Results and Match Reports 2011
Wiltshire League Matches|Friendly Matches
Wiltshire County Cricket League - Division 1 Results 2011
Wiltshire League Division 1
Avebury vs Box
Date : Sat 07-MayType : League
Result : Avebury won
Avebury score : 113 for 9 in 43 overs
Opposition score : 107 all out in 41 overs
Avebury made a goodstart to their season with a decent win over Box. Fielding first, Avebury contained the Box top order through the bowling of the Chairman and his brother's wife's sister's husband's brother, Jim. Also in the attack were his brother, and his brother's wife's sister's husband, Ed, who also bowled well and took wickets. Millward, whose relationship isless proximate (his brother's wife's other sister's husband!) was unused in the bowling attack.
Chasing down asmall total, Avebury made something of a hash of it, losing a number of top order batsmen none of whom appeared willing to take responsibility for closing out the game! Thanks to a glorious late order partnership of 21 from Force-Jones and Francis, Avebury managed to secure a win! Well done the village!
Team: Chairman, Millward, Fry H., Elliot-Square, Elliot-Square, Dix, Carter, Force-Jones, Duncan, Francis.
Bradford Town vs Avebury
Date : Sat 14-MayType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 66 for 9 in 45 overs
Opposition score : 361 for 4 in 45 overs
It tells you everything you need to know about our hosts today if you look at the incredible amount of unnecessary detail they have posted on the WCCL website concerning the details of their victory in this game! Have a look, it's quite funny.
We wish them (honestly and sincerely) every success in their quest to play cricket in a higher league.
Other than that I am not sure what to add-apart from thanking everyone for making the long journey down, for stoically taking the beating on the chin, and for their continued support!
Team: Carter S., Carter N., Dix, Rheinberg, Fry H., Chairman, Force-Jones, Jephson, Francis, Millward (10).
Avebury vs Hinton Charterhouse
Date : Sat 21-MayType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 190 for 6 in 45 overs
Opposition score : 191 for 5 in 44 overs
Avebury lost the toss and were put in to bat. Rheinberg and the Chairman looked OK but the silly mistakes soon started with the Chairman running himself out and verious other bits going wrong. A breezy 50 from H.Fry got things back together, and a very robust half-century from Sam Carter (his first in an age, and following a miserable run of form this season) put a spring in our step at tea-time.
After tea, Avebury's lack of penetration in the bowling department really began to hurt them. Hinton batted very well but (to be fair) were never made to work particularly hard for their runs, with part-time bowlers and a rusty Chairman always offering up the odd four-ball to keep their score ticking over.
Matt Francis at one end was very good indeed, but even he couldn't find an edge or lure the batsmen into a false shot. Hinton's top scorer, Mr T "Smithy" Smith, was dropped three times during the course of his innings and once again our failure to hold catches probably cost us dear - although Sam did hold on to a belter from Henry's bowling.
In the end Hinton needed 16 from the final couple of overs, and a few loose balls got them a couple of big boundaries in the penultimate over, turning a tight contest into something of a canter at the end. All in all, an excellent game of cricket played in true village spirit and in stark contrast to to other games.
Team: Lawrence, Carter, Force-Jones, Rheinberg, Dix, Fry H., Francis, Scattergood, Chairman, Duncan, Silva.
Beanacre vs Avebury
Date : Sat 28-MayType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 109 all out in 40 overs
Opposition score : 143 all out in 38 overs
Avebury pretty much threw this one away. Bowling first, they restricted Beanacre to 143 all out and went into tea by far the more comfortable of the two sides.
Hard to say what really happened in the Avebury innings. Everyone basically got themselves out; plenty of decent cameos (Will Thomas, H.Fry, Chairman, Millers Millward etc) but ultimately a pitiful batting display.
To make matters worse, the pavilion was invaded by a large number of elderly home supporters who unfortunately took all of the seats at the front of the pavilion, leaving the away side wandering around like lost souls trying to find somewhere to sit.
Once again Beanacre have surpassed themselves in terms of inclusion of irrelevant information on the WCCL web-site. Ben Brown was out "stumped" and Rich Hemmings "bowled". Got that? Please note - it's important.
Still, no mention this year of "Ben Brown - aged 16"! Although they did have a very impressive 15-year old playing for them who looked very organised with both bat and ball. And boy, didn't they want us to know about that too! ;-)
All in all Avebury will the loss of a game that for much of the match was within their grasp.
Team: Bradfield, Jephson, Rheinberg, Dix, Millward, Fry H., Force-Jones, Thomas W., Francis, Chairman.
Avebury vs Burbage and E.R.
Date : Sat 04-JunType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 71 all out in 25 overs
Opposition score : 72 for 2 in 23 overs
If last week's game was depressing, then this was even worse.
Burbage have thrown off the habits and clothing of a "village" side and are now positively brimming with aggressive "clubby" intent.
Resplendent in their matching blue caps, they were urged on by their captain to "impose ourselves in the field". This they managed with great success, and after a free-scoring start from make-shift openers Fry H. and Millward, wickets started to fall with monotonous regularity!
Despite a strong-ish batting line-up with a former county player coming in at number seven, Avebury could not break the shackles and had no answer to the bowling of Burbage's latest signing, Sean "Not From Round 'Ere" Roodt, who took six wickets.
After an excellent team from H&H Fry, Burbage crawled to the miniscule Avebury total at a scintillating 3.1 runs an over; conserving wickets in order no doubt to maximise points from the game.
It was still a nicer game than last year when that guys nicked off and their umpire didn't give it, only for the guy to go on and hit a hundred.
We then tried to call Alan to get the Club open to have a drink, but couldn't get a response so were forced round to the Red Lion instead.
Team (shame on the lot of you): Thisanayagam, Fry H., Millward, Thomas W., Dix, Rheinberg, Force-Jones, Francis, Chairman, Duncan, Carter.
Westinghouse vs Avebury
Date : Sat 11-JunType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 40 all out in 18 overs
Opposition score : 258 for 3 in 45 overs
Honestly, my chin is getting sore from taking it on the, so to speak.
We turned up at Westinghouse with hardback books stuffed down the backs of our trousers ready to receive our weekly rogering. For some the day had already started badly, notably for Adam Duncan who got nicked just off the Chippenham motorway junction. For others, it got worse, e.g. Pete F-J dislocating a finger during his bowling spell and taking no further part in the game.
We certainly got it this week with both barrels. With the exception of the Chairman (hem hem!) the bowling attack couldn't contain the exciting strokeplay of the Westinghouse batsmen. Missing H.Fry from the bowling attack (himself a self confessed second string bowler) and with Will Thomas and Rob Gater still a long way off from rejoining the side, we had little in the way of bowling firepower and Westinghouse took full advantage.
One thing that has annoyed me all season has been the habit of opponents to shout e.g. "GREAT SHOT MICKEY!" as, for example, an Avebury bowler sends down a horrible leg-side long hop which has been despatched over the boundary ropes. How "great" a shot is it, really? "Well put away" would be a better shout methinks. Anyway, whatever you want to call it the opposition certainly tucked in, with a big hundred for one of the Ferret (?) brothers and a fifty odd for the other one.
In reply, Avebury simply capitulated, once again have no real inkling of how to go about chasing down such a total. Missing H.Fry and Millward in the middle order, it was up to Carter, Skipper and Chairman to hold the machine together and they failed to do so in spectacular fashion!
Our total of 40 was our lowest ever total in around 10 years of league cricket.
Never mind. Worse things happen at sea. Not much more to say about this one.
Spirit of cricket award: To Avebury, for deciding not to report Westinghouse for (a) failing to provide an umpire, and (b) for failing to withdraw one of their players in order to umpire.
RNIB Award: To the Westinghouse player "umpiring" at square leg who failed to spot a blatant stumping. Play up, and play the game chaps!
Team (as far as I can remember): Francis, Force-Jones, Rheinberg, Carter, Dix, Chairman, Bradfield, Silva, Duncan, and two others.
Swindon Nalgo vs Avebury
Date : Sun 19-JunType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 246 for 4 in 45 overs
Opposition score : 249 for 6 in 43 overs
Played on a Sunday, this fixture had some real highlights for Wiltshire's Worst Form Team.
First, our total of 246 for 4 was a monstrous six times our previous score.
Second, Rheinberg's 74 not out and Dix's fifty were the second and third times respectively that an Avebury batter has got past 50 this year.
Third, the arrival of Rob Stratton and Ben List in the team injected some much needed dynamism to an ageing side with very few throwing arms. This time it was Ben's turn to pull off a blinding catch at mid-off; just as Rob did on a Sunday previously. Ben's bowling was also pretty handy and worthy of a mention.
On the negative side I think fair to mention the following:
First, and most obviously, we totally failed to defend a decent score (probably 20 over par on the day) as we succumbed to the elegant strokeplay of a Mr David Steves, and the somewhat less textbook approach of a Mr Deepak Ramani.
Second, we dropped both of the aforementioned individuals in their first overs, proving once again that our failure to hold on to catches is costing us dear.
Third, we had to witness some poor behaviour from the opposition on the field, as they chose to berate umpiring decisions in a language neither we nor the umpires could understand; witnessed the same players walking straight past their Captain at the drinks break as he called them in for a chat; and witnessed a scene of unbridled petulance as one of their batsmen stood at the crease for a full minute following a very straightforward LBW decision.
All in all, a decent game of cricket but we had absolutely no answer to that lad Stevens who just looked class.
What wouldn't we do to have someone like that playing for us this year.
Team: List, Stratton, Duncan, Bradfield, Rheinberg, Fry H., Dix, Millward, Startup, Scattergood, Chairman.
Highlight: Rheinberg's breezy 74; a return to form for the man following last year's trauma of becoming a father for the first time.
Avebury vs Purton
Date : Sat 25-JunType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 86 all out in 40 overs
Opposition score : 88 for 2 in 27 overs
Last week's strong batting performance now looks to have been something of a flash in the pan. Batting first, Avebury crumbled to 86 all out despite 37 from the Chairman. Quite what you can say about this I have no idea.
It always looks funnny though when your opponents turn up and get out training ladders, cones etc. and spend three quarters of an hour warming up; by contrast, Avebury fielded two players today who have never even played cricket before let alone done a warm-up! So, once again, we failed to match either the attitude or the skills of the opponents and were soundly beaten.
Actually that remindsme of a funny quote from the Burbage captain a few weeks back: "Come on lads, lets IMPOSE OURSELVES IN THE FIELD!" Eh? What? Are we playing the same sport here? Village cricket with points, right? Eh? I beg your pardon?
It's been like this for most of the season. Teams turn uphere, win, and celebrate as if they've just won the lottery or something. There's more man-love on display than the Blue Oyster Bar, and frankly ladies we're just not up for it!
Right now, with player availability at anall-time low, Avebury is playing purely to honour its obligations to its opponents and to the Wiltshire League. This is frequently involving turning out teams with a number of individuals who haven't actually played much cricket. Could our oppoonents please bear this in mind and accept their victories with better grace!
Avebury vs Wroughton Wranglers
Date : Sat 02-JulType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 97 all out in 32 overs
Opposition score : 202 all out in 42 overs
The only silver lining coming out of today's game is the possibility that a couple of the Wroughton players will turn out for our Sunday side at some point during the rest of the Summer.
Bowling first, Avebury restricted the free-hitting Wranglers to 202 all out. This was the first time since the 28th of May that we have taken four wickets in the match - cause for some optimism. Take out the Chairman's overs, however, and the opposition still scored at around 6 an over - once again highlighting just how much fun opposing teams are having with us right now.
Highlight of the day was almost certainly Jack White's excellent catch at third man; his first ever for the club, in his first appearancefor the club. Well done Jack! Also a big thanks to Guy Clarkson for a fine performance behind the stumps and probably the classiest performance of the day in an un-showy way!
In reply, Avebury were bundled out (there - you see - another pejorative verb to describe our collapses! Better than dismissed, skittled, rolled etc. I think) for 97. Once again, there were a lot of big "guy-hugs" going on on the pitch, and even the odd send-off!
Big thanks to Scats for umpiring; Rhino and Jo for doing teas; and Rhino's mate Ollie for playing for us at short notice; as well as Simon and Jack White who altogether got us from 7 to 10 men on the day.
Many thanks to Wroughton for a good game played in very good spirits throughout - much appreciated.
Team: Ollie (Rhino's Mate), Whitey (down from London), Jack White (down with Whitey!), Millward (cycled 30 miles to be here - chapeau! as the say on Le Tour), Fry H., Dix, Force-Jones (naughty Peter! Stop bowling down leg-side!), Rheinberg, Chairman, Clarkson.
Box vs Avebury
Date : Sat 09-JulType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 158 all out in 45 overs
Opposition score : 160 for 5 in 36 overs
Sterling work from Avebury with only seven "Saturday" players available. Inserted in on a green pitch, got to a defendable 158 for 8 (yes! You read correcctly! We were not all out!) thanks to a fine 43 from Millers, and twenties and thirties from Gater, Rheinberg and Dix.
In response, despite afine bowling spell of 3 for 59 from Gater, and H.Fry going at a fraction under 6 an over, the score was overhauled by Box with just five wickets down.
All in all not a bad result from Avebury given the conditions and the players available!
This report would not be complete without a mention of the wall at the sideof the ground which has now been painted. It was apparently referenced on these pages some years ago and apparently the club decided something must be done about it! Thanks guys!
Team: Millward, Fry H., Gater, Dix, Rheinberg, Clarkson, Lawrence, Jephson, Scattergood, Force-Jones (10).
Avebury vs Bradford Town
Date : Sat 16-JulType : League
Result : Cancelled
Avebury score : -
Opposition score : -
Match cancelled - what a result for Avebury! Never a pleasant fixture. Too noisy. Too excitable. Too many gay jokes. Lousy tea. Good luck to them in other divisions.
Oh, and one more thing: Don't conduct your slagging off of otherclubs in the privacy of Facebook sites, guys. Get it out there!!
Hinton Charterhouse vs Avebury
Date : Sat 23-JulType : League
Result : Avebury won
Avebury score : 157 all out in 45 overs
Opposition score : 136 all out in 43 overs
Quite nice to win for a change. HCCC's wicket is usually acomplete road but after 5 days uncovered with significant rain it was a mess. Avebury batter first and Millers got a horrible one secondball that popped on him. The Chairman stooged around for 51, allowing Dix to hammer 38 from the other end, and double figures from Will Thomas and Guy Clarkson got us to a defendable 157.
In reply, HCCC had a very strong batting line-up, all the time in the worldto get the runs, and a pitch that had stopped misbehaving. That they failed was largely due to a fine effort from the bowlers - PFJ unplayable with 3 for 18 from 9 overs, Rob 2 for 43 from 9 overs, Will Thomas 1 for 36 from 12 overs, and the Chairman mopping up with 4 for 35.
Team: Millward, Chairman, Fry H., Dix, Rheinberg, Gater, Thomas W., Pagnamenta, Clarkson G., Force-Jones, Neve.
Avebury vs Beanacre
Date : Sat 30-JulType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 137 all out in 42 overs
Opposition score : 141 for 6 in 34 overs
Close but no cigar Avebury! Batting first on anotherdidgy Avebury track (hahaha Bradders!) we were bundled out for 137 in 43 overs, despite double figures from Thomas W., Chairman, Millward, Dix, Rheinberg (top scoring with 39 not out) and Gater. That's an impressive number of starts but no one went on. A couple of run outs towards the end messed things up for Avebury - in particular Rhino running out Guy Clarkson without facing!
In response, a good knock from Ben Brown (did you know he was only 16 a couple of years back! 16 I tell you! Has anyone every played cricket at such a tender age? 16? Can you believe it? It can't be right! Can it? 16? Really? Amazing! So young! What talent!) got Beanacre over the line. At 10for 2 after 11 overs they looked to be struggling, but a short buffet from Gater got them on their way, and Pete got smacked for 17 in one over which gave their innings momentum.
Team: Thomas W., Chairman, Millward, Dix G., Rheinberg, Gater, Clarkson, Pletts (the Legend Returns!), Startup, Thomas I. (another Legend Returns!), Force-Jones.
Burbage and E.R. vs Avebury
Date : Sat 06-AugType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 66 all out in 36 overs
Opposition score : 67 for 3 in 17 overs
Our motley crew of players (some cricketers,some not) turned up early to watch Burbage putting each other through their paces in their smart "Lashings World XI" cricket clothing. All very impressive chaps, don't you look smart etc.
We tossed up and Avebury were duly inserted. After last weeks collapse against Beanacre, where the last 5 batsmen were all out for 0, Avebury had to go into cautious mode when batting first in order to preserve wickets.
This proved difficult on a green, seaming wicket (for reference: we had a conversation (perfectly civilised, I can assure you) with a supporter of Burbage Cricket Club after the game where the (somewhat bold!) statement was made that Burbage's square is "county standard" and "that's why the ECB (?!) are queuing up to play on it" - this was not necessarily borne out by the experiences of either of the batting sides, though it is a fine and sporting pitch), Avebury lost the Chairman to a lifting, deviating ball from the Overseas Professional, Will Thomas to a mis-timed pull off the bowling of A Local Boy, and H. Fry caught behind off the same bowler.
Dix and Rheinberg then dug in, adding 21 runs in 14 overs, to the delight of the Burbage scorer who atone point had to go to the lavatory I believe.
Burbage's bowlers continued to put pressure on the Avebury batsmen, the bowlers in particular having added what is presumably supposed to look like a menacing follow-through to their run-ups, with each bowler finishing their follow-throughs but then advancing further down the track with some good "eyeballing" of the batsman going on. This is presumably designed to add "menace" to the bowling, but has the unintended effect of looking rather like an Ansterdam hooker propositioning a client. Presumably not the desired impact.
The other great thing to here from a couple of the fielderswas some impressive rallying cries. My personal favorite was "Come on lads, all of us out 'ere now!". What on earth does that mean?
Further highlight. Nick Cook still tucks his trousers into his socks. I have been playing cricket against the chap forat least a decade, and am still fascinated as to why he does this. Does he live in a shallow stream? Has someone failed to hem his trousers? We may never know.
Anyway, I digress. A sparkling 18 in 27 overs from G.Dix was the "highlight" of our innings. Some nice hits from Sam Carter, Guy Clarkson and Charlie Weatherill gave some hope that we might register a batting point, but it was not to be.
After tea, Burbage "knocked off" the paltry target in a little over 17 overs, the Chairman's 2 for 19 from 9 overs the only bowling performance of any note!
On a broader note, Burbage's rise through the leagues (and presumably off into the stratosphere) is to be lauded. They are clearly a team "going places" and after the game there was a lot of mutual patting of backs going on.
After 20 years of Wiltshire cricket I continue to be fascinated by the rise and fall of cricket clubs. Burbage, it seems, is a big club now and getting bigger - but other "town" clubs in the area (some with better existing infrastructure) are failing to attract junior players in such numbers. The result? Over time, a lot of money being spent in a lot of different places over a number of years with limited "concentration" of effort in developing a small cluster of truly strong clubs with facilities on a par with some of the larger Western League sides.
Team: Weatherill (Charlie - many thanks for playing), Pletts (Martin - same to you), Pagnamenta (Rob - it was much appreciated - thank you), Clarkson, Carter, Millward, Rheinberg, Dix, Fry H., Thomas, Chairman.
Avebury vs Westinghouse
Date : Sat 13-AugType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 143 all out in 38 overs
Opposition score : 242 for 6 in 45 overs
You want bitter? We can do bitter. In spades.
Lowlights of the Westinghouse innings:
1. The small guy on their team (opening bat I think), is on, like, a hundred not out or thereabouts, smacks Ben Hsiung's full toss back over the pavilion for six, and then whinges like a little girl to the umpire about how it should have been called a no-ball. Nothing like trying to rub salt into the sores of the leper in the playground! Honestly. What a moment.
2. The same batsman being asked (with humour) to take it easy on our over-60s fielders and snapping back "Wew, 'e shun't be playin' on a Sat'dee, shud 'ee?". A unique moment of self-awareness.
3. Same batsman getting cross with Fry D. for bowling spin. Not Fry D.'s fault he has many strings to his bow! You want darts? He can do darts. Chuckle chuckle.
Much credit to Ben Ellbogen and Ben Hsiung by the way for travelling all the way from North London to play; and to Dave Scats and Trev for answering the call to arms as well, allowing us to field a full XI.
Westinghouse, you have no idea how tough it was to even get a team out to play you. So act with some humility as you lord it over us please!
Oh, I nearly forgot. A brief synopsis of the game itself. W'house scored around 240 ish; Avebury proceeded at 4 an over for the first 20 but then lost the excellent Millward for 37. Rheinberg started cautiously but accelerated, a big six taking him to 25 before he was bowled. Losing H.Fry for a fine 65, Avebury were trueto form with a late-order collapse of the highest order, the final 6 batsmen added less than 10 between them and (yes - Wiltshire Gazette & Herald phrase coming right up!) Avebury were "shot out" for 146, a little under 100 runs short of the target.
A nice day out, handshakes all round at the end of the game, and a good warm-up for the Captain's vs. President's XI on the Sunday!
Team: Hsiung, Ellbogen, Scattergood, Startup, Duncan, Clarkson, Rheinberg, Millward, Fry H., Thomas, Chairman.
Avebury vs Swindon Nalgo
Date : Sat 20-AugType : League
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 147 for 6 in 40 overs
Opposition score : 151 for 8 in 39 overs
Avebury came agonisingly close to a win here against a strong Nalgo side - a win that, in retrospect at least, might have saved us from the drop in a division with a number of strong sides. Batting first on a very damp bunsen of a wicket, the going was tough and Avebury struggled to rotate the strike, with only the intermittent boundaries helping the score along. The major contribution was Henry's 52 not out which glued our innings together and allowed others to swing the willow - Rhino in particular getting a few big ones away.
One of the potentially match-turning events of the Avebury innings was the injury to "ringer" Nick Makin, who pulled a hamstring while batting and was unable to charge in off his full run. Despite a telling contribution with the ball, he was definitely restricted and we wish him well in his recovery!
Nalgo's early innings was just as slow as Avebury's, with little to separate the teams during the first twenty overs of both innings. Avebury continued to pick up wickets (including another Michelle for the Chairman) but the eighth wicket partnership for Nalgo proved the most telling one, with both batters taking advantage of some "length" bowling from "Youth Policy" Will Thomas in the ante-penultimate over to take their side to within a few runs of the Avebury total.
All in all, another good game - probably the two most fun games we've had in the league this year have been the games with Nalgo - and we will miss them next year should (as looks increasingly likely) we go down.
Special mention must go to Matt Francis' Nan - probably the best performance of the day by anyone on either side or in the pavilion. Her chicken and stuffing sandwiches were stunningly good; her cup-cakes legendary. If she is ever looking for permanent employment in the catering industry then we will happily sign up!
Team: Makin, Force-Jones, Neve, Fry H., Clarkson, Dix, Millward, Francis, Blake, Thomas W.
Purton vs Avebury
Date : Sat 27-AugType : League
Result : Avebury won
Avebury score : 157 for 4 in 45 overs
Opposition score : 102 all out in 34 overs
A stunning, albeit belated, reversal of fortunes saw Avebury to their third league victory of the season. Inserted on a damp day with wind and weather always a factor, Avebury were given a strong start by Millward and Will Thomas, both of whom played with positive intent. Their demise brought together Rheinberg and H.Fry, who ran well between the wickets and found ways to score runs against some very tight Purton bowling. Rheinberg then ripped the guts out of the Avebury middle order by running out the Chairman for a single, but quickly took responsibility onto his own shoulders and carried the innings through to the close, bringing up his own fifty in the 42nd over and batting well with Dix at the end; as well as mashing a couple of mighty sixes to hit Purton's excellent bowlers off their lines.
During the break between innings, further rain delays saw Avebury's total reduced to 144 from 41 overs, and Purton were in trouble right from the start with Will Thomas right on the money with two wickets (including a rare slip catch!), and the Chairman keeping things steady at the other end. A couple of chances went begging, with catches going down, but Avebury were increasingly confident of their ability to create opportunities. It was, however, the introduction of Matt Francis at one end and Pete Force-Jones at the other, that really turned things around for Avebury, with Matt turning the ball sharply both ways at one end, and Pete getting interesting amounts of dip from his distinctly loopy action.
At 72 for 3 at the halfway stage Purton were in full control of the game until Rheinberg pointed out to Purton's incredibly fluent No.5 that he looked "clueless" against Pete's loopy doopers. The remark was made innocently and in jest, but clear riled the batsman into a series of strange shots, and he was soon out, with a further run-out coming the same over.
Thereafter, Matt and Pete continued to apply pressure with wickets coming regularly as catchers held their catches, and Purton's batsmen continuing to reach for the long handle when the short one would have been more than adequate. The Chairman was kindly re-introduced by the Skipper to claim the final wicket, and Avebury ran out winners by a 35-run margin.
During the week, Matt had bumped into the opposition skipper. "See you on Saturday then" he said. "Huh. Our firkin second eleven could beat you lot" was the charming lad's reply. What a naughty little monkey!
He got that wrong then.
Well played "Div Two"!
Team: Francis, Force-Jones, Clarkson, Duncan, Rheinberg, Millward, Thomas W., White, Fry H., Fry D., Dix.
Men of the match: Pete, Matt, and Rhino for some big blows!
Friendly Games
Bishops Cannings vs Avebury
Date : Sun 01-MayType : Friendly
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 147 all out in 38 overs
Opposition score : 193 for 7 in 40 overs
No unbeaten season for Avebury's Sunday side this year as they were well and truly thumped by the boys from Bishops Canningsin their first gameof the season. Winning the toss, the Chairman opted to field first having previously been "suckered" into thinking that 250 would be an acceptable first innings total batting first on BCCC's excellent ground.
Avebury's bowlers (Startup, Force-Jones, Duncan, Carter, the Chairman and Daniel Dix) all looked a little rusty, but looking over the figures no-one went for much more than four an over, with Trevor the pick of the crop with 2-25, and everyone chipping in with wickets.
Sam Carter found some early season consistency and boy, are we gonna need it from the big kiwi this season! A newlook, slimline Adam Duncan must also get a special mention for his 8-over spell - his first in three years for the Club - during which neither batsman, bowler nor keeper had much idea where the ball was going to land! Tidy enough though - he only went for four an over too.
Highlights of the fielding display included a sharp run out from a direct hit from Sam Carter at mid-on, and three sharp stumpings from Guy Clarkson who very kindly agreed to join us for the afternoon and looked in excellent form.
The batting display was not great and will get only a cursory mention here. With the exception of a cautious 19 from Sam Carter the top order all fell for single figures - including "mystery guest" Matt Chatfield, playing his first game for the Club in (I think) about four years).
In the middle order, Adam Duncan postedan excellent 24 including some wonderfully crisp cover drives that put us all in the mind of former Avebury cricketer Robert Gater. The real highlight was the lower middle order fightback from Scattergood (not out 17) and Startup (32) that took us from 83 to around 140 and ensured the final scorecard did not look too bad!
Many thanks to BCCC for the usual excellent fayre at tea, and to the groundsstaff for an immaculate early season wicket.
Team: Clarkson, Chatfield, Dix G., Dix D., Carter, Startup, Force-Jones, Duncan, Scattergood, Chairman.
Avebury vs Wiltshire Queries
Date : Sun 08-MayType : Friendly
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 150 all out in 40 overs
Opposition score : 240 for 8 in 40 overs
One of our "trophy fixtures" on a Sunday, and this time we did not disgrace ourselves as we had last year. Fielding first, Avebury were able to pick up wickets at regular intervals, partly due to the fact that we were lent a fielder by the Queries and that person (or persons) took two good catches! Nevertheless, our front line bowlers continued to go for quite a few runs, whilst the "non-specialists" were on the endof some pretty brutal treatment from some "proper" batsmen.
Our reply wasn't too bad at all. The Chairman and Fry H. stood at the crease with 90 required off the last 16 overs, and with plenty of four-balls available to hit. However, both perished (to a full toss and a leg-side long hop respectively!) and despite some resistance from the lower order, Avebury ignored the option of "batting out for a draw" and were all out with a few overs left in the day!
An excellent day out, a fantastic tea (thanks Kate!) and once again a charming game of cricket played as always in the right spirit by both sides!
Team: Neve, Lawrence, Chairman, Dix, Carter, Fry H., Francis, Startup, Force-Jones, Duncan.
Avebury vs Collingbourne
Date : Sun 15-MayType : Friendly
Result : Avebury won
Avebury score : 166 for 5 in 37 overs
Opposition score : 162 all out in 40 overs
Again short of players, Avebury were lucky to be able to call on the services of Daniel and Matthew Dix, as well as debutant Rob Pagnamenta and star keeper G.Clarkson to get us up to eleven players.
Avebury lost the toss and were asked to field, Sam Carter and Trev doing their usual excellent work for the first 16 overs. Pete Force-Jones looked to have regained composure following yesterday's debacle at Bradford Town, and from the bottom end Rob Pagnamenta was both erratic and unplayable in equal measure. An excellent spell from Dan Dix saw the "little nipper" pick up two wickets with some straight, accurate bowling, and the Chairman hoovering up a couple from the top end.
After an excellent tea provided by Nathan and Helen Bliss, we set off in pursuit of 162 with an "unconventional" batting order, Pete F-J taking first strike. He looked solid and in control so it was a surprise when he perished - and the same can be said for others in the top order including Sam Carter (though happy enough to break his run of ducks) and Rob Pagnamenta. Guy Clarkson steadied the ship, and with the Chairman took our total to around 80 at the halfway mark. Guy's demise brought Dan Dix to the crease and he and the Chairman made good progress, Dan holding an end up and running well between the wickets. Skip and the Chairman got Avebury over the line with three overs remaining.
A good home win for Avebury following the disastrous events of the previous day!
Team: Dix, Dix, Dix, Bliss, Carter, Startup, Scattergood, Force-Jones, Chairman, Clarkson, Pagnamenta.
Avebury vs Wroughton Sunday XI
Date : Sun 22-MayType : Friendly
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 142 for 8 in 35 overs
Opposition score : 147 for 8 in 35 overs
9-a-side, 45 overs. What is Sunday cricket coming to?
Avebury lost the toss and were asked to field. Excellent bowling from Buxton, Force-Jones, new recruit Ben List, the sublimely gifted but rarely available Rob Minton and the unpredictable Adam Duncan say us restrict the visitors to 147 from 35 overs - no mean feat considering the size of the outfield and the very small number of players. Champagne moment was an outstanding catch by Rob Stratton off the bowling of Ben List, that will struggle to be beaten for catch of the season.
In response, a 50 from Rob Minton saw us cruising nicely towards the target, well supported by Adam Duncan, Rob Stratton (in his second ever game of cricket, I'm told) and Tim Buxton. With 6 runs required, the Chairman was at the crease with Force-Jones at the other end, and once again was run out. Avebury lost their last three wickets for 2 runs, and the game went to the opposition!
Many thanks to Ian Rendell at the Avebury club for opening up early to allow us to nurse our hurt pride. Also many thanks to Rob Stratton and Ben List makign their Sunday debuts - let's hope we see them again!
Team: Duncan, Buxton, Scattergood, Force-Jones, Stratton, List, Bradfield, Fry, Minton
Avebury vs Swindon Civil Service (Sunday XI)
Date : Sun 29-MayType : Friendly
Result : Cancelled
Avebury score : -
Opposition score : -
Match cancelled. 25 Avebury players unavailable. Very poor show! We apologise to our opponents. We will not let this happen again.
Avebury vs Minal
Date : Sun 05-JunType : Friendly
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 115 all out in 35 overs
Opposition score : 129 for 8 in 35 overs
No idea how we lost this one! All looked fine when this reporter left shortly after tea!
Minall batted first and scored 121 off their allotted 35 overs, P.Force-Jones taking 4 for 25!
In reply, Avebury could only muster 110! Rob Minton reminded us all of his talents with a quick 29, Dix swooshed at a wide one and was caught behind for one; Chris Lawrence batted all the way through for an excellent 41; but other than that contributions appeared to have been few and far between!
Special mention to an absolute belter of a tea from James Neve! Coronation chicken, beef, prawns with mayonnaise, and home made cakes including lemon drizzle cake. Definitely puts Mr Neve in contention for the teas award this year!
Team: G.Dix, A.Duncan, C.Lawrence, J.Neve, P.Force-Jones, D.Scattergood, B.List, R.Stratton, Jack Lowe, another Chris (friend of Chris Lawrence), R.Minton.
Avebury vs Swindon United Churches
Date : Sun 12-JunType : Friendly
Result : Cancelled
Avebury score : -
Opposition score : -
Match cancelled due to uncommonly foul weatherfor the time of year.
Many Avebury players gutted at the prospect of missing another World Record Attempt from S.U.C. for the Longest Time Taken to Bowl Forty Overs.
Avebury vs Swindon CS
Date : Sun 26-JunType : Friendly
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 84 all out in 27 overs
Opposition score : 85 for 8 in 30 overs
Avebury trooped off to Swindon Civil Service in good sprits, having bribed a couple of last minute players (Jack White, Simon White, and Dan Dix) to fill in and make up an eleven. Fielding first, the bowlers did a reasonable job of not letting the Service go nuts, with Will Thomas the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 19 from his 7 overs and possibly Simon White the most expensive (his 4 overs going for a hefty 52.
The Service's score of 196 from 35 overs was more than competitive, and proved way more than Avebury could muster in reply. Apart from a breezy 37 from Wes, there are few other highlights in the scorecard - 18 from PFJ is one you wouldn't expect - but apart from that the "gun" batsmen Thomas W (15), Dix G (18) and Charlie Weatherill (9) failed to get us close to the opposition total.
Many thanks to all players for playing an away game in Swindonon a Sunday afternoon. Personally I have absolutely nothing against playing cricket in Swindon on a Sunday afternoon (I have done it all my adult life) but it's a tough one getting an eleven to go do it for some reason.
Team: Thomas W., Weatherill C., "Wes", Stratton R., Dix G., Duncan A., White S., Force-Jones P., Scattergood D., White J., Dix D.
Swindon Civil Service (Sunday XI) vs Avebury
Date : Sun 03-JulType : Friendly
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 84 all out in 26 overs
Opposition score : 85 for 8 in 30 overs
Once again the incompetent reporter has buggered up the match report system. The report that appeared under the 26 June "CS Nomads" fixture was in fact the report relating you our 03 July fixture against Swindon Civil Service Sunday XI. The report below (filed under the 03 July Swindon Civil Service Sunday XI) is therefore the one relating to our 26 June fixture against CS Nomads!
So here goes:
Avebury vs. CS Nomads, 26 June 2011
A cracking game for all sorts of reasons. Avebury were inserted on another difficult Avebury track and frankly struggled. With the exception of 11 from The President and 49 from the Chairman, no batsman reached double figures and Avebury, to use a cliche from the pages of the esteemed Gazette & Herald, were "bundled out" for just 84 runs, the last 5 wickets falling for 12runs in 6 overs.
That sort of tells you everything you need to know about the kind of cricket we are playing right now.
The Nomads reply was somewhat stuttering - a good first 10 overs followed by a series of hiccups as the ever-dangerous Alleyne fell LBW to the Chairman for 31. The Chairman's inswinger would probably have hit all three - but, of course, as is the way of the world, the batsman had to do what is now de rigeur in cricketing circles which was to walk back shaking his head sadly as if the most woeful injustice had been done. This has the effect of making the umpire (a CS Nomads player) feel awkward in the extreme, and makes the bowler feel as though he has somehow unwittingly participated in some grotesque miscarriage of justice.
I don't like it.
There then followed a mesmerising spell of bowling from the skipper Adam Duncan, who picked up 4 wickets for 18 runs in a superb 8-over spell, leaving the Nomads reeling.
They crept over the line, 8 wickets down, thanks to some robust hitting from "Jav" Hussein, with 10 overs to spare.
Worth noting that Avebury scored 82 runs off the bat; Nomads just 61. Extras the difference between the two sides today!
Team: Ben List, Trevor Startup, Dave Scattergood, "Silva", Chirs Rees, Adam Duncan, Greg Dix, Rob Stratton, Charlie Weatherill, Chairman.
Avebury vs Fulham Taverners
Date : Sun 10-JulType : Friendly
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 120 all out in 32 overs
Opposition score : 252 for 6 in 40 overs
The Taverners turned up against a woefully weak Avebury side; scored shed load of runs; then bowled us all out for 120.
A disappointing result no doubt, but perhaps a just one as we have probably had the better
of the Taverners over the last few years.
Highlight of Avebury's inning was a fine 64 from Rhino opening the batting, and with the ball, an impressive 3 for 26 from 6 overs from D.Scattergood, reminding everyone why he has one of the best strike rates of anyone in the Club!
Team: Rhinberg, Bradfield, Stratton, Dix, Gater, Duncan, Allaway, Buxton, Scattergood, Force-Jones, Dix M.
Avebury vs Spye Park
Date : Sun 24-JulType : Friendly
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 81 all out in 22 overs
Opposition score : 93 all out in 24 overs
A funny sort of game! Spye batted first and were in bits at 17 for 6 after 10 overs; Minton the chief destroyer with 3 for 33 from his 9 overs, and Trevor a miserly 3 for 7 from 9 overs!
A fine 47 from J.Taylor (should have got the slow stuff on against him earlier) got Spye to a respectable 92, but in just 25 overs.
With plenty of time left it was decidedwe should have tea later on, and go straight out to bat.
This apparently confused a good number of the Avebury players! 5 oversinto our innings we were 26 for 6, with Will Thomas, Wes Keel, Ben Ellbogen, Rob Stratton, Pete F-J and Rob Minton all back in the hutch for a collective 14 runs.
The Chairman and Trevor Startup inched the Avebury score towards respectability; the Chairman then smacked it down someone's throat and departedfor 30; Trevor had a rush of blood and left the scene for 11; H.Fry contributed a solitary run; Ben List an encouraging 5 before he too was caught.
Avebury ended on 81, just 12 runs short of the Spye total but in the context of the game that was more like 50 or 60 short!!
Team: Thomas W., Wes Keel, Chairman, Ellbogen, Stratton, Force-Jones, Minton, Startup, Fry H., List.
Did not turn up: Neve! Jimmy where are you?!
Avebury vs Aldbourne
Date : Sun 31-JulType : Friendly
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 119 all out in 35 overs
Opposition score : 120 for 5 in 30 overs
Difficult to write the report having not been there myself. However, in the true spirit of British journalism, here is the hearsay commentary on the game from discussions with participants:-
1. Avebury were hampered by last-minute drop-outs from Rob Stratton (injured knee), Ben List (injured back), and Tim Buxton (kindly played on, but with an injured calf). Dan Dix very kindly stepped up, so we had 3 Under-11s in the side.
2. The Aldbourne skipper continued his "Competitive Dad" impersonations from last years game, smacking the Under-11 bowlers around with aplomb and giving no quarter to the junior players in the Avebury side.
3. The game was uncompetitive although a sparking 60-odd from Rhino at the top of the innings was probably the highlight from our perspective.
4. Aldbourne are like pre-League Avebury - playing Sunday cricket with a "winning" mentality. For future games, I guess they'll either have to be prepared to step down, or we'll have to step up - the latter being hard to achieve right now given chronic shortages of players.
Team (eventually): Duncan, Thomas W., Gater (last game in the UK before heading back to Oz), Dix, Rheinberg, PFJ, Rhino's Godson Jack, Rhino's Godson's friend Stan, Tim Buxton (injured, but thank you for carrying on!), Tim Jephson (Head of Refreshments), Dix D.
Marlborough 20-20 vs Avebury
Date : Sun 07-AugType : 20-20
Result : Cancelled
Avebury score : -
Opposition score : -
Cancelled. Marlborough were struggling to raise a side. Pretty sure I have written that before.
Avebury vs Presidents
Date : Sun 14-AugType : Friendly
Result : Avebury won
Avebury score : 221 for 7 in 40 overs
Opposition score : 210 all out in 40 overs
Thrilled at having been able to get a side out, and less than thrilled at the large number of "Judases" among the ranks of the President's men, Avebury elected to bat first and posted a decent, if not overwhelming, total of 221. This reporter forgets the details of the individual scores, but recalls contributions from Rheinberg (whp has enjoyed a fine season this year with the bat), Wes (short and sweet), Will Thomas (my, what a balanced side we have when he is with us), and Adam Duncan.
In response, the President's men were in trouble from the outset thanks to tight bowling from the Avebury openers. All looked to be heading comfortably for a win for the "Captain / Chairman's XI" until the return of H.Fry (fresh from putting the children to bed - what a thoroughly modern man!) who pummelled the bowling to all parts for a chanceless 82.
In the end this proved not quite enough, and despite a spirited debut from Ryan Wallace in support, the President's men ran out of (cricket) balls, and the Captain / Chairman's XI re-captured whatever trophy it is we play for these days!
Team: Duncan, Chairman, Rheinberg, Thomas W., Weatherill, Carter, Pletts, Collins, Thomas I., Wes, Neve.
Avebury vs Bishops Cannings
Date : Sun 21-AugType : Friendly
Result : Avebury lost
Avebury score : 75 all out in 30 overs
Opposition score : 213 for 4 in 40 overs
On a glorious sun splashed afternoon, "One Fat Lady" was completely bingo'd by "Legs Eleven" - Avebury being outnumberd by 11 to 8, outscored by 213 to 75 by a good-spirited Bishops Cannings.
Cannings won the toss to secure first biff at the best well worn ball that Avebury could muster. The visitors progressed easily to an unassailable total, retiring players once they were full from feasting on the Avebury bowling buffet. Batting late on the visiting skipper despatched a monster six, far into the old school playground, in the hope of securing a shinier ball for his bowlers.
Not so, as another old favourite ball was unearthed from the pavilion.
Avebury highlights were as rare as rocking horse droppings. Though notable moments included the ball catching of all-rounder Gary Collins and bowling wizard PFJ; the economy of Jimmy "Footjoys" Neve; a wicket for debutant Mike Lomas and the strike rate of El Presidente in the autumn of his career.
Particular thanks to the borrowed young Sean Bailey, whose energy and ability was an example to us all. Similar thanks are also due to borrowed sub fielder Jake Roberts whose splendid fielding was crowned with a top boundary catch against the full glare of the Avebury sun. Thanks also to the multi-skilled Mike Cornwell who single-handedly juggled two score books and the scoreboad. Impressive. Oh, and thanks also to extended family Scattergood for the provision of the interval fayre that included some splendid cakes. My personal favourite being the date, walnut & orange.
Oops, I nearly forgot the Avebury innings. Though there is little to report. Bionic Man Martin Pletts top scored with a "Valentines Day" 14. Captain Will Thomas batted twice, recording a "Lucky Seven" and an "Unlucky For Some" 13 not out. Not sure how Statto will record that in the end of season averages.
The afternoon concluded without troubling the drinks trolley operator. The visitors and a handful of Avebury players then retired to the Working Mens Club to reflect on the game, absent players and what might have been had a Fry, Dix or Startup been available for selection.
Mercifully all gathered cricketers were able to exit the Club just before conversation could be drowned out under the commentary from the big room bingo caller!
Avebury vs Badgers
Date : Sun 28-AugType : Friendly
Result : Abandoned
Avebury score : -
Opposition score : -
Very disappointly we had to eventually abandon the game due to one downpour too many, with Avebury precariously balanced on 27-3 from 10 overs.
We then tucked into a most fantastic Perkins tea, structured into a "sandwiches" section, a "cakes" section and then a "scones" section, with mugs of tea served to us AT THE TABLE! AT THE TABLE, I TELL YOU! I don't get service like this at home!
Wonderful, wonderful scenes.
Pity about the lack of cricket but that is always going to be of secondary importance on days like this!
Hungry Horses: Thomas W., Mynott, Dix, Chairman, Rheinberg, Duncan, Force-Jones, Startup, Jephson, Wallace.