20 September 2015
A turville team slightly depleted in numbers took on Checkendon on Saturday. Tpcc were put into bat on a stodgy damp wicket, and due to a lack of depth in batting skipper Ollie moved regular lower order batsmen white and Henry up to 5th and 6th. Hunt and bucknil put on 40 for the first wicket until bucknil ran himself out. Hunt went on to score 50 but was dropped 4 times. We limped to 100 until Hugh de Z put on 30 with Charlie hunt to at least give us a target to bowl at.
By the time Checkendon batted the pitch had dried out like a road. Having said that they only had 1 batsman and he scored 80 per cent of their runs. White was carted, Thornton took 2 wickets and bignell/ Henry bowled with guile. After hunt goaded the batsmen to hit a six to win the game he duly obliged by hitting runkel for a huge six over mid wicket (his third), this only confirmed runkels opinion that limited overs cricket was a waste of time.
So basically we lost. This week last game, followed by plenty of ales. Email Dave to play.
Tom
12 & 13 September 2015
Dear All,
Two excellent fixtures were played out over the weekend, with Turville accounting comfortably for Harpsden away on Saturday, and dominating Medmenham at home on Sunday for a frustrating draw.
First up was Harpsden, in a 40/40 limited overs game, on their rather excellent new ground. We were a couple light, so Harpsden volunteered 2 of their genuine stars. Batting first, the hosts had the whip hand at 2/172 after 32 overs. Even this was a notable achievement for Turville thanks to some tight bowling from Jamie, Charlie and John(ie?). But it was the introduction of Nick Henry (3/43) and Adam Birkett (2/25) which turned the tide in Turville’s favour, snaring 5 wickets in the final overs to limit the chase to 210. Turville’s reply was poised and professional, due in no small measure to Charlie Beardall’s 119, one of the finest Turville innings seen. Elegance, timing, shots all around the wicket, and a calmness which has not traditionally been a hallmark of Turville’s visits to Harpsden. Steve Bucknill played a fine hand of 35 to accompany Charlie at the top of the order, and Turville had cruised to 190/1 by just the 30th over. A small flurry of wickets lent some interest to the final stages of the chase, but this was nevertheless a brilliant day out for Turville.
The Medmenham scores can be quickly related – TPCC 4/291 off 40 overs drew with Medmenham, 4/107 off 38 overs. This, Neil, is why limited overs has a place in the cricketing firmament! The stand out performance came from James Hunt, who clobbered 143* while carrying his bat. Jamie hit the ball so far, and so hard, he felt obliged to routinely join the search for the ball he had only just smashed into the shoulder high crops surrounding the ground. After each search it was important to check that Charlie Hunt (guesting for Medmenham) had managed to extricate himself from the foliage. Brisk contributions from Sam Beardall (49), Tim Wade (47), Dave Stockings (23) and Will Hammersley (12) were mere footnotes to the Hunt show. Medmenham’s reply was strangled from the outset by some tight bowling from Henry Steedman, Nick Henry and James Thornton who conceded just 50 runs from their 25 overs. Henry Steedman looked the most menacing, and managed to dislodge 2 of the Medmenham top order. Charlie Hunt helped to thwart the Turville onslaught to remain not out at the close (Hunts were famously difficult to get out on the day).
Only 2 more games – Checkendon this Saturday away, please contact James Thornton.
Matters of interest/note –
1. Last weeks quiz question (Pete fields the ball, throws it into a tree branch, batsman have already completed one run) – the answer is 5 runs. Not dissimilar to the situation of 4 overthrows.
2. A new question arising on Sunday – what takes precedence where a bowler bowls a wide ball, which is also above waist high, Wide or No Ball? (it matters, for example, in 20/20, because one is a free hit). The short answer is the No Ball always takes precedence (Law 24.11). It is probably also useful to remind ourselves that a full toss above waist high from a ‘slow bowler’ is not a No ball (unless it is also above shoulder height). What is a ‘slow bowler’? It is a matter of judgement, but one good test is whether the keeper is standing up. So, Nick Henry, what are you..?
3. Finally, what do you call a mad woman who pays you to stay in your attic? Eyre BnB…
Cheers!
Tim
16 August 2015
Good news everyone – we have won back the Hunt Cup and it is now proudly displayed alongside the Jersey Ashes J. I think the subject of a trophy cabinet should be raised at the AGM!!!
The match itself was fairly one sided as despite losing the toss and being put in to bat, Turville compiled a very impressive 259 from our 40 overs. The innings was anchored by a maiden hundred from the Beardall you may know as either Harry, Big H or Badger (I’m still unsure about the last one!), who carried his bat throughout, ending with a very impressive 114*. Turville batted well around Harry’s foundation with 32 for Jack Rogers, a rapid 29 for Colin and 37 from James. Dave Stockings and Pete both exhibited England’s new approach to one day cricket with cameo’s in the final few overs that pushed up the total to what everyone thought would be a competitive target.
Early wickets in Stonor’s reply changed that and opening spells from Henry Steadman (8 overs, 1 wicket for 34 runs) and James (5 overs, 1 wicket for 18 runs) left Stonor well behind the required rate. The spin twins Neil and Jack Rogers both took advantage, each picking up a wicket before Jack ensured a happy family by taking a solid catch from his Dad Chris’ bowling. Next in on the act was Dave’s brand of unplayable seam bowling (literally unplayable, either a wide or a wicket) before Colin stole the headlines with his first wicket of this millennium!
By 40 overs, all ten Turville outfielders had bowled and Stonor had made 171 for the loss of 7 wickets. Cup won, job done J
Sounds like Nick has most of a team ready for next weekend so shout quick if you still want to play, otherwise it is the VPs game at Wormsley on the 29th. I believe I already have a full 11 for that game, but it would be great to see anyone else up there who wants to enjoy the beautiful setting.
Hopefully see you soon,
Sam
1 August 2015
Dear All,
First, an update on Jonno and Barney who were involved in a nasty collision at Turville on Saturday. Both are fine, but it is plain that Barney won the clash on points, if not a clear knock out. Both were chasing down a skied catch off Neil’s bowling when they came together. Barney received some nasty gashes on his (granite like) forehead, and needed several stitches. He remained in remarkably good spirits, and even called into the Fox & Hounds later in the evening. Jonno is in less good shape, and will require surgery to restore the damage to his cheek bones and nose. He will be laid up for a couple of weeks, but he is getting good care and hopes to be able to resume his modelling career before not too long. Our best wishes go to Jon and Barney for speedy recoveries.
The match against our visitors from the V&A was properly curtailed at this point, and our guests were very good sports about it. The match was interestingly poised (TPCC 7/220, V&A 1/104 with 17 overs remaining – Match Report attached), and we look forward to welcoming our guests back again next year.
Some assorted thoughts and stats follow (hope they help to cheer you up Jonno) –
1. 25 referrals in the first 3 Ashes tests – only 1 successful.
2. Highest batting average for a number 11 batsman with more than 150 runs – Nathan Lyon (that man again) with 22.33.
3. England’s 7 game sequence of alternating wins and losses (WLWLWLW) is the longest in Test history (let’s prolong that record by 1 match, shall we?).
4. Most Test innings without making a duck? Chris Rogers just took over that record with 45 innings (to be clear, that is NO Test career ducks).
5. On Saturday, a ball was struck to the boundary chased by fielder x. Another fielder called out ‘four’ at which point the batsmen (having completed 2) gave up running. Fielder x then overhauled the ball and declared that it had not reached the boundary. Barney (pre-disfigurement) was required to make a decision as the standing umpire. He signalled 4. Was he correct? (buggered if I know).
Penn Street this Saturday. Please get in touch with Sam Halfhead.
Cheers
Tim
18 & 19 July 2015
Dear All,
Two matches were played over the weekend, and Turville triumphed in both. Match Report for Saturday attached.
Saturday saw us entertaining the touring Australians from the Melbourne Reds at Turville Heath. In a beautifully engineered result Turville won with 3 balls to spare and just 1 wicket in hand, chasing down a good target of 208. In what you will notice is a recurring theme, Charlie Beardall was dominant, with 3/36 and 55* (hitting the winning runs with a cultured spank over cover to the boundary). Amongst other strong contributions, Kit Haig snared 2/46 off 9 overs of excellent swing bowling. The lad also knows how to bat. A very genial post match BBQ was enjoyed by all, with many thanks once again to Jon and Harriet Hancock for their sterling stewardship of the splendid arrangements.
On Sunday, Turville travelled to Harpsden to take on a combined Authors and Bankers team (don’t ask) called the Effigies and Authors. At 75/0 off 10 overs, our opponents were motoring, and the afternoon was taking on an ugly shape for TPCC. Happily, Jon Hancock (8/2/22/2), Charles Henry (7/1/33/2) and Harpsden guest Rod Birkett (8/2/17/2) restored sanity, and the damage was limited to just 185 off 43 overs. Turville’s reply was all about Charlie Beardall, who compiled a simply stunning 121* (65% of Turville’s total) against a very strong attack. Sublime.
Please note that Kit Haig (a Radley chum of Charlie’s) has been added to this email list. Match Managers, you really do want to pick him at every opportunity!
And finally, congratulations go to Tom and Brooke White on the safe arrival of Molly. Well done.
Some trivia (answers below) –
1. Only 1 Australian finger spinner has secured 150 Test wickets. Who he?
2. Tendulkar’s ODI career spanned 22 years and 91 days. Bloody hell. Who holds the record for the most consecutive Tests?
And a Rules challenge –
3. A bowler bowls a fast no-ball. The batsman gets an inside edge and the ball squirts towards the stumps. The batsman instinctively takes his hand off the bat and knocks the ball away from the stumps. Is the batsman out?
Answers –
1. Nathan Lyon (I know! Weird, hey?)
2. 153 – Allan Border. That implies a total of around two full years of full time Test cricket. Stoic.
3. The batsman is out for obstruction. Even though the delivery was a no-ball and he would not have been out bowled, the ball is still live and the batsman has no right to touch it deliberately with the hand not holding the bat – unless permitted to do so by a member of the fielding side.
Cheers
Tim
5 July 2015
Dear All,
Turville hosted Flycatchers at home on Sunday in a highly competitive contest. With just 3 overs remaining, the hosts (that’s us, keep up at the back) held off a brilliant late charge to secure victory by just 20 runs.
Turville’s 239 was largely built around a strong opening stand between Sam (76) and Ollie (39), with contributions from Tim (58*) and a rousing late cameo from James T (31) which ultimately proved to be the difference. With Flycatchers reply listing badly at 84/7, an early trip to the Fox & Hounds beckoned. All 7 wickets fell to James Hunt in a brutal spell of almost unplayable fast inswing, including 3 excellent catches behind the wicket, with a stunning reflex effort by Ollie at first slip the pick. But James T had warned us that the visitors batted deep, and so it proved as their #8, Rory Banks, proceeded to dominate the Turville attack to compile an effortless 109. Happily, Ollie was finally able to induce our tormentors first false stroke, allowing Sam to take a difficult chance running in from the boundary. An excellent match, played in the best spirit.
Checkendon this Sunday at home – Colin Simon could really use you. Please email him now.
So, only 1 more sleep! Everyone can recite Don Bradman’s Test average (99.94), but he actually averaged 102.84 against England (30 innings, 2674 runs and 11 (!) centuries). Blimey.
Good luck!
Cheers
Tim
20 June 2015
Yesterday saw a spirited Turville side take on an exceptionally youthful Harpsden. Ollie lost the toss and Turville quickly found themselves in the field. A fast start by Harpsden was slowed by Adrian Bignell, who with one stump to aim at successfully ran out their opener. Harpsden played attacking cricket throughout with nearly all their batsmen getting starts and one scoring 50 something. Neil took 4 wickets, I took 3 and Jonny took 2. Dave took a sharp catch down the legside and a good stumping off Jonny. Skipper Thornton didn’t use himself or Mr Hunt and TPCC bowled harpsden out for 172.
In reply the top and middle order of Hunt, Moberley, Beardall, stockings, Bignell, Hancock and thornton got TPCC into the fabulous position of 67 for 7 and then the lower order got us to 89 for 9. In came Neil batting at number 11 to join Nick Henry (who had just run out Charles who hadn’t faced a ball) with 17 overs left and Turville needing roughly 5 an over for victory. Neil (playing for the draw) played forward defensive after forward defensive. Nick (who is unable to play a forward defensive stroke) hit boundary after boundary. The positive is that the pair put on over 50 for the 10th wicket (second time this year), the negative was that with 3 balls left Nick missed a straight one and was clean bowled. On a personal note he also missed out on his maiden 50 in any form of cricket finishing on 46.
So we lost. 3 highlights of the day.
1. Big H being placed and deep mid wicket by Neil resulting in the Beardall scuttle coming out in full flow every time he fielded.
2. Neils face of dis-believe after Nick was out after lasting 16.3 overs.
3. Moberley saying that if he was on ‘Desert island discs’ his luxury would be to bottle up an afternoon of cricket at TPCC.
cheers
Tom
13 June 2015
Dear All,
Turville’s busiest weekend of the season was inevitably visited by rain, affecting all 3 matches. Friday night’s 20/20 against Moulsford was a non-starter, Saturday’s fixture against Invalids was a cold and wet affair, while Sunday’s derby against Stonor was played on a wicket which was very much affected by the poor weather. Invalids match report attached.
Despite the weather, the Invalids match delivered exactly 326 runs, divided equally between the 2 teams – an absorbing tie. Turville had the opportunity to hit the winning run/s off the last ball, but Neil Runkel nobly sacrificed his wicket for the sake of our favourite touring visitors. Invalids rather struggled to 163 off 45 overs, although the outfield was very soggy. Charles Henry took the new ball (with his Dad) and delivered a controlled but fiery opening spell showing real maturity. Neil Runkel controlled one end for 15 overs, snaring 4/34. He could have (should have?) had 8. Just ask him.
Turville’s reply was fitful, as every batsman got a decent start, but failed to do better than Harry Beardall’s elegant 31. Fortunes fluctuated, and Invalids appeared to have gained the upper hand until Colin Simon and Nick Henry quickly restored Turville’s advantage. Some ‘interesting’ umpiring decisions went against the home team, and a tie was the outcome – a fair result in the end.
Two noteworthy postscripts. Turville’s new covers once again saved a match that would otherwise almost certainly have been abandoned – a very prudent investment. And Nick Henry has promised master classes to demonstrate how he managed to pull off two blinding one-handed catches while barely moving. Bring your own smoke and mirrors.
Finally, thanks to all involved in producing an excellent BBQ on Saturday evening in what turned out to be quite lovely conditions. Special thanks to the Hancocks, Straceys, Ingrams and Cairns. You are always very kind to help out at these events.
The Stonor match on Sunday resulted in a straightforward victory for TPCC. Batting first Stonor struggled for 37 overs against a powerful bowling attack, led by Tom White (8/1/22/1), Tom Vallance (5/0/15/3), Jon Hancock (7/2/21/2), James Thornton (8/2/24/1), James Hunt (4/2/6/0) and Charles Henry (5/0/18/2). The wicket was not so much dangerous, as just a bit silly, and so a chase of 114 was not the easy assignment you might have imagined. Happily, James Hunt (59*) decided to play aggressively, and helped by Dave Stockings (24*), powered Turville to victory in just 17 overs.
Other stuff –
* here’s a thought I liked – a bowler can complete a hat trick over consecutive overs and also over consecutive innings…why can’t a batsman complete a century over consecutive innings (eg. 85* in the first innings and 15 in the second)?
* In 1988 Merv Hughes became the only player to complete a Test hat trick in 3 consecutive overs – Curtly Ambrose with the last ball of his penultimate over, Patrick Patterson with the first ball of his next over (wrapping up the WI first innings) and then Gordon Greenidge with his first delivery in the second innings. Bizarre.
* Turville welcomed John Crook for his first game against Invalids, and he is already a (refresher) Rules based question (congrats). John blissfully ignored the Return crease on his approach to the wicket (the line on the side running in the same direction as the wicket). Did John need to land all or only part of his foot inside the Return crease?…………………………………………(A: all – John had quite naturally misinterpreted the rule as ‘all of the foot outside the line’)
West Wycombe away this Saturday (Harry Beardall) and Harpsden at home on Sunday (Ollie Thornton/James Hunt).
Cheers
Tim
6 June 2015
Dear All,
A rather lacklustre draw was played out at Turville on Saturday in bright but breezy conditions at Turville (Match Report attached). The pitch was a belter and the fact our two opening bowlers went for 131 off just 17 overs illustrates the batsman friendly nature of the conditions. The Nomads innings was built around their unusually self absorbed opener, who piled on 133. Thanks to the efforts of Charles Henry and Jon Hancock in particular, Turville did very well to hold the oppo to just 228. Special mentions to Pete Briffett who was instrumental in this achievement by removing the centurion with his very first delivery, and Sam Beardall, who marshalled his troops cleverly, and took 3 catches to boot.
Turville’s reply never really got going as the visitors bowled tightly and strangled our chase from the get go. Sam (33) and Pete Briffett (27) looked good for a while, but in the end it was down to Charles Henry (20*), Charlie Hunt (a very composed 1) and Captain Frustration (B Bazell) to hold off the Nomads attack.
A big weekend coming up with Moulsford on Friday evening (Sam Halfhead), Invalids on Saturday (Rob Dickie) and Stonor on Sunday (Sam Beardall). There is also of course a BBQ at the ground on Saturday after the Invalids match.
Some Rules questions this week (see below). As Barney is now an accredited Umpire he will of course profess to know the answers. Don’t believe him.
Cheers
Tim
Q1. Nick Henry stops half way through his approach to the wicket. It appears that he has misjudged his run up. He then immediately carries on and clean bowls the batsman. Umpire’s call?
Q2. Neil Runkel attempts to effect a run out by kicking the ball at the stumps (he last bent over to field a ball in that magical summer of ’76/’77). The ball actually strikes the batsman’s bat and ricochets into the stumps with the batsman out of his ground. Out?
Q3. With rain threatening to curtail Turville’s easy run chase for victory, the opposition wicket keeper (I’m gonna say…Stonor?) decides to ‘attempt’ a stumping off every delivery, waiting each time for the square leg umpire to come and replace the bails. What can be done?
*********************************************************************************
A1. As soon as the bowler stops in his run up, you – the bowler’s end umpire – should call and signal dead ball. If it happens behind your back consult with your colleague and make a decision together. This is potentially a case of unfair play and it is your responsibility to make a judgment.
A2. The batsman is out, run out. Had the ball deflected off the bat and run into the outfield, the batsmen could have continued completing more runs. Naturally, Neil knows this.
A3. It is blatant time wasting. The umpire should give the fielding side’s captain a first and final warning, and inform the batsmen too. If the time wasting takes place during an over, the umpire must instruct the fielding captain to take the bowler off immediately, ruling he cannot bowl again in that innings. If it takes place outside an over, the umpire can award five penalty runs.
17 May 2015
Dear All,
Turville entered the first mark in the ‘Win’ column on Sunday, comfortably easing past Britwell Salome in a rather lacklustre fixture away from home. Match Report attached.
The hosts batted first and took 49 tedious overs to compile 150/6. In large part this was down to an excellent TPCC attack with everyone making a contribution. Nick was unerringly accurate for his 1/31 off 11 overs, Tom White earned a well deserved 2/19 off 7, including a brilliant caught and bowled, Tom Vallance extracted real venom from a lifeless wicket (1/21 off 8), a wicket for Sam, 7 overs for just 13 runs for Jon H, and 11 overs from Briff and Rob Dickie. You can see why Britwell were stymied…
Turville cruised to 68/0, with Steve Bucknill (38) looking commanding and Rob D untroubled for his 25. A mini collapse inevitably ensued (including 2 of the most unlikely run outs you will ever see in village cricket), but the skipper stepped in to steady the ship and see us home.
Please add Tom Vallance’s name to your email lists – he is a very handy addition to our playing stocks (tvallance@mcsoxford.org).
More stuff –
After the First Test against India last Summer, this nicely observed piece emerged from one bright commentator – “Jimmy Anderson, you are a batsman now. You have a share in a world Test record partnership; you have scored more Test runs this calendar year than Alastair Cook, at a better average; you have scored 81 in a Test match innings, something which Mark Ramprakash, chosen to play 52 times for England as a specialist batsman, bettered only twice and Mike Brearley, who played 39 Tests, only once”.
And thank you English cricket for KP, the gift that just keeps on giving (for an Aussie supporter).
Checkendon at home this Sunday coming (see Peter Briffett).
Cheers
Tim
10 May 2015
Dear All,
After a disappointing cancellation by Greys Green on Saturday (second year running), the team for Sunday’s maiden fixture against Henley Tyros at home were welcomed by a virginal wicket. Sam Beardall did the right thing by taking advantage of the wicket (?) and elected to bat first. He went further, and top scored with a handsome 66. Jamie, having thought that his season opener century should have locked up the batting average, decided that enough was enough, and decided to run the skipper out. I wish I could say there was a mix up, or even some ambiguity, but…ahem…nope.
Turville rather floundered after that and struggled to a modest 149 against a very unprepossessing attack. Despite Tom White boosting his average to 37 (not a typo), Henley Gastros were well pleased with their performance.
In reply, Henley Vostros (it’s Latin) slumped to 5 wickets for 9 runs in just 7 overs. White and Henry renewed their opening partnership from the week before with devastating effect. At this point, Sam introduced his senior bowlers, and the Henley Nostros introduced the top half of their batting line up. A 120 partnership ensued, and Turville failed to contain the visitors despite taking another 2 wickets. Nick Henry (4/33) was the pick of the bowling, while Barney Bazell performed heroics behind the stumps (in his loafers?).
A disappointing outing, saved by a fine White tea, but then ultimately spoiled again by the Fox & Hounds being closed. Grrrr….
Match report attached.
Another double header next weekend – Crazies Hill on Saturday (Sam Halhead) and Britwell on Sunday (Tom White).
Some more random stuff –
It is possible that no two players in the history of international cricket have faced each other as often as Muttiah Muralitharan and Sachin Tendulkar, but it is impossible to be sure. Ball-by-ball data for matches that took place before the last decade is hard to come by. Travis Basevi, 9th Dan statistician, the mind behind Cricinfo’s Statsguru, believes that Ian Botham and Allan Border may beat them. Botham bowled a record 9,122 balls in matches involving Border, and, as Travis says, “you can only assume Border faced a fair proportion of them”, given that he scored 3,267 runs in those matches. Murali bowled 8,318 balls in matches involving Tendulkar, and Tendulkar scored 3,095 in those same games.
Everyone (well, Neil and Barney) remembers the facts about the famous Australian run chase at Headingley in 1948 when Don Bradman (173*) and Arthur Morris (182) helped the Aussies to a winning 4th innings total of 404/3. Did you also know that this Test also holds the record attendance figure – 158,000.
Cheers
Tim
3 May 2015
Dear All,
May Bank Holiday. Rain. Inevitable. But what’s this? White Waltham produces a bone dry wicket on Sunday which yields 92 overs and almost 400 runs in a traditional Declaration format. Did not see that coming. Match report attached.
Batting first Turville performed fitfully for a hard earned 187 off 49 overs. At 117/5 in the 33rd over, this outcome came down largely to a typically lusty 32 from our top scorer Nick Henry coming in at what many informed commentators now believe is an undeserved number 10 slot (should still be 11 they say). Contributions also from Dickie Jnr (20) and Snr (19) as well as skipper Tom White (19). 187 felt like a defendible target, but perhaps 20-30 runs light, especially with 6 batsmen getting into double figures.
White Waltham also struggled to make runs on a slow but otherwise blameless pitch, although in large part this was down to Tom White, who bowled with good pace, and Nick Henry with frustrating guile. At 125/6 in the 35th over, Turville just had their noses in front. Newcomer Tom Valance bowled 7 overs of excellent seam up (up hill, and into a fierce wind – welcome to Turville!) for a well deserved 20/2, while Chris Rogers chipped in with 2 timely wickets in his 4 overs. Neil Runkel (25/2) and Tom White (51/3) were guiding Turville home when the 9th wicket fell, but some fortunate tail wagging saw WW fall over the line in the 43rd over.
A surprisingly rewarding day out for an early May fixture.
So. After a long winter chock full of cricket, there is much to share. Here’s some stuff –
1. Australia wins the World Cup. (Sorry).
2. The great Mahela Jayawardene retires. Going into his final test Mahela was averaging 50.03. Scores of 4 and 54 saw his career average, after 149 Tests, dip to 49.84. Seems too cruel.
3. A new stadium has been proposed for Perth which will eclipse the famous WACA. The WACA is renowned for fast bouncy wickets – 4 of the 7 fastest Test centuries have been scored there.
4. Hands up who said Steve Smith would never be a world class cricketer? Come on, be honest. 943 runs @ 94.3 in his last 6 Tests.
Double header this weekend – Greys Green at Home on Saturday (Harry Beardall) and Henley Astros at Home on Sunday (Tom White).
Cheers
Tim
26 April 2015
Yesterday saw an energetic turville side take to the field for the first game of the season. With a wet outfield but a dry wicket (thanks to mr Hancock for using the makeshift silage sheeting for a cover) Turville batted first. Steve Bucknill and the third best Beardall opened the batting. Without his brother’s around it was plain to see Harry (or big H as Neil affectionately calls him) was keen to stand out as he scuttled a 3 early in his innings. Steve was unfortunately clean bowled early on in his innings which brought mr hunt to the crease. James and Harry both reached their 50’s in consecutive balls. This triggered them both to cut loose with six’s flying to all parts of the ground. James was eventually caught for 101, his second century in 8 days (the first being for stonor last Sunday). Harry was out a couple of overs later for 79. Some late hitting from messrs stockings, moberley and greenwood enabled turville to post a formidable 228, in only 30 overs.
After an excellent tea from mrs hunt we reluctantly took to the field. Sutton Courtney’s reply never got going, due to some miserly bowling from Runkel (10 overs 3-30) and White (9 overs 3-9), some sharp catching and a good run out by stockings. This reduced the oppo to 25ish for 7. Charlie hunt then came in to bat for sutton Courtney after fielding expertly for them. This derailed our bowling attack and despite Charlie eventually falling for a classy 6 ( his dad was bowling), and some inventive bowling from moberley, stockings, crook and Beardall, sutton Courtney managed to pad out 20 overs.
A winning draw to start the season. Next week chris Rogers is match manager, contact him if you wish to play.
Tom White
turville park cricket club 