Harpsden Cricket Club

2011-12-19T16:14:00.006Z

Logs, hot coffee, mince pies, mulled wine were on offer to club members who turned out for Saturday's work party. Huge thanks to Matthew Munson for bringing his digger to pull out the biggest tree stumps and level off the mound above the cricket nets. The huge brushwood bonfire took all morning to get going, and everyone who wanted logs took them home by the carload or wheelbarrowload. There's now a lot more space to park well away from the danger zone.

Thanks to all who turned out. There'll be another work party in the spring, date to be arranged

Harpsden Cricket Club Dinner Speech 2011

2011-09-19T15:10:00.002+01:00

Harpsden Cricket Club Dinner Speech 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening,

Welcome to our annual dinner as we near the end of the Club's 124th year. This evening's events are different from previous years for several reasons; firstly the location, many thanks to Lyn and the Henley Golf Club team for all their work in enabling us to move our dinner here. Secondly, Will is going to be presenting the 6 trophies, sponsored by Tabbits, the car repair specialists - and also the extremely prestigious catch of the season bit of wood. The benefit of this is that you are not going to have to listen to me wittering on for hours as normal. And finally, the other change is that we felt this dinner was a good opportunity to give you all a flavour of the much talked about square moving and pavilion extending project by showing you the very first draft of the presentation that a number of us are making to the Trustees of the Harpsden Trust at the beginning of next month. It is with this that we start the evening. Please don't hesitate to ask questions as we go along.

PRESENTATION

So now to the cricket - what has Harpsden Cricket Club's 124th year been like. Excluding the President versus Chairman's match, and before today, we have completed 40 fixtures. Of these we have drawn two, both good games but pretty boring draws as it turned out - against Concorde and Britwell Salome - however this belies an awesome unbeaten ton by Tom Nugent against the latter and a really high quality 72 by James Paice against a top class Concorde bowling attack. This time last season, we had lost six games, and interestingly enough, it is exactly the same this year. What's different though this year is that those defeats have been against sides that either were significantly overdue a victory against us or it is our first fixture against them and we have lulled them into a fall sense of security. It is also true that in most of these cases, beating us will have made their season!

Our first defeat of the year was against Reading Lawyers where a big South African and his brother got lots of runs to help them to 250 for 2 and then the same big South African took lots of wickets, but not before Ian Reissmann had scored a very impressive 74. This enabled them to beat us for the first time for several years. Their win should have kept the fixture for a few more years! We then had one of those really rare weekends where we lost on both Saturday AND Sunday. On the Saturday we bowled Turville out for 139, including lots of dropped catches, on what looked to be a classic Turville road. We enjoyed a great tea and were just settling in for a relaxing 8 or 9 wicket victory when first Jack Broome and then Andy Bryan made their way back to the pavilion for first over ducks. When Sasha departed soon after we were 9 for 3 and with thoughts of an easy victory far from our minds. Horatio and Adam Birkett batted serenely getting us to 90 for 4 before suddenly a flurry of wickets left us all out for 126. A surprising result and hopefully one that won't be repeated with tomorrow's hangovers! On the Sunday, we welcomed Medmenham. This was always going to be a good opportunity to rebuild our confidence after the previous day's defeat. The Medmenham guys are great guys but nobody could remember the last time they beat us. A short boundary, some wayward bowling, some average fielding and they got 251 for 4 off their 40 overs. This score was always getable although as it started to rain, the outfield played longer, the ball got softer and we fell behind the required rate - Medmenham weren't going to come off the field just because it was pouring with rain and miss the chance of beating the unbeatable. The rain got heavier - Neil, Mick, George, Ben and Toby all got really good starts but couldn't go on to get the big score. We ended up 30 runs short and in doing so, made Medmenham's season.

Against the Benedick Club we made it four defeats in a month - I suppose School exams may have affected things but this was a pretty insipid batting display on a wet pitch and only Justin, Ben and Ed showed us how to bat. In the end, we didn't even bat our overs. Benedick Club won by 6 wickets despite some quality bowling from Tom Hancock and Simon Lovelock. This certainly made Benedick's season - particularly as it's the only game they play each year!

As we moved into July, our fortunes turned and we started an 18 match unbeaten run which was only halted by those Friends of Oxford University. The Friends' 171 looked somewhat below par as Big George decided that their 6 foot 10 inch Blues opening bowler was there to be hit - the further George hit him, the faster he bowled. The faster he bowled, the further George hit him. This was fun to watch. Sadly the Friends played the dirty trick of bowling Harpsden bowlers at us - Ed, 8 overs 1 for 12, Will 5 overs 2 for 11 - which included the end of Big George and Horatio, 2 overs, 2 for 2, including both his unsuspecting little brother and also former batsman of the year, Andrew Norton.

The only other defeat came against Hurst, a new team this year. It is at this time that we should take a step back to appreciate all the efforts of Suzie Bradley. Suzie took over as fixture secretary many years ago from an un-named male who having been given the job, did what any normal male would do, which was to assume that all the teams who turned up the previous year would do so in the same order the following year. As the season started, the oppos didn't arrive .....and Suzie started the re-building process, in a way that only a woman can. She has been doing it ever since. Suzie spends ages over the winter finding us new and better victims and convincing the old victims that it will all be better in the new year and to give us another try. Every week she makes sure that the oppo are going turn up, on time and at the right place. We wouldn't be here tonight celebrating another superb season if it weren't for all the efforts of Suzie. A small token of our appreciation, to Suzie Bradley. [FLOWERS].

Back to the defeats. Hurst only made 151 and at halfway we were in charge. Despite the early loss of Tom Nugent and Andrew Norton, Horatio and Adam were battling.....and winning. Sadly another middle order collapse meant we slipped away quietly but at least Hurst will be back next year, and we're already looking forward to it.

2 draws and 6 defeats has left us with another quite outstanding 80% win ratio - 32 wins in 40 games. If you look at the stats on Play Cricket.com, nobody gets 80% win ratios! So which ones of those wins have been most memorable. Let's start with the first weekend. Henley on Saturday and a very chatty Wargrave on Sunday. The Henley game was a 40 over match against a good Henley side - they batted first and were always ahead of par, finishing on about 200, which was about 25 ahead of anything we wanted to chase on an early season strip. When we batted we were always behind the rate - good bowling made life difficult and only Horatio who constructed a really good 70 kept us anything like in the game. Sadly wickets kept falling and before we knew it we were 9 wickets down with our number 11, Miles, coming in to join debutant James Brooks, with still 20 needed for victory and less than 2 overs to go. 2 fours and a single from Miles towards the end of the penultimate over meant we needed 11 to win off the final over which was to be bowled by former Harpsden player, John Gould with the last pair at the crease. Henley had been ahead of us for all 79 overs of the day so far. Miles then proceeded to hit three of the first four balls of the over for four and Harpsden screamed past Henley just before the finishing line. What a way to start the season and surely that couldn't be bettered. Well, the next day, it possibly was. From the first over of the day the Wargrave bowlers were on top, and the slips were noisy (and not in fact very amusing although the well built one did laugh at his own jokes). A really good 65 from Will and a cultured 45 from Miles, allowed us to get to 159 for 6 off our 40 overs which was well below the 200 we felt we needed. All our bowlers bowled well, Ed, Johnny, Toby, Will and Tom Mitchell, but Wargrave always looked comfortable. As the game wore on suddenly they needed a still very doable 30 off the last 5 overs which crept up to 18 required off 2. A great 39th over of the innings from Toby and we were ahead for the first time in the game. Will finished it off with a quality final over and we ran out winners by just 6 runs. 2 confident oppos mugged in 2 days. What a way to start the season.

The next really good win was a 9 run victory, under the skippering of James Paice, against the Bradfield Staff. This was followed 11 days later by the victory of all victories. Hillingdon Manor were invited to the Harpsden arena for a bit of gentle Saturday afternoon jousting - Captain Stevens was gentle on the oppo, encouraging them to a barely competitive 162 as he finished them off himself taking 4 for 13. Suddenly both the openers, Ian Reissmann and Will, were out for ducks. But there was nothing to worry about as Jack Broome came in to join Robbie Harris.....or was there? When Jack fell for 26 and the middle order collapsed, we were 7 down and not even halfway there. Rob worked with the tail to try to bring some respectability to proceedings and by the time Richard Moyle came in at number 11 with the score on 120 - at least respectability had been achieved. Suddenly it became apparent that Robbie was knocking off the runs and Richard was holding his end up. 43 for victory became 30, which became 20, which became 13. All of a sudden a dangerous moment, Richard and Rob running a fourth and Richard requiring a full length dive to make his ground - which somewhat dustily he did. The field came in, Robbie went aerial, and all of a sudden 4 to win - one more shot to leg and victory was Harpsdens with Rob scoring a career best 86 not out. For the best rearguard of the season a little something, and a big round of applause, for Robbie Harris. [WINE].

Before moving on with the cricket I would like to pause again to thank two people who drive everything we do - our President and his wife. Firstly Monsieur le President, Julian. He has worked so hard over the winter doing all the initial work for the temporary net and also for the square moving project. Let alone everything else he does for us. He provides me with invaluable guidance, and when necessary, motivation, he is always seen wheel-barrowing in the booze....and wheel-barrowing out the rubbish, cutting the shrubs, turning off the watering....and just about anything else that needs a wise head. Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding for our President, Julian Burtt. [WINE].

Now, his wife. Given how many years I have been doing this speech I am running out of superlatives to describe everything that Jane does for us. But that is not fair on Jane - I have to find new superlatives! Jane is the guiding hand behind everything that is good about Harpsden Cricket Club and is the drive behind so many of the activities. We all need to find a way of helping her more but in the mean time let's give her a roof-raising round of applause to say thank you for everything- Jane Burtt [FLOWERS].

The last of the close matches I'd like to mention is the game against Morgan. A really damp pitch and with Toby and Ed taking three wickets each and Morgan got an indefensible, or so we thought, 116 all out. Big George opened the batting and decided that nudging and nurdling our way to the small target was not the best plan. 42 from George in the first 5 overs and we were well on the way. But only 10 runs between Henry Ellis, Sam, Charlie Stevens, Miles and Alfred and suddenly we were in trouble - double figure contributions from the Stevens boys and we were edging closer but still needed over 30 when Simon Lovelock came to the crease. A wonderful knock of 24 from Simon left us needing 2 to win when Ed joined James Paice - a poke through the covers from Ed and another one wicket win for Harpsden. Winning the close ones is always more satisfying.

No club can thrive without an amazing amount of organisation. The committee do a brilliant job; David Heath as Treasurer, Will as Club Captain and Andy and James as Vice Captains, Richard Moyle who has done an amazing amount this year including the net, Joanna Cary for her valued input and Ian Whittaker as chief requisitions officer with the new caps and shirts going down really well this year. I would like to give special thanks though this year to Mick Greenwood as secretary as he is stepping down after our October Committee meeting as the Olypmics is going to make 2012 a really busy year for Mick's anti- terrorist group. Please give a round of applause to all these people for everything they do to make Harpsden cricket club what it is, and particularly Mick for all he has done behind the scenes over the last few years. Mick, we have a little something for you. [WINE].

A few more thank yous before we move on to a couple of final cricketing moments before Will presents the trophies. We are very lucky to have a number of people who are happy to take on that thankless task of umpiring. Firstly Neil Craig who turns out for us almost every Sunday and is becoming as well known on the circuit as Billy Bowden, and also David Heath, Tony Wright and Charlie Stevens who are always really happy to help out. Also a thank you in absentia to Alfred who did a tremendous job organising another great Sixes event and all the tea-makers and spectators throughout the season..

Four other special moments have stood out for me this season, two of which occurred in the BBC Caversham game and two against Greys Green. Firstly BBC Caversham: Toby opened the batting and proceeded to hammer the BBC Caversham attack into submission. What was most impressive was that this was against a background of loose shots and wickets at the other end - no nerves as he got into the nineties and in the company of his big brother pushed a single to bring up a marvelous maiden ton. The second event in that game came immediately after the drinks break. BBC Caversham were 73 for 3 and needed to survive the last 20 overs for a creditable draw. They say that drinks breaks often bring a wicket - that is an understatement! First ball after drinks, wicket for Johnny Wright, next ball, wicket for Johnny Wright. Third ball after drinks and Johnny was jumping around having got a hatrick. Next ball, Johnny gets another wicket - four in four. An uneventful fifth ball before John picked up a wicket from the final ball of the over. 73 for 3 and coasting, to 73 for 8 in one Johnny Wright over!

Now to the Greys Green game. We wanted to give a little something to somebody who does an amazing amount to help around the club and who also scores his fair share of runs. But this season, I'm quite sure he has the somewhat dubious honour of being the second highest scorer AGAINST Harpsden. Greys Green turned up one short so we provided them an opening bat and after a somewhat cautious start he accelerated to a quite awesome 86 against the best that Will, Johnny Wright, Ed, both Tom and Ben Hancock and I could serve up to him and although he was out in the 34th over, that proved to be more than half their total. We won so he was allowed home in the evening. A little something for Adam Birkett [BALL].

The final cricketing bit from me comes from the second half of the Greys Green game. James Paice had scored a quite stellar and match-winning 96 not out against Dulverton earlier in the season and seemed destined to score his maiden century when the target was reached. Another opportunity would come.....and that day proved to be against Greys Green. Chasing 173 to win, James Paice and Sam Imlay were well in control, and as we neared the target, the message got out to the centre that James needed nearly the same number of runs for his maiden century as there were runs to win. Sam was going to help James over the line - after alot of very generous blocking by Sam to try to avoid scoring any runs, James found himself on 98 not out with three runs to win. This was to be James' maiden ton......or was it? Matt Skilleter came in to bowl, the keeper missed it and it ran away, very slowly, for 4 byes. Harpsden had won by 8 wickets but James was again stranded in the nineties. For everything that James does for the Club, plus a little consolation to be saved and drunk when the maiden 100 does arrive - James Paice [WINE].

WILL - TROPHY PRESENTATION

Now to the award of the Club Man shield for 2011. I have already mentioned a lot of people who do so much for the Club but there are a few people who I would like to make a special mention of here. Alfred has done a great job this season preparing pitches, as has Ben, and both of them have been tremendously happy to help whenever asked. Adam does an incredible job on the square and clearing up after games, Tony Wright and Charlie Stevens have had a very busy year helping on the major project, and will certainly be doing even more over the winter months and Miles who does a lot of clearing up around the pavilion on a Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Ed has done an awesome amount for the club this year including inputting, and organising others to input, all the stats for the last 8 years, helping with pitches and without whom we wouldn't have been able to manage the workload associated with the filming project of two weeks ago that made the Club over £2,000. I would be grateful if you could give a really big round of applause for all those I have just mentioned.

The previous winners of the Club Man shield have been Will, Miles, Ben, Richard and last years’ winner Adam, and hence the bar for this years' Club Man is extremely high. He has scaled those heights with ease and in the quietest possible way. What characterizes a clubman is somebody who gets on and does things......with a smile and a joke. This year our Clubman designed and sourced a new plate for the gearbox for the Roller, and wouldn't even let us pay for it, helped to design and then spent untold hours putting up the net by the road with Richard, which has saved us a fortune in car damage. He has also , provided us the equipment and a lot of time helping us to clear out the trees at the top corner of the ground, repaired the chain on the roller when it broke (which is no easy task), serviced and repaired our new aerator and even phoned up and spoke to the Aerator's designer to tell him where he had gone wrong in the design process(!) and is always around to watch the last few overs of the matches, except when his sons finish the matches early. Very well deserved Clubman of 2011 goes to Lucius Cary [SHIELD].

So what does 2012 hold for Harpsden Cricket Club, our 125th anniversary? The major project is clearly going to take up a lot of time for many of us this winter but we also need to do some more work strengthening our fixture list and dropping teams who let us down by not being able to raise a team. We have already weeded out much of our weakest competition replacing them with what were hopefully stronger teams but we have more work to do on that.

But now it is time to just take a moment to appreciate how lucky we all are to be members of Harpsden Cricket Club. We have a great spirit and good facilities, which will hopefully be tremendous facilities by the start of 2013. We have a lot of people helping to make the club what it is and a real desire to involve everybody in the cricket and the Club.

I would like to propose a toast to Harpsden Cricket Club.

2011-09-19T15:10:00.001+01:00

Hancock and Hepburn Make Butlers Toil

2011-08-07T18:19:00.000+01:00

Harpsden
H Thomas Run Out 7
B Hancock ct Kelly b England 74
T Hancock lbw b Weymes 21
G Hepburn Retired 102
M Hayward Not Out 42
C Martin b Lee 16
J Howarth Not Out 7

TOTAL 290-4

Butler 11
C England ct Martin b Howarth 41
H Lee Run Out (Martin) 46
D Nicholson Run Out 0
A Hoskin ct Howarth b Fiander 28
A Kelly ct Gould b Hayward 1
M Hughes b Smith 21
J Reilly Not Out 31
T Sorrel Not Out 25

TOTAL 229-6

Harpsden entertained Butler 11 on a warm Wednesday afternoon, Harpsden won the toss and elected to bat, and made a solid start with openers Hancock and Thomas reaching 19-0 from 4 overs, Thomas then ram himself out for 7, to bring Tom Hancock in to join brother Ben at the crease, both batsman played sensibly, smashing anything loose to the boundary, while keeping out the good balls. Tom Hancock was looking solid until he was trapped LBW for 21.
Hepburn then came to the crease, and wasted no time in dispatching the bowling to all parts, reaching his half century in just 3 overs, he was well supported by Hancock who continued to regularly find the boundary, before being caught for 74, which included 14 fours. Hepburn wasted no time in reaching his maiden Harpsden century, in what was also almost certainly the quickest ever seen at Harpsden, including 11 sixes and 6 fours. After Hepburn had sportingly retired, Hayward provided most of the runs to take Harpsden to 290-4 from their allocated 35 overs.

Butler 11 also made a good start to their innings, with England the main aggressor, whilst Lee played more cautiously. England was the first man to fall, after being well caught by martin off Howarth’s bowling for 41, Nicholson was next to be making the walk back to the pavilion after a mix up resulted in him being run out. Hoskin and Lee then built a solid partnership, with Hoskin regularly finding the boundary before being caught by Howarth to give Fiander his first Harpsden wicket. Lee soon followed thanks to a brilliant piece of fielding from Martin who ran him out with just one stump to aim at. From then on, the batsman at the crease decided to go down fighting, with Reilly in particular hitting some ferocious strokes, however it wasn’t enough, as Butler 11 fell 61 runs short of Harpsdens target.

Harpsden Gain Sweet Victory

2011-08-01T19:14:00.000+01:00

Sonning Common Village
H Cook b Hancock T 35
M Cann b Welford 73
V Sneeman b Birkett R 20
Ca Gallimore b Birkett R 0
C Pitson Not Out 13
C Gallimore Not Out 28

TOTAL 187-4
Best Bowling: R Birkett 2-40, T Hancock 1-10

Harpsden
N Sweet ct Mee b L Gallimore 67
B Hancock ct L Gallimore b M Cann 44
S Imlay c Mee b C Gallimore 19
G Hepburn c M Cann b C Gallimore 2
A Grimmer Not Out 40
E Birkett b C Pitson 7
T Ham Not Out 7

TOTAL 189-5
Best Bowling: M Cann 1-28, C Gallimore 2-39

Sonning Common won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like an absolute belter to bat on. Sonning Common made a solid start to their innings, reaching 87 without loss after 20 overs, however they then started to find the runs harder to come by with the introduction of Hancock and Birkett into the attack. It was Hancock who made the breakthrough, clean bowling Cook for a patient 35. Cann continued to press on, but lost two more partners, with Birkett claiming 2 wickets in the same over, Cann soon followed, unluckily bowled by a double bouncer from Welford, for a brilliant 73. Pitson and Gallimore pressed on, but only managed to get Sonning Common to what looked like a slightly below par score of 187.
Harpsden started there innings very positively, with both openers regularly finding the boundary, as Harpsden reached 57-0 from 10 overs. The introduction of Cann into the attack slightly slowed the rate, but both batsman continued to play positively, it wasn’t until the 21st over that Sonning Common got the breakthrough, Hancock falling six runs short of his half century with the score on 95, this increased the Sonning Common morale as they picked up 4 more wickets, but it wasn’t enough, as Grimmer guided Harpsden home with the help of Ham.

Henley Vs Harpsden

2011-07-27T13:58:00.000+01:00

Henley won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a flat pitch on Sunday, however the Henley batsmen struggled early on with both Christian Whittaker and Will Stevens picking up wickets. In their opening spells. This tight opening was supported well by both Miles Hodgkiss and Horatio Cary, who found just enough movement to trouble the batsmen.

The Henley ship was well steadied by Mark Thomas but when he fell to the returning Stevens Henley looked in deep trouble. Some late hitting by Neville gave Henley a chance having posted 166, but on a flat track with a quick outfield it looked a little short of par.

However much like their Henley counterparts the Harpsden openers struggled with the movement through the air that the bowlers achieve and did well to survive the opening salvo. Having grown accustom to the bowling both Grimmer and Broome struck a n umber of boundaries in a fluent opening stand. However as is often the case one wicket lead to another as both found themselves sat down within and over of each other.

The run rate was maintained by Norton and Nugent who took Harpsden to the brink of victory with some well placed shots. But it was left to Fisher to hit the wining runs and take Harpsden to a 5 wicket win.

Birkett and Hayward set up Harpsden Win

2011-07-19T10:01:00.000+01:00

On a very wet track Little Marlow won the toss and elected to bat first. However they found themselves pinned down by some tight opening spells from C.Whittaker and T.Ham. Whittaker struck twice and was unlucky to not bag a third when Findlay was put down first ball in the slips.

When the Harpsden skipper turned to M.Hayward and R.Birkett the pressure only increased as both bowled tightly and were backed up by some good fielding to put Little Marlow well behind their desired rate. Inevitably this lead to wickets as Birkett picked up 3 and Hayward 1 as the pair conceded just 38 runs form their 16 overs.

The super bowling display was continued by Cary and Brooks who both picked up one wicket. And the innings was rounded off when Whittaker ran out Findlay, who had just completed a well earned half century.

With just 108 required to win Harpsden set about building a solid partnership with Nugent and Sweet both striking the ball well. Sweet was to fall for 28 but Nugent continued on to complete a half century and finished the game off with the help of Whittaker.

Little Marlow

D.Glennoster ct N.Sweet b C.Whittaker 10
J.Gray c&b C.Whittaker 3
A.Sharif b M.Hayward 6
A.Findlay Run Out 50
K.Balapandian ct T.Mitchell b R.Birkett 4
I.Angus b R.Birkett 11
M.Yaqoob ct T.Ham b R.Birkett 6
S.Sasikaran ct T.Nugent b A.Cary 5
A.Weit b J.Brooks 0
A.Jackson Not Out 5
R.Tedham Not Out 0
Extras 7
Total 107

Harpsden
T.Nugent Not Out 51
N.Sweet ct Findlay b Jackson 28
W.Stevens ct Gray b Jackson 7
C.Whittaker Not Out 21
Extras 5
Total 112

Harris Stars For Harpsden

2011-07-18T22:20:00.001+01:00

Merton CC
Iyaz ct Grimmer b Paice 32
M Asif Run Out 13
J Hossain ct W Stevens b Paice 2
F Sidique ct W Stevens b Brown 9
R Ahmed ct B Hancock b W Stevens 3
C Smither ct & b W Stevens 29
C Williams ct S Burgess b Brown 8
M Nichol st Grimmer b W Stevens 11
Z Iqbal Run Out 6
C Griffith Not Out 1
R Fernando Not Out 20

TOTAL 157-9
Best Bowling: W Stevens 3-24, Paice 2-25

Harpsden
R Harris ct Williams b Nichol 53
A Grimmer ct Iqbal b Williams 24
S Imlay b Iqbal 5
S Burgess ct Griffith b Iqbal 3
T Stevens Not Out 39
J Wright Not Out 28

TOTAL 158-4

Harpsden entertained London side Merton on a very wet Saturday afternoon. Harpsden bowled well throughout the Merton innings, with Paice and Stevens in particular causing the batsman problems. The Merton batsman struggled on the sluggish wicket, and they had Fernando to thank for getting them up to a respectable score with a rapid 20 in the last couple of overs, including 3 sixes.

Harris and Grimmer started the Harpsden innings positively, with Harris in particular regularly finding the boundary. Grimmer was first to fall, and he was soon followed by Imlay and Burgess. From this point on, the only blemish was Harris getting out for a brilliant 53, youngsters Stevens and Wright finished it off, to give Harpsden victory by 6 wickets with 3 overs to spare.

President's vs Chairman's

2011-06-27T13:26:00.001+01:00

Harpsden Cricket Club hosted its annual PRESIDENT's XI vs. CHAIRMAN's XI game this Sunday, the hottest day of the year so far. The Chairman's captain James Paice won the toss and elected to bat first to keep out of the heat and the decision paid off with Jack Broome and Adam Hurst both making 50s after Reissman fell early. The pick of the bowling was Tom Hancock who bowled economically and 13 year old Alex Bradley who picked up a couple of wickets at the end of the innings. Big hitting from Adam Birkett and James Paice down the order got the Chairman's XI up to an above par 250 off their 40 overs.

After tea the President's XI needed to start quickly to stay up with the rate but struggled on an inconsistent pitch losing early wickets to Ian Brown and Ed Birkett with Chairman Rod Birkett following up with a couple of wickets. None of the President's XI passed 15 until Toby Stevens showed some lower order resistance at number 10 with a big hitting 35 not out. Unfortunately even this was not enough to get them close, and Chris Welford finished the tail off to leave the President distraught as his team fell to 154 all out losing by 96 runs.

Chairman's XI

I.Reissman b. T.Hancock 0

J.Broome ct . and b. W.Stevens 69

A.Hurst b. T.Hancock 88

A.Norton b. A.Bradley 4

A.Birkett ct. T.Stevens b. A.Bryan 30

S.Burgess ct. A.Grimmer b. A.Bradley 4

J.Paice NOT OUT 18

E.Birkett RUN OUT 0

Extras 37

Total (7wkts) 250

Best Bowling : T.Hancock 2-17, A.Bradley 2-20

President's XI

S.Imlay ct. I.Reissman b. E.Birkett 14

A.Grimmer ct. A.Birkett b. I.Brown 8

W.Stevens ct. A.Birkett b. E.Birkett 4

A.Bryan b. J.Paice 13

G.Hepburn st. A.Norton b. C.Welford 10

J.Bradley ct. S.Burgess b. R.Birkett 1

A.Cary st. A.Norton b. A.Birkett 13

T.Hancock b. C.Welford 7

B.Hancock RUN OUT 12

T.Stevens NOT OUT 35

A.Bradley ct. E.Birkett b. R.Birkett 4

Extras 33

Total (all out) 154

Best Bowling : E.Birkett 2-17, C.Welford 2-18

2011-06-20T08:42:00.004+01:00

Taplow CC v Harpsden CC

Taplow 126 for 9 dec, lost to Harpsden by four wickets 127 for 6

Sunday 19^th June 2011 at the C Tavare Stadium

Innings of Taplow

126 slowly and painfully accumulated runs in a total of 53 over’s (a run rate of, 2.37 runs per over). Mainly through the third man region and off the leading edge. All the bowlers performed well for Harpsden on a drying pitch. There were two notable catches new boy James Brooks snaffled up a fine effort in the first over in the Gully off Ham, diving to this right and later Andy Grimmer took a very impressive effort after running back on the long on boundary off the bowling off big Mick Greenwood to collect a skier. Eventually the abominable slow men that were Taplow’s number 10 and 11 decided that eating cake was more fun than blocking it and walked off, much to everybody’s relief.

Bowling analysis for Harpsden

Calamity Ham, 8 1 26 2, I Brown 10 1 20 2, J Brooks 6 0 21 0, A Cary 12 5 16 0, J Paice 10 3 15 3, M Greenwood 7 0 13 2

Innings of Harpsden

After almost loosing the will to live in the field but buoyed by a good tea the opening pair got the chase up and running. Sweet bet was 2/1 to get a score above 39 but he defied his odds by nicking out early on. There was nothing grim about Andy Grimmer’s early shots and he was supported well by old man Norton. Grimmer upped the ante and was aggressive with his running to keep the board ticking. He was eventually out for an entertaining 59 caught in the covers. A mini collapse then insured with Bryan and Birkett falling cheaply before James Paice helped steady the ship before he was caught out superbly on the boundary. Brookes fell for a golden before Alfred Cary and that man Norton steered the good ship Harpsden to a four-wicket victory.

Pick of the batting:

A Grimmer 59

A Norton 36 not out

Paicey Finish sees Harpsden get over the line

2011-06-15T10:36:00.000+01:00

Dulverton arrived at Harpsden for the second leg of their Oxfordshire Tour on Saturday, and were off to a good start winning the toss and electing to bat. The Harpsden bowling was tight in the first 30 overs with Miles Hodgkiss and Alfred Cary being particularly effective and picked up 5 wickets between them.

The arrival of the Dulverton skipper swung things in his sides favour as he crashed the ball to the boundary on numerous occasions and was unfortunate to fall on 49 to a catch on the boundary. However Hooper maintain the assault as 95 runs were taken for the last 10 overs.

Harpsden started their response slowly and were well behind the rate at 18 for 1 after 9 overs, but with Paice batting steadily and with Horatio Cary and Hodgkiss swinging from the other end the Harpsden total reached 128-6 with 5 overs remaining. With A.Cary having just arrived at the crease Dulverton were still favourites but were to discover that sometimes the boundaries just aren’t big enough as Cary and Paice started to deposit the ball to all parts. Only 4 was needed from the final over and Paice won the match by striking a boundary with only 1 required off the third ball of the over. This left Paice undefeated on 96 and Harpsden victorious in a very close encounter.

Dulverton
C.Jarrett b Lovelock 1
C.Dubery c&b Hodgkiss 18
M.Heywood ct Paice b Hodgkiss 19
L.Hooper ct Moyle b A.Cary 1
C.Hooper ct Hodgkiss b Lovelock 79
H.Harrison ct W.Stevens b Hodgkiss 4
T.Edworthy b Hodgkiss 0
D.Boyce ct Greenwood b Devile 49
T.Cottrell lbw W.Stevens 0
A.Smith Not Out 0
D.Miles Not Out 1
Extras 6
Total 178

Harpsden
J.Paice Not Out 96
M.Greenwood ct b Jarett 8
H.Cary b Harrison 23
J.Bradley ct b Hooper 6
W.Stevens ct b Hooper 3
M.Hodgkiss b Smith 13
B.Hancock ct b Smith 0
A.Cary Not Out 24
Extras 6
Total 179

Red kites in the Harpsden valley

2011-06-02T17:40:00.006+01:00

This season we've had a number of red kites swooping down onto the pitch - even during matches - which probably means that they are being fed from the cricket ground. If they're fed wrong, they die slowly of malnutrition. In practice, feeding them right means roadkill - they need the fur and feathers to aid digestion and to provide minerals etc. So, sadly for them, no cricket club teas.

More information about feeding kites here and here.

It would be wonderful to have some close-up photographs, if anyone has the patience ....

Lawyers Leave Harpsden in Trouble

2011-05-30T19:21:00.001+01:00

Reading Lawyers
Mc Gill * b Devile 2
Loosemore Not Out 92
D De Vet ct Reissman b Imlay 66
C De Vet Not Out 71

TOTAL 250-2

Harpsden
A Birkett b Ajmal 8
I Reissman b McGill 74
H Ellis ct Lake b Birkett 39
S Imlay b C De Vet 18
M Greenwood b C De Vet 19
W Smith lbw McGill 2
B Hancock ct Birkett b De Vet 25
W Stevens b De Vet 11
T Stevens Not Out 2
R Moyle lbw b De Vet 0
M Devile Not Out 0

TOTAL 211-9

Harpsden welcomed an unfamiliar looking Reading Lawyers side to Harpsden on a dull Saturday afternoon.
Reading Lawyers won the toss and opted to bat first, and made a shaky start to the innings as they struggled to deal with the swing bowling of Devile and Toby Stevens, Devile made the breakthrough with Devile bowling McGill for 2. From then on, luck didn’t seem on Harpsdens side, as numerous chances went down, and Loosemore decided to use the edge of his bat more than the face. Other than Toby Stevens, the Harpsden bowlers struggled to find the right areas of the pitch, the only success was De Vet being well caught by Reissman from Imlay’s bowling. Reading Lawyers posted a competitive score of 250-2.

Harpsden made a solid start to their innings, putting on 20 before Birkett was bowled by Ajmal. Reissman was then joined at the crease by Harpsden newcomer Henry Ellis, both batsman batted solidly, but as the required run rate climbed, Ellis took a risk and was caught for a very promising looking 39. Imlay then joined Reissman and played attackingly before getting bowled by De Vet for 18, Reissman was next to fall for a nicely played 74. Harpsden now required 10 an over, and despite some late order hitting from Hancock and Will Stevens, they fell well short of their target to give Harpsden their first taste of defeat of the season.

Broome and Howarth put Thunderers to the sword

2011-05-30T18:52:00.000+01:00

Harpsden entertained the Thespian Thunderers on a glorious day. Harpsden opted to bat first, and made a great start to the innings, with Burgess and Broome finding boundaries easy to come by. Burgess fell in the 6th over with the score on 40. The Thunderers then picked up 2 more quick wickets, with Heanley bowling both Bryan and Hancock. This brought Hepburn to the crease to join Broome, who had already passed fifty. Broome and Hepburn built a solid partnership, with Hepburn playing the aggressive role, smashing boundaries with alarming regularity. Hepburn soon passed fifty, before being cleaned up by Jardine. Broome continued on his merry way, passing the hundred mark for the second time this season. After Broome’s dismissal, Hodgkiss and Greenwood set about taking the game well out of the Thunderers reach, Greenwood in particular showing great power to bring up his maiden Harpsden half century, Hodgkiss soon followed in passing fifty, before Howarth hit a quick fire 30 to take Harpsdens total to a mammoth 337-7.

The Thunderers lost a quick wicket, before Jardine and Stretfield smashed the ball all over the park, once Jardine fell to Howarth for 60, there was an almighty collapse, with only Stretfield showing any resistance as he made 98, Howarth was the main reason for the collapse, bowling brilliantly as he picked up his maiden 5 wicket haul as Thunderers were bowled out for 180.

Harpsden Vs Sonning 22/5/11

2011-05-25T20:29:00.001+01:00

It was a somewhat sunny but blustery day upon Harpsden hill, when a Sonning side of promising youngsters and experienced heads visited Harpsden. The game got underway with Harpsden being put into bat. Sonning pace bowlers Ray and Bowers provided a stern test for the openers, with some probing deliveries. The swirling wind wreaked havoc, with the sight screen; being blown along the boundary like a ship in a storm. It was not long before Sonning had their break through; Ray with pearl of a delivery to remove the prize wicket of Captain Will Stevens.
However, the tide soon turned, with a strong wave of Harpsden batsmen punishing anything short or over-pitched. Norton, Bryan and Cary (H), all sailed past their half centuries, with the home side eventually reaching 316 for 9 from their 40 overs.
After a hearty tea, Sonning embarked on their response to the home side’s total. Yet their efforts were met with the accuracy of Pugh and Wright who bowled at a rate of knots. A courageous middle-order fight-back saw Fitton play some classy shots and swashbuckling S. Dave battled through to the end, despite a ball to the face earlier in the match.
Harpsden ended the day the victors, bowling the visitors out for 138.

Innings of Harpsden CC
Batsman How Out Bowler Score
A. Grimmer Bowled Dave 30
W. Stevens Ct Ray 3
A. Norton Bowled Dave 61
A. Bryan Ct Denyer 69
J. Paice Run Out 12
H. Cary Retired 71*
E. Pugh Ct Denyer 3
J. Wright Ct Denyer 11
R. Birkett Stumped Denyer 12
A. Cary Not Out 20*
M. Hayward Not Out 10*
Extras 14
Total . 316

Denyer (7-0-53-4), Dave (9-1-73-2), Ray (4-0-36-1).

Innings of Sonning CC
Batsman How Out Bowler Score
A. Denyer Ct Pugh 0
E. Gadd Ct Pugh 8
R. Ford Ct Pugh 0
A. Roy Bowled Wright 4
A. Fitton LBW Stevens 26
A. Roberts Ct Hayward 13
R. Bowers Bowled A. Cary 15
S. Dave Bowled A. Cary 45
N. Ray Ct H. Cary 4
A. Bennett Bowled Wright 13
T. Roberts Not Out 2
Extras 8
Total . 138

Pugh (7-0-19-3), Wright (9-3-17-2), A Cary (6-0-23-2)

Royal Wedding:Theme

2011-05-04T12:38:00.001+01:00

London Erratics won the toss and decided to bat first. Harpsden got off to a disastrous start, as the Erratics were going well at 50-1. Balaji Pippaed the openers with short balls as he made the breakthrough with some quick short bowling. With no bowler commanding the batsmen Imlay controversially brought himself on to bowl. After a dismal 3 overs the captain reluctantly took himself off. Things were getting desperate and H.Cary was given a chance but couldn't make the breakthrough despite some deceptive slower balls. Then things began to turn Harpsdens way as Imlay set a clever fielding trap and the batsmen fell into it like bees to Honey. Moon balls from Cary were occasional but he soon got into his stride. Good bowling was eventually found by Hodgkiss and A.Cary with some tight spin bowling and Cary eventually had Parker Bowled. Stevens then came on to spin his wed and did so very well taking one wicket in the process. Williams could not be dismissed however and the Erratics amassed an impressive 194.

Harpsden had it all to do and started well with Grimmer and Burgess smacKing the ball all over the place. Grimmer was soon dismissed and H.Cary was deemed the best man to see the innings out. Both the players were regularly Middletoning the ball to the boundary. Burgess was getting into his bride as he continued to hit well throughout his innings. Burgess was eventually out for a good looking 84. Imlay then came in and had the first dance down the track of the day, playing the spinners well. Imlay and Cary finished off the game well as Harpsden chased the total down with ease in the end. A win at this stage of the season could prove princeless to success in the remaining games.

More Madness than Vaughan Flew Oval The Kookaburra’s Nest!

2011-04-26T13:29:00.002+01:00

On The Shining Easter Sunday afternoon Harpsden entertained Wargrave in a 40 overs match. The home side won the toss and elected to bat first, however it was Wargrave that had, by far, the better start to the game. Rimmer bowl with good pace and bounce and soon had the Harpsden openers Andy Grimmer and Will Stevens hopping around the Crease.

Harpsden limped to 19 runs before the first wicket fell, Grimmer being trapped LBW by Rimmer. Worse was to follow for the home side with the swift departure of Broome without adding to the total.

Miles Hodgkiss joined W.Stevens at the crease and the pair set about repairing some of the early damage. Despite Miles playing his own private game of Catch me if you Can with deep square leg, the Harpsden pair managed to last until the 33 over before a mix up resulted in Hodgkiss being run out (also know as Will ran Miles out). Harpsden struggled to push the accelerator and wickets began to fall as they attempted to increase the pace. Only Rod Birkett’s late hitting helped Harpsden limp to 159 a the end of their allotted overs, which looked well below par.

Wargrave certainly made this look to be the case with a strong start from Colbourne, but a swinging delivery from Ed Birkett made him the Wicket Man and gave Harpsden the early breakthrough they were seeking. Tight opening spells from Birkett and Wright were matched by Toby Stevens and Tom Mitchell. Mitchell bowl very well and even tried his Flipper to get the break through. But despite T.Stevens picking up a wicket Wargrave were very much in command at 97 for 2 as drinks were taken.

After the break Colbourne completed an impressive early season half century and it was Goodbye to Mr Slips as the field dispersed in an attempt to keep him off strike. But this ploy didn’t last long as he was dismissed soon after a Face Off with Will Stevens. At the other end Toby Stevens seemed to be getting Clark, Plum and Plummer but the umpire was unmoved. But when Clark did depart Harpsden sensed a chance and the returning E.Birkett and J.Wright continued to keep things tight.

This pressure finally resulted in a run out with was well effected by Gimmer in the covers. In fact Harpsden’s fielding seemed to transform to a Field of Dreams as the innings went on, with numerous diving stops cutting of boundaries and saving singles. With the game entering the final 5 overs Wargrave were still favourites to win requiring just 30 runs to win the game, and the impressive A.Woods at the crease.

The Stevens brothers bowled 3 tight overs to leave Wargrave requiring 18 from the final 2 overs. Younger brother Toby then bowled the match winning over conceding just 4 runs. Older brother Will managed to get Woods off strike early in the over and managed to keep him there until the end of the match. Harpsden ran out winners by 6 runs and can now look forward to a Twenty20 8 Days Later.

Harpsden
A.Grimmer lbw Rimmer 2
W.Stevens b J.Clark 65
J.Broome Run Out 0
M.Hodgkiss Run Out 45
S.Burgess b S.Jeffrey 6
A.Birkett b J.Clark 0
R.Birkett Not Out 11
J.Wright Not Out 4
Extras 26
Total 159

Wargrave
J.Colbourne b W.Stevens 59
S.Jeffry b E.Birkett 10
T.Tabrah lbw T.Stevens 7
K.Clark lbw T.Mitchell 11
M.Hattey lbw W.Stevens 0
A.Woods Not Out 24
J.Clark Run Out 6
E.Woods ct E.Birkett b W.Stevens 4
S.Morton b W.Stevens 2
J.Rimmer Not Out 1
Extras 27
Total 151

Pre-Season Letter for 2011

2011-02-15T10:43:00.001Z

15th February, 2011

Dear All,

Happy New Year. As much as it pains me I thought it would be best to confront this at the beginning - congratulations to England for an awesome performance in the Tests. Australia were just never in the hunt!

I do hope you have had an enjoyable autumn and winter so far. With spring approaching it is now time to start thinking about the new cricket season at Harpsden.

The fixture list is again taking shape due to Suzie Bradley’s hard work over the winter. We have already got new fixtures organised against Peppard, Taplow, Hurst and Hurley and a re-kindled fixture against Little Marlow. Sadly Shiplake Cricket Club has folded and hence we have lost our two fixtures against them but Suzie has managed to convince almost everybody else that they still want to play against Harpsden!

Over the winter, various works have again been done including a lot of loam having been put on the square, hopefully resulting in an even firmer track. The gears on the big roller have been repaired by Lucius Cary and Richard Moyle, which will also hopefully contribute to a faster, bouncier surface and some repairs are about to take place on the pavilion roof.

In this letter last year I referred to the need for us to find a long-term solution to the problem of the large number of cricket balls being hit over the hedge into both the road and the golf club car park on the other side of the road. Julian Burtt, with significant help from a number of other people including Lucius Cary, Richard Moyle and Tony Wright, has made real progress towards us installing a several metre high net next to the hedge before the start of the current season. As a result, the gate in the middle of the hedge is going to be permanently closed so that anybody needing to go over the road to recover the ball, will need to do so via the car park or the gate by the golf practice area.

Harpsden Cricket Club has thrived at its current site for 124 years but given the dramatic advances in cricket equipment, and possibly even cricketers(!) over that time we all feel that we need to do something to reduce the risk of serious injury, or worse, to people on the other side of the hedge. As a result this net project is being undertaken in conjunction with an investigation into a considerably larger long term project to move the square about 20 yards further away from the road, level what will be the new outfield and put in an avenue of trees along the length of the hedge by the road.

Julian is in the process of obtaining quotes from four different companies so that we can then apply to the relevant bodies for funding. Our current thinking is that if we are fortunate enough to get funding, the significant earthworks would start in September 2012 allowing us to celebrate our 125th anniversary in 2012 on our existing square, and maybe the start of our next 125 years on the new square.

One of the implications of our plans is that we will need to generate more space for parking further away from the existing square. As a result, and in conjunction with our landlord, the Harpsden Trust, we have decided to clear the bulk of the smaller trees and scrub from above the shed. We intend to do the first part of this ourselves with 2 working parties on Saturday 12th and Saturday 19th March from 10am to 1pm. Any help that anybody can give us would be great, and if you can bring chainsaws, shrub cutters, garden forks etc. that would also be helpful. Anybody who comes to help can take away some firewood although I suspect we might have a pretty big bonfire too!

We have organised a spring curry at Raju's Tandoori (21 Reading Road, Henley – just opposite Asiana Spice where we ate last year) on Friday 25th March at 7pm for 7.45pm. Jane has managed to negotiate a very good deal, even better than last year's price, and it will only be about £12.50 a head for Adults and £10 for Students for an all-you-can-eat blend of starters, mains, popadoms, nans etc. Like last year, everybody will need to pay for their own drinks. I would be grateful if you could let me (rodbirkett@btinternet.com) or Jane know whether you will be able to attend. We can fit in about 35 people and hence it would be great to see as many cricketers, spouses and siblings as are able to attend.

The reason we are starting the curry night at 7pm is that, again like last year, we have decided to have the AGM then, preceding the dinner. If anyone would like to come for the formal part of the evening, then please arrive promptly for a 7pm start, whilst if you wish to just attend the dinner then some time around 7.45pm would probably be about right.

All of last year's committee are willing to stand for re-election at the AGM and, as I mentioned at last year's dinner, James Paice has agreed to stand as an additional Club Vice-captain to support Andy Bryan and Club Captain Will Stevens. Any other nominations for positions on the committee must be sent, with the agreement of the nominee, to our Secretary, Mick Greenwood mlli.greenwood@btinternet.com by 18th March....but please don't hesitate to discuss this with me beforehand if you would like.

I'm afraid one of the consequences of applying for funding is that we must make sure that our procedures are entirely robust and as such a membership form is attached which needs to be completed by everybody.

A few dates for your diaries;

Saturday 12th and Saturday 19th March from 10am to 1pm - tree and shrub clearing at the Cricket Ground.

Friday 25th March, 7pm to 7.45pm; AGM at Raju's Tandoori at 21 Reading Road, Henley.

Friday 25th March, 7.45pm; Curry at Raju's Tandoori in Henley.

The cricket nets will be at 11am on Sunday mornings at Shiplake College. Nets at Shiplake College, Sunday March 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th; from 11am to noon.

Take A4155 from Henley towards Reading. Shiplake College is on your left after ‘Shiplake Cross’. Take the 2nd entrance, the ‘All Visitors’ drive into the College. Follow the drive down to the main house, bear left and go past the main building on your right and park in the car park straight ahead. The Sports Hall is a wooden building with glass doors on the left hand side just opposite the car park.

Sunday 10th and Sunday 17th April at 10.30am to noon, nets at Harpsden Cricket Ground.

Sunday 17th April 9am to 10.30am: pre-season working party at Harpsden Cricket Ground. There are various jobs that need to be done before the season starts and the more support we have for this the better.

Practice Sessions from 6pm at Harpsden every Wednesday starting on April 27th. Following the success of this last year it has been decided to repeat the Wednesday evening practice sessions at the Club on Wednesday evenings throughout the season. These will commence at 6pm with the first one on Wednesday 27th April.

Saturday 23rd April; 1st Harpsden match, against Henley 3rds.

Sunday 26th June at 12.30pm; President’s XI vs Chairman’s XI.

Monday 29th August; Harpsden Six-a-Sides. If you want to put a team in, please book early to avoid disappointment!

Saturday 17th September; Annual Dinner.

Despite the cost of everything else going up we have managed to keep the costs of playing and membership the same as last year which I’m sure remains among the lowest in the country! The 2011 charge for Adults will be £75 for a season ticket OR £10 per game and for Students it will be a £35 season OR £5 per game for those who don’t buy a season ticket. We are also introducing a charge for evening games of £5 and £3 respectively for those who don’t buy a season ticket. Early payment to David Heath would be greatly appreciated.

If you want to enhance your wardrobe, Ian Whittaker is still in charge of clothing and he will be taking orders for shirts, jumpers or NEW STYLE caps, so do email him (iangwhittaker@hotmail.co.uk) if you want to arrange something before the start of the season.

Thanks to Joanna Cary the Harpsden Cricket Club blog is in fine fettle so do have a look if you get a chance (http://harpsdencricketclub.blogspot.com). A copy of this letter is going onto the blog so that the net dates will be there if you misplace this letter! The first draft of the 2011 fixture list is also on the blog. All contributors and contributions to the blog are greatly welcomed and please email Joanna (joannacary@gmail.com) for an invitation to join in. Photographs are particularly appreciated so Miles, Gireesh et al, it would be great if you could put your photos throughout the season on the blog. The blog isn't technically advanced, evidenced by the fact that even I can manage it, but if there are any problems, please just ask Joanna and she will guide you through it. Happy blogging!

Team organisation remains an onerous task and Jane has very kindly offered to do it again this season but if you were able to contact her (jburtt@shiplake.org.uk or 01491 575126) before the season starts with your early season availability that would be very helpful. Also, please contact Jane if you have had any change to your contact details.

Will Stevens has kindly offered to prepare the statistics again this season (with back-up from Ed Birkett when/if he goes away) and we would be grateful if you could all ensure that the scorebooks are filled in fully, and correctly.

We are always looking to enhance the membership of the club as it is the people who make it what it is. Do please bring your cricketing friends along to the pre-season nets or introduce them as the season progresses.

Look forward to seeing you at the AGM/Curry/Nets,

With best regards,

Rod.

2011 Fixtures

2011-02-15T09:34:00.003Z

DRAFT FIXTURE LIST 2011 HARPSDEN CC (as at 14.01.11)

SAT 23 April 1pm H Henley 3rds
SUN 24 April 1pm H Wargrave

SAT 30 April 1pm H London Erratics
SUN 1 May 1pm H Peppard
MON 2 May EARLY SPRING BANK HOLIDAY

TUES 3 May 6pm A Bradfield College

SAT 7 May 1pm H Rivets
SUN 8 May 2pm A Holyport

SAT 14 May
SUN 15 May 1pm H Cranbourne

SAT 21 May 1pm H Thespian Thunderers
SUN 22 May Sonning TBC

SAT 28 May 1pm H Reading Lawyers
SUN 29 May 11.30am A X-Batters
£16 match fee to include 1.30pm lunch & port, tea, umpires + some beer! 20-over from 6pm, each team provides a ball
MON 30/5 SPRING BANK HOLIDAY

TUES 31 May 2.30pm H Old Josephians TBC

SAT 4 June 1.30pm A Turville Park (40 overs)
SUN 5 June

FRI 10 June 6pm A Shiplake College Wanderers

SAT 11 June
SUN 12 June 1pm H Crazies Hill

FRI 17 June 6pm H Bradfield College

SAT 18 June 1pm H Morgan CC
SUN 19 June 2pm A Taplow

WED 22 June 6pm A Medmenham

SAT 25 June
SUN 26 June 12.30pm H President’s XI vs Chairman’s XI

SAT 2 July REGATTA SATURDAY
SUN 3 July 1pm H Wessex Exiles

WED 6 July 6pm H Mortgagees

SAT 9 July 1pm H Effigies
SUN 10 July 1pm H Deadbats

SAT 16 July 1pm H Stonor
SUN 17 July 1pm H Little Marlow

SAT 23 July 1pm H Greys Green
SUN 24 July 2pm A Henley
Effigees using Harpsden ground

SAT 30 July
SUN 31 July

WED 3 Aug 6pm H Butler XI

SAT 6 Aug 2pm A Stonor
SUN 7 Aug 1pm H Nettlebed

SAT 13 Aug 1pm A Cranbourne
SUN 14 Aug 1pm H Woodcote

SAT 20 Aug 1.30pm A Whitchurch
SUN 21 Aug 1.30 A Britwell Salome

SAT 27 Aug 1pm H Morgan CC
SUN 28 Aug 1pm H Friends of Oxford University
SUMMER BANK HOLIDAY MON 29 Aug 10am H Harpsden Sixes

SAT 3 Sept 1pm H Catchiteers
SUN 4 Sept 1.30PM A Greys Green

SAT 10 Sept 1pm H Shinfield
SUN 11 Sept 1pm H Hurst

SAT 17 Sept 1pm H Hambleden
SUN 18 Sept 1pm H Turville Park (40 overs)

SAT 24 Sept 1pm H Holyport
SUN 25 Sept 1pm H Hurley

Dinner Speech 2010

2010-10-04T15:50:00.001+01:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening,

This occasion always brings with it a tinge of sadness for me as it brings to an end, well almost anyway, another tremendous season for Harpsden Cricket Club. I suppose this year at least we have the benefit of an Ashes filled winter and whatever you lot say, George and I are feeling pretty confident!

So what has 2010 been like for Harpsden Cricket Club. Of the 44 matches that we have played so far, we have drawn 2, one of those an exciting finish in a time game with Crazies Hill. They were 9 wickets down and Chris Cracknell steaming down the hill, wind behind, in the dark, snorting fire, just failing to get the last wicket and the other against Paddy Burtt’s Benedick Club with the oppo needing two sixes off the last two balls to win, Miles bowling, they get the six off the second last ball but WG was too good for them on the last and we escape with a draw. We have lost 6 games, with most of them being the result of awesome opposing performances from Harpsden players! The Crossbatters beat us at the end of May with Christian Whittaker scoring a brilliant unbeaten 50 for the oppo and Miles’ stumps, as Miles was yet again playing for the opposition, surviving by a coat of varnish as they beat us by one wicket. Ealing and Three Bridges beat a weakened Regatta Saturday Harpsden team, and the only day in the whole season where we haven’t had at least 11 Harpsden people on the field. Sam Imlay’s knock, Tom Mitchell’s bowling and Andrew Imlay’s captaincy and recruiting skills beating us in the Effigies match. Henley beat us by a whisker as our tail failed to wag to support a storming James Paice, Ben Hancock’s Heartbreakers beat us soundly in one of our fixtures with them whilst, that man again, Sam Imlay, combined with our dreadful catching, resulted in a first victory for the Catchiteers against us in many a year.

So that leaves an incredible 36 victories, for an 82% win ratio. By my calculations we need 3 victories in the last four games to overtake last year’s number of victories, and given the number of overs’ games we play these days, and the size of our fixture list, it must be a real possibility that we might end up winning more games in 2010 than any other season in the club’s 123 year history. I will leave the discussion of whether that is good news for another evening, but for now, let’s enjoy it! What is most amazing about the win ratio for me is that the principal objective of every match Harpsden plays is to ensure that everybody who plays, at least does something (bats, bowls or wicket-keeps) in every single game, with the victories coming despite rather than because of this. I think I am correct in saying that we have achieved that objective in nearly every single one of our 44 games this year, a fact we should be incredibly proud of. The only two games I can remember where that wasn’t the case were against Greys Green and the Butler XI where neither of them could get enough runs! Congratulations to all the skippers who have helped to make this possible.

So what have some of the team highlights of 2010 been for me:

• An incredible 6 wicket victory in the first match of the season against Henley with many of their 3rd team playing who were using the match as their final warm up match before the beginning of their league season.
• Beating traditionally one of our stronger opponents, Holyport, by more than 200 runs as we bowled them out for less than 50 after scoring 258 ourselves.

More on the individual highlights below but firstly we have a special award this year for somebody who many of us feel has been one of the people most responsible for getting Harpsden Cricket Club to where it is today. When Andrew Norton started playing for Harpsden 10 years ago, we didn’t win many matches at all. The ones that we did win were usually the result of Andrew scoring a hundred – as Sunday captain, and then as Club captain, he always embraced the Harpsden spirit of getting everybody involved, whether it meant a defeat, or a victory. But more than that he always gave youth a chance – and I’m sure that is one of the reasons that there are so many youngsters playing for us today. Andrew stood down as Club Captain at the end of last season and hence we haven’t been able to thank him properly. We have here a very small token of our appreciation for somebody who has put Harpsden in as strong a position as it is today. Please put your hands together for Andrew Norton [Book]. What is amazing about this book, Cricket’s Strangest Matches, is that it has a chapter on one of our matches from earlier this year – the setting, Shiplake College, our strapping Aussie, big George Hepburn going into bat. Shiplake College’s Zimbabwean teacher AJ coming in to bowl – she, yes she, comes off a short run and clean bowls George. Actually, I’m kidding, the Harpsden game in the book us the game we played against the Thespian Thunderers where we scored a quite incredible 385 for 6 in 40 overs. Happy reading Andrew.

We now move on to the unenviable task of trying to separate the trophy winners from the others. The number of awesome players we have makes it monstrously difficult but Will, except for where he is conflicted, and Julian, have helped me to come up with some names to go on the trophies. As you will all remember, these trophies are the result of sponsorship from Tabbits, the best and most experienced car repair shop in the whole of England for the repair of cricket ball damaged cars.

The first award tonight is for the young all rounder. Tom Nugent, our winner for the last 2 years has been so busy playing cricket for school, for Oxfordshire U16’s, and the U17’s, and also winning matches for Henley 3rds and despite some really good bowling displays for Harpsden, he has not played enough for us this year to qualify for this award. But what about the others? Tom Mitchell scored an amazing debut 50 for us to help us beat a gobsmacked Henley at the start of the season, and his left arm spin has always been a threat no more so than when he decisively got Horatio out in the Effigies game . James Thomson has batted (and bowled) really well when he has had a chance, including a match winning 47 against Sonning Common Village. Adam Birkett has batted, bowled, fielded and wicket kept well, Johnny Wright economical with the ball and one helluva smasher with the bat. But young all rounder of 2010 comes from very good stock. He scored his maiden 50 for us this year in our first game against the London Erratics, strong knocks against Greys Green when he repelled everything they could throw at him and a courageous knock against Shiplake on a bouncy pitch. His bowling has been devastating with, among others, 3 for 8 against the Butler XI and only going for just more than 3 an over this season. Young all rounder of 2010, Toby Stevens [TROPHY].

The next award we move onto is the senior bowling trophy. We have had an amazing array of devastating bowlers this year. Will Stevens, as economical as anyone, whether it be spin or the just short of a length quick stuff, Tom Nugent who is as fast as anyone and I don’t want him on the other side in a year or two’s time, Ollie Heath who continues to be able to swing it away at pace and frightens many a visiting batsman, Mike Deville always causing problems with his in swingers whilst Alfred Cary’s offies are invariably thought provoking, has taken 10 wickets and he has only gone for just more than 3 runs an over. Gireesh has really come through as the season has gone on and has taken his first Harpsden wicket and his bowling today against a quality batsman well set was quite something and he will have a lot more bowling to do next season. Ben Hancock has had another really good season with the ball although because our opening bowlers have been so good he has not been able to take as many wickets as he would like, only because there haven’t been enough left for him to take. The other really reliable bowler this season has been Tom Ham who has been incredibly economical, in fact our most economical bowler other than Rob Harris, as well as getting 12 wickets at only 10 runs each. But after all that our bowling award came down to three people with very different styles; six foot four of at your body in-swingers from Ed Birkett, nagging accuracy from the go-to bowler, wily Miles Hodgkiss and George Hepburn, the Aussie who moves it both ways with a slingy action vaguely reminiscent of the Australian cultural attaché, Jeff Thomson. Miles has taken alot of wickets, again (!), 31 in our non twenty/twenty games but that doesn’t include an incredible 6 in 3 eight ball overs against the Bradfield staff. George has taken 26 wickets at an average of 15 including a devastating 5 for 14 against Wargrave, whilst Ed has come surging through late season with 5 for 16 against our friends at Greys Green, four for 20 odd against Shinfield following a mid season 3 for 6 against the Old Josephians. Ed’s economy rate of just more than 3 runs an over being indicative of how difficult he is to get away. This was a really close call but the guys who came second equal were the Aussie and the chap who picked up the sixes trophy instead. Due to the number of wickets he has taken, the winner of the bowler of the year in 2010 is Miles Hodgkiss [TROPHY].

No club can flourish without an incredible amount of organisation. The committee do a brilliant job: Mick Greenwood as secretary, David Heath as Treasurer, Will and Andy as Club Captain and Vice Captain respectively, Richard Moyle on anything complicated, Joanna Cary for her sound guidance, Ian Whittaker as chief requisitions officer and Julian Burtt for his incredibly helpful Presidential guidance. Please give a round of applause to all these people for everything they do to make Harpsden cricket club what it is. There are however two people who deserves special thanks – firstly Suzie Bradley whose task of organising 53 fixtures, every single season, with an ever increasing number of teams who know that a fixture against Harpsden is not going to result in a victory. Without Suzie we would be lost and end up having to play by ourselves. A special thank you for everything you do, to Suzie Bradley. [Biscuits].

Now, I am absolutely certain that we are the only cricket club in the country to have a ‘Jane Burtt’. Jane does so much for us, week in, week out. Team organization, commonly known as player juggling, bar lady, and so many other things just too numerous to mention. Harpsden cricket club without Jane would be like a batsman without a bat – please give a big thank you to the one and only, Jane Burtt [Biscuits].

I would now like to hand over to Will who is going to say a little something about our fielding and to present the Catch of the Year trophy. Will.

Every year we have an award for newcomer of the year. This year it goes to youngster who has a natural inclination to help, he’s a great fielder, especially eye-catching has been his awesome catching in the gully, he has picked up a few runs down the order, but more than anything he has been a really impressive strike bowler, particularly in the first half of the season. He took a great 4 wicket haul in the early season demolition of Holyport and one for six in 5 overs against Cranbourne. Next year I’m sure he’s going to take a hatful of wickets, right through the season. Newcomer of 2010 – Ian Brown [Cricket Ball].

The next award is the young bowler trophy. There have been some great performances with the ball by the youngsters in 2010. Tom Nugent as I said has been almost unplayable when he has been available, Johnny Wright has been very economical and next year will take a heap of wickets too, Toby Stevens has had some great performances whilst Adam Birkett has nipped in with some very important wickets at an average of 13 – including a crucial 3 for 30 against Sonning in a hard fought victory and 2 for 2 against Stonor with a 5 man slip cordon! However in second place was our newcomer of the year, Ian Brown, who has struggled of late to find his early season form. But the young bowler of the year, following hard on the heels of last year’s winner, leg-spinner Ben Hancock, is another leggie. He always puts in a good long spell, to his captain’s delight he gets through his overs really quickly which always puts pressure on the batsmen, is economical for a spinner and also takes valuable wickets – he has taken 10 wickets this year at average of just 13. His 4 for 10 against the Deadbats and 3 for 29 against Sonning Common Village are evidence of the importance of having a good spinner or two in the side. Young bowler of 2010 – James Thomson [Trophy].

A few more thank yous before we move on to the next award. We are very lucky to have a number of people who are very happy to take on that thankless task of umpiring. Firstly Neil Craig who turns out for us almost every Sunday and is the fairest man I know, and also David Heath and Tony Wright who are always exceptionally happy to help out. Lucius has mended sightscreen wheels for us and is hopefully going to point us in the right direction for some roller repairs. I would also like to thank all those who helped out at the Sixes, especially Sam Imlay who took on the responsibility organising a really successful event. Other helpers included Adam and Johnny who did much of the scoring, Christian and Ian Brown with their umpiring, Jane, Sue, Fiona, Debbie Thomson et al for their cakes and helping behind the bar, and finally Ian Nugent and especially Ian Whittaker for an amazing amount of work on the BBQ.

We also need to thank all those people who have done so much to make this evening so enjoyable. The chefs, Sally, Fiona, Sarah, Linda, Mandy Stevens, Mandy Imlay, Ben, Roma, Binny…. and Katherine Bryan.

We now move on to the next award, the all rounder of the year. There have been an amazing number of candidates for this with some noteworthy contributions from Ollie Heath with aggressive bowling and he has only been out once for us this season having batted a number of times (despite what the slightly incomplete averages say), Alfred Cary whose scoring rate with the bat has been quite astonishing most notably against his favoured foe, Shiplake, where he scored 58 in 25 balls, and with 10 wickets at just 14 a piece, Christian Whittaker who has scored another great hundred for us this year against Britwell Salome, and if Sam hadn’t given him just two balls to face in the first 5 overs of the game his 106 not out would have been scored in a lot less than the 16 overs it was. His 50 against Woodcote was, I believe, quite something to behold as he went 4, 6, 4 in his first three balls as he needed to hurry of to work, but he has bowled very little for us this year. But the decision came down to a choice between 4. Ben Hancock has had another great season for us, continuing to score a lot of runs at an average of 40 whilst also taking 16 wickets – Ben probably suffers more than most from our strength as he is not often getting the chance to bat and bowl in the same game. His 50 against the London Erratics and his unbeaten 30 in the T20 against Medmenham being particularly notable. James Paice in his second season with us has had a great year and I am very pleased to say that he has accepted our offer of becoming a Club Vice-Captain next season. A well deserved accolade for somebody who commands enormous respect at Harpsden for everything he does. James continues to be a real devil with the ball, nibbling it around and taking important wickets when they are most needed, and taking 18 wickets in total, but it is with the bat where he has been quite outstanding. Fifty and 46 not out against London Erratics, 40 not out against Reading Lawyers, a devastating 60 not out in a valiant losing cause against Henley, and 40 ish against the Bradfield Staff. The final choice came down to people George Hepburn and Will Stevens. Will has again bowled incredibly economically this season going for less than 3 runs an over at an average of just over 10 and always seems to be able to come on to take a wicket when we need him to. His batting though has been quite something and whether or not he wins the Henley Standard ‘Best of the week’ award, he wins our best of the week almost every time he plays. He has scored a quite staggering 1,118 runs for us this season, not incredibly the twenty twenty matches, at the amazing average of 111 and wins matches for us almost single handed. George Hepburn, however, is somewhat different in style to Will – a smidgeon less correct in terms of technique, although he makes up for that by scoring a smidgeon faster than Will. I must admit I enjoyed batting with George against the Old Josephians – we were 51 for 4 when we came together and about 161 for 5 when George departed for 65 – the speed he scores his runs just takes all the pressure off the other batsman. He enjoyed himself with the bat against the Butler XI but more on that later, he got 37 and took 5 for 14 against Wargrave, an unbeaten 30 against Medmenham in no time in the T20 and took 3 wickets against the bemused Whitchurch batsmen. In that game he had the odd experience of being hit back over his head by one of their openers. The batsman didn’t see the next ball as it cannoned into his middle stump at 15 miles an hour faster than George had bowled anything that day. In almost any other year George Hepburn would have won this award hands down. Not in 2010 however. All rounder of 2010 - Will Stevens [Trophy].

No club is ever any more than the sum of its parts and having lots of parts that make a significant contribution to the running of the club is what gives a club its’ spirit. I have mentioned and thanked before all those who don’t play and who do so much for the club but I now want to move on to the highly coveted Club Man award. The previous winners of this shield have been Will, Miles, Ben and last years’ winner Richard Moyle. What characterizes a clubman is somebody who just gets on and does things without being asked, and is also happy to bat, or bowl or field or wicket-keep, just to make life easy on the skipper. There is a lot of work that needs doing on the ground between games and for individual matches, tidying in the pavilion, scoring, writing up scorebooks or reports after the matches, and a million and one other things beside. We are monstrously grateful to Miles for all the work he does rolling before games and clearing up the pavilion afterwards, Sam Imlay who stepped into the sixes breach and has done a lot of match report writing, Horatio and Alfred who have also done a lot of match reports and also double up as a cost effective scorebook storage facility, Johnny Wright who has helped prepare pitches and Tom Mitchell and Toby who have helped to put pitches to bed after use. Ed Birkett has been amazing with everything he has done to help and he is now in charge of looking for grants for any work we may undertake on the ground. But two people have again really stood out. We pay Ben to prepare pitches for us and it is just a delight having somebody who has been as reliable as Ben, never letting us down. He has also watered the square when necessary, opened up the pavilion for our fee paying tenants, written up match reports and just been around and willing to help whenever necessary. Before announcing our Clubman of the year I would be grateful if you would put your hands together for all the others I have mentioned who have done so much to help. Now our Clubman of 2010 is somebody who has spent untold hours on the square over the summer holidays and I’m sure you would all agree that the square is looking as good as any of us can remember at this time of the year. He cuts, he rolls, he puts holes in for seed, he repairs divots, he waters – and partly because of this I think we have had some great cricket wickets this year. He also cleans and tidies and helps to make everything just right before games – our clubman of 2010, and our most grateful thanks goes to - Adam Birkett [Trophy].

The next trophy we move on to is the junior batting award. We have had some tremendous displays with the bat from the youngsters. Maiden Harpsden fifties from Toby Stevens against London Erratics, and an astonishing match winning 55 by Tom Mitchell against Henley, a superb 47 from James Thomson against Sonning Common Village. Adam Birkett who won this award last year has scored two great fifties, 56 against a strong Turville attack and 69 against Catchiteers on a drying pitch after we had lost both openers for ducks, an aggressive 24 which turned the match in a low scoring game against Stonor and a cultured 33 in the T20 against the Heartbreakers to support a marauding Andy Bryan. Tom Nugent will always be in the hunt for this award as was shown by his stellar batting in the sixes but has only batted a couple of times for us this season. But the junior batting award this season goes to someone whose batting has been transformed from last year. He scored a brilliant maiden half-century for Harpsden with a swashbuckling 60 against the Catchiteers, 30 odd in no time against Morgan when some acceleration was needed, he was on target to win the Chairman vs President’s match for the Chairman, even hitting Ollie for a few, until the Chairman ignored his call for a second. He stands tall, very tall, hits straight and big, very big. Young batsman of 2010 – Johnny Wright [Trophy].

The final award of the night is the highly coveted batting trophy which has been won by such luminaries as Andy Bryan (twice), Horatio Cary and Will Stevens, and before we had a trophy by Andrew Norton and Miles Hodgkiss. This was again a monstrously tough call. We have had 11 people this season who are averaging over 50. Top of that list is Christian Whittaker who is averaging 237! Quite scintillating knocks against Woodcote, Britwell Salome, Morgan and against us for the Crossbatters – if he had batted a few more times for us this season, the trophy would have been his. Will, by virtue of picking up the all rounders award can’t win this one but he has scored a quite amazing 11 fifties and one hundred. Adam Hurst will be pleased to hear, or maybe not so pleased given that I think it has cost him money, that Luke Burns is next on the list by average, averaging 84. This is then followed by Horatio who with awesome consecutive hundreds against the Effigies and Turville has averaged over seventy. James Paice, who ran Will so close in the all rounders award has averaged 67, higher than any of his individual scores this season but testimony to his ability to not get out once he’s in. Other averages over 50 include Chris Cracknell, Jack Broome, Andrew Norton who has had a phenomenal return to form this season as he has passed on the pressures of captaincy, or more probably because he got a new bat that hits big sixes. Other superb batting performances have come from Ben Hancock who has averaged over 40 including a hard hitting 50 against the Erratics. Andy Grimmer has averaged 45 and has scored over 400 runs, Sam Imlay who has had some lovely knocks, most particularly for the Effigies against us and Alfred Cary with a couple of great fifties – but a special award this year goes to someone who hits it jolly hard, and jolly far. The Butler XI drove all the way from London to be bowled out for 69 and then George Hepburn and Sam opened the batting for Harpsden. It took them just 3.1 overs for them to score the 70 needed to win, of which George scored 48 in 12 balls. By my calculation the Butler XI spent more on petrol, in pounds, getting here, than the number of balls they bowled – just 19. I know after last year’s dinner there was some discussion in the Cary Kitchen about the very odd awards I seem to come up with – here is an odd one……For taking the second most wickets this season, scoring the sixth most runs and for the pleasure he gives us all every time he walks onto the cricket field, a small award for the remarkable feat of ‘less balls than quids’ – George Hepburn [Cricket Ball].

Back to the batting trophy there are 3 people who are neck-a-neck for the award. Adam Hurst with 567 runs, one hundred and four fifties, averaging 63, Andy Bryan has scored nearly 500 runs with a hundred and two fifties, averaging 54 and Neil Sweet with 2 hundreds and two fifties, has scored nearly 450 runs at at an average of nearly 55. Andy has again batted beautifully this year and his devastation of oppo bowling attacks is a joy to behold and the only reason we have decided not to give it to Andy this year is the fact that he has won it twice before and in a tie-breaker we felt that was just enough to swing it. Adam has been immense and just hardly ever fails when he goes to the wicket whilst Neil has looked majestic, none more so than on a really tricky Greys Green wicket, where he smashed the game away from them with 42 in 35 balls. This year is a first for us in more ways than one – we try to never give awards to people who aren’t at the dinner and we have never had a shared award before. But batsman of the year in 2010 is shared between - Neil Sweet and Adam Hurst [Trophy].

So what does 2011 hold for Harpsden Cricket Club, the year before our 125th anniversary? Julian Burtt is driving a really important project for us which is looking at the possibility of putting a net and some trees by the road to protect the golf club car park but more appropriately the people and cars in it, and also to consider the possibility of moving the square further away from the road and flattening the outfield. If anybody has any bright ideas please don’t hesitate to mention them to a member of the committee but more on that project in due course.

What 2011 also holds is the need for us to continue to try to strengthen the fixture list. We have already weeded out much of our weakest competition replacing them by what were hopefully stronger teams but we have more work to do on that.

Now, you’ll all be pleased to hear that this is last year of this format as we have some ideas to allow other people to do more of the talking than me next year!

I think we should all take a just a moment to appreciate how lucky we all are to be members of Harpsden Cricket Club. We have a great spirit, tremendous facilities, a lot of people helping to make the club what it is and a real desire to involve everybody and to just enjoy our cricket. I would like to propose a toast to Harpsden Cricket Club.

2010-09-24T11:17:00.005+01:00

2010-09-23T17:01:00.012+01:00

Some Harpsden CC Dinner 2010 Photos

Whittakers Snr. and Jnr. lead Harpsden to victory

2010-09-21T11:27:00.003+01:00

Tom Nugent and Eddy Birkett playing the chin music against Turville

Harpsden hosted Turville on Sunday for a 40 over match this weekend and when Turville skipper T.Wade won the toss on a good looking track he had no hesitation in deciding to bat first. The Harpsden opening bowlers made good use of a very fast and bouncy wicket with Ed Birkett and Tom Nugent bowling economically but failing to make the breakthrough. It was the introduction of spinners Cary and Stevens, taking 5 wickets between them, that changed the game. Turville were unable to recover and, despite good batting from R Birkett and J Hunt, finished on 150 all out with Christian Whittaker taking 4-20. Ian Nugent had yet another outstanding day behind the sticks with two neat stumpings at crucial moments.

Harpsden stuttered early on losing Stevens and Reissman cheaply, however strong hitting from Adam Birkett, both Ian and Christian Whittaker, and Tom Nugent ensured the total was always in sight. Tom Nugent's match winning 55 not out resulted in a six wicket win for Harpsden with 90 balls to spare.

Turville

P Briffet b. W.Stevens 14

C Simons st. I.Nugent b. W.Stevens 24

O Thornton ct. T.Nugent b. A.Cary 5

T Wade ct. A.Birkett b. A.Cary 0

J Hunt ct. T.Nugent b. C.Whittaker 34

S Halfhead st. I.Nugent b. W.Stevens 2

R.Birkett ct. I.Whittaker b. C.Whittaker 30

C Seigal ct. A.Cary b. C.Whittaker 3

J Leefe Not Out 9

N Henry b. C.Whittaker 2

B Bazell b. A.Birkett 0

Sub Total 120

Extras 30

Total (all out) 150

Best Bowling: C.Whittaker 4-20

Harpsden

W Stevens ct & b. N.Henry 11

I Reissman ct J Hunt b. N.Henry 1

C Whittaker ct B Bazell b. O.Thornton 33

T Nugent Not Out 55

I Whittaker b. O.Thornton 29

A Birkett Not Out 12

Sub Total 141

Extras 16

Total (4wkts) 157

Best Bowling: N.Henry 2-33

Family affair as Imlays guide Harpsden to victory

2010-09-21T11:26:00.000+01:00

HARPSDEN hosted HAMBLEDON on Saturday for a 40 over match. Hambledon stated well seeing off the new ball but were pegged back as skipper Will Stevens took a couple of wickets. Harpsden continued to bowl tightly and were allowed to as the visitors seemed keen to keep wickets in hand. Winchester and Ottoway were the stalwarts of the innings, with Winchester carrying his bat for 82 not out and Ottoway making an unbeaten 33.

The total set of 174 was only going to prove too much for Harpsden if they allowed the Hambledon bowlers to dominate early on and despite losing Greenwood, Stevens and Norton cheaply to Miles Hodgkiss' bowling the batters continued to show positive intent. George Hepburn, playing his final season before returning to Australia, wanted to leave everyone something to remember him by, and hitting 28 from the first five balls of an over was pretty special; unfortunately the sixth ball was caught on the boundary and Hepburn had to go. It was left up to father and son partnership Andrew and Sam Imlay to finish the run chase, Sam carrying his bat for a fine 70 not out.

Hambledon

P Rosier lbw b. W.Stevens 17

H Winchester Not Out 82

J Raja ct. A.Norton b. W.Stevens 0

N Arnold ct. M.Greenwood b. B.Hancock 2

I Wright ct. J.Wright b. B.Hancock 15

W Ottoway Not Out 33

Sub Total 149

Extras 23

Total (4wkts) 172

Best Bowling : W.Stevens (2-11)

Harpsden

S Imlay Not Out 70

M Greenwood ct. P.Rosier b. M.Hodgkiss 0

W Stevens b. M.Hodgkiss 0

A Norton ct. and b. M.Hodgkiss 10

G Hepburn ct. M.Hodgkiss b. N.Arnold 67

A Imlay Not Out 17

Sub Total 164

Extras 10

Total (4wkts) 174

Best Bowling : M.Hodgkiss 3-21

Harpsden vs Catchiteers

2010-09-14T13:38:00.000+01:00

Harpsden
R.Harris, lbw N.Johnson .................0
I.Reissman, b J Noble ...................0
Jawwad, ct J Noble, B P Webb ...........48
A.Birkett, ct A.Imlay, b P Webb.........69
J,Wright, ct P.Webb, J Noble............60
J.Paice, not out .......................32
M.Hodgkiss, not out.......................19
Extras..................................22
TOTAL....................................259
Best bowling:- N.Noble, 2-63 and P.Webb 2-54.
Catchiteers
W. Patterson, ct Moyle, b Brown .........................14
P.Webb, not out.........................................145
J.Noble, b E.Birkett.....................................20
S.Imlay, b J.Paice ......................................26
A.Johnson, ct Hodgkiss, b Brown..........................32
M.Read, b E.Birkett ......................................6
D.Read, not out...........................................7
Extras ..................................................14
TOTAL....................................................262
Best Bowling:- E.Birkett 2-52

The CATCHITEERS chased down HARPSDEN’s 259 in a thrilling 84 over time game.
Harpsden lost both opens within the first 4 overs, bringing Jawwad and A.Birkett to the crease. Jawwad played an attacking innings making the bowlers change their length; however the most attacking innings was to come from J.Wright who scored a aggressive 60 in a great partnership with A.Brikett. Both lost their wickets caught on the boundary in successive overs, leaving Paice and Hodgkiss to finish the innings not out with the final score of 259.
The Catchiteers took advantage of some loose bowling in the first 4 overs, however once E.Birkett found his length he was extremely difficult to get away. Patterson played well before edging behind to Moyle, bringing J.Noble to the crease with the fluently scoring P.Webb. E.Birkett bowled a gaffer to Noble who departed for 20. S.Imlay and P.Webb batted well in a 60 partnership before the change for pace from Paice bowled Imlay. Johnson and both Reads batted around the outstanding Webb to guide the Catchiteers to the first win against Harpsden for 5 years.

Harpsden vs Shinfield

2010-09-14T13:37:00.000+01:00

HARPDEN INNINGS
I.Reissman, b Eames .................................12
A.Grimmer, ct Eames, b Bond ..................42
J.Bradley, b Gaylor .....................................4
W.Stevens, not out...................................82
M.Greenwood, b Gaylor.............................0
S.Imlay, ct Gaylor, b Byrne .......................67
J.Paice, not out..........................................46
Extras........................................................23
TOTAL......................................................276
Best Bowling:- Gaylor 2-47
SHINFIELD INNINGS
M.Terry, ct Grimmer, b E.Birkett................13
E.Western, ct B.Hancock, b E.Birkett...........8
A.Gupta, ct G.Hepburn, b E.Birkett..............9
T.Boud, b E.Birkett.......................................5
J.Blakey, b M.Hodgkiss.................................0
M.Crisp, ct S.Imlay, b G.Hepburn................11
T.Gaylor, ct Paice, b B.Hancock....................2
G.Eames, b G.Hepburn.................................0
K.Allins, ct, b Hancock.................................10
C.Byrne, ct, b Hepburn.................................8
Jamie, not out...............................................0
EXTRAS.........................................................17
TOTAL...........................................................77
Best bowling:- E.Birkett 4-24, G.Hepburn 3-15

HARPSDEN defeat SHINFIELD by 199 runs in a 40 over match on a bowler friendly wicket.
Harpsden were put into bat on a wet but drying wicket, I.Reissman and A.Grimmer found batting hard in the first over’s which is reflected by the steady fall of wickets in the first 15 over’s. However the sun had started to dry the wicket making batting easier, S.Imlay and Captain W.Stevens batted extremely well, with Imlay punishing anything which strayed from the length. Imlay eventually fell for 67 (partnership of 120) Stevens and J.Paice began to take to fight to the bowlers and scored at 8 an over for the final 10 over’s, finishing on an excellent 276.
Shinfield definitely had the best of conditions, both openers began steadily for the first 10 over’s going at 3 per over. Outstanding bowling from E.Birkett removed the top four, leaving Shinfield 42-4 and in deep trouble. M.Hodgkiss, G.Hepburn and B.Hancock bowled well taking the remaining 6 wickets, bowling Shinfield out for 77.

2010-09-13T11:25:00.005+01:00

Images from the Six a Side

Crossbatters and Apaches

Charterhouse Wanderers

Harpsden demolish the Erratics

2010-09-12T21:28:00.001+01:00

HARPSDEN took on LONDON ERRATICS on Sunday with a number of impressive wins behind them recently. Skipper Will Stevens won the toss and bodly chose to bat first on a drying wicket. Stevens and Bryan then overcame some tight new ball bowling from London Erratics to make a stand of 99 for the first wicket. Adam Hurst played the shot of the day hitting an Erractic bowler over an adjacent forest, a feat many had not thought possible. The Harpsden batsman continued to make good progress with Bryan bringing up and impressive 100* within 30 overs and the team declared on 261-3 ten minutes before tea.

The Erratics response started badly with both openers going for ducks within a couple of overs. Deville's control tempered with Tom Ham playing the chin music at the other end was a great combo for Harsden at the top, taking four wickets between them. Rod Birkett then did for the middle order, with an at swift change of pace seeing the batsmen hopping, taking 4 wickets in quick succession and effectively dousing any Erractic hopes of winning. Despite some impressive lower order hitting from the ageless W.G.Hodgkiss the Erractics fell some 197 runs short.

Harpsden

A.Bryan Retired 100*
W.Stevens ct. behind b. Mufti 43
A.Norton RUN OUT 14
A.Hurst NOT OUT 47*
A.Birkett LBW b. Rimmington 28

Sub Total 232
Extras 29
Total (3wkts) 261

Best Bowling: Rimmington 1-18.

London Erratics

Dunabin b. M.Deville 0
M.Hodgkiss ct. I.Nugent b. M.Deville 0
Towers ct. A.Birkett b. T.Ham 9
Mufti b. M.Deville 0
Taylor ct. A.Hurst b. R.Birkett 4
Bush b. R.Birkett 8
Head LBW b. R.Birkett 12
Rimmington b. R.Birkett 0
Pedmore NOT OUT 6
Heller LBW b. E.Birkett 0
W.G.Hodgkiss ct. A.Hurst b. T.Nugent 20

Sub Total 51
Extras 13
Total (all out) 64

Best Bowling: R.Birkett 4-6, M.Deville 3-21

Stevens and Grimmer pile on runs for Harpsden

2010-08-24T00:38:00.000+01:00

Harpsden won the toss and elected to bat in this 40 over game on Saturday. This appeared a brave decision after morning rain had softened the Harpsden wickets but Whitchurch struggled for control in the early overs and saw Andrew Grimmer take full advantage as he plundered 50 runs in the first 7 overs of the match. After a short rain delay Grimmer departed but Rob Harris and Ben Hancock took over and the scoreboard continued to tick over at a healthy rate.

With the departure of Harris Harpsden skipper Will Stevens joined Hancock in the middle and the pair proceeded to share a 100 run partnership. Hancock finally fell to the late arriving Seaward who was the pick of the Whitchurch bowlers and went on to pick up 4 wickets. After this Stevens saw partners come and go but managed to guide Harpsden to the mammoth total of 317 from their forty overs.

In reply Whitchurch started strongly in the opening overs but were pegged back by the economical Toby Stevens and impressive Mike Deville. With Whitchurch falling behind the rate Harpsden rotated their bowlers frequently. The star of the Whitchurch innings was Lyn Williams who made an aggressive 62 before falling to a good catch by Alfred Cary.

With Williams back in the pavilion Harpsden closed in on victory and even managed to get all 11 of their players on to bowl. Late resistance came from Flood and Neeson but not enough to stop Harpsden running out comfortable victors.

Harpsden
A.Grimmer b Neeson 60
R.Harris ct b Williams 41
B.Hancock b Seaward 37
W.Stevens ct sub b Seaward 92
R.Birkett b Williams 16
H.Cary ct Seaward b Steward 22
A.Birkett st Flood b Steward 16
G.Hepburn b Seaward 9
A.Cary Run Out 0
T.Stevens Not Out 4
M.Devile c&b Seaward 1
Extras 19
Total 317

Whitchurch
Seaward b Deville 6
Mattimao b Hepburn 24
Motha b Deville 0
L.Williams b Hepburn 62
Flood Not Out 23
Loudan ct b Hepburn 0
Steward b Stevens 1
S.Willams ct Stevens b A.Birkett 2
Nesson Not Out 18
Extras 16
Total 152

Harpsden 'tee off' against 'sub par' Woodcote

2010-08-19T18:21:00.000+01:00

Harpsden 'open'ed up the bowling, Ham 'pitched' it up while Whittaker 'roughed' up the batsmen at the other end. Wickets fell as regularly as bunkers were found at Whistling Straits as a result of Hodgkiss putting in one 'Els' of a spell, swinging the ball so much the batsmen didn't know 'Watney' hell was going on. Woodcote were bowled out for 140.

Woodcotes hopes of winning the match 'faded' as Whittaker came to the crease and 'sliced' away 'fore' after 'fore'. To bring up his fifty Whittaker smashed yet another six, this time the ball went a 'fairway' into the 'Woods' and the victory was quickly wrapped up so that the players were back 'Dustin' time to see the conclusion of the final round of the USPGA.

Hancock and Hepburn Guide Harpsden to Victory

2010-08-08T11:45:00.001+01:00

Stonor
S Collings ct Moyle b Birkett E 0
I Harris ct Hepburn b Hodgkiss 0
S Gordon ct Hodgkiss b Birkett R 46
J Powell ct Birkett E b Birkett R 48
M Bowden ct Reissman b Birkett R 2
T Wright b Stevens 11
S Mayana ct Reissman b Birkett A 15
J Olive b Stevens 0
C Maidlow b Imlay 4
S Harris ct Hancock b Birkett A 0
N Allsop Not Out 2

TOTAL 142 all out

Best Bowling: Birkett R 3-16, Birkett A 2-2

Harpsden
M Hodgkiss ct I Harris b Maidlow 5
W Stevens ct S Gordon b S Harris 11
R Harris b J Powell 12
I Reissman ct J Powell b Bowden 6
S Imlay ct I Harris b S Harris 22
A Birkett ct Mayana b Bowden 24
G Hepburn ct N Allsop b S Harris 28
B Hancock Not Out 14
E Birkett Not Out 6

TOTAL 144-7

Best Bowling: S Harris 3-28, Bowden 2-27

Harpsden travelled to Stonor in very damp conditions, in what turned out to be a very closely fought match.

Harpsden made the best possible start with the ball, removing Collings in the first over, caught behind off the bowling of Ed Birkett. Harpsden enjoyed further success in the following over, as Hodgkiss removed Harris first ball thanks to a smart catch from Hepburn at first slip. Powell and Gordon then set about rebuilding the innings, as Powell nurdled the singles, and Gordon went for a slightly more aggressive approach. It worked for both batsman, until Rod Birkett removed Gordon, who was caught at cow corner by Hodgkiss. The following ball, Powell didn’t follow through with his shot, and spooned the ball to mid on where Ed Birkett was waiting. From then on, Stonor failed to gain any momentum, losing there final 6 wickets for 40 runs. The pick of the Harpsden bowlers was Rod Birkett, who turned in figures of 6-0-16-3. He ably supported at the end of the innings by son Adam who picked up 2 wickets for 2 runs.

Harpsden started there innings cautiously, mainly due to very tight bowling from the Stonor openers. Hodgkiss was the first man to fall off the bowling of Maidlow, and Stevens soon followed him to the pavilion, removed by Harris’s bowling. Harpsden then found themselves in trouble at 44-4 with 20 overs remaining. Imlay and Birkett built a solid partnership before Birkett holed out, and Imlay was brilliantly caught by Ian Harris at slip off his sons bowling. This brought Hancock to the crease to join Hepburn, who was already hitting the ball sweetly, both batsman played sensibly, before Hepburn was caught behind again off Harris’s bowling. With 2 overs remaining Harpsden still needed 13 runs to win, Hancock showed good compsure, first hitting a loose full toss for four, and then hitting a cut shot through the covers for four 2 balls later, this meant that Harpsden now only needed 5 from the last over, Ed Birkett hit a 2, before unluckily for Stonor, the ball bounced awkwardly in front of the wicket keeper, and the ball flew to the boundary, with byes being signalled to give Harpsden victory by 3 wickets.

Harpsden Opening Pair

2010-07-23T14:49:00.001+01:00

2010-07-19T08:48:00.001+01:00

Harpsden v Sonning Commonn

Sun 18th July 2010

Sonning Common Village were the visitors to the Harpsden ground on Sunday afternoon and after a couple of team photos the 40over game got under way. Having won the toss stand in skipper Mick Greenwood opted to bat but Harpsden were pinned back by some accurate bowling from the Sonning Common opening pair of Pitson and Gallimore and struggled to 67 for 3 off the first 20overs with only Tom Ham, scoring 27, making any impact on the scoreboard. There then followed an excellent partnership of 90 between Andy Grimmer and James Thompson with James falling three short of 50. Grimmer finally succumbed for 71 and some firm hitting from Ian Whittaker, Ollie Heath and Mick Greenwood followed which brought the Harpsden score up to a respectable 216 after their allotted overs.
Sonning Common set about the run chase with gusto in particular the opener Cooke looked very dangerous before an excellent one handed catch from Tom Ham at midwicket sent him on his way. Some accurate bowling from Miles Hodgkiss and excellent leg spin from man of the match James Thompson choked the game off. With Toby Stevens and Ian Brown chipping in with wickets Harpsden, in the end, won comfortably by 89 runs.

Harpsden
N Sweet b.Gillimore 7
I Reissmann ct b Gillimore 0
T Ham ct b Gallimore 27
A Grimmer ct b Cann 71
J Thompson ct b Cann 47
I Whittaker ct b C Pitson 17
O Heath Not Out 17
M Greenwood Run Out 14
T Stevens Not Out 0

extras 16
TOTAL 216
Best bowling Gallimore 3 for 21, Cann 2 for 21

Sonning Common
Cooke ct b Thompson 33
Cann ct b Brown 14
C Pitson ct b Stevens 5
N Pitson b Hodgkiss 21
C Gallimore b Hodgkiss 3
Cal Gallimore ct b Thompson 9
Welsh Run Out (Greenwood) 9
Barker ct b Thompson 0
Mee b Stevens 9
Tidewell Not Out 6
L Gallimore Not Out 10
extras 8
TOTAL 127
Best bowling Thompson 3 for 29, Hodgkiss 2 for 10.

Harpsden Net Easy Win Against The Deadbats

2010-07-13T21:56:00.002+01:00

Harpsden won the toss and as “Sjneider” of the teams wanted to bowl, elected to bat first. Harpsden kicked the game off with a Sweet drive into the “offside”. Adam Hurst hit the ball half way to south Africa with a massive six. The openers got Harpsden off to a good start with an opening partnership of 125 before Hursty was out for 51. After such a strong start harpsden looked set to make 4-4-2 possibly even 5-4-1 but the defensive fielding formation didn't allow this to happen. Another quick wicket fell and harpsden were looking in trouble. This brought Tom Hancock to the crease who played some “hansen” shots before he “pique”d out the fielder for a good 44. Sweet played beautifully to reach his century before he let the ball “hit the woodwork”. In the end harpsden fell short of 3-5-2 to make a total of 264 on a good wicket and the game was by no means over. Bowling figures.

After a short halftime teamtalk from captain Hancock the team was raring to go. At the start of the bowling Heath and Cracknell were getting the ball to move about like a jabulani. Crackers broke through the deadlock with a couple of well earned wickets. A strong partnership was forming and it was birkett who had the job of removing the pair, he duly did so and finished with 2 wickets for just 12 runs. He was getting the ball to “Shoot” off the wicket causing all sorts of trouble. Cary came on and spun his “Webb” taking 2 wickets. Hursty didn't put a foot “de jong” all day in the field. The crossbatters were well “off the target” and eventually fell 130 short as James Thompson cleared up the tail taking 4 wickets.

Harpsden

N.Sweet Bowled.. Cooke 114

A.Hurst Bowled.. Dicker 51

J.Paice Ct. Dicker 0

T.Hancock Ct Cooke 44

I.Whittaker NOT OUT 10

A.Cary Ct Cooke 1

Total 254-5

Deadbats

D.Cassmussow Ct. Cary 38

M.Malvuy RUN OUT 1

R.Parsons Ct. Cracknell 12

M.Hosgkiss Bowled Cracknell 0

I.Brown ct Cary 20

P.O'Conner LBW Birkett 1

D.Rowles ct Thompson 1

P.Clothier NOT OUT 21

N.Swann Bowled Thompson 8

B.Dicker ct. Thompson 0

N.Cooke ct Thompson 0

Total 124

Harpsden Thrash Mortagees

2010-07-10T20:19:00.000+01:00

On a warm summers evening, Harpsden tort the Mortagees a lesson. Brown cross examined the technique of N. Weston and he was judged to be out despite evidence to suggest the ball never touched the bat. After S. Gosper was well court by Bradley at cover, it was a case of polishing off the long tail which was done quickly. Eventually the Mortagees were dismissed for 61 runs thanks to the excellent bowling of the Browns and Welford, who exhibited prodigious skill in removing their 10 and 11.

The result looked a foregone conclusion but after Cary was guilty of throwing his wicket away in the first over, the jury was out. Ian Brown and Adam Birkett restored order with a stand of 30 and the match was won after just 13 overs.

Boomerang ball bugs brilliant Norton

2010-07-05T07:18:00.000+01:00

On a warm yet overcast day Harpsden entertained Twyford. Twyford won the toss and elected to bat first on an un-characteristically hard Harpsden pitch.

Wright struck early with a very fortunate wicket with a terrible ball,
getting Benjamin caught brilliantly by the diving Norton, the first of his five chances of the day. After his first brilliant catch the safe Norton hands then dropped the next two difficult chances but followed up with two first-rate clingers. Toby Stevens also got into the action with admirable efforts in the field, most notably his outstanding catch at backward point. After the early wicket of Benjamin, Twyford started to re-build the innings with Woodman (33) and Tom Fort(54) building momentum by putting on a crucial 87 run partnership in which Fort batted excellently for his deserved half-century. Rod Birkett’s demon
in-swing broke the partnership with his second ball. From there wickets
started to fall at regular intervals with Sam Imlay (3-16) and Rod Birkett(3-16) being the pick of the bowlers. Twyford finished on a below par 146.

After a long hot time in the field it was Harpsden’s turn to bat.
However, they suffered a serious blow in their run chase as the weary
looking Sweet recorded the first ruby duck in the last 25 years of
Harpsden’s history. His return to the pavilion was greeted by sarcastic applause and the washing up. This brought Will Stevens to the crease to try and stabilise the innings which is precisely what he did with the help of Mick Greenwood. Greenwood was then caught outstandingly by Edward Farrah (12 years old) trying to hit a good length ball into the cemetry. This brought 60% Andrew Norton to the crease showing no fear with Harpsden at 24-2. Norton batted exquisitely with the in-form Stevens in support. Norton took no time to get started and very quickly they both raced to their half centuries. They saw Harpsden home with ample time to spare thus completing a comprehensive 8 wicket victory. The pick of the bowlers was Hackett with 2 for 34.

Innings of Twyford

P. Woodman B. R. Birkett 33 D. Benjamin ct. Norton B. Wright 3
T. Fort ct. T. Stevens B. Hodgkiss 54
K. Cochrane ct. Norton B. Hodgkiss 3
H. Fort ct. T. Stevens B. R. Birkett 0
C. Fort B. Imlay 2
T. Downes ct. W. Stevens B. Imlay 7
S. Farrah ct. Norton B. Imlay 6
T. Cooper ct. and B. W. Stevens 1
P. Hackett ct. Sweet B. R. Birkett 4
E. Farrah Not Out 0

Extras 33

Total (All out) 146

Harpsden Bowlers

T. Ham 6-1-23-0, J. Wright 6-1-20-1, T. Stevens 3-0-9-0, A. Birkett
2-0-13-0, W. Stevens 6-1-9-1, M. Hodgkiss 7-0-28-2, R. Birkett 9-2-16-3, S. Imlay 5-0-16-3

Innings of Harpsden

N. Sweet Ct. T. Downes b. P. Hackett 0
M. Greenwood Ct. E. Farrah b. P. Hackett 9
W. Stevens NOT OUT 73
A. Norton NOT OUT 64

Extras 1

Total (for 2 wkts) 147

Twyford Bowlers

P. Hackett 6-0-34-2, T. Cooper 5-0-28-0, T. Downes 4-0-42-0, T. Fort
5-0-23-0, E. Farrah 2-0-11-0, S. Farrah 0.4-0-10-0

Harpsden cling on for draw

2010-06-29T10:25:00.002+01:00

On a burning hot Saturday afternoon Harpsden CC & Benedick CC played out a fascinating draw with more swings in it than the local playground. There was no surprise when Harpsden won the toss and elected to bat first. Toby Stevens and Rob Harris opened the Harpsden innings and were soon into their stride as both batsmen struck boundaries in the opening overs. Benedick’s fort back however with two wickets in two balls from Northcott, the skipper. The fielders closed in on the new batsman for the hat trick ball but were left disappointed as the ball troubled the wicketkeeper more than the batsman.

Tom Hancock in his first game of the season showed some signs of a return to form in a well constructed 25. However both he and Bradley were to fall to good pieces of bowling by Pascoe. With two further wickets falling Harpsden were in serious need of rebuilding fortunately for them Hodgkiss and B.Hancock were up to the task. With caution at first and aggression later in their innings the scoreboard began to tick over. Hancock was to fall to the returning Pascoe, who was the pick of the Benedick bowling attack, for a precious 29. Hodgkiss went on to complete his half century having found support lower in the order from Birkett and Deville.

With Harpsden having made 204 from their 41 overs Benedick’s started their chase well with Acworth and on loan Harpsden Skipper Will Stevens taking full advantage of the lightning fast outfield. However when Toby Stevens began steaming in to his elder brother on a pitch that was starting to misbehave the Benedick pair did well to survive the opening salvo.

Acworth was particularly brutal on anything outside off stump as time and again Harpsden watched the ball disappear over the boundary. When he fell for 40 the Benedick’s total had reached 79 and Benedick’s looked on course to reach their target. As the final twenty overs of the game commenced two further wickets had fallen and 120 runs were required and the game hung in the balance.

Stevens had been steadily accumulating runs as he watched partners come and go, but unfortunately the long hot day in the field had taken their toll as he began to run out of energy. Caswell did his best to keep his partner moving but with Harpsden ringing the boundaries run scoring became an impossible task. Stevens was finally dismissed hit wicket having fallen back toward his stumps.

With the rate still only at 7 an over Harpsden turn once again to Toby Stevens who bowled a very tight couple of overs to effectively save the game for Harpsden. Benedicks did their best to still reach the target but with 14 runs required from the last 5 balls a win seemed impossible to achieve. But with Pascoe crashing a huge six of with a ball to go the impossible was still achievable. Unfortunately it was not to be as Benedick CC ended their 37 overs on 201-6 just four runs short of victory.

Harpsden

T.Stevens ct Burtt b Northcott 10
R.Harris ct b Burtt 38
P.Sayers b Northcott 0
T.Hancock b Pascoe 25
J.Bradley b Pascoe 2
M.Hodgkiss Not Out 53
M.Greenwood b W.Stevens 0
B.Hancock b Pascoe 29
R.Birkett ct b Burtt 16
M.Devile Not Out 8
Extras 23
Total 204

Benedick CC

W.Stevens Hit Wicket b Harris 86
Acworth b b T.Hancock 40
Hunt ct b R.Birkett 7
Bentley ct b Sayers 17
Burtt ct b Sayers 2
Caswell ct b Hodgkiss 30
Pascoe Not Out 16
Northcott Not Out 2
Extras 1
Total 201

President triumphs in close encounter

2010-06-27T21:55:00.003+01:00

The annual President's XI vs. Chairman's XI cricket match took place this year on the same day as England were to take on Germany. As a result the game started early so we could watch the match during the tea break. The Chairman's XI, captained by Will Stevens, won the toss and choose to bowl first. The innings were split in two, with each team having 20 overs before and after tea.

The Chairman's XI got off to a great start with tight bowling from Johnny Wright and Ian Brown, with Wright dismissing the dangerous Burtt, all be it thanks to a superb catch in the gulley by Ben Hancock. Andy Bryan held the innings together and when the first session came to a close the President's XI were 125-4. In reply the Chairman's XI started slowly losing Jack Broome, Sam Imlay and Andy Norton early on. Bradley and Tom Hancock steadied the ship, batting through till tea, and reached 67-3.

Having indulged in the afternoon bbq and watched England's somewhat disappointing performance the President's XI resumed on 125-4. However the wickets tumbled with Tom Hancock taking 4 and the President's XI finishing 175 all out after 37 of their 40 overs completed.

The Chairman's XI needed 100 to win from their remaining 20 overs with 7 wickets in hand so the President's XI needed wickets. The Chairman's XI lost 4 wickets in quick succession and the rebuilding was left to the Hancock brothers who got close to the target. Johnny Wright continued the good work before being run out for the ninth wicket. Rod Birkett and Ian Brown put on around 15 for the last wicket to get within 4 runs of victory, however Toby Stevens dismissed Brown leaving the President elated and the Chairman inconsolable.

President's XI
N.Sweet ct. & b. T.Hancock 35
P.Burtt ct. B.Hancock b. J.Wright 4
A.Grimmer RUN OUT 26
A.Bryan b. T.Hancock 37
M.Hodgkiss b. B.Hancock 5
A.Imlay ct. J.Wright b. W.Stevens 16
T.Stevens ct. B.Hancock b. W.Stevens 0
E.Birkett ct. B.Hancock b. W.Stevens 9
O.Heath NOT OUT 5
C.Welford b. T.Hancock 8
C.Cracknell ct. G.Hepburn b. T.Hancock 1
Sub Total 146
Extras 29
Total (10wkts) 175

Best Bowling: T.Hancock 4-16, W.Stevens 3-23.

Chairman's XI
J Broome ct. A.Bryan b. C.Cracknell 7
S.Imlay ct. & b. C.Cracknell 5
A.Norton b. O.Heath 1
J.Bradley ct. E.Birkett b. M.Hodgkiss 20
T.Hancock ct. C.Cracknell b. C.Welford 43
G.Hepburn ct. N.Sweet b. C.Cracknell 2
W.Stevens ct. A.Grimmer b. C.Cracknell 0
B.Hancock lbw b. P.Burtt 19
J.Wright RUN OUT 20
R.Birkett NOT OUT 13
I.Brown ct. M.Hodgkiss b. T.Stevens 4
Sub Total 134
Extras 37
Total (10wkts) 171

Best Bowling: C.Cracknell 4-44.

We'll be back!

2010-06-25T12:30:00.000+01:00

Morgan CC won the toss and elected to bat first on a Sunny Saturday afternoon. Hepburn and Mitchell opened the bowling for Harpsden as the pace spin combination proved to be a good one as the scoreboard barely crept along in the first 10 over. Hepburn was the first to strike with a ball that nipped away and caught the edge Stevens taking the catch at first slip. This brought Khalid to the crease for Morgan and the scoring rate quickly increased as he took the attack to the bowlers.

The introduction of Hodgkiss brought about the customary wicket, Basil losing his off bail. Hodgkiss went on to produce a fine spell of bowling and was rewarded with figures of 5-44. Meanwhile Khalid went about his batting with a good aggression and took full advantage of the short boundary on one side. It was not until the introduction of Paice to the attack that Khalid failed to clear the boundary falling to a catch right on the ropes. The tail wagged with Leslie scoring a somewhat streaky 26 and the late arriving Gray showing why he would have opened that batting had he arrived for the start.

Harpsden having been set the target of 185 to win soon lost their first wicket, as Reissman departed for 4 runs. This was to prove to be a solitary moment of success for Morgan as Grimmer was joined by Broome at the crease. The pair having started cautiously soon accelerated a started to hit boundaries at will. The introduction of the slow bowlers only increased the scoring rate as both batsmen passed their half centuries. Grimmer ended 91 not out and Broome 83 not out and on another day would have been sure to reach three figures.

Morgan CC
Ruben ct W.Stevens b Hepburn 10
Ragu b Hodgkiss 5
Khalid ct W.Stevens b Paice 88
Omar ct Moyle b Hodgkiss 15
Basil b Hodgkiss 2
Usman b W.Stevens 10
Abul b Hodgkiss 4
Sheldon ct Paice b Hodgkiss 0
Steve ct Broome b Paice 6
Leslie bMitchell 26
Gray NOT OUT 9
Extras 10
185

Harpsden
A.Grimmer NOT OUT 91
I.Reissman ct Gray b Usman 4
J.Broome NOT OUT 83
Extras 11
189

Crazies Hill v Harpsden - photos

2010-06-15T10:47:00.001+01:00

Harpsden held by Crazies

2010-06-15T06:24:00.001+01:00

Crazies Hill managed to preserve their unbeaten start to their season, after thwarting Harpsden on Sunday. Having elected to field, Crazies were soon under pressure as Sweet and Bryan began aggressively, scoring at over 5 an over. R.Noyes and Rechner gradually brought things under control and when Noyes got one to lift, Bryan could only fend it to the diving J.Collis at short forward square. Hurst joined Sweet and together they seemed in little trouble, until Hurst was bowled by a ball which kept low from Noyes.

Harpsden looked in control as Sweet and Norton built on the platform provided, with Sweet passing fifty and looking set for a large score. Crazies’ hopes began to rise as Hanton removed Sweet and Birkett in consecutive overs, either side of Searle bowling Hodgkiss without scoring. However, Norton (77*) found able support, from Wright and Gireesh to lead Harpsden to 223-6.

Crazies’ reply started badly as A.Collis was removed first ball and Scholfield, having already given two chances, was well caught by Birkett to leave Crazies 17-2. Parris and D.Noyes began to rebuild the innings, adding 47 before Parris was run out by a direct hit. Stuart joined Noyes and they brought Crazies back into the match. However, when both fell in consecutive balls and J.Collis followed 4 balls later, Crazies had collapsed to 128-6.

With 9 overs remaining, Crazies dug in for a draw. With R.Noyes and Saunders looking comfortable this looked highly likely. However, the returning Cracknell took 3 wickets to leave Saunders needing to fend off the final over to ensure Crazies secured the draw, finishing on 159-9.

Harpsden
Sweet b Hanton 60
Bryan c J Collis b R Noyes 17
Hurst b R Noyes 21
Norton NOT OUT 77
Hodgkiss b Searle 0
Birkett b Hanton 0
Wright RUN OUT 14
Gireesh NOT OUT 17
Extras 17
TOTAL for 6 223

Rechner 11 – 0 – 56 - 0 R Noyes 9 - 2 - 32 - 2 Parris 6 - 1 - 27 - 0
Hanton 6 - 0 - 31 - 2 Searle 4 - 0 - 28 - 1 J Collis 3 - 0 - 35 - 0

Crazies Hill
D Noyes c Sweet b Ham 56
A Collis c Cracknell b Wright 0
Scholfield c Birkett b Ham 5
W Parris RUN OUT 15
Stuart c Birkett b Hodgkiss 31
Saunders NOT OUT 10
J Collis c & b Hodgkiss 0
R Noyes b Cracknell 17
S Hanton b Cracknell 0
Rechner c Birkett b Cracknell 0
A Searle NOT OUT 0
Extras 25
TOTAL for 9 159

Ham 10 - 1 - 26 – 2 Wright 4 – 1 - 10 - 1 Deville 4 - 0 - 20 - 0
Cracknell 6 - 3 - 18 - 3 Hodgkiss 11 - 3 - 41 – 2 Hurst 3 - 0 - 11 - 0
Bryan 1 - 0 - 17 - 0

Harpsden chop Woodley down

2010-06-06T21:35:00.004+01:00

Woodley

T.Kahn b. E.Birkett 7
J.Khan b. G.Hepburn 15
Raja ct. A.Bryan b. G.Hepburn 30
Mahmood ct. A.Bryan b. A.Cary 0
Amjam ct. J.Paice b. C.Welford 19
Stone b. A.Cary 4
Sharma ct. A.Hurst b. J.Paice 12
Udan RUN OUT 4
Houghton ct. A.Hurst b.M.Hodgkiss 4
Kousik NOT OUT 16
Jackson ct. C.Welford b. M.Hodgkiss 0

Sub Total 111
Extras 29
Total (10 wkts) 140

Best Bowling: Hodgkiss 2-9, Hepburn 2-15

Harpsden C.C.

J.Paice caught b. Kousik 35
G.Hepburn b. Amjam 9
J.Broome caught b. Amjam 12
A.Hurst Retired 53
A.Bryan b. Sharma 11
A.Cary NOT OUT 14
E.Birkett NOT OUT 7

Sub Total 140
Extras 4
Total (4 wkts) 144

Best Bowling: Amjam 2-30

Harpsden lost the toss on a humid day and were put into the field by Woodley on what looked to be a good batting track. Harry Williams and Ed Birkett shared the new ball well but despite restricting the runs found wickets hard to come by. It took the introduction of ageless Miles Hodgkiss, big George Hepburn and canny spinner Alfred Cary to clear the middle order picking up two wickets a piece. Highlights for the batting team included 30 from Raja and a hard fought 19 from Amjam who occupied the crease whilst others were falling around him. Harpsden will be disappointed with the 29 extras conceded. Woodley finished on an under par 140 all out.

Harpsden decided to attack and despite losing two early wickets reached 100 in the thirteenth over. Adam Hurst was batting with a dodgy leg and managed to reach 34 before having to do any running. His fifty came up with his 11th boundary of the day and he promptly retired to rest his damaged leg. It was left to Cary and Birkett to finish the game in the 20th over and by 6 wickets.

Harpsden v Old Josephians – 1st June 2010

2010-06-03T12:02:00.000+01:00

Hepburn and Birkett Destroy Old Josephians

Harpsden
J Broome ct Maguire b Howes 0
A Birkett ct Daniels b O’Donoho 14
A Hurst ct Mitchener b O’Donoho 23
M Greenwood ct Peacock b Howes 8
R Birkett ct Daniels b R Grindrod 47
G Hepburn ct Peacock b Maguire 65
J Paice ct Peacock b Maguire 10
B Hancock Not Out 35
H Williams Not Out 13

TOTAL 221-7
Best Bowling: Howes 2-15, O’Donoho 2-39.

Old Josephians
Maguire c & b Paice 54
Daniels Run Out 0
Mitchener b E Birkett 0
De Giovanni b E Birkett 0
P Grindrod ct R Birkett b E Birkett 4
R Grindrod c & b Mitchell 0
O’Donoho b Paice 16
Buller b Mitchell 1
Peacock Not Out 1
Howes b A Birkett 4

TOTAL 86-9
Best Bowling: E Birkett 3-6, J Paice 2-8

Harpsden continued their good early season form with a very comfortable win against touring side Old Josephians in a 35 over match, played in very dull, wet conditions.

Harpsden had the worst possible start with the bat, when Broome hit the ball high into the air on the third ball of the innings, only to see Maguire standing underneath to take a fine catch. Hurst and Birkett then rebuilt the innings, before Hurst fell for 23. Adam Birkett was the next man to fall, getting caught behind from O’Donoho’s bowling. Rod Birkett then joined Greenwood at the crease, only to see Greenwood fall for 8, this left Harpsden in trouble at 51-4 after 14 overs. Harpsden’s saviours came in the form of George Hepburn and Rod Birkett, who had a brilliant partnership of 110, which was well balanced with singles from Birkett, and big hitting from Hepburn. However, both fell in quick succession, Hepburn for a hard hitting 65, and Birkett for a very composed 47, in an innings where he deserved to go on and get his half century. This left Harpsden with 6 overs left to bat, Hancock wasted no time in dispatching the bowling to all parts in an inning of 35 not out, which included five fours and a six. He was ably supported by Williams, as Harpsden posted a very competitive 221-7 from their allocated 35 overs.

Harpsden then tore apart the Old Josephians batting line up, with Ed Birketts left arm swing bowling accounting for three of the Old Josephians top five. Tom Mitchell then also got in on the act, picking up two further wickets, before James Paice removed Maguire with a brilliant caught and bowled. It was left to Adam Birkett to finish the match off, bowling Howes for 4, to leave Old Josephians nine wickets down for 86, which meant they were all out as they only had ten players.

Harpsden vs. Crossbatters

2010-05-31T08:00:00.005+01:00

On a sunny summer day, Crossbatters visited Harpsden and their Captain Ian Whittaker won a crucial toss, putting Harpsden in to bat on a wicket still slow from the rain the day before. Some tight bowling by T. Atkins and C. Whittaker immediately put Harpsden under pressure with Whittaker starting with two maidens and a wicket maiden in his first three overs. Sweet and Pohl were out early but Hurst (28) and Bryan (32) began to re-build the innings. Useful scores were contributed by T. Nugent (17) and R. Birkett (16) but a captain’s innings of 37 by Stevens enabled Harpsden to post a reasonable total of 180 from their 40 overs.

The Crossbatters chase started with the early loss of I. Nugent but some big hitting by Tomlinson ably supported by Travers in a stand of 38 put Crossbatters well ahead of the asking rate. R. Atkins was very unfortunate to be run out whilst backing up by Wright. Useful contributions by both R and T Atkins helped keep things moving, but it was an excellent innings of 51 not out by C. Whittaker, surely the man of the match, assisted by his father Ian took Crossbatters home with two overs in hand. It was an excellent game much enjoyed by a good crowd.

Harpsden

N. Sweet ct I. Whittaker b. C. Whittaker 1
A. Hurst b. Hodgkiss 28
C. Pohl ct. Redfern b. T. Atkins 8
A. Bryan b. Travers 32
A. Cary st. I. Nugent b. Hodgkiss 2
A. Birkett Run Out 4
T. Nugent ct. b. Thornton 17
W. Stevens Not Out 37
R. Birkett ct. C. Whittaker b. I. Whittaker 16
J. Wright Run Out 7
E. Birkett Not Out 6

Extras. 10

Total for 9 wkts. 180

T. Atkins 8-1-22-1 C. Whittaker 6-3-19-1 Hodgkiss 5-0-18-2
Travers 8-0-42-1 Thornton 9-2-46-1 I. Whittaker 3-0-21-1
Woodward 1-0-11-0

Crossbatters

Tomlinson ct. Sweet b. T. Nugent 27
I. Nugent LBW b. E. Birkett 6
Travers ct. & b. b. Ham 31
Woodwood ct. Hurst b. Wright 6
R. Atkins Run Out 11
Thornton LBW b. Ham 0
T. Atkins ct. T. Nugent b. Stevens 15
C. Whittaker Not Out 51
Redfern ct. A. Birkett b. E. Birkett 9
I. Whittaker b. T. Nugent 10
M. Hodgkiss Not Out 5

Extras 11

Total for 9 wkts. 182

E. Birkett 8-2-44-2 T. Nugent 8-1-48-2 Wright 4-0-15-1
Ham 5-0-24-2 Cary 8-0-28-0 Stevens 4.5-1-20-1

Harpsden Hammer Cypos

2010-05-17T17:00:00.000+01:00

Cypos CC
I Emslie ct Hepburn b Cracknell 2
C Bainbridge ct Hurst b Burns 48
T Cormack LBW b Devile 9
C Howell ct Hurst b Paice 9
Adil b Burns 0
Garrad b Paice 4
R Hubbard ct Paice b Burns 0
C Willis ct Stevens b Hepburn 26
Cyrus Not Out 12
Gajam Not Out 8

TOTAL 146 – 8
Best Bowling: Burns 3-14, Paice 2 -14

Harpsden
M Hodgkiss ct Cyrus b Gajan 40
W Stevens Retired 50
A Hurst Run Out 1
J Bradley LBW b Powell 0
G Hepburn Not Out 38
L Burns Not Out 16

TOTAL 150 – 3
Best Bowling: Gajan 1-21, Powell 1-28

Harpsden skipper Will Stevens won the toss and elected to insert touring side Cypos Cricket Club, on a warm Saturday afternoon.

Harpsden made a solid start, with Chris Cracknell and Mike Devile finding plenty of swing. It was Cracknell who made the breakthrough, forcing an outside edge from Elmslie’s bat, with the ball being sharply caught by Hepburn at gully. Devile was the next man to strike, trapping Cormack LBW. Harpsden continued to bowl good areas, and got reward for their hard work, with wickets falling at regular intervals during the middle overs. Burns was the most dangerous of the Harpsden bowlers, picking up 3-14 from his 5 overs, including the wicket of the dangerous Bainbridge. Cypos managed to add on some much needed runs towards the end of the innings, however they still only managed to post 146-8 from there allocated 40 overs.

Harpsden openers Hodgkiss and Stevens wasted no time in taking the attack to the Cypos opening bowlers, racing to 62 without loss after 10 overs. Once Hodgkiss fell for a very well played 40, Harpsden looked to be on course for a very comfortable victory, however, after Stevens sportingly retired on 50, Harpsden suffered the loss of 2 quick wickets, Bradley falling for 0, and Hurst getting run out for 1 after a mix up with Hepburn. Hepburn quickly made up for running his partner out, as he smashed to ball to boundary with regularity, to finish on 38 not out, which included 5 fours and 2 sixes. Burns finished the match off with a sweetly struck 6, to give Harpsden victory by 6 wickets after just 21.2 overs.

Holyport Bowled over by Brown

2010-05-11T00:01:00.000+01:00

On a very cold Sunday afternoon Harpsden travelled to Holyport to play a 40 over a side match. Having won the toss Harpsden elected to bat first and set about their task strongly with Jack Broome and Ian Reissman taking the attack to the opening bowlers. Reissman was first to fall and was soon followed by Norton who was run out in a very tight decision. With Andy Bryan joining Broome at the crease the run rate rose once more as the bowling was dispatched to all parts of the ground, Broome was to fall agonizingly short of his half century.

With the introduction of C.Morgan to the attack the Harpsden run rate fell as they looked to consolidate after their strong start, Bryan departed for a well made 39. Adam Birkett was unfortunate to get a ball that kept low just as he was starting to get on top of the Holyport bowlers. With 9 overs still to go Paice and Stevens looked to give Harpsden a strong finish to the innings and leave Holyport with a mountain to climb. Some powerful stroke play and good running the pair managed to get Harpsden past the 250 mark, with Stevens falling on the last ball of the innings.

In response the Holyport batsmen faced an uphill struggle on a pitch that was playing lower and lower. This fact coupled with so intelligent bowling and a desire to match the Harpsden run rate was their downfall, as the top order failed to get going. Credit should go to Ian Brown who returned his best figures for Harpsden 4-13 and took the game away from Holyport. The innings was wrapped up by Rod Birkett, who took the last two wickets.

Harpsden
J.Broome b P.Morgan 49
I.Reissman ct Pyle b Griffiths 17
A.Norton RUN OUT 7
A.Bryan ct C.Morgan b P.Morgan 39
W.Stevens ct Pyle b Kass 82
A.Birkett ct Pyle b Cox 22
J.Paice NOT OUT 19
Extras 19
Total 254

Holyport
C.Morgan b Brown 22
A.Pyle b Brown 0
A.Drewett b Hepburn 0
P.Davies b Brown 12
M.Taylor b Brown 0
A.Hawkins RUN OUT 5
C.Cox RUN OUT 2
H.Kass b R.Birkett 0
P.Morgan NOT OUT 3
M.Griffiths b R.Birkett 0
Extras 5
Total 49

Hurst guides Harpsden to victory

2010-05-10T18:39:00.001+01:00

Rivets
Buddika ct Hurst b Cary 5
Shamas ct Welford b Cary 38
Burnett ct Cary b Hancock 41
Fernando Run Out 1
Waqar ct Hodgkiss b Devile 24
Delaney ct Devile b Hancock 0
Kashif Run Out 34
Bilal b Burns 2
Najam ct Hodgkiss b Hancock 4
Steadman Not Out 4
Travers Not Out 0

TOTAL 158-9
Extras 5
Best Bowling: Hancock 3-31, Cary 2-14

Harpsden
A Grimmer b Travers 34
R Harris lbw b Travers 25
T Mitchell st Shamas b Steadman 0
A Hurst Not Out 58
L Burns c & b Bilal 2
A Cary b Bilal 0
B Hancock b Bilal 2
C Welford b Najam 17
M Devile Not Out 0

TOTAL 159
Extras 21
Best Bowling: Bilal 3-24, Travers 2-35

Harpsden continued there good early season form against Rivets, on a very cold, overcast day.

Harpsden made a positive start with the ball, with Devile, and debutant Luke Burns placing the ball in very good areas. However, it wasn’t until spin was introduced that Harpsden got reward for their tight bowling, Cary getting rid of Buddika after a sharp diving catch from Welford. Cary then also removed the dangerous Shamas, after a catch from Hodgkiss. Fernando was the next man to fall after a good piece of fielding from Burns, which allowed Moyle to claim the run out. Hancock was the next man to get amongst the wickets, removing Burnett and Delaney with consecutive balls to set up a hat trick ball for Kashif to face. He prodded his bat at the ball, and a loud appeal followed with Hancock and Moyle convinced that he had made contact, but the batsmen didn’t walk, and the finger wasn’t raised, from this point Kashif proved dangerous, hitting a quickfire 34, before being run out by a sharp piece of fielding from Cary. The Rivets innings then faltered, losing 3 wickets for 7 runs, with Devile and Burns both picking up there first wickets, and Hancock picking up his third. This limited Rivets to 158-9 from there 35 overs.

Harpsden made a brilliant start with the bat, with Grimmer and Harris timing the ball well all around the ground as they brought up their 50 run partnership after 9 overs. Rivets made the breakthrough after 11 overs, Travers removing Harris for 25. Harpsden then lost 2 quick wickets, with Mitchell getting stumped, and Grimmer getting bowled for 34. Bilal then tore through Harpsdens middle order, removing Burns, Cary and Hancock. Harpsden were now in deep trouble at 118-6. However, Welford came to the crease to join Hurst, who was already smashing the ball all around the ground. Welford decided to try and join in, and made a quick 17 before being bowled by youngster Najam, Harpsden now only needed 8 runs to win, and Hurst wasted no time in smashing two fours in a row to finish it off with 9 overs to spare.

Stevens Brothers dominate Erratics

2010-05-04T17:57:00.001+01:00

Saturday saw Harpsden entertain London Erratics in a 40 over match. The Harpsden skipper won the toss and elected to bat first which proved to be a good decision as the Harpsden openers Paice and Grimmer dominated the early contest. This dominance was continued until drinks as both batsmen completed their fifties just before the break. The Erratics managed to dismiss both openers in quick succession that brought brothers Toby and Will Stevens to the crease.

The Stevens boys set about accumulating runs, with younger brother Toby leading the charge. In fact when Toby had reached his maiden fifty for Harpsden Will had only scored 11 runs. Toby was to fall soon after reaching his fifty to a good catch from the substitute fielder Harpsden had provided. Hodgkiss came and went but not before displaying some of the power hitting he is capable of. With Ben Hancock joining W.Stevens the pair set about dispatching the bowling to all parts of the ground. Both went on to complete fifties of their own bringing the Harpsden total to a remarkable 330, and a total of 5 batsmen getting fifties.

In response to this mammoth total the Erratics started slowly and Andrews fell to a sharp catch by Hancock off the bowling of Brown. But with this wicket Masters came to the crease and with Rivington set about steadily accumulating runs. Unfortunatley for the Erratics just as Masters seemed to be getting on top of the bowling he was dismissed agonisingly short of his half century. After this the Harpsden total was never threatened, but Rivington batted solidly for his 76 and it took a wonderful ball from Hancock to dismiss him at the death. Harpsden went on to win this game convincingly.

HARPSDEN
A.Grimmer ct Berrigan b Masters 50
J.Paice ct Berrigan b Masters 60
T.Stevens ct Sub b Coates 52
W.Stevens NOT OUT 59
M.Hodgkiss ct Masters b Rivington 18
B.Hancock NOT OUT 55
Extras 36
Total 330

LONDON ERRATICS
Rivington b Hancock 76
Andrews ct Hancock b Brown 1
Masters ct Brown b Mitchell 49
Berrigan ct b Hodgkiss 12
Dunbin ct Paice b W.Stevens 3
Poulter NOT OUT 18
Stephenson NOT OUT 8
Extras 9
Total 176

Wargrave put to the Sword

2010-04-26T19:07:00.002+01:00

Sunday saw Harpsden entertain Wargrave in a 40 over match. The Harpsden skipper won the toss and elected to take the field. This proved to be a good decision as due to the morning rain the pitch offered great assistance to the opening bowlers. Toby Stevens bowled with control and no lack of bounce and gave away only 9 runs in his opening spell. This pressure helped George Hepburn rip through the Wargrave top order and reduce them to 14 for 4. The introduction of Hodgkiss to the attack provided no let up for the Wargrave batsmen, as Harpsden continued to apply pressure. Hepburn was cruelly withdrawn from the attack by his captain having taken four wickets.

Ian Brown playing his first match for Harpsden bowled very tightly and took two further wickets. At this stage Wargrave were deep in trouble at 37-7 but to their credit dug deep and managed to gradually accumulate runs. Clarke and Woods were the pick of the Wargrave Batsmen, Clarke being particularly brutal on anything on leg stump.

In the end Hepburn was given his chance to complete his five wicket haul and he duly obliged when Adam Birkett held on to a good catch in the deep. Wargrave finished their innings having made 127.

Ian Nugent and A.Birkett set Harpsden on their way with an opening stand of 67. Nugent in particular looked in good form and it was a surprise when his innings came to an end. Thompson came and went for Harpsden and was soon followed by Birkett having made 26. Despite this wobble Harpsden were still in control of the game and with Stevens join Hepburn at the crease they sped on towards their target. Hepburn completed a fine individual display with 36 quick fire runs and was certainly Man of the Match. Stevens and Imlay finished the task soon after as Harpsden ran out winners by 6 wickets.

Wargrave

Lunnon ct Hodgkiss b Hepburn 3

Drew b Hepburn 1

Jeory ct Hodgkiss b Hepburn 3

Tabrah ct R.Birkett b Hepburn 0

Stuart ct I.Nugent b Brown 1

K.Clark NOT OUT 44

C.Lunn b Brown 0

A.Woods ct I.Nugent b Hodgkiss 6

M.Woods ct Welford b Thomson 36

J.Clark ct A.Birkett b Hepburn 7

Morton NOT OUT 7

Extras 19

Total 127

Best Bowling- Hepburn 5-14

Harpsden

I.Nugent lbw Clark 33

A.Birkett ct b Clark 26

J.Thomson ct Woods b Clark 4

G.Hepburn b Clark 37

W.Stevens NOT OUT 15

S.Imlay NOT OUT 2

Extras 9

Total 129

Best Bowling- Clark 4-27

2010 Pre-Season Letter

2010-02-06T16:38:00.002Z

Beechlands,
Rotherfield Road,
Henley-on-Thames,
Oxon, RG9 1NR.

6th February, 2010

Dear All,

I do hope you have had an enjoyable autumn and winter so far. Despite all the cold weather we’ve experienced, the cricket season is approaching and hence here is the Harpsden Cricket Club pre-season letter.

The fixture list is again taking shape due to Suzie Bradley’s hard work over the winter. There is the usual array of weekend jousts combined a number of weekday fixtures. After such an outstanding season in 2009 it has been decided to drop a few of the weaker opponents, for example those where we scored 270 for 1 declared and bowled them out for less than 50, and replace them with considerably stiffer opposition. We do hope that this will provide a suitable test for our talented group of youngsters (anybody less than 60 is included in this bracket!).

Andrew Norton has decided to step down as Club Captain after many years of sterling service. Our thanks go to Andrew for a tremendous job over the years although we are certainly not saying goodbye as we expect Andrew will continue to play for us, and probably even captain, on a regular basis. I am delighted to announce that Will Stevens has accepted our offer of becoming Club Captain and he will be supported by Andy Bryan who will continue in his role as Club Vice-Captain.

Andrew Imlay has accepted our invitation to become a Vice President. Having immediately preceded me as Chairman, Andrew was most influential in setting Harpsden Cricket Club on the successful path that it is today. Hopefully we will see more of Andrew in 2010 than we did in 2009.

Over the winter, various works have again been done including a lot of loam having been put on the square, hopefully resulting in an even firmer and somewhat flatter track. The big roller has been repaired which will also hopefully contribute to a faster, bouncier surface. And after all the damage to the stumps from our increasing array of speedsters, we have splashed out and bought some new ones! Also Horatio is kindly preparing some honours boards to put up in the pavilion, so hopefully some of those will be around by the start of the season.

There is one other major project that is under consideration and is being driven by Joanna Cary. We have become increasingly concerned about the number of balls being hit over into the road and the golf club car park on the other side of the road and we are considering whether a larger hedge and a net might dramatically reduce the risk of serious injury, or worse, to people on the other side of the hedge. More on that in due course. Also, after much consideration the Harpsden Trust has decided that the number and speed of cars driving along Harpsden Road has deteriorated to the point that the narrow opening in the middle of the boundary is now too dangerous to remain in place. As a result, that gate is going to be permanently closed so that anybody needing to go over the road to recover the ball, will need to do so via the car park or the gate by the golf practice area.

We have organised a spring curry at the Asiana Spice (34 Reading Road, Henley – just near to the Himalayan where we ate last year) on Saturday 20th March at 6.30pm for 7.30. Although I suspect the amount and quality of the food will be better than last year we have managed to keep the cost down to £15 a head for Adults and £10 for Students for an all-you-can-eat blend of starters, mains, popadoms, nans etc. Like last year, everybody will need to pay for their own drinks. I would be grateful if you could let me know (rodbirkett@btinternet.com) whether you will be able to attend. We can fit in about 40 people and hence it would be great to see as many cricketers, spouses and siblings as are able to attend.

The reason we are starting the curry night at 6.30 is that, again like last year, we have decided to have the AGM then, preceding the dinner. If anyone would like to come for the formal part of the evening, then please arrive promptly for a 6.30pm start, whilst if you wish to just attend the dinner then some time around 7.15pm would probably be about right.

A few dates for your diaries;

Saturday 20th March, 6.30pm to 7.15pm; AGM at Asiana Spice at 34 Reading Road, Henley.

Saturday 20th March, 7.15pm for 7.30; Curry at Asiana Spice in Henley.

Because the Henley College nets are no longer available to us for health and safety reasons we have had to revert to Sunday mornings at 11am at Shiplake College. Nets at Shiplake College, Sunday March 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th; from 11am to noon.

Take A4155 from Henley towards Reading. Shiplake College is on your left after ‘Shiplake Cross’. Take the 2nd entrance, the ‘All Visitors’ drive into the College. Follow the drive down to the main house, bear left and go past the main building on your right and park in the car park straight ahead. The Sports Hall is a wooden building with glass doors on the left hand side just opposite the car park.

Sunday 11th and Sunday 18th April at 10.30am to noon, nets at Harpsden Cricket Ground.

Sunday 18th April 9am to 10.30am: pre-season working party at Harpsden Cricket Ground. There are various jobs that need to be done before the season starts and the more support we have for this the better.

Practice Sessions from 6pm at Harpsden every Wednesday starting on April 21st. We have a group of organisers who have kindly offered to arrange practice sessions at the Club on Wednesday evenings throughout the season. These will commence at 6pm with the first one on Wednesday 21st April.

Saturday 24th April; 1st Harpsden match.

Sunday 27th June at noon; President’s XI vs Chairman’s XI.

Monday 30th August; Harpsden Six-a-Sides. If you want to put a team in, please book early to avoid disappointment!

Saturday 18th September; Annual Dinner.

The cost of playing and membership is being increased marginally from last year, although I’m sure it remains among the lowest in the country! The 2010 charge for Adults will be £75 for a season ticket OR £10 per game and for Students it will be a £35 season OR £5 per game for those who don’t buy a season ticket. We are also introducing a charge for evening games of £5 and £3 respectively for those who don’t buy a season ticket. Any increased revenue that we raise will go back into the club through improved facilities.

If you want to enhance your wardrobe, Ian Whittaker is still in charge of clothing and he will be taking orders for shirts, jumpers or caps so do email him (familywhittaker@hotmail.com) as per the attached/enclosed schedule.

Thanks to Joanna Cary the Harpsden Cricket Club blog is in fine fettle so do have a look if you get a chance (http://harpsdencricketclub.blogspot.com). A copy of this letter is going onto the blog so that the net dates will be there if you misplace this letter! There are also some outstanding photos of Harpsden Cricket Club in the snow taken by Ben Hancock, so do have a look.

Team organisation remains an onerous task and Jane has very kindly offered to do it again this season but if you were able to contact her (jburtt@shiplake.org.uk or 01491 575126) before the season starts with your early season availability that would be very helpful. Also, please contact Jane if you have had any change to your contact details.

Will Stevens has kindly offered to prepare the statistics again this season (with back-up from Ed Birkett when/if he goes away) and we would be grateful if you could all ensure that the scorebooks are filled in fully, and correctly, including details on the fall of wickets, so that we can monitor not just individual scores, but also partnerships.

We are always looking to enhance the membership of the club as it is the people who make it what it is. Do please bring your cricketing friends along to the pre-season nets or introduce them as the season progresses.

Look forward to seeing you at the AGM/Curry/Nets,

With best regards,

Rod.

Harpsden in the snow - January 2010

2010-01-06T20:06:00.000Z

Captain Norton Leads the Way in Harpsden Victory

2009-09-28T18:52:00.000+01:00

Harpsden v Stonor – 27th September 2009

Stonor
J Mayo ct Thornton b I Whittaker 58
B Denton c & b Hancock 29
M Bowden ct Norton b Hancock 1
J Powell* b T Nugent 71
N Reid Not Out 9
M Lovatt ct I Whittaker b T Nugent 12
R Hunt Not Out 2

TOTAL 202-5
Extras 20

Best Bowling: B Hancock 2-19, T Nugent 2-42

Harpsden
A Grimmer ct Sub b Agar 30
C Whittaker ct Hunt b Agar 16
O Boycott Run Out 12
A Norton* ct Lovatt b Powell 80
I Nugent + Not Out 41
I Whittaker Not Out 8

TOTAL 208-4
Extras 21

Best Bowling: A Agar 2-52, Powell 1-38

Harpsden entertained Stonor on a very warm September day in the annual closing fixture for both teams.

Stonor got off to a great start with the bat, with Mayo and Denton putting on 46 for the first wicket, before first change bowler Hancock struck in his first over, taking a sharp caught and bowled to remove Denton for 29. Hancock struck again in his next over, forcing an edge from Bowden’s bat, straight into the hands of Norton at gully. Stonor then rebuilt their innings well, with Mayo and Powell punishing any poor bowling. The pair had put on 107, before Harpsden made the breakthrough, with Mayo playing a rare rash shot into the hands of Thornton at mid wicket. Powell was next to fall, getting clean bowled by Nugent for 71. Lovatt provided some late order hitting for Stonor to take them up to a competitive total of 202-5 from their allocated two and a half hours.

Harpsden got off to a flyer, with the first over the innings going for 12 runs. Whittaker and Grimmer continued to play positively, reaching 40 before Whittaker smashed a full toss straight into Hunts hands at mid on. Grimmer was the next man to fall, hitting the ball straight up in the air into mid offs hands. Heath and Norton then rebuilt the innings, with Norton taking to the attack to the bowling, whilst Heath ably supported him at the other end, with a brick wall defence. Heath eventually was heading back to the pavilion after being run out by his captain. However, Norton more than redeemed himself, batting superbly, mixing attacking and defending perfectly to anchor the Harpsden innings, when he eventually fell for 80, Harpsden needed 23 runs from 5 overs, with Ian Nugent and Ian Whittaker at the crease, both batsmen used their experience to great effect, with Nugent hitting boundaries, and Whittaker giving him as much strike as possible in the now fading light. With one over left, Harpsden still needed 3 runs to win, and when the first 2 balls didn’t wield any runs, Harpsden fans and players were starting to worry, but 2 singles in 2 balls brought the scores level, and as the fifth ball of the final over sailed over the boundary for six from Nugent’s bat the victory was secured. For what was a brilliant end to a brilliant Harpsdens season, in which just 6 matches out of 54 were lost.

Harpsden v Holyport

2009-09-27T13:25:00.002+01:00

Harpsden v Holyport

Sat 26th September 2009

Holyport, one of the very few teams to have beaten Harpsden this year travelled to the village ground on a beautiful Indian summer day for Harpsden;s penultimate game of the season. Holyport, opting to bat in a timed game got off to a flying start scoring 40 off the first 5 overs before the pace of George Hepburn and the wily spin of Matt Hayward reduced the guests to 50 for 4. Holyport got a good partnership going with Fowler and Pyle getting into the forties and found the rest of the Harpsden attack easier to score off with only Will Foster managing to pick up a wicket. The return of Hayward with a wicket off his first ball and Hepburn getting two wickets in two balls stalled Holyport and they declared at tea on 163 for 8. The target should have been an easy one for Harpsden to chase an excellent 60 partnership between Ian Reissman and Dan Hayden gave the impression that Harpsden were going to cruise home. However two run outs changed the game, first Reissman struggling to make his ground and then a suicidal call by Hodgkiss resulting in the excellent Hayden heading back to the pavilion. The remaining batsmen came and went until Harpsden were 9 down, 25 short of the target with 9 overs to see out. With man of the match Haywood and veteran wicket keeper Richard Moyle at the crease a very tense half an hour ensued. Holyport tried desperately to remove one of the pair to win the game but some stalwart defence aided by a couple of lucky 4’s kept Harpsden in it and with 2 overs to go Moyle pulled a short ball for 4 winning the game for the home team. How the crowd rejoiced!

Holyport
Pajnani c lbw b.Hepburn 8
Taylor c Moyle b Haywood 29
Osinski c Haydenb Foster 7
Davies b Hawyood 11
Fowler c Moyle b Hepburn 40
Pyle b Haywoodi 46
Price st Moyleb Haywood 9
Cox b Hepburn 0
Bush Not out 1
Hayes Not out 4
extras 8
TOTAL (dec) 163
Best bowling M Haywood 4 for 44. Hepburn 3 for 29

Harpsden
I Reissman Run Out 27
A Birkett c Fowler b Hayes 1
D Hayden Run Out 46
R Birkett c Price b Pajnani 0
M Hodgkiss c Price b Fowler 26
G Hepburn b Fowler 1
M Greenwod c & b Hayes 4
E Birkett b Fowler 14
W Foster cPajnaniB Fowler 4
M Haywood `Not Out 13
R Moyle Not Out 8
`extras 20
``TOTAL 164
Best bowling Fowler 4 for 38

Harpsden Hammer Hambleden

2009-09-23T10:52:00.002+01:00

Hambleden

J Wright ct Imlay b Hayden 14
G Bridges ct Harris b B Hancock 2
C Waller b B Hancock 11
S Bradford ct Moyle b Wright 6
P Rosier ct W Stevens W b Wright 64
I Wright b W Stevens 48
N Arnold ct Hayden b W Stevens 7
D Cannon Not Out 3
S Mattingley b W Stevens 1

TOTAL 183-8
Extras 27
Best Bowling : W Stevens 3-17, B Hancock 2-8

Harpsden
S Imlay ct Rosier b Cannon 62
I Reissman b S Mattingley 17
R Harris b S Mattingley 2
A Bryan b Hodgkiss 34
W Stevens Not Out 16
D Hayden Not Out 47

TOTAL 189-4
Extras 11
Best Bowling: S Mattingley 2-35, D Cannon 1-30

Harpsden welcomed Hambleden on a humid September day, with many Harpsden players looking to make a final impression before the end of season awards that evening.

Harpsden started off very strongly with the ball, with leg spinner Hancock, and Hepburn placing the ball is very good areas. Hancock made the breakthrough, with Bridges trying to turn the ball onto the leg side, only to edge it low down into the safe hands of Harris at first slip. Hancock struck again a couple of overs later, bowling Waller through the gate. Hepburn was replaced by Wright at the other end, and after a few warm up deliveries, settled into a nice rhythm, often tempting the batsmen into the drive. Hancock was continuing to bowl tightly, and after his 8 over spell he returned with very impressive figures of 8-3-8-2. Hayden was the next man to make a breakthrough, having Wright caught at mid off for 14. This brought another Wright to the crease, and he quickly settled in, smashing the ball to all parts for his quick fire 48. When Wright was bowled by Stevens by a brilliant slower ball, he and Rosier, who despite turning up late, batted brilliantly for his 64, had put on a 92 for the fifth wicket, which had put Hambleden back into a competitive position. However, Stevens quickly ruined any chance of a big total, taking a further 2 wickets, to leave Hambleden on 183-8 after their 40 overs.

Harpsden started their run chase knowing that 184 was well within their grasp on a good batting wicket. Harpsden made an ideal start, with Imlay and Reissman looking very comfortable at the crease. When Reissman fell for 17, the pair had put on 53 in just 9 overs. Harris came and went for just 2, which brought Bryan to the crease to join Imlay, both batsmen played very well for their partnership of 47, with Bryan being bowled by Harpsden’s very own Hodgkiss, who had arrived to watch only to find that Hambleden were one short. Soon after, Imlay also fell for a quite brilliant 62, with 54 runs still needed for victory. Stevens and Hayden wasted no time in finishing the job off, with Hayden in particular punishing anything that that was over pitched to finish on 47 not out, which included six sixes, five of them from the bowling of Hodgkiss. Stevens played a good supporting role to finish on 16 not out, to give Harpsden a very easy victory with 10 overs to spare.

Dinner Speech 2009

2009-09-21T09:15:00.002+01:00

Harpsden Cricket Club Dinner Speech 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen,

What a summer this has been for Harpsden Cricket Club – I seem to say this every year and it keeps getting better and better. In 2007 we had 15% losses, 30% draws and 55% wins whilst last year we thought that 20% losses, 20% draws and 60% wins was awesome. This year we have surpassed all of that: out of a possible 49 fixtures we have managed to play 45. Despite the wettest July for over a hundred years we have only had one match cancelled because of the weather, and that was in June! Three matches were cancelled by terrified opponents (and not replaced by Conference fixtures due to late notice) including Hambleden in May and BBC Caversham in August.

That left 45 completed fixtures, which included only 2 draws; the first against BBC Caversham when we couldn’t get the last 2 wickets and the second where Eversley in 53 overs couldn’t get close to our score off 28 overs, but we couldn’t get their last 3 wickets. We also had one tie where Richard Moyle’s alledged first four in front of square for 10 years (in fact a classic cover drive) provided the backdrop for an amazing escape to keep our unbeaten run of at the time, 19 matches, intact. Of the 42 remaining matches, we have lost just five: 4 in May when our youngsters were studying (or so we are told!) rather than cricketing and 1 in June. That leaves a win percentage on completed matches of a quite astounding 82%. I’m glad we don’t have a website publishing these results, just the Joanna Cary inspired blog which we use for internal purposes, otherwise nobody would come to play us!

Talking about getting people to come to play us – the first thank you of the night goes to our fixture secretary, Suzie Bradley, who does such an incredible job against the background of almost certain defeat for anybody who signs up to meet the Harpsden rollercoaster. I suspect that Suzie will have an even tougher job than normal this winter convincing the opponents to come back. Here is a little something to help keep you going through the long winter months of excuses from our opponents. SUZIE BRADLEY [Chocolates].

In 2007, Harpsden’s bowlers were in the ascendancy, 2008, in contrast, was a year for the batsmen. In 2009, however, the principal reason for our success is that both specialties have excelled. As with previous years we have our annual trophies, generously donated by Tabbits, your first stop in Henley for car repair. The trophies this year have been more difficult to decide upon than in any of the previous years given the number of very high quality performers, and partly because of that we have tended to favour the individuals who have influenced the largest number of games. Andrew Norton, Will Stevens (except where he was conflicted!) and Julian Burtt have helped me decide who these awards would go to. The first of these trophies tonight is for young bowler of the year.

The young have bowled brilliantly this season, almost more reliably than the old codgers! Dan Hayden bowled really well when it mattered against Sheen Park, Adam Birkett, to many people’s surprise, has taken a number of wickets with a particularly good spell against Falkland, James Thomson has taken 12 wickets with his impressive leg spin, bowling a couple of very long spells, including 13 overs straight at Twyford, George Hepburn has bowled tremendously in his first season for us, with both great pace and accuracy. Johnny Wright has bowled a number of very economical spells when they were most needed. Tom Mitchell was the outstanding bowler in the match against Sonning, and if it wasn’t for his bad back restricting his spell, we may well have won that game too. The Oratory boys, Christian Whittaker and Sean Thornton have both bowled tightly in the few games they have played, with Christian’s final over (to Shaun) in the Sixes being the epitomy of control. And Chris Welford has taken 8 wickets with his off spin, including 3 in an over against Sonning Common Village.

The contenders for this award however, have been Toby Stevens, who has taken 16 wickets, including 3 for 7 in one match, and has bowled very economically, and in any other year may well have won this award. Alfred Cary has bowled beautifully, and economically, but has spent a bit more time batting this year and hasn’t taken as many wickets as he might have done. Tom Nugent has again bowled magnificently, particularly later in the season, including his 5 for 17 against Turville last week. But young bowler of the year goes to somebody who is in his last season in the junior category – he took 3 four wicket hauls in the first half of the sesason, against London Erratics, Rivets and Catchiteers and his tight bowling against Sheen Park was one of the principal reasons for us successfully containing probably the strongest batting line up we have faced all season. With 24 wickets this season, young bowler of 2009 – BEN HANCOCK [Trophy].

Before moving onto the bowler of the year award I would like to thank the person who is the oil that enables the Harpsden engine to purr. Harpsden Cricket Club without Jane Burtt would be a considerably poorer place. Jane does so much behind the scenes such as organising the bar, the barbeques, the toilet paper, the rubbish as well as the monstrously difficult task of convincing people to play when she hasn’t got enough, and even worse, encouraging them not to play when she has too many. Jane always gets out a shapely batting order, a balanced bowling attack, a mix of youth, to field on the long side, and old codgers to field on the short side, and always, always, exactly 11. Jane is just outstanding and here is the merest token of all our gratitude. JANE BURTT [Chocolates].

Now, back to the awards. Bowler of the year. There have been a large number of stellar performances with the ball with a considerable number of 5 wicket hauls. James Butler against Medmenham, Ian Whittaker, yes Ian not Christian, pitching it on a sixpence against Britwell Salome, Horatio Cary, yes Horatio not Alfred, taking a match winning 5 wicket haul against the Effigies to take us to an extremely unlikely victory, Tom Nugent as already mentioned against Turville, Will Stevens 5 for 11 against Nettlebed when we successfully defended just 76. Tom Hancock took 5 for 23 for the Presidents’ XI (including both Andy Bryan and Will Stevens) as he destroyed the Chairmans’ XI in 4 overs before rushing off to work. Mick Greenwood who won this award 3 years ago, has not bowled as well as he will next year, but has always been economical, Ed Birkett has played very few games, but when he has, he has bowled with great pace and control, notably against Henley and Britwell. Mike Deville has been great when he’s played, and now his exams are out of the way, the oppo are going to be seeing a lot more of his booming in-swingers next year. Tom Ham has bowled very economically, most notably going for just 6 runs in his 5 overs against Twyford. James Paice has been brilliant this year, tying things down when the oppo threatened to break free – notably against Henley. James has also batted well this season, helping to bring about extremely unlikely victories against both the Effigies and Whitchurch. Before we get to the bowler of the year award, I would like to announce the newcomer of the year award which goes to JAMES PAICE [Wine].

Now back to the bowling award. This came down to four outstanding bowlers: Tom Nugent who has been our fourth highest wicket taker this year (and had the pleasure of getting Miles out when Harpsden played against the Golf Club). Ollie Heath who bowled better and better as the season went on, highlighted by his destruction of what Turville thought was a very strong top order where numbers 3, 4 and 5 went quack, quack, quack. Tom Hancock has bowled brilliantly again this year despite being hampered by a back problem in the first part of the season and also not playing as much as he might have done due to work commitments. Tom has been tremendous but he has been pipped at the post this year by somebody who just produces it year in, year out. He took a critical four wicket haul against Reading Lawyers, bowled brilliantly against Henley, bowled 8 overs and took 1 for 3 against Falkland, in a reasonably high scoring game. The bowler of the year for 2009, and is our highest wicket-taker by far, MILES HODGKISS [Trophy].

Bowlers are not so hot unless accompanied by good fielders and catchers: at this point I would like to hand over to Will who will talk about some of the fielding and catching exploits of the summer, and present the Catch of the Season trophy. Will.

This year we will do the all-rounders awards before the batting awards. For the juniors, James Thomson having been very impressive with the ball all season, got a match-winning 25 not out against Cranbourne, quickly followed by an attacking 40 against Morgan Cricket Club, Adam Birkett’s bowling and wicket keeping has combined with some strong batting displays, Toby Stevens highly effective bowling and then batting well when needed, helping big brother Will in a match-winning partnership to beat Whitchurch. Johnny Wright has also shown what he can do with the bat having impressed with ball, when he put on 40 for the last wicket with Mick Greenwood in the Presidents’ match as they strived for an unlikely victory. Christian and Shaun have been great but have not played enough this year to compete for the all-rounder award and hence it came down to 4 guys.

Ben Hancock is both the Club’s third highest wicket taker and also doesn’t hang around when he’s batting. Having said how good Alfred Cary has been with the ball he then proceeded to have stellar knocks against Stonor and the Golf Club and then a quite breath-taking 71 not out against Shiplake where in one over against Bobby Bolton’s son, he started 6, 6, 6, 6, 1! Big George Hepburn, great with the ball and left nobody in any doubt about the quality of his eye when he took the game away from Woodcote in 6 flashes of the Kookaburra. But young all-rounder of 2009 goes to someone who has been brilliant with the ball, but also extremely impressive with the bat. He scored 66 against the Effigies batting with James Paice, and gave us the chance to win, which we did, another very good 66, this time against Shiplake, before a little running confusion with Miles and then a maiden century against Eversley. This chap is going to be pushing for a senior award before he’s 16! Like 2008, young all-rounder of 2009: TOM NUGENT [Trophy].

The all-rounder of the year award. This again has been tremendously difficult to judge with some amazing all round performances. Ollie Heath coming storming through at the end of the season with both bat and ball, James Paice performing strongly all year, Miles Hodgkiss being the highest wicket taker and third highest run scorer, Horatio Cary with a storming finish to the season with bat and very useful contributions with the ball, but this one came down to a decision between two people. Firstly Will Stevens who been the highest run scorer and the second highest wicket taker. Will’s bowling has not been as devastating as it was in 2008 but he has taken 25 wickets at just over 15 and going for less than 4 an over. His 5 for 11 against Nettlebed was undoubtedly a match-winning display. His batting has been unbelievable, but more on that later. Having said all that, Will has been pipped at the post for this award this year. Our all-rounder of 2009 is somebody who has averaged 45 with the bat and 15 with the ball – whenever the Captain needs a string of wickets to polish the game off, he throws him the ball. His stats don’t tell the whole story as he started the season with a very serious injury and only bowled off a couple of paces, but as the back improved he got his venom back and was both a potent wicket-taker and highly economical bowler. He batted beautifully this year without getting the 100 he richly deserves – his 65 not out against the Young Lions was a classic display of how to dispatch good bowling and finish the game early. All rounder of 2009: TOM HANCOCK [Trophy].

Before moving on to the batting awards I would like to thank a number of people who do so much for the Club. Firstly, all the Ladies, and men, who produce such marvellous teas and also the cooking and setting up to make this evening the evening it is. We are tremendously grateful to both David Heath and Neil Craig who have done a brilliant job umpiring this season. The on-field, and off field guidance and leadership that we get from Club Captain Andrew Norton, and the two Vice Captains Will Stevens and Andy Bryan. Horatio Cary for helping me out on various things down at the ground – and who is in the process of preparing some honours boards to go up in the Pavilion. The Vice Presidents and the Patrons for their amazing support - notably Tony Wright, Lucius Cary, Joanna Cary and Neil Craig who are all here this evening. Miles Hodgkiss for everything he does, including clearing up after games and the work he does on the pitches at weekends. We also need to thank the spectators, the ever presents such as the Burtts, Wrights, Stevens and David Heath, but also Sarah, Josh, Flo, Hannah Nugent and all the others I have not mentioned individually. Del-boy, aka Ian Whittaker continues to do a brilliant job on sourcing mowers, cricket equipment, clothing etc. – please note he is taking orders for caps, shirts and jumpers this evening. Joanna Cary continues to a great job on the photographs. But I would, at this stage, like to say a special thank you to my wife who puts up with so much more, not just during the season, but also suffering everything that has to be organised over the close season. The thanks for putting up with it all award: SALLY BIRKETT [Flowers].

I would also like to thank last year’s Clubman, Ben Hancock, who has shown tremendous support when anything needs to be done – he has done a great job again on the pitches this year. Ed Birkett for helping me on the ground whenever he has time. Julian Burtt has again shown tremendous Presidential poise and has frequently helped to keep me on the straight and narrow. Adam Birkett has been a most amazing helper for me again this year, always keen to help both before the game and afterwards, as well as during the week when things have needed doing on the square. But the Clubman award for 2009 goes to somebody who has done an incredible amount for the Club for well over a decade: we have said that it is highly unlikely that this award will go to a member of the committee, but this year is one of those rare years. The award this year is partly in recognition of his 2009 efforts but also in recognition of everything he has done in years gone by. This man used to spend every weekend preparing the cricket pitches as well as all the handy work around the pavilion. Over the last year he has helped me organise the replacement of the hot water system (and I know how appreciated this has been by all those who shower!), put the new shelving in the kitchen, redid the kitchen lighting, has done various other time consuming jobs while the batsmen are batting, including putting up the can crusher, and done endless amounts of pruning and weeding. Also we wouldn’t have had any hot food this evening if he hadn’t spent so long chasing the Gas Company to finish their job late yesterday evening. Not only does he do all this, but he also keeps wicket, and when necessary, helps us to save the game with the bat as he did at Falklands. Our Clubman award for 2009 goes to: RICHARD MOYLE [Shield].

Now we move on to the batting awards. Both of these two awards have been dreadfully difficult to judge. Firstly the young batsman of the year. Our winner last year, Dan Hayden has shown his class, most notably against Sheen Park, James Thomson’s match winning knock against Cranbourne gives us a flavour of what we are likely to see more of next year, Christian Whittaker scored an awesome maiden century with 139 against Morgan Cricket Club. We have talked about Tom Nugent’s superb batting earlier, as we have with Ben Hancock – Ben’s maiden 50 is just round the corner. But the award this year came down to a choice between 3 people: firstly, George Hepburn – Big George doesn’t hold back. He has produced match-winning displays in the sixes, winning the man of the sixes award, he had very good knocks against Woodcote, Catchiteers, Bradfield Staff and Falkland. We have decided that George was pipped to this award but we would like to award him Junior newcomer of 2009: GEORGE HEPBURN [Book].

The other two candidates were tremendously difficult to split but the number of runs scored and also the number of matches influenced proved to be the deciding factor. Alfred Cary has had a great season at Malborough and has been unbelievably impressive for Harpsden, not just with the ball, but has had some very cultured knocks. But his destruction of Shiplake with 71 not out was quite something to behold. There’s a hundred for Alfred just round the corner. And although he has been pipped for the batting trophy, the award for destructive knock of the season goes to: ALFRED CARY [Book]. But the winner of young batsman of 2009 goes to somebody who has been involved in 5 partnerships of more than 50, all in match-winning causes, two unbeaten fifties of his own, a match-winning 45 in a very low-scoring and tense game against Reading Lawyers when all his partners were falling by the wayside and other strong knocks against the opening bowlers of sides like Crazies Hill and Medmenham. Young batsman of 2009: ADAM BIRKETT [Trophy].

The senior batting trophy has probably been the hardest of the lot to judge. With so many incredible batting feats it is tough to separate them. We have scored nearly 300 runs on several occasions – 295 against Greys Green (oh how sweet that was), 296 against Sheen Park, as well as stellar displays against Old Josephians, Shiplake, Crazies Hill etc. We have seen 9 century partnerships, 48 partnerships of 50 or more, 5 hundreds, 3 of which were by Adam Hurst and an amazing number of backs to wall batting displays to bring the bacon home, just when it looked like there was no way we could keep the unbeaten run going. Notable mentions go to Matt Hayward who’s rapid 48 not out against Shiplake was his only knock of the season for us after shoulder surgery, Ian Whittaker’s century partnership with Christian, helping Christian get to his maiden century which brings back memories of Ian’s century against Reading Lawyers 2 years ago when they were also batting together. Paddy Burtt averaging 90 and hitting some of the biggest sixes of the summer, James Paice’s match winning 51 against Whitchurch, Rob Harris, Andrew Norton and Justin Bradley not quite getting 50’s this season, Ian Reissmann’s brilliant 47 for the President’s XI despite everything people like Will Stevens could throw at him, Ian Nugent averaging over 50, Jack Broome averaging 78 and batting beautifully against both the Old Josephians and Henley. Horatio Cary’s season took off last weekend, scoring 93 and 87 against Sheen Park and Turville respectively – both match-winning displays against good attacks.

Last season’s winner, Andy Bryan, was somewhat quieter than last year but his punched sixes off the back foot against both the Mortgagees and especially Matt Skilleter of Greys Green in the Sixes were things of great beauty. Andrew Grimmer has not scored as many runs as last year but his 66 not out against the Shiplake Staff proved to be a critical match-winning knock. Sam Imlay who has twice won the junior award is batting most beautifully and gives us a tremendous start at the top of the order. Miles has just scored one 50 this season but has scored almost 500 runs at an average of nearly 30 and continues to be as destructive as anybody once he gets a start. Tom Hancock has already won the all-rounder award and hence the batting trophy came down to a choice between 3 awesome batsmen.

In third place is Neil Sweet who in his first season back for Harpsden has passed fifty every fourth time he goes to the crease. Neil has scored almost 500 runs for us this season at an average of just under 50 – I think there is a very high chance that Neil will win this award very soon. We do have an award for Neil, however, for the highest partnership of the season – 174 against Pinkney’s Green. NEIL SWEET [Wine]. Batting with Neil was Adam Hurst who sadly can’t be with us this evening and hence we will give him his prize when we next see him.

That leaves two who were unbelievably difficult to split. Will Stevens and Adam Hurst. Firstly Will, Will has scored almost 850 runs this season at an average of over 60. He has been involved in an amazing one third of all the partnerships of 50 or more - 16 of them. He has scored eight fifties, once in every three innings! Adam Hurst on the other hand has scored over 450 runs in his 10 innings with 3 hundreds and has averaged 90. Two of Adam’s most impressive knocks were against Henley and Shiplake, where although he didn’t score 50’s in either, he took the attack to the oppo and left them demoralised. We have decided this year to award the trophy to the person who was won us an incredible number of matches when we have had our backs against the wall – Cranbourne we were 42 for 6 chasing 135, and made it, Whitchurch, we were 70 for 7 chasing 173, and we made it, Falkland where we were 30 for 3 chasing 190 and tied, a match winning 50 partnership against the Oxford Uni team and a nearly victorious 80 odd at Holyport. Batsman of the year 2009: WILL STEVENS [Trophy].

So what does 2010 hold for Harpsden Cricket Club after such a tremendous season this year. Firstly, the cricket is going to be awesome and we are not going to be afraid of losing – unbeaten streaks like we have had this year are brilliant but it is the close matches, even if we lose, that really gets the juices flowing. Secondly, I’m sure we will see even more help from everybody – 50 of our own fixtures, plus renting out the ground 15 times, is an amazing amount of work. The more people who help, the lighter the load for each one.

But more than anything, one hopes 2010 is going to be about spirit. The atmosphere at Harpsden this year has been superb, both on the pitch and off and I’m sure that will just get better. But spirit also covers the spirit of cricket. The iconic image for me of the 2005 ashes series was Flintoff consoling Brett Lee at the end of the game before celebrating with his teammates. With my competitive Aussie instincts I am one of the greatest culprits, but if we can adhere to the spirit of cricket by not challenging umpiring decisions, Harpsden will not just be the most respected cricket team on the local village circuit, but also the most respected Club.

To celebrate the massive success of Harpsden Cricket Club in its 123rd season, and the prospect of another cracker for its 124th, please raise your glasses to: HARPSDEN CRICKET CLUB.

Dinner Speech 2009

2009-09-21T09:13:00.001+01:00

Hurst and Whittaker steal the show at Britwell Salome

2009-09-18T00:06:00.002+01:00

Sunday 23rd August

Harpsden travelled to Britwell Salome on a particularly warm day and after winning the toss Harpsden decided to have a bat on a pitch that looked to have a lot of runs in it.
Kaufman and Bird bowled tidily for the first few overs and beat the bat on several occasions. A. Birkett fell for 6 to Kaufman and this bought the in-form Adam Hurst to the wicket. Opener Sweet and Hurst proceeded to score at a rapid rate finding the boundary on a number of occasions including several big sixes. Both batsmen reached their half centuries before Sweet fell to Granger. Captain Andrew Norton scored a quick fire 40, 32 of which came from boundaries, before the patient Luxford finally took his wicket. Whittaker was next to go and was unlucky in his dismissal as the ball seemed to keep very low thus leading to him being given out LBW to Luxford. Nugent came to the crease and alongside Hurst took the Harpsden total to 246. Hurst bought up his fine century with a straight 6 and finished unbeaten on 100 as Harpsden declared before tea.
Harpsden opened up with seam at one end and spin at the other. Heath charged in trying to get something out of the wicket and beat the bat on a few occasions but had little luck finding the breakthrough. Welford bowled several tidy overs and tested the batsmen with his off-spinners from the other end.
The Britwell Salome opening partnership of Luxford and Herrington got their side’s innings off to a patient but solid start and seemed confident in chasing down the target score. Luxford went on to make 41 before the left arm seam of Ed Birkett got the better of him. Unfortunately for the home side a batting collapse helped by some good bowling from Harpsden, particularly Whittaker’s leg-spin, saw the game move into Harpsden’s favour. Herrington provided stiff resistance and continued to score runs before he fell to the guile of Whittaker for a well crafted 57. No one else in the Britwell batting order could muster double figures and with Hurst taking his batting form into the field with a superb run-out and two spectacular catches, Britwell’s fate was all but sealed. Whittaker and Nugent cleaned up the Britwell tail for 142, Whittaker finishing with deserved figures of 5-45.

Harpsden

N. Sweet b Granger 51
A. Birkett b Kaufman 6
A. Hurst Not Out 100
A. Norton c Clarke b Luxford 40
I. Whittaker lbw Luxford 1
T. Nugent Not Out 26

Extras 21 (19b, 1lb, 1w)
Total 246 – 4

Britwell Salome

Luxford b E. Birkett 41
Herrington ct & b Whittaker 57
Griffiths ct E. Birkett b Whittaker 2
Jarman b Welford 7
Clark Run Out 3
Smith c Hurst b Whittaker 8
Clarke b Nugent 0
Penny b Whittaker 6
Granger b Nugent 2
Bird c Hurst b Whittaker 4
Kaufman Not Out 0

Extras 12 (6b, 1lb, 5w)
Total 142 All Out

Hurst and Whittaker steal the show at Britwell Salome

2009-09-17T23:58:00.000+01:00

Harpsden travelled to Britwell Salome on a particularly warm day and after winning the toss Harpsden decided to have a bat on a pitch that looked to have a lot of runs in it.
Kaufman and Bird bowled tidily for the first few overs and beat the bat on several occasions. A. Birkett fell for 6 to Kaufman and this bought the in-form Adam Hurst to the wicket. Opener Sweet and Hurst proceeded to score at a rapid rate finding the boundary on a number of occasions including several big sixes. Both batsmen reached their half centuries before Sweet fell to Granger. Captain Andrew Norton scored a quick fire 40, 32 of which came from boundaries, before the patient Luxford finally took his wicket. Whittaker was next to go and was unlucky in his dismissal as the ball seemed to keep very low thus leading to him being given out LBW to Luxford. Nugent came to the crease and alongside Hurst took the Harpsden total to 246. Hurst bought up his fine century with a straight 6 and finished unbeaten on 100 as Harpsden declared before tea.
Harpsden opened up with seam at one end and spin at the other. Heath charged in trying to get something out of the wicket and beat the bat on a few occasions but had little luck finding the breakthrough. Welford bowled several tidy overs and tested the batsmen with his off-spinners from the other end.
The Britwell Salome opening partnership of Luxford and Herrington got their side’s innings off to a patient but solid start and seemed confident in chasing down the target score. Luxford went on to make 41 before the left arm seam of Ed Birkett got the better of him. Unfortunately for the home side a batting collapse helped by some good bowling from Harpsden, particularly Whittaker’s leg-spin, saw the game move into Harpsden’s favour. Herrington provided stiff resistance and continued to score runs before he fell to the guile of Whittaker for a well crafted 57. No one else in the Britwell batting order could muster double figures and with Hurst taking his batting form into the field with a superb run-out and two spectacular catches, Britwell’s fate was all but sealed. Whittaker and Nugent cleaned up the Britwell tail for 142, Whittaker finishing with deserved figures of 5-45.

Harpsden

N. Sweet b Granger 51
A. Birkett b Kaufman 6
A. Hurst Not Out 100
A. Norton c Clarke b Luxford 40
I. Whittaker lbw Luxford 1
T. Nugent Not Out 26

Extras 21 (19b, 1lb, 1w)
Total 246 – 4

Britwell Salome

Luxford b E. Birkett 41
Herrington ct & b Whittaker 57
Griffiths ct E. Birkett b Whittaker 2
Jarman b Welford 7
Clark Run Out 3
Smith c Hurst b Whittaker 8
Clarke b Nugent 0
Penny b Whittaker 6
Grange r b Nugent 2
Bird c Hurst b Whittaker 4
Kaufman Not Out 0

Extras 12 (6b, 1lb, 5w)
Total 142 All Out

Harpsden Thrash Sorry Turville

2009-09-15T11:01:00.001+01:00

On Sunday Turville entertained Harpsden at their excellent ground and Harpsden took full advantage of this fact, winning the toss and electing to bat first. Will Stevens and Adam Birkett were first into the middle, but both returned to the pavilion promptly after getting caught trying play aggressively. Andy Norton was bowled around his legs by a remarkable bit of pace bowling from Tom White. Sam Imlay and Christian Whittaker put together an aggressive partnership before Imlay went after a flighted delivery from Henry-Thomas and was stumped. Harpsden were now in trouble at 60-4. Horatio Cary and Whittaker steadied the ship, Cary playing the anchor role as Whittaker continued to tee off at the other end before an excellent bit of spin bowling caught his glove and he was out for 35. Sean Thornton joined Cary at the crease for what proved to be the vital partnership of 124. Both fell in quick succession playing expansive shots as they tried to get Harpsden up to the 250 mark, a figure Harpsden managed to achieve.

After tea Turville went into bat but their minds, like most of the Harpsden fielders, seemed to still be on the delicious chicken sandwiches. Fortunately for Harpsden few fielders were required as Ollie Heath produced a ferocious spell of bowling bamboozling the Turville batsmen with few of them able to get bat on ball, their first 4 wickets fell for just 34 runs including 3 ducks. However during his sixth over word reached captain Andy Norton that his grunting was disturbing Sunday nap time in Ibstone, and so he was rested in favour of Nugent. This proved to be an astute piece of captaincy as Nugent went one better taking 5 wickets including the crucial wicket of James Hunt who played brilliantly for his 56 despite watching wickets fall at the other end as regularly as Kerry Katona after a big night out. Turville were eventually all out for 122, meaning Harpsden won by 129 runs.

Harpsden C.C.

A. Birkett………….ct C. Simon b N. Henry 3

W. Stevens………..ct J. Hunt b N. Henry 9

S. Imlay……………st T. Wade b A Harvey-Thompson 31

A. Norton………….b T. White 1

C. Whittaker………ct. T. Wade b J. Hancock 35

H. Cary……………ct. J. Hunt b T. White 87

S. Thornton……….ct. J. Hancock b T. White 53

I. Whittaker……….b T. White 1

O. Heath…………..NOT OUT 1

T. Nugent…………c & b J. Hancock 4

Balaji……………..NOT OUT 10

Extras………………………………..........................15

Total………………………………............................251

Best bowling . White 4-62

Turville

J. Hunt…………………..ct A. Norton b T. Nugent 56

C. Simon………………..b O. Heath 4

S. Beardall………………LBW O. Heath 0

T. Wade………………..b O. Heath 0

H. Beardall…………….b O. Heath 0

J. Hancock……………..b T. Nugent 25

J. Moser………………..b T. Nugent 1

N. Henry……………….b T. Nugent 0

T. White……………….b S. Thornton 0

N. Runkel………………NOT OUT 2

A. Harvey-Thompson….b T. Nugent 0

Extras………………………..34

Total…………………………122

Best Bowling: Nugent 5-16 Heath 4-22

Falkland 4th's Vs Harpsden Sat

2009-09-07T20:17:00.001+01:00

Falkland 4th's 1st Innings 190/8 Closed (Overs 40)
S Trumper* b A Birkett 72
G Parker-Hodds+ b M Hodgkiss 1
J Ashworth b Hepburn 8
B Gilmour lbw b A Birkett 9
P Fox b R Birkett 28
B Thomas b W Stevens 30
T Ridley b Hepburn 10
R Stephenson b W Stevens 0
S Strachan Not Out 2
M Richardson Not Out 3
Extras (b5 lb7 w15 nb0) 27
TOTAL 8 wickets for 190

Harpsden Sat 1st Innings 190/9 Closed (Overs 40)
M Greenwood c&b M Richardson 12
R Harris Run Out 0
D Hayden c G Parker-Hodd b M Richardson 0
W Stevens* b S Strachan 56
G Hepburn b T Ridley 24
A Imlay c S Grimmond b B Thomas 6
M Hodgkiss b R Stephenson 33
A Birkett c&b S Strachan 8
R Birkett b T Ridley 22
R Moyle+ Not Out 6
W Carlise Not Out 4
Extras (b9 lb3 w5 nb2) 19
TOTAL 9 wickets for 190

A ten man Harpsden team traveled to Falkland on Saturday and chose to field first on what looked to be a hard true track. Falkland made a very cautious start to this 40 over game. This was due in no small part to the extraordinary bowling performance of Miles Hodgkiss who returned figures 8-5-3-1. The other Harpsden bowlers bowled tightly but the Falkland skipper Trumper battled on and finally started to cut loose with the introduction of the spinners. By contrast the introduction of the Harpsden skipper Stevens to the attack further increased the scoring rate. Falkland looked as though they were going to score 200 plus but Adam Birkett did well to steam the flow of runs and hold the score to 190.

In response Harpsden made a disastrous start with Harris being run out in the first over whilst not looking where the ball was. Their suffered a further set back when Hayden was caught attempting to hook and Greenwood was dismissed whilst looking good in the unfamiliar role of opening batsman. At 32-3 Harpsden were in desperate need of a partnership, and found it with Hepburn and Stevens consolidating at first and later striking the ball more confidently. Hepburn fell for a big hitting 24 and was later followed by Stevens of 56. With still 65 to win and only 4 wickets left Harpsden looked to be heading for defeat but first Hodgkiss and later Rod Birkett were able to keep up with the rate and keep Harpsden in with a chance. With the demise of Hodgkiss, Moyle strode to the crease in confident mood with his recent promotion form his regular number 11 spot. Entering the last over Harpsden needed 7 to win and after two quick singles Birkett aimed one more blow to the boundary unfortunately the ball failed to bounce and crept under his bat and onto the stumps. With a borrowed number 11 strolling to the crease Harpsden did not feel particularly confident about their chances and this seemed well placed as the next two balls missed the bat by a good distance. But the doubters were proved wrong as the final ball sailed to the boundary to secure the tie.

2009-08-28T12:04:00.000+01:00

Press Release in the Henley Standard for the Harpsden Sixes.

Good weather forecast, let's hope Harpsden can do it on the third attempt!

Harpsden v Stonor – 8th August 2009

2009-08-08T22:09:00.001+01:00

Grimmer Stars as Harpsden Ease to Victory

Stonor
G Kruger ct Grimmer b Paice 0
S Collings b Devile 1
O Nicholson ct Grimmer b Paice 9
M Bowden lbw Hancock 29
J Powell* b Devile 2
S Harris ct Grimmer b Hayward 9
A Agar b Hancock 13
D Connolly Not Out 11
R Denton lbw Birkett 12
N Allsop + b Devile 5

TOTAL 108 All Out
Extras 17 (8b, 4lb, 2w, 3nb)

Harpsden
A Grimmer Not Out 52
A Birkett b Nicholson 13
A Cary b Bowden 26
R Harris Not Out 4

TOTAL 109-2
Extras 14 (5b, 3lb, 4w, 2nb)

Harpsden travelled to Stonor on Saturday, looking to continue their winning streak, on a lovely day, with orchestra noise from Stonor Park making the afternoon even more enthralling.

Stonor got off to the worst possible start, with Kruger hitting the ball straight to Grimmer at point off of Paice’s second ball of the innings. Stonor then lost 3 more quick wickets, to leave them in deep trouble at 16-4. This was due some very accurate swing bowling from Paice and Devile, with both bowlers picking up 2 wickets. Harris and Bowden then stuck around to set a platform for the rest of the batsmen. The introduction of Hayward’s and Hancock’s spin slowed the run rate down even further, Hayward removed Harris, with Grimmer taking his third catch of the innings. And Hancock then took the wickets of Bowden for a very dogged 29, and Agar, who played for the spin, only for the ball to be a top spinner, which bowled him through the gate. Stonor then struggled to get back into the game, with Birkett taking the wicket of Denton, and Devile finishing off the innings, clean bowling Allsop for 5, to leave the Stonor with a grand total of just 108.

Harpsden then had a tricky 10 overs to bat before tea, with Birkett and Grimmer timing the ball nicely around the ground. The score moved steadily to 33, before Birkett was bowled round his legs off of Nicholson’s bowling. Cary then survived the last over before tea; to make sure that Harpsden went for the break just one wicket down. After tea, Grimmer and Cary played brilliantly, with shots all around the ground, they took Harpsden to the brink of victory, needing only four runs to win when Cary was bowled by Bowden. Harris then came to the crease, and wasted no time, smashing his first ball for four, to give Harpsden victory by 8 wickets. Grimmer, who had passed his fifty shortly before the end, finished of a very calm and composed 52 not out.

Adam and Will attacking the sharks

2009-08-02T20:19:00.002+01:00

Ham and Hancock in action

2009-08-02T20:11:00.002+01:00

Harpsden Triumph in Local Derby

2009-07-27T13:32:00.002+01:00

After a big win in the local derby against Greys Green on Saturday HARPSDEN were feeling confident before their 40 overs encounter with HENLEY. Henley had elected to bat at the Breakspear Ground on a typically fast and bouncy wicket, if not a touch damp. Harpsden opening bowler Ollie Heath sent down the first over at a ferocious pace finding the edge on a couple of occasions and testing the batsmen with the shorter ball, but the first wicket fell in the 2^nd over to 15 year old quick Tom Nugent. This started a mini collapse for Henley with Harpsden bowling 4 successive wicket maidens leaving Henley 8 for 4. The two Johnson youngsters started a Henley recovery taking the score up to 35 before the fall of the next wicket, another for Tom Nugent as N.Johnson was excellently caught in the gully by Tom Ham. Harpsden veteran Miles Hodgkiss was then brought into the attack and bowled an 8 over spell for just 15 runs to dampen the chances of Henley reaching 150. James Paice was keen to impress against his former club and took 3 wickets, which along with 2 run outs left Henley all out for 118 in the 39^th over. Paice was ably assisted by his fielders with Horatio Cary’s diving catch in the covers and Miles Hodgkiss’ diving fumble and recovery in the slips both contenders for catch of the season.

Harpsden came out after tea knowing batting out the 40 overs would surely see them to victory but got off to the worst possible start as Neil Sweet was dismissed for a duck. Adam Hurst was the next man to go after a hard hitting 29, including 7 boundaries. The Harpsden batsmen were clearly enjoying the quicker covered wicket and made swift work of the remaining runs especially Horatio Cary who finished 57 not out, having hit 50 in boundaries. Credit must also go to Jack Broome, who ably assisted Cary and hit the shot of the day; a truly massive six down the ground hitting the top of the trees surrounding the boundary. Harpsden reached Henley’s total for the loss of two wickets and in just 17.5 of their 40 overs.

Henley C.C.

H.Briszland ct. A.Hurst b. O.Heath 8

M.Ayres b. T.Nugent 0

S.Burringham ct. J.Broome b. O.Heath 0

D.White ct. H.Cary b. T.Nugent 0

N.Johnson ct. T.Ham b. T.Nugent 13

A.Johnson Run Out 14

L.Dennison ct. H.Cary b. J.Paice 48

R.Kenworthy ct. A.Hurst b. J.Paice 17

J.Gunasekara Not Out 2

M.Thomas Run Out 0

C.Johnson ct. M.Hodgkiss b. J.Paice 0

Sub Total 102

Extras 16

Total (all out) 118

Best Bowling: J.Paice 3-16, T.Nugent 3-18, O.Heath 2-22

Harspden C.C.

N.Sweet ct. C.Johnson b. L.Dennison 0

A.Hurst ct. R.Kenworthy b. D.White 29

H.Cary Not Out 57

J.Broome Not Out 30

Sub Total 116

Extras 5

Total (2wkts) 121

Best Bowling: L.Dennison 1-35

Harpsden v Greys Green – 25th July 2009

2009-07-27T11:08:00.002+01:00

Imlay and Stevens Propel Harpsden to Massive Total

Harpsden
S.Imlay st ? b W Fairhead 59
W.Stevens lbw b Crook 81
M.Hodgkiss Retired Hurt 36
P.Burtt st ? b Knight 23
I.Reissman b Rooke 30
A.Cary Not Out 29
R.Harris Not Out 4

TOTAL 295-4
Extras 33 (b14, lb3, w8, nb3, p5)

Greys Green
Butler ct Burtt b Heath 2
Cross ct Harris b B Hancock 16
Cusden ct Reissman b Greenwood 22
Knight Not Out 54
Rooke b Cary 27
Hoggart Run Out 0
Hunt Not Out 12

TOTAL 147-5
Extras 14 (b1, lb2, w8, nb3)

Harpsden entertained Greys Green on a pitch that was still recovering from the weekday rain. However, this didn’t seem to peg back Harpsden’s openers, as Stevens and Imlay got Harpsden off to the best possible start to leave Harpsden on 65 without loss after 10 overs. Imlay in particular was timing the ball beautifully all around the ground, and when he eventually fell for a brilliant 59, the openers had fallen one run short of the 100 partnership. This brought Hodgkiss to the crease to join Stevens, who had also now started to hit the ball all around the ground. Both batsmen were playing brilliantly when, out of the blue Hodgkiss pulled up with a back injury and decided to take a rest. Soon after this, Stevens fell for 81, on a day where he deserved to go on and get the 3 figures. Harpsden then started to really attack the Greys Green bowling, with the last ten overs going for ninety nine runs. Valuable contributions came from Cary (29 not out) and Reissman (30).

Greys Green knew that it was going to take something special to chase this massive score. And there task was made a lot harder when Butler prodded the ball to Burtt at gully off Heaths bowling for just 2. The introduction of Hancock into the attack, to work in tandem with Deville at the other end dried up the runs even further for Greys Green, with Cross in particular finding it difficult to play the spinning ball. And this proved to be his downfall as he edged one behind, with Harris taking a very good catch. All of the Harpsden bowlers continued to bowl very well, making sure that Greys Green couldn’t get close to the target. Only Knight managed to spend time at the crease, to finish on a well crafted 54 not out, but his lack of support meant that Greys Green could only manage 147-5, giving Harpsden victory by 148 runs.

2009-06-29T18:16:00.001+01:00

Hancock makes the President Proud

The weather could hardly have been better for Harpsden’s annual President’s XI vs. Chairman’s XI 40 over fixture. The President’s XI batted first on a firm track and got off to a great start with Andy Grimmer (44) and former mayor Ian Reissman (47) putting on 82 for the first wicket. Foster’s 3 wickets brought the Chairman’s XI back into a good position, although wicketkeeper and Chairman Rod Birkett was always kept busy by his bowlers, who gave away 35 wides and a total of fifty extras. Jack Broome held the innings together in the latter stages, taking the attack to the bowlers, scoring 4 fours and 2 majestic sixes in a hard hitting 46, only to be dismissed by a great catch from Nelson De Souza in the gully.

After tea the Chairman’s XI batsmen knew they had a lot to do chasing 228, and when they were reduced to 22 for 3, the task looked almost impossible; Andy Bryan and Sam Imlay steadied the ship, taking the score past 100 before Imlay was dismissed for 33 by a great piece of deception from Horatio Cary. Andy Bryan had spectators ducking as he smashed his way to 55, but it was the introduction of President’s XI skipper Tom Hancock that changed the game. He ripped through the middle and lower order, taking 5 wickets including Bryan, Birkett, and that of his younger brother Ben. Mick Greenwood and Johnny Wright showed some great resilience for the final wicket, putting on 40 runs, although the Chairman’s XI finished on 182, 47 runs short of victory leaving Julian Burtt, the Harpsden President, as proud as punch.

President’s XI

A.Grimmer ct. J.Bradley b. B.Hancock 44
I.Reissman b. A.Bryan 47
R.Harris b. W.Foster 1
H.Cary ct. M.Greenwood b. W.Foster 2
J.Broome ct. De Souza b. W.Foster 46
T.Hancock Not Out 26
M.Hodgkiss Not Out 12
Sub Total 178
Extras 50
Grand Total (5wkts) 228
Best Bowling: W.Foster 3 for 35

Chairman's XI

J.Bradley ct. J.Broome b. T.Ham 15
N.De Souza ct. T.Hancock b. M.Hodgkiss 0
N.Sweet ct. J.Broome b. M.Hodgkiss 6
S.Imlay ct. M.Farmar b. H.Cary 33
A.Bryan b. T.Hancock 55
R.Birkett b. T.Hancock 0
B.Hancock b. T.Hancock 19
W.Foster b. T.Hancock 0
W.Stevens ct. T.Ham b. T.Hancock 5
M.Greenwood b. J.Thomson 25
J.Wright Not Out 20
Sub Total 178
Extras 4
Grand Total (all out) 182

Best bowling: T. Hancock 5 for 23

Students hand back certain victory

2009-06-23T12:32:00.001+01:00

Harpsden Sun Vs Friends of Oxford University

Harpsden Sun 1st Innings
A Bryan+ b S Halliday 20
N Sweet b S Halliday 5
A Warner Run Out 7
A Norton* c Hill b A Cary 17
A Grimmer c ? b Gilmore 16
W Stevens c Gilmore b Case 34
M Hodgkiss c Gilmore b J Schneider 13
T Hancock c Cary b S Halliday 42
O Heath c ? b S Halliday 0
T Sampson Not Out 4
C Welford b H Richards 4
Extras (b2 lb1 w6 nb1) 10
TOTAL 10 wickets for 172

Friends of Oxford University
Mclellan lbw b C Welford 45
Gilmore Run Out 43
A Cary c A Bryan b W Stevens 4
Stefanowiz+ b W Stevens 8
H Cary c Norton b C Welford 21
H Richards b T Hancock 8
C Hill lbw b M Hodgkiss 4
J Schneider b T Hancock 2
Case c&b M Hodgkiss 2
S Halliday b T Hancock 1
W Lough Not Out 0
Extras (b9 lb8 w3 nb5) 25
TOTAL 10 wickets for 163

On an overcast Sunday afternoon Friends of Oxford University won the toss and asked Harpsden to Bat first. This proved to be a good decision as Harpsden lost regular wickets Halliday doing the majority of the damage including taking the key wicket of Bryan. With just over a hundred on the scoreboard Harpsden had already lost 6 wickets and an early tea look inevitable. But number eight, Tom Hancock arrived at the crease to join Stevens and the pair set about repairing some of the damage. The pair managed to add 50 runs before Stevens departed, unfortunately Harpsden were unable to add many more runs to the total as the returning Halliday wrapped up the tail.

Oxford University needing just 173 to win started as heavy favorites and in spite of quick opening spells from Hancock and Heath they made a solid start being 45 without loss after 10 overs. Oxford then set about applying further pressure as the scoring rate soared and as the opening pair were still at the crease with the score on 105, Harpsden could have been forgiven for thinking there was no way back. But after a calamitous run out, Harpsden managed to wrestle themselves back into the game with Stevens and Welford removing the top order. This included both Cary boys much to the delight of their Harpsden team mates.

As Oxford University crept towards the total Harpsden brought back Hancock which proved to be the match winning decision. Hancock ripped through the tail taking 3 wickets and carrying Harpsden to an unlikely victory by just 9 runs.

BBC Caversham Block, Block and Block again

2009-06-22T20:50:00.002+01:00

Harpsden v BBC Caversham - 20th June 2009

Harpsden
I Reissman ct Townend b Quinn 0
R Harris b Moore 45
J Bradley ct Treder b Lavers 31
W Stevens ct Lavers b Quinn 56
Gireesh b Moore 0
J Paice ct Burton b Moore 6
B Hancock ct Lavers b Quinn 33
M Hodgkiss ct Townend b Watkins 0
G Hepburn ct Lavers b Quinn 4
J Butler ct Townend b Watkins 1
R Moyle Not Out 0

TOTAL 197 All out
Extras 21

BBC Caversham
Williams ct Bradley b Harris 19
Burton b Paice 5
Castle ct Moyle b Hodgkiss 10
Deeks b Harris 18
Treder ct Moyle b Gireesh 9
Lavers b Hodgkiss 21
Moore ct Stevens b Hodgkiss 9
Watkins b Hodgkiss 1
Townend Not Out 0
Quinn Not Out 0

TOTAL 107-8
Extras 15

Harpsden batted first in this timed match on a warm Saturday afternoon. Harpsden made the worst possible start, losing Reissman for a duck in the first over. Harpsden then recovered very well, with Harris and Bradley managing to knock around the singles, whilst dispatching the bad balls to the boundary. When Harris was bowled by Moore, Harpsden had climbed to 78-1 from 18 overs. Harpsden then lost 3 quick wickets, to leave them in trouble at 117-5. This brought Hancock to the crease to join Stevens, both batsmen decided to push the run rate on, this resulted in a rapid partnership of 72 coming from just 6 overs. When Hancock departed for a hard hitting 33, Harpsden had started to take the game away from BBC Caversham. However, Harpsden lost their last 4 wickets for just 8 runs, which meant that they posted 197 all out from 35 overs, leaving BBC Caversham an extra 5 overs to get the runs.

However, they never decided to make an effort to go for the total, simply blocking and nurdling throughout their innings. This was reflected with no batsmen scoring over 25 runs. Watkins in particular showed no signs of even trying to hit the ball, blocking most balls with his kidney, and then complaining when it hurt. On the other hand, this innings helped the bowlers averages, with Hodgkiss taking 4-13 from his 10 overs and Paice taking 1-7 from his 8 overs.

A Funtime had by all!

2009-06-17T11:46:00.002+01:00

Harpsden Sun Win by 117 runs

Harpsden Sun 1st Innings 262/7 Closed (Overs 40)
A Grimmer lbw b R Noyes 22
A Birkett c Searle b Rechner 29
T Hancock c Simpson b Montgomery 17
A Norton* c Boden b Montgomery 28
W Stevens Not Out 65
R Birkett c Hopkins b Montgomery 17
M Hodgkiss Run Out 27
J Broome+ c ? b Searle 0
W Foster Not Out 26
extras (b0 lb6 w21 nb4) 31
TOTAL 7 wickets for 262

Crazies Hill 1st Innings 145/10 All Out (Overs 35.5)
C Funtime + c J Broome b H Williams 45
Montgomery b W Foster 0
Simpson Run Out 3
Hopkins* c B Hancock b M Hodgkiss 2
Boden c B Hancock b A Birkett 52
Rechner c J Broome b R Birkett 1
R Noyes c&b A Grimmer 0
R Cash c J Broome b A Grimmer 0
S Hanton Not Out 14
R Lea c H Williams b W Foster 1
Searle b W Foster 0
extras (b11 lb3 w12 nb1) 27
TOTAL 10 wickets for 145

On a beautiful afternoon Harpsden won the toss and elected to bat in this 40 over game. Harpsden made a positive start through Grimmer and Birkett although both were helped by some poor fielding by Crazies Hill as 5 catches went down in the opening overs. Adam departed first and set the trend for our batsmen as most made starts but then got themselves out (usually just slapping it skywards). After 28 overs the Harpsden total was just 124-4, but with Crazies having bowled out both Boden and Rechner the scoring rate started to climb, much to umpire Heath’s relief, who was a constant reminder that 220 was the minimum required! But to everyone’s delight 138 runs came off the closing 12 overs thanks mainly the ever aggressive Hodgkiss and a fantastic cameo from Willy Foster who scored 18 from the last over.

Having set a daunting 262 Harpsden took the field with great confidence and opened with the spin of B.Hancock and swing of Foster. Both having bowled well the previous day it was no surprise to see them both tightly and limited the scoring well to further increase the asking rate for Carzies Hill. This trend continued throughout the innings and as a result wickets started to fall. Harpsden were also helped by Chuckles Funtime who was the anchor of the Crazies innings, literally putting a stop to any movement in their score. As a result Jack Broome became ever more popular behind the stumps with his constant encouragement and vociferous appeals.

The flood gates really opened when Williams, with help from Broome, removed the stubborn Funtime for 45. Harpsden rotated their bowlers regularly giving some of their less experienced bowlers a chance to stake a claim for more regular action. Andy Grimmer was able to claim 2 wickets as well as Adam Birkett taking one scalp, the inquiries continue into how this was allowed to happen.

The innings was finished off by the returning Foster who capped a fantastic individual display returning figures of 5.5-2-5-3.

Hepburn and Hancock Shine For Harpsden

2009-06-13T20:26:00.001+01:00

Harpsden v Catchiteers – 13th June 2009

Catchiteers
Murray ct Bradley b Ashmore 7
Janus b Greenwood 10
Cardew ct Hodgkiss b Foster 42
Read ct Farmer b Hodgkiss 9
Beard c & b Foster 16
Perry b Hancock 3
Meek ct Hepburn b Hancock 9
Davison b Hancock 21
Malpas Run Out 2
Johnson Not Out 1
Meek b Hancock 0

Extras (w3, b1,lb2) 6
TOTAL 126 All Out

Best Bowling : Hancock 4-27, Foster 2-7

Harpsden
M.Hodgkiss Not Out 46
J.Bradley b Murray 0
G.Hepburn ct Read b Murray 68
J.Paice Not Out 5

Extras (w4, b4, lb1)
TOTAL 128-2

Harpsden lost the toss and were put in to field on a hot Saturday afternoon. Harpsden made a strong start with the ball, with openers Ashmore and Greenwood bowling with a good line and length to leave Catchiteers on 40-2 after 9 overs. Catchiteers then rebuilt and looked to be on course for a competitive score. However when Foster and Hancock were brought into the attack, they managed to plug the runs and take regular wickets. Hancock in particular bowled some very good leg spin to take figures of 4-27 from 7.2 overs. This meant that Catchiteers were eventually bowled out for 126.
Harpsden made the worst possible start to their innings, losing Bradley in the second over. This brought Hepburn to the crease to join Hodgkiss. Hepburn wasted no time in taking the attack to the Catchiteers bowlers, dispatching the first two balls of his innings for four. He continued in this vain, smashing 11 fours and 3 sixes, one of which cleared the longest boundary with considerable ease. When he was eventually caught for 68, Harpsden were just 19 runs short of their target. Hodgkiss and Paice then finished off the game, to take Harpsden to their target in just 14.1 overs.

2009-06-07T22:06:00.002+01:00

Harpsden v Young Lions

Sun 7th June 2009

Harpsden’s Sunday side managed to find a sufficiently long break in the weekend rain to fit a 40 over game in against the Young Lions team from West London. On the previous two meetings the Lions had proved too strong for the hosts so Club Capain Andy Norton was keen to prevent three defeats in a row. Lions batted first and were quickly in trouble on the sticky wicket. Captain, Rajiv, top edged an easy catch off Greenwood and when Nismal went lbw off Balaji for the top score of 22 it was obvious that Lions were not going to post a high score. Alfred Cary bowled some excellent off spin taking three wickets and Toby Stevens mopped up the tail with 3 wickets in 2.2 overs. Although the target of 107 looked easy enough the Harpsden batsmen were taking nothing for granted on this very difficult wicket and this was proved true when Neil Sweet uncharacteristically ‘ducked’ and Harpsden struggled to 10 off the first six overs. However Tom Hancock soon got to grips with the track and stroked the ball around with ease, his confidence growing every over. Andy Norton joined in with some solid hitting and with the weather worsening the two accelerated the scoring. Harpsden reached the total having used only half the allotted overs to win by 8 wickets.

Young Lions
Nayman c Run out 14
Rajiv c Balaji b Greenwood 4
Nismal c LBW b Balaji 22
Yashwin c St Birkettj b Cary 4
Justin b Cary 8
Shaan b Balaji 11
Mihire b Cary 0
Manoj c Norton b Stevens 2
Viram c Hodgkiss b Stevens 13
Anand c Sweet b Stevens 1
Kavit Not out 3
extras 25
TOTAL 107
Best bowling T. Stevens 3 for 7

Harpsden
N Sweet c Mayan b Rajiv 0
A Birkettc&b b Manoj 11
T Hancock Not out 65
A Norton Not out 28

extras 6
TOTAL 110

Best bowling Rajiv 1 for 23

A time to cash in?

2009-06-02T12:04:00.000+01:00

Harpsden Sun Vs Pinkney's Green

Harpsden Sun 1st Innings 271/1 Closed (Overs 29.5)
N Sweet c&b C Heyes 79
A Hurst Retired 101
P Burtt Not Out 67
A Norton* Not Out 3
Extras (b12 lb1 w1 nb7) 21
TOTAL 1 wickets for 271

Pinkney's Green 1st Innings 40/9 All Out (Overs 15)
C Heyes c T Sampson b T Stevens 16
W Heyes b W Stevens 0
A Gandhe b W Stevens 4
S Withana b W Stevens 0
C Adams b T Sampson 4
I Hann b T Stevens 0
Sharad c T Hancock b M Hodgkiss 2
Shiv b M Hodgkiss 8
M James b A Balaji 2
S Jinman Not Out 1
Extras (b1 lb0 w1 nb1) 3
TOTAL 9 wickets for 40

Harpsden were pleased to win the toss on a very hot Sunday afternoon and did not hesitate when choosing to bat first. Sweet and Hurst opened up for Harpsden and set about savaging a weak Pinkney’s Green attack. After 12 overs both batsmen had reached 50 and the Harpsden total was already well beyond a hundred. Sweet was the only wicket to fall after a mammoth opening stand of 174. His departure, if anything, increased the run rate as it brought the hard hitting Burtt to the crease who smashed 67 runs from just 38 deliveries. At the other end Hurst went on to complete a century, and Harpsden declared on 271 after just 30 overs.

The Pinkney’s response never really got off the ground as both opening bowlers Toby and Will Stevens had opportunities to take a hat trick. The pair went on to remove 5 of the Pinkney’s top 6 leaving no chance of a recovery. Hodgkiss and Balaji claimed the wickets to win the match in quick time.

Harpsden vs Reading Lawyers

2009-06-02T11:59:00.002+01:00

Reading Lawyers 1st Innings 129/8 All Out (Overs 27.1)
M Symms c J Paice b M Hodgkiss 11
M Burrows lbw b T Nugent 1
B Harrison b M Hodgkiss 45
C Lynch c W Stevens b M Hodgkiss 12
W Lake b J Paice 14
D Loosemore* Not Out 13
N Burrows c W Stevens b M Hodgkiss 4
S James b T Nugent 0
M Seymour c J Bradley b A Cary 11
extras (b8 lb8 w1 nb1) 18
TOTAL 8 wickets for 129

Harpsden Sat 1st Innings 130/6 Closed (Overs 27.2)
Matt Thomas b W Lake 23
A Birkett b M Burrows 45
Gireesh b W Lake 8
J Bradley lbw b M Seymour 15
A Cary b W Lake 2
W Stevens* st ? b D Loosemore 9
I Nugent Not Out 6
R Birkett+ Not Out 15
extras (b0 lb1 w2 nb0) 6
TOTAL 6 wickets for 130

Reading Lawyers batted first in this 40 over game and made a solid start through Harrison and Symons. But the game was swung in Harpsden favour by spells from Hodgkiss and Paice, wickets fell at regular intervals until and Harpsden were well on top at drinks. With T.Nugent returning to complete his overs Reading Lawyers were put in further trouble and were eventually finished off by A.Cary (thanks to a good catch by Justin on the boundry).

In response Harpsden started aggressively with Matt Thomas striking some huge blows, but fell to one that nipped back off the pitch. Adam Birkett was the only Harpsden batsman that could be pleased with his efforts as he came away with a solid 45. Others came and went but the Lawyer’s total was never going to be enough and Harpsden took the honours.

Guess who?

2009-05-30T17:04:00.002+01:00

Overheard in the pavilion after tea this afternoon when Matt hit a four: Justin, could you go out onto the verandah and applaud for me?

Harpsden vs Old Josephians

2009-05-27T18:02:00.002+01:00

Harpsden entertained Old Josephians to a 35 over match and although they lost Tom Hancock in the third over, Jack Broome and Will Stevens managed to push the run rate along at nearly 6 an over before the latter fell to on-loan Harspden junior, Johnny Wright. After Rod Birkett succumbed to a leading edge, his 14 year old son came to the wicket to join the increasingly rampant Broome. Broome and Adam Birkett put on 107 before Jack unselfishly decided to retire in the 27th over following a chanceless knock of 120 which included 3 sixes and 17 fours. The departure of Broome brought no respite for the London-based team as Ben Hancock wasted no time in making a quickfire and hard-hitting 46. All that was left was for Harpsden to set the visitors a massive 277 to win in 35 overs and Dan Hayden to coax Adam Birkett to his second Harpsden 50.

Harpsden, opening with the leg-spin of 15 year old James Thomson and the speed of 14 year old Tom Nugent, caused significant problems for the Old Josephian openers putting them well behind the required rate in the early overs as they both bowled with great control. The loss of both De Cruz and Mitcher brought about a significant change in the game as Bennett and Kitchener batted with real confidence and started to go about chasing down Harpsden's massive total. Tight bowling from Miles Hodgkiss, Will Stevens and his younger brother Toby, meant the touring side were always well behind the required rate, and despite some big hitting late on by Bennett, they were never in the hunt.

Harpsden

T.Hancock Caught Peacock b. O’Donnahoe 6
J.Broome Retired 120
W.Stevens Caught Kitchener b. Wright 19
R.Birkett Caught Mitcher b. Kitchener 17
A.Birkett Not Out 51
B.Hancock Caught De Cruz b. Grinrod 46
T.Nugent Caught Bennett b. Kitchener 0
D.Hayden Not Out 7
Extras 10
Total: for 5 wkts 276
Best Bowling: Kitchener 2 for 41

Old Josephians

De Cruz lbw Thomson 7
Mithcer Caught T. Stevens b. T.Nugent 15
Bennett Not Out 151
Kitchener Not Out 50
Extras 12
Total: for 2wkts 235

Best Bowling: Nugent 1 for 25

Harpsden v United Warriors - 23rd May 2009

2009-05-24T10:25:00.001+01:00

Ian Nugent Shines in Harpsden Loss

United Warriors
Keyar ct Farmar b Butler 93
Ammars ct Birkett b Hodgkiss 17
Mohammed lbw b Farmar 11
Bilal ct Harris b Wright 60
Wajih ct Hepburn b Hancock 1
Ali Run Out (Nugent) 16
Ammar Not Out 3

Extras: 36
TOTAL 237-6

Harpsden
R Harris b Dilo 5
A Grimmer ct Bilal b Dilo 23
A Birkett ct Ammars b Dilo 0
T Nugent lbw b Dilo 0
I Nugent ct Thiru b Harsham 56
M Hodgkiss ct Mohammed b Amal 2
G Hepburn ct Ali b Amal 0
B Hancock b Harsham 38
J Wright ct Amal b Harsh 2
M Farmar b Harsh 7
J Butler Not Out 1

Extras : 46
TOTAL 180 All Out

Harpsden kindly allowed United Warriors to bat on a lovely spring day, due to a lack of players from the opposition. This proved to be a mistake as United Warriors piled on the runs throughout their innings, with Keyar and Bilal, who at times provided an exhibition of clean hitting to the Harpsden youngsters. This allowed United Warriors to post a formidable total of 237-6 from their 35 overs.
Harpsden’s task became even tougher when they lost 3 wickets in the first ten overs. This brought Ian Nugent to the crease to join Grimmer, both batsmen played fluently before Grimmer was caught for 23. Nugent then saw Hepburn and Hodgkiss lose their wickets to leave Harpsden in real trouble at 75-6. Ben Hancock then came to the crease, and decided to take the attack to the bowlers, smashing the ball all around the park for a quick fire 38 which included six fours and one six. After Hancock had departed, hopes of a Harpsden win had faded. However, Nugent kept looking forward, and completed a superb 50, which resulted in a barrage of applause from the Harpsden supporters. But it wasn’t to be, as Nugent was caught for 56. Leaving Harpsden 57 runs short of the target.

Harpsden 'catch' Cranbourne Cold

2009-05-18T13:33:00.001+01:00

Harpsden Sun Vs Cranbourne

Cranbourne 1st Innings 74/10 All Out (Overs 31.3)
V Patel c W Stevens b J Paice 6
Kirtron c&b Hodgkiss 21
L Johnson c N Sweet b J Paice 5
R Sillis b T Stevens 0
R Alleston* c J Paice b T Stevens 1
D Crick c A Norton b T Stevens 5
Parog c R Birkett b M Hodgkiss 1
Watson c J Bradley b C Welford 7
D Daints+ c J Paice b W Stevens 1
Kirton Jnr lbw b W Stevens 5
D Spencer Not Out 9
extras (b0 lb1 w12 nb0) 13
TOTAL 10 wickets for 74

Harpsden Sun 1st Innings 75/0 Closed (Overs 15.4)
N Sweet Not Out 44
T Hancock Not Out 22
extras (b4 lb1 w4 nb0) 9
TOTAL 0 wickets for 75

Best bowling - T.Stevens 3-14, Hodgkiss 2-9

On a very damp track Cranbourne started their innings with caution but were soon under pressure from some very tight opening spells from James Paice and Will Stevens. Paice claimed two scalps in his six overs, and with Hodgkiss coming into the attack the runs dried up still further. The magic moment of the day was provided by Hodgkiss who, following a vicious drive from Kirton managed to keep the ball in the air with approximately six parts of his body before securing a stunning caught and bowled. With Kirton back in the pavilion it was time for 13 year old Toby Stevens to show his cricketing talents, starting with removing the Cranbourne number 4 with a beautiful away swinger. Toby went on to claim two more wickets to leave him the pick of the Harpsden bowling with 3-14 from his 5 overs. Cranbourne eventually folded having made just 74 runs, however if they bowled with the same discipline as the Harpsden bowlers they could expect to cause plenty of problems for the batsmen.

Unfortunately for Cranbourne the bowling was to full to make use of the helpful Harpsden pitch. Their bowlers also ran into two Harpsden batsmen determined to showcase their talents. Sweet and Hancock picked off any poor bowling and with Sweet {44*} the major aggressor the pair saw Harpsden to an early finish and a 10 wicket win.

Harpsden lower order crumbles

2009-05-12T13:41:00.001+01:00

Holyport Vs Harpsden Sun

Holyport 1st Innings 192/8 Closed (Overs 40)
M Taylor+ b W Stevens 11
Cox b A Balaji 8
Price b T Ham 11
A Pyle c A Norton b Wright 42
M Fowler c Wright b T Hancock 48
G Rolls b W Stevens 33
Davies c N Sweet b T Hancock 4
Thompson b T Hancock 3
Kass not out 5
Hawkins not out 1
extras (b2 lb8 w6 nb10) 26
TOTAL 8 wickets for 192

Harpsden Sun 1st Innings 178/10 All Out (Overs 37.1)

N Sweet c ? b Kass 16
Matt Thomas b Kass 5
Mark Thomas lbw b Griffiths 2
A Norton*+ c&b Griffiths 28
W Stevens b Kass 81
T Hancock b Davies 27
Wright b Davies 0
A Balaji lbw b Davies 0
T Mitchell c Cox b Kass 2
T Ham run out 0
T Stevens not out 0
extras (b1 lb4 w11 nb1) 17
TOTAL 10 wickets for 178

Having watched the first ball of the game disappear over the boundary for six Harpsden may have felt as though it would be a long afternoon in the field. But fortunately for them their first three bowlers all chipped in with a wicket to stem the flow of runs. Balaji was particularly economical only going for 15 runs in his 6 overs. For Holyport a period of consolidation followed through the more than competent Pyle and Fowler, having reestablished their dominance these two started to pick off boundaries at regular intervals. The young Harpsden bowlers stuck to their task but ultimately did not have the penetration to do any damage. It was left to Tom Hancock still struggling with injury to pick up the key wicket of Fowler; he would go on to take two further wickets to end with 3-37. Harpsden could be happy with their effort in the field but a score of 192 was still going to require at least two of the senior Harpsden players to score big runs.

Unfortunately this was not to be as the Holyport openers took regular wickets to leave the score at 24-3. With Norton and W. Stevens at the crease Harpsden had hope but need more than the 55 run partnership that followed. Hancock came in to partner Stevens and the pair managed to get Harpsden close but were pressurized by the knowledge that Holyport only needed one wicket to expose the very inexperienced Harpsden lower order. This proved to be the case when Hancock was dismissed, Stevens saw partners come and go and when Ham was run out Harpsden’s chance had gone.

Harpsden v Rivets 9th May 2009

2009-05-09T20:35:00.000+01:00

Hancock and Hodgkiss Star For Harpsden

Rivets
K.Severin b Hodgkiss 66
J.Burnett b Paice 39
D.Grey ct Grimmer b Paice 0
S.Exton lbw b Hodgkiss 13
Kashif ct Foster b Hodgkiss 8
S.Delaney ct Devile b B.Hancock 4
Bilal Not Out 16
Qasim ct Grimmer b B.Hancock 0
M.Steadman Hit Wicket b B.Hancock 4
M.Travers ct Hodgkiss b B.Hancock 0

TOTAL 159 All Out

Best Bowling: B.Hancock 4-25, Hodgkiss 3-53

Harpsden
A.Grimmer ct Grey b Bilal 48
J.Bradley b Travers 8
C.Mitchell b Steadman 15
M.Hodgkiss Not Out 45
M.Greenwood ct Qasim b Bilal 5
Gireesh b Bilal 4
W.Foster Not Out 29

TOTAL 161-5

Best Bowling: Bilal 3-44, Travers 1-23

Harpsden won the toss and elected to put Rivets into bat on a dry, overcast day. Rivets made a superb start to the innings, smashing the first ball for four. The two openers continued the hard hitting, putting on a rapid 62 before Harpsden made the breakthrough, James Paice clean bowling Burnett. One wicket brought a second, with Paice forcing a rash shot from Grey, spooning the ball straight to Grimmer at cover. From then on, other than Severin, who provided some entertainment with his big hitting, no other batsmen really got going. This was in no small part due to Hancock and Hodgkiss, who both bowled with good accuracy and guile, Hancock finishing with excellent figures of 4-25 from his 6 overs, which also included a superb catch in close from Hodgkiss, and 3-53 from Hodgkiss himself. This restricted Rivets to 159 all out, a great all round effort from Harpsden.
Harpsden made a solid start to the innings, putting on 36 for the first wicket, before Bradley was unluckily bowled for 8. This brought Chris Mitchell to the crease to join Grimmer, both batsmen played well before Mitchell was bowled by Steadman. Harpsden then had a slight blip in their innings, with Grimmer falling just 2 short of a half century, and Gireesh falling for 4. This brought Hodgkiss and Foster together at the crease, with both batsmen hitting the ball to all parts of the ground, putting on 55 for the fifth wicket, to take Harpsden to a comfortable victory.

Erratic bowling dispatched

2009-05-04T23:14:00.004+01:00

Harpsden Sat 1st Innings 228/3 Closed (Overs 33)
I Reissman lbw b Prasad 27
B Hancock b Berrigan 8
A Hurst Retired 100
J Bradley lbw b Eltringham 12
W Stevens Not Out 64
A Cary Not Out 11
extras (b0 lb2 w4 nb0) 6
TOTAL 3 wickets for 228

London Erratics 1st Innings 111/10 All Out (Overs 40.4)
Khawaj+ c A Cary b M Greenwood 10
Rivington b M Devile 2
Prasad b W Stevens 29
Neal b M Devile 0
Eltringham c J Bradley b B Hancock 27
Berrigan b W Stevens 0
Andrews lbw b B Hancock 16
Bush b B Hancock 3
Towers b W Stevens 3
Cobb Not Out 0
Heller c M Hodgkiss b B Hancock 1
extras (b11 lb2 w7 nb0) 20
TOTAL 10 wickets for 111

Having won the toss Harpsden chose to bat on what looked like a fine batting track. After an early break through by the Erratics this proved to be the case as Harpsden forged a solid start through Reissman and Hurst. Reissman departed having made 27, this seemed to spur Hurst on to greater things who brutalised the bowling and raced to his half century. When joined by Stevens the Harpsden scoring rate soared, allowing Hurst to complete a well deserved century and Stevens a half century. Some late hitting by Alfred Cary allowed Harpsden to declare before tea giving themselves the best possible chance to bowl the Erratics out.

The opening spells from Deville and Greenwood resulted in wicket for both bowlers and left the Erratics in a sorry state at 24-3. These spells were backed up by some crafty spin bowling by Farmer and Cary who were unlucky to be left without a wicket. With the required rate seeming to be beyond the opposition Harpsden were in desperate need of a wicket. This breakthrough came from Stevens with a beautiful ball which cut back off the seam to clip off stump. With Stevens and B.Hancock bowling well in tandem wickets fell at regular intervals but with two overs remaining and the last pair of Erratics batsmen standing firm, Harpsden moved all the fielders in around the bat. This proved to be decisive as a fine snick was expertly taken by Hodgkiss to give Harpsden a well deserved win.

Sweet dominates at Wargrave

2009-04-28T11:11:00.001+01:00

Wargrave Vs Harpsden Sun

Wargrave 1st Innings 180/10 All Out (Overs 37.3)
Woods c A Norton b T Ham 32
C Lunn c M Hodgkiss b T Ham 39
Drew b T Ham 5
K Clark lbw b M Hodgkiss 24
H Singh b A Balaji 15
A Woods c W Stevens b M Hodgkiss 13
O Washington c T Ham b A Balaji 8
S Walker lbw b M Greenwood 14
P Norris c W Stevens b M Greenwood 3
J Clark lbw b M Hodgkiss 6
H Thomas not out 0
extras (b5 lb6 w10 nb0) 21
TOTAL 10 wickets for 180

Harpsden Sun 1st Innings 182/4 Closed (Overs 36)
N Sweet not out 83
W Stevens lbw b P Norris 2
A Birkett run out 14
A Norton* b H Thomas 11
R Birkett b A Woods 7
I Nugent+ not out 47
extras (b8 lb6 w4 nb0) 18
TOTAL 4 wickets for 182

On what looked like a fantastic batting track Wargrave batted first and made a positive start through Woods and Lunn. Having reached 68 without loss Harpsden turned to Tom Ham who immediately struck removing Lunn with assistance from Hodgkiss. Ham was to go on to remove two more Wargrave batsmen to end with tidy figures of 3-34. With the openers removed the rest of the Wargrave batsmen struggled to get going not helped by some tidy bowling from Harpsden. Most of the Bowlers found success and the wicket were shared around accordingly.

Chasing just 180 on such a fine pitch Harpsden were in confident mood starting their innings. But having reached just 80 for the loss of 4 wicket things did not look so promising. But as is often the case, two men stepped up to meet the challenge and saw Harpsden home. Ian Nugent hit some lusty blows on the way to 47* but star of the show was Neil Sweet who batted superbly for a chanceless 83*. These two carried Harpsden to victory with 6 wickets still in hand.

2009-04-27T15:05:00.000+01:00

Harpsden v Woodcote at Harpsden 25th April 2009

BIG GEORGE OPENS DOORS TO EARLY HARPSDEN SUCCESS

Innings of Woodcote:

J Wheeler Ct b Mitchell 82
M Vickers Ct b Hodgkiss 0
D Ravenhill b Hepburn 14
S Gordon Ct b Hayden 19
T Broard Ct b Paice 19
S Allaway Ct b Stevens 18
P Roberts Not Out 6
S Henderson Not Out 3

Total 178/6 40 Overs

M Hodgkiss 1/10 W Stevens 1/25

Innings of Harpsden:

A Grimmer Lbw b Broard 0
J Paice Ct b Broard 5
D Hayden Ct b Duck 9
A Bryan b Henderson 50
M Hodgkiss b Broard 27
W Stevens Ct b Roberts 25
R Harris b Wheeler 10
T Mitchell b Broard 6
G Hepburn Not Out 25
C Mitchell Not Out 1

Total 179/8 40 Overs

T Broard 4/33

Harpsden won by 2 wickets

Harpsden got the season off to a terrific start on Saturday with a well earned win against Woodcote.
After loosing the toss things looked ominous early on for Harpsden as James Wheeler was making full use of the good wicket and was making finding the boundary look easy. However, the bowlers stuck to the task well and supported by some excellent catching wickets were falling. In particular Danny Hayden took a fantastic diving effort on the boundary to record an early contender for catch of the season.
Although wickets were falling at the other end it was Wheeler who was proving to be the thorn in Harpsden side. It was left to two debutants Chris Mitchell and James Paice who took a well judged catch to remove the danger man for 82. The bowling was very tight towards the end of the innings and restricted Woodcote to 178.
In response Harpsden stuttered early on, like the old sports car left in the garage for a few months but after a couple of early set backs Harpsden were soon up and running.
Hodgkiss and Bryan were finding the boundary at regular intervals and a partnership of 67 was soon put together to take Harpsden over the 100 mark.
However when these wickets fell the match swung back in the favour of Woodcote who were bowling well and starting to take there catches in the field.
What happened next will be remembered for years to come, with the score at 154/8 George Hepburn set about smashing the ball to all corners, his innings of 25 off just 9 was finished off with a huge six which took Harpsden to victory.

Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging

2009-04-26T21:24:00.000+01:00

This weblog ("blog") is designed to be used by everyone involved with Harpsden Cricket Club. If you are writing the report for the Henley Standard, you can post it here too. If you have taken photos, you can post them here. If you want to respond to something that has been written, you can make a comment. It's very user-friendly, very easy to do. It's not just for looking at, it's interactive.

I'm also planning it as a cricket portal - the first place you'd look for ALL your cricket news. There are already links to the BBC cricket pages, to Aussie cricket, to a site which explains in detail how cricket works (mainly for me, but I daresay other people will find it useful). Let me know what other sites to add to the list.

There will also be links to other clubs, for directions, and I'll put those up as we go along.

HOW YOU CAN USE THE BLOG

Although I have set it up, it is in no way "mine". The idea is that everyone can join in - it's very simple to do, and doesn't need any computer expertise.

There are two basic ways to use this site:

1. The easiest way is to read other people's posts. Then, if you want to join in and make a comment, you click on the comment button at the bottom of the post, make your comment in the box, and then click publish. These can then be read by all those with access to the blog. It is a slo-mo conversation between all the blog users (in the way that email is a slo-mo conversation between two people).

2. The other way is to make a post yourself. If you would like to be able to do that, you will need to email me: joannacary@ukonline.co.uk This is because, at the moment, I am the "owner" of this blog. Once you sign up to make posts (I have to do a litle light clicking), you will become a co-owner. You can also post digital photographs direct, and it is an incredibly easy process - you click in just the same way as you would when you make an email attachment.

Blogger can be a little temperamental, and occasionally there are problems uploading, but it is generally reliable and easy to use. Any problems, email me and I'll try to help sort it out.

Partnerships 2008

2009-02-18T14:02:00.004Z

Bowling 2008

2009-02-18T13:50:00.004Z

Batting 2008

2009-02-18T13:37:00.008Z

2009 Letter

2009-02-16T07:20:00.000Z

10th February, 2009

Dear Harpsden CC member

I do hope you have had an enjoyable autumn and winter so far. Despite all the cold weather we’ve experienced, the cricket season is approaching and hence the Harpsden Cricket Club pre-season letter.

The fixture list is again taking shape due to Suzie Bradley’s hard work over the winter. There is the usual array of weekend jousts combined with seven weekday fixtures. I said last year that the long-term weather forecast was set fair – unfortunately I think I meant 2009 was going to be a long hot summer, rather than 2008!

I am very pleased to say that Andy Bryan has accepted our invitation to become a Club Vice-Captain, sharing that role with Will Stevens. Andrew Norton has kindly agreed to stay on as Club Captain.

The club kit has been added to again with 2 gleaming new cricket bats, new gloves and various other sundry additions. We have also finally acquired some new bails for Ollie, Will, Christian, Ed and all the Toms et al to aim at.

Will Stevens has kindly offered to prepare the statistics again this season (with back-up from Ed Birkett when/if he goes away) and we would be grateful if you could all ensure that the scorebooks are filled in fully, and correctly, including details on the fall of wickets, so that we can monitor not just individual scores, but also partnerships.

Miles has been keeping me in touch with how much weight he has been losing this winter on the Atkins diet. The leaner/meaner Miles Hodgkiss is aiming to pick up all the awards this year, so the competition is on!

We have decided to invest some of the club funds this year on a cricket mower – the experts believe that taking more grass off the wickets will increase the amount of bounce. I’m sure both the quicker bowlers and the spinners will benefit. We are also making a significant investment by replacing the hot water system to ensure that there are hot showers for all. We have really struggled with the current system and expect to have the new system in place before the start of the season. We are also going to give the showers an industrial clean to get them into appealing shape!

We are also looking to build a lockable box in the home changing room to store all the kit. Not only is this likely to give us more room for changing and keep the changing room looking tidy, it is also going to make it easier for us when we rent out the ground, thus potentially enhancing our revenue as we become more inclined to rent.
There are a couple of other projects that we are considering. Firstly, Joanna Cary will survey the tea ladies/men this summer to see whether we should look to install a dishwasher in the kitchen. We will also consider, over the course of the season, whether we should put in automatic watering system for the square to ensure better re-growth, and hence probably better pitches, than we currently have.

We have organised a spring get-together at the Himalayan Tandoori (16 Reading Road, Henley) on Saturday 14th March at 6.30pm for 7.30. We have reserved the private room on the first floor and despite the significant increase in the cost of rice over the last year we have managed to keep the cost down to £13 a head for an all-you-can-eat blend of starters, mains, popadoms, nans etc. Depending on the balance of students, and non-students, this should work out about £10 a head for students and £16 for others. Drinks will be extra. I would be grateful if you could let me know (rodbirkett@btinternet.com) whether you will be to attend. We can fit in up to about 35 people and hence the attendance of spouses and siblings will depend on how we are going with numbers.

The reason we are starting the curry night at 6.30 is that we have decided to have the AGM then, preceding the dinner. If anyone would like to come for the formal part of the evening, then please arrive promptly for 6.30, if you wish to just attend the dinner then some time around 7.15pm would probably be about right.

A few dates for your diaries;

Saturday 14th March, 6.30pm to 7.15pm; AGM at The Himalayan Tandoori at 16 Reading Road, Henley.

Saturday 14th March, 7.15pm for 7.30; Curry at The Himalayan Tandoori in Henley.

The Shiplake College nets are no longer available to us and so we are trying a new system this year. We have booked the nets in the gym at Henley College on Monday 16th, Monday 23rd and Monday 30th March; from 7.30pm to 8.45pm. The location is shown on the following link: http://www.henleycol.ac.uk/henleycollege/info/location.html If you follow Paradise Road right up to the end there will a gate that will be open, go through that and then follow the signs to the Sports Hall.

Sunday 12th and Sunday 19th April at 10.30am to noon: nets at Harpsden Cricket Ground, and if the weather is good enough, we might even venture on to the square.

Easter Monday 13th April 10.30am to 1pm: pre-season working party at Harpsden Cricket Ground. There are various jobs that need to be done before the season starts and the more support we have for this the better. If there are enough of us there and the weather is good, we might even get some more nets in, or a middle practice.

Saturday 25th April; 1st Harpsden home match, against Woodcote.

Sunday 26th April; 1st Harpsden away match, against Wargrave.

Sunday 28th June; President’s XI vs Chairman’s XI.

Monday 31st August; Harpsden Six-a-Sides. Will Stevens is organising this event again this year and I’m sure it will be as enjoyable as the 2008 event.

Saturday 19th September; Annual Dinner.

The cost of playing and membership is being increased from last year, although I’m sure it remains among the lowest in the country! The 2009 charge for Adults will be £70 for a season ticket OR £8 per game and for Students it will be a £30 season OR £4 per game for those who don’t buy a season ticket. We are also introducing a charge for evening games of £5 and £3 respectively for those who don’t buy a season ticket. Any increased revenue that we raise will go back into the club through improved facilities.

Ian Whittaker is still in charge of clothing and he will be taking orders for shirts, jumpers or caps so do email him (familywhittaker@hotmail.com), or catch up with him at the nets, if you want to enhance your wardrobe.

Thanks to Joanna Cary the Harpsden Cricket Club blog is in fine fettle so do have a look if you get a chance (http://harpsdencricketclub.blogspot.com). A copy of this letter is going onto the blog so that the net dates will be there if you misplace this letter!

Team organisation remains an onerous task and Jane has very kindly offered to do it again this season but if you were able to contact her (01491 575126) before the season starts with your early season availability that would be very helpful.

We are always looking to enhance the membership of the club as it is the people who make it what it is. Do please bring your cricketing friends along to the pre-season nets or introduce them as the season progresses.

Look forward to seeing you at the AGM/Curry/Nets,

With best regards,

Harpsden CC Vs Stonor CC

2008-09-30T06:37:00.000+01:00

Harpsden CC Vs Stonor CC
Sunday 28th September 2008

Innings of Harpsden CC
255 for 6 (40 overs)

WG Hodgkiss................................................. Bowled b. Fennell 35
A Norton........................................................ LBW b. Nicholson 30
A Grimmer..................................................... Ct. Austin b. Hunt 16
W Stevens...................................................... Run out 66
I Whittaker..................................................... Ct. Hunt b. Mayo 43
C Whittaker.................................................... Ct. Austin b. Mayo 16
T Hancock...................................................... Not out 11
T Nugent........................................................ Not out 18

Extras (13b, 4lb, 3w)................................................................................................. 20

J Mayo 4-0-41-2

Innings of Stonor CC
194 for 8 (40 overs)

D Austin......................................................... Ct. Norton b. Whit’ker C 63
A Agar............................................................ Bowled b. Balaji 16
J Mayo............................................................ Ct. Whit’ker C b. Nugent 20
D Nicholson................................................... Ct. Stevens b. Whit’ker C 4
J Powell......................................................... Ct. Ham b. Nugent 7
D Fennell....................................................... Ct. Whit’ker I b. Whit’ker C 19
A Pennell....................................................... Ct. Hancock b. Nugent 8
R Hunt........................................................... Not out 27
R Denton........................................................ Bowled b. Balaji 16

Extras (3b, 3lb, 4w, 4nb)........................................................................................... 14

T Nugent 8-0-32-3
C Whittaker 6-0-43-3

Yet another sunny September Sunday saw Harpsden take on close rivals Stonor in front of a band of merry spectators, eager to make the most of the tardy summer. The home side opened up on a firm track with the experience of Norton and Hodgkiss, putting on a measured stand of 71, before both falling to the guile of some effective spin bowling. Slow left armers Fennell and Nicholson kept a tight hold of the run-rate, restricting Harpsden to 111 off the first 25 overs. A change in the bowling attack, enduced a wicket and brought Whittaker Snr to the crease, who joined an in-form Stevens. The pair put on a quick-fire 61, with Stevens striking his way to a well-earned 66. Some devastating blows were dealt late on from a youthful lower order, with Whittaker Jnr timing the ball superbly for six well beyond the longest part of the ground. Then with five balls left in the innings, 14 year old Nugent came in and struck a very impressive 18, rounding off a good day for Harpsden with the bat.

After being set a total of 255, the Stonor openers strode out in defiant mood. However, they were met with a good line and length from Hancock 0-17 off 5 and then Cary 0-24 off 8, who restricted the visitors’ ability to get on top of a demanding run-rate. Balaji came on and bowled well, beating Agar’s defence for the first breakthrough. Then, “Young All-Rounder of the Year” Nugent entered the fray, taking 3 wickets and going for just 32 runs in his 8 over spell. Whilst wickets were tumbling, Austin remained at the crease and fought his way to a deserved 63, before edging Whittaker Jnr – a smart catch by keeper Norton was needed to dislodge the Stonor stalwart. The wickets continued to fall until Hunt, a defiant striker of the ball, was joined by young Denton. The boy smashed some delightful drives back over mid on and mid off before succombing to Balaji on the last ball of the game. Alas, Harpsden’s run haul proved insurmountable as the light faded. Still Stonor come out of the game with credit for the endeavour and spirit with which they played the game.