Getting wick with... Sisso

1 Nickname(s): Sisso/Gambler
2 Highest Score for HWRCC: 125ish v Eastcote
3 Best Bowling for HWRCC: 5 for something or other v Jack Frost 11 (Was mid 1980s so don't remember exact details!) Brad MacNamara got a ton before lunch and I struck after a few vinos!
4 Favourite Away Ground: Honor Oak CC (Got first Wick ton there)
5 Favourite Food: Ruby Murry of course
6 Favourite Singer/Band: David Bowie/Silence
7 Favourite Movie: Godfather
8 Favourite Book: Timeform
9 Favourite Pub/Club: Kingston Tup!/Mavericks
10 Favourite Crisps: Plain…
11 Favourite DBW Sandwich: Tuna… Luvley!
12 Favourite Oppo Tribute: Andy Dindas (captain of Reading CC) when we beat them in first league game of season in League 1 by 150 runs (HWRCC 20 points Reading CC 3 points) "I hope you boys have a good season and don't get relegated!!!!!!!!"
13 Favourite Quote: "winners smile and losers tell stories" Mike McMahon
14 Childhood Sports Hero: Beefy Botham…
15 Best Wick Moment: Beating Gatting's team to get promotion to Middlesex league 2 (With Mike Gatting playing)... despite scoring ZERO…
16 Worst Wick Moment: Haven't had any as the amber anasthetic wipes them all away after the match... After a few beers and a curry even a duck can feel like a ton!
17 Invite 3 People to Dinner (Dead or Alive) Keith Miller, Nicole Kidman and Kate Moss

Wednesday xi vs BBC - by Matty

Wait all week for a report, then two come along... here's the perfect opportunity to see how Wick captains, old and young, view the same game!

Wednesday match report v BBC Sport

The BBC Sport CC massive rolled The Wick way last Wednesday to contribute to what was a very fine game of cricket enjoyed by all. The Bushy Park Massive was out in its resplendent glory and the Star upon which our home planet orbits was as bright and hot as it has ever been.

A 40 over game, Sisso promptly called correctly and decided to bat bat bat. A wise choice as he and Amore tucked in to some decent but ultimately harmless bowling. The fielding whilst enthusiastic was hindered by Monty Panesaritis as despite what the name sheet may suggest, the athletic prowess of a number of fielders fell short of the qualifying standard. Amore’s departure was followed closely by the returning McCarthy, who promptly dollied a slow full toss straight back at the bowler. He commented post game that he knew exactly what he wanted to do, it's just his body wasn’t up to the challenge and followed behind thus turning an off drive into an on-swipe. Experience.

Adamson scored a few before the Wednesday specialist Mr Crane joined and brought some hockey prowess to proceedings. He slugged a very powerful 37. Sisso had in the meantime tired somewhat following a typically uncompromising attacking start. He scored just shy of 50.

The Saturday 1s pair of Mackie and Davies were then at the crease, inevitably receiving the sledge from the opposition. Davies decided he was here for a good time, but not necessarily a long time. Having cleared the long on boundary, he then middled another vertically. In contrast Mackie showed all how it should be done. He hudged,(he what? Ed) hussled and at times mowed his way to a classy 50*, ably assisted by Dutchy (playing at Old Paulines… SPIT!), leaving a total of 217-6 from 40 overs.

DBW teas. Well all I will say is I filled my boots.

Sisso had commented on the similarity between this and the 2006 fixture, with the Wick being confident having scored over 200, only to be pegged back by a decent couple of BBC bats, and then once the tail began the game was over, and BBC Sport collapsed to c160. The story was similar this time.

The opening pair were decent. Whinny bowled erratically and they took advantage, whilst Joey’s express pace meant gully and behind square were favourite areas. The score was progressing nicely, before MC and Davies came on to slow things down. Davies started the rot with a lovely Yorker, before MC bowled a beautiful lollipop, which bamboozled the bat and bowling him through the gate. Credit to Joey for some typical sledging as well.

Mackie then had a go and found swing where others had failed, picking up 3 wickets in 4 overs, including a pearler to dismiss the #4 who had some classy shots. Crane also found some decent areas, being rewarded with 2 wickets of his own. Whinny returned towards the end to mop up the tail, and coupled with some run outs, left Joey as the only wicketless bowler, although it's fair to say he bowled with somewhat ‘attacking’ fields.

MOM – Mackie. Excellent innings and 3 wickets.
Prat of match – I would say McCarthey, but he fielded excellently at gully, so I’ll give it to Joey, despite his bowling and diving catch. Harsh but fair.

Wednesday xi vs BBC - by Bobby

It was a beautiful day and the toss was won. It took all of half a millisecond to decide on batting first. I hardly even considered that was a 40 over game and we needed five bowlers...

The old partnership of Sisso and Mooray was reunited and runs flowed... amazingly a number of threes were run and several boundaries struck and 50 was posted in even time. There weren't that many singles funnily enough! It wasn't until the oppo took pace off the ball that Mooray was undone by sweeping to square leg for 28.

McCarthy strode to the wicket and unfortunately struck a full toss back to the same pace-off bowler before he had settled. Adam Crane however was the answer as he bludgeoned Mr Lack of Pace for several brutal fours... much to the skippers relief I might say as was very tired by then on hot day. Drinks were taken after 20 at 97 - 2, so Wick in very fine position. Somebody helpfully put 44 on board for myself, so obviously went down the track first ball after drinks break to get to 50 quickly... 97 - 3! Oops.

Things then didn't go according to plan as Cransey hit to square leg when in twenties, Adamson was stumped after hitting three boundaries and Matty Davies struck a nice three and six and then hit one up in the air... 140 - 6 now of some concern with last week's pratt of the match and Dutchy Holland in residence!

Luckily we had got down to the boys who can run, so all of a sudden the Wick started taking a run a ball, which was simply something none of the experienced players even considered! I am not sure if Cransey is experienced, but he certainly doesn't run!!! Obviously old before his time, or rather he smites it miles instead!!! There were a few run out scares, but Mackie managed a fine 50* abley supported by Mark Holland, who surprised us all in comeback game after four years by still not being able to time the ball... 28* or so though... not bad for a t*sser from Old Paulines..."up the Wick".

218 for BBC to win..

Joe Ewen and Shaun Whinney opened up for the Wick, but despite Joey particularly generating good pace and bounce no breakthrough came. Aware that under trades description act there were only three bowlers in the team a decision was taken to get the spinner on (Collier) and one of the batsmen (so called)... Matty D was the choice. I will dedicate a chapter later to the glove that one of the openers which Dutchy decided to throw "downwards" rather than "upwards" in course of celebration of catch (or not!) Maybe thats how they do it at Old Paulines? Collier settled into a good line and Matty D same... in fact it was Matty D who earned us the breakthrough when opener hit across a straight one. Collier then did for the number three (Sunil), who was beaten by one that was held back... well sledged Joey!!! The other opener however who had also got 50 in previous game still looked good.

After 20 overs BBC still in the game, although at 78 - 2 were 19 behind where Wick were at same stage. It was however time for decisions... should I try and get a wicket by bringing Joey back or should I shuffle the pack and get the batsmen on? I opted for plan B and Cransey was called for... Matty D was tired after 6 overs... then it was last week's POM and this week's jug batsman (Mackie). It looked a good call when Cransey snaffled the nuber four, but then five and one (sounds like a forecast at Wimbledon dogs) tucked, firstly into Collier's last over, had a bit of Crane's and a lot of Mackie... oh dear.

To the cry of "Get in" however Mackie bowled the freeflowing five with a beautiful inswinging yorker more reminiscent of Ryan Sidebottom, Zaheer Khan or R Singh... well done we all said. He then followed up with a beaut that butterfingers Holland snaffled to whip the bails off for stumping and then the "coup de grace" when he repeated ball that got rid of five to nail the very good opener... Zaheer Mackie!!! It was all over and after 32 overs Whinney and Ewen were recalled to finish the job. Saffer Whinney obliged by bowling two of the oppo and then Joe cranked up his pace after we all kindly reminded him that he was the only wicketless bowler. Graham Adamson almost pulled off the catch of the season off Joey, Shaun from PE dropped a skier off Joey... bit of a trend here for our tall wicketless bowler... that will teach him for not bowling at the timber I say!!!!

The last piece of fun was the oppo number 10, who was delighted that we were all winding Joey up as his life insurance wasn't up to date! Never mind, he ran himself out before Joey could finish him off! All out 170ish, Wick win and in bar on time.

Special mention to fantastic fielding by Joey, Matty D, Graham Adamson, Mackie, Tom Mccarthy and the usual crap fielding from the skipper... no change there then!

Man of Match: Mark Mackie
Pratt of Match: Marc Holland. He knows why!!! Welcome back to the Wick Dutchy!

Drunk of the day: Matt Davies. It would have been me, but he refused to drink with me any more as found some bird with name beginning with H better company!!! I had to go home and drink red wine on my own... boo hoo. Thank goodness Mr Culham is back for the next game, which is Stock Exchange.

Spectator of day: AJ (12th man) as not old enough to get into Wick wednesday top order!!!!

Sunday xi vs Teddington Town - by Goldy

Sunday XI vs Teddington Town XI - Bushy Parky League - 3rd June 2007.

Teddington Town 103 all out

HWRCC 104-2

HWRCC won by 8 Wickets

MOM - Sissen

Goulborn *, Mackie, Garf, Copeland H +, Iqbal, Cameron, Bishop, Vader, Austin, Hibberd, Sissen

Unfortunately for the batsmen in the team, the dream of amassing a huge total on Sunday was shattered when yours truly lost the toss and was asked to field. With a previous best team total of 346 off forty overs against Teddington Town, you can understand their greediness. That said, fielding first gave the youthful members in the team a good chance to showcase their talents and further prove the Wick has a bright future. Junaid Iqbal, a 13 year old fast/medium bowler made yet another senior appearance and bowled tight lines, rarely giving away easy runs. He was rewarded for his efforts bowling the opening batsmen who had carried his bat through 30 odd overs, middle stump.

The other opening bowler Tom Austin (still at school, but now almost a Sunday veteran) showed what the Wick has been missing this season with some genuinely quick, lively bowling. “Harmy” picked up two wickets for his troubles. Note to 2s Captain Fudge, as soon as his exams are over, Harmys in, FACT! The other wickets were shared around between Vader (3) who bowled some delicious off spin that was reminiscent of Del Boys spell in the emphatic twos win the day before, Myself (pies) and Jimmy C bowling tight and as usual, aggressive. Harry Copleland (who in the morning won the game for the Wick u13s with a fantastic 30 odd not out) kept well behind the stumps. The keeper, aged twelve showed exceptional talent and it wont be too long before the young lad starts featuring prominently it the adult set up. I asked Garf to give him some advice, and he told me he was too good for advice from him, now that is praise!

So Teddington Town set us a measly 103 to chase down. With a batting order that consisted of big hitters such as Mackie, Barrel, Hibby, Sisso and Copeland, this target was never really going to trouble us. With this in mind the order was shuffled around a bit and early on we did our best to make it difficult for ourselves. Barrel went second ball when Vader raised the finger for a ‘dubious’ LBW decision (don’t worry vader, we ve all made them!eh del!?) and Hibby went shortly after playing an equally dubious shot to their decent left armer, having played some decent shots off the leg spinner. Bobby and Garf settled things down and eventually saw us home. Bobby proved he still had what it takes when he hit a HUGE six into the club house – definitely the highlight of the innings. Garf set about his innings in a professional manner playing technically sound and very straight, hitting some lovely four down the ground.

Wick win. Job done.

MOM – Sisso

Dick of the day – Jimmy C for shouting at an oppo fielder when he was about to take a catch. Then when seeing we were all cringing on the sidelines asking “isn’t that what you do?” bloody Aussies!

WICK!

Here's a gratuitous picture of AJ with more hair.

Match Report - 3rdxi vs Thames Ditton - by Kirky

Thames Ditton's 3rds Ground and President Sissen

Editors's Note:

Wickman has received a number of communications this morning from 3rd xi players who are less than gruntled by Saturday's facilities. Gentlemen, the committee offers its apologies. If they had known Thames Ditton wanted to play boules on a cabbage patch they'd have secured another fixture elsewhere. The thought of Bobby, Dick and Mooro having to change in the open air is bringing a sort of smile to Wickman's face (although Wickman is trying not to think too hard about it) but Wickman appreciates that cricket should be more fun. Thank goodness for Kingsfield... In the meantime everyone should please be assured that the fixtures sec will be assessing not just availability of opposition but facilities also. What with the 3s playing on the Somme and the 2s not getting a game it hasn't been a great weekend. It's not easy...

Kirky's Report Follows:

Whilst I can’t claim to have any knowledge of cricket it seems there is usually a clear man of the match. A person who rises above their team-mates and the opposition to create the winning advantage. It may be argued Gilchrist's 150 may have sealed the world cup for Australia. In the case of HWRCC 3rd XI vs TDCC 3rd XI there was a clear leading wicket taker who stitched up, undid and cleaned up experienced and inexperienced batsmen alike.

This contestant wasn't a player but the wicket. It was a mixture of dust bowl, green patches and yellow tufts and the bounce was variable to say the least. Luckily the wicket wasn’t biased and took victims of both teams. My sympathies go out to Thames Ditton 3rd XI. It appears a lot of their home fixtures will take place at this ground. Not a particularly rough park but it had more Vicky Pollards than you could shake a stick at and it all takes place under the gaze of Surrey's business hub and architectural marvel the Tolworth Tower.

Things started badly when the groundsman failed to turn up and open the pavilion, we plugged on regardless. As with last week the 3rd XI was a mixed bag of experience, youth and variations in-between, it was also Merwin's Saturday debut for the Wick. Someone won the toss and the Wick went into bat.

The Wick top order was quickly undone by the randomiser wicket and before we knew it we were 70/7 and looking down the barrel of the gun. Those in the top order struggled to get into double figures. Perhaps the only person to escape the wicket was Derrick but Tom saw to that and triggered him. There were any number of excuses not to give LBW on this wicket but Tom wasn't feeling charitable. A quick cameo by yours truly brought three 4s and worryingly the top score. After trying slog a full toss and being caught at mid-off, Lloydy was brought to the crease. On a side note Lloydy's flatmate Cransey has recently invested in a fancy new cricket bat. If Lloydy was trying to make a point that you don't need an Uzi SPS to make runs he didn't mention it. He set about dispatching the bad balls of which there were generous amounts. Joined by Jimmy C they set about a match saving partnership. Eventually Jimmy was run out to a direct hit; the quick running stressed his hamstrings ruling him out from the bowling attack but his 29 was more than useful. Tom came and made a few before Bobby declared or whatever you do in timed matchs. This was very kind of Bobby as Lloydy was on 46 and in danger of buying jug. Wick 160/9 off 47 overs.

Tea looked promising but somehow TD had lost the plates. Not being a fastidious bunch we did without, it might explain why there was a fair amount of salad left over. 7/10

Tom and I opened the bowling. I took the wicket of an older fellow and Tom took one of a youngster who had a fine looking leave. This did mean he took one to the helmet a couple to the ribs. Leave at you own risk on this wicket. He eventually tried to cut one that moved in about a foot and kept low skittling him, a good wicket for Tom.

It appeared TD had learnt from our mistakes and were playing patiently. It was slow going as the 3 and 4 put on the runs. Merwin replaced Tom but had a tough time finding the line and length that saw him taking wickets in the nets. Bloomy was brought on to replace myself, though there was movement there was no guarantee it was going with the spin. Dick replaced Merwin and Derrick replaced Bloomy. Derrick’s first ball pitched short of a length and shot along at ankle height. His second pitched short of a length and shot three feet above the bats head. The second did exactly the same. This was the story of Derricks spell, the bat could expect the ball at head height or ankle and there was no discernable way to tell one ball from the other.

Eventually Dick and Derrick began to make inroads. Almost unbelievably there were three catches from Butterfingers Bobby and one caught by myself who has equally if not more buttery fingers. From being up the creek we had managed to turn the game around. It finished a winning draw for the Wick. Thames Ditton 141ish/9.

I think we can all agree a winning draw is more satisfying than a loosing one but when it boils down to the luck of the bounce it takes the shine off it. Credit to Lloydy and Jimmy surviving the randomiser, building any runs on the Alexandra Rec wicket is no mean feat.

Club Dinner - 24 March 2007

Can you imagine this room full of Wick past and present? Can you see Bobby standing up and welcoming you, glass in hand, to the first Wick Dinner since - well - forever? Can you imagine seeing that trophy presented again to Matty D? Wickman hears that club dinner tickets are selling like hot cakes. The first club dinner for years is going to be a sell out and a massive reunion. Nicholls has taken a table. Richard Jell is rumoured to be involved in complex negotiations over a table. Ben Stephens has taken a table. Micky McMahon has taken a table. Old faces are flocking. Clownsy and Cranesy have been on the case and entertainment is booked. Raffle prizes are being assembled. Wickman is hoping that there will be a leg of lamb in the raffle. Pork at a push. There is talk of Karaoke. With Hibby in the room... are we sure? There will be speeches from club dignatories. The final few tickets are up for sale at the moment. Please get in touch with Dom, Cranesy or Clarky and let them know whether you can make it. £40. Bargain. Come and be part of the first memory of the season... 24 March...