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News Archive 2003Any views expressed in these news items 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 items, or if you have any queries reagrding this section, please contact us via email, stating the news item you're referring to and the date so that we can take any action deemed necessary. 6th September 2003 Season Ends on a Positive Note
The First XI managed to end the 2003 league season on a positive note, scoring a second resounding win against an under-strength Southall side. After winning the toss and electing to field, Edmonton were always in the driving seat, thanks to John Street (4-32) and returning skipper Tony Willett (3-9), and Southall slumped to a very poor 70 all-out on what looked to be a decent Hydeside track. New boy, and late call-up Kamal looked threatening enough with his leg spin, and deservedly took his first Saturday 1st XI wicket after a magnificent reflex catch in the slips from Tim Beeden. Rain was the only thing that threatened our chase, and it was Owen Oldroyd and Venki who saw us home at over 7 an over to ensure a 3rd place finish. This was all so different from the week before, when only Tim Beeden could offer any resistance as we slipped t a 9 wicket defeat against a strong-looking Turnham Green side at the Fullers Ground. Stand-in skipper Adam Herron decided to bat first on a damp wicket, and we never really recovered from the loss of 3 early wickets. The 2nd XI have gone from strength to strength this season, and were denied what looked to be another victory by rain at Harrow St Marys, having reduced the hosts to 76-6 when the heavens opened. The week before, Edmonton had blitzed Ruislip Manor, with Dominic Harte, vice skipper Pat Carr and on-loan overseas player Venki all scoring 50+ as we racked up 272-3. In reply, Manor were dismissed for 225, thanks in the most part to skipper Kevin Lawrence, who took 4-44 with his off breaks. The 3rd XI, over the past few weeks have become quite a formidable force in the 1987 league, under the watchful eye of Linsford Miller, who has excelled in his first season in charge. The Saturday just gone, local rivals Winchmore Hill were defeated at a canter, tanks to 5-7 from the skipper, reducing them to 231 all out. In reply, the total was surpassed for the loss of 4, thanks to 70 from Gary Green, and a patient 46 from under 17 Justin Benedetti. The week previous saw one of the most extra ordinary games in recent memory, as Edmonton took on league leaders Eailing at Hydeside. Once again, Linsford Miller finished with excellent figures of 4-36, but this could not stop Ealing from rattling up a daunting 292-6. At 178-6 with just 8 overs to go, and 115 required at a rate of just under 15, it looked like we would have to settle for a share of the points, but Kirk Brown was having none of it. In a partnership of 117 with Dave Baker, he took the Ealing attack (and a Mercedes) apart, blitzing 85 from 30 balls and winning the match to the delight of the watching Edmonton faithful. Other notable performances over the last two weeks were 130 from Bala Gokul against Hatfield Hyde, 78 from Dave Hinnigan against Isambard, and 72 for Colin Turner and 3-46 for Archie MacArthur for the Saturday 4th XI. 23rd August 2003 3rd XI the only winners as season slows down
Not a great weekend, this one - with just 1 win out of 4 on Saturday, although for the 1sts and 2nds , it really didn't matter, as they are both rolling towards the end of the season holding their current position. The 2nd XI will be far happier than the 1st XI, scoring the points required this week to ensure that they go into the top division of the Middlesex Championship as divisional champions for the 2nd season running. The 1st XI's season has been petering out for a few weeks now, and slipping to an uninspired defeat against Mill Hill Village just about summed things up. Notable performances were a quick fire 50 from captain Tony Willett, 3 wickets from Alan Barnard and some economical stuff from Mark Varley. We're now looking towards next season, vying for the two promotion spots once again. The 2nd XI raced to 248-8 away to Perrivale Phoenicans thanks mostly to 82 from Australian import Barrat Ganji, and another excellent knock of 64 from Anil Sharma. In reply, Phoenicians made no attempt at the score, and only Martin Loveday made any serious inroads with an impressive 4-22 out of 136-6. The 3rd XI have been flying for a few weeks now, and deserve a lot of credit, skipper Linsford Miller led the way taking 6-27 as Twickenham were dismissed for 127 at Hydeside. Following up, James Hazell (46*) and especially Heinrich Sinclair (57 from 27 balls) were in destructive mood, wasting no time in overhauling the total for the loss of 3. The 4th XI were held to a draw away to Perivale Phoenicans, with Archie MacArthur taking 3 as Perivale made 216-7. In reply, Edmonton couldn't quite find enough, despite Nick Hubbard's 50, and an unbeaten 56 from John Hinnigan. Sunday was a strange affair, with the 1st XI losing 4 players to illness, and being forced to call off the fixture away to Broxbourne. The 3rd XI easily overcame Vale, thanks to 47 from David Dickinson and 40 from Paul Hare. 16th August 2003 2nd XI win again, 1st XI gain draw
In another solid weekend for the club, the 1st XI were forced to make do with a draw away to Crouch End Calthorpe, despite making most of the running. Calthorpe, who have managed to draw 11 out of their last 12 games (apparently) clearly set their stall out for the draw after losing 3 early wickets. Edmonton, batting first had Alan Barnard (85) and wicketkeeper batsman Adam Herron (53) to thank for pushing the score onto a respectable 240-6 from 55 after being 40 for 4 at one stage. Pick of the bowling was Matty Worton who took 2 wickets in his first over, but rarely threatened after that on one of the better pitches in the league. Mark Varley bowled an accurate late spell, but the result was sealed by this stage. The 2nd XI, at Hydeside against the same opposition kept the 500-club option open by chasing 211 for the loss of 3 on another superb wicket. Martin Loveday was the hero with the ball, taking 4-36, and was somewhat unlucky not to make it a Michelle. Chasing the total, could have been difficult if it weren't for Anil Sharma, whose 128 was as good as any knock played this season. The 3rd XI, away to North London sealed an impressive 107 run win, with Linsford Miller leading from the front with 5-30. Sam Jayasena and Kirk Brown both recorded scored in the 60's, whilst big hitting South African Heinrich Sinclair chipped in with 45. the 4th XI slipped to a disappointing defeat away to Kenton, despite Colin Turner scoring 40. On Sunday, the 1st XI were in action against Stevenage in the final Chess Valley game of the season. After losing the toss, Monster led his team into the field, and looked to be chasing a large total until Venki and Barrat Ganji slowed the pace down, and took 5 wickets between them. Chasing 209 on an excellent track was an easy task, and Venki's 111 was the highlight, Barney chipped in with 43*, and Ses Jayasena looked good at the top of the innings. It turns out that 3rd place may just prove to be enough to get up a division, so credit to the boys for doing so well. Unfortunately, the 2nd XI couldn't repeat their recent successes in the same competition, and slipped to defeat away to Harrow Town, whilst the 3rd XI were comprehensively stuffed by Academicals, despite some good bowling from Danny Muschamp and Gary Barker. See News Section for mre details. 9th August 2003 1sts Push Leaders All the Way, 2nds Win Again
In another excellent weekend for the club, the 1st XI entertained Middlesex Championship leaders Alexandra Park at Hydeside, and were unlucky not to take the full 30 points after an excellent performance. In stark contrast to last weeks batting (helped by another belter from the groundstaff), we were put into bat after losing the toss, and rattled up 240-3 from 50 overs, thanks to another stunning unbeaten ton from Venki, and a solid contribution at 5 from Chuck Berry who, making his first appearance for several years rattled up 66 not out. The declaration was just right, as AP tried to chase and looked good at one stage. Matty Worton finished with figures of 5-38, but we couldn't quite take the last AP wicket, as they slumped to 203-9. The 2nd XI eased to another victory, away to GWR at Castle Bar. After winning the toss, Kevin Lawrence put GWR in, and 4-55 from Stavros Elia was enough to see them slump to 115 all out. In reply, we eased past the required runs thanks to runs from Pat Carr, Gavin Mardell and new 2nd XI recruit James Hazell. The 3rd XI were equally impressive, scoring 276-7 against Mill Hill Village with the major contribution (88) from Gary Green. It was the bowlers who stole the limelight, reducing Village to 246 all out, thanks to Kirk Brown (4-48) and Britz (3-54). On Sunday, there was no 1st XI fixture, but the 2nd XI manage to beat Chingford, thanks to 88 from skipper Dave Baker, and the 3rd XI slipped up to Harringey Libraries, despite guest appearances from Sundy 1st XI start Ciaran Dodds and Mark Varley. 3rd XI regular Andy Belcher top scored with an impressive 91. See News Section for more details. 2nd August 2003 1st XI Rolled Over, but 2nd XI Roll On
In a weekend of somewhat mixed fortunes for the club, the 1st XI were skittled for just 69 on what many of the team described as the worst wicket that they had ever played on. After restricting Sudbury to an attainable 119 with Venki taking 3-30, the batting never really got going. Alan Barnard batted for almost 2 hours for 20, but could not fine a partner in the top order to steady the ship. Credit to Martin Loveday and Mark Varley, who batted well in the face of some hostile bowling, and some quite frankly, way over the top stick from the Court fielders. The Second XI fared better at home against the same opposition, bowling them out for 230, Stavros Elia taking 5 and Micky Bilson taking 4. Things got a bit hairy at one stage, but Ciaran Dodds managed to hit the winning runs with a six, after some good batting from Bilson, Dominic Harte, and Australian wicketkeeper batsman Barrat Ganji. The result takes then almost 100 points clear of second place, whilst the 1st XI need to win all of their remaining games to stand a chance of promotion. The 3rd XI raced to 302 against Polytechnic, thanks in the most part to a blistering 140 not out from young batsman James Hazell. The couldn't quite grind out the win, getting Poly 8 down, thanks mostly to 4-42 from skipper Linsford Miller. The 4th XI struggled to gain the upper hand away to AP at the racecourse ground, but held out for a draw after Archie MacArthur had taken 3-42. On Sunday, the 1st XI faced a strong Winchmore Hill side in the Chess Valley league, and couldn't quite recreate the heroics of the week before by beating county league opposition again. Alan Barnard (82*), and Ses Jayasena (51) were the top scorers as we posted 257 from 45, but Winchmore Hill eased home with 3 overs to spare, despite 3-49 from Martin Loveday, and Alan Barnard's economical 10 overs for 28. The 2nd XI lost a hastily arranged friendly after their Chess Valley opposition pulled out, Dave Baker scoring 51. The 3rd XI had guest Tony Willett to thank, after chasing 261, the regular 1st XI skipper crashed 152 not out to chase for the loss of 3. Earlier Ricky Smyth had made a comeback to cricket, bowling tidily. See News Section for more details. 26th July 2003 Rain the Winner, but Sunday 1st XI are Flying
Saturday saw rain end all 4 teams chances of getting results as every game was washed out from about 5pm onwards. The 1st XI, at home to league leaders Hanwell were put into bat, and scored reasonably well to make 220, thanks to good contributions from Tim Beeden and Owen Oldroyd at the top of the innings. Dave Hinnigan top scored with 45, and was helped at the death by a quick 35 from Danny Hare. With the game shaping up nicely, the heavens opened, and no further play was possible. The 2nd XI struggled somewhat away to the same opposition, with Barrat Ganji saving the blushes with a superb 89 out of 160. Once again, the rain was the winner as Hanwell finished on 32-2 in a fiery encounter. Stavros Elia upped the stakes getting involved in a controversial run out incident at the beginning of the Hanwell innings, as both teams saw red. The 3rd XI saw James Hazell in the runs again as was Heinrich Sinclair, whilst Phil Langdells 4th XI were washed out at home to Perivale Phoenicians. Sunday was a brighter day as far as results were concerned, with the 1st XI taking it to the wire against league leaders Southgate in the Chess Valley. After Ses Jayasena had set the pace early on with a typically agressive 48, Alan Barnard (64) and Dave Hinnigan (85) made up the bulk of the runs in a 130 partnership, but it was left to the heroics of Southgate old boy Martin Loveday to bowl us to victory with a superb 10 overs 3 for 24 helped by some inspired fielding. Heinrich Sinclair and James Hazell starred for the second day running with 50's as Edmonton eased past Saracens, whilst Northern love machine John Kenway impressed with the ball for the 3rd XI against Holtwhites, taking 4-48 despite Edmonton slipping to defeat. See News Section for more details. 19th July 2003 4 draws, but plenty of points
It was unfortunate, but the top 3 teams couldn't make it 3 out of 3 this weekend, after a combination of the weather and some dogged resistance from Birkbeck College spoiled the 2nd XI's 100% record, and threw a spanner in the works of the 1st XI's push for promotion. It wasn't all doom and gloom though, as both teams recorded 17+ points, keeping them well on course for a strong finish. Kevin Lawrences 2nd XI deserve a special mention, for what has to be the strongest start to a season in Middlesex Championship history, beating the weather, and good opposition to make it 10 out of 10, and stay 100% well into July. Traveling round to Greenford to face Birkbeck College, the 2nds were put into bat by a an opposition aiming to draw from the start, and giving a clear message of conceeding the division 2 title to Edmonton. Pat Carr was in good form with the bat once again, and Tim Beeden weighed in with a solid 47 not out. Sadly, on a decent wicket, the bowling wasn't quite strong enough to break through the Birkbeck tail, and they had to content themselves with 17 points. The 1st XI at home to Birkbeck lost a toss, which cost them 30 points, being put into bat, and racing to 251-3 from 48 overs thanks to contributions from Simon Roche (77), Owen Oldroyd (51) and Indian import Venki (44). A late partnership of 80 between Alan Barnard & Dave Hinnigan saw the score race along, and allowed the skipper to declare early. Despite the high total, Birkbeck deserve credit for giving it a go, threatening on a number of occasions, but pegged back at a crucial stage by the impressive 17 year old Mark Varley whose 6 overs 2 for 9 is his best Saturday 1st XI return to date. Elsewhere, the 3rd XI were left 19 runs short as rain foiled their victory plans at home to Highgate, and the 4th XI were also restricted to a draw. Sunday was a much brighter day, with all 3 XI's posting wins, the 1st XI and 2nd XI were in action in the Chess Valley league, the 1st XI fielding a strong side against North Enfield at Hydeside, and rattling up 302 in 45 thanks mostly to Danny Hare (87) and Adam Bilimoria (50*) as well as 3 other scores of 40+. Martin Loveday was the pick of the bowlers, as North Enfield had to settle for 225 from 45 in reply. For the record, there were more than 1000 runs scored on the main square alone this weekend, a tribute to how good it has been playing of late. In the 2nd XI's game away to Berkhampstead, South African Heirich Sinclair wasted no time in crashing 110 not out as Dave Bakers side chased 150 with ease. The 3rd XI were inspired by 50's from James Arrowsmith and Nick Hubbard as they chased 179 at home to Knebworth. I'll update this section with more info as it becomes availible. See News section for more details. 12th July 2003 3 Wins and a Draw as Temperature Soars
Another weekend, and another win for the top 3 Saturday teams. In actual fact, we went one better than last weekend, with the 4th XI securing a draw, thanks to some dogged lower order resistance. On Saturday, the 1st XI braved the traffic to head round to the Memorial Ground to take on 4th placed Polytechnic. After a poor start, they managed to pick things up, and bowled Poly out for 197 thanks in the most part to Venki (4-29), but backed up by excellent bowling from John Street and Tony Willett. Venki was in no mood to be upstaged, scoring an unbeaten 102, building significant partnerships with Tony Willett and Danny Hare as we eased past the total for the loss of 4 wickets. The 2nd XI were again pushed all the way at home to Poly, bowling first, and staring down the barrel with Poly 180-3 at one stage. After a superb recovery, they managed to dismiss them for 210 thanks to 4 wickets from Anil Sharma and 3 from in form all-rounder Pat Carr. The chase was short, sweet and very sucessful, with Patt Carr crashing 95, and Dominic Harte and Barrat Ganji chipping in with valuable runs to keep them well on course for a record points haul. On Sunday, the 1st XI made the trip to Brentfield to face Hanwell, restricting them to 193 from 40, then chasing with 8 balls to spare, thanks in the most part to a spectacular 85 from Adam Bilimoria at the top of the innings. Another player to have a good weekend was South African import Casper, who managed to bag 8 wickets for the weekend, whilst up and coming youngster Ahmed took 3-4 on Saturday as the 3rd XI easily overcame MTSCC, bowling them out for 92 after Edmonton had managed 289-6 with the help of 82 from James Hazel. Father and Son partnership John and Dave Hinnigan managed to score a total of 130 runs between them for the Sunday 3rds, but they couldn't quite snatch a win against Speedway, falling 2 runs short at the death. See News Section for more details. 5th July 2003 1st XI lead the way in Winning WeekendIt doesn't happen very often, but when the top 3 Saturday XI's all record victories on a Saturday, there's usually a party at the club, and this weekend it was taken quite literally. The 1st XI were in belligerent form as they blew 3rd placed Southall away at the Durdans Cricket Ground to leapfrog them in the table. On a very difficult wicket, Edmonton, batting first, managed to grind out a respectable 139 all out thanks to some good individual performances, most notably Danny Hare, Adam Herron and left arm spinner Ricko Lewis. This was put into context as Marry Worton (5-18) and Tony Willett (4-20), backed up by some inspired fielding ran riot to skittle the hosts for just 40. As you can guess, the celebrations lasted long into the night as the team filtered back to Hydeside. At home, the 2nd XI were given their sternest challenge yet by a strong-looking Harrow St Marys outfit, but once again, overseas superstar Anil Sharma showed his class, scoring 77 and taking 3 wickets. Off Spinner and acting vice-skipper Stav Elia took 3-72 as Harrow declared on 209 from their 55. Edmonton chased magnificently, and secured the winning runs with an over to spare. Elsewhere, the 3rd XI overcame local adversaries Winchmore Hill thanks to an aggressive 71 from Gary Green and superb figures of 4-9 from skipper Linsford Miller. Unfortunately, the 4th XI couldn't make it 4 ouit of 4, slipping up away to Acton. On Sunday, Alan Porter and John Kenway celebrated their promotion from the 3rd XI to take 4 wickets apiece as Goodwill Wanderers were seen off. Meanwhile a strong looking 2nd XI eased past Old Albanians in the Chess Valley League, thanks in the most part to a pacey 4-20 from Yorkshire import Mark Varley, and an unbeaten stand of 65 between Tony Willett and Alan Barnard. The 3rd XI, in a cup match against MTSCC found the game controversially taken away from them after an MTSCC batsman scored 100 not out after not walking for the loudest of edges. Earlier, Edmonton had posted an impressive 256 from 45 overs with James Hazell top scoring. See News Section for more details. 28th June 2003 1sts Settle for DrawLast weekend was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the club, as the clubs teams managed to win, lose and draw, despite this, the top two Saturday teams maintained their league position in the Middlesex Championship. The 1st XI came close to beating their bogey side Turnham Green at Hydeside on Saturday, after bowling and fielding well to restrict the visitors to 206 from 55. Danny Hare, Mark Varley and John Street the pick of the bowling. In reply, a superb start saw us reach 120-2 with plenty of overs to spare, with Owen Oldroyd batting well to anchor the innings with 58. A spate of quick wickets saw a huge slip-up to 140-7, but Alan Barnard and John Street ensured that Turnham Green would not take all the points, batting out the last 10 overs in comfortable fashion. In the 2nd XI, Anil Sharma was once again the star of the show, taking 5 wickets, and blasting 56 not out in a significant partnership with Adam Bilimoria to see the visitors home. Earlier, Ruislip Manor had been forced to bat, and were restricted to 118 on a slow, low wicket. The 3rd XI hung on for a draw away to Ealing, with Jim Arrowsmith taking 4 wickets, the pick of the performers. At home to South Hampstead, Bill Bilimoria matched Jimbo's feat, taking 4, despite this, Edmonton slipped up to 141 all out. On Sunday, the 1st XI tasted defeat in the Chess Valley league, against a very strong looking Barnet side. Mark Varley, Venki and Lawrence Haslam were the pick of the performers. In the same competition, the 2nd XI also lost away to Preston, despite 66 and 58 from James Hazell and Archie McArthur. It wasn't all doom and gloom on Sunday, as youngster Danny Mushamp crashed his way to 83 not out in a 100+ run partnership with Andy Belcher, almost winning the game in the process. This came after Linsford Miller had taken 3-29 against a strong-looking Southgate Adelaide side. See News Section for more details. 21st June 2003 Firsts, Seconds & Fourths all WinIn another superb weekend all round for the club, the Saturday 1st XI, 2nd XI and 4th XI all recorded impressive victories in their respective leagues, consolidating their position in the process. Starting with the 1st XI, who made the trip to Burton Hole Lane to face Mill Hill Village, Matty Worton, Ricko Lewis 3-45 and Neil Roche 3-33 were the pick of the bowlers as Village made 182 on a decent looking track. In reply Edmonton made the perfect start with Ses Jayasena crashing his way to 59 in double quick time and Simon Roche playing a solid innings for 52. Some late hitting from debutant Danny Hare was enough to see the E's home for the loss of 4. It was good also to see overseas star Venki in action for the club again. At Hydeside, Indian Anil Sharma was the star of the show taking 7-28, including a dramatic penultimate over wicket to wrap up a dogged Perrivale Phoenicians tail. This came after stand-in-skipper Pat Carr and Dominic Harte had blasted 68 and 49 respectively in a total of 237-6 on another faultless Hydeside batting paridise. It was good to see Adam Herron making his first start of the season for the 2nds, despite him getting a shocker of a decision. Linsford Millers 3rd XI slipped up away to Twickenham, after posting a reasonable total of 166. Back at Home, in the 4th XI fixture Edmonton's other 1987 league side continued their good start to the season, beating Perrivale Phoenicians with ease, inspired by an impressive 3-7 from ex-Scouser James Arrowsmith. On Sunday, there were contrasting fortunes as the 1sts and 2nds both lost, despite some good individual performances, but Ray Dodd's 3rd XI flew the Edmonton flag, recording a win against Holtwhites, thanks to an excellent all-round performance from Andre Edwards (73 & 3-40). See News Section for more details. 14th June 2003 2nd XI win again, 1st XI Perform Well in Both LeaguesIn a good all-round weekend for the club, the first team gained a near maximum draw points at home to Crouch End Calthorpe after posting a taxing score first up on a batting paradise, whilst the Second XI marched on, making it 180 out of a possible 180 points as they continue their march towards the Second division title. At Hydeside, the toss proved to be crucial as the 1st XI could not get the ball to do enough to dismiss Calthorpe, getting them 3 down quickly, but finishing up with only 7 at the close. 'Road Rage' Matty Worton and South African left armer Ricko Lewis were the pick of the bowlers taking two apiece in excellent spells. This came after 'Dodgy' Dave Hinnigan 88 and Tony 'Mark Roberts' Willett 57* had raced Edmontons score along to 237-5 from 54, including some entertaining hitting from the skipper. The Second XI were pushed harder than they've recently been used to by the same opponents at Crouch End. Batting first, Calthorpe posted a solid 183 with young seamer Ciaran Dodds taking 3, and the rest of the wickets shared around. After being 56-4 at one stage, opener Simon Roche showed his pedigree, scoring an unbeaten 69 to cast off any worries and see the side home with 17 overs to spare. The 3rd XI were unlucky not to record another win in the 1987 league, taking 9 North London wickets 5 of them going to Dave Baker, only to be denied in the last few overs. This came after they had posted a massive 312 from only 44 overs, with youngster James Hazell batting powerfully to record his second centaury in as many weeks. Meanwhile, Phil Langdell's 4th XI managed a solid draw away to Kenton Archie McArthur starring with both bat and ball. Lastly, a special mention to the 5th XI who managed to record their 1st win under Roger Sans's leadership in 6 seasons, thanks in the most part to John 'East Riding' Kenway taking 5 wickets, Gary Barker 4 and a top score of 71 from Jit Gupta. Sunday saw the start of the Chess Valley League programme, as Edmonton made it 5 out of 8 possible wins for the weekend, with no defeats. 'Beer Monster' Martin Loveday blew away Bushey's top order taking 6 wickets as the 1st XI under stand-in skipper 'Purple Dinosaur' Alan Barnard eased to a 7 wicket win. The 2nd XI won easily at home to Chenies & Latymer, whilst a Micky 'the Cheese' Bilson inspired 3rd XI won at home in the last over against Mayfield to make it 3 out of 3. See News Section for more details. 7th June 2003 Firsts Come Close whilst Seconds Blow GWR AwayIn a weekend of contrasting fortunes, Edmonton's First XI slipped up to league leaders Alexandra Park by two wickets as they failed to post a challenging total on a very difficult Racecourse Ground wicket. Alan Barnard & Tony Willett were the only batsmen to trouble the scorers as Edmonton posted a total of 146 from 54 overs. In reply, Tony Willett was inspirational with the ball, taking 5-23, Matty Worton also chipped in with a couple, but it was too little too late. In the 2nd XI fixture at home, Kevin Lawrence's team blew GWR away, bowling them out for just 63, with Ciaran Dodds, Anil Sharma and Pat Carr doing the damage, whilst Mark Varley exploited a bouncy wicket to bowl to an 8-man slip cordon. Elsewhere, the 3rd XI inspired by a James Hazell century and 81 from evergreen Kevin Fursse overcame a weak Mill Hill Village side, whilst the 4th XI also won at home to Hanwell. On Sunday, the only game not to fall victim of the weather was the 1st XI against Calthorpe, where runs from Dave Hinnigan couldn't quite snatch victory in the last over. See News Section for more details. 31st May 2003 Firsts & Seconds beat Court at the DoubleBoth Edmonton's Middlesex Championship XI's won their fixtures against Sudbury Court this Saturday, improving their league position in the process. The First XI were made to work for their victory, after Court had scored 177 batting first. Wickets were shared around, Neil Roche impressing in his first game of the season. Edmonton eased past the total for 3 with 7 overs to spare, thanks in the most part to 57 and 43 from opening batsmen Owen Oldroyd and Tim Beeden respectively. The Second XI found it easier going at East Lane, bowling Court out for 95, then passing the score for 1, Gav Mardell and Dominic Harte putting on 60 after captain Kevin Lawrence had finished with figures of 3-7. The Second team now have 120 points out of 120, and are looking like a good bet for promotion to division 1, even at this early stage in the season. Elsewhere, the 3rd team fell 36 runs short at Poly, whilst James Arrowsmith held out for a draw in the 4th XI's home fixture with AP. Dave Hinnigan was the pick of the Sunday performers with 112 against Vale. Chris Goddard, Joe Sulula and Alan Porter also made Sunday runs, whilst Andrew Cooper impressed with the ball, taking a surprise 3-18 against a shell-shocked North Enfield. See News Section for more details. 24th May 2003 1st XI and 2nd XI Win in StyleTony Willetts first XI recorded their first victory in a rain affected season to climb several places up the table after a dogged batting performance, and a superb bowling effort saw them overcome Hanwell in Greenford. Dave Hinnigan, Tim Beeden and Tony Willett all contributed with the bat as Edmonton amassed 192 on a difficult pitch. Bolstered by returning front line bowling pair Matty Worton who took 3-24 and John Street they bowled out Hanwell for 92, South African left arm spinner Ricko Lewis picked up 3-18 to complete an excellent win. In the Seconds XI, Stavros Elia proved too hot to handle, taking 6-45, seeing Hanwell skittled for 145 on a good home pitch. New boy Owen Oldroyd chipped in with an unbeaten 48 as Edmonton won at a canter. The Third XI were unluckily denied a win against Wembley, falling just 1 run short of the required 223, James Hazell top scoring with 52. Sunday saw Alan Barnard in the runs with an unbeated 94 as Edmonton beat Calthorpe in the last 3 balls, whilst the 2nd XI progressed in the cup against Mill Hill Village. Young batsmen Danny Hare and Dave Hinnigan we on top form in the Enfield 6-a-side tournament on Bank Holiday Monday, sadly Edmonton could not retain the trophy they won last time round, falling in the semis to an Enfield side inspired by former Edmonton player Stuart Clohosy. See News Section for more details. 17th May 2003 2nd Team Beat the Weather to March onSaturday saw the calling off of all Edmonton games apart from the 2nd XI, who were saved by the covers, and their ability to dismiss sides for not many. Ciaran Dodds, Mark Varley and Alan Barnard were all firing with the ball as Birkbeck College, one of the stronger sides in the division were blown away from 101 inside of 30 overs. After a delay for rain, and some minor complaints from certain members of the oppositions non-playing staff we were back on, and chased the total within 20 overs with Anil Sharma and Dominic Harte contributing well with the bat. Tim Beeden turned out for the 3rd XI, and managed to blend in well, dropping a catch before the game was rained off. On Sunday, only Alan Porter could offer resistance, as Edmonton fell 130 runs short against Hadley Green Sports, whilst Dave Bakers 2nd XI were skittled for 20. See News Section for more details. 10th May 2003 2nd Team Set the Standard as 1sts StruggleKevin Lawrences highly competitive second XI overcame Polytechnic with ease in Kew earlier today, Stavros Elia and Anil Sharma were the pick of the bowlers. Dominic Harte and Anil Sharma both scored 40+ to see Edmonton home with ease. Unfortunaltely the 1st XI stuttered to a well below par defeat against the same opposition. Martin Loveday and Ricko Lewis performed well with the ball, whilst Tony Willett contributed a half century with the bat. It was all in vain, however, as Poly won by 100 runs to continue the trend of early season slip-ups for the 1st XI. On Sunday, the 1st XI under guest skipper Alan Barnard entertained a strong looking Slough side in the National Cup. A superb 92 from Dave Hinnigan and some hefty blows from Ciaron Dodds set a respectable total of 202 in 45. Slough eased past this however, but not without a few hiccups on the way, with Ciaran Dodds, Barrat Ganji and Mark Varley all bowling well. The Saturday 3rds were boosted by MTSCC not being able to field a team, so they take full points from their game, the 4th XI however struggled away to Southgate. See News Section for more details on the 1st XI games. 3rd April 2003 Awards Presented at Club DinnerMartin 'Monster' Loveday was the desrved winner of two major awards at the club dinner last month. He picked up both the player of the season accolade and the 2nd XI player trophy, whilst new Sunday 1st XI captain, Gavin Mardell picked up the young player award. All in all, it was an excellent night with two superb comedians on top form (and yes, I am including el Presidente Mr Smyth in that count). Focus is now firmly on preparations for the new season, with the Saturday First and Second XIs both looking to progress into Division 1 of the Fullers Middlesex Championship, whilst the Saturday 3rds and 4ths are hoping to progress in the 1987 league. Make sure you keep a close eye on this site for reports, updates and photos from the 2003 season as it develops. 8th January 2003 Edmonton Reps Attend Ashes TestsTim Beeden, James Arrowsmith, Nick Wacker and Alan Barnard flew out to Adelaide and Perth to see England play Australia in two tests in November / December. Despite the poor results, a great time was had by all (except Cooper and Wacker - miserable sods) and Edmonton CC was well represented with a 10 foot banner clearly visable on Sky Sports in Adelaide. Plans for visits to Sri Lanka and The West Indies are already being made by certain club members. Jim Arrowsmith and Nick Wacker have chosen to remain out there for the Sydney and Melbourne tests, cheering on England with the rest of the Barmy Army. Photos and details of some of our exploits can be found by following the link to 'Gallery'. In other news, youngster Gavin Mardell has taken over the Sunday 1st XI captaincy, whilst popular skipper Kevin Lawrence continues for the Saturday 2nd XI, hoping to follow up last years promotion by gaining entry to Division One. Tony Willett retains the captaincy for the Saturday 1st XI. Also Indoor Net practice has begun again on Tuesday evenings from 8pm at Highlands school. When possible can as many 1st and 2nd XI players as possible try to make it to practice, hopefully by netting weekly, we can be in good form for the first few games of the season, to maintain our promotion push. The next update to the website will be after the club supper. |