Mixed Fortunes Indoors as 2008 Ends

The "D" team's perfect start to the indoor season went horribly wrong in Sunday's festive encounter against a competent Abridge side following a lack lustre performance.
With the opposition bowlers taking the pace off the ball only Adam Green & Matt Simmons made it into double figures as Green crawled to 53 all out from the full 12 overs with four run out's adding to their woe. The Abridge reply was a positive one and it was quickly apparent that the total was  not defendable despite The Pig's excellent three over spell. Wickets for James Duhig & Adam Green (both courtesy of smart catches by Fraser King) and a couple of run out's ensured 4 bonus points but Green were left to rue a couple of dropped catches plus missed run out chances as Abridge deservedly inched home in the 10th over
The 'B' team finished 2008 with a surprisingly comfortable victory against Britannic Lodge. Batting first, all players (except Potter) contributed to the highest score (107 for 3) for division two this season. The bowlers too were in good form, dismissing Lodge for 52 to ensure a 55 run victory.
The 'C' team slipped to a resounding 5 wicket defeat against Chadwell Heath 'A'. Having struggled to 60 all out, Heath's opener retired in the first over and defeat followed shortly after.

'D' Team Coast to Victory Against Bairds

The "D" team continued their impressive start to the indoor season with another comfortable victory at St. Edwards school against Bairds "B". Unavailability and the 1.30 start time for most of the games which causes a regular clash with junior soccer saw three changes from the previous match. With Paul Hurworth, Lloyd Edwards & Paul Duhig coming in late on Saturday the original concept of playing 3 juniors each game is already looking flawed, but it's hoped to redress the balance in the next match.

Skipper Matt Simmons chose to field again and Bairds were soon in trouble as a smart run out from "Potter" plus wickets from James Duhig (2-9 from 3 overs) and The Hanger (1-3 from 2) saw them stumble to 12 for 4. The two late arriving footballers then took over as Potter cleaned up with 2-5 both courtesy of smart catches from Edwards as the innings subsided to 23 all out.

Bairds only hope rested with their rapid opening bowler but Matt Simmons & LLoyd Edwards (both 7 n.o.) plus a host of extras as he lost his radar saw the target passed in 3.2 overs.

The Inspector Strikes Gold But Not as Captain

With Potter away trying to grab a glamorous granny in Bournemouth, it was left to Clouseau to take the helm for the latest 'B' team encounter against Rainham. He started badly by losing the toss, condemning Green to field first. After a steady start by The Pig and Si Brown, the Rainham openers became more expansive and both retired on reaching 25. This gave Green the opportunity to take a couple of wickets with smart catches by The Pig and Cookie off the wall but the runs still flowed with Rainham making a good total of 98.
Fat Cas continued his form of Friday night and was soon dismissed. Graham Cook and Si Brown frequently hit the roof but struggled to find the back wall and, with running fairly scarce, the score stagnated. With Brownie out, the Inspector as Captain entered the fray as the last real hope of victory. Alas his first ball rebounded from his arm onto the stumps and he was dismissed for a golden duck. Cockinson and The Pig showed some enthusiasm between the wickets and managed to secure two bonus points that the side hardly deserved.

Toast and The Pig Stage Over 40s Recovery

The Over 40s looked to be heading out of contention for the later stages of the indoor competition at Chelmsford when they wer reduced to 13 for 3 in the 4th over of their chase for 88 against Great Baddow. Fat Cas, Jumbo and Muddy were all dismissed cheaply leaving The Pig and Toast (25 n.o.) to try and repair the damage against a varied attack. A mixture of strong hitting and good running made the reply respectable but 37 were still required in the last 3 overs. Both batsmen retired within a few balls meaning that The Pig (44 n.o.) had little time to recover before going out to bat again. He joined Bones at the crease whose novel approach saw him score 11 with a strike rate over 200% and flustered the Baddow fielders as Green eased home with 3 balls to spare.
Earlier, the bowling did not have the usual discipline, with the exception of Toast who took 3 for 24, and the Baddow openers Byford (18) and Pulham (35 n.o.) laid a solid foundation. Fat Cas had a mixed night behind the stumps taking two smart stumpings amidst a flurry of byes that boosted the total.
Great Baddow had a miserable night, losing earlier to Basildon & Pitsea and now need to beat Coggeshall to stand a chance of reaching the semi finals. The earlier result leaves the Rampant Griffons rooted to the foot of the table.

Obstinate Pig Holds 'D' Team Together

The Doc Provides a Tonic for The Rampant Griffons

Dave Lock blasted a rapid 25 to retire in the latest game for the Rampant Griffons against Old Brentwoods. This left Cockinson plenty of time to slow down proceedings but Kuldeep Minocha kept going at the other end before he too had to retire. Cockinson, Andy Cook and John Coxall all perished in the search for quick runs before The Hanger, brought in at the 11th hour, played a nudge and run cameo as The Griffons made their highest total (114) to date.
Recent fielding performances suggested that this might not be enough against a side whose batting is stronger than their bowling. Both openers set about reaching the target with overs to spare until the Pig's nemesis, Wood, blasted the ball back only to see the Doc take a splendid catch low to his right. The thought that lightning couldn't strike twice was short lived as the other opener, Raeburn, was taken low to his left by the Doc. The Griffons would have settled for 8 runs saved and the two wickets were a bonus. The Doc wasn't finished as he struck with his first ball having the dangerous Lee stumped off a full toss and then repeating the dose for his second wicket. Dave Lock took a caught and bowled but the last wicket stand still threatened until, with 16 required off the last over, Andy Cook ran out the last man with an excellent piece of fielding. This was the first victory of the season for The Rampant Griffons but is too late for a surge up the table with just Ardleigh Green to play.
Ardleigh Green's 'A' side are well placed to advance to the semi-finals with two games left after beating Raphael. Castell and Robson both scored over 30 against Green's normally miserly attack as Raphael reached 99. However, an aggressive Sir Harold got Green off to a flyer after which The Pig and The Inspector both reached retirement and Toast mad a quick 15 to see Green home for the loss of 2 wickets.

Over 40s Make a Pig's Ear of It

The Over 40s have got off to a mixed start in the indoor league at Chelmsford. The first game saw the customary efficient bowling performance restrict Basildon & Pitsea to 60 for 5 despite some good batting by Tooke (34 n.o.). Sir Harold followed in a long line of wicket keeper openers by scoring 17 n.o. with The Hanger, standing in for the injured Clouseau, being the only wicket to fall. The Pig made a brisk 25 not out. A 2nd success looked likely after Old Brentwoods were bowled out for 88 with Wood making 38 and Lee 22. Martin Cason (30 n.o.) and sir Harold (25 n.o. then put Green firmly in the driving seat bt the partnership f Muddy Waters and the reluctant runner, Clouseau, suddenly put them behind the clock. All seemed well however when two were required off the last two balls with 5 wickets in hand. The first of these saw The Pig (Mr Tip & Run) aim a swipe, horribly reminiscent of Andy Stephenson, without making contact. The final ball was a head high full toss which require a nudge towards the side wall and run but somehow The Pig steered it into the grateful hands of square leg for a 1 run defeat. Toast was recalled for the game against Coggeshall and normal service was resumed with Coggeshall being bowled out for 86 despite an excellent 45 from Hart which pulled them out of trouble following an early clatter of wickets. The batting made no mistake this time with Clouseau in excellent form, scoring an unbeaten 25 to secure a 4 wicket win.
By contrast, the Rampant Griffons have a 100% record. Unfortunately it is 3 defeats in 3 games which leaves the next game as a bottom of the table clash with Basildon & Pitsea. The games have been fairly close however and, with a little bit of luck, they may have been toasting the odd victory. The first game against Raphael saw some controversy with the umpires making the final score for Raphael 6 higher than the scorer and the scoreboard operator. A target of 101 (split the difference) was set and with Dave Lock (21), Kuldeep Minocha (18) and The Whale (20) all looking in good touch a surprise victory looked on but The Griffons fell 6 runs short with 5 players run out. The running wasn't much better in the 2nd game as Great Baddow bowled out The Rampant Griffons for 69 despite an excellent 30 from Kevin Hewitt and 14 from Dave Lock. Baddow seemed to be cruising but a couple of run outs swung the game around before Byford returned to the crease to sneak his side home by 1 wicket. In the 3rd game, The Griffons didn't really look like taking a wicket as Coggeshall rattled up 119 for 1 with all batsmen making an impact except the unfortunate Martin Blackwell who was run out without facing. Kevin Hewitt and Suggs departed early and is was left to the Onion (26 n.o. including a six!!!) and The Hanger (17) to scrape a few bonus points as The Griffons finished on85 for 5.

Leigh Undone by The Porkers

The Pig found the Chalkwell Park wicket to his liking on Sunday as he took 4 of the first 5 wickets for just 7 runs in 8 overs. He followed up on some good work by Tom Farquharson who made the initial breakthrough in a lively opening spell. Ali Horne added some light relief as the foil to the spin king, Fat Cas, who somehow managed to take 4 for 16. Martin was in good fielding form as well with a couple of catches. The home side, having chosen to bat, would have been disappointed to post a score of 71.
Alex Cason (39) and Cockinson (20) took Green to the brink of victory before both fell in quick succession. Green got home without further alarm for an 8 wicket win.

Sunday 2nds Indebted to Castle

The bowlers were in fine fettle at Central Park in the 2nd XI game against Isambard. Andy Cook (3-29), Paul Hurworth (2-13), James Duhig (2-23) an John Coxall (2-26) all got in on the act as the visitors were shot out in 30 overs for just 111.
Green didn't have it all their own way and were indebted to Gavin Castle whose 65 n.o. steered them to a 4 wicket victory.

Smudger's Blast Tips the Balance

On a long overdue sunny day, James Duhig and James Haylett took a wicket apiece after South Loughton had won the oss and elected to bat in the 40 overs a side encounter at Central Park. Graham Bull produced a smart bit fielding to take the 3rd wicket and later put in a sharp spell to break the partnership for the 4th wicket. Jack Taylor (2-24) took two in an over as the visitors seemed about to collapse but a solid 7th wicket stand took the score to 166 for 6.
Ananda Krishnan set off quickly but mis-timed to cover after which The Whale (23) dominated a 2nd wicket partnership with Cockinson (30). A close finish looked likely whilst Cockinson and Alex Cason 22 n.o.) were batting but the dismissal of the former, let in Smudger (58 n.o.) who blasted a 21 ball half-century to win the game with just over 8 overs to spare.

2nds Just Short in Run Chase at Rayleigh

Thee was little assistance for Green's bowlers as Rayleigh rattled up 25 for 5 in their allotted 40 overs. Fraser King (2-55) did well with the ball, taking a couple of wickets.
Green's batsmen too were in good form with Dave Lock (65) adding yet another half century. Clouseau (62) and Potter (40) also batted well as Green homed in on their target but fell short by just 8 runs.

Solid All-Round Performance Too Much for Wood

In their final Essex Sunday League game of the season, Green produced a commanding performance at home to Harold Wood. Freddy Butt (77) and Royston Smith (49) dominated the Wood bowlers as Green posted a more than useful total of 196 for 8.
Harold Wood's batsmen had no answer to Ananda Krishnan (3-10), Ricky Gill 3-16), Toast (2-23) and Graham Bull (2-23) and were dismissed for 91.

Brentwood Victorians Subdue Sunday Challenge

Brentwood Victorians decided to allow extra time for their hangovers to disperse as they elected to bat against the Sunday 2nd XI. They set off in aggressive manner despite an early wicket for Potter. John Coxall (2-38) reined in the home batsmen taking a couple of wickets in an economical spell. The bowling acquitted itself well but was let down by some below par fielding allowing the Vics to post a total of 181.
Green's openers made a solid start with The Hanger finding the boundary at regular intervals. He took some blows in some painful places but batted manfully on. An attempt to push the score along saw the end of Cockinson (33) with the score on 99. It was not very easy for new batsmen to pick up the tempo and wickets fell at regular intervals with the Hanger reaching his first half century of 2008. Potter struck some lusty blows to raise the prospect of victory but the chase fell away after he was run out.

Green Sneak Home By One Run at Holtwhites

Green found the going tough at Holtwhites Trinibis with all batsmen struggling to take control. Most batsmen reached double figures but only Martin Cason (68) went on to make a half century. There was some spirited batting by Thomas Oakley and the Whale capped off the innings with a six into the tennis courts as a challenging total of 180 was set.
The home batsmen looked more comfortable as the wicket dried with just the solitary wicket to The Pig in the early proceedings. Chris Haylett (3-16) was indebted to 3 smart catches from Smudger as he brought Green back into the game. A run out and a wicket from Ali Horne seemed to be turning things Green's way but his subtle varieties were lost on batsmen intent on hitting him out of sight. With 15 required from the last 5 overs, Ananda Krishnan and debutant Graham Valentine bowled an excellent line and length but with 4 required from the final over and 3 wickets in hand a home victory looked assured. Alex Cason took a good catch in the deep which was quickly followed by another wicket. Two were required off the last ball which thudded into the keeper's box down the leg-side. He recovered sufficiently to remove the bails as the batsmen attempted a run.

Bowlers Undermine Athletic for Comfortable Win

Bowlers dominated proceedings for the 2nd XI against Hornchurch Athletic at Hylands Park. Billy Greaves took 3 for 14 and there were a couple of wickets apiece for Paul Hurworth (2-4), Graham Bull (2-8) and J.Knight (2-28) as the home side were skittled out for 99.
Batting on a difficult surface, the Green batsmen took their tim but got home comfortably with 9 wickets to spare thanks to Dave Lock (36 n.o.) and Paul Sutton (36 n.o.).

3rd XI Slump to Disappointing Defeat

The 3rd XI posted a respectable 163 for 6 in their rare outing at Central Park. Matt Simmons (47) and Malcolm Waters (44 n.o.) were the main contributors and Herbie chipped in with 36, giving himself a healthy appetite for tea.
Things didn't go so well in the field despite R.raynor (2-35) and Muddy (2-37) taking a brace of wickets each and the visitors eased home with 5 wickets to spare.

Smudger in Form at Gravesend Again

It was honours even in the midweek friendly against Gravesend at the Bat and Ball Ground. Royston Smith continued his good record at the ground with 77 and Potter made 60 in a total of 205 all out. Kevin Chapman chipped in with 20 but there was little else of note.
Dave Brown was called out of retirement and responded well with 4 for 37. The Whale (3-13) took 3 wickets in an over to give Green a glimpse of victory but the home side hung on at 174 for 9.

Potter Just Misses Ton in Comfortable Win

Paul Hurworth (99 n.o.) was denied a century against Anson St George as his attempted six to win the game fell just short. The visitors made a respectable 157 for 5 from their 35 overs but with Potter and Clouseau (51 n.o.) in good form, the runs were knocked off in the 26th over with just one wicket falling.

Green Are Runners-Up After Last Over Thriller

Ardleigh Green followed up their championship winning season in 2007 with runners-up spot following a dramatic last over victory against Chingford. Rain meant that a lot of games were cancelled or abandoned but, with news of a surprise win by the bottom side South Woodford against Hainault & Clayhall, Chingford were keen to play to try and stay in the Premier division.
Freddy Butt (55) was in good for again with another half century and four batsmen made it into the twenties as Green attempted to make up for the loss of overs. Alex Cason (26 n.o.), Ricky Gill (24), Ian Russell (22) and Jon Powell (21) all made a significant contribution before the innings was closed on 172 for 7 from 42 overs.
The visitors looked to be out of the hunt with Mick Clarke (4-53) and Ricky Gill (6-41) revelling in the conditions. However, a late rally meant that 14 were required from the final over. A 4 from the first ball gave Chingford hope but the last man was stumped in a brave effort to win the game.

Pig & Toast Ensure 2nd Team Safety

The 2nd XI retained their place in division one with an unexpected victory against a Hutton side looking for promotion. Batting first in appalling conditions, Green slumped from a promising start, in which Paul Hurworth scored 31, falling from 50 for 1 at the rain break and looked set to be bowled out for less than 100. Simon Brown led a counter attack with a salvo of boundaries in his 45. Chris Brett, Graham Cook and Toast batted in similar manner and a challenging total of 151 was posted.
Green had just the bowlers to defend such a total on a wicket that was very difficult for the batsmen. The Pig (5-35) and Toast (3-31) took a stranglehold on the game and were backed up by some excellent fielding as Hutton were blown away for 68.
This completed a strange season for the 2nd XI who won 2 games at the start, 2 games at the end and very little else.

A Soggy End For The Lower Sides

The 3rds, 4ths and 5ths all started their games but were defeated by the weather. The 3rds made every effort to get a game, which was important for West Essex to stand any chance of promotion, but had to give it best when, despite covering the ground became unfit. Cockinson and the Point had threatened to take the game by the scruff of the neck, scoring 3 off the first over but such reckless abandon was not likely to be sustained.
The 4ths looked to be struggling at 14 for 3 against Basildon & Pitsea whilst Steve Shorey was trying to hold the 5th XI together with 23 n.o. out of a total of 58 for 4 against Brentwood.