Ananda's Blast Shocks Wells

An early league cup exit looked likely as Green's early batting failed again in pursuit of Woodford Wells' total of 242. Alex Cason (37) joined Jacob Thompson (85 n.o.) and the pair set about steadying the response. However it was an explosive effort from Ananda Krishnan who scored 85 n.o. from just 39 balls who really changed the game and led Green to a 5 wicket victory. Earlier, Ananda had claimed 3 wickets for 47 with Aaron Hills (2-37) and Jacob Thompson (2-48) as the hosts set a challenging target.
The reverse fixture at Central Park saw the 2nd XI fall 20 runs short although there were some encouraging performances with the bat. Wells set an impressive 220 in their 45 overs but Martin cason(44 n.o.), Thomas Oakley (32), Mick Clarke (28), Matt Simmons (25 and Jack Taylor (23) all made runs as Green reached 200.
A pathetic batting display by the 3rd XI saw them bundled out by Goresbrook at Great & Little Warley. The bowling wasn't much better, although Chris Haylett took 2 for 11, and the fielding even worse with Suggs making an early claim for drop of the season.
Chris Cook (110 n.o.) and Jon Bayfield (92) made hay on the excellent track at High Roding. An opening partnership of 182 set Green on the way to a useful total. Potter fell cheaply whilst the Inspector manipulated the strike well to see Cookie through to his ton and ensure another red inker for himself. Mel Hussain was in excellent form for High Roding despite being nbeaten several times by James Duhig in an excellent opening spell. Surprisingly, James did not bowl his full quota of overs despite conceding 3.5 runs an over when everyone else was going at more than 6. Green fought back well in the field to take the game to it's final over but the result was seldom in doubt on such a good surface.
Belhus had no difficulty in passing the 2nd XI's meagre total of 136 for 8 from 40 overs. Ian Gibbs made 38 but there was little else to speak of. The visitors passed the toatl without losing any wickets and with 17 overs to spare.

Belligerent Potter Smashes Hartley

Heavy rain during the week saw the surprisingly early cancellation of the 3rd XI game at High Beach. However, the 1st and 2nd Xis both managed to fulfil fixtures at Hartley Country Club where the 1st XI were found wanting on a wet wicket. Only Rumesh Gunalan (29) and Royston Smith (26)made any sort of impression with the bat as Green were bowled out for just 95. The home side were not particularly inconvenienced in passing the total for the loss of 4 wickets, two of these falling to Ramesh Gunalan (2-26).
There were plenty of fireworks on the adjacent square where Potter blasted an undefeated 86 which included 9 sixes and 4 fours. With Thomas Oakley (66 n.o.) batting extremely well at the other end, the 2nd XI got home by 9 wickets with more than 11 overs to spare. A good bowling performance had set up the victory with Munesh Gunalan ((3-24), Chris Haylett (2-2) and Mick Clarke (3-15) taking the main honours as Hartley were dismissed for 168.
On Sunday Grays and Chadwell set a useful total of 204 in the 40 over game at Central Park. Kames Duhig(2-15), Aaron Hills (2-34) and Ramesh Gunalan (2-40) all bowled well in restricting the visitors. Jacob Thompson dominated the reply with 82 n.o. being ably supported by Alex Cason (36) and Ramesh Gunalan (27).
The Sunday 2nd XI got off to a winning start despite losing the top of their batting order very cheaply. Potter (30) led the recovery in his own style before becoming overly-ambitious whilst Clouseau started his not out count for the year with a patient 71. There was a leg-side cameo from James Haylett with 21. James (3-8) was in good form with the ball too as he and Paul Simmons (2-17) put the home side on the back foot. Ted Patel (3-15) weighed in with 3 wickets to finish the job. James Haylett's fine all-round performance set him up nicely for a DW where he will be hoping for another leg-side cameo.

Honours Even in the Big Shoot Out

The 1st XI season had a belated start following the cancellation of the fixture at Penn Street because of the rain. It was Easter Monday when things finally got underway with Green welcoming several new players including Jacob Thompson from Australia. The cricket itself was merely a sub-plot to a shoot out billed as the greatest since Wyatt Earp faced the Clantons at the OK Corral. The role of Marshall was taken by Tony Clark with the upstart being Ron Anthony.
First blood went to Ron with Ricky Gill (47), following a bright and breezy start, being gunned down by Ron's lightning trigger finger. Jacob Thompson (43), Ananda Krishnan (42) and Smudger (31) all mad useful early season runs but Green faded from a promising start to be dismissed for 223 without using all their overs. At this point, Ron had 3 notches on his gun to Clarky's single.
Green looked set for a fairly comfortable victory when 4 early wickets fell quite cheaply but the middle order showed great resilience and turned the game completely on its head. However, Ricky (3-17) and Jacob (3-35) made the breakthrough which saw Green through to a 5 run victory in an enjoyable opener. Tony Clark had put the upstart Ron firmly in his place to level at 3-3.
There were no fears about the weather at Hockerill as the 2nd XI started the season two days earlier. Jacob Thompson must have had mixed feelings about a switch in game on a cold and wet afternoon but he flourished on his debut with 72. Martin Cason (42), Jon Bayfield (35 n.o.) and Clouseau (29) all batted well as Green posted 203 for 4 in their 40 overs. A variety of bowlers too found form and were backed up by some good catching in which Bambi and The Pig excelled with 3 apiece. The wicket takers were John Coxall (2-15), Tiraj Patel (2-16),Matt Simmons (2-20) and Jacob (2-29) as Green prevailed by 51 runs in this traditional opening fixture.

Stan Hurlin

It is with regret that we have, belatedly, to advise of the passing of Stan Hurlin. Stan was always pleasant company and played between 1975 and 1982. He was part of the undefeated 3rd XI in 1975. Remembered by Captain Gloom for catching his cap.

Feisty 'D's Just Miss Promotion

The "D" team produced an excellent team performance in their final indoor game of the season against a youthful Hornchurch Athletic side which ultimately saw them go down with 4 balls to spare.
Having been inserted they got away to a good start as Matt Simmons (26) & The Pig (11) provided some early momentum. Luke Hartman fell for 1 but the late scramble for a potential match winning total saw both Cockinson (7) & James Duhig (0) run out. There was however a cameo unbeaten 12 from Bones to entertain the crowd as he drove the fielders to despair with his push and run tactics, including one magical moment where two batsman found themselves at the same end yet somehow survived ! The final total of 70-5 was enough to ensure a competitive match and so it proved to be.
The HA reply was well paced as The Deputy (3 overs 0-16), Bones (3 overs 1-22), Simmons (3 overs 0-12) & The Pig (2.2 overs 1-16) all bowled well aided by an above average performance in the field. In the end though Athletic deservedly crept over the line to grab the second promotion spot leaving Green in third place after what has been an enjoyable indoor season.

Dyson Has His Herbie Moment

It was interesting to watch John Dyson, coach of the West Indies cricket team, call his players off the field when trailing by 1 run under the Duckworth-Lewis method and so hand the game to England. Members of the 4th XI will appreciate that miscalculations can occur in cricket especially when Herbie Gosnell is in charge of the book.
Herbie for England coach?

Pathetic 'B's Bowled Out for 15

The 'B' tam slumped to an embarrassing defeat in their final indoor game against Havering. Potter set the tone with his traditional first over duck. Brownie got off the mark without eve demonstrating how and Cookie went first ball to a good catch of the ceiling (where else?). Fat Cas didn't fare much better leaving The Pig and Cockinson to repair the damage. With 9 overs left, a period of accumulation looked to be the order of the day but the Pig (doubtless Bopara's running coach) immediately called for a sharp single leaving Cockinson stranded. The Pig didn't seem to fancy the long haul and Green were dismissed for a mere 15.
The only consolation was an early visit to the pub as Havering knocked off the runs without alarm.

'D' s Keep Outside Chance Alive Inside

The "D" team kept their promotion hopes alive with a convincing victory over Noak Hill Taverners "C" at St. Edwards School on Sunday. After electing to field they lacked their usual sharpness with runs coming far to easily despite Bones' miserly three overs which cost only 8. James Duhig (2-15) & The Pig (2-23) both claimed wickets aided by a Luke Hartman catch and a 'lightning' stumping by Cockinson plus a "bowled" apiece. With French retiring on 25 NHT were able to set a challenging total of 77-4.
It was important that the Green reply kept up with the rate and there was some concern after the first two overs only produced six runs. However after over number three accrued 22 there was no looking back. Although Matt Simmons departed for 17, The Pig 27 (retired), Hartman (25 n.o.) & Cockinson (1 n.o.) kept things going apace as a number of sixes saw the target reached with two overs to spare.
The win moves Green back into third place in the table setting up a final game promotion "showdown" with second placed Hornchurch Athletic. The title though should be beyond both of them unless Rainham "B" implode in their final match against Abridge.

'A's Get Tied Up

The 'A' team brought all the big guns for their latest indoor class against Seven Kings. sadly the word 'big' related to girth rather than anything else with The Pig, Toast and Cockinson being called in to replace the regulars. Potter, of course, plays in every game going and Joel Barnett had is first outing for the Green with Thomas Oakley completing the six.
It was an inspired bowling and fielding performance. Toast was particularly miserly and took an early wicket. The Pig, Albury, Potter and Joel also bowled tidily and were backed up by some excellent fielding. Potter took a stunning catch off the ceiling, Joel picked up a couple whilst Thomas and The Pig claimed one apiece.
57 was not the most challenging score but any score can prove a challenge to the regulars from the 'B' team. Potter got himself out early after which Joel and Thomas built a good platform, taking the score to 40 with the former playing more expansively to keep up with the rate. The wicket of Albury precipitated a collapse as Joel and Toast soon followed. The Pig and Cockinson chipped away at the total in a stand that included some telepathic running (well there was no other apparent reason to run). Cockinson fell at the start of the last over and The Pig took the score to 56 with 2 balls left. The next ball was played off the wall but Cockinson was run out following a collision with a fielder and the game was tied.
It is hoped that the remaining games will be quieter affairs.

JP Takes Over 1st XI as the Blizzard Rages During the AGM

The Annual General Meeting took place at the pavilion on Sunday with heavy snow falling outside. Jon Powell was voted in as first XI captain with Martin Cason taking over the 2nd XI. Andy Cook stays in charge of the 3rd XI with The Hanger moving up to the 4th XI from the 5ths where he is replaced by The Panther. Ivor takes over in midweek and Matt Simmons continues with the Sunday 2nd XI. All of the administrative posts remain unaltered.

Three Out of Three for Green Indoors

Green's indoor teams finished January in good style with the 'B','C' and 'D' teams all recording victories.
The "D" team got their stuttering indoor league season back on track with a comfortable victory over promotion rivals Havering "B" in the latest round of matches at St. Edwards School.
Electing to field the Green opening attack produced six tight overs from James Duhig (1-7) and Luke Hartman (1-6) with the wickets arriving courtesy of catches from The Pig and The Panther respectively. Another catch from The Pig saw Matt Simmons (1-20) amongst the wickets in his first spell for nearly a year following his shoulder injury last March. Some splendid late hitting from Chinnery (25 n.o.) & Kevin Thain 19 (n.o.) saw Havering post an unlikely but competitive 61-3 as The Pig's took some punishment with his 3 overs going for 20.
The Green reply saw the "youthful" pairing of The Hanger and The Pig at the wicket and aided by plenty of extra's from the Havering bowlers they closed in on their target with few alarms. With 56 on the board, The Hanger departed LBW (looked plumb from here) for 23 leaving The Pig (25 n.o.) to strike the winning boundary with 7 balls to spare.
The victory moves Green back up into third place in a division where 5 teams are still in the promotion hunt. However having lost two matches already two further wins will be required plus other results going their way if they are to dislodge the top two.
Graham Cook was the only player to show any form with the bat in the 'B' team game against May & Baker. Cookie managed to score 25 including 4 sixes batting in his usual style. The early batting (if, indeed Potter falls into that category) of Paul Hurworth and a brace of Casons looked comfortable enough but got themselves out to ambitious shots. Toast and Cockinson hardly demonstrated any batting dominance with the latter being bamboozled by some extravagant movement. However a score of 70 was quite respectable and seemed even more so with Toast taking a wicket in the first over. Wickets fell regularly as Alex Cason, The Fat Man, Cookie, Toast and Potter all bowled with great control to dismiss May & Baker for 54.
The 'C' team bowling attack was on top form against Seven Kings 'B', dismissing them for just 26. Green lost 3 wickets in pursuit of the total but ended up comfortable winners.

Over 40s Finish 4th as Hutton Retain Indoor Title

In a disappointing performance, the Over 40s finished in 4th place in the indoor tournament at Chelmsford. Having played their 'get out of jail free card' against Great Baddow on the group stage game, there were no such heroics this time. The bowling lacked its usual control, although Muddy and The Pig tried manfully to stem the flow of runs,  as a good all-round Baddow side made 95 in their 10 overs. In response Green made a slow start and could never really catch up with the required rate. Sir Harold top scored with 24 with Fat Cas making 17 but it was an inspired Bones (17) and Toast (16) who managed to get Green close but sadly finished 2 runs short.
The final which followed was won by a youthful looking Hutton side who set Hornchurch a fairly daunting target. Hornchurch were never really in the hunt but may have got closer if they had opted to use the side wall rather than beat the 3 men posted on the back wall.

Stodgy Bones Can't Rescue 'D' Team

The 'D' team put together a lamentable batting performance after the bowlers had restricted Rainham to 65. James Duhig bowled 3 economical overs in which he picked up a wicket and there was admirable support from Potter, the Pig and Bones.
New, pads and gloves could only mean one thing for Potter and he duly obliged with a first ball happy new year offering to Rainham. Rob Duhig was unlucky to be caught of the wall by the wicket keeper. Keith Mitchell and James Duhig did not seem to realise that runs could be accumulated by running and Green fell well behind the rate. The Pig fell cheaply and it was left to Cockinson and Bones to try and eek out a few bonus points. Bones' claims of great batting deeds seemed hollow as he took 8 overs to get off the mark but at least he stayed until the final over with Green some 16 runs adrift.
 

Over 40s Sent Crashing in Semi-Final

The Over 40s were sent crashing out of the indoor league after a less than inspiring performance against Hutton. It all began so well when Toast's first ball was struck straight at the Pig. However, the bowling lacked the usual control and the fielding showed signs of age as Hutton recovered to post a useful total of 99.
Green began solidly but showed little imagination in trying to beat fielders posted on the back wall rather than mix it up with some dabs to the side walls and were soon behind the rate. The innings subsided leaving Green over 20 runs short with wickets in hand and will now face Great Baddow in the 3rd/4th place match next Friday.