Stoke D'Ab 1s vs HWRCC 1xi - Match Report by Matty D

HWRCC 1xi beat Stoke D’Abernon 1xi by 1 wicket (50/50)
Stoke 127 ao, 45 overs.
HWRCC 128-9, 49.3 overs. Stephens 38*

Stoke chose to bat on a track that played dead and low. I probably would have bowled first too, but it was a good toss to lose. Tongy was late so his brother showed him up, working well with Noman to build some pressure that resulted in a drag on to the dangerous opener. The other dangerous opener was then snaffled by Davies at Mid off, again Tong being the bowler, to ensure that the Wick were on top early on. Runs were slow and wickets fell regularly. With the exception of Vish who failed to settle, all bowlers kept things tight. Anything short was easy pickings, but as it was so slow, often anything that was short was such a surprise that the batsmen often popped their shoulder out playing cross batted. Daisy again bowled beautifully without luck and Tongy (G) on arrival saw early success only to fade like a Duracell Bunny only half charged (the effect of too much sun and surf in France the previous week). The final pair put on over 25 to turn a bad 98 into a poor 127ao off about 45 overs. The pitch wasn’t a minefield, you just had to be clever about scoring shots.

Tea was excellent, even Alison gave it a 9. Rice salad, chicken nibbles, sandwiches aplenty, fruit salad. Very good.

The response started serenely enough, until against the run of play (not that things were rollocking along) Tong (I) feathered one behind to start a procession of wickets. Neither Ali nor Raza troubled the scorers much (or at all). Davies joined Day who immediately holed out to the day's most dangerous bowler (22), leaving the score perilous at about 25-3. Davies then saw Rudolph and Byrne pass before he even got off the mark. Naturally he then went as well and we were seriously stuttering against decent medium pace and controlled spin bowling. Runs on the board can make you do funny things.

Vish made a few, as did Tongy, but when they were in the hutch at 80-9 in all honesty it should have been over. Step forward Ben Stephens and Finbar Murray. With some application and patience they nurdled their way along, waiting for the bad balls and running hard. Despite the ground being small, the grass was long and the slow pitch meant it was difficult to reach the boundary. A hill on one side also slowed many a ball that would have gone for a boundary. Fin hit one big six over square, but for the most part it was little nudges to 3rd man and quick singles to vacant cover that kept us in the game. I wasn’t really nervous because we were so far behind it wasn’t worth getting worried. Perhaps I was in the minority.

Daisy told us about a game when his side had chased 260 having been 35-5. Outrageous. Somehow we found ourselves needing to increase the run rate in order to get home, with 4 an over being unprecedented in the conditions. With 5 needed off the last over, Fin got a single (3rd man) and Ben decided he had to hit a boundary. So the story goes ‘I decided I was going to hit him over his head and I swung but it was shorter that I initially thought. I just kept going with it and it arced round to square but it came off the middle.’ It sure did. One bounce four and we had won with 3 balls to spare. Stoke were understandably down, us the opposite.

Experience - you can’t buy it. Youth - you can’t buy it.

MOM – Ben Stephens. Hero.

Match Report - 1xi vs Roehampton by Matteee Deeee

HWRCC 268 - 4 (Davies 84, Nomaan 58)
Roehampton 172 (Farrell 100) Tong 4-27
HWRCC won by 96 runs.

Scorecard

When people ask me what I do for a living the conversation normally goes something like this:
'I work in regeneration'
'Regenewhat? Is that to do with flowers?'
'No. Imagine a area is sh*t....no jobs, it's messy, no-one can count etc etc. Well we try and make things better'
'Ah......another Beer?'

The above isn't technically true. The whole regeneration thing is, but I'm actually a professional (unpaid) cricketer who has a side job in regeneration that happens to be 9-5 monday to Friday. And this is the reason why.....

Roes won the toss on what looked to be a bit of a green top. It was however hard as nails and was clearly a batting deck, again. Upon insertion (ahem) the Wick again started brightly with Ali and Davies being aggressive when given the opportunity. The duo again put on another great opening stand of about 80 odd before Ali snicked one behind. Day, living a life more charmed than Aladdin, then scored 44 (for 3) in another decent partnership with Davies who continued his good form looking untroubled. Raza's late (late for a number 4 at least) introduction immediately saw the injection of some violence into proceedings, with a some large hits and some lovley poses to boot. Bonay and the Rash mopped up at the death to ensure we posted an excellent 268 off 41.5 overs. In fairness Roes actually bowled pretty well, especially the Mr Fuchs who kept a tidy line and lengh throughout. I suppose when your confidence is high and you're playing well runs just come - which is what happened on Saturday.

Teas - as standard. There was a wedding the previous day and some of the potatoes had mischievously found their way into the spread. And there may have ben some cold onion bhajis (dunno where they came from). 7.5

I said earlier that Im a professional cricketer because I will not be remembered for my ability to 'regenerate', rather it will be my playing of the great game - successfully or otherwise. We knew our response in the second innings had to be patient and measured, yet aggressive. These days you have to work for your wickets, and Saturday was no different. Tuggles and Tongbola started off and despite an old ball, found errors with the bats. Unfortunately we also found errors, principally with our catching - one at cow and one inexplicably behind the wicket. Amends would be made later however.

A decent opening stand was finally broken by the star of the day with the ball - Tong. There followed a tightening of the screws as the run rate grew and wickets started to tumble. An early declaration had given us time to take 10 wickets and as the pressure built so did the wickets column with Ali and Tong making inroads. No-one bowled poorly all day, but it was the turn of Raza who sparked the run for the finish line, with some wiley stuff. At the other end the Roes opener was soon running out of partners. With 8 overs to go and only 2 in the hutch, Tughral returned and saw a few large hits out the ground, with Farrell reaching a well earned 100. Next ball however he holed out to deep square where JMJ took a fine running match-winning catch in front of the baiting crowd and the sun set over the Millennium Wood. The vocal chords of AJ and Unsworth keeping the game as animated off the field as on it. The very next ball Tughral twirled his magic and it was over in a flash, Wick win by 96 runs.

That was a real slog of a victory against a decent Roehampton team on a fine surface. Its not coming easlity but its 4 from 4 and to a man we're feeling strong. MOM - G. Tong with 14 - 27 - 4. Class

1xi vs Haslemere - Match Report by Matty D

"Nomaan made hay while the Sun shone - lots of it" - Ed

Spirited Haslemere Run Wick Close

HWRCC 185 Nomaan 78, Davies 57
Haslemere 145 Raza 3-10, Nomaan 3-28, Day 3-36

Scorecard

Haslemere arrived just in time for the toss, duly won it, and inserted the Wick on what looked a decent deck. Pretty flat, some grass but firm.

Ali and Davies opened up and immediately set about the task. Ali in particular making hay in the sunshine with a ball that wasn't swinging. A straight six in the first over set the tone. Davies wasn't far behind, throwing his hands through the ball when given the opportunity to do so. 40 became 90, became 129 in 20 overs, with no slogging, just genuine shots. Ali fell getting ahead of himself, trying to be a bit too clever, which in hindsight was an error. A sluggish Davies upon 50 then fell to the same bowler, a lazy shot being caught at midwicket.

And then things changed. The Haslemere left arm Ford-a-like found his areas and his swing which, while early at the start of his spell, was getting later and later. He ended up with 5 excellent wickets, clearing a path of destruction at one end whilst at the other the proberbial tease bowler took out the pin but controlled the ball well in a stiff crosswind. 129-0 soon became 150-7, a quite frankly ridiculous series of events, but if it can happen to Sri Lanka then it can happen to us too. Only Tong and Tughral Snr put together a partnership towards the end - thus giving the Wick a respectable if below par score of 185. We knew 129-0 flattered the pitch. It wasn't that good, but Ali in particular should be given credit for another stunning display of clean hitting.

Tea - DBW should write a book. 7/10, but the oppo would score it at least 9.

The weather offered to play its part - the wind had been strong all day, but a few drops [of rain or Jackson-like spills? - Ed] came along and threatened to disrupt the Wick in their pursuit of 10 more wickets. A strong opening burst on an unresponsive track from Day and in particular Shinde was rewarded by only one wicket. Shuffling things around saw Ali join in the fun, finding some shape. Tughral Snr also snared the important wicket of the imposing Haslemere skip. With wickets falling at regular intervals, and the Wick bowlers showing excellent control, the game was in our favour but Halsmere were still showing fight. Raza's introduction saw the final few wickets fall at the Wick pick up their 3rd straight victory against a decent Haslemere side who will win a good amount of games following their promotion last year.

Match Report - Thames Ditton vs 1xi (Cup) - By M Dizzle

Tea at Thames Ditton "Better than last year" - Ed











HWRCC 165 - Nomaan 51
Thames Ditton Nelson HWRCC 1xi wins by 54 runs

Fire In Babylon is a new film on general release in the coming weeks that charts the rise of the feared 1980s West Indian team. Led by the best batsman in the world (with a great name) and a bowling attack second only to The Wick 1XI from 2006 (Foddy Met, Webbo, Kam, Zam, Cole, Ewen and Barrell), they destroyed all before them with aggression, class and spirit. Therefore seeing a 6-4 West Indian overseas warming up his bowling arm isn’t my idea of fun – perhaps that’s why Shri and Vish swanned off to get some food when they should have been warming up before the match.

‘Hes our new overseas – that lad there’
‘Which one?’
‘The tall fella’
‘Ah yes.’
‘He landed yesterday, we’ve not seen him before. We’ll see how he goes’
‘Indeed......Tails!’
‘Heads it is, we’ll bat!’
‘Welcome to the Fullers mate’

Ali and Bonay against his old team started up with a flurry of boundaries and wides. Almost about 20 wides in fact, all in the first 4 overs! On this evidence, the Thames Ditton overseas will need to have a net to get some legs in him. No doubt he will come good, but not on Saturday. A rollicking (no, I didn’t say B*llocking) start left the Wick at about 70-1 from 10 overs, with Bonay ‘arming’ onto the stumps once the scoreboard had progressed nicely. Ali meanwhile had decided on attack - Sir Viv style. 51 runs later (He can’t have faced more than 35 balls) he was gone but not without a grin to challenge Greg Rusedski. ‘On that track, we’ve already got enough runs’. A bit generous I think, but if the track was playing up, then the loss of Rashid, Raza and Day in quick succession was in part to be expected (Raza missed a full toss – had to get that in there).

Davies emerged and immediately hit it off with the pitch. Sunday red ink ton in 2010 had left good memories, and 21 off 10 balls (all genuine shots) was a good return. Naveendra and Vish used up some time but the scoring stagnated and the run rate fell to a paultry run-a-ball (how times have changed). Enter the Tong. Ably supported by Shri’s deadbat and Zamm's swinging blade (they didn’t all bat together – it was two partnerships), the score moved on the 165 which we felt was a below par but winnable total on a difficult surface.

Tea was fine with a variety of sandwiches (better than last year according to Bonay) and sweet things to keep Imran’s tongue wagging. 7/10.

Shri and Tong opened up, with Shri a little wasteful whilst Tong hit his straps. Wickets started to fall after a few early boundaries and we were soon into a fragile middle order. Li’s introduction saw a sustained spell of top drawer swing bowling and at the other end Tong found some rhythm of old and was hooping it around like Woo Powell (check the stats), claiming 3 superb wickets in the process. Daisy (Laisy) fancied a trundle....and I wish I could trundle like that. His short spell got a wicket and when Vish removed the gritty opener with a classic nibbler, we were well in control – 165 looking way off. Zamm's introduction coincided with a shower which livened up proceedings and the run rate became in issue, both teams frantically trying to remember their numbers. The Wick was ahead, but there wasn’t much in it, and with a few hitters in the locker TD were threatening.

It wasn’t to be however as the decision to stick with Tughral paid off and a catch on the boundary saw the last hope of TD fall, with pace returning in gloomy light and a wicket you wouldn’t write home about, 110 was a fair reflection on both teams 2nd innings performance.

MOM – Tong. 3 excellent early wickets (bowled) and a match winning innings that gave the impetus to the Wick. Special mention to Nomaan also for runs and a quality spell with the ball. In conclusion, much to improve on but a good performance against a team relegated from the division above last year.

2010 - WICK XI

1) Noman Ali

What a debut season from the WICKS new 1st XI Star. An ever present in the team, Noman amassed an impressive 66o runs in 16 league games at an average of 47 as well as taking 28 wickets at just over 20 a piece. This was Noman’s first season in England and he is already looking forward to even more success in 2011.

2) Matthew Goulborn

Matthew really benefited from a full season of cricket has he maintained fantastic form throughout the year. 440 league runs included a memorable hundred at home to Mitcham and he wasn’t done there. A regular member of the midweek side, he also notched three figures against the reliably strong, Wine Trade.

3) Nathan Singh

Nathan was the epitome of consistency in 2010 reaching double figures on all but two occasions in a total of 14 innings. With three scores in the 30’s and three others in the 40’s Nathan will be kicking himself that he didn’t manage a half century, but will be delighted with accruing 360 runs and his highest overall run total in a league season. Nathan is one of the most naturally destructive batsmen in the club and I am sure that the newly appointed 3rd XI skipper will build on last years efforts and lead from the front in 2011.

4) Kamran Raza

Kamran once again led from the front in the 1st XI year by contributing heavily with both bat and ball. Kammy scored a valuable 438 league runs, including 4 half centuries and reverting to off spin took 29 league wickets at under 20 a piece. Kamran’s bucket like hands also saw him take 11 catches and making him a nominee for the fielder of the year award.

5) Alex JacksonAJ represented a promotion pushing 2nd XI 14 times last year and contributed a healthy 364 runs from just 12 innings. AJ joined Goldy in a record stand of 178 against Mitcham by helping himself to a league hundred of his own. Batting at #5 AJ was not out 5 times as he often found himself taking apart the spinners and finishing off an innings. AJ finished 2010 with a healthy average of 45 and will be a key member of the team if the 2’s are to go at least one better and secure promotion in 2o11.

6) Joe Hirsch

This was the season the Joe really came of age and turned natural talent into regular runs. Joe amassed 275 in just 10 3rd appearances including two half centuries and contributed well to the 2nd XI when called up for duty. Joe will know doubt look to build on 2010‘s achievements and press on next year.

7) Harry Copeland +

Harry’s glove work improved out of sight in 2010 and a new found confidence saw him take a huge step forward. Harry plucked 12 important catches many of which that turned the game at vital times. Harry has the ability with both bat and ball to push for higher honours in 2011 and as he is already being touted as a 1st XI keeper of the future. Harry is a WICK star in the making and real asset to the club.

8) Graeme Tong

Graeme had the unenviable task of juggling opening the bowling for the 1st XI with being captain of the Sunday team yet he seemed to thrive under the pressure. A true club man Graeme finished a memorable 2010 with 46 wickets and over 250 runs for the club. Graeme led from the front in both teams but shone for the 1’s by taking 31 wickets at just 15 a piece. Graeme is the newly appointed 1st vice captain and will continue to steer the Sunday ship so 2011 promises to be equally as challenging.

9) Tom Donnelly

Tom broke the thirty league wicket barrier for the 1st time in 2010 as he led the 3rd XI attack with great pace and control. Tom finished in the leagues top 10 wicket takers and boasted three 5 wicket hauls in doing so. Tom’s 7/39 was the pick of the bunch as he tore through Oxted and Limpsfield’s top order.

10) Greg Unsworth

Greg was rewarded for a flying start to the season with a well deserved call up and new ball duties for the 1st XI by the end of the 2010 campaign. Greg bagged 9 wickets in his first 3 league games for the 2’s and continued to terrorize 1st and 2nd XI opening bats with late swing throughout the season. Greg finished with 26 league wickets at 19 a piece and signed off in style with 3 for 44 for the 1st XI against promotion pushing Battersea Ironsides.

11) Joey Breakwell

New signing Joey Breakwell joined the 2nd XI from promotion winning Brook and kicked on from where he left off with his former side by being bang amongst the wickets in 2010. Joey announced himself in just his 1st game by taking 4 for 24 against arch rivals Stoke D’Abernon and he followed that up with the seasons most remarkable figures of 10 over’s, 8 maidens 2 for 8 against Old Hamptonians. Only injury stopped Joey from taking league honours as his season was cut 4 games short. However 35 wickets at just over 11 was a great return in your first season for a new club.

WICK

1st xi vs Horley (a) Match Report by Matty D

Sat May 10, 1XI win by 60 runs against Horley.

Sayce, Cole, Davies, Raza, O'Mahoney, Mackie, Walsh, Ewen, Whinney, Ford, Iqbal.

May 10 was a truly wonderful day. The Sun was out, lots of skin was on show, and the Wick 1XI eventually showed why they should be challenging for promotion this season with a blistering performance in the field.

We arrived early at Horley, having trekked around South London, Surrey, Gatwick and then part of Sussex. The ground and pavillion is very pleasant at Horley, if a little ropey round the edges (quite literally in the case of the boundary rope). We'd had a bad experience there two years ago in the league cup so were keen to make a point.

No rain for a week and 27 degrees forecast, anyone winning toss with a decent bowling attack simply had to bat first. I duly did so, which seemed to surprise the Horley lot who appeared to feel differently. The track was white, if a little mossy, but essentially a hard deck and runsss were predicted.

Sayce and Cole opened up without alarm. The ball swung a little early on, and the bowling was controlled without being quick or overly threatening. Having caressed the ball around the off side a few times, Sayce fell to short cover with the score at 40. Cole then took over the run scoring, beginning to free his arms, before he tired and dollied a low full toss straight back at the bowler. 70-2.

Raza and O'Mahoney both joined Davies in mini partnerships that started well but ended abruptly. Both looked at ease, before being caught straight and bowled respectively. Davies was slow but untroubled at the other end, before he foolishly again got caught not committing to an attacking stroke. Mackie, whose hamstring and new spikes severly hindered his progress, looked completely out of sorts, and it wasn't a surprise when he gave another caught and bowled for a duck. Walsh got another lbw. Whether is was out or not, you gotta use your bat.

100-7.

Joey, Whinney, young Junaid and in particular Ford then took up the challange of getting the score to a defendable total. Joey used his long handle, Ford did likewise and Whinny nurdled it around. A score of 146 represented a below par batting performance, but the momentum achieved at the end of the innings gave impetus to the team, who were galvanised and ultra determined.

Teas - 4/10. A bit poor to be honest. Nothing original, although chicken nuggets are nice.

Joey had received a send off from the bowler when he was caught on the boundary. Rule 1 of cricket: dont anger a 6-7 left arm quickie. Ball 1 he came to the crease. 80%. Dot ball. Ball 2, he galloped to the crease, inswinging yorker, bowled, gone. Joey was past the batsman before he'd realised he was out. A perfect start that set the tone.

With an attcking field, in his next over, Joey promptly setup the #3. Give him a short and wide one (4), and then bowl it quicker at half volley and see if he middles that one. He didnt he nicked it, and O'Mahoney snaffled it by his ankles. Incidentally in two weeks of 'keeping Adam has not conceeded one bye.

Whinney then joined the party, the other opener lbw. Whinney pulled up lame with cramp after ball 5 of his 4th over. Kam finished the over. One ball. The skipper on strike. Out bowled. You couldnt script it better. Stories - just what cricket is all about.

At 44-4, Horley were struggling wickets wise, but were going a a fair lick thanks to the #4 who was smashing it around. One six off Joey was immense.

...........Fordy mate Fordy mate Fordy mate....

Enter David Ford, who with his usual precision, bowled just short of a length, let the ball and the pitch do the work, and nuggeted his way to 5 priceless wickets, including the crucial #4 who was forced into playing a non-boundary scoring shot and ended up lbw playing across the line.

The rest quickly fell as Horley were all out for 85 inside 20 overs.

A great performance in the field. MOM Ford for aggressive hitting and picking up 5 wickets.

Game on...

Match Report by Matty D - 1s vs Deando Ruxley

The 1XI started 2008 with a victory against Deando Ruxley.

Our team included the returning Raza, the debutants Hooper and Walsh, and the promotion of Junaid following the late cancellation of the 2xi fixture (and the now traditional pre-season injury to Mackie).

Deando Ruxley is a pleasant ground in Ewell adjacent to a LA Fitness complex, meaning there were always people around. The ground itself is large with two cricket squares. The ground was lush and greener than Alan Titchmarsh. The pitch reflected this. Recently relaid they were reluctant to take too much grass off, especially early season, so it was destined to be a slow track. And it proved to be the case.

Losing the toss, the Wick were inserted, with Fullers League rules being the order of the day. Sayce and Cole put on an excellent opening partnership of near 50, although with the outfield as slow as it was, it was worth another 25 on top of that. No boundaries were scored, but lots of 2s were run!

Sayce fell. Bowled. He was quickly followed by Hooper, who found it difficult to adjust from Joey at The Oval to slow dobbers at Deando. Raza, who literally hadn't picked up a bat since 2007, came out all guns and middled it from ball one. He fell soon enough however, middling one straight to mid off. Cole, probably bored, skied one and the Wick were stuttering slightly at 65-4.

O'Mahoney and the debutant Walsh patiently nurdled their way to another important 50 partnership, O'Mahoney taking the lead with an impressive 50 making scoring look much easier than anyone else all day. With the score at 140-odd, Davies and Ewen came to the crease. Davies ran himself out trying to do a Mackie, whilst Ewen decided to bring the long handle out and found a maximum straight.

The Wick 168-7 declared off 47.5

Teas. Simple sandwiches, but lovely soft bread and additionals of pate, home made chocolate treats and the ol' scotch egg/pork pie combo. No complaints, other than the squash which was weak. 6/10.

The aim was to give batsmen time in the middle, and bowlers overs under their belt. Ewen opened up, and after waiting 30 overs for the first Wick boundary... Deando managed one off ball one. Joey and Ted Goodwin's opening overs each were expensive, with the plucky Africaans speaking opener happy to bludgeon everything Gilchrist style. However, Ewen proved too strong and nailed him lbw pretty soon afterwards, before nailing the #3 in the same over with a banana of a fast inswinger. Goodwin followed this with an lbw, leaving Deando struggling at 25-3. Always on top of things thereafter, the Wick rotated the bowling to give everyone overs. Ford proved again he is lethal on such tracks, nagging his way to 4 wickets, two of which were expertly caught by O'Mahoney standing up.

Special mention to Junaid who picked up a wicket on debut, bowling 4 excellent overs of controlled medium pace. His bowling was calmer and more mature than his indoor pre-season performances had been, which bodes well for the future.

Ewen returned toward the end to help Ford mop up the tail, and Deando were all out for 100 off 40 overs.

All in all, a good performance and a good way to start the year. The habit of winning is something the side needs to continue next week, when Godalming will prove to be a tougher test.

Individually, the returning Raza and Hooper will need to adjust to English slow green tops if their performances are to match their talent - but that will come. Ewen and Ford again bowled their usual tight stuff, and found reward picking up wickets each.

Cole and Sayce provided a solid platform from which the team could build a good total.

Walsh on debut showed himself to be light on his feet and also that he has a good cricket brain, contributing to a match winning partnership.

MOM was O'Mahoney. The outstanding batsman on the day, shown by both ability and runs. He also kept superbly, taking catches, keeping up the chat, and conceeding no byes.

Everything bodes well

Recruitment - volunteers needed

Wickman doesn't know about you, but he reckons it might be time for some fresh blood around the club. Everyone who has joined recently has been mined for useful information / sisters / attractive exes. Jimmy C is Sunday captain. Lloydy is 3s skipper.

And, like it or not Clarky, we need some new keepers now that Godfrey Evans lookalike Gareth has gone to Switzerland. So the time has come to stand outside stations in Surrey asking "do you play cricket?" before thrusting leaflets into to the hands of punters.

Last year this rather inexact method produced Kamran (leading runscorer and wicket taker in the club), Wrighty (50s for 2s and 3s) and a host of others. We need to do it again, because despite recruiting 15 new members, there were a couple of dodgy moments in July and August where, were the 3s in the league, there was a danger of us having to field Wickman's 94 year old Grandmother.

So the first thing is that we need to have some volunteers to man the Hampton Wick and Kingston train stations for 90 minutes on Thursday before nets. Can you email Wickman and let him know whether you can do? Wickman will email you the poster (created by Gareth again - its genius) and you can get on with. Wickman and Wickmutt are also planning a bit of door to door action in Hampton Wick over the coming weeks so if you have a spare hour...

However - and this is a big however - the BEST way to get people down the Wick is to encourage your friends and acquaintances to share the love. This is simple. You call them on the phone, email them or even poke them on facebook and say "listen, why aren't you playing at The Wick? We have nets at the Oval on Tuesdays if you are interested and in Kingston on Thursdays. Some of the guys are quite good fun really... etc etc".

Our target is to get 15 new people in again. Remember, if you introduce three friends you get your subs for free...

Battersea Ironsides vs HWRCC 1st XI

Battersea Ironsides 1XI v HWRCC 1XI

Battersea 216-7 dec HWRCC 155-8

Battersea winning draw – Micky Mouse

Following in the footsteps of Messrs Vaughan and Collingwood, I shall refer to myself in the 3rd person. At this rate I won’t be in the 1XI job for much longer, so I may as well do so whilst I still can.

Today he got into work at 0805, having completed the Metro Sudoku in record time (before Clapham Junction) and dealt with admin at work. By admin I of course mean Wick – 3 cheques, Forum, and soon enough the inevitable Fudgy emails. He also gets one from Garf informing him that he is too busy, too stressed, and too angry to write a match report. MattyD respects his wishes and agrees to write up the weekends shenanigans himself - Hence this prose. Enjoy.

MattyD is unsure how to approach this. Does he present the facts? Does he be overly positive? Does he be overly negative? Does he resort to comedy to get him out of awkward situations? ….YEAH FACT! For starters 4 of the top 6 cannot play next week - if that’s not funny, what is?

MattyD is listening to Heart FM, and a tune comes on which summarises what he should write. It sets his mood, it makes him smile, it makes him laugh. He taps his toes pretending he has rhythm. He clicks his fingers and imagines himself down the Wick on the dancefloor on a Saturday night, 2330, Fudgy on the decks, Goldy propping up the bar, Delboy and Garf having a dance-off, TommyD with some sort in the corner, Cranesy and LLoydy trying to out drink each other, Joey plotting his next stitch-up, Leggsy speaking in hand gestures and facial expressions, AJ in his flip flops mincing about, Mackie doing the face, Charlie just being plain immature, Muzzy looking glazed, but still managing to eat Emma’s face. This is perfect:-

(I just know your life's gonna change) (Gonna get a little better) (Moving on the darkest day) (I just know your life's gonna change) (Gonna get a little further) (Right up until the feeling fades)

So, is this how it goes, Think you've come this far, And then it'll show, But that aint so, oh no, You don't see where you are, And if you don't wanna look back You'll never know, Cuz you think that you've been here Just treading water Waiting in the wings for the show to begin But I always see you searching And you try that bit harder Getting closer, oh yeah To the life you're imagining

[Chorus:] (I just know your life's gonna change) Maybe not today, maybe not today, But some day soon you'll be alright, (I just know your life's gonna change) Turn the other way, turn the other way, Feels like luck is on your side, (Just wanna live) No worries, no worries, (Don't wanna die) No worries, no worries, Sing for me, sing for me, We all need somebody, (Yeah you can sink) No worries, no worries, (Or you can swim) No worries, no worries, Sing for me, sing for me, We all need somebody

So, baby keep drifiting on Getting there aint just selfless wasted time Seek and find, yeah You're not that far from What you hoped and wished for All along, Cuz you think that you've been there, Just treading water Waiting in the wings for the show to begin But I always see you searching And you try that bit harder Getting closer, oh yeah To the life you're imagining

[Chorus (repeat)] (I just know your life's gonna change) Maybe not today, maybe not today, But some day soon you'll be alright, (I just know your life's gonna change) Turn the other way, turn the other way, Feels like luck is on your side, (Just wanna live) No worries, no worries, (Don't wanna die) No worries, no worries, Sing for me, sing for me, We all need somebody, (Yeah you can sink) No worries, no worries, (Or you can swim) No worries, no worries, Sing for me, sing for me, We all need somebody

I just know your life's gonna change Sing for me, sing for me, We all need somebody...

Lets not piss about here. We were crap on Saturday. Sure, the outfield wouldn’t look out of place in Kosovo, but that doesn’t explain how a team of capable cricketers can give away so many overthrows (I’d count 10) and let through so many balls through their legs (I’d count 20). The bowlers kept to their task manfully on a placid track, but were let down by too many uncommitted and simply lazy fielding attempts. I’m not exempt from this by the way. Joey bowled 17 overs with few bad balls, Shaun was a threat (I underbowled him in hindsight), Zamm looks to be finding some more bite, but he’s not quite there yet. Incidentally he played a trial game for Middlesex on Friday and bowled 8-13-1. Kam lost it after not getting an lbw – not good enough Kam. Get over it. Move on.

216 was 30 too many. However, if some luck had gone our way, we’d have taken a few earlier wickets and given the state of the Battersea #6 downwards, we could have rolled them for 120. Maybe we’re not getting the luck we enjoyed last year. So be it. Get over it.

In response we started confidently and it looked easy, before MattyD played his first loose stroke since the first over, falling and leaving the Wick 50-1 off about 16. Whilst Adam was at the crease it was so easy. Watching him time the pants off the ball (some sublime cover drives, and flicks for 4 off the legs over midwicket were simply ridiculous) was like poetry, until he succumbed to a mix of the pitch and the trigger happy umpire.

As Alison pointed out, everyone who batted scored a boundary, and yet MattyD was the second highest scorer with a paltry 16. Against the seamers it was piss easy, and as soon as the dibbly-dobblers came on everyone started getting bowled/trapped in front/caught in the deep. Hmmm….

I don’t want to over-analyse, it wouldn’t help. We all know as individuals we need to raise our game. I’ve said this somewhere before…

The opposition is of a better standard, sure, but the only team who have been on our level that we’ve played against thus far have been Valley End (no bowlers) and Guildford City (rely on a few players).

Lets see if we can turn it around this week. Its not easy.

Who’s going to be the talisman? Who wants it?

Godalming match report - HWRCC 1st ix turn the corner?

Godlaming Vs Hampton Wick Royals

Hampton Wick won by 71 runs.

Hampton Wick - 195 all out (50.1 overs) Mackie 50* Agge 4/21

Godalming - 124 all out Iley 50 Raza 5/28

As the rest of the country endured conditions akin to the interior of an Otter's pocket, it looked as though many of the nations great weekend events would be severely threatened. Only one seemed safe by virtue of the fact that the 'World Quilt Making Championships' at Sandown Park was no doubt an indoor event.

What a pleasant suprise it was then to arrive at Godalming's hill top fortress to see the clouds circling without looking like they would threaten proceedings.

For anyone who might be unaware, we lost last week against Byfleet, and whilst we have not been playing our best cricket, the general concensus has been that those little moments of fortune required to win a game of cricket have just not quite gone our way. As Richie Benaud said about captaincy, 'it's 1% skill and 99% luck'. It was not a lucky victory as such, but it would be wrong not to recognise the fact that those game breaker moments finally started to go our way. You make your own luck as well in sport, and our determination to play the kind of cricket we know we are capable of started to twinkle.

As they say in cricketing vernacular, 'it was a good toss to lose'. Matty duly lost it and given the way we have chased in recent times there was atmostphere of optimism about it as Godalming asked the Wick to have a bat, on what looked a good track - Hard and fast to keep quickies and spinners interested alike, whilst offering plenty of runs for the stroke makers.

Matty opened up with Hibby as the Wick looked to get off to a flier. With the ball moving around though the run rate was stunted and Hibby was then caught smartly at mid-wicket. This brought Kamran to the wicket who added his assured presence to proceedings, and along with Matty they looked to set the platform for a healthy score. Whilst Kam accumulated, Matty was beligerant on the bad ball.

At 70-1 the boys in the lower order had felt comfortable enough for a game of boundary bowls. Hibby came back from recent defeats at the hand of Barrel, to win on one of the more tricky courses on the league circuit!

Suddenly wickets came like buses as Matty fell to a good catch from Hicks diving forward and AJ fell soon after as he popped one down mid-off's gregory. 76-3 and the rallying call of 'Mingers' was being trumpeted from the Godalming huddle.

When Kam fell LBW to Steel without a another run being added the Wick were nose-diving at 76-4. With both Mingers spinners on and the field tight, nurdling and a re-group were required. Who better for the task in hand than the phlegmatic Mark Mackie, and the experienced Ben Stephens.

Whilst Ben spread the field with what is best descrided as a 'wallop' down the ground off his second ball, Mackie was content to rotate the strike. When Ben fell for a cavalier 24, Barrel came in, but the rhythm Ben and Mackie had started continued in earnest.

All batsman have experienced a rough trot, and sometimes all you need to get you going again is a slice of luck. Barrel has been on a trot as muddy as the Hillsborough football ground recently, so when Godalming let him off twice, whilst on 0 and 3, another corner in our fortunes was turned. Mackie and Barrel decided it was time to add some gas and were particularly brutal on spinner Steel, launching him for three sixes over the leg side boundary.

Mackies parterships with Stephens and Barrel Bishop added 80 to the total, and by the time Barrel fell for 21 off 19 balls, the wick were in search of 200, a declaration and 50 for Mackie. Coley,Joey, Garf and Whinney just about saw Mackie through to a superbly paced 50, and although not making the 200 mark, all believed 194 was enough to bowl at given our bowlers and the pace of the track.

As we were fielding second I didn't eat much tea but will give it a 6/10, simply for the scones with Jam which gave it a traditional feel.

And so to the Godalming reply. Joey opened up and despite struggling with injury looked as though he would hurry most batsman for pace down the hill with the wind behind him. At the other end Shaun found immediate success having Milner the Godalming skipper caught at second slip by Barrel, with a peach of a ball, that forced the batsman to play, before finding extra bounce and away movement to kiss the outside edge and snuggle sweetly in Barrels welcoming bosom.

A strange period of cricket followed as the Wick bowlers struggled with their lines but weren't duly punished for it. Iley picked up boundaries using Joey's pace to force it through the point and gully regions, whilst Hicks looked to get to grips with the pace of the pitch. Both openers lost their radar however, giving Garf value for his patch fee behind the stumps.

Barrel replaced Shaun and mixed it up. Godalming saw their chance to attack, and looked to hit him through the V. Having not quite found his length Hicks decided Barrel had to go. He chose the wrong ball though as Barrel finally found the perfect spot and the ball swung through the inviting gate to clean bowl the Godlaming number 3.

The danger man Agge entered the fray and was not so kind. His first two deliveries whistled to the boundary. Then came one of those moments that you look back on at the end of a successful season and ear mark as the turning point in your fortunes. Agge thrashed it to mid-on where Shaun Whinney plucked it off the top of the grass blades to put Agge back in the hutch. 55/3 and the Wick were on top.

Iley and number 5 Brown then began to take the game to the Wick. With impressive timing and placement they started to force the field back, both taking full advantage of the over pitched ball.

I would like to say a little thank you at this point to whom ever phoned Kamran at 3:30 that morning. It reminded me of what happened at Frimley last year when someone mugged Webbo the night before a game. Kam was angry.... very angry...

With Godalming flying Kamran tore the guts out of the Godalming innings, with a lion hearted bowling performance. Getting rid of Iley who tickled one behind having got to his 50 got the ball rolling.

Cue the next decisive moment in the game. Drinks and a spot of rain, just to liven up the track. With both sides still eyeing a victory there was never any contemplation of coming off.

Coley and Ben Stephens conspired to remove keeper Clarke as the ball spat up off a shortish length and was superbly held by Ben diving forwards, like a prisoner diving for the soap to avoid bending over.

Brown realised that if they were going to get the total it was up to him and he looked to shepherd the tail and play his shots. He could only stand and stare though as Kam removed numbers 7 & 8 without adding to the total, then look on as Kam charged down the pitch roaring his delight.

Matty saw his opportunity for the kill and brought back Joey whose radar was back to normal. Number 9 feathered him behind without a fight, and Brown succumbed to a fantastic catch from Coley off Kam. Kam then finished the job and Godalming had been shot out for 124 despite looking favourites for the win shortly before the drinks break.

Catches win matches, and the Wick dropped nothing all day, and despite some fluent stroke play from the Godlaming top order stuck to their task, and when an opening appeared were ruthless. This is the kind of cricket we know we can play. Hopefully this will kick start our season.

MOM - shared between Kam and Mackie, and the guy who phoned Kam at 3:30. Turning point - Shaun's catch to remove Agge (the number 4). Champagne mament - Coley's catch!

Something for the weekend...

With the 1s and 2s both playing Guildford City in the league this weekend it's a useful indicator of where HWRCC's two league teams have got to this year. Last year the 1s and 2s both clung on to record losing draws. While the 1s secured the Championship and confirmed an unbeaten season, the corresponding 2s fixture was played out in biting winds by a Guildford team which bore little resemblance to those that played the other 15 or so games that season. As we can see from this graphic, Guildford are strong enough to provide training at all levels, so The Wick should get a good game.

This weekend sees a strong 1s and experienced 2s pit themselves against City. The 1s line up with new finds MacArthur and Kamran in the side joined by Zammak (winner of the 2006 bowling prize) and Joey Ewen - on fire in a division where he doesn't need to hit the stumps to take wickets.

The 2s see a league debut for batsman Paul Sayce, further batting strength in the guise of Mike Forbes and a return to the side for Dick Ewen, making his way back to league cricket after serious injury in 2006. Dominic Lown, Derek Soppitt, The Doc and John Hill, all sporting ridiculous single figure averages, will all need to have the ball prized from their fingers.

And there's a 3s team out as well, facing up to Thames Ditton who play in the Fullers 3s league. This is extremely encouraging for the future of the club as many of the assembled are 2s players in disguise. And don't even ask about the unavailables...

1s Match Report from our drowned rat specialist, Gareth

Olinda Vandals Vs Hampton Wick.

Game abandoned as OV dissolve in the rain. 4 points to The Wick.

A lady in the autumn of her life went to visit her local GP and family friend, in Todmorden, West Yorkshire. She knew she was ill but what came next was a surprise. When she asked, 'So what chance have I got', she received one of the greatest understatements ever. 'It doesn't look too good I'm afraid', replied Dr. H. Shipman.

To say that Olinda Vandals CC weren’t interested in result cricket on Saturday would be a similar understatement. Their running for the bar at the merest hint of precipitation was supplemented by an argumentative streak which said much about team spirit. Let us move on. Half a game of cricket was played and readers of this blog will be keen to know how Wick players got on.

Having learnt that tails does fail it was no surprise to find ourselves batting. In his last game for the Wick before he departs for Bangladesh Dan Lee battled out the new ball with Partner Sam MacCarther. Both were willing to wear balls and graft on a pitch that probably hadn't seen any light for a fortnight. Both showed their class when the balls were in the right areas though and saw off the new ball to give the platform for the middle order to push on. Bishop, Davies, Razzi, Hibberd, Marfleet and Cole then capitalised on their hard work to get us up to 197 of 47. Competitive on a sporting pitch with plenty of overs with which to bowl out the oppo.

Sadly OV showed no interest, on balance preferring to wait out the 4 points on offer for an abandonment where a few batting points and 2 for a winning draw to go with their bowling efforts might have been more useful at the end of the season.

When they eventually dragged themselves out to play they actually looked set for the winning draw. With the overs reduced to 35 they got themselves to 55 for 3 off 12 overs before calling it a day far too early. They had biffed, clouted and edged themselves far ahead of the run rate but showed no interest in staying out there. Eventually Matty was forced to concede the abandonment, and trudge miserably back to the Wick.

Finally from everyone at the club, good luck to Dan Lee in Bangladesh. He's only been with us a short time but we are hopeful that if/when he returns to Blighty he will come and show us a few more of those outrageous dance moves again.

Here's a picture of some rain. More than fell during the 1s game...

Hampton Wick 1st XI Vs Kempton

Davies*, MacArthur, Lee, Razzi, Bishop, Jackson, Cole, Forbes, Ewen, Jones, Webster.

Hampton Wick won the toss and elected to field.

Kempton 134 all out. Ewen 7-30 Razzi 3-21 Dows 48

HWRCC 136/4 Razzi 42 Bishop 30* Porter 2-33

HWRCC won by 6 wickets

Kempton were quite aggrieved as Bishop knocked off the last couple of runs to sink them to a 6 wicket loss. Kempton felt it had all come down to the toss of a coin, and that the Wick's sticky wicket favoured the side batting second. Granted the wicket was as lively as King Herod in an Early Learning Center, but the way they approached their innings defied belief.

Joe Ewen bowled well for his 7-30, but he will bowl better this season without such handsome rewards. From the very first ball when opener Watts flayed a ball which threatened little, to Dan Lee at point, you wondered whether Kempton had walked out to bat with their eyes closed, and not felt the puddles splash up their legs. When the Kempton skipper followed soon after in almost identical fashion, again to Lee at point Joeys began to taste blood and rather liked it.

Dows and Ricks then began to rebuild the Kempton innings and mixed aggression with a willingness to wear the snorter. They were brutal on anything shy of length and HWRCC bowled too short on a day crying out for a full length.

A thought must be spared for every bowler who bowled from the the Millenium Wood End, as the wind was strong enough to produce Acme style facial distortion, and made a measured run up a bag of liquorice allsorts. With the wind at his back though Joey finished his opening salvo following a rain break with the wicket of Ricks for 39.

Kamran replaced Joey and Barrell did likewise for Webster. Kamran got his reward for patient and disciplined bowling, removing the Kempton 5 and 6 before finally coaxing Dows (48) to give further catching practice to Dan at point. His fourth catch at point and to be honest I was beginning to wonder if I shouldn't give him the gloves and move to point myself just to see some action.

With Dows gone Davies showed no hesitation in bringing Joey back into the attack to finish proceedings. Joey duly obliged and did what all good fast bowlers should and mopped up the tail with a minimum of fuss. Matty D's insistence that every over would be his last obviously had the required affect and it was akin to watching a hunter taking out ducks with stinger missiles as they come in to land on a park pond. Kempton 134 all out and it was HWRCC who went into tea the happier XI.

You are all familiar with DBW's tea so I won't offer a mark. Although I think he should be docked half a point every time he produces a clone of the week before and a half added every time he makes our eyes bulge with surprise.

As alluded to earlier Kempton felt the Wick had the easier of the batting conditions, but the way the top three approached the chase showed more than an ounce of thought and skill. Sam MacArthur and Dan Lee prodded and left, determined not to throw away their wicket as the ball continued to skip, and dart around. Even when Dan timed a ball beautifully off his legs through mid-wicket and into the car park neither got carried away.

Eventually Sam (14) was undone by a ball that reared off a length but Matty came in a continued with fervent application. Dan (16) followed soon after to bring in Kam, who played what he described as one of his most determined innings, despite his best efforts to run Matty out, who eventually fell for 14. The hard work had been done though as the ball was now soft, the wicket slightly drier, and the openers seen off.

Barrell joined Kam and their partnership of 58 was a lesson in application and patience from these normally free scoring batsman. Kam certainly rode his luck on more than one occasion, but the their gamble to go over the top against the older ball, allowed them to then pick the singles as the field spread. With plenty of overs to spare, all his team mates were dissapointed to see Kam fall short of his 50, but AJ came in and finished the job with Barrell with a minimum of fuss.

A couple TFC's, but this was because of a very good performance of Joey and the top order doing their job. Still a slightly rusty performance in the field but the team spirit was as evident as ever and everyone will have to opportunity to stick their hands up and make telling performances as the season moves on.

Also from everyone in the squad a huge congratulations to the 2's for not only getting their game on but winning it so well. You can't ask for any more than a Wick Wash.

1st XI Match Report Vs Shepherds Bush - Craft and Graft

28th April 2007 Shepherds Bush Vs HWRCC

Shepherds Bush won by about 100 runs

HWRCC won the toss and elected to field.

HWRCC: D Lee, A Jackson, R Cole, M Davies*, K Razi, M Forbes, T Crowther, G Jones+, S Whinney, D Ford, J Ewen.

It has become somewhat traditional that I start my match reports with an apology and I shall begin this year in similar form. If this match report is a bit up and down, and lacking imagination I am sorry, but after the first full weekend of the season I am exhausted. You can do all the fitness work and training you like over the winter, but it still doesn't prepare you for a full on weekend down The Wick.

The 1st XI reconvened on Saturday at Shepherds Bush with a bump rather than a bang. Our enigmatic fixtures secretary has come in for some stick for the choice of opposition this weekend but The Bush provided the 1's with exactly the kind of stern examination the boys needed.

Matty won the toss and invited the home side to bat. Joey and Kamran opened the bowling for the Wick and voices of encouragement that had been subdued for a long frustrating winter resounded round the ground. The track was generally slow and low, which meant there was a great emphasis of getting on the front foot, and the Shepherd's Bush opener certainly did. If we come across another player of his class all season it will be a huge surprise. His opening partner however never really got going as Joey got him to tickle one down the leg side for the keeper to claim a scrambled effort. Early blood to the Wick but a false dawn.

With conditions offering little for the bowlers, graft and craft became the watch words for the next 19 overs. The Bush batsman worked the ball around with great skill. The way they picked the gaps was a genuine lesson in batting for those of us who have struggled in recent times and think that the only way to get back to form is to blast the ball out the ground.

For the Wick it was a case of graft and waiting for half chances. At 110 for 1 at the 22 over drinks interval it would have been very easy for heads to go down and conceed 300+. Not a bit of it though. Team spirit galvanised a group of promising youngsters into a title winning side last year, and the early signs are that there will be a never-say-die attitude once again. The fielding effort led by new man Dan Lee in the covers and Pinball who stepped in at the last minute, was both committed and threatening.

Eventually the hard work paid off as the wise old head of Coley encouraged The Bush 2 and 3 to go large and they were bowled and caught respectively. Chances were few and far between all day but everything was taken.

Whilst the Bush skipper steadied the ship the rest of the side came and went without really registering in the memory. Shaun Whinney, making his 1's debut came into the attack and picked up 3 quick wickets, and seemed to wonder what all the fuss was about. Joey made his keeper work hard for another, Fordy got the final wicket to an LBW, and all the while Kam bowled a very tight line and length without reward.

Shepherds Bush finished 239/9, but given their position at drinks the boys had every reason to be proud of the efforts in the field. It was hot, most had little game time under their belts and the way the bowlers stuck to their task, encouraged by committed fielding spoke volumes about how far the club has moved on in recent years.

And so after 45 overs in the sun and the heat, it was off to tea to replenish spent energy. I'm afraid to say though that this was the only department in which our hosts let us down all day. Lacklustre would probably best describe it: 2/10

Dan and AJ opened up brightly. Whilst Dan manoeuvered the bowling in exemplary fashion, and played shots off the back and front foot with equal authority, AJ seemed content to wait for the bad ball. At one point it looked as though batting second might be to our advantage as the batsman had registered the conditions and made every attempt to get forward.

Eventually following a sumptuous drive straight back past the bowler for four, AJ lost concentration and looked for an even bigger shot. When watching the Shepherds Bush's Kiwi bat, what impressed me most was when he took Coley for four through midweek by moving his feet, and then as Matty moved the man from square leg to plug the gap, he waited for Coley to re-ajust his length and then milked him for a single into the then vacant square leg. Clever cricket, and the kind of thing the Wick batsman need to work on.

Coley came to the wicket in place of AJ, and started in determined mood if not a little scratchily. All seemed back on track as the pair played with patience, and the scored board ticked over in a steady fashion. When Dan mistimed one to mid-on, just short of his 50, Kam came in a looked in Bullish mood. He dispatched his 3rd ball over mid-wicket for 4 and hit the bowlers off their lengths. Meanwhile in the background Coley continued to acculmulate and play himself into form, with boundaries increasing in regularity as his timing improved.

Kamran went as the score moved past the 100 mark with a big drive, that if he'd connected with would have dissapeard back to Chiswick. It was not to be though and he skied it only as far deep long off.

That then triggered a collapse as Davies came and went without ever managing to get his feet moving, debutant Mike Forbes, got a good ball that nipped back through the gate and when Pinball left a straight one, the tail was left to play a supporting role to Coley. Garf offered little resistance and started where he left off last year with a duck, which brought in Shaun who is really starting to enjoy his batting. He was quick to crack a ball through point in the encraoching gloom and compiled a very encouraging 16.

With only Fordy and Joey, 7 overs and an impossible task left, Rich Cole looked to push on and went past fifty. When Fordy perished though Coley opened up to much and the Wick closed around the 150 mark ( I forgot to look at the scorebook), well short of the target.

The score suggests a sound beating but a lot of positives can be taken from the game, and we know the areas in which we have to improve. To lose to a good side like Shepherd's Bush will stand us in better stead than dispatching an ordinary side with ease. On our day we would push Shepherds Bush much closer and I would even fancy us to beat them, despite the huge difference in League positions.

Also there were 4 debuts for the 1's who all jumped right into the team spirit and fought shoulder to shoulder with their new team mates, in unfriendly bowling conditions.

Wick man of the match has to go to Coley for his wickets and runs, although special mentions to Dan Lee for his fine 42 and his fielding, and to Shaun for his 3 for and an encouraging knock with the bat. No one let anyone down though and it was an encouraging team performance typified by the team work ethic.

I must also put a mention in for our opponents and hosts. They were a fantastic bunch of guys and whilst I do not want to eloborate on events with a group of locals who were there for football game in the morning, I would like to thank them for their hospitality and the way they dealt a situation which threatened to spoil everyone's day. If you read this guys you are welcome down the Wick any time. On the same note, thank you to Ali our wonderful scorer who conducted herself with the class befitting a member of the Wick.

Wick does Ditton double - Mackie's Match report

HWRCC Vs Thames Ditton

P Hibberd, R Cole, D Fudge*, K Razza, M Mackie+, C High, D Soppitt, A Crane, I Taylorson, T Donnelly, M NoorHWRCC – 191 a/o Razza 49, Hibberd 46, Fudge 46Thames Ditton CC – 87 a/o Donnelly 3-30, Razza 2-17, Cole 2-5

HWRCC win by 104 runs

With resident match report writers unavailable due to prior commitments, I have humbly taken on the role of journalist-in-chief for the season’s second fixture, an away trip to Thames Ditton. With 8 changes to last week’s victorious side, the match was a good test of the Wick’s new found depth of squad. It’s a new experience to have so many players keen to play at this early stage in the season.

Captain Fudge won the toss and we decided to bat on a track that seemed firm but had a couple of lively ridges, perfect for the odd popping ball here and there. In form Hibberd and kit man Cole opened up and looked assured, Hibberd’s aggressive approach complemented by the steadily built innings of Cole. Another opening partnership passed 50 within the first 10 overs and the Wick seemed set for another big score. Hibberd, who had played some beautiful shots, especially an elegant flick of the pads for six, looked as if he could make it two tons in two weeks, but alas, he was undone, running himself out for a decent and quick paced 46. Some believe he may have run himself out through guilt. Three balls previously he had skied one straight up, the keeper called it… then proceeded to miss the catch by a good two yards. Village (see earlier posts). The Thames Ditton attack, however, was proving anything but village, and delivered an excellent workout with the league season ever getting closer. Fudge strode to the wicket and began to build his innings, just as Coley, who was well set, larruped one straight to cover who took a decent catch, leaving the Wick two down. Fudgey and Kam picked the right balls to attack and to defend. A superb sweep from Fudgey, timed to perfection, was a joy to behold. Kam fell on 49 LBW to a decent enough Australian bowler who had been doing a bit throughout the innings. Fudge and Mackie started with some decent running, taking quick singles and twos, until this tactic led to the downfall of Fudge, run out with both batsmen in the same crease. At 173-3 off 34 overs, the Wick really should have pushed on. However, with the track not playing as well as the top four had made it look, and some horrible attempted heavy hitting, the Wick collapsed to 191 all out, the last 7 wickets falling for a measly 18 runs.

Confidence was high at tea that 191 was more than enough on this wicket and so it proved. Kam and Tommy D opened up with some excellent line and length with swing both ways. The two openers didn’t last long, Tommy D getting an LBW and Kam proving too quick to the left handed No 2 who popped one up to the grateful Crane, who through the catch had effectively ruled himself out of the TFC award. Their paid overseas player came in and looked decent, playing some excellently timed shots on both sides of the wicket. One shot too many was tried, a horrible, out of character cross batted swipe, resulting in Tommy D and the rest of the Wick celebrating, Hibby claiming the game was over at this point. Kam picked up another, caught behind by the makeshift keeper Mackie before claiming the fifth wicket, bowled. Tommy D got the big Aussie, Mellman taking a diving one handed catch after some intelligent bowling from Tommy D who sensed the charge and banged one in. At this point Tommy D and Kam had done their job and Muzzy and Ian were brought into the attack. After some cheeky mind games, Muzzy bowled the number 7 with one that kept low and did a bit off the seam. Struggling with his boots, Muzzy bowled a mix bag, some pearlers mixed in with a couple of rough ones, but it can all be forgiven in the first game of the season, and the potential is there for a successful season for Billy. Fudgey then threw down the stumps for his first ever direct hit run out and the practice and effort of the training drills was bearing fruit. Coley came on, bowled two bats in two balls and was unlucky with another, seemingly, quite plum LBW appeal. It was left to debutant Ian to pick up the final wicket, an edge through to Mackie to wrap up a comprehensive win for the Wick. A great game to be involved in, an excellent fielding and bowling display, great batting from the top four and enthusiasm and motivation at levels previously thought impossible. Mention must go to Kam who did a bit with both bat and ball, Tommy D who bowled his 9 overs superbly, Fudge for his captaincy and Ian who produced an extremely encouraging debut with some good tight bowling, committed fielding and good chat throughout.

must also mention Alison and Tom the colt and thank them for scoring. There’s nothing better than looking at one of Alison’s scorecards, except maybe if I had made more runs! Good to see various Wick members popping along to watch at various intervals, it is great to see and at this moment in time I am far too excited about this season to even manage to put it into decent prose. MOM - T.Donnelly for a fantastic opening spell of 9 overs, 3 – 30.

M Mackie - nb Mellman is the hypochondriac Giraffe from Madagascar. Some say Mackie, well, isn't as unwell as he thinks... cheers Mackie for this. What a game to miss!

An Auspicious start

Long Ditton XI vs Hampton Wick XI Saturday 14th April

Hampton Wick XI. M. Goulborn, P.Hibberd, D. Fudge*, A. Jackson, N. Doddy, K. Razza, S. Bishop, G. Jones+, S. Whinney, D. Lowns, K. Laight

Hampton Wick XI won the toss and decided to bat 247/5 from 40 overs P. Hibberd 100 (retired) Goulborn 41 Doddy 31

Long Ditton XI 153/8 from 40 overs S. Whinney 3/20

Hampton Wick won by 94 runs

Cricketers by their very nature are superstitious creatures. Some will put one sock on before another, others just blame their own inadequacies and failings on lady lucks cruel hand. There is however no substitute for hard work and application.

The players of The Wick have worked hard over the winter at nets. Attendance has been good and the cameraderie as palpable as ever. The fact that The Wick were at the ground warming up an hour before the home team, had two younger members of the squad with them who had volunteered for scoring duties, and a band of jocund supporters spoke volumes for the appetite within the club.

To jilt fortune's kindly eyes is unwise though, and if luck is earned then skipper Fudge winning the toss was a favourable glance in the Wick XI's direction. Long Ditton were inserted and it was time to find out how far we had progressed since January.

Goldy and Hibby opened up and set the tone early. Whilst Hibby was brutal with anything off line or length, Goldy played in the rock-like manner anyone who has watched him over the last few years will have become accustomed to. This partnership could prove to be a fruitful one in the coming months as they seem to complement each other's style. Goldy's watchful rotation of the strike provides a harmonious equilibrium to Hibby's punchy stroke making. A hundred up for the first wicket partnership in the first game was just the boost everyone's confidence needed in April.

The pitch was superb given the time of year, with a generally true bounce. It was a little slow at times but certainly quicker than expected. This showed as the openers mistimed a few, and had the fielding been sharper then the scorecard might have read 90/3 or 4 at the 20 over drinks interval, rather than 100+/0. Hard work often manifests itself as good fortune on the field.

After the break both players pushed on in search of a big total knowing there was plenty of batting to come. Watching Goldy hit two fours and a six, straight down the ground, in the 21st over, was like witnessing DBW charm: Unforseen.

As the second and third change bowlers came and went the scoreboard ticked along until Goldy holed-out to long-on. Fudgey came to the middle and looked industrious and aware of the need to play himself in to the game and the season. All the while Hibby continued to blaze away and reached his ton and retired to give others a chance. It was an innings of blood-thirsty stroke making, and although he was dropped 3 or 4 times he made the most of it, and a comment made to Goldy may mark a change in Paul's run making fortunes for 2007:

'You know Goldy, if I hit it on the floor I make bigger scores'

Beware the Fullers League!

If Hibby was in peril of using up his helping of luck too early in the year, there was no such chance of AJ doing the same as he departed second ball. Next up was the first of two successful Wick debutants. Doddy's 31 was watched with delight by all his new teams mates. His impressively straight bat was like a proclamation of determination and desire to do well which was very well received.

Fudgey was next to go as he looked to build an insurmountable total which brought to the wicket another of the club's exciting new recruits. Kamram has impressed in the nets and really took to the task of building a big score. The most pleasing aspect of the final 8 overs from the two debutants was the awareness of the situation and team ethic. We know how technically good Kamram is, but his primary concern was to score quickly for the common cause. Likewise as Doddy found himself on strike for the final delivery he harboured no thoughts of a red-inker, but perished as he looked to push the score beyond the psychological marker of 250.

It remained on 247 though, and Fudgey was the more relaxed of the two captains watching the Grand National. It was to be Lownsy's day though as he backed the winner and took to field like a prancing pony.

Simon Bishop and Shaun Whinney opened up for The Wick, and whilst Bish struggled with a niggling quad injury, Shaun was right on the money, bowling with a fierce determination. Shaun has worked as hard as anyone over the winter and was duly rewarded with three wickets in as many overs. His first was a parried effort by keeper Jones to Bishop at first slip. His second was a sharp catch by Goldy at backward point to remove their very dangerous looking opener and skipper, and by the time he clean bowled the number 4, Long Ditton were were licking their wounds at 35 for 3.

As Ditton looked to consolidate wickets were harder to come by, but so were runs for the home side as the Wick fielding was nothing short of outstanding for the start of the season. You know a side is focused when bowlers throw themselves around to safe guard their colleagues figures and turn the screw on a side in trouble.

Kamram and Kirk joined the attack respectively and whilst Kirk found rewards immediately Kamram was made to work harder. Kirks first delivery was the only ball that really mis-behaved all day and the Long Ditton number 3 could only shovel the ball as it spat off the surface to Lown at square leg. Kirks grin was large as that of a man who has just got under the habit of a nun by telling her it was a cure for diarrhoea. He has reduced his pace but his big in-dippers when pushed to a full length are no easy task.

At the other end Kamram bowled superbly without reward. His battle with the Long Ditton number six was one of the highlights of the game. The Long Ditton batsman had the best of the opening exchanges but then Kam tied him down with 4 consecutive maidens. Your correspondent lost count of the amount of times the outside edge was beaten. To finish with 0/16 illustrates how well he bowled without fortune.

Eventually it took Dom Lown to come on and clean him up with a simple chance to the keeper. From there the Long Ditton innings fizzled out to 153/8 as Hibby also got in on the act, to cap a fine day for him, and Bish returned to collect the final wicket. A fine 94 run victory to start the season capped by some fine performances and a effervescent team effort.

Man of the Match: Paul Hibberd for his hundred and wicket. A special mention to Shaun Whinney for his demolition job on the Long Ditton top order.

Men of the Day: Tom and Alex for scoring and their support.

A special mention to Joey, Leggsy, Clarky, Matty D, Ian, Charlie High and Georgie, and Hibby's family for their much appreciated support.

TFC honours: No TFC this week - great effort from all. Although a miraculous last gasp escape worth noting as AJ took a catch off the final ball saved his bacon.

Vive le Wick

1st ton of the season

Congratulations to Hibby for posting the first Wick ton of the season in the first friendly over at Long Ditton. Never one to do things by half he managed to rustle it up in front of his proud parents, nephew and adulatory Wick supporters' club. He then had a ruck with an opposition batsman over a disputed LBW call and alleged grooming of a young umpire. Always the same...

Well done to those that made the journey across to support btw. Wickman was impressed to see that sort of effort being made. Wickman can report that the Wick banter is in fine fettle for the season, with Kamran acerbic on debut and Doddy impressing the boys with his willingness to be the butt of early season gags. Playing the fiancee card later in the day also went down well with the boys on the bleachers...

First Wick team of the season

LONG DITTON v HWRCC… 1) M. Goulbourn 2) P. Hibberd 3) D. Fudge © 4) A. Jackson 5) K. Razza 6) N. Doddy 7) S. Bishop 8) G. Jones + 9) S. Whinney 10) D. Lowns 11) K. Laight How exciting is this? The first team of the season has been picked to play against neighbours Long Ditton. This is an exciting selection and no mistake. There are two Wick debutantes in the line up in Kamran and Doddy and a stack of batting. Those who spent the winter at nets dodging rapid missiles will be interested to see how the bowlers fair on something sticky across the Thames. Somehow Wickman doubts its going to be run fest...

David Kelly Didn't Die Down the Wick

Wickman, following nets, (here attended by Cranesy, Gatesee, Kamran and an active Dom) idly tunes in to the Conspiracy Theories documentary on BBC 2. Wickman, credulous fool that he is, genuinely believes that David Kelly wandered off into the woods, swallowed an amount of drugs and had a good go at slitting his wrists. A weak heart, a good bleeder or an amount of co-Proximal sorted him out. Wickman is very glad he wasn't a Wick member. If you were a Wick member, what better place to end it all apart from propped up against a sightscreen, looking directly down the wicket, and remembering the time you lofted someone from Old Tiffsluts over the sightscreen at the other end to win a game for the Wick? Or, at a pinch, perhaps you'd retire to the Millennium Wood for a bit of privacy... But Wickman says why defecate in one's own vestibule? Why choose a true beauty spot like the Wick to bring it to such a tumultuous end? Surely you wouldn't want the Wick swarming with Her Maj's finest? Surely you'd want to preserve the Wick's silent majesty? Preserve the deers' tranquility? No Wickman thinks that most Wick members would wash linen like that at home and would make sure that they never gave the local constabulary a good reason to come down to the club house...

Nets Again

Wickman is back from nets. Doddy is there, limbering up. A relatively quiet one tonight with only 25 members on show. 25. 25. 25 was the total number of people that would net between Christmas and Easter a few years ago. Some notable absentees tonight miss the fireworks as Cranesy and Clarky in particular pepper the roof and back walls with ballistics. Kamran is back and saves the best 'til last as he, too, picks off the pitched up and dents the facilities. Wickman swears he sees a weapons inspector towards the end of the session. Gateseeee looks as if he has failed to duck a bouncer. Extraordinarily Kamran's preferred bat is 25 miles away in St Albans and he worries that he might be back seeing it properly in 2 or 3 nets' time. The boys are quietly impressed. Doddy has done well to make it down. Reports reach Wickman that the combination of Six Nations and Hibby's card night might have rendered a few long term Wick favourites unable to net. But not Doddy, he is made of sterner stuff.