Saturday 29th June 2002
Saturday 22nd June 2002
Saturday 15th June 2002
Saturday 8th June 2002
Saturday 1st June 2002

Any views expressed in these reports are the views of the author, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Edmonton Cricket Club, its committee or its members. If you find anything offensive or inaccurate in the content of these reports, or if you have any queries reagrding the reports, please contact us via email, stating the report you're referring to and the date so that we can take any action deemed necessary.

Saturday 29th June 2002

1st XI vs. Phoenicians

Report by: Alan Barnard

The fixture was Phoenicians at home, we won the toss, and after last weeks win batting first, decided to do the same, which with hindsight was not a good decision. On one of the flattest tracks in the league, we rattled up an easy 269-2, with Venki smashing his way to 153* in a flawless innings punctuated by some big hitting and sublime timing. It has to be said that the bowling of the 4th XI's opposition looked more challenging than anything we faced, and Es capitalised with a quick fire 61*. We were a bit top heavy in the bating order, with Billy due to come in at No. 9, and in the end this cost us slightly.

By scoring so quickly, we gave ourselves plenty of overs to bowl out an opposition who had lost 6 out of 7 games this season, but looking at our bowling line-up, it was clear that we had limited options, with Matty, and Wills the only pace bowlers, and Ricko the other real wicket taker. This proved to be correct, as Barnard bowled tidily but never looked like taking wickets. Phoenicians openers looked solid, and played some fluent strokes off the quick stuff of Matt and Tony, but the introduction of Ricko changed things around, and the left-arm spin king bowled as well as he has done all season to take 5, turning the ball square and beating batsmen all ends up on a number of occasions.

If I'm being honest, the highlight of the innings was either Tony Willett's sharp catch to dismiss their opener off Road Rage, or Barnard fielding close off the bowling of Willett, and getting smashed in the elbow to the amusement of his team mates (wankers). I'd like to think that we could have bowled better than we did, and been more competitive - the atmosphere was not good, and we felt almost resigned to a draw from the first over, which was not good. This is something we need to work on if we are going to push on as a side, and start winning more games. The good news was that other results went our way, so we are still in touch with the leaders, despite remaining in 4th place.

In the end Phoenicians ended up on about 200-8, with the last two batsmen lasting 12 overs, and not really giving any chances. With news filtering through of the 2nd XI losing a game from a very winnable position, the atmosphere in the club was not a good one. The 3rd XI returning for Twickenham with a win lifted spirits somewhat, as did the usual Ricky / Terry / Micky Smyth pissed up banter - Mick is a comedy genius by all accounts, and a top bloke to boot. It was also somewhat interesting that Mr Springy spoke to everyone in the bar except Spikey and Myself - funny that…!

After the game, the decision was taken early on to head to Rafferty's, and it was a terrible one. The music was shit, there was nobody there, and after two very quickly downed double JD & Cokes, I had just about lost the ability to remain conscious, and almost passed out in the toilets. The rest of the night was a blur, but the beer-taxi was a reliable as ever, and I woke up in my bed fully clothed with the worst headache ever. On the way home, I met Jamaican superstar Lex Harrison on the N29, and failed to recognise him, such was the state I was in (he was playing for me the next day). The not-so-subtle strains of Bollywood music was blaring from the living room the next day, as overseas superstar Venki had stayed over, and was singing away like a man possessed. I on the other hand could not face up to this, so we opted to watch the one day game instead.

Having to muster together a team as I was skipper for the Cup game against Hayes was an interesting affair, but we quickly rattled up 230 from 45 with Danny Bilson and Venki looking the business with the bat. With some excellent Bowling for Streety, Monster Doddsy and Lexton, we had won the game within 20 overs as the Hayes batsmen looked threatening for a time, then got themselves out with some rash strokeplay. The wickets were shared among the bowlers, with Streety taking 4, and we were in the bar by 7pm - an excellent finish to a disappointing weekend. Team for Saturday: Willett, Ses Jayasena, Venkatesh, Ganji, Prinsloo, D Hinnigan, Barnard, S Roche, Bilimoria, Worton, Lewis.

2nd XI vs. Pinner

Report by: Martin Loveday

We arrived at Pinner well in time all except for Stav who managed to be about 45 minutes late (that makes me look good). Firstly a big thank you to Tony who turned up and helped us out as Kenny failed to arrive. Kev won the toss (no seriously he did actually win the toss) and elected to field on probably one of the best looking away strips we have this season. Loveday opened the bowling with Doddsy who still has a long way to go before he gets the preferrence of ends over me, but it was at least a brave attempt, maybe in a few more years matey. Loveday got his line and length early on whilst Ciaran did struggle to control the new ball. An early change was made and Anil was bought on to replace Dodds in the 10th over.

Anil was swinging the ball a fair way but it was the extra bounce that Loveday was getting that caused the batsmen problems. Loveday got spanked for 4 through the covers and returned with a jaffa that lifted and caught the glove for a routine catch for Beeded. Loveday was then bowling at the new left handed bat who seemed to want to hit every ball from a good line. On the 3rd ball after playing and missing twice Another catch for Beeden behind the stumps as he was caught of an outside edge. The next wicket wasnt far away as the other opener again got caught behind by Beeden after gloving another lovely ball which got up well. It needs to be added that nobody was going for runs and the pressure was on. Next up was another lefty and he was also next back as he was given out LBW (our first of the season...... woooo hooo). It was later discussed and it was generally felt that it wasnt the best decission. That means they were 4 down with about 28 on the board. There talented and well respected right handed no.4 then started to settle playing some nice shots and hitting i think 3 or 4 boundaries which picked up their scoring rate. Loveday then took his fifth wicket of the match when a delivery just short of a length hurried the batsmen into a misstimed pull which went straight up in the air for a simple c&b. Loveday continued to bowl a good line and length with decent pace which was fairly important seeing as we had every man of the off side of the wicket and was rewarded with a 6th when a catch popped up to Stav in the gully. Kev was bowling his normal flighty off spin which had the batsmen in two minds and got his reward when the ball dolleyed up of the edge to Stav at first slip. We now had the at 65 for 7 and were wanting to have them all out for under 80. 75 for 8 as Kev got another clean bowled this time. The next to bats though proved a problem as young Varley was unlucky after replacing loveday and Stav was getting closer at the other after replacing Kev. A partnership of 30 meant that before Dom took one of the best catches i have seen in a while, and the next ball was the end of the innings as a wild stroke from their equivalent to our very NORTHERN was well held at first slip by Loveday.

It has to be said that our fielding was pretty good with a good range of bowling options. Doddsy and Varley are making good progress and are no longer considered as players to come into the 2's but players that are good players for the 2's to have.

We went into their clubhouse not entirely happy as we thought we should have restricted them to under 100. We sat down and had a nice tea which compared to others this season was a banquet.

Anil and Dom opened the batting and it wasnt long before Anil was cleaned bowled. Dom looked the most comfortable batsmen out in the middle as we had seen all day and waited for the bad balls with his normal concentration being superb. Pat went in no.3 but although looking in good nic after a couple of good knocks was deciieved and the ball somehow managed to hit the wicket. Stav was next and looked at ease with the bowling and he and Dom made light work of the chase and played some nice shots to bring the required scor down. Unfortunately this is where it all went wrong Kevfor us Dom was given out LBW and its fair to say that it wasnt but never the less he was back in the pavillion. Kev was then bowled by a cracking delivery that was by all accounts unplayable. Tony was in next and was out first ball also bowled. Beeden was next in and we thought that these players would steer us home until Stav threw his wicket away going for a big blow and was caught at point of the top edge. Doddsy was next and didn't last long despite hitting a lovely boundary. Cooper followed him into the crease and looked good before a quick single resulted in beeden pulling his hamstring. A runner was called for but Beeden's concentration was gone and was soon following Stavs idea of a big hit and was caught in the covers. Loveday was next and he got out playing a really wanky shot which left his stumps in tatters and Varley was bowled first ball to end our innings 10 runs short of the required 116 to win.

Its fair to say we were the better side and only 1 of our batsmen equiped themselves to a second team standard, this includes the lower order who have to take their fair shame of the blame. What was the biggest game of the season to date proved to be a game we had all but won but let ourselves and Edmonton down. I personally dont think we should dwell on this result, although we should remember how we felt after losing on saturday.I would like to thank the Pinner boys because for the first time this season we had a game played fairly, with aggresion but in a sporting way. A few beers were had after the game and they were a nice bunch of lads with the same ideas and drive as ourselves but i aint going to wish them too much luck for the future as we want to be taking that first place away.

Looking to the future we have a week off and then its Sri Lankan Cavaliers at home..... Lets make sure we give them a proper Edmonton welcome and stuff the shit out of them.

Finally, a little note on how much of a light weight Barnard is. After agreeing we would attend the a list club in wood green namedO'Rafferty's he managed to buy the most expensive drink then dissapear for 30 minutes whilst he passed out in the toilets. I had Waker falling asleep at the table and an all round shocker of a night was had by all. It was amusing to hear the next day that Barnard was approached by some shady looking Black man who was well built, no worries though as it turned out to be LEXTON who made an appearance for the first eleven on sunday and should be available in the coming weeks....... Team: D.HARTE, K.LAWRENCE, P.CARR, T.BEEDEN, A.COOPER, M.LOVEDAY, A.SHARMA, S.ELIA, C.DODDS, M.VARLEY and Tony.

4th XI vs. Ealing

Report by: Alan Porter

On a sunny afternoon at Hydeside the Es lined against county league side Ealing.After the usual sarturday fiasco of players noy turning up for one reason or another ,stand in skipper Archie Mcarthur went oout to toss and returned to say we were batting and with only 9 players at this time it was probably the best decision. Two people were nominated to go in first namely A Porter and T Brown who had to face one of the worst quick bowlers ever to grace the glorious turf which is EDMONTONCC . After a superb shoulder of the bat 4 over the wicketkeepers head by Mr Brown the bowler stood in the middle of the pitch trying to look fierce but only succeeded in making himself look like a big girls blouse. It was then Mr Porter turn to face this bowler who proceeded to bowl a half volley which AP despatched straight back over his head for 4 which after TBs shot seemed to upset him even more, but the runs to continued to flow with AP and TB addig 76 for the first wicket when AP fell trying to pull a ball into th A10. This lead to abit of a collapse with only one other batsmen making double figures and from a good position of 120-2 we were allout for 152 against a proper cricket team.

We took the field at 4-30 for the start of Ealings innings and with a couple of bowlers missing our attack was very light weight although Archie and Daz bowled well with such a small total to defend. The defeat was completed with the minimum of effort on Ealings part although we did manage to get 3 wickets in the process but to be fair we were beaten by a better side. As for gods gift to bowling he didnt ven bother to stay for a drink afterwards says it all really sorry its not up to Lovedays humorous reports but in really was a dull and boring game. Still had the pleasure of watching AB make acomplete cock up of a simple piece of fielding and tht was before he spent the night at Raffertys.

Saturday 22th June 2002

1st XI vs. Birkbeck College

Report by: Martin Loveday

Loveday reporting from the dizzy heights of the first team against Birbeck College. After a few players had been unavailable for selection this week including the likes of ROCHE.S, ROCHE.N and of course A.BARNARD, this left a few spaces to be filled meaning that BILLIMORIA and LOVEDAY got a call up to the 1's with Barrett playing his first Saturday game.

Willett won the toss and elected to bat. Venki and Ses opened the innings and were looking quite comfortable from an early stage. They put on about 40 runs for the first wicket before Ses was caught behind. Barrett then came to the crease and although looking nervous played some nice strokes. Venki was then dismissed for about 34, bring Ez to the crease. This was to be a short innings for the big man as he set off for a single and was run out with a direct hit despite being well inside his crease as was agreed by the opposition. Dave Hinnigan was next in and was playing nicely. Barrett went shortly after and a good position for us was now turning into their favour. Willett joined Dave at the crease and managed to hit a 6 and score ten before he was dismissed by a shooter which not only didnt bounce but cut in a mile aswell. Billimoria was next to come in but again didnt last long and was back in the pavillion leaving us 77 for 6. Matty Worton was next in and was playing a supporting role to Dave until Dave managed to hurt his back whilst running. He was in a lot of pain and mobility was limited so Billy went in as a runner. Dave braved it out playing some nice strokes and supporting Matty whilst he played some good strokes and some great strokes. Dave enventually went for a brave 28. Rico followed and after a nice shot for six headed back after being stumped neatly by the Birbeck keeper. Streety was next a played a few shots but didnt in form for one of his big inning's. Loveday was 11 and managed to hag around and make sure we got every ball out the oppo scoring 5 not out and leaving Matty to dish out the damage with some big blows. Matt finally went 2 balls to go out for 68 and the total was 180.

Discussion at tea was mainly about how good was Matty's six and the answer was f*cking good, probably the best pull shot i have ever seen. Also Tony was wondering whether or not to open the bowling as Matty had just been batting for about 20-23 overs.

In the end Tony did decide to Open and was looking sharpe troubling the batsmen in the first over as the ball flew over the slips for 4. Streety bowling from the allotment end was his normal quality self not giving the batsmen anything to work for runs. As the batting went on it got quite laughable as the openers seemed to bat like clowns. With what was quite obviously a pinch hitter claimimg that he would punish Willett, but was sent packing in the next over. In the next over Streety took two wickets. The over after that Willett took another with a quality slower ball which the batsmen left and got bowled...... DA DA DADA DADA DA DUD DA DA DA.......

They were now 4 down for 60. Streety took another before being rested and allowed Matty to have a bowl up the hill whilst at the other end RICO was bought on to try them with a bit of spin. Matty was on the spot with a bit of pace and had a few lbw shouts. Rico was also bowling well troubling the batsmen on a regular basis. Maty cleaned up 2 wickets whilst a run out and 2 wickets for Rico left us with a comprehensive win. They were all out for 100 with 15 overs to spare. I would say that despite some shocking umpire decissions 1 a side with both being run outs it left the first eleven spirits lifted and a well needed win and celebration was had by all. I was impressed with the drive and application by the whole team whilst batting bowling and fielding as everyone concentrated and worked hard for each other. Now it should be a good time to start the first team off on a winning run. Team: SES JAYASENA, VENKI, BARRETT, PRINSLOO, D HINNIGAN, WILLETT, A BILLIMORIA, WORTON, LEWIS, STREET, LOVEDAY.

2nd XI vs. Lohana

Report by: Tim Beeden

We arrived at Lohanas ground, one of the better grounds in the division , at 12.30 with plenty of time for us to be changed and on the pitch by 13.00 to save us from being fined. The pitch was spongy and any score over 200 would be good. Kev managed to lose the toss again and no surprise we were put into bat.

Kev changed the order around with Anil opening with Dom, whilst Kev and Pat moved down to 3 & 4 with new boy Kenny at 5. We started well with both openers looking good before Anil got a leading edge and was caught for 15. Kev and Dom both batted well on what was a difficult pitch to score runs. Lohana then put on a couple of spinners who were both turning it quite a way, they both then fell in the thirties leaving us about 90-3 off 25 overs. Pat again batted well scoring a well deserved 50, and with Kenny showing his class they put on 99 for the 4th wicket including two massive straight sixes from Kenny. Kenny was then run out for 39 and Pat managed too add another fifty with the tail leaving us a good score of 230-9 off 55 overs.

Kev decided to open the bowling with Daz and Anil as usual opening bowler Loveday was in the 1st team, Lohanas openers were struggling but we were unable to get a wicket until about the 10th over when their opener top edged one off Daz and was caught in the covers by Kenny. Kenny then got another catch off Daz when the no.3 drove low to his right. Kev then changed the bowling bringing Stav and himself on, and as in our innings the ball was turning and the batsmen just managed to hang on. We kept picking up the odd wicket and had a stumping and an LBW turned down, we were running out of overs and the ball kept just dropping short or going wide of fielders what seemed like every other ball. Anil replaced Stav after he had picked up two wickets and picked up the seventh wicket with about 4 overs to go, we then had a good shout for caught behind turned down and after that they managed to hold on without losing another wicket leaving Lohana on 124-7.

It was another very good performance and had we won the toss we would have won the game. Next week we go to Pinner in a top of the table clash.

Saturday 15th June 2002

1st XI vs. Alexandra Park

Report by: Alan Barnard

You could argue that our mind's weren't properly on the game because of England's 3-0 win over Denmark, you could argue that the pitch was poor, you could argue that 50% of the umpires were abysmal, and you'd be right. But the overriding fact is we managed to lose a game from a very winnable position with a woeful batting performance, and some very indifferent fielding.

After winning the toss, and deciding to field, restricting AP to 167 on a fair wicket seemed like a good performance, and really should have been good enough, if we had batted as well as we can do. Barnard managed to take 6 wickets, cleaning up the tail after dismissing their top scorer, Streety bowled absolutely impeccably, going for about 30 in his 15 overs, and Matty bowled well also. Mention to Ses Jayasena, who proved that practising close catching on Tuesday nights pays off on Saturday, springing acrobatically to his right to hand onto one of the best catches I've seen at this level.

Highlight of the innings is a close call Matt Worton calling Ricko a girl, sending the rest of the team into hysterics as to be up there, as does Matty, Wills and Barnard fielding too close for comfort to a pile of poo at cover. The incident that takes the biscuit though was the keeper on the 3rd team square taking arguably the best leg side stumping in the history of the game, off quite a sharp bowler on a dodgy track. We were still bowing to his superb keeping skills when he went and smashed runs to all corners of the park in a comedy innings, cheered on by all 11 Edmonton players, and his bird.

After tea, the mood was upbeat, and with Ses and Venki giving us a solid start, it was looking easy. AP brought on a slower bowled to good effect, and managed to snap up a couple of wickets with a couple of poor strokes from our batsman. More batsmen came and went, and we were seriously struggling. The umpire from the bottom end seems more interested in getting home than he was in giving the right decisions, as Roche S & N will testify to. Late resistance first from Willett, and Simon Roche, and then from his brother proved futile, as the umpire capped the game off with another LBW decision. Cheers.

AP to be fair to them were pissing it up in their changing room, and most of our lot went pretty quickly, as we were gutted. We were going to follow them, but were persuaded to stay and have a chat with the opposition, who despite spending the whole innings appealing for everything, and generally annoying the hell out of us, were actually quite a good bunch of lads. After a few beers, and a bit of banter, we felt a bit better about the game, and made tracks back to the club.

With about 3 of the team heading back to Hydeside, it was a pretty disappointing evening, slightly brightened up by some comedy banter from M Bilson. Interestingly enough, the first 5 people I spoke to back at the club asked me if I had a good lawyer!? All fun and games. Special mention to Rhino, who purchased tequilas all round, and to Loveday, who felt he had to go to Raffertys at all costs - probably a good thing that you didn't mate, it is pants.

Moving onto Sunday, I have to mention my attempt at an appeal for an LBW, which was sublime and stupid. My voice went, and I sounded like an 11-year-old girl shouting howzat! What a cock. The umpires, fielders, batsman and supporters were all in absolute stitches, and justifiably so. Let's hope that next weekend will be an improvement on this weekend. We said that we wouldn't let what happened against Sudbury Court happen again, and this is almost a carbon copy. Time will tell whether we can bounce back, but it's not looking good at the moment. Team: Wilett, Venkatesh, Ses Jayasena, D Hinnigan, Barnard, S Roche, Worton, N Roche, Lewis, Street.

2nd XI vs. MTSSC

Report by: Martin Loveday

Middlesex Tamills were the visiting side and would not agree to let our boys watch the football by enforcing we start at 1.30. However when they were not on the pitch or ready to toss up by this time and Kevin went to enforce the toss they whinged and said they would not play. So Kev did the toss and lost again which saw them put us into bat. We started off ok scoring runs and looking safe.A spell of 2 wickets in 5 balls left us shaky but Pat was still there looking good. Pat went on to score a good 70 and everybody seemed to contribute a few. With about 16 overs to go and DAZ and COOKE at the crease we took them to pieces smashing the ball to every part of the ground for 6's and 4's. A healthy score of 275 was posted in the 55 overs when a total of 220 seemed more realistic.

We took the field and Loveday bowled like a tosser. Good captaincy however in changing the bowlers around resulted in us being able to take a few wickets. They were obviously a much better batting side than fielding and on a batting dream of a wicket set about chasing the 275. It wasn't until COOKE and STAV started to bowl well that we took control with the monster taking 4 wickets and STAV got 2. We ended up having them 9 down for 205 when the game finished.

Overall a batting paradise for a wicket with some superb shots being played allowed for a high scoring match which we always had control of. Another winnig draw taking the maximum points without winning.

Saturday 8th June 2002

1st XI vs. Hendon St. Marys

Report by: Alan Barnard

It's that time of year again when we take a break from the league programme to take part in the league cup. After last year's debacle against 1st Division Acton, when we were skittled for 80 on a wet wicket, we face the slightly easier task of taking on 6th Division Hendon St Mary's at home. After losing the toss, we were put into bat, on a good-looking, but slightly damp track. Ses Jayasena fell early for about 20, and this brought Es Prinsloo into bat with opener, and in-form batsman Venki.

They piled on the runs in very quick time, Es departing for 89, and Venki still going strong on around 50. Hinnigan came and went, and Barnard played an interesting cameo innings, scoring 28 in about 8 balls before holing out to mid wicket. Venki was crashing the runs around by now, easing pass the 100 mark for the second week running, finishing on 170*, out of a total of 343-5. Special mention to Adam 'Double-R' Herron - making his first appearance of the season, who was run out backing up when a firm drive from Venki was parried on the stumps by the bowler leaving him stranded about 10 yards out of his crease.

With the game all-but won, Matty Worton produced some excellent deliveries to take 3 wickets in 2 overs, and he was duly replaced to prolong the game, but his replacement Ricko Lewis was just as effective - also taking 3. Mention to Stav Elia, who dropped a Matty Worton-esque catch of Willett's bowling, and to Willett himself for serving up some very suspect, well flighted leg spin, then after being hit for four producing a quick straight one to bowl their number 9.

Mention also to their number 6 and number 10, who decided to try to turn a good natured game into something else, by giving our fielders aggro. Once their number 6 was bowled, he had a go at Es Prinsloo, calling him a "Fat C*nt", and saying that he swore at him. Now, since Es doesn't ever swear, I'd say that this was quite unlikely, but their skipper felt the need to come onto the pitch to complain to Willett. Finally, their number 10 came into bat, and Double-R Herron said come on lads, lets get a run out (since he was run out in stupid fashion). Their batsman took it upon himself to say "if you're taking the piss, I'll tell you, you're a brave man." The reaction from Barnard and Herron was one of amused disbelief, but the game was over 10 balls later, as Barnard bowled their last man. Handbags.

All-in-all, and easy 200 run win, which could have been more, if it weren't for some generous bowling changes from Willett. Our focus has to be firmly back on the league fixture against Alexandra Park next week, as we look to climb the table. On a final note, a big thank you to Martin Loveday, who took it upon himself to rugby-tackle me later that night whilst we were walking home, f*cking both my knees, and my ankle - much appreciated fella. Team: Willett, Ses Jayasena, Venkatesh, Prinsloo, D Hinnigan, Barnard, Herron, Worton, Elia, Lewis, Street.

Onto Sunday, and a brief mention about the first annual Underwater Stump Cricket 2-a-side tournament - held in the rain after the game vs. Wood Green Town was washed out. The venue was the artificial wicket, the idea was stupid, and 10 hardy souls decided to brave the elements, producing some comedy slides, shots and slip ups (Cookie). Danny Hare could be the new Greg Hales, considering how hard he can hit a ball with a stump, and Cookie and Ciaran showed us how not to bat with a stump, nearly ending up with a negative score. The finish was a tense one, with the left-right hand combo of Ses and Steve Sivathasan just about passing Barnard and Northern's score of 24. Stupid idea - good laugh! Teams: 1. Herron, D Hare. 2. Cooke, C Dodds. 3. Barnard, Varley. 4. M Bilson, Winchmore Hill Fella. 5. Ses Jayasena, S Sivathasan.

Saturday 1st June 2002

1st XI vs. Calthorpe

Report by: Alan Barnard

After two very disappointing defeats in the last two, the First XI needed to bounce back strongly so as not to fall too far behind division two leaders Osterley and West Harrow. With bowling and fielding so poor in the last game vs. Sudbury Court, it was important to put this right after winning the toss and deciding to field. Calthorpe were above us in the table, but we knew that they were beatable if we played to our potential. In the first 30 or so overs, our fielding was excellent, and we restricted them to around 2 an over with Streety bowling excellently in a 17 over spell from his usual bottom end.

We carried this on excellently with Barnard, Elia, N Roche and Worton and Willett all bowling well to support him, and after 55 overs, they were forced to declare on 156, probably 70 runs short of a good total on an excellent batting track. Highlights of the innings were Venki doing a "Flying Indian" to take a sharp catch behind the stumps, Adam Bilimoria doing some heroic, and possibly unnecessarily spectacular fielding in the covers, Matty Worton cartwheeling one of their batsmans middle stump off a no-ball, and of course you know who giving Barnard his customary LBW after producing a straight one.

With only one recognised opening batsman (Ses Jayasena) playing, it was again up to Venki to open up. Any questions about his form were brushed to one side as he smashed an unbeaten 100 to help us to 158-1. Ses was the only batsman dismissed, unfortunately for 17, but Es Prinsloo steadied the ship to score 37 in a 100 run partnership with Venki. All in all a very satisfactory performance, and victory at a canter in the end. It was pleasing to see how well we fielded and bowled, and how the three batsmen that were used stuck to their task, and ensured that we achieved the full 30 points.

After the game rumours were circulating about a huge session at Loveday's house, involving a cab ride home via Kings Cross… I'm sure that all will become clear in his match report for the seconds. Special mention also to Brent Rickard, who brought his digital video camera along, and among other things managed to film my LBW - thanks mate! Hopefully we'll be able to buy the edited highlights from all good video stores soon, and then watch them as a coaching video on Tuesday nights.

This is quite a brief first XI report purely because there's not much to write about - we did everything very correctly, and very professionally, and long may it continue - with the cup game against Hendon St. Marys next week a minor distraction from the league programme, we'll be looking to win again against mid table Alexandra Park in two weeks time. Team: Willett, Venkatesh, Ses Jayasena, Prinsloo, D Hinnigan, Barnard, Bilimoria, N Roche, Elia, Worton, Street.

2nd XI vs. South Harrow

Report by: Martin Loveday

We were playing South Harrow away, and we were missing our skipper, who did however leave instructions about the toss... Tails, Well done fella another great call. We lost the toss but they elected to bat, which was a strange decision on a wicket greener than a very green thing.....

We started off shaky but its to be expected when you are playing against another bunch of cheating wankers (Barney I leave the text to your discretion) {Editors note: You said it Loveday} Anil had their opener caught by Tim behind the stumps and a certain wicket was turned down as the batsman instructed the umpire not to give him out.

Wickets started to fall and not many runs being scored. Pat was first change at the top end and if were being generous bowled like Baseball pitcher having only one ball pitch in his first 4 overs (sorry fella). Cooke replaced Anil coming up the hill and bowled like a dream. Pat soon took himself off and allowed Dom a few overs. He was bowling well in tandem with Cooke and although wickets stopped no runs were scored. Every time they tried to accelerate they would be a streaky shot through slips or a wicket would fall and this is what happened as one of there bats shelled out to mid off. Daz was then bought on to replace Cooke and he and Dom cleared up the last 6 wickets taking 3 each for not many runs and we had them all out for 111.

I would again like to give praise to fielding it was excellent despite a few sharp catches going down and a blunder by myself. Young Varley was again a sensation and could be establishing himself as a second team player as his fielding quality saves the side 20-30 runs a game, keep going fella.

We went out to bat and surprise surprise constant appealing. Roche was first to go, I may add at this stage walking after knicking the ball to the keeper and not waiting for a decision. Dom went next and we werent looking too good. Mardell had his stump up routed leaving us 3 down for 28 and on the ropes a little. It was left to Beeden and Anil to play aggressive cricket and shots were being played all over the ground. 3's were being run and boundaries hit and a comfortable win was had. In the changing room Loveday braved a very cold shower cos he didn't want to smell like Mardell. The question was put forward... DO WE WANT TO GO TO THEIR SOCIAL FOR A BEER?

Well despite my own reputation I thought putting money behind their bar and socialising with the cheating wankers was not what I wanted but I seemed to be outvoted and I must say the beer was nice but not as nice as seeing that all the oppo had gone home already...... wooo hooooo. Team: T.Beeden, D.Harte, P.Carr, P.Cooke, G.Mardell, M.Varley, S.Roche, M.Loveday, D.Sivathasen, S.Sivathasen, Anil.