Colts Academy
As a leading Surrey Championship team we are actively recruiting boys and girls aged 9-15 to join our Academy Elite Squads for 2006.
To ensure that all boys and girls have a chance to fully participate, we are limiting Elite Squad membership to just 20 places in each age category - Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15. Qualification for each squad is based on age as at 1st September 2006.
3rd September Sutton (H) (Jump to top) | 
27th August Cheam (H) (Jump to top) | Audio Match Report (Cliff Hill)
On a wet day the Avorians won the toss (which was a good start to the day) and DJ decided to insert Cheam who are enjoying a better run of form lately with many of thier better players returning to avoid relegation. This meant that the were always going to be a difficult side to beat considering that the Avorians were in a safe position for the end of the season and not challenging. Cheam made a good start but tight bowling kept the score low on a difficult day. Despite tight bowling the A's found it difficult to take wickets and combined with a few missed catches and some difficult decisions that didn't go our way, especially towards the end, Cheam managed to notch up 225 runs off their 60 overs. Coming out after tea, early wickets were lost and the Avorians innings never recovered. Unfortunately the A's were all out for just 49, which although it may not be a record for the league, must certainly be a low for the season. One game to go against Sutton who currently sit second in the league. Guildford have already been crowned as the winners of the first division this season, so Saturdays game will be played between two teams that don't have much pride to lose. Lets hope that the A's have a better game next week. (CH)
20th August Walton on Thames (A) (Jump to top)
Another disappointing weekend for the first team. Having lost the toss we were put into bat on a wicket that would offer much for the bowlers. Walton had obviously seen us bat too many times before and opened with two spinners – bait that proved too much for the majority of our batsmen. We were bowled out for 101 with the only real resistance coming from Jamie Lawrence who scored 26. At the interval the game was certainly not lost – there was still much in the wicket for the bowlers and a few early wickets would make for an interesting chase. However, our task was made no easier by the fact we had no spinner and only ten fielders. Walton road their luck early on and any edges we did find subsequently found the gap and inevitably the rope. Again Jamie Lawrence featured bowling a good line and length without much luck. Walton knocked off the runs with two wickets down subjecting us to another fairly humiliating defeat. (DJ)
13th August Guildford (A) (Jump to top)
A day away to league leaders Guildford with rain forecast at 1.00pm was never the ideal send off for Cavey. With Cavey captaining the side onto the field after winning the toss and putting Guildford into bat the A's saw a methodical and tight start conceding little more than a run per over for the first 6 overs. By the 11th over Guildford had got their eye in and had amassed 40 runs. DJ took a text book catch during the 13th over to dismiss their opening batsman but Guildford had their eyes on openeing the gap at the top of the league. Another wicket fell just before the skies opened at 3.00pm. The match was never to resume. Guildford's A Hollingsworth and 'Roscoe' Skidmore scored 55 and 95 respectively. We still hold onto 5th position in the league but a win at Walton on Thames next week would help to hike us into the top third for the final few matches. (CH)
6th August Streatham and Marlborough (H) (Jump to top)
The A’s were asked to bat on a day that looked suited to bowling. We got off to the worst possible start when Matt Daykin edged a wide full toss to gully. An excellent catch left the A’s 0 for 1. The innings never really recovered and wickets fell at regular intervals. Streatham bowled accurately and made it hard work to score on a slow wicket. Several players made starts but there was little hope of setting an imposing target. The lower order put up some resistance but the innings was wrapped up for just 104 in 30 overs. Although there was some assistance for the bowlers this was never going to be enough. The A’s bowling was tight and as in the first innings Streatham found to hard to score freely. Streatham inched towards their target and never looked in real trouble. It took them 42 overs and five wickets were lost with Robbie Arthur taking three catches. Away to top of the table Guildford will be tough test next week. (CH)
30th July Bank of England (H) (Jump to top)
On an overcast day a full days cricket looked unlikely and this proved to be the case. DJ won the toss and had no hesitation asking Bank of England to bat. The wicket looked ideal for the seam attack of the A’s but Bank made a solid start. At the start of play 150 looked a winning score so when Bank reached 50 for 1 alarm bells were sounding.
Jeremy Hinds was brought into the attack and he duly struck in his first over. With some excellent catching, especially from Graham Crawford, Bank struggled to 90 for 8 with Hinds taking his fourth wicket before rain again interrupted play. Some spirited resistance and more rain saw Bank reach a respectable 139 all out in 46 overs.
With more rain in the air and a lot of overs already lost, time was not on the A’s side so a fast start was needed. Matt Daykin was more than happy to oblige. Robbie Arthur was also in good form scoring at more than a run a ball. It looked like the chase was going to be short work until Robbie fell hooking and more rain took the players off the pitch.
Once play resumed wickets fell while Daykin scored freely. The end was insight when Daykin nicked a wide one and the heavens opened yet again. When the rain finally stopped Crawford and Hinds saw the A’s home in the nick of time before the rain started again. The chase was completed in just 19.4 overs.
A good win under the circumstances sees the A’s move to fourth. (CH)
23rd July 2005 Sutton (A) (Jump to top)
With a flat looking pitch the Avorian’s lost the toss and were asked to bat. With Paul Prichard and Matt Daykin opening, a fast and furious start was expected. A solid start was made with runs being scored as mainly boundaries on a very fast outfield. Prich fell first to a very good delivery with two further wickets being lost in quick succession. DJ and Andy Umpleby steadied the ship from 50 for a loss of 3. Jeremy King and Jeremy Hinds both made valuable contributions late on and the score was moved on to 236 all out.
Sutton made a rapid start with 9 coming from the first over. On a good pitch the Avorians found it impossible to make inroads with J Fry helping himself to 100. Sutton only lost 2 wickets reaching their target with plenty of time to spare. Fry ended on 128 not out. (CH)
16th July 2005 Camberley (A) (Jump to top)
9th July 2005 Sunbury (A) (Jump to top)
2nd July 2005 Beddington (H) (Jump to top)
25th June 2005 Camberley (H) (Jump to top)
18th June Bank of England (A) (Jump to top)
Saturday saw the Avorians take on Bank of England. After last week’s winning draw against Cheam the team were keen to ensure 13 points and things started promisingly. Bank inserted Avorians on a very good track and once again Matthew Daykin and Jonathan Whyte made themselves very comfortable against the new ball. Daykin scored freely, reaching his 50 after only 8 overs. Bank were soon forced to resort to their spinners in an attempt to slow the run rate down but the openers were still able to maintain the momentum. Another 100 from Daykin was inevitable and the crowd that had amassed for the junior Wimbledon qualifiers were not disappointed. Unfortunately Daykin fell soon after reaching 100 but not before the openers had put on 170 for the first wicket. Whyte continued attacking a decidedly average bowling attack making a very impressive 94. The departure of the two openers brought David Umpleby and Robert Arthur and both quickly set about helping themselves to the Bank spinners. The run rate remained high and Avorians retired for 332 from 54 overs (Umpleby 70 not out, Arthur 52 not out).
Bowling Bank out was always going to be difficult on a wicket that had offered little for the bowlers for large parts of the day against a batting line up that set their stall out for a point from ball one. Nevertheless, the Avorians attack bowled well, and were rewarded with a couple of early wickets. The Bank middle order offered some resistance, not least in the shape of their overseas who put together a tidy half century. After his departure the game was for the taking and when Bank went 7 wickets down the game looked like it had swung very much swung in the direction of the away team. However, the last couple of wickets remained elusive and the game was drawn leaving the Avorians contemplating one too many missed chances. Jamie Lawrence was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets and he was ably supported by Cliff Hill and Andy Umpleby. Another 4 points was probably 9 less than the Avorians deserved but winning games on good pitches means taking your chances, however difficult and this proved a step too far this week. (DJ)
11th June Cheam (A) (Jump to top)
4th June Walton on Thames (H) (Jump to top)
The 1st XI continued their good run of form with a big win against then league leaders Walton on Saturday. A Friday night down pour threatened to cancel the fixture altogether but grounds man John Lane worked wonders to ensure the wicket was playable the following day. Having won the toss we had no hesitation in putting Walton in on a surface that looked like it would offer maximum support to our bowlers. Good early spells from Andy Umpleby and Matt Daykin meant Walton struggled to gain any momentum and when the breakthrough came we were then very quickly into the middle order. Never truer was the phrase “catches win matches” as we held onto some great ones, including a blinder from Mark Porter that will take some beating for catch of the season. We bowled and fielded well throughout and Cliff Hill, Jamie Lawrence and Jerry Hinds all took wickets at the right time leaving Walton some 30 or 40 runs below par on 142. Our reply was typically emphatic, Matt Daykin and Jon Whyte set about destroying the opposition opening bowling with some wonderful stroke play. Walton looked like they may come back into the game when three quick wickets fell but Andy Umpleby and Jerry Hinds steadied the ship and saw us home with ease – Hinds was particularly impressive with a quick fire 40 from not many more balls. This was a tremendous team effort and one that has started our move to the business end of the table. We hit the road for the next two weeks taking on two of the relatively weaker sides in the division. It would be nice to see us return to Convent Lane with 26 points in the bag
28th May Guildford (H) (Jump to top)
Congratulations to the 1st XI in continuing there successful streak this season. Although Saturday’s result was only a winning draw it was very pleasing to follow up the win against Streatham with another strong performance. We were put into a bat on a surface that looked as though it would offer more for the bowlers, however, a blistering 100 from Matt Daykin quickly proved otherwise. Daykes batted superbly and, ably supported by the middle order, we were able to put together some good partnerships. A mention must also go to A Umpleby who scored a very impressive 78 in a very welcome return to form. Guildford were left to chase 285 with a minimum of 58 overs back. Daykes struck early on but the opposition quickly went about their response and put together heavy second and third wicket stands. We bowled with little luck but managed to get the breakthroughs at the right time. At 200 for 5 it looked like we were going to be in for a very exciting finish but again we struck back and Guildford were left with too greater a task and not enough batting to mount any real assault on our total. J Hinds bowled brilliant and was excellent value for his 4 wickets. This was a good all round performance and one that ensures we continue to build some momentum into the season
21st May Streatham (A) (Jump to top)
14th May Sunbury (H) (Jump to top)
Two weeks into the season and a second loss for the 1st XI. We now find ourselves languishing at the bottom of the table requiring a much needed win against Streatham this weekend. That said the boys can take much from the game against Sunbury who are arguably one of, if not the strongest side in the league this year. We bowled a decent line and length on a very good wicket and with a bit more luck we could have kept Sunbury around the 200 mark – a target we would have been very capable of knocking off. A particular highlight was the fielding which we stuck at throughout. Nevertheless, we were left to chase 259 and with a superb 136 run opening stand by Rice and Daykes it looked like we were cruising. However, we lost the two openers in quick succession – Daykin departing for a blistering 96. The middle ordered failed to contribute – due in some part to good bowling but mostly to indifferent shot making. Some resistance was offered by Punts (30 n.o.) but he ran out of partners and the A’s ran out of steam on 197. A disappointing result but a lot of positives to take into next Saturday’s fixture.
7th May Beddington - 1st League Match (Jump to top)
A sluggish start to the new season ended in defeat to newly promoted Beddington. An under strength A’s were put into bat on a very slow early season wicket. Shot making was difficult with both openers, Matt Daykin and Graham Crawford being caught and bowled a dismissal more frequent on slow low pitches. The innings never really got going with wickets falling just as partnerships developed. Andy Umpleby and Ashley Golder steadied the ship but when Ash played all round a straight one the last hope of a decent score was lost. Andy went on to reach 67 but fell right at the end of the innings which closed on 124. This was never likely to be enough on a docile pitch. Some hope was offered when a wicket fell in the first over of Beddingtons reply. Matt Daykin struck with his first over back in English cricket. Jamie Lawrence also took an early wicket a few overs later. The next partnership proved to be match winning. Riding their luck the next pair took Beddington to within touching distance of their first win back in Division one. 4 further wickets did fall but the win never looked in doubt. Jamie was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets. Benny (Capt in DJ's absence - injured)
First XI Captains look forward at the 2005 Season (Jump to top)
Welcome to another season of Avorians cricket. Once again an important season lies ahead as the 1st XI try and regain promotion to the Premiership and firmly establish themselves in the Surrey Championship’s top flight. Unfortunately, the winter has failed to unearth any new talent for the club but many of the old guard return for another taste of First Division success.
The return of Andrew Umpleby will be a huge plus for the club, particularly considering the loss of our off-season signing Brad Haddin, who has been selected for the up and coming Ashes tour. We wish Brad all the very best this summer.
Other players to look out for this year will be Graham Crawford who had a very successful winter tour with the Surrey League side and Jamie Lawrence, who returns to the fold after a mixed season with Richmond C.C. in the Middlesex League. Jamie, together with Cliff Hill, will have a huge role to play with the ball. We are also looking forward to a reinvigorated Robert Arthur. Robbie has spent the last couple of years trying to “carve” out a skiing career in the French Alps and we are grateful his attention has now returned to cricket. Rob is an excellent keeper and his presence behind the stumps will be a boost this year.
Paul Prichard, whose runs were invaluable last year, will also be available this season although a new coaching job will keep him away much more than we would like. The ground is looking as beautiful as ever, thanks to the tireless work of Jon Lane and I’m promised we can look forward to very good wickets this season.
All in all, as we approach the 2005 season things look very good indeed and I am optimistic about our chances this year. As always availability will play a big part and it is crucial we maintain as committed as possible and continue to get new players to join the club.
Press Release for beginning of 2005 Season. (Jump to top)
The Avorians cricket club had a good season last year despite being
relegated, we had some memorable matches and with a little more luck would
still be in the premier division.
We had some great games with Guildford, Wimbledon & Weybridge with a
record scoring innings of 419 against Guilford to set a new league record.
Paul Pritchard scored his seasons best with 125 in that game and had a
total of 586 runs for the year with an average of 58.6
Our overseas player Aaron O'Brien from New South Wales scored 493 runs and took 41 wickets an average of 37.9 and was a great asset to the team.
Andy Umpleby was the top wicket taker with a total of 58 wickets and a
best of 6 for 56 against Reigate Priory, average for the season 18.3.
We look forward to some very competitive games in Division 1 this season
with a new 1st team captain DJ Umpleby replacing Cliff Hill, new players
have been signed up and our overseas player will be announced shortly.
Avorians are this season going to have the support of two new sponsors
Skandia life and Fuel for kids, Invesco Perpetual will
continue with their sponsorship.
The Avorians are hoping to build the colts section up this season with
training seasons starting on Friday evenings; this will be done in
conjunction with our new sponsor "Ffk" who encourages healthy eating
for active young people. Any body between the ages of 6-14 will be welcome
and should contact Darren Talbot at the club on academy@avorianscc.co.uk or on 0771 0076 8114
Contact Numbers Press & PR Steve Lewis 07774 159912
1st Team Captain David Umpleby 07768 710616
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Copyright © 2006 Avorians Cricket Club, Cobham, Surrey. All rights reserved. No reproduction.
