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| The 4th XI captain is Andy Milner (left) and his Vice Captain Phil Quinn |
Sat 24 July – Poole Town IV v Bournemouth II
Before I get to the cricket I just want to pay tribute to Dave Miller this week who, in my view, continues to work tirelessly and patiently to keep the club rumbling forward. Thanks Dave I appreciate your efforts.
Now, having lost in a run fest at Chapel Gate earlier in the season losing the toss was not an ideal start; however as we had some new faces to meet and greet it was impossible to dwell on a minor issue like that. This week we welcomed Sam Bayston, called in around 11:30, Connor Way, who answered the call at 12:45, and Dave Padgett, who had a little more notice.
The wicket belied its hard feel by being consistently unpredictable and as it turned out a FINE toss to lose. The early problems for Bournemouth were caused by a nagging wicket to wicket spell from Dominic Narramore (6.2 – 1 – 21 – 4) and scherWING from Jon Watson (12 – 3 – 19 – 2). Both bowled beautifully and adding that fact to us holding every chance that came our way, we always looked to be the side with momentum.
Dom had a break after 6 overs and on came the MMMM Mighty Quinn for the MMMMMattesons spell (12 – 8 – 16 – 2). I have heard he doesn’t like reminding that half the runs scored off him came from 2 balls. I managed to get through some more filth (5 – 0 – 11 -2) and very satisfyingly we strolled off for tea having removed Bournemouth for 78. Once again Pam Quinn put out an excellent tea and we duly tucked in.
Having bowled Bournemouth out we were then able to give Sam Bayston license to tee off as he had to leave for work at 5pm. He appeared to really enjoy this and pinched us a quickfire 16 before failing to connect with one. Many thanks Sam, got us on a roll that we never let go of. Andy Hales (24 not out) and myself saw us over the line in 17.2 overs.
Dave Padgett proved to be an excellent addition behind the stumps, a real target for the fielders and a constant pain for batsman as the ball was in his hands and bails threatened. We look forward to seeing him again soon.
Obviously mixed feelings that Mike Smith, Sam Leaton, Connor Way, Dave Richards didn’t get much of a game – sorry chaps, I hope you enjoyed being part of a winning side. Thanks to Paula for scoring, much appreciated.
Another big game next week away to high flying Old Blandfordians. Rained off against them earlier in the season, so lets go with high hopes and confidence picked up from 2 back to back wins.
MOTM – Would love to bottle it and pick the bowling unit, but I will go for the Blond bombshell himself Dominic Narramore. Week after week he is improving and is now bowling full and straight and creating problems. We can definitely improve on the no-ball front, get that run-up sorted, but his effort and enthusiasm really is paying dividends.
Major mentions for Dave Padgett, very sharp with gloves Phil Quinn and Jon Watson – great 12 over spells Gents.
Shot of The Day – Sam Bayston parking one from the opening bowler over cover for 4. I don’t think he was expecting that 3rd ball.
Sat 17 July – Sturminster & Hinton v Poole Town IV
I love playing cricket here. I love it even more when not only do we play well, but we win. As the sounds of a hat-trick drifted up the valley from the Stalbridge direction our young batting line-up, punctuated by Dave Richards, tucked into the buffet that had been laid out by Messers Hales, Milner and Bonny. Rob Hellawell was brutal in his attack of anything short or for that matter pitched up and his innings of 80 not out will live long in the memory. Plenty of intent AND a great sense of the game. Positive running and batting as a partnership. Rob shared a stand of 80 odd with Ben Mogg who’s 38 contained our teams shot of the day. A classic straight drive that just kept going and going.
Dave also shared a good partnership with Rob, keeping the momentum going though at what cost as he was forced into pointing his backside into the wind to try and get some additional air back into his system at the end.
Sam Leaton then joined Rob and the tempo kept going we finished 197 for 5. Not bad off 40 overs.
And then – FINALLY – after nearly 2 and a half barren months 2, count them, 2 plates of doughnuts appeared. The added bonus being it was a lucky dip, yes my friends Custard and Jam filled rounds of deliciousness and not a clue as to which was which. I got lucky – one of each. The melon was also very tasty and I had two slices of that as well.
So as my young team took to the field Dave, Ian, Andy H., Phil and myself watched them and wondered whether we should go and put our boots on. We did having satisfied ourselves that only sandwiches remained. Mike Smith and Ben Mogg opened up. Very tidy bowling, good pace and line from Mike and excellent consistency from Ben. If it hadn’t been for drops at 1st slip (mmmmmmmm doughnut) and gully (mmmmmmmm cider) there may have been an earlier finish. Ben picked up the first one and from that point we were in control. The youth rotated at one end whilst the Mighty Quinn propped up the other. His 5 for this week is a credit to him and the rest of the bowling; which in the main was spot on. Sam Leaton, Dominic Narramore and the returning Jon Watson all contributing as our hosts were dismissed for 113.
So Paula got what she wanted for her birthday – a 20 point win for the lads and we wended our weary way home via The Bull and The Fiddleford. Lovely day out. Home to Bournemouth II next week.
MOTM – Rob Hellawell. I fully appreciate that wickets win matches, but you have at have something to bowl at and Rob’s 80 knocked the stuffing out of the opposition.
Ben Mogg ran him close for his all round display with bat, ball and in the field and obviously Quinny for his 5 fer. I didn’t realise we have now contributed about the same he has 23 wickets and I have got about that many runs this year.
Shot of The Day – Ryan, from the opposition, who could possibly have claimed a 10 for a 6 he hit off Mr. Quinn over a certain Corner. SHOT Fella.
Sat 10 July – Parley Sports III v Poole Town IV
Hot and sunny, toss crucial. Oh well. I managed to get a two drinks break concession so the sweaty walk out to the middle hadn’t been a total loss.
Parley, top of the league, a HOT day, rock hard outfield…….could be in for a leather chase. Coming off in the 43rd over having bowled them out for 143 we were justifiably delighted. Firstly our openers Mike Smith and Ian (Caspar – the friendly ghost) Grinstead. Mike bowled with good aggression and got some life out of the pitch ending with figures of 7.5 – 0 – 32 – 3. At the other end the over Ian hustled through his overs, if only to get his hat back on to cover his head. He got the ball to schwing very effectively and if the skipper hadn’t kept him on for just one more he would have ended with 8-1-27-1 as it was the last over conceded a further 10. My fault. Ian proceeded to play a starring role in the deep with two excellent catches.
Ben Mogg replaced Mike Smith and bowled a great spell 6-0-9-1. Really was top stuff. Quinny came on at the other end and bowled really good areas creating lots of pressure for my filth up the other end to pick up wickets. PQ finished 12-4-30-1 and me 8-0-29-3. Our pressure effected a run out and I was so pleased with the all round effort on a dusty, bobbly outfield.
Our batting display did not, I’m afraid, live up to the first half of the game (We got 62). In truth the pitch began to get low (Well The Jam’s Going Underground sprung to mind), Parley’s bowling was varied and accurate, but we must consider that many of our wickets lost were down to ourselves. We had created a chance to win a game and didn’t take it. I take the majority of stick for not having the energy to be positive enough in and around tea time, but everyone will be kicking themselves after that one.
So only 5 points accrued after 45 overs effort in the field. OR Wow full bowling points on a day like that. You choose, me I will go for the latter.
MOTM – Ben Mogg. Top score with the bat and unluckily dismissed wiping a pie mercilessly back at the bowler only for the hands covering his face to close round the ball, a great spell of tight bowling and very tidy in the field.
Honourable mentions are also due for Paul Randall who fielded valiantly carrying ankle injuries especially as he seemed to have covered himself with whatever substance attracts cricket balls, Paula for scoring, Ben for bringing a team bat and having to sit and watch and Ian Bonny for keeping wicket tidily.
Shot of The Day – Declan Quinn – Absolutely glorious pick up over square leg, one bounce four. Elegance.
Away to Sturminster & Hinton next week – A great place to be on a ‘fingers crossed’ summers day.
Sat 3 July – Poole Town IV v Cranborne II
Another beautiful hot sunny day at the home of cricket and a balmy evening at the home of Lemony Cricket was to follow........
First to the action, late changes to the side brought us Dominic Narramore, for his 4ths debut, and as one of last week’s batting stars answered the 3s call so Sam Leaton stepped in, for which I am very grateful.
Whilst the rain during the week had spruced the wicket up I was still minded to have a wee bat once the opposition skipper had called unluckily. I was accompanied out to the middle by our Tour Director, resplendent in bins, bandana and helmet. (Carrying more on his head than those women and children who lug water back from the well). We started slowly, but didn’t lose wickets which proved crucial and having got 50 odd on the board I managed to pull one to gully – go figure!!!
Our solid start looked like wavering in the middle order as we lost a few wickets, but an excellent stand for the 8th wicket between Mike Smith (24not out) and Dave Richards (25) took us from 118 to within sight of max. Batting points. Mike hit the last ball for 4 for us to finish on 172. Good effort on a tricky pitch.
Pam had sorted us out a lovely spread, my insistence on providing Tuna Mayo is really going to have to stop and after a well deserved cuppa we went out to defend.
Mike Smith had the short straw of working away into a stiffish breeze and he stuck to it well. He picked up a wicket, full and straight. Wicksy continued his impressive bowling and took a classic wicket – nicking the opener off to Ian Bonny behind the stumps. Now obviously self praise is no praise, but a magnificent captaincy decision saw us change keepers back to Ian this week and he took 2 pouches and a stumping from a Milner pie, but more importantly it released Andy Hales to hurtle round the boundary to take a great catch to complete the Mighty Quinn’s 5fer. Phil finished 11.4 – 2 - 45- 6. Dominic Narramore bowled tidily, particularly to the right handers and added good athleticism in the field. I am far too old to be jealous of his haircut, so any shouts related to it are purely for team camaraderie.
It was a really good game of cricket and I hope our lads learned a good deal from winning a close game. Good support for each other in the field, backed up some good bowling. Very well done to everyone.
MOTM – “Come on Without, Come on Within, You’ve not seen nothin’ like the Mighty Quinn.”
Away to Parley next week – lets hope the weather holds and its a bit warmer and a lot drier than last years fixture there.
Poole Town IV v Parkstone CC – Saturday 26 June 2010
Poole Town IV 8 points……Cranborne at home next.
Lost the toss – hmmmmmm. Hat, sun cream, extra drinks break – right let’s go.
I think the sun got straight to work on the players as Rob Hellawell chased and retrieved a ball, received by Andy Hales behind the stumps with Phil Quinn screaming “Take em off, Take ‘em off”. I looked around at this point to see that the opening bat was walking back down the pitch confident that the ball had gone for four. It hadn’t, he was run out. Odd start to the day. Wicksy bowled superbly, great shape, no edges though……Sam Leaton opened up from the other end and bowled with good pace, just couldn’t get the consistency. He was replaced by Ian Grinstead who also struggled, possibly the wind from that end was a worry. We tried some filth from myself but even bowling someone didn’t appear good enough to get a wicket. The defining moment came after Quinny had picked up the skipper only for us to shell his replacement first ball. He wondered off with 102 to his name.
Still, 236 on a flat wicket – possible.
At 17 for 8 it looked a very good game to win.
As Captain Darling of The Croydon Gentlemen once said “Made a note in my diary today, simply says……….bugger”
However ‘It ain’t over ‘till it’s over’ and with the opposition huddled in the middle all one could here was talk of beer and early finishes as Ben strode out to join young Declan.
At 39 Wicksy said to me, obviously I was umpiring, in order to spend some time in the middle “When’s the first batting point?” I admired his optimism, but suggested not to worry. At 90 he grinned, as did I. Murmurs of discontent on the field, Declan and Ben really enjoying themselves, as they sailed through 110, 130 and 150 Parkstone became more ragged and Ben was racking up the boundaries. Declan was batting beautifully correctly and picking up singles to get Wicksy back on strike. On and on they went and Wicksy hundred came up to rapturous applause. Straight drives, cuts, pulls and mows employed to great effect. Declan, egged on by the crowd and square leg umpire pushed 2 after 2, but on the third ball a direct hit left him short, agonisingly on 49. A truly great effort for which he should be duly proud. He was replaced at the crease by Phil and we went on to finish 188 for 9.
Interestingly enough Wicksy had been minded to inform me that he fancied runs today at the tea interval, “In the Scott Styris style” I had asked, “Is there any other style?” he replied.
This week’s MOTM Ben ‘Wicksy’ Richards – Effort with the ball, no luck – Effort in the field, much appreciated on a hot hot day – Achievement with the bat well played young man.
Thanks to Paula for scoring and helping us get a great tea together and to everyone for sticking at it.
Half the season done Played 8 Won 4 Lost 4. Lets see if we can better that as we commence the reverse fixtures.
Poole Town IV v Suttoners III – Saturday 19 June 2010
To the tune of ‘The Lion Sleeps tonight’ everybody
“At the manor, at Kinson Manor, Poole Town did win away”
“A Win away, a win away” repeat ad nauseum…….
A marvellous effort from the 10 men of Poole Town this week. Battling GCSEs, injuries, holidays, County games, school games, ‘parties’ we fielded a new look side. We were inserted on a lively pitch and, not for the first time, young Dominic Hand accompanied me out to the middle. Owing to my mastery of the final ball of each over Dominic got a really good look at how I scratch around at the start of an innings, but we put on 48 before I succumbed in traditional style. Yes, wait, oh dear!!!!!
We then came to the major contribution. A stand of 105 for the 3rd wicket between Paul Randall and Dominic, riding their luck at times they batted positively and saw us to within sight of the 5th point. Dom eventually dismissed for 62. Declan Quinn calmly saw us over the line and was key to us getting up to 177. As it turned out his positive running helped secure this win.
Suttoners put on a lovely spread, with fresh strawberries adorning the scones and having safely pouched a couple of spare sarnies for the walk over to the far pitch we set off to defend.
Wicksy’s opening spell of 6-1-22-1 was excellent. Good lines and lengths, and a real rhythm. The Mighty Quinn this week, was young Declan who bowled 6-0-26-1 and captured the key wicket of T Saunders who was going along rapidly at 59. Good catch from Paul Randall. I managed to get away with 10 overs picking up a couple of wickets for 40 and we had a debut from Jordan Thomas who bowled a good 4 over spell, capturing a wicket with his final delivery. He bowls from a good height and extracted some nice bounce from the pitch, very well done. However we needed experience at the death so of course I turned to Dominic Hand 4-2-9-4 and Wicksy 5-1-9-1 to finish things off. We bowled them out for 165.
Good game, played in good spirit – though I and Mr Saunders (opposition) were both guilty of a little grumpiness at the spilling of a number of chances.
Once again thanks to Paula for scoring and to Andy Hales for a couple of important pouches behind the stumps, his tidy keeping managed to make my figures look respectable.
Poole Town IV 20 points……Parkstone at home next.
This week’s MOTM Dominic Hand. 62 runs and a 4’fer. Lovely stuff.
Poole Town IV v Winton III – Saturday 12 June 2010
Back to winning ways…….on a glorious sunny morning Phil and I cruised in the rag-top looking, allegedly, like a couple of Key West hairdressers to Canford Arena for our match with Winton Sports. A big thanks to them and Canford Arena for agreeing that we could start early in order to get back and watch the big game. As it was so nice in the Park, this turned out to be the 1’s vs Marnhull. Anyway……..
Alex, the Winton skip, did not call correctly and I elected to have a bat. It was warm and pleasant – why not. Milner and Talbot took to the field and put on a few, well Talby did, extras did and I didn’t. Having got rid of the pair of us our debutant John Wright (49) and his senior partner Dominic Hand (43) put on 90 odd for the 3rd wicket and batted very nicely. Dom’s cricketing education will have been served well by hearing calls in Afrikaans – as it would appear that’s the common language of English professional cricket. ‘Yis’ ‘Rrrun harrrrd’ etc….
Mike Kay, having received brief sympathy after he told me he got in at 0600 hours, (I thought he was working in the hospital, he wasn’t) battled through the mental fog with some lusty blows as did Andy Hales and we continued to put runs on finishing 197 for 7.
No doughnut action down in Division 7, but once again scones supporting some lovely loaves and other treats provided an excellent repast. Thanks to Paula, Quinns, Paul Randall and myself this week.
Wicksy opened the bowling superbly, great lines and lengths – rhythm is definitely the key for this young man, deserving his three wickets. Paul Randall gave him an excellent foil at the other end and chipped in with the wicket of the skipper at the top of the order. Phil Quinn then arrived on the scene (6.1-2-12-4) and Dom Hand tied up the other end, also grabbing a couple of victims and we bowled them out for 60.
Apart from the skipper, who managed a fielding performance only Robert Green could be proud of, we looked tidy and full of enthusiasm; particularly Andy Hales, who volunteered to get behind the stumps and did a very good job indeed, much appreciated. After last weeks performance at Cerne this did us great credit.
20 points for us, not so many for the oppo.
Quinny legendary eye for a bargain led us to the Tatnam offy where San Miguel was 6 for a £5er and I proceeded to drink responsibly in the Park.
Man Of The Match – hmmmmmmm. All round contribution from Dom, runs from Wrighty – pipped by Quinny (Scones, bargain booze, umpiring for 45 overs and a very tidy four fer).
Suttoners away next week – Have the exams finished?
Cerne Valley II v Poole Town IV – Saturday 5 June 2010
Following last week’s washout and 7 days glorious holidaying in Cornwall it was once again time to get the game face on and do battle. That would account for the second ball, bowled through the gate, duck then.
One of my favourite away venues Cerne Valley. A glorious day, a top notch crack unit put together by Phil and backed up by Paula scoring and Declan Quinn umpiring. Won the toss, what could possibly go wrong………
Well I elected to bat, for one…….as a unit we were guilty of some fairly old lessons of Cerne. It doesn’t bounce, so we will be bowled playing over the top of the ball; it sticks so we will chip it to mid off and cover.
The evidence offered for the collective failure comes from the top scorer. Extras 23 with Dimbers and Ben Richards on 16 a piece. 94 all out. Cue skipper’s hurrumph.
Lovely tea again and a chance to redeem ourselves, put some pressure on. They hadn’t won all season, chances.
Unfortunately two young men, available for one fixture, strode out to bat and stayed there. Morris and Wicksy bowled some good lines and lengths but we were treated to an exhibition of cover driving and walked off at the end well and truly battered.
I am guilty of not getting competitive enough and rallying the troops prior to the commencement of the game. I shall endeavour to rectify this, but I need your co-operation. Yes the 4ths is a social side trying to give experience to upcoming cricketers, but losing is easier to bear if you have contributed fully to a good game of cricket.
Socially we were very strong outlasting the opposition in their own pub. Mind you we think a few of them had to get back to Sherborne School for ‘prep’ and we formed a pretty solid nucleus back at The Sloop, well someone had to didn’t they.
Until next week, oh aren’t we all looking forward to getting sides out with England playing and GCSEs in full swing. If you are available PLEASE PLEASE let someone know in good time.
Andy Milner
Bournemouth II v Poole Town IV – Saturday 22 May 2010
Its improvisation time. Having given the score book to Phil ready for next week I’m afraid I am going to have to make this up. Combining that with the glorious sunshine on my uncapped head my bowling spell could end up sounding a lot better than it was.
Having settled in to the glorious new clubhouse at Chapel Gate II it was with mixed feelings that a gent poked his head through the door to say I was on the wrong pitch. Mixed in that the standard of the Bournemouth lads knocking up looked very good, but the ground looked so inviting. So off through the hedge we went to find It’s A Knockout in full swing next to American Football training and a game of cricket being set up. Only in England……
I called correctly and without so much as a downward glance elected to bat. Half way back to the pavilion I remembered that of my two openers one had received a last minute call to the 3’s and the other was……..not here yet. Gulp. Dominic Hand put his erm…hand up and he and I went out to bat. Dominic batted beautifully for 67 and really set a platform for us. We scored steadily and there were contributions pretty much all the way down the order (including extras) and ended on 220 with a weary Bournemouth. Some great strikes from Dave Richards (28), Andy Hales, Rob Hellawell and Andy Barrett really stood out.
The opening bowling of Ben Mogg was a great bonus, on a batsmans day he really stood out with line and length pegging the scoring rate back. He and Phil Quinn were unlucky not to cash in the wicket column and it wasn’t until Bournemouth had achieved a hundred that we clung onto one. Dominic Hand was the bowler and his 12 overs straight through kept us in with a sniff all the way. We just really struggled to take wickets, not for the want of trying and I would like to pick out the efforts of Declan Quinn sweeping the boundary, Ben Richards – giving his all in the face of back injury and Andy Hales who pulled up but remained out there to put body in the way. Also the tireless running of Andy Barrett. A great effort, but in the final over Bournemouth sealed the match having lost only 3 wickets.
Lots to be proud of and good luck next week chaps, hopefully someone will text the result and I will get it about 3 days later when I leave Cornwall or find the right angle to hang out of the bathroom window to get signal.
Cheers for now.
Poole Town IV v Sturminster & Hinton– Saturday 15 May 2010
Captains Blog – Stardate – some random selection of numbers that only 2 geeks in LA know is funny.
A second 20 point win. Fantastic.
Having been inserted we had the benefit of a great opening stand Ian Bonny (42) and Mike Talbot (42) put on 91 in great time, even though the ball did some extraordinary things on the wicket. A wicket we are now very accustomed to having used it for the first 3 weeks!!!!
 Brew Surridge (16) went out at 3 and he and Chris Roberts (57) really turned the screen on the opposition, running them around. By the 27th over we had got our full batting points which gave Dominic Hand the opportunity to debut with confidence, he and Brew batted sensibly against restrictive bowling, but he put the ball away and made 34. Rob ‘Dilshan’ Hellawell arrived at the crease and began targeting all parts of the ground. Which he did to great effect for a rapid fire 49 not out. Mike Smith tried to get him over the 50 line, better luck next time. 268 for 6. Lovely.
Following a lovely tea – thanks to Pam and Phil Quinn we opened up with Mike Smith and Phil Quinn. Mike bowled 6-2-7-3, a lovely spell punctuated by some genuinely great deliveries to left and right handers. Quinny whirled away at the other end and wickets tumbled leaving Stur at 30 for 5. They put in a couple of good stands from this point and when their number 5 wiped a Chris Roberts pie towards the airport he looked set to go to 50 until Rob ‘The Salmon’ Hellawell lept, plucked it out of the air and stood stock still so as not to go over the boundary ropes. “What a catch, what a catch”. Declan Quinn’s spell was fruitful in wickets and runs department 6-0-42-3, but once again there were some real threatening deliveries in there. Some further resistance from the Stur skipper brought them up to 131, Quinny senior tidied up with 8.4-1-27-3 and we sallied forth to the Sloop.
So welcome to Dominic Hand, as ever the fourth team will be a moving side this year, but we will continue with our basic principles –
- experience over winning at all costs.
- If I have put you in the wrong place that is my fault, if you have wondered off to where you think you should be there is a problem.
- Support for each other
- The Captain will field in the proximity of the batsmen in order that someone else can cover his mistakes.
- I don’t want the treasurer on my back, so match fees are to be paid promptly.
Looking forward to next week.
Live long and prosper.
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