Green Through to League Cup Semi Final

Smudger (2-13) made early inroads into the Wickford batting in the Shepherd Neame League Cup quarter final on Sunday. Ali Horne (4-29) kept up the good work as the home side were dismissed for 157.
Green looked comfortable in pursuit at one stage with Royston Smith (32) and Rob Glassberg (37) in good nick However they made heavy weather of it, losing late wickets before finally reaching the target with 3 wickets in hand.

2nds Hold On at East Hanningfield

Jason Parry and James Haylett kept a tight rein on the East Hanningfield batsmen in the early overs on Sunday. Al Surrey took the first wicket after which Matt Simmons (3-53) bowled a good long spell. A couple of blemishes in the field cost Green dear as some late acceleration saw the home side advance to 184 for 5 at tea.
Green's big guns Martin Cason and Gavin Castle struggled against a good attack and were well behind the asking rate. Several poor shots put Green in trouble and heading for defeat but stand-in skipper Al Surrey (25) led the resistance leaving Matt Simmons to hold on for his 2nd not out of the weekend (watched by the n.o. specialist himself).

Chammy and Annada Rescue 1st XI

When Green bowled out Colchester & East Essex for 174 in 65.1 overs, it seemed that much of the hard work had been done. Good bowling from Liam Ferns (4-17) and Mick Clarke (4-54) backed up by Chammy Mudalige (2-35) had seen the visitors struggle to post a decent total. However, when Green came to bat it was a different story with only Royston Smith (30) and Liam Ferns (20) registering a worthwhile contribution as 6 wickets fell cheaply. At this point Ananda Krishnan (33 n.o.) and Chammy (53) came together in a stand that proved decisive. Although Chammy fell just before the end, Ananda saw Green home to a 3 wicket win.

2nds Lay The Bogey

The 2nd XI recorded their first success against Upminster for a considerable time with an all round team effort. Alex Cason (91 n.o.) and Shaun McMurray (74) led the way with healthy contributions from Clouseau (31) and Chris Gibbon (20) allowing a declaration after 52 overs at 238 for 4.
The home side were keen to chase but lost wickets to The Inspector (4-58), Aaron Hills (3-32) and Ahmad Kiani (2-36) to finish 16 short. Aaron finished the game with the vital wicket of The Sub.

Grant Hits 130 Again

A record 3rd XI opening partnership by Grant Apicella (133 n.o.) and Captain Fierce (77 n.o.) left Gibbo with pad rash as the old foe Harold Wood were overcome by 10 wickets. This was Grant's 2nd successive score in excess of 130 and he certainly seems to be benefiting from part-time cricket.
Earlier a solid all round bowling performance had restricted Harold Wood to 224 for 6 which seemed like a decent total until Green's opening pair got to work.

Poor 4ths Go Down to Chelmsford

With only 8 men at the ground, the 4th XI naturally inserted the opposition at Ilford Wanderers on Saturday. It could be argued that most of the 4th XI fielders could disappear without making much difference. With the broken down car pushed to safety, Green were able to muster the full 11 but found it hard to make a breakthrough against a youthful Chelmsford side. Al Surrey took the first wicket but struggled to find his customary control and it was not until Matt Simmons (3-50) and John Doughty were bowling in tandem that a degree of control was exerted. Matt showed great variation but The Whale was probably the pick of the bowlers with only a single wicket as reward. A tired Moby could not sustain the effort throughout and asked to be replaced at which point Green leaked runs as the Chelmsford scored raced to 205 for 9 in the closing overs.
Green made a disastrous start at 5 for 3 and never really recovered. Ken Moore (33) showed good resistance and a promising stand with Javed Ali was broken with a spectacular catch by Fergus. Al Surrey was bowled without playing a shot and Herbie followed quickly, picking out the solitary deep fielder in the same over. With The Whale departing first ball, the prospect of Jack Taylor (20) and Matt Simmons playing out the last hour seemed remote but the young pair made a decent fist of it until Jack was bowled with a few overs to spare after a stand of 46. This gave much to the relief of the visitors who fully deserved their victory.

Weakened 5th XI Struggle

The 5th XI batted on for 57 overs to try and register a challenging total against Fives & Heronians. Only Vic Simmons (37) and John Cook (34) made a meaningful score as Green ground their way to 134 all out.
Fives were not unduly troubled, knocking off the runs required for the loss of 4 wickets despite Kevin Hewitt's 2 for 45.

Lords of the Manor

A bad weather forecast and the gathering clouds did not augur well for the 100 mile plus round trip for the midweek fixture at Hillingdon Manor. The gloom was matched by the mood of that prophet of doom, John Doughty, who was reluctant to travel. The 3 car convoy left the ground and made slow progress as Herbie failed to release the brake in time to beat the lights. Herbie had more luck in getting the wipers to work, leaving them on intermittent wipe in anticipation of some rain. Mercifully the M25 was clear and a smooth journey followed until the experienced convoy leader left the motorway one junction early. Immediate suspiscion fell upon The Whale's sat nav which he was keen to introduce as co-pilot to The Hanger. However, it was a fuel stop that was required and, with food available, Herbie needed no second invitation to re-fuel himself with a big bag of goodies. So it was back to the M25 and arrival at the ground in plenty of time. Of course, this coincided with the first flurry of rain. "That will soon soak through, we'll be alright" claimed the home skipper, keen to get the game underway. The arrival of a windswept Pig, who had underestimated the walk from the nearest tube, caused some amusement when it was realised that Big Al had passed him on the way. The ground looked as if it could have stage a decent standard of cricket in its day and, with a bit of work, would be a very pleasant venue. Gibbo and Chammy opened in the 40 overs a side encounter and found the bowling to their liking, putting on 71 in 10 overs. After 9 overs, Umpire Keith Pettit suggested leaving the field as heavy rain was falling and strong winds blowing. His pleas fell on deaf ears as the game continued but, as the fall of rain became torrential, the players were forced to leave the field. After an hour or so, an early tea was taken. Players ate as the puddles formed on the square. On cessation of the rain there was a quick pitch inspection witha couple of soft brushes employesd to not much effect. "Let's give it until 5" was the skippers' verdict. At 5, the underfoot conditions were still bad and the AGCC players were not too keen and departed as the home players attempted to continue their cricket week with a game amongst themselves. The nature of the bowlers' run ups suggested that thye correct decision had been made. The journey home was less straightforward as big Al Surrey called with tales of an M25 blockage necessitating a detour via the North Circular. The radio reports brought into question Big Al's sense of direction as they were on the ant-clockwise stretch.

Green Struggle at Harold Wood

Tricky batting conditions at Harold Wood Rec meant a struggle for Green's batsmen on Sunday. Only Smudger (39) and bambi (37) made any real impression as Green scrambled to 123 for 8 from their 40 overs.
The home side did not have it all their own way, taking 37 overs to score the runs for the loss of 5 wickets, but were comfortable winners. Royston Smith took 2 for 6 but Green didn't really threaten to challenge for victory.

South Fambridge Hit by Hurricane Cook

Graham Cook was in sparkling form hitting a rapid 92 at South Fambridge on Sunday. Not being too keen on running, Cookie dealt mainly in boundaries as he capitalised on the vibrant start to the innings by Neil cook (24) and Ian Gibbs (38). The Inspector made amends for his Saturday duck with a fluent 66 n.o. as Green reached 238 for 7 from their 40 overs played on  a surface that was remarkably dry following the recent bad weather.
Pipey Harris struck an early blow in the reply but the home side were ahead of the asking rate for much of the time as they looked to be heading for victory. Toast made the breakthrough courtesy of a fine catch by young Fraser King but still South Fambridge hit out. However, when Ian Gibbs joined John Coxall in the attack wickets fell quite quickly to leave the hosts 48 runs short.

1st XI Settle for Draw As Ilford Give Up the Chase

Green recovered from a shaky start to post a decent total on a damp wicket against Ilford. Freddy Butt and Ian Russell went early but Royston Smith (88) and Rob Glassberg (39) enabled Green to close on 215 for 9 from 61 overs.
Ilford did not fare much better against some good bowling by James Wyatt (2-38), Chammy Mudalige (2-64) and Mick Clarke and settled for a draw early in proceedings.

Only Alex Stands Firm at Harlow

Rain played a big part in the 2nd XI game at Harlow. The home side were dismissed for 150 with Trevor Oakley (4-14) and Chris Gibbon (3-32) reduced to bowling off a couple of paces in slippery conditions. The Inspector also chipped in with a couple of wickets.
The home attack proved too much of a handful for Green in an improbable run chase. Only Alex Cason (53 n.o.) showed the required technique and application, standing firm with an undefeated half century in a meek reply of 94 for 7 in 31 overs.

Startling Collapse by 3rd XI

Keith Mitchell (4-55) and John Doughty (4-53) bowled well to hold the league leaders, Woodford Wells, to 203 for 9.
The reply began badly with the early loss of The Whale (a fish out of water so high in proceedings) and the side struggled to 60 for 5. This poor response did nothing to indicate what was to follow as the rest of the side were blasted out without really registering to finish on 65 all out in a 138 run defeat.

Ken Moore Sees 4th XI Home After Tiraj Burst

Tiraj Patel produced a fine spell to take out the top of the order of Basildon & Pitsea. With Al Surrey and Rob Duhig also amongst the wickets, it was left to the Hanger to end the resisatnce on 125. For once, Green's fielding held up well with good catches by Thomas Oakley, Rob Duhig, Gary Pearson and Herbie Gosnell providing good support for the bowlers.
Thomas Oakley fell early after which Cockinson and Ken Moore ground out a 2nd wicket partnership with Ken being the much more fluent of the two. Cockinson went with victory in sight after which Gary 'Pads' Pearson got his 3rd consecutive LBW decision.

Green Ease Past Buckhurst Hill in League Cup

The 1st XI batting continued its improvement in the 3rd round of the Shepherd Neame League Cup on Sunday. Rob Glassberg (56 n.o.) and Royston Smith (52) both made half centuries and with Ananda Krishnan (42), Ian Russell (40), Freddy Butt (37) and Harry Potter (32) all making runs, Green were able to set a formidable 45 over target of 303 for 7 on a fairly difficult pitch.
Buckhurst Hill did not find the going as easy as Ananda (3-24), Smudger (2-6) and Al Surrey (2-25) reduced them to 124 all out giving Green a tie against Wickford in the next round.

One Shot Castle Flays Theydon

In gloomy, humid conditions at Theydon Bois, Andy Cook and Jason Parry bowled with great control to keep the host's openers in check but it was not until Toast was brought on that a breakthrough was achieved. As the rain fell, Pipey Harris (3-85) and Rob Duhig (1-36) had the middle order in trouble and, with better fielding, may each have picked up more wickets. A late flurry of runs enabled Theydon to declare on 209.
Herbie (I'm available Vic) Gosnell went for a duck and Gibbo for 7 as the boisterous Theydon scented victory. They soon picked up on Clouseau's limited range of shots as the Inspector sought to repair the innings with Bambi. Bambi holed out at deep extra cover letting in The Onion for his first knock of the Summer. Clouseau made the most of his limitations as he splayed the home attack to all parts of the field in making a magnificent undefeated century (119 n.o.). The Onion played some stunning shots as the pair added 130 for the 4th wicket, taking Green to the brink of victory. Jason Parry joined the Inspector to hit the winning runs.

Smudger Ton as Batsmen Get Back in Form

Green's batsmen put recent troubles behind them at the Old County Ground at Brentwood. Jon Powell was dismissed early in the innings for a duck but 'Freddy' Butt (64) and Ian Russell (65) built a useful foundation. When Freddy was dismissed, Royston Smith joined Ian Russell and the pair progressed nicely until Ian and Liam Ferns were dismissed in quick succession. Smudger then set about consolidating the innings in partnership with Rob Glassberg. Royston accelerated towards his century and Chammy Mudalige struck a belligerent 33 not out to boost the score to 300.
The home side made a solid start but were never able to pick up the rate. James Wyatt proved to be economical whilst Micky Clarke (2-66) and Chammy (3-64) took the wickets as the game petered out to a draw.

All Round Ananda Proves His Point

Ananda Krishnan had a point to prove to the selectors when dropped to the 2nd XI on Saturday and he made it in some style. First he helped restrict Walthamstow to 185 for 6 from 52 overs with Ahmad Kiani also bowling well to take 2 for 49. He then struck 98 as green knocked off the runs in 38 overs. Fat Cas scored 76 n.o. whilst the Inspector barely got to the wicket.

Grant and Bambi Hammer Westcliff

The 3rd XI faced a formidable total as Thatcher and Fosh combined to help Westcliff to 264 for 4 declared. However, after the departure of Captain Fierce and Ian Gibbs, Jon Bayfield joined Grant Apicella in an undefeated 3rd wicket partnership that saw Green to victory. Grant made a magnificent undefeated 137 and there was a welcome return to form for Bambi who made 81 not out.

Rikus Sees 4ths Home in Tense Finish

Al Surrey took an early wicket to set Hutton back at Ilford Wanderers. With Billy Greaves bowling an economical opening spell, helped keep the runs in check before the introduction of spinners Javed Ali and Matt Simmons removed the middle order. Frost looked likely to accelerate the scoring until he was bowled by Rikus Bezeindhout. Some lusty hitting by Parry, aided by the traditional fielding lapses, enabled Hutton to close on 183 for 9.
Thomas Oakley (33) began well but lost Ken Moore and Gary Pearson early. When Thomas fell to a fine delivery, Russell Hawkins and Javed Ali re-built the innings and looked to be heading for a comfortable victory until they both fell in quick succession. Herbie hung around but made little impact and Cockinson departed cheaply. Rikus was then joined by Al Surrey as the required rate rose. At the start of the last over, any result was possible. A mad scramble for the winning run looked odds on but Rikus went for the big hit. The top edge looked to have gone straight up in the air but the on-looking players were relieved to see it carry and hit the sight screen on the full for the winning runs.

Tedium for 5th XI

Malcolm Waters signed off for the season with 99 not out as the 5th XI struggled to 151 for 4 declared against Billericay. Green were in trouble at the start until the obdurate Keith Walmsley joined Muddy at the crease.
Green's scoring difficulties paled into insignificance when compared the the visitors who batted for 50 overs in reaching 85 for 5.

Batting Not Up to Standard Against Wanstead

The 1st XI batting nightmare continued on Sunday when they were knocked out of the Evening Standard Trophy by wanstead at Central Park on Sunday. Things looked promising with the visitors 126 for 5 at the halfway stage of their innings but they consolidated to score 265 for 8 from their 50 overs. Alex Cason (2-38) and Chris Cook (2-51) were the main contributors with the ball.
An early collapse left Green in trouble and despite the efforts of Shaun McMurray (44) and Liam Ferns (30), Green were left well short of the target.

Cas Has a Whale of a Time Against Navestock

Martin Cason (106) and Ian Gibbs (55) dominated the batting in the Sunday friendly at Navestock. Jon Bayfield and Aaron Hills departed cheaply and The Inspector (17 n.o.) added a late flurry of runs to boost the score to 210 for 4. The highlight of the innings followed a gentle mis-field by John Doughty. Having let the ball slip through his legs, The Whale set off in pursuit to stop the ball with his foot inches from the boundary. However the trailing foot kicked the ball over and then tripped up on his other foot as he flew over the bench adjacent to the line. The roars fro the field and those in The Green man would have graced many a test ground.
James and Chris (2-23) Haylett both took early wickets to set the home side back. The spin Duo of Matt Simmons (2-10) and Thomas Oakley (3-12) ensured that there would not be any middle order recovery and Al Surrey wrapped up proceedings with 2 for 16.

Only Freddy Shines for 1st XI

After dismissing current champions Hainault & Clayhall for 206, Green seemed to be in with a reasonable chance of victory on Saturday. James Wyatt (5-58) and Chammy Mudalige (4-49) bowled well as the home side struggled to up the rate as they were dismissed in 65.5 overs.
The reply got off to a flyer with Freddy Butt in particularly good form in scoring 79. However, the middle order submitted all too easily as a collapse saw the side dismissed for just 121 ensuring a heavy defeat.

Castle's All-Round Effort Can't Stop Fives

The 2nd XI were well placed in their pursuit of 235 against Fives & Heronians. Gavin Castle (61) and Alex Cason (44) were once again the dominant figures in Green's batting display but things went badly wrong once they were parted as the innings folded to Iqbal (5-38). A final total of 177 all out to registered a 58 run defeat.
Earlier, The Inspector was in good form with the ball taking 4 for 34 to curtail Fives' run chase. Ahmad Kiani also bowled well to take 2 for 27

Thirds Shot Out Cheaply by Shenfield

The 3rd XI were shot out for just 70 against Shenfield. Vowles (7-28) was in particularly good form for the visitors and only Javed Ali showed any resistance with 30.
Shenfield experienced little trouble in knocking off the runs for the loss of 3 wickets with John Coxall taking 2 for 16.

Fielding Lapses Cost 4th XI Dearly

Matt Simmons took a good catch to make an early breakthrough and must have wished that his colleagues hands would prove to be similarly adhesive in the 4th XI fixture against Hainault & Clayhall on Saturday. Instead, after Al Surrey had shot out the top of the order with 3 for 33, a succession of dropped catches proved crucial as the home side escaped to 143 all out. John Doughty was primarily responsible for keeping the score down with 4 for 44.
With 3 hours to bat, Green had just the man to bore everyone into submission in Cockinson. Thomas Oakley and Ken Moore (23) batted well to set up a reasonable platform against some accurate bowling on a pitch devoid of pace and bounce. A mid innings collapse seemed to have been arrested when Gary Pearson joined Cockinson (22) but the partnership was broken just after the drinks break and Joda's spin finished off the tail with 5 for 34.

5th XI Toil at Hadleigh

With the 5th XI struggling for personnel, they were content to dismiss Hadleigh & Thundersley for218 on Saturday. Vic Simmons (3-12), Tiraj Patel (2-18) and Ross Frost (2-40) all took wickets but the aching limbs of the ageing side were unable to offer too much support.
In reply, nobody offered much resistance and Green were dismissed for 106.

Green Win Back Kevan Ellis Trophy

The Fire Brigade struggled to 134 for 8 from their 40 overs in the annual game for the Kevan Ellis trophy at Central Park on Friday. Toast (2-11) picked up an early wicket and bowled economically. Ananda Krishnan also proved hard to get away as the brigade struggled to increase the scoring rate. Matt Simmons (2-16) and Pipey Harris (2-40), playing his first game for a while, also picked up wickets.
Chammy Mudalige (42) and Ian Gibbs (39) got Green off to a good start followed by a typically short but entertaining knock from Potter (21). Although a few late wickets fell, Matt Simmons saw Green home with 21 not out.

Smith Hammers Horndon

Royston Smith returned to form with a blistering 143 not out in the Sunday League game at Horndon-on-the-Hill. Ina game reduced to 37 overs a side, Smudger dominated the bowling with the help of Rob Glassberg (64 n.o.) and Gavin Castle (28) as Green amassed 260 for 3.
In reply, it was the 4th team players, Al Surrey (3 -46) and James Haylett (2-28), who did the damage with Lloyd Edwards (2-27) also picking up a couple of wickets as Horndon were dismissed for 185.