Tuesday 3 May 2011

Match 5 Selsey CC v Singleton CC

Venue: Selsey
Match Type: Sunday Friendly
Date: 01/05/11

One thing has remained constant in every Selsey match so far this season and that is that they have played at home in every game.  Sunday's visitors were Singleton. 

As per usual with the Sunday mix of players some arrived at the cricket club hungover, and Josh Stocks and Chris Morris didn't let the team down on this front after a trek from Oving night club Thursdays to Sidlesham which took them 3 hours on foot. The pair looked tired to say the least. Matt Leclere turned up about half an hour late and after the match had started.

The toss was lost by captain Woolgar and he joked that the team was bowling, something hungover Josh did not approve of in the slightest with an anrgy reaction, however his side had actually been told to bat first. 
Opening the batting was Miles and Christy. Singleton's opening bowlers were contrasting, one with a bit of pace and zip whilst the other was very very very slow.  The pair looked very comfortable and well set. However Miles continued to 'have words' with Christy's lack of calling for runs and shouted 'NO' at the top of his voice from the non striker's end after Christy played a forward defensive back to the bowler's hands.  This made Morris, on square leg umpiring duties, chuckle.  Christy didn't learn and continued not to call runs. Miles hit a few nice 4's one of which being his loved straight drive but after a succession of two 4's in two balls he was dismissed in bizarre cirucmstances - the slower bowler bolwing a ball a foot down leg side which Miles attempted to sweep before the ball hit the back of his bat before looping to a surprised Singleton wicket keeper. The bowler was even apologetic as Miles walked off the wicket and back to the hutch.  The score was 60-1.  The new man in at 3 was James Amis (beardless for over a week now).  He was dismissed for just 3 as he was plum LBW - something he tried arguing with Miles (now umpire) over - before making himself look and sound silly.  This was all in good nature and Miles was correct.  Christy continued to please and bat well with Tigger (another character who only needs to be described with one name).  Christy fell 7 short of a fifty.  Tigger didn't get too many either but Selsey were still looking in a strong position.  Only Stocks (23) was the other batsman with a notable score but James Challenor was dimissed for a golden duck and mention must go to captain Woolgar who hit a gorgeous cover driven 4, something that left viewers gobsmacked that it was actually he who had played the shot. Selsey finished on 183 from their 40 overs.

Selsey were lacking bowlers and with Stocks injured Cripps and Leclere opened.  Cripps taking 2 wickets one LBW dimissing the Singleton number 3.  The Singleton left handed opener looked composed and solid scoring a nice 50 and a good partnership with the Singleton number 4.  Selsey lacking bolwers also looked slightly complacent in the field and Singleton, to some surprise, were well on top.  Stocks bowling 'off spin' (arm balls) got another wicket whereas Miles bowling 'pace' (slower balls) didn't get any wickets and was teased by his fellow teamates for bowling poorly.  Morris bowling 'leg spin' was actually the surprise wicket taker of the well set opener who had passed 50 by the time he was dismissed, he did however get hit for a big six over cow corner.  However this late dismissal didn't alter the result and Singleton won comfortably by 6 wickets and 6 overs to spare.

It was a pleasant game and Singleton were pleasant people to play against.

Selsey: Woolgar (c), Hoare (Tigger (+)), Amis J, Miles, Christy, Morris, Challenor, Leclere, Stocks, Cripps, Caught.

Match 4 - Selsey 1st XI v Portslade 1st XI

Venue: Selsey
Match Type: League
Date: 30/04/11

After all the anticipation, build up, excitement, winter practice and pre season friendlies the league season started at home to Portslade, a team regulated last season from the division above. Skipper Nick Horner had scheduled an earlier than usual meet time for 12noon to accommodate a pre match net session. The team also received a boost with the news classy performer Karl Walton was in the side. Walton only featured in one league game last term and wasn't expected to play this season due to work commitments. His appearance prompted the inevitable ''get every Saturday off work'' or ''can you play every week?'' comments lead by the nagging skipper.  Walton's inclusion was a timely one as regulars and key players Adam Davis and Tim Fewster were expected to miss at least the first half of the season.

After the pre match net session, which was a hit with the players, the toss was lost by Horner and Selsey were made to bat.  The wicket was expected to be bowler friendly early on following rain the night before. One surprise to the batting order was Tom Amis' promotion to number 4.

Openers Andy Horner and Jacob Miles (as the Portslade scorer described one as small, bald and left handed and helmet-less and the other tall right handed and with helmet - no offence was intended) looked steady early on with the only scare being when Miles got a leading edge chipping the ball into the off side where it was fortunate the ball landed safe.  Horner worked the ball effortlessly off his legs as the Portslade bowler up the hill struggled with his line to the left hander. The pair looked comfortable and well set with quick running a particular highlight of the partnership. It was quickly discovered that the pitch was playing low and you needed to be on the front foot.

The first bowling change came down the hill with Lisher coming on. He was an old campaigner who was well known by the more experienced Selsey players.  Miles was his first victim as he swiped across a full toss and was bowled, not before playing a nice lofted straight driven 4. He fell for 29 with the score on 66-1. Lisher continued to bowl tight lines after this and Horner was next to fall being caught behind the wicket for 23 and all of a sudden both openers were gone.  Walton at 3 and Amis at 4 followed shortly after. Nick Horner was then ran out for 0 after a mix up with his batting partner and brother Pete and a direct hit from the Portslade fielder at mid on. Selsey had lost 5 wickets for 13 runs and were struggling at 79-5. 

There was no real recovery made by Selsey and their innings, despite a good solid start, ended on 125 all out. Credit must be given to Tom Cripps for ensuring two extra bonus points with sensible batting at the end.  Lisher was the pick of the Portslade bowlers with 3 wickets for just 13 runs off 11 overs.

At the tea interval it was clear Portslade were the happier of the two sides and Selsey were slightly dejected to say the least.

The new ball was taken by Pete Horner down the hill and by Josh Stocks up. Early wickets were needed if Selsey were to have any chance of winning and that is exactly what Stocks provided removing the Portslade opener in his 2nd over.  This was only the start as a few overs later Stocks took two wickets in two balls, celebrating the second with a run right up the batsman who he had just dismissed for a golden duck in typical Stocks' emotion and aggression. Unfortunately for Stocks he was unable to complete the hat-trick. Portslade were 3 down with only about 20 runs on the scoreboard and 126 now looked like a tough ask. During all this Horner was replaced down the hill with skiddy bowler Amis who was sure to be a handful on this wicket. However Stocks' remarkable effort only got better when he took a 4th wicket.  Selsey were now playing with real belief. Stocks was only allowed to bowl 8 overs in a spell due to league restrictions but his amazing figures off  8 overs 4 wickets for just 6 runs had given Selsey a real chance.

Tom Cripps was now operating from the bottom end with his off spin and Amis down the hill. Stocks and Miles discussing in the slips prior to Cripps' first over spoke about his nag to take a wicket in his first over and the pair felt almost like mind readers as this is exactly what happened when he bowled the Portslade number 6.

The Portslade innings was capitulating very quickly and they needed a good partnership quickly.  Their number 7 looked as if he was to do this still 70 or so runs off the target. He hit a few boundaries and was scoring quickly.  However Amis removed the batsman at the other end and this was quickly followed by another Cripps wicket before the drinks break - but the danger man was still there as Portslade were 80-7 needing another 46 runs.

Following the drinks break a suicidal run was taken by Portslade and skipper Nick Horner was quick to collect the ball and underarm it to keeper Walton to whip the bails off.  The Portslade number 7 then tried to heave Amis over mid wicket for a huge shot and was bowled.  Selsey were on the brink of a remarkable vicotry.  The Portslade number 11 (who probably didn't think he would be needed to bat) lasted just two balls before chipping the ball to mid on (Challenor) off Amis' bowling to spark joyeous celebrations from the Selsey players.  Amis finished with 3 wickets and Cripps with 2 as Portslade were bowled out for just 88. It was a low scoring game with just over 200 runs scored in 2 innings the highest scoring batsman scoring just 29.

 It was a fantastic victory for Selsey and celebrations continued as James Amis bought the whole team Jager and the bottle was gone quick as a flash as the team drank shots in the changing room.

The blogger doesn't want to take away anything from any of the players involved in what was a great team effort but a particular mention must go to Stocks for his bowling display and this will surely be an early contender for performance of the season.

A great start to the season from Selsey as they earnt 24 points from a possible 30, despite getting just 4 points in the first innings. 

Selsey: Horner N (c), Horner A, Miles, Walton (+), Amis T, Horner P, Stocks J, Amis J, Christy, Cripps, Challenor.

Monday 25 April 2011

Match 3 -Selsey CC v Petersfield CC

Venue: Selsey
Match Type: Friendly
Date: 23/4/11

The final friendly before the league season started saw Petersfield the visitors at Selsey.  Matt Bywater was skipper for the first time and upon winning the toss elected to bat - something Selsey had not done previously in their first two games.  A few controversies before the game took place included Bywater's decision to omit Miles and elect for a other players including colts ahead of him.  Miles did however get a late call after James Amis withdrew himself apparently 'injured.'

Bywater's batting line up was also a talking point.  Nick Horner, a regular in the middle order was brought up to number 2 with Miles, a regular opener dropped to number 7.  It was clear the skipper wanted to do things 'his way', or maybe he just doesn't like Miles!

The weather was again glorious and the cricket club was a scene of happiness with the Horner family in particular out in force.

The Selsey innings started badly with Nick Horner falling early for only 5 being caught after a bit of juggling by the Petersfield slip.  Tyrone Hoare at number 3 also went cheaply for just 1 leaving Selsey in trouble.  Andy Horner was next to fall for a steady 15. Number 4, Mason, was the mainstay of Selsey's innings as he scored a composed 50 batting for over 35 overs.  This knock was important as others fell around him with no other real contributions to the total.  Miles complained and sulked a little after getting out claiming the others batting before him were going too slowly leaving too much work for others coming in later to do. Pete Horner did have a brief cameo knock including a big six.  Selsey scored 175 in their 40 overs, a score which looked at least 20 or so short.

Selsey did have a strong bowling attack with first team opener Peter Horner playing for the first time this year. He started well and looked sharp coming down the hill and it wasn't before too long he grabbed his first wicket trapping the Petersfield opener LBW.  Josh Stocks bowling up the hill only managed 2 overs before frustrating his shin splints and being brought off.

Petersfield's innings had a very similar feel to Selsey's with only really two batsmen scoring any notable runs.  One opener batted for a long period while others fell around him.  But when he finally fell the game was looking to go right to the wire.  In the middle of all this skipper Bywater was also injured as he injured his back whilst bowling.  His injury forced him off the field being replaced by enthusiastic sub Ian Stocks. After the skipper left the field Nick Horner assumed the captaincy.  He lead by example with some nice (no better than average) fielding.  Amis however certainly did not replicate this example with a dropped catch and some very poor fielding.

Petersfield's number 7 was the other main run contributor as he played some nicely timed shots, one of which was a straight driven 6 off James Challinor.  Selsey's main wicket takes were both the Toms.  Indian Tom, playing his first game for the club claimed 3 whilst Amis chipped in with a few also, including the dangerous number 7. Miles and Tom P combined in a run out to claim Petersfield's 8th wicket with a strong arm from Miles and a good gather and collect from Tom.  Andy Horner ran out Petersfield's final batsman as they fell 30 short of what should have been a comfortable run chase leaving Selsey to claim their first victory of the season.

Selsey: Bywater (c), Hoare (+), Honer A, Horner N, Horner P, Stocks, Miles, Tom P, Amis T, Mason, Challinor, 

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Match 2 - Selsey CC v Bognor CC

Venue: Selsey
Match Type: Sunday Friendly
Date: 17/04/11

The much enjoyed Sunday fixtures kicked off on a fine sunny afternoon in Selsey with Bognor the visitors.  The Sunday skipper Chris Woolgar was in fine spirits ahead of the eagerly anticipated campaign arriving early at the ground to make the teas.  He and Miles enjoyed a short discussion about what the contents of the tea would be as Miles suggested cheese and cumcumber sandwiches as Woolgar quickly quipped back that these were already on the menu. Another topic Woolgar had close to his heart was the doughnuts, as he said he had bought 25 of the jam filled delights and he ''would not be happy if he did not get one.'' Woolgar put a minor downer on the team as he won the toss and decided to field first - a criminal offence on a Sunday! However this was shortly forgotten.

Everyone was in fine moods as the sunny bright weather reflected on people's attitudes and it was a bliss to see. Tyrone Hoare (Tigger) enjoyed a chat with an old friend of his, which continued as the same friend opened the batting for Bognor.  Tigger over doing the niceties every good shot the batsman played. His friend was the first to fall LBW after a dubious decision by umpire Nicholls to the bowling of Cripps. There was little action to talk of in the Bognor innings early on.  However one particular highlight was James Amis' attempt to stop a slow moving ball in the field. His actions can only be described as poor. It actually looked that he was just tired and wanted a lay down and had no knowledge of the ball actually coming towards him.

It was not until Bognor's overseas player came into bat at number 7 that the match had many talking points, with the scoring rate very low until this point - how that was to change. The Australlian of very big build had the intention of scoring very quickly right from the start of his knock however not making any connection with young Ash Humphrey's bowling.  However carnage was to follow as he hit a barrage of sixes and fours, particular of part time bowler Miles, including big blows over the cricket club and straight down the ground.  The Aussie also hit Souter into Manhood School field in an innings that included 11 sixes!  His 50 was reached in 22 balls and his 100 in about 45! Upon scoring his 100 the player returned to the pavillion not out to let his team mates 'have a go'. It was a fine knock and one of such quality rarely seen at Selsey. However it must be said his decision not to take easy singles and thus retain the strike for himself was not in the spirit of a Sunday fixture and this did wind up some Selsey players, particularly Cripps.  On further enquiries it actually transpired that the Australlian plays at a very high standard in his home land and was actaually an all rounder who opened the bowling. A few further Bognor wickets fell with Josh Stocks the bowler and Miles taking two regulation catches.  Bognor finished with a score of 214. Congratulations must be given to young bowler Morris as he was not hit for 36 off one over to the Aussie, despite predictions this would happen. Miles finished with bowling figures of 5 overs 0 for 70.

The Selsey batting order had a different look about it with James Amis and Christy opening the batting.  Their start was composed.  Both looked comfortable at the crease but the scoring rate very low in a run chase. Christy was the first to fall for 33 including a period laying on the wicket with cramp, which from a boundary side view was very amusing.  Tigger was then giving out by his employee at times Stuart Souter for 0! The score at the 20 over mark was 60-2 and not a fast enough run rate by a long distance. Amis departed for 33, after boos came from his own skipper, trying to swipe across the line. Miles batting at 4 made a brief 15 which included two nicely time shots down the ground for 4 of a 12 year old spinner (Miles felt big and proud). The star performer however with the bat for Selsey was Josh Stocks with a brilliant knock of 58 of 42 balls including a delightful cover driven 6 of the Aussie bowling about half pace! This 6 prompted the bowler to bowl full pace for 1 ball which was the only ball Woolgar faced departing for a golden duck!  Cripps also fell to the bowler and in the meantime vented his anger at his presence at the ground. He and Miles exchanged words about this as Miles disagreed with his views.  Stocks' knock was not enough as Selsey fell 30 or so runs short of the victory target.

After the game Tigger impressed some of the younger players with some naked dancing in the dressing room, Souter being a particularly keen viewer.

Selsey: Woolgar (c), Hoare (+), Amis J, Stocks, Souter, Miles, Humphreys, Challenor, Morris, Christy, Cripps.

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Match 1 - Selsey CC v Pulborough CC

Venue: Selsey
Match Type: Friendly
Date: 16/04/11

Selsey Cricket Club's season started with a home friendly against Pulborough CC.  Skipper Nick Horner, also celebrating his ''28th'' birthday, won the toss and decided his team would field first, his reasoning being that he ''could get out and start drinking!''...

The new ball was taken by Josh Stocks coming down the famed old slope with Tom Amis coming up.  Amis struck the first blow to Pulborough trapping the batsman LBW for 0. He was elated. Stocks continued to work hard and bowl well before dismissing the next Pulborough batsman also LBW. The outfield was slow and the scoring rate was low and it wasn't until the 9th over before the first boundary was scored, with keeper Jacob Miles teasing the bowler Stocks that it was he who had been hit for the first boundary of the season.

The first bowling change came when, to his shock, the bearded James Amis replaced Stocks down the hill.  Although expressing his desire not to bowl constantly, the newly nicknamed 'Huggy' took his first wicket with a rank full toss, however they all count! Credit for this wicket must be given to his brother Tom for making a very good diving catch (he also was shocked by making this catch). His second wicket also followed in similar fashion with another terrible full toss.

Selsey were firmly on top until Pulborough's star batsman, Rohit, came to the crease.  His fine knock of 85 took Pulborough to a total of 195 which, considering the slow outfield and low bouncing wicket (which Miles felt the brunt of standing behind the wickets), was a very defendable total. Other wicket takers including Tom Cripps and James Challinor.

Seley's innings startly poorly when opener Miles was out LBW for 0. However fellow opener Mason and Tom Amis steadied the ship for a while before Mason was also out cheaply.  Amis, hoping to be moved from his number 11 position started to play some nice strokes, particularly a sweetly timed on-drive.  However a good start was not built on and Amis fell for 28. This would be the start of a dismal batting collapse.  Skipper Horner only managed 14 before getting out and proceeding with his boozing and Christy (surname unknown) 15, including a big 6 were the only other notable scores before Selsey were dismissed for a total of 99.

Selsey: Horner (c) Miles (+), Mason, Amis T, Stocks, Amis J, Challinor, Humphreys, Cripps, Christy, Caught