Archived News - Cricket
Bray beaten as skipper breaks the silence
It was the turn of Great Gaddesden to visit fortress Rye Gardens on Sunday and with skipper Josh Peacock taking a punch to the throat in a Sunday morning footy game, strangely things were quiet!
Unfortuneately the want to bat first with the depth and batsmen at his disposal did not come off as opposition skipper Cheese-Man (jnr) won the toss and opted to send his troops out to bat, while the Bray were forced to trudge out onto the field.
James Flecknall and Joe Roff opened the bowling with Flecknall taking a liking to bowling with a new shiny cherry and went for the "if you can't get em' out knock em' out" tactic, frequently putting the ball round the opposition batsmen's ears.
Birthday girl Georgie Coughtrey (now 87) bowled with accuracy and even though we are starting to realising that age is affecting his Shaun Tait-like bowling action, he still has got it... (being the tufts of hair on his head). Anyway, Barm managed to get a 4-for and didn't buy a jug for evading 5, bowling with big time F+G throughout his spell, finishing with figures of 8-1-39-4 with help from 1st team skipper Norris who added some tidy Chris Clarkey like glovework.
Peacock senior, fresh from his involvement in protecting his little brother earlier in the day, during Sunday morning's fracas, bowled towards the end and being unlucky not to pick up a few wickets. Kerins bowled 6 overs for 46 near the end (somehow I think he got some of Barms runs) and Jake truly finished things off in style by going for 35 in 3 overs. NICE! Great Gaddesden ended on 248 with Crawley 98* and Oliver 41 ret. being the main contributors.
Skipper Peacock and the Roff went out to open the innings and Peacock very much took a liking to the buffet Barm style bowling on offer and proceeded to smash 39 before being caught behind off opposite number Cheeseman.
Jimbo hit a quickfire 25 before being stumped. Andy, managing to see straight in stark contrast to the night before (This guy's got some moves) also did his bit with the bat too hitting 51, forging a strong partnership with Kerins who added 29 to give the innings some impetus.
However, when the pair were lost and with the run rate increasing it would be a big ask of the lower order to give it a go, and it wasn't helped by numbers 7 Harris, 8 Coughtrey (who hasn't seen straight for years now) and 9 Barker falling for ducks. Barm and Ryan gave it a good go at 10 and 11 adding 17 and 10 n.o respectively before Jones mowed the grass and was bowled. Bray ending 50 runs short on 198.
After the game, Jake provided entertainment by eating a bowl of salad for £6.20 of his teammates money, and yes it took a very long time but all we can hope is this guy goes for Quorn burgers next time he eats instead of the Big Mac variety. Last game next week and on a personal note, I hope we end it with a win and then maybe go get leathered, NAKED! In the pavilion.......
-- OOOOOOOOOO Barmy, Josh FM has died
Scorecard
- Result: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI Won by 54 runs
- Date: Sun 20th Sep 2009 @ 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Crawley 98*, Andy Norris 51, Ian Jones 4-39
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Peace and Quiet, A Game of Cricket and The Salad Challenge
The Bray boys arrived to an amazing piece of good fortune. Due to an earlier football related 'incident', skipper Josh Peacock had lost his voice and was unable to speak for the whole day! A game of cricket with him involved has never been so quiet!!! Losing the toss again he was duly asked to field on a warm September day.
Mixed bowling from openers Roff and Flecknell got Gaddesden off to a good start. 1st change Coughtrey, had to leave the field when attempting a caught and bowled and whilst he missed 1 over, Bray removed both openers. 1 genuine wicket and 1 retired hurt!
Runs were still flowing aplenty, despite Jones' 4 wickets which included 2 stumpings and a catch for keeper Norris. Quite who was giving the instructions throughout the day was unclear, but the person next to skipper Peacock at any particular time had to be vocal.
Death bowlers Barker and Kerins were given some treatment as the visitors racked up an impressive 248-4 off 40 overs (yes Jones did get all the wickets but he's probably text you and told you this before you've got around to reading this). Despite this, Barker was still first in the queue for tea. Openers Roff and Peacock got Bray off to a decent start, but when both fell in quick succession, it was hoped Flecknell and Norris could make big inroads into the huge total. It was all going so well until Flecknell needlessly got himself out stumped and when McDermid fell next ball, drinks had to be taken as next batsman Kerins was the umpire!!
Needing 160 odd off 20 overs, Norris and Kerins put on 72 and gave the Bray real hope before Norris allowed a long hop to creep up his bat through to the keeper and Kerins was caught in the deep by a diving 70 year old!
Some hitting from last pair Jones and Peacock snr ensured Bray got up to a respectable 194 all out with 1 over to go.
Short of cash, Jake Barker, renowned for his tea eating was then offered a challenge. Several members would put up some cash if he could eat a large bowl of salad (he has never before eaten anything good for him). This challenge was readily accepted and he said it would be easy. 1 hour later, and after several false attempts to puke, he finally succeeded. Munching on a Mars bar 'to take away the taste' he quoted "he'd rather run 20 miles than do that again!"
And how much was in the pot? £7.20 to be exact. It is not known who put the 20p in, but Coughtrey was in the building.....
-- Football Card Winner
Scorecard
- Result: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI Won by 54 runs
- Date: Sun 20th Sep 2009 @ 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Crawley 98*, Andy Norris 51, Ian Jones 4-39
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray beat local rivals in near darkness as good form continues
Close fought game ends in Karachi style darkness
As the season nears an end close rivals William Simmons were entertained at Rye Gardens as the Sunday XI made it 2 wins in two with some good performances in all areas.
Bray lost the toss, and were put in on a fairly decent looking pitch for this time of the year, (jumpers and triple layers were visible as the day wore on.) Bray made a solid start with openers Ollie Wilson and James Flecknall putting on 59 for the first wicket before Wilson was out for 18. This continued with captain Peacock and Flecknall carrying on the onslaught, a huge total looked very likely, until Peacock was out for 33, the pair putting on 92 in 10 overs. James carried on whacking the ball to all parts until he was out for a very classy and dominant 97. With a useful 19 from Jason Mcdermid, 31 n.o from Manny Barker and 14 from Joe Roff, Bray closed on a very respectable 231-9.
In reply Simmons struggled against opening bowlers Roff and Mike Smith with the latter keeping his lines tight whilst bowling with good pace. Bray took wickets fairly regularly with only Deverell (32) and Gear (30) hitting a few lusty blows as well as opposition skipper Ashcroft (71) down the order. The Ashcroft wicket was a big coup for the lads as he took liking to some of the bowlers, with Joe Roff possibly claiming catch of the season off the bowling of E. Barker as he ran round from the boundary before sliding as he took an amazing catch in the fading light. Just a quick mention to Ollie Wilson who fielded absolutely awfully and looked like Barm at extra cover instead of his usual athletic self. like Skipper Peacock gave many of his side a go with the ball with debutant youngster Jonathan Harris chipping in with 2 overs for just 10 runs. Simmons ended up batting in near blackness and closing the innings 13 runs short on 218-9.
Roff finished up with figures of 8-0-42-2, Mike Smith 8-0-37-1, Manny Barker 5.2-0-30-2, Ian Jones 4-0-18-1, Jake 5-0-28-1, Harv 4-0-28-1, Little Jonathan 2-0-10-0, and Jimbo adding a bit of squeeze at the end with 3-0-12-0. Bring on next week as Bray look to field a strong side once more and hope to close out the season with a couple of wins which is more than our young side (with the help of a few 'oldies') deserve.
-- World class skipper
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 11 runs
- Date: Sun 13th Sep 2009 @ 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: J Flecknell 97
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray win Ted Bowers Cup
The Bray took on local rivals Edlesborough on Sunday for the Ted Bowers Cup (who was a long-time stalwart of both clubs), unfortunately the Cup's whereabouts is unknown so wasn't actually presented!!
A fairly strong Bray side was assembled for this annual clash, with the inclusion of a couple of senior 1st teamers strengthening the usual compliment of Sunday regulars. 1st teamer and Sunday captain Peacock again won the toss and decided to make first use of a decent looking Boro pitch.
Thing began badly for the Bray when the mobile scoreboard tipped over in a gust of wind and struck skipper Peacock on the head. Whilst the skipper received some attention from nurse Coughtrey the scoreboard will need to be replaced next year.
Bray fortunes then dropped even further in the 2nd over when Ollie Wilson was run out for a Diamond Duck (out without facing a ball) for the second time this season, looking for an improbable 3rd.
The rest of the Bray's innings consisted of lots of decent cameos, Chop 41, Flecknell jnr 36, a concussed 36 from the skipper and a very impressive 38 from 14 year old Charlie Tickell. Eventually the Bray finishing on 169-9 after their 40 overs. All batsmen struggling on the pitch which hardly bounced, belying its look earlier on.
A good opening spell of right arm slow from Coughtrey opened things up for the Bray bowling wise, fellow opener Craig Westley proving a little expensive until he found his line and length. The fall of regular wickets kept the Boro score in check and a fine period of spin from Bray's 3 spinners put the kibosh on the Boro's chase. Loopy leg spin from Wilson, quick leg spin from Flecknell and left arm orthodox from Jones proving too much for the Boro batsman on a turning wicket. Indeed Jones's 7 overs, 2 wickets for 6 runs being the best he's bowled all season and probably the best since 2007 or even 1987. (Anyone yet fallen asleep?)
The introduction of young Charlie Tickell, Jake Barker and Zak Churchyard finished off the overs with Edlesborough limping to 120ish for 7. With Charlie taking 2 wickets to claim the Man of the Match Award.
A number of players from both teams were still seen socialising in the Bell at nearly midnight, showing the camadarie between these two teams.
Its hoped that Edlesborough CC continue as a cricket club for many years to come to allow plenty more days an evenings like this.
Barm try getting the facts right before writing the report!! Ask for the scorebook in future, or as agreed allow me!! That's also the first toss I have won in weeks!
-- Twirler et al
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 49 runs
- Date: Sun 6th Sep 2009 @ 13:30
- Ground: The Edlesborough Oval
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Update 21-Sep-09 - Ted Bowers Cup Found Shocker
Having played Edlesborough CC 2 weeks ago for the Ted Bowers Cup, it was discovered after the game (which the Bray won) that the Cup was nowhere to be found.
In a surprise turn of events the Ted Bowers Cup has been found by Paul "Chopper" Harris after a spot of cleaning, it is assumed that it was discovered on the Harris's mantlepiece where it had pride of place next to Chopper's gold medal for winning the U9s Egg & Spoon race whilst he was at school in 1965.
Once removed from the mantlepiece (if possible), where it is beleived to have resided since Chopper was skipper of the victorious Bray team of 1982, it shall pollished and presented to Josh Peacock, the 2009 skipper, at the Annual Presentation Night.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Skipper Josh shines despite defeat
With half the team severely struggling following a sizeable party the night before the Bray took on Studham on Sunday, on a cold and blustery day.
Winning the toss and electing to field first the Bray spent 40 overs chasing red leather. Studham batting very well to reach 240-7. Though a late order collapse after fine bowling from Charlie Tickell, Ryan Shilleto and Ryan Peacock restricted the scoring in the last 10 overs.
The Bray then set about the task of chasing down this daunting total, with only Josh and Brian the recognisable batsmen and Brian the only one with his eyes open. Josh Peacock and Joe Roff started things off, progressing steadily before Joe was out with the score on 31.
The number 3 batsman was preparing himself for the task ahead by falling asleep!! Considering what happened next, this preparation technique is highly recommended!!
At the fall of Roff the sleepy no3 ambled out to the middle and proceeded to make the Studham attack look world class, failing to hit the ball off the square for large portions of his knock. However, with Peacock smacking regular 4s the score built quite nicely. Eventually, our sleepy No3 was out with 7 overs remaining, having been in 2nd wicket partnership of 132 contributing 20 of these, having been in for 25 overs!
A middle order collapse subsequently followed whilst our No3 went back to sleep and our skipper continued to plunder runs and send Studham's attack to all parts!!
The skipper (Josh Peacock) remained standing and was still not out at the end of the match eventually racking up 158*, finishing his innings batting with older brother Ryan who was 6* off 2 balls. His first ever hundred and smashing the record for the highest score by a Bray batsman at the Rye Gardens (beating the 119* scored by Dk the week before). This guy is starting to develop into one bloody good batsman, promising signs for the sterner challenges he faces in the league. The bray still found themselves 20 runs short, but this was a valiant display by the team, full of youngsters and some very promising young cricketers. And some very sozzled older players!!
-- Zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Scorecard
- Result: Studham CC - Friendly XI Won by 20 runs
- Date: Sun 30th Aug 2009 @ 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Studham batted first and reaching 240-5 inside 40 overs. Chris Thorne top scoring with 100*. Tickle the pick of the bowlers with figures off 8-0-39-4. Eaton Bray chasing reached 212-4 i their 40 overs and fell 28 runs short. J.Peacock top scoring with 158*. Krishan Chavda the pick of the bowlers with figures off 7-0-36-2
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray Boys Reign Supreme
Fresh from the knowledge that the 1st XI secured the league title again on Saturday, most of the team were nursing severe hangovers. Peacock yet again lost the toss but was surprisingly asked to bat on what looked a good hard wicket on a warm day.
Openers Wilson & Kerins took the opportunity with open arms in an opening stand of 139 before Wilson ran himself out for 57, his first ever half century. But Kerins continued in his normal attacking vein and reached 3 figures and was eventually retired by his skipper on 119 with 8 overs remaining. This score being the highest ever at the ground by an Eaton Bray player.
Harvey hit a lusty 6, surprisingly over cow corner as Bray racked up 249 in their 40 overs.
Knebworth Blues opener Dev Woolley is a big hitter and this total was well within his grasp. However, he hadn't banked on the opening spell of Joe Robb which sent him back to the pavilion bowled for just 24. Wickets were taken at regular intervals and the ground fielding was good, the example being set by Ryan Peacock who proved that someone in their family could field and was not frightened of the ball.
In total 8 bowlers were used and all got wickets, with Robb and Wilson getting 2 apiece. The latter even celebrated a bowled before the ball had hit the stumps!!! Peacock snr, in an impressive spell, bowled the only batsman left for 96, after he had been particularly brutal to the bowling of Jones, Barker and Tickell. Young Kiki Churchyard rounded off proceedings by bowling the final batsman as Bray were victorious by 36 runs.
The age of the Bray team was encouraging with only Jones & Kerins aged over 30 (just). This was in stark contrast to the opponents who had 4 players old enough to be Jones' Dad! The future looks bright for this young team.
-- Aching
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 39 runs
- Date: Sun 23rd Aug 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Knebworth Blues CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Valiant Chase Ends In Defeat
After losing the toss (again) on a hot day, Bray were asked to field. An early wicket for Ruff thanks to a stunning slip catch by the author secured an early breakthrough. (One fielder remarked that the catch was indeed 'world class'.) However, opener Akhtar set about punishing the attack and a score of 300 was on the cards.
Akhtar then made a fatal error. Ozzie 'bucket hands' Osborne, back from injury after 6 consecutive seasons out, picked up the ball on the boundary and Akhtar called for a second run. The direct hit on the stumps had him run out by yards! Bucket hands proceeded to take two catches with the usual thud as the ball was safely secured in his hands. Jones, switched ends after 3 overs for 30 and promptly picked up 2 wickets (somehow). Tickle got an lbw despite not appealing himself but the star of the show was the constantly improving Jake Barker who ended with 3 for 17 off his 4 overs, narrowly missing a hat-trick as the ball raced past the outstretched McDermid's hands.
A total of 236 for 8 was a very good score on the EB wicket and with the early loss of Wilson and Hearn, looked a long way away. Captain Peacock came to the wicket to join makeshift opener Kerins and the two set about the chase. Kerins by blocking and Peacock by keeping up with the required 6 runs an over with some sublime shots.
Peacock went on to make a career best 91 before being bowled trying to keep up with the required 10 an over run rate. A first ton is surely just around the corner for this classy batsman?
Bucket hands hit a huge 6 in his cameo 28 before he fell to the cause, and Jake Barker smacked the ball around as Bray fell for 197 in near darkness.
That of course didn't stop youngsters, Kiki, Ryan and Charlie from then having another game!
-- Slip Specialist
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Mentmore Concede to Bray
Ok, so 7 of their players have gone down with swine flu, but we'd have won anyway.........well pigs might fly. Although the price of bacon has been going up. Bray captain Josh Porkcock went the whole hog and remarked "It's ruff for us all, and being called off this late is a real swine, because it was swill weather, I was going to drive and pork in the field and have a pignic with a ham sandwich, and hold hams with Jacob and Joe, and maybe sow up the game and rub some oinkment into Mike Smith's aches and pains, hog the batting, hog the bowling, hope i'm not boaring you......."
5 Hours later...........
"and i got a duck again yesterday.....a real swine but the day just flu"
-- Pig of a Day
Scorecard
- Result: Cancelled
- Date: Sun 9th Aug 2009 @ 14:00
- Ground: The Cricket Club
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray soundly beaten again
This match report is brought to you by Peacock and Roff (no DK and Barm not Ruff).
On a very green wicket remeniscent of cabbage, near a watering hole in Bletchley, Bray were soundly beaten for the 2nd week in a row.
Captain Peacock has clearly proven to be a useless tosser all season and once again his team were sent out to field, (even though it was a very bowler friendly wicket). A tight start by the openers Smith and Peacock and then 1st change bowler Roff, ensured wickets were taken fairly frequently and runs were restricted.
Joe Roff bowling on his favourite ground in the world where he has terrorised many batsmen finished with brilliant figures of 6-0-10-0, (if only more captains were watching).
Mike Smith chipped in with 1, Peacock with 2, Charlie "Dickens" Tickell swung it both ways like Barm on a Saturday in Cubes bowled beautifully for 2 wickets for 11 runs. Harvey bowling with Graeme Swann-esque ability was very unlucky with some mis-fields and also as a batsman hit one straight down vice-capatin Jones' neck, shame we all know the result of that one.
Jacob Barker, looking like Alex Wharf, bowled excellently apart from a few extras. Special mention for Jones, who tried to feed the pigeons cricket balls on many occasions. Shenley Church End ended on 168-5.
When Bray walked out to the bat-tlefield, the message was to be positive but stay there. Unfortuneately Mike Smith opening the batting, was caught by A.Peacock. Wilson soon followed LBW (yes and it was plum) for 5 and the team were in strife at 24-2. In came Peacock at 3, to try and forge partnerships, mainly with his favourite batting buddy, Joe Roff. However, due to cobwebs in the poor boys ears, he ran himself out. Peacock was eventually out for 29.
Not many others chipped in apart from Barker with a few lusty blows and McDermid who hung around to frustrate the bowlers and give Jake some strike. Unfortuneately Bray plummeted to 87 all out and back to the showers for some hot-headed banter and a scrap between Harv and Jacob.
-- Pink Punters fans
Scorecard
- Result: Shenley Church End - 1st XI Won by 87 runs
- Date: Sun 26th Jul 2009 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Shenley Church End - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
10 Man Bray get the Blues
Yet again the Bray struggled to find 11 players, and then when Ollie Wilson pulled out at 12.30pm on match day we were left with 10!! This almost became 8 with the Barker pair getting lost for an hour in Hitchin. An interesting mix of youth (4 U14s and 1 U17) and experience (5 over their mid 30s) was again the order of the day for the Bray.
The Bray skipper won the toss and took the decison to bowl first, more on the basis of wanting the game to last beyond 4.30!!
The Knebworth Blues openers batted for a long time, eventually having an opening partnership of 160, with their captain being out for 108 to Kiki (clean bowled!!). The other opener was run out attempting a 4th in the 40th over for 63!!
Good bowling from DK (1-36), Kiki (2-52), Jake and Rakish (on debut) restricted what could have been a mammouth score to something rather large! Zach Churchyard also taking a good catch off his brother, Kiki, to prove the youngsters have a future with Eaton Bray.
The Bray batting had little high points, a 50 run partnership between DK and the stand-in skipper (Barm) and a last wicket stand of 32 between Jake Barker (22*) and Rakish Kara being the only highlights!! Jake's 22* being his highest score for the club (for the 3rd week in a row!). His father Manny will need to bring a thicker wallet next week for the jug! The being all out for 127 in the 32nd over.
-- Into the Wind Specialist
Scorecard
- Result: Knebworth Blues CC - 1st XI Won by 119 runs
- Date: Sun 12th Jul 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: Lucas Lane
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray In Amazing Run Chase Victory!!
Bray were struggling to get a side out prior to this game. In the end, 10 players were assembled, with Joe Ruff the 4th oldest at 20. Senior players Manny Barker, Darren Kerins and captain Ian Jones knew a tough task was ahead of them.
Winning the toss and electing to field, Bray started tidy with Kerins and Ruff keeping it tight, but wicketless. With Manny having to keep wicket due to Kerins' inability to bend down due to keeping the day before, Bray were down a bowler. But captain Jones stepped up to the plate, in giving the youngsters a go and also with leading by example.
He got the first 5 wickets to fall, including the Wendover captain for his 1st ever golden duck, in an impressive 9 overs (yes somehow he bowled 9 despite the maximum being 8) but runs were always flowing despite some good bowling from youngsters Dillon Nawagamuwa, Richard Shilleto and Charlie Tickel. At 214 for 7, most were convinced it was at least 100 too many.
Kiki Churchyard and Ryan Shilleto, both aged only 14, again fielded impressively and the ever improving Jake Barker weighed in with a wicket and some inspiring comments.
Openers Manny Barker and Ruff set about a solid start, putting on 79 in 20 overs giving Bray hope. When Ruff fell for 17 (his personal best) shortly after in an opening stand of 84, Kerins & Barker took the attack to Wendover with some good hitting and some sharp running which was winding up the fielders in an annoying manner.
Barker fell for 58 with the score on 162, and when Kerins was 5th man out for 56, the score was 175 for 5 with only 6 overs remaining. Aussie Richard Shilleto, who got a golden duck in his 1st game for the club last week, then swung the bat to hit 2 of the biggest sixes ever seen at the ground. The first went soaring overs the cars and hedge into the lane. The next (which apparently he toed) went almost into the farmyard. When he was out lbw, 7 were needed from 2 overs, with only 2 wickets left.
Jake Barker hit 4 from that over, Jones sneaked a single off the first ball of the final over. 2 needed off 5 balls. Barker swings hard and hits his first ever boundary for the club and Bray have won!!!! The hug that took place between Jones and Barker mid wicket send shock waves through all surrounding villages.
The opening batsman for Wendover, John Stern, is editor of Wisden magazine - this game would have proved an excellent article for him, but being on the losing side we doubt it will figure. Well done the Bray.
-- Can't Bend Down
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 3 wickets
- Date: Sun 5th Jul 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray 0 Mentmore 2
With only 9 men and batting first, Bray were all out for 49. Harvey hit 24, Roff was 10 not out and not many others troubled the scorers. Jake Barker hit his first run of the season, ensuring that he scored more than his captain Peacock.
Mentmore knocked the runs off for the loss of 2 wickets, the highlights being a superb catch above his head at mid on by Jones, and a good throw from Curtis Anthony for a run out.
Tea was then taken and a hastily organised Twenty20 match was planned.
Mentmore batted first and racked up 146 from their 20 overs. Sayers being the main contributor in making a half century. Tight bowling from Twenty20 specialists Kerins & Flecknell Snr, ensured that the game was still a contest at this stage.
Lewis smacked the last ball of the innings to deep mid off, where Jones took a spectacular catch on the run, much to the disbelief of all in attendance.
Kerins & Peacock set about the total in fine style, racking up 70 off 8 overs before Peacock was out. The quick loss of Harvey, McDermid and the run out of Jones (still recovering from that running catch) and tight bowling from Sayers, kept Bray in check, but Kerins and Flecknell Snr were still having a go.
With 20 needed off 3 overs, Kerins was out stumped for 63 off the impressive Kirchner, and although Roff and Flecknell gave it a good go, helped by some controversial umpiring from Harvey, Bray finished 2 runs short.
-- Twenty20 Specialist
Scorecard
- Result: Mentmore CC - Sunday Friendly XI Won by 8 wickets
- Date: Sun 21st Jun 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Runs Galore as Bray Go Down Fighting
After being put in the field, Bray gambled by opening the bowling with the spin of Jones against the free hitting and big scoring run machine Lucky Singh. Singh duly smashed a quick fire 20 before launching Jones high into the sky. The ball went up, into orbit, did a loop around Mars before falling into the safe hands of Harvey.
New boy Westley caught the other opener on the boundary and when Harvey was presented with a dolly, Simmonds were 52-3 with Jones having claimed all 3, taking his 200th wicket for the club in the process.
Jones was then asked if he wanted to bowl out and he said no! With 3 wickets to my name and 2 new batsmen at the crease, you wouldn't have been able to take the ball off me!
Runs flowed until Westley bowled a beamer at Gear, and no ball was called. McDermid took the catch anyway, threw the ball into Peacock, who took the bails off with the batsmen standing half way down the wicket believing he was safe due to the no ball!!!
When Kerins came on to bowl at the death, Westley remarked that Kerins is not just a keeper. An astute observer that Westley lad. Simmonds ended up with 233.
Openers Peacock and Ruff set about the total in fine style, putting on 72 in 10 overs. Ruff was then out for 1. When Peacock was bowled for 77, out of 85, Bray collapsed to 110-6 and the chase was effectively over.
But Westley had other ideas. A fine array of attacking shots including switch hits and reverse sweeping, got Simmons panicking. Barker was offering good support until the ball hit his pads, and he decided to go walkabout and was duly run out. I would like to call this piece of cricket braindead, but that would be too kind on Barker.
Westley ended on 59 not out as Bray were finally all out for 194. Credit must also be given to the 3 youngsters Charlie, Ryan and Keke who all fielded exceptionally, and brought the average age down to just 23, despite McDermid and Jones playing.
-- Not Just A Keeper
Scorecard
- Result: Simmons CC - 1st XI Won by 37 runs
- Date: Sun 14th Jun 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: Mentmore Park
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Simmons CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Reporters Make The Headlines
Skipper Peacock lost the toss and was unsurprisingly asked to field on a hot day. His first decision was who to omit from the 12 players available. Jones was duly selected to stand down, to ensure that he didn't give anymore shocking lbw decisions, which Barker Snr was still moaning about.
Tidy bowling from all concerned restricted RR to an achievable 169 with Barker Snr, Martell, Kerins, Roff, the impressive Tickell and the veteran Molyneux sharing the wickets.
McDermid made a career best 19 but the early loss of Norris and Peacock meant the chase was always going to be tough. Umpire Martell continued the poor umpiring trend, when giving Peacock out lbw. When asked about the decision, Martell said he only gave it "Because I thought you were walking anyway!"
Hing and Kerins got themselves in, and out, and the chase fell apart. It was left to youngsters Tickell and Roff to ensure Bray were not bowled out, ending 121 for 8.
The players who umpire need to take some lessons from our umpire professionals, 1st team umpire Martin Quinn and 2nd team umpire John Smith. Quinn is known as the fastest finger in the UK whilst Smith called a wide and declared over! Coaching courses anyone?!
-- We Hate Umpires
Scorecard
- Result: Roving Reporters CC - Friendly XI Won by 49 runs
- Date: Sun 31st May 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Village Cup Dreams Dashed
Eaton Bray made the trip to North Mymms on Sunday 17th May for their first ever nPower Village Cup tie. It was cold and windy with some rain about!
Things began inauspiciously having arrived at 1.20pm to be advised the tie should of begun at 1pm. This despite North Mymms's advertising saying it was a 2pm start!! The Bray then won the toss and elected to bowl on a dry pitch (North Mymms's having decent covers!).
A good bowling and fielding effort by the Bray saw regular wickets fall, eventually restricting Mymms to 180 all out from 35 overs. Gary Ellerton (fresh from 8-20 the day before) and Darren Kerins being the pick of the bowlers, both taking 3 wickets each. Gaz through his usual brisk pace and DK through his usual lack of it!
This proved to be the top of the Bray's performance however, as a combination of good bowling and dubious shot selection and a couple of "interesting" umpiring decisions found us bowled out for 69 inside 29 overs, only Chopper Harris offering any decent resistance with the bat, top scoring with 37!! North Mymms did employ the interesting tactic of utilising 4 spinners and 1 medium pacer.
The team's feeling at the end of the game was our poor batting performance put the kybosh on what could of been a great win against the odds.
We plan to try again next season, and hope for a slightly easier draw next time out.
-- Fine Legger
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Peacock winning streak continues
Eaton Bray Sunday XI (or 10 for this game) constinued their winning streak in 2009 to 2 games by beating old rivals Potten End on a bright sunny day (though only mildly warm).
Having arrived at tea due to a prior engagement your reporter found the Bray had won the toss and batted first. With a strong looking batting line up, a decent total was virtually assured. So a total of 212 for 5 from 35 overs was about what the skipper would of been looking for. *Some additional info from those there would be useful for accuracy here!!*
Having consumed a fine tea shortly after my arrival the Bray took the field. Potten End's combination of big hitters and talented youngsters proved a decent match for Bray's varied attack. However, some good outfield catches by Hosking (3 of them) and some good glove work by debutant Paul Darts (2 stumpings) kept the runs in check. Potten End eventually being bowled out off the last ball of the game for 185. The wickets were shared around, Coughtrey, Norris and Roff all 1 each, Peacock and Jones 2 and Flecknel Jnr 3, all point to some decent form leading into the first league games next week.
Mention must be made of Jake Barker's 4 overs, looking much more menacing than his old man in 2008, he was unlucky not to get any wickets, though he also had his fair share of tea, so he had a good day!!
-- Tea is my favourite
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Peacock Blooms
The 1st game of the season was played at a sunny Rye Gardens and marked the start of the Peacock regime. He may have been regretting his decision to bat at 19-3 off 14 overs but leading by example and receiving support from Flecknell, a big partnership followed.
Flecknell was eventually dismissed for 62 and Peacock retired on 87, with just 3 overs remaining, unselfishly giving others an opportunity to feel bat on ball. Kerins ended the innings with a rare not out as Bray racked up 212 in their 40 overs.
Tea then arrived at precisely the same time as Jones.
The visitors, Tottenhoe, were soon behind the rate, with the first 10 overs from Ellerton and Pearson going for 4 runs! 2 wickets each for Flecknell and Linney, supported with tight bowling from 7 other bowlers, and some highly unusal diving stops by Jones restricted Totts to 84-8 at the close.
Pearson leads the catching cup from all by 2, with Jones leading the race to retain his eating cup, and the groundsman repairing the trenches left by Jones's dives.
A good start for the new captain, who will be looking for a 1000 runs this season - although surely much tougher tests are to follow?
-- Pad Rash
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
The cricket season starts with a home match versus Edlesborough on Saturday 18 April.
The club is again searching for new players. Despite it being a solvent, successful and highly sociable club, it is always looking to increase its membership, especially from those living in the village. The club can accommodate any level of playing ability as it runs three distinct teams. Two elevens play league cricket on Saturdays with the first team reigning champions. On Sundays the club plays friendly-cricket which provides ample opportunities to bat and bowl. So regardless of whether you are young or old, small or big (not too big!), contact Ian Jones, or if you are brave, attend net practice on a Friday night at the Rye Gardens ground.
The club held its Annual General Meeting in February and elected its officers for the coming year; President Lee Bearton, Chairman Martin Quinn, Treasurer Ian Jones, Secretary Michael Jarrett, Grounds Manager Mick Flecknell, Saturday Captains Andy Norris & Darren Kerins, Sunday Captain Josh Peacock
MJ
Source: Focus, April 2009
Sunday 17th May at 2pm
The draw for the nPower Village Cup has been made and we have been given a bye into the 3rd round.
However, our 3rd round opponents are North Mymms CC, at their ground. They currently play in the Home Counties Premier League Division B. Their usual oppenents this year will be West Herts or Hemel Hempstead. The game is to be played on Sunday May 17th, starting at 2pm.
We're confident of beating them, if we can put out a strong side and play to our potential (we came to this conclusion in a pub a few Saturdays ago after a few beers and vodka shots!).
We would love to take a big contigent of supporters with us. So please place this date in your diary. 1) In case your needed to play and 2) to come and support if your not asked to play.
North Mymms CC Web Site: http://www.northmymmscc.co.uk/
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray are champions of the Four Counties League. Since its inception in 2001, the club has won the league four times, but not for the last four years. Recently the trophy has been on an extended loan to other clubs before Andy Norris secured the division one title at his first attempt. Andy's tougher style of captaincy has worked perfectly, putting the team ahead of individual performances, including his own.
Winning the championship wasn't without difficulty, indeed the club suffered the ignominy of losing a match by 300 runs, being bowled out by 32 by the eventual runners-up New Bradwell. This was the biggest defeat in the club's and league's history!
The season was one of two halves. In the first part Wes Hoskin, James Flecknell and Gary Ellerton bullied most teams into submission with bat and ball. However in the latter stages of the league programme the games got tougher with Eaton Bray batting second. There were three almost identical run chases that Eaton Bray made difficult.
The highlight of the season was the game against Newport Pagnell, when chasing 164 Eaton Bray had been reduced to 77 for 6. All-rounders Gary Ellerton and Lee Bearton beat the opposition single handedly (sic). In two other games Paul (Chopper) Harris showed his maturity by batting throughout the innings and scoring 2 unbeaten half centuries. Nick Pearson chipped in just at the right time against Cublington. But perhaps the best and most valuable innings was played by Josh Peacock in the last game of the season. Josh scored his only half century of the season in that game. It was a match, and championship winning innings full of champagne shots.
The club wishes to share its success with everyone that helped throughout the season. A BIG thank you to; sponsors, weed sprayers, 100 club owners, cleaners, supporters, tea ladies, groundsmen and to all the suffering wives and girlfriends!
-- MJ
Back row; John Salmon, Darren Kerins, Josh Peacock, James Flecknell, Wes Hoskin, Dave Hopkins, Gary Ellerton
Front row; Michael Jarrett, Nick Pearson, Andy Norris, Paul Harris
Source: Focus, October 2008
Cricket: Bray Beaten in Season Finale
Bray went down to a strong side from Great Gaddesden in the last game of the season. Batting first, Bray were soon in trouble at 2-2 off 6 overs after openers Wilson and Hearn had thrown their wickets away offering easy catches. Skipper Peacock and Kerins set about restoring order with a 50 partnership, but tight bowling and good fielding ensured that the scoring rate was still slow.
When Kerins went to an unplayable delivery, more cheap wickets followed with Peacock, McDermid & Salmon all offering more easy catching practise for the fielding side. Salmon added to his ever impressive and growing list of getting out to bowlers who shouldn't be bowling!
Some lusty blows from Shepherd ensured a final total of 138-8 off 40 overs but at tea, it was genearlly felt this was not enough.
And so it proved as the visitors' openers despatched some wayward early bowling from Warner, and at one point it looked like the runs would be knocked off before drinks!
A moment of international standard fielding from Kerins resulted in the first wicket going down, a direct hit on the stumps at the keepers end from mid on running out the batsman.
Roff was introduced into the attack just as his Mum turned up at the ground. Keeper Peacock had the ball and threw it high in the air back to Roff. Unfortunately Joe wasn't looking and turned around at the exact moment the ball smacked him in the face. Pleased to say that he's ok, but he does a great Mick Jagger impression at the moment!
This seemed to inspire Roff, who took 2 late wickets thanks to 2 well held catches from Kerins and there was still time for Salmon to do his David Seaman impression (Nayim form the halfway line) in dropping a catch.
Gaddesden cruised to a 7 wicket win but given the glorious weather in which the match was played in, should we carry on playing? I'm ready for the start of the season!!
-- International Standard Fielder
- Result: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI Won by 7 wickets
- Date: Sun 21st Sep 2008 @ 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Thousand Island for Aussie Hosking
The penultimate game of the season against Simmonds turned out to be an exciting one. Simmons batted first after Bray once again lost the toss.
Lucky Singh smashed the ball to all parts in his quickfire 87, but it was the introduction of skipper Jones to the attack which left him bemused. A rank long hop left him playing his shot far too early, and as the ball gripped, turned and bounced at record slow speed, it came down on the stumps.
A well taken skier by Hosking and a wonder catch from Wilson in the deep gave Jones his 2nd & 3rd wickets and the skipper ended his spell with 3-21 off 6 overs to end his season on a high. Good catches from McDermid and Harvey kept wickets falling and Simmonds ended up on 176.
Aussie Hosking needed 62 runs to make 1000 runs for the year - clearly his lacklustre performance in the field was to ensure that a decent total was set by the visitors. He survived one sharp dropped catch and then proceeded to make hay, hitting 3 sixes in one over into the farmyard, causing the farmer to lose his temper. Sensing trouble, the Aussie promptly got out, for 83, thus ensuring his objective was reached.
Bray looked to be cruising, but the quick fall of Peacock, Harvey (golden) and Flecknell sent jitters in the team. One man was standing firm at the other end, Joe Roff. With his now solid defensive technique he was ensuring that the collapse that threatened to happen, did not, and in Kerins he had a partner who paced the innings to perfection, the two of them ensuring victory with 1 over to spare.
Roff ended up hitting the winning runs to finish on 9 not out and he batted for 22 overs. This was by far his best innings for the club and went someway to compensating for his two dropped catches, one of which my 3 year old nephew would have had difficulty in dropping. Obviously attempting to ensure he wins the Friendly bowling cup this season!!
-- The Finisher
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 4 wickets
- Date: Sun 14th Sep 2008 @ 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Simmons CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray take league title
Eaton Bray are the new champions of the Morrant Four Counties League Division One.
They beat North Crawley by eight wickets on Saturday and finish seven points clear of their closest rivals New Bradwell.
North Crawley totalled 162 and Eaton Bray got the runs for the loss of two wickets with Josh Peacock scoring an unbeaten 67 and Paul Harris 56 not out.
Stoke Hammond won Division Four and Cublington 2nds finished top of Division Five. Ivinghoe and Pitstone topped Division Six South.
Get the Leighton Buzzard Observer every Tuesday.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 2 September 2008
Cricket: WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!
Eaton Bray are the Morrant Four Counties Division 1 Champions once again, edging out New Bradwell by just 7 points. Needing a win against North Crawley to secure the title, highly strung captain Andy Norris called correctly and had no hesitation in inserting the opposition.
Bray bowled and fielded very well, although dropped catches by Norris and Ellerton kept nerves jangling, but in bowling Crawley out for 165 in 42 overs, a job was well done. The wickets were shared around amongst bowlers Norris, Ellerton, Jarrett, Pearson and Flecknell who all bowled economically but the score could have been much higher if it wasn't for a wonder catch on the boundary by James Flecknell to dismiss dangerman Phillipson.
Hosking dislocated the same finger twice keeping wicket and showed his true metal when team physio Dave Hopkins offered to put it back in to place by asking whether it would hurt! Typical Australian!
At 43-2 nerves were jangling, but then came the partnership we all wanted to see. Peacock started off by sledging the bowlers and fielders but was his fluent best in making 67 not out, ably supported by Geoff Boycott, sorry Paul Harris who made 50 odd off 200 balls.
An 8 wicket victory was secured with 4 overs remaining and the fact that New Bradwell also won was meaningless for them.
Everyone played their part, John Salmon made some stunning dives and stops in the field, and Kerins was there to accurately write this report and ensure he was eligible for a winners trophy.
The night rolled on to the social club with "We Are The Champions" being played endlessly and then on to the nightlife of Dunstable.
Congratulations to all who have represented the 1st team throughout the season, and roll on our title defence of 2009!!
-- Trophy Collector
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: 2s show fight but lose again
Another game another loss for the 2s in the last game of their 2008 league campaign. The game followed the usual trend for the 2nds this season. Some very good cricket interspersed with some poor cricket, eventually leading to a lose! 2 wins, 3 draws (2 of which were washed out) and 13 losses not really what Kerins was looking for when he took on the reigns this year.
Two suicidal run outs accounted for both of the Bray openers (Lester and Brian) early on, this was followed by dogged knock of 39 from Hearn, a few cameo innings in partnership with him but the continued loss of wickets left the Bray 114-7 with 8 overs still remaining. This brought together the partnership of Jones and Shepherd. Given the somewhat precarious situation they set about playing themselves in for the first 5 overs followed by a bit of biffing from both in the last 3 overs (which yielded 40 runs!) brought up the 50 partnership and led to a total of 167-7.
Spirited bowling and fielding from the Bray, combined with some youthful enthusiasm from Harv and Ollie (as always!) kept the game interesting, though Crawley were always up with the run rate and they eventually won with 2 overs to spare. Tidy figures from 4 of the Bray bowlers continued the usual trend for the season, reasonable bowling but a lack of wickets hindering the cause. Jones (2-22 off 10), E Barker (1-32 off 10), Shepherd (2-34 off 10) and Roff (1-43 off 9) being the pick of the bowlers for the home side.
Well bring on 2009 I say, Div 4 shouldn't be as tough as Div 3 has been this season!!
-- Tail End Biffer
- Result: North Crawley CC - 2nd XI Won Batting Second by 4 wickets
- Date: Sat 30th Aug 2008 @ 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: North Crawley CC - 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray Get The Blues with Pea Cock As Skipper
In the end Bray were soundly beaten by visitors Knebworth Blues despite getting off to one of the best starts in their history.
At 152-1 and 10 overs remaining, a massive score loomed, but the fall of Norris for 75 and skipper Pea Cock for 44 in successive overs signalled the arrival of a calypso collapse with Barker, Spicer, Taylor and Jones all going for ducks and Kerins, Harvey and Roff all fairing little better.
Left standing on 22 (well staggering) at the other end was local drunk and public disgrace 'Chuck Up' Harris. After sending the wife away for the weekend with the kids he was able to make his sunday debut this season. But after a heavy night out celebrating his birthday the night before, the pale faced run scorer was a shadow of his normal self and was sick shortly after arriving at the ground.
Bray ended up 183 all out off the final ball and had to take early wickets. Key man Woolley was dropped early on off his own bowling by Kerins (who later claimed he caught the middle ball) and then again by Taylor off the luckless Jones. Taylor subsequently claimed that this was his first ever dropped catch throughout his glittering 74 year career, but we all have our doubts.
Woolley was later dropped a 3rd time by keeper Harris as Blues comfortably won the game despite Jake Barker still shouting that Bray would win when only 3 runs were needed off 5 overs with 7 wickets in hand!
Moral of the day: Catches win matches and alcohol gives you a hangover.
-- Headache
- Result: Knebworth Blues CC - 1st XI Won by 7 wickets
- Date: Sun 24th Aug 2008 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Knebworth Blues CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: P.Isaac 7-3-11-4, D.Woolley 89*, A.Cooke 46
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Record Smashed as Bray Stretch Unbeaten Run
Bray kept up the winning habit on sundays with a comfortable victory over Bourne End. Losing the toss and being put in, this could have been another story at 72 for 5 before Peacock and Flecknell Jnr put a total on the board. Flecknell Snr, at this stage, had been sent home to retrieve his kit from the loft to ensure Bray had 11 players.
When Flecknell Jnr fell for 45, Barker soon followed and when Harvey was adjudged lbw by good pal Wilson, 11 overs still remained. Enter the stalwart skipper Jones, who firstly showed his defensive qualities by shutting up shop before unleashing a barrage of shots all around the ground with his partner Peacock. The 9th wicket eventually fell in bizarre circumstances when Jones simply walked off the field with 2 balls remaining and was run out.
His reasoning was that he wanted Flecknell Snr to bat. The fact that Mick spent 2 balls at the non strikers end before the innings closed did not go down well with the 11th man!
At tea it was then discovered that the 9th wicket partnership that Peacock & Jones put on of 58, beat a 14 year old club record, formally held by club 'umpire' and youth team co-ordinator Martin Quinn.
Flecknell Jnr bowled a pile of dross, but Harvey & Roff kept things tight before Hosking weighed in with 2 wickets with smart catches at slip and gully, and it was left to the pie chucking Simon Burton to have career best figures of 4-44 in wrapping the innings up.
There was still time for Peacock and Wilson to drop catches and Jake Barker, in taking 2 catches, showed them how to do it and he also bought his 1st ever jug in recognition of this. Just a shame he's too young to drink any of it.
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 51 runs
- Date: Sun 17th Aug 2008 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Bourne End - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: A record 9th wicket partnership at home for the Bray of 58 between J Peacock & I Jones. S Burton taking 4 wickets.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray Back To Winning Ways
Bray returned to winning ways and inflicted Studham's 1st defeat of the season on a sunday in an exciting match.
Batting first on a humid afternoon, severely hungover opener Andy Norris hit 50 and in true 'Harris' style was then out next ball.
Ollie Wilson, his opening partner, hit a career best 37 and will be a fine cricketer if he can be available for more games.
After the cheap dismissal of Peacock, guest player Matthew Molyneux, on the eve of his 40th birthday, hit a rapid 30 although he was dropped 4 times and survived 2 missed stumpings.
Some farsical batting and running at the end from Jones, Roff and Barker took the score up to 187 for 9, Barker continuing his trend of being out off the final ball leaving Kerins as DNB (did not bother).
Mead smashed Peacock for 2 successive boundaries, and in attempting a 3rd, he creamed the ball through the gully area. Jones, because he didn't have time to think, promptly ate it....sorry caught it. Apparently, for one split second he thought he was in cricketing heaven and a pork pie was zooming towards him.
Stanton, opening the bowling at the other end and moving the ball all over the place, took 3 quick wickets to leave Studham reeling. A big 5th wicket partnership was finally broken with 50 runs needed and then Peacock got the vital wicket of Thorne for 84 to effectively seal the game for the Bray.
Old timer Molyneux picked up the final wicket to ensure a 19 run win, after the final pair had survived 3 dropped catches - Peacock, Jones and a Harvey dolly being the culprits.
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 19 runs
- Date: Sun 27th Jul 2008 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Studham CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: 84 runs from Chris Thorne could not save Studham form their first defeat on a sunday.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Thriller at Rye Gardens
After last weeks rallying call from Jones, he certainly got the response he wanted in this thriller with local rivals Soulbury. The fact that the match was also played in a great spirit was a credit to the captains (Stopp of Soulbory and Kerins, Norris & Peacock for the Bray).
Great to see Will Caughie back in his whites and spend some time in the middle although his gloves still have traces of blood on them and in dropping a catch he managed to avoid the ball hitting him on the head for the first time ever!
Batting first, Bray got off to a flyer with Norris hitting 64 and Peacock a rapid 35 before that man Stopp claimed both wickets to put the brakes on. Bray lost their way a little and ended up 162 all out of the final ball, Coughtrey running out Jake Barker scanderlously off the final ball.
The scorer and tea lady, Judy Stopp, started off claiming to be neutral, although as the game progressed it became more and more evident that she was routing for the visitors. Allegations of doctoring the scorebook, at this time, remain unproven, although statisticians are continuing their investigations.
Kerins & Coughtrey kept it tight but the introduction of the extra pace of Peacock caused the openers problems, and the breakthrough came when DC gloved a vicious bouncer through to the keeper. Coughtey picked up an lbw and Peacock got a wicket from a long hop!
That brought in Stopp (Yes at number 5!!!). He took an age to get there, got heavily sledged in the process and then Peacock sent his off stump cartwheeling out the ground 1st ball!!! The scorer then entered the fray, giving Peacock a slap across the face!!
However, dangerman Sear was still there, and with only 4 frontline bowlers (if you include Jones), Bray had a problem. Hearn was called up to the job, his 1st bowl for 20 years probably! But Sear kept the score ticking along at the required 5 runs an over and with 3 overs remaining, the batsmen looked favourite.
Wilson was called up to bowl the 1 over Bray were short and was unlucky not to get a wicket as he went for 9. 6 needed off 2 overs. Kerins bowled 5 balls for 2 runs. The batsman hit the next ball to mid off and the diving Coughtrey deflected the ball to Peacock who threw the stumps down to run the batsman out! 1 over left and 4 needed to win, with Sear off strike.
1st ball wide from Hearn. Just to keep it interesting he said. 2 legitimate dot balls followed. Next ball hit over the top for a single. Sear on strike and he creams it through the covers for 4 to win the game.................NO wait, Jake Barker (after his toilet break for a No2) at full stretch, dives and stops the ball to keep it to a single.
Scores level, 2 balls remaining. Dot ball follows. Last ball, the batsman hits it back to Hearn who runs him out and the game is a tie!!
And Luton won the scratchcard in the bar afterwards - see there is hope...
- Result: Tied
- Date: Sun 20th Jul 2008 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Disgrace of the Bray
Another disgraceful lack of commitment by the members of the club led to a 3rd game being cancelled due to lack of players. With some players pulling out on Friday and Saturday!! Understanderably Knebworth Blues were extremely unimpressed and we'll be lucky to get them as a fixture for next year. We will also have to cover their pitch hire and tea costs of about £50.
If this situation happens again the Sunday skipper will suggest to the committee that all Sunday fixtures be cancelled for the remainder of this season. The club will then have to decide if Sunday fixtures should be disposed of entirely. This will create less opportunity to bring through new players and youngsters. All because most players seem to think their commitment to the club finishes after their game on a Saturday.
- Result: Cancelled
- Date: Sun 13th Jul 2008 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Hat-tricks and hundreds don't come along too often. Certainly very rarely do they happen in the same game. Poor old Newport Pagnell copped both! Michael Jarrett recorded his second ever
league hat-trick in his 31 seasons of toil, and Wes Hosking scored
his first century for the club. The amiable Aussie who couldn't
top fifty last season is now the league's leading run scorer in
2008.
Bowler Gary Ellerton is matching Wes, knocking over the stumps more regularly than any other bowler. Not surprising really as Gaz is quick. Gary's best performance was against Milton Keynes Village when he took 5 wickets whilst conceding just 7 runs.
The first team has made an excellent start to the season and leads the first division at approaching the half way mark. It is however a different story for the Saturday seconds and the Sunday friendly team. Both teams are struggling. Player availability causes problems for both teams, as the first team takes priority for both individuals and the club. But both teams have given opportunities to the newcomers. Ben Martell and Steve Shepherd have performed well with the ball, Dave Hopkins and Glen Hearn have consistently scored runs, however Jason McDermid has yet to have cause to blow his own trumpet!
Every year the cost of running and improving the club increases. The club is very fortunate to have within its ranks skilled and willing handymen, keeping the overall costs down. In addition it is extremely grateful to the two sponsors Hawkins Transport and M&M Properties. The extra financial support allows the club to maintain its high standards and playing facilities. The club wishes to thank all those that support the club in anyway and wishes to remind everyone that the 100 club is due for renewal!
MJ
Source: Focus, July 2008
Comedy Cricket At Its Best
The short trip to Simmonds was made after the celebrations for Barmy's 40 birthday the previous night and it would be fair to say that few of the team were sober. After losing yet another toss, Bray were asked to field.
An early wicket for Martell and a sharp caught and bowled from Jones to dismiss dangerman Robinson for 0 left Simmonds in trouble. Anslow played the next delivery straight up in the air, 2 yards behind the bowler Jones. Martell called it but backed off as the sight of Jones' backside moving back towards him was a fearful sight. The ball landed in the 1 yard between them.
Next ball, same shot, straight up in the air back to Jones who didn't have to move and so duly dropped it. This then became a farce when the following also dropped this same batsman - Josh 'Cymbals' Peacock (x2), Barker Snr, McDermid along with the chap teasing the fielders. And he only faced 10 balls!
One man stood out from the crowd. One man was prepared to buck the trend. One man was prepared to rise above the rest and show his true colours. One man desperate to end this farce. One man who was sober. That man, of course, was Philip Spicer.
3 out of 3 catches for this legend taking his career tally to 4 in 6 seasons set him apart from the rest. Which led to a comment being heard, surely never to be repeated - "If only we had 11 Spicers."
Another never before heard comment was "Barmy, you're going to have to come off, you're too good for them". It certainly was bizarre.
Barker Jnr and Roff wrapped up the innings with Jake closing in on his Dad's tally of wickets for the season in 50 less overs, whilst Roff ended up with 4 wickets and his next ball will be a hat-trick delivery as Simmonds were routed for 98.
The early loss of Peacock and McDermid sent some jitters through the team but Harvey and that man Spicer steadied the ship. Spicer's bat, after 6 seasons, finally showed signs of being knocked in as he creamed the ball to the boundary.
Martell hit 22 with some back foot cuts but when he was out 15 was still needed with only 4 wickets remaining. Simmonds were frantically trying to work out who Bray had left and the captain was heard to remark "They've still got Barmy - he can bat." Looks like we weren't the only ones hungover.
Stanton and the local drunk ensured there were no more alarms and took Bray to victory. Stanton tried a Pieterson-esque reverse sweep off the final ball and a bye was duly run.
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 4 wickets
- Date: Sun 15th Jun 2008 @ 14:30
- Ground: Mentmore Park
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Simmons CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
This season is a month old and the first eleven has already established a lead at the top of the Four Counties cricket league.
A win and 2 one-sided winning draws has set the pace. With the bat Wes Hosking, Andy Norris, Paul Harris, Josh Peacock, Lee Bearton have all recorded Saturday 50s, but James Flecknell has gone one better by scoring a century in the first league match at Aspley Guise. James has also starred with the ball taking 6 wickets in the winning draw with Olney.
Nick Pearson has re-modelled his bowling style and looks far more effective as a 'dibbly-dobbler'. And as always, Gary Ellerton has bowled quickly, sometimes even too quickly for the umpire to spot the dismissal.
The Saturday second team has had a tough time, failing to register a single win in the early season. However the seconds is not just about winning, it is also about development and nurturing of talent plus team for a few old boys to go out to graze.
The Sunday team, under the direction of Ian Jones has fared little better losing to Totternhoe for the first time in 83 years! But Barmy did mastermind a victory over Shenley Church End. Having totalled 280, the captain took the opportunity to bowl his lesser established stars. Joe Roff and Phil Spicer took their chances with both hands, taking 5 and 3 wickets respectively.
Despite a squad of over 30 playing members, there is always room for more. If you would like to join the club, or help in some way, please contact Treasurer Ian Jones. The club wishes to thank everyone involved for their support in the past. MJ
Home Fixtures for June:
- Sunday 1 - Roving Reporters
- Saturday 7 - New Bradwell 2
- Saturday 14 - New Bradwell
- Saturday 21 - Shenley Church End
- Saturday 28 - North Crawley
- Sunday 29 - Potten End
Source: Focus, June 2008
Cricket: Campbell takes first ever catch
Colin 'Crocodile hands' Campbell took his first ever catch in fine style (certainly the first catch I've ever seen him take!) as Bray romped to a comfortable victory at Winslow on Saturday. Bray got off to a flier with a quick 47 from Wes Hosking, but several quick wickets and some tighter bowling meant Bray had to settle for 208 off their 44 overs. Skipper Norris top scoring with 64 not out and Flecknell scoring 52. Fenton Price as usual was the toughest Winslow bowler to score runs from.
In reply Winslow lost wickets quickly and regularly, and never really threatened Brays total. Victory arriving with 15 overs to spare. A pleasing win for Bray as last season Winslow chased down a first innings total of a similar size, to dash Brays title hopes.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Reporters Have A Field Day
After losing yet another toss, Bray were duly asked to field and some indifferent bowling from Mssrs Peacock and Shepherd gave Rovers a flying start, 50 coming off the first 10 overs.
Skipper Jones introduced himself to the proceedings along with Stanton and these two kept it tight, Stanton claiming his first wicket of the season with a smart catch by the keeper and Jones unbelievably holding a caught and bowled.
Dropped catches were to make Bray pay, 2 from Burton and a dolly from Harvey off his own bowling and it took a smart catch from Barker Jnr to show these two how it's done.
229-4 looked a good score on a slow outfield and indeed it was.
Bray set about the chase with venom, Burton & Peacock sending the ball to the boundary on regular occasions, and at 59-1 off 10 overs a contest was underway. Peacock fell to a fine catch on the boundary and Kerins was bowled by a ball that went underground before reappearing to hit his stumps, and at 59-3 off 10.2 overs the game was up.
Bray didn't hold out much hope for getting close at this stage, although to collapse to 81 all out off 23 overs is embarrassing with no other batsman reaching double figures after the top 3.
Kerins' misfortune was further compounded when his popadom finger showed signs of yet again being broken despite having the keepers gloves and Harvey proved he did have a use for the day in selling the football card.
- Result: Roving Reporters CC - Friendly XI Won by 149 runs
- Date: Sun 1st Jun 2008 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Roving Reporters CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray suffer humiliation in the sun
On a bright hot sunny day and with most of the team being far too sober the Bray travelled to old rivals Bourne End. This is the first time we've met in about 3 years due to being rained off in the last 3 seasons.
On what was a good day to lose a toss the captain actually won it and made the biggest mistake of the day by batting first! This seemed prudent at 2.30pm with temperatures at about 25 degrees and a pitch that looked dubious although hard.
About the only highlight of our innings was a dogged 15 from new boy Glenn Hearn having been asked to open the batting and a top edge 6 from youngster Adam Harvey, this cleared the short boundary fence, struck the road and clattered into an AA Van that had stopped to watch us play!! Brooksey and Harv were later heard commenting that the driver was a very nice man indeed!! Although the rest of the team thought they had disappeared for 10 minutes to go to McDonalds!!
Following these highlights and lots of lowlights, including the skippers wild hoick that led to a 3rd ball duck, we eventually succumbed to the not very nice men of Bourne End for 82!
There were no further things of note, with Bourne End knocking the runs off 1 wicket down in about 11 overs!!
We even managed to visit the wrong pub after the game, Bourne End having changed about 23 years ago following the last time we palyed them!!
A team meeting will be held after the President's 40th celebrations (which are in the Social Club of Eaton Bray) at 4.30am in the Cube Room in Leighton Buzzard on Saturday 17th.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray Slaughter Shenley Church End
On a pitch that would do well to be decscribed as poor, Bray were inevitably asked to bat after losing yet another toss.
The attitude of the batsmen was to try and play positive as it was expected that a ball with your name on it would soon be coming. An early wicket brought the experienced Norris & Kerins together and with some fine hitting and at times gutsy defending, the rate ticked along at more than a run a ball.
A stand of 157 in 25 overs was eventually ended when Kerins was well caught for 71 and Norris soon followed for 80 when the ball failed to bounce. Fine hitting by Peacock and Hurren (42 and 35 respectively) kept the momentum going and Bray ended up 283-6, a score well in excess of par on that wicket.
Church End never had any momentum as wickets fell steadily. 2 catches from Wilson (the less said about the celebrations the better) paved the way for a good fielding performance as 7 catches were taken in total.
But the man able to extract the most from the wicket was Roff. Bamboozaling the number 3 by clean bowling him, he went on to claim his first ever 5 wicket haul, his figures ending up 5-25. He even deliberately dropped a dolly catch off skipper Jones so he could claim the wicket at the other end.
But the story doesn't end there. The introduction of Spicer left players and spectators gaping as his missiles were launched. One batsman thought he was the luckiest person in the world when, after being completely deceived by the flight and guile of Spicer, the ball hit the bail and failed to remove it!!! The batsman then became the unluckiest player in the world when in the next over he was caught Jones bowled Spicer!!!
There was still time for Jones to drop another catch off the luckless Harvey before Spicer wrapped up proceedings and ended with figures of 3-34.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
The close season activities of quiz nights, race evenings, trips to London and Towcester race course do not compare with the real thing. The real thing started again on 18 April. Yes, it's the cricket season and summer has finally returned.
Naturally when the members of Eaton Bray Cricket Club opened-up the pavilion in April there was snow laying on the outfield. Not wishing to enter the whole debate on climate change, but, haven't the seasons shifted? Aren't the seasons getting later?
Well, the cricket 'season' is not getting later. The club started on the third weekend in April and league season started after a further two weeks.
The Club competes in the Morrants Four Counties League, loosely based around Milton Keynes. Since its inception in 2000 the Club has a good record having been champions three times and runners-up twice. However it has not won the title for the past two years.
The second team competes in the third division of the same league and should have a good season with Darren Kerins in charge, and with the return of veteran swing bowler Georgie Coughtrey. Georgie played in the Sunday friendly team last season and missed the competitive edge of league cricket.....and a beer on a Saturday night!
Within the bounds of village cricket, the Club is quite progressive. It is always looking to improve its facilities and membership. This year it plans to buy a new, second-hand roller. This will allow the pitch to be prepared to an even higher standard! It is also on the look-out for new players; young and old (not too old!). If you fancy getting involved please contact Ian Jones. MJ
Home Fixtures for May:
- Saturday 3 Whitchurch
- Saturday 10 Olney Town
- Saturday 17 Drayton Parslow
- Sunday 18 Mentmore
- Saturday 24 Milton Keynes
- Saturday 31 Milton Keynes City
Source: Focus, May 2008
Cricket: Close but not quite for Bray
Eaton Bray got their 2008 league season off to a solid start on Saturday with a winning draw at Aspley Guise. Bray were asked to bat first and survived some good early bowling from Aspley Guise in reaching 254-3, declaring with an over to go. Wes Hosking made a typically flamboyant 64, Paul Harris a good 41 and James Flecknell made an excellet 105 not out taking advantage of some tired bowling and hogging a large portion of the strike along the way.
Bray bowled tidily, but struggled to create chances on a track that offered little assistance to the bowlers. Aspley's Batsmen batted sensibly, and a comfortable draw looked the likeliest outcome. An excellent 2nd spell from Gary Ellerton and the carrott of an extra batting point for Aspley brought the game very close to a Bray victory. Aspley had 2 balls to survive with 1 wicket left, but held out for the draw.
The game was played in good spirt between the 2 teams, and we look forward to the return fixture back at Eaton Bray.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Peacock Blooms But The Umpire Strikes Back
Jones won the toss on a wet Potten End track (has it ever been dry there?) and inserted the opposition. One wicket a-piece for Peacock and Roff gave early hope, but a big 3rd wicket partnership set a testing total for the Bray. Tight bowling from debutant Martell & skipper Jones ensured the hosts finished with 185-4 off their allotted 35 overs.
Peacock then set about the chase with a fine array of shots, proving that he was technically the best batsman on display all game. To take his game further, he needs to ensure he 'gets the job done' and must not sell himself cheaply, this time shortly after reaching his half century. Also worth mentioning Hing's slog sweep onto the pavillion roof!!
At 115-2 and 14 overs still remaining, the chase was on. Then came the decisive moment when Hing played forward to a ball that bounced and turned and was unbelievably given out lbw by the home umpire. Hing was later fined half of his match fee for refusing to walk (and rumour has it he is still stood there now shaking his head in disbelief).
A dramatic collapse followed, with the same 'umpire' giving two more lbw's, although one batsman did admit he was probably plumb. At 120-8 the game was lost but Martell, with some fine hits, ensured the Bray batted out their allotted overs with the tailend stalwart Jarrett at the other end.
Nets for everyone this week please.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: And So The Jones Era Begins
The home game against Totternhoe on sunday marked the start of the reign of Ian Jones as captain. A disappointing batting display in the main, Josh Peacock top scoring with 24 but at 80-7, and 15 overs remaining, a well below par score was looming. Phil Spicer and Joe Roff utilised vital overs before some big hitting from Ozzie Osborne and newcomer Steve Shepherd ensured a competitive total of 136 was achieved in the final over.
Osborne and Shepherd then impressed with the ball, keeping Totternhoe to 10 runs from the first 10 overs, which would have had more success were it not for the ineptitude of skipper Jones in the gully, clearly with other thoughts on his mind as the ball looped towards him (like what he was having for dinner, supper and late night supper that evening).
Suddenly wickets started to fall, and at drinks Tots were 36-6 and the game seemed won for the Bray. But Wood & Pretty (66no) had other ideas and secured a penultimate ball win for the visitors, with 2 wickets still in hand.
Skipper Jones was so upset by the result that he has called a team meeting before next weeks game. This will take place at 2.30 am in Cubes in Dunstable (that is assuming that by this time, Jones has not been thrown out for throwing drinks over a barmaid).
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
The Annual General Meeting of the club was held in February and was well attended by 20 members. It was lively and long. It lasted 4 hours during which time the members elected a management team of Lee Bearton and Martin Quinn as president and chairman, plus Ian Jones and Michael Jarrett as treasurer and secretary respectively.
The captaincy of all teams has changed hands. Andy Norris was elected as first team captain. Darren Kerins has dropped to the second team giving the 'twos' his tactical nous. An inexperienced combination of Ian Jones and Josh Peacock, his vice-captain, will lead the Sunday team.
The first match is on Saturday 19 April, but ahead of that there is much preparation. Naturally the players will continue to fine tune or indeed learn some of the more rudimentary skills. The off-field preparations are also underway. Nick Pearson is repairing the cladding to the outside of the pavilion, but the bulk of the work will be done, as usual by the Flecknells.
Whilst it is a cricket club, its social secretary Georgie Coughtrey does arrange other events. In February Brian Hing's team of masterminds won the quiz night and prior to that Lawrence Bunker's red-hot tip at Towcester, made a couple of pounds for the lucky few. On 12 April, an indoor race night is scheduled. It will be held at the Sports and Social Club. Tickets are available from Georgie.
The club is always very encouraging of new members. This season, in particular, the club is promoting junior membership, as it will be running some junior matches, in conjunction with Edlesborough Cricket Club. If you'd like to join, please contact Martin Quinn.
Source: Focus, April 2008
Cricket: All change at top for the Bray
Following the clubs AGM on Sunday 17th February 2008 there has been a radical change in positions for the senior "staff" of the club.
Ian "Bobo, Barmy" Jones takes on the Treasurer and Sunday Captain roles. He must be mad!!
Darren "Resident Journo" Kerins relinquishes the treasurer's role to become 2nd Team Captain.
Andy Norris reliquinshes the Sunday Captaincy to become 1st team Captain.
Michael "MJ, Merlin, Coco" Jarrett becomes Secretary once again, having handed this role to Barmy in 2004.
New boy Wes Hosking becomes 1st team vice captain, despite strong protests from Colin about Wes's country of upbringing! Young Josh Peacock becomes Sunday vice captain.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray remain out in front
Morrants Four Counties League - Not for the first time this season the weather was the winner last Saturday with no league games completed.
Eaton Bray lead Great Brickhill by two points as the league enters it's final two weekends.
Bray (14 points) were 197 all out on Saturday when the weather intervened against New Bradwell (15), James Flecknall top scoring with 77 with Paul Harris adding a useful 42. Zed Khan was the pick of the Bradwell bowlers taking 4-23.
Second placed Brickhill ( 13) had Newport Pagnell Town (13) on 153-6 when the rain came, Paul Braddy hitting 54 while Stuart Cooper picked up 3-37.
MK City were 133-8 against Cublington (14) and Winslow (13) were 161-8 with Paul Tomlinson hitting 75 against North Crawley (14). Mentmore's failure to fulfil their fixture against Milton Keynes sees them relegated.
Tring Park picked up 12 points from their abandoned game with Olney Town (12) in Division Two, Ben Caddigan scoring 42 of his side's 148-4.
Aspley Guise (13) were well on top of Stewkley (10) at 151-1 when it rained, John Rowbotham and Grant Webster on 56 not out and 58 not out respectively.
Richard Blake of Studham (12) was 62 not out in Studham's (12) 137-4 against Old Bradwell while Aston Clinton (11) were 101-2 against Turvey (11). Edlesborough picked up 12 points to Soulbury's 11 in their rained off game.
In Division Three Caddington's home game with Drayton Parslow and Milton Bryan's clash with Shenley Church End did not get started. Open University took this opportunity to go top by picking up 15 points from their abandoned game against Eaton Bray 2nds (10), Bray 99 all out with Sohail taking 5-39.
Biddenham (15) were 24-0 in reply to Eggington (11), who were bowled out for 122 while New Bradwell 2nds (15) bowled out Steeple Claydon (11) for 121, Subhan Shafiq taking 4-15.
North Crawley 2nds (12) stay top of Division Four after the match with Stoke Hammond (12) was abandoned after Crawley 2nds had scored 128-5 with Jim Armstrong scoring 34 not out.
Whitchurch (12) were 144 all out against third placed Totternhoe (15) while Cranfield University (15) bowled out Great Brickhill 2nds (12) for 147 with Andy Higgs top scoring with 43.
Bottom side Old Bradwell 2nds (10) were 98-7 thanks to 51 from Vinod Tailor when play with Milton Keynes (13) was abandoned.
Willen (15) were well on the way to victory against Harlington when the weather thwarted them, Willen on 55-0 in reply to Harlington's 135-8.
MK City 2nds gained 12 points from their rained off match with Cublington 2nds (12) and was enough to clinch promotion from Division Five.
Printers look set to join them as they picked up 13 points against Little Horwood (10). Tring Park 4ths (13) had Olney Town 2nds 70-6 when they were stopped by the rain and Milton Bryan 2nds' home match with Stewkley 2nds and Wing's clash with Winslow 2nds did not start.
In Division Six, Newport Pagnell Town 2nds (14) now hold an eight-point lead over Ivinghoe and Pitstone (11) following their meeting. Ivinghoe were 109-8 with Steve Cordory taking 4-30 before the heavens opened.
Wolverton Town 3rds (13) were 140-8 when the game was called off against Eggington 2nds (14).
MK Park 3rds scored 198-9 against North Crawley 3rds with Raza Ifthikar hitting 57 not out and Nick Cooper taking 5-35, each side picking up 14 points.
Source: Milton Keynes Citizen, 23 August 2007
Eaton Bray close the gap
Eaton Bray beat North Crawley by 23 runs on Saturday to close the gap on Morrant Four Counties Division One leaders MK City.
Bray totalled 120 with John Salmon scoring 52 before dismissing North Crawley for 97 with Andy Norris taking 3-15 and Gary Ellerton 3-24.
Great Brickhill are in third place after handing leaders MK City their first defeat of the season.
City were all out for 119 with Nick Tweed taking 4-14 and Shannon Tubb 4-40.
Brickhill replied with 122-2 with Aaron Aris hitting 51 and Tubb 31.
Cublington were 113-run victors over Winslow with Steve George 56 and Phil Ellwood top scoring in their total of 245-5. Winslow were removed for 132 with Fenton Price taking 3-46.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 12 June 2007
Villagers bounce back and push champions all the way
Morrants Four Counties Cricket League - Milton Keynes bounced back from last week's unwanted record-breaking total to push current Division One champions New Bradwell to the wire.
Against Eaton Bray they were shot out for just eight runs - seven of which were extras - but they responded against Bradwell eventually losing by just three wickets.
Sami Ali hit 31 as Milton Keynes totalled 153, but the defending champions proved to be too strong as they won with 158-7 with 34 from Andy Overton and 33 from Naseem Malik.
MK City remain top despite falling to their first defeat of the season, losing by eight wickets to Great Brickhill.
Abid Hussain hit 67 in City's opening knock but 4-14 from Brickhill's Nick Tweed restricted their total to 119. In reply Aaron Aris scored 51 as Brickhill scored 122 for the loss of just two wickets.
Eaton Bray's 23-run win over North Crawley saw them close the gap at the top to 12 points, John Salmon's 52 helping them to an opening innings total of 120. Crawley were all out for 97 as Andy Norris and Gary Ellerton took three wickets apiece for Eaton.
Elsewhere, Newport Pagnell Town (151-9) beat Mentmore (119) by 32 runs, James Chaplin hitting 25 not out for Newport with Gary Hefferon taking 3-10 off his 10 overs in the Mentmore innings. Cublington (245-5) beat Winslow Town (132) by 113 runs.
Source: Milton Keynes Citizen
Eaton Bray skittle MK for eight runs!
Visitors Eaton Bray cracked 222-5 batting first in the Morrant Four Counties League Division One match before Milton Keynes' sorry demise, only one run coming from the bat as the innings saw nine batsmen dismissed for nought.
A league spokesman confirmed this week that Milton Keynes' score was not only the lowest in the history of Division One but was also the lowest in the league.
The previous lowest Divison One score was 34 and posted by Great Brickhill in their clash with Olney Town in May 2003. The lowest league total of 28 was scored by Wing in their Division Four game against Biddenham in July 2004.
For the record the one run scored by a batsman came from Shahid Malik - the rest of the total made up of three wides and four leg byes. Three batsmen were caught, four were clean bowled, two fell leg before and one was stumped.
For Eaton Bray Gary Ellerton bowled six overs - three of them maidens - taking six wickets at a cost of just two runs.
Andy Morris bowled six overs - five of them maidens - taking four wickets at a cost of just two runs.
James Flecknall top scored with 79 in Bray's total of 222-5, giving them victory by 214 runs.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 5 June 2007
Cricket: Villagers lose to city team
Eaton Bray lost to Milton Keynes in Division One of the Morrants Four Counties League at the weekend.
Eaton Bray ended on 163 and were beaten by six wickets with Milton Keynes finishing on 165-4.
Other results were:
Division One: Mentmore (189) beat Old Bradwell (70) by 119 runs. Eggington (150-8) drew with Simpson & Walton (240-7). Newport Pagnell (214-6) beat Aspley Guise (210-9).
Division Four: Eaton Bray (138-4) beat Cranfield University (135) by six wickets.
Division Five: Wing (242-6) beat MK City (240-4) by four wickets.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 1 August 2006
Cricket: Battling pair hit 170 for Simmons
Eaton Bray 186-8, Simmons 187-1 (Dunstable Midweek League)
Eaton Bray elected to bat on a fairly lively track but managed to score steadily with Darren Kerins (53) Andy Norris (53 no) and John Peacock (119) making the runs.
However, Simmons bowled well throughout and never allowed an Eaton Bray onslaught. Neville and James Clarke bagged five wickets with figures of 3-34 and 2-32.
In response, Simmons lost an early wicket but then a magnificent 170 run partnership won the game with seven overs to spare.
Neville Clarke (62 no) played a good supporting role for left-hander Mark Gear who struck a marvellous unbeaten 109.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 20 June 2006
Cricket: Eaton Bray held to a draw
Second placed Eaton Bray maintained their unbeaten run but had to settle for a draw when they took on New Bradwell in Division One of the Morrants Four Counties League on Saturday.
With James Flecknall scoring 68 and Paul Harris 33, Eaton Bray totalled 208-9.
Flecknall also had success with the ball, taking 4-30, but the visitors held on for a draw at 160-7.
Mentmore have slipped to fourth place after losing by two wickets to North Crawley.
Mentmore totalled 147-8 with Howard Sayers scoring 54 and Henry Kircher 41.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 6 June 2006
Cricket: Bray boys take title
Andy Norris' efforts ultimately helped Eaton Bray to clinch the Division One title of the Morrant Four Counties Cricket League, just pipping New Bradwell.
Bray beat Old Bradwell by four wickets. Bradwell posted 143 all out with Michael Jarrett taking 4 for 25 and Andy Norris 3 for 30 before knocking off the runs with fine knocks by Nick Pearson (45) and Dom Taylor (34no).
Norris also scored 475 runs in the season to be the division's top all-rounder.
New Bradwell had to beat MK City to win the title but were held to a draw.
At the foot of the table Great Brickhill beat Aston Clinton to stay in the first division.
In Division Two centuries from Jamie Litherland (120no) and Glyn Davies (105) saw Winslow Town smash 262 runs for four wickets as they beat Edlesborough by 180 runs to clinch the title. In the Edlesborough innings Johnathon Waugh took 4 for 17 which brings his season's tally to 31 and confirms him as the division's leading wicket taker.
Runners-up Mentmore overcame Willen by 8 wickets. Willen only managed 115 all out and Gareth Sowter scored 80 undefeated in Mentmore's reply of 119 for 2.
Soulbury (203 all out) beat relegated Newport Pagnell Town (197 all out) by six runs. Danny Broad took 4 for 30 in Soulbury's innings while John Braddy's 73 wasn't enough to steer Newport home.
In Division Three Cublington and Aspley Guise were promoted. Cublington overcame Stoke Goldington while Aspley Guise drew at home to Shenley Church End.
Of the other four promotion contenders Caddington drew with Drayton Parslow and New Bradwell drew with Open University who were relegated along with Totternhoe.
Steeple Claydon beat Great Brickhill by seven wickets to clinch the title in Division Four. In Brickhill's 110 for 9 Kevin Marsden took 6 for 18. Adam Neat top scored for Claydon in their reply of 111 for 3. Studham were second in the division.
Milton Bryan clinched the Division Five title with a comprehensive victory over Wing who only managed 69 runs all out.
For Milton David Shearn took 4 for 20 and Rob Wild and Clive Fuller took three each.
In reply Milton Bryan lost one wicket in knocking off the runs in 12 overs.
Markyate's withdrawal from the league left Winslow Town in runners up spot completing a good season for the Winslow teams.
Eaton Bray (221 for 7 - Dave Roberts 72, and Lee Bearton 60) finished third in the league securing this place with an 83 run victory over Stewkley (138 all out) for whom Martin French took another three wickets to finish on 38 for the season.
In Division Six Olney Town 2nds (120 for 3) overcame Milton Keynes Park (117 all out) to clinch the title. Park's defeat meant the MK City 2nds secured the other promotion place with a win over Wolverton Town 3rds.
The league is inviting new clubs to apply to play in the league for the 2006 season. For more details log onto www.fccl.org.uk
Source: Leighton Online, 6 September 2005