Sunday, 30 May 2010
Extra's....My Favourite Subject
Just got back from watching Notts play Essex in the LV County Championship. Essex conceded 16 extra's in their first 3 overs of bowling! It can obviously happen to anyone!!
Revised Start Time At Lowdham
For those that are playing, please be aware that the game at Lowdham on Wednesday 2nd June is now a 6.30pm start, not 6pm as originally stated. The game is 18 overs per side, not 20 as previously stated. Not like Lowdham to change thier minds eh!?
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Police Slump To Record Defeat at Upton
Where to begin? The weather was almost perfect, the setting idyllic, the team one of the stronger ones we've put out yet it all went badly wrong.
Winning the toss it was a true no-brainer to bat first, given the heat and what looked like a batter's paradise of wicket. As usual, the trusted pairing of Daz Hall and Neil Eggleston took to the field to open the batting and set up the foundations for what everybody hoped would be a big score.
Starting steadily, the pair began to build a partnership by not taking too many risks and feeding off bowling error rather chasing the runs. The heat was harsh and with boundary's proving hard to come by, the pair appeared to feel the effect of the constant trudge of running regular one's and two's. Drinks came with the opening pair still at the crease and everybody looking forward to Eggy and Daz pulling the trigger with bigger shots as the overs went by and MPCC kept wickets in the hutch (oh yeah! I watch Cricket A.M!!) It was not to be however as just after reaching the 20 over milestone Daz was trapped LBW for 17.
Spike Davis came in at 3, minus the patience implant we all hoped he'd had fitted over the Winter. Thank heavens it was missing! Spike started as he meant to go on, hitting hard and far and bringing some welcome boundary's to the scorebook. Inspired no doubt by Spike's Gayle esque big hitting, Eggy sought to come down the track at the bowlers. Whilst the right thing to do in response to some ridiculously slow, flighty bowling, it was to be his undoing as a big swing and a miss saw him stumped for 37.
Glenn Longden made a welcome return to the fold at No.4 and with two hitters at the crease, the rest of the team sat back and waited for the fireworks. The fireworks came but were shortlived as despite finding the boundary a number of times in short succession Spike didn't quite catch one and found himself caught for 23.
Pete Quinn came in at No.5 looking to build on the fairly respectable start he had made with the bat the previous week and soon found himself in the box seat as Glenn was bowled only five balls after his arrival looking to go big off the bowling of Upton's Gillian for 16.
Pete Quinn fell 2 balls later, cutting a delivery beautifully from the bowling of Anderson only to see it caught at knee height in the covers by probably the oldest man on the field!
With the team having only just crept into three figures and with 16 overs of the innings left, the expectation upon the shoulders of Carl Thurlby and Brian Costello to steady the ship mounted. It wasn't to be however as no sooner had Pete Quinn got back in the dressing room to remove his pads, he was joined by Brian, caught for 2 having mistaken a fielder for an umpire.
The collapse was well underway as Rich Blackwell strode onto the field, carrying his bat a little like a lumberjack might carry an axe. Rich and Carl tried to get something going but it began to feel like too little too late as their efforts were only rewarded by the fall of further wickets with Carl bowled for 5 and Rich departing in identical fashion for 3.
Graham Footitt and Rem Fiorini represented the tail and MPCC's last hope of salvaging a decent total. Graham was dispatched quickly, bowled for 0 leaving last man Graham Allen to join Rem for frankly whatever we could get out of it.
The pair played well together, with Rem in particular striking the ball true and calling the runs. Graham made a valiant attempt at matching Rem's enthusiasm for runs but was bowled hitting across a straight ball for 4 leaving Rem to retire 10 not out and Police all out for 141 in the 34th over.
MPCC took to the field for Upton's innings knowing they had a mountain to climb. With regular new ball merchant Carl Gabbitas overseas, the captain looked to Spike Davis and Graham Footitt to open the bowling.
Both started well with Spike in particular demonstrating a much improved line from the previous week. Upton have some very useful opening batters and the despair was there for all to see as Spike had two very convincing LBW appeals turned down in quick succession. Luck just didn't seem to be with Police as Graham too got nick after nick which either fell short of a fielder or squirted to the boundary.
Looking to mix up the pace, Daz Hall and Brian Costello were brought on. Brian bowled with his usual ease which despite the odd (and in some circumstances very harshly called) wide ball slowed Upton's openers down. Daz struggled to find his rhythm and was clearly frustrated as everything he tried seemed to be matched by the batsmen.
The heads began to drop and the reality that this was Upton's day began to sink in.
The gloom was lifted temporarily as Brian, bowling his whole allocation straight through as per the previous week dispatched Upton's Beaumont, making the catch from his own bowling.
Eggy was then brought on to inject some pace, which he did and which was rewarded with the second wicket in quick succession as he found Jones middle stump.
The game by now was over however and Upton cruised to victory by 8 wickets with 14 overs to spare.
It is easy to point the finger at umpire's or blame conditions but having had time to reflect, this game could, with a little more luck, have been so different. There were some real positives to take away. The fielding definitely continues to improve, with Rem Fiorini and Graham Allen in particular being the standout fielders. The batting, despite the collapse, was born far more out of panic than not being able to cope with the bowling. The bowling on another day would have yielded earlier wickets and the game could have been different.
As a team we need to accept that we are not the strongest batters but resist the temptation to put all the responsibility on Daz and Eggy's shoulders. The openers will get out, it's a fact, it will happen most matches and therefore the rest of use have to be prepared to go in after them and finish what they started, not panic and hit everything across the line in pursuit of quick boundary's and be bowled out inside 10 overs like this match.
As for man of the match, the decision was not made purely on statistics but on attitude and what should have been. Despite not achieving the highest score of the day, the manner in which Spike Davis took it to the bowlers gave the whole team a lift and without that quick 23 we would have been in a much worse position. In addition, Spike's bowling definitely had the batsmen in trouble and on another day would have given us exactly what we needed to turn the match around. As such, this weeks man of the match goes to Spike Davis.
Winning the toss it was a true no-brainer to bat first, given the heat and what looked like a batter's paradise of wicket. As usual, the trusted pairing of Daz Hall and Neil Eggleston took to the field to open the batting and set up the foundations for what everybody hoped would be a big score.
Starting steadily, the pair began to build a partnership by not taking too many risks and feeding off bowling error rather chasing the runs. The heat was harsh and with boundary's proving hard to come by, the pair appeared to feel the effect of the constant trudge of running regular one's and two's. Drinks came with the opening pair still at the crease and everybody looking forward to Eggy and Daz pulling the trigger with bigger shots as the overs went by and MPCC kept wickets in the hutch (oh yeah! I watch Cricket A.M!!) It was not to be however as just after reaching the 20 over milestone Daz was trapped LBW for 17.
Spike Davis came in at 3, minus the patience implant we all hoped he'd had fitted over the Winter. Thank heavens it was missing! Spike started as he meant to go on, hitting hard and far and bringing some welcome boundary's to the scorebook. Inspired no doubt by Spike's Gayle esque big hitting, Eggy sought to come down the track at the bowlers. Whilst the right thing to do in response to some ridiculously slow, flighty bowling, it was to be his undoing as a big swing and a miss saw him stumped for 37.
Glenn Longden made a welcome return to the fold at No.4 and with two hitters at the crease, the rest of the team sat back and waited for the fireworks. The fireworks came but were shortlived as despite finding the boundary a number of times in short succession Spike didn't quite catch one and found himself caught for 23.
Pete Quinn came in at No.5 looking to build on the fairly respectable start he had made with the bat the previous week and soon found himself in the box seat as Glenn was bowled only five balls after his arrival looking to go big off the bowling of Upton's Gillian for 16.
Pete Quinn fell 2 balls later, cutting a delivery beautifully from the bowling of Anderson only to see it caught at knee height in the covers by probably the oldest man on the field!
With the team having only just crept into three figures and with 16 overs of the innings left, the expectation upon the shoulders of Carl Thurlby and Brian Costello to steady the ship mounted. It wasn't to be however as no sooner had Pete Quinn got back in the dressing room to remove his pads, he was joined by Brian, caught for 2 having mistaken a fielder for an umpire.
The collapse was well underway as Rich Blackwell strode onto the field, carrying his bat a little like a lumberjack might carry an axe. Rich and Carl tried to get something going but it began to feel like too little too late as their efforts were only rewarded by the fall of further wickets with Carl bowled for 5 and Rich departing in identical fashion for 3.
Graham Footitt and Rem Fiorini represented the tail and MPCC's last hope of salvaging a decent total. Graham was dispatched quickly, bowled for 0 leaving last man Graham Allen to join Rem for frankly whatever we could get out of it.
The pair played well together, with Rem in particular striking the ball true and calling the runs. Graham made a valiant attempt at matching Rem's enthusiasm for runs but was bowled hitting across a straight ball for 4 leaving Rem to retire 10 not out and Police all out for 141 in the 34th over.
MPCC took to the field for Upton's innings knowing they had a mountain to climb. With regular new ball merchant Carl Gabbitas overseas, the captain looked to Spike Davis and Graham Footitt to open the bowling.
Both started well with Spike in particular demonstrating a much improved line from the previous week. Upton have some very useful opening batters and the despair was there for all to see as Spike had two very convincing LBW appeals turned down in quick succession. Luck just didn't seem to be with Police as Graham too got nick after nick which either fell short of a fielder or squirted to the boundary.
Looking to mix up the pace, Daz Hall and Brian Costello were brought on. Brian bowled with his usual ease which despite the odd (and in some circumstances very harshly called) wide ball slowed Upton's openers down. Daz struggled to find his rhythm and was clearly frustrated as everything he tried seemed to be matched by the batsmen.
The heads began to drop and the reality that this was Upton's day began to sink in.
The gloom was lifted temporarily as Brian, bowling his whole allocation straight through as per the previous week dispatched Upton's Beaumont, making the catch from his own bowling.
Eggy was then brought on to inject some pace, which he did and which was rewarded with the second wicket in quick succession as he found Jones middle stump.
The game by now was over however and Upton cruised to victory by 8 wickets with 14 overs to spare.
It is easy to point the finger at umpire's or blame conditions but having had time to reflect, this game could, with a little more luck, have been so different. There were some real positives to take away. The fielding definitely continues to improve, with Rem Fiorini and Graham Allen in particular being the standout fielders. The batting, despite the collapse, was born far more out of panic than not being able to cope with the bowling. The bowling on another day would have yielded earlier wickets and the game could have been different.
As a team we need to accept that we are not the strongest batters but resist the temptation to put all the responsibility on Daz and Eggy's shoulders. The openers will get out, it's a fact, it will happen most matches and therefore the rest of use have to be prepared to go in after them and finish what they started, not panic and hit everything across the line in pursuit of quick boundary's and be bowled out inside 10 overs like this match.
As for man of the match, the decision was not made purely on statistics but on attitude and what should have been. Despite not achieving the highest score of the day, the manner in which Spike Davis took it to the bowlers gave the whole team a lift and without that quick 23 we would have been in a much worse position. In addition, Spike's bowling definitely had the batsmen in trouble and on another day would have given us exactly what we needed to turn the match around. As such, this weeks man of the match goes to Spike Davis.
Bowling Figures
Spike Davis Overs - 5, Maidens - 0, Runs - 25, Wkts - 0
Graham Footitt Overs 4.5, Maidens - 0, Runs - 26, Wkts - 0
Daz Hall Overs 4, Maidens - 0, Runs - 35, Wkts - 0
Brian Costello Overs 8, Maidens - 2, Runs - 23, Wickets 1
Neil Eggleston Overs 4, Maidens 1, Runs - 20, Wickets 1
Batting
Daz Hall - 17
Neil Eggleston - 37
Spike Davis - 23
Glenn Longden - 16
Pete Quinn - 0
Carl Thurlby - 5
Brian Costello - 2
Rich Blackwell - 3
Graham Footitt - 0
Rem Fiorini - 10
Graham Allen - 4
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Transport Booked
17 seater mini bus transport has now been booked for the trip to play Westminster Police. Thanks to Eggy for the referal.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Team To Play Upton
In no particular order, the team to play Upton, Sunday May 23rd, 14:0ohrs.
1. D. Hall
2. N. Eggleston
3. M. Davis
4. B. Costello
5. R. Blackwell
6. G. Longden
7. P. Quinn (w)
8. C. Thurlby
9. G. Allen
10. G. Footitt
11. R. Fiorini
1. D. Hall
2. N. Eggleston
3. M. Davis
4. B. Costello
5. R. Blackwell
6. G. Longden
7. P. Quinn (w)
8. C. Thurlby
9. G. Allen
10. G. Footitt
11. R. Fiorini
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Police Stroll To Opening Win
It was all sunshine, sheep and church bells as MPCC arrived in dribs and drabs at Youlgraves quaint and quirky ground on the outskirts of the village. Winning the toss, Pete Quinn put the home side in to bat, much to the Youlgrave skippers obvious disappointment.
As always, Pete handed the new ball to Carl Gabbitas who didn't disappoint with another opening spell of consistent line and length which gave the batsmen very little to go at.
At the other end Spike Davis did similar and despite apparently struggling a little at times with the peculiar slant of the wicket bowled an unbelievably economical spell of four overs in which the batsmen only scored four runs!
Despite the good start, it was clear from the off that neither batsmen were looking to take a risk and were settling in for the afternoon. Looking for a wicket, Pete brought in his next pairing of Neil Eggleston and Darron Hall. In a repeat of the Gabbitas/Davis spell, as the batsmen continued to refuse to attempt any kind of shot, the likelihood of a wicket dwindled.
As a sense of frustration grew in the field, slow right arm merchant Brian Costello was brought in to mix up the pace. Brian started well and never looked back, bowling a line and length that left the batsmen unsure as how to play him. The bowling change worked and Brian's accuracy was soon rewarded with the wicket of Youlgrave skipper Dave Tarlton, caught LBW.
Supporting at the other end, Carl Thurlby continued his introduction to the bowling attack having been used for the first time in the previous game at Thorseby Colliery. Once the nerves settled and accuracy overtook pace, Carl bowled a consistent four overs, narrowly missing out on a wicket when he found the bottom edge of Fiddlers bat, only for keeper Pete Quinn to be out of position and unable to take the catch.
As Brian continued, he made it impossible for the skipper to take him off as originally intended after four overs and stayed on to ultimately bowl through his eight over allocation. After Carl's four over's, Brian was joined by a returning Darron Hall. The Captain's faith was quickly repaid as Brian took his second wicket, taking a mid rift catch from his own bowling to dispatch Buckle.
At the other end, despite struggling to find his rhythm bowling from a different end to his first four overs, Darron looked dangerous when he hit the mark and found the top of off stump in his 6th over to send Howley back to the pavilion.
MPCC sensed the breakthrough when Youlgraves McMahon stepped up to put a halt to the early celebrations. Reminding the bowlers what happens to a short ball, both bowlers felt the pain as a flurry of fours were followed by a big six over the pavilion and Police feared the fightback. Youlgraves hope was to be shortlived however as in an act of almost poetic retribution Darron Hall yet again found off stump to send McMahon back almost as quickly as he had appeared, finishing his 8 overs on 2/26 with 3 maidens.
Brian, undeterred by the incessant bickering among the visitors as to how many overs he had bowled (West Notts College have maths for beginners classes starting September chaps) finished his spell in style taking a third wicket as Youlgraves Ward went big only to find a safe pair of hands belonging to Carl Thurlby in the deep.
Looking to finish the job, Pete brought back pace in Gabbitas from the pavilion end and Neil Eggleston at the......other end.
The runs at this point had almost dried up for the visitors with it becoming apparent that Youlgraves opener Fiddler was hanging on for his fifty. Carl Gabbitas, with no sense of charity at all saw to it that this was not to be the case, smashing Fiddlers stumps out the ground with a beautiful delivery with the poor guy 2 runs short.
Neil Eggleston continued where he left off, taking Enderby LBW and bowling Enderby Jnr in the process leaving MPCC chasing 122 for the win after 40 overs.
MPCC took to the chase with a new opening pairing of Darron Hall and Neil Eggleston. With the target not requiring a great deal of risk taking the pair set about easing themselves into their innings, taking what the bowlers gave them rather than forcing the quick win.
The strike changed regularly as both batsmen hit ones and twos, interspersed with boundary's when the bowlers let them. Sadly, just as Darron was getting into his stride, he misjudged a delivery from paceman McMahon to be caught LBW for 10.
Pete Quinn came in at three, looking to make a decent start to the season with the bat and improve on last year. Having agreed a strategy with Eggy ("don't do nuthing crazy dude") the pair set about cultivating a partnership. And cultivate they did as Pete supported Neils bigger shots with ones and twos. Despite a few scares coming out of Pete's insistence on playing across the line when he gets bored, the pair successfully chased down the remaining runs with 20 overs to spare as Pete made 25 and Neil a very impressive 75.
Overall, a satisfying opening win against admittedly weaker opposition. What was pleasing was that the fielding was far improved over the effort against Thorseby the previous week. The team played like a team and supported each other which was great to see. As far as improvement goes, the bowlers and wicket keeper still have work to do with regard to the extra's column. Overall MPCC gifted Youlgrave a massive 37 of their 121 total. Some may say that in this case it was a blessing in keeping the game going but nevertheless, we shall meet teams starting this Sunday at Upton where we simply cannot afford to give away so many runs and expect to compete.
As far as man of the match goes, a number of players put forward a compelling case, in particular Brian Costello with an outstanding bowling display, but for his efforts with the bat and the ball, the man of the match was awarded to a deserving Neil Eggleston.
Bowling Figures
Carl Gabbitas 8 overs 14 for 1 (3 Maidens)
Spike Davis 4 overs 4 for 4 (3 Maidens)
Neil Eggleston 8 overs 2 for 15 (3 Maidens)
Darron Hall 8 overs 2 for 26 (3 Maidens)
Carl Thurlby 4 overs 0 for 12 (0 Maidens)
Brian Costello 8 overs 3 for 19 (2 Maidens)
As always, Pete handed the new ball to Carl Gabbitas who didn't disappoint with another opening spell of consistent line and length which gave the batsmen very little to go at.
At the other end Spike Davis did similar and despite apparently struggling a little at times with the peculiar slant of the wicket bowled an unbelievably economical spell of four overs in which the batsmen only scored four runs!
Despite the good start, it was clear from the off that neither batsmen were looking to take a risk and were settling in for the afternoon. Looking for a wicket, Pete brought in his next pairing of Neil Eggleston and Darron Hall. In a repeat of the Gabbitas/Davis spell, as the batsmen continued to refuse to attempt any kind of shot, the likelihood of a wicket dwindled.
As a sense of frustration grew in the field, slow right arm merchant Brian Costello was brought in to mix up the pace. Brian started well and never looked back, bowling a line and length that left the batsmen unsure as how to play him. The bowling change worked and Brian's accuracy was soon rewarded with the wicket of Youlgrave skipper Dave Tarlton, caught LBW.
Supporting at the other end, Carl Thurlby continued his introduction to the bowling attack having been used for the first time in the previous game at Thorseby Colliery. Once the nerves settled and accuracy overtook pace, Carl bowled a consistent four overs, narrowly missing out on a wicket when he found the bottom edge of Fiddlers bat, only for keeper Pete Quinn to be out of position and unable to take the catch.
As Brian continued, he made it impossible for the skipper to take him off as originally intended after four overs and stayed on to ultimately bowl through his eight over allocation. After Carl's four over's, Brian was joined by a returning Darron Hall. The Captain's faith was quickly repaid as Brian took his second wicket, taking a mid rift catch from his own bowling to dispatch Buckle.
At the other end, despite struggling to find his rhythm bowling from a different end to his first four overs, Darron looked dangerous when he hit the mark and found the top of off stump in his 6th over to send Howley back to the pavilion.
MPCC sensed the breakthrough when Youlgraves McMahon stepped up to put a halt to the early celebrations. Reminding the bowlers what happens to a short ball, both bowlers felt the pain as a flurry of fours were followed by a big six over the pavilion and Police feared the fightback. Youlgraves hope was to be shortlived however as in an act of almost poetic retribution Darron Hall yet again found off stump to send McMahon back almost as quickly as he had appeared, finishing his 8 overs on 2/26 with 3 maidens.
Brian, undeterred by the incessant bickering among the visitors as to how many overs he had bowled (West Notts College have maths for beginners classes starting September chaps) finished his spell in style taking a third wicket as Youlgraves Ward went big only to find a safe pair of hands belonging to Carl Thurlby in the deep.
Looking to finish the job, Pete brought back pace in Gabbitas from the pavilion end and Neil Eggleston at the......other end.
The runs at this point had almost dried up for the visitors with it becoming apparent that Youlgraves opener Fiddler was hanging on for his fifty. Carl Gabbitas, with no sense of charity at all saw to it that this was not to be the case, smashing Fiddlers stumps out the ground with a beautiful delivery with the poor guy 2 runs short.
Neil Eggleston continued where he left off, taking Enderby LBW and bowling Enderby Jnr in the process leaving MPCC chasing 122 for the win after 40 overs.
MPCC took to the chase with a new opening pairing of Darron Hall and Neil Eggleston. With the target not requiring a great deal of risk taking the pair set about easing themselves into their innings, taking what the bowlers gave them rather than forcing the quick win.
The strike changed regularly as both batsmen hit ones and twos, interspersed with boundary's when the bowlers let them. Sadly, just as Darron was getting into his stride, he misjudged a delivery from paceman McMahon to be caught LBW for 10.
Pete Quinn came in at three, looking to make a decent start to the season with the bat and improve on last year. Having agreed a strategy with Eggy ("don't do nuthing crazy dude") the pair set about cultivating a partnership. And cultivate they did as Pete supported Neils bigger shots with ones and twos. Despite a few scares coming out of Pete's insistence on playing across the line when he gets bored, the pair successfully chased down the remaining runs with 20 overs to spare as Pete made 25 and Neil a very impressive 75.
Overall, a satisfying opening win against admittedly weaker opposition. What was pleasing was that the fielding was far improved over the effort against Thorseby the previous week. The team played like a team and supported each other which was great to see. As far as improvement goes, the bowlers and wicket keeper still have work to do with regard to the extra's column. Overall MPCC gifted Youlgrave a massive 37 of their 121 total. Some may say that in this case it was a blessing in keeping the game going but nevertheless, we shall meet teams starting this Sunday at Upton where we simply cannot afford to give away so many runs and expect to compete.
As far as man of the match goes, a number of players put forward a compelling case, in particular Brian Costello with an outstanding bowling display, but for his efforts with the bat and the ball, the man of the match was awarded to a deserving Neil Eggleston.
Bowling Figures
Carl Gabbitas 8 overs 14 for 1 (3 Maidens)
Spike Davis 4 overs 4 for 4 (3 Maidens)
Neil Eggleston 8 overs 2 for 15 (3 Maidens)
Darron Hall 8 overs 2 for 26 (3 Maidens)
Carl Thurlby 4 overs 0 for 12 (0 Maidens)
Brian Costello 8 overs 3 for 19 (2 Maidens)
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Team To Play Youlgrave
In no particular order, the XI to play Youlgrave away, Sunday 16th May 2010 14:00hrs.
1. D. Hall
2. A. Wagstaff
3. C. Gabbitas
4. R. Fiorini
5. M. Davis
6. P. Quinn (w)
7. B. Costello
8. J. Davies
9. C. Thurlby
10. N. Eggleston
11. G. Footitt
At the minute the weather looks decent, fingers crossed!
1. D. Hall
2. A. Wagstaff
3. C. Gabbitas
4. R. Fiorini
5. M. Davis
6. P. Quinn (w)
7. B. Costello
8. J. Davies
9. C. Thurlby
10. N. Eggleston
11. G. Footitt
At the minute the weather looks decent, fingers crossed!
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Directions to Youlgrave
Please find attached link showing direction from Mansfield to Youlgrave, for those not travelling from Mansfield I'm sure your resourceful enough to find your own bespoke directions!http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Mansfield&daddr=Alport+Ln,+Youlgrave,+Bakewell,+Derbyshire+DE45+1WN,+UK&hl=en&geocode=FW3pKgMdArTt_ykXe4MDAZZ5SDEqfIUCWefajQ%3BFR5rKwMd9FTm_ynR4OByTyZ6SDHqhInYYoUw_g&gl=uk&mra=ls&sll=53.177209,-1.681337&sspn=0.005659,0.02105&ie=UTF8&ll=53.190402,-1.440582&spn=0.179374,0.673599&z=11
For those using satnav, the post code is DE45 1WN.
For those using satnav, the post code is DE45 1WN.
Availability Required
Now the rust has been duckoiled at Thorseby, the appetite for cricket should be revitalised we hope. As such, your availability is required for the trip to Youlgrave on Sunday May 16th for a 2pm start. I know it's perhaps a little further afield than normal, but Youlgrave presents us with true "village cricket" and should we get the weather it will be a great day out for friends and family too. I know some have been good enough to provide me with availability already but for the rest, as usual, a swift response would be appreciated.
Friday, 7 May 2010
Wide Balls & Dropped Catches Cost Police!
Some food for thought was definitely served up as MPCC took on Thorseby Colliery U18 in a 20/20 match played out in gloomy conditions at Fourth Avenue Edwinstowe. Taking to the field with only nine players to field first, MPCC had their work cut out from the start. But some strong, consistent, bowling from Carl Gabbitas soon settled any apprehension as it appeared early doors that Thorseby were perhaps not going to pose the threat with the bat that had been expected. Carl's accuracy was rewarded as early as the first over when Thorseby's C. Murphy chipped the 5th ball up allowing Rem Fiorini to take the catch.
Spike Davis took the opposite end to Carl and initially struggled to replicate the devastating line he has been producing in net's to the dislike of everybody's legs! Having started with a flurry of wide balls, Spike found his rhythm against left-hander Willis, clean bowling the batsmen with the last ball of the over.
Carl Gabbitas returned for his second over and picked up where he left off with great line & length which yielded another wicket for the bowling machine as Thoresby's Tyson edged one into wicketkeeper Pete Quinn's gloves for the catch. With the home side at 9 for 3, MPCC began. to believe that Thorseby were there for the taking.
After one more over, Spike and Carl were replaced by Darron Hall and Graham Footit, followed by Brian Costello and Carl Thurlby. Despite no lack of effort, the early work was slowly unpicked as a series of dropped catches and a horror story of an extra's column assisted the home side in putting on another 68 run's before the next wicket fell with Spike Davis taking the catch from bowling of Darron Hall. The run out of Thoresby's Walker followed with great work from Carl Gabbitas seeing him throw a direct hit at the stumps from his own bowling.
Graham Footit continued to contribute with a great two over spell at the death taking two catches from his own bowling and cleaning up Thorseby's Wiggleswade with the last ball of the innings to leave MPCC requiring 110 to win.
MPCC took to the field in confident mood but openers Darron Hall and Brian Costello soon found out that the home side were perhaps a better bowling unit than there their batting may have suggested. As the light began to fade it wasn't getting any easier and Darron Hall was soon to find himself walking, bowled by Walker, an ex-team mate of all people, for an uncharacteristically low 6 runs.
Brian, sensing what needed to be done held up his end well (fnarr!) and forged a useful partnership with no.3 Carl Gabbitas. Despite regular scoring however, the required rate continued to climb as both batsmen struggled to get the ball to the boundary consistently and it was one slash to far for Carl as he was eventually caught for 22.
Richard Blackwell came in at no.4 with a reputation as a big hitter. No doubt rusty at not having played for a couple of years, Richard too found it difficult to connect and the responsibility was quickly falling to Brian to make the runs. As per Gabbitas, it was not long for the catch came as Brian tried in vain to go over the top having contributed an impressive 33.
Pete Quinn came in at no.5 with the required rate at the point where only boundary's would suffice. With the light seriously in question and consistently straight, quick bowling, Pete only lasted 5 balls before being cleaned up taking a big swing trying to rescue the match.
Spike Davis came next only to see Richard Blackwell bowled in Quinn fashion almost immediately for 2 runs.
Rem Fiorini was next but the match was virtually lost with Police eventually ending up 26 runs short at 84/5.
As an exercise in blowing the cobwebs off the match was very useful and as we ease ourselves into the Summer ahead I am sure some of the flabby fielding and wild bowling will sort itself out. In total, the team gave away 26 extra's, an ironic number when one looks at how many we fell short. It is unrealistic to expect to play a game where no extra's are conceded (particulary if the wicket keeper continues to celebrate BEFORE the ball has hit the stumps, only to find it flying over the top and disappearing to the boundary rope for 4!) but I doubt anybody in the side will be happy with that figure.
As for man of the match, well, as usual there was more than one candidate. Brian Costello entered a strong bid with his 33 runs, as did Graham Footit with a three wicket haul including two caught & bowled. However, with impressive bowling figures of 2/16 off four overs, a direct hit throw for the run out and a contribution of 22 runs, the man of the match goes to a deserving Carl Gabbitas.
Spike Davis took the opposite end to Carl and initially struggled to replicate the devastating line he has been producing in net's to the dislike of everybody's legs! Having started with a flurry of wide balls, Spike found his rhythm against left-hander Willis, clean bowling the batsmen with the last ball of the over.
Carl Gabbitas returned for his second over and picked up where he left off with great line & length which yielded another wicket for the bowling machine as Thoresby's Tyson edged one into wicketkeeper Pete Quinn's gloves for the catch. With the home side at 9 for 3, MPCC began. to believe that Thorseby were there for the taking.
After one more over, Spike and Carl were replaced by Darron Hall and Graham Footit, followed by Brian Costello and Carl Thurlby. Despite no lack of effort, the early work was slowly unpicked as a series of dropped catches and a horror story of an extra's column assisted the home side in putting on another 68 run's before the next wicket fell with Spike Davis taking the catch from bowling of Darron Hall. The run out of Thoresby's Walker followed with great work from Carl Gabbitas seeing him throw a direct hit at the stumps from his own bowling.
Graham Footit continued to contribute with a great two over spell at the death taking two catches from his own bowling and cleaning up Thorseby's Wiggleswade with the last ball of the innings to leave MPCC requiring 110 to win.
MPCC took to the field in confident mood but openers Darron Hall and Brian Costello soon found out that the home side were perhaps a better bowling unit than there their batting may have suggested. As the light began to fade it wasn't getting any easier and Darron Hall was soon to find himself walking, bowled by Walker, an ex-team mate of all people, for an uncharacteristically low 6 runs.
Brian, sensing what needed to be done held up his end well (fnarr!) and forged a useful partnership with no.3 Carl Gabbitas. Despite regular scoring however, the required rate continued to climb as both batsmen struggled to get the ball to the boundary consistently and it was one slash to far for Carl as he was eventually caught for 22.
Richard Blackwell came in at no.4 with a reputation as a big hitter. No doubt rusty at not having played for a couple of years, Richard too found it difficult to connect and the responsibility was quickly falling to Brian to make the runs. As per Gabbitas, it was not long for the catch came as Brian tried in vain to go over the top having contributed an impressive 33.
Pete Quinn came in at no.5 with the required rate at the point where only boundary's would suffice. With the light seriously in question and consistently straight, quick bowling, Pete only lasted 5 balls before being cleaned up taking a big swing trying to rescue the match.
Spike Davis came next only to see Richard Blackwell bowled in Quinn fashion almost immediately for 2 runs.
Rem Fiorini was next but the match was virtually lost with Police eventually ending up 26 runs short at 84/5.
As an exercise in blowing the cobwebs off the match was very useful and as we ease ourselves into the Summer ahead I am sure some of the flabby fielding and wild bowling will sort itself out. In total, the team gave away 26 extra's, an ironic number when one looks at how many we fell short. It is unrealistic to expect to play a game where no extra's are conceded (particulary if the wicket keeper continues to celebrate BEFORE the ball has hit the stumps, only to find it flying over the top and disappearing to the boundary rope for 4!) but I doubt anybody in the side will be happy with that figure.
As for man of the match, well, as usual there was more than one candidate. Brian Costello entered a strong bid with his 33 runs, as did Graham Footit with a three wicket haul including two caught & bowled. However, with impressive bowling figures of 2/16 off four overs, a direct hit throw for the run out and a contribution of 22 runs, the man of the match goes to a deserving Carl Gabbitas.
Monday, 3 May 2010
A Record?
Just realised, 5 out of the below 11 actually work out of MPS.......this could be a record?
Team to Play Thoresby
Team to play Thoresby Colliery U18 XI Wednesday 5th May 18:00hrs (in no particular order)
1. D. Hall
2. P. Quinn (w)
3. M. Davis
4. C. Gabbitas
5. J. Holloway
6. G. Footit
7. R. Blackwell
8. R.Fiorini
9.C. Thurlby
10. B. Costello
11. J. Davis
1. D. Hall
2. P. Quinn (w)
3. M. Davis
4. C. Gabbitas
5. J. Holloway
6. G. Footit
7. R. Blackwell
8. R.Fiorini
9.C. Thurlby
10. B. Costello
11. J. Davis
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