Well the final report is in albeit on the wrong page! The Webmaster will rectify this on his return but put your feet up and enjoy the Parsons Nose final report (its quite good for a second go..) ....

Well, the season’s final game was played out in the beautiful mythical weather system that is called sunshine. After a season that has been marred by absent teams and an even more absent summer, the sunshine was a pleasant change in Earlswood. The ground is a beautiful, little, picturesque village cricket ground situated on the Dickens Heath outskirts.

The team this week was a bit of a family affair with Hunts, Hickin's (with a Greenway), Rich’s, Anstey’s (with a Morris) and the loan Gary Norris, on loan from the wealth of talent from Colmer's farm school. With the season long injury to Chicken, Dolly was forced (!) to take the gloves, oh the horror! And with that became the 7^th Dom to take up the challenge this season.

Before we get stuck in to the real meat and drink of the report, just a word on tardiness, as we all know it is usually left to the aptly named Rolex to be later than the titanic, but due to unforeseen circumstances with the webmaster being on his autumn solace, the start time of the game was 12.30, but depending on which page you look on e.g. Forum, home page or Facebook the times are different. But still 8 players managed to turn up on time just el president, VC Rich and April were in the skipper’s bad books.

As the Doms took the stage with only 8 players, Mark and Collin were thrown the new ball, with little result as you can imagine, boundaries were flowing left, right and centre. The Hunts were replaced by the Rich’s; with immediate effect April took a couple of wickets which turned the game slightly towards the Doms. A decent middle pairing took the scoring rate up with a couple of the Earlswood lads getting fifties. New boy Norris took a wicket in his first over a smart stumping by Dolly, (which from the stance of the reporter looked to be well in). Although he bowled well Gary still went for 35 of 4 ovs.

The skipper put himself on for 3 over’s and took 1-18, but that was not all the drama, Jonners was given a bowl and took a wicket but went for 37-1 off his 4 ovs.

Pedro was brought back for the closing overs with Earlswood looking to post a very high total, Pedro’s first wicket was an LBW, and the very next ball saw a very tidy catch at square leg by Chicken.

At this point the batsman went AWOL, so the Doms found the time to have a group sit.

The next ball, well the anticipation was immense; Mark turned at the top of his run up, deep sigh and pumped his legs towards the cowering wreck. Some bowlers on their hat trick ball try to bowl wide or short to entice the short, but mark went for the straight and full option. The batsman played a beautiful forward defensive, the ball striking the ground, span viciously towards the stumps and knocked the bails off. The whole team celebrating heard a girly-like scream come from point, just Chicken celebrating!!!

After the adulation of the hat trick the Doms needed to break the final wicket pair to get the Earlswood lads out for less than 200, but they played extremely well and posted a very big target of 252.

Tea was taken, and the fair was standard.

Now batting is a funny affair, with the Hunt’s charged with opening the batting as well they started the run chase, they ticked the board over quickly and looked very good at the crease. Mark played a loose shot towards gully and Colin got the worst call for run ever by Dolly, the resultant trudge off the field was not a happy one and the mood could not be lifted all afternoon.

There were cameos from Justin, Gary (who batted well for his first time out), Steve and top scorer chicken, batting with one ankle tied behind his back.

The total was always going to be a step to far for the Doms line up, but entertainment was given by Jonners in the final over’s, Earlswood knowing that the win was inevitable gave some lesser bowlers a go and John punished them with a flurry of shots.

The game was played in a wonderful manner and we will look forward to the return fixture next year.

One-day cricket is an exhibition. Test cricket is an examination.  By Henry Blofeld

The day broke and many souls were dragged out of bed and deemed to be just about sober. The meandering started over to Erdington court, our friends from the north, (so far north we almost made it to Nottingham). Twycross Zoo was mentioned as a destination for today’s frivolities, but we went to the cricket instead! Zoo still sounds the best idea! Too many of our doms have seemed to have lost their work ethic and are now indulging in silly things as www.stuffoncats.com and www.upsidedowndogs.com which were found while in a place of learning (take from it what you will!!).

Chicken returns after many tortuous months on the sideline replacing Rolls who was saving himself for the sixes, also Boynton in and a late call up for Stuart Rich.

As the 2 captains strolled out to the middle for the obligatory toss the Doms were stirring in the changing room for what could be only described as the longest 3 hours of their cricketing careers in the field. As we all know by now Oley the former Dom, lets us play a village rules game, which means the opposition bats first puts a huge total on the board that we get nowhere near and the last 10 over’s a farcical display of the forward defensive with the odd Chinese cut thrown into the mix!

Well, fielding first the Doms gave the new cherry to Pedro and April rich, they both bowled tidy spells with Pedro taking 1-25 and 1-30 for April. Good catches were taken by Anstey Jr and new boy Boynton. Perry was brought in to keep one end tidy but with a few missed chances and some woeful fielding Tanks figures are not as Rosie as they should be. Praise has to be given to the fielding display of Dolly and Anstey Jr who tirelessly chased after the pill all afternoon giving little care to personal health or safety. Stuart Rich newly appointed Vice Chairman came on to bowl a spell of bowling that could only be described as measured and controlled, until his 11^th over which unfortunately took his figures from 1-26 to 1-47. Boynton was bought on for 1 over, 1-8 respectable figures for his bowling debut. Dolly had 2 over's but the less said about that the better. Manoj, after solid performances during tour had a day to forget as byes were given left right and centre, although he did well to claim the stumping for Boynton. Erdington were pressing for a large total, as 2 of their more experienced batters reached their fifties. At this point the skipper brought back April and Pedro for final bursts to restrict the totals, that was a push to far but they were both rewarded with extra wickets and Pedro ended with 3-59. 242 a modest score but a step to far?

Tea was taken and a splendid spread was provided with an introduction of a mystery sandwich, which even Oley doesn’t know the ingredients of!

The run chase, I use chase in the broadest of strokes. Tank and Pedro were charged with initiating the inevitable Doms turgid response. Not true Tank strode to the crease and straight away looked at ease with the situation of chasing down with the reduced over innings, chance after chance was put down, and saw tank get to 86, to continue the chase Tank needed a partner to stick with him but the partner came in the shape of Steve by which time the high run rate had sky rocketing. Notable contributions from the Captain and Dolly.

But the plaudits have to go Boynton and Anstey Jr, with the whiff of calamity in the air, Justin is called through for a run by Tank, half way down the track a bellowing “NO” is heard, only for Justin to be turning and looked like he running on ice, stranded a good 3 meters short.  Boynton, thinking we were playing the West Indies with the likes of Walsh and Ambrose, swayed beautifully to a ball that pitched on his toes. A beautiful leave (it certainly was for the bowler), as his off peg was taken.

Well the aforementioned farce was played to a close, Doms finishing around 176-5 and the players retired to the clubhouse.

As we all know Tony Peck was known by many. And Erdington Court was no exception. Mark Oley had organized a trophy to be played for between the clubs in the name of Tony, a statuesque 4” cup that is to be held by the club that wins the game, or the club that doesn’t hold it when we draw!!! This was decided by the toss of a coin and is the first coin toss our illustrious leader has won all year. He also arranged a Man of the Match award that dubiously went to S. Hinton of Erdington Court (Should’ve been Tank) and a Dick of the day award went to the classical tendencies of Oley himself. After 2 missed chance in the field and the snipers bullet coming out when he batted there were no other contenders in the frame.

Altogether a terrific day of cricket played in the spirit and the camaraderie that the game is supposed to be played in..

The score board at a cricket match contains much information. Some of those watching will use its information to let them know the state of play, for the fielding team is the run rate ok, do we need to tighten up, how many overs left? and for the batsmen, are we scoring at a good rate , are we up with the "clock", do we need to up the run rate? and much much more. For some of the Doms batsmen the information contained on the score board appears to be some unfathomable foreign language of little relevance to their own personal time at the crease. All will become much clearer when the Roving Reporter gets to the Doms reply to our old chums the Coftonians score. 

Earlswood had let us down again with another "cancelled" fixture and Pedro had to scout around for a team to fill the now vacated slot. Pedro pulled the stops out yet again (big clap for Pedro) and we welcomed the Coftonians lads. Some faces still remain although age is taking its toll but they also had some young eager lads. A very friendly team always worth a match or two each season.

A little late in starting through some of the Cof lads not using stat nav so a sort of toss was won by Steve who elected to give the six Cof lads first bat with the hope that the rest would turn up soon.

The Doms had a reasonable side although the tail looked a tad long. Skipper Morris had Rolex running in down hill whilst Pedro toiled away up hill. It was soon clear that Sammy Moore was suffering from a "hamstring" which restricted his movement as keeper for the day.

Rolex and Pedro had a great opening spell and for the Coftonians runs were hard to come by. The fielding was tight and eager. Rolex continued to trouble the batsmen as he has all season without the luck he deserves and was rested to come back later. Pedro meanwhile picked up a good wicket whilst keeping a tight line. Further wickets were taken by Pedro and Colin Hunt and April and at the 20 over halfway mark the Doms bowling and fielding were on top, the Cofs on 77-3.

Last and Hunt continued after the break.  Hunt bowled out for a good economical spell of 1 for 30. And Last taken off after four overs with the idea of him bowling at the death. A four and a six shot spoiling Last's spell 0-17 off four.

Then things changed, the Coftonians batsmen realising the current run rate was not going to post a defendable score started to hit out, fours were now being scored as April, Rolex and Dolly were getting carted. In the meantime Sammy Moore limped off and Last's final hope of further wicket for the season was dashed as he took the keepers gloves for the remaining overs of the match.

Unluckily for Pedro Last was a yard to far back and an edge producing delivery just dipped at the final moment leaving Pedro with his head in his hands as the ball sailed past Lasts gloves.

April ended with a good haul of 4 wickets. 4 - 44 and Dolly's one wicket costing an expensive 30 runs. The Doms fielding was good and eager with few mishaps and Kman picking up two regulation catches for him. A clear stumping was "missed" by the Coftonians umpire "sorry I didn't see it", honest if not a tad frustrating!

Tea was taken with the Coftonians setting 204 to win, a much healthier target than they must have felt was possible at the 20 over mark. A score well within the Doms batting prowess this season.

Tea was taken, the last tea for the 2009 season. A good fare with scones and cream and a well constructed pizza produced by Mrs Rolex.

Well with Sammy Moore limping Morris decided to promote Pedro to open with Philo. The plan I understand was that Pedro would soon be out and would act as the runner for the limping Moore. Well the plan soon changed as Philo gloved his third ball and walked off not waiting for the umpires finger. Dolly marched to the crease and was soon to march back again, another low score for Dolly. Never mind he would act as Sammy's runner. Well Sammy scooped a ball into the air was was out with out scoring - ok he had a sore leg but it was an awful shot.

Things were not looking good for the Doms, three wickets down, three of the better batsmen for about 7 runs or so. Rolex joined the bemused Pedro.

Now when Tommy the Coftonians bowler looks at the fixture list and spies the Old Doms he rubs his hands with glee. Tommy bowls something that can only be described as "ordinary" slowish on a good line ball. He does this for his eight overs. His bowling is not going to scare any batsmen with an once off skill. Watch him for a few balls then work him around, one's and two's with a regular boundary shot. Nope, the Doms batsmen are hypnotised. You can "hear" the batsmen plan. Lets see him and the a little bit quicker bowler off and lay into the backup bowlers. Well Rolex finally decided to have a go in Tommy's eighth over but by then 42 balls had gone with a few runs being scored scored off his turgid spell. Tommy had done the Doms again!

Not only had Pedro and Rolex had to stabilised the creaking ship when three quick wickets fell they had seen off the demon bowler Tommy. All good stuff but with the run rate creeping toward 7 an over needed and with only one batsman left, Morris the plan looked a bit fragile.

The 20 over break came with the Doms 71 for 4. Pedro dismissed for 12 ground out runs and Rolex still there, but for not much longer as he soon was out with the score on 73 with his own tally of 29 meticulously crafted runs. So now the plan was off the rails. The seeing off of various bowlers had left the Doms at 73-5 with Morris and the company of 5 batsmen who had rarely faced any balls all season let alone support Morris in the momentous task of getting the far distant 204 to win with the overs fast running down.

But all was not lost, Morris sensing that he was the lone Doms talisman was joined by the out of form Colin Hunt, well to say out of form would be a slight exaggeration as he had not had the opportunity of facing much all season to get in form pulled his batting hat on and fresh from some "behind the scenes coaching" started to hit some great shots. Together with Morris they put on 61 runs in good time before Hunt was caught for a very good 23, his highest score for some time.

In strode Jonners, another season drifting by and the elusive 6 runs needed to pass the 1,000 runs mark seemed yet still unattainable. But not today, gone was that awkward French cricket stance and an upright belligerent Jonners stood still and firm as he cracked his way past the 1,000 mark much to the delight and relief of all around. Sadly, with Morris and Anstey chasing the 204 runs and overs draining away Morris was bowled forcing the pace for a good 52 runs.

151-7, now just tail of the tail enders left. Well the tail enders plundered 38 runs between them with hardly a dot ball to be seen in the score book, after all all the dot balls had been used up and the luxury of playing yourself in for a few overs to get the pace and feel of the wicket was lavished upon by the "batsmen" earlier.

Well 18 off the last two overs proved to much for Last and Kman as the the final wicket went down still 14 runs short. A disappointing end to get so close. Just think how easy it would have been for the real batsmen to turn just 14 dots ball into runs, hindsight is great but this ending was all to predictable before we even got to the 20 over drinks break!

This was the big one, 25 years of toil and hard work, of matches lost and of matches won, of brilliant bowling and of magnificent fielding, of first ballers and scorching runs all this littered with mediocrity, unfathomable umpiring decisions, bats hurled everywhere in despair, players coming and players going, loves won and loves lost and joyous births and sad deaths. The Doms have had a fair share of all this and more.

Whilst 25 years ago Bill Gates was launching Windows 1.0 and Botham and Willis were trouncing the Aussies  a much younger Jonners was part of a small band of "brothers" launching the Old Doms into the world. The clubs History page gives a more considered historical background to the Old Doms emergence but for many the Doms is Jonners. Today we see Justin and Lily all grown up after years of nurturing by Jonners much like the Old Doms is today, grown up from those fragile early learning days and constant nurturing to what it is today, Jonners third "baby". He's done a good job.

As the Jeep wormed its way across the southern aspects of Birmingham to collect Tank and Jonners excitement was brewing at the meeting old chums of past Old Doms years in a Present Doms vs and Invitational XI made up of past players and a few current players with no or greying hair. As in all of these car journeys to matches much was said about the day ahead and perditions made. It was predicted who of the Olden Doms who said they would turn up to play would not actually turn up. We were spot on with the predictions - the same old buggers who in the past had the Captain of the day spitting blood as they failed to turn up for matches or gave you that 11hr 59th minute call "sorry cant make it, the boilers burst or I've come down with something". You know who you are. Sad buggers.

Well for those who did turn up at Bromsgrove it was a great occasion. The weather sh*t but to have so many of the Old and present Doms together was a classic event in the Doms history. Fancy seeing that grumpy old sod Charlie Lyons and his little lad - although not so little now and who looks a fine cricketer. Mr Fashion Icon Heber Mattis - still the same youthful looks. Benno with his very attractive girlfriend, we all pity her. It was also great to see Trudy make an appearance, old chum Tony would have loved the day.

Well the match was to be a Twenty20 slog as it was thought that the old codgers would'nt last much more than 20 overs in the field.  Morris won the toss and put the Invitational XI into the field. The plan was to thrash to ball around and then feed them a few runs before patting them on their backs and waving them off back to retirement.  

Manjo and Pedro were to open. Pedro had banked on getting an easy 50 or so. Well they were both out cheaply for 6 runs apiece 17-2. The bowling of the Lyons and Benno were right on the spot and were causing all sorts of problems. Perry joined Hodgson the Elder but perished with 2 runs to his name, another shocking shot. Morris was equally too cocky with his stroke play and missed a straight ball from Benno and was plumb. Morris appears before the Disciplinary Committee later this week for disputing the correctness of the Umpires decision.

Walshe, strolling aimlessly was run out for 1 with the score on 48-5. Hodgson the Elder looked bemused as the cream of the Doms batting looked absolute rubbish as the Invitational bowlers caused mayhem. Dolly gave some support and the score reached 102 before he was out L.B.W.

The Doms innings mercilessly ended on 125-7. Awful stuff and only Hodgson the Elder, 66 not out and Dolly looked to know what they were doing. Some cameo fielding prowess was also displayed by Jonners who put his all into his fielding today, what a shame for YouTube that the video cameras were not rolling. 

All would be fine, the Doms bowlers would rush through the brittle Invitational line up and beers would be supped in no time. Well after the Doms class opening bowlers ended their spells the score was 2-6 and four overs were gone. Pedro 2-0 was the pick of the bowlers. The rest of the Doms bowlers leaked to many runs and some really awful fielding saw Pedro make no attempt whatsoever to get to a simple lofted ball off Perry and then watched to ball go well past him for four runs, Benno would have been on his way back and the Doms would have surely won the game.

With the overs running down Benno was run out for a very good 50 odd runs leaving Hands Anstey to marshal a very unpredicted victory off the remaining balls.  The Doms were trying to contrive a tie to make a prefect ending to the match and with three needed off the last ball it looked on for a draw, but somehow and for reasons only known only to himself Nick Rowan hurled the ball at the wicket giving a panting Dougie and Justin time to sprint the winning third run.

A marvellous win for the Olden Doms and a bitter pill for the current players to swallow. But today all the Doms were winners and everyone joined in eating a very typical Old Doms team lovingly put out and organised by the wives and WAGs old and new. The cakes were a treat and the mouth water fare was a great thing to see and munch into, albeit the coolie was not favoured.

A second match was started but many of the old farts had gone by this time and in any case the weather closed in and the bar was a better place to be. This was a great day and will be remembered by many an Old Dom for years to come.

We now hurtle toward the Doms 30th Anniversary match in five years time - I wonder who will still be around then.......

It was a bit of a struggle today after the excitement of the 25th Anniversary Tour to Spain. Those who went looked a tad jaded and the likes of Hodgy, Pedro, Sammy, Tank, Hands, Chickin and Jonners were missing from the line up so the team lacked real depth in the batting, bowling and fielding areas. Only four of the line up have had any batting this season with the rest possibly not facing more than a hundred or so balls between them all season. It was to be a struggle.

The Doms rolled up on time including Rolex and Jonah. It was good to see them both again after a few weeks. We were playing the Old Moseley Arms lads at Centurion Park which as we all know is the Britannic ground in Moseley. A very nice setting to play cricket and if cash was available to live in one of the apartments overlooking the wicket.

Stato won the toss and elected to bowl first on a greenish looking track, Rolex down the hill and young gun "April" (now I've been looking for a nickname for Alex and after an "incident" in Spain I think I've cracked it - think about it! - I just hope that Fiona doesn't get to know..)

Well as is the norm Rolex bowled well from the very start, a few balls off track but they could be counted on one hand as he tore down the hill. His first wicket owed much to the speed of Lasty's hands at first slip when a ball rocketed into his chest which was clutched safely much to the relief of Rolex. In his second spell Rolex held a simple return catch although the experience looked to have bewildered Rolex somewhat.

Meanwhile April was storming in and keeping the batsmen on their toes with some good pace bowling. He picked up a good wicket but with some more luck could have had more. April is looking a very good acquisition to the Doms bowling line-up.

The Moseley boys were struggling at 20 something for three off about 12 or so overs.

Dolly and Philo were tried, Philo got carted out of the attack after tree overs and Dolly not feeling to well bowled a good line from around the stumps.

Colin Hunt had a spell but could not find his length line or rhythm  in an expensive 6 overs but did pick up a wicket when Dolly caught a difficult chance.

An amusing episode occurred when Hunt was bowling, the batsman thrashed the ball back to the bowler who dived and missed it followed by an equally slow dive by Stato who missed stopping the ball, the ball reaching the boundary before Stato hit the turf. This however was soon the be upstaged as Philo positioned himself to stop a ball somehow with his legs crossed letting the ball pop easily between the gapping gap between his thighs. Difficult to describe but visually a classic.

Last was thrown the ball as the run rate had now rocketed destroying Rolex and April's earlier frugal bowling. The batsmen were now set. But the run rate dropped as he found his line and length from the first ball. After watching one of the batsman struggle against Dolly's right arm around the wicket Last devised a plan. Good catchers on the leg side, bowl around the wicket wide on the crease. The plan nearly worked on the second ball as the batsman chipped the ball off his toes to square leg where Hunt dropped his second chance of the match.

Not deterred Last kept the batsman tied up and was rewarded when he floated a slower ball which bemused the batsman and took out middle stump (well knocked the bails off). A good well thought out plan.

Last finished with 1-35 off his eight which was marred by an over costing 12 through shoddy fielding.

April and Rolex finished off their good spells which left Stato to bowl the final six deliveries. What an awful over this was 4,4,6 which proves the point that he cant get wickets against good batsman.

The fielding was reasonable, some miss-field's. Gazelle had a spell early in the game when the ball kept caming to him only to pass through his legs. He did recover to make some good stops later. Three dropped catches, one by Manoj who was not quite as crisp behind the sticks as he was on tour.

The home team ended on a respectable 186-7. A score that flattered them after the early overs when they struggled. On a normal day 186 against the Moseley lads would have been a 30 over romp for the Doms but it would need the four recognised batsmen to come off. Tea was taken.

Not the best tea we have had but not the worse, some of the sandwiches looked like they had been cut with a blunt trowel - £55.. what the hell was that for - value for money?

Well with the tea consumed the brittle Doms batting line up lived up to it billing. Philo and Dolly opened up but soon young Dolly was on his way home to take to his sickbed after being bowled for one run. Lets hope he recovers soon. Gazelle came and went which brought two of the Doms better batsmen together - those sat watching thought here we go lets chase those runs down but with only 3 runs added Philo slopped off with just a few runs and and a few more do balls to his name. 15-3 and overs drifting by.

Kman batting so high up the order he had a nose bleed but batted with some confidence without scoring many was cruelly given out leg before. Last joined the now bemused Rolex who was now getting worried that he may run out of partners before he got into double figures himself. During this productive stand of 19 the announcement came over the public address system that England had regained the Ashes. A big cheer went around the ground and Mexican waves were sweeping the Centurion ground.

Well Lasty didn't last to long at the crease when following another swivel shot he limped gamely for a single but was clearly in pain. A runner was called for but failed to get dressed in time as Last holed out to mid-on. Hunt was out for nought and the score was on 57-7. Never fear Manoj would help Rolex along, alas this was not to be after he was bowled for a poor 3 runs.

Morris joined Rolex and the score moved on a bit with Rolex smiting a big straight 6 but with his well deserved 50 in sight he played a sloppy shot and was out caught. April and Stu joined in the Doms run feast with Stato but couldn't as they might keep up with the 14 an over needed.

The Doms out for a disappointing 108 still well short of the hosts total. A few dropped catches let the home team off the hook when they to were struggling, 186 really flattered them. But that's cricket.

We now prepare for the 25th Anniversary matches on the 30th when we hope to see a few more Old Doms from yesteryear try to pit their skills against the current bunch of players. Be there it could get amusing...

The Met office had predicted rain for about 4pm, they were wrong it came in at about 3.15. Steady persistent drizzle that got heavier as the afternoon drifted by. The match was sunk just after 5pm.

This should have been a game against old rivals the Coftonians but they pulled out earlier in the week because they couldn't field eleven players to take on the might of the Doms. Fortuitously the Old Westies did not have a game and came to rescue the day. They unfortunately turned up with only 6 players which left them embarrassed and the Doms realising it was going to be one of those days.

The Westies were to bat first on a strip that looked a tad greenish and full of runs. Hodgson the Elder and Rolex opened the bowling for the Doms and both were steaming in. It son became apparent that the wicket was going to be more unpredictable than first thought and both Hodgson the Elder and Rolex got some balls to rear up at the batsmen.

To their credit the Westies batsmen kept the runs flowing at around five an over as the bowlers failed to make any progress into the Westies shortened batting line up. Rolex's bowling was not quite up to his usual high standard and more wayward than he's bowled all season. He looked dejected when Morris took him out of the attack.

Hodgson the Elder and Pedro kept the batsmen busy. Hodgson the Elder finished a good spell with 1-24 off his eight overs.

Perry joined the fray still looking a tad washed out after two  glorious weeks in Guernsey and his bowling looked equally washed out as he was pasted all over the park by the batsmen. He did have a catch put down by Kman who overran a skier and the ball popped out of his hands to the floor. Perry looked distraught but his bowling was tripe and he joined Rolex on the bowlers scrap heap for 0-27 off only four.

Pedro got some balls smacked to the boundary but took a wicket 1-29 off six not to bad but failed to strangle the run rate.

Walshe bowled a well controlled six over and finished with 1-17. Colin Hunt picked up the tail enders who just about knew which way to hold a bat. As Rolex looked on at the batsmen giving up to Hunts bowling he knows that sometimes in life God works in mysterious ways........

There was one moment of disaster as Hands Anstey race across the ground to catch a low flying ball, he launched those hands towards the falling ball but just failed to hold on as the ball split the webbing between his fingers - he went off to the A&E at Selly Oak never to be seen again.

The most stupidest thing also happened when the Westies fifth wicket went down the Doms players started to walk of with the score around 130, it was drizzling  but they were soon stopped in their tracks when  from the gloom of the pavilion  Chickin emerged with pads on hobbling using his bat for a crutch - he was going to bat for the Westies. This is the man who has an avulsion fracture of foot who is going to be out of the game for two month and is on sick leave. If ever there was a dick head decision this was one.

Morris unsurprisingly allowed a runner. With the rain coming down the whole scene was the height of madness as Chickin flayed around and the tree batsmen eked out pointless runs.

The thirty minutes that all this took in hindsight ensured that the Doms would not have sufficient time to get the runs to surpass the Westies score.

A further moment of drama unfolded as Morris declared that the Doms would go straight into bat and tea would be taken after the match. Unfortunately Rolex was to quick off the mark and raced from the pitch to the kitchen to make his ham sandwiches, half an hour later when he realised he was on his own he trooped back to the ground to find the team were batting and he was dropped down to number six. Although Rolex  valiant idea to make his sandwiches "fresh" to order the resultant effort only scored three out of ten (please see photo on the News page)

Perry who opened with Hodgson the Elder soon perished when he was bowled, an awful tied shot. A game for Tank to forget other than he took his maiden catch of this season.

Pedro came in at number three as Morris looked for a quick run sprint. Although Hodgson the Elder did his best and with only three over bowled the score had raced to 40 the rain was getting harder and the players came off and tea was taken. An attempt to restart after tea was tried but the drizzle was incessant and the match was abandoned as a draw.

The Roving Reporters Star Player will be picked from his short list of players - you can vote using the Old Doms vote caster to indicate who you thought was the Star Player . Vote now and the result will be announced before the next Doms Match Report.

24th August update ...The Vote is now OVER - the result of the players vote for Star Player for the match against the Westies  is the ...Ham sandwiches who polled 83%es and and Colin voted for himself. Well done the Ham sandwiches.

Well what funny old match this was. Both teams set off at a gallop only to find runs hard to come by later in their innings. The Twenty20 slogathon was against our old chums the Westies and the weather was for a change bright and sunny. Another Bromsgrove youngster recruited to taste the Old Doms "experience" - Elliot Doyle a very promising quickie who can move the ball both ways. Last and Anstey arrived very late following a difficult dash from the centre of Brum.

The Westies won the toss and put the Doms in on the carpet track as the real stuff was still quite soggy from days of rain. The Moore boys opened and got the run rate of to a flyer. Sam crunching another awesome six and a few fours before being bowled on 23. Hodgson the Elder and Dave Moore kept the run rate galloping along at around eight an over then it all went wrong in the second half of the twenty. Moore perished after a fine knock of 31, his Doms highest with two cracking sixes.

Then with score on 90 Hodgson the Elder went for a quick fire 27 being well caught on the boundary. Then with only a further 11 runs added Rolex, Walker and Doyle were taking their pads off. Walker out to a no ball missed by the awesome umpire. It was now 6-101 and overs slipping away like anything.

Morris tried his best to farm the bowling and made a useful 28 not out  Lada, Rowan (a cracking drive for 4) and Last were out chasing the runs. Last out for the second consecutive match first ball run outs with Morris at the other end! Although there was doubt that the umpire made the right decision as Last looked to be 6 inches over the line after the fielder missed his first attempt at knocking the bails off.

So the Doms total looked to be heading towards 160 limped to a conclusion of 137-9. A very gettable total.

The Westies like the Doms earlier started at great pace and kept up a high run tempo of over 8 an over. Dave Moore being expensive at 11 an over dropping the odd short pitched ball that was lambasted for a boundaries. Sam Moore was also expensive in his first two overs but came back well later in the match to help stem the run rate.

Rolex and Hodgson the Elder both bowled good spells. Rolex ending with a frugal 1-15 off his four and Hodgson the Elder coming back to take a crucial wicket as the Westies started to falter.

Young Elliot Doyle had an excellent spell claiming two wickets for a miserly 16 runs. The Westies with the overs running out and panic starting dropped the run rate and the Doms 137 was looking a tad to far away. However they kept plugging away and were helped by an awful attempt at a catch by Morris who seems to have  "catcher yips" after he recently head butted a ball!

With one over left and the Westies 6 wickets in hand Morris took the responsibility of bowling the final over. 8 needed off six balls. The first a dot ball, the second a catch by the keeper the third a run and fourth  a dot ball. Seven off two. Ball number five tossed up by Morris gleaned only one, they get a knick on the last ball but could only manage 3 runs and the Doms were home and dry.

A marvellous match played as usual in a health spirit. The Doms fielded well and bowled well in the later half of the match to strangle the life out of the Westies run charge. Well done those players.

The Roving Reporters Star Player will be picked from his short list of players - you can vote using the Old Doms vote caster to indicate who you thought was the Star Player . Vote now and the result will be announced before the next Doms Match Report.

27th July update ...The Vote is now OVER - the result of the players vote for Star Player for the match against the Westies  is...Dave "Gazelle" Moore who polled 3 votes and still won! the rest of the contenders got the other 4 vote shared out between them!

With the sun trying to squeeze through the toss was made and Beaumont put the Doms in on what looked like a bowlers wicket. Walshe and Rowan opened for the Doms and looked like they were settling in for a five day match! With the Umpires  getting fed up with the slow over rate Walshe feathered a ball through to the keeper and after careful consideration the finger slowly raised and a bemused Walshe trudged off. At this point the "stump microphone"  picked up a conversation that Rowan had with the Umpire, " excellent decision perhaps we can start getting some runs rather than watching Philo batting for his averages".

In strode Hodgson the Elder who looked full of runs and immediately started crashing the ball to all parts of the ground. Thankfully the score board was starting to tick over at around 5 an over. The covers came on and the covers came off as the rain threatened to cause a wash out But with the score on 27 Rowan's own laborious prodding around ended when he was bowled playing on. 

The Beaumont lads looked a bit aghast as young Sammy Awesome Moore  strode to the crease looking for a big score. With the score on 47 and Hodgson the Elders own accumulation on 31 Hodgson was surprised by a lifter, a very unusual delivery on what is normally a malign wicket however his surprise was complete as the very next ball kept very low and clattered into his stumps.

Another big run scorer strode to the wicket, Rolex had been winding himself up for a big score but was a mere bystander as Awesome Moore smacked the ball around the park including two big sixes. Another rain stoppage and the match was now a 30 over slog.

With the score now on 74 with Awesome Moore clattering runs with ease saw Rolex unwind his big hand and was untimely caught at the second hand attempt for a chimed out 6 runs.  

Well only a few more runs were added when rain caused tea to be taken early. What a tea it was, loads of good grub and "real" cakes - Oh how we love the magical culinary skills of Mrs Hodgson the Elder. Although Hodgson the Elder told everyone that it was he who cooked the cakes we all know who the cake queen is!

The was some awesome food provided by Sammy Awesome Moore, crab sticks - yummy and garlic bread. Unfortunately the knob head had bought garlic bread that needed cooking - awesome stuff really awesome.

Well the rain kept coming down  during tea and the match was abandoned as a draw. A disappointing end as the Doms looked to extend their wining run. The team now looks forward to Thursday's match against Coftonians - rain is forecast so the approaching four matches in Spain look very enticing at the moment.

The Doms travelled to the wilds of Staffordshire, well  somewhere near Wolverhampton overlooking green expanse towards Shropshire. A postage size arena, short boundaries, good views and what looked like a bowler friendly wicket for a change. Rolex and Hodgson the Elder licked their lips in anticipation of a bucket load of wickets each.

A good batting line up for the Doms with strength down to number six thereafter the sloggers and prodders. Morris lost the toss and the Springhill Skipper had no hesitation in putting the Doms into bat on a greenish damp wicket.

Walshe and Wright looked full of runs but with only 21 on the board both were resting back on the boundary. Hodgson the Elder and Hands Anstey carefully constructed a stand. The wicket was unpredictable with both tennis ball bounce and the odd one creeping through. Hodgson the Elder being much the aggressor kept the runs up around the 5 an over mark whilst Hands Anstey continued in unfamiliar Chris Tavare fashion.

They progressed cautiously with the occasional aggressive smote to the boundary. At the drinks break the Doms were on around 90 runs but with only two wickets down. A score of 200 still looked possible. However Hodgson the Elder was soon out after the resumption for a hard earned 64 which included 3 6's. Rolex and Hands continued to eke out runs at around 5 an over.

With the score on 143 Rolex was well caught for a brisk 26 trying to force the run rate up. Hands cautious inning also came to an end with his score on 35, a sensible supportive innings that may have bored the pants off some but it was just the inning the team needed. 143-5 and overs drifting away.

Morris was now paired up with Pedro with overs running out. Pedro played an expansive innings crashing a big 6 whilst Morris continued to putle along with the odd boundary. Pedro was eventually run out for a very good 23 leaving Last to support Morris for the final ball of the innings. Morris lost the plot, missed the ball which went through to the home keeper who just managed to beat the diving Last and ran him out without facing a ball. Morris looked on unashamedly bemused.

188 for the loss of seven wickets was defendable but on the small ground the Doms would need to bowl and field out of their skins to pull off a win. Tea was taken alfresco. A tidy fare although the lack of a brew was a minus point.

Rolex couldn't wait to get hold of the ball and start collecting wickets. Pedro was the other bowler given first crack and he was first to make a breakthrough. Rolex bowling well and regularly beating the batsmen strived for that elusive wicket but again an excellent 8 overs produced no reward. He really needs to perfect the rubbish full toss if he is to get more reward for his commendable efforts with the ball.

Colin Hunt went through his spell with the usual vigour and effort collecting a wicket and getting knocked for a few boundaries.

The bowler of the match however was Hodgson the Elder, eight overs of intense spin and drift had the batsmen fighting to keep their wickets. Frustration was etched on his face as a sharp slip catch was not taken by Last in the slips, his first dropped catch of the season. But all was not lost as a few balls later Hodgson the Elder got the batsman to produce another edge and was well taken by keeper IKEA down the leg side. A very smart ball and equally smart catch. Hodgson ended up with and excellent 2-18 off his eight.

The home team were struggling and barely got into the 80's at drinks.

The Doms bowlers continued to press home their advantage and the Springhill lads struggled to keep up with the run rate needed. Last came on to bowl uphill and with a very tricky first ball delivered the batsman was in all sorts of trouble an lofted the ball high into the sky and Rolex dashing around held a very good catch which underlined his need to watch craftsmen like Last and Colin Hunt to improve his own wicket hauls!

With the run rate over 10 and over Last picked up his second wicket and in his 6th over the last two home batsmen were run out. A cracking pickup and return to the bowlers end by Philo saw Last smartly whip the bails off and a ball or so later the final batsman was run out by a bewildered IKEA.

A great win. The Doms batting was sensible and considered on an interesting track. The bowlers, particularly Rolex and Hodgson the Elder, given the short boundaries kept a lid on the run rate and as a result the home team were never in with a sniff of a win. However the most pleasing aspect of the game was the Doms fielding, the best performance of the season by far with just the one slip catch going down. Only one magic moment, Last bowls, batsman clips of his legs. No run as its going to Stato. It goes through Stato, however all was not lost as Colin Hunt was backing him up so a no run shot was only going to be  one run shot. Yes, you've guessed it, the "magic" ball goes through Hunts defence and rolls into the fence. A no run shot eloquently made into a four run shot by Messer's Morris and Hunt. Terrible stuff.

So the Doms produced a great all round performance and well deserved their win. They now face Bournville School on Thursday and TPR Titans on Friday. Two more wins?

The Roving Reporters Star Player will be picked from his short list of players - you can vote using the Old Doms vote caster to indicate who you thought was the Star Player . Vote now and the result will be announced before the next Doms Match Report. 

It was the Old Moseley Arms lads that turned up to Bromsgrove for this latest's Old Doms Twenty20 slog. The first meeting earlier this season saw the Doms thrash the visitors by 9wks with Rob Rolls and Sammy Moore getting big not outs with Dave Wright the only batsman on that night not to fill his boots. A different tale for IKEA tonight.

The Doms put the Old Mose in on a very good batting track as the pavilion seats started to fill up. Perry and Last were the opening bowlers and although they bowled a lot of good balls the ball raced through to the boundary to often. The shouts of "dive" dive" "dive" filled the air, (much reminiscence of the old WW2 films of a U-boat Captain  when spotted on the surface) when the ball went close to the statuesque Doms fielders. Perry and Last finished their spells much disgruntled.

The Old Mose batsmen were thrashing around keeping the scoreboard turning over at great pace. It looked like it would be a big chase for the Doms when they batted. Moore and Jonners took the ball for the next set of 8 overs. Moore bowling fast but again with no luck and the game of statues in the field continued and then Jonners started getting the rampant openers in two minds with his change of pace and balls with more spin than Lord Mandelson. His spell ended with a respectable 2-31. Moore bugger all  for 35 runs.

Then the part time bowlers were brought on, Walshe and Skipper Morris who threw down two overs each to the bemused batsmen picked up a wicket each  and were made to look good by the flailing batsmen.

There were moments of note in the field. Philo actually ran to catch a ball low down by his knees on the top boundary - great to see. Unfortunately Philo failed an after match drug test. Sammy Moore had more chances of catches in this game than Last gets in a season but only managed to get to two which were well taken.

It was also noticed that our newest player, "Enid" (Blyton) Boynton - (I know its a bit tenuous but nothing much has surfaced to get a nickname sorted) actually ran after a ball that had crossed the boundary. His little legs kept pumping away long after the ball had passed him and settled 50 yards or so over the boundary. We will need to "coach" this out of him!

So the Doms trooped  with a target of 155 to reach - about 20 or so short of a par score for this track.

Moore and Wright opened the innings against some useful bowling. Moore hit a towering 6 only to be bowled swishing over the line of a straight ball. The Mose boys were jubilant. Well their glee withered as IKEA and Tank Perry smote the ball all around the ground. IKEA picking out the gaps with some ease. When it looked like it was going going to be another 9 wk win Tank tamely got himself out caught and bowled for 26.

Kman was pushed up the order to push the run rate up but was soon out after crashing a boundary for 4 runs. Philo strode out to join IKEA with the score on 105-3 and loads of overs to be bowled. IKEA passed his 50 and did manage to raise his bat but it looked all to false!

Well the last over came but by then the match was over as the ball raced to the boundary again and the Doms were home by 7 wks. A good solid win as yet again the batsmen were spoiled by another Bromsgrove flat track. The bowlers dream of an Elmdon Road track!

The team now visits Springhill this Sunday where the Doms will want to consolidate a winning streak.

The Roving Reporters Star Player will be picked from his short list of players - you can vote using the Old Doms vote caster to indicate who you thought was the Star Player . Vote now and the result will be announced before the next Doms Match Report.

13th July update ...The Vote is now OVER - the result of the players vote for Star Player for the match against Old Moseley Arms  is... IKEA who polled 8 votes, Tank and Jonners 1 vote each and Philo bugger all votes!

Its a funny old game cricket, on a wicket that the batsmen have gorged themselves on run after run during this season both teams struggled on this overcast Sunday afternoon. The Doms team had been in flux for most of the week with players not available then available which gave Skipper Morris a busy week of phone calls and begging although he couldn't persuade Pedro to pack his holiday bags before the match or to convince Tank that a "promise" came second to the Doms!

Our old chums  the Westheathians were the visitors today, a great bunch of lads with a suggestion of interbreeding, perhaps some of them come from Small Heath village ?

The weather was forecast to be a unpredictable with the occasional heavy showers for later in the day. The forecast was correct as a big downpour was to give an interesting twist to the match. The Old Westheathians called right and put the Doms in on a used greenish wicket. Morris decided to open himself with the mercurial Walshe. Walshe perished quickly when he waved his bat to a wide ball and was easily caught at point for naught. He trudged off to allow the in form Hodgson the Elder an early visit to the wicket.

Hodgson the Elder who had scored loads of runs over the past few games was also following the Walshe slow walk back when he misjudged a ball that moved off the seam and thinned edged into his stumps - out for 7 runs the Doms were struggling at 2-24 and more calamitous batting saw Morris wind his weary way back to the pavilion with the score only on 28 - and awful awful shot.

The Old Westies  tails were up and a massive reconstruction job was needed with only two "recognised" batsmen at the crease. Rolex and Hands needed to get their heads down and build up a respectable score. They did just that, they slowly pushed the score on taking few if any chances against some testing bowling and at the 20 over drinks break the Doms score was on 86-3.

After the short break Rolex and Hands continued at their pace and eventually Hands reached a very unorthodox 50, this was soon followed up by a Rolex 50 who's parents must have been proud of their "little lad" getting a deserved 50. Perhaps they will treat him to a new bat as his old favourite bit the dust in a big way!

But with overs running out and still 7 batsmen to come in the run rate was not lifted when 210'sh should have been on the cards. Both Rolex and Hands innings ended without a bang but they had put runs on the board something that the Doms bowlers may be able to defend.

It was good to see Arran Walker knocking the ball around for a good 10 not out and debutant Peter Boynton ( a nickname is being considered) looked like he had held a bat before and walked off 5 not out. Perhaps we will see more of Peter over the season.

Well tea was taken with the Doms on an under par 178-5 in their 40 overs. A difficult score to defend with the Westies big hitters and a ground that a score of 260 is par. It was a reasonable Doms tea although Hodgson the Elders cake offering was well below par with the Battenberg looking like it had been cut with a cricket bat!  The pizza looked good this week for a change, plenty of filling and very edible. Debutant Boynton failed the sandwich test by failing to cut his sandwiches into quarters!

The Westies looked up for a quick run dash and an even quicker dash to the bar. Rolex and Hunt opened and again Rolex failed to get the reward his bowling deserved and ended up with just one wicket for 32 in his eight over spell. Hunt also got a wicket although he did get some tap. He too was unlucky as the ball flashed off the edge. One amusing moment was seen as the batsman edged a screamer between keeper Hodgson the Elder and Last at second slip who managed to get a finger on the ball. A distraught Hunt moved Last to first slip. However he was even more perplexed when the very next ball was thick edged to second slip from where he had just moved Last - don't follow the ball is the old adage!

Last and Walshe turned their arms over with Walshe getting tonked for his two overs and Last holding the batsmen scoring back with a tidy 0-18. At the drinks break the comparative scores were even with the Westies scoring about 6 or so runs more the Doms at this stage of the match.

A twist in the match followed the resumption. Big black clouds rushed over the trees on Sheep Skull boundary and the players rushed off as the skies opened. Frantic rushing and and flapping about as the players rushed the covers on. Now to the casual reader this may seem a reasonable thing to do. But the players put the covers on the adjoining wicket allowing all the water to run off the covers onto the playing surface of the match wicket! (Editors Note - there was a reason why the players put the covers on the adjoining wicket, this was not just the Doms stupidity).

With the rain over the teams squelched over to the wicket that was now floating in fresh rain. The Doms could have at this stage taken the easy option and called off the match as the wicket was now unplayable and retired to the bars for drinks but in true Old Doms spirit it was agreed to play the remaining overs on the all weather strip which would give the Westies an added advantage of a very short six hit boundary.

Last replaced Hodgson the Elder behind the stumps as Hodgson the Elder, Rolex and Morris tried to bowl the Westies out. They toiled away, wickets and runs were eked out. Hands Anstey who a few balls before was nutmeged  with ease took a tremendous one handed catch that was trade mark Hands. Morris managed to catch two without being hit on the head.

Things were getting tense as the Westies lost wickets and were about 10 runs short with only one batsman to come in when Walshe failed to hold on to a catch off Hodgson the Elders bowling. A few balls later the relieved batsman thick edged for four to win the match.

A great last ditch effort by the Doms but the match was lost by the loss of the early wickets and the failure to get 20 or 30 runs more. It was a good game with plenty of twists and turns but it was the Doms first defeat in four games and they will want to get back to winning ways next Thursday when they take on Old Moseley Arms on the Bromsgrove track.

Go to the News page for some interesting pictures from yesterdays match! 

The Roving Reporters Star Player will be picked from his short list of players - you can vote using the Old Doms vote caster to indicate who you thought was the Star Player . Vote now and the result will be announced before the next Doms Match Report.

10th July update ...The Vote is now OVER - the result of the players vote for Star Player for the match against Hewell is... Justin who polled 10 votes, Rolex 1 votes, Stato voted for himself!

Arran Walker and Pradeep filling the team vacancies and Last back in for Rolex who was busy buying a dress. Morris put the Hewell lads in after the toss was won. Again the wicket looked full of runs and 160 plus would be the minimum that Morris expected to chase down later in the evening.

Gazelle Moore and Hodgson the Elder were given the new ball which was not seen again after the fourth ball as is was crashed to the long on boundary and now nestles somewhere in the undergrowth. The Hewell openers kept the score board ticking over as Hodgson the Elder went for 8 an over. He was taken off to rest somewhere in the outfield never to be seen bowling again during the match. Gazelle trundled in and captured two good wickets, bowling a straight line and at a pace which forced the batsmen to try and hit the ball hard. 2-26 off his allocated four was top drawer against the Hewell top order batsmen. Sammy Moore could only look on in awe!

Arran Walker was tossed the ball by Morris and immediate had the batsmen struggling. He also had Morris struggling when the batsman tried to get Walker away and chipped a simple catch to Morris, with the batsman walking back to the pavilion Morris somehow had forgotten all the catching training he was given as the big "W" was nowhere near the ball when it bounced off his forehead. He fell to the floor quicker than Chickin running 100 yards. It all looked so dramatic as Kman rushed to his aide. A sad episode.

Non the less Walker finished off his four overs with a respectable 2-23. Perry again bowled well in the conditions, straight and keeping the pace off the balls 2-29 when the Hewell lads were stepping up the run rate was a good containing Perry haul.

With the Hewell batsmen trying to push the score along Morris turned to the Pedro and Last to squeeze the run rate. Pedro picked up a good wicket to add to his good catch.

Last kept the runs down with a mixture of deliveries  designed to force the batsmen into hitting to one part of the ground. His 1-18 was useful but where the 18 runs had come from off his overs remains a mystery to him!

There were some minor fielding bloopers, Philo had his usual allocation of turning ones into fours but generally on a fast outfield Hewell's 149-9 look well under par and they would need to bowl well to contain the Doms run machine.

Sam Moore and Philo were given the responsibility of getting the Doms reply off to a belter. It took them nearly two overs to get the first run, a steady start by Moore and Walshe! With the score on 25 both openers were back in the changing room, Walshe had scored nothing and Moore scored 8 times better than Walshe's nothing.

Hodgson the Elder who had blasted the Hewell attack for 130 in the last encounter looked on with some dismay as Peddu and Kman came and went with little added to the score 4-41 and overs starting to drift away.

Morris still confused by his head injury joined Hodgson the Elder and that was it as far as a game was concerned as they thrashed the ball to all parts of the ground. The dashing between the wickets looked fantastic for those sitting in the shade of the evening but Hodgson the Elder was getting a good sweat on and building another big personal score. He past his 50 with no celebration - a sign of the times for Hodgson the Elder as a 50 is not much of a milestone for him. He did however receive some "personal coaching" from the boundary by Hodgson the Minor who belted out "Come on Daddy" at the most appropriate times during the Elders innings.

The Doms passed Hewell's target score with ease, Morris 35 not out and Hodgson the Elder a useful 75 not out. A good all round team performance.

The Doms now take on the Westies on Sunday with only a handful of players available. Pedro packing for a school jolly on Monday. Why not pack before Sunday? Perry on a promise, a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed and Rolex still wearing a dress. Walshe has a BBQ, yes a BBQ. Why not have it on Saturday? Its all a mystery to those who are playing!!

The Roving Reporters Star Player will be picked from his short list of players - you can vote using the Old Doms vote caster to indicate who you thought was the Star Player . Vote now and the result will be announced before the next Doms Match Report.

6th July update ...The Vote is now OVER - the result of the players vote for Star Player for the match against Hewell is... Dave Moore who polled 5 votes, Hodgies 75not out was worth only 4 votes, Stato voted for himself with Arran and Perry getting no votes at all!!

Seven days ago the Old Doms bowlers bowled the opposition out only to be let down by an inept batting display. On this occasion a well disciplined performance with both bat and ball saw the Doms home comfortably against a good Springhill side.

The match started late, the Springhill boys seemingly having as much trouble getting to our ground as Rob Rolls had getting to theirs. Springhill won the toss and chose to bat. With the track hard and dry and with a lightening quick outfield the Doms would have to be at their best to keep the score in the 250 region.

The side saw two changes from the Sportsman game. Last (convict watch) and Tom Hickin (snipers bullet) were out and Wright and Blount came in for rare weekend appearances.

Rolls and Mark Hunt opened the bowling and again produced excellent spells. After 10 overs the score was 32-0 and the openers were replaced by Perry and Colin Hunt.

Hunt has been a partnership breaker in recent weeks and in his first over he had Keeling LBW. Perry took wickets in consecutive overs and at drinks 66-3 represented an excellent effort by the Old Doms team. Drinks seemed to refresh the Springhill batsman who began to show more urgency in their batting which, together with some poor Doms discipline got them back in the game. With Perry and Hunt bowled out and without an obvious 5^th bowler Morris chose to bowl himself and Walshe in tandem. This could have been the opportunity for Springhill to get away but the occasional bowlers held their nerve bowling an impressive 4-24 off their 8 overs.

Rolls and Hunt came back to finish off and with impeccable timing Hunt took a c&b off the final ball to leave Springhill 164 all out. Hunt took 3-29 in an impressive Doms display. The fielding was, on the whole good, on a very hot day. Special mention to the keeper Hickin who stood up to the wicket for most of the bowlers and who was rewarded with a sharp stumping.

The tea was a so so affair notable for some quality mature cheese sandwiches and by the interesting breaded chicken ‘cakes’ produced by Hands Anstey.

With sensible batting the required total should have been comfortable and so it proved. Openers Walshe and Wright set about blunting the opening attack and were progressing steadily until Wright, in a moment of madness, was run out by a direct hit. Wright chose to walk, as umpire Hunt was asleep, and was applauded off by the opposition. Walshe followed soon after and at 20-2 after 10 overs the Doms were making things look difficult. A few loose overs, suitably punished by Morris and the big hitting Perry, saw the run rate increase and when Perry was out Rolls carried on in the same vein. Morris and Rolls put on 54 for the fourth wicket before Morris was out to a lame shot. That was to be the last wicket to fall as Hickin and Rolls saw the Doms home comfortably with a series of quality shots.

An excellent all round performance from all involved. (including our wonderful scorers)

Well the Doms certainly stopped the rot of three consecutive defeats by bouncing back in style with a 8wks drubbing of Selly Oak Hospital Exiles. It was the teams first meeting for many a year and the first time the Exiles have played on our run fest wicket. They will have learnt some lesson I'm sure when they reflect on the score book.

The Exiles skipper called wrong and Morris put them into bat. The Doms team for tonight's match may not be considered the strongest turning out but  proved that the young Rowans helped put some bite into the Doms fielding and did not let the team down. A number of the "senior" players should take note of Luke and Dan's energy and skills in the field.

The pitch looked  superb and full of runs and the outfield trimmed to perfection to allow easy passage for the ball to zoom to the outskirts of the playing area. The Exile openers must have thought they were in paradise as they rattle to score along at around 6 or so an over off Sam Moore and Hodgson the Elder. The latter's spell  a very credible 0-18 with a couple of sharp chances missed and Moore a tad more expensive but looking in better rhythm.

With the Exiles score moving on Walshe and Morris turned their arms over in hope to slow the rate down and both finished well with wickets being picked up. Walshe as usual picked up a "glory" catch, no need to move just a gentle stretch of the arms over his head.

The Exiles number 5 when batting looked to power on the runs rate hitting both Last and Morris for big 6's but Last was sorely  disappointed when skilfully luring the belligerent six hitter to do the same with a much slower ball skied into the air. Both Peddu and Walshe a couple of feet away from the falling ball wandered in aimlessly and watched the ball hit the turf, no shout, no attempt. Ghastly to watch. Last fuming.

But Last had the Last laugh when the Exile six hitter was again deceived by the flight and guile of a slower ball top edged into the air, thankfully Peddu and Walshe were not in the vicinity of the spinning ball. However there was one spinning player who got under the ball - Hodgson the Elder did 3 pirouettes before he realised he was directly under the falling ball which he gathered cleanly and Last's prayers were answered.

The Last - Hodgson the Elder pairing cleaned up the final two wickets to fall, another thin edge to the keeper and a run out off the final ball. The death over went for just one run.

It was a good session for the Doms but one could tell that the Exiles had a spring in their step as the sauntered out to defend 153. They must have been very pleased with the runs they amassed but little did they know what was to follow.

Walshe and Moore blasted away from the blocks like Ben Chambers on an infusion of Red Bull. Sam hitting the ball very hard and Walshe sprinting two's and the occasional three. The first four overs were going at around 12 an over when Walshe look to bully the ball out of the park was well caught at deep mid off and his supporting cameo was over.

The brought no rest for the Exile bowlers who by now must have realised that 153 on this track was 50 below a defendable total. Hodgson the Elder and Sam Moore creamed the ball all over the park with big shots and with the score on 131 Hodgson the Elder basted a six hit which was very well caught the deep mid wicket fielder who caught the ball over his head and fell back across the line but for some reason sympathy was given and Hodgson the Elder walked when the umpire declared the catch "legal" for a masterful 34 runs.

Moore and Peddu kept the pace going until the Doms raced past the total needed with over five overs remaining. It was a masterful batting display by Moore who ended on 85 not out. A good knock with only a few difficult chances given.

So a great win for the Doms and the Exiles left for home licking their wounds. It will be some time before they forget about their first foray to Bromsgrove the lad of big runs.

The Roving Reporters Star Player will be picked from his short list of players - you can vote using the Old Doms vote caster to indicate who you thought was the Star Player . Vote now and the result will be announced before the next Doms Match Report. 

28th June update ...The Vote is now OVER - the result of the players vote for Star Player for the match against Sportsman is... Sam Moore who polled 6 votes  - Hodgy and Jonners sadly 1 vote each.

This is the "top" pitch up the hill from the main ground. Its the first time the Doms had played there for over 10 years. Its a small ground in a bowl with a very deceiving outfield.

The rules of cricket go out of the window in this match - no LBW's, only two overs each bowler and walk off if you manage 25 runs. Wide's, of which there were many count as two runs and no extra ball - joke stuff and not for the cricket purist so it was surprising to see Jonners and Last playing in toy town cricket.

The Roving Reporter also considers this as a bit of a non match so the report will be tinged with moments of derision! The Doms won the toss and put the Whitehill boys in to bat and a good looking track and a lush outfield. The sun was dropping and would cause problems for those asked to field on the railway track side of the ground.

The openers got away to a good start and runs were clocking up. I think Manoj got the first wicket, its difficult to know really as the score book was so poorly completed Stato was seen crying in the corner of the bar as he tried to make sense of the data entered. Manoj finished with 1-20. Philo had a tight spell conceding just 8 off his two. Perry and Last kept the score down without much luck. Talking of luck, Last got away with another trip to Selly Oak A&E by the skin of his teeth. Fielding at long off the ball was thrashed along the ground at pace. Last, down, long barrier waits for the ball to hit his hands. Then with the ball only a couple of yards away it takes off vertically and whizzes over his head into the field behind him!

This near miss was not the only one as a number of players were caught out by the deceptive outfield and its most surprising that there are no emergency dental visits being made this morning.

The young lads bowled very well and Nick Rowan capped a good spell  with a wicket. The boys were also excellent in the outfield, no fumbles all clean picking up and straight into the keeper, it was really good to watch.

Whilst we mention the keeper it was a performance by IKEA that was not to be forgotten, there was more fumbles than in a bus load of fumbles, more runs outs missed than than you could imaging - he made Chickin look like Alan Knott, well like Alan Knott's mother. Although IKEA was involved in a bit of amusing showmanship, IKEA actually gathers the ball in his gloves whilst the batsman is half way down the track after trying to smash a big six. IKEA taunts the batsman by not bothering to take the bails off. Eventually after the batsman makes the long journey back to his crease IKEA decides to tip the bail off. If only were had a video running!

Well other than Morris dropping a dolly and Jonners acting like a big girl "the suns in my eyes" who turns his back on the ball nothing much happened.

Wright and Walshe opened to chase down 163. Walshe was out for one run, awful shot selection, Manoj bowled, how you get bowled when there is no LBW's is a mystery.

Lusty hitting from Perry and Wright kept the Doms in touch. Last joined Perry and completed half of his shot section  repertoire before top edging to the keeper. Morris completed a quick 25 before cruelly running out  young Luke. Jonners, the French cricket king  throws all this hard learnt skill aside and lets the ball pass his pads and is bowled without an LBW shout in sight.

The Doms ended 22 short. It mattered not to the purist, the game will stand in the records for all to see but I'm sure Morris, Wright and Perry would concede that their runs were not the hardest harvested in this toy town sort of cricket game.

The team now prepares for a proper game tomorrow against Selly Oak Hospital a team that Doms had not played for many a year so it will be good to see how the game pans out.