Tongy for The Ashes - 1xi Match Report by Matty D

HWRCC 166-8, 52 overs. Davies 44, Tong 38
Chobham 152, 42 overs. Tong 8-38

Cricket is brilliant. It is simply, undeniably, definately the best thing in the world, ever. Sure you have crap days - and no doubt Chobham are feeling pretty grim this morning - but there are times when Cricket seems absolutely perfect. For the Wick on Saturday it was one of those days, and for one man is particular, it was the day of his cricketing life.

Chobham won the toss and bowled first. The correct call on what looked to be a flat deck, typical for this season. We knew Chobham had a serious gun bat, and that whilst he would obviously stand out, they would have some other players too. It was going to be a tough fixture.

Davies and Goulbourn opened up, with the pitch being instantly easy paced, although there was some evidence of swing. One opener in particular bowling some hoops, but without the necessary control to beat the bat consistently. Goulbourn, fresh from a 2xi league average of 180, was rightfully promoted to the first XI, but dissapointingly failed to trouble the scorers, lopping one straight to gully. Raza, skipper for the day, joined Davies, but put at an to his recent good form by feathering a wide half volley behind.

At 10-2, Rashid and Davies began the repair job. Runs were slow, but the bowling was tight and accurate, and once the wax had left the ball, it was difficult to get away without taking some risks. At 35-2 off 15, both bats accelerated, putting the bowlers under pressure and turning the game back to wards the Wick - Rashid in particular smiting some ugly blows alongside a few wonderful straight hits. 75-2 at drinks, probably advantage Wick.

Rashid fell chancing his arm a little too much. Hibberd then never looked settled with the consistent slow line and length and fell lbw in a typical Hibberd way. Davies, who had hit some lusty blows, then fell to one that kept low, just as he was starting to accelerate. Berrera didnt last long either and the Wick were tottering at 100-6, and off 40 overs. Slow stuff indeed - Chobham shows excellent patience and simply bowled straight.

Tongy then joined Whinney at the crease and turned the heat back on the bowlers, and in particular the fielders. One all ran 5 was typical of how they were turning the game back in our favour. The balconies were filling up, the 3s were in for teas, and the Wick were using the atmosphere to seize the momentum back in our favour. Tong scored 38 excellent runs.

Having no option than to bat the full 52, the Wick ended up on 166. A total we knew we were more than capable of defending, given that Chobham would need to score at 4s to win the game.

Teas - Dave experimented with salmon instead of tuna. Very controversial. Everything else was the same as usual.

Having entertained thoughts of taking the old ball, Raza instead opted to gun with some guns, and took the new cherry, opening with the line and length of Ford, and the wicket-taking pace and shape of Sri. Sri didn't settle and was replaced by Whinney. Both Ford and Whinney bowled well, but Chobham had the gun bat who we knew could win the game on his own in 20 overs. He walloped one huge six straight.

Chobham 40-0 off 12. Only defending 166, Raza was ringing the changes. Enter Tong.

He started finding some shape. Opting to go around the the gun left hander, he quickly induced a wild slash which Raza gobbled up at the second attempt at a wide first slip. Rightly, the Wick celebrated wildly, knowing we were back in the game. Tongy then found some serious hoop and bowled #3 second ball. Awesome.

The runs dried up and the pressure was built. Chris bowled some tight stuff, and although Raza wasn't up to his normal tight standards, there was nothing easy given away. Tongy was settling into an unbelievable rhythm. He proceeded to get 4 more wickets, all bowled. All absolute pearlers. Fordy got the #8 to snick behind and Chobham were 120-7, with about 8 overs to go.

The young #9 joined the Chobham skip and backed his eye. Davies then got a sharp run out, swooping in from cover - direct hit. With 20 needed off 3 overs, Chobham 8 wickets down, but with their skipper still at the crease, on 40-odd. With the field spread, it was clear he was going to back himself at hit the runs. Tongy, with a superb slower ball, deceived him and, yup, you guessed, it, bowled him. The game was up for Chobham - they wern't going to get the runs, it was now whether the Wick could get the last wicket in the 11 balls remaining. Tongy only needed 5 more, hooping the last ball of his 15 over spell back in, nailed the #11 in front - with bat not even close to the ball. LBW. Everyone understandably went ballistic.

Tong. 15-5-38-8.

It was openly acknowledged by all, including the gracious Chobham, that it was a truly remarkable bowling performance.

The Wick's batting was poor - too many bats giving away their wickets. The bowling was good by all, and the fielding was sharp and keen. The team spirit was admirable, and the support was again excellent from the balcony. The oppo were strong and keen and played well enough to win the game. But in all honesty there is one reason the Wick won this game, and that was Graham Tong. He bowled with pace, control, guile and all this for 15 overs withot a break. None of his wickets were gifted to him and 6 of them were bowled.

Outstanding.

[Victorious skipper for the day Kamran celebrates the win - Ed]

3xi vs Kempton (a) - Match Report by Lloydy

HWRCC 3XI lost the toss and were inserted.
HWRCC 191/7 declared from 49 overs.
Kempton 160 All out from 41
Phil “The Finisher” Linter- 6-1-5-3

This week's away trip saw the 3s travel a short distance to the picturesque Kempton CC in the shadow of the famous race track. The ground was very pleasant with a large main square and a second pitch nestled in a tree lined glade beyond. The 3s pitch is apparently a football pitch during the winter and the strip was effectively cut out and rolled from the centre circle. This gave us an oblong shaped ground with extremely short boundaries square on both sides (literally 20M) and mahoosive boundaries for exponents of the on or off drive. Indeed had we been fortunate enough to have brought our travelling Simian friend with us this weekend he would have filled his little monkey boots in a big way. Sadly he was revising for his Ape levels (sorry) or something and to add insult to injury Sayce and Walsh who, between them put on close to 100 runs last weekend were both away. The track itself was in remarkably good nick considering the groundsman had only 4 weeks to prepare it though the rain had turned it squidgy and green but with the wind blowing across created a few dry areas and some un-even bounce to keep it interesting.

Opening the batting in overcast and windy conditions, messers Ewen and Lloyd got us off to a great start though the score line was assisted nicely by the Kempton opener insisting on bowling as fast and short as possible and firing at least 3 balls an over wide of the crease. Both bats looked comfortable against the erratic pace and gentle line and length provided by the opening pair and the score board was ticking over at between 4 and 5 an over. Lloyd smashed a flat 6 through cover followed by a four and looked to be seeing it well before mistiming a pull and edging to slip for 22 and Ewen received the first full straight one from the quicky to join him in the hutch shortly afterwards. Nathan and U16 colt James Maddoc-Jones at the crease and Nathan looked comfortable before mistiming a short one and lobbing the ball gently to midwicket for 1 again narrowl;y avoiding the quack. The Kempton players clearly hadn’t heard about James’ batting prowess as they brought the field in and quickly retreated again as the youngster smashed the quicky for a succession of boundaries.

A brief rain delay afforded us some contemplation and perhaps it was the freezing wind or the wafts of some of Jamaica’s finest but the mood was one of relaxed confidence. Two overs lost to the rain delay and the wick resumed in blazing sunshine on a tacky but drying pitch.

Tommy D stuck about and struck some confident runs though offered up two c&bs before being bowled and replaced by Tony Copeland who along with MJ kept the runs flowing against the burly leg spinner and the lofty offie. Tony eventually fell for 17 bowled though his legs (twas a nice ball to be fair) and Chairman Mao fell shortly afterwards for 1 to be replaced by Graeme who didn’t trouble the scorers (quack!). Incidentally both wickets fell with the score on Nelson… spooky!

MJ and Linter then shared a 40+ partnership which brought our total to 191 and the declaration was called at the half way point. James finished on a magnificent and chanceless 66* and “The Finisher” on 27* most of which were boundaries.

Tea was served in the delightful Kempton Club house and was actually very good. Plenty of fresh cheese and cucumber/ tomato and Tuna mayo sarnies, with a MYO ploughmans scenario o fFrench bread, cheese, ham, turkey + pickle. Scotch eggs, pork pies and cakes a plenty and most crucially gallon buckets of hot tea. No drinks interval though and some did wonder about mild salsa with Dorito’s but to mark down on this would be very critical of a good tea effort- 7

With an impressive array of bowling talent at his disposal the skipper eventually settled on the opening paring of Lown and Smith and they were unfortunate to go for a few too many runs without reward as the Kempton bats looked to use the short boundaries to every ball. Graeme did get the breakthrough with the oppo on 41 taking a sharp C&B to dismiss the #1 who played across the line and caught a leading edge. The #2 continued to frustrate the wick fielders with multiple edges flying over the slip corden to the boundary leading to a run rate of 5/over. The number 3 continued to hit powerfully across the line however and pushed the run rate along well. Tommy D entered the fray replacing Graeme and was unlucky not to gain a wicket having caught the #3 low on the shin whilst trapped in front but it wasn’t to be. At the other end Hill replaced Lown for his first spell of 09 and looked like he hadn’t been away, producing some beautiful movement and took a wicket with a text book out swinger. Tommy was replaced by Dick in an attempt to stem the runs and change the pace and he was rewarded for his patience as the free scoring opening bat was bowled attempting a sweep shot but only managing a gentle top edge onto his helmet and onto the leg stump with just enough force to dislodge the bail.

Tails up with 4 wickets down and runs to play with the wick upped a gear and Hilly took his second wicket with another full straight one. Next over Dick was unfortunate not to gain his second as an arcing shot was fumbled by Nathan at cover… you can imagine how pleased he was about that!. Fortunately he only had to wait another 6 balls before he did the job him self off his own bowling.

The back of the Kempton batting was seemingly broken by now and they still needed 40+ runs so the skipper turned to his finisher to blast the tail out. By now a partisan crowd was gathering on the sidelines for what was to be a tense finish and they were to be disappointed with the result. The oppo needed 40(ish) runs, we needed 4 wickets and there were 12 overs left in the game. I’m not sure they were expecting us to have such a stable of bowlers that our 4th change would be the most potent but the skipper was glad he did.

Lints bowled some fantastic lines and proved very difficult to score from. He was rewarded in his third over with a double wicked maiden with an exquisite in-swinging leg stump yorker and an LBW and then two overs later with a further yorker that knocked back the middle peg. In the mean time Graeme replaced Dick and with 31 needed took the last wicket LBW in his second over.

A great game all round played in good spirit that provided highs and lows in equal measure for both sides at 111 for 6 we were in a bit of trouble but saw it through nicely and then with bats available and so few runs to get, Kempton looked to have it in the bag and we were all but out of the game but 13 points to the men from the Wick is all that matters.

Next weekend we take on fellow promotees Thames Ditton at home, one of only a hand full of teams who have also won their first two games.

MOM- tricky to award really as Maddoc-Jones scored a fantastic maiden 66* an achievement for anyone let alone an U16 and then kept wicket on a tricky wicket. His partnership with Phil coupled with the latter’s 3 wickets for 5 runs in 6 overs won us the game so I’m going to cop out and award a joint MOM this week.

Well done lads!

Natwest one day series

Big news coming from the world of cricket!

Not that KP is out injured...

Not that Symonds is out of the Australian squad..

not the Chris "fruity" Lewis now has poor availability for future games..

But during the ad breaks for todays one day match and all games sponsored by Natwest, the club will feature heavily in adverts featuring such stars as Chairman Nicolls on a roller, Derek Soppitt painting and skipper Joe Ewen pushing a sight screen.

all 3 will be at the club this weekend for a meet and greet and your opportunity to get a photo with them.

Behind bars

Readers of this blog will no doubt react with a "tinge" of sadness to the news that former England wunderkind Chris Lewis is to spend the next 13 years behind bars, after being found guilty for drug trafficking. It is a sad day when anyone gets locked away (i assume), but in Chris's case this seems doubly true. Not so long ago he was bowling pies on the cricket pitch and scoring very few runs, and now he's..... not doing that.

Perhaps a spell behind bars might help him with sorting out his line and length, and finding how to play the "corridor of uncertainty"? Hopefully he's got a copy of the Wisden almanak to work through.... it could be a good read. Max Walker's "Aligators and arseholes" is also a good read - i'm sure Chris would appreciate the humour. Right up his alley.

Can I suggest that this whole episode is evidence that you should never carry any of your mate's kit?

See you in 13 years Chris.

Wickman Junior

Match Report - 2xi vs Crainleigh - by Wickman

HWRCC 2xi vs Cranleigh 2xi (a)
Toss: Cranleigh
HWRCC 218-6 Goldplate 101*, Cole 55
Cranleigh 125 ao Cole 3-10, Shinda 2-10
HWRCC win by 93 runs

Goulborn, Cole, Fudge*, Crowther, Soppitt (quack), Clark+, Cameron, Powell, Webster, O’Donnell, Shinda

The Case of the Missing Catches

A magnificent innings from Matthew Goulborn, a fine all round performance from Richard “Kes” Cole and a much improved bowling performance typified by Shri Shinda’s opening spell dominated this match. In inclement weather some of which reminded the HWRCC close fielders of skiing holidays they had been on, the Wick ran this game for much of the contest only coming second best for small periods in both innings. A young and enthusiastic Cranleigh side played no small part in this game but never quite got themselves into a position to win.

Cranleigh play on a village green style triangle bordered on one side by the house where PHB May lived and played his cricket from, pretty houses on the other and a busy b-road running from somewhere to Guildford. The sense of idyll is somewhat ruined by the traffic along the main road. For much of the game a local type on a trials bike motorfarted his way up and down the accompanying roads. Some wag also drove passed and employed a very musical horn to signal this size of his brain. Why DO people in cars have musical horns and what possesses them to use them alongside cricket grounds? It may have belonged to the family of the publican that named the pub opposite “The Cranley”. Spelling issues…

The outfield looked pretty good – but turned out to have slightly too much grass on it for a really free flowing boundary fest. And the wicket flattered to deceive. It looked like a true, hard, deck but turned out to be quite two paced, perhaps as a result of rain the day before (despite Cranleigh having covers). The very occasional ball really pinged through but mostly it was slowish and lowish. This impression of slowness was not helped by a bitter South Westerly wind which came from so far down the Atlantic that it smelled of Albatross and Galapagos turtle dung. It was not a track to suit the slogger or the dasher.

Inserted by a toss winning Cranleigh Goulborn and Cole soon ascertained the details Wickman has drawn your attention to. Golby, continuing in the vein of form he mined last week, was soon outscoring Cole, mostly playing in an arc between cover and third man. The cut and the drive were employed a great deal but Cranleigh continued to feed these strokes until Golby arrived at his 50 from 66 balls. Cole was both more circumspect but also unable to beat mid off. Despite looking in good touch this inability held him back until having become, like the Ancient Mariner, becalmed, he decided to take a more brutal approach and hit himself out of trouble mostly through and over mid on. A big six from a left arm off spinner who used the wind to some effect all afternoon brought up his fifty from 87 balls. He was out soon after looking to move the score along when he miscued to cover.

And here Cranleigh had their best spell of the game. Skipper Henderson and left arm spinner Harms managed to peg the Wick back. Having reached 50 it took Goulborn 20 or more balls to re-start his innings. Fudge played well but never quite mastered the two paced nature of the pitch and the wind holding back the spinner, perishing stumped off a floater for 20. Crowther and Soppitt both went quickly, Soppitt going so quickly that he forgot to score any runs and made a contribution to Duck Tax. All of a sudden a huge opening partnership was in danger of being squandered.

At 160 for 4 with only 7.2 overs to go Cranleigh were right back in it. But a brisk 39 run partnership between Goulborn and Clark took the Wick to the brink of 200 before Clark was bowled by a slower ball looking to play incorrectly for the first time with four overs to go. Cameron quickly sacrificed himself to get Golbourn back on strike, Webster subsided to the same delivery that did for Clark from the impressive Hill and as we entered the last over there remained the question of whether Golby would reach 100.

When Goulborn twice gave the strike away, the second time on the fourth ball of the over it looked unlikely, but Shinda managed to manufacture a single and amidst the tension Golborn jabbed a late cut between short third man and keeper to run a three which took him to 101*. Remarkably this innings began with him facing the first ball and ended on the last. A testament to him that he scored 46% per cent of our runs demonstrating that the innings was perfectly paced. Nicely anchored…

For Cranleigh the skipper Henderson conceding only 36 from a miserly spell and young left armer Harms who took 4 for 40 using the conditions well were the pick of the bowlers. But they were well supported by Hill’s slower balls and Trawber’s opening spell which conceded only 19 runs from 7. On balance at tea no one on the Wick side was entirely clear whether 218 was enough but it certainly had a lot going for it. Like the girl from University Challenge this year it was pulchritudinally challenged but what it lacked in the beauty stakes it made up for with cleverness. You could tell it was well educated enough to get a lucrative job in banking or the law, make a mint and retire early.

Tea was splendid. All sorts of dangerous numbers were being bandied around mostly because cold tuna pasta salad was on offer. There were big plates. Here there were also scones, jam and cream. Good sandwiches. Fruit salad inc. strawberries. The tea itself was served in PROPER mugs and was stronger than Lou Ferrigno who played The Hulk in the TV series of the same name and came fourth in the inaugural 1977 World’s Strongest Man Tournament (FACT!). However Wickman is in love momentarily with Dave’s wares again so felt moved to offer this no more than a 7.5. This tea lady clearly knows her business but the truly exceptional, the 9 or more, is not within her grasp while she refuses to bake anything from scratch. Harsh? Yes. Fair? ‘Fraid so.

Back out in amongst the action the opening attack this week comprised Shinda and Webster. Webster manfully chose to bowl into the wind and in two spells conceded only 26 runs and maintained discipline amongst the Cranleigh ranks. At the other end though Shinda was simply too potent for the Cranes’ top order. First of all he brewed up such a delicious cocktail of away swing that he left Trawber quite intoxicated. So much so that he first had him slashing into the slip region before trying to dance down the pitch and yorking himself. Top class stuff. He then produced the concoction of the day to remove Cranleigh’s experienced bat Preece pitching middle and leg, swinging and kissing the outside edge. Clark did not have to do a great deal and the dismissal was completed. Preece wandered back to the pavilion like a man heading home after an evening in a Hotel bar. The Cranes were not very many for two.

Readers of these reports will know that occasionally detectives turn up to help readers negotiate the inner mysteries in 2s games. This time imagine Columbo turning up in that dirty brown Mac to find out why the Wick did not completely roll Cranleigh. His discreet and conversational style of investigation would winkle out from the red faced slips a complete inability to hang onto the many and several opportunities presented off the bowling of Shinda, Webster and O’Donnell. He would also prise from those in the covers utterances about the changeable wind conditions and the presence of red trees and Windies supporters in the background.

There were 7 or more chances put down and against a more confident side they would have mattered. The fielding certainly needs some work. It was typified by one moment of total hilarity when a nameless individual swooped down for a run out at mid off, wound up for a big throw and succeeded only in misfiring the ball behind cover to turn a nervy single into a comfortable two. It was a legs in the air moment. Perhaps the moment which turned was the sad injury to Pinball. Having looked so electric at point that he had set the oppo to thinking they shouldn’t take a run if the ball was anywhere near him he destroyed his shoulder diving for one in the covers. He had to retire to the pavilion and could play no further part in the game. This could have been the moment Columbo turned round and said “just one more thing…”

In the event only Greaves and Brash prospered for Cranleigh, Greaves in particular looking the part and having the game to bring our total within reach. However Jimmy C, pitching the ball up and bowling as straight as he dared defeated an on drive to have him LBW on the back foot to a low full toss. Unsworth about whose excellently fair umpiring Ebenezer Scrooge would have glowed with praise, was left with no alternative but to give the decision.

Having prized out Greaves, Fudge picked the perfect moment to bring on Cole and Soppitt. The scorebook isn’t entirely clear on the details but together they took 5-36 from 14 with the scorebook suggesting that Cole leaked only 10 runs for his three wickets. Whatever the details Cole was accurate and difficult to get away, Delboy unafraid to vary the style of attack, his best wicket the removal of Brash who looked to be Cranleigh’s last hope. The last 7 bats made only 25 between them in the face of this all spin demolition and Fudge brought Powell and Webster into the attack to mop up the tail which they duly did without alarms.

Congratulations to the Wick boys for a winning performance by a bonus-point-securing margin. Huge congratulations to Golby for a wonderful innings full of delicate touches and confident driving and cutting. It’s a tribute to him that he outscored those employed down the order to slap the ball about a bit in the slapping the ball about a bit bit. If you know what Wickman means. Congratulations also to Richard Cole for a great all round performance and to Shri for that super opening spell. All three made MOM a tough call this week but Golby deserves it for setting up the win.

Up the Wick!

Team News 9th May

1ST XI (HOME) v's RIPLEY C.C

MEET 12:00 START 13:30

1) Davies, Hibberd(paid) Raza Stephens Rashid Berera Maddoc-Jones Holland +(paid) Whinney Ewen J (c) (paid) Ford

UMPIRE: K. Doherty SCORER: A.Whicher

2ND XI (AWAY) v's CRANLEIGH C.C

MEET 11:00 START 13:00

1) Goulborn Cole Fudge (c) (paid) Crowther Soppitt Clark + (paid)Cameron Webster O'Donnell Powell Shinda

UMPIRE: TBC SCORER: N/A

3RD XI (AWAY) v's KEMPTON C.C

MEET 12:00 START 13:00

1) Lloyd (c) Ewen R Singh (paid) TBC Maddoc-Jones + Donnelley Nicholls (paid) Linter Smith (paid) Lown (paid) Hill

Please note that SUBS are now due. Please ensure you pay yours this weekend.

Please be aware that any player that has not paid their Annual Subs by Sun 31st May will not be eligible for selection for league games after that date.

Sunday team news to follow. If you are available for this Sun and would like a game please email greg.unsworth@googlemail.com and let the skipper know!

WICK

Chris Gayle Loses It

Andrew Strauss has become the Sir Alex Ferguson of cricket and Chris Gayle the Kevin Keegan in an extraordinary spat which threatens to overshadow absolutely nothing.

Gayle has reacted angrily to Strauss saying that tipping up two days before a Test Match in a miserable and damp England after your team has been dicked on a series of county grounds by England's B and C teams is not good for Test Cricket.

Gayle, who didn't say "I'd bloody luv it if we beat them, I'd bloody luv it" did however say that Andrew Strauss is spending too much time thinking about him, Chris. While Gayle was in India he scored very few runs, didn't make much of an impact and pissed off his team colleagues who were sent out to some God forsaken corners of England to sat on by people like Rob Key.

Strauss, who up until now has not been regarded as a strategic genius in the pre-match verbals has clearly got under Keegayle's skin as the West Indies skipper has all but announced his imminent retirement, decided he can't stand Test Cricket and obviously given a rousing morale boost to his countrymen back at home, never mind his colleagues who are coming into the second test having been totally hammered in the first test.

As Wickman writes he is now furiously back tracking and claiming he has been misinterpreted after a no doubt serious verbal roasting from West Indies Tour Management...

3xi vs Warlingham - Match Report by Lloydy

Warlingham 3xi - 157 all out on 45 overs (Linter 3-45, Smith 3-32
Hwrcc 3rd XI- 158-4 (Sayce- 75*, Walsh 37)

Risman, Sayce, Lloyd (c), Singh, Copeland +, Ewen, Nicholls, Linter, Smith, Walsh, Rodgers

When you start out in a new league you never quite know what to expect, especially from an early season fixture where the availability for a lot of clubs is somewhat erratic. So it was encouraging that the Wick were able to field 3 strong sides on the first league weekend of the season…. Long may it continue!

First up we played Warlingham who were relegated from the league above last season and after a last minute venue change we arrived at Old Walcountians [careful with the spelling there - Ed] Rugby club full of energy and thankful that we had been spared a tour of the perennial mess that is Purley way/ Ikea’s carpark. Playing at a Rugby ground you are never quite sure what king of track you are going to get, but we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted with an absolute road, though be it a green one but certainly no stud marks or lost teeth on a length and a sloping though flat outfield. It was a perfect day for a certain left arm seamer to fill his boots though unfortunately he was called up last minute as a result of a freak testicular injury in the 2’s… get well soon mate! Toss won, bowl first, ATS! Graeme and Linter opened up for us and with a light to brisk down hill breeze blowing across the strip, provided some early entertainment for the expectant wick fielders. The opening bats looked comparatively comfortable though, punishing the short ball and happy to score at 2-3 an over. Frustration began to set in eventually and it wasn’t long before some more expansive shots were played and the edges began to flow. Once Phil found his length he had one opener caught at fly slip by Graeme only to have it wiped off due to a no ball but persevered and had him out the next over in identical fashion. In between Graeme bowled their other more threatening opener with a textbook leg cutter down the slope.

With 3 and 4 at the crease the wick turned the screws with Ewen Snr encouraging the bowlers, the number 4 was cleaned up by the milkybar kid caught behind by Harry and a few overs later Lints struck again bowled this time. Graeme’s consistent line and length encouraged the number 6 to play round a straight one and the wick were on a bit of a roll.

Chairman Nicholls then joined the attack and kept things tight and even took a wicket with his second ball of the season much to Graeme's chagrin. He was ably supported by young Tom Rodgers who also picked up the sticky number 3 thanks to a sharp catch at point by Nathan in his first over. Tom struggled a little with his lines though after this and was replaced by Ewen Snr who bowled his trademark line and length darts and kept the runs down but without the reward of a wicket.

Warlingham then had a bit of a tail wag and realising they were looking like being all out for little over 100 began to chance their hand and throw the bat. Dick and Nipples requested to swap ends so Tom came back on for an over and again took a wicket. The innings was eventually mopped up by Dick and Graeme bowling their last two bats in consecutive overs to leave us needing 157 from our 50 overs plus 5 of theirs.

Tea - Difficult really as it wasn’t their ground. Some said the bread was a bit stale and I’m not sure about the sanity of roast beef and onion as a filler as it recurred on your scribe for the rest of the afternoon. Plenty of it though which is always a plus when Harry is in the side and ginger cake was a nice touch. Tea ran out twice and was served from paper cups which is always a bit galling. – 4

The pairing of Risman and Sayce got us off to a great start punishing anything short or wide and a few that were just lose. Risman walked in the 20’s with a top edge to the keeper and brought the in form Nathan Singh to the crease. Sayce carried on as before and held up his end, frustrating the Warlingham openers. Nathan was unfortunate to fall LBW, narrowly missing out on duck tax to one that kept low and he was replaced by Lloyd who, ignoring Sayce’s suggestion to play himself in creamed the first ball over the bowler for a one bounce 4. It was in the slot apparently. The score board ticked over nicely as the pair (read Sayce) scored at around 4 an over. Lloyd was given out caught behind having struck the ground and brought Will Walsh to the crease.

Will and Paul put on a fantastic partnership with the latter reaching a fine 50 to steer us within touching distance of the win. Will was eventually out to a great one handed catch at midwicket on a well deserved 37 and Harry came in to see us through the final overs to win by 6 wickets with overs to spare. The highlight of his innings being 2 consecutive drives to long off and an attempted third being missed entirely. Indeed the Warlingham keeper was so surprised he made a mess of the stumps without ball in hand much to the amusement of the square leg umpire. It was all over the 4 balls later though as Paul flicked a rank full toss off his legs for four to win the game.

Red ink and a fine 75* for Sayce and 13 points in our first outing in the new league. Early days they maybe but a good start none the less.

Bring on Kempton next week.

MOM Sayce.

[MOM Sayce waves goodbye before disappearing into an Old Walcountian back garden]

1xi vs Frimley - Match report by Joey Ewen

HWRCC 1xi vs Frimley (a)
Toss: HWRCC
Frimley 135 all out. Tong 4-32, Raza 3-12
HWRCC 136-3

With the Wick 1xi arriving at Frimely CC before the opposition it seemed the standard of the day was taking shape. However there was a reason for Frimley’s delayed appearance. Why show to a dilapidated clubhouse that was flooded during the winter? If only I had known! Due to the cold spells in January a pipe had burst in the Frimley clubhouse and water leaked throughout their bar for over a week. The result is a concrete bar floor, no ceiling and breeze block walls.

On a wicket that looked hard, grassy and green I only had one option if successful on the toss, bowl first. Elizabeth’s face did not fail and the new ball was taken by the old master Dave Ford and new gun Shri Shinde. Ford settled well and found the length that was to become vital for the rest of the day. Dropping the ball straight and slightly short of a length ensured that the batsman were tested and had to deal with the awkward bounce and seam. The Frimley captain failed to settle against Ford and offered a chance early to Holland which was accepted.

What followed was simple cricket executed well. Frimley dug in deep to defend the good balls and waited for the full ball and put it away with ease. It was becoming evident that searching for swing was not the right option so Ewen and Tong worked together to build pressure and bring the Wick back into the game from 71-1 from 15. The hard work prevailed, Ewen found the edge and then gave their number 4 his first ball of the season, full and straight – LBW, 93-3.

Pressure was starting to build on the remaining Frimley opener. He was proving destructive on the front foot and solid in defence so Ewen then stuck in a short ball which struck him on the head. Water was called for but still no helmet! Tong then produced a very effective bouncer which did bring the lid outand suddenly the opener’s game was gone. He lofted a ball from Tong into the hands of Ford who covered several yards to produce a fine catch.

Tong and Raza then found the perfect length consistently beating the bat and displaying control, patience and quality, increasing the pressure even more. Frimley could not come up with any answers, they were outclassed and were starting to be outplayed. Tong went for 32 runs from his 15 overs, claiming 4 Frimley wickets, a truly outstanding display of bowling with an ageing ball. Raza was tight and destructive. Two loose balls from 48 lead to outstanding figures, 3 for 12 from 8, class and experience. Frimley all out for 135 from 41 overs.

Tea – to the delight of 1st XI mascot Harry Stephens included doughnuts and cakes however he did question where his 5-a-day was going to come from. 6/10, standard.

The in-form Davies and Hibberd went out to face the new ball. Both took a liking to what proved later to be rare wayward deliveries as the bowlers looked to find their line and length. Hibberd fancied the early finish slightly too much and chipped to mid-on for 9. In went Raza and shortly Hibberd returned to be his runner as Raza pulled his groin. This did not deter or hinder Raza - he offered stable support to Davies who went cautiously as the Frimely bowlers were wise to their wicket. They offered tight lines with consistent movement and asked many questions. This movement found the edge of Davies which diverted the ball to gully where a great one handed catch was produced. But he is yet to be out to a Wick bowler...

Imran Rashid entered and faced the somewhat angry and explosive Frimley opening bowler Dominic Lanaway. Lanaway was out to make a name for himself, not for an outstanding cricketing performance (however he did bowl well) but for his outrages of temper and frustration. It was truly unique performance, never did he look to settle or calm down and clearly rated himself and most definitely talked himself up to those willing to listen however Raza and Rashid appeared to be deaf.

They countered him with a prolonged period of patience and waited for the loose ball. An outstanding performance by both led to Raza completing a well rounded, patient and rewarding half century. Lanaway then proved to be the “Genius” as Raza lofted a ball down to third man, 103-3, genius batting fellas, well done. Stephens joined Rashid (24*) and both looked stable and unflustered. Their first partnership together was one of courage, control and true temperament. Ignoring the drone of explicit words exiting Lanaway’s mouth, Rashid stood up to the plate and stated why he showed up for a game creaming Lanaway over the covers to what the Wick members prayed would quieten Lanaway, Unsuccessful! With Stephens (27*) showing form as if he netted all winter 136 appeared. The Wick won by 7 wickets.

A great performance by all, 10 wickets and 4 out of 5 batsman consuming good time at the crease who settled well against some quality new ball bowling.

Regards to Frimley, a good game played with true spirit by most. I wish them all the best for the season and good fortune with the council as they look to renovate the bar damage caused by the leakage.

A special thanks to the stand in volunteers of Greg Unsworth (umpire) and Abi Ewen (scorer). Your efforts were truly appreciated and well done for your sterling work in difficult conditions. Please see Unsworth for more Lanaway quotes.

Runs and wickets

Match Report - 2xi vs Stoke D'Abernon - by Clarky

HWRCC 2XI vs Stoke D’Abernon 2xi

Toss: Stoke

HWRCC 242-3 (50 overs) Golforbrazeeeeeeel 79, Fudge 46, Wright 45*, Mackie 40*

Stoke 243-7 (49.3 overs) Patrick 102, Lawes 72, Lown and Cameron 2 for.

Goulborn, Cole, Fudge*, Mackie, Wright, Clark+, Soppitt, Cameron, Donnelly, Powell, Lown

New Wick Proverb Say… Be Careful What You Wish For

Since our embarkation on the road to Surrey Championship cricket three or four seasons ago the 2s have become used to some pretty tedious cricket. With a few notable exceptions in the Fullers we often found ourselves playing sides with little or no ambition who took a perverse pleasure in playing draw at all costs cricket.

One of the exceptions to that rule has been the Stoke D’Abernon game each year. This correspondent has played in the fixture for the last three years and every game has been exciting and has produced a result. Both sides go for it, with the minimum of carping and a healthy dose of good sportsmanship.

It was with some joy that we discovered, after two straight promotion seasons, that we would finally get to play some 50 over win/lose stuff in this division. For once, although important, the toss would not play a huge factor in how the game developed… we always dreaded having to bat first knowing that however early we declared, if oppositions chose to stodge out a draw not even throwing up pies would tempt them to chase our totals.

It was an absolute pleasure to get to tea yesterday having delivered a more than competent performance with the bat and know that – weather allowing – we would have a result one way or the other. Thank goodness for a bit of common sense and a worthy stage for us to take on a club who we’ve had some good games against.

In the event though we reaped what we sowed as the battle of the two newcomers to Surrey Championship Division 5 was won by a deserving Stoke side with three balls to spare. The margin sounds tight – and here on paper it is – but really the Wick’s talented bowling attack failed to put the visitors under enough pressure to win this game. So – result cricket we wanted, and result cricket we got. After weekend one we find ourselves propping up the division knowing we’ve been in a great game of cricket… that doesn’t feel quite so great if you are laundering your dove, magenta and black kit today.

Stoke were dismissed here last year for approximately 160 and the batsmen were ruthless in pursuit of the target. This time around Stoke inserted the Wick to see what we might set them in largely bright conditions.

12 months ago this track was a sporty little number as the previous curator was spending too much time elsewhere. It was a result wicket in the worst sense. Bounce at the Millennium Wood end was embarrassing and many an opposition skipper was heard to grumble. The only thing we could say was it was as bad for both sides. We ourselves were turned over on it so we knew how it felf.

The strip yesterday was tinged with green and there was some underlying moisture which suggested it could be a bit sticky, but once the shine disappeared from the new ball it was easy paced and favoured the bat. Only over-ambition against tight bowling created chances in both innings. It is fair to report a number of balls failed to rise at the MW end giving both 'keepers some tricky clean up work to do but there were no scuttlers which suggests the new roller and even newer groundsman are having a positive effect.

Mills for Stoke bowled to that end and started in parsimonious fashion, swunging the ball away from a good length and excellent middle and leg line. Very few balls left the square and both bats had to work hard to extract any value. Golborn, off the back foot, pierced the field often but seldom found the rope early on. Finally Mills persuaded an increasingly indignant and agitated Cole – who had looked for the most part in bat all day mood – to essay something rustic and Stoke broke through, Cole caught well at slip. Ten overs for 22 runs from the Kingston end was an excellent spell and the wicket of Cole was scant reward.

Fudge and Golborn, the latter growing in fluency as the innings progressed (that late cut was out and timing was evident), decided that a firm base was desirable and eschewed anything risky until drinks were brought out. Harkett, later to play a direct and devastating role with the bat, plugged away towards Kingston and profited from the caution displayed. His excellent line and nagging length proved difficult to get away and time and again when he did err slightly the two right handers found only the close in cover fielder who had a very good afternoon in that position.

As Golborn’s game became more fluent, so Fudge also threw off the shackles. He dismissed the change bowler Stewart onto the Pavillion roof, breaking the first tile of the new season, and later began to take a liking to offspinner Lawes who gamely chose to defend the shorter boundary. Goulborn continued to rote the strike and began to time his powerful on drive too. In sight of a deserved ton he unfortunately perished to an excellent diving catch in the gully as he and Fudge pressed the accelerator. A partnership of 109 had set the game up and at this point with 9 overs to go it was time to explode. Unfortunately, attempting to clear the infield once too often, the skipper then skied one to long off missing out on a deserved half century.

This brought together Wright and Mackie. The left hand / right hand combination was ideal for the match situation, bringing the short boundary into play from both ends. Mackie was fluent and the spin combination of Lawes and Hopton struggled to stem the scoring. How the Stoke D’Abernon skipper must have rued bowling out Mills at this juncture. Mackie crowned the run chase with a devastating over against Hopton timing two sixes into the car park and Wright bludgeoned an effective 45 to somehow overtake him in the scoring. The two came together with 45 balls remaining and contributed 84 runs – a really crushing contribution which we hoped had handed us the momentum which TV commentators are so fond of.

At tea The Wick were pleased with the total, feeling it had been assembled to plan by keeping wickets in hand. It was clear to all that with so much grass on the outfield and the addition of sand that the short boundary would hold the key to the result.

Tea itself was one of Dave’s classics. Clotted cream was in evidence on scones (bullet hard though Dave). Chorizo was back. The egg lubricant was slightly too runny for the purist. Clarky was introduced to the concept of combination buns by Fudge and saw a new genius in the portly one’s work through the hatch. With pork products abundant, your reporter politely enquired of DBW whether there was mustard to be had not believing any would be extant. Not only was there mustard, there was a choice. This was a bitter sweet moment. The mustard was the piece de resistance without doubt and the tea scored 8.5. However the realisation that this reporter has probably missed out on five years worth of mustard left him raging against the dining that he might have enjoyed. DBW’s truculence in this matter has cost him dearly as the sour taste of missed opportunity forced reappraisal of the tea in hand and it was severely marked down to a 7.

Stoke’s reply started in a blaze of shots and some wayward bowling from the Wick. Tosses were full. The line was occasionally leg stump. Quick, short and wide stuff was cut away over the slips. Stoke were away out of the traps like one of our all rounders after the larger set. However in an attempt to maintain this furious pace both openers perished to ambitious shots and number 4 was also in too much of a hurry. Despite some less than tight work The Wick had noses in front, Lownsy had 2 for and Stoke must have been concerned that the best laid plans might have, as the poet says, “gan aglay”.

But we were unable to capitalise because we could not keep our discipline. Too many cafeteria balls were bowled and by half way Lawes, who smashed the ball around and Patrick, playing rather more circumspectly and with a pleasing degree of technical prowess and style, had assembled half the runs they needed on the dot of drinks. If you recall, The Wick had assembled only 60 at this point so Stoke’s bowlers in our innings and their batsmen here, had turned the game in their favour.

Annoyingly this lack of control from us infected nearly everyone – Jimmy C aside who maintained a good line throughout and Lownsy who fought back from an ordinary start - and we were unable to wrest back the initiative. With the pitch favouring the batsmen, we really needed to be able to keep catchers in but skipper Fudge was forced to protect the boundaries and station his men on the thirty metre markers because of the regular poor balls. What regulation chances that were created – through first and second slip – were through sadly vacant positions. Others from Delboy, who started extremely well tormenting Patrick in the 80s with flight and changes of pace, were only just within grasp of fielders sprinting to arrive at orthodox positions long abandoned. Clarky, up until this point extremely tidy behind the timbers, almost held onto one such chance but the ball spilled agonisingly from the tips of his gloves in front of the packed pavilion. On such margins games are won and lost. The breakthrough did eventually come when Lawes aimed one too many aggressive heaves at Jimmy C to fall for 72.

The doubt Delboy created in Patrick did at least slow the youngster’s progress with his century approaching and it seemed we might be able to keep him quiet enough to drive the rate up. But others around him maintained the busy progress and an at first nervous and rusty looking Harkett blossomed to clout an aggressive 32 mostly from poor balls including some unforgivable full tosses that didn’t necessitate him using his feet.

Towards the end the pace became frenetic – one bat skied one to the safety of long leg just out of the grasp of the despairing Clark again who’d run 40 yards to get there, the other jammed down on a Yorker and squirted the ball down to a vacant fine leg for three just when the pressure might have begun to count. Harkett finally smashed a length ball over mid off which carried Stoke home just as we thought we had exposed what looked like a tail.

The winning margin was three wickets and brought mixed feelings. Relief on the one hand that we were playing result cricket after years of stodgy rearguards by unambitious oppos, annoyance on the other that we had let a promising position slip. We simply weren’t sharp enough in the field but huge credit is due to Stoke bats Patrick, Lawes and Harkett for taking it to us in such spectacular fashion.

Stoke were worthy winners and their umpire, who stood both ends, was excellent so thank you. We’re of course looking forward to the return fixture later in the summer – ominously there was talk of Mills and Harkett getting even longer spells!

It will be up to the individuals here to work hard in the excellent new nets and for the team to go up another notch in all departments against Cranleigh next week.

Congratulations to Will Patrick on his debut ton for Stoke D'Abernon.

MOM – Golby.

[Here Golby capture's Mackie middling one into the carpark]

Team News - Saturday 9 May

1xi (a) vs Frimley
MEET 11:00
START 13:30

Davies, Hibberd, Raza, Stephens, Berera, Rashid, Holland+, Tong, Ewen J(c), Shinda, Ford

Scorer: A. Ewen Umpire: Required (Please volunteer if you are around)

2xi (h) vs Stoke D'Abernon
MEET 12:00
START 13:00

Goulborn, Cole, Fudge(c), Mackie, Wright, Clark+, Soppitt, Cameron, Donnelley, Unsworth, Powell

3xi (a) vs Warlingham
MEET 11:15
START 13:00

Sayce, Risman, Lloyd(c), Singh, Walsh, Copeland+, Ewen R, Nicholls, Linter, Smith, Lown

WICK WASH

1xi vs Kempton CC (h) - League Cup. Match Report by AJ

HWRCC 1xi vs Kempton 1xi
Kempton won toss
Wick 211, Matty D 50, Hibby 30
Kempton 212-8

The Wick 1xi's record in the League Cup has been abysmal since we entered the Fuller’s League, and it didn’t get any better on Saturday against Kempton. The oppo won the toss and stuck us in. After a minute’s silence had been observed in memory of the late John Tilley, we went about posting a competitive target. To say that we got off to a poor start would be close to stating the bleeding obvious, as AJ was cleaned up second ball by their erratic opener, Kam slapped a half tracker to point in the second over, and Chris fell soon after. 20-3 after five overs, with two of the top five bagging early season ducks was hardly the start Joey was after.

But Matty D carried on from where he left off last week, batting quite brilliantly for the second week running. Solid in defence, brutal in attack, Matty peppered the shorter boundary towards the pavilion with cuts and flicks off the legs. One drive through the covers in particular stands out in the memory bank. As the former skip went about rebuilding the innings, he found an unusual accomplice in Hibby, who showed uncharacteristic restraint and responsibility to build an excellent partnership. Hibby’s knock was also laced with some of his trademark cover drives and signature flicks through midwicket, timing the ball as only he can.

Hibby (30) eventually fell to their leggie, who in between serving up full tosses and half trackers, turned the ball square. Indeed, it was one such delivery that caught Hibby’s edge, with their keeper taking an excellent catch behind the stumps. Matty D carried on to reach his 50, before slapping a truly rank full toss to the square leg fielder on the boundary. If Matty got the slightest bit of middle on the ball, it was six, but alas, the splice of the bat did for him. He can be consoled by the fact that for the second week running, he got himself out (run out last week chasing victory), with not one of their bowlers looking like getting him out. I think I’m right in saying that he didn’t play and miss once. This bodes well for the rest of the summer. [Mmmm yes I am guessing he will be delighted - Ed]

Imran came in and batted intelligently and aggressively in equal measure, punishing good and loose balls, while also throwing his hat into the ring for the slow race on club day. Dutchy smashed a few before getting a ridiculous half tracker that barely got above ankle height. Joey then came in and batted as Joey does, running hard, and hitting a mighty long ball. One six over midwicket (ok, it was cow corner) came right out of the screws. Shirish also contributed, Fordy didn’t, taking us to 211 all out in the 45th over. Having seen us roll teams for under 150 more times than I can care to remember last season, I thought that we had more than enough to have made the game safe. This is why I don’t bet.

Decent tea, though DBW has continued his bizarre early season form of sticking chorizo on a half bap. What the eff? Has he holidayed in Mexico? Does he have something against pork and ham? Does he have swine flu? Probably all of the above.

Their openers came out with real intent and purpose, swinging from the hip, with most of it coming off. Their opening bowler came out to open the batting too, as he had a night shift to get to, but he managed to hit both Fordy and Joey off their lengths, depositing Fordy into the pavilion, and smashing Joey back over his head for six. We didn’t panic, and with the score at 60, we took our first wicket, when their leftie clipped Kam straight to Hibby, who took a decent catch at square leg. He doesn’t drop those (often). Chris grabbed a couple of quick wickets too, horrible half trackers being slapped straight to grateful Wick fielders. Imran’s catch was a gem. Kam took four wickets in next to no time, and before we knew it, they were folding like a deck of cards at 97-8.

From there, how we failed to close the game out is still a bit of a mystery. Basically, their number four produced the innings of his life, and probably the best innings most of us have ever seen at the Wick, making 92 not out to win them the game. We could have had him first ball when he edged an extremely tough chance off Chris to Kam at slip, but such are the margins, shit happens, it was tough, and it would have been a once a season catch. Let’s not use up all our luck in May. That apart, it was chanceless.

Their number ten (he wasn’t a number ten, and since their opening bowler opened the batting, perhaps they reversed the order??? possibly not…) batted sensibly, putting away bad balls, running well, and supporting their number 4. Fordy was hit for an array of sixes over midwicket and long on, on a pitch that basically did nothing for the seamers once the shine went from the new ball.

Having had a couple of days to think about how we failed to win, I would summarise it as thus; we should have made more runs (top order take note), we did well to come back so well in the field after their opening stand, we were complacent at 97-8, we didn’t bowl well enough to take the final wickets (we didn’t create a chance), we could have fielded better and smarter when the pressure was on (lots of overthrows, poor backing up), BUT, their lad batted brilliantly, and it was good to get a high pressure game in so early in the season. In the equivalent fixture against Godalming, we gave away 40 extras, dropped 9 catches, and batted like a U10 eleven. We then won our first six league games.

Fingers crossed for better things this Saturday.

[Here's a picture of AJ in case anyone had forgotten what he looks like]

2xi vs Addiscombe xi (a) - Match Report by Fudgey

HWRCC won toss and elected to bat... [Which means the skipper won a toss - Ed]
HWRCC 167/8 (40 overs)
High 46, Wright 31, Goulborn 20+
ADDISCOMBE
140/6 (40 overs)
Donnelley 2 for 25, Smith 1 for 20, Cameron 1 for 25, Soppitt 2 for 40 WON BY 27 RUNS

The Wick innings opened brightly with the skipper middling everything to make a run a ball seven before some late season calling at this early season juncture caused chaos as opening partner Goldenslumber was having 40 winks on his bat at the non-strikers end and stitched the skipper up like a kipper.

Golden played straight and failed to get the trademark cut going - an indication of early season caution or was it trying to atone for the run out mix up. Wrighty looked as Wrighty always does... You can never tell when he is in or out of form. It just keeps on geting off the square. Reports from the middle suggested that fatherhood had detracted from his match fitness, blowing as he was like a blue whale as early as the 20! Charlie hit a few lusty blows... however was dropped twice and had more Chinese cuts than Mackie working at Teddington Cheese on a busy Saturday. Leggsy ensured the tail wagged with 19 from not many.

The Wick bowled very well... full and straight!!! Unusual at this time of the season. Smithy bowled well.. more economical than Alastair Darling's budget! Donnelley picked up where he left off at the end of last season... little bit of seam, found the edge, Mackie gobbled it from behind the sticks. Leggsy replaced him and first ball kissed the outside edge too... Mackie doubled up. JimmyC bowled well although must eradicate that April four ball... He also took a superb C&B [We all heard about that one in the office - Ed] Delboy too wen through his full repertoire of Turkish, long hop, full bunger, big turn... nothing changes (Allways the same in Wick argot)!!

Fielded great... Sayce/MB superb... good gobbles from JC/TD/AW!!

MOM - LEGGSY

19 runs
1/25 (8 overs)

[Here's a random picture of Leggsy - Ed]

1xi vs Addiscombe xi - Match Report

Match Report
1xi (h) vs Addlescombe xi
Saturday 25 April, 2009

Team: Imran, Jackson, Davies, Raza, Berera, Crowther, Holland +, Tong, Ewen (c), Ford, Shinda

Timed game, 20 overs from 6.30. Dunno who won the toss, but Addiscombe batted first. The deck was green but pretty hard. Some wind, but the day was fresh and bright.

Fordy and Tongy opened up, both bowliing pretty well. Fordy more economical, but Tongy slightly more threatening. Neither got the breakthrough.

Replaced by Joey and Sri, both of whom looked more threatening, Joey in particular found some good legs and great carry. Sri got a breakthrough, caught by AJ at mid on. Joey then got involved, just too quick for the talented but clearly bricking it opener. Bowled. Wickets then came fairly regularly, with there being no real noticeable acceleration in the innings, which went along at 3s throughout.

Kammy got some good nuts in the middle - typical Kammy stuff. Chris bwoled some good bits - doosras et al. There was a lively incident when a gimpy left hander hit a ball back at Kam, who after fielding it athletically hurled it back at the stumps. The bat then decided to kick the ball away...

Addiscombe 172-6 off 45. Not a great bowling performance, but a lot better than this time last year. Fielding was committed but perhaps slightly less athletic than we are used to.

Teas - No change. Reassuring.

The Wick opened up with Davies and Jackson, both finding it pretty easy going. Lots of short stuff to tuck into early doors - both got into double figures easy peasy. On came a dobber (who bowled throughout - think of a younger Nipples. Few bad balls, a relatively tight field and a newish cherry). AJ got one that kept low (although he probably should have been forward given which end he was at).

Kam and MattyD continued without needing to run singles. Lots of boundary balls. Kam raced to 17 before getting bogged down, eventually playing a loose cut shot that ended up at slip (3rd). MattyD struggled to hit the numerous bad balls through the infield, although finding the middle regularly. Chris looked nuggety and talented. He played one ridiculous late cut that went through the vacant slip region, dropping down low and just helping it on its way. He then got cramp. More salt lad...

Davies meanwhile unleashed on a few occasions, one big straight six, a few slaps through midwicket when they dropped it short. He unfortunately ran himself out on 85when about 45 was needed off 6 overs.

Tongy and Dutchy didn't contribute, trying to get on with it no doubt causing a kerfuffle of colours in the scorebox for Alison. Imran hit a cupla lusty blows, but in the end Pinball and Sri padded back the final over surmising that 20 was too many. All in all not a poor performance given that we faced about 8 overs less than Addiscombe...

That said this was not the Addiscombe that we played last year, with a number of bowlers missing.

In conclusion, a good start from the Wick, but we should have managed the run chase better having decided to give all of our bowlers some time with the cherry rather than push for a win with the ball. There relaly wasnt much in the deck by the way. Just flat.

MOM - Matty D for his 85

[With thanks to Matty D for 95% of the words - here he is looking very serious]

The Real "Wick Man" Claimed by Cancer

Much loved and admired former president, captain and latterly umpire John Tilley passed away this week following an all too brief battle with cancer. Vice-president Richard Jell broke the news to the club and said John would be "sorely missed at the Wick and by Muriel and all his family".

Tilley was involved with Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club for more than thirty years and the news of his death, which circulated on Thursday evening, prompted a flood of tributes to the club.

The 1xi, at home to Kempton in the Fuller's Cup, marked the news with a minute's silence lead by skipper Joe Ewen and wore black arm bands in tribute as did the 2xi away at Chiswick & Latymer lead by David Fudge.

Tilley, described as "a legend", "wise, witty, ascerbic and cantankerous", "a real man of the Wick", "a fair umpire... who would give short shrift to optimistic bowlers" and "a really lovely man" will have his funeral at All Saints Church, Dedworth, Windsor at 2pm on Thursday 7 May followed by tea at the Oakley Green Hotel, Oakley Green, Windsor.

John's wife Muriel has requested that instead of flowers there will be a collection for the hospice where John died. She has also asked that there are no black ties so those attending from the club should wear a Wick tie.

Jane McMahon is coordinating numbers for the tea for Muriel so if you plan to go to the tea please let Jane know. Her email is jane128@btinternet.com.

The Tributes - edited for reasons of space:

Whether as wicket keeper, umpire, President or 200 club organizer John was always fair, whether with members of the club or the opposition. He was a calming influence both on and off the field. On a On a personal note John gave me some very sound advice when I took over as Chairman Always a gentleman he is a sad loss to the club. Thank you JT for your huge contribution to the Wick.

Keith Nicholls Chairman

Every so often someone comes into the system who is truly irreplaceable. Such a man was John Tilley. John joined the Club shortly after me and it did not take long to realise that here was a Clubman of real talent. The Club was going through many changes, the old kinstonian H.C. were forced to leave us because of new regulations re:pitches and then arson destroyed the pavilion. John undertook any task thrown his way with glad heart and was justly rewarded on assuming the presidency. He continued to organise the Fundraising arm, the 200 Club, for a number of years in addition to his other commitments to the Club and to his Church. Throughout my involvement with the Wick it has always been my privilege to have worked closely with John but now the time has arrived to turn around and find he is not there and get on with it.
Rest in Peace, John.
You've earned it.

Neville Marshall

I can pay no better tribute to John than to say that he was a true Wick man. Warm, generous, humorous, sensible and always good company. I recall him joining the Club in the 70s and soon realising that he had found his cricketing home.

He and Muriel were great supporters of the Club and once John's playing days were over his administrative skills came to the fore and he served many years on the committee. He was Club President 1992 to 1997 and latterly had added umpiring to his cv.

John was of course a bank manager and I will always remember our day out at Lords for the NatWest final in 1985. Because of the Kiwi connection, he gave me a ticket when Nottinghamshire (and Richard Hadlee) reached the final. We had a great day and saw a superb game, Nottinghamshire chasing Essex's 280 and losing by one run with wickets in hand!

The Wick will not be the same without John but he will love long in the memories of all those who knew him.

Christine Sewell

Very happy memories of JT go back a long, long way. He kept wicket, played - and I'm sure umpired (though I didn't experience this element of his great commitment to The Wick) - as he lived his life, in an understated but wise and totally reliable way.

When I re-visited the Wick - probably too rarely - JT was a constant, always offering a welcome face to visitors and regulars alike. I'm so sorry that I can't be there on Thursday but I'll be thinking my own celebratory thoughts of John's life nevertheless. It was a privilege to know him.

Clive Rockell

JT was a great Wick man.....he was always there - President's games, Golf Days, Umpiring us when we were promoted to the Premier Division (no coincidence there I assure you!), Club dinners, BBQ's etc. He always made time to speak to each of us - in his own inimitable way and helped us to appreciate the game of cricket and to enjoy our great club. He will be sorely missed.

Sorry I am out of the country on Thursday - but will be with you in spirit.

Ian Geddes

I played one of my first games at the Wick under his captaincy in Sunday 2nd XI in 1980. Blimey that is nearly 30 years ago. He was definitely a skipper of the old school but gave us young whipper snappers enough rope to hang ourselves with " a well I told you so twitch" of that moustache. JT did have the driest of dry senses of humour. Muriel and JT were a constant fixture during my playing days and represent all that is great about the Wick. Always friendly and welcoming, JT will always be remembered fondly by the Webster family and he will be greatly missed by us all.

Mark Webster

Dear John
Probably the best wicketkeeper/umpire/bank manager ever to play for the wick!
The wick will miss you big time.

Snods

This is very sad news, and I too will be there to pay my respects to a great guy and a real man of the Wick.

I was just talking with Smudge a few minutes ago and remembering the not out decision Charlie mentions, along with the fact that he sent me on my way in my last league game-no complaints, it was as plumb as the one in Charlie's game!

My memories of JT are of him keeping wicket until he was well over 50, and also of batting with him to draw a game at Leatherhead many years ago. He was always very proud of his 1 not out which secured that draw!

I also remember him keeping goal for the HWRCC football team in the days when we used to play against the Southfields schoolteachers-he played in goal for Nat West Vets even after he gave up wicket keeping I believe. He was quite a good keeper, especially for his age. Indeed, we found out his true value to us when he retired and we put Colin Ledward in goal. Colin had some idea of what to do as he was a hockey goalkeeper I believe, but he had difficulty with the idea that you stopped the ball with your hands-so he didn't stop it at all!

Of course after he stopped playing, John then took to umpiring. The main thing to say about his umpiring was that he was a fair umpire-you knew that, great clubman that he was, that was not going to help you if you were caught bang in front-no fear or favour, up would go the finger. And if you were an optimistic bowler (why do Ewen, R. and Webster. M. come to mind?) short shrift was likely to be the order of the day.

All in all, a great man to have known and who will be sadly missed.

Peter

An end to a great innings that anyone would be proud of.

JT - Wise, witty, acerbic, cantankerous - a true legend of the Wick.

It was only after many years that I realised just how good an umpire John really was. His decision making had by then transcended to a level barely understood by mere mortals.

As a batman or a bowler you were judged by John not so much on the individual merits of the appeal but for the greater good of the game.

Whether it be a subliminal message that you should have retired long ago, or as a lesson in humility, John delivered his judgement with the surety of a man empowered with the belief that it was his Presidential duty to protect the wider values of our great game.

Having been personally adjudged by JT on many occasions I must confess that I thought at the time that he was either the embodiment of random decision making, blind as a bat or held a personal vendetta.

How shallow I now feel.

It's taken me years of reading Neville Cardus and many visits to my analyst to realise that a legend such as JT, whilst not always fully appreciated and understood in his day, still had the resilience and fortitude to always do what he thought was right.

JT - for all the above, for your tireless dedication to the Wick and your indefatigable spirit -

I will miss you

Tom McCarthy

A true gentleman in every sense of the word ... now umpiring some of the greats of the game ... rest in peace JT you will be sorely missed but never forgotten

David Ford

John always supplied me with my first post-match G&T.

Alison Whitcher

A really lovely man. He declined more lbws off my bowling than any other single umpire! And who else could decline in such a sardonic and disdainful manner? Days at the wick can never be as good again. R.I.P.

Richard Ewen

A lovely man who will be sadly missed.

We joined HWRCC at roughly the same time and my abiding memory will be at my 50th as he gave Culham not out when he was rattled on the pads slap bang in front of all three. His reason when I politely enquired after the match was that he had come to see Culham bat (god knows why), NOT some pie thrower bowl. Maybe he got the batter and bowler muddled up!!! JT all over.

Standing at slip was an interesting experience when he appealed... do you remember the loud growl that ushered forth? Enough to put the fear of god into the umpire (and the batsman for that matter).

Charlie Browning

One of the nicest people I've ever met. Never a bad word about anyone. Top man

Charlie High

A true gentleman and legend of the club. I had the utmost respect for him and he put all the other umpires around in the shade.

Gareth Jones

I had the true pleasure of keeping his company for the past 17 years... A kind, honorable man, that will be missed by all! WICK Through & Through!

David Fudge - 2xi Captain

A true Gent of the Wick

As one who has had the great fortune to play league cricket with JT - a skilled keeper in the old school and a true competitor. A great loss to the Club and Family. [JT even took stumpings off me when standing up ...that is behind the stumps!]

Will be missed down at the Wick...

To Muriel and Family our very deepest sympathy our thoughts are with you

Adrian Risman

He really was an example to me of how the game should be played, of sportsmanship and he was a true Wick Man. I will miss him.

Nick Clark - Hon Secretary