Jon Bayfield (23) and Annan Krishnan (36) got Green off to a quick start in the 40 over game against Waltham on Saturday. The partnership was broken when the former was run out after which Annan continued in partnership with Royston Smith(32). Several fielding lapses allowed an extension to the partnership but Annan was dismissed with the score on 80 when the visitors finally managed to cling on to a catch. The Inspector was soon found plumb LBW for 0 after which Rob Glassberg (74) dominated the rest of the innings with Fat Cas also striking the ball well for 29.
Smart catches by Royston Smith and Jon Bayfield set Waltham on the back foot and wickets continued to fall regularly as they reached 97 for 5. The introduction of Vic simmons (5-0-37-1) and Keith Mitchell livened up proceedings as the visitors continued to chase the target of 231. The fielding continued to impress with Royston Smith completing 3 catches and Bambi taking a spectacular one-handed catch running round the boundary at square leg.  Bones (3-38) then wrapped up proceedings with a return catch.

Bambi carried on in his customary 20/20 style blasting 60 from just 35 balls as Green set off at a cracking pace in the midweek friendly at Galleywod. On his departure Sir Harold (29) assumed control to take the score to 100. The 'golden duck kings', Neil Cook (56 n.o.) and Harry Potter (36), then combined in a 50 parnership until Harry was adjudged LBW. Josh Barnard soon followed setting the scene for Royston Smith. Smudger however was undone for just 4 by 'Deadly' Doug Shewring chopping the ball on. Al Surrey (34) and The Pig (16) helped take the score past 250, when the declaration came.
The Galleywood openers mad a solid start against Keith Mitchell(2-15) and Josh Barnard. Toast came on and struck immediately. Bones then picked up his first wicket but Toast produced something more spectacular with 4 wickets in 4 balls including the prized scalp of Minty, who was playing as a guest for the opposition. Galleywood's last pair showed defiance against Al Surrey, Royston Smith and Paul Hurworth until Bones returned to take the final wicket in a comfortable victory.

North Enfield Fall to Harry Potter Spell

The 1st XI posted a respectable total of 203 for 3 from their 40 overs in the Sunday friendly fixture against North Enfield. Bambi made 55 in his usual style and Rob Glassberg a hard hit 33. The ballast was provided by a typically stodgy innings of 60 not out by Mick Clarke.
The wickets of the home side were not easy to come by and so the ball was tossed to Paul Hurworth to try and entice some injudicious shots. Harry stole the show with 6 for 31 as Green ran out 10 run victors.

It Went That Way Sub

Rob Glassberg (66) and Royston Smith (84) added 117 for the 2nd wicket to put the 1st XI in a strong position in a 40 over friengly against Cloghams. When both departed, the rate slowed as Annan (20) and Gavin Castle (29 n.o.) sought to consolidate and it was left to Fat Cas 40 n.o.) to give the score a late boost with some fine hitting at the end.
When Aaron Hills removed the first of the home batsmen with 20 on the board, the total of 257 for 4 looked as if it might be enough. However, Dunmow (122) and Crouchman (56) scored at 6 an over and threatened to make an early finish. Ali Horne bowled with good control, conceding just 27 runs from his 8 overs but the batsmen continued to dominate until Annan (2-47) and Andy Cook (2-28) removed the pair in quick succession following a stand of 160. A flurry of wickets looked to put Green in with a chance but Millbank steered them to victory.
Fielding was of great importance but was difficult with low bright sunshine making it almost impossible to see. The Sub turned and chased one ball but as he turned the blinding light clearly effected him as he resembled a drunk chasin purposefully in the wrong direction. SA(t na)V received several helpful calls as to which way to go recalling the halcyon days of Bernie the Bolt. Alas the batsme managed to run 5 with barely a smirk.

Goochie's Maiden Ton Worth the Wait

The 5th XI travelled to play Rayleigh 3rd XI for their final match of 2005 at their splendid new ground in Rawreth Lane. After an early wicket for James Haylett (1-10) the hosts pressed on with R. Verrender and J. Atfield both passing 50. After spells from David Waters, Graham Bayfield and Adam Green, Malcolm Waters came into the attack and broke through at 111 bowling Atfield. Three quick wickets for Pipey (3-63) and one from Vic Simmons saw Rayleigh in trouble at 147-6, however tail end resistance took the final total to 207-8 with Green and Tiraj Patel picking up late wickets before the declaration.
The Green reply started slowly and had reached 24 when Alex Cason fell for two. At this point Neil Cook joined Garry Green and the run rate quickly picked up as they both raced past fifty. With not enough runs available for both players to score a century Cookie cut loose only to be bowled for 84 with the score on 186. Muddy Waters came to the wicket and gave “Goochie” all the strike as he inched towards a maiden century. With the scores level and three still required Rayleigh generously allowed three successive maidens to be played out before a pulled four saw the “ton” achieved and with it victory by eight wickets.
Thanks go to Rayleigh for their hospitality on the day and a match played in excellent spirit.

1st XI Reach Premier Division Thanks to Powell Ton

The 1st XI duly completed their Shepherd Neame League programme with victory in a close encounter at Orsett. The 20 points gained saw Green tie on points with Brentwood but the latter took the title because of their greater number of wins. The significance of the downpour where Green had the game against Brentwood at their mercy now holds even greater significance but it was ever thus in an English cricket season. Congratulations to Brentwood on their fine achievement and to Royston Smith who has led Ardleigh Green to the Premier Division for the first time in their history.
Jon Powell ended the season as he began it, with an impressive century enabling Green to declare on 202 for 8. Orsett, who needed to win to have any chance of survival, looked well placed to do so but a flurry of rash shots eventually cost them and they ended up 5 short of victory. Jo Jayasuriya did the main damage with 4 for 44 and Simon Jeffries took 2 for 39.

Gorsuch Steers 3rd XI to Title

Congratulations to John Coxall for leading the 3rd XI to the First Division title. Needing a win to ensure top spot, Green were frustrated by a late start and uncompromising visitors who batted on for nearly 57 overs to register 181 for 5 with John Coxall taking 3 for 57. However, Mark Gorsuch was in fine form and blasted a quick fire 70 as Green chased down the target for the loss of 4 wickets. There were good contributions too from Ian Gibbs (32 and Rob Newton (28).

Tonker, the New Walmsley

The 4th XI found an unlikely defensive pairing to save the game against Wanstead and ensure 2nd place against opponents who stood to leapfrog above them should the final wicket fall. Tonker Wyatt and James Haylett played out the last few overs, the former obviously benefiting from watching Keith Walmsley although with a slightly different technique.
Wanstead, knowing that 2 points would ensure 2nd place for Green, declared on 114 for 4 leaving a seemingly comfortable task. However the heavens opened and the covering of the wicket could not prevent a quagmire forming at one end. The promotion of Brad Scott as pinch hitter did not quite according to plan but all batsmen struggled at the wet end as Green slumped to 75 for 9. Aaron Hills was the only batsman to make an impact with 27. Al Surrey took 2 for 15 with Joanne Cook and James Haylett taking a wicket apiece.
Like the first XI, the 4ths had cause to regret the downpour which cost them probable victory against eventual champions Brentwood. However, Brentwood were the only side to defeat Green in the 2005 campaign and must be congratulated on their achievement.

Taters Career Best for 5ths

The 5th XI opposition, Ilford, cried off in midweek to ensure Green 2nd place in the table.
A friendly was arranged against Belhus II with Adam Green (54), Neil Cook (45), Josh Barnard (31) taking full advantage. Their was also a career best 37 n.o. for Steve Tatam as Green ran up 204 for 5.
Belhus had no answer to Jack Gray (3-11), Pipey Harris (3-17) and Garry Green (2-20) and were bowled out for 55 in just 26 overs.
This moved Pipey on to 87 wickets for the season with just a few games to go.

Green Fade After Potter Magic

Jon Bayfield (61) seemed to have an early evening appointment in mind as he set about the Gravesend bowlers in the midweek fixture at the Bat & Ball ground. Both opening bowlers suffered a succession of hard hit fours as Jon took advantage of a fast outfield. After the early departure of Keith Abbott, playing his first game of the season, Paul Hurworth (69) entered the fray and took his cue from Bambi, treating the Kiwi overseas star with contempt with some thunderous blows. Bambi departed and Cockinson retired with an injury. The batting that followed was fairly awful with no player able to score many runs or last more than a couple of overs as Green were dismissed for 180 in just 27.1 overs.
The bowling was much more respectable although the home side too got off to a fast start against Andy Glassberg and Lloyd Edwards. Pipey applied a slight brake but it was the introduction of Toast that put Green in with a chance as he caused problems to all batsmen in taking his 3 wickets. The Pig replaced Toast and was equally effective, also taking 3 wickets. However there was too much time available to create too much pressure, with 48 overs available, and Gravesend scraped home with an over and two wickets to spare despite a late burst from Andy Glassberg in which he took 2 wickets.

Bowlers Demolish Heath

Ian Russell (70), Jon Bayfield (12) and Royston Smith (26) threatened to amass a mammoth score as they set off at 9 an over against Chadwell Heath in their final Sunday League game. However, the unfortunate dismissal of Smith was followed by some poor batting and Green were bowled out for just 207 in 33 overs.
Lloyd Edwards (2-19) made the initial breakthrough with the assistance of a fine catch by Gavin Castle. Mick Clarke too got in on the act with 3 for 12 and Aaron Hills polished things off with 3 for 4 as the visitors were shot out for 66, a total boosted by some late dross by James Lock.

Sunday 2nds Struggle at St. Margaretsbury

The Sunday 2nd XI struggled to get a team out for their game against St Margaretsbury but gave a reasonable account of themselves in a 3 wicket defeat. Green made 167 for 5 with Paul Hurworth (48), Mick Barnard (44) and Chris Brett (30 n.o.) all making runs.
Pipey Harris was the most successful bowler with 2 for 44 as the home side eased home.

1st Team Title Hopes Crash at Home

An inept batting performance by the 1st XI virtually assured Brentwood of the title as Green failed to chase a modest 143 for victory, crashing to 123 all out. The gap at the top is now 16 points with the leaders only requiring 5 points from their last game to claim the title. Third place Colchester are 14 points adrift and so 7 points are required from the last game at Orsett to ensure promotion.
Jo Jayasuriya (4-29) and Simon Jeffries (3-18) were in fine form on a pitch receptive to spin at one end. However, their good work was undone by a series of rash shots, good catches and a touch of bad luck. Let us hope for greater application in the final game.

The Hawk Swoops in on Walthamstow

Russell Hawkins was in fine form with the ball as the 2nd XI dismissed fellow strugglers Walthamstow for 141 in the relegation battle on Saturday. Ali Horne (2-34) chipped in with a couple of wickets to set up a modest victory target.
Jon Bayfield (52) and Ahmed Kiani (36) were in no mood to hang around, giving Green a rousing start. James Lock was undefeated on 40 and The Inspector made a brief visit to the wicket to help knock off the winning runs in just 23 overs.
This result ensures 1st Division cricket for the 2nd XI next season and condemns Walthamstow to the drop.

Gorsy Blasts 3rds to Victory

A blazing 93 from Mark Gorsuch and 62 from Rob Newton set the 3rd XI on their way to a crucial victory against Wickford on Saturday. Russell Savidge (4-44) helped set up the victory target with four wickets as the hosts were restricted to 205 for 6 in 52 overs.
Victory against Harlow next week will ensure the title for the 3rds, who are already assured of promotion.

Hornchurch Don't Get The Point

Ken Moore (62) and Geoff Robinson (20) gave Green a reasonable start on pitch of variable bounce in the home league game played at Great & Little Warley's ground. Ken increased the tempo in partnership with Al Surrey (70 n.o.) and with useful contributions from Kevin Brailey and Herbie Gosnell (23 n.o.) stand-in skipper Tonker Wyatt was able to declare after 47 overs on 233 for 3.
The early declaration looked very optimistic as the Hornchurch openers took advantage of full tosses and long hops to cruise to 90 without loss. Dave Brown made a breakthrough but only James Haylett of the early bowlers managed a consistent line and length. Kevin Brailey was introduced to the attack and struck almost immediately but the odds still favoured the visitors at the start of the last hour. The Point (5-26) continued to take wickets to bring about a collapse which was finished off by a couple of wickets by Aaron Hills as the light faded.
Brentwood will win the title if they win their final match but the gap is now just 3 points so there is still a chance of the title. Green require 3 points from their final game against 3rd placed Wanstead to ensure 2nd place.

Fifths Hang On in the Gloom

The 5th XI were left hanging on for a draw in the gloom at Harold Wood on Saturday. The home side scored 227 for 5 with Pipey Harris taking 2 for 77. Only Kevin Chapman (34)made a significant contribution as Green struggled to 137 for 8.
A victory is required next Saturday to allow Green to leap-frog Harold Wood and finish 2nd in the table.