Buccaneers Cricket Club

Buccaneers      234/5    (G Howlett 54, J Smith 41, Mason 3/57) The Mote          72ao     (Mason 36, Kandemiri 4/29, Wijerathne 3/7)  Buccaneers won by 162 runs

Basking in July sunshine, Buccaneers convened at a pub close to Mote Park for luncheon. As the demands of holiday season had taken their toll on many regular Buccaneers, there were around the table no fewer than 5 debutants, and 8 players from Blackheath CC – including the present, past and pluperfect captains of the Blackheath 4^th XI. As a result, the average age of the Buccs XI was under 25, most of whom had played in a Kent League match the day before. In short, a strong XI.

Refreshed by burgers and beer, a convivial group of Buccaneers and spectators descended on a sun-blasted Mote Park, where we met up with the Milne clan. Buccs skipper Vic Kandampully hobbled out to the middle on his sprained ankle and completed his main duty for the day by winning the toss and electing to bat.

James Smith and Ludo Milne repaid Vic’s faith with an steady opening stand of 59 before Ludo was stumped for 34 off the young leg-spinner Joe Markiewicz. Jeremy Milne took Ludo’s place and saw the Buccs safely through to drinks, which were taken at a comfortable 98/1. Looking to pick up the rate, Smith was caught at mid-off immediately after drinks for a well-made 41.

However this brought the current Blackheath 4^th XI skipper, George Howlett to the crease, whose busy approach at the crease and urgent running kept the scoreboard whirring throughout the long spells bowled by Mote 2^nd XI players Dan Mason (3/57) and Chris Feltham (1/58). Despite the loss of Jeremy Milne for 31, Howlett kept up the momentum with smart running punctuated by clean hitting, en route to 54 off 36 balls. In this, he was supported by Bill Crone who crafted 29 from 33 balls.

The dismissals of Howlett and Crone left the Buccs at 207/5 at the end of the 37^th over. Wicketkeeper Dan Lucas (17*) and all-rounder Disal Wijerathne (21*) then combined to push the Buccs up to 234/5 from their allotted 40 overs.

After a fine tea, the Buccs took the field and were immediately buoyed by a breakthrough, as Dexter Kandemiri elicited a healthy edge from Mote skipper Henry Buckland, which was well held by a diving George Howlett at second slip. At the other end, the aggressive Dan Mason took the initiative whenever Caspar Milne strayed from a good line and length, but in the meantime, Kandemiri’s pace and accuracy earned him two more wickets, both clean bowled.

One felt a reckoning was coming when Mason finally had the opportunity to face Kandemiri, and so it proved. In one over, Kandemiri was launched over mid-on, cut uppishly past gully, and smoked twice through the covers by the Mote’s prime hitter. But despite this treatment, Kandemiri had the last laugh when a fast nip-backer beat Mason all-ends-up and clipped the top of his middle stump to complete an eventful over and leave the Mote reeling on 53/4.

With the loss of Mason for 36, the Mote’s remaining batsmen seemed to lose conviction. Casper Milne (2/27) cashed in, finding line, length and swing to remove the veteran Buckland, and repeating the dose on 2^nd XI player Conor Davis as he swung from the hip.

Vic’s act of mercy in yanking Kandemiri (4/29) from the attack rather backfired when Disal Wijerathne (3/7) promptly took two wickets in his first over. Following another strike from Disal to remove Chris Feltham, it was left to past Blackheath 4^th XI skipper Ben Butcher to apply the coup de grace by removing Markiewicz to complete a rather comfortable win.

The Mote had been bowled out for 72 in 15.4 overs, with only Dan Mason (36) making double figures; meaning that Buccaneers had won by 162 runs.

Generously the Buccaneers allowed the Mote to have a second go-around. The bowling was spread about, with overs for both Milne lads, Howlett, Crone, Smith, Wijerathne, for “12^th man” Stephen Grace, and the extremely rare sight of Vic turning his arm over, ankle sprain notwithstanding.  When Mote skipper Henry Buckland was caught at slip off Vic’s leggies, Dan Lucas was heard to wonder whether his lunchtime Guinness and afternoon champagne had combined to produce some form of hallucinogen, and even umpire Peter Turner was seen to sport a broad grin! In all, six further wickets fell before “time” was called after 35 overs.

In the bar, jugs were had. The very fine Whitstable Pale Ale was much enjoyed. Howlett was voted Man of the Match for his excellent half-century.

Unfortunately it emerged in conversation that The Mote had experienced some difficulty getting eleven men on the pitch and hence had been forced to select some untried colts.

The selection of a very strong Buccaneers XI, and the Mote losing key early wickets, unfortunately exposed this weakness to the maximum.

Thanks to Mote CC for being gracious hosts and for fulfilling the fixture despite their selection difficulties. Hopefully next year this fixture will return to being a close-fought encounter.

Buccaneers v Mote – Buccaneers won the toss and elected to bat
Innings of Buccaneers
J Smith ct Davis b Mason 41 (64)
L Milne st Buckland b Markewicz 34 (45)
J Milne bowled Mason 31 (31)
G Howlett bowled Feltham 54 (36)
B Crone ct Davis b Mason 29 (33)
D Lucas + not out 17 (17)
D Wijerathne not out 21 (13)
Extras (b5, lb2, w4) 11
Total (40 overs) 234/5

Did not bat: V Kandampully*, D Kandemiri, B Butcher, C Milne

C Davis 6-2-18-0
J Eastern 6-0-33-0
J Markiewicz 4-0-22-1
B Brookes-Reeves 4-0-25-0
D Mason 10-0-57-3
C Feltham 10-0-58-1

Innings of The Mote

H Buckland *+ ct Howlett b Kandemiri 2
D Mason bowled Kandemiri 36
A Labnitz bowled Kandemiri 0
N Pereira bowled Kandemiri 8
J Waterson bowled Wijerathne 2
S Buckland bowled C. Milne 0
C Davis bowled C. Milne 2
J Eastern bowled Wijerathne 0
C Feltham bowled Wijerathne 4
J Markiewicz bowled Butcher 2
B Brookes-Reeves not out 2
Extras (b6, lb4, w4, nb2) 16
Total (15.4 overs) 72

D Kandemiri 5-0-29-4
C Milne 6-1-27-2
D Wijerathne 3-1-7-3
B Butcher 1.4-1-0-1

Lindfield Development XI 202 for 7 (40 Overs) Metcalfe 3 for 35, Buccaneers Developed XI 203 for 8 (35.4 Overs) R Rydon 85*, L Milne 27. Buccaneers won by 2 wickets with 26 balls to spare.

Buccaneers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in leafy Lindfield to win the inaugural Mark Lawrence Trophy by 2 wickets. New skipper Milne Major managed to lose the toss and the team found themselves fielding in the heat of the day after a splendid Thai lunch at the Standup Inn.

Lindfield is picturesque ground but with some dramatic slope action both parallel and perpendicular to the track. Think Lord’s with a bit more relief. Rydon Senior pulled fast bowlers’ rank to come down the hill with an immaculate eight overs straight (1­23). Moules strapped on the crampons and used the climbing ropes to labour uphill for three overs before giving up and electing to wait his turn to have next use of gravity. Lindfield’s youngsters made steady progress against a Buccaneers attack that struggled for control on the uphill gradient. Yasir Okines bowled plenty of controlled leg spin up the slope but the teenage left handers were particularly adept at the slog sweep with the spin down the cliff with ball running way on a fast outfield for boundaries. Meanwhile Richard “the Power” Hobbs kept things tight at the top end with very nice darts on and around off stump. The Lindfield innings came to end with clatter of wickets from Will Metcalfe who shouldered the burden of the uphill bowling and accurately targeted the bottom of the middle stump. Special mention should go to the high-class keeping of Tom Fletcher who was lightening quick behind the stumps and ended up with two stumpings and a catch behind. The target was set at 203 off 40 overs.

A fine tea was had by all and quick shower freshened the pitch for the visitors to bat on. James Stringer and Ludo Milne negotiated the first 10 or so overs without alarm keeping up with the rate with some free flowing shots and controlled defence. At 40 for no wicket all things looked bright for the Buccaneers, with only a couple of 14­year­old spinners to see off. The 11th over saw the arrival of Hindley T from the top end who announced himself on the match with his first ball as a perfectly flighted ‘chinaman’ spun prodigiously down the slope and through the gate of Stringer’s defense. Hindley continued to torment the Buccaneers middle order that crumbled in the face a controlled mixture of chinamen and googlies that tied Metcalfe, Rydon Junior, Hobbs and Moules in a series of complex knots. Hindley bowled five overs and picked up 5 for 18 to leave the Buccaneers innings in tatters at 62 for 6 in the 17th over. Ludo Milne managed to run himself out taking a quick single off a no­ball with a direct hit from none other than Hindley T.

From this desperate position, with the Buccaneers’ innings in tatters, out strode a Greek warrior in the form of Rydon Senior. With the help of first Tom Fletcher and then skipper Milne, Rob Rydon demonstrated the art of the counter attack. The spinners were defended when they bowled a good one and slaughtered when they missed line and length. The teenage spinning rampage had turned into a festival of towering sixes and punchy drives. Fletcher and Rydon added 80 in double quick time and the skipper kept Rob company adding an unbroken 60 for the 8th wicket to see the Buccs across the line. Rob finished 85 not out and claimed all honours as man of the match and was presented with the Mark Lawrence Trophy by Heather. The trophy was left at Lindfield CC for safekeeping.

Thank you to all for playing and in what was a good match and an enjoyable afternoon.

Innings of Lindfield

C Weir b Rydon 7
T Howard ct Fletcher b Moules 48
J MacMannon b Hobbs 36
G Lawrence ct Fletcher b Milne 28
T Hinley b Metcalfe 37
D Morgan st Fletcher b Metcalfe 17
C Andrews not out 6
T Choudury b Metcalfe 0
R Padley not out 3

Extras 20
Total 202-7 (40 overs)

R Rydon 8-2-23-1
S Moules 8-2-39-0
W Okines 7-0-56-0
W Metcalfe 6-0-35-2
R Hobbs 7-1-2-1
J Milne 4-0-19-1

Innings of Buccaneers

J Stringer b Hinley 12
L Milne run out 27
W Metcalfe ct b Hinley 0
A Rydon lbw Hinley 4
R Hobbs ct b Hinley 6
S Moules ct b Hinley 2
T Fletcher b Macammon 20
R Rydon not out 85
C Blampied b Macammon 0
J Milne not out 14
W Okines did not bat

Extras 34
Total 203-8 (35.4 overs)

D Morgan 8-0-27-1
Tem 5.4-2-10-0
T Choudury 8-0-66-0
T Hindley 8-0-29-5
J Macammon 6-0-39-2

This was a game of at least three halves and as much ebbing and flowing as you could have observed on the nearby river Deben (there was quite a lot of ebbing actually). In fact, our first taste of the excellent Woodbridge School facilities for this fixture was only made possible by the brilliant last ditch recruiting skills of sometime Buccaneer John Levick who mustered from Suffolk no less than six of the Buccs team of ten, supplemented by the Gents generously lending us a fielder. Your correspondent was also very grateful to Gus Berry who journeyed heroically from Earlsfield to Woodbridge by delayed and cancelled trains and replacement coach in order to play.

Cunning was in the air from the outset as Mark Nicholls inserted the Buccs on a very good looking surface and opened his attack from one end with the left arm slows of Roger Luxmore-Styles. Two early stumpings and a score of 26 for 2 was the result. However, guest batsman Sam Powell had survived an early slip chance and was now into his stride dominating the scoring to the extent that his runs were the only ones on the board at 35 for 2.

Suffolk over 60s player and Buccs veteran Peter Boughton then began to settle in nicely at number four as Nicholls went through frequent bowling changes. Just as the innings seemed well under control Peter called for a sharp single and was run out by a direct hit. Sam continued on his merry way providing the vital flow to counter the strong ebb coming from the Buccs efforts at the other end!

As is traditional a fine luncheon caused a train wreck of a batting display in the early afternoon so that our innings ended for 170 with the extraordinary statistics that Sam Powell’s 130 was accompanied by five ducks and only one other score not in single figures! The Gents had used eight bowlers with the pick being the leg-breaks of Carlisle and the aforementioned slows of L-Styles.

Although the tide looked like it had gone out for the Buccs events began to turn again as the Gents innings unfolded. ‘Aussie Rob’ Sullivan – another Levick recruit – reached into his memory bank to produce three early wicket-taking deliveries assisted by sharp catches from that man Powell and colt Harry Croft. The skipper then decided to have a go into the stiff breeze which was now blowing straight down the ground (no doubt something to do with the incoming tide) and managed to induce some injudicious swings across the line from the Gents middle order. With Gus Berry keeping it tight from the other end tea was taken with the Buccs very much in control.

But the breeze had not blown Mark Nicholls’ cunning totally away because Roger L-Styles bobbed up again at number nine to turn the tide in favour of the Gents. By efficiently putting away some loose bowling and knocking tighter stuff around for singles he began to close the gap of around one hundred runs which existed when he came to the crease. However, when Berry bowled number ten Carr the Gents were still about thirty short. In strode the ‘old salt’ Nicholls to see his side home by one wicket with Roger L-Styles finishing on 73 n.o. at the other end.

Innings of Buccaneers

S.Powell                   130
A.Berry                         0
R.Sullivan                     0
P.Boughton                 18
N.Hasler                       4
J.Levick (wk)                0
H.Croft                          0
JP Levick                      0
R.Elston                        5
S.Woolfries (c)              0 n.o.

Extras                           13
TOTAL                        170

Bowling of Gents of Suffolk

A.Kerr                       6-2-21-0
R.Luxmore-Styles    3.2-2.2-9-3
Pickthorn                  5-0-31-0
Pickthorn                  5-0-33-0
C.Kerr                      3-0-18-0
A.Carlisle                 6-0-27-4
S.Kellett                   3-0-9-1
W.Nicholls                2-0-13-0

Innings of Gents of Suffolk

A.Carlisle                   24
W.Nicholls                    3
A.Pickthorn                14
P.Ronan                       0
C.Kerr                          9
S.Kellett                     15
A.Kerr                          0
F.Pickthorn                   1
R.Luxmore-Styles      73 n.o
O.Carr                        10
M.Nicholls                  17 n.o.

Extras                           5
TOTAL                       171 for 9

Bowling of Buccaneers

R.Elston            8-0-48-0
R.Sullivan          5-2-7-3
S.Woolfries     12-2-33-4
A.Berry         11.2-2-37-1
N.Hasler           4-1-18-1
JP.Levick          2-0-20-0

Result: Gents of Suffolk won by 1 wicket.

Following heavy overnight rain, an experienced and battle-hardened Buccaneers team arrived in Betchworth to a green and uneven looking pitch. However, with an average age approaching 50 we were not terribly keen to take to the field first as we had done in recent years. We were therefore delighted when the Pilgrims skipper won the toss decided to bowl first. Simon Leefe and Sujay Chakravarti got us off to a steady start, negotiating the uneven bounce and putting away anything short. After an opening stand of 71, Sujay fell top edging an attempted sweep for 30. Muktesh Ghatak came and went but lunch was taken with the Buccaneers still looking good at 110 for 2 wickets. Simon and young Archie Marsh upped the tempo after lunch, attacking the off spinner before Simon was caught in the deep for an excellent 80. Archie soon followed for a composed 31 and Sadler did not bother the scorers much. Rob Rydon strode to the crease and, as expected, struck some lusty blows; his departure heralding the Buccs declaration on 210 for 6 wickets.

After being thoroughly entertained by the Hack for much of the day, an upbeat Buccaneers took to the field. Rob Rydon was immediately confronted with the sight of a young quivering Pilgrims opener barely into his teens. The Rydon Express however takes no prisoners and young George was castled first ball. The other opener, enraged by the “injustice”, attacked Daryl Bird (sharing the new ball at the other end) and four fierce boundaries followed in the second over. With the runs flowing the skipper quickly turned to the left arm spin of Leefe despite protests about having to spin the ball up the slope! The lack of spin was soon rewarded with a wicket on the stroke of tea, an excellent juggling catch at gully by Woolfries – 37 for 2.

Despite an excellent spell Rydon politely declined to continue after tea and was replaced by our young leg spinner Archie Marsh. What followed was carnage as Marsh and Leefe ran through the middle order to leave the Pilgrims teetering at 74 for 7. The bowling was shuffled and the Hack and President Woolfries took to the bowling crease. The Pilgrims mounted a brief comeback before Marsh returned to the crease to claim his 4th and 5th wickets in quick succession. The Pilgrims ended their innings with 9 wickets down for 130 runs as the number 11 was stuck in the toilet having commenced his pre-surgery laxatives a tad early!

Scorecard (abridged)

Buccaneers batting

Simon Leefe c HK b Salkia 80
Sujay Chakravarti c Miles b Salkia 30
Muktesh Ghatak st Miles b Salkia 3
Archie Marsh c Raj b Vipin 31
Richard Sadler b Salkia 4
Rob Rydon c Burgess b Wise 23
Daryl Bird not out 10

Did not bat – Subir Chakravarti, Andy Morgan, Simon Woolfries, Richard Gwynn

Total 210 for 6 wickets in 52 overs

Reigate Pilgrims: 130 for 9 wickets

Buccs bowling

Rob Rydon  5 – 2 – 8 – 1
Daryl Bird 6 – 0 – 43 – 0
Simon Leefe 7 – 3 – 14 – 3
Archie Marsh 7.1 – 0 – 40 – 5
Simon Woolfries 8 – 1 – 17 – 0
Richard Gwynn 3 – 0 – 8 – 0

This was the Buccs first visit to Frensham’s pretty ground.  It has an embankment the size of a small Alp at the top end and a vertiginous drop along the boundary at the bottom; not the place to take a catch running backwards – as if any of us would.

The topography makes for short straight boundaries.   I am glad to report that the captains agreed to a declaration game.  The wicket looked green and your captain decided to field.  Unfortunately, he lost the toss and the decision was made for him – we were in the field under a bubble-clouded but thankfully rainless sky.

Rob Rydon opened our bowling from the bottom end and soon put the poor innocents to the sword, dismissing their first three batsmen for a pittance.  By the end of a characteristically accurate spell of 8 overs (half of them maidens) he had 4 wickets for 6 runs, an admirable performance.  One of his victims fell to a quick-thinking Charlie Leefe at third slip, diving splendidly to take the ball popped-up by Tom Fletcher at second slip.  At the top end, the quality of Rob’s bowling was matched by that of Paul McCann, who took one for 24 in his 8 overs.

Having trawled 5 wickets for barely 50 runs, we were faced with an elusive fish at number 5, one M. Taylor, who defied us with the effective tactic of stepping away from nearly every delivery and invitingly exposing his stumps.  But leech-like, he survived.  Time to cast away our net and turn to the deft rod and fly of Steve Brandes, who twirled away for 11 overs from the bottom end, taking 3 for 29, one falling to a lightning stumping by Andy Morgan, who kept with the agility of a teenager and bagged two catches.  Yet still Taylor remained, gaining in confidence.  At the top end Angus Berry doggedly tried his luck but for no reward.  He was replaced by Charlie Leefe who bowled his leg-spinners cunningly and accurately but even he could not winkle out the stubborn Taylor.  Which irresistible force would overcome the immoveable object?   Our President took the stage and with his usual guile removed the last two wickets – but not Taylor, who left the field with 59 not out.  Only two other batsmen reached double figures (just) and Frensham ended with 127.

After a memorable tea (we must play Frensham next year or at least eat there) James Stringer and Simon Leefe began our reply.  Both looked assured and took us much of the way before James fell for 23 when the pair had posted 50 together.

Tom Fletcher – Slaughters through and through…

Unfortunately, Angus Berry did not manage to add to that and Simon was then dismissed for 29, leaving us at 67 for 3.  He had been joined by Tom Fletcher, who accumulated his runs elegantly and with Rob Rydon almost saw us home, being dismissed for 33 when the total was 117.  Rob was joined by Paul McCann who did not have much of a chance to demonstrate his skill (one 4) because Rob clearly needed to get home early.  Of his eight scoring strokes six were boundaries (four 4s, two 6s), including the final hit to win the match.  A victory by 6 wickets.

Frensham

P. Chuter             ct Morgan           b. R. Rydon            0
A Pailings             l.b.w.                     b. R. Rydon            3
R. Champneys   ct Morgan           b. R. Rydon            7
M. Smith              b.                            McCann                  4
M. Taylor             not out                                                 59
J. Barton              ct. C. Leefe         b. R. Rydon            0
D. Smith               b.                            Brandes               13
S. Lyford              ct. Stringer          b. Brandes             7
H. Baldock           st. Morgan          b. Brandes             1
B. Weeks             b.                            Woolfries            12
R. Chuter             b.                            Woolfries               0

Extras                                                                                    21

127

O.           M.          R.            W.
R. Rydon              8              4              6              4
P. McCann          8              3              24           1
S. Brandes           11           1              29           3
A. Berry                6              1              27           0
C. Leefe                7              2              22           0
S. Woolfries        2.3          0              6              2

Buccaneers

J. Stringer            l.b.w.                     b. Baldock           23
S. Leefe                l.b.w.                     b. Pailings            29
A. Berry                ct                            b. Baldock              0
T. Fletcher           l.b.w.                     Smith                    33
R. Rydon              not out                                                 31
P. McCann          not out                                                    4

Extras                                                                                       8

128

Unsurprisingly, our game versus Hurlingham this weekend was rained off.

Arriving at Sheffield Park, the Buccs were intrigued to see the light mower hard at work removing two inches of very green grass from the playing surface. Sadly, the outfield mower had not wintered as well and the lush greensward swayed gently in the breeze. Thus, the skipper concluded that boundaries were going to be hard to come by. Having won the toss, it was an easy decision to field (even though this meant that the grass would be even longer when we batted).

A Leefe leave was spotted in the long grass

Rydon and Moules opened effectively and both found lateral movement off the pitch. Moules beat the bat regularly but failed to get a nick. Rydon, belying his years and showing a spring in his heels – possibly the result of a sharp new pair of boots – quickly opened his account with a ball that hit pad then bat before dribbling feebly onto the stumps. His next wicket had the purists purring as a good length ball cut in off the seam and hit the top of middle and off (of the pimped up stumps), splitting the bails.

Hobson and Bjorn were on next. Hobbo took some early stick from tank commander, Ben Langman, who launched a couple of howitzers into the woods (where he considered a machine gun nest was likely). But Hobbo soon found his nagging length and got great “hang time”. Hobbo was back. Two wickets swiftly followed, both caught, as the batsmen failed to cope. Bjorn meanwhile got his in-duckers working beautifully and quickly got the important wicket of Langman for 37 as well as figures of .

The Buccs laze as skipper Leefe steers them to safety

With the middle order exposed it was time to go for the jugular so on came Woolfries and Berry. Woolfries’ pace (or lack of it), completely bamboozled the Dills. Figures of 3-14 were well deserved, his third wicket earned with a sharp catch at silly mid off after the youngest Dill smashed his very first ball at Hobson who showed no mercy pouching it with glee. Berry meanwhile did a rather better impression of Alan Mullaly than Mullaly ever did, bowling accurate left arm medium pace over the wicket. Kandampully, with an eye for the dramatic, fell gracefully onto a catch at mid on to give Berry his first wicket. A clean bowled then wrapped up the tail.

Despite a modest target of 116 to win, the Buccs were careful to avoid complacency. However, openers Kandampully and Greenish (on loan from the Dills) were clearly in no mood to hang around. Greenish smashed three fours, before perishing to a reverse sweep off the Dills’ opening quick bowler. Kandampully looked comfortable until he smoked an on drive at grass height level (admittedly, now quite high) which the bowler somehow managed to snaffle.

Stringer shows that he can (occasionally) be aggressive…

Stringer duly anchored the innings from this point and for the most part avoided succumbing to the red mist despite the advent of some tempting slow stuff.

His batting grew in fluency as decent running between the wickets kept the run rate up at four an over.

He formed a useful partnersip with skipper Leefe and their running between the wickets belied their now middle age.

With Leefe falling to the Dills’ youngest bowler, an impatient Berry stepped in and duly crashed a couple of fours. A good win with all Buccaneers contributing.

Innings of Armadillos 

Q Onkarknot b R Rydon 11
Y Colville b R Rydon 8
H Ostler ct S Leefe b P Hobson 16
B Langman b F Bjorn 37
J Colville b S Woolfries 17
R Taylor ct and. P Hobson 1
A Skrypel ct F Bjorn b S Woolfries 0
J Willaly ct V Kandampully b A Berry 3
T Bourne not out 6
L Bebb ct P Hobson b S Woolfries 0
T Bebb b A Berry

Extras 15
Total 116 all out

R Rydon 9-3-20-2
S Moules 8-1-25-0
P Hobson 8-2-28-2
F Bjorn 8-2-10-1
S Woolfries 6-2-14-3
A Berry 5.4-3-5-2

Innings of Buccaneers

V Kandampully ct and b Willaly 3
F Greenish ct Colville b Willaly 20
J Stringer not out 30
S Leefe lbw b L Bebb 31
A Berry not out 13

Extras 14
Total 117-3

J Willaly 4-0-26-2
R Taylor 5-2-11-0
O Onkarknot 4.4-1-11-0
B Langman 5-0-11-0
T Bebb 3-1-18-0
A Skrypel 3-0-18-0
L Bebb 3-0-13-1

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.