Saturday 28th June 2003
Saturday 21st June 2003
Saturday 14th June 2003
Saturday 7th June 2003

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 28th June 2003

1st XI vs. Turnham Green

Report by:

Team: Willett, Ses Jayasena, Oldroyd, Venkatesh, D Hinnigan, Barnard, D Hare, Beeden, Street, Loveday, Varley

2nd XI vs. Ruislip Manor

Report by: Pat Carr

RUISLIP SLIP AWAY!!!

We arrived at Ruislip Manor ground and the skipper proceeded to lose the toss - Ruislip were happy! They stuck us into bat - Ruislip were happy, they sensed a draw possibility - Ruislip were very happy.

Only one match ball could be produced (not another one in sight and we obviously didn't have one with us). Ruislip had to go and get another ball. This would take quite a while. Only one thing for it, Edmonton had to field first - Ruislip were not very happy!

Doddsy opened up down the hill and newcomer Lawrence up the slope. Doddsy bowled quite well on a very very dead track. Lawrence is a good find and has some good pace in him. Both bowlers got the ball to shoulder height (a very mean feat as you will read later). The Ruislip overseas player looked adequate enough and played ok but decided to hook a ball on a non hooking track and popped the ball up to Khazi fielding at short leg.

Runs came steadily through extras and the edges -lost count of the amount of runs from false shots.

Kev changed ends for Lawrence to utilise his extra pace downhill and Anil started bowling up the hill.

Wickets started falling regularly and Ruislip were soon in trouble but we all realised that a saving grace for them might be the pathetic track!

Anil again bowled extremely well and took another 5for. Lawrence is going to be a handful on a proper track and a great addition to the two's - We didn't see him bat this week but time will tell.

We had our worst period of any game in the middle of this match - possibly because of complacency but never the less, we must not let it happen again. When we have teams on the ropes, which we seem to do regularly, then lets finish them off and not allow our performance to wane!

Stav and Kev replaced Anil and Lawrence and the inning was wrapped up for 118 (probably 45 runs too many)!

Considering the bouncy outfield, we fielded well. A special mention for the Stav meister for another stunning catch at 2nd slip and Adam H for not losing his teeth.

Tea was taken and it was very nice indeed!

Khazi and Dom opened up. To say it was a low track is an understatement and the "rock" was on his way back after a ball tunnelled under his bat and took the base of off stump. Baz joined Khazi and the runs started to come albeit very cautiously. One of the most outrageous lbw decisions I have ever witnessed, sent Barrat back to the pavilion with a, "I cannot f*****g believe that decision," look on his face!!! Ruislips tails were up and when Khazi got the faintest of nicks to the keeper - they were almost ecstatic! Adam H came and went bowled to another low ball and this left Anil and Billy at the crease. Ruislip were encouraged and fully expected to run through the rest of the order. 30 minutes later, runs coming steadily and not a chance in sight, put paid to any exuberance and the atmosphere was one of resigned acceptance of the pending outcome!

Billy played a superb supporting and carefully attacking innings and Anil attacked when appropriate - the winning runs came from the only six of the day. Victory with only four wickets down on that track was a fantastic effort. Considering the average ball bounce height of the day was around shin height, it was a good performance with no one throwing their wickets away.

A discussion took place in Ruislips very nice bar and it was concluded that we have engendered a "don't rely on anyone else to bowl/bat well, do it yourself" attitude - It appears to be working so far. Could have been beer talk though!

8 and 0 - keep going boys

Stav is appointed fines chairman for next weeks match - cheers dude!

The fines total is now £60 exactly.

A Big thank you to Kim for scoring, and Alan for umpiring

Team: Lawrence (skipper) Carr Harte Ganji Herron Sharma Billimoria Lawrence (don't know surname yet, sorry) Goddard C Dodds Elia

Sunday 3rd XI vs. Southgate Adelaide

Report by: Ray Dodds

Is Imzamam Pants?

Rumours abound that Brian Labrooy phoned up to make sure we fielded a weak side on Sunday before he would agree to come and knock up his annual hundred against us. They batted first and fired up 99 in the first nine overs before we brought on our trump cards - James "The Mean Preacher" Arrowsmith who took 3 wickets and John "MilkyWay" Kenway whose devastating pace? or lack of wrecked their innings ably abetted by Linsford 'are you really awake in the field?" Miller with 3 wickets.

Their innings ended on 241. Tea was taken and the scorer was given a choc ice by Sue to keep him quiet. We then batted the innings being opened by Cambers twin brother?? and Andrew "help me to my feet" Cooper. Poor old Coops was out to a brilliant catch (this is not meant to happen in3rd XI games). Our innings was gradually declining when in came our inspirational captain Inzamam el Hulk, he smashed a couple of fours blade flashing through the air, he sped his singles nimble footed as a prima ballerina when bugger me, disaster overtook him going for a single called by Glue Hands Hinnigan he shouted "me pants" Hinnigan thinking this meant yes rushed to the other end while Imzamam bat held in one hand, trousers in the other was hopelessly out of his ground as the wicket received a direct hit. Imzmam oh Imzamam what have we done running you out. We all rush to him to apologise for this ghastly disdeed as he leaves the field. What happened oh wise and wonderful being we ask! - 'the bloody elastic in me underpants broke and me box fell between me knees making it impossible to speed like a gazelle as normal. No blame must be apportioned to glue hands, it were me own fault for not checking my elastic hadn't frayed dear boys' said our leader.

Now we were deep in the doo doo with 4 down for 60. Darling Andrew is in with Glue Hands who doesn't last as long as usual out for 23 distraught at Imzamams demise (actually he can't stop laughing, and tired himself out). Cometh the hour, cometh the man, in strides Danny "Dead Eye" Muschamp who bats magnificently to get a career best innings of 83 not out smashing the ball to all corners of the ground abley backed up by Darling Andrew who reaches 42 not out but in the final few overs manages not to score too many off the bat, a masterly piece of jug avoidance as i have ever seen. Throughout Darling Andrews innings has been interupted by this strange woman bouncing on the boundary shouting things like "keep going you can have frankfurters with your beans tonight darling", and "I love you lots and lotss you magnificent hunk of manhood you". I ask my spies who she is and they say she is the daughter of Bouncing Shoes, she must be Shirley Hazell.

By the way the match was a draw.

Under 17's vs. Barnet

Report by: Ray Dodds

Travel through hostile injun territory to darkest Barnet, find awful wicket, massive outfield, grass growing to a depth of 12 inches full of daisies, hyacinths, daffodils and assorted lost children. Can this be a county standard ground? Am told it is. We bat first and find a home umpire who hasbeen on a course that says you hit the ball onto your bats anywhere on the pitch you are definetely out. Triggers our best batsman on this basis. Justin Benedetti and Ciaran help rescue the innings and we end up on 88 with only one four scored (I think this was all run cos the ball was lodged in a lost childs hair). Barnet laughing thins will be easy, ho ho, according to their supporters who consist of two women who have regularly appeared in Viz and a strange balding gnome like person of indeterminate sex but who wears pressed shorts (how dodgy is that!). They make various accusations to this 60 year old umpire who played Roy Rogers horse in many movies and tell him the sa! me rule of having to hit the ball onto your pads does not apply to the home teams innings. He goes out into the field and what a surprise, no LBW's are given, run outs and stumpings are not out either. However, he has a real problem to give not out to catches and when the stumps are sent cartwheeling from the ground. Barnet collapse like the Hindenberg and end up 29 all out, we had had to keep the score for both sides, the beer is warm and the lemonade flat.

Our captain attempts to shake the umpires hand at the end of the game but he refuses "I'm not shaking your bloddy hand" he graciously says. Our captain retires to the bar to drown his sorrows at this sleight but the said umpire follows him and says if he ever applies to join Barnet he will make sure he does not get in - after looking at their facilities and the result who would want to do that?

Our wickets taken were Ciaran (2), Varley (4, including 3 in one over all bowled), and Danny Muschamp (2) and a run out at our umpires end that the other guy could not overruke.In forty years of cricket i have never come across a bigger c_ _ _ t (Sorry i didn't really say that word) than this complete and utter idiot who set out to ruin the game from the very first ball.

Saturday 21st June 2003

1st XI vs. Mill Hill Village

Report by: Alan Barnard

Following hot on the heels of a solid 18 point performance at home to Crouch End Calthorpe the Saturday before, Tony Willett and the rest of the First XI made the (relatively) short trip round to North West London to face Mill Hill Village at Burton Hole Lane. After being informed that there had been something of a fire a few weeks earlier, we didn't know what sort of state the pavilion would be in, and let's be honest, it wasn't in the best state in the first place. Rumours (well jokes) were rife that it was an inside job to get a new pavilion on their insurance, and from what I was told, if the main gas cylinder had gone up, they'd be looking for new neighbours to boot!

Turning up at 12:30pm, Edmonton were noticeably boosted by the returning overseas player, Venki, who had recovered from a hand injury to bolster our batting, the other changes from the previous weeks team, was Simon Roche for Owen Oldroyd and Danny 'Firestarter' Hare coming in for 'Dodgy' Dave Hinnigan, whose 80 year old granddad was drinking him under the table. Danny was making his 1st XI debut, and it's certainly promising to see another youngster coming through into the top team. With the likes of Dodds, Varley, & Bilson as well as a number of others all performing well, the future looks bright.

After Ses 'Fashionably Late' Jayasena had made his usual 13:25 appearance, we took to the field - a good decision by Tony 'Kenway' Willet, despite the scorchingly hot weather conditions. The skipper looked well justified after Village were reduced to 0-1 from 7 overs, Streety taking the wicket, but Matt 'Daddy' Worton perplexing the left handed number 1 bat, who must have played and missed at 21 out of his first 24 deliveries. It was an inspirational start from the bowling side, and when the first runs came in the 8th over, we were looking good.

The first innings turned into a 4-part epic, first going the way of Edmonton, then Village, and then Edmonton, and finally Village finishing the stronger. Mill Hill started to build a couple of steady partnerships, and just as Edmonton were beginning to wilt in the heat, and the opening bat had ridden his luck again, we took 4 quick wickets. The impressive Neil Roche took 3, including their dangerman, 2nd ball to a large edge that he didn't fancy walking for, but umpire Jack Hymes heard as loud as we all did. A sharp run out by Venki / Tim after a pressure induced mix-up left them 5 down, and staring down the barrel at about 50-5.

At this stage, Village fought their way back on top, and despite losing a couple more wickets moved on well to about 110-6. Ricko Lewis was bowling well at this stage, and caused their middle order some discomfort with his accurate slow left arm on the way to another 3-wicket haul. Unfortunately this didn't disguise our fielding shortfalls, as we contrived to drop 3 catches and perform way below par with our ground fielding, the poor outfield only going someway towards excusing this. Two quick wickets followed after the skipper had eventually managed to find his length after two wayward overs early on, resulting in a semi-mobile Tim Beeden not even moving behind the stumps as the ball race for four byes.

With 1 wicket needed, and Village on 130, Edmonton were looking to wrap up the tail quickly, and get in for tea, but in a disastrous 30 minute period, they raced to 184 all out after Wills and Matty in particular had come in for quite a lot of stick. Jaya dropped a relatively straightforward catch with the score on 145, which he should have done better with given that he's already taken two good catches. This was to cost us 40 runs at the death, as Villages No. 10 crashed an unbeaten 49 in no time at all, to give them a decent total to bowl at. Willett was absolutely furious at the interval, launching a verbal barrage at the team for poor fielding as we retired to our smoke scented dressing room at tea.

Initially, Venki and Tim were down to bat first, but two decisions were made at tea, which would shape the outcome of the match. Firstly, Venki asked Ses to take his place, as he had not batted for some time, and secondly, Simon Roche made the positive move of asking to open. Barney, seeing that Si sounded confident conferred with the Skipper, and it was agreed to make the changes. As Rochie and Jaya walked out to bat, it could have gone either way - 50 minutes later, the game was all but over, after a superb batting display from both openers.

I can't emphasise enough how well the openers batted, racing to 110 for 0 from 18 overs, and effectively killing off Villages chances of taking 30 points from the game in the process. Simon Roche was presented with a couple of quick full tosses, and dispatched them through the off side emphatically, whilst Jaya was pulling and hooking powerfully. You could see their confidence (and the skippers mood) improve with every boundary, the pick of which was arguably shot of the season from Rochie, who rocked onto one knee to cut a length ball powerfully for four through backward point.

Village had to change it round fast, and brought on their young leg spinner, Ses took the decision early not to get bogged down facing the promising youngster, and used his feet well to loft him for 3 towering sixes over the pavilion. He slipped up in the 2nd over of spin, getting stumped for a superb 59. Venki came next, and looked in excellent touch for 25, when he fell. Barney came in, and never looked comfortable, departing shortly after Simon Roche, who had just completed a superb 50. It was left to the impressive Danny Hare to crash 29 in no time to bring up the win in less than 30 overs.

All in all, this was an excellent batting performance from the openers, who turned the game on its head, after Village had gained the upper hand after we struggled in the field towards the end of the first innings. Mill Hill Village are a good side, with several excellent players, and they don't deserve to be where they are in the league. They're also very good socially, even managing to sting us for a few entries in their 135th (?!) anniversary draw after the game - it's a shame that so many of us had to get away quickly, as it would have been nice to get a few more beers in.

Returning to the club with 30 points is one of the best feelings, and with the news that the 2nd XI had made it 2 wins out of 2 for the Middlesex Championship teams it was an excellent night with Barney, Monster and Herring propping up the bar. Lets' hope we can continue this good form into next weeks game at home to newly promoted Turnham Green, with 1st Playing 2nd next week, a win could put us well in amongst it. Great work boys - especially the openers! Team: Willett, Ses Jayasena, S Roche, Venki, Barnard, D Hare, Beeden, Worton, N Roche, Street, R Lewis.

2nd XI vs. Perrivale Phoenicians

Report by: Pat Carr

PHOENICIANS PHOENISHED OFF!!!!

0725hrs I left Cagliari airport via Rome and onto Heathrow - Arrived at Hydeside 1304hrs and was immediately fined for being late - Good man Stav, like your style.

As the regular skip was unavailable, it was left to me to do the honours - very big thanks to the Stav meister for organising things until I arrived, especially for losing the toss, causing us to bat first for the only time so far this season - well done mate - like your style!

It has to be said that the Phoenicians turned up with a very positive attitude, possibly due to the fact that they had with them some 1st team players. Looking at our squad it would have been fine if they had sent their entire 1st team!

Adam H opened with Dom the 'the rock' Harte. The opening bowlers were the best we had seen all season and it looked like 'game on' time. Adam was given out caught quite early on, after the ball flicked his pad and was taken by the keeper - tough luck mate! Anil then entered the fray and with Dom took the score to mid seventies. Anil was asked to play to his full potential, which he readily responded to and batted superbly. If he had not been brilliantly run out, he would have amassed a huge personal score. Khazi then partnered Dom and the scoring slowed down dramatically for quite a few overs. Dom was dropped twice and Khazi once. A mid wicket conference followed and we decided to sort our act out. The runs then came thick and fast and Dom was caught 1 run short of a half ton with the score about 160ish - Another great knock from the 'Rock'. The Aussie (don't mention the rugby) joined Khazi and smashed 16 from the returning opening bowlers over - it was a pleasure to watch! Barrat was out attempting to inflict further punishment on the bowlers. He had already contributed enough to the physical deflation of Perivale. (202-4). This brought Billy to the crease. Khazi sailed past his 50 with a straight six from the other returning opener but was finally out (knackered) on 68. Chris G came in next but was subject to another excellent run out without facing a ball - We were all very impressed with Chris' mature attitude towards his unfortunate dismissal. Stav and Billy both impressed with the bat, hammering the final nails into the Phoenicians tomb and took the total to 237-6. I declared the innings after 50 overs and at 4.55pm - slow or what? We guessed we would end up bowling approx 42 overs. AP suggested that I had batted 10 mins too long! It has to be said that the PP dropped a total of 6 catches and until their heads went down completely, looked a pretty good side.

After a hearty tea and some geeing up from their skipper, the PP were ready to do battle once again. Kim asked for the batting order and was given only seven names. Kim then requested the remainder of the order but was politely informed that seven batsmen should suffice - (suffice for the draw or the win, we were not quite sure)?

Doddsy opened up from the top end and bowled steadily with a few runs coming from extras. A couple of chances went down in the gully area early on. My only criticism is we sometimes do not pick ourselves back up early enough after failed attempts - no one deliberately drops catches; remember the faster we forget it the sooner we put their batsmen back under pressure! Anil started his massacre working out every batsman with supreme skill and then dispatching them at regular intervals. I cannot remember the order in which the wickets were taken but by the 20 overs remaining point, Doddsy had bagged one and Anil 'the destroyer' had bagged a 5for. The pp skipper was seen hastily running over to the score box to give Kim the remaining batting/execution order - obviously 7 names would not suffice!!!

Monster swapped with Doddsy and bowled well taking us one wicket closer to another thirty pointer. 40ish-7 with 18 overs remaining. Anil removed yet another batsman (after an inspired piece of captaincy when Northern was brought close on the leg side and the very next ball looped straight to him) with 16 overs left to finish them off - 70ish-8. Stav replaced Anil and Northern replaced Monster. Chances dried up and runs started to accumulate slowly, PP finally achieved their first batting point passing the 75 run mark with 15 overs left to play out the draw. Northern removed the ninth wicket with a very good ball!! And this brought PP's oldest member to the crease. Fair dues to both the last batsmen, they applied themselves to the task and started to really frustrate us. 8 overs left brought a change at the bottom end with Dom turning his arm over for the first time this season and Anil coming back from the top end. From about the 12th overs remaining point we had one outfielder and a slip x3/gullyx2/short point/short cover/short midwicket type of field. Two great catches were taken in this period of play by Chris G and Dom. The fly slip was done away with and the ball duly obliged by flying straight to that position twice - (good call skip)! Six overs left and every ball seemed to strangle the atmosphere more and more. Dom had a really tough c&b chance smashed through his fingers at full stretch. 18 balls left - Stav suggests a team talk - Fire in the belly speech wonderfully orated by the skipper - 3 balls later Anil takes the middle stump and its all over - another day at the office complete!!! 15 balls left, we could have batted another 5 minutes AP!

Special mention must go to Anil who recorded the best club figures of the season so far 7 - 28 - outstanding mate, well done.

This was our toughest assignment to date. We have now shown the other teams in the league that winning the toss and putting us into bat, does not necessarily mean you can guarantee a draw or even a decent amount of points.

I have been very impressed with the attitude of the 'usually 1st team players' who have joined our ranks at various times this season. You all set a gleaming example to the youngsters, giving 100% for the team you are selected for.

PP are a very good bunch of lads who play the game in the manner in which it should be played. Hats off to them.

The fines fund stands at £45.50 - More effort needed!

Thanks to Kim for scoring and Ray for umpiring.

Team: Carr Elia Herron Harte Sharma Ganji Goddard Billimoria C Dodds Loveday Varley

4th XI vs. Perrivale Phoenicians

Report by: Alan Porter

Perivale arrived as our opponents for the first time in the 1987 league but were a bit unlucky in the fact one person broke down on the way and another failed to turn up. Perivale batted first and the opening batsmen looked comfortable on agood batting wicket but they began to lose wickets and nobody seemed able to stick around long enough to put a decent total on the board and with Jim (sparrow legs) Arrowsmith bowling well and taking 3-7. Perivale were bowled out for 101 at around 3-30pm

The task facing the Es looked a simply one but with tea to be taken at 4-30pm on the small pitch a hundrdred runs in the hour was not impossible.With such a small total the skipper tried to give everyone a game but as usual the way to hell is paved with good intensions and with some god bowling from Perivales opening bowlers who got some lift and bounce out of a preetty benine pitch and with some awful shots the Es started to lose wickets quickley and with the skipper retiring to the pavillion to watch the horse racing tea could not come quick enough.After tea the Es re-grouped and with Andt Cooper and Trevor Wilkins settling the sides jitters bbegan to put on a patnership which took the Es to within 6runs of victory before Trevor tried to finish the game with a six but only manage to sky the ball to be caught and it was left to Andy and Graham brooks to see the Es to victory with Andy Copper batting well and sesibley to hold the team together after a difficult start.

Saturday 14th June 2003

1st XI vs. Crouch End Calthorpe

Report by: Alan Barnard

After last weekends disappointment of losing to top of the table Alexandra Park, it was vitally important that Edmonton's First XI bounced back against local rivals and second division strugglers Crouch End Calthorpe. On what has to be the best Hydeside wicket in years, Edmonton unfortunately lost the toss, and were unsurprisingly put into bat by a side looking to secure their first victory of the season. Being the batting paradise that it is, sides will always look to bowl tightly first up, and then chase even the biggest of totals safe in the knowledge that they can shut up shop should things not go quite according to plan.

With another strong looking bowling side picked by Tony Willett, Edmonton were warming up, trying to shake off a few hangovers at around 12:30. Most of the team had gone to the oval the night before to watch the Twenty20 game, and had a few lagers to boot, so it was good to see such a good turnout in the nets prior to the game. Unsurprisingly, it was only Ses 'clockwork' Jayasena, making his first Saturday outing of the season that let the side down in the punctuality stakes.

Edmonton could not have gotten off to a worse start, with both openers back in the pavilion with the score only just pushing into double figures. Tim Beeden holing out to cover with a mistimed drive, and Owen Oldroyd falling soon after to the other opener. To Crouch Ends' credit, they bowled a lot better than their league position suggested, causing Dave Hinnigan and Alan Barnard (No. 3 and No. 4 respectively) a number of scares. Seeing off the worst of the new ball, they set about consolidating Edmonton's position with a mixture of controlled aggression from Hinnigan, and stoic defence from Barnard.

After putting on close to 100, Barney misjudged a run to backward square leg, and was left stranded half way down the track as Calthorpe's excellent keeper whipped off the bails. It was his second inning of 30+ in as many weeks for the first team, and while not spectacular served a purpose in the overall context of the game. Ses Jayasena was next in, and played positively for a quick 25, whilst Dave Hinnigan eased to 88 when he was unluckily given out leg before to a ball he may well have got an inside edge onto. It was a sterling knock full of excellent positive shot selection, and confirms Dave as one of the leading batsmen in the division.

With Edmonton going at 3.5 an over, Tony Willett came to the crease, and played one of the best knocks seen for a while. Midway through, Jaya was the victim of a sharp stumping, but this could not detract from Wills' stroke play as he eased to 57* from around half as many balls. Picking the run rate up to 4.5 in the process, the skipper - probably in the best form of his life snatched the game away from Calthorpe, crashing boundaries to all parts of the ground, the highlight of which was a six that cleared the 3rd XI square. Declaring on 237-5 after 54 overs gave us the psychological upper hand of not needing to use all our overs, and Calthorpe, despite fielding excellently looked tired at the interval.

After tea, Edmonton strted the brighter, with Matty Worton in particularly good for, taking two quick wickets with some excellent seam bowling from the top end. Alan Barnard and keeper Barrat Ganji combined to pick up a sharp run-out to make it 3-7, and this effectively ended Crouch End's interest in winning the game, spending the remaining 40 overs seeing out a draw, which Edmonton could do little about due to the nature of the wicket. Neil Roche, John Street and Tony Wills all tried their lcuk with the ball, but it was only the excellent Ricko Lewis that made any headway, taking two deserved wickets with his probing left-arm spinners.

Owen Oldroyd will be particularly pleased that Ricko picked up his second wicket, as he had spilled a sharp chance close in a gulley the ball before with the batsman on 50. Ses put down what would have been a superb catch in the slips off the skippers bowling, and Barratt missed a difficult chance for a stumping off Ricko as Edmonton struggled to improve on their 5 wickets. Jaya and Purple Dinosaur were brought on to vary things, and Barney was unlucky not to disturb the bails after settling into his line. Ses was more successful, trapping Calthorpe's No. 6 in front for an easy LBW decision. Matty was brought back on for a final burst, and was unlucky not to hang onto a sharp caught and bowled chance - you could tell that it was not quite going to be our day.

With the overs running out part timers 'Well-Round' Beeden and Dodgy Dave Hinnigan were brought on, and Tim had an immediate impact, seemingly dismissing the batsman to slip, but Umpire Jack Hymes ruled it out as a bump ball. Dodgy displayed how dodgy he really can be with the ball, trying his best to hand the opposition an extra bonus point by bowling what could well have been 5 wides off the last ball o9f the innings, but was generously adjudged to have been byes.

In summary, and excellent batting display after losing two quick wickets, and some solid bowling and fielding, but on that track, winning the toss is all-important, and losing it limits us to a maximum of 19 points if the opposition decide not to take on the run chase. Having said this, 18 points from every game this season will leave us with more than enough for promotion, let's hope we bat as well as this in the weeks to come. Team: Willett, Beeden, Oldroyd, D Hinnigan, Barnard, Ses Jayasena, Ganji, Worton, N Roche, R Lewis, Street.

2nd XI vs. Crouch End Calthorpe

Report by: Martin Loveday

We turned up at Calthorpe away on what looked like a nice pitch despite a short boundary down the hill it was quite a pleasant ground. Kev turned up and went straight out for the toss. He wins the toss and elects to field. It was a hot day but everyone knew that fielding was the right decisiion so we got into our warm up only to find ourselves looking a bit slow and missing some close catching from Anil hitting the ball.

Doddsy opened up the bowling with Anil and they were working well together. Doddsy was troubling the left hander who looked a good bat and Anil the right. After bogging them down early doors with some good bowling and some poor batting strokes we dismissed their left handed opener as Doddsy moved one away and he edged it into first slip where Kev took a sharp catch despite a bad contact to his wrist. Anil was bowling well without any luck as batsmen played and missed time after time. The other opener was the next to go as one ball after Dodds was hit for six a full toss managed to get through and take the off stump. Doddsy's next over saw the next wicket fall as another of the Calthorpe side was bowled. Anil took the next wicket to put them 4 down for about 50 as only there no.3 was putting up any resistance with his one and only shot, the cut off the back foot. Loveday was bought on to replace Doddsy and was swiftly taken back off due to some dog sh*t bowling which has been the norm so far this season. I must however mention my first delivery which bounced 4 times off the wicket and went for 4 wides.....

Northern was the replacement at the top end as Anil continued from the bottom and a the Varley was unlucky not to get a caught behind as a stuborn Ray Dodds determined that there was no contact despite the appeals behind the stumps. I believe the next wicket was a run out from Billy in the covers, a good throw right over the stumps and the Bandit did the rest. A varley Long hop in the next over saw there cutting machine n0.3 batsman cut sharply to the point region where Simon Roche lept like a salmon to grasp to a ball high and wide of him and a laughing disbelief and roar of approval greeted him as he emerged from the ground clutching the ball in two hands. Its important to add that its quite lucky that the wind wasnt blowing otherwise Roche could have been carried over the boundary and into North Middlesex. Stav had replaced Anil and was bowling well with the odd bad ball and with the short leg side boundary got dispatched by their big hitting no.7. Varley dismissed their no.8 cleaned bowled. A bit of resistance was being given and Stav was the recipient of the next wicket as he bamboozled the batsman with a straight one that didnt turn and he played all around it and was given out LBW. Kev replaced Varley and the ball started getting hit a bit between the spread field and the run rate picked up. It took a ball from Stav and their Big hitting no.7 to hit high to cow corner as a runing Doddsy lit the rocket he had up his arse to take yet another flying catch. Im not too sure about the 25 rolls as he landed but hey no complaints from me or anyone else for that matter. A few more runs later and the skip who was feeling an injury on his hand bowled a slower ball and this time a slog to deep mid wicket on the long side saw Northern running round to take a good low diving catch and in the process managed to take about 7 layers of skin from his forearm, He didnt drop it though and the opposition were bowled out for 184.

Tea time and i have to compliment Calthorpe on their spread. A mix of fruit ,pasta, sandwiches, caked and biscuits went a long way to feeding our youngsters who can eat for England. That Varley just doesnt stop, if hes not careful hes gona have Barney chasing him for a kiss as we all know how much Barney loves to pull a pig (edit: Piss Off Monster).

Dom and S.Roche opened the batting. They looked in no trouble as they eased there way into double figures as the Calthorpe bowlers couldnt stop bowling down leg. Dom was playing some lovely strokes before he was given out LBW (a bit dubious if you ask me and, no way out if you ask Dom). The score was about 40 for 1 and Khazi went into bat, his second ball was smashed over mid on for 4. His 8th ball however swung, bounced and done loop the loop before hitting his off peg (well so he says, it looked like he just missed it to me). 46 for 2 and Roche and Anil were occupying the crease but not for long as after Anil had hit a quick 8 he was caught behind by first slip after some kind of deflection. 60 for 3 and we were looking a little bit ropey even though we knew we had loads of batting to come. Billy went in and came back fairly soon after for about 6 as he was bowled by a straight one. 68 for 4 and it was time for the Bubble to bat. Stav didnt want to get bogged down on what was a fairly good batting track, so he took the attack to Calthorpe with some excellent strokes for 4 and six. He was racing along and our score picked up to a safer level. Roche didnt seem to face a ball while Stav was batting and didnt register a single run in 8 overs.Stav steadied the ship with Rochey now in a supporting role and although Stav was dropped once he batted very well for 38 before being caught after skying one. the score was now 155. Roche then completed his 50 which was an excellent knock and carried on battling away with the young Dodds who was sent in to preserve the skip for a pressure finish if it came to it. Doddsy batted very well and dispatched 2 fours as did Rochey as we reached our total with about 16 overs to spare.

All round an excellent win despite some poor performances from Loveday and Billy, but they shall try to improve for the forth coming fixture against Phoniecians. We all went back to the club and got pished. Venki arrived on saturday night which is excellent news for the club and with Herron available in the 2's replacing the skipper whilst he does whatever it is hes doing, bring em on!

4th XI vs. Kenton

Report by: Alan Porter

It was a warm saturday at kenton and we were hpoing to bat first but skipper Phil Langdell having looked at the pitch decided to bat first on what looked like at dodgy wicket.We opened with Andrew Thomas whos opening over was a bit wayward giving away some byes and wides.The sskipper opened at the other end with B Billimoria which with the state of the pitch this seemed to be a good idea but Bill didnt bowl very well and we started to leak runs at an alarming rateand we never really recovered from this bad start, we did manage to drag them back to 93-5 with some good catching and bowling from Macarthur but we let it slip again and Kenton delared on 250-8.

Turner and Fursse opened the batting and got us off to agood start but Keevin was out with the score on 44 and we started to lose wickets at regular intervals but it was an Archie day who added an exellent 50 to his 3 wickets and kept us in the run chase but when he was out we were down to Andrew and Dr Rooban who batted sensibley for the last 6 overs to get us acredtable draw.

Saturday 7th June 2003

1st XI vs. Alexandra Park

Report by: Alan Barnard

After the successes of the previous two weeks, the First XI were hoping to continue their good form into the game against table toppers Alexandra Park. What looked from afar to be an excellent track turned out to be slow and stopping, with the occasional ball jumping off a length - not ideal for a team used to the quality of the Hydeside wicket. Edmonton went into the game a little bottom heavy with 5 seamers, but lacking a spinner, after left-armer Ricko Lewis was unavailable. Winning the toss, Tony Willett decided to bat, and try to post a score of 175+ to put pressure on AP batting second.

This plan unfortunately seemed to backfire, as Edmonton slumped to 10-3 from 12 overs, with Tim Beeden, Gavin Mardell and Dave Hinnigan all going cheaply. Alan Barnard was looking comfortable at the other end, but not scoring runs, whilst number 5 Barrat Ganji looked good for a few overs, quickly making 20 before directing a cut stroke straight at gulley. It was clear that it was going to be a low scoring game at this stage, as the wicket was stopping and popping.

Tony Willett came in at this stage, and looked the part, crashing 46 at over a run a ball, until he was caught on the line, going for another sweep shot off AP's leg spinner. The score had pushed on nicely at this stage, but runs dried up again once Tony went, although Matty Worton looked good with the bat for a few overs. Once Neil Roche had come in, Barney decided to take a few risks, and unfortunately holed out to mid on for a hard fought 36. In fact, Barney had been at the crease for two and quarter hours, not the quickest scoring rate, but what was needed from perhaps one other member of the top 5 - once again, there's often a lack of application from Edmonton batsmen when the runs aren't flowing.

Edmonton closed on 146, perhaps 30 or 40 runs short of what would have been an excellent score on a tough wicket. Opening up the bowling, Matty Worton looked good and snapped up a couple of quick wickets. Unfortunately, we were guilty of dropping a couple of fairly routine catches, which cost us dearly, I'm not going to name names, as those involved know who they are, and know that they have to improve. Martin Loveday and Alan Barnard did not help things by bowling terribly, gifting AP close to 60 runs in 8 overs. Skipper Tony Willett was forced to change things around again, giving Neil Roche a short burst, before reverting to Matty and himself.

Willett had an inspired day, adding to his superb 46 with one of the best spells I've seen for a long time, turning the game on it's head, taking 5-22 from 8.3. Unfortunately, it all came too little too late, as AP stuttered with a couple of scares past 147 for the loss of 8, and cemented their place at the top of the table. Edmonton were let down badly by their batting, and I'm sure wholesale changes will be made very soon, with the likes of Venki, Owen Oldroyd, Adam Herron and Ses Jayasena all becoming available in the next few weeks, and Danny Hare looking in impressive form with bat and ball.

On the plus side, Alan Barnard and Tony Willett did bat well, and Matty Worton and especially Tony bowled very well. Also, if AP are top of the league, we're not that far behind them in terms of ability, and given the number of players we expect to return in the next few weeks, we should be pushing for promotion come September. We must bounce back next week at home to Calthorpe with 30 points to get things back on track.

The less said about this weekend the better, although several players were spotted in Raffertys later that night, although details are sketchy as everyone was so wasted, it's been confirmed that Barney was moaning about Enfield quite a lot, Billy is a troublemaker, Ridge Avenue Library has a new colour scheme, Danny Hare's mate is trying to start an Edmonton ladies cricket team, people shouldn't touch windscreen wipers that aren't theirs and Monster is, well a Monster. Team: Willett, Mardell, Beeden, D Hinnigan, Barnard, Ganji, S Roche, Worton, N Roche, Loveday, Street

2nd XI vs. GWR

Report by: Pat Carr

I am writing this at 6.00 at home (west London) - having spent an hour in the car and another 45 minutes in the bar prior to departure from the club!

We LOST the toss and after about a nano seconds deliberation, they decided to bat!!!!!!!! Beefy had admittedly informed their skipper that our track was a batting heaven - (THATS IF YOU HAVE ANY BATSMEN THOUGH)

Doddsy opened from the top end with a few wayward deliveries and a couple being rightly called wide - (Beefy was not a happy man and Stav made a wager(£5) that a wicket would fall before the end of the over - Beefy accepted readily) Doddsy then bowled what can only be described as an average bouncer for him and it was guided to Heinrich in the gully (£5 to Stav)-Anil started up the hill with his usual accurate stuff and had the batsmen(sic) in all sorts of trouble - What follows next was just a blur of incoming and outgoing batters/hitters and three good catches from the skip at 1st and a blinding catch from stav at second (contender for catch of the season i think) At one stage we had 10 men behind the bat and northern bowling and covering the remainder of the ground!!! Some good bowling from northern and khazi cleared up the tail - sorry I cant be more specific but i think we only bowled 22 overs and they surrendered for a measly 63 runs. The only batsmen to offer any resistance was their Aussie and their skipper who just left the ball if not on target - Declaration of surrender signed at 3.15pm

AP umpired and decided that we would continue until tea at 4.00pm - CG opened with Billy, both had obviously been contaminated by the opposition batsmen and tried to hit anything and everything in the first over - professionalism and experience calmed them both down and they got us off to a good start before Billy was given LBW to a right arm round the wicket bowler swinging the ball away from the bat?????????????? Beats the **** out of me - anywho - Dom joined the fray/bunfight/tea party/ massacre and with some lusty blows from him and CG and good running between the wickets saw us home for another easy victory and 5 out of 5.

It has to be said that the opposition were a good bunch of lads and stayed for a few jars and a chat - their ground is supposed to be very nice and the teas equally so!

We can only play what turns up on the day and so far we have not had any competition at all but when the game comes that we have to switch on and play our hearts out, we must be up to the task.

Well done boys

Fines fund stands at £35.50 as of today - we need to be fielding/batting for longer!!!

4th XI vs. GWR

Report by: Alan Porter

The Es faced GWR on saturday with the hope of continuing ther winning ways.GWR won the toss and decided to bat on agood battig wicket,Dodds opened the bowling from the pavillion end and bowled one of the worst overs he has bowled all season,perhaps it was because dad was unable to umpire(yes son thats lbw even if its 2foot down the leg side}.After a series of misdirected deleiveries under skipper Lawrences amusing signals from slip which took the umpire one ball to work out but the batsmen couldnt a short one reared up at the batsmen who fended off the ball but was caught in the gully.The wickets began to fall a rapid rate with GWR committing the sin of trying to hit balls which they should have been leaving outside off stump.Sharma bowled weell at the street end and finished with figiures of 3-27 with Lawrence taking 3good catches ad Stav also taking an excellant catch at slip,at one stage of the match there wer 1 wicketkeeper 5 slips 3 gullies aman on the point boundary and a bowler such was the dominance of the Es bowling attack.P.Carr bowled well taking 2-7, and the GWR innings folded up meekly for 63 at 3-08pm.

It was decided to turn round immediately and have tea at 4pm unless the Es were close to victory.The only casualty of the Es batting was Adam Billimoria who got an appalling lbw the second of the afternoon I might add but the opposition umpire did trigger one of his own batsmen in the same way so no favourotism from him.This bought Dominic Harte to the wicket and with the Bandit at the other end the runs began to flow and by tea-time theEs needed 5 for victoy so it was decided to carry on and bandit hit the winning runs wiyh a boundary and an easy victory was won.Aword of warning though cricket has a bad habiy of biting back no matter how well you are playing so concentrate on every game and dont get complacent otherwise nasty things can happen when you least expect it.KEEP WINNING.