Renegade Costs 'A' Team the Title

The 'B' side arrived for their vital indoor league game to find a jubilant Al Surrey tunelessly chanting about the 'A' side's success in gaining promotion. The 'B' side required a point against top of the table Harold Wood to avoid the drop. An unlikely victory by a sufficient margin could hand the title to the 'A' team.
Skipper Toast was axed after missing the only two victories of the season leaving The Pig in charge. However, Toast was still around to advise The Pig to bat first on winning the toss. The Pig made the unusual decision to open with Graham Cook and Cockinson. The Wood obviously meant business as they formed a huddle prior to the game.
Unusually, Graham Cook survived beyond the second over hitting some fine blows before retiring. Even more unusually, Cockinson managed a straight six before being caught at point. The Onion perished first ball letting in Gorsy. Gorsy struck his first ball very hard for a flat six endangering the life of the missing  skipper but after Clouseau had been dismissed for a fine 24, The Pig ran him out with only a few balls left. This was an unusually good performance with the bat by the 'B' team who recorded their highest score (95) of the indoor season.
The Pig struck early having the skipper caught behind. The bowling was generally tight with Gorsy, Clouseau and Graham Cook putting the potential champions behind the clock. With time running out, it seemed that the winning margin might be sufficient to see the 'A' team to the title but, inexplicably, The Pig brought the field in to allow an easy 4 to take Wood to their secondary target. Having run out the Such, The Pig was immediately branded a fifth columnist and banished to Navestock for the Summer. It was a shame that Al Surrey's face could not be viewed as the winning runs were struck.
Congratulations to Chris Cook on getting the 'A' side promoted - a great improvement on last year's skippering by Smudger and Gibbo.

Under 13s Reach Quarter Finals

Ardleigh Green U/13     63 a/o (9.3 overs)
Witham U/13                50 a/o (10 overs)

AGCC won by 13 runs

Green went into their final group match against Witham needing a minimum of five bonus points to be certain of reaching the quarter finals of the competition having won three of their previous four games.

After losing the toss and being inserted Alex Cason and Thomas Oakley got Green away to a steady start with sixteen from the first three overs. However in the fourth over both Oakley (10) and Tiraj Patel (0) were run out by superb direct hits to put Witham back into the game. Green attempted to consolidate, but when Matt Simmons was bowled and Chris Haylett stumped (both for three) things looked ominous. Cason however found a determined ally in James Haylett and the pair rebuilt the innings. Haylett was eventually run out for four but Cason went on to be last out for a splendid 33 with three balls remaining, incredibly to a fourth direct hit run out. The final total of 63 was below par but defendable given Green’s bowling line up and four wickets would ensure the required five bonus points.

James Haylett and Simmons opened the bowling with the breakthrough coming in the third over via a run out. The next over saw Simmons grab two wickets, the first bowled and the second an excellent “wall” catch by Cason. Patel and Cason then produced four fine overs for just fifteen runs including another run out to put Green firmly in control. The penultimate over of the innings saw Simmons (3-13) take the

fifth wicket courtesy of Chris Haylett’s catch at square leg. From James Haylett’s (1-21) final ball of the match opener Facey departed for 27 to a good catch from Patel at mid off as Green ran out winners more comfortably than the thirteen run margin might suggest.

Their opponents in the last eight on March 20^th will be Upminster whom they defeated in the group stages from the final ball of the match.

Mudlarks Seek Level Playing Field

The latest round of ground improvements provided plenty of incident - follow this link.

Under 13s Back to Winning Ways

Chelmsford Indoor League Under 13's

Ardleigh Green vs. South Woodham Ferrers

Green went in to this game against the division leaders looking to bounce back from their previous defeat. After losing the toss and being inserted, Green lost Thomas Oakley for 3 but Alex Cason put bat to ball to retire at 25 after only 3 overs. The further loss of Chris Haylett, also for 3, left Tiraj Patel and James Haylett at the crease. They put on 41 before Patel retired for 26 and, with time running out, last man Billy Greaves was run out off the penultimate ball for 3. James Haylett scored 3 from the final ball to finish unbeaten on 22, leaving Green with an excellent total of 103 for 3 from their 10 overs.
Green's bowling was steady with Billy Greaves showing good control to restrict the opening pair. The introduction of Patel and Cason put the game beyond South Woodham with Cason taking a wicket in his opening over and then Patel taking 2 with the last 2 balls of his 2nd over. Unfortunately the chance of a hat-trick proved too much as the first ball of his next over produced a wide ! Patel finished with 2 for 26 from 3 overs and Cason 1 for 12 off 2 overs as Ferrers finished on 80 for 5 following a couple of late run outs, leaving Green victors by 23 runs.

AGCC: A. Cason, T. Patel, T. Oakley, C. Haylett, J. Haylett, B. Greaves.

Under 13s Slip to First Defeat

Green’s under 13’s slipped to their first defeat in the competition after a lack lustre performance against Hutton.
After choosing to field their normally reliable out cricket failed to deliver as Hutton were able to make steady progress thanks to plenty of extras and some sloppy fielding. A breakthrough was finally achieved by Tiraj Patel who picked up 2-16 (both bowled) from his two overs and Matt Simmons 1-16 (three overs) courtesy of a smart stumping from Scott Daws. Despite this recovery T. Patterson’s unbeaten 25 saw Hutton to a useful total of 78-3 from their ten overs.
Determined not to fall behind the required rate as in their previous game Green set out to attack the bowling and after four overs had 28 on the board. Disastrously though four wickets had been lost, due to a combination of some rather injudicious shots plus Alex Cason falling to a superb catch at point for six. Simmons and James Haylett dug in and managed to see out the overs closing on 64-5 with Simmons finishing unbeaten on 29.
The batting bonus points accrued may yet prove crucial as the defeat has opened up a group that Green looked to be in control of. With two matches left to play at least one victory will be required if they are to make the last eight of the competition, as the top two in each group plus the best two third placed teams go into the hat for the quarter final draw.

Skipper's Absence Ensures Victory

The 'B' Team pulled off an unexpected win in their Sunday League encounter with Hornchurch. Graham Cook gave the traditional fast start and even managed to stay into the 2nd over. Fat Cas managed some fine blows before he and Cockinson perished in quick succession to leave the fragile batting line up struggling. However, The Pig and Inspector Clouseau batted and ran superbly and coped adequately from the succession of short pitched deliveries which boosted the extras total. The Inspector retired in the last over and The Pig was bowled off the final ball of the innings with the score on a respectable 83.
The target did not seem to big enough against a strong Hornchurch side but The Whale made an early breakthrough but it was Clouseau who seemed to pose the greatest threat. The fielding was up to its customary standard, without the agile Onion, as spilt catches and misfields boosted the Hornchurch score.  Fat Cas had to pull out of one chance to avoid demolishing the back wall. The Pig recovered from a horrendous first over to bowl tidily and generally the bowling stood up well against some fierce hitting. With 10 required off the last over, Graham Cook cleaned out the opposition skipper to secure victory by 9 runs.
This was only the second victory of the season, both of which have been secured without the services of skipper Toast. We trust he will be available to lead us to defeat in the final game. Cockinson collected the subs.

Rowdies in the West End

Be warned, if you go and watch this show, you may come across a rowdy element who may spoil your enjoyment. Recently, a small crowd from the outskirts of Greater London were evicted from the Strand Theatre in London for such behaviour. Further details can be obtained fromThe Chair or 'Tonker' Wyatt.

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Chris Cook Leads 'A' Team to Unexpected Victory

Chris Cook led the 'A' Team to an unexpected victory against the 'B's in the indoor league on Sunday by scoring over half of his side's total of 72. Rob Glasberg was snaffled by Inspector Clouseau but Chris made steady progress towards retirement whilst Smudger struggled to make an impression despite surviving a fierce chance to The Onion. Al Surrey provided the entertainment by playing everything with the leading edge and surviving a chance to skipper Toast at slip who was distracted by the mirth of the situation.
Fat Cas, fresh from his sprawling crash in the nets when bowling round the wicket, was given a safer brief in keeping wicket. He had to be at his best as the negative leg-side tactics were adopted by all of the 'A' team bowlers. The 'B' team batting showed the same form as it has all season and so never threatened the target.

Raphael No Show in Play Off

The play off for 3rd place did not materialise as Raphael pulled out very late in the day. The final was a one sided affair with Warriors winning by 4 wickets with over 4 overs to spare. Colchester managed 75 from their 12 overs but did not have the bowling to restrict Warriors.

Missing Mint(y) Leaves a Hole

Green crashed out of the Over 40s competition at the semi final stage to the favourites Warriors. In a peculiar ruling Green, who had one their group, were drawn against the winners of the other group rather than the runners-up. The surprised beneficiaries were Colchester who duly made the final.
A creditable bowling and fielding performance restricted Warriors to 94 from their 12 overs. The Pig and Clouseau took key wickets early but luck was in short supply as the favourites recovered. Minty was a late withdrawal due to illness which left a hole in batting and bowling.
The Silver Fox perished in the first over and Gibbo and Clouseau found it tough going against an accurate attack. As Green fell well behind the required rate, desperation crept in leading to a series of run outs. Only The Pig batted with any credit as Green were dismissed for 56.

Absent Gorsy Costly for 'B' Team

The 'B' team crashed to another comprehensive defeat in the indoor league on Sunday. Getting Gorsy to the game can sometimes be difficult but with festivities rife throughout December, it was perhaps a touch too optimistic to select him for this game.
Skipper Toast decided to lead from the front by opening the batting only to be inconvenienced by blinding sunlight due to the early start. Cockinson does not need any help in being blinded as was acknowledged by one of the officials who mistook him for the caretaker. The team entered unusual territory by not losing a wicket in the first over and the early rate was respectable, if not spectacular. However, both batsmen got bogged down with Toast giving a master class in how not to play leg spin. Toast was run out trying an optimistic single to a man a few yards away letting in Inspector Clouseau who departed cheaply after patting one back to the bowler. Cockinson retired on 25 allowing The Pig to run out Thomas Oakley (Gorsy's replacement) without facing and demonstrating how he had watched Toast's tuition by advancing miles down the track to be stumped. The Whale is obviously of the Keith Mitchell school of running and, having survived being run out by half a pitch length due to a fumble by the keeper, was then run out twice (once as a runner for the last man).
The bowling, for once, was even worse as Havering set about The Pig, The Whale and The Inspector. Scoring was very easy and , despite JD getting a breakthrough and Gavin Castle taking a superb low catch off his own bowling, the target was achieved with many overs to spare.
The Inspector now faces disciplinary action after failing to show up for the post match drink.

Ken Lyons

It is with great sadness that we report the death of one of our life members, Ken Lyons.

Ken played from the mid 1970s to the early 80s as a bowler who could generate a fair bit of zip from a short run. Ken gave magnificent service for over 25 years in the role of treasurer. He was a lovely man who was popular with club members of all ages. We will cherish fond memories of the good times, on and off the field.

Castle and Gibbs See Over 40s to Semi Final

Green qualified for the semi finals of the Over 40s competition at Chelmsford following a win against previously unbeaten Colchester & east Essex.
For the first time in the competition, batsmen were able to play a few shots against Gavin Castle and it was Keith Mitchell and Mick Barnard who had to apply the brake. Bones took 1 for 14 off 3 overs and was backed up by some good fielding which produced 3 run outs as Colchester were restricted to 78 for 4 from their 10 overs.
Skipper Steve Gawler promoted himself to opener in the absence of Sir Harold but perished 2nd ball to a good catch off a rebound from the side wall. Mick Barnard hit a splendid six but then played a horrible smear and was bowled. With a thin batting line up this spelt trouble for Green but Clouseau and Gibbo batted superbly. The Inspector was first to retire on 25 and Gibbo (30) reached his retirement with his second six. Keith Mitchell returned to a more accustomed batting role until running himself out for 0 at which point the Inspector(37 not out) joined Coxy and hit the first two balls of the final over for four to secure the 3 wicket victory. Cockinson made his most telling contribution so far by taking control of the scorebook.

Dramatic Turnaround Sees Under 13s Victorious

Green’s under 13’s retained their 100% record in the Chelmsford League courtesy of a 4 wicket victory over Upminster who must still be wondering how they lost a game they had looked in control of throughout.

With most of the side having been involved in a soccer cup match that had gone to extra time earlier in the day it was perhaps not surprising that the normally reliable Green bowling and fielding lacked it’s usual zest. Upminster accumulated runs steadily throughout their 10 overs, with James Aggio-Brew retiring on 25 as they totalled 82-1. Green’s solitary wicket came in the penultimate over from Tiraj Patel.

The Green reply was somewhat pedestrian as they reached 39-2 after 7 overs with both Scott Daws (4) and Patel (3) having been run out. However the arrival of the effervescent under eleven Chris Haylett batting at four got things moving as the eighth over produced 12 runs including an all run six. The ninth over saw another thirteen runs scored including a splendid six over mid off from Haylett, leaving an unlikely nineteen required from the final over. When Alex Cason struck the first ball of the over for a straight six Green sensed they still had a chance despite Cason having to retire for a patient thirty. New batsman Matt Simmons took three from the next delivery followed by another three from Haylett. The fourth delivery produced three byes and when Haylett collected two runs from the penultimate ball it left two required for victory from the final ball. At this point Haylett retired for an excellent twenty five bringing his elder brother James to the non strikers end. The final ball was turned behind square by Simmons for four (including an overthrow) with Haylett comfortably making his ground to cap a remarkable turnaround.

Telescopic Gorsy Catches Out Heath

The 'B' side secured their first win of the Winter despite another abysmal batting display. Stand-in skipper, The Pig, lost the toss which put aside any stupid notions about fielding first. Gorsy provided the customary fast start with a dozen off the first over but also provided the opposition with the customary early wicket by failing to see out the over. Clouseau encountered his nemesis in the form of umpire Tony Clark in the next over. The world of Walmsley was brought to the indoor arena as Cockinson and The Onion sought to repair the damage until the former was out chasing a wide. The Pig provided some early calling to get the scoreboard ticking over but failed to take advantage of being dropped by missing a straight one next ball. With only The Whale left for company, The Onion batted sensibly (at least, by comparison with the others) to scramble towards the meagre total of 54.
Chadwell Heath too set off with some gusto but showed the same kamikaze instincts with a ridiculous run out. With Heath seemingly in charge, the next batsman flicked the ball off his legs. Gorsy anticipated the shot and set off in pursuit but unfortunately went in the wrong direction. Belatedly realising his mistake, he extended his telescopic arm from whence he came to take a remarkable and unexpected catch. This seemed to turn the game Green's way with the next batsman just as unfortunate to be dismissed by a catch by The Onion. The remaining batting disintegrated with the last man being stumped by Cockinson who would otherwise only have contributed by collecting the subs.
Skipper Toast is due to return for the next game unless he manages to book yet another holiday - Lapland may be appropriate.

John Coyne Elected as Club President

After many years' service as club President, John Jillings has decided to call it a day. John's attachment to the club has in no way diminished but he has now moved outside the area and is unable to attend as regularly as he would like.
John Coyne has been elected to succeed him with the unanimous approval of the club. Ken Lyons proposed a vote of thanks to the work that John Jillings has done for he club which was wholeheartedly endorsed by those assembled at the annual general meeting.
There is little change in the officers for 2005. The Saturday skippers for the first 4 teams remain the same with Vic Simmons taking the 5th XI, who will be contesting league fixtures for the first time. Chris Cook takes over the 1st XI on Sunday with The Sub as vive captain. It was not surprising that The Sub won the vote after an adjournment to the gentlemen's toilet,
For a full list of officers, follow this link.

Mr Keith Mitchell - An Apology

We have received a complaint on behalf of Mr Keith Mitchell. To see details of the complaint and our sincere apology, please follow this link.

Comfortable Win for Over 40s

The Green had a fairly comfortable win against Britannic Lodge to move close to a semi final spot in the Over 40s competition at Chelmsford. Skipper Minty inserted Britannic Lodge and Gavin Castle had one of the openers stumped in the 2nd over of the innings . Keith Mitchell followed up with an LBW in the next over and, although one of the openers managed to retire with 25, wickets fell regularly as Lodge mustered 57. The Inspector was determined to get his money's worth as he batted throughout without being hurried. Clearly he was labouring under some form of leg injury as running singles seemed to be beyond him. At the other end, Sir Harold played some fine shots and Gibbo added a little urgency as the target was achieved for the loss of one wicket.

U13s Start With a Win

The under 13's got off to a winning start in their first match of the indoor season with a comfortable win over Brentwood.
Having lost the toss and being inserted, Green got off to a slow start losing Alex Cason for 4. Scott Daws with 12 and Triaj Patel, who top scored with 19, then began to get the board ticking over before a flurry of wickets in the last couple of overs left James Haylett 3 n.o. and Billy Greaves 4 n.o. to push the total up to 79 - 5 following Matt Simmons exit for a duck.
The bowling and fielding were better than the batting with James Haylett and Billy Greaves bowling the opening 4 overs taking 1 - 13 and 2 -12 respectively. A run out by Matt Simmons left the Brentwood team at 28 - 4 after 4 overs, which became 28 - 5 after Matt Simmons first ball was tickled behind and the catch was taken by Scott Daws. Tiraj Patel then came on and the final wicket fell after only 2 more balls as James Haylett ran out the last man leaving Brentwood all out for 28.
Overall a win by 51 runs but tougher tests lie ahead.

Poor Fielding Costs 'B' Side

The 'B' team slipped to their 2nd successive defeat in the Sunday Indoor League after some woeful fielding against Noak Hill. In all 20 runs were needlessly conceded with two dropped catches going for six and an easy run out eluding the fielder's grasp for 4 with a further straightforward miss also going for 4. In a total of 74 this amounted to considerable generosity.
Graham Cook began well striking 10 from the first over but Clouseau went cheaply in the next. Graham Cook then tried to repeat his early six and was caught and bowled and Mark Gorsuch began his indoor season in customary fashion with a duck. The Pig and Cockinson tried to repair the damage and took the score beyond 50 although falling behind the required rate. Cockinson was then run out as was The Whale. The Pig soldiered on in vain but could not avoid the 8 run defeat.

Bowlers Throttle Old Brentwoods

Green's bowlers once again applied a stranglehold to ensure a fourth successive victory in the over 40s indoor competition. Sent in by Old Brentwoods, Sir Harold was dismissed in the first over after one splendid 4. However, The Inspector and The Pig scored at a very good rate with Clouseau retiring on 25. The Pig was dismissed for 24 after which Gibbo and Cockinson tried to maintain the earlier rate with Cockinson getting off the mark with a running style taken from the Norman Wisdom coaching book. Both perished in the last couple of overs but Keith Mitchell's deft Chinese cuts saw the score move on to a respectable 110.
The Pig kept things tight and Gavin Castle proved difficult to get away with his turn and bounce which produced the first wicket with a catch by Steve Gawler. Bones took the first of his two wickets with his first ball and Gibbo picked up a couple bowling straight to a full length. Old Brentwoods were never really in the hunt and finished less than halfway to their target after 10 overs.

Over 40s Make It Three in a Row

The Over 40s made it three wins in a row when they defeated Roding Valley at Chelmsford on Friday. Victory seemed remote after a poor batting performance set the Valley just 74 to win. Gavin Castle (22) and Sir Harold (21) continued their recent run scoring success but at a slow rate which saw only 16 scored from the first 4 overs. When The Inspector was dismissed, The Pig boosted the rate in his 4 ball innings of 9 but, with Minty being run out first ball and Sir Harold perishing to the next delivery, Green were in trouble. The score received a late boost from Gibbo and Bones who managed 15 between them off the last over with Gibbo hitting a flat six and Bones unexpectedly mustering 9 n.o.
By contrast, the bowling and fielding were excellent. Keith Mitchell and Gavin Castle shared 6 overs for 11 runs to apply a stranglehold and the pressure resulted in 4 run outs in a 10 over total of 39 for 5.

Clouseau Turns Over Fives

Master tactician, Dave Lock, announced his surprise appearance at the Over 40s match by winning the toss and asking Pipey Harris to bowl the first over against Fives & Heronians. At 15 for 0 this did not appear to be such a good move but the skipper (2-7) rescued the situation with 2 wickets in the next over including a catch by Keith Mitchell (2 games in a row!). Inspector Clouseau then continued his good form with the ball taking two wickets in the 3rd over, one with the assistance of a catch by Dave Lock, yes Dave Lock! Fives were in some disarray and Gavin Castle (4-4) duly finished them off for 38 in his 2nd over.
The Inspector and Sir Harold made a fine start with Sir H carrying on his form of the previous week before being bowled for 12. Gavin Castle (16 n.o.) and Dave Lock (5 n.o.) completed the 5 wicket victory in the 6th over.

'C' Team Lose Off Last Ball

The 'C' team lost their first game of the indoor season off the last ball to Goresbrook. Batting first, Green made a a useful 84 for 3 with both Jon Bayfield and Chris Cook retiring on 25.
With Chris Cook (1-18) and Jack Taylor (1-20) both picking up wickets, Goresbrook lost wickets regularly but just managed to squeeze home.

Sir Harold Leads Over 40s To First Victory

The 5 men of the over 40s took the field with some trepidation without their star fielder, Dave Lock, who failed to show. There was concern that the first over might curtail the post match refreshment until it was realised that the proliferation of wides from The Pig did not extend the over beyond 6 deliveries. However, The Inspector was very difficult to play, extracting both spin and steep bounce to claim 1 for 9 from 3 overs. There was an unexpected bonus in Clouseau's first over as Bones stooped low to take a well judged catch. The bowling was fairly tidy and the invisible man was an adequate substitute at square leg for the missing Lock. Basildon were restricted to 76 for 3 from their 10 overs.
The game plan was to let Gavin Castle to get to 25 and retire allowing the others to bat around him. Plan B was called into operation after Clouseau dragged the first ball of the innings onto the stumps with a horrible smear. Sir Harold seemed in good form and started to repair the damage with the assistance of Cockinson (11). Sir Harold duly retired and Cockinson's dismissal allowed for the display of Keith Mitchell's batting talents. Surprisingly he and The Pig (13 n.o.) batted with reasonable comfort making the scores level with one over to go. The Green camp were still nervous with one run required as Bones (10) was facing. Having blocked the first couple, he failed to defy the bookies' odds and was bowled. This allowed Sir Harold (28 n.o.) to come back in and score the winning run.

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