I think to some extent that, more than anything else, really knocked the stuffing out of our season.
The pattern was then well set. At Lewdown, Dan B and Josh R (23) and (29) put on 64. No-one else got into double figures and we were down by 8 wickets.
The bowlers came to a horrible roadblock the following week when Budleigh forsook their South Devon beach (or Marsh). Things were going fairly normally; Chris Luxton had picked up a couple and Paul H and Mike Lemmings one each, when the rain came down. Hopefully that would have ended Budleigh’s innings, but fate oh! Fate!, the umpires decreed that 3.5 overs were left and the massive figure of international batsman Cephus Zhuaou resumed his innings on 95. In the next 3.5 overs he went to 159. The bowlers were lashed around the beach, Tesco,s the tennis courts etc. There was nothing that could be done. Shell shocked at tea, the batsmen put up a reasonable effort with James F making 57 and Paul H 60. However we lost by 69. If only the rain had gone on 10 minutes longer!
Brixham came to visit us and scored 351, their two overseas players making 133 and 96 respectively, Josh A, Tom Brend and Dan Barratt taking 2 each. Josh R, Dan B, James F and Josh A getting into double figures. 136 all out.
We then went to one of my favourite grounds – Sandford. However the Sandford batsman didn’t reciprocate scoring 337, James F taking 5 for 97 off 10 overs (why couldn’t they have scored another 3!) and Tom B 3 – 50. When we batted there was at least a spark, Josh R, for the first time was really on form and scored a glorious 101, James F a determined 44, Alex Hannam 37. However although we got 5 batting points, Sandford had been a team designated as possible victims. We were now firmly stuck at the bottom of the table – Division A’s answer to Leicestershire.
The second half of the season heralded Bradninch’s visit. They were of course the only team we hadn’t played as the first match had been called off. However with Josh R making 94, Alex H was the only other in double figures and 3 ducks, we were hustled out for 127 and Bradninch were home by 8 wickets.
So, next we made the long trip to Barton. From my point of view I had been looking forward to the visit. I had heard that there was doubt as to whether the Quill was fit enough to climb the ladder into the score box. Well I was, but vertigo was present when I eventually came down.
However things on the field of play were going on as normal, Josh R was unfortunately caught of bat and pad for 31, Paul H was run out (again?) for 23. Then something strange happened. Fred K and Matt S found themselves at the wicket together. Matt S started to blaze away as 0nly he can. They put on 56, Fred scoring 1 and finished with a total of 207. Not overwhelming but a reasonable score away from home. After tea, Paul H started from the far end and got 3 quick wickets, Josh A picked up 1, as did Alex H and Fred and at 125 for 6 Barton were in a complete turmoil. They were behaving like a rabbit caught in a cobra’s stare, and by the time that Mike L came on with his (no doubt) vicious spinners, they were in a state of abject surrender, ML finishing with 4.1 – 2 – 4 – 4. A win, and our worst fears were exorcised. We might go down but we were not going to be white washed.
We were riding on this wave of success, when Hatherleigh made the return trip and there was no stopping us. Josh R stroked 130, Dan B accumulated 52, Alex H 36 off 37, and 254 – 3 (a bit better than the 91 we made there). Could the bowlers follow suit. Well, yes of course they could Fred 2, Paul H 1, Josh A 3 and James F 3, Hatherleigh 217 all out and we were home and dry by 37 runs.
Next was a trip to Cornwood. Some of our visits have been to places I had not visited before – on the road from Yelverton to Cornwood you suddenly get the most astonishing view of the entire city of Plymouth and the harbour – quite breathtaking. What was not quite so breathtaking was the way that we were bundled out for 108, Josh R 24 (another bat pad), Paul H 22, no-on else double figures. We got three of their wickets and the end came before tea.
Next we made another trip to Dartmoor, this time to the stone circle of Tavistock; James F lost the toss on a horrible day when persistent drizzle kept giving way to rain. With a very fussy Umpire on board, our innings kept on being interrupted, such conditions of course giving the team batting second a huge advantage (did I hear someone say bring on Duckworth Lewis?) Any rates, we stuttered to 139 for 7 off 35, Josh R 67, James F 22, Martin S claimed 2 wickets, as did Jack Ford bowling for the first time in Devon League (better than his father?) but Tavvy were home by 5 wickets with 6 overs to spare.
Lewdown then visited the Ho!, no doubt already counting the points from the way they had rolled us over earlier on, but were they in for a shock. An opening partnership of 74 between Josh R and Dan B (23), with Paul 65, Josh A 22 and Tom Brend 17, Josh R smashed glided, cut and drove his way to 161 – one of the finest innings I have seen. A total of 337. Lewdown did their best, but with Fred getting 4, Alex H 2. Josh a, ML, Dan B and Tom B one each we had one again, this timer by 50+
This left two away matches, Brixham and Budleigh away – in August, ‘Well I ask you’ – Eden Kane 1962!
Budleigh I had not been to before. I learnt that the pitch had previously been a river bed, drained by the Napoleon soldier prisoners – however when we arrived it didn’t seem as if they had done their work very well – the ground was saturated. The game was started having lost 7 overs per side. Josh R another fine 68 and with Paul H (17), Matt S (19), Josh A (20) and Fred K (12) we put up a passable 180. With |Paul H getting two early wickets, Josh R took Cephus Z (remember him?) down the leg side, but he was given not out. So definite was Josh that he had hit it, that he didn’t take the bails off. With that decision went the match.
An even worse journey to Brixham ensued. Having been inserted, we lost Josh R for 0 (0? that can’t be right), James F got 13, Paul H and Fred K 25 each, the total of 111 was never going to be enough, and Brixham were home easily before tea, the only 2 wickets going to ML.
Finally, yesterday’s game against Sandford. Something of a festival match, with the batting order chosen by Lot, and consequently the bowling influenced by those who would play a more prominent place in the batting order. Paul H took the gloves, and a very fine job he did as well. Fred took 3, Josh R (yes Josh Roach) 3 – 24, Martin S 5 – 2 – 4 – 3, with Alex H getting the odd one. Paul H and ML opening the batting made a reasonable opening. After ML was out, Josh A replaced him as the designated number 3 and played a fine innings of 54. Paul H did all the hard work for 25, and then played a reckless slog. Martin S and Pete McMillan, another welcome recruit from Beaford (should we add Beaford to our all embracing title – just a joke!) making 13 and 20 respectively, but we fell 12 runs short. A great shame, but a good game. As I said, I always enjoy playing Sandford.
So what about the season? Played 17, one abandoned and 3 won. Bottom and relegated. But the players have all learnt many things from playing higher grade cricket. James Ford left the captaincy after a distinguished spell (I never did understand some of his bowling changes though!!) which took us from C to A in two seasons. I have no doubt however his skills will be needed certainly at times next year, if not all the time plus of course to get the average age of the team over 20. Josh Roach tops the runs quite easily. He has played some quite exquisite innings and as I said in an earlier report is considered the best overseas player in the division bar none. He has been a huge asset at the club and will be greatly missed. The Quill wishes him well, and we all hope we will see him again.
Alex H did not have good as season as I am sure he would have liked, but as the captain said, class is forever, form temporary, Fred K was clearly hampered by his injury and perhaps came back a week or two too soon but had some fine performances. Paul H was invaluable both with bat and ball and clearly will be the lynch pin next year. Martin S bowled some very impressive spells, and Tom B also bowled tightly and with some success. Dan Barratt, particularly earlier in the season formed a good opening partnership with Josh R and was frequently in the 20s. Matt S struck some fine sixes, particularly at Barton – but if he hit down the line more often! – but next year could make a real contribution. Ian Hayter kept in the early matches in his inimitable way, and clouted some big hits and others made appearances which all helped to make a happy team.
However the one missing from the above list is my tip for the most improved player, Josh Atkinson. He bowled when and where asked without (obvious at least) complaint, and although up against batsmen of higher pedigree than last year had his successes. But in penning this rubbish I have been struck by the number of times his name appears in the batting columns.
What about me. Well, the Quill has luckily attended every match and scored with many different characters, most fairly sane – well as sane as scorer’s go. Some of course are old friends like Sandford and Hatherleigh but some well?! There was one, for instance who determined that the best way to score was to have two different computers both working the same programme of TCS at the same time. Result – total corruption of programme and loss of all data. Then there was the one who arrived in his box just as the umpire called ’play’ only to find that he couldn’t get his computerised board to work at all. Despite various helpful comments from the Quill, the technical staff were called and twenty minutes later is was discovered that the plug hadn’t been put in. Then there was the highly eccentric scorer who not only had his computer, but 10 other devices on which various facets of the game were recorded, together with various football scores and other matters – he never knew what was going on – but then, there may be 9 other scorers who are saying ‘you know we went to Bideford, and there’s this strange chap there who….’, so I’ll leave the rest alone.
So that only leaves the Umpires- and with some of them, that’s all that need be said!
So, all in all, I think Paul is right, it’s been fun, and we’ve had fun. Let’s forget the few forgettable things from this year and next year we’re going to tear them apart.
See you in 2016
The (exhausted) Quill.
Devon League v Sandford at home. Last DL match of the season. Lost by 12 runs
The Carnival is Over. The Seekers (An Australian group of the 60s (recently reformed) fronted by Judith Durham and The Last Farewell. Roger Whittaker and Zimbabwean singer of the 60/70s et seq.
This match was, on the face of it, a dead rubber. Sandford could perhaps slip one place in the final reckoning, but gain nothing, and Bideford had little but pride to play for.
On a warm day with green pitch James Ford won the toss and inserted Sandford. The match itself threatened to be a carnival with the batting order decided by lot, Paul Heard keeping wicket and the bowling reflecting the relative batting positions – for instance Josh Atkinson, allocated batting spot no. 3 did not bowl. So Freed King and Alex Hannam opened the bowling, Fred being rewarded almost straight away. The first and second change bowlers were Josh Roach, released from his gloves and David Staddon, debuting for the 1st team this season (on the eve of his 50th birthday), together they immediately restricted the scoring. David S had the batsmen in all sorts of trouble but was not rewarded with a wicket whilst Josh R showing the incredible improvement his bowling has seen this year took 3 for 24 off 8. Martin Stewart took over from David S and immediately made an impact with remarkable figures of 5 overs 2 maidens three for four. Jack Ford bowled a few overs and then Fred and Alex bowled the remaining allotment of their overs Fred finishing with 3 and Alex the other. Sandford finished on 279 all out, the only downside being the number of wides.
After the usually scrumptious tea from Jackie Bideford went to face the bowling for the last time this season, the draw deciding that the openers would be Paul Heard and Michael Lemmings. After ML had decided that the best way to open was not to try to wack every ball out of the ground they settled down and put on 29, ML contributing 13. PH settled down and with Josh Atkinson began to build a partnership that might just reap us victory until Paul having done all the hard work decided that the best thing to do to try to up the scoring rate was to dance down the pitch and try to deposit the ball over midwicket. Alas what usually happens when this is tried, happened – a Carnival shot and Paul was out for 25. However Josh A settled down to a really good innings. Josh Roach joined him and was almost immediately given out caught, a decision that the Umpire might, on another day, not be so quick to give.
Josh A however sailed on majestically and in die course brought up his personal 50, his final 54 being the highest individual score of the day. Pete McMillan joined him and hit a robust 20, but although Bideford were for the greater part up with, indeed ahead of the required rate with 12 runs needed wickets just ran out.
However the game itself although exciting had greater significance. We have had an entertaining year in Division A, James Ford told the Quill that all the players, but especially the younger ones have learnt a great deal at the higher level, while vice captain PH said it had been fun, but the Carnival is Over in Division A (clever link, don't you think) and next year we revert to B, but there will be new grounds and new opposition to challenge us.
However for James Ford as Captain, and Josh Roach as our overseas player There's a ship rigged and ready in the Harbour to quote the opening line of Roger Whittaker’s Number 1 hit (the video for which – in the early 70s – was filmed in Ilfracombe as he was appearing in Barnstaple that week, James gas played his last game as Devon League captain. The last three years have been very exciting – disappointing that we couldn't hold on to our spot in A, but lets not forget the excitement of our surge from C through B to A, when virtually no one could touch us, and also lets not forget that many of that team are still with us.
Finally this was the last DL game for Josh Roach for us. I have made many comments about his batting in my earlier ramblings and will no doubt refer to more in my end of season rubbish which I will put on line in the next week. Although he has matches left to play for the NDL, we wish him bon voyage from the Devon League.
I think my man of the match today is Josh Atkinson. His innings showed us what I think we all knew that given the opportunities, he will join the ranks of real all rounders in the team
So, Division B, here we come!
The Quill.
The Carnival is Over. The Seekers (An Australian group of the 60s (recently reformed) fronted by Judith Durham and The Last Farewell. Roger Whittaker and Zimbabwean singer of the 60/70s et seq.
This match was, on the face of it, a dead rubber. Sandford could perhaps slip one place in the final reckoning, but gain nothing, and Bideford had little but pride to play for.
On a warm day with green pitch James Ford won the toss and inserted Sandford. The match itself threatened to be a carnival with the batting order decided by lot, Paul Heard keeping wicket and the bowling reflecting the relative batting positions – for instance Josh Atkinson, allocated batting spot no. 3 did not bowl. So Freed King and Alex Hannam opened the bowling, Fred being rewarded almost straight away. The first and second change bowlers were Josh Roach, released from his gloves and David Staddon, debuting for the 1st team this season (on the eve of his 50th birthday), together they immediately restricted the scoring. David S had the batsmen in all sorts of trouble but was not rewarded with a wicket whilst Josh R showing the incredible improvement his bowling has seen this year took 3 for 24 off 8. Martin Stewart took over from David S and immediately made an impact with remarkable figures of 5 overs 2 maidens three for four. Jack Ford bowled a few overs and then Fred and Alex bowled the remaining allotment of their overs Fred finishing with 3 and Alex the other. Sandford finished on 279 all out, the only downside being the number of wides.
After the usually scrumptious tea from Jackie Bideford went to face the bowling for the last time this season, the draw deciding that the openers would be Paul Heard and Michael Lemmings. After ML had decided that the best way to open was not to try to wack every ball out of the ground they settled down and put on 29, ML contributing 13. PH settled down and with Josh Atkinson began to build a partnership that might just reap us victory until Paul having done all the hard work decided that the best thing to do to try to up the scoring rate was to dance down the pitch and try to deposit the ball over midwicket. Alas what usually happens when this is tried, happened – a Carnival shot and Paul was out for 25. However Josh A settled down to a really good innings. Josh Roach joined him and was almost immediately given out caught, a decision that the Umpire might, on another day, not be so quick to give.
Josh A however sailed on majestically and in die course brought up his personal 50, his final 54 being the highest individual score of the day. Pete McMillan joined him and hit a robust 20, but although Bideford were for the greater part up with, indeed ahead of the required rate with 12 runs needed wickets just ran out.
However the game itself although exciting had greater significance. We have had an entertaining year in Division A, James Ford told the Quill that all the players, but especially the younger ones have learnt a great deal at the higher level, while vice captain PH said it had been fun, but the Carnival is Over in Division A (clever link, don't you think) and next year we revert to B, but there will be new grounds and new opposition to challenge us.
However for James Ford as Captain, and Josh Roach as our overseas player There's a ship rigged and ready in the Harbour to quote the opening line of Roger Whittaker’s Number 1 hit (the video for which – in the early 70s – was filmed in Ilfracombe as he was appearing in Barnstaple that week, James gas played his last game as Devon League captain. The last three years have been very exciting – disappointing that we couldn't hold on to our spot in A, but lets not forget the excitement of our surge from C through B to A, when virtually no one could touch us, and also lets not forget that many of that team are still with us.
Finally this was the last DL game for Josh Roach for us. I have made many comments about his batting in my earlier ramblings and will no doubt refer to more in my end of season rubbish which I will put on line in the next week. Although he has matches left to play for the NDL, we wish him bon voyage from the Devon League.
I think my man of the match today is Josh Atkinson. His innings showed us what I think we all knew that given the opportunities, he will join the ranks of real all rounders in the team
So, Division B, here we come!
The Quill.
Devon League v Brixham. Lost by 8 wickets.
Those of you who read and understand the occasional summer ruminations of The Quill, will probably agree that it is not possible to visit Brixham without considering the works of the Rev. Henry Francis Lyte. During both innings his most famous work ran around the remnants of my brain, as we will see.
It is fair to say that at first we did not expect even to travel, let alone play, the weather forecast was for an appalling day. However on rising and looking at the BBC weather forecast for the day, a beautiful day in Brixham was forecast, and soon a message came from their captain 'Wet here, but the sun is shining', and sure enough after a rather better trip than we expected, when we arrived at the ground, the sun was indeed shining and it was very warm. However rain was forecast later.
So James Ford in his penultimate game as captain lost the toss and Bideford were inserted. In the absence of Josh Roach's usual opening partner, Dan Barratt, James Ford himself resumed his opening role. Key to the success of our effort was a solid start and lots of runs from Josh – alas, this was not to be. After several very tight overs from their openers, Josh trying to cut a wide delivery, nicked it to the keeper. Soon after JF himself went the same way, and not long after Alex Hannam. It clearly was going to be one of those days. It was then that the words of the Re. Henry Francis Lyte came to be – 'Abide with me, fast falls..' only in this case it was the clatter of wickets that was falling not 'the eventide'. Paul Heard made solid 25 until skying one, and Fred King made a similar score before being caught in the deep. Brixham only needed 7 points to be sure of promotion, and by the time they had bowled us out for 111, they had already got 5, and the failure to get any batting points ensured relegation for Bideford.
After a 10 minute interval, because tea time had not yet arrived, Brixham started their innings, with Paul H, and Josh Atkinson opening. Apart from a couple of confident appeals the opening batsmen looked very secure. What did not appear secure was the weather, the dark clouds loomed, and thunder rolled around and it did look at one stage as if 'fast falls the eventide', but hat passed and the hazy sunshine reappeared. Michael Lemmings came on and tempted both batsmen to hit the ball in the air – Alex H taking one catch and Josh A the other, and soon it was all over, still before the tea was due Brixham home by 8 wickets . One point to Bideford. It should however be noted that Brixham had two class overseas players (but no more class that our JR) but at no time could we put any sort of pressure on.
So a long trip home again to reflect on our last match of the season, at home at last, against Sandford, but with Sandford and Bideford's fates already decided this will be a match for personal pride.
Tomorrow we are due to play Newton Tracey at home – but the weather forecast tends to indicate that any play is unlikely
The Quill
North Devon League 16th August Won.
Some days you come to the ground, not knowing what to expect and you come away having seen a match in which youngsters who one would not necessaeily expect to be the match winners put on petrformances so unexpected that one finds ineself humming somehting like thank you for those days by (yes you've guessed The Kinks. And yes,m I do know its corny but after nearly 5 months of cricket The Quill's mental reserves, nit to say ink supplies are running very low.
Matten Stabury, the maintstay , not to say keystone of Sunday cricket at the Ho! This season,lost the toss and Bideford was inserted. James Ford opened with Billy Blackburn, and again found the touch which has been alluding him all season on saturday's, and with the te,po of his innings increasing ressched 100 in 101 balls, being eventually out for 102. Billy Blackburn failed to find the touch he has had in such abundance during previous matches and John Weeks ht a few big shots. It was nice fior me to see Tom Brend make 34, I have been hearing rumours all year of his abilities but this was the first time I have seen his takents. Jamie Lathwell and Jack Ford hit some runs to make the score 206 – 74 less than captain MS thought was necessary.
After a splendid tea with some wonderful doughnuts, the Incorrigibles star5ted their reply. I cerainly was not ecpecting Tom Parkhouse, openiung from the sea end, to take two wickets in his forst (maiden) over, finishing with fine figures of 5 overs two for 18.
After last week, it should be no surpris that David Staddon should take some wickets, but again I was not expecting him to take 4 – 30, being on a hat trick for the second week in a row. However, my disbelief was extended wjen youg Matt Parkhouse came downhill and claimed 3 -32. Tom Brend took the last wicket to complete the rout of Witheridge for 134.
What a delightful day to see the unexpected, thank you for those days.
The Quill.
15th August Devon League away to Budleigh Salterton (BS) Lost
I said to the boys as we were driving home that the inspiration muse had deserted The Quill. Normally the ideas for the ramblings come to me during the match sometimes even days before but today, nothing.
However, on Wednesday I went to see the Kinks in Exeter (actually they are called The Kast Off Kinks, but have all played in the original band), for those of you sadly lacking in musical education, The Kinks were (are) one of the greatest bands of the 60s, 70s etc. and sometimes credited with laying the foundations off Punk Music, and so inspired was I, that I ordered a copy of one of their original albums, which came today. Pretty good service I thought. On playing this two of the tunes struck me. One, We can't win, struck me as being too cruel, and of course factually incorrect. The second however, Where have all the Good Times Gone, did strike me as peculiarly apposite for the games at the tail end of this season which, really, has been so disappointing, after the last two years on driving success through the Leagues, So, where have all the good times gone. Well the answer is, they have not all gone. Today, as in so many matches over this term, they have been tantalisingly close.
When we arrived at the marsh ground which constitutes BS's ground, a flock of Canada Geese flew over, just like the Red Arrows over Exeter on Wednesday (was this for The Kinks – or even me?) , the water seeped up over The Quill's shoes, and the Umpires inspected several times before agreeing that play should start at 1.15p. The match being reduced to 44 overs per side.
Our veteran captain James Ford won the toss and elected to bat, Josh Roach and Dan Barratt opening again. Well, one of the good times that has not gone away from last year is JR's batting. Today, another sublime innings this time of 68 on a pitch that was far from straightforward again held the innings together/ This score takes his runs in the Devon League to just 800. An aged observer from the BS supporters told me, confidentially, that it was agreed, certainly in the South of the County, that JR was far away the best overseas batsman they had seen in the League this year – but don't tell JR that. A view I must agreed with, his cover driving has been a thing of beauty (Shakespeare). Dan, as so often in the second half of the season, did all the hard work, and the lifted the ball to mid-off – I think firm pitches where the ball comes onto the bat will suit him more.
JF himself had a decision he clearly didn't agree with, and Alex Hannam played back to a ball that kept low on a damp wicket. He has had an unlucky run but form is temporary class is forever, {Perhaps of he had an opportunity to bowl more -
Paul Heard hit a few lusty blows in his 17, as did Matt Shepherd in his 19. One of the most improved batsman of the term, seeking no doubt to become a genuine all rounder was Josh Atkinson who played very sensibly for 20 and was unfortunate to miss a straight ball trying to accelerate the scoring rate with few overs left. Fred King shared a useful stand with him and scored 12. This was one of the few times this tear when the tail started to wag a bit.
All out however for 180 and BS had a strong batting line up.
Paul Heard struck early on with two quick wickets, while it was not Fred's day. Josh A took over and claimed one wicket, while captain JF took the 4th. However looming over the match was massive image of Cephus Zhowaou, who had so devastated our bowling in the home fixture. This time the innings was more restrained, but he was 95 not out at the end, and BS were home with 6 wickets and 20 overs to spare. The ground fielding gave a little cause for concern and a couple of dropped catches could have turned the match, but its no good crying over dropped catches, ads they say.
So where have the good times gone. I don't think that they have gone, but a just latent, under the surface and will re=emerge next year when success will put a smile back of the faces (Yes, I know its corny). However, next week we are at Brixham.by far the strongest team in the League, and an awful journey in August to boot.
Tomorrow the 2nd Xl are at home, so look under this tab, for the report on that match
The Quill.
Sunday 9th August , NDL at Belstone away. Won by 6 runs.
There's a breathless Hush in the Close tonight
10 to make and the match to win.....
An hour to play and the last man in
Henry Newbolt - Vitai Lampada
One of the most famous cricket poems of course, and about life, which includes the famous line, 'Play up, Play up and play the game'.
Well, there was not an hour play in murky Belstone, but there was one over, with two wickets and Belstone needed 12 runs. Just the stage for super hero David Staddon. But of course for the bowlers to succeed, there has to be runs to defend, and enter our other superhero, Josh Roach, not only scoring a second century in two days, a mere 110 this time, but bowled 8 over 3 maidens 1 for 15 and took two stunning catches in the outfield.
Josh captaining as always the Sunday crew, won the toss and elected to bat on a pitch which certainly was not as true as Westward Ho! And longer grass in the outfield (which probably made the final score worth another 60 by comparison with our home ground). Josh opened this match with Tom Brend who stayed around for a long time but found scoring difficult. Josh however having played a few overs to get the feel of the pitch, sallied forth like an avenging Australian trying to reclaim the ashes. He scored his first 50 in a relatively steady 49 balls, the second in 28 and in all faced 84 balls. Tom Brend, Billy Blackburn and John Weeks came and went making various contributions. But when Josh R was out, it was left to Josh A (the Atkinson variety) to continue the assault. He made 43off 30, Josh R hit 12 fours and 5 sixes, Josh A 3 sixes and 4 fours. They were the main contributors in the final score of 226. Popular views were that that was probably enough.
The bowling opened with Josh A who bowled a remarkable 5 over spell for 8 runs. Josh R's exploits I have already detailed, Fred King came on and took a couple of quick wickets, but all the time Belstone were increasing their run rate so that with 4 overs to go they needed 31 with 5 wickets. However they, are probably many others, had not taken veteran spinner David Staddon's extraordinary powers into account. After three overs to set his sights, he bowled one, had their high scoring opener caught on the deep square leg boundary in a beautifully orchestrated ploy, and had two wickets in his 5th over. His four wickets slowed the opposition down to the extent that at the start of the last over 12 were needed with two wickets in hand, with a leg spinner on easy peasy as they say. But no, not a bit of it, in a wonderfully controlled over he gave away only 4 runs and victory was ours. Who says its a young man's game – perhaps I may come out of retirement!
Seriously, it was exceptional, and a win that surely must secure our future in Division 1. So, with the win against North Devon last week, yesterday v Lewdown, and now this 3 in a row. Can next week be as good.
The Quill
By the way, I couldn't as you know score live due to Belstone being an electricity free zone, but the match is now up on the site and is correct apart fro the times!
Saturday 8th August 2015 Devon League v Lewdown. Won by plenty of runs.
Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. Winston Churchill.
Over the top?, well some may think so, but this term the team, and indeed the club has owed so much to Josh Roach for his runs, that in many matches the scorers would have had a peaceful afternoon. Not this afternoon however, because the two hard-working loyal and underpaid scorers had to log over 600 runs and 20 wickets in the apace of about 6 hours, not, I have to say, what I am used to (but a very pleasant change)
To start at the beginning. James Ford won the toss again (he's getting quite useful at this) and decided to bat. Little did we know what was going to happen. Josh opened with Dan Barratt again, and again put on a useful partnership of 74 before Dan, again, having done all the hard work, again lifted the ball and was Ct & B for 23. James Ford and Alex Hannam came and went, but all the while Josh was murdering the bad balls, (of which there were plenty). Paul Heard joined in the fun with Josh together putting on 123. Both of them batted even more adventurously than hitherto this term, perhaps much of the worry lifted from them with the acceptance by the captain of inevitable relegation (but what would happen if we beat Budleigh and Brixham, I ask?). Josh hit 20 fours and 6 sixes in accumulating an astonishing 161 (at one stage I thought he was going to score more runs than all the Australian players at Trent Bridge). Eventually he was out caught behind of a part time spinner (that’s cricket) while Paul H was LBW for 65. By the time Josh R was out it was 270 – 4, and when Paul, 285 – 5, by far and away the highest score by us this year already. The other batsman came and went, clubbing, or stroking as many runs to add to Lewdown's discomfort as possible. The Lewdown captain remarked that Josh was dropped twice, missed stumping twice and missed run out twice, I don't know if that is right (it probably is) but even so, good for Josh for riding his luck and keeping on concentrating. To be mentioned in despatches are Josh Atkinson 22 and Tom Brend 17. The final score of 337 was the highest we have scored since the heady days of C and B division promotion. Complacency is a dangerous thing, but even I thought, in my heart of hearts that this was too much for Lewdown, fellow relegation candidates to chase
As usual, Paul H and Fred King opened. They both bowled with fire, and passed the bat, but Paul was not fortunate in his bowling. Fred got an all important wicket in his 3rd over, which rather put Lewdown on the back foot. But although they scored at a fair rate, they kept losing wickets regularly and were always behind the required run rate of nearly 7 an over. Josh A got a wicket in his first over, their overseas player, caught by the captain who later told me it was a stunning catch – unfortunately I looked down at something at this point and failed to see it. I am sure it was sensational however!. Michael Lemmings cam on and snaffled a wicket, but the ultimate turning point may have been when Martin Stewart and Tom Brend came on in a left arm spinners duet Martin bowling 8 overs for 42 and Tom 8-1-31-1. This spell put them so far behind the rrr that there was no coming back., Fred came back on to take his final 3 wickets, ending with 4 – 49, whilst Alex Hannam, 2 -15 and Dan Barratt 1-9 mopped up the tail Bideford winning by 56 runs. What an afternoon. Perhaps Budleigh and Brixham, who we visit over the next fortnight will not write Bideford off as an automatic 20 points after all.
Any rates, this was all good fun and a splendid win.
Tomorrow we are at Belstone – no electricity= no live scoring I am afraid. I hope, as I usually do, to translate the paper scoring onto the computer when I get home, so the 'live' score may be up by 9 o'clock or so.
Next Sunday we visit Budleigh, let hope its a nice day to go to the seaside, southern style
The Quill.
Bideford v North Devon North Devon League Sunday 2nd August Won
How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle. 2 Samuel 1:25
So, OK, it may be a bit of an overstatement, but what a turnabout after the thumping we got at Instow earlier this year. How about Let the word go forth from this place and time to friend and foe alike that the torch has been passed to a new generation of ….Well, Perhaps to describe James Ford as part of the new generation, but who would have believed 12 hours ago that we would be looking at 3 spin destroyers of North Devon, James F (2 wickets) , and Carl Stanbury and Josh Roach, 3 wickets each, and then 3 batsmen, Josh Roach, Billy Blackburn and Ian Hayter destroying the North Devon bowling to win in only 14 overs. You will all know the latin, omne trium perfectum, which of course for the few of you who may have forgotten means, effectively, the best things come in three – so clearly demonstrated this afternoon.
North Devon won the toss and opted to bat, and with Quentin Dryer, their South African and Alfie Huxtable (the way he bats he must be a relative) opening this seemed to be the correct decision as the ball was flying to all parts of the ground. In desperation (it must have been desperation) Josh Roach brought on veteran slow bowler James Ford who bowled Q Dryer. Thus certainly slowed up the run chase. Josh R then brought himself on at the road end and he was soon in the wickets himself. After JF had finished his spell of 8 – 2- 18 2, Carl Stanbury was brought on to replace him. Josh R finished with 8-1-27-3, Carl Stanbury also helped himself to 3, 4 -0-10 3 and Fred King took the last to wrap up the innings at 114. Ollie Hannam took the gloves for the first time and gave a very creditable (though if for him a more muted) performance including a smart catch off JR – interesting little item that, the teacher giving the pupil his first senior catch – hopefully a sign of a lot more to come.
Confidence was high at tea – my main concern was whether the task may seem too easy. However, Josh R and Billy Blackburn reformed their successful opening partnership and set off like a steam train. JR was particularly severe on the South African who had 56 runs taken off his 7 overs – although he did get JR with a pearl of a ball for 43. Were any butterflies around? Not a bit of it, Billy B started thrashing ex Bideford Jack Hockin around and Ian Hayter at three wallopped anyone who bowled the ball near enough for him to hit. And Billy finished 31 not out off 43 and IH 34 off 16. Was it my suspicion that IH had slightly more spring in his step having been freed of the gloves? Well anyway it was a wonderful win 20 points to Bideford, nil points to North Devon, a complete reversal. All this was topped by a splendid tea featuring some wonderful cakes.
Let’s hope that the pair of matches next week, Lewdown in the Devon League at home, and Belstone away on Sunday end the same way.
And so we all drove happily, and early satisfied with a job well done
The Quill.
Devon League v Tavistock away/ 1st August 2015
Sitting here in an early tea break with the rain slowly precipitating from sky pits me in mind of the Walker Brothers The Sun Ain't Going to Shine Anymore. The game started late, with 4 overs per side deducted, and after another rain break became a 42 over game. At this point, we have lost another over.. This unfortunately upsets the decision by James Ford after (I am told by the Umpires his initial response of 'I don't know what to do) to bat.
As has always happened this term, Dan Barratt and Josh Roach opened with a good stand of 39. Dan Barratt, having done all the hard work, as he explained the Thee Quill, played one shot across the line and was bowled. One Barratt replaced another but Will seemed strangely out of sorts, and it was left once again to Josh Roach to take the lead. After the second rain break he advanced down the pitch and was stumped, and two balls later, Paul Heard edged one to the keeper. With 11 overs left, the heavens opened again and it was agreed to take an early tea break so at this moment of writing (this is life stuff folks) we are115 – 4, Josh Roach out for 67. It does not look a rosy picture at this stage, however we will see whether my predictions are right. 150 would be a good score but very attainable by the opposition with 10 wickets.
Well, here I am at home (I apologise to those I left behind and hope that they got back alright) having considered what I wrote. After the rain, Bideford renewed their innings with 3.5 overs left – James Ford was at the wicket and I reminded him if the exploits of Cephus Zouale for Budleigh in a similar situation. James did score 22 and the innings finished on 139 – 140 to win off 35 overs, 4 an over.
Paul Heard and Fred King opened with menace and many balls beating the bat but with no luck, and the score slowly crept up. Martin Stewart and Josh Atkinson then took over, Martin Immediately got two wickets, one god catch by Fred and a clean bowled, and at one point, Martin and Fred bowled 26 balls with 2 runs one leg-bye and 2 wickets.
It is strange in life how coincidences occur. Our home match against Tavistock was going well and was there for the taking by us when Paul H was given out LBW to a very poor decision which knocked the stuffing out of the team, and we narrowly lost. Today, after this stranglehold was beginning to drag down the scoring rate, the two Tavistock batsmen went for a very quick single and there was a run out. The batsmen involved were the striker, (their opener) who was, truth to be told, making a meal of it, and their hard hitting wicket keeper. The striker walked off the pitch, but it was, and I have absolutely no doubt about this, the hard hitting wicket keeper who was actually out. Whilst this mistake may not have cost us the match, it certainly strongly influenced it as the hard hitter then proceeded to take 5 fours off the next Josh A over and in truth the match was lost.
James Ford came on to bowl with no success, so he then brought on Jack for what I believe was his first bowl in senior Devon League. He bowled the hard hitting wicket keeper, and have the next batsman, a Devon Lion stumped. We saw Jack bat with his Dad in a 2nd Xl Sunday League match at North Devon earlier in the year and someone remarked that he batted better than he did – well, look at the bowling figures for both of them today!
So, in the end we lost by 5 wickets, very tough because in all honesty we weren't that bad – the unforecast rain played havoc with the captain's plans. As he said to The Quill – The rain really stuffed us. Actually that is not exactly what he said, but that is near enough. Just to add insult to injury, the sun actually did shine during part of Tavistock's innings, perhaps I should have used the generic name of Wet, Wet, Wet – fronted by Marty Pellow as was suggested to me in the interval.
The win today would have helped Tavistock, but other results mean that Lewdown and Hatherleigh are close to the drop zone, and next week we have Lewdown at home – a vital match for them.
Before then we have North Devon at Westward Ho! - can someone tell me where it is.
The Quill.
Away against Cornwood 25th July 2015 Lost by 7 wickets
As this match slowly (actually not so slowly) unwound, the 1970 hit by Pikketywitch 'That same old feeling' came to mind – because, apart from the last two week's victories, this was unfortunately a return to the form of earlier this season. However and 'informed source' within the team, did vouchsafe to the Quill after the match that, although Cornwood undoubtedly deserved to win, Bideford did not really deserve to lose by 7 wickets – 4 perhaps, not 7.
However the game was, as so often this season (see my earlier references to the Hollies 'Here [we] go again' – those familiar with my ramblings will realise the penchant I have for the Hollies (A Manchester 'pop' group of the sixties most famous for 'He ain't heavy. He's my brother') defined by two partnerships after James Ford had won he toss and elected to bat. Will Barratt, replacing his brother Dan who has been such a brick this season, was taken early to a fine slip catch to a ball from the left arm opening bat, moving the ball down the considerable slope. Paul Heard at No. 3 and Josh Roach, opening as usual, then took the score to 62 – 1, bearing in mind the strength of Cornwood's bowling this was comparative success (success can of course be defined as 'disaster put on hold' Nadine Gordiner) at which score JR was unlucky to edge a ball moving down the hill from his off stump, took the inside edge of his bat on to his bad and bowled him. Thereafter the hold on disaster was let go. James Ford received a snorter of an in-swinger, and three balls later so did Paul Heard, and so from 62 – 1, we were soon 72-9. At this point, Pete McMillan, standing in for the missing Mike Lemmings – work or some other curse preventing him from travelling, combined with Martin Stewart 9no doubt out to prove that No 11 is not his rightful place, put on a likely stand of 36, with Martin Stewart being equal top scorer, on 24, with JR. One can say two things – we scored a few more runs than we did against Cornwood at Bideford, and we scored more runs than high=fliers Budleigh Salterton did against them last week.
However, 108 is an impossibly small total to defend against a talented batting outfit, and Cornwood set off at a pace and rode their luck, Paul Heard had at least two chances put down, one a straightforward chance at cover point – dropped catches have plagued us this season – and although Fred Kin got an early wicket, with Paul Heard and Martin Stewart bagging the other two, Cornwood was soon home with 27 overs to spare and before tea.
There is no point in making critical observations, the team know their shortcomings, and with such a youthful team (JF?) the main hope is that they enjoy the rest of the season, and emerge strengthened to whatever fate decrees for next season.
Tomorrow's 2nd xl match against Petrockstowe at the Ho! Must be in doubt given the appalling weather forecast for tomorrow, whilst next Saturday another away trip to Tavistock, who havin beaten Hatherleigh today must be a formidable proposition at home – a really must win if we harbour any thoughts of remaining in this division
The Quill
Sunday 19th July 2015 North Devon league Division 3 v Dulverton at Home
Just as a footnote to yesterday's report, the computer (it's always the computer) munched up the report I posted yesterday, anyone who read it this morning should read it again, now it has been corrected. And so today........
The Who sang of My Generation 'I'm not trying to cause a big sensation' But alas there aren't too many people at Westward Ho! of my Generation, and it is not often the case that two people
from completely different generations open the innings for Bideford and both score centuries and each score a century. One wonders whether when James Ford strode out to open the innings with Billy Blackburn a generation (or is it two) younger, the words of Brett Harris were ringing in his ears “The beauty of collaboration between younger and older generations is that [they] combine strength with wisdom'. Certainly with James and Billy the combination was sensational.
Dulverton probably did Bideford a favour by winning the toss and electing bat, on what proved to be a flat track as easy to score on (this from someone totally incompetent with the bat, you understand) as Australia found Lords. The bowlers toiled in the sun as Dulverton piled on the runs, with the occasional wicket falling Marten Stanbury taking 2, Tom Brend and Josh Stephenson one each, but in truth I don't believe that anyone would want theirs rehearsed, although it is worthy pointing out that the most economical bowler on display was Josh Roach, de-gloved for the afternoon, who bowled 8 overs for 30 (Jamie Lathwell had 8 for 40). Dulverton totalled 283, remarkably, and to the great credit of the bowlers, only conceding 19 extras. On any day in a 40 overs match this is a large score.
No doubt the team was reflecting on this over tea, in which Jackie Shepherd reprised her chicken filled Yorkshire Puddings (there must be some reason to have teas at Westward Ho! In the off season surely). Whilst on this point, a mention must be made (and should be made every week for Paul Shepherd, who not only keeps the Quill replete with teas and coffees, but all umpires, visiting scorer's and Uncle Tom Cobley – let alone his more visible presence in the Bar (serving I mean).
Well, back to the matters in hand. I have described the openers striding out like Gladiators in the Roman Forum (actually after the lunch James Ford admitted to having, 'I felt stuffed' he shared with your reporter, there may have been an element of shuffling). Be that as may, James and Billy put up the 100 partnership, then they beat yesterday's of 148 between Dan Barratt and Josh R, then 150, then 200. JF got to his century and was caught for 132 (2 more than Josh R's remarkable innings on Saturday – possibly a different calibre bowler could we say?) on the boundary. Josh R had the misfortune to be run out, and a couple more wickets fell while Billy was in the 90s. He duly got his hundred, and although there was an element of fear creeping in, Josh Stephenson and Jamie Lathwell knocked the final runs off with 5 balls remaining. One of those interesting little points,Dulverton also gave away 19 extras.
I scored nearly 1000 runs on Saturday and Sunday in the score-box, and I admit, as I write this, I am tired – another word came to mind, but etiquette and so on......
So, two wins and 40 points this weekend, 'Oh. That ’twas ever so' (Thomas H Dickinson, The Piper (of Hamlin)).
So next week, a very away Devon difficult Devon League fixture away to Cornwood, and Sunday another Home Division 3 match against Petrockstowe.
The Quill
Bideford v Hatherleigh Devon League Saturday 18th July – won!!!
A highly intelligent correspondent of the Quill remarked to me last week that I should, perhaps, taken for my text, Mahler's 2nd Symphony The Resurrection Symphony, on the basis that last week showed a resurrection of Bideford's fortunes. The idea for part of The Symphony is said to come from words that Mahler heard at a funeral (cheerful stuff!) 'Rise again, yes, you shall rise again'. Well, I ask you (Eden Kane Top Twenty Hit 1961) has, or has not Bideford risen again.
The tale of the match is really quite simple. James Ford won the toss and elected to bat – inspired or what! Joss Roach and Dan Barratt opened the innings and put on 148 – the highest partnership of the year and really virtually batted Hatherleigh out of the match, although there were to be a few scares along the way. Dan Barratt was the first out. Taken on the boundary by the tallest guy in Hatherleighs team – 6 more inches height and it would have been a 6. This is some ways then put a problem of those that followed inasmuch as they had to come in with all guns blazing. This however they tried. Matt Shepherd smashed 13 off 8, James Ford departed to a very unJames Ford like shot, and Alex Hannam helped Josh R wrap up the innings with a splendid 36 off 37, and the death of the innings taking over responsibility from Josh Roach to total 254 in a stand of 70+, Bideford racking up their highest total of the year. Josh remained 130 not out - probably the best innings we have seen from anyone this year.
A merry tea ensued – the chicken filled Yorkshire puddings being my favourite and there was a feeling of some confidence. And so it proved to be. Paul Heard (uphill) and Fred King – from the road end opened the bowling as is usual. Fred struck with two wickets in his first spell, and although PH was threatening and beat the bat on numerous occasions, he was not rewarded. Paul gave way to Josh Atkinson who took two further wickets, and when Paul chipped in Hatherleigh were 5 down with a long way to go. However their 6th wicket stand of nearly 100 between their overseas and their captain proved difficult to dislodge and seemed to be edging Hatherleigh alarmingly near the winning line. At this point enter captain JF. His skill at taking tail wickets has been rather dimmed this term, but reverting to type he took three wickets himself and took a run out on his own. The final trick was taken by Josh A, unusually for him bowling down hill for his final spell, clean bowling their last man – victory and a 20 pointer. A reprise of the Hallelujah Chorus, mentioned by me a couple of weeks ago really is called for,
To sum up the match therefore a sparkiling innings from Josh Roach (on the field for the entire match of 130 (100 in 100 blls, what a player) which naturally made him man of the match, but I daresay on this occasion he would share the honour wih the entire team - it has been a weekend for our much loved cousins from down under.
So a second win in a row and 39 points in 2 weeks, can we possibly hope for, what two weeks ago would have been considered an impossible dream (To
dream an impossible dream from The Man from La Mancha)
So where do we go from here. Well in fact tomorrow to Westward Ho! For a 2nd Xl North Devon League match v Dulverton, but next Saturday in the Devon League, an away match v High Flying Cornwood – dare we dream and impossible dream again. It is curious to consider that apparently just a couple of weeks into the second half of the season we have 5 away matches and only 2 home matches left – a curious arrangement
The Quill
Barton v Bideford 11th July 2015 Away Bideford Won
Yup, believe it or not, we won and won handsomely today. So whilst a quick rendition of the We are the Champions = Queen, might appear to be a bit exaggerated, it is, I am sure, what the team felt as they sat in the dressing room soaking up this victory – and one which I might say I felt mighty proud of for, lest it be forgot, The Quill watches every ball and feels all the emotions that the team feel.
So to begin at the beginning. Having fought our way through dreadful traffic jams to get to the ground leaving barely sufficient time for lunch warm ups etc., James Ford duly lost the toss and Bideford were inserted. Bideford opened as usual with Josh Roach and Dan Barratt. Dan, having been out most reliable batsman at the start of the season is having one of those spells (short I am sure) where things do not go right and he left the proceedings early. JR and JF took the score to 63 when JF was given out LBW. Shortly after this JR played a defensive shot to a ball that seemed to take the edge of the bat and then pop up in the air for an easy catch for the keeper. Alex Hannam and Paul Heard then had a nice stand and just when PH looked set for a big score, he managed to run himself out with a direct throw hitting the stumps at the bowler's end. My co-scorer thought it was a brave decision. Alex Hannam managed some valuable time at the crease. At 123 – 7 I really thought it was going again to be an innings of much promised, not enough achieved, but the rest of the innings was a tale of two centurions (echo from a fortnight ago, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times). This time the worst of times was for Barton. Their extras column gave us a healthy 546 runs. Over most of our innings this year that would have been enough, but this time the redoubtable Matt Shepherd had to be taken into account. Having blocked a few, played a few shots, Matt hit the ball with the leading edge and presented the easiest of catches to cover, who promptly dropped it. Taking advantage of this astonishing piece of luck, Matt stroked and bludgeoned his way to 63 in a final score of 207.
Was it enough. Well certainly it was enough for our bowlers to have a crack up. Paul Heard again opened with Fred King. Paul bowled one if the best spells I have seen from him with a final analysis of 10 overs 4 maidens 3 – 21. Fred was a little expensive, and Josh Atkinson replaced him and bowled beautifully to induce the free flowing opener to edge to JR. Alex Hannam replaced him and was rewarded with a towering catch by Fred K. Fred K then had a second spell from the other end and bowled with real fire and hostility, JR bagging another catch behind the stumps. And then enter Mike Lemmings. Matt Shepherd had clubbed Barton's much vaunted off spinner out of the attack, - what could ML do. Well the answer was nearly to walk on water. In the space of 4 overs (2 maidens) he took 4 wickets for 4 runs – quite astonishing. And suddenly from wondering with 6 of their wickets down whether we could possibly win, and suddenly there it was – the win was there We really could Ring forth ye bells etc. (See earlier report from Sandford, The Sorcerer G & S)
A mention of two general matters. First captaincy. There are times when the art of captaincy alludes me. But today, JF positioned himself at short cover (I would say almost Silly cover except that I am far too respectful to call our captain silly) and the very next ball he picked up a catch there. Perhaps Michael Clarke could do with a few tips (make note: ask JR to have a word with the Aussie's captain). Secondly today the fielding was generally impeccable and the catching exemplary what a difference!
So often this year it has been difficult to pick out a man of the match, but to day we had Paul Heard for his runs and wickets, Matt Shepherd with his runs but the computer’s man of the match (it is nothing to do with me) is Michael Lemmings, who has, today, every right to whistle to himself Call Me Number One – The Tremeloes No 1. 1967
What a fantastic day, and there is no reason why we can't do it next week, at home against Hatherleigh. Tomorrow, away to Newton Tracey, home for me!
The Quill
Barton v Bideford 11th July 2015 Away Bideford Won
Yup, believe it or not, we won and won handsomely today. So whilst a quick rendition of the We are the Champions = Queen, might appear to be a bit exaggerated, it is, I am sure, what the team felt as they sat in the dressing room soaking up this victory – and one which I might say I felt mighty proud of for, lest it be forgot, The Quill watches every ball and feels all the emotions that the team feel.
So to begin at the beginning. Having fought our way through dreadful traffic jams to get to the ground leaving barely sufficient time for lunch warm ups etc., James Ford duly lost the toss and Bideford were inserted. Bideford opened as usual with Josh Roach and Dan Barratt. Dan, having been out most reliable batsman at the start of the season is having one of those spells (short I am sure) where things do not go right and he left the proceedings early. JR and JF took the score to 63 when JF was given out LBW. Shortly after this JR played a defensive shot to a ball that seemed to take the edge of the bat and then pop up in the air for an easy catch for the keeper. Alex Hannam and Paul Heard then had a nice stand and just when PH looked set for a big score, he managed to run himself out with a direct throw hitting the stumps at the bowler's end. My co-scorer thought it was a brave decision. Alex Hannam managed some valuable time at the crease. At 123 – 7 I really thought it was going again to be an innings of much promised, not enough achieved, but the rest of the innings was a tale of two centurions (echo from a fortnight ago, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times). This time the worst of times was for Barton. Their extras column gave us a healthy 546 runs. Over most of our innings this year that would have been enough, but this time the redoubtable Matt Shepherd had to be taken into account. Having blocked a few, played a few shots, Matt hit the ball with the leading edge and presented the easiest of catches to cover, who promptly dropped it. Taking advantage of this astonishing piece of luck, Matt stroked and bludgeoned his way to 63 in a final score of 207.
Was it enough. Well certainly it was enough for our bowlers to have a crack up. Paul Heard again opened with Fred King. Paul bowled one if the best spells I have seen from him with a final analysis of 10 overs 4 maidens 3 – 21. Fred was a little expensive, and Josh Atkinson replaced him and bowled beautifully to induce the free flowing opener to edge to JR. Alex Hannam replaced him and was rewarded with a towering catch by Fred K. Fred K then had a second spell from the other end and bowled with real fire and hostility, JR bagging another catch behind the stumps. And then enter Mike Lemmings. Matt Shepherd had clubbed Barton's much vaunted off spinner out of the attack, - what could ML do. Well the answer was nearly to walk on water. In the space of 4 overs (2 maidens) he took 4 wickets for 4 runs – quite astonishing. And suddenly from wondering with 6 of their wickets down whether we could possibly win, and suddenly there it was – the win was there We really could Ring forth ye bells etc. (See earlier report from Sandford, The Sorcerer G & S)
A mention of two general matters. First captaincy. There are times when the art of captaincy alludes me. But today, JF positioned himself at short cover (I would say almost Silly cover except that I am far too respectful to call our captain silly) and the very next ball he picked up a catch there. Perhaps Michael Clarke could do with a few tips (make note: ask JR to have a word with the Aussie's captain). Secondly today the fielding was generally impeccable and the catching exemplary what a difference!
So often this year it has been difficult to pick out a man of the match, but to day we had Paul Heard for his runs and wickets, Matt Shepherd with his runs but the computer’s man of the match (it is nothing to do with me) is Michael Lemmings, who has, today, every right to whistle to himself Call Me Number One – The Tremeloes No 1. 1967
What a fantastic day, and there is no reason why we can't do it next week, at home against Hatherleigh. Tomorrow, away to Newton Tracey, home for me!
The Quill
Home v Bradninch Devon League. 4th July.
So off we go to the second half of the season with of course all the fixtures in the same order but with ground advantage swapped. We should therefore be able to assess our opponents from now on, but of course our first match of the season was spent sat in Bradninch's pavilion watching the non ending drizzle before coming home without a ball bowled.
So, in the words of the Hollies 1966 hit, Here we go again.
Tomorrow is away to Filleigh – here of course there is no electricity, and no electricity means no live service. I will try to transfer the match onto the web, but as my family are staying it may not be tomorrow night – but my report will be up!
Well as to today. Writing this at half time it really us I am afraid here we go again. James Ford won the toss, and within a short while Dan Barratt Alex Savage in his first match for us this term and JF himself were all back in the pavilion having failed to trouble the scorers. Paul heard supported Josh Roach for a while putting 30 with Josh Roach and Alex Hannam really supported him well, putting on 65 with JR and himself facing 52 balls. However, as the early wickets had fallen to pace, when the opening bowler were brought back on the end was very soon nigh. A word of consolation for Mike Lemmings who has the misfortune to be run out by the bowler deflecting the ball afteer a sharp drive. The star of the piece, and the one person to bring respectability was Josh Roach, who just failed to get his second century of the season falling 6 short – he must be ruing that shot. Bideford ended of 127 (I batting point more than I thought at one time) and only 24 runs scored off the bat without JR. It has been the pace bowling in the main that has undone us in each match, apart from Budleigh who had no real pace bowler.
A word of praise to Jackie who at the drop of a hat had to provide teas 40 minutes earlier than expected. So I am now sitting here in the box waiting for us to bowl – not enough runs must be the favourite.
Evening. And so it turned out to be. Bradninch opened with a pinch hitter who laid about the bowling as if thee was only a couple of overs to go. Alex Hannam had the other opener very well caught low down by JF (I didn't realise that at his age he could take a catch that low, perhaps the tale I hear of his catch in the 20/20 against North Devon were not apocryphal after all). The pinch hitter was bowled by an absolute beauty by Josh Atkinson. In conversation with The Quill after the match, Josh said that the weekend off had done him a power of good and he felt stronger and mentally fitter again. Certainly his first 5 overs were as good as anything I have seen for a while. Also in discussion with The Quill, Josh Roach said that the ball that had bowled him had not 'got up' as much as he expected, not as I had originally thought that it was a bad shot. So, realistically, consistency has been the main strength of this team, but despite the pits and traumas we have suffered the team are still there fighting even though we only got two points – but as one of the umpires pointed out, two points are better than one.
A game totally dominated by Josh Roach's splendid innings – and regrettably again there were some catches dropped, and we all know the old saying, dropped catches. A|t the end of the day however this team,unlike the Hollies famous song [we] can't tell the bottom from the top, does know the bottom from the top but at the moment can't get off it.
Tomorrow Filleigh away – hey ho, no electricity!
The Quill.
Bideford v Belstone. N D L. at home 28th June. Won by 107 runs.
This was a thoroughly good performance in which everyone contributed. I was thinking of Bits and Pieces by the Dave Clarke 5, to indicate that everyone contributed, but felt on reflection that that may seem to diminish the roles played by everyone. After that I thought the obvious, Winner takes All (ABBA), because in the North Devon League the winner automatically takes the full 20 points – all in other words.
Like yesterday we lost the toss – but this time we were inserted. There was some concern about this – Marten Stanbury told me that the pitch had been lively on Saturday (I gather he had been unable to impose himself when at the crease), - and it was essential that we scored a competitive total. Josh Roach opened with Tom Brend and put on 59 with no obvious discomfort. JR scored another half century until he mistimed a pull off a slower ball and was caught at midwicket for 52. Will Barratt also looked set to make a half century with some tremendous shots, when he too fell to a mistimed shot for 42. James Ford looked as if he was going to impose himself, and then seemed to lose patience and was bowled for 22. Three batsmen got into double figures. However Ian Hayter produced some big shots in his 31 – one six was aimed at his son and, I believe, did hit him without causing any obvious harm. It was interesting to note that as soon as IH hit the ball and saw its route, he dumped his helmet and set off and, he tells me , nearly caught the ball himself – a natural outfielder judging from that effort. With extras contributing 20, the final score of 219 – a scoring rate of 5.5 per over looked par, or perhaps just over par for the afternoon.
A splendid tea from Jackie followed – when did we have a tea which was not splendid!
Fred King having cried off last evening with a damaged finger, it appeared that the bowling resources were a bit low. - how wrong could I be. We opened with Josh King down the hill, and Alex Hannam up. Both bowled with fire – JK bowling with as much pace as I can recall this season for us, and AH certainly produced pace up the hill – indeed he managed to dislocate IH's finger behind the stumps – I'm not sure if its true that members were queuing to help him by putting the finger back in. I do however believe that Mrs IH had to abandon a chicken to attend at the scene.
JK's aggression earned him a wicket in the first over, caught behind. Alex Hannam produced a false shot from their No 3 who was caught by Tom Brend, and then produced a game changing moment when he ran out Belstone's captain who had been threatening to get to grips with the gain, his throw nicely taken by Marten Stanbury who had taken over as wicket keeper after IH's forced retirement.
After JK and AH were rested, the formidable combination of JR and TB joined the fray. Between them in 14 overs they took 5 for 66 (four of them to Tom Brend who the computer adjudged man of the match). The final accolade however must go to Matt Parkhouse who bowled 7 balls and took 2 wickets for 0 runs.
So two NDL wins in two weeks and the Winner takes All.
Next week we have Bradninch at home on Saturday an Filleigh away on Sunday – two toughies but confidence.......
The Quill
Saturday 27th June 2015 v Sandford away. Lost
As I watched the end of our innings, with defeat becoming clear, I thought of the opening lines of 'The Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens - 'It was the best of time, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness'. The best of times:- I love going to Sandford, I like everything about the club, their scorer, the beautiful ground and particularly the ambience with which the game is played. What a difference from last Saturday. The worst of times:- unfortunately we lost again, against one of the teams that we may have hoped to have a chance of beating (especially as we beat their Sunday Xl last weekend).
Sandford won the toss and elected to bat. Paul Heard opened the bowling with Fred King - so great to see him back to full speed again. However it was immediately clear that this was a batsman paradise. Both bowled with their usual fire and resilience but without any luck The best of the early bowlers was Michael Lemmings who bowled his first 8 overs for 31 runs and took the only early wicket available. The early batting order for Sandford was disrupted when their opening batsman was accidentally hit by the ball thrown trying to get a run out. He had to retire injured, but fortunately was able to come back at the fall of the third wicket. However, in the worst of times, e were undone by a partnership f over 159, their Zimbabwean batsmen making 105. We unfortunately at the receiving end of their No 4 making 69 from 47 balls, and their opener before and after his injury making 97. At the end, the two bowlers who benefited from the chase for additional runs were Tom Brend who bowled nicely again taking 3 from 50, and captain James Ford who took another 5er - but this time surrendering 97 runs in the process - shades of Stephen Harman I fancy. Wisdom or folly, your guess?
The net result, definitely the worst of times, was that Sandford scored 337 - come back Budleigh Salterton!
It seemed pretty unlikely from the form and indeed the luck we have been having, the our batsman could match this huge total, and at 17 - 2, with the Barratts back in the pavilion, Dan run out and Wil taken behind, this seemed even more unlikely. Captain JF joined Josh Roach and started, sensibly to put together a century stand. JR survived a relatively easy caught and bowled, perhaps the stroke of luck needed. JF survived a few appeals, and at a 134 for 2, with a scoring rate better than Sandford, was the impossible possible. Well, unfortuantely, no. JF lifted the ball to deep mid off - shame, and the sort of collapse we have seen all to often this term ensued. 7 wickets fell for 60 runs, however JR was not among them. In what was undoubtedly one of the best times of the year, he batted beautifully, with some sumptious cover drives to reach a really well derved 100 - however I think it fair to say that the shot after he got to 100, definitely comes under the folly heading. Mention in despatches must be made of the last wicker pair who put on 2 short of 5, ensured maximum batting points for the first time this year, and showed tthose above them how to handle the pressure. Martin Stewart was last out for 17, and Alex Hannam was not out 37, his most impressive innings this year so far.
So 9 points for the first time this season, and over the last 2 or 3 weeks there have been signs that if we could just put it altogether, there are still some wins out there for us - in this regard it was interesting to see that Hatherleigh and Tavistock were beaten by 8 wickets today - one or two wins woud put us up among them. However, todays match makes the end of the first half of the season - where has the time gone? There are sides out there to be beaten in the second half.
As for today,well, as I said, apart from the loss, definitely the best of times!
Tomorrow Belstone, promoted to the 1t NDL division last year and an unknown quantity - and next Saturday Bradninch at home. Our away match to them, the first of this year, was abandoned without a ball being bowled, so they are unknown as well.
The Quill
Summer Solstice. 21st Home 2015. NDL at Home v Sandford. Won by 5 Wickets
Alleluiah, Alleluiah etc- The Alleluiah Chorus from The Messiah by George Frederick Handel or 'Alleluiah I just love[it] so Ray Charles (and many others)
Well the day has finally arrived, the second win by the 1st Xl since our opening match of the season when we beat Barnstaple by 9 wickets - how distant that balmy day seems. This was a frenetic match played at breakneck speed, almost, as my fellow scorer said, as if both teams had appointments to be somewhere else. But as the King of Hearts said 'start at the beginning and go to the end and then stop'.
Sandford won the toss and elected to bat. Reminding us of times past (and how good he still is) Chris Luxton opened the bowling from the sea end, and it was quite obvious that he was getting swing. He bowled one of the openers in his third over whilst Tom Farnell appearing for the first time this season bowled the other in his third over. Chris had their no 3 stumped by Captain Josh Roach off a wide (remember Ivybridge) and finished with 2 for 30 off 8 with one maiden. Tom Farnell 1 -20. Following his impressive bowling yesterday, Tom Brend bowled his full quota 8 overs one for 39. Dan Barratt and Fred King finished the bowling off. It was great to see Fred back amongst the wickets 2 - 11 off 4 with one maiden. However with regard to the bowling, the final word must go to Dan Barratt. This was the first time he bowled since his one over against Budleigh last week when he was mauled by their Zimbabwean for 31 off his one over. Talk about 'deja vue all over again' as they say. He was brought on the bowl against Sandford's Zimbabwean, Prince Masvaure and was promptly struck for 2 sixes in his first three balls. However he refused to let this affect him and in two spells, the second from the sea end, cleaned up with 4 - 31 including the last two clean bowled in his last three balls. Josh King took a couple o decent catches. The net result was that Sandford was all out for 164 - with extras better than usual at 18. (And five overs to spare)
After the usual fabulous tea by Jackie, hostilities were resumed. I have to say that at tea I had the feeling that this was the best opportunity to win we had had since the Barnstaple match. Alan Withecombe, for the first time this season, opened with Dan Barratt (you can't keep him out of my reports at the moment) and within 7 overs we were 52 for no wicket and on the way to an easy victory. Then Alan W was adjudged LBW and with wickets falling in the 8th, 9th, 10th 11th and 12th overs we were suddenly reduced to 66 for 5. At this point enter Captain Responsible JR, and the ultra experience of Chris L. First cautiously, and then like a battering ram, they smashed their way to victory by 5 wickets with 16 overs to spare - Alleluiah brother. JR finished with 37 and CL with 47 - the man of the match. Sandford did help our cause with 4 sets of 5 wides.
A full match played to the end but only 51 of the possible 80 overs used. I have to say this was a refreshing game after yesterday's encounter but our matches (like those with Hatherleigh) always are. (This is for Richard Tidball's benefit). Next Saturday we are at Sandford for the Devon League fixture and a repeat of this would be very pleasing, but somehow I think it will be more difficult, but perhaps a wave is being created that we can ride the crest of.
One sadness is that because of a major technical fault, I was unable to score live on the web - a problem far to technical to try to explain, but the match has now been put on the web and can be accessed in the usual way through the Bideford site or the Devon County site. Next Saturday I will, I sincerely hope, be live. So driving home I heard this voice saying 'Alleluiah brother' - and long may it be so
The Quill
Saturday 20th June 2015 Devon league v Brixham at Home. Lost.
'Silence is Golden' The Tremeloes. No 1 1966
In this very fractious meeting, we were delighted to welcome Pete McMillan to our fold, another very welcome acqusition from the Beaford stable. However, whether he was expecting such a baptism of fire as this game proved to be. We hoped to equal or improve on last weeks performance against Budleigh Salterton which had promised at least something.
Brixham won the toss and decided to bat. Josh Atkinson with his second ball accounted for their seasoned opener, Andy Pugh and a few overs later, their other opener, both caught by Josh Roach. However any hope of making further inroads into Brixham's batting was brought to a shuddering halt by a third wicket stand of nearly 200. Brixham boast two over dseas player and Australian and a South African. This they can do because the Australian was under 18 on a particular date. On this occasion, the Australian scored a century and the South African 96, and by the time they had taken the score to 219-2 with 20 0vers still to go, a score of 400+ seemed on the cards. However Tom Brend came on to bowl his left arm spin at the sea end and bowled 2-59 off 10 overs, which, in the context of the match, bearing in mind he was hit for 3 sixes in one over, was a remarkably controlled piece of bowling. James Lathwell ran out one of their batsman with an astute piece of fielding, Martin Stewart picked up one and Dan Barratt the last two, in a small piece of revenge for the treatment he received last week. Fred King returned to the team from his injury and bowled a few overs off a very shortened run. It was very nice to see him back but we do need his sheer pace so lets hope he is very fit soon.
Despite everything the bowlers tried, Brixham put up a very imposing 351.
Realistically, with our inexperienced team, there seemed little hope of Bideford reaching this total. However as usual, we feasted well on Jackie's superb tea, the piece de resistance being pork, stuffing and apple sauce sandwiches.
As in most previous matches, Josh Roach and Dan Barratt opened and put on 40 before JR nicked one to first slip. Dan Barratt soldiered on making the most of his carefully played shots through and over the slips. He topped scored with 39. During the innings it transpired that certain things said, and comments made to him and others, that in reality, have no place on the cricket pitch, which is a shame really because it was a good game. Perhaps or hopefully this was a one off. However the innings continued - witht he umpires apparently intervening at least twice - James Ford showed his usual stolid resistance before being given out LBW for 37 and with Josh Atkinson (25) had the highest stand of the Bideford innings. Bideford again well and truly beaten - which makes the language even more unnecessary - when frustrations arise, Silence really is Golden. However, after the bowlers had taken such a battering, we did take 9 wickets with four points, and as a result of the JF/JA partnership did get a batting point.
Next week away to Sandford to end the first half of the season, while tomorrow, in a quirk of planning the Sunday 1st Xl play Sandford at home. Not much more to be said really
The Quill.
Sunday 14th June North Devon League 2nd Xl v Bratton Fleming 2nd Xl
Ring forth ye bells
with Clarion Sound-
Forget yourknells
For joys abound
Chorus of Peasantry, Act 1 The Sorcerer, Gilbert & Sullivan
(For those of you who don't know who Gilbert and Sullivan are, oh never mind!
Well, it might be a bit over the top, but what a joy it was today - apart from the fact that I was locked out of my scorebox!, culprit to the fore please, - the sun was shining, a team of 11 players of various abilities and a visiting scorer - what a rarity in the Sunday League, and a convincing win and 20 points in the bag.
Valiant captain Marten Stanbury won the tos and elected to bat. He opened with Billy Blackburn and started off proceedings with an opening stand of 45. After Billy was out Ian Hayter, keeper for the day, thumped a couple of sixes in his 21 and after his dismissal, Josh Roach joined the fray. All this while Marten was playing a captains innings building patiently on a pitch that was difficult to strike the ball cleanly. After Marten was finally prised out for 36, JR was partnered by Will Barratt, 23 and John Weeks 32 . JW hit two sixes, one off the second ball he received. All the while JR kept the scoreboard ticking sometimes with big hits, two sixes in three balls, and when that was not possible by taking ones and twos - a good exhibition of what to do when you can't get the ball the the boundary every times. At one stage he hit 18 successive balls either for 1 or 2. After JR was out for 89, Rose Ball entered the fray and was able to hit 8 (not out) from the 7 balls she received and showed enough for one to realise what a talent she has. However, the sight of the day, - no the week, - no in fact probably the season was when Mike Ball (her dad) joined her at the wicket on the dismissal of Josh King. At one point the ball was hit and Mike took two runs whilst Rose lapped him and then returned, so that only two runs were scored although Rose nearly completed 4. Mike afterwards assured me that this was part of a master plan to ensure that Rose did not lose the strike. I have to say I would have found this more credible if he had told me this the first time we spoke after the innings finished at 248-7, rather than 10 minutes later. This is however the first time I have recorded Father and daughter batting together
After a super tea, featuring a fine pork pie, bought especially for me, so Paul S assures me, B F took the field. The story of their innings can be summarised by saying that fine bowling reaped regular wickets. Rose Ball bowled fantastically from the road end, 6-2-6-1. Josh Stephenson took 3 - 48 against the principal batsmen, Josh King took two wickets in three balls, (both sharp chances at second slip (2-11) anfd Josh Roach mopped up the tail (3-17). The icing on the cake was Mike Balls single over of one wicket, one maiden - what a day for the Ball family, talent and entertainment! The final wicket fell to a fine catch by Josh Stephenson, on the boundary, over his head. 20points in the bag. So as the Chorus of Peasantry sings, ring forth ye bells!
A super day, not a bad weekend at Westward Ho! Next week on Saturday a home fixture against title chasing Brixham - a real toughie, but lets hope that some confidences have been built this weekend.
The Quill
Saturday 13th June 2015 Devon league at home v Budleigh Salterton.. Lost, but..........
Driving home this evening (much later than has been the case recently), I turned on the car radio and the station was playing 'Hi Ho Silver Lining by Jeff Beck. (For those of you who have not received an adequate musical education, Jeff Beck was a member of the Yardbirds, a group that featured some of the finest rock guitarists of all time, including, apart from Beck himself Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. Latterly Beck formed his own group which, at one time or another included Jet Harris, original bass guitarist of the Shadows. Rod Stewart on vocals and Ronnie Wood, latterly of the Rolling Stones. The record became one of the greatest anthems of the 60s and one of the highest selling discs of all time. I am sure that Josh Roach (from one generation or another) will agree with me. It seemed to me that if the record had been Hey Ho, Silver Lining, it would perfectly sum up today.
Having one the toss, and inserted BS, we started with a fine maiden from Josh Atkinson. After that, apart from some fine deliveries from our opening bowlers, the batsmen tore into the bowling and throughout the innings, until the rain break (more about this in a moment) maintained a scoring rate of 6.5 rpo. After 8 overs, Chris Luxton was brought into the attack and picked up two quick wickets and for five overs exerted a brake on BS. However, the loss of the second wicket brought their Zimbabwean batsman to the crease. He was fortunate to survive a strong ct behaind appeal, and the next ball snicked CL to second slip - alas there was no second slip. He then proceeded, accelerating all the time to reach 91 and BS 225 - 4 after 36.1 overs when the persistent rain drove the players off. When it stopped and the ground was cleared, the match was reduced to 39 overs and BS had 2.5 over to bat. They took the score to 296, the Zimbabwean went from 91 to 15 (In 15 deliveries) including 14 sixes, in as ferocious a bout of hitting I have ever seen, and one that ultimately took the game away from Bideford. Mention in despatches must be made of CL, 2-25 until the original ball was lost, and Mike Lemmings, who bowled 9 very tidy overs and took -1- 42 .
The equation was that Bideford had to score 297 off 39 at a rate of 7.59 runs per over. To try to achieve this almost impossible task, Matt Shepherd opened with Dan Barratt. Dan was unfortunate to get a leading edge, and Will B to be bowled for 8 & 4 respectively, but the pressure from the off was such. ... Matt S hit some fine shots in his 22, and was then LBW trying to sweep a well pitched up straight ball - staight bat? Josh Roach (Junior!) again made a pleasing 24 but was caught at mid off. This brought captain JF and vice captain Paul Heard together. It was at this point in all previous matches this year, that there has been a complete collapse, but PH and JF both played themselves in before Paul, in particular, started attacking the bowling. They put together 130+ and both reached their half centuries. PH was run out attempting a run that even Usain Bolt may have baulked at. PH scored 60 and JF was 57 n o at the finish of 233 - 7. (Josh A was promoted to 7, and clubbed the ball around to ensure we got the fifth batting point). There are several important points here. First: This is the first time this year that we have not been all out, Second we earned all 5 batting points and got more points that we would have if we had not played. Third: had it not been for those astonishing 15 balls it would, as the Duke of Wellington said, have been a damn close run thing.
So, to misquote the legendary Jeff Beck, Hey Ho (but there are) Silver Linings
Finally I think I have made a factual error in this report , a small drink to the first person to spot it.
Tomorrow the first Xl have a rest but I have the pleasure of helping (I hope) the 2nds at W Ho! v Bratton Fleming. The report on that match will appear here in this spot in the 1st Xl reports to avoid confusion with John Weeks splendid reports
The Quill
Sunday 7th June NDL v Hatherleigh at Home. Lost by 167 runs.
'Over and over and over and over. and over again....' from Rocking All Over the World by Status Quo (Live from Montreux version)
My report:-
Ditto yesterdays report
The Quill
Saturday 6th June 2015 v Lewdown away. Lost by 8 wickets
The Hollies: Here we go again.
We travelled to Lewdown with John Weeks taking the role of the travelling supporters club as the 2nd Xl dame against Axminster had been cancelled by them as they couldn't raise a team, and frankly, by the end of the day it would have been better if that had happened to the 1st Xl. It is difficult to keep on reporting the same thing, but, quite honestly this was a rerun of last week's match against Tavistock, saving that today we batted first.
Josh Roach and Dan Barratt started aggressively and confidently against some hostile opening bowling and put on 60. However, Dan Barratt lifted a drive to mid=on (I am sure that that has happened more than once this season - and thereafter no=one could stay in and score runs. Dan Barratt made 23 and whn JR was out on 29, the slow disintegration of the innings started. Paul Heard stayed a long time, and Slex Hannam showed some fight but no-one reached double figures except the extras who was secong highest scorer on 28. The last 9 wickets produced 57 runs. There is no point opinionating about the problem, it is quite clear - our senior batsman have to make big runs to give the less experienced ones some confidence but at the moment.......well thefre we are
After tea a brief flutter gave us hope that something may happen, Paul Heard got a wicket in his first over and Josh Atkinson one in his second,( and at that point 10 wickets had fallen for 76 runs since the fall of our first wicket), but we could never sustain any great pressure and after 18 overs the whole thing was over and Bideford left homewards with 1 point. There is no point getting worried or upset, the team is hugely inexperienced and hopefully at the end of the day will come out stronger than they were at the start of the campaign. It is no good complaining about injuries and unavailabilities, we can only play the hand we are dealt.
There is really little else that I can add - except in the position we are, many of the team are playing at a higher level than they may have expected at the start of the campaign. Try and enjoy it and learn.
The Quill
Sunday 31st May 2015 v North Devon away, Lost by 9 wickets
I always approach going to North Devon with trepidation, but to turn up for a 1st Xl match with only 10 players is something I had hoped not to experience. However the inexperience in the team itself shows great courage and will by those youngsters who did come. Bideford won the toss and batted. Josh Roach, the captain, opened the batting with Jamie Lathwell. JR was dropped first ball. Just as well!. Jamie and JR put on 50+ as did Rob Hill and JR (Janie 22 and Rob 29) however the innings was totally built around JR who scored a fine (and after the first ball ) chanceless 119 out of a total of 228 all out. That this was scored off 39 overs shows a healthy scoring rate.
However, the strength of our bowling attack was shown by the fact that our strike bowler was Josh Roach, and given that N D opened with their South African overseas star, who proceeded to hit the ball far and wide at about the same pace as Chris Gayle at Taunton (who I suspect was partly responsible for the player crisis). To see keen and talented young cricketers like Tom and Mark Parkhouse having to bowl against a player who has had I believe first class experience is, to me, unedifying - but of course we must remember that we can unleash JR against lesser teams.
JR got the only wicket to fall and N D got the runs with only 20 0vers gone
Perhaps I am becoming an old grouch, but I find it very disappointing that for the last three Sundays, the 1st Xl in the first division of the Sunday League has sent out only 10 men (one of them it is true did find 11 thanks to one of our seniors vacating his Sunday armchair at 10 minutes notice) - and to make it worse, on 2 of those Sundays we had only one match on. If that is what members want, but clearly the members do have to decide whether or not two teams of Sunday cricket is wanted.
Ruth, in the Pirates of Penzance cries at one point, 'Lost,lost, all is lost' - we are not in that state, but are we heading there?
The Grumpy Quill
Friday 29th May, 9/20 b Beaford Won, and 30th May DL v Tavistock at Home, lost by 17 runs.
Subject to prevailing weather conditions, there are three matches this weekend, but even at its most verbose and locquacious I don't think UI can run to three report. I will start this evening therefore with a brief report on the 20/20 match against Beaford. I always enjoy going to Beaford, one of my favourite venues and this evening, the sun shone brilliantly after a terrible morning of rain. James Ford, the eternal bideford Captain won the toss and elected to Bat JF opened with Matt Shepherd but his hitting did not come off on this occasion. After two wickets fell, JF and Ian Hayter came together to increase the tempo until JF was bowled for 36. IH had made 33 off 26 before an extravagant shot did something to his back which forced him to retire hurt. Alex Hannam and Josh King on 15 not out each enabled Bideford to score 119. When Beaford batted, they progressed steadily against the bowling until JF introduced Rose Ball to the attack. In her first 3w overs she took 3 - 9 and reduced Beaford to 77 - 4. After that, things progressed evenly to the point that Beaford needed 7 off the last over, bowled by JF. He took one wicket and kept Beaford down to 117 and Bideford were home by 2 runs. Also to be mentioned in despatches is Alex Hannam who bowled 2 overs for 8 runs t the death.
V Tavistock, So Near and yet so far - Cole Porter
Bidefotd won the toss and elected to field (for those of you who read this far last night I apologise, I left the mains cable for the laptop at W Ho! and my battery ran out of steam, but after an early morning, if somewhat damp visit to W Ho!, we are back in business). Josh Atkinson opened as usual at the sea end and immediately had their opener bowled for 0 with the score on 2, and this followed by a very smart piece of stumping by Josh Roach, restored to his position as keeper. My mind went back to the stumping at Ivybridge by Josh which in my view, oft repeated, turned the match and the season, and I thought this might be a similar situation. Paul Heard - how good to see him back in full stride at the road end, picked up two quick wickets, after he had the South Arfrican opener taken smartly by Alex Hannam at slip (the third of his catches there) and Chris Luxton picked up the dangerous Churchill for a duck (another Hannam catch) Tavistock were reeling at 79 for 6. However our lack of another incisive bowler (come back Fred) showed and the Tavistock 7 & 8 put on 81runs relatively easily. Mike Lemmings got their number 7 LBW for 34, and wily old James Ford came on at the close and picked up the last three for 25 off 6.5. Josh A finished with 2 -31, Paul H 3 - 22. The last wicket fell with the penultimate ball of the innings which not only ensured us 5 batting points but also stopped any problems about the over rate - time was going by fast.
So, for the first time this season we had bowled the opposition out. The question over the usual delicious tea was, had that 7th wicket stand been too much. Well, probably is the answer. Tavistock opened with South African paceman who had terrorised Hatherleigh the week before and taken 4 of their top men for 29 in 9 overs. That did not appear to worry Josh Roach, opening on this occasion with Dan Barratt, who caressed (or even smashed) four successive boundaries on the off side. Similar treatment was given to the other opening bowler and sat the end of 2 overs Bideford were 23 - 0. Things were a little less frenetic after that and apart from the raw pace of the South African there seemed to be little difficulty. 50 was reached, and suddenly Dan was given out LBW for 21 - he seemed surprise. Paul Heard being promoted to number 3 joined JR and together they batted splendidly until JR having played a few more sumptious drives suddenly gave a tame ct and bowled off a very non threatening slow bowler. I fancy from last year that JR does give chances in the arc from mid off to mid on, something for reflection perhaps. However the score had at the time he departed reached 100 for the first time this season and with PH is full stride JF joined him. JF has undoubtedly done something to the cricketing gods - today he was caught off his glove by the keeper, the ball having arrikved so slowly I could have made a ham sandwich. His luck will change. However PH having gfot to 44 was given out LBW - and I stress that he was given out. There was general sympathy about his dismal, even some of the opposition sharing his belieef about the decision. I said earlier that JR's stumping in the first innings could have been the season changer, but I fear that Paul's LBW may be so. I don't know, time will change. Matt Shepherd and Alex Hannam put on a decent 34 fr the 5th wicket, but having got the top order out, the pace of the South African was just too much and he cleared up the tail and we lost by 17 run. Very, very disappointing. There are some helpful points to take away. We got our first 3 batting points, we bowled the opposition out for the first time season and we got very close, so near and yet so far. There is no dishonour in being beaten by a better side if you can take 8 or 9 points away, but the truth is that I don't think Tavistock were a better side, apart from a really pacey opener. If you look at the teams we have to face there are several, I believe or are like Tavistock, and who really rely on a fast bowler. How do we deal with it. Well clearly two of our top batsmen have to get to 50 and go on, because as well as we might bowl, we have to score the runs. So there are some benefits but next week we are away to Lewdown, another team near the bottom who have a paceman and after that an attack like ours, so we have to work out how to deal with that - and I know, it is so easy from the scorebox, (but running that Paul Heard dismissal as I saw it in the scorebox both scorers instantly said 'too high2 we can only imagine what might have been. One day our luck will change!
As it is now Sunday, this afternoon both teams play North Devon, the 1st at Instow. Nothing more need be said, I am looking forward to the evening
The Quill
Sunday 24th May 2015. NDL v Hatherleigh lost by 7 wickets.
I just finished composing this piece when the web site reported an error with its server and wiped the whole piece. This has done nothing to lighten my load and the second attempt is never as good as the original. Furthermore it was a well thought out piece saying exactly what I wanted to say. This I am afraid may not be so good.
I have always thought that the object of these few words of drivel has been to highlight the successes on the field worked around some clever or glib saying I may have thought of and to offer some words of counsel or light criticism if I thought appropriate (As if I would know). We are facing great difficulties in the Devon League as I tried to highlight yesterday, on Sundays however we are facing a far more insidious problem. Last week we managed to put out 11 players thanks to the last minute agreement of one of our seniors, however today we could only field 10, and that only because Jack Ford (again) and Ollie Hannam agreed to step up. This when we have only one team out. What will happen on a Sunday when both the 1st & 2nds are playing I do not know. Unless more players can make themselves available it seems to me inevitable we will have to pull one of the teams out of the League - if not both. Now you know I am not saying this in any hectoring sort of way, but if the members of the club do not want to play, or find themselves in a position that due to work or other commitments they cannot play, then the future will have to be reassessed. It seems strange to me that we seem to be the only club around here suffering like this.
Well having said all that - which gives me no pleasure - what about today. Josh Roach won the toss and elected to bat. Things just don't seem to be going our way. James Ford at this moment cannot buy any runs, Tom Brend and Josh King were unable to move the score much and at 58 - 4, I thought I could see another 85 score coming up. However I did not take into account the formidable figure of John Weeks, shuffling to the crease. The hero of yesterday with 74 had severely damaged his ankle and could barely walk. Undaunted by this he smote the bowlers and achieved 56 in 60 odd balls, even more impressive when one realises that he could barely take slow 1s, let alone quick 1s or 2s. He was supported by Alex Hannan and and Jamie Lathwell, and with Jack Ford and Ollie Hannam doing what they could, at least Bideford reached the relatively respectable 137. As John stood there on one leg I thought of the Dunkirk spirit and Winston Churchill somehing like 'this is not the end or even the beginning of the end but it may be the end of the beginning'. Oh that it was so. We need more innings like that.
After a typical Hatherleigh tea (thanks Hatherleigh) the question was, could we nip out a few wickets at the start to at least put the batters under some pressure. Well, the answer was no. Josh Atkinson at last got a nick picked up behind the stumps, but by the time Alex Hannam took a smart return catch, and James Ford a more simple one, it was all over, game set and match. Little more can be said.
Next week we have Beaford in a 20/20 away on Friday, Tavistock in a crucial match on Saturday and North Devon on Sunday. The future may depend on these games for different reasons
The Quill
Saturday 23rd May 2015 v Cornwood, home. Lost by 8 wickets
Experientia (experience) does it - as Papa used to say Mrs Micawber, David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
Experience is the best teacher Late 16th Century Proiverb
Experience has taught - Tacitus
A beautiful day to entertain the team, top of the division and who annihilated fellow promotees Tavistock by 9 wickets, who as a result saved Bideford from propping up the table. Captain James Ford won the toss with a team which featured a welcome return to Paul Heard, although still unable to bowl. The decision as wht to do was a tricky one, but JF elected to bat. I agreed with this decision, as in the previous two matches we had been unable to pile up enough runs, it would be better to try to do it under as little pressure as possible. At first all worked really well. With an attack that bristled with menace Josh Roach and JF kept the bowling out without being able to make much work for your scorer. JF was unfortunate in the writers view to be given out LBW - the ball looked high to me, but I am 50 tds or so away. Shortly after Josh Roach for the second time in 7 days was undone by a good yorker (a florentine influence?) This brought together the Barratt Brothers. Dan for the second time this season top scored with 24 and with Will they put on the secong highest stand of the season. Will made 14, as did Matt Shepherd with onw 6 and two 4s. After that in the face of more hostile bowling the innings subsided to a total of 89 of which 19 were extras. Due tto the fact that this was before 3.00 pm, there was a 10 minute break and Bideford were out in the field.
The opening bowlers Josh Atkinson from the sea, and Martin Stewart reprising the role he undertook for some years opening the bowling from the road end with his left arm pace bowling bowled impressively, remarked on by the Umpires and the opposition. Martin Stewart, in his first over got two wickets in three balls, the first a very smart catch by Paul Heard at square leg off a well hit square pull, the second a bowled off the legs. These two wickets produced our only point of the day. However after this there were no more breakthroughs despite some very energetic appeals a,d many plays and misses.A coupleof smart chances went down, although Will Barratt took a very smart catch over his head at first slip - unfortunately this was off free hit. From Bideford's point of view the innings gently subsided and shortly before 3.00 pm the whole matter was settled. A typically fine tea followed with some very tasty eclairs top of the pops.
So those are the bare detail, little really to say. So what do we make of it. Looking around at the the teams we have played, what is clear is that they have experience, masses of experience. Most of the Cornwood side have played premier leagure cricket, and the otjher teams of full of people with years of experience - such as David \Manning of Tavistock or Mark Gilmour of many teams. It is probably.if not to much, asking the nigh on impossible to expect those who have as little experience at the higher levels as the majority of out team to be able to match the physical and mentak attributes of those with years of experience. The only way to get experience is to go out and there and try again and again, and soon, holepfully very soon, someone will get luck and make a good score with something for the bowlers to bowl at and thereby all will get more confidence. So, every match will give us that experience, so just keep going and it will come right.
Tomorrow, NDL Division 1 at Hatherleigh. Another real toughy.
A note about the filleigh report. It was duly done and posted, but where it has gone is anyone's guess - it must be lurking in the dark recesses of Ian Hayter's web site. Can anyone out there find it.
The Quill
Saturday 16th May 2015 DL v Hatherleigh away
Lost by 176 runs
C'mon Everybody - Eddie Cochran. No 1 1961
There was a time during the Bideford innings when frankly I was tempted to shout 'C'mon Everybody'. Bideford batting was subsiding having let Hatherleigh score more runs than they should have and , frankly, I thought we were going to be bowled out for under 50. However although there were some pointers to possibilties to come, the fact remains that the team only functioned at below par and certainly will have to improve to take the necessary wins to ensure safety in this division. Hatherleigh won the toss and elected to bat. Fred King and Josh Atkinson bowled well again at the opening with Fred getting an early breakthough. However Hatherleigh played very cannily against the new ball, and when the shine was off they started to plunder runs. James Ford and Martin Stewart bowled their full allocation of overs, each obtaining one for something over 40, while Fred and Alex Hannam each had 1 - 19. Chris Luxton in his first competitive match in the DL this year was desperately unlucky to be brought on against two estabnlished batters at the start of the power play, and was even more unfortunate to have one dropped in his second over. With the shine off the ball, Chris was unablke to achieve the swing or seam that makes him seuch a valuabele asset. Josh Roach came on to close the innings and got a wicket himself. Ian Hayter , coming in at late notice for the ill Tom Brend, kept very tidily, with only a few byes and three catches. In general terms the ground fielding held up very well, but Hatherleigh, in my view, scored 40 runs or so more than they should have. Having lost Josh King, the injury to Paul Heard is keenly felt at the moment.
After the tea one normally expects from Hatherleigh, Josh Roach and Matt Shepherd opened. Clearly the captain felt that Matt's powerful hitting might unsettle the opposition and as a foil to Josh Roach's more classical style. In the first part he was right. Matt scored 34, three 6s and four 4s, but why did he swish at that one too far away. However he had gone about doing what the captain asked, The problems however were at the other end. (It was strange that not until the 9th batsman had been batting for some time, were an uneven number of runs scored so that the batsman changed ends from the one each had come into). Josh R was undone by a dead straight yorker, Dan Barratt by a pearler that hit the top of off stump, James Ford trying to turn one to leg that moved off the pitch and was caught and bowled for the second week in a row, and Fred King castled the next ball. At one stage we were 38 - 5 with Matt S having scored 34, and 5 batsmen returned with a duck to their names. What must have been in each incoming mind I cannot begin to think. Alex Hannam and Ian Hayter showed some resistance. Although Alex only scored two, he did, like his father I understand the week before, show some stickability, and stayed around to support |an H. When Alex departed, Josh Atkinsin came in he and IH put on thr best stand for Bideford. Both Ian and Josh batted well, Ian getting to 25 before falling to the first ball after the drinks break, Josh A ending 16 not out. Allout for slightly less than last week, the reality being that each match we have had 3 bowling points, and no batting point.
So, last week it was Dan Barratt who made the only contribution, this week at least 3 got into double figures. The bowlers have got to find a bit more edge (or luck) but the batsman, whatever the tactics must eye 125, and then 150 and so on, regardless of the opposition's score to start with. We must at least get batting points even in a defeat. I know that it is easy for me sat in the score box, but points mean prizes - as somone used to say in a television quiz - a drink to the first to tell me who it was.
Very disappointing. Next up two home matches, Cornwood next Saturday who bowled Tavistock out for 61 and won by 9 wickets who are the following weeks opponents.
Tomorrow, Filleigh at home in the NDL We need a win to buck spirits up. So, C'mon Everybody.
The Quill
Sunday May 10th North Devon League v Sandford away
Lost by 6 wickets.
'Joshua fought the Battle of Jericho' African American Spiritual
It may not have been the Battle of Jericho, but welcoming Josh Roach back to the North Devon League as captain, we fought at Sandford - and lost.
Begin at the beginning and when you get to the and stop, as the King said in Alice in Wonderland. Well we got to Sandford under cloudy skies which persisted throughout the day (see yesterday's report). One of my favouritse grounds in Devon, and one of my favouritse scorer's, and indeed all looked fine, Josh R winning the toss and electing to bat.. We opened with the same partnership, JR and James Ford opened. (It might be observed at this point that all the Club's captains were playing, JF 1st Saturday, John Weeks 2nd Saturday and midweek, JR 1st Sunday and Marten Stanbury 2nd Sunday.) To say that today's opening was the opposite of Saturdays would be a misstatement. After 4 overs we were 35 - 0 with JR rattling along. The 50 came up in 10 overs. Unfortunately JR lost the strike for about 5 overs. On regaining it he hit a sumptious cover drive and next ball, a wild swing had his middle stump leaning back. Patience even in an attacking situation is needed. Rob Hill at 3 failed to rehearse his innings of last week, and a unusually circumspect Josh King at 4 took time to gt the feel of the pitch (5 balls wiyhout a run, 8 before he hit a six) meanwhile JF was getting into his stride. JF got to 58 off 87 balls when inexplicable he hit a ball just above the bowlers head and was caught and bowled. Whether the ball stuck in the pitch or JF lost concentration for a moment I do not know. It could have been tyhe bad foot he is suffering from, which prevented him running two's (unless theyt were his!) . Shortly after that, Josh K having scored 52 or 51 played a forward defensive shot - and was bowled. I know in the past I have, occasionally criticised Josh for been too adventurous, but if a defensive shot has this effect, forget what I said!
Fred King came in at 5 and John Weeks 6 and together put on a stand of 64, John W hitting one 6, the rest being singles, but played very sensibly giving the strike to Fred, who played himself in and then proceeded to play the most telling innings I have seen from him since that at Ivybridge last year. He was 48 not out at the end. John W having departed just in time to let Josh Atkinson, recently promoted from his number 11 berth to be 1 no. 241 for 5 off 40 seemed a good total off 40 overs and we departed for tea in some confidence.
Josh Atkinson and Chris Colby opened and soon Sandford were rattling along as Bideford had been. From the 5th over onwards, Sandford were always between 8 and 10 runs in front of us and the required run rate steadily decreased. The main protagonist was the Sandford captain Ryan Glass who opened and ended on 115 not out. Josh Atkinson got the first wicket, Josh King 2, and Josh Roach (Marten Stanbury keeping for the day) one. It might be pointed out here that to get a wicket you had to be called Josh and thus I might have said Joshuas fought the battle etc.
However the truth of the matter, as JK said to e afterwards was that Sandford batted well. Glass stayed to complete his century whereas whilst four of our batsmen got decent scores, no-one went on. It also fair to point out that Sandford rode their luck. In the early overs, especially with Jish A bowling, the slips ad keeper were frequently in play, and theyt were fortunate that the chances went lefty or right, high or low. The mosr economical bowlers were Josh R and Josh K with 40 and 41 respectively off their 8.
So Sandford got their with 4 overs to spare, and technically won by 6 wickets, which I always think sounds cruel bearing in mind that we only lost 5 wickets ourselves. I think from our point of few we effectively lost by about 35 runs. Sandford were scoring at 6 an over, another 4 overs would have yielded say 24 plus 11 extra in the final flurry. The point of this is that whereas I praised the team yesterday for the complete lack of extras, today there were 32. The only other observation I have to make is the feeling throughout the second innings (and this bear in mind is withj the considerabk benefit of hindsight) that really we, on that pitch may have been better chasing than defending. I may well be wrong byt its a point.
However at the end of the day we lost to complete a rather miserable weekend allround
Next week we go to Hatherleigh on Saturday and entertain Filleigh at home on Sunday - two great teas !
Two wins would be nice too
The Quill
May 9th Devon League A Division 2nd Match v Barton at Home.
'Grey Skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face' from the Soundtrack of Bye Bye Birdie.
Although this was the second match it was effectively the first bearing in mind that not a ball had been bowled last week. It was not encouraging to find that Paul Heard was still injured, Chris Luxton Will Barratt and Matt Shepherd unavailable to the selectors, However on the bright side, the sun shone and the Ground looked in perfect condition as one would expect considering the time and energy Andy Davies Martin Hocking John Luxton et al put into it. James Ford won the toss - or to be accurate I suppose I should say that Barton lost it and Barton were inserted (I think grammatically it should, to be right, be Barton was inserted but it doesn't sound right). Fred King, downhill, and Josd Atkinson, uphill, opened the bowling. One of regrets is that from my position in the scoring box, one cannot see what the ball is doing, or what the bowlers are making the ball do, but veteran wicket keeper, Ian Hayter assures me that both bowled beautifully and were very unlucky not to get better returns than they did. (I should mention that IH did not let one bye or even a legbye through) As I have often said in these columns, there will be days when they bowl worse and get better returns. However it is also true to say, that the Barton batsmen, who were of course much more experienced than those who represented Bideford, seemed to pick the balls to be left, far better than Bideford's batsmen. Fred picked up the first wicket when the Barton opener chipped the ball to Tom Brend at mid one. This was to set the fashion for the game for all the wickets that subsequently fell bar one was caught (were caught?) and seemed to be attributable to a wicket that held up and was accommodating to seam. Josh A caught a steepler at fine leg off Alex Hannam Martin Stewart took over from AH and picked up three wickets one caught by our veteran keeper, one by Josh Roach who we were delighted to see on his return for a second season (his runs will be important this year) and one by Mike Lemmings who, for reasons I cannot begin to understand was designated by the computer as 'L'. Josh Atkinson returned with Fred to close the innings out and Mike Lemmings took a catch off JA (having dropped one the ball before!) and with James Ford bowling 10 overs for 33 and ML (or L) 6 for 22, the innings closed at 206 - 6, three points to Bideford.
I told my fellow scorer that I feared that this was a very good score on this pitch and one that I feared we could not match
After a particularly fine tea, featuring some spectacularly good latticed pork pie, Bideford went out to bat, and disaster struck almost immediately. JF, in the second over played a loose drive to a ball outside off stump, and which, on relection he may have felt it better to leave, and was snaffled by the wicket keeper. Worse was to follow. Josh Roach, trying to cut a rising ball outside off stump found that it got too big on him, and he top edged it to third man. Two down in 4 overs with only 4 on the board, and the experienced batsman (bar the veteran wicket keeper) gone. Dan Barratt came at number 3 and batted sensibly. He blocked or left the good balls, and hit the bad ones straight with the full face of the the bat. Tom Brend and Alex Hannam stayed with DB and batted sensibly but both were undone by the pitch (or the bowling). Ian Hayter came and struck three nice boundaries through cover point before being taken behind by the keeper, and Fred King had the distinction of being the only batsman out, other than bowled. In the end we subsided to 91 all out and three points.
There is no doubt that we will have to play better than this to survive this division, however although right now the skies may seem grey, there are positives. In addition to the seamers and JFs usual mean off spin (using the words off and spin fairly loosely) Martin Stewart got some real bounce and turn (IH may informant), The fielding was good and only 9 extras given away in a total of 206 was very good. Dan Barratt also showed that with application there is no reason why we could not chase down such a total, after all if everyone had batted like that we would have won with runs to spare. However, the skies may be grey at the moment but we have to remember that this is an incredibly young team, only Martin S is the oldest member of the team after JF and IH and the team has the ability to learn quickly. - and then happy faces will be put on.
Next week we are away to Hatherleigh - local derby - a very important match.
Tomorrow we are at Sandford, who coincidentally played Hatherleigh today, in the North Devon League. The report will follow tomorrow night.
The Quill.
May 2nd Devon League A Division 1st Match v Bradninch away.
It's Raining in my Heart - Buddy Holly.
For this our first match it wasn't just raining in my heart, it was raining incessantly at Bradninch. Match abandoned without a ball bowled. Shame really - also a shame to have to use quite a good text. Ah Well, there we are - tomorrow 2nds against Lynton at home in NDL. Let's hope for better weather (but the forecast not too good) 6 points for driving to Bradninch and back
North Devon League 1st Xl 1st Match, away to Barnstaple.
'I like it, I like it' Gerry & The Pacemakers, No. 1. Hit Parade 1963
I took Saturday off, instead of watching cricket for the only weekend day this season, to see Gerry & The Pacemakers, who, for those of you under the age of about 60 were a British Group from Liverpool, as famous for a while as the Beatles and whose eponymous hit is the Liverpool F C Hymn, 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.
On arriving at the Barnstaple Ground, I discovered that in my absence from Westward Ho! The score box had nearly blown up (was this a plot against me I wonder). This was not the only equipment failure this weekend as I was unable to broadcast live from Barnstaple due to a dongle failure – a distressing event which I will have to have put right by next week's opening Devon League salvo, away to Bradninch.
However, having got the bad stuff out of the way, lets concentrate on the good, of which there was plenty. Josh Roach will be captaining the NDL 1st Xl this season, but not having yet arrived, it was up to vice captain Alex Hannam, in his first outing as captain of this team to do the honours – and very well he did. First he won the toss, and correctly in view inserted the opposition.
Secondly he was backed up by a fine bowling performance by the team, and was so clever in Juggling the team that he did not have to look for a bowler for the 39th over, having bowled Barnstaple out for 142 with only three of their player getting into double figures.
Fred King opened with AH, Fred showing great fire and disturbing the batsmen with the pace and bounce and Alex with him keeping the score down so that after they had between them bowled 11 overs, the score was only 23 for 1, and at the half time interval (20 overs now, remember) they were 72 – 2. Josh King, first time out for us this year, also bowled with pace and venom, taking over from Fred, and bowled his 8 overs off the reel taking 1 – 19 off 8 with three maidens – very unlucky not to have got more wickets. It is often said, but there will be many days when Josh bowls worse and gets a hatful. Tom Parkhouse, in his debut for the 1st team snaffled a couple of wickets, and Gareth Davies was the other bowler – he will have much more successful days than today, the batters showing their frustration against him. However without a doubt the bowling prizes went to Josh Atkinson with another fine performance 3 – 12 off 6, including (again) two bowled (it does pay to bowl straight sometimes) and Alex Hannam himself, coming on the end to clean up with 4 for 21 off 8, with a maiden. If one was to be critical, and at this level one must be, the only concern was, again, the extras = a total of 31 is more than 20% of Barnstaple's total. There will be days when this may make all the difference.
However this was not going to be one of those days.
After a very pleasant tea, and a chance again to get some warmth into my bones (no wonder we scorers look so old) Reece Stanbury and Will Barratt strode to the crease and made it clear from the start that they were taking no hostages, and that if there were any devils in the pitch then they would hit them out of it. They put on 50 in the 6th over, RS reached his 50 from 37 bowls, and were on the cusp of their century opening stand when RS edged the ball to the keeper. Out strode Stanbury senior, and with some early sensible play made it quite sure that there would not be any further calamaties of the sort Barnstaple had suffered when they had lost their last 7 wickets for 37 runs.
Will Barratt sailed calmly on, hitting the bad balls, and defending the good, reached his 50 off 45 balls and at the end was 60 not out with Marten Stanbury on 16.
A comprehensive and satisfying win. Undoubtedly this term we will play stronger teams, but the spirit of this team seemed to indicate that there may be more very happy days like this. Well done to one and all – I am only sorry that the supporters were not able to follow it. The full result is now on the Bideford website.
Were might you ask do Gerry and the Pacemakers fit into this. Well I enjoyed their show enormously and as to today's match = well 'I like it' I really like it.
The Quill (the Pen's too modern for me)
1st Xl v Taunton St Andrews at Westward Ho!. 18th April 2015
'Well I ask You!' Eden Kane, UK Hit Parade 1962
Those of us who saw the team sheet posted by T St A realised that this was not going to be a walk in the park, but, Well I ask you, I never expected our youngsters to produce such application against a strong side. The win against Hatherleigh the week before may have been routine, bearing in mind they had no 1st team players, but today's opposition had an international player, a tall quick bowler, and a batsman who had wrecked havoc when he was last here playing for the beneficiary in the Somerset match.
Either Bideford won the toss on a beautiful day with a cooling easterly breeze, or it was agreed that T St A would bat first, this being the generally agreed protocol. In what appeared to be a Topsy-Turvy move, Fred King (and weren't we pleased to see him back) opened uphill whilst Paul Heard came downhill. Whether our Leader (JF) was having a senior moment, or was trying an experiment, I do not know (I have my own view) but both returned very respectable figures of 1-34 and 1-23 respectively. A smart bit of fielding (and keeping) ran out of their openers, which is always a bonus. The run out saw the arrival at the crease of J Regan who had last played at W Ho! in the benefit match and had scored some 140 runs in record time and had broken at least one window. Although he showed belligerence to every ball, he was this time held more in check, and Josh Atkinson was very unlucky not to have him snaffled at deep mid off from his first ball when he replaced Fred at the seaside end. Martin Stewart however was the beneficiary of this having Regan bowled after he had replaced PH at the road end.
Chris Luxton then came uphill – what a pleasure it is seeing him back to his old form - and in four superb overs snaffled 3 – 9 and ripped the heart out of T St As innings. Tom Brend and Alex Hannam picked up one each in a bowling performance that saw all the players bowl with the exception of our Leader and the wkt keeper, both of whom of course are very creditable bowlers. I thought the comment that JF had not bowled himself or IH because the sun shining on their heads might blind the batsman and cause the umpires to suspend the match was a mite unlikely! Mention must be made of the catch that IH took to get rid of international George Dockrell – diving to his right. IH felt, I believe that this was enough for the man of the match award, certainly it astounded Hayter Junior who was ably assisting me in the score box, making my life much easier. IH probably needs some of the modesty his son shows!! So T St A landed with 254 – 9. Very creditable, I am sure this team was stronger than many of the A division teams we will meet when the season starts.
JF opened with PH, a new combination against some hostile, if wayward, bowling. But they worked their way into the innings putting on 88 for the opening wicket. Both were out close together JF for 33 and PH for 41 (including sixes off successive deliveries). This brought together Tom Brend and Alex Hannam. They took a while acclimatising, but they played very sensibly, both showing what they could do, spending time in the middle for what will be a very demanding season and putting on 64, AH making 32 and TB being out on the last ball of the match for 48, bad luck he didn't get his 50, he deserved it. Chris Luxton arrived and hit 17 off 8 balls to show what he can do, and Jamie Lathwell faced one ball, which was a no ball from which he scored a single – a scoring rate, I suppose, of infinity.
So we finished on 190 for 5 – well we never expected to win, but, well I ask you, did you expect us to do that well the man of the match was not IH, I am sorry to burst his hopes, but Chris Luxton for bat and ball.
I was very pleased for the team – it was a useful friendly and hopefully a pointer to a good season ahead. A word for the opponents, I thought them extremely good opponents, a pleasure to entertain.
Tomorrow the season starts properly, with the 2nd Xl against North Devon at Instow in the North Devon League. Marten Stanbury, the 2nds eminent skipper, has allowed me the privilege of scoring for them for some matches this season, tomorrow's being the first, so follow us on live scoring and read my report under the 2nd Xl tab tomorrow evening (or Monday morning if I am tired).
One final point for anyone who has been following me today. If anyone wonders why the heading is 'Dummy Site Taunton St. Andrews' on the TCS site – then so am I'. I can only put is down either to the computer having a mind of its own, or the scorer being a Prat – or possibly both. See you tomorrow.
The Pen
DEVON LEAGUE, DIVISION A, NORTH DEVON LEAGUE DIVISION 1
1st Xl v Hatherleigh at Home 11th April 2015.
“The Flowers that bloom in the spring, Tra-la, have nothing to do with the case” Ko-Ko, The Mikado, Gilbert and Sullivan
Arriving at a smart Westward Ho! Ground for the first match of the season, one could not but fail to realise that Spring had sprung – the grass was a verdant green, beautifully cut, the clubhouse, thanks to the new Long-room (attributes later) sparkling, and the Sky an azure blue.
The flowers (metphorically of course, you have to have artictic licence to fit a pievce into your quote!) in the form of Josh Atkinson, Will Barratt and Alex Hannam also blossomed, but the fact has to be faced that the team that Hatherleigh produced was not of first Xl standard and the fact that a win was so convincing may not have too much to do with the case.
However, to begin at the beginning. James Ford (the self described leader of the pack) won the toss, which was fortunate as our wicket keeper, Ian H was delayed for half an hour. Our Leader and Will Barratt, making a welcome return after a couple of years absence, put on a solid 74 (the Leader making 34.) Will Barratt and Alex Hannam contributed a fine 96 with Will falling for 89 and Alex 47. Mike Lemmings was 21 not out at the close, and with Chris Luxton contributing a quick 21, the final score of 275 off 45 overs was a fair return, and represents the sort of key that will be required. However it was a pleasing innings with Will and Alex smiting some very big sixes.After a splendid tea, as always of course, it was the bowlers turn to impress. Paul Heard and Jamie Lathwell (fresh from no doubt a warmer South Africa) bowled a very tight line, with PH claiming 1-16 and JL giving away only 17 runs each in 6 overs.
However the star of the show was undoubtedly Josh Atkinson (man of the match) with 6 wickets for 7 runs off 6 overs ably supported by spinner Martin Stewart with 3-16 off 5. JA showed the great virtue of line and length bowling and showed how important he will be in the campaign to come. Mention in despatches must also be made to our mature wicket keeper, IA, who having eventually arrived made one or two spectacular saves and bagged some catches, some more straightforward than others. In general also the fielding was enthusiastic, which is encouraging on a day with such a chill factor (your scorer was cols in the box too!)
This therefore was a pleasing victory, and has been said time and time again, one can only play the team that is in front of you. There will be many far more difficult matches to come but congratulations to all who shook off the winter cobwebs and got us off to a winning start.
The Pen.
BIDEFORD CRICKET CLUB
DEVON LEAGUE DIVISION B
SEASON 2014
What a season this has been, from the 1st Match, lost by one run, to the 41st over of the last match Bideford has experienced a roller coater season, but one in which, for most of the season, our destiny was in our hands.
The first match saw us in Plymstock, well when I say us, I should say the team plus Jeff King who kindly agreed to travel as scorer as I was away (I was getting my degree, did I mention it? Oh well alright, perhaps I have overdone it a bit!). This was by all accounts a soggy match, fairly bad tempered which we lost by one run, there being a run out off the last ball. This did not seem to presage well. However I am sure Jeff added more to the general geniality of the team in the bus than your usual ancient scorer could have done.
The first home match was against Stoke Gabriel, who as it turned out was the one outclassed team in the Division. Stoke was outed for 131 and several benchmarks for the season were set. Josh King (JK) got 3 wickets, Fred King 2, and Paul Heard, our most valuable import of the winter bowled 7 overs and took one for 19. Paul’s accuracy and general stinginess over runs helped us time and time again to limit our opponents’ ambitions in the early, power play, overs and no doubt made it easier for the other bowlers to get their wickets. Last year in Division C it had of course been Fred K and Josh Atkinson who had destroyed all before them, but this year, not surprisingly in a higher Division, both found it more difficult, and it was some time into the season before Josh A started to get his rewards. James Corry making a debut appearance got 44, Dan Barratt 37* and Paul Heard 23* to record our first satisfying win.
Next was a bad tempered away match at Shobrooke Park which we remarkably won by scoring 121 and bowling the Park out for 100. JK with 20 was the highest individual score, but this game (as the Stoke match) featured Ian Hayter in the guest wicket keeper role, due to a Matt Allin injury, and he scored 15 and hung around. He was later injured by being hit on the nose by a tennis ball thrown by the travelling supporters club – probably G & T inspired! Man of the match was Alex Hannam who took 3 – 10 and scored 17 runs. Next up were Tavistock, the eventual Division winners at home. They scored 185 (JK 2 wickets) Bideford all out for 167 top scorer Paul Heard with 40. Ian Hayter contributed another important 21.
Tavistock, the eventual division runaway winners were next at home. The scored 185 (JK two wickets) and bowled us out for 67 with PH scoring 40. An unremarkable match which showed the difference between the two sides
Next was Axminster away on a virtually unplayable pitch. It hadn’t been rolled for a week, the Chairman told me, as it was too wet to do it. Ax scored 185 PH 3-15 off 9 and Alex H 2-26. This was Josh Roach’s first match having arrived in England a few days before and probably he had never seen anything like it. Dan Barratt was top scorer with 35 out of a total score of 143.
We were on the road again for a now vital match against fancy Ivybridge. JF won the toss and batted Dan Barratt again got runs 28, and PH 25 but the batting was saved by a storming 38 by Fred King including 2 sixes. Two early wickets, one each by FK and PH brought the renowned Da Silva to the crease. A class batsman in the Division, and the one around whom the team success is built. He was stumped quite brilliantly by Josh R down the leg side, standing up to PH. There was a bit of discussion by the batsman who was finally persuaded to leave the scene of the crime. If a moment was a season changer this was probably it. B after Da Silva was out, the Bridge never went after the runs and subsided quietly. PH was the man of the match with a remarkable spell of bowling nine overs 4 -14.
After two away games, two home. Two local derbys, first Barnstaple. Josh R got his only Devon league century – 103, Matt Allin 34 and JK 50*. Josh Atkinson got his first luck of the season with 2 – 19 off 7 and JK again 4 – 31. (JK man of the match).
Against Braunton Josh R scored 70, JF 40, Matt Allin 48 and Chris Luxton 23 for a total of 237, In reply they were first throttled by PH one for 16 off 9, and then destroyed by JK, 6-49. (JK man of the match)
These three consecutive wins put us around the top of the Division for the rest of the season, and although challengers came and went, it was always Ivybridge who were our main rivals.
So to the last match of the first half – a wash out at Thorverton. This was significant as Thorverton would be the last match of the season and we had no opportunity to study the form.
So the second half started under beautiful skies, Plymstock beaten JK 48 PH 49, Martin Stewart grabbing 4 wickets with his left arm spin, and JA, FK and JF getting 2 each (Man of the match Martin Stewart).
Next to Stoke Gabriel by bus – a pathetic display by Stoke, all out in 38 overs for 103, wickets shared all round FK 2, JA 2, JK 3, MS 2 and AH 1. We knocked off the runs in 16 overs (55 mins) JR 45*. Man of the match JK)
Shobrooke Park at home figured next, another distasteful pairing in some ways. JF scored his highest score of the season 69, but the batting was saved by a fine bludgeoned 52 by Matt Shepherd. However rain intervened and the Park’s revised target of 175 was passed without too much difficulty, 2 wickets each for JK and JF one each for PH and JA.
A visit to the fringes of Dartmoor where ponies roam over the Tavistock wicket may have been the lowest point (apart perhaps from Barnstaple) of the term. . An opening partnership of 62 between JR and JF was the highest of the innings and both got into their 30s. However after that no-one could get into their stride and the next highest was 19 by PH. When we bowled we could not exert the same pressure as Tavy had on us and they reached the target easily for the loss of 5 wickets with 10.4 overs to spare.
Enter August with all to play for. The god of the fixtures had, for once been kind, we had three home matches and the two away games were Barnstaple and Braunton. So we put the Sat Navs away for the year and concentrated on winning.
First Axminster, destroyed for 114. PH 3-6 off 7, JK’s 4-28, MS 2- 19 and AH 3-9. Only 20 overs were needed to knock off the runs, JR 57* Chris Luxton 28* (Man of the match Alex H).
Then Ivybridge were destroyed - 82 all out PH 3-9 off 9, FK 2-20. JA 2-30 JK-2-12 Chris Luxton 1 off 1 ball, Bideford lost 3 wickets in chasing the total but JRs 47 got us there in 17 overs (Man of the match Josh Roach)
Next Barnstaple away. A mere formality, they were more or less doomed for relegation, a Bideford win almost guaranteed us promotion and o course it was nearly a massacre – but it was Bideford who were massacred. Bideford chose to chase the runs and despite PH’s usual mean start 1 – 16 off 7 our bowlers could never pin the Barnstaple batsman down for whom Tom Popham made a well garnered 66* and Jack Popham slaughtered the spinners at the end with 44* off 25. In reply, in miserable weather, Bideford never got going. JR was hit on the hand by Jack Popham who seemed to be bowling well, having not, by all accounts, had a particularly good season, and was then given out LBW to young Jack Moore in one of his more unfortunate dismissals of the season. Apart from a stout 50 by JK and 30 by brother Fred in a stand of 66, no-one prospered or looked like prospering. From all angles it was a disastrous day made the worse by some unfortunate language sending JF back to the pavilion, but if the example is set by the England captain and the opening bowler really what do you expect!
With two matches left it was quite simple – both had to be won, and won well. First Braunton away. My first disaster of the season something happened to the computer and I had to take the online service off air (Ivybridge scorer using the same equipment as me had had the same problem). JF won the toss and batted. Was 227 enough? Yes it was! The main batting contributions were JF 44, Dan Barratt 42 and PH 38. The wickets were shared by FK 3, JK 1, JA and immensely pleasing 4, MS 2 AH 1 and JF 1. Home and dry by 68 runs. (Man of the match)
So onto the last day. Ivybridge were playing Braunton at their own ground, and Bideford were 6 (possibly 8) points ahead. Realistically Ivybridge would beat Braunton (which they did for 22 points) and we would have to beat the unknown Thorverton team. Bideford lost the toss and we were inserted. That was I think a good omen. I think we would have batted had we won the toss because the last run chase had been against Barnstaple of bitter memory but if JF had changed his mind at the last moment…..?
It was clearly a difficult pitch Matt A opened with JR and they put on 70 priceless runs. JF came in and with JR put on another 56. After that it was all up to JR who sailed on for 87 (he deserved a century) for Bideford to post 222 (by one of those strange cricketing facts, Ivybridge scored the same against Braunton). All we had to do was bowl Thorverton out. All? They had good batsman after all. However, before the scorer’s had almost sat down Thorverton were 19 – 4. Fred K had induced there leading run maker to edge to JR, and then bowled the other opener. Martin Stewart ran out their number 3 going for a crazy second run, buts a fine piece of fielding, and PH got their hard hitting wicket keeper. 19 - 4, surely we couldn’t let it slip now. Well, their captain and their Australian all rounder scored 89 between them and were hitting the ball hard enough just to start the nerves going, and then JK bowled the captain with a beauty and dealt with the next batsman in the same way. JA bowled 7 -0 222 and bottled up any ambitions and MS got 2 – 10 off 7, JF 1-24 and Chris Luxton again got the last wicket with his only ball – and we were home by 69 runs.
What a season! The previous season when we were champions of C was a doddle in comparison, until that last wicket against Thorverton, anything could have happened.
So what about the season in general. We had one really bad match where just about everything was wrong. The survivors of last years team could see that it was not so easy to get runs and wickets as it had been in C division. JK had a fine year in runs and wickets, JF batted soundly but was never quite able to reach the heights of the previous years, but his contributions were always valuable. FK and JA found the going far hardy than in the previous years but eventually both stepped up to the plate, and of the occasional, as they are dubbed by the DCB, Dan Barratt played some nice innings Matt Shepherd a spectacular one and James Corry and important one. Mike Lemmings also played an important innings at Plymstock. Chris Luxton also scored some valuable runs. Undoubtedly the team missed Matt A who was unavailable for a long part of the season.
We did of course miss the sheer run making ability of Jordi Gilmore this season, but Josh Roach played some very valuable innings, and scored over 25% of the teams total Devon League runs despite his late appearance on the scene and some of his keeping in Matt’s absence was spectacular.
There were some fine highlights during the season hits, runs and wickets, but for me the Champagne moment, and possibly the season changer, was the stumping by Josh R of Da Silva down the leg side off PH at Ivybridge, but no doubt others have different views.
A tiring season, but one that saw us off the road more than last due to the proximity of some of our opponents. The nearest next year I suppose are Hatherleigh Sandford and Lewdown.
Well I still have one more NDL match before I write my summation of that format of the game but it’s been a wonderful season, and I am grateful to Bideford to letting me do what I love.
On that sentimental thought, I will sign off
Jolyon
Bideford v Newton Tracey NDL 31st August (Relegation match)
As I drove towards the seaside yesterday, I wondered what would confront us in this match. I had left a Bideford club House the night before readying itself for a promotion party of no mean size. As I arrived there was 'A Kind of Hush all over the world' as Herman Hermits (a group of the 60s) put it, and entering the club house it seemed that several players seemed to be more in need of medical treatment than a very important game. However, the instincts of a cricketer are strong and soon (wee not so soon) perhaps eventually some function appeared and before we knew where we were, Tom Allin had lost the toss and Bideford were batting. A very strange period then followed. Tom clearly thought it was either a festival game, or an extension of the Overton hitting for North Devon the previous day, for he batted the first pver fpr 14, got 22 in 12 and then missed a straight one. Matt opening with his brother batted with a calmer attitude (I never thought I would say that), until also at 22 he missed a straight one tryting a Tom type hit. Josh Roach arrived, similarly crashed the bowling around and then was caught (well) at deep mid off for 26. Enter James Ford. Would he go down this merry hitting road - not likely! JF with Josh King, playing one of his best innings of the season, steadily played themnselves in and then accelerate the scoring, together putting on 141 match winning runs, JF ending with 87 (to match Josh R's 87 of the day before). This was the highest stand for any team in this season, and biy, was it needed. Wickets fell towards the end in a vertitable clatter and Bideford ended on 249.
So, Newton Tracey's innings began. If we won it was pretty certain we would stay up, if we lost there was still hope, but NT could have jumped over us for the last spot if they had then beaten North Devon in their last match of the season.
The NT openers started in fine form, knocking the opening bowlers around for 5/6 an over until Alex Hanna, had their captain caught by Josh Roach (in the deep!) for 34. Fred King took over at the sea end for a while, with Josh K at the top end. Josh bowled 5 well controlled overs for 12 runs, while Fred went one step better with 2 clean bowled in one over to end with 2 - 13, with 2 maidens. This was surprising because Fred otherwise seemed to give the impression he couldn't see the ball when it came near him - but you can't knock those figures. Those 10 overs bottled NT up and in hindsight were the seeds of the victory. It seeemed that at some stage JF took over as on field captain and proceeded to expand the bowling, Jamie Lathwell 5 economical overs for 16, Tom Allin 1 wicket for 20, young OIliver Hannam, after a wayward first over, 2 - 31, Martin Stewart 1 - 42. That one was a clean bowled, and bearing in mind that Martin had three catches in successive balls, a bowled was obviously the only was he could get a wicket that day. Finally Josh Roach came on at the sea end and took the last two wicket for 16. So Bideford were home by 31 runs.
It was a great days cricket. It was played in the right spirit, with some good stoke play, some silly shots, some tight bowling, and most of all a victory.
I will personally be sorry if Newton Tracey are relegated this season. Apart from the fact that their ground is in walking distance of my house, its always a good days cricket played in the right spririt - I can even mention the umpires Gordon Hewitt and Vic Gainey who joined in the merriment
This season has been very disappointing, and i think it is generally accepted that, due to no-one's fault, the League has not worked properly this year with too many leagues with too few players. At the AGM I think it is inevitable that the Division are reduced to 4 with 8 teams in each. In that event, I hope we would support Newton Tracey to stay up, they are far too good to be in Div 2 despite a bad year for them.
So there we are. A weekend to remember by the sea, mentally exhausting - did I tell anyone that the scorer is the most important person in a match. No? well that's unlike me.
Next week, with the Devon League over, and weather permitting, I am visiting Newton Tracey with the 2nds - the match will go on the internet when I get home, but my dongle got broken at Braunton and its a bit late in the season - yes, I know I'm a mean old so and so, and I will put a report up on the 2nds page, and then Sunday, last League game of the season, home v Heathcoat to end a wonderful season
Bideford v Thorverton, Last Devon League match of the season.
Well here we are, promotion so it seems for the second season in a row, and the A division beckons. I was musing with captain James Ford what to start this final effort off with, and reminded him that this time last year I used the song 'We are the Champions' by Queen, but I couldn't use that, as we weren't. This immediately started JF into a discussion of the fact that we should have been champions and if only........, but that does not matter. We won today convincingly.
So as we are not champions, I think I will use as my opening 'I'm a believer' by the Monkees. I have believed in this team all season, apart from the opening match against Plymstock when I wasn't present, (when I was getting my degree if you remember(!)), and apart from a dull batting performance against Tavistock and a totally out of character performance against Barnstaple, I have consistently felt that this team had all the assets needed to get promotion again. That is not to say however that your scorer was not a complete wreck when he got to the ground until the final wicket fell.
The day was dull, the pitch uncertain, the toss won by Thorverton who elected to field. That I thought was a great omen, the last time we chased was at Barnstaple. So Josh Roach opened with Matt Allin and on a very difficult pitch they engineered an opening stand of 70, the highest of the day, and I think one can say, the match winning stand. When Matt was given out caught behind for 32, in the box we thought there was a suspicion he could have been given out earlier(!), James Ford arrived and he and Josh put on another 56, the second highest stand of the day. At the drinks interval there was only one wicket down, absolutely essential in this sort of game, wickets in hand equal a higher score. Immediately after the drinks interval, JF was caught, and this precipitated a steady fall of wickets, while Josh Roach carried on elegantly, hitting the bad balls for 4 and taking singles whenever possible. He was caught for 87, one of the most important innings of the season by any batsman. After he went, it was left to Fred King and Alex Hannam to put on 45 for the last wicket, hugely important runs Alex scoring 11 not out, and Fred 28 - which reminded me of the similar innings he player at Ivybridge. I felt that the final score of 222 was, for once, enough. Quite extraordinarily, Inybridge who were at Home against Braunton and who would have been promoted had we slipped up, also scored 222.
Paul Heard opened from the sea end as normal now, with Fred King down the hill. Fred had trouble with no-balls, but not withstanding that, he picked up two early wickets, one bowled, one caught behind between which a smart bit of fielding by Martin Stewart effected a run out, and Paul got his wicket leaving Thorverton at 19 - 4. Paul's return of 1 - 24 from 7 overs with 2 maidens was typical of his performces this year, the only querstion being when will his luck change and get him the number of wickets he deserves. This brought to the crease their captain, and their Australian all rounder (who went on to make 60 being the last man out). They obviously felt that the only way out of the situation was to hit their way out, and they struck the ball to all parts, until Josh King who had been a mite expensive in his first couple of overs bowled their captain and then their number 7, by which time Thorverton had really run out of wickets and overs. Josh Atkinson taking over at the sea end bowled his 7 overs for a miserly 22 runs and then Martin Stewart 2 - 10 off 7 with two maidens, and James Ford 1 -24, bottled them up so effectively that the game was over before they last their last wicket. This pleasingly was given to Chris Luxton who got a clean bowled first ball. So we were home by 69 runs, with 20 points in the bag, more than necessary to secure second place.
Man of the match went to Josh Roach, but the player of the season - the Bideford team of course. Well done to everyone. My blood pressure has not improved but what a season - what awaits us next year, we'll see but can it be as good as this.
By way of adminstrative details, I will write a season's report some time in the next ten days, and I will get the averages on the computer somewhere in the next few days.
Tomorrow an important bottom of the table battle against Newton Tracey - will my nerves hold out.
Forget what I said at the start.- WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, MY FRIEND!!
Jolyon
Braunton b Bideford 23rd August 2014
First an apology or explanation to those who avidly follow on the TCS site through Devon or Bideford Websites and wondered what on earth happened yesterday). Well the simple answer is, I haven't a clue. During the tea interval, my computer not only turned off the button that allows one to go 'online' but also turned off the settings button through which one activates the whole thing. The computer has been acting strangely recently, probably like its user needs a break. When I got home, I couldn't turn it off, but eventually after various usings of anti virus programmes and a C Cleaner and so forth it sprang back to life and by about 10.00 last night it was on the website, so lets hope it lasts a little longer before the break.
So to the serious stuff. I have been mulling over several 'lead ins' to these ramblings suggested from thousands of miles away, but I have come to the conclusion that the text for tonight has to be Andy Williams's (a popular American crooner) hit song 'Almost There', for we are. We only have to beat Thorverton (or for cricket around the County to be wiped out) for promotion to be ours. However we have not played Thorverton this term, our only away encounter with them was you will recall called off before play started. But against that, they haven't played us either and we are at home so we really are 'Almost There'.
But to the details. James Ford duly won the toss again and batted. This seems, unless rain is guaranteed, to be the best bet. Matt Allin opened with Josh Roach this time. Matt has had a very unlucky season and only had three balls when he was given LBW. He clearly felt he was not out, but when your luck is out, as they say....... This brought JF to the wicket. JF has not, it would be fair to say has not had a great season by his standards (his high standards I might say) but he has made important runs when needed. At Braunton he took 44 off 68 balls, stoutly defending when necessary, and hitting the bad ball for four. Josh Roach made a pleasant 15 before lifting the ball to mid on (I suspect the unreliable bounce caused this). JT put on 49 with Chris Luxton (18) before Chris lost his middle stump, and immediately after the drinks interval JF hit a long hop straight to mid off, and I am sure he was kicking himself. Josh King started cautiously but himself was given out LBW - and again he had feelings about it. The net result was that 104 - 5 the danger signals were flashing and we needed twobatsmen to make a decent partnership. Enter Dan Barratt and Paul Heard. Dan hasn't had the easiest of seasons, but today he struck the ball cleanly in making 42 from 40 while Paul Heard, certainly not for the first time this season contributed a well hit 38 with 3 sixes and the pair put on an invaluable 74. After Dan was out the tail took us to a respectable score of 227 in 44.3. Fred King and Alex Hannam each making 12 and Martin Stewart 14.
The general feeling at tea was that 200 was enough but.......
The usual miserly bowling started off the Braunton innings. Paul Heard's first spell of 7 overs 1 for 11 and Fred's 5 overs for 12 meant that after 10 overs Braunton were 19 for one and over 20 runs already behind the asking rate. Josh K replaced Fred and his spell of 9-2-25-1 was what we expected from him now, Josh A replaced PH and took 4 wickets destroying the Braunton middle order . Alex Hannam got his usual late wicket (1-22) and Martin Stewart picked up the Mitchells's (father and son) after the father Mitchell had threatened a big score. With JF picking up the last in his third ball we were home, (4 balls too late for the extra two points) but 20 was all that we could have hoped for.
Also in the Division I see that Ivybridge smashed Plymstock, so (although) I don't know as yet what happened to Thorverton the second promotion spot is still between the winners of our next match and Ivybridge - it will be a tense afternoon by the sea, I better make sure that I have my blood pressure pills a plenty with me.
If that was not enough the following day is a key relegation battle against bottom of the table Newton Tracey which will probably decide that relegation spot (if there is to be a relegation).
Today, hopefully I am off to Bratton Fleming, weather permitting to help the 2nd Xl. If there is a signal and my dongle is co-opertive that match will be on line, if not it will be because either my dongle's broken or there is no signal and in that event the card would be on the website when I get home - but the weather forecast ain't too good! However strong nerves for next weekend, what a prospect
So thgis is me, signing off for my last away game of the season - where has it gone, it feels like it has only just started.
Jolyon
Barnstaple v Bideford Devon League B 16th August 2014
My text for Tonight is taken from the Second Book of Samuel Ch. 1 v 27 'How the Mighty are fallen'. I did, for a short time in the Bideford innings hope that I could have quoted Kings 2! To explain.
This was always going to be a difficult match. A local Derby by heavily fancied Bideford, 2nd in the League against a 'struggling' Barnstaple, second from bottom was always going to be a toughy. After last week's rout of high flying Axminster and the week before's demolition of middle order Axminster, surely there could be no prolems. Well clearly Barnstaple hadn't read the script. Captain James Ford duly won the toss, and with the possibility of rain, as is usual, opted to field first. As things turned out it may have been a better toss to lose.
Barnstaple opened with wicket keeper Andrew Barton and Tom Popham and they proceeded to put on 45 runs against Paul Heard and Freddie King. PH was his usual miserly 7 overs 1 for 16 and Freddie 6 overs for 23. Tom Popham shared in a third wicket stand of 97 and was eventually out at the tail of the innings for a patient 66 while Jack Popham struck a rapid 44 from 25 balls at the end of the innings for Barnstaple to post a highly competitive 223 with extras contributing 31. Josh King bowled 6 overs and took one wicket for 19 and Josh Atkinson 7 overs for 26. Bideford's two slow Bowlers together bowled 18 overs two wickets for 111 runs, and whilst captaincy is a high art and one cannot from the boundary really assess what is best, it was a little surprising that some of the more economical bowlers did not bowl a few more overs - I may well be wrong. There were also several fielding misshaps, although no catches were put down. However the performance seemed to me to be of a team that was straining just a little bit too hard with too much adrenalin flowing.
Still, 223 did not look like an impossible target to bat down, but a consideration that may well have influenced proceedings was the fact that because of the very easy wins over the last few weeks some of the middle order batsmen had not batted competitively for some weeks. In an ideal world they would probably have had some time in the middle in a North Devon League match, but due the the unhappy form of that League this season, Bideford only have two matches in August and did not have many in July.
So the critical factor was to ensure that no early wickets were lost. Barnstaple opened their bowling with Devon U 12 captain Jack Moore and Jack Popham and Bideford were soon in trouble. JF was caught well at midoff, Chris Luxton received an unplayable first ball, Matt Allin was clearly out of form from a lack of time in the middle, and Jason Roach, having received a nasty blow on the hand (but being a true Australian carried on fearlessly) was given out LBW to Jack Moore. JR seemed to be very far forward, but I suppose if you leave the ball!...... Young Jack Moore claimed he had had JR LBW in the first encounter this season atWestward Ho! so I suppose he got his man. That little lot put Bideford at 63 - 5. Dan Barratt, playing his first game for the 1st Xl for some weeks scored 18 and looked in good form, until he missed a straight one in Barnstaple Captain Steve Moore's first over.
Fred King came into join his brother Josh in what turned out to be the only stand of any substance in the Bideford innings - 67. Josh batted beautifully for 56, taking the singles on offer and hitting the bad ball when it came along, while Fred supported him with an equally fine 30. As I said if they had only stayed together I could have quoted Kings 2 -( clever don't you think? No! Oh well, I thought it was)
After that the tail was wrapped up and Barnstaple had won by a lot. This was a wake up call, if Bideford needed one they certainly got it. A look at the figures show that Barnstaple slow bowlers bowled something like 28 overs and took 6 wickets for about 120 - there's food for thought there. Certainly on our home pitch, spiced up with a bit of rain our pace bowlers are almost unplayable, but on a more benign pitch maybe a plan B is needed. However enough of the criticism, if any of my rambling thoughts could be so considered. Barnstaple out played us today and we will have to step up to the plate (as they say) and grasp the nettle when we visit Braunton next week. With Thorverton who well may have gone many points above us depending on their result and Ivybridge certainly having caught us up again the season is far from over. So lets get today's out of the system and concentrate on Braunton. My final thought is if Barnstaple can bat and bowl like that, why are they second from bottom.
Well, there we are. No match again for the NDL lst team, I am off to umpire at Heathcoat tomorrow and with a cold wind foreecast what will my poor old back be like
Cheers
Jolyon
Bideford v Ivybridge 9th August 2014
Lord Mancroft (a politician of conservative beliefs) said Cricket is a game which the English, not being a spiritual people, have invented in order to give themselves some conception of eternity. Well that may be true of some games but certainly not this one, which fizzed from the first penetrating over to the final ball bowled before tea.
Two heavy showers earlier in the morning probably livened up a pitch which had greenish hue to it. It was as lively and bouncy as any pitch we have seen at Westward Ho! said the umpires (but it still may be true!).
Ivybridge obligingly lost the toss, probably crucial, and James Ford duly asked Ivybridge to bat. Paul Heard at the sea end and Fred King at the road end started with fire and pace and in the first over from PH (a wicket maiden) the Ivybridge opener, after fencing at four balls, obligingly snicked the ball to Josh Roach 0-1. four more overs passed (two more maidens by PH) before Fred King got the other opener, caught by (guess who?) - JR 2-4. In his 5th over PH caught their number 3 right in front of the stumps on the backfoot to one that kept low 27-3. In his 5th over FK got the key wickt of Da Silva, playing a wild shot, caught by Matt Shepherd 27-4. In his next over, PH got a clean bowled 28-5, Josh Atkinson came on replacing PH and got two in one over 27 - 6. Josh King replaced Fred and in his second over persuaded another batsman to give JR another catch . 37-8. There then followed the only stand of the innings between the wicketkeeper and his captain, who put on 32. Josh King got the captain in his last over and Chris Luxton was brought on and after a trial wide had the wicket keeper finely stumped by (you've got it) JR. Astounding figures PH 9-6-9-3, FK 7-3-20-2, JA 2-30, JK 9-4-9-2, Alex Hannam bowled one over for one run, and Martin Stewart 9 runs off 4 overs with 2 maidens. Those figures really do need emphasising, Paul and Josh K together bowled 18 overs 10 maidens 18 runs and 5 wickets. A final total of 82 (69 runs off the bat and 13 extras). This in 34 overs.
So swiftly was it accomplished that tea was not taken at the change, the rules of the competition dictate that if a team is all out before 4.00, then tea will be taken at 4.40, or after 15 overs whichever is the later. It was quite clear that the chase was not going to be easy. Ivybridge's opening bowlers bowled five and half overs before the first run scored by a batsman, a four by captain JF, who was out two balls later trying to leave one which had bounce and followed him and nicked his bat. Chris Luxton, with heroic defense, and the odd blow supported Josh Roach as he slowly began to get the feel of the pitch by putting the spinner out of the ground, following it up with a 4. 10 off that over, and 10 off the following over of that spinner got the innings going. JR and CL put on 50. (JR41 of them) Matt Shepherd came, hit a four and went and JK came in for a short stay on his way to Birmingham to represent the Devon Lions. He and JR began to hit the ball cleanly and at 4.40 (15 overs having already been bowled) tea should have been taken. However at that point there were only 3 runs needed to win, and the Ivybridge Captain sportingly agreed that the game shoul continue. JK hit the next ball for 4. (JR 47 not out and man of the match, what does PH have to do to persuade the computer of his credentials for that title?)
So a demolition job of Axminster last week, and an even more impressive one against a strangely lethargic Ivybridge this week - the double for the season. We have now opened clear water between Ivybridge and ourselves - but what has happened to the others? Nobody knows at this stage. In fact they are, as I write this, probably still playing.
Cricket dull? Not at Bideford its not.
See you next week
Jolyon
Bideford v North Devon North Devon League 3rd August
A different day, a different result. This was not a match to eulogise about. A very important match, where every point was vital and although there were individual performances which gave credit, as a whole the team were well beaten by a better side.
Bideford won the toss and batted. Josh Roach and Tom Allin opened the batting aand after three overs it looked as if 300+ was attainable. However Tom Allin played one (rash?) shot too many and was out for 16, and in truth the chances of us beating our near neighbours vanished. JR scored a pleasing 29, Josh King 23 and Dan Barratt top scored with 32. However wickets kept tumbling anfdthe stands worth mentioning were between Dan and John Weeks (38)and Dan & Fred King (25). For the future there was a sensible interval from the wickets at the end between BIlly Blackburn and Jamie Lathwell.
After the interval, for a while North Devon appeared to follow Tom and Josh at the start of our innings. But after Fred King had picked up the openers, Jack Hocking - late of this Parish scored a belligerent 55 which put ND in the driving seat. A moment of high farce arose when the ball was hit high in the air and fell between three off side fielders without anyone moving, although everyone called on someone else to catch it. When the match was as good as over, Jamie Lathwell was brought on and bowled well taking 2 for 21 off 5. David Staddon was particularly unlucky having two put down which should have been taken, and couple more could have. ND finished with 5 wickets in hand and plenty of overs. We managed 5 points which is not enough, but we have no more NDL games until the 31st when we have Newton Tracey at home - a match which will, as like as not, decide the issues at the bottom of Division 1.
There was a group of the 60s called Badfinger who recorded 'If you want it you can get it', I am not entirely certain that in some aspects we did want it enough against North Devon, but we certainly will have to 'want it' against Newton Tracey. Another point which should be considered by everyone in the club and the League is that we had this match on the first Sunday in August, we do not have another 1st Division League fixture until the last Sunday in August, with three weeks in between. Something must either be done to the League itself or the fixtures will have to be arranged on a fairer basis. I believe the League should consider the whole of this season jointly with representatives of the clubs rather than leavve it just to the AGM to decide matters which many will not have been well briefed on. Maybe its a hobby horse of mine, but for me (and other scorers in the Division) it is not working.
So having done my grumpy old man bit, next Sunday the most important DL league game of the season so far, against 3rd placed Ivybridge - and on Sunday I am taking myself off to Braunton to the 2nd Xl which will make a change. I am not sure at the moment whether that match will be live, but I will try.
Jolyon
Bideford v Axminster Devon League B
Well, here we are in the final month of the season, and the tension is mounting. After last week's disappointing match at Tavistock. it was vital that the team recovered its pride, and now in the glow of the evening sunset I can hear the Honeycombes singing 'That's the Way'. (The Honeycombes were a group in the 60s who were basically famous in that they had a girl drummer, presaging the more famous Karen Carpenter), because a performance like this repeated in next week's even more vital match would certainly be the way!
When I was a boy I was told to be seen and not heard - All I can say is that it was a jolly good thing that Heard was seen (the Paul variety that is) because he broke the back of the Axminster batting as soon as the game started, and everyone else responded. But I go in front of myself as Hercules Poirot (a Belgian detective created by Agatha Christie) would have said, I must, like the Queen of Hearts said, begin at the beginning and when you get to the end stop! (Yes I know its corny but if you can do any better!.....)
So, in the beginning was the toss - and this was won by our captain, the redoubtable James Ford who decided (wisely) to field. In as good an opening spell as I have seen for some matches, Paul Heard strangled the top three batsman having them all caught and returning remarkable figures of 7 overs 3 maidens 6 runs and three wicket. Fred King, showing from the top end more pace and fire I fancy than he has in the last few matches, was remarkably unlucky to have several boundaries scored against him, with shots through and over the slips and should have had a better return that his single wicket, but that was of the most in form Axminster batsman with a fine (actually better than fine) catch inches off the ground by Josh Roach. Then there was a really good run out (I couldn't see who to give the credit to but I am sure that person will tell me) with a smart bit of keeping again by JR and after that Martin Stewart and Alex Hannam cleaned up the tail, Martin taking 2 - 19 off 6.2 (really unlucky as he had a 4 hit off the 7th ball of his penultimate over), and Alex Hannam getting 3 - 9 off 6 with 2 maidens (a performance which the computer deemed sufficient to give him man of the match - a decision not universally accepted I might say, close relations being no exception!). A total 114 really didn't seem sufficient on a pitch which seemed to have bounce.
After a fine tea, impressively created by Jackie (possibly with Mrs JF's help!) Shepherd - made more difficult by the fact that during lunch time Jim Lowe and his wife had entertained the Vice Presidents and guests at the annual lunch - JF and JR opened as usual. JF clearly had been impressed by the way that Tavistock had attacked Bideford's total the week before from the first ball, and went straight on the attack scoring 16 before being caught behind (tucking his bat under his arm and striding back to the pavilion without waiting for the umpire ). This brought Chris Luxton to the crease and he (28 not out) and JR 9(57 not out), proceeded to put the Axminster bowling to the sword and seeing Bideford home with 9 wickets and 24 overs to spare. From Bideford's point of view it was a shame that Ivybrideg beat Tavistock this afternoon (by 7 wickets) but we made up two or three points on them. next week we are home to Ivybridge so those of a nervous disposition better go into hiding for the day. (I do not know the results of the other important matches, it is only 7.00 on Saturday evening after all).
So there we are that certainly was the way and congratulations to everyone for a fine team performance.
Tomorrow, North Devon League again against North Devon at home, another must win match, are there any others? - not this season for sure, its all part of belonging to the great cricket club of Bideford Littleham etc
See you tomorrow
Jolyon
Bideford v Westleigh. N D League Cup 27th July
It may, or may not, have been W C Fields who fits said 'it's a funny old world', but today's thriller between Bideford and Westleigh certain proved the truth of that overused saying. A match that had nothing for either side apart from pride turned out to be a thriller which Bideford won, with Westleigh needing 7 off the last ball.
Josh Roach captained a side of some of the lst team, some of the second and some of neither and won the toss and elected to Bat. Bideford were soon in trouble with two lst team players back in the pavilion with not many on the board. John Weeks and Josh himself then set about restoring the team's fortunes JW scored 34 and JR 48 and together put on 62. However the star of Bideford's batting was Marten Stanbury with a fine 68, helped along the way by Fred King with a 24 and Andy Atkinson 14 to get Bideford to 235, a score which looked highly unlikely at the halfway point.
After tea Josh Roach gave the gloves to marten Stanbury and opened the bowling uphill himself, no doubt trying to recreate the magic 'caught Stanbury b Roach' in the match against Belstone and which no doubt caused many followers to believe that the scorer had finally lost touch with reality. The Westleigh openers, James Starkey their captain (formerly of this Parish as they say) and Australian Will Speed put the Bideford bowlers attacked them with a fine opening stand of 98, with J Starkey going on to score a well made 113. However although the Westleigh innings started at a tempo far faster than Bideford, it started to fall behind the required rate with the introduction of the youngsters, Tom Parkhouse and Carl Stanbury fell dramatically behind. After Tom Parkhouse got rid of Speed, wickets fell regularly and no-one could stay long enough to create a strong partnership with Westleigh's captain. Eventually he fell bowled by Fred King, with with 16 needed off the last 9 balls. The responsibility of bowling the last two overs from the sea end fell to Tom Parkhouse, who held his nerve and with 13 needed off the last over kept Westleigh to 10 and Bideford were over the line just.
The score book shows several interesting features 'Ct Stanbury b Stanbury' being one, Josh Roach 1 –for 37 off 9 another. Tom Parkhouse got two wickets Fred King 2, Carl Stanbury 1 and Dan Barratt 2.
So the match which meant nothing as such turned out to be one of the most thrilling of the year and one in which the youngsters played such an important role. As I said its a funny old world.
Next week is a very important weekend, Axminster at home in the Devon League and North Devon at home in the NDL , two vital matches, so watch this space
Jolyon
Bideford v Tavistock 26th July
Away to Tavistock for a last travelling away game of the season. Last year, every away game was 40+ miles so the thought that our first trip after yesterday is Braunton is a satisfying one. Whilst that is satisfying, the Rolling Stones 'Can't Get No Satisfaction' over the game might be appropriate, but as ever the optimist I would hope that the Beatles 'We can work it out', would be more appropriate. May I say whilst I am in the poetic frame of mind at 7.30am Sunday Morning that I am very grateful to one of my Australian correspondents who has given me food and lines for thought which I will act on - when the team are back on form.
The bare bones of the match are really quite simple. Bideford lost the toss and were inserted. Josh Roach and James Ford opened the batting and put on a respectable score of 62 BUT it took 22 overs to achieve that, 50 coming in 20 overs. It was clear that JR and JF were having difficulty forcing the pace, and had to resort to hitting a lot of balls in the air, and eventually both were caught in the mid on/off position, Josh for 36 and James for 31. After the 20th over Bideford scored 103 in the next 30 overs. This seems to show that no-one could get the bowling away, Paul Heard and Josh King made 19 and 18 respectively, JK being unfortunate to be caught off bat and pad. Whether there were anydemons int he pitch I do not know. My suspicion is that the openers bowlers for Tavistock bowled a line and length which, together with the intimate knowledge of their unique ground, made scoring very difficult. Some shots born of a 20/20 game resulted in the loss of wickets in the desperate attempt to get to 200+ and full bowling points.
I did not seem to me that 165 was defendable, and the Tavistock openers took the opening bowlers to task, scoring 56 and 46 respectively in opening stand of 77 in 15 overs (at which time Bideford were 24). Tavistock as a result reached 100 runs in 2 balls more than it took Bideford to get their 50. And in truth there the match was lost. James F at first change picked up both openers, Josh King got their captain for a duck, one of three catches by Josh R, Martin Stewart bowled 5 overs and took one wicket for 14, Josh Atkinson took over Alex Hannam's role of taking a wicket in his first over - in fact with his first ball, but these wickets were too little, too late. Tavistock were home with 5 wickets to spare and over 10 overs left
Next weekwe are home to Axminster who are a very capable team, despite the loss of their star batsman Hurford, and the following week, Ivybridge who would have overtaken us today if they had managed to beat Thorverton but they failed at the last moment, and effect which means that Thorverton, who at one time were top of the League are now, I think, third. We play Ivybridge in a fortnight's time, a game which may well have a bearing on who goes up with Tavistock, who have now put some distance between them and us and then after Barnstaple and Braunton away, we have Thorverton at home for the last match. This is going to be nail biting stuff.
I don't often express views in these columns rather try to give the reader some fl.esh on the bones of the scorecard, but I we have 5 or 6 class seam bowlers in the team none of whom have been able to take the opennents wickets. Certainly in the main they have bowled well, and economically - I do just wonder whether the pack needs to be shuffled a little to get the best out of a potentially swinging new ball. Just a thought to go to westward Ho! today with for a North Devon League match against Westleigh. Unfortunately this is a dead match inasmuchas niether team can progress any further in the competition but every match is important to those fortunate enough to be selected and I will be there scoring them along.
Look out for next week, a humdinger against Axminster - remember last year at their ground, they were 2nd in the League, we were top, last ball bowled by Alex Crip, e needed one wicket, they nedded for runs and the ball was hit high to the boundary where Fergie Bradbeer was stationed! If you were there you would never have forgotten it. Lets hope for a really exciting match with Bideford coming out of it with at least 22 points to relight the season - so you see 'We Can Wotk it out & Get some Satisfaction'
Jolyon
Bideford V Shobrook Park. 19Th July
The night before we had faced North Devon in the final of the North Devon 20/20, where, as no doubt you are well aware, we went down by 80+. The best part of the match had been the first 10 overs when we kept a very strong North Devon side down to 60 – 2 after 10, but after that they scored too many runs, and Bideford lost wickets too regularly. Experience was the problem, North Devon had too much and Bideford not enough.
So, onto Saturday. Perhaps we were blind-sided by a weather forecast that had, 24 hours threatened so much rain that it looked as if the Park wouldn't even bother to travel, to one that promised a rain free afternoon. The latter lulled James Ford into opting to bat after again winning the toss.
However, from the very start it was clear that the team did not have the fluency of the previous matches. JF and Josh Roach put on 46 for the first wicket, greatly assisted by the extras column who weighed in with the third highest score of 37. After JR was out the only stand of any size was between JF and Matt Shepherd who put on 55 for the 6th wicket, JF with a well measured 69 and Matt Shepherd a quick-fire 52. Alex Hannam struck am impressive 22 before being hit of the leg and having to leave the field, Fred King struck 14 and Martin Stewart 16 in the final frenetic overs and a total of 238 looked greater than we could have hoped for at 111 – 5. It has been noticeable this year that when the top order do lose early wickets, the lower order have come to the rescue.
However Shobrook featured a pretty strong batting line up who were, I think quite capable of chasing such a score if they all fired.
However whether they would have we will never know, because the rain that was falling during the final overs of Bideford's innings got heavier and the match was delayed for about 45 mins. As a result, 12 overs were deducted from the 45 Bideford should have bowled and Shobrook had a revised total of 175. As usual Paul Heard opened up with 7 overs 1-27, and Josh King picked up both openers to end with 2 – 32, James Ford picked up 2, and Josh Atkinson 1. Martin Stewart bowled 4 overs for a commendable 14 runs, especially so as his last ball was hit for 6. However, none of the bowlers were able to restrict the Park's Batsmen and at the end they acquired the runs at what seemed to be a canter. The Bideford Supporters Club thought that we were robbed, but to be honest, the way that Shobrook batted seemed to have indicated that they would have beaten Bideford even over a full 45 over match.
This may open yet again the debate regarding how a game should be decided in a rain affected match, because irony of ironies the match finished in beautiful weather in which the missing 12 overs could clearly have been bowled, in fact the light was much better than that in which Bideford finished the innings. Some teams in this Division have argued for Duckworth Lewis in this Division, but that is not a realistic proposition until TCS scoring is used by everyone, but it could well be argued that there could be an adjustment to the rule relating to the overs lost to a storm that soon passes and which heralds a fine evening. Food for thought. No doubt this matter will be discussed at the end of season Divisional meetings and at the League AGM. If anyone has any thoughts.........
Today's loss was even more bitter, because our friends in Barnstaple just feel short by 10 runs of beating Ivybridge, who as a result had leapfrogged us to second. (Addendum - I've been looking at the other scores and think I may be wrong on this - but there are some fascinating results - PJH)
No 1st Xl match today, Beaford has the benefit of such skills I have as umpire (if any), and next week the Saturday team is away to League Leaders Tavistock, in our last distance away game of the season (Braunton is the furthest we travel after that) whilst on Sunday we are home to Westleigh in our last League Cup of the year. I am pretty sure we cannot progress in that cup, so not too much pressure.
Really a rather disappointing weekend but I feel sure it will sharpen the team up, so off to Tavvy next weekend from where I will I hope by in touch with you on a ball by ball basis.
Incidentally there seems to be so many people now following the match on mobile devices around the ground I am sure that many of them could qualify as scorers (particularly those who may notice any indiscretion I may make) so we always need scorers anyone out there!
Jolyon
Newton Tracey v Bideford NDL 13th July 2014
Well, 'here's a how-de-do' (The Mikado, W S Gilbert 1885). Not only do we win away on Saturday by 9 wickets, but the following day we win away at Newton Tracey by over 100 runs. Tom Allin handed over the match captaincy to James Ford who promptly lost the toss (lost his double headed coin I presume). (Don't tell him, but apparently JF thinks I should have mentioned the fact that he took a catch on Saturday, so I am happy to correct That. James Ford took a catch on Saturday!). Anyway we were put in and then proceeded to make hay on a sunnyish afternoon. Tom Allin opened with Josh Roach, and proceeded to create an opening partnership of 127 in 17 overs, a stupendous platform, of which TA contributed 81 in 47 balls with 6 x 4 and 7 x 6. JF himself entered the fray and put on 81 with JR, JF scoring 35. Alex Savage and JR put on 71 before JR was out for 102, his second century in competitive league cricket, and very important. Alex Savage then bludgeoned 86 off 57 balls being not out at the end, Josh King hit 20 and Dan Barratt was 18 not out at the close, 369 - 4, one of the higher scores I have scored. Logic dictated that this was a very good score, but it is a very small ground and the ball flies downhill.
However, in a wonderful start, Josh Atkinson had sent two of the Gear family in reverse back to the pavilion and at 18 for two really the fate of the match was sealed. Wickets fell regularly with Fred King getting one, Dave Staddon two,Alex Hannam and Dan Barratt one each and James Ford picking up the last two as is now normal, and at 266-9 at the close Bideford was home by 104 runs. 20 really valuable points which may save the season. Three home matches left, the return with Newton Tracey, and the home matches with North Devon at Heathcoat. We have only just started the second half of the Devon League season and we only have three North Devon League matches left - I think things must change next year, any suggestions?
Man of the match, Josh Roach of course (I think the computer requires someone to be called Josh before they can be made man of the match - or is there something special in those who are called 'Josh'? No suggestions to me thank you!)
Any how, enough of this drivel the football world cup final awaits , (a drink to the first who tells me what the finalists have in common apart from each country having a pope in the Vatican!) A wonderful weekend (including the remarkable goings on of the second team on Saturday) and to all who represented Bideford at the weekend 'Congratulations' (Cliff Richard 1968)
Jolyon
stoke Gabriel v Bideford., 12th July 2014
First an apology for anyone who found the information on TCS sporadic. Stoke G is on the very edge of the '3 connect' area and the signal came and went. However I see that the result came up - eventually.
So I would imagine that everyone connected with Bideford left Stoke Gabriel tonight humming 'I feel Good' ( a hit for James Brown in the 1970s), or at least they would have if they knew it!
With rain forecast in the afternoon and Matt Allin apparently taking a holiday (not I am sure to get over the shock of his hair) and Alex Wood coming in for him, and bearing in ming the way that SG crumbled against our nearest chasers Ivybridge last week, it was essential not only to win but to win quickly. Captain James Ford again won the toss (he must have been practising (or does he have a double headed coin?) and as is now the done thing when rain is around, put SG in to bat. The plan worked perfectly. SG succumbed to 103 all out in, and with both Josh Atkinson and Fred King securing figures of 2-16 in their 7 overs, not only where SG on the rack from the start, but it it was like 'bringing back the good times' (The Love Affair - 1968). Last season was represed further when Josh King replaced Fred and took 2-23 in his 9 overs (and then only as a result of a thin edge past the batsman's leg stump, and a glance or an edge through the slips (it depends how you view these things). (It was especially pleasurable to see Josh back in such fine form after his first appearance for the Devon Lions last week. he tells me that he is playing again this coming week against Somerset 2nds. I asked him when he was going to become a professional cricketer, and we agreed that in fact he was becoming an amateur worker!)
Alex Hannam replaced Fred and as has become usual took a wicket in his first over and Martin Stewart wrapped thing up with the last two wickets in his 2-15. Paul heard had opened with 6 very economical overs as is usual, but was without luck in the wicket department, but wrapped things up with a nice diving catch off Martin S.
103 should be easily attainable against a side who morale was clearly rock bottom and who seem already to have accepted that they will be in Division C next year. JF and Josh Roach opened as usual, and bearing in mind the danger of rain, the main worry was the time being lost with fielders trying to find the ball that JR smote to all parts of the hedges constituting the boundary. His 45 no was a splendid innings of elegance and power, JF contributed a pleasant 18 and was perhaps unlucky to be caught by mid off chasing back to take a steepler, when, on many days, it would have been dropped. Chris Luxton struck 12 to help see Bideford home by 9 wickets with 29 overs to spare. (I see that Ivybridgebeat Shobrook park by 4 runs in a thriller, but Bideford have opened the gap by 4 more points). A splendid job well done by everyone, which meant that I could get this report posted by 9.00pm whereas usually Idon't start writing it until 10.00 -llets have many more like that.
Tomorrow a very important match at Newton Tracey (my one true home match of the year) and Friday is hopefully the rerun of the rain cancelled 20/20 final against North Devon. Saturday is the very important home match against Shobrook Park who, before today where pressing for the top spots, and Sunday sees the 1st team with a day off, so I will be exercising my umpiring skills again
So as Eddie Cochrane sang (who is he - ask someone as old as me) 'C'mon Everybody'
Jolyon
Bideford v Filleigh 6th June 2014 NDL
Very much a question I am afraid of' Here We Go Again' (The Hollies - 1965), when we met Filleigh on another lovely day beside the seaside. After the encouraging win against Sandford a fortnight ago, the Sunday team without Captain Tom Allin (injured) and Josh King (appearing for the County Development team (The Lions)), and giving first Xl debuts to Oliver Hannam and TY Williams, came up against two batsmen in form who the bowlers were unable to dislodge until too much damage had been done.
Losing the toss and being asked to field, Gareth Davies 3-39 and Tom Farnell 1-17 made immediate inroads and got rid of the first four batsmen for 53, and after Martin Stewart claimed the fifth victim, 62 for 5. However Filleigh's overseas Zimbabwean Mark Mbafano and long standing Filleigh batsman Baljit Kalsi out 16o Mbafano striking 108 until Oliver Hannam, in his first over claimed both of them ending with 3-17, John Weeks clearing the tail with 2-3 from his one over. However the 62-5 had become 246 all out, not being helped by four dropped catches and 36 extras. Without complaining Bideford were very unlucky not to be given a run out where the batsman looked dead and gone more than a yard from home.
After tea, the luck still did not go with us when Matt Allin, after a positive couple of 4s was given LBW to a ball that looked to be far too high and outside off stump. However he did not play a shot and there is always a danger..... John Weeks, acting captain Josh Roach and Fred King all came and went and it was only a stand of 43 between Martin Stewart 15 and Tom Farnell 37, together with extras of 32 which gave Bideford any respectability, falling over 100 short and claiming just 2 points. It would seem that relegation from this division is between Newton Tracey, who we have to play twice yet, away next weekend, and Bideford. The ultimate winner of those matches seems certain for relegation if the League remains in its present for. However there seems to be a general disenchantment with the League but at the present time no-one has any idea how to alter or improve it. It seems from what I here that two , so or more teams may drop out of the League at the end of the season so a reduction in the number of divisions seems certain, but the general feeling is that it needs refreshing. So if anyone has any good ideas that could be put to the NDL AGM lets start a debate.
Meanwhile, back at the seaside, another loss is of course disappointing, but this season we have given debuts to many young players who have as a result gained useful experience, and in playing such young teams, with so many senior players absent, we really can't expect to defeat teams with 1st class players in them.
Lets therefore look forward to next week, Stoke Gabriel away on Saturday and Newton Tracey away (home for me!) on Sunday.
Jolyon
Bideford v Plymstock 5th July
Welcome to the start of the second half of the season. I missed the away fixture due to being away at a very important event! However that one we lost by one run off the last ball if you recall, in a game that was described as ill tempered.
However the sun shone at Westward Ho!, but when we arrived we found that for the third home match in a row we only had one umpire. One might almost begin to believe that some umpires don't want to visit the seaside. It is very disappointing! But there we are.
However, James Ford duly won the toss again and opted to bat. Today JF opted to bat at number 3, and gave the opening berth to Matt Allin, no doubt dazzled by his new coiffure. Matt and Josh Roach took the innings to 28 and JR and Chris Luxton to 47, but when the innings slipped to 84-4 the warning lights were blinking, was a collapse imminent. No, of course not our all rounders gallopped to the rescue. Josh King with a belligerent 48 and Paul Heard with a slightly more patient 49 got the innings back on the rails, and with Matt Shepherd hitting 3 sixes in his 18 and Fred King 15 the innings reached a respectable 208.
Almost before we had sat down after another delicious tea, Plymstock were reeling at 4-2. Fred King got the first two and then Josh Atkinson bagged two more bowled and it was just like old times again. Paul Heard bowled 6 overs for 13 runs and Josh King 7 overs for 20 which, after the first 4 wickets throttled the Plymstock innings. Although there was some middle order hitting by their captain they were always effectively behind the required rate and Martin Stewart took four wickets including their limpet like opening batsman/wicket keeper, and James Ford cleared up the last two (again!), and Bideford were home and dry with 20 points (for the second time 5 balls away from claiming the extra 2 points). So into the second half of the season with a win keeping up the pressure on Tavistock in the lead. Next week at Stoke Gabriel who were cleaned up today by rivals Ivybridge with their spinner Da Silva claiming 9 wickets for 6 runs (he took the catch which claimed the 10th). So whether Stoke Gabriel feel down and out or are up for revenge we won't know until we get there so watch this space. As Louis Armstrong sang 'Its a wonderful world' Lets hope it stays so.
Tomorrow the Sunday team are at home against Filleigh in another must win watch, so tomorrow night I will have to think of something to say. Is there anybody out there who would like to prove they can do better than me, you must be getting very bored of the same drivel every week?
Jolyon
Bideford v Belstone. North Devon League Cup 29th June 2014
Perry Como, and American crooner of the 1950s who probably no-one in the club has ever heard of apart from me, sang “ Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket never let it fade away”. Perhaps he should have crooned “Catch a falling ball” for that is what Bideford failed today to do.
At the start of this match it was highly unlikely that Bideford would qualify for the finals, at the end of it, it was certain.
John Week acting as captain, won the toss, and decided to bat, and with Matt Allin opened the batting and put on 87 in determined manner, JW scoring 35. At the fall of the second wicket MA put on 126 with Joss Roach, after whose departure for 79, Marten Stanbury with MA put on another 58 to post a total of 271, which should have been enough to see off the talented second division opposition. MA scored 108 not out, his century coming off the last over in a total of 106 balls, JR's 79 came off 61 balls, and I would speak more highly of it if one of his 3 towering 6s hadn't landed on my car. MS was 28 not out.
Surely that was sufficient. My scoring companion from Belstone told me that he thought they could chase it down but only if their first three batsmen stayed there. Well, this they did in abundance. Their openers put on 157, with a second wicket partnership of 79, their first three scoring, 55, 110 & 25 respectively. The third highest scorer was extras with 50. However the villain of the piece were dropped catches, 6 or 7 at least, some difficult, some not so difficult, although I say again and again in these frivolous writings that it is easy to criticise from the score box. However some of them should have been taken and if they had,? - Ah! That if again!
However they weren't, and in the absence of them frankly Bideford did not look like taking a wicket until at the drink interval Josh Roach gave Marten Stanbury his gloves and the two of them conspired to take 3 wickets (Ct Stanbury b Roach' I guess you could have got pretty high odds even at the drinks interval for that. However, 3 'Ct Stanbury b Roach' were not sufficient to turn the side and Belstone coasted home with 7
wickets and one over to spare. Well done them.
Catches win matches, no catches lose the.
\next week is a busy and important one, Friday the 20/20 Final v North Devon at Braunton, Saturday the start of the second half og the Devon League season with a reverse of the 1st half fixtures, first Plymstock at home. I missed the away fixture on important business but we lost by one run – revenge is in order, and on Sunday we have Filleigh at home. We must win the remaining Sunday fixtures to stay 'up', so three very important games.
So lets 'Catch a falling ball and put it in our pockets' so those games don't fade away.
Jolyon
Bideford v Sandford NDL 22nd June
First I am sorry about the delay in putting this on, the website does like the very weak signal we get out here in the countryside and I have only now been able to access it. However......
If Tom Allin had ever heard of a band of the 60s (still touring) called 'The Tremeloes' he, may have gone home tonight humming their hit single 'Call me Number 1', for in today's match he certainly was.
Having lost the toss, we were asked to field. Debutant to the first team, Gareth Davies, soon had wickets to his name with 2 (caught J Roach) at the start of the innings, and the last, to make a total haul of 3. Josh Atkinson also picked up a couple (one bowled, one caught JR) At this stage TA brought himself on and promptly got 3 for 17 in 5, Josh King picked up 1 as did Carl Stanbury as Sandford were all out in 36 overs for 200. In that innings, Sandford's South African, L Van Wyk made 79 and their captain R Glass (at No 11) made 47,t together 60% of the total runs.
The last wicket stand was 50, and I feared that this might be the turning point.
TA, however, had other ideas. Opening with Matt, he batted through the innings until only 2 more runs were needed, finishing with 122 – 60% of the runs, clearly a game of three batsman! It is, I think fair to say, that TA had little support until Martin Stewart arrived at the unusually high position of No 6. he helped TA put on 90 for the 4th wicket, and he himself was out with 2 runs needed for an outstanding 27 in support of his captain. After these two saviours were out, Josh Atkinson struck the winning boundary, ans for the first time this year Bideford were home and dry on a Sunday. Perhaps this is the start of a winning run which will save us. Many more performances like this and we will be.
Too early to echo Freddie Mercury's 'we are the champions' but at least it is a start and a very good one.
Next Sunday a home match in the NDL Cup V Belstone, see you then
Jolyon
Bideford v Braunton 21st June 2014
'Happy days are here again, and the sky is blue lets cheer again'. A song from long ago, even before the time that our captain James Ford can remember. Well under blue skies for the second week in a row, at home we saw off local competition by 38 runs and continued our winning streak.
JF won the toss and opted to bat. He and Josh Roach put on an impressive century opening stand before JF was caught for 40, and JR was immediately out for 70 including 13 fours and one 6. Matt Allin, with the days second highest score of 48 and Chris Luxton took the score to 170, but the last 7 wickets fell for under 70 runs in a hectic run chase in which perhaps too many rash strokes were attempted. Paul Heard seemed from the distance of the score box to be unlucky, and the final score of 237 -9 seemed a little disappointing after the earlier overs. However with Bideford's bowling attack there was some confidence that this may be enough.
Paul Heard opened the bowling with his usual miserly way (final figures of 1 for 16 off 9) but the Braunton openers made fairly good headway until the first of the two drinks breaks. Josh King having been fairly loose in his first two openers, suddenly took three wickets in his third including two in two the second of which was Braunton's Zimbabwean batsman, clean bowled by his first ball in Devon League cricket, which the umpire tells me turned almost 90 degrees. That broke the back of the Braunton innings, and although several batsmen got into the 20sthey were always playing chase up cricket and simply ran out of wickets. In the end JK got 6 – 49, and JF, Josh Atkinson, and Martin Stewart in his return to League cricket got one each and then we were home by 38 runs and 20 points. Next Saturday we are away to Thorverton who were, at the start of the day, second in the League, a few points above us. Who can tell whether we will end the first half of the season in a promotion place! I haven't been to Thorverton for over 10 years and have no idea whether they have the facilities for computer scoring, so I do not know whether I will be on line.
I do know however that tomorrow we take on Sandford at hone in the NDL, I will report to you tomorrow night.
Great stuff and happy days are here again lets hope the skies stay blue
Jolyon
PS JK was man of the match …....again. I think that it will be easier if I just report when someone else is the m of t m. If I say nothing assume its JK!
Bideford v Barnstaple 14th June 2014
As this match was coming to its conclusion I considered that my report would be based on the Hollies 'Here We go Again', but after I saw who the computer nominated as Man of the Match I thought that 'My Way' (Frank Sinatra) was a better bet.
But lets start at the beginning or as The King said in Alice in Wonderland, Start at the beginning, and when you get to the end, Stop. James Ford lost the toss and we were inserted. We were delighted to have Matt Allin back again. JF opened with Josh Roach. JF had a very unlucky LBW go against him and Dan Barratt suffered the same fate which brought Matt Allin in partnership with JR. This was crucial because these two took the score at the halfway point with only two wickets down. I am convinced that last years great successes were built on having wickets in hand for the second half. At 22 overs Bideford were 90 – 2, whereas Barnstaple were 115 – 5. With wickets in hand, the acceleration of the second half of the innings was spectacular. Matt made a 34 off 37, and was followed by Chris Luxton who, although he was in for 52 minutes faced only 11 balls. He managed to let JR have the main part of the strike and he proceeded to make hay with a classy century, in an innings which contained some sublime shots and a few brutal strikes and was eventually out for 103 in 133 balls, a special innings. Exit JR, enter the King, the Josh one this week. If ever a stage was set for Josh, this was it. Having missed the first four balls trying to hit them to Swansea, but when the radar finally found its target, he bludgeoned 50 from another 19 balls with some spectacular hitting, and we ended on 240. For once the view over the teacup was that this was enough.
However, the first 8 overs on the Barnstaple innings cast some doubt as their wicket keeper opener blasted 8 in no time at all, but after Fred King got him caught in the gully by JF the only real resistance came from their other opener who JR spectacularly snaffled off JK. Josh Atkinson at last had some luck and got one bowled by a beauty that came back from the off, and another with another fine piece of stumping by JR. It was great to see JA have success at last. Thereafter it was, in truth a bit of a procession. JK ended with 4, Alec Hannam got another with his first ball, and JF picked up the last two (again).
Bideford were home by 61 runs in a game very reminiscent of last year – so, here we go again. However, whilst my vote went to JR as man of the match with his century and keeping, the computer thought that JK with his 50 and 4 wickets was the man of the day (has anyone hacked this computer?) and today JK really could say 'I did it “My Way” '
So are we on he cusp of a run like last year – well we will see, at home again next week in another local derby, this time Braunton so, like Spencer Davis we must 'Keep on Running, Incidentally, if any of the young ones in the team (everyone other than JF and MA in fact) don't know the source of my quotes, they need to home up on the greatest era of popular music, the 60s, when I was a teenager and everything was wonderful (well it seemed so at the time).
No match for the first team tomorrow, good luck to the seconds, I am sorry I will not be scoring but I will be at Beaford umpiring Beaford v Holsworthy, so assuming I get back from that unscathed I shall be reporting to you next week on the Braunton match.
Barnstaple v Hatherleigh 8th June 2014 North Devon League
My text for tonight was going to be 'Here we go again' by the Hollies. This was (cunningly I thought) meant to cover the situation were Bideford won (another victory) or a defeat (another NDL defeat) I truth this was neither. That is to say it was defeat, because we did not win, but the team played much much better. So I think my text is 'Its getting better' by 'Mama Cass Elliot formerly of the Mamas and Papas.
James Ford, captaining today in the absence of Tom Allin injured, won the toss and elected to bat. Heartened by yesterday's Ivybridge win. It has to be remembered that it was only two weeks ago the Bideford ship was well and truly holed beneath the waterline and sunk by a strong Hatherleigh Xl. Today they were stronger with 9 regular Saturday 1st Xl players. So a lst innings score of 189 was very commendable. The main contributors were JF, with a well garnered 43 and Josh King with a fighting 35. Others mentioned in despatches were Rob Hill and Tom Farnell each with 19 and extras with 25. Tom Farnell's hard hitting at the end was particularly important in getting a decent first innings score (two weeks ago we had failed to reach 100).
It seemed that Hatherleigh's strong batting line up would be more than enough to make this little more than a formality. However Bideford's bowlers kept on the pressure with Carl Stanbury starring with three wickets for 30, Martin Stewart with two wickets and James Ford, Josh King and Alec Hannam one each. The pity was that we gave away 33 extras, predominately wides and no-balls. If only! But perhaps experience will help. However the experience of Hatherleigh managed to ease them across the finish line with two wickets to spare. A damn close run thing, to quote Wellington (or was it Blucher), well perhaps it wasn't that close, but as I said 'its getting better'.
Two final points. Today we saw a fine fielding display in the field with Josh King leading the way with some spectacular stops and a fine diving catch that many first class cricketers would have spilled, backed up by another fine display by Josh Roach; and the second for me personally, should he read this, a remarkably entertaining afternoon in the box when I learnt many things from Richard Tidball (but I am not sure whether any of them were worth learning). I look forward to a repeat some time.
Well, I don't know about the players, but after three matches in three days and driving to Ivybridge I am mentally exhausted, and it says a lot for my own ability that I managed it without any manifest error! (modest to the end) but next week, a Devon League at home (yes honestly) and a Sunday off – well I will be off to Beaford as a League Umpire, that will teach them for beating us in the North Devon League cup today.
So I am signing off for the weekend, so you next Saturday
Jolyon
Ivybridge v Bideford Devon League 7th June
If last night Let the Good Times Roll, then today was 'happy days are here again'. That certain something that has been missing for several weeks, returned today with everyone playing their part.
To start with captain James Ford won the toss, and batted - not the usual ploy. However whether JF considered this wise after 4 overs for, being our senior player although not of a biblical age, he suffered the biblical dismissal of 'Caught Solomon bowled Abraham. Truly old testament stuff. I did hope that Solomon would be bowled by a King but unfortunately that did not happen. Dan Barratt immediately punished some wayward bowling with 4 fours in his 28. Thereafter Josh Roach got 18, Chris Luxton 17 and James Corry 16 against some very tight bowling. Paul Heard upped the scoring rate with 25 with one six until he ran himself out taking on an accurate throw from the boundary going for a second. The finishing touches to the innings were made by a King but not the usual one, this time it was the Fred variety who, with the score a stately 150 or so at a rate of just over 3.5 struck a fine 38 with two sixes and put on 26 in the last couple of overs with Michael Lemmings, who also hit a fine six. A total of 182, I was sorry that we did not get the fifth batting point at 200 but it was clear that whilst the pitch was in fair condition, it was not easy to force the pace.
Paul Heard opened with Fred King, and immediately got the Ivybridge captain LBW. Fred got the other opener caught by Josh Roach. Then came one of the two turning points of the innings. PH tempted their star batsman Da Silva out of the crease and he was snaffled, stumped by JR in as good as piece of keeping that the Ivybridge ground has seen in many a year. Their fifth wicket was very stubborn, but the second turning point came immediately after the drinks interval, when only 14 runs were added to the fifth wicket stand in 10 overs from Alec Hannam and Michael Lemmings. ML had their no 3 batsman bowled attempting a desperate slog, and thereafter the wickets kept coming. PH ended with 4 – 14, and James Ford picked up two more late wickets. It was a strange piece of batting by Ivybridge. Like last night's 20/20 it seemed that the batsmen were more concerned about not being out than scoring runs.
However, whatever the reasoning Ivybridge finished on 148-9 and Bideford has reignited the season. Paul Heard with his 25 runs and four wickets was understandably the player of the match.
Next week we are at home – where is Westward Ho! It seems ages since we were there. But of course some of us are there tomorrow for a NDL match v Hatherleigh. This is real must to win, but not only is the lst NDL XL playing this match but also a NDL Cup match at Beaford, the first time I can recall the club putting out two first teams on the same day. I shall be at the Hatherleigh match but will try to log some information about the Beaford game as soon as maybe.
Congratulations to the team today, it was a very good win.
Jolyon
Barnstaple & Pilton v Bideford 20/20 6th June 2014
As Eric Burden of the Animals sang 'Let the Good Times Roll'
How wonderful to report a great and overwhelming victory tonight. I have scored several times at Barnstaple in this competition, always to report a defeat, but tonight was as good a performance as one could wish to see.
Perhaps the fact that for once James Ford lost the toss was a contributory factor , but whatever, after JF himself was bowled after a spate of no balls, Matt Shepherd with some big hitting (50 in 35 balls) and some crisp shot making from Chris Luxton together scored 86 runs, just two short of the combined Barnstaple total.
The innings was dominated by these two so everyone who followed just had to keep up the run rate even if they sacrificed themselves in the process. The final total of 157 looked impressive. The question was, could the bowlers tie down the Barnstaple batting. The answer was a big yes.
It was great to see Josh Atkinson and Fred King bowling well in harness, and together for the first 6 overs so tied down the Barnstaple batting (and took wickets) so that after 6 overs the score was 23 for 4, and did we but know it the game was already over, Fred took I for 16 while Josh A 3 for 6 off 3 overs. Thereafter the change bowlers kept up the same pressure Josh King 1 for 11, Alec Hannam one for 12 both off three. Thereafter Jamie Lathwell and Martin Stewart bowled their 3 overs for 12 and 11 respectively. A touch of nostalgia at the end to see Chris Luxton bowling again – I must be getting sentimental. The bowlers gave away one four (and that in the final over) no sixes and no threes. Barnstaple ended on 88 for 6 after 20, game set and match to Bideford.
So Bideford in the final which my informants tell me is at Braunton on the 4th July, but don't quote me on that.
In 12 hours time I will be on the road to Ivybridge so lets hope tonight's fine performance percolates into the Devon league team.
So, 'let the good times roll'.
Jolyon
North Devon v Bideford 1st June 2014
For those of you of a nervous disposition I think you should stop reading now
Last year, you may recall, we went to North Devon, they batted and scored 300+, this year our captain Ian Hayter won the toss, we batted and made just over 200. This probably was the only reason that North Devon did not score 300+ again.
IH said to me afterwards, 'what else could we have done?', and the simple answer is nothing. Up against batsmen of a different quality our bowlers were impotent to inflict any damage.
But to start at the beginning, having one the toss and batted, Josh Roach and Dan Barratt started respectably with a stand of 42, Dan being out for 15, a total of 50 over the weekend, and Josh and James Ford put on 50+. Josh R made a patient 32 and in his short stay here so far, saw a pitch which was recognisably a cricket pitch, which yesterday's wasn't.
No-one else managed to stay any distance with JF, who made 93, being out off the last ball of the innings apart from Ton Farnell who stayed with JF in a stand of 62. Some batsman were guilty of poor shot selection (a matter mentioned yesterday) while others were outbowled. 207 was never going to be sufficient to beat a side featuring several premier division batsman.
In some ways this was a repeat performance from last year. North Devon got the required runs with 18 overs remaining, Barney Huxtable helping himself to 125, his hundred off 81 balls matched the hitting of Jason Smith and Dan Bowser last year. JF claimed the only wicket, an LBW which came quite out of the blue. North Devon won at a gallop, Bideford duly slaughtered.
The bright side. Well, it is difficult to see too much, but Bideford were not all out and we did last the 45 overs which was a great improvement over the Hatherleigh performance last week. Next week our long journey into darkness on the road ends with a home match – against Hatherleigh, incredibly our first NDL at home this season. How much this constant travelling has affected us will be seen then. We have now lost, as a club 5 in a row, we must change this now.
The Saturday Xl travel to Ivybridge before our next Sunday match, but after that most of the seasons long travelling is over so all the season is closing in there is great hope for a change of luck. One hopes for some good weather so that our batsman can prosper, but the weather forecast remains one of rain and more rain. I hope next week to be able to report that we are all singing in the rain. As for today, we were beaten by a better team, end of story
Jolyon
Axminster v Bideford Devon League 31st May
There was a hit record in 1962 called “Sun Arise” including the lines “Sun Arise, early in the morning warming all the ground all around.” I have little doubt that our new Australian Josh Roach in his first Devon League match could well have wished for the sun to arise. We arrived at a gloomy Axminster, and while the rest of Devon, probably the world bathed itself in sunshine, this game was played under leaden skies cool conditions and on a pitch which the club told me had been left uncovered during a storm on Tuesday night, taken three days to cut and could not be rolled because of the danger of the roller sinking without trace, It was a very green pudding. The question uppermost in everyone’s mind is how would it play? James Ford again won the toss, elected to field and wished probably he had lost the toss as it was probably one of the most difficult decisions he would have to make all year.
Be that as it may, Axminster was put in and a new bowling combination of Fred King and Paul Heard opened the proceedings. The early overs were extremely tight, Paul bowling four successive maiden and at the end of 11 overs were 25 – O. Josh Atkinson replacing Paul H was, in this writer’s view, very unlucky not to have the dangerous Axminster opener Johnny Hurford out caught behind, your scorer thought he heard the edge behind glass in the scorer’s box. Hurford having already been dropped off a very difficult full blooded drive at short (one might say) silly cover went on to make 52 and therein the match was lost. Hurford went on to make 72 in an opening stand of 72, the biggest of the day before he was bowled by Josh King with Larcombe. The other opener being snapped up at slip by the captain to the joy of Josh(ua) A. The other 9 players made just over 100 between them. Paul Heard excelled with the ball getting 3 – 15 in 9 while Josh A, Josh K and James Ford got one each. There was a sensational start to Alec Hannam’s spell getting two in two, the second a spiralling catch caught going away from him by Dan Barratt. Bideford were unable to get the last week and therefore claimed 4 batting points. What was abundantly clear was that was a very difficult pitch, the ball occasionally popping, sometimes running along the ground, Chris Luxton given LBW to a ball that bounced twice when it hit him, and had, at times, prodigious spin. It has to be commented that Josh Roach kept very tidily behind the stumps particularly, not having recently, at least I presume kept on a pitch like this.
Ax made 185 and it was clear that this was going to be a challenging total. JF opened with JR, and Josh R sent his first ball in Devon League cricket skimming to the mid off boundary. However things got more difficult after that. JF was given not out after a huge appeal as a result of which the umpires (I think) issued a warning to Ax about verbals, was dropped by the wicket keeper next ball (probably) and was caught at mid on the next ball. A very unFordian innings. Josh R spent time at the crease but on 8 played half forward to a ball that turned sharply away from him and was well scooped up at slip.
Dan Barratt came in at three and stayed for 85 minutes making 35 off 73 balls. The highest score of the afternoon apart from Ax’s opener. Thereafter whilst Dan kept up one end we were treated to a succession of cameos Paul H 12, Josh K 18, Matt Shepherd 13, Fred King 17 and Mike Lemmings 10* The obvious remark is that some of those making scores in the teens gave their wickets away with bad shot selection and if one or two had been able to stay for just a few overs with Dan the result may have been different. It was though a very difficult pitch. This is shown by the fact that one of Ax’s opening bowlers had figures of 9 overs 5 maidens one wicket for four runs – that means of course that four singles were taken off him in 9 overs.
Axminster is a difficult place to go to and win its an awful journey. Last year was, for those of you who can remember, a thrilling victory for Bideford, one that really cemented our place at the top of C Division, won with a catch on the boundary to dismiss their last man with one ball and four runs needed. This year, the game rather died quietly away whilst the ball stuck in the mud of the pitch and outfield.
Last week it was a close loss to Tavistock, this week not perhaps so close. Next week away again to Iybridge and that will be no walk over.
Its very easy for me to sit in the scorebox, actually sometimes it’s very uncomfortable but that’s not the point, and to make criticisms which I hope are always constructive, but last year’s success was built up on the first 4 batsman getting us to the halfway point with the loss of 2 wickets maximum. The score at that point didn’t seem to matter because, with wickets in hands, we nearly always scored 3 or sometimes four times as many in the second 23 overs. This year we have lost the knack of keeping those wickets in hand and are having to rely on the middle order who are doing well but sometimes not well enough. So back to batting principles.
This afternoon we are off to North Devon hoping to win our first North Devon league of the season. Rumour tells me that Tom Allin has hurt his back and JF is captaining. If that’s true I wish Tom speedy recovery and let’s do the unexpected today and win.
Hatherleigh v Bideford NDL Sun 25th May 2014
It might as well rain until December sang Carole King, (or in the scorer's box it could have been David Essex 'Winter Tale), but the heavy shower that stopped play for a short while at the fall of Bideford's 9th wicket would have been a blessing if it it had caused the abandonment of play.
It is difficult really to know how to analyse this one. Against a strong Hatherleigh line up, the very young team which represented Bideford did as well as could be expected and there were some pleasing performances. In general the bowling line up, in which Joss King was the old man of the party, kept the score manageable for a long period of the first innings, and it was only some raucous batting by Hatherleigh's centurion Jack Cherrington early in the innings, and some more blows from their skipper in the last few overs, which gave Hatherleigh the sort of total they would be looking for. Alec Hannam bowled his 9 for a commendable 31 runs, Carl Stanbury took 1 for 48 off his 9 and Bradley Smith 1 for 16 off his 3. Josh King took 3 wickets and Dan Barratt and Josh Atkinson 1 apiece. Hatherleigh were very fortunate that several edges went temptingly close to fielders and two went down. However on a difficult pitch it was always going to be a difficult score to chase.
To achieve this is was vital that the top four or five batsman made a large dent into the required runs but with 5 down for 50 it was always going to be a question of when not what the result would be. There were however several pleasing cameos. Tom Brend defied the bowling for 4 minutes shy of an hour, and Alec Hannam put bat to ball with great effect in his 36 not our , one 6 and 6 fours. Dan Barratt, with 21, beginning to show some touches of last years form, and Tom Brend with 11 were the only other batsmen to get into double figures.
To add any further comment would seem to be denigrating the 'junior players' which is the last thing I would want to do, and it has to be accepted that we have yet to play any home matches, but with North Devon away next week, where we always struggle for a result, it would seem likely that we start our home series firmly rooted at the bottom of the division, and bearing in mind the pedigree of so many of the teams in the Division, the prospect of 2nd division cricket looks ominously near. When I started scoring for Bideford, other teams would put out mainly second Xl teams in the the NDL while Bideford was mainly a 1st Xl team. Now roles are reversed, and if things remain as they are, a year away from the top spot seems likely
However I remain optimistic that if a couple of senior players become available defeat can still be snatched from the jaws of defeat.
Jolyon
Bideford v Tavistock Devon League
Tavistock 185-7 (Josh Stephens 43no, Jamie Stephens 26no, D Manning 28; J King 2-38), Bideford 167 (P Heard 40, I Hayter 21, J Ford 21; T Peter 4-15, L Baker 2-26). Tavistock (19pts) bt Bideford (6) by 18 runs.
Against a side favoured by many already for early promotion, Bideford at various times seemed to have won, lost, lost and then nearly won this nail biter.
James Ford again won the toss, and with the air full of rain and forecast promising deluges which were certain to have the match abandoned at some stage, did the obvious and opted to bowl being easier to get early bowling points than batting. The weather had other ideas, and while it seemed that everywhere around Westward Ho! Was receiving the promised floods, not an over was lost.
Fred King and Josh Atkinson opened with the usual hostile bowling, and after 4 overs the visitors had lost one wicket for no runs. A fine piece of fielding initially by Matt Shepherd completed by a stunning throw by Josh King saw the second wicket fall, and then Josh K gor the vital wick of their South African T Peter. Josh K got a couple of wickets, Paul Heard and Mike Lemmings one each and at 96-6 it seemed that Tavy were on the ropes. However a 50 run partnership by their seventh wicket pair (not the first time this has happened this season in both Leagues) and a hard hitting last few overs saw the visitors to an impressive first innings total on a pitch that was slow and of uneven bounce.
A fabulous tea from Jackie Shepherd put us all in good heart for the second innings, although my view was that we had let them get 50 or so too many. It was as difficult for Bide to score as it had been for Tavy, after seventeen overs Bide were 47-1 as opposed to Tavy's 47-2. However thereafter wickets fell steadily and we fell a bit more behind the scoring rate each over. At 83-6 in the 32nd over we were nearly 30 behind Tavy's score at that point. However Paul Heard and Ian Hayter came together to try to rescue the situation. Ian was almost immediately felled by a beamer, having already badly bruised his hand, but bravely carried on – he has a great future!, and after getting the pitch of the pace, Paul and Ian at long last managed to put bat to ball with purpose putting on the highest partnership of 48. Ian was bowled for 21 but Paul carried onto the day's highest score of 40. At the close Bideford fell 18 runs short, but for a brief while it did seem that a miracle could just have happened. It was a good effort in the end and the final thought was that to get so close at the end against one of the stronger sides in the division bodes well,
Man of the match for Bideford was, for once not Josh King (I hope he has fined himself for that) but Paul Heard.
The final thought is for your hard worked scorer. Our Chairman had the idea that it would be great fun to have the scorer interviewed by a journalist while scoring. It may have been fun for someone, but somehow I never got the act together after that and had the indignity of being fined by Josh K for failing to spot a boundary signal from the umpire (mark you the Umpire should have been fined for not continuing the signal until acknowledged). A thoroughly bad afternoon and if not careful I fancy I might be dropped – do you know after today that might not be a bad idea.
A day of mights therefore. We might have got the last four wickets, we might have won, and I might have had a better afternoon. Lets hope those mights become 'dids' next week -the long haul to Axminster.
Tomorrow NDL at Hatherleigh but rumour has it their pitch is underwater so we will see.
Jolyon
Filleigh v Bideford
Sunday 18th May
“A tale of two Batters”
This was a disappointing loss on a fine afternoon at Filleigh, where the only point of criticism is that there is no electricity, and even if there had been, I could get no signal with my faithful dongle.
It was a game in which the two sides each had 2 fine batting performances (hence my title, clever isn’t it!), and in the end we were edged out by the whims of fate.
Tom Allin won the toss and Bide batted. James Ford was, after I am told a splendid three Course meal at the Stags Head prior to the match, showed what fine form he has been in this season (apart from the odd unlucky edge), and after Dan Barratt and Rob Hill had departed put on a fine stand of 70 with Tom Allin who made 32 (4 fours). James and Josh King then took command for a while until James hurt his troublesome should again and was clearly in some discomfort, and when he was caught for 62 (7 4s) no-one was able to stay with Josh. His 71 included a fifty off 30 balls and his innings contained 7 4s and 36s. Martin Barratt got 10 and John Weeks 8, and the innings ended with Bideford scoring 200 batting runs and were given 26 extras.
After tea, Filleigh opened with Jaz Kalsi and Macauley Harrison-Hooton, the latter laying into the bowling until Liam Kerr took a splendid low down catch to dismiss him off Josh King. Filleigh captain’s martin Brice collected 8 until martin Barratt took a high steepling catch (which he never looked like missing, which brought to the wicket Filleigh’s newly arrived Zimbabwean Mbofano. I had been told that he had found it difficult to acclimatise to English pitches. We ll, all I can say that he is now! After taking a few singles in 11 balls, he then progressively upped the scoring rate until being caught by Martin Barratt in a stand of 118 with Jaz Kalsi. However the damage had been done. Filleigh were well ahead of the required rate and only needed 30 to win. Tom Allin, Dave Staddon and Tom Farnell got one each, the best of our bowling being Josh King with 2-38 off his 9. Filleigh’s batting total was 200 (remember Bideford’s) and their extras were 30. (I should add that these figures taken from the manual scorebook, and the version I have converted for the internet varies by two runs on each side, I don’t know why, scorer’s incompetence probably, but they have no effect of the match).
Filleigh 2.1 overs left at the end so in fact the game was very much closer than the scores might suggest
Next week we have Hatherleigh away and the following week North Devon away – both traditionally tough opponents. We really do need some wins, but we have now been on the road for all our NDL fixtures which means that we will in a while have stacks of home games, so all is not lost.
Saturday was a fine win, Sunday was a losing one, but a good game, both played under beautiful skies – all of which I mention before having to say that, of course, Josk K was man of the match again. I think I shall delete his name from the list of possible candidates.
Next fixture Devon League vs Tavistock at home next Saturday, follow me from there
Joly
Shobrooke Park v Bideford
Saturday 17th May
They say that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. That sums up today perfectly. At the tea interval there was a general view that Bideford had scored anything between 20 and 50 runs too few but.......
From the beginning, Captain valiant, James Ford, and having inspected the toss and determined that it was a 250 run strip, decided to bat. The theory was fine ...
After the first ball, was this was not a 250 run wicket, in fact not a 150 one. James Ford and Dan Barratt opened and Dan had the misfortune to miss a swinging ball that collided with middle stump. Matt Shepherd struck a couple of blows and then departed also bowled. Captain JF had the misfortune to be taken at second slip by a stunning catch. Better use the middle of the bat perhaps!!
Josh King and Chris Luxton in his first outing this year put on a valuable 26, when Chris Luxton was out caught in the deep, and then Josh for 20 things looked very bleak. Josh was very unfortunate to have a ball going down leg side hit his back foot and collide into the stumps. He had worked particularly hard up to this point and seemed to have conquered the treacherous surface.
Shortly after, the old and the new came together. Veteran Ian Hayter and the youngest member, Alex Hannam came together at 67-6, and although in pure statistical terms their individual contributions didn't seem great, the partnership of 29, and in particular the way they stuck at it taking such runs that were available, was the first great turning point of the match. After IH was taken in taken in the deep Alex and Michael Lemmings, with some lusty blows took the score to 121 - as I said 20 to 50 too few was the general opinion
However the bowlers took a different view of proceedings and by some extremely accurate and penetrating swing bowling, first strangled Shobrooke and then forced them to capitulate.
Fred King bowled 7 overs for 1 wicket and a measly 5 runs (one, only one) was a wide. Paul Heard 7 overs 2 maidens 9 runs and 2 wickets, including their dangerous West Indian first ball.
Finally Josh King, with as good a spell as I have seen for some time, and one that on another day would have given him a handful 9.1 overs for 11.
During the middle of the innings there were periods when 1 run was scored in 5 overs, 3 in eight and 4 in 9, including a spell of 4 maidens in a row. Just think, 4 maidens in a row in a 45 over match. Shobrooke Park were in fact, after their second wicket went down, a spectacular direct throw run out from near the boundary by Fred King at the base of the stumps. 7 down for 98, 23 needed. Just call on man of the match A. Hannam Esq who mops up the last three for 10 runs from him in all, but the last three wickets for them cost 2 runs. So from a hopeless position at 67 – 6, Bideford toughed it out. As good a performance as I have seen for a long time.
The fielding was again excellent with only two lapses, and again I was impressed by the Probationary wicket keeper, Ian Hayter. Surely there is a future for him somewhere. I saw no catches dropped and Alex Hannam took a quite spectacular one at second slip.
I sat in on the fines Court summoned by Josh King (who better?) and was impressed by the spirit in this team, the best I have seen for a long time. I really do think, with this level on concentration we can do well in this division. Next week Tavistock with their South African fast bowler. How good is he, nobody knows but we will see. The team's travelling supporter, my brother was very lucky not to have a large fine by hitting IH with a ball resulting in much blood. Well if IH will keep wicket!
The Sunday team are off to Filleigh today. A very important match, but alas, no available electricity will mean no live scoring. I will however put my report up as soon as possible and translate the written score onto the computer, but it is time consuming.
Bideford 121 (J King 20, A Hannam 17, I Hayter 15), Shobrooke Park 100 (J Goodman 23; A Hannam 3-10, J Ford 2-6, P Heard 2-9). Bideford (16pts) bt Shobrooke (6) by 21 runs. Scorecard here http://www.totalcricketscorer.com/TCSLive/TCSScorecard.aspx?id=22159
Well done all
Jolyon
Saturday 17th May
They say that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. That sums up today perfectly. At the tea interval there was a general view that Bideford had scored anything between 20 and 50 runs too few but.......
From the beginning, Captain valiant, James Ford, and having inspected the toss and determined that it was a 250 run strip, decided to bat. The theory was fine ...
After the first ball, was this was not a 250 run wicket, in fact not a 150 one. James Ford and Dan Barratt opened and Dan had the misfortune to miss a swinging ball that collided with middle stump. Matt Shepherd struck a couple of blows and then departed also bowled. Captain JF had the misfortune to be taken at second slip by a stunning catch. Better use the middle of the bat perhaps!!
Josh King and Chris Luxton in his first outing this year put on a valuable 26, when Chris Luxton was out caught in the deep, and then Josh for 20 things looked very bleak. Josh was very unfortunate to have a ball going down leg side hit his back foot and collide into the stumps. He had worked particularly hard up to this point and seemed to have conquered the treacherous surface.
Shortly after, the old and the new came together. Veteran Ian Hayter and the youngest member, Alex Hannam came together at 67-6, and although in pure statistical terms their individual contributions didn't seem great, the partnership of 29, and in particular the way they stuck at it taking such runs that were available, was the first great turning point of the match. After IH was taken in taken in the deep Alex and Michael Lemmings, with some lusty blows took the score to 121 - as I said 20 to 50 too few was the general opinion
However the bowlers took a different view of proceedings and by some extremely accurate and penetrating swing bowling, first strangled Shobrooke and then forced them to capitulate.
Fred King bowled 7 overs for 1 wicket and a measly 5 runs (one, only one) was a wide. Paul Heard 7 overs 2 maidens 9 runs and 2 wickets, including their dangerous West Indian first ball.
Finally Josh King, with as good a spell as I have seen for some time, and one that on another day would have given him a handful 9.1 overs for 11.
During the middle of the innings there were periods when 1 run was scored in 5 overs, 3 in eight and 4 in 9, including a spell of 4 maidens in a row. Just think, 4 maidens in a row in a 45 over match. Shobrooke Park were in fact, after their second wicket went down, a spectacular direct throw run out from near the boundary by Fred King at the base of the stumps. 7 down for 98, 23 needed. Just call on man of the match A. Hannam Esq who mops up the last three for 10 runs from him in all, but the last three wickets for them cost 2 runs. So from a hopeless position at 67 – 6, Bideford toughed it out. As good a performance as I have seen for a long time.
The fielding was again excellent with only two lapses, and again I was impressed by the Probationary wicket keeper, Ian Hayter. Surely there is a future for him somewhere. I saw no catches dropped and Alex Hannam took a quite spectacular one at second slip.
I sat in on the fines Court summoned by Josh King (who better?) and was impressed by the spirit in this team, the best I have seen for a long time. I really do think, with this level on concentration we can do well in this division. Next week Tavistock with their South African fast bowler. How good is he, nobody knows but we will see. The team's travelling supporter, my brother was very lucky not to have a large fine by hitting IH with a ball resulting in much blood. Well if IH will keep wicket!
The Sunday team are off to Filleigh today. A very important match, but alas, no available electricity will mean no live scoring. I will however put my report up as soon as possible and translate the written score onto the computer, but it is time consuming.
Bideford 121 (J King 20, A Hannam 17, I Hayter 15), Shobrooke Park 100 (J Goodman 23; A Hannam 3-10, J Ford 2-6, P Heard 2-9). Bideford (16pts) bt Shobrooke (6) by 21 runs. Scorecard here http://www.totalcricketscorer.com/TCSLive/TCSScorecard.aspx?id=22159
Well done all
Jolyon
Sunday 11th May Sandford v Bideford.
Right, those of you who are observant will notice that TCS is now up and running, and both the weekend matches are now on. I am hoping to put the previous weeks matches against Plymstock and Heathcoat on. Hopefully now normal service will be resumed with live scoring from Shobrook Park on Saturday (alunabated 9and long mat y it so)though the following day is at Filleigh where, apparently electricity has not been invented. On a prely private note I apologise to Josh A for telling him he did not have a maiden in his spell, and to Tom Farnell for forgetting his stats - age will tell!
So following the stunning win on Saturday, a very young team assembled at Sandford to play a team with many Devon League players. Liam Kerr took the gloves in the continuing absence of Matt Allin and unavailability of Matt Shepherd. Tom Allin won the toss and fielded on a day that, protected from the wind looked like a beautiful summers day, but with wicked wind (although a torrential shower appeared from nowhere in Sandford's innings, reducing the match to 43 overs per side. Early on wickets where difficult to come by although Sandford were kept down to a reasonable scoring rate of about 4 for the first 32 overs. Fred K got an early wicket Josh 2 , Tom Farnell 2 and there was a remarkable run out of the batsman by Liam Kerr, who hit the ball about 6 inches in fromt of himself and took a pace up the pitch but Liam beat him to the crease. Tom Allin also took a superb steepler coming over his shoulder. Sandford's South African Van Wyk helped himself to a half century in rapid time and the final figure of 235 always seemed a lot.
Tom Allin opened with Dan Barratt and after two sumptious drives edged to the wicket keeper off Van Wyk. Will and Dan Barratt got 15 and 14 respectively, but the only decent stand of the innings was between Josh King who superb improvement in batting continues and the ever reliable John Weeks (always there when you need someone) who scattered the bowling to all parts for 23 in the only half century stand of innings. No-one else managed to make a major contribution with the bat and the innings subsided at 166, which according to my calculations, netted us 6 points.
One might observe that it is very unfortunate to meet two premier league clubs in the first two matches (with North Devon somewhere on the horizon, but twice now we have had the opposition at 16o or so with not too many wickets left, and then see them steam out of sight. Next week is Filleigh and is one that must be won. That is not to say however that the younger and inexperienced players can feel they have played an important part for the club but we cannot continue losing - mind you, its very easy to say this from the score box
Oh, by the way (yawn) Josh King was man of the match again - a drink for the first player to knock him off his perch!)
Talk to you from Shobrook next Saturday
Joly
For those few of you who read my rambling thoughts, I shall be putting my report online tomorrow, but because of the difficulties with TCS and the fact that I can't load the live scores at the moment, these are the basics.
Sandford 235 for 6 off 43,
F. King 7=1=21=1. J Atkinson 9=1=52=0, J Lathwell 5=0=24=0, T Farnell 8=0=51=2, B Smith 5 =0=30=0 J King 5=1=50=2
Bideford 168 all out, T. Allin 8, D Barratt 14, W Barratt 15, L Kerr 6, J Weeks 23, J King 58, F King 0, J Atkinson 14, J Lathwell 1, T Farnell 0, B Smith 0*
I'll be with you tomorrow
Jolyon
Saturday 10th May Bideford v Stoke Gabriel
Once again the refrain, Oh to be in England now that summer is here resonated around the ground as the wind tore around the score box, howling in our ears and generally being unpleasant. The scorers' protests that they were cold during the interval surprisingly did not find any sympathy with the players or umpires.
However, having been away from the scene for a fortnight, and trying to emulate the feats of my colleague JK to whom I am very grateful for looking after things in my absence,
First things first. I am sorry to my followers who may have noticed that the scored were not live. I have had inumerable problems with TCS since we bought a new computer and transferred to licence, and I thought we had cracked it. However there is still a problem and I have been in touch with TCS again to have this resolved by tomorrow's match v Sandford, but if I am not on line it is not from want of trying.
Driving to Westward Ho! through a deluge and seeing puddles of water everywhere it seemed highly unlikely a match would be played at all, and with the weather forecast suggesting several downpours around 4.00pm a result was surely impossible. However the Gods of Cricket shine brightly on the great and good - and in particular on the head of our impromptu wicket keeper, the youthful Ian Hayter, standing in for an absent Matt Allin. Youthful, perhaps he may not be, but a similarly harsuit captain James Ford having won the toss, inserted Stoke and IH showed his metal by not conceding a single bye - one for the future perhapos?
Frek K and Josh A opened up as usuallwith their nagging line and length bowling and kept Stoke's ambitions in check, Fred picking up 2 quick wickets by some imprudent batting.
Josh K took over from his younger brother and delivered a stunning spell of 9 overs , 3 - 11 and took two catches, one of his own bowling. In the appalling conditions the fielding was extremely good, Michael Lemmings took a couple of catches, while Rob Hill took a steepling one over his shoulder at square leg, Josh King judged a fine swirling catch which appeared to move from about long off to long on in the wind, and Dan Barratt a beauty at slip. Michael Lemmings got one wiclet as did Alec Hannam and Dan Barratt . It seemed that 131 all out from 41 overs was not enough.
Hoewever at tea the discussion was about bonus points. Lzst year a rule was introduced that if you declared before the end of the 40th over and won you got two additional points. This year this has been extended to the chasing side . If you get the required runs within 40 overs the two extra poiints are yours.
However when our captain reliable was out in the second over for 1, some doubts entered the fray. But Dan Barratt with a solid 37 not out, James Corry with an attacking 44, riding his luck, and Paul Heard, again impressive with 23 not out saw Bide home with 21 overs to spare. Perhaps your scorer's return has returned good fortune?, we'll see tomorrow.
The computer again made Josh King man of the match. In addition to his bowling and fielding he made 10 from a 4 & 6, but perhaps he may reflect that the shot he was out to came from last year's locker, rather that the more shot slective locker of this year.
All In all a thoroughly good heart warming, if not body freezing win. Well done all.
Jolyon
Right, those of you who are observant will notice that TCS is now up and running, and both the weekend matches are now on. I am hoping to put the previous weeks matches against Plymstock and Heathcoat on. Hopefully now normal service will be resumed with live scoring from Shobrook Park on Saturday (alunabated 9and long mat y it so)though the following day is at Filleigh where, apparently electricity has not been invented. On a prely private note I apologise to Josh A for telling him he did not have a maiden in his spell, and to Tom Farnell for forgetting his stats - age will tell!
So following the stunning win on Saturday, a very young team assembled at Sandford to play a team with many Devon League players. Liam Kerr took the gloves in the continuing absence of Matt Allin and unavailability of Matt Shepherd. Tom Allin won the toss and fielded on a day that, protected from the wind looked like a beautiful summers day, but with wicked wind (although a torrential shower appeared from nowhere in Sandford's innings, reducing the match to 43 overs per side. Early on wickets where difficult to come by although Sandford were kept down to a reasonable scoring rate of about 4 for the first 32 overs. Fred K got an early wicket Josh 2 , Tom Farnell 2 and there was a remarkable run out of the batsman by Liam Kerr, who hit the ball about 6 inches in fromt of himself and took a pace up the pitch but Liam beat him to the crease. Tom Allin also took a superb steepler coming over his shoulder. Sandford's South African Van Wyk helped himself to a half century in rapid time and the final figure of 235 always seemed a lot.
Tom Allin opened with Dan Barratt and after two sumptious drives edged to the wicket keeper off Van Wyk. Will and Dan Barratt got 15 and 14 respectively, but the only decent stand of the innings was between Josh King who superb improvement in batting continues and the ever reliable John Weeks (always there when you need someone) who scattered the bowling to all parts for 23 in the only half century stand of innings. No-one else managed to make a major contribution with the bat and the innings subsided at 166, which according to my calculations, netted us 6 points.
One might observe that it is very unfortunate to meet two premier league clubs in the first two matches (with North Devon somewhere on the horizon, but twice now we have had the opposition at 16o or so with not too many wickets left, and then see them steam out of sight. Next week is Filleigh and is one that must be won. That is not to say however that the younger and inexperienced players can feel they have played an important part for the club but we cannot continue losing - mind you, its very easy to say this from the score box
Oh, by the way (yawn) Josh King was man of the match again - a drink for the first player to knock him off his perch!)
Talk to you from Shobrook next Saturday
Joly
For those few of you who read my rambling thoughts, I shall be putting my report online tomorrow, but because of the difficulties with TCS and the fact that I can't load the live scores at the moment, these are the basics.
Sandford 235 for 6 off 43,
F. King 7=1=21=1. J Atkinson 9=1=52=0, J Lathwell 5=0=24=0, T Farnell 8=0=51=2, B Smith 5 =0=30=0 J King 5=1=50=2
Bideford 168 all out, T. Allin 8, D Barratt 14, W Barratt 15, L Kerr 6, J Weeks 23, J King 58, F King 0, J Atkinson 14, J Lathwell 1, T Farnell 0, B Smith 0*
I'll be with you tomorrow
Jolyon
Saturday 10th May Bideford v Stoke Gabriel
Once again the refrain, Oh to be in England now that summer is here resonated around the ground as the wind tore around the score box, howling in our ears and generally being unpleasant. The scorers' protests that they were cold during the interval surprisingly did not find any sympathy with the players or umpires.
However, having been away from the scene for a fortnight, and trying to emulate the feats of my colleague JK to whom I am very grateful for looking after things in my absence,
First things first. I am sorry to my followers who may have noticed that the scored were not live. I have had inumerable problems with TCS since we bought a new computer and transferred to licence, and I thought we had cracked it. However there is still a problem and I have been in touch with TCS again to have this resolved by tomorrow's match v Sandford, but if I am not on line it is not from want of trying.
Driving to Westward Ho! through a deluge and seeing puddles of water everywhere it seemed highly unlikely a match would be played at all, and with the weather forecast suggesting several downpours around 4.00pm a result was surely impossible. However the Gods of Cricket shine brightly on the great and good - and in particular on the head of our impromptu wicket keeper, the youthful Ian Hayter, standing in for an absent Matt Allin. Youthful, perhaps he may not be, but a similarly harsuit captain James Ford having won the toss, inserted Stoke and IH showed his metal by not conceding a single bye - one for the future perhapos?
Frek K and Josh A opened up as usuallwith their nagging line and length bowling and kept Stoke's ambitions in check, Fred picking up 2 quick wickets by some imprudent batting.
Josh K took over from his younger brother and delivered a stunning spell of 9 overs , 3 - 11 and took two catches, one of his own bowling. In the appalling conditions the fielding was extremely good, Michael Lemmings took a couple of catches, while Rob Hill took a steepling one over his shoulder at square leg, Josh King judged a fine swirling catch which appeared to move from about long off to long on in the wind, and Dan Barratt a beauty at slip. Michael Lemmings got one wiclet as did Alec Hannam and Dan Barratt . It seemed that 131 all out from 41 overs was not enough.
Hoewever at tea the discussion was about bonus points. Lzst year a rule was introduced that if you declared before the end of the 40th over and won you got two additional points. This year this has been extended to the chasing side . If you get the required runs within 40 overs the two extra poiints are yours.
However when our captain reliable was out in the second over for 1, some doubts entered the fray. But Dan Barratt with a solid 37 not out, James Corry with an attacking 44, riding his luck, and Paul Heard, again impressive with 23 not out saw Bide home with 21 overs to spare. Perhaps your scorer's return has returned good fortune?, we'll see tomorrow.
The computer again made Josh King man of the match. In addition to his bowling and fielding he made 10 from a 4 & 6, but perhaps he may reflect that the shot he was out to came from last year's locker, rather that the more shot slective locker of this year.
All In all a thoroughly good heart warming, if not body freezing win. Well done all.
Jolyon
Sat 3rd May 2014 - Plymstock v Bideford
Well here we go! – the 1st Devon League game of the season – with a guest scorer in tow as Grandmaster Jolyon had an “OLOGY” and a Mortar Board to pick up from the Valleys.
Arriving early in a Minibus, after a hearty breakfast, Captain Ford duly inspected the wicket (which could only be described as a ‘blancmange’) and won a good toss putting the opposition in to bat. Opening bowlers Josh Atkinson & Fred King both bowled good tight spells, with Fred being unlucky to have a catch put down early in his spell, forcing the Plymstock openers to adopt a rear-guard action – they were both unfortunate to end up with no wickets to their names. Captain Ford then decides to throw the ball to our “Overseas Player” Josh King who finds an extra yard of pace & swing duly dispatching both openers, with a good tight spell from Paul Heard at the other end also producing a wicket caught by Josh King in the Gulley. Unfortunately Plymstock’s skipper & their seasoned All-Rounder Orchard (36 balls to get off the mark) batted out a considerable amount of overs making their score a lot more respectable. A couple of good run-outs & a cameo bowling spell with a cracking catch thrown in from young Alex Hannam on debut restricted Plymstock to 146-9 off their 45 overs. All bowlers deserve a pat on the back for keeping Plymstock down to a more than gettable total.
Tea was edible but nothing worth elaborating over. L
Captain Ford & Matt Allin took to the crease & it wasn’t long before they were at the receiving end of a verbal onslaught much more suited to Millwall v West Ham at the “Den” than Dean Park. Matt departed cheaply getting an inside edge to an in-swinger then Dan Barratt & Matt Shepherd followed swiftly due to poor shot selections or early season nerves? – I’ll let them be the judge. Josh King then entered the foray but after dispatching a couple of tracer bullets to the boundary played hard hands at one and was caught in the Gulley. Paul Heard looked extremely impressive on debut but managed to get himself out to what he described as a poor shot & in his despair trudged off for the longest departure from the playing area in the history of Devon Cricket. Our next debutant Michael Lemmings entered the scene & finally the Captain had some support from the other end for his innings which had by now turned into a war of attrition with the constant verbal diarrhoea he was receiving whilst assisting the umpires with the Powerplay ruling interpretations. After a solid partnership poor Michael then committed Hari-Kari & Alex followed by Fred didn’t make much of a dent in the score book. Martin Stewart joined the Captain who struck a mighty six to bring up his Fifty in the penultimate over but another burst of adrenaline on the 3rd ball of the 45th over became his undoing & defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory as Josh Atkinson swatted a few flies then ran himself out attempting a 2nd run for the tie off the last ball. Final Total 145-10 off 45 overs.
One tip for future opponents is never get under the Captain’s skin – he becomes an immovable object.
This was a game we should have won – we need to get our heads down with the batting as the bowling was excellent – on a plus note if Plymstock are touting to be one of the strongest sides in the ‘B’ Division we have nothing to fear.
Guest Scorer signing out for the season – tis a young man’s game!!
SEASON 2014
Hatherleigh and Petrockstowe North Devon League Cup.
Welcome back to competitive cricket, although this weekend reminded me of the 60s hit, 'listen to the rythmn of the falling rain'. On Saturday we drove to Hatherleigh, watched an over, then watched the rain, then say another 10 balls, then had tea and came home. Whilst no-ono would ever miss a tea at Hatherleigh, it was not the most fruitful of afternoons. Matt Allin hit one four, and may,or may not have scored a single (the scorebook shows a legbye), and James Ford used one piece of luck for the season when the ball slowly trickled off bat and pad to stumps without anything being dislodged
So Sunday at home against Division 4 team Petrockstowe, a must win. It was great to have Tom Allin back home, captaining the side. Petrockstowe won the toss and decided to bat. Rain fell sporadically, everything was damp, and Bideford's bowling was of a calibre our visitors were not used to. One of their openers made 26 out of a total of 56 with the wickets being shared fairly evenly, Fred King 2-8, Tom Farnell 2-10, Bradley Smith 2-19, Josh King 2-1 and Tom himself 2-10. Matt Allin and Dan Barratt opened, and after 2 overs, the rhthymn of the falling rain returned, and an early tea was taken. Immediately after tea, Petrockstowe's bowler suffered what appeared a very incident when it appeared that in trying to turn to stop a ball that was deflected by mid on behind him he twisted his knee and also hit umpire Paul Argyle. It was immediately obvious that the incident was serious as first a paramedic, then an ambulance attended, the whole incident took nigh on an hour before he was taken to hospital. We all wish him well for a speedy recovery and return to cricket. On the resumption Matt and Dan hit off the required runs, Matt scoring 38 and Dan 17. Gossip was that had dislocated his knee - nasty.
So a satisfying win, and it was nice to see some of the usual 2nd Xl make their debuts, although it was only Bradley Smith who had the opportunity to show their skills. Satisfying yes, but of course nothing whatever was proved.
Next week, Devon league and North Devon League start in earnest, away to Plymstock on Saturday and Heathcote on Sunday - alas I am away (my open University graduation, yes I know I am boasting but at my age!.....) so there will be no reports from me, or live scores, but I am sure the captain won't mind if you ring him every 5 minutes to find the score, and I will return the following week. Bye the bye, Josh K the computer's man of the match.
Saturday 19th April. Taunton St Andrews at Home
If a cold gloomy day las t week at North Devon brought a fine victory, a clear blue sky heralding a fine spring day brought a widely predicted defeat. Taunton are of course a premier somerset team, and were parading 5 first team players and 6 second team. Our sterling captain won the toss, inserted Taunton and all seemed well when Josh Atkinson got one of his away swingers to take the edge of their openers bat to be taken with a fine diving catch behind . However, for the time being, that was that. Wicket keeper Jack Regan (who had struck such a fine innings (and broken a window) in the Somerset match last year, proceeded to plunder 50 off 34 balls, a further 50 off 40 more balls before retiring out on 127 in a stand of 205 with opener Ben Crossing who scored hos maiden century for Taunton 101. Josh Atkinson took a well earned 4 wickets and Martin Stewart 1 in a Taunton score of 324 for 5. The fielding wilted a bit under the power of the hitting, the only consolation perhaps being that we are not likely to meet many teams with such quality in their batting line up.
At tea time we welcomed back Jackie Shepherd,whose fine touch at the tea table we thought we had lost, and then the serious matter of replying to 324 began. Such was the tightness of the opening bowling that it was until the 6th over that veteran openers James Ford and Matt Allin managed a run off the bat. Matt was unlucky to be brilliantly stumped by Somerset keeper Jack Regan off a legside wide, and with Dan Barratt and James Ford following in short shrift, at 18 for 3 things looked gloomy, and it looked as if those of us who had family at home for the Easter weekend and were out on short licences were going to gain credit by getting home early, However Matt Shepherd and Josh King were going to have none of that. Matt started his innings with his usual belligerence, whilst Josh, benefitting no doubt from his Australian sojourn showed, for second week in a row, far more maturity and a more sensible shot selection in his second half century in two games. Matt hit four 6s and eight 4s in his 94 and Josh and Josh three 6s and seven 4s in his 61 in their stand of 120.
When they were both quickly out Paul Heard. Alec Hannam and Michael Lemmings all did their best to catch up but with 20 runs an over needed in the last 6 overs, it was hopeless and at the final ball we were still 80 runs short.
However there was much good that came out of this defeat and with two North Devon league matches next weekend, Hatherleigh away on Saturday ,Petrockstowe on Sunday at home, the season starts in earnest. One note for my devoted if small readership, last year I usually managed to upload my report on the evening of the match. However, no doubt due to the amount of investment by BT in urban broadband, our here, in the sticks, the signal seems to be getting weaker and weaker and there are many times we have no signal at all on a Saturday night - so Sunday am may become the more likely publication time.
Jolyon
Welcome back everyone to a new season
First an apology to those of you who follow us live. The club has a new computer (about time I here you mutter) and TCS were good enough to transfer our existing licence rather than having to buy a new one - they rarely agree this. Everything is up and running except whilst the computer is connected to tp the internet and TCS, nothing is materialising. Stay with me, well get it sorted.
Well. 22 polar explorers, accompanied by two polar bears duly assembled at a remote windswept location (Instow) for our first friendly of the season. We were due to be playing Newton Tracey, and North Devon a team from Somerset - but neither could fulfill there fixtures, so we ended up at Instow. We welcomed Paul Heard on his debut for us, and a fine catch he appears to be. JF (honourable captain) won the toss for Bideford, and after much thought decided to field. North Devon got off to a swift start, but after a good, and rapid second wicket partnership, the regular clatter of wickets slowed the scoring rate and after 45 overs in murky conditions North Devon were restrictedd the first batting of the innings to 212-7. Wicket takers were Martin Stewart (2), Paul Heard, Josh King, Tom Farnell, Alec Hannam and Josh Atkinson. In the cold conditions, the fielding and catching was excellent.
Our veteran duo of JF and Matt Allin commenced the first batting innings of the year with JF and MA putting on an opening partnership of 44. Jf was bowled by a ball, which JF assured me, moved trwo feet off the seam. His 28 included 6 fours. There then was the clatter of a few wickets when JJosh King popped in on his way back from Australia and played one of his best innings for 18 months or so, showing conventional defence, and blistering attack respectively as required. With Matt, who was steadily accumulating runs they put on 90 runs keeping up with the required 5 an over run rate. Josh skied a catch to mid on on 60 with 7 fours. Enter local hero Paul Heard. With Matt steadily collecting runs, Pauk smashed 40 off 34 balls with two sixes, one five and three fours. And suddenly, there we were, first match, first win
The computer felt that Josh King was man of the match, and he and Alec Hannam, back from South Africa must have been cold, I was.
Next week (Easter Week End) we are home in another friendly, Taunton St. Andrews, time to be confirmed. I hope I will be live by then, but my report will be in so follow me!
Jolyon
REVIEW OF DEVON LEAGUE SEASON
2013
What a year, from the amazing first match at home when we bowled Ottery St Mary out for 27, Josh Atkinson 6 – 8, Fred King 4 – 19, to the final match at Chagford with Alex Crisp breaking the pavilion with a mighty 6, to the blitz of sixes at Clyst by Jordi Gilmore, Josh King and Alex Crisp, it has been wickets and runs all the way, apart from the two losses, Ipplepen at home and Kingsbridge away. I have been to Kingsbridge a few times, but never yet with a win. But when we put up 302 with Josh King scoring his only century of the year (105) Dan Barratt stroking 60 and Matt Shepherd clubbing 47 off 21, I thought that the time had a last come. Alas the rain, and the vagaries of the League provisions changed an almost impossible task into a relatively easy one for the Bridge. I have expressed my views on the rain provisions in these columns before. In view they need looking at. I hope the League will at least consider it. The fielding restrictions added a certain nuance t the general proceedings and the power plays seem to be considered a good idea (when the captains and umpires remember them, that is!)
In a year when it is the team that is victorious, it is invideous to single out any player or players, however Fred and Josh at the start of the innings are undoubtedly a fearsome unit, and it may well be that with better batting techniques in the higher division they may get even more wickets – clearly many of the players in C were not good enough to touch the ball. Jordi's runs were also hugely important, he was unfortunate not to get his 1000 runs for the season in Devon league, as were the Clyst St George bowlers off who he powered 166 runs with their 4th and 5th bowlers conceding 173 runs off 16 overs. Therein, in truth lies the success in this Division. Match after match has shown a weakness in most teams in the lesser bowlers, with the result that if you can get to halfway point with most wicketds intact, you are in for a good score. Against both Kingsbridge and Clyst scores were only in the 80s at half time, but 220 or more were scored in the second half. This year it was not true of Bideford, for all our bowlers proved as effective as each others, and if one had a bad day, there were others to fill in, - Alex Crisp with his 6 – 22 demolishing Yelverton in his first match of the season comes to mind, while Josh King's bowling was very effective (his penultimate over against Axminster at Axminster when they already needed over 15 an over being a maiden) was a case in point, but in general he picked up important wickets at critical times, (if Fred and Josh A had left him any) and James Ford with his years of wily cunning also took lots of wickets. Martin Stewart also had some good days. The fielding was in general of high class although after about two thirds of the season there was a sloppy patch.
When towards the end of the season recruits had to be drafted in, they also stepped up to the plate, Alex Hannam's bowling was very tight, and one also remembers the last wicket stand between him and Josh A at Axminster which was the ultimate difference to the sides.
We were unlucky to have Matt Allin available for less than half the season, but when he was available his powers of keeping and batting were still apparent and hopefully he will be more available next season.
There are others I haven't mentioned, and those have already been celebrated by me. It was a wonderful year, the best I have seen in my scoring years with Bideford and I am looking forward to next year already with its slightly easier travelling schedule. To slightly amend Marianne Fathful's hit of the 60s 'that was the year my dear' – one I don't think we will ever forget. It was a team effort, a limited number of players involved – which left one singing – 'Cricket Lovely Cricket'.
One final team member who shall have the last musical quote of the year for her wonderful teas – 'food glorious food' (Oliver)
Thank you team for a great year, thank you Jordi for being a great player for us, I wish you well in the future, look after Josh and send him home in one piece!
Joly
Well here we go! – the 1st Devon League game of the season – with a guest scorer in tow as Grandmaster Jolyon had an “OLOGY” and a Mortar Board to pick up from the Valleys.
Arriving early in a Minibus, after a hearty breakfast, Captain Ford duly inspected the wicket (which could only be described as a ‘blancmange’) and won a good toss putting the opposition in to bat. Opening bowlers Josh Atkinson & Fred King both bowled good tight spells, with Fred being unlucky to have a catch put down early in his spell, forcing the Plymstock openers to adopt a rear-guard action – they were both unfortunate to end up with no wickets to their names. Captain Ford then decides to throw the ball to our “Overseas Player” Josh King who finds an extra yard of pace & swing duly dispatching both openers, with a good tight spell from Paul Heard at the other end also producing a wicket caught by Josh King in the Gulley. Unfortunately Plymstock’s skipper & their seasoned All-Rounder Orchard (36 balls to get off the mark) batted out a considerable amount of overs making their score a lot more respectable. A couple of good run-outs & a cameo bowling spell with a cracking catch thrown in from young Alex Hannam on debut restricted Plymstock to 146-9 off their 45 overs. All bowlers deserve a pat on the back for keeping Plymstock down to a more than gettable total.
Tea was edible but nothing worth elaborating over. L
Captain Ford & Matt Allin took to the crease & it wasn’t long before they were at the receiving end of a verbal onslaught much more suited to Millwall v West Ham at the “Den” than Dean Park. Matt departed cheaply getting an inside edge to an in-swinger then Dan Barratt & Matt Shepherd followed swiftly due to poor shot selections or early season nerves? – I’ll let them be the judge. Josh King then entered the foray but after dispatching a couple of tracer bullets to the boundary played hard hands at one and was caught in the Gulley. Paul Heard looked extremely impressive on debut but managed to get himself out to what he described as a poor shot & in his despair trudged off for the longest departure from the playing area in the history of Devon Cricket. Our next debutant Michael Lemmings entered the scene & finally the Captain had some support from the other end for his innings which had by now turned into a war of attrition with the constant verbal diarrhoea he was receiving whilst assisting the umpires with the Powerplay ruling interpretations. After a solid partnership poor Michael then committed Hari-Kari & Alex followed by Fred didn’t make much of a dent in the score book. Martin Stewart joined the Captain who struck a mighty six to bring up his Fifty in the penultimate over but another burst of adrenaline on the 3rd ball of the 45th over became his undoing & defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory as Josh Atkinson swatted a few flies then ran himself out attempting a 2nd run for the tie off the last ball. Final Total 145-10 off 45 overs.
One tip for future opponents is never get under the Captain’s skin – he becomes an immovable object.
This was a game we should have won – we need to get our heads down with the batting as the bowling was excellent – on a plus note if Plymstock are touting to be one of the strongest sides in the ‘B’ Division we have nothing to fear.
Guest Scorer signing out for the season – tis a young man’s game!!
SEASON 2014
Hatherleigh and Petrockstowe North Devon League Cup.
Welcome back to competitive cricket, although this weekend reminded me of the 60s hit, 'listen to the rythmn of the falling rain'. On Saturday we drove to Hatherleigh, watched an over, then watched the rain, then say another 10 balls, then had tea and came home. Whilst no-ono would ever miss a tea at Hatherleigh, it was not the most fruitful of afternoons. Matt Allin hit one four, and may,or may not have scored a single (the scorebook shows a legbye), and James Ford used one piece of luck for the season when the ball slowly trickled off bat and pad to stumps without anything being dislodged
So Sunday at home against Division 4 team Petrockstowe, a must win. It was great to have Tom Allin back home, captaining the side. Petrockstowe won the toss and decided to bat. Rain fell sporadically, everything was damp, and Bideford's bowling was of a calibre our visitors were not used to. One of their openers made 26 out of a total of 56 with the wickets being shared fairly evenly, Fred King 2-8, Tom Farnell 2-10, Bradley Smith 2-19, Josh King 2-1 and Tom himself 2-10. Matt Allin and Dan Barratt opened, and after 2 overs, the rhthymn of the falling rain returned, and an early tea was taken. Immediately after tea, Petrockstowe's bowler suffered what appeared a very incident when it appeared that in trying to turn to stop a ball that was deflected by mid on behind him he twisted his knee and also hit umpire Paul Argyle. It was immediately obvious that the incident was serious as first a paramedic, then an ambulance attended, the whole incident took nigh on an hour before he was taken to hospital. We all wish him well for a speedy recovery and return to cricket. On the resumption Matt and Dan hit off the required runs, Matt scoring 38 and Dan 17. Gossip was that had dislocated his knee - nasty.
So a satisfying win, and it was nice to see some of the usual 2nd Xl make their debuts, although it was only Bradley Smith who had the opportunity to show their skills. Satisfying yes, but of course nothing whatever was proved.
Next week, Devon league and North Devon League start in earnest, away to Plymstock on Saturday and Heathcote on Sunday - alas I am away (my open University graduation, yes I know I am boasting but at my age!.....) so there will be no reports from me, or live scores, but I am sure the captain won't mind if you ring him every 5 minutes to find the score, and I will return the following week. Bye the bye, Josh K the computer's man of the match.
Saturday 19th April. Taunton St Andrews at Home
If a cold gloomy day las t week at North Devon brought a fine victory, a clear blue sky heralding a fine spring day brought a widely predicted defeat. Taunton are of course a premier somerset team, and were parading 5 first team players and 6 second team. Our sterling captain won the toss, inserted Taunton and all seemed well when Josh Atkinson got one of his away swingers to take the edge of their openers bat to be taken with a fine diving catch behind . However, for the time being, that was that. Wicket keeper Jack Regan (who had struck such a fine innings (and broken a window) in the Somerset match last year, proceeded to plunder 50 off 34 balls, a further 50 off 40 more balls before retiring out on 127 in a stand of 205 with opener Ben Crossing who scored hos maiden century for Taunton 101. Josh Atkinson took a well earned 4 wickets and Martin Stewart 1 in a Taunton score of 324 for 5. The fielding wilted a bit under the power of the hitting, the only consolation perhaps being that we are not likely to meet many teams with such quality in their batting line up.
At tea time we welcomed back Jackie Shepherd,whose fine touch at the tea table we thought we had lost, and then the serious matter of replying to 324 began. Such was the tightness of the opening bowling that it was until the 6th over that veteran openers James Ford and Matt Allin managed a run off the bat. Matt was unlucky to be brilliantly stumped by Somerset keeper Jack Regan off a legside wide, and with Dan Barratt and James Ford following in short shrift, at 18 for 3 things looked gloomy, and it looked as if those of us who had family at home for the Easter weekend and were out on short licences were going to gain credit by getting home early, However Matt Shepherd and Josh King were going to have none of that. Matt started his innings with his usual belligerence, whilst Josh, benefitting no doubt from his Australian sojourn showed, for second week in a row, far more maturity and a more sensible shot selection in his second half century in two games. Matt hit four 6s and eight 4s in his 94 and Josh and Josh three 6s and seven 4s in his 61 in their stand of 120.
When they were both quickly out Paul Heard. Alec Hannam and Michael Lemmings all did their best to catch up but with 20 runs an over needed in the last 6 overs, it was hopeless and at the final ball we were still 80 runs short.
However there was much good that came out of this defeat and with two North Devon league matches next weekend, Hatherleigh away on Saturday ,Petrockstowe on Sunday at home, the season starts in earnest. One note for my devoted if small readership, last year I usually managed to upload my report on the evening of the match. However, no doubt due to the amount of investment by BT in urban broadband, our here, in the sticks, the signal seems to be getting weaker and weaker and there are many times we have no signal at all on a Saturday night - so Sunday am may become the more likely publication time.
Jolyon
Welcome back everyone to a new season
First an apology to those of you who follow us live. The club has a new computer (about time I here you mutter) and TCS were good enough to transfer our existing licence rather than having to buy a new one - they rarely agree this. Everything is up and running except whilst the computer is connected to tp the internet and TCS, nothing is materialising. Stay with me, well get it sorted.
Well. 22 polar explorers, accompanied by two polar bears duly assembled at a remote windswept location (Instow) for our first friendly of the season. We were due to be playing Newton Tracey, and North Devon a team from Somerset - but neither could fulfill there fixtures, so we ended up at Instow. We welcomed Paul Heard on his debut for us, and a fine catch he appears to be. JF (honourable captain) won the toss for Bideford, and after much thought decided to field. North Devon got off to a swift start, but after a good, and rapid second wicket partnership, the regular clatter of wickets slowed the scoring rate and after 45 overs in murky conditions North Devon were restrictedd the first batting of the innings to 212-7. Wicket takers were Martin Stewart (2), Paul Heard, Josh King, Tom Farnell, Alec Hannam and Josh Atkinson. In the cold conditions, the fielding and catching was excellent.
Our veteran duo of JF and Matt Allin commenced the first batting innings of the year with JF and MA putting on an opening partnership of 44. Jf was bowled by a ball, which JF assured me, moved trwo feet off the seam. His 28 included 6 fours. There then was the clatter of a few wickets when JJosh King popped in on his way back from Australia and played one of his best innings for 18 months or so, showing conventional defence, and blistering attack respectively as required. With Matt, who was steadily accumulating runs they put on 90 runs keeping up with the required 5 an over run rate. Josh skied a catch to mid on on 60 with 7 fours. Enter local hero Paul Heard. With Matt steadily collecting runs, Pauk smashed 40 off 34 balls with two sixes, one five and three fours. And suddenly, there we were, first match, first win
The computer felt that Josh King was man of the match, and he and Alec Hannam, back from South Africa must have been cold, I was.
Next week (Easter Week End) we are home in another friendly, Taunton St. Andrews, time to be confirmed. I hope I will be live by then, but my report will be in so follow me!
Jolyon
REVIEW OF DEVON LEAGUE SEASON
2013
What a year, from the amazing first match at home when we bowled Ottery St Mary out for 27, Josh Atkinson 6 – 8, Fred King 4 – 19, to the final match at Chagford with Alex Crisp breaking the pavilion with a mighty 6, to the blitz of sixes at Clyst by Jordi Gilmore, Josh King and Alex Crisp, it has been wickets and runs all the way, apart from the two losses, Ipplepen at home and Kingsbridge away. I have been to Kingsbridge a few times, but never yet with a win. But when we put up 302 with Josh King scoring his only century of the year (105) Dan Barratt stroking 60 and Matt Shepherd clubbing 47 off 21, I thought that the time had a last come. Alas the rain, and the vagaries of the League provisions changed an almost impossible task into a relatively easy one for the Bridge. I have expressed my views on the rain provisions in these columns before. In view they need looking at. I hope the League will at least consider it. The fielding restrictions added a certain nuance t the general proceedings and the power plays seem to be considered a good idea (when the captains and umpires remember them, that is!)
In a year when it is the team that is victorious, it is invideous to single out any player or players, however Fred and Josh at the start of the innings are undoubtedly a fearsome unit, and it may well be that with better batting techniques in the higher division they may get even more wickets – clearly many of the players in C were not good enough to touch the ball. Jordi's runs were also hugely important, he was unfortunate not to get his 1000 runs for the season in Devon league, as were the Clyst St George bowlers off who he powered 166 runs with their 4th and 5th bowlers conceding 173 runs off 16 overs. Therein, in truth lies the success in this Division. Match after match has shown a weakness in most teams in the lesser bowlers, with the result that if you can get to halfway point with most wicketds intact, you are in for a good score. Against both Kingsbridge and Clyst scores were only in the 80s at half time, but 220 or more were scored in the second half. This year it was not true of Bideford, for all our bowlers proved as effective as each others, and if one had a bad day, there were others to fill in, - Alex Crisp with his 6 – 22 demolishing Yelverton in his first match of the season comes to mind, while Josh King's bowling was very effective (his penultimate over against Axminster at Axminster when they already needed over 15 an over being a maiden) was a case in point, but in general he picked up important wickets at critical times, (if Fred and Josh A had left him any) and James Ford with his years of wily cunning also took lots of wickets. Martin Stewart also had some good days. The fielding was in general of high class although after about two thirds of the season there was a sloppy patch.
When towards the end of the season recruits had to be drafted in, they also stepped up to the plate, Alex Hannam's bowling was very tight, and one also remembers the last wicket stand between him and Josh A at Axminster which was the ultimate difference to the sides.
We were unlucky to have Matt Allin available for less than half the season, but when he was available his powers of keeping and batting were still apparent and hopefully he will be more available next season.
There are others I haven't mentioned, and those have already been celebrated by me. It was a wonderful year, the best I have seen in my scoring years with Bideford and I am looking forward to next year already with its slightly easier travelling schedule. To slightly amend Marianne Fathful's hit of the 60s 'that was the year my dear' – one I don't think we will ever forget. It was a team effort, a limited number of players involved – which left one singing – 'Cricket Lovely Cricket'.
One final team member who shall have the last musical quote of the year for her wonderful teas – 'food glorious food' (Oliver)
Thank you team for a great year, thank you Jordi for being a great player for us, I wish you well in the future, look after Josh and send him home in one piece!
Joly
Sunday 1st September v Newton Tracey (home) North Devon league
Another day, another win. With the Devon league Division C wrapped up, there was a fear that this game could be after the Lord Mayors Show. However this was a competitive match that lived up to the high hopes promised.
Captain Ian Hayter lost the toss and Newton opted to bat. At the halfway point the were 150 for 1 and threatening a score of over 300. But the slow (or do I mean spin?) bowling of Saturday captain James Ford, and Ian's newly acquired off spinning skills, helped by some keen fielding which achieved four run outs in the last few overs, Newton were reduced to a final total of 237 all out. Fred King and Ian claimed two wickets each and James Ford and Josh king one each. The Newton batsman all agreed it was a batsman paradise and it was to be hoped that the score was well within our grasp.
Captain Ian, ensuring that those who had not participated fully in the bowling got their opportunity with the bat. But steady bowling from the first three Newton bowlers reduced us to 72 for 5 despite a hard hit 25 from opener Matt Shepherd. However Matt Allin remained firm and bettered his yesterday score by one. In conjunction with captain Ian, he put on 130 for the sixth wicket. Captain Ian, who hard hardly touched his bat all season, after an uncertain start scored 72 off 74 and was unfortunate to be caught of a high bouncer that opinion seemed to agree should have been no balled. However, cometh the time, cometh the man, so entered Jordi Gilmore to ensure that so close to the line nerves should not cause any problem and proceeded to bludgeon 28 from 14. The winning runs, a straight drive for 4 were struck by Fred King. So we were home by three wickets, with three overs to spare with two leading batsman still in the stable. Another fine win in an impressive season - if only that day at North Devon. Well one can but wish, but of course there is still the last match, at home v Halberton next Sunday at 1.00pm. Nathan will be on duty for that one but i will b there to see the season out.
So this will be my last report on a match this season. However after next Sunday I will publish my views and highlights on the season with my awards for individual heroisms!
Joly
PS a final word about the great unsung heroes - Jackie with Paul's help. Another fine sumptious and plentiful tea, with the scorers well looked after in the box - that's class!
Saturday 31st August v Chagford away. Won by 35 Runs.
On the way back from Axminster (I think) the boys in ther car with me (all the players are boys to me at my age) were discussing, surprisingly the Latin phrase, veni, vidi, vici, I came I saw I conquered - although their translation was not exactly that.
Yesterday at Chagford we did just that. James Ford won the toss and batted. Everyone made a contribution, Dan Barratt 21, James 28, Jordi 18, Fergie Bradbeer 15, Josh King 20. Alex Crisp scored 15 plus one of the pavilion windows befire retiring hurt and the innings finished on 255 for 9. The pitch seemed relatively kind to bat on, and the bowling would have to be good.
After tea, and tha mandatory inspection of Alex's shattered window, Fred King and Josh Atkinson were back amongst the wickets together, 2 for Fred, one for Josh and Chagford were struggling at 43 - 3. It was nice to see both of these amongst the wickets as, it was them of course, who started our season by blowing Ottery St Mary away. There followed a good partnership of 106 between their South African Marais and a young batsman called Fitzroy. However when Marais was unexpectedly caught behind off James, and Fitzroy ran himsel out, the innings quietly surrendered. Martin Stewart bowled 6 overs of left arm spin for 40, James and Dan Barratt got 2 each for 39 and 16 respectively and Josh King 1 for 26, and we were home by 35 runs.
At this point I felt that there was something I had missed - of course, Matt Allin, how could one forget him! A beautiful innings of 87 at a run a ball, which I had to say showed how, when confronted with a good bowler,(Chagford had 2 pretty good ones) , how to cope. If you can't get a four, take a single rotate the strike, Certainly the innings of the day, Matt's best of the season, but not probably the best he has ever played as was mooted on the way home - oh, and the computer made him man of the match, perhaps his three catches helped.
So all in all, another comprehensive win. It has been a fine season, everyone has played a major part at one tiime or another and being such a young team is one that we hope will thrive in Division B. We will miss Jordi in the Devon League, he has been a huge asset to the team both on and off the field, and we hope all the Gilmore family in Australia have enjoyed keeping in touch with him and Bideford through these columns. It has all been great fun.
So quickly to sum up the season, we beat everyone in our path except Ipplepen at home, where for once the 'I will not lose' attitude just wobbled a bit, and which we should have won, and Kingsbridge were we can honestly say 'We was robbed' by the rain. I have had a tremedous year, scored every ball except Ipplepen's innings at their place when I could not be there. I appreciate the warmth and friendship I have received and am already looking forward to next year.
However, having said all that, I will of course be back in the scorebox in about 4 hours time for ther North Devon League match. against Newton Tracey at 1.00 chaps! What a season!
Joly
Saturday 24th August v Clyst St George (Home)
Legend has it that St George slayed the dragon and freed England from danger. When St George came to Westward Ho! today, the only slaying was to send St George home to Clyst with his tail between his legs. What a match! Captain James Ford lost the toss and Bideford was inserted,- one might ask what the point of the toss was. Clyst were below strength and with only ten men, and of course they arre in grave danger of relegation - after today it may well be a lost cause for them
Dan Barratt and James Ford opened cautiously with a stand of 44 and in fact after half the overs had been bowled there was only about 80 on the board for the loss of Dan for 25. However, as I have remarked before, the key to certainly our success this year appears to be to get to the halfway point without the loss of wickets. I am not sure why this is important, although one of the key reasons may well be that many sides in this division may have two or three bowlers, but they certainly do not have the strength in depth that we have. I may remark at this point that having put on about 80 for the first 22 overs, another 220 were put on in the next 23 overs. The reason why? simple - James Ford 66 and Jordi Gilmore 166. Not often I suspect has James scored over 50 but been outscored by a team mate by 100 runs. Jordi's innings was probably the best I have seen this season, it was sensible, at times elegant and brutal, and not surpringly the computer made im man of the match. He scored his runs at 166 runs per 100 balls. Matt Allin chipped in at the end with 32 not out , (at 160) It was nice to see Matt back again (last week's rain drenched affair did not count), he certainly increased the activity, and volume of noise, on the field. The final total of 311 seemed impregnable, and so it was.
Fred King claimed a wicket with his first legal delivery, but was a mite expensive thereafter, Josh Atkinson was scrooge-like with his first three overs being maidens, and only 12 runs from his first 7 overs. Alex Crisp got a wicket with his first ball, ending with 2 for 48, whilst Martin Stewart, restored to the side, had a fine hostile spell of 9 0vers two wickets for 32. Josh King chipped in with one for 22, whilst Josh Atkinson returned to claim the last two wickets and ended with 2 for 23.
Frankly, once Jordi had got into his stride the result was a foregone conclusion. There is littl else that can be said, no competition! In these columns I have tried to suggest a link to a musical number of some sort, however on this occasion there is only one possible reference -Freddie Mercury and Queen 'We are the Champions, my Friend'!
Next week at Chagford away, picturesque views of Dartmoor - lets all enjoy it, there is nothing left to prove, apart from the fact that we have the best Captain, the best team (and the best scorer) in the Division!
A fantastic day
Jolyon
Bideford Memorial match 18th August 2013
Bideford Elders (The OAPs) v The Youngers (The Young Bucks)
An American kolksinger, Roger Miller, recorded a song called 'King of the Road' which became a big hit in 1964.
Yestredays Memorial match between the OAPs and the Young Bucks was not only one of the most exciting matches seen at the saside this term, but could also bear witness to the fact that the 'Kings' are Kings of the Track!.
The Bucks won the toss and invited the OAPs to bat. The veteran partnership of Matt Allin and James Ford found it difficult to score quickly against the opening bowling of Jamie Lathwell and Josh Atkinson. Josh's first two overs were maidens and he got the club captain, James Ford for a solid 20 with two fours and one six (James was to contribute another 6 later on!). Fred King took the first change and soon got Matt Allin, ct & b for 22 . He also claimed Ben Brend and brother Josh to end with three for 17 from 5. Paul Lathwell saved the innings from complete collapse with a well struck 40, being last out, one of two wickets for Carl Stanbury , Jamie Lathwell, captain James Greenleaf and Alex Hannam each claiming 0ne and Josh Atkinson ending with 2. There was also a run out. Those of a mathematical disposition will realise that this is 11 wickets. OAPs featured 12 batsman which caused your scorer immeasurable difficulties as the computer programme will only accomodate 11 batsman. However the batting problems were as to nothing compared to the bowling problems in the 2nd innings, the details of which I shall enumerate at the end. OAPS ended on 150, which seemed eminently gettable despite the ball popping up off a length.
When the Young Bucks batted after a short break, MartinStewart bowled 6 very economical overs for 18 runs. However the starring role went to Josh King who after conceding 19 runs in his first two overs proceeded have Dan Barratt caught for 15 and Alex Savage for 17 . The next three batsmen were claimed by Josh, each for ducks and finally had dangerman Jordi Gilmore caught for 31. Paul Lathwell and David Staddon claimed one wicket each. After this mayhem Carl Stanbury entered and proceeded to hit 20 off 23 balls. When he was out the Bucks were left on 9 wickets down with the last wicket pair of Josh Atkinson and Jamie Lathwell and 36 needed. With Jamie blocking effectively, Josh Atkinson proceeded to strike the ball lustily with three sixes and four fours. Captain John Weeks called on James Ford to bowl the 34th over from the road end, and his first ball was despatched high and mightily for 6 to give the Bucks a victory by one wicket with 5 overs to spare.
The Kings claimed 9 of the w ickets to fall that day, Josh King being named man of the match for his 6 - 36, although Josh Atkinson with his two wickets and 46* was a very close call.
A splendid supper awaited one and all, before which Kevin Fishleigh presented the Memorial Cup to James Greenleaf, the Captain of the Young Bucks. Jackie Shepherd (no doubt with the help of Jenny Ford) produced a sumptious feast, and the Club were very fortunate to have Paul Shepherd Umpire the match (in the first half with the help of Ike Aviston).
The day had commenced with the players of both sides lining the sides of the pitch in a minutes tribute to past members and players, and the match itself was a worthy testament to their memories.
[For anyone vaguely interested in the scoring problems, to accommodate 12 players in the batting line up I had to almagate two people into one person and thus Paul Argyle and David Staddon became ArgyleStaddon. Paul Argyle scored one run and David did not face a ball, so that caused no great problems. However Captain John Weeks, despite the most earnest pleas from your scorer proceeded do the one thing that couldn't be accommodated, namely bowl David Staddon and Paul Argyle in successive overs. David Staddon had already bowled several overs under the 'ArgyleStaddon' name, so the only answer was to use the name of the 12th OAP player who could not take the field due to injury, namely Reece Stanbury, so Paul Argyle's bowling is under the name R. Stanbury!
Who would be a scorer
See you saturday
Jordi Gilmore, opening the bowling took 1-37 off 7. The wily old fox Paul Shepherd - having promised everyone he would not play again this season - then proceeded to mesmerise Barnstaple taking 3 - 34 just at the time that Barnstaple were showing signs of trying to increase their scoring rate. Ian Hayter - clearly bravely with a bad leg, bowled 9 overs of, probably, off spin for 47 runs, and it was left to the King Partnership, Fred and Josh to mop up the innings with 2 apiece, and a win by 43 runs.
This was a very good win but with little of great import as regards the league riding on it makes it difficult for your correspondent to eulogise quite as fulsomely as hitherto. However it was a very good performance and again points out how lucky we are to have such talented youngsters.
So, this season the Saturday team ha ve lost two matches and need 1 point to make it mathematically impossibe not to be promoted, and the Sunday team have alsolost only 2, and if we had been able to play North Devon last week?....., but then of course we will never know. So it looks pretty certain that we will be second - and with the Colts successes a cracking season thus far
Lets have all the support we can get next Saturday, when as we get one point we are automatically promoted this against a side, Yelverton fighting for theirplace in C Division.
Joly
PS, if there is anyone out there foolish enough to want to see my back catalogue of reports, I regret to say they seem to hav been wiped off the earth by some invisible force, think of all the royalties I might have lost!
Bideford v Axminster Away 10th August
It is reputed that the Duke of Wellington said after the Battle of Waterloo that it 'was a damn close run thing' – well it he had been at the Battle of Axminster yesterday he might have thought that his battle was cut and dried. Never has so much depended on one ball!
James Ford lost the toss (again) and Bideford were put in, so the toss didn't really matter as I expect James would have batted. I learnt in the inner scoring circle that Axminster, based on their performance against Kingsbridge last weekend expected us to submit for about 140. However at 99 – 1 with James Ford having had decent stands with Dan Barratt and Alex Savage, things looked pretty rosey for Bideford. However 8 overs later at 107 – 6, one may have thought 'Its All over Now'. However I know that Bideford will 'Not Fade Away' (a small drink to the first person to tell me the attribution of those songs) and Matt Shepherd with a robust 28 put on 40 with James Ford who was still using his years of experience to guide the ship. James was the 8th batsman out and Alex Hannam, 13 not out, and Josh Atkinson (18 not out) put on 27 for the last wicket and grabbed that essential last batting point.
I had the feeling at the interval that Axminster felt that it was a done deal and we would all be home soon. Howver Fred King and Josh Atkinson with 23 and 25 respectively off their 7 overs, with Josh getting the first wicket, ensured that at all times Axminster were behind the required run rate.
Alex Crisp then bowled 6 overs for 14 and Alex Hannam (following his 6 0vers for 16 last week) impressed with 6 0vers one wicket for 22.
Josh King and captain James then took over for all bar the last over. Josh and James got a wicket in their first and last overs and James two in between. Axminster were always below the run rate, but at 40 needed off the last 4, a remarkable thing happened. Josh King bowled a maiden. I cannot believe that in all my years of watching lmited over cricket I have ever seen a maiden bowled at such a time.
The last over needed a new bowler, come the hour, enter the hero. 20 needed off the last over with two pinch hitters (sloggers) at the wicket. 10 needed off the last two balls, 4 off the last. Could we breathe? The scorer was reaching for his blood pressure pills, the fielders seemed to have no finger nails left, the ball, pitches short, is slashed off the top edge of the bat. The ball soars into the air, and for a whileall is piece and quiet – though not probably in the mind of Fergie Bradbeer, steadying himself for the catch. Take it and Bideford have won, drop and …..well the unthinkable. Of course he takes it and as everyone breathes again,the world carries on and Bideford have won. Its still a bit early to bring in David Coleman 'they think its all over' because it isn't – yet.
Next week its Yelverton at home. They will be fighting for the place in Division C so that's not going to be a push over.
One more push and we're there.
Oh, the man of the match. For some reason James Ford.
James Ford lost the toss (again) and Bideford were put in, so the toss didn't really matter as I expect James would have batted. I learnt in the inner scoring circle that Axminster, based on their performance against Kingsbridge last weekend expected us to submit for about 140. However at 99 – 1 with James Ford having had decent stands with Dan Barratt and Alex Savage, things looked pretty rosey for Bideford. However 8 overs later at 107 – 6, one may have thought 'Its All over Now'. However I know that Bideford will 'Not Fade Away' (a small drink to the first person to tell me the attribution of those songs) and Matt Shepherd with a robust 28 put on 40 with James Ford who was still using his years of experience to guide the ship. James was the 8th batsman out and Alex Hannam, 13 not out, and Josh Atkinson (18 not out) put on 27 for the last wicket and grabbed that essential last batting point.
I had the feeling at the interval that Axminster felt that it was a done deal and we would all be home soon. Howver Fred King and Josh Atkinson with 23 and 25 respectively off their 7 overs, with Josh getting the first wicket, ensured that at all times Axminster were behind the required run rate.
Alex Crisp then bowled 6 overs for 14 and Alex Hannam (following his 6 0vers for 16 last week) impressed with 6 0vers one wicket for 22.
Josh King and captain James then took over for all bar the last over. Josh and James got a wicket in their first and last overs and James two in between. Axminster were always below the run rate, but at 40 needed off the last 4, a remarkable thing happened. Josh King bowled a maiden. I cannot believe that in all my years of watching lmited over cricket I have ever seen a maiden bowled at such a time.
The last over needed a new bowler, come the hour, enter the hero. 20 needed off the last over with two pinch hitters (sloggers) at the wicket. 10 needed off the last two balls, 4 off the last. Could we breathe? The scorer was reaching for his blood pressure pills, the fielders seemed to have no finger nails left, the ball, pitches short, is slashed off the top edge of the bat. The ball soars into the air, and for a whileall is piece and quiet – though not probably in the mind of Fergie Bradbeer, steadying himself for the catch. Take it and Bideford have won, drop and …..well the unthinkable. Of course he takes it and as everyone breathes again,the world carries on and Bideford have won. Its still a bit early to bring in David Coleman 'they think its all over' because it isn't – yet.
Next week its Yelverton at home. They will be fighting for the place in Division C so that's not going to be a push over.
One more push and we're there.
Oh, the man of the match. For some reason James Ford.
