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

Team selection 2nd May 2009

HWRCC 1ST XI (HOME) vs KEMPTON - 1st Round Fullers Cup

Jackson, Davies, Raza, Rashid, Hibberd, Berera, Crowther, Holland +, Ewen (c), Shinda, Ford

MEET - 12:00
START - 13:30

HWRCC 2ND XI (AWAY) vs CHISWICK & LATYMER

Singh, Sayce, Fudge (c), Copeland +, Soppitt, High, Cameron, Webster, Unsworth, Donnelley, Powell

MEET - 12:00
START - 13:30

HWRCC 3RD XI - CANCELLED DUE TO HWRCC POOR AVAILABILITY

Good luck to all those involved...

Don't forgot after the games, wine and cheese evening at the Wick hosted by 1st team skipper Joey from 8.30pm.See post below for further information, only 10 places remaining.

Captain's Social - 2nd May 09

HWRCC Social on Saturday 2nd May 2009

Wine and Cheese Evening with Joey Ewen (1st XI Captain) at Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club from 20:30.

Taste wines and cheeses from around the globe.

The night includes:

-A comprehensive range of global wines and cheeses to taste -Information and history of the wine and cheeses -Blind tasting and location challenges -Prizes and much more

Book a table of 6 in advance and receive a free bottle. Tickets are £10 per head bookable via Joey on 07766547929 or email: st-ewen@holloway.islington.sch.uk

Training 21st April 6pm @ Wick

With the new nets still to be completed.... Tuesday's training will be a fielding based session with organised football and touch rugby for some extra fitness work!!

The forecast is fantastic... so please try your best to be there and get those hands hardened up!!

We have been the best fielding sides in our respective leagues for the past few years... lets keep those standards up!!!!

Catches win matches...

Locals discover new nets - membership up

Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club has received a flood of new members as it was realised new strips had been laid in the old nets.

The nets, almost completed and only waiting for some adjustments to the frames, have been adjudged "lively" by 1xi skipper Joe Ewen and Social Ambassador Dominic Lown. Local deer were said to be delighted with the new facilities, a spokesman commenting that they were were fed up with the "low" bounce and the lack of "moo"vement in the old nets.

It's Friday. Whatever.

See you down there tomorrow to check them out...

Open trial/practice day 18th April 2009

OPEN TRIAL AND PRACTICE DAY 18TH APRIL 2009

Join us at the WICK this Saturday for our first outdoor training session of the season. This day is designed to trial and welcome new members as-well as offering exisiting WICK players the chance to practice in match conditions before the big season kicks-off!!

As well as providing everyone with ideal practice... this day will offer all the captains the ideal opportunity to run the rule over our squad of players and gage the form of individuals. With competition likely to be stiff this year, this is your first opportunity to shine!!

There will be food available on the day with a textbook DBW Tea and Evening Dinner, to help soak up the beers. The evening is the "first social of the season" with partners, friends & family all welcome.

Start;

13:00

The Day will include;

* Warm-Up and Fitness Session * Match Pratice in the Middle * Net Sessions in our Brand NEW Net Facilities * Extensive Fielding Practice * Boundary Bowls competition * DBW Tea

The evening;

* Food available * Drink Promotion * Open Mic Music (Bring & Play any Cd's of your choice) * Doubles Pool competition (Cash Prize to the Winners)

Hope to see you all on Saturday... WICK