Match Report - Erdington Court CC

"Do not free a camel from the burden of his hump: you may be freeing him from being a camel"

Well the Doms finally had another game - the much awaited game against our old "fatty boy" chum Mark Oley's team Erdington Court. Played at the delightful Bowling Green  ground.. Hey and its September and the sun is out. Marvellous. The wicket was a tad greenish and the outfield a pleasure to roll about on.

The Doms team much the same , one or two "stars" missing and young Steve Beeston getting his Doms debut. It was "village rules". The team batting first gets through enough overs and time  leaving the team batting second not much chance of getting the runs!

Morris wins the toss and opts to bowl first - negative thinking maybe?

Hunt and Last open the bowling and the openers struggle against some tight and accurate stuff. Few if any boundaries are scored off the bowlers opening stint. Morris then brought on Perry and Walshe and the run making started to come off Walshe but he did take the first wicket. A much relieved Walshe retired from his bowling duties with 1-26 off four overs. Hickin bowled a useful spell without much luck.

Last was brought back on to contain one end whilst Morris mixed at the other end. The second wicket went down in amusing circumstances.  Courts leading batsman who was getting into his stride faced Last still fuming after Walshe dropped a dolly on the boundary from the same batsman. But give credit to Walshe he did have to move a couple of inches. Last decided to use his "slower" ball trick. Trundles in off eight and with his grip on the ball disguised from the batsman sends in a looping ball that hits the scrambled seam and rushes slowly off the pitch at the height of a gnats bollock and catches the batsman in more minds than the average schizophrenic and is plum in front. He walks without looking at the Umpire....

Last and Hunt take a further wicket each and Court end their innings on 209 for 4. Tea was then take. The fielding was flawless accept from drops by Morris and Walshe and the same pair of miscreants were involved with the only other bloopers in the field. Morris, his tradition nutmeg whereas Walshe somehow managed a "reverse" nutmeg. Far too complicated to describe on these pages.

It was a good tea, in the upper quartile of cricket teas but still short of a Doms spread. Mark Oley appears not to be involved in teas as there was an absence of cheap crisps/cakes and his traditional Yule log was missing.

Walshe and Tom Hickin got the Doms off to a good start and raced to 20 before Hickin was bowled. Perry joined Walshe and made the batting look easy until Walshe succumbed, being bowled for a quick paced 17. Perry lasted a bit longer before he wafts at a rubbish ball and gift a surprised Oley a catch.

In comes Morris - determination written across his face. No mention of his target, just focused on the job to do, win the game for the Doms and no regard for personal acclaims. Hickin and Morris well in control, runs flowing when Morris  plays the most appalling shot one could ever see from a batsman in form as the ball cannons off his flailing bat onto his stumps. He trudges off. Silence, as the camel slumps onto the floor next to the scorers.

The Ladha antics at being given out LBW will be glossed over and put down to sun stroke.

The Doms continue to look for the win with Sukumaran hitting the ball hard looking like the batsman we all know exists in that laissez faire head.

Chickin falls short of a very good 50 and the Doms shut up shop with Hunt and Moore closing the door.

The teams shake hands on a draw. A good result given that some of the Doms were in no state to play cricket after the previous nights presentation gala do. But it was good to see an aging Mark Oley still lumbering around the pitch talking a good tale. There was some discussion on a transfer but the Doms said their future was in young good players not old wobbly farts like Marky boy.

RR MoM goes to Manjo Sukumaran for his batting which was released for the first time in many a game.

Match Report - Bromsgrove 6's Tournament

With the Roving Reporter unable to turn up to the Tournament through illness his apprentice Stato Morris took charge of the pencil and notepad....

The game of sixes is a short, quick fire form of the game and this report will follow in a similar vain.

10 teams were entered with each team playing three matches in the qualifying stage. The draw was unkind and the Doms were first up against a strong Bromsgrove based side. The first over saw Rolls smacked around the park and with the fielding distinctly average a score of over 60 was posted. Morris and Hodgson were given the task but never looked like getting there - Morris in particular failing to find the middle of the bat. The Doms finished 10 or so runs short.

The second game saw us up against an Academy side on the more familiar artificial track. The Doms batted first and again struggled to put a decent total together. A couple of lusty blows from Rolls at the end of the innings got the total up into the late forties which is well below par but a much improved bowling performance together with some sensible fielding proved enough against a subdued batting side.

Back to the 1st team pitch for the third game against the Royal Mail team. The same bowling line up was employed and again did a good job in restricting the opposition, Morris provided the comedy moments in the field (we are informed that all body parts are in full working order). The required total was knocked off in four overs with Hodgson in particularly good form.

Two wins out of three was not enough to qualify - we went out on run rate but overall it was a good effort and a kinder draw may have seen us progress further.

The winners were West Mercia Police who won a very one sided final. They were lucky to be there as an umpiring blunder put them through in the semi final but the day was a success.

M.O.M. S Morris - he can't bat and he fields with his genitals but he was the last man in the bar!

The Doms 6's squad was ...

Hunt M, Hunt C, Hodgson, Hickin T, Hickin J, Morris, Rolls, Moore S (Last absent - shingles)

Match Reports - Menorca Tour 2008

Below are the two match reports from the Doms two match tour on Menorca

Match Report - Menorca CC (31st August)

Well Sunday’s match soon came around. The Doms line up the same. Efforts had been made to fly in some replacements for the team that had performed so badly the previous day but to no avail. The same sloppy lot would don their whites to represent the Doms. Heaven help us!

The Menorca team much changed from the Saturday team included two useful lads in their eleven. Again Peck calls right and opts to field in the heat of the day.

Again Hunt and Last get use of the new ball first against the Menorca young pair of openers. It’s a good battle but Hunt, not a good traveller gets some stick. Wickets are hard to come by and Peck chops and changes his bowlers’ in four over spells.

Again Morris has a tidy productive spell of 2-33. Sam Moore, not yet the finished article bowls well and was unfortunate not to have picked up more wickets as Last drops, for him a regulation catch at mid on. But his spell of 3-49 was a good reward for his efforts in the warm sun.

Last again was at the centre of another spilled chance when he “raced”  five yards, dived and clung onto a swirling spinning ball only to see his heroic effort come to naught as his elbows contact with the hard outfield forced the ball out of his grip. Later Peck makes a very good catch; he was able to hold on as he crashed onto the ground. Winded but heroic he was helped to his feet.

Morris, as in the previous match looked tidy and was rewarded with a couple of wickets 2-32. Last chipped in with a useful 3-42.Generally the fielding was much improved but runs still flowed and the Menorca lads had set a very useful 241 to win.

Same tea, same local tradition – no more to be said.

Records to be broken? Well yes things were looking up – 241 no problems. Walshe and Sam Moore raced to 91 - this being the highest opening score for any Doms tour. Sam belted his 50 – the youngest Dom to get a 50. But on 57 he loses his brain and was caught when a ton looked on the cards.

Enter Morris – 48 needed for his 1,000 season runs. Shot out for one. Absolute mindless rubbish. Heaven knows how he has got so many runs this year. He’s well and truly lost the plot!

Last joins Walshe who is now heading for his 50. The runs rate is rising and a mid wicket conference ensues. They agree. Last to hit out and Walshe to keep his wicket secure and safe. The next ball Walshe charges the bowling misses and is stumped 5 yards down the track. Something is not working in Walshe’s head!

Last flays around and is out with the score on 132. A dubious LBW. Anstey, needing only 5 to reach his career 1,000 runs losses the plot and is caught for naught. This game of cricket is a bugger sometimes.

What was a stroll for the Doms turns out to be a capitulation, a spineless batting performance against a very modest bowling line up. The last 9 wickets producing only 68 runs. Only 5 players got into double figures over the two matches – not good enough.

So a whitewash was confirmed as the Doms lose by 81 runs.

Again beer was consumed as the teams mingled after the match. It was pleasing to see the Doms own “Barmy Army” in the guise of Rob and his family had come all the way to support the team. What a shame they had to witness such tripe from the Doms.

The Doms slowly made their way back to the hotel for more drinks and late nights….

Plus points, a few, Sam Moore best performer. Kman - not a foot wrong in the field. Walshe batted well until his cunning plan. Morris bowled a tidy 11 overs. Awful awful batting though.

RR MoM Sam Moore.

Still, we move onto two matches this coming weekend where we hope to see a turnaround in the Doms performances.

Your Roving Reporter now signs off and thanks God it was only a two match tour.

Match Report - Menorca CC (30th August)

Well where to start? From the beginning or just go straight to the end? I suppose tradition dictates that I should share the pain with you. Read on…

The Doms first game on the beautiful island of Menorca since Last was captain in 1996 – the “Missing Tour Shirt” tour. Only four players from that fateful tour would be turning out for the Doms some twelve years later. Would the outcome be the same or better? Only time and this report will tell.

A weakened Doms squad turned up at the locked gates of this neat and pleasant ground an hour and a half early – lock breaker Moore (D) was unable to break the code so we hopped it over the wall with only a few minor scratches. The sun was beating down but the Doms were happy to be here again to pit skills against the islands best.

The Doms were only able to muster ten players for this tour, many of the Doms best were left at home in a gloomy Blighty – Wright getting ready for the IKEA Bank Holiday sale, Tank finalising his/Pedro’s lesson plans for the school term ahead and others being told by their wives/partners that they had no chance of a week away enjoying themselves.

To the game.. Peck won a tough toss against all odds and decided to give the Menorca boys some batting practise in this 40 over a side match. Hunt and Last opened the bowling and some early boundaries flowed off Hunts warm up over. Hunt was again the focus of attention when in Last’s first over he was nutmeged  for a four – The fielding went down hill from here on.

Last, in his second over made the opening batsman play too early and he chipped a ball towards Kman at mid off who held a good catch. The runs flowed off the bat with ease to the boundary helped by some very ordinary fielding.

As the way with tours the Doms like to give the entire squad a bowl and this game was no exception and the outcome flattered the Menorca score a tad. Morris being the only bowler to restrict his spell to under 5 an over. Last’s 8 overs were heading that way when 19 were taken off one over. Four stoppable boundaries were leaked by the Doms fielders to the bowler’s frustration but he kept his feelings well disguised. A spell of less that 30 runs off his 8 was on the cards until this debacle.

Wickets were also taken by Morris, Sam Moore and Pedro Hunt. 276 looked a tall order but given the Doms ability to chase down big scores this season perhaps it may well be reached.

Tea was taken. An interesting affair this cricket tea. Not an English cricket tea with all the trimmings of tradition more of the “logs” of bread being plonked down outside on a table wrapped in Bacofoil whilst the home team took theirs in the cool of the club house. No steaming hot cups of tea awaiting the fielding team. Well no drinks at all unless you bought them at the bar! Odd goings on these Menorca cricket tea traditions.

With “tea” taken and the bell sounded Walshe and Peck strode out to chase down the Menorca score. Both scratched around and were back in the safety of the shade with only 24 runs accrued.

With Peck out history was about to be witnessed. Morris needing only 60 or so runs to reach 1,000 runs for the season looked full of runs as he edged to ball around. Then disaster struck. Morris who has been in the “nervous” nine hundreds for some weeks now played an unforgivable shot which is hard to describe and was bowled. He turned and a foot was noticed to lurch out in a “kicking motion” toward the wickets. But even that movement was too slow by Morris as the stumps lay already prostate on the ground like fallen soldiers. In an attempt to hide the “wicket kick” he trod on the motionless wickets as he walked toward the pavilion. Awful stuff.

The only resistance came from Sam Moore who looked a class above the rest but he too was out to a sloppy shot for 26.

109 all out. The Roving Reporter, head in hands couldn’t believe the capitulation witnessed in all departments of the game. Not a match to dwell on.

After the game the teams shared a few beers, tales and mingled with the large crowd that had turned up for the match. Taxis called the Doms drove off into the evening sun to lick their wounds and to sup some more beer. Perhaps the supping of beer and late nights is not the right preparation for 80 overs in the sun!

RR Mom -  Not awarded. Futile mediotic rubbish performned all round.

Match Report - Beaumont CC

Well the Roving Reporter is back following his exciting trip to London for a ride in the London Eye and a sleep through the Joseph and his Amazing Coloured Coat extravaganza. He recommends this ....

Down to things at hand, the Match Report. With a break in the Doms fixture schedule good old Dave Moore  has come up with a gem fixture. A team new to the Doms, Beaumont CC. A nomadic bunch of lads of international stock. A what a cheery bunch they turned out to be.

Morris retained as Captain given Peck's continued convalescence had a team shorn of some of the so called "stars". Ok this is artistic licence to say that Perry, Ikeaman, Timex and Hodge were not available. The game was played on the top pitch in a day with scattered clouds dancing across blue skies, sometimes I think my writing skills are wasted on the Doms match reports..

Morris wins the toss and puts the Beaumont lads in on a dampish greenish wicket. Hunt and Last opened and soon got the better of the opening pair although some boundaries streaked off the bat from Hunts bowling. Dot balls were plentiful and the scoreboard was very slowly called into infrequent action. Hunt was rested after taking a wicket. He was replaced by Adie who continued to strangle to batsmen's opportunity for runs. At the drinks break Beaumont a crept up to 34 runs.

Adie continued her spell and taking a deserved wicket  after bowling out a very good 8 overs. Colin Hunts first ball beamer did away with the very yellow caped batsman who must have been kicking himself for such a rash shot. With hunt going for over 6 an over Morris called on Hickin T and Walshe to stem to runs  which the did, Walshe picking up two wickets and Hickin unrewarded.

The forty overs were reached with the Beaumont score ending on 128, a good turnaround from how things were looking at the halfway mark. The Doms fielding was sharp on the damp outfield and the Roving Reporter has struggled to find anyone to criticise. Things must be improving.

An interesting interlude occurred during the Beaumont innings. After batting for three or four overs one of the batsmen seeing that Kath Adie was to bowl at him suddenly found he had forgotten his box - what made him suddenly think of his "nether" region when she was coming on to bowl at him?

Tea was taken and the Doms as always provided a good spread that the players tucked into with relish.

It was nearly 20 years ago in 1989 that Walshe and Alan Rowan  opened a Doms innings, they looked as fresh today as they looked all those years ago. Nothing had changed, slow run rate and poor calling! Rowan did crack three fours before the inevitable calling did for him. He trudged off happy knowing that he could still hit a boundary or two. 

Morris strode in and soon strode out after playing a shot so awful that one wonders how he has a 1,000 runs for a season in his sights. Awful.

With two quick wickets  Walshe and Ladha decide to dig in. By the time the 25th over had been reached only 21 scoring shots had been played. Not only had the paint dried but it was so old by the time Ladha was out that the paint had started peeling again.

After a tumble of wickets with the score on 49 and overs fast slipping away the Hickin boys took centre stage and soon got tucked into the Beaumont bowling and runs flowed.. Dolly was out for a good 25 and Chickin was still there at the end on 48 not out.

It was a close thing and both sides played in a manner that is a credit to our great game. I think we will be seeing more of our Beaumont chums next season as games like these makes life wonderful and a pleasure to play in. Well done those teams.

Well the Doms now head off for a short international tour with a threadbare team but I'm sure they will do the Doms proud. The Roving Reporter will bring you full coverage of the matches and the tour goings on. So read these pages on their return.

The Roving Reporters MoM awards goes to...............our  69 (is he really that old?) year old Beaumont batsman who needed to protect his manhood when Kath was about to bowl at him. As he trudged back onto the wicket with his full leather "box" on he looked content that the "crown jewels" would be safe. A marvellous piece of drama.

Match Report - Springhill CC

I would like to begin with an apology. A recent report focused on the late arrival of a member of the Old Doms squad. At that time we were unaware that the player in question, Rob Rolls, was in fact taking part in a new pastime. The way it works is this - Where most ordinary travellers would reach for the Sat Nav, use a route planner or dust off the A to Z, the hardcore road user, armed only with their heightened senses to guide them, set off blind. They are allowed to use their mobiles on route to phone a friend (penalty points apply) and further time penalties are awarded if they finish outside the optimum time.

We don't normally give the results of other sports on these pages but as he is one of ours we can inform our readers that Rob 'Marco Polo' Rolls finished well outside the time allowed but was given a round of applause by his team mates on his arrival.

Back to the match and Springhill CC won the toss and elected to bat. The Doms were down to their last nine men, bringing in Simon Thomas and Luke Rowan for their debuts. Luke is the third generation of the family to play for the Doms and as a wicketkeeper batsman is seen a a long term replacement for the ageing Hickin.

Springhill made 151-6 in their 40 overs which on a small ground was a good effort by the Old Doms bowlers and fielders. They generally bowled a good line and length on a damp wicket and were supported by the fielders. They were made to look silly at times by an uneven outfield which produced some ridiculous bounces but kept working hard. Ladha continues to improve and Rowan was tidy with a good throwing arm. Colin Hunt produced an excellent run out and Hickin looked lively behind the stumps.

Hickin was involved in the main controversy of the day when taking a low catch, at the second attempt. The umpire was not convinced and the batsman, who went on to score 70, and who would have had a better view, refused to walk.

The other main incident was the small dislocation of Hickin's finger. The Doms are well placed to deal with this sort of problem with their own GP but a pale and clammy Hickin chose to leave the field to be replaced by Rowan Snr.

The interval between innings produced by far the worst tea sampled this season and the soap opera that was Hickin's finger. Various options were discussed ranging from the use of anaesthetic (Perry style) to calling in the air ambulance. Hickin eventually bit the bullet (or in this case the run up marker) and was immediately nagging the captain to put him back up the batting order.

In truth the Old Doms innings was a sorry affair. The openers never got going and at the halfway stage the score was 56-1.

With wickets in hand the Doms would still have been favourites but a batting collapse to 68-5 left Morris and Hickin as the last recognised batsman. The Springhill spinner was in the middle of an excellent spell, spinning the ball both ways and the batsmen were unable to find a way to score at the required rate. With his spell over the runs began to flow more freely but when Morris was out in the 39th over the game was up. A 41st over was bowled in error but the Doms still could not overhaul the total. With the rain falling we all trudged off home.

If anyone sees Rob let us know!

Match Report -Old Moseley Arms CC

Big day big crowd to see the return of Ben Sadler set for a cameo one off appearance. Sadly there was a no show from the man, apparently he was suffering from an "unconfirmed" injury. Perhaps the damp weather the day before  put him off....

The Doms were on a run of two consecutive defeats and needed to get back on winning ways against Old Moseley Arms. It was going to be a close fought game as the previous meetings this season had played out.

Peck was out needing a rest and with Hunt out injured the bowling attack would be severely weakened.  Morris skippering again won the toss and put the visitors in on a greenish wicket.

With Hunt sidelined Morris called on an on time Rolls and Perry to spearhead the attack. The opening burst from Rolls was impressive and soon had three batsmen trudging slowly back to the pavilion with only three runs on the board. Perry bowled well but went unrewarded.

Old Mose went on the defensive and tried to repair the early damage and the scoring was at snail pace. Perry was replaced by Walshe and Rolls bowled through his 8 adding no more wickets to his early haul, 3-18 a very good return.

At the drinks break the Old Mose were in trouble with only 32 runs scored. Last and Walshe continued restrict the flow of runs Walshe bowling out conceding only 15 runs and Last picking up 4 useful wickets. Old Mose were on the brink of a mauling at 9-69, some wag in the Doms side shouted "Hunt who" as the 9th wicket went down... but the last pair batted sensibly putting on 33 for the last wicket much to the frustration of Morris who need to bring himself on to terminate the innings.

The start that Rolls  and Perry had given the Doms set the tempo for the Doms fielding which was energetic still with some bloopers and with Perry still reliving how he missed an easy caught and bowled. Some will remind him of this for a few weeks ahead..

Tea was taken with Old Mose score ending on 102. The usual Doms fare was on show with the crips section outstanding. The ladies fussed around and did a sterling job cleaning up the players mess afterwards.

Morris sent out the Hickin boys to knock the runs off but with only 19 on the board Chickin played a laboured shot and was caught behind. This sort of shot is now letting down Chickin when he has the ability to play much better.

Morris who joined Dolly Hickin was soon to fall to a now familiar shot, falling into a straight ball and being caught plum in front of the stumps. A good umpiring decision by Rolls.

Hickin growing in confidence started playing some expansive shots and Perry his partner smacked the ball around with some ease until a moment of madness saw him stumped - sloppy.

The Doms were cruising with Hickin at the crease, Ladha promoted to add some mid order stability soon lost his middle stump for one run. Hickin now approaching his maiden half century was joined by the villainous Wright. Would Wright live up to his "bad boy" reputation and deny Hickin his glory. Quite out of character Wright blocked out balls he faced which allowed Hickin to crack a great 4 to win the match and get to his 50.

All great stuff and good positive team work, we even saw a "huddle" called by Morris. All marvellous stuff.

RR MoM, a difficult one here,  Rolls or Hickin? - will Rolls get texting  if his glory is denied? Well get that phone out cos the Mom goes to Dolly Hickin for some excellent fielding and a cracking 50, well done that Dolphin.

Stop Press.....

The Disciplinary Committee is investigation some malicious damage to the score book. It is unconfirmed that a female is being questioned about the incident.

Match Report - Bromsgrove CC Academy XI

Its 6.45am on the morning after last nights latest Doms defeat, the Roving Reporter, back in harness after an interlude to spend time with his dynasty looks out of the window looking for inspiration - its damp and gloomy, it looks a turgid day out there.  Yep, that's it he thinks , turgid an apt description for the batting performance of last night. Gloomy, yep that describes the dressing room after the defeat. Damp...umm how can I fit that in? yep got it - Mark's pants, still damp from finding out he was going to captain the side last night ! Now the words will flow.....

Boys versus men, a chance to show the upstarts how to play cricket. Well the outcome of this little tussle was that the Academy boys held their nerve whilst the Doms batting failed again when within touching distance of a win. Awful to watch as the batsmen trudged back and forth as the Doms innings went into melt down.

All started so brightly - Mark was given his first chance to skipper the side whilst present and former Captains assessed his potential as a future Doms leader - the papers have now been sent for marking to some American company - the results will of course be late.

The Doms were playing an "Academy" XI from our hosts. Mostley youngsters sprinkled with a few "older" players. The Doms team lacked a few "stars" but it was good to see the Rowan pairing gracing Doms team sheet again. Wright was also included in the XI despite his disciplinary record.

Hunt won his first toss and elected to bowl first in this 20 over slogathon. Hunt and Dolly Hickin opened the bowling and were treated with caution in the first couple of overs, both bowling tight. Then the batsmen eased the score board into a much quicker tempo as they started to build a defendable total. Both picked up a wicket but had leaked 60 odd runs in 7 overs.

Breaks were applied by the change pair of Walshe and Perry who picked up wickets but more importantly  conceded less than 40 off their 8 over spell. Hunt looked to the death bowling of Morris and Wright for a good steady run restricting last spell. It didn't happen - they were carted around as the Academy lads   pushed on to a useful total.

Morris and Wright picked up wickets but the horse had bolted to a challenging 143 to win. Some cracking catches were held by the Doms, lucky boy Walshe picked up two more catches, one a cracker and Ladha provided the entertainment with a juggling catch at short square leg.

The Doms fielding was sometimes good but still some bad patches. It was sad to see the normally calm Morris screaming and holding his head in his hands as the fielding leaked runs off his bowling. The Doms fielding was sluggish at times and looked very ordinary. Perhaps the "outer ring" tactic is now needed to be revised as the Doms didn't deal with the quick ones and twos.

Well a gettable 143 was the target for Hunts men. With the score on 11 Perry perished and the Doms were off to a weak start. But with Morris now joining miscreant Wright the runs flowed at a good rate and when Morris was given out LBW (a very good decision as Hawkeye confirmed) the comparative score were the Doms 96-2 whilst the youngsters were 92-5.

But with Walshe, Wright and Peck being dismissed with the score on 97 the writing on the wall was clear. Walshe ran out out by the cavalier calling of Wright who was caught off a sloppy shot and the out of sorts Peck castled with a no hope prod.

Included in bad boy Wrights 45 was his 2,000th Doms run, an achievement only matched by four other Doms - well done David.

The Hickin boys tried to get the runs but the 28 needed off the final two overs was to many. It was good to see old timer Rowan A sweetly time the ball for his first run of the season, all that net practise had paid off.

The Doms were just about outplayed in most areas of the game but the Doms lost it when poised to win the game. We now push on to our next match against Old Moseley Arms on Sunday where the Doms will be looking to get back to winning ways...

The RR MoM goes to Rob Rolls for having the gall to email the Skipper claiming his performance on Sunday was the rightful recipient of the MoM for Sundays game. An excellent use of technology but the Skipper was not persuaded by his text. Perhaps Rob needs to invest in a watch so that he gets to the game on time....

Match Report - Henley in Arden CC

An emergency meeting of the Old Doms board took place to discuss the events of the previous day. Dave Wright entered the meeting with his legal team looking tired and drawn. Some minutes later the following statement was released:-

The board has today met to discuss the on field behaviour of one of its players. It had been reported that Mr David Wright had broken rule 1A of the club rules - you know the one - ethos, spirit of the game and all that - when given out for obstructing the field.

Evidence was taken from both those playing and those watching the game and our observations are as follows:-

There are ten ways to be given out in cricket of which Obstructing The Field is one. As with other forms of dismissal it is necessary for the opposition to appeal for the umpire to give the batsman out. On this occasion no proper appeal was heard and Mr Wright left the field after discussions with the umpire. He is therefore deemed to have 'walked' thereby upholding the traditions that have made the Doms what they are today.

Mr Wright leaves today without a stain on his character, a shining example to players young and old

Match Report

The only occasion that the Old Doms had played at Henley had resulted in a heavy defeat so it was no surprise to find many of the more senior players making their excuses - only Ladha and Morris surviving from the thrashing.

The wicket was damp, tinged with green and in need of a good haircut. With the weather overcast and a hint of rain in the air Morris won the toss and elected to field.

The Doms started with 10 men as Rolls was touring around Warwickshire. When he did arrive he slowly sauntered around the boundary edge, watching a few balls, before entering the changing room. Presumably he then had a bite to eat, read the paper and had a quick rub down before ambling out in a hat Bill and Ben would have died for.

The opening bowlers, M Hunt and C Hunt bowled with commendable control and were rewarded with early wickets. Henley have talented batsmen throughout the batting order and fought back with some big hitting particularly from Stibbon but a burst of 4 wickets in 3 overs from Perry and Rolls removed the middle order. Further tight bowling from the pair had Henley at 126-9 but a fine partnership for the 10th wicket saw Henley finish on 188.

A target of under 5 an over should have presented little problem for what looked on paper a decent batting line up and when the opening pair of Walshe and Wright reached 50 without looking in any difficulty it should have been game over. Inexplicably Walshe was caught going for a big heave and was soon followed back to the pavilion by Morris and Perry.

When Wright was out shortly afterwards it was obvious that the wheels had come off.

Rolls was batting beautifully at one end, mixing stout defence with some big sixes. Regularly watchers will know that the Doms tail has wagged quite nicely on occasions this season. All that was required this time was for the tail to sit quietly on the dogs arse while Rolls knocked the runs off at the other end. A variety of shots and techniques were on view, none of which could prevent ball meeting stump. The Doms wilted from 153-6 to 156 all out. Rolls was left stranded on 49

Let us hope that this batting performance is a one off because if this team can put both halves of a performance together they can give anybody a game.

M.O.M - should be Rolls (4 wickets and 49*) but he was late, wore a silly hat and didn't stay for a beer so it goes to Dave Wright - True Sportsmanship, proper values!

Footnote from the RR .....

Its a good good job Rolls only got 49 some would say he miscalculated and thought he had scored a 50 that's why he didn't get to the bar  to avoid  bying a round!

Match Report - Old Moseley Arms CC

Its now 07.49 and the Editor has been waiting for the Roving Reporter to file his match report. Sadly the RR has needed to  "cobble" the report together as Stato has filed the wrong stats (he has sent in Oak N Ash match data). The Editor will be reviewing the situation and disciplinary action is being considered for breech  of contract.. so this is the RR match report with some crucial data being missing.

Well the RR is pleased to announce that he has been able to escape from the clutches of his two Grand Kiddies to bring you this report. A home match against Old Moseley Arms would be a close game to call as previous meetings had seen games contested by two evenly matched teams - this match would be no different.

The players arrived still a bit drained from last Sundays defeat and the stinging report  filed by Stato. If the Doms were to be successful tonight they would need to pull their socks up and get back into the mood to win.

Heavy rain for the evening had been forecast all day so it was surprising that the game was taking place at all. It was a pleasant night - warm but not to hot and clouds menacingly  circling the ground.

A subdued Peck won the toss and made a good call of putting the opposition in. It was still a 170 run track and the Doms would need to field and bowl well to restrict a high score to chase. Peck had learnt from previous matches here that stopping boundaries was key and set a field to do that. Two close in saving the one but their was always two on offering to the deep set field.

The old pairing of Hunt M and Last were recalled to open the attack and didn't disappoint the Skipper with the first boundaries coming in the 8th over off Last's final six although the opening batsman had still racked up 40 odd runs with some very good sprinting between the wickets. It was good to see Hunt had recovered from his mauling on Sunday.

The fielding, after a ropey first couple of overs when Last's overs suffered through some sloppy fielding settled down and got better and better with each ball. Great close in work from Ladha and some heroics by Dolly on the boundary. Chickin and Last dictated the fielding tempo and kept the batsmen on their toes throughout.

Perry and the "reborn" Morris took over the bowling and continued to restrict the boundaries although the batsmen were still stealing twos to keep the board moving. The Doms not overly interested in taking wickets did take a corker  when off the bowling of Perry Morris, lurking deep on Sheep's Skull boundary took a great catch. This was a scary moment for those watching as Morris had yet to make his customary fielding blooper...

With Perry and Morris finished Peck left Walsh and Hunt C to take the Doms through the final four overs. And what a great job they did, Hunt bustling in with his usual energy and Walshe gliding in with his usual serenity... Hunt rounded off a good spell with a cracking C&B low down that only a man of his stature could have reached.

With the 20 overs up and only 137 to chase Pecks troops walked off with a spring in their steps. What a few days rest and contemplation can do. The team ran ragged and lower than Colin's boot laces after Sundays debacle had turned it around. Perhaps the calming influence of Hunt C and Last were the panacea to the energy and enthusiasm in the field tonight?

The teams turned around and Peck gave the opening spot to  Chickin and a "promoted" Last who was asked to rekindle his high octane scores of yester year and clunk a few fours.

It was not an opening couple of overs that Peck wanted - Chickin saw off the first over without a hint of troubling the Scorer - at this point the report will digress while we examine an off field "issue".... Jemma, our reliable Scorer turns up with pencil in hand only to announce that she was going off to see Mamma Mia and would not be scoring the match tonight. It beggars belief that this same person has been in receipt of the fixture list for many a month now decides to bugger off to watch some over rated mamby pamby film! What's going going on? is Chick a man or mouse, why no pressure to score and watch the film on one of the other five nights she has free? And not only did she let the side down she left Chick and Dolly twiddling their thumbs till 11 o'clock before she bothers to pick them up... What is the World coming to? Mrs Pankhurst has a lot to answer for!

Back to the opening overs, well Chickin obviously still traumatised by the Jemma  "Mamma Mia" bombshell tamely sticks out his bat and the ball drops nicely into the fielders hands and he trudges off. Last soon follows after massaging a couple of shots to the boundary is bowled around his legs trying to keep the score board moving.

Morris is joined by Perry and the match is over from that point. Neither looked like getting out to some useful bowling. I think Morris got another 50 (now updated to 58) and Perry 46 but cant be sure because of the unavailability of the correct stats. The match was taken to the last over with around 5 or so needed. On the overs third ball Morris crashed another boundary and the Doms get a well deserved controlled victory.

The team lifted had a few pints in the club house with the opposition. A much better team performance and attitude. Lessons to be learnt and hopefully the Doms will move on into the latter part of the season reinvigorated by the result and the great team attitude shown tonight.

It was good to see our supporters with cheery smiles too. The club scout also noted a very useful Wright Jnr carting his dads bowling around the outfield. Must try and stop him being influenced by IKEA.

Well the RR MoM goes to the whole team tonight, (except Chickin - he has to take responsibility for Jemma) as it was a very accomplished performance and executed well.

NB - the Editor will try and up date the missing scoreboard data when he is able to get Stato to pull his digit out... 

Postscript.... 09.56 Stato sends in the much late stats for the match..sad times!

Match Report - Oak n Ash CC

With the RR holed up on child duties the Editor is reliant on Stato for the Match Report but he has only filed the Scoreboard so far - sleepy head Steve I'm sure will come good when he wipes the sleep from his eyes - we wait with anticipation......

Here it is...

On a beautiful hot summers day the Doms took to the field to play new opponents in Oak n Ash. There were three changes to the team that played in midweek with J Hickin, Hodgson and Perry returning to the side. Perry was asked to open the attack having spent the past fortnight on a beach in Guernsey.

As regular readers will know the Doms have always embraced change and have been at the forefront of innovation. They were playing twenty/20 cricket 25 years ago and their experimental approach to cricket teas is legend. When they find a class batsman looking to get back into the game others would go with the obvious and stick him in at 3 or 4 and watch the runs flow. The Doms approach? - stick him in at 8, chuck him the ball and get him to bowl some off spin!

The Doms have taken this enlightened approach to cricket and have set their sights on world affairs, climate change and in particular "New Geography". Some may think that Geography is all about Capital cities and how to navigate your way around the M25 but during the past month both Perry and 'Pedro' Hunt have taken time out from the busy cricket schedule to work on such topics as why it is raining on penguins and the sweat shops of the Philippines. Next year they are both spending a fortnight in Spain where they will be looking at how the consumption of Rioja and San Miguel affects the Brazilian rain forest.

The Oak n Ash openers started brightly and were soon rattling along at over seven an over. They scored runs all around the wicket but were particularly severe on anything short on a wicket which was going to favour the batsmen.

Walshe picked up a wicket when Hunt took a well judged catch on the mid wicket boundary but at drinks the score was 159 -1 and a score well in excess of 300 was looking likely.

The batsman continued to attack but having removed Corcoran(116) and Cotton(50) a measure of control was restored.

Hunt bowled his overs straight through - a good effort in the heat but will his figures of 0-56 keep him in the bowling attack?

This seasons leading wicket taker was the fifth bowler used and didn't get on until the 17th over. We all know the skipper has a ruthless streak!

Talking of ex bowlers, Morris (yes that's right Morris!) was brought into the attack to replace Peck after an over of hand grenades yielded 24 runs. It was his 52nd consecutive game for the club, a new record. In conjunction with the returning Perry they kept things tight, each picking up two wickets. Oak n Ash finished with 256-7

Having made well over 200 in 30 overs a week ago the Doms knew that the target, although formidable, was attainable.

At the drinks break the Doms needed 158 off 20 with 7 wickets in hand - 8 runs an over. However in the space of 4 overs the Doms lost 3 more wickets, 2 of them to spectacular, athletic catches - not something usually associated with Old Doms games. Hodgson came out to join J Hickin and the fireworks started. There were boundaries galore as Hickin and particularly Hodgson punished the bowlers. The Oak n Ash fielders who had been fairly relaxed began to voice their concern and a number of bowling and fielding changes were made but the ball continued to find the long grass as Hodgson racked up 8 fours and six sixes in a score of 88. Hickin, by now bent double and in need of oxygen, made a spirited 46.

In the end they just fell short of the total finishing on 244-6 but their partnership of 134 is a new 7th wicket best for the club.

It had been an excellent high scoring game on a lovely day and the better team had just come out on top.

The Doms should take the positives from this defeat and move on. They have scored over 200 twice in a week, and 244 is the third highest ever. The fielding wasn't great but most fielders were at least trying to do the right things, getting down to the ball and putting their bodies in the way (plenty of bruises on show after the game). Areas for concern continue to be attitude and body language in the field. Although the Doms have won a number of games this season from difficult positions heads still go down and shoulders droop when teams get good starts. Positive mental attitude boys! I also feel the bowlers need to raise their game. Last year the attack regularly ripped through teams but this season have failed to make the same impact. The game of cricket is changing. Teams don't come and prod for the first 15 overs, they attack from the off and it will need the bowlers to come up with the solutions. Running in and bowling line and length all game isn't going to work. More innovative field placing and a greater variety of ball will be required. Have a look at the batsman you are facing - they are all different and score in different areas- and set fields accordingly. Don't rely on the Captain to set every field, take responsibility and set your own, out think the batsman, set traps. Don't place fielders just because that's how its always done. If the cover fielder hasn't seen a ball all day then why have him fielding there! How many slip catches have the Doms taken this season but there is always someone stood there whether it's the first over or the last. It is also important to be realistic. If you are getting tonked and decide to push a fielder back to the boundary don't give him a bollocking when he fails to prevent a quick single. Just food for thought boys - chin up!

M.O.M - Hodgy and Chick (Hodgy and the Chick - coming soon on Dave!)

Match Report - Old WestheathiansCC

Well what a disappointment this one was ! Hot summer night two evenly matched teams and forty overs to bowl on a track that should be yielding 330 or more.

Peck back as Captain left out the inform Chickin and brought in Sukumaran, a last minute replacement for Anstey who failed a late fitness test. This was going to be a high scoring game so Peck needed to get his fielding and bowling right. He won the toss and elected to chase the Old Westies score.

A big change from Sundays match was that the fielding was by far much better albeit Morris's eye to ball co-ordination failed him early in the game - about the 5th ball as the ball passed him with ease and then shortly after he was dummied by the ball which also reached the ropes untroubled by Morris.

With boundaries being patrolled with plenty of fielders the Weststies found the 4 balls hard to get over the ropes. Hunt and Adie opened the bowling and picked up a wicket each although their 8 overs cost over 70 runs. Hunt taking a sharpe C&B. The Westies off to a good start.

Walshe and Porter were the next bowling pair with a much better return just leaking over 50 runs for their 8 over spell. But the batsmen were still on top.

Wright came on to bowl two of the last four overs with the Westies well set and 170 looking a par score still. History then struck. The ground erupted when Wright trundled in and captured a wicket - not just any wicket his 50th wicket for the Doms. Sadly its taken over a decade and 200 overs to achieve. Some commentator would say he's been under bowled, other would say perhaps over bowled! Well done that man.

Last was brought on for just two overs, death overs. As a bowler, you know with the opposition just 4 wickets down an attempt was going to made to cart your bowling all around the ground. Last taking as much pace off the ball as he could restricted the boundary being beached just once off his 12 balls. He picked up one wicket although a shocking error of judgement was made by the umpire. Last flights a ball up, batsman down on one knee covering all three stumps waiting to paddle the ball, misses and the ball hits him on the knee resting on the wicket. Appeal is made - the Umpire shakes his head. The batsman trapped in front of the wickets stays rooted to the spot he was hit for well over a minute just to emphasise to both the bowler and Umpire that he had just used his get out of jail card. Awful.

Last was later docked 70% of his match fee by the fourth official. Money well spent!

So how would Peck respond to this merge chase? He sends in an "odd" pairing to open. Needing to chase seven and a half an over Sukumaran and Dolly walk out together. Sukumaran who had only made 10 runs all season and Dolly who had only ever held a bat for the Doms 5 times was an interesting combination given the players left in the pavilion to watch. It was however reported to the RR later that evening that Peck had been seen secreting a roll of twenty pound notes into his kit bag. This claim is under investigation.

Well as it turns out Sukumaran hits one good over out of 5 before he's bowled for 19 - his top score for a while. May be he will get confidence from this knock.

Morris joins Dolly and runs flow from Morris's bat with many quick singles. Dolly taking up the support roll. At the halfway point the Doms were behind the rate. About two overs of runs adrift.

With the pair nudging the ball around the score slipped past 100. Over ten an over needed. Morris then walks into a ball hits it high on the bat and was caught on the boundary edge, for a good 50.

Now with 5 overs left and over forty or so needed you would have thought the Doms would walk this with the batting left to come.  Centurion Wright joins, its getting dark. This is Wrighty territory! With 33 still needed Wright is bowled having just hit the last boundary of the Doms innings.

Porter joins Dolly but gets him quickly run out when a run should have been risked. Porter safeguards his averages through partnerships with Hunt and a not out Adie. A very poor last two over run chase with three big hitters left stranded watching frustrated in the pavilion. A Peck miscalculation? Horses for courses. 8 runs short chasing a modest 147 on a 170 run track.

The bowling was good but not outstanding - given we have now played four games on the same track the bowling could have been more mixed up. Too many "lets bowl the ball as quick as we can" rather than using the old noggin !

The fielding much better and Hunt shone again,  but the batting was not up to scratch, only 10 boundaries on that track is unforgivable. Once Morris was out only one more was scored in the fours or so overs remaining. Very poor stuff against a very willing but modest bowling attack. Perhaps the wrong batting line up? Perhaps the players not watching the scoreboard?

Well we now move on to the weekends match with the hope that we can see a turnaround.

RR's MoM will go this time to Dolly, not for his very slow 25 but for his enthusiasm in the field and for his lightening running whilst batting. I remember when Last'y and Peck could run like that between the wickets!

Match Report - Frenchay Hospital CC

With Stato put back into the cupboard for a week or two, his match report writing skill rested as the RR is back in harness. Today's game against the visiting Bristol team started with Morris again Captain as Peck was still recovering from his "illness". Although he did  attend and gave admiral support throughout the game. The sun was up on a warm windy day here at Bromsgrove. The groundsman had prepared another bowlers graveyard, the wicket was going to be big for runs.

Frenchay decided to bat after winning the toss and soon got the score board moving at the predicted pace. Both Hunt M and Last were smacked to the boundary with ease on the placid wicket although some very loose fielding didn't help the cause and Last rightly was upset by fielders not prepared to go and catch the ball. Last was taken off not to be seen again until the "death" over.

Hunt C and Adie slowed the rate down with Adie very tidy for her 8 overs. Hunt picking up a couple of wickets as the batsmen played some sloppy shots. Rolls, yes he has turned up again produced a good spell with two wickets.

Morris brings on Hunt M again as the Frenchay total is looking large, he gets some treatment and a wicket then something happened, for the life of me I cannot understand why stand in captain allowed this the occur. From time to time the Doms have had a decent fast'ish bowler, Hunt being that man at this time, who after being bashed around decides to turn to spin - now some of the older Doms will have seen a certain Mark Oley do this and they will remember the same results as our very own Pedro got today. The ball being carted further than if he were bowling off his normal run up. To the old lags in the Doms team today this enterprising over just massaged their memory banks and brought a smile to their faces. Morris, in agreeing Hunts bowling change  was perhaps his attempt to bring some humour into the game?

The Frenchay innings meandered on past the 200 mark to its close. The Doms would chase 212. Not enough on this wicket but it could have been much less had not the Doms fielding decline into farce over the course of the 40 overs. Classic, batsman tonks ball to boundary. First fielder dives slowly over the ball, second fielder dives slowly the wrong way and Pedro Hunt needing to produce a scorching dive to save the ball rolling over the ropes - rubbish. Backing up by some was junior cricket stuff. Coupled together with the usual frantic throwing of the ball in the direction of the wickets in the latter overs when wickets were not the goal rather than getting the ball safely back to the keeper to keep runs down. It looked awful but some cant be told and do it every mach!

Tea taken - good stuff but too much and no home made cakes.

The wicket true to form played well throughout the Doms innings and Wright and Hickin were in no trouble against what was to be the poorest bowling line up the Doms had faced for many a match. The 100 came up in the 16th over as did Wrights deserved 50. Hickin playing the anchormans innings whilst Wright chanced his arm and found the boundary. He found the boundary no less than 18 times and crossed the 100 runs mark with ease for the first time in his illustrious Doms career. Some very good well placed shots. A tired Wright went to a tame shot but his work was done. What a shame he hadn't prepared himself for reaching the 100 mark, a single raised bat was all the crowd got, arrogance or what!

Hickin cruised past his 50 before he got a bad call and says he was given out bat before wicket.

An easy win for the Doms with a notable record equalling 170 wicket stand. So well done Ikea man and Chick marvellous stuff. The fielding remains a conundrum.

RR MoM I suppose this should go to  Wrighty for his 106 but in true RR style he looks for the extra bit of contribution, the less obvious. The RR MoM goes to Adie, her bowling slowed the run rate down and her fielding was unmarred by any mistakes. Talking to the Frenchay Skipper after the match he said Adie's bowling gave them the biggest challenge. Well done that lad.

Match Report - Open University CC

The drumming of the Editors fingers on his desk was now getting  unbearable for others in the room. The RR was still entertaining Oz people and was Stato given a second chance at match report writing. It was now well past 8am and the match details and report not yet filed by Stato. The Editor was now crying, through the sobs it could be hear "come back RR I cant stand the waiting, the not knowing, the shame of going to press with no report"........

The presses lay silent.....

9.10.... match stats trickle in over the wires from deepest Bromsgrove... the Editor is marginally happier..

9.33.. the trickle turns into a torrent and reports and fantasy stuff floods in - its true what you had all been thinking - Stato comes in bursts but always late......  Now read on..

The captain studied the piece of paper carefully

D Wright

T Perry

J Hodgson

R Rolls

T Peck

J Anstey Jn

A Last

A Rowan

A Blount

P Peddu

M Sukumaran

N Rowan

T Hickin

It looked a good squad on paper - but as they were all unavailable the last eleven players standing took to the field.

For those looking to protect their bowling average