Spinners Turn the Tide for 1st XI

A good all-round batting performance saw the 1st XI to 252 for 9 declared on their visit to South Woodford on Saturday. There were no half centuries but good contributions from  Royston Smith  (49), Ian Russell (42), Ananda Krishnan (32), Shaun McMurray (27 n.o.) and Freddy Butt (26) which enabled Green  to set a challenging target.
The home side did not likely to threaten the total but were well placed for the draw until Ricky Gill  (4-43) and Chammy Mudlaige (3-29) made inroads into the hosts batting line-up with good support from Mick Clarke(2-36) to register Green's 1st league win of 2008.

Clouseau in Command for Second Victory

The 2nd XI registered their 2nd win in the league when they chased 202 for victory against South Woodford at Central park on Saturday. Green's bowlers stuck to their task on a friendly batting wicket  with Vijay Srinivasan (4-61) the pick of the bunch. Aaron Hills (3-35) and James Wyatt (2-31) both bowled well as South Woodford just reached their maximum batting points in the 52nd over for the loss of 9 wickets. Jon Bayfield (25) and Paul Hurworth (24) helped Green towards their target but it was Clouseau who made the significant contribution with an undefeated 75 in the run chase.

Suggs Returns but 3rds Go Down

The 3rd XI posted a formidable total at Hadleigh and Thundersley with Ian Gibbs (53) and the returning Paul Sutton (84 n.o.) striking the ball well to set a total of 260 for 5 declared. Dave Lock (40) and Sir Harold (38 n.o.) were also amongst the runs.
On a batting friendly surface with a fast outfield, this total soon seemed inadequate as the hosts raced to a 5 wicket victory with Emberson (80) and Jenkinson (54 n.o.) being the main contributors despite Dave Lock's (2-57) brace of wickets.

Herbie HAM(mers) Hutton

With skipper Al Surrey arriving late for the game, the 4th XI looked to stand-in skipper, Herbie Gosnell for some inspiration. Instead of the motivational team talk, Herbie demolished a ham roll before taking the field letting his team mates know that he was in fine fettle. The team talk that followed would have been better replaced by a 2nd roll.
Despite good opening spells by James Duhig and Chris Haylett, the Hutton openers looked fairly assured until Chris struck when Herbie plucked the ball (no doubt mistaking it for more fodder) from the air at deep mid-off. The bowling didn't look likely to take another wicket and so Green were indebted to a fine piece of fielding by Chris Haylett, who threw the stumps down to send back the Hutton skipper. The next batsmen committed suicide by running down the track with his partner totally dis-interested. Tom Greaves then picked up a couple of crucial wickets in mid-innings leaving AD and The Doc to polish off the tail. A total in excess of 200 looked likely at outset and the visitors must have been disappointed to be dismissed for 145.
The young Hutton bowling attack underlined this point in reducing Green to 42 for 4. At this point Hutton looked favourites to win but Kuldeep Minocha (41 n.o.) and Herbie (47 n.o.), now further sustained by tea, dug in before playing in a more expansive manner to share a century stand. The margin of victory did little justice to the Hutton team who played with good spirit and who show much promise for the future.

Resilient 5ths Hold on for Draw

Hadleigh and Thundersley proved too strong for the 5th XI when they posted 230 for 8 with Lewis the top-scorer with 94. Phil Pearce was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 20 and Neil Cook (2-65) picked up a couple of wickets. Simon Dowling, Rob Duhig and Vic Simmons took a wicket apiece but they were overshadowed by the heroics from Paul 'The Panther' Duhig who soldiered on behind the stumps despite an early painful blow to the eye.
The 5th XI have struggled for runs this season but showed great resilience in hanging on at 177 for 7.  Simon Weston (39 n.o.) was the mainstay and it was encouraging to see Matt Simmons scoring 25 on his return from a shoulder injury. Neil Cook (23), Steve Shorey(22), Phil Pearce (18) and Vic Simmons (17 n.o.) all made valuable contributions as the visitors showed their frustration at being unable to force the win.

Bickley Park Dump 1st XI Out Of National Cup

The 1st XI slumped out of the National Cup with a disappointing 8 wicket defeat at Bickley Park. Freddy Butt (55) and Shaun McMurray (48) were the only batsmen to make an impression in an inadequate total of 147. The home side were hardly inconvenienced as they cruised to victory in the 39th over.

Sunday 2nds Run Out of Steam

A fairly strong Sunday 2nd XI batting line-up made heavy weather of their game against Hockerill at Central Park. Dave Lock dollied a full toss to mid wicket (although the speed with which umpire Clouseau left the pitch may have given some indication that his thoughts were more on padding up than the height of the ball) whilst his partner, Graham Cook, dabbed one to gulley after hitting out in his usual style. Gibbo didn't last long and Bambi, who looked in reasonable nick, dragged a long hop onto his stumps. Clouseau thought that the best place to dispatch a leg stump yorker was through mid wicket but omitted to hit the ball. The nature of these dismissals was made to look quite sane as Cockinson called Paul 'The Panther' Duhig for a sharp quarter run and, to the panther's credit, they managed to cross but only just. Cockinson compounded the fault by hitting a full toss straight back at the bowler leaving little time to think of a plausible excuse for the run before he got back to the pavilion. It was left to Toast (55) and Rob Duhig to repair the damage with a good stand but Green had to settle for a modest total of 151.
Hockerill looked as if they wanted to get away early but Toast (2-21) pegged them back with a couple of wickets. Alan Avis bowled well without luck and Dave Lock (2-43) chipped away at the middle order. Vic Simmons claimed a couple of late wickets (including a collectors' item caught and bowled with his elbows) but the visitors got home with 4 wickets to spare.

3rds Beat the Rain and Harlow

Rain beat most of the sides on a miserable Saturday afternoon.
The exception were the 3rd XI who managed a 7 wicket victory against Harlow thanks to half centuries from Ian Gibbs (60) and Captain Fierce (54 n.o.). Bowlers James Haylett (3-23), Andy Cook (2-6), Kuldeep Minocha (2-14) and James Duhig (2-29) had earlier set up the victory by bowling out Harlow for 148.
Bowlers too looked to be in the ascendant at Central Park where Ananda Krishnan (4-22) reduced Colchester & East Essex to 69 for 4 before the rain came.
The 2nd and 5th XIs didn't manage a start and the 4th XI had just 14 overs in the field, with Ted (RP) and Tiraj Patel each picking up a wicket before the rain.

Shaun Dominates at Chelmer Park

Shaun McMurray (104 n.o.0 was in fine form at Chelmer Park in the opening Sunday League encounter. A testing pitch and former county player McCoubrey provided a stiff examination. Royston Smith (33) accelerated the rate without ever looking settled and Harry Potter scored a lightning 35 to push the score beyond 200.
Chelmsford looked to be on their way to victory as some loose bowling and indifferent catching helped them exceed the rate required. The only high point in the field were Ali Horne's gigantic trousers being put to good effect as he ran in from 2nd slip. Skipper Ananada Krishnan made the first breakthrough and frequently beat the bat in a lively spell but it was the introduction of the spinners Chammy Mudalige (2-11) and Shaun McMurray (4-12) who turned the tide as the home side collapsed to end up 52 short.

Alex Shines But 1st XI Fall Short

The 1st XI went down by just 12 runs to Saffron Walden with the hosts playing their final year in the Shepherd Neame League. The bowling acquitted itself well with Chammy Mudalige (3-50), Ricky Gill (2-40) and newcomer Saleem Hussain (2-51) all amongst the wickets when restricting the home side to 225 for 8.
Green's reply began badly with both Freddy Butt and Royston Smith getting ducks. Alex cason (48) stood firm looking to bat through until run out by Ananda Krishnan. Ananda made some amends by scoring 54 and with Jon Powell (25) looking in reasonable Green still had a chance. Saleem showed that he may have been a touch too low at No.10 when he blasted a quick 42 n.o. as he almost pulled off an unlikely victory.

Potter & Clousea See 2nd XI to Opening Victory

Aaron Hills (3-45), Chris Cook (2-49) and Lloyd Edwards (2-55) bowled with great control to dismiss Saffron walden for 193 at Central Park.
Green lost early wickets but Paul Hurworth (62) Gavin Castle (55 n.o.) and Jon Bayfield (25) saw them home for a convincing 5 wicket victory.

Locky Stranded on 99

Dave Lock was left high and dry on 99 when the 3rd XI declaration came after 52 overs with the score on 192 for 4. Captain Fierce had given solid support with 47 as Westcliff were set a respectable , if not insurmountable target.
James Haylett (3-37) and Thomas Oakley (2-42) bowled well for Green but they did not look like bowling out the home side who reached the target for the loss of 7 wicket.

Big Al Puts 4ths in Control

South Woodford got off to a good start at Ilford Wanderers, reaching 35 without loss by the 10th over. Al Surrey decided to experiment with a delivery other than the leg-side full toss and promptly made the breakthrough. Tiraj Patel added the 2nd wicket and Al a couple more to start the visitors collapse. Early season rustiness contributed to further dismissal as AD picked up 3 wickets. Rob Duhig bowled a tidy spell of 7 overs picking up 1 wicket for just 10 runs whilst brother James returned to claim 2 well deserved wickets. Tom Greaves too bowled a tidy spell without luck. The last pair hit out and took the score to 126.
With an unpredictable batting line up, Green needed a good start and 'T' and Cockinson (49) put on a half century stand to ease the nerves but a mini collapse, inspired by Wong's 4 wickets, followed with Paul Duhig, having played the shot of the day to be denied by a large boot, Ted Patel and Cockinson all departing. However, AD and Gary Pearson (who has given up his silly hat after incurring the wrath of the 5th XI skipper) saw Green home without further alarm. Herbie was the bod.

Batting fails 5th XI After Promising Start

The 5th reached the promising position of 81-1 with a stand of 69 between Phil Pearce (52) & Keith Walmsley (15).However, an appalling collapse saw a slump to 105-9. A spirited last wicket stand between Simon Dowling (17 n.o.) & Ross Frost (4) nearly grabbed the first points of the season but fell just 3 runs short. For Harold Wood Billy King 5-40 & Brad Ayling 3-41 did the damage.
Despite a direct hit run out from Neil Cook Wood cruised to 93-1 aided by a couple of dropped catches. However Ross Frost (2-15) dismissed Luke Hammett (40) & Mark Fowles (36) & further wickets from John Head & Dan Carpenter ensured a nervy finish for the visitors as Green grabbed a couple of bowling points.
As for most of 2007, the 5th XI failed to post a challenging total and may struggle unless someone finds some form.

Lloyd Returns With a Bang

Lloyd Edwards was called up at short notice for the Bank Holiday game at Willow Herbs and proved to be the star turn. Potter(17) made a characteristic swashbuckling opening to the innings until he was bowled in characteristic manner. Steve Shorey had watched admiringly at the other end but fell just afterwards and Rob Duhig soon followed. Bambi looked to have found some touch and hit some good shots on a very slow outfield as he raced to 36 and Graham Cook made a quickfire 27. However, Green lost wickets cheaply in the middle until Lloyd Edwards (45) hit the ball cleanly in a 9th wicket partnership with the moribund Cockinson. A total of 185 seemed fairly respectable given the condition but looked even more formidable as Lloyd took 3 early wickets moving the ball at a lively pace. Aaron Hills made the batsmen hop around a bit and was unlucky not to pick up a wicket. There were wickets too for Simon Dowling and Potter before Paul Duhig claimed his maiden wicket with a cunning full toss. However, Willow Herbs hung on comfortably for the draw.

All Rounder Thomas Scuppers Takeley

A pleasant day greeted the Sunday 2nd XI visit to Takeley. Graham Cook started strongly but was soon out and Bambi soon followed after getting off the mark with a six. This first scoring shot should not disguise the fact that his effort made the performance of Cockinson and the Onion in last weekend's match seem positively entertaining. Clouseau seemed determined to make up for the cancellation on the day before and Gibbo seemed in good form following his golden duck the day before. The pair upped the scoring rate until Gibbo was bowled when well set. Thomas Oakley (50 n.o.) began solidly and gradually opened up with shots all around the wicket. The partnership advanced the score towards 200 until the Inspector feigned injury to preserve his average. It was either that or to embarass Cockinson who was dismissed without scoring. Thomas completed a 2nd half century for the weekend leaving Toast to smite an almighty straight blow just before the closure on 207.
Takeley set about the task in a positive manner despite a splendid opening spell from James Duhig who made the initial breakthrough. The game was nicely balanced until Thomas Oakley (5-25) took 3 wickets in 4 balls to swing the game in green's favour. However, Takeley's opening batsman continued to drive powerfully with some solid support from his skipper. James Duhig came back to stem the flow of runs with a crucial maiden and Vic Simmons made the breakthrough shortly afterwards. Takeley continued gamely but were not able to score runs at both ends and their opener perished in the last over for a magnificent hundred.

Old Boys Toil Against Fierce and Oakley

The 3rd XI were the only side to beat the weather when they played at Old Parkonians on Saturday. Batting first in a 40 over game, Thomas Oakley (71 n.o.) Captain Fierce dominated proceedings. Sir Harold contributed a further 20 as Green reached 168 for 3.
The Haylett brothers were in good form with the ball with Chris (3-24) and James (2-16) thwarting the hosts hopes of chasing the target. Skipper Andy Cook (2-24) chipped in with a couple of wickets as victory was achieved by 32 runs.

Clouseau Left High But Not So Dry

There were howls of derision at the scoring rate of openers Cockinson and Onion and that was just from the umpire Clouseau who thought he might be deprived of a bat against Headstone St. George at a very wet central park on Sunday. The pair, resembling Buster Keaton on ice with their running,  fell in quick succession after taking the score into the 40s after which Bambi (24), Graham Cook (35) and the Inspector (64 n.o.) moved the score along more freely. Clouseau was distraught to be deprived of more runs when the innings was curtailed after heavy rain.
The visitors struggled to make an impression on the target and Tom Greaves stole the show with 3 for 11 despite claiming to be a wicket keeper. Ian Gibbs helped himself to 2 wickets from the lower order as green ended up winners by 109 runs.

Alex Destroys Shenfield in League Cup

Green started their defence of the Shepherd Neame League Cup title with a 144 run victory over Shenfield. Freddy Butt made a typically belligerent 72 after which Royston Smith (97 n.o.) Shaun McMurray (25) and Ian Russell (20) all kept the score moving. It was Ananda Krishnan who boosted the total beyond expectations with a well struck 36 late in the innings.
Hopes of surpassing the 287 target were soon quashed by Alex Cason who took six of the first seven wickets to fall in a magnificent spell of 6 for 30. Ricky Gill came on to finish things off with 3 for 7.

Seconds Sink Without Trace

The 2nd XI finished a very poor second to vistiors Shenfield. The bowling was tidy with Vijay Srinivasan (3-17) looking impressive as he bowled uphill from the swamp end. Aaron Hills (2-24) bowled a lively opening spell to pick up a couple of wickets and Chris Haylett (3-20) continued his impressive start to the season with the ball. Sensible batting down the order by Shenfield helped them post a useful score of 145 for 9.
Such a chase was difficult under the conditions but a meek performance by Green's upper order saw them slump to an embarrassing 17 for 7. Shenfield's bowlers gave nothing away as Clouseau and Cockinson opted for damage limitation. The Inspector reached an unbeaten 55 but Cockinson fell just before the end as Green finished on 83 for 8 and a miserable 62 run defeat.

Clouseau Hails First Victory

The 2nd Xi began the 2008 camapign under new skipper Gavin Castle at Hockerill. A seasonal hail storm arrived in the 3rd over but fortunately passed quickly as both sides enjoyed a dry but blustery day. Vijay Srinivasan opened proceedings in tandem with Tiraj Patel and it was the latter who claimed the first wicket courtesy of a fine catch by Bambi. By the end of the opening spells, Green seemed to have the upper hand with each of the bowlers taking a wicket and Bambi claiming his 2nd catch. Paul Simmons, Thomas Oakley and Chris Haylett each bowled a useful spell but the momentum shifted to Hockerill with Potter being the first to down a chance (taking the honour on a technicality from Thomas Oakley). Potter bowled his Bassett's allsorts and was relieved that Fat Cas held a good catch when he himself could have claimed a 2nd drop. Martin Cason then took an even better catch on the boundary, running (yes running) round to catch a steepler off Chris Haylett. Potter then showed he had heeded the lesson from the Fat One and took a return catch whilst Bambi claimed his 3rd before showing he is not infallible by putting one down on the line. Despite a spell from the miserly Simmons, the home side set a fairly stiff target of 182 from their 40 overs.
Martin Cason opened the batting with Cockinson and unsurprisingly was the more dominant partner. Both found timing difficult on the sluggish pitch but took the score towards 70 before falling in quick succession. Green got behind the clock with Bambi and The Inspector settling in but both started to find the boundary with increasing frequency. Bambi departed but Potter came in for a quick blast and Clouseau started to time the ball well as he registered his first half century of the season.
An enjoyable encounter was won by 7 wickets although that did not do justice to the home side who competed well. Both sides were just relieved to get a game in after a wet week.