Where we play ~The Old Doms play all home games at... Bromsgrove Cricket Club St Godswalds Road Aston Fields Bromsgrove B60 3BN
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Catch up on the Roving Reporters 2011 season match reports here.....
The curtain closed on the Doms 2011 season with a credible draw against former Dom Mark Oley's Erdington Court. With tomorrows Hewell game called off (Hewell struggling to find a good enough team) it was a final chance for the Doms to end a high note. Autumnal was the scene at the Bowling Green Lane wicket, showers forecast but between the clouds the late summer sun shone warmly on the players as they strode out to field after the toss was won by somebody called Mark. A "village" rules game where the first up batting side tries to bat the other team out of the game giving them no chance to get the runs in one hour plus 20 overs. The Doms were "trialling" another young Bromsgrove hopeful Dave Collins - DC to his mates. The wicket keeper come batsman would play a seminal part in the game. Pedro and Alex Rich took the new ball and soon Pedro forced the opener to edge to the keeper Chickin who calmly dropped the chance. From then on the opening pair found runs easy to come by against Pedro and Alex although the wicket did give them some optimism when the ball was put in the right place. 82 runs flowed from their 14 opening overs before Last came on and slowed the rate down from one end. Colin Hunt claimed the first wicket, a well judged catch on the boundary by Alex Rich and soon picked up another and could have had three but Last dropped an easy chance in the gully. Hunt was taken off after six expensive overs but two good wickets 2-36. Last was taken off to give the home side some chance of posting a good score finishing 0-24 off 7. Debutant DC and Dolly then ripped through the home teams line up, wickets fell with regularity as the flight and turn produced by DC flummoxed the batsmen whilst at the other end a rejuvenated net bowler Dolly worked up some pace and took 3-26, whilst DC's 4-26 was a career best in an Old Doms shirt. The Erdington boys were bowled out for a very gettable 216. The fielding in most parts was good and some tough chances went Dolly's way but he was unable to make one stick. A good first half and the Doms were going to enjoy tea knowing that 216 was there to be chased down. Nice tea, plenty to eat but the Doms were eager to get going. A reasonable Doms batting line up looked good enough to chase down the target but the chase was put into perspective as Wright was soon out for 3 and 8 runs later new boy DC was bowled for 2, 2-26. With that start the 216 target look even further away as one of the "cant bat" fodder was sent in early to join Chickin of the "can bat" group. Sadly for the game the forecasted shower came in and emptied the contents of a great big black cloud onto the square and topped it up with a large dose of hail stones before the one that "cant bat" faced a ball. It was a bit surprising that the home side didn't wheel out the pitch covers to prevent the wicket becoming sodden. Perhaps it was their plan to save themselves from defeat? Nearly an hour's play lost and the Duckworth Lewis (Old Doms version) was consulted and the Doms were set a target of 190 in about 20 overs. Not sure how that target was derived at but it effectively meant that the home side would be the only team able to win the game. The Doms were forced to bat out a draw. Chickin and Last kept the score board moving with some aggressive shots dotted in between some deft edges and glances. The pair untroubled put on 72 runs in about 16 overs before Last drove at a straight ball as only those who cant bat do and was bowled for 35. A mini collapse ensued as Pedro and Pickles were out to awful shots mustering only 2 between them but time enough for Chickin to get a well deserved 60 not out which held the side together and ensured the Doms got the minimum they deserved out of the game, a creditable draw. Hand shakes and back slapping ensued and into the club house for a drink and to represent the Tony Peck trophy to the Courts skipper being the last side to win a contest outright. A great game of cricket and a fitting finale to the Doms season. We now looked forward to the AGM and the Presentation evening in the cold dank month of October. A fond farewell from the Roving Reporter who will be looking forward to the 2012 season after a winter recouping.
Man of the Match: Difficult one, debutant Collins for 4-26 or Chickin for an undefeated 60? Ok a joint MoM, well done DC and Chickin. Dropped catches: 4 ( Final 2011 total 93) This match, C Hunt -1 Last - 1 Chickin-1, Dolly -1
Some days everything goes right, early showers turned in to a marvellous sunny early September afternoon. The wicket covered but leaked a little just on the donkey's follow through but hey only Tank was caused any problems slipping over twice. Well after a month and more of defeats the whole thing changed in a few hours of blessed cricket. The Old Georgians, a useful team who had given the Doms two hard games earlier in the season were today's visitors in what was the Doms final home game of the 2011 season. One win apiece all to play for... Jonners, still not use to the northern hemisphere time zone failed to make the start of the game but would produce another great bowling spell later in the Georgians innings. The Doms put the visitors in on what was a good track and soon had the opening pair struggling to get the ball away. Pedro, not at all concerned with the wet patch (on the follow through not his pants) and fresh from his "photo shoot" Alex Rich worked up some pace from both ends beating the bat more often than not. It was good to see both bowlers pitching the ball on a good length as the past few matches they have been bowling to short. Rich got the first breakthrough with a swift delivery hitting the stumps before the batsman could get into line. The fielding was bordering on good to excellent as the runs were eked out at a pace slower than a Bluenose getting his wallet out at the bar. After six sharp overs Rich was rested 1-19 with Pedro unsuccessful but frugal 0-10 off 5. A great start, could Last and Tank keep the pressure up, Tank slipping and sliding bowled some cracking balls and was audible to the point of screeching when Pedro dived forward to a sharp chance only to see the ball rocket out of his hands - technique issues?? no use of chest and juggling let him down. At the 20 over mark the visitors were struggling, 60 odd runs for 3, could the Doms keep up the pressure? Last coming off two paces kept the pressure on and was rewarded when the opener succumbed to a straight ball and was plumb. Another appeal yet for some reason failed to move the umpire into making the right decision should have seen his second success however a few balls later beat the bat and hit middle and off. Last spell ended 2-27 off 8. Colin Hunt was now in donkey mode and soon made inroads as wickets fell at regular intervals, Jonners bowling down the hill mesmerised the batsmen with flight and guile, horrible shots being played but great cricket from the Doms. With only 32 overs bowled Jonners picked up the final wicket ending with 4-10. 7-51 in two games a cracking return and today's 4-10 was Jonners best return since 1987 when Pedro and Tank were still in nappies!! 117 all out was down to good team work and some undoubted fine bowling and fielding skills, three sharp chance put down and only the odd miss field to mention. The atmosphere on the pitch was top draw a far cry from last weekends defeat to Halesowen. A happy bunch of Doms went to tea well before 4pm. Tea was taken in good spirit particularly as the Cider men were on the telly and were stuffing Durham.. Well would the Doms choke and let the Georgians back into the game? time and a few overs would tell. Chutney aka Baggers and Chickin strode out looking to get the innings off to a good start and this they did, both playing shots as the visitors decided to bowl short. Sadly with the score on 19 Chickin played that frustrating "feet in concrete" shot and gloved to the keeper, for most of the season Chickin has looked full of runs but all to often has either got himself out with poor running or like today a wafty leaden footed shot - nets dear boy nets. Tank strides in, no change of approach, wait- watch- see it - hit it and hard. Three crushing boundaries before a Chickin type soft dismissal for 16. The Doms 2-53 and well up with the clock. Dolly came and went, another enigma of a player who one week looks a batsman and the next it looks like he's never held a bay before, out for 1, the Doms 3-58. Baggers continued to compile a good personal score but when on his nemesis score of 37 he was bowled. 4-88 With Stato and Pedro at the crease they surge on with the run chase with Pedro playing some classic shots - straight. Stato looked on and supported but with 30 runs added Stato was given out LBW after a concerted appeal by most of the fielding side. 5-105. When Gareth "my heads down the toilet " Pickles had a "team talk" all looked fine for the Doms to cross the line without further ado, sadly Pickles lost the plot and was bowled - awful shot. But no probs Pedro got the Doms over the line with 17 overs to spare. A great turn around in form and attitude. Only two tuff'sh games to come in a fortnights time which will bring the curtain down on an eventful 2011 season. The Roving Report predicts at least one more win for the Doms this year. Man of the Match: Not Jonners again, nope Pedro for a cracking 33 not out and for making Tank bellow the loudest disappointment shrill ever heard on a Dom pitch... Dropped catches: 3 (running total 89) This match, M Hunt -1 Last - 1 Bagby-1
Five straight defeats in a row, not the end to the season that the Doms had planned for but the opposition has been tough over the last month or so and the Doms have missed some players who may have boosted the chances of a win. Today's opposition was an Halesowen XI, a mixture of 4ths/3rds and the odd 2nd's player. Old chummy Sammy Moore had pulled out of the fixture perhaps a bit scared of being bowled out cheaply by Pedro? The Doms also had their share of last minute pull outs with Pickles suddenly getting a head ache - shameful excuse. It all looked very autumnal, trees shedding their first load of leaves which blew aimlessly across the pitch during the match and teachers looking glum with the reality of their extended summer break almost a fond memory. Sad times. Pedro got lucky with toss and was able to put the visitors in on a damp wicket with very little or no life in it. Pedro and Alex Rich took the new ball and it was soon evident that the batsmen would have to work hard for runs as the ball failed to come onto the bat with any life. The difficulty of batting was soon evident when the opener played early and cut the ball straight to Baggers which tumbled straight to the floor, sadly for Baggers and the team the batsman when on to plunder a bucket full of runs. Rich could get very little life out of the wicket and it was soon obvious that taking the pace off the ball was the answer, would Stew Rich be called on to spin the Doms to victory? A few more early opportunities went begging when Chickin missed a couple of stumping chances, with the Baggers drop the Doms could have had the visitors three down with less than 20 on the board. The chances not taken, much the story of the Doms season the runs flowed and so did the rain which curtailed play for a while and following consultation the game was reduced to a 35 a side match. Pedro rang the changes but most of the bowlers got some tap, even Mr Economy was plundered for 51 runs off 24 balls. Pick of the bowlers was old timer Jonners who's pre season nets down in Victoria paid off taking 3-41 off 7 with some very good leg spin. Perhaps Rich Snr should have been tried given the turn Jonners achieved. Generally the fielding was good but more dropped catches littered the innings. Pedro took two good caches but even those were owed to his juggling skills rather than clean catching Perry style. Pedro did a spot of gymnastics in causing a run out and at the third time of asking Chickin pulled of a good stumping. Colin chastised Pedro for throwing the ball to hard at him from the deep mid off boundary and was also the victim of an invisible trip wire laid by Jonners. Amusing stuff. Tea was taken with the Halesowen boys 273-7. So out stride Baggers and new batting revelation Pedro on a mission to get the Doms off to a good start, it was not to bad either but with the score on 27 Pedro edged to the keeper not bothering to look for the dreaded finger. Tank came in a played his normal game and clobbered the ball around with some might, but his vow of silence for the match seemed to have upset his play - where was the bellowing "WAITING"? 18 runs were clonked before he holed out for 18. Baggers kept going and watched in awe as Stato blunted the bowling and the scorers pencil delivering dot ball after dot ball. Baggers gave up with the score on 86 for a credible 37 making up in some way for his early fielding blooper. 86-3. Tom Hickin's batting was a revelation, it all looked so easy as he crashed the ball around and made Stato take quick singles. Stato out for 29, with about a strike rate of 50%. 4-47. Chickin also looked at easy rattling to 20 not out before the close of the innings came with the Doms still 60 runs short. A funny game to watch, large periods of the game played in almost total silence by the Doms, most unusual. The Doms played well against a young organised side and will need to up their game for the final 4 matches against some strong teams. Man of the Match: Toss up between Dolly and Jonner's but the award goes to Jonners for his great bowling spell and laying the invisible trip wire. Dropped catches: 4 (running total 86) This match, C Hunt -1 Dolly-1 - Anstey Snr -1, Bagby-1
Captains note Cricket by definition
is a team game consisting of 11 players. Within this, of course, individuals
need to contribute with the bat, ball, in the field or a combination of all 3.
The Doms over the last couple of years have had some very good results and it
almost an expectation that throughout the season we win more games than we lose.
This year however, the Doms have faced their toughest season in a while, with
the vast majority of the opposition being league teams or teams that consist of
a large number of league players. This has meant that the Doms players have had
to raise their own level of performance in order to challenge in matches.
Raising performances also means changing mind-sets, as a negative mind-set is
just as detrimental to an individual’s performance as poor fielding, batting or
bowling, it also doesn’t help the teams cause. The Doms have 5 games left this
season, 4 of which are against league opposition and the other against a very
talented Old Georgians side. The challenge for the players involved in those
games will be to compete at their very best. If they do this then there is a
strong possibility we will win the remainder of our fixtures, and even we don’t,
if we’ve given our all then that is all I can ask. What I don’t want to see or
hear is any negativity whilst on the pitch or off the pitch during the game,
this does not help anybody or the team. If anybody is not up for this challenge
or cannot cope with what I’m asking of them, then please do not make yourself
available for the remainder of the games, as I want 11 players who are ready to
test themselves against presumably better opposition and do so in a positive
manner. Well today’s opposition were the WMD boys, who over the last couple of years made some very good progress in terms of their side and their results. They came into today’s game having already won 21 out 25 games played this season. The Doms on the other hand are on a run of a few defeats, was today the day that this would change? A late withdrawal of Hodgy due to the riots in Birmingham meant that Charlie Lyons (who has been itching for a game) got an opportunity to impress. There was also a season debut for El Presidente, John Anstey who is back over from Oz for a short while. Pedro lost the toss and WMD elected to bat first on a greenish wicket that would hopefully offer the bowlers something to start off with as it then dried out for when the Doms came into bat. As usual Rich and Pedro were given the task of starting the innings off with the ball. Rich in his first over looked a little out of sorts and a couple of short balls were dispatched to the boundary. This would continue for his 3 over spell, not quite finding the right rhythm. Pedro on the other looked in good shape and with his 2nd ball of his first over has their opening batsmen driving a simple catch to Morris at Point. Rich was replaced after 3 overs for Adie who bowled a very tight spell with only the bad balls being driven away to the boundary. Pedro who continued to bowl well in his spell came off after 5 with figures of 1-18 was replaced by Perry. Kath continued to bowl well and was unlucky not to pick up her 1st wicket earlier when the batsmen played a shot just backward of square leg where Pedro diving to his right only managed to get a fingertip to the ball, a tough chance but a chance none the less. Kath was then rewarded when she clean bowled the batsmen with a ball that arced in then straightened once it hit the pitch and the off stump went! In strode their next batsmen and it was then that the batsmen started to get away a little. Perry and Adie both plugged away well but it was Perry who had the next break through trapping the batsmen LBW in front of the stumps for his 1st of the game. Batsmen walks off and the next walks in, next bowl, clean bowled Perry has 2 wickets in 2 balls. Next to arrive at the crease was an old Old Dom in the form of Tarun. Pedro crowded the bat but Tarun managed to avoid the hat trick ball. Tank then took his 3rd and final wicket of the game in the 20th over , bowling the batsmen again. Drinks were taken and WMD were 116-5, a very good place for both sides as a strong 2nd 20 overs could give either side the edge. Perry and Adie bowled through with batsmen now starting to hit at out and finding the gaps in the field. Perry was unlucky not to pick up a fourth wicket when the batsmen top edged to deep square leg where Charlie Lyons was on the boundary ready to take the catch. Unfortunately Charlie had wondered in off the boundary during the over and the ball sailed over his head and dropped just before the line for a four. Both in the end finished with good spells of 1-46 for Adie and Perry 3-58 considering the strength of the WMD batsmen. Morris replaced Adie and Hunt C replaced Perry for what turned out to be very difficult bowling times as the batsmen were really having a go now. Morris was the next to take a wicket trapping Tarun in front of the stumps. With overs going by and the run up to over 7 and over Hunt decided to bring back Rich and himself to try and stem the flow and also pick up wickets. Rich obliged by taking to wickets in his last 5 overs, however he was still carted around as the batsmen were sensing a large total. Rich finishing with figures of 2-63, one of Rich’s most expensive spells. Hunt at the other was still toiling away without reward, further enhanced by a routine slip catch spilled by Anstey Senior. Pedro had kept things tight and finished with 1-44. C Hunt was left to bowl the last over and managed to pick up his wicket when a good ball beat the advancing batsmen and Chicken cleanly and calmly took the bails off for a stumping. So the end of the innings came with the Doms having bowled reasonably well and fielded well, with good work from Dolly, Justin and Tank. 285 was the required winning score which meant just over 7 an over required. Chicken and Adie were given the task to get the Doms up and running and they started reasonably well with the run rate ticking over at 5 an over. Unfortunately with the score on 15 Chicken had a waft outside his stump and edged behind to the keeper, if he had moved his feet it would have been a regulation scoring shot for him to his favoured third man area. Next in was Tank, who short of runs this season, was looking to get things back on track and he certainly did that, crashing the ball around the pitch. A nice little partnership was starting to form when Kath got a leading edge which was snapped up by the fielder. 48-2 when Morris strode to the crease, run rate was still around 5 an over so the Doms were going ok. Steve was knurdling it around whilst Bish Bash continued to be the aggressor as boundary balls were constantly being hit. Steve looking a little out of sorts was then bowled leaving the Doms 92-3. In strode Dolly and briefly supported Tank, but just after drinks Dolly caught in front of his stumps was given lbw, 107-4. With the run rate now creeping even higher and overs ticking away Rich joined Perry and creamed some lively cover drives for a fast paced 16 but was soon back in the hutch having sent the ball back to the bowler for an easy chance. 131-5. This then brought the captain to the crease and was looking to play positively to help support Tom who by now had made his first 50 in a while. Tom was still being aggressive but with the score on 135 Perry looking for a big six only managed to find the fielder on the boundary and perished for a very good and entertaining 64. In strode Anstey Jnr and between him and Pedro they decided to try and up the pace. The opposition sensing victory was close put on their opening bowlers again to try and finish the Doms off. However Anstey Jnr and Pedro were scoring quickly with plenty of 1s and 2s and the odd boundary. However with the score on 164, Hunt was bowled for a good 17 although he would have felt he could have scored more and with this brought the collapse of the match, as the bowler then removed Charlie Lyons and Colin Hunt in successive balls to complete a hat trick. John Anstey then strode to the crease to try and see off the rest of the overs but unfortunately with the next ball of the new over Justin was clean bowled and the Doms had lost their last 4 batsmen in 4 balls without a run being scored. Doms lose by 120 runs and lots of reflection needed to try and raise the performance for Hewell the following week. Man of the Match: Tom Perry for a great knock, 3 wickets and a solid fielding performance. Dropped catches: 3 (running total 82) This match, M Hunt -1 Dolly-1 - Anstey Snr -1
Well after Friday nights defeat the Doms were glad of a day off and time to savour the delights of York which appears to be the Hen Night capitol of Yorkshire. Players well rested after watching England well and truly stuff the daffodil team took stock and decided that the team must improve if it were to get a chance of overcoming a Walton Select XI bolstered by a late inclusion of a former Old Doms stalwart Jonah Rolls. A magnificent ground about ten years old, the benefactor had done an excellent job in creating this masterpiece, sadly a few omissions needed pointing out 1, No pavilion bell 2- no light in the score board to acknowledge the scorer had noted the umpires decision and finally more importantly 3 - NO URINAL, one assumes from its omission that the men folk of Yorkshire sit to pee? Rob confirm? Rick rested to his relief and in comes the man who can bat, Chickin, well he needed to put in a good batting performance as Pedro was streaking away from him and he was heading into his own self determined second class group of those "that cant bat". With the two Rolls boys in the opposition XI it was always going to be a tough ask as Hodgy had decided to go to Liverpool, yes Liverpool for a birthday party and the Moore boys not allowed out. The hosts batted first and were soon in trouble as Rich tore into the top order, Last taking a regulation catch off his bootlaces and Kman holding on at square leg to give Rich his first two wickets. Pedro not so tight got pushed around a bit but would come back strong in his second spell. Colin Hunt was expensive and his figures helped out by some good catching. Last faced up to Rolex and fed him some easy boundaries before claiming his sole wicket without the help of any of the other Doms players, both Chicken and Last rued the formers hash of a stumping but he generally kept well behind the stumps. The Doms effort was good but not exceptional in the field but chasing only 214 on a flat track was not out of the question. Tea taken, another BBQ and this time some veggie options - all was well! Wright faced up as the sun shone, not a good omen and this was confirmed as the ball scuttled along the deck with Wrighty's bat not long enough to stop the stumps being disturbed. 0-1 and Wrighty suicidal. Perry head cleared after a marvellous eight grunting overs lost all sense of the object of this 40 game and tamely lobbed a ball that even an Old Dom could have caught blindfolded. Shocking shot selection, the defence of "I play my natural game" was undefendable given we were in the fourth over of 40, 2-7. Adie then holes out for 11 leaving the Doms teetering on 3-25. Morris and Pickles put runs on the board, well 14 more before yesterdays MoM is senselessly bowled for 6. 4-39 and the Doms on the ropes. Skipper Pedro tries in vain to keep the Doms in touch but his good run comes to an end when he only scores 16, a failure for Pedro as he has been in the form of his batting life recently, 5-76. Chickin who's own batting form has been awful played a fine inning initially supporting Stato (out for 32, awful shot -bowled again) 6-106 soon 7-111 as Rich gave Jonah his first first class wicket. It was great to see Rich sincerely congratulate the boy Rolls at his time of elation, well done Alex Rich. But then the unexpected. Colin Hunt strode in and belted the ball around with Chickin and put on a record 8 wicket partnership which had stood since 1997 before Hunt was out for 27, all that extra batting time given by Chicken in past matches had paid off. Chickin went for a great form turning 54 and it was left to the no hopers batting 10 and 11 to get the team home, they as expected failed. The Doms innings ending on 182 still 32 runs short. A great little game played in good spirit and in a quality setting, hand shakes and joyful speeches made. There will certainly be a hope to return to plays these lads again as they played in the spirit that friendly matches should be play regardless of levels of skill and ability. A plus for cricket. Man of the Match: Ok Chickens effort was good, Riches 3-34 ok and Tanks frugal 0-17 off 8 top stuff but the MoM goes to .... Colin Hunt for a very commendable 27. Well done young man.
Dropped catches: 2 (running total 79) This match, C Hunt -1 Chickin-1
A Friday night 20/20 slog out in deepest Yorkshire was the treat for those Doms who had travelled up north on the invite from long lost Dom Rolex. The "squad" had travelled up over the past few days and were looking forward to the first match so near to the North Pole as the Doms had ever been before. Sadly some of the "squad" had let themselves down the evening before the match by getting in late, apparently a night of debauchery and an excess of alcohol followed by the sight of Tank dancing the night away - this act of poor judgement so close to a match was to have terminal affect on some of the more sensible Doms who took their tour responsibilities to the full and were tucked up in bed before lights out. The ground was typical village stuff, behind the village hall the expanse of the green outfield was a treat given some of the places the Doms had visited around the world. Long Marston was Rolex's adopted new team and it was good to get a good old Yorkshire welcome from the hosts. The Doms practise as is the norm for a first tour match 20/20 format was to give everyone a bowl and with any luck just a few of the chosen "those that can bat" a bat. All the Doms bowled a few overs except Pickles who was still in awe of the fact he was touring with the Doms and had the "honour" of rooming with a senior player. Wrighty behind the sticks and Kman in for his first game of the season following a minor shoulder injury. Pick of the bowlers was Al Rich with 1-7, Tom Perry also got a wicket, the prized one of Rolex who looked a tad nervous and never batter fluently at all. Tank finished his expensive two overs 1-21. The home team were up to the challenge and batted well giving few if any chances away and posted a useful 153-3. An awful tentative start by Wright and Morris fiddling around as "those that can bat" do on such occasions. Morris out, another awful shot and Wright out for 3 which would be his highest knock of this tour. 2-20 and the overs seeping away down the drain of lost causes. Pickles out to impress the Selectors fashioned a very good 18, one suspects this was due in most part to the coaching received in room 2***2 by one of those classed as "cant bat. Kman came and went run out 2-26, this soon became 5-33 as Pedro and Shady added bugger all between them. The Doms were on a helter-skelter of an innings that was looking to challenge the lowest ever Doms on tour total. Perry came in with the score on 48 when Pickles left the scene bowled. Tank started to make amends for his expensive two overs by clobbering the ball around for 5 boundaries, the other two being score by Pickles. Rick Adie out for naught and Last likewise as Perry still impaired by the previous evening assault on the York shot drinking record decided to dance salt and pepper style towards Last who decided to do the right thing and sacrifice his "cant bat" wicket for one who can and certainly Tank did for a very useful 23 not out. So 82 all out with 4 balls left, not the most explosive start to a Doms tour but food awaited the teams kindly prepared by our hosts, plenty of meat to eat with lashing of salad and puddings. Given half of the team had been out the night before getting legless and not to return to beddy byes until some undefined hour in the early morning getting to 82 runs was an achievement in deed. Man of the Match: a difficult call given the match stats but it will be awarded jointly to Pickles for his 18 runs and frugal bowling and Tank Perry for a masterful 23 not out. Dropped catches: 3 (running total 77) This match, Pedro-1 C Hunt -1 Wright-1 ( please let the RR know if these are wrong!)
Right lets get some observations out in the open, when the Doms are batting there will be two who are at the crease, possibly two who are umpiring that leaves the rest to keep the score board up to date and to help find "lost" balls not just to sit on their arses doing bugger all even after politely being asked for them to help - looked bloody awful. After the match everyone should be helping to put benches away and tidying up, yep on some occasions players may need to nip off quickly but the game only ends when Pedro locks up the pavilion door. Rant over and onto the match. The Old Mosley Arms boys pulled out the night before fearing another beating but happily the Academy lads were up for a game particularly knowing they would be facing Matty Banham. A great evening for cricket, warm and still very bright and sunny and a wicket as flat and true as Gwyneth Paltrow's stomach. The youngsters would bat first and must have been delighted to see Banham run in for the first over. A tightish over given the expectation that he would get carted. Last glided down the hill and got a wicket with his first ball, rewrite this... and nearly got a wicket with his first ball sadly the recovering Hodgy let the simple catch fall through his fingers. Banham and Last continue to keep the boundaries down as the lads tried to smash their way to a big score although they were racking up the quick singles and the Doms fielders fumbled around. Matty Banham finished with a unrewarded but a good tight 0-24. Last marginally more expensive but bagging the first wicket as Hodgy made amends for his earlier blooper. The Academy were now 1-55 off the first 8 overs. They would have to go some to get a big total. With Banham and Last now rested the "quickies" came on. Hodgy down hill with Pedro ascending. Hodgy soon got a breakthrough cleaning out the stumps, a second soon came but he tired and got some late stick but a good return of 2-33 still 5 short of overhauling Last's season wicket haul. Pedro plugged away but went unrewarded as the batsmen started to hit out, Perry and Walker had the job of seeing out the latter overs as the Academy looked to put the game out of sight but they plugged away and were rewarded, Walker 1-19 off two and Tank 3-17 off two. A bit expensive but their cause was not helped by some shoddy fielding. 162 to win, this flattered the youngsters as four catches were downed and around 24 needless runs given away. Buy hey the Doms batted down to number 10 so 162 would not be unachievable. Wright and Morris looked reasonably set until Wright missed a quick straight one and was bowled although the antics of the bowler in shouting "C*nt" as he came into bowl would not have helped Wrighties concentration. 1-13. Hodgy still suffering withdrawal symptoms came in a belted the bowling around with two massive 6's, alas an infusion of alcohol was needed to keep him going, this not being provided Hodgy played to early on a hook and was caught out for a modest 22. 2-41. In strides Banham to the raucous sledging of the boys, but Banham was fearless and stroked the ball around, a lesson to the youngsters, don't mess with a batsman of class. But a cruel decision by the "homer" umpire saw Matty trudge off for 27 when a century was there for the taking. 3-84 soon became 4-87 as Morris, who had played the supporting innings got tired and was bowled. But new batting hero Pedro, one of those classed as "cant bat" soon was building on his seasons total (now ninth in the leading run scorers table racing past those who consider themselves in the "can bat" category). It was great to watch Pedro playing some text book shots mixed in with his own interpretations. Walker to was playing some great shots and whilst these two were together the win look likely. Sadly Walker was bowled for a good little knock of 22. In strides Chickin of the "can bat" group but was soon walking back after a close run thing with the umpires finger. Chickin in this form will soon be challenging Last for the coveted number 11 spot , it will be great to have someone of Chickin's calibre in the "cant bat" group. 7-126 and overs slipping away. Piper came and went and despite a late surge by Pedro and Wood the Doms fell 19 short and must have rued the dropped catches and miss fields. Nonetheless a good competitive match but it would have been good to have put the little brats in their rightful place! We now move onto the Tour and a true Yorkshire welcome from Rolex. Man of the Match: Banham for a good knock of 27 and tight 0-24. Dropped catches: 4 (running total 74) This match, Hodgy-1 Pedro-1 Piper-1 Chickin-1
The Doms were on their travels, a maiden trip to Dingle Lane somewhere in North Warwickshire, and what a pleasant little ground it was. Nestling in the open countryside the ground was a typical village cricket scene. The ground is in its infancy but a lot has been done since it was a paddock for horses in the twilight of their lives, the only thing that needed to be sorted was the square which resembled Elmdon Road at his peak. But that aside it was a cracking venue and had been well thought out. With the apprentice stand in midweek captain adrift somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle the reins were back in the capable hands of Pedro and his backroom support of Tank Perry. Not the strongest Doms side but should be good enough for the newly formed Dingle side who had had a baptism of fire when they met the Doms for the first time earlier in the season when the Doms won by 358 runs. Pedro won the toss and decided to bat, Baggers and Rick Adie were given the task to get the Doms off to a flyer, they started steadily but with the score on 20 Adie received a shocker from the home Umpire, the ball thuds into his "upper" groin and trudges off biting his tongue out LBW. Colin Hunt much like Ian Bell in stature looked to get into form for the Tour batting at No 3, he was soon out swinging across the line for nought, the Doms teetering at 2-20. Piper made some lusty blows before he to was on his way back to the pavilion, 3-58. Meanwhile Baggers was ticking over but started to get some concern as Boynton perished for 6. 4-69. Then the partnership of the match started with the invigorated Pedro now fresh from his Guernsey taxpayers holiday knowing that five more week holiday was ahead of him and Half Term not to far away bludgeoned the Dingle bowlers all over the park, 13 4's and a mighty 6 was the caning teacher Pedro meted out on the naughty bowlers. His 50 came up in 17 balls but his best innings of his Doms career came to an end when his score was on 66 caught out. The second highest 5th wicket partnership for the Doms of 118 runs. Meanwhile Baggers kept plodding away and reached a commanding 100 as the Doms tail hit out and the innings ended on 320-9 with Baggers 119 not out and the unmovable Stato on 24 not out. A tough time ahead was looming for the home side. A marvellous tea was taken, served by two very nice tea ladies, even coffee was was available. The homemade cake would have given Mrs Hodgy a run for her money. The interlude over the Doms took to the field but Stato was concerned as no one appeared interested in keeping the score book up to date. He looked a worried man but eventually their skipper took charge but on reflection it was not entirely a good move as the score book resembled one of Pedro's school kids books, ripped, scrawled on and a big love heart with "I love my teacher" on the cover! At this point the Roving Reporter must mention the excellent score board official who diligently kept the board up-to-date after each ball, she was nicely turned out in a strapless top with a hint of cleavage. This is something he Doms must reflect on and will be an Agenda item at the next AGM. Pedro with bags of runs to defend gave the opening stint to Adie and Gazelle. With the first ball of the Dingle innings Gazelle rips the wickets apart and the disgruntled opener trudges off. Adie and Gazelle keep things very tight and bagged 4 wickets between them for around 15 or so runs before being rested. There was a near major accident as the ball was driven straight were Boynton waited on the boundary to accept the ball into his hands, but Tank raced in looking to claim a spectacular catch from under the nose of Boynton and only pulled out at the final second. Carnage was only just avoided. Stato came on a got a wicket, Piper bowled 4 good unrewarded overs before Boynton was brought onto bowl. Pedro made this move to get Boynton on as his "personal" activity on the boundary was quite distracting, Pedro thought it better that Peter had his hands on the cricket ball rather than any selfish self gratification that Pete hand in mind. Sadly Pete's mind was not entirely on the job and got the only carting of the day 0-26 off three overs. His was sent back to the boundary to finish what he had started much to Pete's delight. Pedro dropped a couple, one off his own bowling. Ball up in the air - a keepers catch but first time keeper Hunt stood static and watched as Gazelle and Pedro raced the 20 meters to where the ball was landing, Pedro won the race but missed the catch only to blast the ball towards the mid off boundary from where Gazelle had been standing, a relieved if a little red faced Pedro collected the ball just before the boundary edge. Top quality farce. The innings ended with the score on 63 after 20 or so overs. A great knock by Baggers and Pedro and tight bowling against a much weaker batting side but it was good day for cricket played in a very nice setting against a good bunch of lads who never moaned about being on the end of an hiding. Man of the Match: The lady doing the scoreboard Ops concentrate, of course Baggers closely pressed by Pedro. Dropped catches: 3 (running total 70) This match, C Hunt -1 Pedro -2
It was awful, a rudderless ship meandering around the ocean's of cricketing tripe. Few if any come out of the game with any credit, even the score book looks like it was thrown together and in PEN!! The Old Westies again were the visitors, just ten of them. Given the Doms performance 6 or 7 would have been sufficient. The Doms skipper, a cross between Captain Ahab and Edward Smith (look them up under captains/ships/disasters) got the chance to put the opposition in on a good flat track. Hodgson, who got a fifer last time the Doms were thrashed by the Westies was soon into his stride gliding down the slope and his first two overs were 2-2-0-3, he was on fire. At the other end Colin Hunt was going at 7 an over. Hodgson failed to get any further wickets and ended up what turned out to be a very good performance 3-19. Hunt showed his disappointment at been taken off after three overs to be replaced by Dolly. The Westies were getting into their stride with Dolly being punished and was taken off after two expensive overs, Piper came on and was no better, off after two. Dave Moore on for one then taken off to be replaced by Hunt who got belted around for 18 off his fourth over, Hunt even more disappointed. Gazelle back on to take two wickets and finally poor old Sammy Moore going for 42 in two overs. Awful stuff, life belts scattered everywhere, captain abandoned ship long ago after an innings of moving fielders around to chase the last ball. The fielding was generally good with Dolly pulling off a fantastic boundary save and new boy Kirk volleying the ball off the boundary line back to the keeper. Piper pulled off a good catch of note. Steve Morris will be fuming at the number of balls lost and the "effort" to find them. So with the SOS flares still lighting up the night sky Captain Chickin produces his batting line up, those who can bat up front those who cant bat down at the tail unless you're one of the tail enders who collars the captain pre match and requests to get a bat up the order tonight in preparation for the York Tour, I'm sure all those that cant bat would like to have been afforded the opportunity in preparation for the tour. New boy Rose and Chickin stride out looking for ten an over, every over for the next twenty. They were doing reasonably well well until Rose was out LBW for 15. 1-25 in the fourth. Hodgson battled away before Chickin was out for 19 in the 7th over, 2-47. Did I say 19 in 7 overs? yep that's' under three an over when we needed 10, batters who can bat my arse. Then in the 9th over the Doms took two fatal bellow the waterline hits, Hodgy and Sammy Moore out to head shaking shots, 76-4 off 9 overs the Doms ship was about to turn turtle. Dolly stayed awhile avoiding the strike and new boy Pinhead raced to his highest Doms score of 17, the rest is history and embarrassment as the Westies threw up some fodder for those that cant bat to tonk around. The Doms ship flounders on 146-9, there were a few survivors, the relatives of those that perished have been notified. Captain Van der Decken (ok look him up) must be pleased with the company of Captain Chickin, another phantom... Man of the Match: Given the score and general performance Hodgy for his first two overs. Dropped catches: 2 (running total 67) This match, Chickin -1 Piper -1 (I may need correcting as the sea water affects my eyes)
Sorry there is no Match Day Report as it seems no one could be arsed to write one! and days after the match here it is...... Another Thursday evening game, one of the last few 20/20 games the Doms had left in the season. Tonight, Selly Oak Exiles were the opposition and after a close defeat at their place, the Doms were looking to tie the series 1-1. On paper the Doms had a good strong side, with the addition of 2 Bromsgrove players making their debuts, Adam “Jonah” Jones and Harry Smith. The oppo arrived slightly late as there were roadwork’s all over the place, but it was decided that’ll we would still go for a 20 slog provided we had a quick turnaround between overs, however time would not be a factor in the end. Pedro won, making a rare mid week appearance (school must have been finished) won the toss and decided to put Selly Oak (they only had 9 players anyway). Banham and Rich were given the task to start the Doms off, with Banham bowling well up the hill with plenty of drift and variety and Rich bowling his usual down the hill. It was Rich who struck first with a rank awful short ball. The batsmen trying to smash over the infield, but all he found were the safe hands of Pedro, for an easy snaffle. Wicket maiden for Rich. Banham continued to beat the bat constantly but had no reward. Rich, now in full flow picked up another 2 wickets, bowling both of the new batsmen cleanly. So the first 8 overs were bowled and the Doms had gotten off to the perfect start with Selly Oak 19-3 3. Rich finishing with very good figures of 4-2-8-3, and Banham with a tidy 4-1-11-0. Pedro then turned to himself and Dave Moore to continue the good work set up by the opening pair. Pedro jogging in up the in hill and Dave Moore being asked to glide in down the hill. Both bowlers started well with Hunt beating the bat with his first ball, followed up with his second ball being prodded to Pedders for a simple catch at cover. Pedro’s first over another wicket maiden for the Doms. Dave Moore then came on and at first found the gliding end a little tricky with a couple of short balls that were dispatched to the boundary. He soon found his rhythm though. At this point Selly Oak were in no place to launch even a reasonable fight back and Doms were sensing this. Pedro continued in his 2nd over with balls sailing past the bat but was rewarded when the batsmen played the wrong line and was clean bowled. Moore at the other then picked up his first of 2 good wickets when the batsmen, trying to hit out, only managed to pick out Pedro once more, who had to sprint in and took a good low catch. Pedro’s 3rd and final over was eventful. Another prodded shot found Pedders again for Pedro’s third of the match. Pedders did well with this catch as he was running backwards and took the catch over his shoulder. Pedro then followed the wicket up with a ball that beat the batsmens edge, only to hit the off stump but neither bail dislodged, a little unlucky but he finished with figures of 3-1-4-3, a nice return to form for him. So the Selly Oak lads were down to their last man and Dave Moore soon finished the innings off with his 2nd of the match when Chicken took a sharpe chance behind the stumps. Selly Oak trudged off 39 all out off 12 overs, with 5 maidens being bowled by the Doms, 2 of which were wicket maidens. Surely the Doms couldn’t mess this one up, could they? So Pedro looked around the changing room and saw so much batting talent it was difficult to work out who would be responsible for winning the game for the Doms. The choice was made and Chicken and Tony Piper were instructed to go and play their shots and see us home with a 10 wicket victory. Selly Oak, who were still very chirpy in the field were not prepared to give up without a fight and their two openers were very lively. With their first bowler being the guy who ripped the Doms apart in the last game taking 4-6. Chicken safely navigated the first over and then Tony Piper was there to face the next bowler, who was slower than the first but was getting some lovely away movement. Piper soon departed, walking in front of his stumps leaving the umpire no choice but give him plum lbw. Not to worry as Jonah walked to the crease, ready to see us home. 1st ball and a bye put Chicken on strike and then next ball gone, clean bowled playing the wrong line. So Doms were 1-2 and started in their usual fashion. But Chicken’s demise only brought Banham to the crease and between them they saw the Doms home with 11.4 overs to spare. Both playing fluently with Banham hitting a particularly nice six down to fine leg. So the Doms pick up another victory and win by 8 wickets. Man of the Match: Tough choice between Rich and Hunt, but with two catches over the younger bowler, it goes to Pedro. Dropped catches: 0 (running total 65) This match,
Pedders, hero and villain? Nope just the hero as the villain tag goes to Stato who refused to bowl the crucial over... with no real captains available, the two teachers working on Guernsey, and we believe that ! and the other attending a cancelled meeting it was left the Stato and Last to slug it out for the honour of leading the mighty mighty Dom's. Stato couldn't be arsed so it was left to Last to toss and win and after long consultation with pitch expert Banham (he of white line marking) decided it would be good to bat first on a crumbling wicket when Banhams' balls would be turning at right angles in the second innings ( well that's what he said) Disbelief in the camp as Last told Dolly and Cordes to open with the instruction to get 25 off the first three overs - the skipper wanted a flying start and had the utmost confidence in the pair. But the pair did just that with Dolly striking a big six and Cordes and a slashing 4, although Cordes was out to an awful shot for 5 the captains target was exceeded 27 off three. It all went wrong as four wickets fell for two runs, the Moore boys, awful shots and Banham streaking down the batting averages table succumbed playing down the wrong line to a gentle pacer - awful stuff to watch. The Doms teetering on 5-31 with about 7 overs gone. Then the rescue started, slowly at first as Pedley and Stato took control and at the halfway point just 54 runs were accumulated. The pair then let loose with some stinging overs, over ten runs an over was a regularity as the boundaries were peppered. Pedders taking the command as Stato supported, the 100 mark which looked a long way off passed with ease. Stato managed his customary awful shot but this time the catch was floored. The final 5 overs saw the Old Mose bowling was put to the sword as Pedders hit two magnificent 6's, his personal 50 came and went with hardly any acknowledgement as the batsman was focused on getting the job done. Sadly he was caught out in the deep going for another big six for 76 runs and a record Doms 6th wicket partnership of 123 was made. Only 6 more runs were added as the Doms carved out a big 162-6 off their allocation. As the Doms walked out the skipper hatched his cunning plan. Stato would bowl the last over first, get the expensive over in first before the batsmen had settled. Stato was having none of it (maybe protecting his averages?), "I'm to tired" was the lame excuse. So with the master plan in tatters Plan B was employed. Rich and Banham to take the first 8 between them. Rich another good spell unrewarded 0-22 and Banham's "turners" claiming a wicket for a very commendable 15 runs, 1-15 a great return. The Mose lads were struggling much as the Doms did and at the halfway point less than 50 runs were on the board. Perhaps Plan B was working. But the Mose lads were now getting back into the game and started to find the boundary more often as Cordes and Walker got some tap. An instruction was sent on via Cordes from the skipper who had no meeting to go to to change the fielding positions. Last and Morris considered the instruction and told Cordes to tell the skipper with no meeting to F*ck off, not sure if the response was passed on though. Although the runs were flowing the Doms looked in control with Pedley and Sammy Moore bowling the death overs at below the going rate. So 32 off two overs, Moore does his bit which if Plan A was employed would have been the final over. Sadly because of Stato's reluctance the final six balls would be bowled by batting hero Pedders. A four and two six hit slogs later two were required by the visitors off the final ball. Pedders pitched full and the batsmen scramble the run needed to tie the game. An unlikely match after the Doms poor start and Old Mose own laboured early batting. To the Mose lads it must have felt like a win, to Last and his boys it felt much like being beaten. Man of the Match: Pedders for a great knock Dropped catches: 2 (running total 65) This match, Rich -1 Piper -1
It looked a great day for a game of cricket, a few clouds around but nothing much to worry about, even Stato was down to his vest and shirt so it must have been warm, sadly before four o'clock the teams came off for what seemed an unnecessary interruption when a the clouds darkened and rain fell to heavily to continue. But not to worry the covers were on and tea would be taken early by then the skies would be clear and sunny.... The Doms had never played the Unity boys from Edgbaston before, a quickly arranged match after the Sportsmen pulled out during the week. They seem a nice bunch of lads with a near horizontal approach to cricket, it was good to see and meet a cheerful bunch of lads. Again Pedro failed to influence the choice by loosing the toss yet again but we would have put them in anyway so nothing lost nothing gained. A couple of late withdrawals seeing Stu Riche's whites being used once more and the appearance of Justin "Hands" Anstey for the first run out of the year, apparently he has a "shoulder"! bloody whimping git. Rich down the hill got smashed for a boundary after delivering one bad ball in his first six whilst donkey specialist Pedro trundled in up the hill, young Alex is in a fine run of form and produced another good spell as the Unity openers started with lots of flare and extravagant slashes. Pedro not so fortunate going for six an over before being rested. Hodgy was first to strike finding the edge which was well picked up by Alex Rich somewhere fourth slip. Hodgy continued to bowl with venom and being frustrated by the ball flying off edges to the boundary. He was rested after five overs, 2-24. Meanwhile Colin Hunt had taken over from Pedro and got some stick as the boundaries flowed, his figures of 3-40 off a full eight was supported by two fine catches. One of these three wickets was Colin's 100th Doms wicket. The "fill in" bowlers of Morris and Last - over 600 wickets between them, tied the Unity boys down as they pressed to move the score on, the pair bowled 5 overs for 8 runs before the rain intervened and the player trooped off not to appear again. Some good bowling and fielding, swift work by Hands saw a fine run out and some good catches were taken, sadly 6 were downed. Man of the Match: not awarded today.. Dropped catches: 6 (running total 63) This match, Dolly-2, Morris-1, Hunt C-1 Hunt M-1 Hodgson-1
Yes the Doms are back on a roll, with two in two the bounce is back in the Doms dressing room. Tonight's visitors were Old Mosley Arms who the Doms turned over by 75 runs earlier in the season. The recent sun had disappeared to be replaced by large clouds drifting over the Bromsgrove track. The late withdrawal of Sammy Moore did not weaken the side as Walker was an able replacement. With Skipper Chickin still on route Last tossed and the call by the visiting skipper was correct, not that it mattered much as Last would have put the Mose lads in anyway. Banham and Rich took the new ball with Banham charging in and with something resembling leg breaks - it looked good and certainly took the batmen by surprise as he picked up a couple of wickets and a frugal amount of runs conceeded. Meanwhile young Rich was thundering in downhill and produced another excellent bowling display 2-11 off his four after Sundays 1-10 off 8 overs. The visitors were struggling to make any impression on the rate. After 10 overs there score was just creeping into the 50's. Adie replaced Rich and continued the tight bowling but went unrewarded. Pedley now bowling up hill also keep clean tight lines as he mixed up the pace and direction. Old timers Morris and Last were asked to bowl at the death and a few agricultural heaves added some much needed boundaries to the Moseley score supported by some tardy boundary fielding, were Chickin and Piper standing in treacle? The Moseley boys 118 did not look enough as big hitter Chickin faced up and was out to the first ball he needed to defend but alas it took out his middle stump, well I don't know you put those who score all the runs in at number one and those who don't at number 11, over 3,000 come to mind.... But not to worry, young Walker joins old timer Morris and the Doms are off and running, the score moved on with some caution but up with the rate. With the score on 38 Walker become the first of 5 Doms batsmen to be caught out for a compact 23 runs. Out of the last 13 Doms wickets to fall 11 have been caught out - some awful shot in that 11. So 2-38, no worries as "spinner" Banham came to the crease, nudges around the ball until he plays an awful shot to some sh8ite ball and was easily caught, he trudges off still dreaming of spin for 7 runs. 3-55 and 10 overs gone. Piper still in the land of Narnia after Sundays record breaking knock came back to reality scoring bugger all. 4-60 soon became 5-63 as Morris again, match after mach plays a most grotesquely awful shot and was caught out for 23. The Old Moseley lads tails were well and truly up when "I can bend in the middle" Boynton was bowled for 1. 6-71 , overs running out the Mose boys sensed an unexpected victory. But fear not it was getting dark and Dave Wright incisors were lengthening ! he joins Pedders who had seen the carnage at the other end unfold before him. Together they were soon putting the bowling to the sword and boundaries were now a regular occurrence. But still Pedders managed to get himself out (28) - caught before the curtain came down on the Moseley lads brave attempt at defending 118. Wright undefeated on 27. A good match that the Doms controlled for most of the game and no dropped catches! Man of the Match: Pedders for his 28 runs that kept the side together after the mid innings wobble.. Dropped catches: 0 BUT a missed stumping off Last! (running total 57)
There have been many a "champagne moment" spanning the history of the Old Doms but at today's away match in downtown Bristol a classic was produced. The scene... Stuart Rich fielding at deep fine leg positioned between two trees a goal mouth distance apart, Boynton at square leg, Hunt bowling up the slope. The batsman clips the ball off his legs, it speeds towards Boynton who is not known for bending in the middle. Rich sensing he would need to back up Boynton raced out of his "goal area". Boynton flicks out a boot to stop the ball. On the volley Boynton lashes the ball into the back of the net from well out side of the penalty area leaving the hapless Rich scrambling to get back in goal. Magic moments are made of this. Six straight defeats were weighing heavily on the shoulders of skipper Hunt and Director of Performance Perry as the team met up at the Snuff Pot (a Harvester Inn not a place to terminate dying cricket teams). The defeats had not affected the appetites of the players as they tucked in and discussed tactics and Statos "beard". Pedro the only casualty of the pre match food fest when his corn on the cob did a runner as he tried to impale it on his fork. With the match discussed and the decision on Statos beard shelved the team drifted off to the nearby ground where the first Air Ambulance was waiting to meet them. Eventually the home team turned up and the copter rose into the clear skies looking for more casualties. The pre match training paid off with the toss as Pedro called correctly and put the home side in. Alex Rich steaming in down hill produced his most economical performance in a Doms shirt as he kept the batsmen struggling to lay a bat on his quickies. His was rewarded with a fine wicket, his 50th strike for the Doms. His spell ended 8-1-10-1 a truly great spell whilst at the donkey end the batsmen found Pedro's deliveries more to their taste but in saying that it was very slow progress by the home team. After 5 Pedro took a breather with Colin Hunt replacing him. The pattern continued runs hard to glean from Tank bowling down the hill whilst Colin took some tap going at six an over. Tank produced an excellent spell of eight with 0-16, although this was marred by his "Sharapova" grunts when delivering the ball. Last came on and bowled a steady 1-27 off his eight when the batsmen were looking to push the score on. Just as the Frenchay boys were starting to take risks Pedro took out the middle stump to run out their dangerous batsman with a scorching throw from deep mid off. Morris bowled four ordinary overs down the hill and was creamed about the field, 0-34 off four. Pedro kept things tight in his second spell and 1-35 was his reward. It was a lacklustre batting display by the home team facing some excellent bowling from Rich and Tank, their combined 16-2-26-1 took the fight out of the home side and they recorded and merge 161-5. A couple of good catches , Colin Hunt and a sharp one by Chickin. Tea was taken just as the second helicopter was arriving so the food was taken across the road as the casualty was airlifted in to the hospital. The batting has been of some concern during the loosing run and on paper there was some brittleness about the current line up. Pedro decided to try and "space out" the batting skills and thankfully it worked out. Wright was out cheaply - he's on a poor run with the bat and Perry batting on the same track where he recorded his maiden century was caught out playing an unnecessary shot for bugger all. 2-7 and it was not looking good for the Doms. Then and unlikely "hero" joined Chickin in a stand of 52 runs - Piper clouting 5 fours and running like the puppet man had his lines tangled dashed up and down the wicket. Chicken went for 10, playing another unnecessary shot 3-59 but the Doms were above the run rate required. Old stalwart Stato joined puppet Piper looking to redeem his bowling, but with only 6 runs added Piper was the fourth player to be caught for a well played 31 his highest ever Doms score. Well done Piper. Alex Rich also on a downslide in batting form strode in and soon helped Stato keep the score board moving toward the Holy Grail of 162 but with the score on 97 Rich was caught out for 9 runs. 97-4 but loads of overs left. Boynton came and went for nothing - caught 105-6, was the wobble going to turn into a disaster as the home side sensed victory? Well no chance of that, Pedro joined Stato and Stato rested on his bat whilst Pedro took the bowling apart crashing 6 boundaries in quick fire time leaving the home side aimlessly chasing the balls off Pedro's bat. A great little knock and the Doms where home with overs to spare. The run of defeats was now consigned to the back catalogue of Doms history. Man of the Match: Pedro for his dashing 33 not out to ease the Doms over the line. Dropped catches: 3 - (running total 57) Hunt C -1 Chickin-2
After a straight run of 5 defeats a rag tag group of players turned up to form an Old Doms XI, as it turned out there were only 10 players but it was good to see two Old Doms players turn up to watch during the game. Jonners sporting a tartan number on his arm (Fort William version) and Wrighty with his now not so young sibling doing his best to walk behind the bowlers arm at the right opportunity! The evenings opponents were the Georgian lads who the Doms had turned over so easily a few weeks ago. Perry tossed and the oppo skipper called correctly and the Doms were put in. Morris and Pedders to open started well and soon had the score board moving but on 24 the first of the 4 Doms wickets to fall happened when Pedley was well caught at square leg. Tank Perry strode in and started by giving the visitors catching practise in an arc from point to mid on, 4 chances in as many balls and much like the Doms previous match the ball fell to the ground! It was good to see that the Doms are as bad as other teams when it comes to dropping chances. Perry continued his tactic of hitting every ball hard and raced to 18 before being caught at square leg for a brisk 18. 2-59 and nearing the ten over mark. Walker join the run chase and supported Morris well and put on 47 for the third wicket before Walker was bowled for a very good 28 which only included 3 fours - Morris was panting. 106-3 with about 5 overs left. Dolly came and went and it was left to Hickman to support the Morris charge and the Doms innings ended on a respectable 139-4 with Stato unmoved on 71 not out. 140 runs to win, would the Doms be good enough to defend it. Hickman came speeding in down hill and produced some fine pace, the first ball crashing into Last's broken finger who had taken on the keepers role for the match. Hunt up hill was rested after 2 overs and replaced by skipper Perry. Hickman was first to strike after Last had decided to risk his life and stand up to the Hickman pace , with the batsman now forced to play off his back foot his was comprehensively bowled. He soon cleared another bats out of the way and the scoring rate was stifled. The Hickman spell ended on 2-26. Perry picked up a couple and was the most consistent bowler on show, his spell of 2-21 was a good reward for some accurate bowling. Pedley bowled well as the chase was on picking up a wicket 1-24. A couple of sharp pieces of work behind the stumps saw two of the Georgians stumped, sadly for the first the umpire was not looking and gave not out and second one (same blind umpire) "cant be stumped off a wide". Shocking decisions. It was left to Walker and Hunt to win the game for the Doms - 20 to win off 12 balls with only two wickets left, sadly Hunt had the yips and the ball was going anywhere but near the stumps, 14 off the over and the Georgians could now smell the winning line, with now only 6 needed off 6 balls Perry brought all the fielders in but sadly 6 off 6 was an easy chase and the batsmen got there with three balls to spare. A win was there but we bottled it. The payers trudged off to yet another defeat. Man of the Match: Steve Morris, great knock but where was he when needed to bowl at the death? Dropped catches: 2 - (running total 54) Morris-1 Pedley-1
A match to forget, not one moment of the game caused any glimmer of hope that the Doms would get out of this run of five straight losses, after the debacle against the Westies mid week this match equalled that. The Doms were playing old adversary's Coftonians, a team we should be beating. The visitors decided to bat first on a good wicket on what was to be the hottest day of the year, even Stato was down to his vest and cricket shirt, not to mention those "sandals". The Coftonians have a few batters but the opening pair should have been back in the pavilion within the first two overs, Chickin dropping the first of 9 to be grounded today. A regulation chance off a Rich effort ball, then followed an even simpler chance when Bagby grounded the ball. An over or so later another piddling easy chance to Moore. The openers were picking up runs at an average pace but not too worrying. The next chance to Last at mid off, ball bladdered head height Last hurls himself one handed at full stretch but alas all he could manage was to stop the boundary before he hit the floor marginally after the ball had. No luck for Pedro and Rich. Last asked to do a donkey job replaced Pedro and Adie gliding down after Riches first stint. Runs still flowed at about 4 an over, Last dropping another scorcher off Adie at mid off - same hand same result - more bruising. Last got the break through when Chickin took a sharp gloved chance and followed this up a few overs later when the same due got the other opener this time a fine edge. Adie's fine spell ended with a return of 1-25 off 8. Last a tad more expensive 2-46. The runs were flowing but not that quick and it looked that the Cofts would fall shy of 250. Bagby missed a hard chance and Pedro had one scorch through his hands - catchable but not easy. In the dying embers of the game Rich picked up two wickets 2-57, a tad expensive for Riches talent. Pedro came back to claim one, a good 1-32. Last dropped his final attempt - running hard ( dragging his injured limb, bruised hands and ripped nail) scorched across the turf diving forward got to the ball early which crashed into his wrist rather than hand. At least an effort was made as it was noticeable that skied balls were now being allowed to bounce rather than being attacked - the fear factor and seeped in... So 233 to win. Tea was taken. Pickles first chance to step up to the plate - the cheese sandwich plate - a good effort but much work to do on the presentation. 233 on this track is gettable but for the calamitous Doms batsmen, confidence already shattered it could have 50 to chase and would still have mucked it up. Adie being out to a good sharp catch, Bagby and Chickin got into a mix up with both at one end, with Bagby doing a Colin Hunt with the bat. Rich looked confident until he holed out. Dolly avoided and Audi but lasted not much longer and the rest is left to the history book. The Doms succumbed to a sad 91 all out. The Director of Performance has his work cut out to halt the slide. Man of the Match: Not one player was in the frame Dropped catches: 9 - (running total 52) Last 3, Bagby -2, M Hunt -1 J Hickin -2, D Moore -1
There is very little to salvage from this latest defeat for the Old Doms. It was such an inept performance it beggars belief. A strong side, plenty of batting down to number 8 and a set of bowlers available to keep the score well below 150. Nine players took to the field with Sammy stuck on his favourite motorway and Skipper Hickin relying of the railway infrastructure to whisk him from Sutton Coldfield to Bromsgrove, but fear not the lads got off to a stormer - Hodgy bowling with pace and venom and Banham doing the donkey work up hill. The top four Westies batsmen trooped off bemused at the mauling they were getting. 4 down seven overs bowled and less than twenty on the board. The talk amongst the Westies at this point was how they could persuade the Doms to play a ten over slog as soon as the main match finished. Banham bowled a great spell taking 1-15 and at this point Hodgy 3-14 off three. Then for some unknown reason Chickin decided to take the jackboot off the Westies throat and rest the maraudering Hodgy. Piper replaced Hodgy and that was the end of any potential for the Doms to skittle out the Westies cheaply. Balls flew everywhere as Birch sensed he could make the Doms pay for easing off the pressure. Piper was off after one 0-18, it could have been many more if not for some excellent fielding. With a new found belief the score raced to 55 before the next wicket fell, Rich bowling the batsmen with his first ball. A wicket maiden but his three others went for 37. Meanwhile Dave Moore bowled a first good over and then was tanked around. The Doms looked hapless to stop the runs, Adie surprisingly brought on late and stopped the flow 0-10 off two and then belatedly when the Westies had passed the 150 mark, over 100 coming off the last ten or so overs Hodgy was called back to bowl the final over after the damage had well and truly been done. He did however pick up three cheap wickets as the Westies tried to screw some final runs out of the last six balls. Hodgy finished with a career best for the Doms of 6-16 matching Last's effort some year previously. One dropped catch and one a cracker by Rich. The fielding was ok but the Doms players spent most of the time in unforlorn chases as the ball regularly reached the boundary first. Well the Westies now dragged from total despair to one of confidence raced through the Doms top order, Sammy Moore, awful shot, Hodgson awful shot, Banham no shot and Rich likewise. Adie looked on in bemusement as the Westies celebrated. Only Morris helped Adie keep the sip afloat with a ponderous 24 - then out to another awful shot. Cometh the darkness cometh Davey Wright who blasted the ball around in quick fire fashion for an unbeaten 31, Adie unmoved on 32. The Doms lost by 43 runs from a position of total dominance. Man of the Match: Hodgy scraped it with his 6-16 Dropped catches: 1 - (running total 43) Wright after being dobbed in by Stato
After being thrashed around the park a few weeks ago by Unity at 319-3 off their 40 overs the Old Doms turned up for the reverse fixture with their bowlers suddenly having shoulder problems but as it turned out the bowlers put in a good shift and this time made a game of it. The Unity boys were of good of humour albeit Mills was again a pain in the arse for his mindless whimpering's, I'm sure his mouth is shaped like a cricket bat, possibly from regularly removing one after every match. Skipper Pedro decided that he would use an old formula to open the bowling - the Stranglers. Himself up the steep slope and Last hobbling downhill. The Unity eleven bat a long way down so it potentially was going to be key to the game how well runs were restricted. Both bowlers did better than expected in keeping the runs in check supported by some good and life threatening fielding on what must be the worst outfield the Doms have played on for many a year - council park without the dog sh@t. Pedro rested after a good spell of 5 over with only 14 runs being scored, one wonders why he didn't carry on through his allotted 8 when on such a roll, perhaps he 0-89 off 8 still haunted him. Last kept plugging away putting down a sharp c&b which was bladdered back to him at pace but was rewarded with an LBW shout and Piper pulling off a good catch. His stint over with a useful 2-35, both openers gone . Tank playing his 100th game for the Doms was steaming in uphill and kept the runs restricted and pulled off a golden over by clearing out the Unity prime batsmen for a ducks, strangely Mills had a sudden spell of dumbness. Gazelle coming down hill had a good unrewarded half spell in which he conceded only 15 runs. The final 15 overs were shared by Colin Hunt and "I can take my sherry" Pedley. Pedders got some late stick as the Unity boys tried to post a good score, he finished with 3-63 whilst Hunt a credible 0-38. Hunt also took a good one handed catch that was flying to the boundary. So 202 to win, a good first half performance, it was now up to the batsmen to make a fist of it. A nice tea taken and it was good to see Colin dribble beetroot on his cricket jumper. Banham and Chickin got the chase off to a good start before a near terminal collapse occurred. Chickin caught for 10, 1-35 soon became 2-35 as Tank was bowled for bugger all. It was soon 3-36 as surprisingly Banham was bowled. With no further runs added Dolly made it a hat trick of ducks (he will soon have enough to get a pond to float them on) being given LBW. Morris joined Pedley and the rebuild was on as they knocked the ball about. Sadly with the score on 81 Morris flipped the ball in the air and was caught - awful shot. Piper came and went for nothing. It was left to Pedders to get the team home. But only 16 runs were added with Last before Pedders skied one. Skipper Pedro joined Last and set down the game plan "lets bore them to death and get right up Mills nose". Last reverted to his Chris Tavere mode (look it up) whilst somehow Pedro had forgotten his game plan and smacked the ball all around the park to record his highest ever Doms score. One amusing bit of sledging was recorded. Mills abusing Last's stonewall defence at every opportunity, With Mills starting a new over to Last the Unity Skipper encourage "Come on Unity lets get this wicket" Last looked up at Mills who was about the run in when Last retorted " well put a bowler on and you may get a wicket". Wild laughing from the Unity lads, all except Mills who at this instance didn't have anything to say. One nil to Last. Sadly Pedro's blast came to a halt with the score on 145 - he walked off with some pride, this was the Doms third highest partnership for the 8th wicket (43 runs). It left Colin Hunt a few balls to crash two good fours. The game over hands were shaken and a few beers sipped. It was a good game, but the Doms failed to build on a good first half. Man of the Match: Pedro for his top Doms score and a good cheap five over spell. Dropped catches: 5 - (running total 42) Last-1 C Hunt-1, Dolly-1, Chickin-1 ? Pedley-1.
Well it was forecast and all looked ok until Stato arrived from Bromsgrove towing the black clouds behind him. The Doms had a strongish side out for this evenings match against the Titans who were well beaten by the Doms a few weeks ago. Skipper Perry called heads and lost the toss - he's been told not to call heads but hey he wont listen. The Doms would bat. But just when you think nothing unusual would happen who appears in the sumptuous changing rooms but non other that Ned Kelly Anstey arm in arm with his newly found Scottish lass - great to see them both even though its only a flying months visit. I understand Jonners had only flown home with the quest to try and persuade Randy Learner that he was the right person to take charge at Villa. Sadly has been announce this morning that some Scottish person has been offered this plumb "top six" job. Nocturnal Dave Wright waltzed out with Morris and soon had the scoreboard ticking over but sadly Wrighty feathered a simple catch behind and walked away for a paltry 6 runs - 1-20. Fireworks started when Sammy Moore breezed in and started hitting sixes - one a cracking straight drive to the furthest boundary - the score board was ticking over nicely until the score was on 66 when Morris stuck out his bat to a wide one and was caught - awful shot selection.. 2-66. Tank blasted a quick fire 15 and that was about that as players dashed for cover as the first shower started and only a couple more overs were bowled before the match was abandoned as a draw. Sadly in this period of time Dolly was out for his second duck in two nights. Man of the Match: Not awarded Dropped catches: 0 - (running total 37) This game non.
Well the Doms were away from Bromsgrove for the first time this season, a warmish evening , even Stato discarded his woolie. The Doms looked short on batting strength for this game against the Exiles but with Hodgy in the line up anything could happen. The Doms bowled first with Last starting with three dot balls before his first bouncer of the season took the Exile opener by surprise and gloved the ball as he fended off the brutish lifter to Chickin who gratefully received a very simple catch. Hodgy bowled with his usual pace and beat the bat often but the Exiles seem to be only interested in four ball shots with the first twenty odd runs coming from boundaries, mainly on the short side. Hodgy was replaced by Kath Adie after two unsuccessful overs. Last bowling his final over was clattered for three successive fours but got his reward with the opener holed out to a slick catch by Dolly at mid off. Dolly, it must be noted had an excellent twenty overs in the field this evening running hard and throwing in over the wickets from the deepest boundary - get form. Piper replaced Last from the pavilion end and tempted the batsman to loft to mid off where Boynton dropped the chance but not dwelling on his mishap picked up the ball and with a direct throw ran the hapless Exile out. Smart work. The four shots still were the main Exile source of runs with Hodgy being kept busy on the boundary, although he failed to get his whites dirty - a bit of diving practise needed? The bowlers kept plugging away and Hodgy got some final reward by picking up his second wicket of the season. Morris came on at the end when the batsmen were giving their wickets away and picked up 2 wickets. The 20 overs bowled the Doms faced a gettable 142. It was a good'sh fielding stint by the Doms, plenty of effort it was now the batting prowess that would be examined. Hodgy and Kath Adie strode purposely to the wicket to open the innings - did they know that this was their 50th games for the Doms? symmetry in motion! Well the pair looked at ease, Hodgy plundering fours and the odd six as Kath chipped away trying to give Hodgy most of the strike. The pair were up with the rate when Adie succumbed and walked off for a supporting 16. 1-62 soon became 2-77 as Dolly was comprehensively bowled but Hodgy still there and getting the Doms closer. As the overs were running down the batsmen were taking more chances with Boynton out for 4 and Chickin out for a duck. Dolly a duck chickin a duck.. more symmetry! Morris pushing the score on was running out of partners and overs but the chase was on, sadly the Doms were just two shots away from pulling off a fine win. Morris unmoved on 30 not not out. Another away day looms tomorrow when the Doms take on TRP Titans over in the leafy suburbs of Harbourn. Man of the Match: Hodgy for a great knock, good bowling spell and keeping his whites clean.. Dropped catches: 1 - (running total 37) This game Boynton-1
With the presses raring to go the Roving Reporter sharpen his typing fingers to meet the early papers deadline (Junior reporter Rich please note you are still on probation - late reports will not be tolerated!) It was a fine night, even Last decided not to wear a jumper for the first match this season whilst Stato was still wearing layers of T-shirts and various other bits of sackcloth including that most undistinguished facial hair - get it off, ladies like the well trimmed stubble not an aging cricketers failure to shave for a few weeks, a hirsute conundrum. The Westies, always chirpy would provide a good test for the Doms who were having one of their best starts to a season with only three losses recorded. Pedro Hunt still on the weekday curfew so Tank Perry took charge and won the toss and put the Westies boys in. Banham and Last opened, the latter returning after missing a few games in trying to track down Shep Blatter. Banham a first tidy over and Lasts first over was ruined by a six hit by Heath, Heath then hit last second over for three more sixes, one of which was pushed over the line by Nolan's despairing catch attempt. Last also dropped a skier in this over dislocating and breaking a finger in the process. Thankfully for Last Tank took him off. Banham continued to impress with the ball picking up two wickets and ending his spell 2-27. Nolan was bowling with his usual venom and suffered some streaky boundary shots but none the less 2-36 in this high scoring match was a useful, sadly he dropped a sharp return chance off his bowling, sadly his second of the match. Rich bowled a good spell, possibly one of his better in the 20 over slog form of cricket picking up a wicket. Piper and Walker were the other bowlers, Walker mixed it up and was rewarded with two wickets in a 2-25 spell. Piper got some treatment and was taken off after two overs. The Westies had reached 180 off their 20 overs, a big total but not insurmountable. With Boynton and Morris opening the Doms innings was bound to get off to a good start. Nope, whilst Boynton was thinking of a fifty Morris called for a sharp run and Boynton was easily run out without facing a ball. Morris has form for this tactic. Nolan was soon hitting the ball hard and long but holed out at mid off for 10 runs, a weak dismissal. Banham joined Morris and steadily kept the scored board ticking over. Banham took on the aggressor role whilst Morris enjoyed picking out deep fine leg for one run. At the ten over mark the Doms score was in the 80's, ten an over required in the second half. With the score on 109 Banham was bowled by a straight ball looking to hit a straight six for a very accomplished 62, if he had of stayed around for and couple of overs the Doms would have surely reached the target. Morris perished for a ponderous 30 bowled in similar fashion to Banham's dismissal. 120-4 and the overs running out fast, Rich and Dolly tried to keep the run rate going and both were out chasing the run rate. Big hitter Chickin nearly pulled off a good win with some lusty blows but alas the Doms were an over short and the innings ended on 169-7. A very good chase based around the Morris Banham partnership but many of the Doms wins this season had been close affairs and this time the Doms lost out. Man of the Match: Matty Banham for a great knock and good bowling spell. Dropped catches: 3 - (running total 36) This game Last-1 Nolan-2
It’s here at last, not since the heyday of Harry Potter has a work of fiction been so eagerly awaited. On a cold, overcast day which saw intermittent showers, fate decreed that the Old Doms would field first. The opening bowlers restricted the scoring rate with great effect – the skipper took one for 25 off 8 overs and Alex Rich took 2 for 17 off 8 overs. Perry and Nolan took over – Ciaran had figures of one for 37 and Tom Perry, 2 for 41 including the Georgians danger man. Colin Hunt worked hard but without return. The conditions caused problems for the bowlers, especially with the run up in the delivery stride. The fielding was generally good but there were 4 dropped catches. Old Georgians set up a very respectable target of 201 in their 40 overs.The tea was definitely back to the high standard to which the Doms and their visitors have become accustomed. There was no doubt about the star item – the chocolate cake which was baked by Tom “Dolly” Hickin – the Old Doms very own Domestic Goddess. There followed a mini middle order collapse as Tom Hickin and
Alex Rich departed, but Stato arrived with a 2-part plan – steady the ship and
then accelerate the scoring. The Doms just about kept pace with the required rate, but
there was always the nagging doubt – would the tail follow the example set by
the middle order? Fortunately for the Doms, the sprint to the finish line was
lead by Stato Morris with a well-judged 64.
He was very ably supported by Ciaran Nolan (12) and Gareth Humphreys (20)
who both played some big shots and scored quickly.
In a tight finish the Doms overtook the Georgians score with a mere 3 balls to
spare.
Man of the Match: Steve Morris for an excellent all-round performance Dropped catches: 4 - (running total 33) This match Chickin-2 Nolan-1 Humphreys-1 Data for the Bromsgrove match lost in the ether.... will appear here soon!
Well the stage was set for another great Doms match. The Doms had another strong mid week side, with the welcomed return of Pedders and Walker, again on loan from Bromsgrove CC. Pedro and Tank set off for the match on a glorious June evening, discussing tactics, when the phone rang. It was the Old Griffs, opposition for the evening, letting us know that they only had 5 players and therefore wouldn’t be turning up. This was no more than an hour before the start of the game. Pedro and Tank looked perplexed and asked each other at what point in the week do you know you’re not going to get any more players than 5. Quick decision was made and phone call to Banham asking if Bromsgrove could get together 11 guys for a game. No problem. So by 6pm we had 2 teams and a great evening of cricket ahead of us. Toss was made and oppo called correctly and decided to have a bat. Skipper Perry had laid out his plans and opened with Hodgy and Banham. As with all 20/20 matches it not always necessary to take wickets as long as there were plenty of dot balls. Hodgy over the last 3 matches has become accomplished at grinding out dots balls without much reward. Banham from the other end, however, bowled tightly and grabbed himself a couple of wickets, the most important being that of Jonah who last time he faced the Doms scored a century at a strike rate of over 200%. So both bowlers completed their 4 over stints and getting the Doms off to a good start with Bromsgrove 35-2 Next up were Nolan and Hunt, hoping to follow up the good work from the openers. By now the Bromsgrove batsmen were settling in a little and decided to up the run rate as they were falling well short of a decent total. Nolan down the hill was punished with some wayward bowling and was taken off after 2 overs, to replaced by Rich and Hunt completing 3 overs for 17 runs (4 of which was the most awful piece of fielding you’ll likely to see from Walker, with 3 attempts to try and stop a simple ball on the boundary). Rich was taken off after 1 over being carted for 13. He’s progressed so well as a bowler over the last 2 years and now needs to work on his 20/20 bowling setup. Pedders and Walker were then given the task to wrap up the last few overs and they didn’t disappoint. Both bowling tidily and claiming 3 wickets between them, 2 for Pedders and 1 for Walker. In amongst their spell was a fantastic piece of fielding from Hodgy at Gully, whereby the batsmen were looking for a quick single, Hodgy rolled onto the ball and fired it in to Chicken to whip the bails off. Great stuff. So a good, tight bowling and fielding display meant that the Doms were chasing 120 to win. A mere 6 an over which was below par on this pitch. Perry and Morris were set the task of opening the Doms batting, with Tom looking to punish any wayward bowling and Steve being given the task of anchor. Bromsgrove started brightly and were bowling some very tight lines which both batsmen were finding difficult to score off. With the run rate climbing towards 7 an over Perry decided he was going to be a bit more aggressive but a swing and a miss meant he was bowled for 9. No worries for the Doms as in strode Hodgy, ready to take on all that came his way. He didn’t disappoint as ball after ball sailed to the boundary for 4’s and 6’s and put the Doms right back up with the run rate. By this time Bromsgrove were rotating their bowlers to give everyone a go and Morris and Hodgy were profiting from this, along with several dropped catches from the Bromsgrove lads. It was nice however to see them encouraging each other after catches went down, something perhaps the Doms could learn to do! With the score on 65, Morris top edged a short delivery to the waiting fielder. The anchor role had been played well, however he only managed 3 runs! In came Banham them to hopefully see off the rest of the runs with Hodgy. Hodgy completed his 50and then within touching distance of the line Hodgy was bowled a young spinner, who bowled a great delivery. He had taken some stick for the disappearing 6’s but he kept his chin up and produced a good spell. So Hodgy trundled off with a match winning 70 runs to his name. It was left then to young Rich to score the winning runs and complete a good and efficient win over a promising Bromsgrove side. The Bromsgrove lads, although young, showed that in the years to come they’ll be a real asset to Bromsgrove and will learn from this experience. A big thank you must go out to Matt Banham, who managed to get 11 players from Bromsgrove to play against at such short notice. Well done that man! Man of the Match: Hodgy for his tidy spell of bowling and a fabulous 70! Dropped catches: 1 (Matt Banham)
Man of the Match: Hodgy for his tidy spell of bowling and a fabulous 70! Dropped catches: 1 - (running total 29) This match Banham -1
Seven games without defeat came abruptly to an end when the Doms were taken down a peg or two by a strong Ward End batting side. The Doms weaken by players "injured", playing with the kids, on holiday or just "somewhere" playing gay ping pong. Drafted into the eleven were Baggers, Woody, Jems and HB2 Rich all of which played well and did not let the side down all. Again tails were called and the opposition had choice of what to do first. Pedro must pay more attention to how he tosses the coin if the Doms are ever to get the option of doing what first. It was another cold barren looking day with grey clouds swirling around the skies, jumpers were a must. The first set of overs were taken by Pedro and Alice who bowled well with little reward but were surely punished if the ball was short or off line. Pedro nearly had a wicket in his first over but it would have been a cracking catch if Woody had held on. The batsman went onto 50 after that chance had gone down. Colin Hunt raced in up hill after Pedro took a breather. He managed to bowl a straight one which bowled middle stump the weaker of the two Ward End openers. Hodgy was now speeding in down the slope with his customary speed with no luck as the batsmen were not good enough to get bat on ball. He did get his first wicket for ages as he trapped the batsman in front. Drinks were taken and the Ward End lads started to clime into the bowling, playing good shots boundaries were flowing and the run rate starting to soar. Morris, taken out of the attack after two overs to protect fragile bowling skills. Last and a returning Pedro bowled out the final overs as the batsmen went wild. With Last and Pedro going for 145 in 14 overs it may have seemed like poor bowling but there were some top drawer batsmen in and good balls were racing to all parts of the ground. That's the way it goes sometimes and full credit to Pedro who didn't hide when the going was tough. He will bowl better for the experience and never did you hear him moan as his balls were smacked around. Well done Pedro. Tea taken. Real problems with the cakes, Mrs Plod really need to get her priorities in order, unforgivable situation. Last and Chickin faced the first overs and needed to dig in against some tidy bowling, Last was undone by a short pitched ball that was on its way to the leg side boundary had it not managed to keep as low as a knats knackers. 1-29 soon became 2-30 as big hitter Hodgson got his first duck for the Doms, Rich went with the score on 41 a tame C&B. When Chickin walked for a good 37 (4-69) the game was all but over and this started a procession of bowlers who would never normally be trusted with the ball. Baggers, Morris and Wood benefited in full as the "occasionals" sent down the fodder. Baggers grabbed a hard hitting 46 and Wood hit a good 46. Morris plodded away for a 37 not out. So the Doms were 122 runs short which was about right. The Ward End lads were a so much stronger batting side and deserved their win, a good bunch of lads who in the main played with a good spirit and good banter. The Doms must lick their wounds and regroup. Man of the Match: Kelvin Wood for a good knock of 46 and some good stuff in the field. Dropped catches: 2 - (running total 28) This match, M Hunt -1 Wood-1)
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