Buccaneers Cricket Club

Buccaneers v Newdigate on Sunday 15 May

The following despatch has been received from skipper Paul Hobson:

“Unfort. we lost.

They made 264! In 40 overs. Yes, we need some serious bowling practice. We made we bowled out for 195 top order didn’t make enough quickly enough. Spirited middle order but unlucky and comedy wickets! Out.”

Shame we didn’t get more detail, but it looks like we did our best to drink the fixture back.

Innings of Newdigate

S Roost ct b S Moules 24
M Rome ct and b Hobbs 31
T O’Malley ct b Crichton 68
R Wickremasinghe ct b Leefe 35
D Mares Run out 59
L O’Brien ct and b Hobson 6
S Kehl ct  b S Moules 18
A Kehl st b Hobson 3
D Crook not out 6
M Hussain Run out 1
R Flower not out 0

Extras 12

Total 264-9 (40 overs)

S Moules 8-1-35-2
A Berry 5-0-29-0
R Hobbs 5-0-37-1
S Leefe 8-0-47-1
W Metcalfe 6-0-48-0
J Crichton 4-0-26-1
P Hobson 4-0-38-2

Innings of Buccaneers

J Milne run out b D Mares 61
C Vollers B R Flowers 4
J Crichton lbw M Hussain 9
P Hobson ct b M Hussain 9
W Metcalfe ct b A Kehl 13
S Moules b D Crook 25
A Berry b S Kehl 30
T Fletcher ct  b S Kehl 33
R Hobbs ct b S Kehl 0
S Leefe ct R Flower 1
S Brandes not out 0

Extras 6

Total 195 all out (35 overs)

R Flower 6.2-0-25-2
M Hussain 8-0-34-2
D Crook 8-0-41-1
A Kehl 5-0-22-1
D Mares 4-0-37-1
S Kehl 4-0-31-3

Forest Row offered its usual early season setting; work-in-progress outfield, sticky dog wicket and 30 yard boundary on one side, as the Buccaneers gathered in good time to win the toss and chose to field first for their allotted 35 overs. Founder Geoffrey Moore would have been proud that the team looked smart as it took to the field, some resplendent in monogrammed caps.

The Forest Row openers faced Moules and Berry, a testing right/left combination. Moules – all furious pace, like a modern day Waqar Younis, while Berry played the part of Wasim Akram, hooping it around in helpful conditions. Berry picked up the wickets of Gardner and Carter to smart catches from Milne pater and minor.

The cold weather made fielding testing although much was made of original woollen and very warm Buccaneers jumpers, available from Castell & Sons in Oxford (www.varsityshop.co.uk, +44 1865 244000).

The Forest Row team lost wickets regularly at one end through strong ground fielding, while Holmes on his own, with 74, led the assault on young Ludo – aided by the shortest of short boundaries. However, Ludo showed true grit and determination to weather the storm and returned creditable figures of 1-56 off seven overs. The brake was then applied admirably by Hobbs with 5-19 off seven overs and this was combined with some dynamic catching, especially by Dave Close who snaffled a sharp one that would have disturbed the bread basket if he hadn’t pouched it.

The total of 160 off 30 overs looked competitive.

After a tea with excellent scones and clotted cream, the Buccaneers opened in confident style with Vollers and the rejuvenated Ludo Milne putting on 81 for the first wicket. The wicket started at this point to get a little sporty, with the older members remarking on what Derek Underwood would have managed on it.

After Chakravarti and Swinn perished cheaply, Moules showed that he is in fact Imran Khan rather than Waqar Younis with some clean hitting. At this point victory looked assured, until one smashed straight drive from Moules dropped agonisingly short and into the safe hands of a fielder. The skipper was still confident that with the combined might of Berry, Hobbs, Fletcher and Milne, the last defence of Close and Stringer would not be needed. It was.

With 12 runs needed and 7 overs left the last pair came together and nurdled their way (without much alarm, although a lot of questionable appealing) to 160 with 3 overs to go. Then the red mist descended and Dave saw a Brathwaite like-moment appearing. Alas the ball fell obligingly to a Forest Row fielder and a tie was the result.

The clothing theme for the afternoon was completed as Ludo’s cricket boots (previously left in the dressing room) were safely delivered to their grateful owner and his glowering father. Cold War tension (a subject of Ludo’s GCSE revision) seemed alive and well in the Milne household as they departed.

Innings of Forest Row

J Holmes b Hobbs 74
D Gardner ct L Milne b Berry 9
A Carter ct J Milne b Berry 0
B Ellis ct and b Swinn 36
C Rockingham ct and b L Milne 3
C Bruce ct D Close b Hobbs 0
C Franklin ct D Close b Hobbs 0
S Mason ct Fletcher b Hobbs 9
M Woodward b Hobbs 16
S Ellis run out 4
J Young not out 0

Extras 9
Total 160 all out

S Moules 6-1-27-0
A Berry 7-3-26-2
L Milne 7-1-56-1
R Hobbs 7-1-19-5
M Swinn 2.1-0-27-1
J Milne 1-1-0-0

Innings of Buccaneers

C Vollers b Ellis 29
L Milne ct wktkpr 46
S Chakravarti ct b Franklin 14
M Swinn ct wktkpr b Ellis 4
S Moules ct Franklin b Mason 20
A Berry ct b Mason 9
R Hobbs ct and b Mason 0
T Fletcher lbw Mason 9
J Milne ct b Franklin 2
D Close ct Mason b Franklin 2
J Stringer not out 5

Extras 11
Total 160 all out

J Young 4-0-51-0
S Ellis 7-0-18-3
A Carter 3-1-20-0
C Franklin 7-1-39-2
S Mason 7-0-21-4
J Holmes 2.3-0-5-1
M Woodward 2-1-1-1

The 2015 averages have been published and are available to view by clicking here.

Last year was a good year, with seven matches won and only four lost. The season also included the record-breaking draw at Old Cranleighans (with 699 runs scored for the loss of 12 wickets).

It was also a golden summer with the bat, with three batsmen averaging over 50 (Rob Rydon, Paul Hobson and Jeremy Milne).

Leading bowler was Paul McCann, with Ludo Milne taking second place. Paul Hobson took most wickets and also bowled most overs.

A review of the season will be offered by the President at this Thursday’s Annual Dinner. Tickets are still available.

Warborough & Shillingford won toss – elected to bat

Warborough & Shillingford

Mark Searle lbw b Elston 11 (37 balls, 50 mins, 2 fours)
Matt Thompson c Harcourt b Danson 7 (33 balls, 30 mins, 1 four)
† Tom Elder c Ragnauth b Danson 2 (7 balls, 6 mins)
* Rohan Iswariah c Battley b Woolfries 10 (45 balls, 58 mins, 1 four)
Marcus Ward lbw b Butcher 6 (40 balls, 42 mins)
Daniel Leach lbw b Woolfries 27 (32 balls, 31 mins, 4 fours)
Freddie Iswariah not out 55 (92 balls, 95 mins, 7 fours)
Arran Ryde c Harcourt b Okines 7 (10 balls, 16 mins)
Sean Leach lbw b Butcher 9 (11 balls, 15 mins, 2 fours)
Chris Ward b Butcher 16 (32 balls, 31 mins, 2 fours)
Alan Tilley run out 0 (7 balls, 5 mins)
Extras (10 byes, 9 leg-byes, 1 wide, 4 no-balls) 24
—
Total (57 overs) 174

Fall of wickets: 1−22 (Thompson @ 9.2 ovs)
2−28 (Elder @ 11.1 ovs)
3−30 (Searle @ 14.1 ovs)
4−52 (M Ward @ 26.4 ovs)
5−52 (R Iswariah @ 27.1 ovs)
6−98 (D Leach @ 35.2 ovs)
7−115 (Ryde @ 40.4 ovs)
8−137 (S Leach @ 45.1 ovs)
9−167 (C Ward @ 55.1 ovs)
10−174 (Tilley @ 56.6 ovs)

R Elston 11 − 4 − 23 − 1 (1 wide)
A Danson 7 − 0 − 15 − 2 (1 no-ball)
S Wright 4 − 3 − 1 − 0
B Butcher 13 − 6 − 23 − 3
S Woolfries 11 − 0 − 50 − 2 (3 no-balls)
W Okines 11 − 2 − 43 − 1

Buccaneers

V Kandampully b Tilley 20 (36 balls, 2 fours)
P Battley b D Leach 9 (11 balls, 1 four)
R Pillai c C Ward b D Leach 17 (34 balls, 3 fours)
D Clifford b D Leach 0 (2 balls)
A Danson c D Leach b Ryde 27 (51 balls, 1 four)
S Wright c Thompson b F Iswariah 44 (66 balls, 3 fours)
† J Harcourt b Tilley 2 (6 balls)
R Elston b Ryde 0 (6 balls)
B Butcher b Ryde 1 (9 balls)
W Okines c Searle b Tilley 5 (22 balls)
S Woolfries not out 0 (4 balls)
Extras (2 byes, 2 leg-byes, 7 wides, 1 no-ball) 12
—
Total (41/51+ overs) 137

Did not bat: * M Ragnauth

Fall of wickets: 1−11 (Battley @ 2.3 ovs)
2−41 (Pillai @ 10.4 ovs)
3−42 (Clifford @ 12.2 ovs)
4−47 (Kandampully @ 15.1 ovs)
5−103 (Danson @ 28.4 ovs)
6−108 (Harcourt @ 31.1 ovs)
7−112 (Elston @ 32.4 ovs)
8−118 (Butcher @ 34.4 ovs)
9−135 (Wright @ 39.2 ovs)
10−137 (Okines @ 40.6 ovs)

Daniel Leach 13 − 0 − 45 − 3
Chris Ward 5 − 1 − 17 − 0
Alan Tilley 15 − 4 − 29 − 3 (1 wide)
Arran Ryde 7 − 0 − 42 − 3 (1 no-ball, 6 wides)
Freddie Iswariah 1 − 1 − 0 − 1

Warborough & Shillingford won by 37 runs

How else can these things be explained but for the arrival of Jeremy Corbyn? Just when ‘Craptain’ Stringer was beginning to feel the pressure to deliver after five unsuccessful attempts to unseat the Gentlemen from their privileged perch, along came a win. Vive la Revolution.

A sylvan setting

When groundsman Jeremy warned the two captains that worm casts might prove decisive, all arrived on the ground with some trepidation (but no wellies). After a quick sweep and an hour of sun, the Betchworth track resembled its usual self, an ugly-looking pudding. But just as this fact never put off Paul Hobson from a woman in a nightclub, so it didn’t deter the toss being won by under-fire Milliband and asking David Cameron and his cabinet to bat (Enough political analogies. Ed).

The Greek god roars in

Rydon chose to open with Ollie Metcalfe and Crispin Vollers, tasking them with seeing off the combined menace of Paul McCann and Steve Moules. McCann, stalking in from the North Downs End soon resembled a better Steve Finn, generating late away swing and bounce. After one fearsome lofted on drive Metcalfe succumbed and nicked off with a smart catch being taken by the well honeymooned-Sujay Chakravarti. Vollers was joined by Jeremy Milne and this pair put on 38 runs in trying conditions. Moules’ display should result in a letter to the Editor of ‘Biggleswade Today’, neh The Times, to seek an explanation as to why the Potton skipper considers that he wouldn’t even get a bowl in a Chinese restaurant. His delivery to dismiss Vollers was unplayable, pitching on middle and leg and hitting the top of off. Vollers retired from the pitch muttering that his butler hadn’t prepared him for that type of delivery…

Simon Leefe joined Milne, and the rebuilding continued. Milne was the model of stout defence yet quick to pounce on anything over-pitched or short. Similarly ‘Nissan’ Leefe skipped down the wicket and felt able to punish the newly introduced Gordon and Hobson’s less effective deliveries. It took a piece of inspiration to turn the game. Milne, confusing Hobson’s larrikin activities at extra cover for a lack of concentration, decided to poke a drive straight to him, and then set off for the other end. Alas, even Leefe, who normally covers the ground like the electric mouse in a Tom & Jerry cartoon couldn’t recover and Hobson’s arrow-like throw broke the stumps and their 42 run partnership. 87-2. Newcomer Hobbs arrived and was mostly respectful of newcomer Angus Berry’s SLAB. And so to lunch – as ever taken in the Red Lion – and although a number of Gentlemen remarked that a better lunch was available at the Carlton Club, the Players fell on the fare like the orphan-raised urchins that many of them are.

After a few words from El Presidente, battle was resumed with Darryl Bird (resembling Morne Morkel, but with a better action) taking up from the North Downs End while James ‘E’ Smith (son of the Fall lead singer) did the same at the Trampoline end. The squeeze was applied, with Bird in particular leading the death charge with 2-24 off his five overs. Hobbs was particularly invigorated by lunch, going mad in one over from Smith and taking him for 11 runs before perishing shortly after for 14 to a another smart catch by Sujay. Tom Fletcher, another newcomer, also threatened to get away, but Bird and then the returning McCann, ‘did’ for one Gentleman after another (a phrase redolent to one often muttered by the Gentlemen at their boarding schools). One Rydon came and went (Ed), and then amazingly so did another – the skipper to a steepler safely pouched by Hobson 700 yards from the bat, before the innings was closed at 167 for the loss of seven wickets. Jeremy finished on 75 not out, a fine effort in low scoring conditions.

Craptain Stringer avoided reflecting too much on the misquote of top sporting sage Gary Lineker who asserted that 22 men ran around for several hours and Rob Rydon won. Rydon immediately demonstrated the ‘funky’ captaincy that has led to numerous sporting accolades (excluding yachting, thanks for that tip Louisa), by challenging the ‘blunting’ tactic of opening with Soumak Bose and Sujay Chakravarti. Still Bjӧrn and Lӭefe (sounding more like an Ikea furniture collection) provided a stern test, with Bjӧrn earning figures of 8-2-20-3 including the wickets of both openers and Super-Smith (assisted by a Mark Waugh-like catch at second slip by John Bryant). Rydon at last stirred himself, like a gladiator prowling the arena scenting blood and he fully tested the resolute defence of ‘Jack’ Hobbs-son. However, uncharacteristically he was soon feeling the effects of Gordon’s fading hangover.

Attack with Johnno Gordon

Johnno batted like a man who owns a bat company, with products to sell when he senses there are a substantial number of sales to be made to over-paid City types. He didn’t disappoint adding 62 valuable runs and a 63 run partnership with Hobson. However once he was out and at 95 for four, the match was still in the balance. Okines replaced the tiring god but out strode Man of the Match-elect Moules and a bruised but unbowed Berry. Skipper Stringer paced the boundary like an expectant father as first Moules and then his pal decided that Exmouth market was calling and the hurry up was needed. Moules in particular was savage on Warwick, depositing him for one and then a second (to clinch the match) flat six into the Trampoline End field.

Stringer was looking forward to a reverse of the ritual humiliation of the losing captain presenting the winner with the Mynott thimble. Suspiciously, Rob needed to rush off to a 50th birthday party thus avoiding this fate. I assume one is taught this tactic during a private education. The news was cabled to the Buccaneers’ Ambassador for Italy, the Rt Hon Inzamam ul-Hack who declared that he could now die happy.

Innings of The Gentlemen

O Metcalfe ct Chakravarti b McCann 6
C Vollers b Moules 20
J Milne Not out 75
S Leefe Run out 20
R Hobbs ct Chakravarti b Bird 14
T Fletcher ct Smith b Bird 20
E Rydon ct Moules b McCann 0
R Rydon* ct Hobson b McCann 0
F Bjӧrn Not out 0

Extras 7

Total 167-7 (40 overs)

Fow 1-7(1), 2-45(2), 3-87(4), 4-119(5), 5-159(6), 6-161(7), 7-162(8)

P McCann 8-0-29-3
S Moules 8-2-14-1
J Gordon 5-1-15-0
P Hobson 4-0-17-0
S Brandes 4-0-23-0
A Berry 2-0-16-0
J Smith 5-0-26-0
D Bird 5-0-24-2

Innings of Players

S Bose ct Hobbs b Bjӧrn 15
S Chakravarti b Bjӧrn 7
J Smith ct Bryant b Bjӧrn 2
P Hobson lbw Hobbs 14
J Gordon ct Metcalfe b Hobbs 62
S Moules Not out 33
A Berry Not out 30

1-23(2), 2-24(1), 3-32(3), 4-95(4), 5-115(5)

Extras 9

Total 173 for 5 (36 overs)

F Bjӧrn 8-2-20-3
S Leefe 5-0-19-0
R Rydon 6-1-20-0
J Bryant 4-0-28-0
W Okines 8-0-60-0
R Hobbs 5-0-24-2

A Buccs side full of youth turned up to picturesque Farnham CC keen to avenge last year’s loss against the Wanderers. Faced with a stodgy looking wicket and no sign of the six foot six spinner that ravaged the Buccs in 2014, Vollers used the winning toss to send his oppo into bat.

The opening pair of Metcalfe and Moules started well with the latter rewarded early on, dismissing a dangerous looking bat after he sent a pearler through the gate. Unfortunately the second of the Buccs pacemen had to withdraw from the after twisting his back so Hobson was thrown the almost new ball to dibble and dobble from the pavilion end.

After a few very tight overs, Hobbo decided to throw in some variation and try the ‘much-slower-full-bunger’…success! The batsman had just about finished licking his lips when he found he had plonked the pie straight at Chakravarti at short mid-wicket. Oops. Woolfries joined the party and was soon awarded a plum LBW. A couple of quick wickets and the Buccs were back in the game. One problem stood in the way however – the other opening bat, who appeared ungetoutable.

Leefe was particularly impressive in the field, throwing himself around the boundary as the big opener began to see a beach ball. Leefe’s commitment rubbed off on the rest of the team and while the Buccs weren’t taking many wickets, run scoring was tough. The star fielder was relieved of his boundary-stopping duties and thrown the ball to join the spin attack. Keeper Morgan, playing in his 50th season for the club (50th season!!), clung onto a knick to remove another sponsor-laden batsman and this lifted the fielding side. A solid spell from Woolfries was followed by more Moules who bowled a fine 13 overs in the heat of the day.

The Wanderers declared on 226 from 42 overs which, with a now sun-soaked pitch and faster outfield in store, was very generous of their captain. Would the Buccs capitalise…?

After a delicious tea, Hobbo headed  to the local off license to get a few cold ciders for the spectators and returned to see the Buccs were three down for not many. Streatfield, on debut for the club, followed a couple of good looking punches down the ground with a gentle sweep straight into the keeper’s gloves and Bennison was castled by a jaffer. Hobbs entered the fray and immediately smashed one into the bushes. Unfortunately this cavalier approach didn’t come off and the next attempted biff found the hands of the Wanderer mid-on. Vollers was in next and he and Chakravati attempted to plug the holes in a fast sinking HMS Buccaneer. They seemed to be succeeding before Vollers inexplicably threw his wicket away, gently chipping one into the air off a bowler whose spell would end 2-0-24-1. Blast. Metcalfe’s day didn’t improve as he left a ball that jagged back into his off stump then Moules didn’t last much longer as scoreboard pressure started to tell. At 95 for seven, the incoming Hobson set about protecting his top of the table Buccs average. Dealing almost exclusively in boundaries his squash-buckling knock was admired up close by Leefe, Morgan, and Woolfries who all provided brief support before the Buccs were eventually bowled out for 120. It was a shame they couldn’t do the beautiful setting justice but a good day was had by all and the Buccs enjoyed a post-match de-brief in the local pub while Hobbo calculated his average in the corner.

Innings of Wanderers

G King not out 123
S Gul ct Morgan b Moules 8
P Melhuish ct Chakravarti b Hobson 20
B Aldridge lbw Woolfries 1
M Nicholson ct Morgan b S Leefe 23
S March b Leefe 5
R Love not out 18

Extras 16
Total 226 for 6 dec

Metcalfe 3-0-14-0
Moules 13-1-58-1
Hobson 9-1-36-1
Woolfries 8-0-60-1
Leefe 9-0-49-2

 Innings of Buccaneers

Streatfield ct Brooks b J Aldridge 6
Chakravarti ct b Tindall 31
Bennison b J Aldridge 2
Hobbs v Melhuish 6
Vollers ct Bennett b B Aldridge 18
Metcalfe b J Aldridge 0
Moules ct J Aldridge b Bennet 4
Hobson not out 36
Leefe ct J Aldridge b Tindall 7
Morgan ct Mar b Bennet 1
Woolfries lbw Tindall 1

Extras 15
Total 120 all out

J Aldridge 9-0-37-3
P Melhuish 5-2-7-1
B Aldridge 2-0-24-1
R Tindall 7.3-1-23-3
J Bennet 6-1-27-2

What more could a captain ask for? Winning the toss and batting on a belter of a pitch at Hurstpierpoint in the bright sunshine. At 12 for 3 and still missing three of his team he could have asked for a lot more. Chakravarti (Sujay), Mann J and Leefe S all departed without troubling the scorers and Burstow D had bowling figures to rival Stuart Broad. Andy Morgan, using all of his fifty years of Buccaneers playing experience, steadied the ship and along with Alex Rydon put on a few runs. Then Burstow struck again and Hobson P (after negotiating heavy traffic from London) entered the fray. The Milnes, at this stage, were rushing to the match after the captain had rung them and found them still in their pyjamas. After years of playing in the fixture they had thought it was on the Sunday. Doh.

Rydon R joined Hobbo after Andy had missed a straight one and hung around until lunch. After a fine three course lunch, they were able to up the tempo and Rydon chanced his arm, eventually succumbing for 61. Hobbo continued his fine form for the season but was out for 53. This bought Milne J and Milne L together and father and son put on a fine display (apart from the running between the wickets). Freddie Bjorn came in at number 10 and smashed the ball to all parts of the ground and Leefe C ‘closed’ proceedings with a fine 0 not out without facing a ball. All out for 219 at 3.30pm.

Rydon R opened down the hill and was amazed to find one of his deliveries being taken at third slip. Let me repeat that. A Buccaneers’ catch taken in the slips. A Buccaneers’ catch taken at third slip! After this excitement, batting continued as usual and Bjorn F was deposited to most parts of the ground that he had earlier found with his bat. As tea approached, OHJ’s looked comfortable at 47 for 1. Then Rydon R bagged another couple of wickets and Leefe C , with flight and spin, induced a  catch in the covers and tea was taken in much better spirits with the OHJs at  52 for 4.  After a fine selection of sarnies and cakes, the Leefe combo bowled in tandem to good effect. Wickets fell at regular intervals, mostly caught by Hobbo. When he wasn’t catching them he was involved in the bowling part. A fine stumping by Morgan followed as well as a regulation catch in the covers by our substitute fielder. However, the fact that we had a substitute fielder couldn’t be regulation. The fact that it was Chunky Gouldstone (in the Hurst 1^st XI in 1964, as evidenced in the pavilion) who ‘caught’ it  and the fact that he allowed it to hit his chest before using his hands made it less regulation than usual. A bit of biffing by the tail enabled the captain to employ another young spinner and Milne L wrapped up proceedings with a ball that clipped the top of off stump. The OHJs cricket week ended with the lowering of the flag, accompanied by the Last Post, and most of the team repairing to the New Inn to sample fine Sussex ale and relive Chunky’s catch.

A RYDON        CT WELCH BWL BURSTOW  26
Sj CHAKRAVARTI  CT WARRENDER BWL BURSTOW o
S LEEFE    CT MOULTON BWL BURSTOW 0
MANN J      LBW  BURSTOW 0
A MORGAN  BOWLED SIMKINS 15
A HOBSON   BOWLED SIMKINS 53
R RYDON  CT MOULTON BWL SIMKINS 61
J MILNE  CT CHADWELL BOWLED BURSTOW 11
L MILNE  LBW HALL  19
F BJORN  ST WARRENDER BWL BURSTOW 19
C LEEFE     NOT OUT  0

219 ALL OUT

P MCGAHAN  13-1 -61-0
D BURSTOW  12.1-4-38-6
S SIMKINS   11-3-50-3
S HALL  11-3-20-1
F WILSON  6-1-36-0

OHJs

J PILGRIM      CT HOBSON BWL  RYDON R 4
E WELCH      CT MANN  BWL LEEFE C 32
S WARRENDER  BOWLED  RYDON R 9
B MOULTON  LBW RYDON R  1
S HALL  CT HOBSON BWL LEEFE C 20
M LOWNDES  LBW HOBSON  30
D BURSTOW CT SUB (GOULDSTONE) BWL HOBSON 0
F WILSON   CT HOBSON BWL LEEFE S 5
P MCGAHAN STPD MORGAN BWL HOBSON 16
S SIMKINS  NOT OUT  21
N CHADWELL BOWLED MILNE L 9

ALL OUT 150

R RYDON 7-3-16-3
F BJORN 3-0-23-0
C LEEFE  9-1-45-2
S LEEFE 10-0-33-1
P HOBSON 7-3-18-3
L MILNE 2.4-0-14-1

We arrived at the lovely old Kent ground in Mote Park in bright sunshine. We agreed a 40 over match much to the dismay of their Umpire. As he was descending the stairs of the large old pavilion he asked us what the format was and then was heard to mutter “oh how disappointing” then descended four more steps to and almost in the same breath ask their Captain to confirm the format and was then overheard to say “oh bloody hell not this 40 over rubbish” to much eye catching and sniggering in the back rows.

We lost the toss but were inserted which suited us nicely as the pitch looked good and the outfield was fast; although we quickly found out that the wicket was actually slow and misbehaving from the top end. This was in evidence early on when Ludo Milne (15 yrs) was hit on the elbow from a lifting delivery off a length. He bravely carried on although he was in some pain but was the first wicket to fall to a good ball not long afterwards. Jeremy Milne played a superbly measured innings of 72 to give us a great platform and was ably assisted by Crispin Vollers, Somak Bose and Richard Hobbs the latter confusing everyone with a hook shot that looked like a Phil Mickelson lob wedge that spun around the stumps.

We got slightly bogged down in the middle period of the innings but a superb big hitting knock from debutant Angus Berry (68 not out) and a lightening between the wickets Tom Fletcher (28 not out) put together a nice partnership that just gave us enough runs (218) to defend.

We opening the bowling attack with Hobson and Caspar Milne (13yrs) two great fast bowlers who’s hang time rivals that of Michael Jordan. They started well with two maiden overs. Then their opening pair relaxed their shoulders in the next two overs to hit some big boundaries but this did not deter Caspar who struck back with the last ball of his third over having Buckland (13) caught magnificently by Angus Berry diving low to his right at square leg with a well worked out field placing by the captain. Hobson then had Sterling stumped by the impressive debutant keeper Fletcher for a duck with some vicious tempting outswing outside the off stump.

Caspar ‘s fourth over was an absolute joy to watch from all perspectives. He had Bristow (4) lbw with a straight looping ball that, although the batsman got a fair stride in, hit him on the front foot right in line. The batsman was absolutely furious with the decision and let a sharp volley at the umpire that rent the atmosphere. Totally undeterred by these events the umpire strode after the departing batsmen with the fury of a whirlwind gesticulating and admonishing him severely for bad sportsmanship. After another four dot balls, Caspar had Feltham caught for another duck at cover to much hooping, hollering and head patting from all the fielders. A double wicket maiden

Hobson then took himself off for Warwick Okines who took a wicket with his fifth ball by dismissing Joseph for a duck (bowled with a fine turning ball that went through the gate). Another wicket maiden in successive overs, the visitors cock-a-hoop and the hosts in tatters at 25 for 5!

However there was another twist in the tail as we suspected that a reversed batting order was in force as one of their first team players arrived and started to knock our few bad balls for big fours. Williams (68 not out) and White (43) chased down our total well until their partnership was broken by a real fast bowler and debutant Stephen Moules bowling White and shattering the stumps.

Walters (51) then assisted Williams to take the chase even further toward our total and we started to get a little bit nervous. However, with the return of Hobson and Caspar Milne to bowl at the death victory looked assured.

Caspar went for only four runs off the first over of his second spell and his last over for two runs where he dismissed Walters to a fine catch to restrict the hosts to 205 and win the game. A fantastic spell (of 8-1-27-4) for a terrific young cricketer in the Buccaneer mould. We look forward to his next game at Brook.

Another fine Buccaneers victory.

Toss: Mote

Buccaneers Innings

J Milne c Buckhard b Adams 72
L Milne c Buckard b Walters 7
C Vollers b Waterson 17
S Bose c Adams b Waterson 8
S Moules c Buckard b Adams 0
A Berry not out 68
R Hobbs b Feltham 8
T Fletcher not out 28
Extras 10

Total (for 6 wickets, 40 overs) 218

Bowling:
Walters 8-2-30-1
Williams 5-0-19-0
Adams 8-0-34-2
Waterson 8-1-64-2
White 5-0-16-0
Feltham 6-0-45-1

Mote Innings

S Buckland c Berry b C Milne 13
M Bristow lbw b C Milne 8
T Sterling stumped Fletcher b Hobson 0
C Feltham c b C Milne 0
J Joseph b Okines 0
R Williams not out 68
M White b b S Moules 43
L Walters c b C Milne 51
R Adams not out 4

Extras 18

Total (for 7 wickets in 40 overs) 205

Bowling

P Hobson 8-1-30-1
C Milne 8-1-27-4
W Okines 7-1-30-1
A Berry 4-0-23-0
L Milne 3-0-22-0
S Moules 4-0-32-1
R Hobbs 4-0-23-0

Old Cranleighans 387-4 (Rolling 203*, E Copleston 53*, Jordan 53) drew with Buccs 312-8  (R Rydon 102*, Cross 3 for 31,)

For the first time since (what has felt like) the dawn of time, the weather held out and battle was able to commence between the Old Cranleighans and the Buccaneers on 12th July. Rumours were rife on arrival at the ground of excessive run scoring exploits throughout Cranleigh’s cricket week – these rumours were confirmed on closer inspection of the wicket which could only be described as a road. The match the previous day had yielded an aggregate of 700 runs and not many wickets – it was enough to make the most seasoned bowlers weep into their jockstraps.

The toss was lost and the affable OCs skipper predictably elected to bat. The OCs opening batsmen, Rollings and Cross had clearly had their Weetabix that morning as they piled on the runs at 10 an over. Rydon bowled without much luck until he dismissed Cross (32) caught and bowled. This didn’t stem the flow of runs however with Jordan (53) further accelerating until young Buccs leggie Ballantyne lured him down the wicket and took his edge well caught by keeper Chakravarti. Hamish Robertson bowled without luck for the Buccs before the skipper Steele turned to the wily flight and guile of Woolfries. The flow of runs was finally stemmed before the pressure told on Hill who was bowled for 21 by a Woolfries Doosra. The greatest achievement however was the maiden that he managed to bowl amongst the run-mageddon.

Lunch was taken at 1pm with the Buccs on the wrong end of 220 odd for 3 and opener Rollings already past his century. Comfort was sought in and taken from the Chicken Korma, Naan bread and poppadoms provided. The Buccs regrouped and in the first over post-cuzza Dave West, feeling fresh from some exotic exploits the night before, took the wicket of Coplesdon S (1) via a fine sharp catch from Neil Robertson.  The joy was short lived however as the OCs accelerated again and the score approached 300 with the huge crowd sensing a sporting declaration. Cranleigh however batted on with Rollings eventually completing his double ton, a new OC record score (203*) via a series of reverse pulls/ sweeps and general left handed batting. This prompted the Craneligh skipper to finally declare on 387-4: a tough score to chase down in less than 50 overs.

Buccs openers Milne and Chakravati started breezily until Chakravati was out for 22 and Jeremy Milne returning to the hutch before tea for a composed 42. New bastmen Steele and Hobson managed to make it to tea without overindulging on the buffet bowling being served up by the OCs. After a civilised tea Steele (40) then pushed the run rate on but fell caught in the deep after getting too greedy at the OCs trough. Hobson then fell soon after for 25. Neil Roberston, ably supported by son Olly, then stabilised the middle order before Olly fell for 18.

This brought Rydon to crease (obviously smarting from his bowling figures (10-0-78-1)) and began taking the game to the opposition assisted by N Roberstson (30) and West (10). Ballantyne fell for a duck and it left Hamish Robertson, displaying a very straight bat, to guide Rydon to a superb swashbuckling 101* off 86 balls and secure a very creditable draw for the Buccs who finished on 312-8.

Overall an excellent game of cricket played in good spirits.

OC Innings 387-4 dec

Rollings not out 203*
Cross O ct and bowled Rydon 32
Jordan Ct Sujay Chakravarti B Ballantyne 53
Hill D Bowled Woolfries 21
Coplesdon S Ct Robertson B West 1
E Coplesdon not out 5*

Bowling

Rydon 10-0-78-1
Hobson 6-0-74-0
Roberston H 5-0-53-0
Woolfries 14-1-68-1
Ballentyne 3-0-38-1
West 9-0-66-1

Buccs Innings – 312-8

J Milne ct Coplesdon E b Scriven 42
Sujay Chakravati st Davies b Coplesdon C 22
Steele Ct Harrison B Cross 40
Hobson ct Jordan b Cross 25
O Robertson B Cross 18
N Roberston ct Chalmers b Langmead 30
Rydon not out 102
West ct Langmead B Scriven 10
Ballantyne b Scriven 0
H Robertson not out 6

Bowling

Hill 7-0-33-0
Scriven 7-0-44-0
Coplesdon E 16-2-107-3
Cross 5-0-40-1
Jordan 8-0-31-3
S Coplesdon 5-0-28-0

An unusually dry Betchworth ground welcomed the hastily scraped together Buccaneers team. The team included debutants Darryl Bird and Subir’s squash partner Richard Sadler.

The game started on a familiar note with the Buccs losing the toss and being asked to field. Richard Manyon and Freddie Bjorn produced an impressive opening spell which resembled the opening hour of a Test match at Headingly with six maiden overs in the first 10. Richard finally snapped up the first wicket with a smart low catch by the keeper Sujay. This was quickly followed by what could be possibly the catch of the season – a stunning caught and bowled by Richard Manyon. Freddie deservingly joined in and the Pilgrims were stumbling at 33 for 3. What then followed was a frustrating period of play before lunch. This included a few questionable umpiring decisions and a spilt catch at mid-wicket. However, impressive contributions by our latest recruits with Darryl’s aggressive bowling and Richard Sadler’s athletic fielding coupled with Hack’s spell of accurate bowling and usual banter, kept the Buccs spirit up. Lunch was taken with the match well poised. Unfortunately, the hearty lunch and round of port predictably swung the post-lunch session the Pilgrims way.

The Buccs begun the session promisingly with Warwick in particular bowling an excellent spell. However, some unorthodox and productive shot-making from their overseas players ensured the Pilgrims declared at 230 for 6 after 53 overs.

The Buccaneers reply started with the in-form James Stringer and the debutant opener Muktesh Ghatak. Unfortunately, Muktesh fell caught behind in the third over quickly followed by James who smashed a full toss straight to short mid-wicket. Darryl strode in at number three and demonstrated Klusener-esque ability to hit the bowl down the ground. However, he went for one shot too many and was yorked for 14. At 30 for 3 the brothers Chakravarti got together to try and rebuild the innings.  Several tense overs followed either side of tea before Sujay clipped a simple return catch to an innocuous off-break. In spite of some dogged batting (Richard Sadler) and at times entertaining (Freddie Bjorn) partnerships, what followed was a steady procession of wickets. The Buccaneers only glimmer of hope of winning (having clearly being informed by Hack that saving the game was not an option) faded when a promising eight wicket partnership of 32 between Subir and Warwick was ended when Subir was trapped in front of the wicket for a well-made 57. The remaining two wickets fell rapidly to ensure more time at the Red Lion and a good-humoured discussion with the opposing team about the quality of the umpiring.

Innings of Pilgrims:

Kandasamy c Sujay Chakravarti b Manyon 8
Janardhan c & b Manyon 22
Burgess c Bjorn b Woolfries 36
Saikia b Bjorn 0
Nathavani c Sujay Chakravarti b Oakines 27
Kanabarajan not out 66
Nichollls b Manyan 14
Vijayan not out 35

Total: 230 for 6 (53 overs)

Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-32, 3-33, 4-100, 5-120, 6-170,

Richard Manyon: 14-3-44-3
Freddie Bjorn: 10-4-42-1
Darryl Bird: 6-0-33-0
Richard Gwynn: 7-1-22-0
Warwick Oakines: 12-0-62-1
Simon Woolfries: 4-1-18-1

Innings of Buccaneers

James Stringer c Nathavani b Wood 6
Muktesh Ghatak c Bushe b Vijayan 2
Darryl Bird b Wood 14
Subir Chakravarti LBW Nathavani 57
Sujay Chakravarti c & b Baty 24
Richard Sadler c Wood b Baty 6
Freddie Bjorn c Bushe b Saikia 8
Richard Manyon c Burgess b Sakia 3
Warwick Oakines st Bushe b Sakia 13
Richard Gwynn b Nathavani 4
Simon Woolfries not out 0

Total: 145 all out (42.2 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 1-9, 2-9, 3-30, 4-69, 5-80, 6-97, 7-109, 8-141, 9-145, 10-145

Wood: 8-2-23-2
Vijayan: 9-1-28-1
Saikia: 14.2-2-43-3
Baty: 10-0-36-2
Natavani: 2-0-7-2