Catch up on the Roving Reporters 2010 season match reports here..... 

The last time the Doms played the Coftonians lads we were well out played, today's result was much the the same. The Doms line up looked much the same as the match in June when the visitors racked up over 300 runs and ran out winners by 156 runs. This time the Doms bowled much better  but the batting was again limp with only three getting into double figures and the winning margin was down to only 58 runs this time. 

It all looked promising, the sun out after some early morning showers as Pedro got to choose to bowl first. Last and Pedro opened and kept things tight, Last still suffering from the torn hamstring adopted the Stuart Rich run up - one step and let the ball go! Pedro was first to trouble the bats men seeing a ball fly off the edge between keeper and th static hamstring of Last. But he was reward a little later when he removed one of the openers. A few overs later Last plucked a caught and bowl out of the air. Both were then rested. 

Adie and Colin Hunt then bowled through their eight overs. At the 20 over drinks break the visitors had 87 runs on the board and were finding it hard to accumulate quickly. Adie went unrewarded but produced an economical 0-35 whilst Colin Hunt was bowled out taking 1-45. 

The makeshift bowlers of Walsh, Humphries and Morris twirled their arms over  and did a decent job, Walshe 4 overs 1-17 and Morris 1-10 off two. 

An amazing drop was seen as Hands Anstey "mouthed" a ball - some sort of trick catch going wrong? Colin Hunt nowhere near a skier (sun in his eyes?) but all in all the fielding was good, particularly Morris sprinting all over the place - he really looks to have secured the boundary defensive position. Sadly some heads drooped again as the going got tough! 

So 223 to win with 9 wickets available, after two overs it was 222 to win with 7 wickets available. Walshe bowled by a grubber and Last finding the fielder with a cracking drive.. The we saw some positive batting as Morris and Chickin eased runs around the park but with the 222 looking very gettable Chickin for the second successive match was run out, two very unnecessary run out  through not ground his bat - pillock! 3-98 

Hands joined Morris and the runs continued to flow but with the score on 117  Morris was well caught for a good knock of 51. Hands continued to belt the ball around but on 147 he was caught and it was all over as the next four "batsmen" perished. 

164 - 9 and the Doms had lost again.

Dropped Catches: 3  -   Running Season total 96 

The Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is Steve Morris for his 51 and a wicket but more for his fielding which was such an unusual feat for the man!

Rolex doesn't love us any more
Golden runs before they end
Whisper secrets to the wind
Our Rolex won't be near us any more

Bender nights before he goes
Send falling wickets that seem to cry
Old Rolex doesn't want us any more
It's over

It breaks our wickets in two, to know he's been untrue
But oh what will we do? When he says to us
There's someone new, we're through we're through
It's over It's over It's over

All the rain clouds in the sky
Start to weep, then say goodbye
We won't be seeing Rolex's late arrivals any more
Getting runs before he falls, echo to you that's all that's all
But the Doms will see greater victories after all

It's over It's over It's over It's over...

With apologies to Roy Orbison

Well the heavens opened during the evening before the Doms match against Old Moseley Arms but the Ashfield ground was damp but playable. The Doms shorn of some quality players looked to make this third match against Old Mose a third victory. Rolex playing his final game for the Doms was given the honour of leading the team - could he leave the Doms with a win? Well he did win the toss from that point on not much else went right.  

Rolex gave the responsibility to young Rich and Adie to open up the Old Mose batting line up but they failed to use the bowler favourable wicket and went for over 5 an over for the first 8 before Rolex decided to ring the changes. Both Adie and Rich bowled to many short pitched balls that sat up on the "pudding" like strip giving the batsmen time to select the appropriate shot.  

Morris and Hunt were called onto stem the flow of runs which they did. Hunt picking up the first wicket and Morris nearly had an orgasm when he bowled an hapless Mose batsman. Hunt and Morris bowled out 4-66 off their 16 overs brought the game back towards something of an even match.  

The crowd were waiting for some spin from Rich Snr to race through the batting line up but alas Rolex continued with the medium stuff. Dolly got thumped for 44 off 4. The final set of overs were bowled by Rolex and a returning Adie. They got wickets at regular intervals without bowling well as the home teams innings ran out of steam on 213.  

The fielding performance was good and keen but the damp outfield aided their cause reducing the number of boundary shots. Somehow Morris was prised out of slip as Rolex moved from fielding in the wilderness to accompany Chickin near to the wicket. Good catches were taken but two more went down.

So with tea being taken Rolex pondered his batting line up.....Walshe and Chickin were the chosen two to set the Doms on their way and they got the Doms off to a cracking start with boundaries and quick run singles, but with the score racing onto 37 Chickin with a little more effort should have been safely home instead he waved his bat in the air and was run out when a big score was possible.

Skipper Rolls now in looking for a final big score looked uneasy but was content to let the inform Walshe lead the run chase. All was going well until Walshe  gloved a ball dropping onto the wicket which just dislodged the bails. 2-54, the next 8 wickets went down for a paltry 34 runs. Awful shots being played against some average bowling. The Doms were bowled out for 89 runs a dismal performance making the Old Mose team looking a far better team than the Doms which on the day they were.

It was a sad way for Rolex to leave the Doms for green pasture up north but as captain he must know he shoulders the responsibility for the defeat. It was such a poor defeat that even the local police were called to investigate rumours of match fixing!!

Dropped Catches: 2  -   Running Season total 93 

The Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is not given for this match as no one deserved this award.

The sun was up high in the sky after the previous days downpours but the ground and the wicket looked good for the Old Doms match against yet another Bromsgrove XI, a mixture of youth with the steadying hand of Nick Husbands. The stands were packed for this game which saw skipper Perry opting to bat first and set the Boars lads a formidable target. 

The Doms line up was packed with batting right down to Adie at number 8. Rolls and Last were soon into their stride with some nifty singles. Rolls more aggressive whilst Last looked to support and build. The bowling was excellent, swing and accuracy from both ends but Rolls soon belted a few boundaries. But with the score on 26 and Rolls eyeing a big score he was given out leg before. In his mind Rolls thought it was a poor decision as he trudged off. 

Big hitting Hodgy joined Last, the score rattled on with a huge 6 plundered by Last walking down the wicket to the hapless bowler. But then disaster struck, Last calling for a quick single traumatically collapsed with a torn hamstring as he dived successfully into the crease. Dusting himself down a runner was called for, but where was the only player able to act as runner? The call went out for Rolls, sadly he was sat in the bar watching Forest vs Leeds. Reluctantly with no runner available Last had to depart and retire injured, a big innings in the making had been cut short. 

Morris joined Hodgson and those in the stand sat back to watch the mater batsmen score big. Morris looking dreadfully out of nick scratched around whilst Hodgson looked less convincing than normal. With the score on 70 Hodgson tamely chipped the ball back to the bowler. It was now 2-70 as Perry marched onto the batting scene and immediately started to crack some lusty boundaries. At the drinks break the Doms were well placed with the score somewhere in the 90's. 

Sadly for Perry Rolex had returned from the comfort of his TV armchair and promptly gave Perry out caught behind. It looked a good decision, Perry thought otherwise. Hotspot later confirmed the Umpire was correct. 

By this time Morris had somehow found some form and the runs started to flow off his bat and he passed yet another 50 with some ease. The Hickin boys came and went and the score petered out on 234-5, Morris's defences un-breeched for an excellent 70 not out. 

Tea was taken. 

The Bromsgrove boys bowled well but fielded sloppily but how would they bat? Young Rich bowled down the hill with some venom and took an early wicket. Hunt bowled up hill and got some early treatment and was taken off much to Hunts displeasure after 4 to save him from further punishment. 

Hodgson bowled up hill and was very accurate collecting two wickets and ended on 2-28 off his 8 overs. Meanwhile Rolls steaming in downhill  generated some pace and swing and collected wickets at regular intervals but the batsmen swung and collected to many boundaries for Rolls liking 3-46. 

Dolly Hickin bowled a short economical spell picking up a wicket with his first ball, one wonders why he was rested and not to be seen again 1-6 off three. 

There were two very good catches taken, one Hodgson diving to his right clutched the ball inches for the turf whilst "old wobbly knees" held a very good slip catch.  

We then saw the youngest ever Old Dom take the field. Will Anstey aged 6 and a bit raced around the boundary looking for the ball and backing up, not sure where he gets the talent from, Jonners, Justin? The jury is out on that one. 

234 was a daunting total for the youngsters but they kept going and all looked technically good batsmen but the Doms proved to strong and their final wicket went with the score on 183 some 51 runs short. 

A good performance by the Doms, generally the fielding was good although we saw three dropped catches, we are nearing the 100th dropped catch for the season - who will be that person to drop that milestone?

Dropped Catches: 3  -   Running Season total 91 

The Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is Steve Morris for a good batting display despite the scratchy start and of course that excellent slip catch.

Well we know its getting to the rear end of the season when you realise tonight's match is the final midweek game of  2010 and we nearly didn't have this game as Tividale CC couldn't raise a team so our favourite hosts stepped in to the breech and found than many of the seconds and a smattering of firsts were doing nothing in particular and agreed to send out a team.

With Pedro protecting his bowling averages in Espanola Perry picked up the baton and was off running, well in his case it was a quick hobble.... Not the strongest bowling line up to work with against what would be a very strong and talented batting team but Perry put the Boars into bat.

Last and Dolly were given the unenviable task of keeping the Boars from streaking away from the off. Both bowled very well and the batsmen found the slow pace of the balls difficult to get off the square. With some very energetic fielding Last finished on 0-23, rueing two sloppy deliveries that went for fours spoiling a tight four overs. Dolly bowled out with equally good figures of 1-28. So with 8 overs gone the Bromsgrove boys were finding life hard to raise a good total. After 8 overs the batting team had mustered 52 runs.

Perry then looked around to see who could keep control of the score rate as Last and Dolly had done so well. Various players stepped up to the mark and were pasted to all parts of the ground. The last 12 overs of the innings being smashed around at over 11 and over. After Humphries remarkable first game haul of wickets his bowling was found out, Perry "resting" him after going for 27 off two overs.

Jonners got the treatment 0-31 off two. We then get to the wicket takers. Perry bowling up the hill must have thanked his good judgement for putting Philo on the deep mid-off boundary as two shots destined for sixes fell invitingly into safe hands. He ended with 3 wickets but at a cost of 41 runs. Occasional bowler Morris somehow managed two wickets but still leaked 35 runs.

In a 20/20 slog the bowlers need to restrict runs, it seemed like some of the bowlers tonight were happy to buy wickets at the expense of runs!

To the fielding, some very good stuff and some very ugly stuff. Dolly was charging about on the boundary and made some very athletic stops, maybe the pink knickers he was wearing helped. Piper some how didn't see a ball struck into the sky above him which landed a couple of feet away from him off Perry's bowling. At one point keeper Hickin went missing leaving Morris perplexed.

The best episode of awful fielding was the competition Perry and Morris had. Not sure who won. I'm not sure but I think this was the scenario. Morris bowling, the player hits ball towards Tank on the boundary, Tank makes a hash of it and four scored. Morris bowls another, same shot to same fielder, same result Tank pushes ball for four.

Tank bowls uphill with Morris in Cow corner, batsman thrashes the wayward ball straight to Morris who sensing a nutmeg wobbled his knees and the ball shot past him for four. Couple of balls later a similar event with Morris turning a one run shot into a four. Head shaking time.

Well what was to be an easy canter if only Dolly and Last could have bowled the 20 overs now turned into a run chase of nearly 10 an over.

Wright and Walshe open and looked good until Wrighty was caught behind for a paltry 2 runs, 1-17. Morris and Walsh kept the Doms in the hunt and at the 8 over mark were only just short of the required rate. With the score on 67 Walshe still traumatised by "used" sheets and a disturbing encounter with a Travel Lodge (Cheshunt) room maid was bowled for 18.

Chickin managed to get his first runs against the Bromsgrove boys and started to bat well. With the score on 72 Morris played an awful shot and was bowled for 31, how many times this season have we seen shots from Morris ending like this?

The innings then started to crumble as the run rate soared to new heights and the lights finally went out with the Doms 59 runs short on 133-6.

A game full of good and poor cricket, sometimes the Doms play this way!

Dropped Catches: 1  -   Running Season total 88 

The Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is Dolly for a good all round performance with some great boundary saves (Morris and Perry pull your socks up).

“It will be the toughest match of the tour”.  This was the intelligence report which Skipper Mark Hunt passed on to the Doms at the pre-match briefing at Tour HQ (Stalag Travelodge). 

The Doms players and supporters pondered on this information as the convoy wound it’s way through Epping Forest and arrived at Woodford Green CC in Chingford, on time with no-one missing. 

There was a warm welcome from the Woodford Green lads who proudly explained that their club was the third oldest cricket club in the country, with records going back to 1735. 

The Skipper won the toss on this warm and sunny afternoon and decided to field.  The Old Doms supporters settled in to the comfortable chairs which had been provided and prepared for an enjoyable afternoon of watching cricket and dodging wasps. 

The Woodford Green openers strode to the wicket and the scale of the challenge facing the Doms soon became apparent.  The Doms opening bowlers worked hard with no return and the ball regularly found the boundary (Rich 19 off 3 and Hunt M 42 0ff 8). 

It was clear that Woodford Green had a very strong batting line up – a South African whose classy stroke play was the product of 7 years spent with the Essex youth development programme, the 1^st XI and 2^nd XI captains and a wicket keeper/batsman who was a prolific scorer in the local leagues. 

However, the Doms were undaunted and a change of bowling soon brought results with Tom Perry trapping one of the openers on the crease.  He departed having scored 31 runs and was replaced by a promising 15 year old who went on to score 51. 

The mid section of the innings was a procession of 4’s and 6’s as the Doms bowlers worked hard to make the breakthrough (Hodgson 34 off 5, Rolls 30 off 3, Hunt C 50 off 6, and Perry 1 for 36 off 8).  It has to be said that this situation was not helped by dropped catches (more on this later). 

At this point it looked as though the quality of the South African batsman would take him on to a very high score (having already been dropped off Colin Hunt’s bowling).  But it was not to be, he was caught off the bowling of Kath Adie by John Hodgson for 86. 

In strode the 1^st XI skipper who hit a rapid 18 before being caught by keeper Dave Wright off Kath’s bowling.  He was followed by the burly keeper whose score of 34 not out included some big sixes.  The only other wicket taken was that of the 2^nd XI skipper who was caught by Tom Perry off the bowling of Kath for 20. 

By far the most impressive bowling performance was that of Kath Adie – 4 for 40 off 7 overs.

The innings of Woodford Green closed with a total of 253 for 5 from the 40 overs. 

And so to the fielding – 6 dropped catches, one nutmeg and a number of fumbles.  You might think that this was poor, however, the pressure created by the quality of the batting caused even the most reliable Doms fielders to make uncharacteristic errors.  On the plus side there was some brilliant fielding with all of the Doms contributing.  The highlights were the fielding of Kath and Tom at cover and point respectively, and the diving stops by Mark on the third man boundary.  However the fielding performance of the day was that of young Jonah Rolls on the long off boundary who saved at least three 4’s. 

The most artistic moment of the innings came from Phil Walshe who prevented a boundary by flicking the ball into the air with his foot, executing a deft pirouette and ended by catching the ball one handed. As one observer remarked, this move owed more to Come Dancing than cricket. 

Tea was taken and the Old Doms reflected on the task ahead as they enjoyed the excellent cakes and sandwiches. 

The batting was opened by Wright and Rolls who settled in early and began to accumulate runs.  However, with the platform only half finished, Dave was out for 13 and was justifiably disappointed with the shot. 

He was replaced by John Hodgson who scored 41 before being caught by the keeper.  However, the partnership with Rob Rolls took the Old Doms total to 106 and gave momentum to the innings. 

Phil Walshe was the next to take guard and the spectators were treated to an exciting display of big hitting as Rob and Phil took on the bowling in a partnership of 94.  Unfortunately, Phil was out for 44 as he tried to accelerate the scoring, however, the Doms players and supporters began to feel that with the score on 200, the match could be won.  The anticipation was heightened by the knowledge that the Doms still had two batsmen who could smite the ball into the next county. 

One of them was Tom Perry who had decided to go for it from the first delivery – alas, his swashbuckling innings only lasted for one ball. 

Not to worry, in strode Justin “Hands” Anstey and after his two consecutive 6’s in the penultimate over the Doms supporters were jubilant and the Woodford Green guys seriously worried. 

Then came the moment when the Doms challenge faltered, Rob Rolls was stumped whilst attempting another big hit.  He was out for 105 – a magnificent century which combined patience, fine stroke play and controlled aggression.  Rob received a well deserved ovation as he left the field. 

The Doms ran out of overs, the valiant challenge was ultimately in vain and Justin was 21 not out, James Hickin 4 not out and the total of 243 was just 11 runs short of Woodford Green total. 

It was a fitting end to a successful tour with a close finish against a quality team who were the perfect hosts.  It was a match in keeping with the traditional values of cricket played at a ground which helped to shape the game in it’s fledgling years. 

Finally, the issue of Player of the Match.  There were two clear contenders, firstly, Kath for her bowling and fielding, it was amusing to note that as she took wicket after wicket the Woodford Green batsmen became more and more apprehensive about going out to face her bowling.  Then there is Rob’s century which held the Doms innings together and took the total to within touching distance of the required score for victory. 

Dropped Catches: 6  -   Running Season total 87 

The stand in Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is on balance  that Rob Rolls is the Player of the Match. 

On behalf of the tourists and the supporters the Roving Reporter would like to thank all whose hard work made the tour possible – especially Mark Hunt.

Our guest reporter for this game began taking notes early on, getting into the swing of things, rehearsing cricketing analogies, preparing to statistically analyse every stroke played......and most of all trying not to take his own life through boredom on a seven hour car journey with Filo and Jonners rattling on about all sorts of boring sh*te......God bless them both....!  Eventually after a brief detour around the entire perimeter of London, the Doms turned up en masse, most of them driving around, through or over cyclists as they entered the park the way they weren't allowed to.
 
Sadly there was no ground available and the match was played on the surface of the moon, a strong looking Doms line up welcoming back Dave Wright into the fold, and behind the stumps, and most of first slip.
 
Rain threatened, and thus with cries of 'they're a Brummy team lads we might need a translator', (this report will not bow to such childish parochial racism!) Harold (oops Mr. Rothschild how's your apples and pears) Park began their innings.  The Doms soon began to turn the screw of pressure, and Alex and Marko bowled tightly from their respective ends from the outset - the far end being the most unpredictable with the near end offering the odd slow bouncer.  The Doms' fielding performance was excellent, and with pressure mounting all the time, for much of the game there were four behind the bat and two close catchers, such was the Doms dominance against their cockney barrow boy rivals.  Nevertheless Harold Park made it to 37 before the first wicket fell to Alex Rich. 
 
Marko working up a sweat then handed on to Rolex, and Hodgy came steaming in from the top end, getting bounce, and roll sometimes in the same over.  The screw was well and truly applied, and Harold began to struggle.  Hodgy was unlucky not to get more for his efforts, finishing with 1 for 11 off 6, but Rolex claimed his first ever Doms Michelle (work it out....), taking 5 for 13 off 7 overs with one double wicket maiden.  The highlights perhaps being the twice successful 'bounce off the belly of a cockney' delivery which hits said batsman and loops over their shoulder onto the wicket.  A touch lucky perhaps but a bail braking 5 for put a smile on Rolex's face by the close of play.
 
The Doms kept it tight although when the younger HP players came on they relaxed a little and had to be encouraged to keep at it as a sharp slip chance went begging towards the end of the HP innings.
 
After twenty overs Jellied Eels were taken, and some of the boys were already looking forward to a couple down the old Nuclear Sub. 
 
Despite the best efforts of the youth wing of Harold Park a slender total of 86 was posted, as the skies kept clear. 
 
Wright and Walshe opened for the Doms, and looked to struggle somewhat against the pitch, Wright and then Rolex victims of the far end.  Filo whilst looking good was a victim of (in his own words), 'the ball going down a different line from the one I had decided to play'.  However a couple of lusty blows from Hodgy and Justin saw us home very comfortably.  In the words of our performance director '86 all out boys...? translate that...'.

Dropped Catches: 1  -   Running Season total 81 

The stand in Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is……some good work all round, tight fielding which was good to see, but it goes to Rolex for his 5 wickets and attempting to fill Tanks vocal encouragements!

Addendum to the match report, a message sent to the Doms Forum Inbox from David Fenton ( Harold Wood)

Glad to se you had a better game against Woodford Green even if you did not win and are probably still trying to squeeze out of the changing room!

David Fenton ( the left handed old fart who spent rather too long at the crease and has the bruises to confirm he should have given up long ago!)

A Twenty20 slog against our old chums from South Loughton was next on the tour itinerary. Not the most scenic of grounds, flat and lacking any focal point of interest. All the big hitting guns of the Doms tour party had turned up which gave a selection headache for Morris, 15 players to choose from so not wanting to make the decision himself coins were tossed and Hodgy fell at the first toss with a tail to his name.

The most unusual method of tossing by the respective Captains took place, Anstey Snr produced a coin from Jersey, the difficulty was that in Jersey they still use paper. The "coin" was tossed into the air and took flight on a gust of win but after a chase was caught and found to have landed "tails" up giving the home captain the right to choose.

 The Slashers would bat first on the rather overcast and dull evening. Our old mate Terry opened for the Slashers and was not troubled in any way by the Doms bowling and walked off at the end undefeated.

The Slashers from the start tucked into some sloppy short bowling and soon the score was racing along. The fielding was not the sharpest and the Doms were getting fractious as miss fields were made and catches were dropped. With eight overs gone and Kman still somewhere in Essex Hodgy became part of the eleven.

Only Hodgy bowled with venoum but went unrewarded as did most of the bowlers as the Slashers ended the 20 overs on 185-2

So 186 to win at 9.3 an over, no problems as the Doms had chased down this score and more a number of times this season. Rolls and Rolex started well but not at the right rate and with 8 overs gone Hodgy was caught on the boundary going for his second maximum, 1-40. Morris the snail joined Rolex and they eked out runs but at a rate well below par against some reasonable bowling. Rolex out just short of a 50 but the game had long gone as the Doms innings embarrassingly terminated on a meagre 106 for the loss of only two wickets. Its hard to say why we only scored at just over 5 an over when the Doms regularly post over 150 in 20/20 matches.

This was a very ordinary performance for the Doms and disappointing that in all areas they were well under par and out played. No control from the bowlers, dropped catches, sloppy fielding and pedestrian batting considering the batting line up was a strong one. Two matches gone and only three wickets taken in 63 overs with 440 runs scored, that's a team bowling average of 146.66 per wicket and an economy rate of 6.98. The bowling will need to improve if the Doms stand any chance of a further victory in Essex. 

Dropped Catches: 4  -   Running Season total 80 

Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is………  I suppose Rolex for his 48 albeit scored at only around 3 an over and his 3 unproductive overs going at only 5 an over.

It's "Tour Time" - the advanced party of the Old Doms had rolled into their Stalag Travel Lodge HQ in Cheshunt a few days before to suss out the surrounding area and calm the locals down before the main party turned up later in the week. With all the hard preparation done (bars found and breakfast canteen set up) the final team members assembled and set off for the Old Victorians ground, a tortuous 4 mile journey with sat navs and "personal memories"  taking cars all over Essex. But all cars eventually got there with Kman being the final car to arrive some 15 mins later  than the rest of the convoy, was this habit forming?

An odd little ground with a fantastic view towards Londinium, with the O2 Arena clearly visible in the glinting sun. A slope steeper than the Doms home ground that would aid the batsmen during the game.

The Doms had just enough players to form the eleven as the other squad members were yet to arrive in Cheshunt. So tour débuts for Rick Adie and Sam Hickingbotham. Sam had played a few games for the Doms in the past and as he lives just down the road he jumped at a chance of joining the Doms for this first match.

The Old Vics would bat first in this "Village Rules" game, basically the team batting first bats for as long as they like and then the chasing team has a around an hour plus 20 overs to get the target. The home team opening pair got stuck into the Doms bowling and soon fours were being splattered all around the shop. 50's came with ease without any of the Doms bowlers really troubling the batsmen. As one of the openers reached his century he limped off with a sore hip caused by bashing the ball around the park.

To their credit the Doms never gave up and Stuart Rich caught a cracker doubling his Doms catching stats to two and taking his first tour catch. The other opener also reached a well constructed 100 and the home teams innings ended on 255-2. All players bowled except keeper Last. The pick of the bowlers were Perry 0-30 off 6, Kath Aider 0-15 off 4 with Rich Jnr 0-32   and Pedro 0-38 off 8 apiece, Morris got the the only wicket following the Rich catch.

So with tea taken the Doms would chase 256 to win. Last and Hickingbotham opened against some unusual bowling. Well flighted and accurate bowling kept the openers in check as they tried to fathom out  a way of getting runs. With 49 on the board Last decided enough was enough and was bowled hitting across the line.

Perry joined Hickingbotham who was now well into his stride with fours and sixes starting to flow from the bat. The score had reached 97 when Perry succumbed  and was bowled trying to push the scoring along for 22. His fluent drive to cow corner can been seen on YouTube.

After Adie (K)'s brief cameo it was left to Morris to provide the support to Sam H who by this time was plundering the bowling. Heads dropped in the field as some big shot were made. Just when Hodgson's newly created Old Doms highest score was in danger the winning runs flowed off Sam's bat and the Doms were home and dry with only 34 overs being faced.

Sam Hickingbotham finished on 162 not out smashing Oley's long standing 161 for the second time in two weeks and Morris on a competent 32 not out.

A 7 wicket win in the first match of the tour, great way to start given the Doms line up was supposed to be its weakest of the four available over the week.

Dropped Catches: 2  -   Running Season total 76 

Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is……… not many names went in to the selection pot, well in fact only one made it... Sam Hickingbotham for his match winning 162 not out  with 7 sixes and 22 fours leaving only 30 or so runs being run. A great innings that will go down in the history of  the Old Doms. And for the stats this was the highest ever score by a Dom whilst on tour. 

Its 1st August, the season is now heading around the top end of the back straight but the Doms are still pounding away on the summer treadmill we call cricket. A bit of an overcast day with the sun trying to break through the clouds, some of which looked like they could be holding a quantity of water ready to dampen the afternoons match against the Sportsmen. 

The Doms needing to get back to winning ways before the Essex tour following the mid week loss to the Old Georgians fielded not the strongest bating line ever produced by the Doms but the bowling attack look strong and able to win the match. 

The Sportsmen were put into bat after they lost the toss, the wicket was a good one but had a tempting short boundary, let the battle begin.. 

Rich and Hunt opened the Doms charge and it was soon clear that the batsmen would struggle to get runs as Hunt and Rich bowled a tight line and took wickets at regular intervals. After 10 overs the visitors had scrapped to 48-3. Rolex and Colin Hunt took over and continued to tighten the screw. 

Hunt bowled through for a credible 0-35 off his eight and Rolls bowling with venom down hill was unlucky as the batsmen slashed and edged him. He trooped off for ankle repairs 1-37 off six. At the halfway mark the Sportsmen had stumbled on to around 90 runs with 4 wickets down. 

Adie and Last were given a turn with Adie bowling unrewarded in her tight 6 overs 0-20 and Last only required to bowl four 1-23 with the batsman edging two through the slips in his fourth over to spoil his figures. 

Pedro and Rich came back to bowl the remaining overs with the visitors struggling to get to a big total. Both bowlers bowled extremely well. The fielding kept the weaker batsmen at the receiving end which frustrated the late Sportsman charge. The last player was comprehensively run out by Adie with Rich ending with a  useful 3-38 and Pedro Hunt 2-14 off seven frustratingly tight overs.   

170-9 to chase. The bowling was good and accurate and the fielding was the best for some time with only one difficult chance being missed behind the stumps. 

Tea was taken. 

Last and Rolls were given the responsibility of getting the Doms off to a good start. Last cracked two good late cuts in the first over and another in the second as the score raced to 12. But with Rolls still to face a ball Last tried to drive a ball and missed and plodded off not looking back at the broken wicket. 

Morris joined Rolls still fresh from his exile in Wales. They continued to keep the run rate at around 4 and over and at the ten over mark the runs score by both teams were the same, 48 although the Doms had only lost the one wicket. 

But with the score on 60 Rolls facing his 50th ball was bowled for a turgid 14 runs well below par for Rolls ability. Worse was to follow as Morris playing a ridiculous shot played on for 21 runs. 3-64, the Doms were struggling. Dolly and Manjo steadied the Doms ship with some intelligent batting and pushed the score onto 98 before Manjo was caught behind for 14 runs. 4-98. 

Adie joined Dolly and the Doms edged towards the winning line. Plenty of overs left but not to many stroke players waiting to come in. The score was pushed on to 134 before Dolly played an hapless shot and skied to ball to the keeper for a very well constructed 35. 

Adie continued to score runs with some ease and Chickin chipped in as the score edged ever closer to the winning line. Then with Chickin on 11 the bowler some how managed to make the ball bounce twice and after he had said "sorry batsman" Chicken stepped forward and lashed to ball back into the grateful bowlers hands - awful but funny. 

But all was not lost and skipper Hunt scored to winning runs through backward point and the Doms were home and dry. A fine Doms victory, the team batted, bowled and fielded very well, a good send off result to those heading off to sunny Essex.

Dropped Catches: 1  -   Running Season total 74 

Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is……… Its a hard one this week as both Dolly and Kath Adie produced good performances but the vote goes to Dolly for holding the innings together when the run chase had faltered. 

Thursday night Twenty20 slog out time! With Hewell sadly unable to field a team these days the Old Georgian lads from Kidderminster way ably filled the gap. Morris was sunning himself in deepest Wales so big hitting John Hodgson took control for the first time. He started well by tossing the coin right so that it fell on the opposite side that the Old G's skipper had called. The Doms would bowl first. 

Pedro opened up the hill and was carted for a couple of fours in his first over and was prematurely rested after conceding three more boundaries in his second whilst Last came downhill and took a wicket with his sixth ball of his first over when Pedro Hunt held a good catch. Pedley replaced Pedro uphill and got more control over the batsmen and finished a three over spell going for 1-20. 

With Last bowled out 1-16 off his four which included two dropped catches the Old G's has moved onto 2-61 off eight overs. Some tight bowling would be needed if the Doms were not to face a huge total. Hodgson the Younger bowled a frugal two overs (0-8) before Hodgson the Elder took him off and replaced him with the mercurial Walker. At the ten over point the Old G's were 73-2, the Doms were reining the run rate in. 

Kman was tossed the ball and quickly taken off as his single over was belted around the ground after his six balls conceded 18 runs. Walker was taken off after three overs, a good run reducing 0-22 so that Pedro and Hodgson the Elder could wrap the innings up.

Hodgson bowled well conceding only 15 off his three with a very athletic C&B 2-15, meanwhile Pedro must have wished he was out in the sticks rather than bowling as his final two overs went for a further 21 runs although Walker helped him out with a very smart boundary catch. Pedro ended with 2-46, he will bowl much worse than this and have less runs tanked off him but hey that's cricket. 

So 156 to win. A par total for this track. The Doms had done well in the outfield to restrict the score now it was the turn of the batsmen to ease past the Old G's target. 

Sick note Walshe and Wright got the innings off to a steady start against some very good bowling, Wright in particular hitting the ball well. But with the score on 42 off seven overs (Old G's were 57) Walshe was bowled. In strides batting colossus Hodgson still fresh from his weekend 173. Well you would have thought he had never seen a bat before, it was awful to watch and we were all relieved when he was bowled for 4 runs, his misery was over. 2-72 off ten (Old G's 2-73). It was going to be a tight finish. 

Hodgson the Younger joined Wright and the score was pushed onto 74 when Wright was well caught. 74-3 became 74-4 as Chickin played his first ball to short square leg. Dolly faced 9 balls and scratched out 3 runs. The Doms were now falling behind the run rate. Where was Pedley and Walker came the cry from the packed stands?  

Last joined the younger Hodgson and soon raced to 7 but facing his fourth ball gloved to the keeper playing a shot so early the milkman had not even been. 7-95 with 15 overs gone. A big cheer goes up as Pedley strides to the wicket and with some crisp shots started taking the bowling apart. Hodgson went for 9 and Ladha facing three balls was out caught. It just left basher Hunt to slog away with Pedley. 

But with the light fading fast and the Old G's sensing defeat they brought on the quickies and the game was over. Pedley stranded on 41 not out with big hitting Walker kicking his heals not even getting to the wicket. A captaincy mistake? who knows, perhaps the weight of the responsibility was too much for Hodgson the Elder... 

It was a great game played against a great bunch of lad with some very good bowlers, we look forward to meeting them again.

Dropped Catches: 3  -   Running Season total 73 

Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is……… Pedley for some tight bowling and a near match winning 41 not out. 

The match day Report is brought to you by the Director of Performance as the RR has a tight and difficult schedule today, so here it is without a mention of Taiwanese sweatshops or Malaysian link ups the report from yesterday historical win...

It was good to be back down in Aston Fields, Bromsgrove for another Doms home match. After being away for 2 weeks in sunny Guernsey a competitive cricket match was expected, and with numerous victories over the last 2 weeks an expectant performance director was optimistic for another win.

However, with no Morris, Rolls or Perry the batting line up looked thin and when skipper Pedro lost the toss and was put into bat there was certainly some apprehensive faces. The opening pair of Last and Hickin stroll out to meet the fielders from Beaumont CC who are normally a good bunch of lads. A solid start from both led to a poor shot from Hickin, caught behind for not enough runs. Hickin has so much to offer it just isn’t clicking for him at the moment.

Where some started to worry, others were cool, calm and collective. Number 3 batsman Hodgson being one of them, looking fresh and ready to go, Hodgson started an innings of pure brilliance and excitement. This lad has it all, numerous strokes being displayed combined with pure ‘bish bash’ style and finesse, Hodgson quickly ran to his 50 and then to his century.  The Beaumont bowlers and fielders losing their patience and running very quickly out of ideas. The club record of 167 from Mark Oley was certainly insight with another 23 overs left. Supported by Last (the platform builder) and others such as Dolly Hickin and Lady Adie, Hodgson went on and scored a magnificent 173. Quite a fantastic innings and one which many Doms will never forget, a new club record and certainly one of the newest Doms stars! Adie with a very slow strike rate of 48.7 built a middle innings platform, one in which Last and Rolls would be proud of, and a few hefty hits from debutant Gareth Humphreys, the Doms set the Beaumont boys 283 to win. A total in which missing club captain Morris would be rather chuffed with.

Time was taken for tea and what an affair it was. Some even mentioned it was the best tea of the season so far, what did you think? What was noticeable was the quality of the white chocolate chip cookies, noticed by the Performance Director as a vital source of energy for the boys and quite simply a taste sensation. So much so it took 3 of them to decide they were that good.

So tea finished, Beaumont boys not looking that confident, Doms thinking they had it in the bag. What would the Beaumont innings have in store? The opening bowling pair of Rich (downhill) and Hunt (uphill) were treated to some expansive shots from the Beaumont openers with boundaries being hit from both, Rich going for 24 and Hunt going for 19. However, never worry, Adie strolled in Hunt Senior as 1^st change and turned the game around. Adie bowling ferociously nailed 3 wickets for 7 runs and Hunt chipping in with his usual ‘skiddy’ bowling picking up a couple of wickets. Debutant (trialist) Humphrey’s was given the ball to the dismay of Adie who was looking for a ‘five for’, struck gold with just his second ball, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for 4 runs, does he have a future at the Doms – I think he may be just squeezed into the set up somehow. With good fielding and well taken catches noticeably KMan at his trusty square leg position the Doms quite simply thrashed the Beaumont Boys, only making 83, the Doms winning by 199 runs. A great day, great match – but way too easy!! The Doms in good form before tour – lets hope the form continues.

Dropped Catches: 3  -   Running Season total 70 

Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is……… John Hodges for eventually smashing Mark Oley's club record score.

Morris was given the opportunity to put the Titans into bat after they lost the toss, it was a strange looking Doms side with Walshe and Adie pulling out hours before the start and young ........ crying off with " sorry Steve I have a  stiff back after Sunday". Young lads no stamina, no back bone no bloody good. What's he going to like when he sixty? 

Late call up therefore for Greenway, Hutchins and Pedley. The bowling line up for the Doms was threadbare with only Last and Alex Rich regular users of the ball.

Last opened down the hill and produced a fine first over wicket maiden with the help of a nifty one handed catch from Hutchins at mid off. I'm sure Hutchins made it look harder than it really was but non the less the Doms were off to a cracking start. Dolly was given the status of opening bowler and produced a very good spell of 1-22 off his four trapping the opener plum in front. 

This opening burst from Last and Dolly really set the scene for the Titans innings and with Alex Rich taking over from Last continued to restrict runs. At the ten over mark the Titans were well on the back foot at 2-48, a big score looked improbable as the fielders supported the bowlers well with keen and safe handling of the ball on the damp outfield. Although Morris let the team down with an horrendous nutmeg on the flattest part of the ground, awful to watch but not unexpected. 

With Dolly bowled out who would Morris turn to? Stuart Rich was the chosen one! The years were rolled back as Rich in off a much shorter run up - half a pace rather than one full stride spun the ball viciously towards the batsmen. The odd ball or two were hoiked to the boundary but he kept taking wickets at regular spells. A cracking flighted ball producing a fine stumping and then a quicker flat ball taking out the middle stump. It was a fine piece of bowling. 

Morris turned to Kman and Norris to bowl the death overs and with Kmans new 20 yard run up the Titans lads struggle to get the ball to the boundary. They limped to 111-9 off their 20 overs, this would never be enough on a 170 run track.

The makeshift bowling line up came off and with the excellent out fielding it was now left to the Doms batsmen to race along and get the teams safely to the bar before nightfall. 

Hutchins and Pedley started well and never really looked in trouble as they eased along with quick singles and the odd boundary. The Titans half way score of 48 was passed by Hutchins and Pedley with ease, 24 balls quicker and without a wicket being lost. 

The Titan lads bowled and fielded well but found it hard to dislodge the batsmen from their rhythm, however with the score on 63 Hutchins tried to ease a ball off his legs missed and was bowled leg stump. He trooped off for 33. 

Chickin replaced Hutchins but this didn't hold up the run rate and Pedley started to open up and cracked some good boundaries. But with a 50 there for the taking Pedley played a loose shot and was caught for a meritous 45. 2-107 and loads of over left Greenway came in and decided to spend some time at the wicket by blocking out a complete over. The next over saw Chickin flick the ball to square leg and the match was over. 

An 8 wicket win with plenty to spare. The Titans lads played well but there attempt to make a big score was kept in check by some very tight bowling. Their bowling was also good but not good enough to dislodge the defences of Pedley and Hutchins. A nice bunch of lads they were to and we look forward to playing them again.

Droped Catches: 0  -   Running Season total 67 

Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is………the mercurial Stuart Rich for dusting off the old spinning fingers and bagging three good wickets.

The tea was a step down from an Old Doms fare but it was ok and only Adie had not read the instructions and decided to make her own rules up and produced a plate of ham sandwiches. Still she's due a rest soon , its been a few weeks since half term and a five week stretch of doing nothing will see her right.

In light of the early finish Pedro negotiated a 20 over match with the young Bromsgrove lads much to the disapproval of one of the senior Doms players who was keen to see the end of the golf.

Skipper Pedro kept faith with Last but this time paired him with Hodgson to get the Doms off to a flying start. They did not let the skipper down and blasted a quick fire 54 runs off five overs before Hodgy skied one for a masterful 26. Morris joined the fray and took on the mantel of run getter whilst Last held the innings together at the other end.

Somehow Morris got himself bowled by Walker, sloppy shot - more nets needed. He slopped off for a more than run a ball 35. 2-121. Shortly before this dreadful shot he suggested to Last that they should keep the run rate at 10 and over until the 12 over before hitting out, Last dryly replied that he had been doing this since ball one!

Dolly Hickin came and went, admiring an LBW appeal and hearing Lasts call he decided to go back into his crease before running to the other end only to find he was short of the crease. Pay attention to the game young man.

A run later Last hitting out on the instructions from Morris was caught for 41. With the score on 138-4 Rolls and Chickin added a quick fire 51 runs before the Doms twenty overs ended. 190 to win and the Bromsgrove lads would need to play very well to win this one.

They struggled, only one batsman got going when he hit 20 off Lasts second over, some good bowling by Dolly 3-26, Adie 2-14 and Hunt 2-17 wrapped up what was a good performance in the field. Young debutant Rolls saving about 12 runs on the Sheep Skull boundary and Hodgson behind the sumps made his two catches look easy. Just one moment of madness when Morris, still smarting form missing the golf gave a tongue lashing to Dolly for some shite fielding.

The home team were never going to worry the Doms score and they were all out for a modest 119 with 10 balls to spare.

A polished but expected performance from a well drilled Old Doms team. Two wins in one afternoon, not a bad return for the effort.

Dropped Catches: 3  -   Running Season total 67 

Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is………Jonah Rolls for his fielding and saving loads of runs.

Well an interesting afternoon of cricket! Early good news was that following the late withdrawal of Walshe up steps Sammy Moore to take his place only to be followed shortly after by his withdrawal. Now this is the believable reason for not being able to play... "ops sorry Steve I know I said an hour ago that I could play but I forgot that I have to pick a "family" member up for the airport at 4 so I cant make it." Knob head comes to mind! Anyway all was not lost up to the mark steps young Jonah Rolls, he's spent all season practising and watching his hero Alan Last play now this was his big chance to shine for the Doms - he didn't disappoint.

Today's match was against our host's "occasional" XI, a team made up of young and up and coming Bromsgrove lads with a few old'uns thrown in. The toss was made and the Bromsgrove boys would bat in this 40 over a side match.

Pedro and Rich opened the bowling and were soon into their stride making the runs hard to come by. The batsmen struggle against the speed and accuracy of these two demon bowlers. Wickets tumbled at a regular pace with some erratic and suicidal running.

Both Hunt and Rich picked up wickets and were frugal with the runs conceded. Skipper Hunt rested after five overs with a good return of 2-12. Rich 1-19.

Rolls and Hodgson bowled well within themselves and made the batsmen life at the crease a torrid one. 2-13 was Rolls reward for a five over spell and Hodgson unrewarded 0-11. The fielding was keen as ever and players leapt around keeping the errors to a minimum. Good catches taken by Last and Hodgson with a regulation keeper catch by the ever mobile Chickin.

Adie 2-15 and Rich Snr 0-19 mopped up the tail and it was all over for the home team as they crashed to 93 all out in 22.4 overs.

Tea was not taken given that it  was only 3.30 and the dinner things had yet to be cleared away.

So 94 to win and with Last and Rolls opening a platform was soon to be set. Sadly the wheels fell off this expectation as Last played a dreadful shot to a dreadful ball and top edged for bugger all, 1-0. The home team tails were up as Dolly Hickin strode in but the home teams early pleasure was soon dampened as the two batsmen quickly got into the zone of hitting boundaries.

The young Bromsgrove lads were dashing all round the park as Rolls belted the ball around but with the score on 48 Dolly was given out LBW, somehow the bowler had convinced the umpire that it didn't matter if the ball had hit Dolly's hand before it his pads. At 2-48 with Alex Rich joining Rolls the game would soon be over, the score raced to 77 when Riches belligerent innings was snuffed out driving to a fielder.

Adie and Rolls saw the Doms home with 26 overs to spare, Rolls undefeated on 56, a good knock from the master batsman.

Well it was a walk in the park for the Doms against a gutsy Bromsgrove team but they were no match for the Old Doms steam roller today. Tea was taken.

Dropped Catches: 2  -   Running Season total 64 

Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is………Rob Rolls for a great knock of 56 not out and two wickets.

This Thursday evenings Twenty20 slog out was supposed to be against the lads from Erdington Court but they failed to turn up for some unknown reason - a phone call or post card would have sufficed. The Doms lads turned up and waited around in the gathering gloom, it was getting so gloomy that Dave Wright turned up to play! But all was not lost, the Bromsgrove lads had just finished a game against a touring team and volunteered to be the opposition.

The  Doms fielding a team with a few of Colin Hunts work mates also gave Doms débuts to a couple of the Bromsgrove lads who couldn't get into  the Bromsgrove Select XI, Banham and Levitt. Perhaps Banham and Levitt would struggle to play at the Doms pace and level of play? But the Doms are good at giving players of all abilities a run out so they needed not to worry if they failed to reach the standards set by the Old Doms.

It was getting gloomy and rain was forecast as the Doms opted to take the field. Kings opened down the hill at some pace pitching the ball at an uncomfortable length for the batsmen. Last up hill went for two boundaries off his first over but in his second tight over had the opener caught by Caton and then was rested to come back on at the death.

Kings finished off a lively spell with a frugal 0-17 which in the context of the final score was a very good unrewarded return. Morris tried young gun Alex Rich down the slope but by then the Bromsgrove lads were seeing the ball well and he took some tap before being rested.

The debutants from Bromsgrove were then brought onto bowl, Banham up the hill and Levitt down, Levitt got creamed around all parts of the ground before Morris rescued Levitt. 0-45 off three - back to the nets for Levitt. Whilst the mayhem was going on Banham plugged away and picked up a wicket and ended with a good spell of 1-25 off his four. A good effort, he may with some coaching by Chickin make the grade as a Doms bowler.

Thomas got smacked around 0-26 of just two overs. Last and Rich finished off with Rich just missing out on his half century off three whilst Last took another wicket and ended with 2-32 which should have been 5-32 had Banham not dropped a sitter and with Wright missing two of the easiest stumpings ever seen in a Doms match.

Generally the fielding was good, Morris dropping two, Wright missing a run out. With both batsmen at one end Levitt lobbed the ball from point, Wright duly dropped the ball as if it were a hot potato and the batsman strolled back into his crease. One other moment of joy was Last's attempt to underarm the ball in to avoid the moon shinning in Wrights eyes some how managed to throw the ball towards the boundary behind him!

So 195 to win, its dark and the drizzle has set in for the night. Wright and Dolly to the crease. Wright playing only his second match played like a player playing his second match of the season. He was soon bowled for 2 runs. The score was now on 1-7 when the mighty might Banham strode in and was give a work over by Streak the ex Doms bowler. But with his score on zero he was caught at mid off by a leaping Bromsgrove lad. Banham trudged off head down. A few sessions in the nets are needed  for young Banham.

Caton joined Dolly and the score then raced along as Caton got into his stride but with the score on 52 Dolly was given out LBW, plum in front. For a moment he stayed and stared at the umpire, he slunk away glad to get out of the rain. He had scored at a scintillating rate making 6 out of 52!

With Levitt desperate to impress the Doms selectors with the bat he blasted away hitting two quick boundaries. The Doms players relaxed now that he was at the wicket with King. The 195 target looked well within the Doms reach. With the score board showing 69 Levitt skied a ball and was well caught much to the jubilation of the fielding side. On this showing the Roving Reporter fears that Levitt may not make the grade as a Doms player. We could get Chickin to do some extra batting coaching with him?

We then saw a rapid partnership of 22 with Morris scoring nothing before he was given out L.B.W. A reckless decision by the umpire as Morris was within hand shaking distance of the umpire as the ball thudded into his pads. But that was it, the rain came down and spared the Bromsgrove bowlers any more punishment.

The Doms finished on 92-5 with 8 overs spare, a good effort given the weather conditions particularly from Caton who returned not out on 47. Would we give Banham and Levitt another run out? well if they got into the nets a bit more often they may make the Old Doms standard, we will wait and see.

Dropped Catches: 3  -   Running Season total 62 

Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is………Caton for a great knock of 47 not out and two very good catches.

Here we go again, another debutant of the Match Report.  The daunting responsibility this week lies this time with the youngest member of the squad.  Luckily, last night’s match wasn’t short of talking points.  So without further ado… 

Stevie Morris WON the toss this week on quite a lively pitch, so wickets were there for the taking if the bowling was of a good quality.  Hodgy and Hunt M (an unexpected inclusion in the midweek squad for the Geography teacher) opened the bowling, and set about taking the opening batsmen to task.  A great catch by Kman at cover saw the first wicket go down, with Hodgson the bowler ending up with an economical 1-22 off his 4.  Mark’s two wickets were courtesy of the two Hickins, first an impressive catch by Dolly on the far boundary, and Chicken making an excellent stumping, leaving the Doms in a good position as the first change bowlers came on. 

The fireworks started here, with young Bromsgrove ringer Ryan Pedley going for 27 runs off his 2.  Desperately unlucky, especially with Hodgson at long off adopting a classic fielding pose for a well hit shot, only to watch in horror as the ball took an evil bounce, deviating 10 yards to his right for a boundary.  At the other end, Rich picked up a wicket, but the odd short ball left him on 1-30.  After this, the opposing skipper picked up a marvelous half century as the Doms could not stop the tide of runs that the middle order were picking up.  Good efforts from lady Adie and Walshe ended wicket less, with Hickin T bowling the last over, gaining the scalp of the big hitting captain for 55. 

Old Moseley finished on 181-5, one of the biggest totals we have chased in my fledgling Doms career, but given the quality of our batting line up, 100% doable.  However, the Sniper in the stands (to be featured later in the report) struck Chicken, leaving him in need of medical attention. 

The Doms started their quest for victory with John Hodgson and Lewis Cordes, another Bromsgrove young’un.  The latter hit a quick fire 21 off 16, before sky-ing one to cover.  From this moment, the result tipped in Doms favour, as out of the pavilion strode a confident Phil Walshe, eager to get to the crease.  From then on, sixes and fours were the order of the day, as the two put on a master class of big hitting.  One memorable leg side hit towards the far boundary saw the ball nearly as high as the tip of the trees before resting in the far field, never to be seen again.  The Doms looked comfortable for victory, with the two at the crease, easily reaching the 9 an over run rate set by the opposition.  However, the sniper in the stands was about to do his dastardly work, which set in motion a devastating chain of events. 

During the 13^th over, a Old Moseley Arms player pulled up lame, and would have to be rested.  The terrifying job of substitute fielder then fell to young Rich, who took the job with some trepidation.  This fear was about to be realized, when a clean, but flat hit off Hodgy’s legs was hit straight to Rich’s left.  He only had to move 2 steps, and caught the ball on the boundary.  The opposition wildly celebrated the shocking turn of events.  The Doms players in the lavish pavilion were in disbelief, that one of their own could betray the team in such a way.  They joked amongst themselves of how the young player could only make a catch like that for the opposition.  So Hodgson hit a mighty 60 off 41 balls, but, never mind, said the players, Phil will bring us home.  They would be proven wrong again, when Phil was caught out for 57 off 36.   

What followed was a classic example of an Old Doms collapse.  Mark Hunt, and skipper Morris were caught out in quick succession, with Tom Hickin quick to go as well.   

Let’s set the scene for you, ladies and gentlemen.  With 7 needed off the final 3 balls, victory seemed a longshot, with young Pedley about to face his first delivery at the crease.  The batsmen next in were nervously fidgeting.  Ryan stepped up to the plate brilliantly, with a fantastic pull for four.  The players relaxed a bit more, but only for a short while.  Pedley went for the same stroke again, and was caught, (occurring theme there).  That left 3 off the final ball.  The next in was Rich, now nicknamed Judas for his traitorous habits.  There were cries of “just get bat to the ball” around him as he walked to the crease.  Here we go…final ball…a full toss at shoulder height was bowled by Tarr, Rich hits for a single, hearing the cry of “No Ball!” screamed by Hunt the umpire.  The bowler looked disgusted with himself.  That left Kath Adie to face the actual last ball, with the scores tied.  Rich was sprinting to Kath’s end before the ball had even reached her bat.  She hit it to the offside… 

…And got home safely!  The Doms had done it on the final ball! 

A sensational victory at the death.  The two teams shook hands, and reminisced in the bar of quite an extraordinary game.  It was a pleasure to have taken a part in this game, and to have wrote the match report.  Thank you to all who took part. 

Dropped Catches: 2  -           Running Season total 59 

Roving Reporters STAR PLAYER is………John Hodgson for making his presence known with a commanding 60 off 41 balls, and getting 1-22 with the ball