First XI Match Reports 2007
Saturday 25th August 2007 - Reigate Priory - Winning Draw
Cobham-Avorians welcomed Reigate to a sunny and warm Covent Lane in the hope of nicking some points off the runaway leaders of the premier division. Despite the sunshine and blue skies, the rain which fell in Cobham during the week only added to a water table that is so high, if it rises any further there will be fish swimming on the outfield. As a result, the pitch remained wet despite the groundsman’s best efforts and the two captains agreed to delay the start of the match by 2 hours in the hope of the sun instigating some serious evaporation.
The last time the 2 teams met it was an absolute drubbing for “The A’s”. Indeed most teams have been punished by a strong Reigate side this year. Cobham-Avorians skipper Jerry Hinds strode to the wicket in the hope of winning the toss and bowling first on the wet deck, within minutes “The A’s” opening batsmen were padding up after yet another coin toss was lost - taking the tally this year to an incredible 1 successful toss from 16 attempts!!
In team news, “The A’s” were missing opening bowlers Jamie Lawrence and Andy Umpleby with Robbie Arthur also out, and if all that wasn’t enough, Aussie Mark Higgs is possibly out for the rest of the season after tearing his hamstring .
Stu Tomlinson opened the batting with Jono McLean. Leading the Reigate attack was Aussie Pura Cup player Ian Hewett, who shared the new ball with Surrey star Neil Saker. It wasn’t long before Hewett had a wicket, Tomlinson dismissed in the first over. Young heart-throb Ben Kingsnorth joined McLean and the pair saw off the new ball and managed to scrape out some runs on what was proving to be a horrible wicket to bat on. McLean eventually fell for a well made 20, Paul Prichard could only manage 11, Steve Naylor decided that attack was the best form of defence on this pitch making 22.
Wickets continued to tumble, Graham Crawford was looking good before he was unluckily given out for 11, some lower order contributions and a defiant 38 from Kingsnorth eventually saw Cobham-Avorians creep to 134 all out - a defendable score on a wet wicket which made scoring runs about as easy as fighting 15 angry lions with nothing but a side of beef and a leg of lamb as weapons.
Reigate began the chase slowly, picking up singles with some wristy shots. Scott Jarvis picked up the wicket of Saker, however with most of “The A’s” pace battery missing - who was the skipper going to turn to? Lanky opening batsmen Stu Tomlinson was thrown the ball, Tomlinson has rarely bowled during the past 3 seasons owing to a number of injuries and the fact that he thinks he’s a batsman.
However it wasn’t long before the competition’s best net bowler was tearing through the Reigate line up. Tomlinson was using his height to extract variable bounce and pace from the wicket and in an inspired 12 over spell he returned figures of 6-32. Of those wickets, Kingsnorth bagged 2 catches, Cliff Hill also snapped up 2 sharp chances, Sam Smart held on to a chance at short leg off Reigate’s top scorer - the wristy Matthew Bennett, and the sulking, stroppy Steve Harpley held onto a great catch on the boundary while looking straight into the blazing afternoon sun.
Some brief Reigate resistance was soon snuffed out by Steve Naylor (1-15) and Cliff Hill (2-10) again including some good catching from Crawford and that man Tomlinson. Reigate dismissed for 96, giving Cobham-Avorians a massive 13 points and with two games remaining, their survival in the premiership is assured.
After the match captain Jeremy hinds said “To take 13 points from Reigate was a great effort from the boys, their results show that they have been the best team in competition. We are now safe from relegation with two games still to go, and considering all the things we’ve been through this summer I think that is an incredible achievement.”
Saturday
11th August 2007 - Sutton - Winning Draw
Cobham-Avorians welcomed last years champions Sutton to a sun
drenched Convent Lane it what was expected to be a tough game.
Sutton needed a win to mount a late charge in defence of their
title whereas Cobham-Avorians were after a win to stay clear
of the relegation zone. Skipper Jeremy Hinds needed a win at
the coin toss to give “The A’s” the vital advantage
of bowling first, however this was yet again not to be. Sutton
asking Cobham-Avorians to bat first on a good deck and fast outfield.
Regular opener Stu Tomlinson and Paul Pritchard being unavailable,
the pair replaced by Robbie Arthur, returning from injury and
the recently registered Mark Porter was also recalled to the
side.
Aussie Mark Higgs and Jono McLean opened the batting and got
off to a solid start before Higgs was caught at 2nd slip with
the score on 30. Ben Kingsnorth joined McLean in the middle and
survived a testing period as the Sutton opening bowlers bowled
excellent spells. After riding out the early storm, they accelerated
the innings, both reaching 50 and taking the score to 130-1 at
lunch.
After the break, Kingsnorth was dismissed in the 1st over and
the explosive Andy Umpleby also fell cheaply. In form Steve Naylor
yet again joined McLean in the middle in another lengthy partnership.
McLean continued to attack the Sutton bowlers and posted a magnificent
century. Naylor made a valuable contribution and fell just short
of his half-century. The lower order fell cheaply in the quest
for quick runs and McLean was eventually run out for 144 – the
race well and truly on for leading run scorer. A last wicket
stand of 30 between Jamie Lawrence and Mark Porter proved to
be priceless and took the score to 291-9dec off 64 overs.
The Sutton reply began in solid fashion, their experienced openers
safely negotiating whatever “The A’s” pace
battery could throw at them, ticking the scoreboard over at a
steady rate. Steve Naylor obtained the first breakthrough with
the score on 70 with an edge behind to wicket-keeper Robbie Arthur.
Left-Arm spinner Mark Higgs was getting some good turn out of
the rough and it wasn’t long before he chipped in with
the 2nd wicket. A large partnership then formed and the run-rate
was accelerated, by now Sutton required over 8 runs per over
to win the match. Half chances were being created however the
batsmen continued to plunder runs and ride their luck. Higgs
eventually made the breakthrough and Scott Jarvis picked up opener
and captain Keith Medlicott to bring “The A’s” back
into the match.
Sutton kept going for the win, scoring at nearly
10 per over however a couple of silly run-outs and another
Higgs wicket turned the attention to the winning draw target
of 256. After some tense final overs, tight bowling and good
fielding, Cobham-Avorians managed to restrict Sutton to 253-8
off 56 overs and take an extremely valuable 4 points from the
game, putting them more than 1 win clear of the relegation zone.
After the game, a Red faced captain Jeremy Hinds said “We
had to fight hard to get anything from the match today, and to
take 4 points off a very good team after batting first was a
great effort.
Saturday
4th August - Farnham - Win
Cobham-Avorians travelled to the far reaches of Surrey to play
Farnham on a sun drenched Saturday. After being docked a massive
23 points for fielding a 2nd team player as a fill in against
Sunbury, having the rain come to deny a certain victory against
Dulwich and then having the wrong end of a wet wicket to be thumped
by Guildford, Cobham-Avorians were in 9th position on the premiership
table and in the relegation zone.
With the Farnham wicket this year being reported by many teams
as something resembling a cabbage patch, both teams were glad
to see some sun and a dry wicket which didn’t appear to
be too bad. Captain Jeremy Hinds lost the toss, true to form
- however interestingly Farnham opted to bat first. Maybe they
knew something about the wicket that we didn’t… Maybe
they felt sorry for Jerry, losing his 10th toss in a row.
That decision appeared to be a bad one after 25 overs. Opening
bowlers Andy Umpleby and Scott Jarvis bowled unchanged picking
up 5 wickets between them and keeping the scoring rate below
3 runs per over. The wicket appeared to be playing ok but offered
that little something to keep the bowlers interested if they
put the ball in the right places.
The introduction of left armer Jamie Lawrence before lunch proved
fruitful as he chipped in with the 6th Farnham wicket to fall,
Mark Higgs left arm spin also unlucky not to pick up the 7th
on the stroke of lunch. Farnham 80-6 off 33 overs.
After the break the opening bowlers were re-introduced, Andy
Umpleby picked up his 2nd wicket but then the Farnham lower order
dug in and began to play with freedom picking up some valuable
quick runs. Jamie Lawrence broke a dangerous partnership and
then continued to bowl a fine spell at the lower order on a now
docile wicket. He finished with fine figures of 3-17 from 12
overs, Andy Umpleby clamed 2-49 from 18 and Scott Jarvis finished
with 5-70 from 19 overs. Farnham all out for 190 in the 61st
over.
Although the run chase appeared easy on paper, no team had chased
a score anywhere near this total at Farnham this year. Opening
the batting for Cobham-Avorians Mark Higgs and Jono McLean got
off to a bright start. Both batsman finding the boundary in a
positive opening. Higgs appeared to be returning to form, putting
a dent in the roof of an Audi parked in the neighbouring golf
club carpark from a massive pull shot. He fell for 45, however
young heart-throb Ben Kingsnorth joined McLean in a fine stand
that pushed the score past 130 and kept the thousands of teenage
girls cheering them on very happy indeed. Kingsnorth finally
fell for 30, the ever youthful Paul Prichard made 10 before he
was bowled by a jaffa, McLean was caught in the deep in yet another
fine innings for 68. Despite a late Farnham push and an inspired
spell of fast bowling from their opener, the watchful Steve Naylor
(27*) and tall skinny left-hander Stu Tomlinson (6*) safely negotiated
the ever growing shadows to see Cobham-Avorians safely over the
finish line for a much needed 13 points to climb out of the relegation
zone for the time being.
After the match Captain Jeremy Hinds had this to say “We
haven’t had the rub of the green lately but today the boys
lifted. I’m sure the sunshine on our backs helped and I
could feel the positive energy radiating from the lads all day.
We need a big finish to the season to get ourselves out of trouble
but I am certain we can pull together and get the job done.”
Saturday
14th July - Sunbury - Win
(Results and League Tables) (Pictures)
A Saturday morning with the forecast of a mainly sunny day - to the
delight of cricket fans around the county, a dry Saturday was finally on the
cards. Sunbury were welcomed to Covent Lane where home side, Cobham Avorians were keen to show that the poor showing of last week against league leaders Reigate was a one off, so the game against Sunbury couldn’t come round quick enough for the lads to put things right.
Winless in the past few rounds, Cobham Avorians were desperate for the
maximum 13 points. Wicket-keeper batsman Robbie Arthur remained on the
injured list while all-rounder Andy Umpleby was called into Glasgow on
Friday night as a net bowler for the Scotland team. Mark Porter made his
2007 1st team debut after some impressive displays in the 2nd team and
Twenty/20.
Captain Jeremy Hinds strode the centre where he convinced himself that he
had won the toss, choosing to bat first with runs on the board early deemed
to be the best method of neutralising the Sunbury spinners. Aussie star Mark
Higgs was clean bowled in the first over, but a steady partnership between
Stu Tomlinson (33) and Jono McLean (63) settled any demons that there may
have been after last week’s batting collapse. McLean played a solid innings
and was the rock which the rest of the powerful batting line up were able to
bat around and play a few shots. Paul Pritchard hit a run-a-ball 56, Steve
Naylor struck equally impressive 54 to build a total which allowed the lower
order to free their arms and accelerate the scoring.
With the total at 210-4 off 50 overs, the big hitting Hinds elevated himself
up the order to number 6. What followed was an all out assault on Sunbury’s
usually economic spinners, Hinds smashed 60 runs off just 24 balls in an
innings that endangered the local wildlife. He was ably supported by the
junior member of the team, Ben Kingsnorth (16*) and seasoned campaigner
Graham Crawford (15*) who joined in the fun to take “The A’s” to a
formidable 318-6 off 60 overs, Hinds declaring with 6 overs still available
in an attempt to allow his bowlers more time to bowl out the opposition -
something which has been a problem this year.
Without the in form Jamie Lawrence and Andy Umpleby, the Cobham Avorians
pace battery was slightly depleted. Steve Naylor took the new ball and
bowled with a strong breeze at his back, picking up a wicket with his second
delivery. Scott Jarvis shared the new cherry with Naylor (1-26) and picked
up the other Sunbury opening batsman after patiently wearing him down with
some accurate bowling while ploughing into a stiff breeze.
The fast men gave way to the introduction of spin in the form of Graham
Crawford and Mark Higgs. Crawford (2-34) struck immediately, spinning one
back sharply to bowl the Sunbury number 4. He struck again in his next over
with Steve Harpley at short leg pouncing like a hungry tiger on a sharp
bat-pad catch. With the score at 60-4 off 20 overs at tea, Cobham Avorians
were well on top - but this time - could they go on with the job?
The Sunbury batsman dug in but Mark Higgs managed to prize 2 more batsmen
out with Stu Tomlinson holding on to a swirling high ball while
wicket-keeper Ben Kingsnorth took a good catch to dismiss the Sunbury
skipper. Sunbury’s Kiwi overseas however, was providing some stubborn
resistance and moved his score along to 70 while watching the wickets fall
at the other end. But his run came to an end when he smashed a Higgs
delivery to the safe hands of Stu Tomlinson at mid-off. With 3 wickets in
hand Sunbury tried desperately to hold on for a draw, however opening bowler
Jarvis (3-29) and Higgs (4-44) managed to get through the tail and wrap up
an important win for the home side with 8 overs to spare, Sunbury all out
for 160.
Captain Jeremy Hinds said after the game “It was a good team performance
with the bat, apart from Mark, who seems to be struggling a bit at the
moment, everyone made a few runs. But more importantly we showed that we can bowl sides out, and this is what we must continue to do if we are going to
turn draws into 13 points.”
Saturday
7th July - Reigate Priory - Loss
(Results and League Tables)
Saturday
30th June - Wimbledon - Match Abandoned
(Results
and League Tables)
Since it was Saturday, it meant it had to rain
and this time is kept the whole county off their grounds.
Saturday
23rd June - Normandy (H) - First loss of the season
(Results
and League Tables)
Since it was Saturday, it meant it had to rain.
Because of the rain the pitch was damp and sure to assist the bowling side first up. Because of the damp pitch it was going to make the toss a crucial one. Because the toss was crucial, Cobham-Avorians were bound to lose it and face batting in the tough conditions. So, with all those boxes ticked the Cobham-Avorians opening batsmen strode to the centre with some new goals to aim for this week in the wet conditions.
The Normandy attack utilised the conditions well, Stu Tomlinson fell early but Mark Higgs and Jono McLean steadied the ship riding out the early storm and some tight bowling. Higgs made another good start in not exactly the hard bouncy conditions of Australia that he is used to. But just when he looked to be finding some form he guided the ball into the safe hands of 1st slip, again unable to convert a promising start, falling for 41. McLean also played another classy innings in the conditions, his 66 was easily the top score and confirmed his status as the form batsman of the Cobham-Avorians line up.
Those two innings however were the only shining lights in a disappointing display. Steve Naylor, Graham Crawford and Robbie Arthur all reached double figures but could not go on with the job. Cobham-Avorians eventually bowled out for a well below par 160.
The situation was worsened further with the news that wicket-keeper Robbie Arthur tore a hamstring while batting, leaving Cobham-Avorians with only 10 men in the field.
An early Normandy wicket was an encouraging start for the home side, however small partnerships were all that were required to overhaul the small target. With the score at 60-1 Jamie Lawrence took the ball and bowled with pace and accuracy - easily his best spell of bowling this year, the left armer looking better and better every week. Lawrence took 2 big wickets in Ross Skidmore and Aussie overseas Anthony Clark after both batsmen threatened to end the game early. A cameo from Meboob Elahi included some powerful boundary hitting and took Normandy to 115-3 and the brink of victory.
Steve Naylor had a few things to say about that, and he also had a bowl and picked up Elahi. Off-spinning all-rounder Graham Crawford chipped in with a wicket and a further run-out saw Normandy slip to 130-6 with overs fast running out. With 3 overs to go it seemed that Cobham-Avorians would salvage a point from the match and deny Normandy victory, however a late flurry of runs got Normandy over the line with 2 balls to spare.
A disappointed Cobham-Avorians skipper Jeremy Hinds said after the match “We are not playing badly yet we seem to be ending up on the wrong side of results lately. But I have confidence in the boys to keep putting in and eventually things will run our way.”
Saturday
16th June - Weybridge (H) - Losing Draw
(Results
and League Tables)
Cobham Avorians welcomed close neighbours and
rivals Weybridge to Covent lane for an eagerly anticipated local
derby. Despite an overnight deluge of rain, play was able to
commence on time with the wicket reasonably dry yet understandably
not quite as the groundsman would have liked in ideal conditions.
Weybridge won the toss and unsurprisingly opted to bowl. Regular
opening batsmen Stu Tomlinson was out of the side with a sore
finger but was ably replaced by Robbie Arthur, commuting from
Ireland just to play with his mates at “The A’s”.
Arthur and Mark Higgs survived the opening overs albeit with
the help of the Weybridge opening bowlers, forgetting where the
front crease was, twice taking wickets off no-balls.
Higgs was the first to fall for 21 and was soon followed by Arthur
(9). In form batsmen and recent centurions Steve Naylor and Jono
McLean yet again carried the hopes of the home side but today
it was not to be. Both were dismissed to indifferent shots to
leave Cobham Avorians struggling and not looking like the side
that had racked up 300 in each of the past 3 games. The movement
off the seam was visibly troubling the batsman and a couple of
rain delays did nothing to settle the home side’s nerves.
The flamboyant Graham Crawford and Andy Umpleby both fell to
leave Cobham Avorians deep in trouble at 105-6.
Cobham Avorains opening bowler Scott Jarvis joined the junior
member of the team, Ben Kingsnorth in the middle in the hope
of scraping a few runs together to give the bowlers something
to defend. Kingsnorth quickly hit his straps looking assured
and compiling some very useful runs, Jarvis managed to survive
and together the partnership began to blossom with a mixture
of scampered singles and the occasional boundary. 127 runs later
and Cobham Avorians were in a position of strength. Jarvis eventually
falling for 60, Kingsnorth remaining 79 not out to help the team
to 254-8 off the 58 overs available.
The Weybridge innings began shakily and quickly turned into
a disaster for the visitors. Opening bowler Andy Umpleby took
3 early wickets, Jarvis chipping in with a further 2 to leave
Weybridge in a horrible mess at 35-5 at tea.
After tea however, it was a different story Weybridge turned
the game completely on its ear. Whatever was in the teas completely
transformed the Weybridge batsman Janmohammad struck a polished
70 while Weybridge’s Tasmanian overseas hit 100 not out
to take the visitors to 211-8 off their 44 overs in a rain shortened
match. Weybridge taking 4 points from the winning draw to leave
Cobham Avorians bitterly disappointed yet again with only a single
point in a match in which they had competed and at one stage
were well on top. 4 matches in a row now Cobham Avorians have
run up a huge total with the bat and have played positive cricket,
yet were unable to force a positive result. A few half chances
taken here and there and 1 point could so easily have been turned
into 13, however that is the nature of premiership cricket and
Cobham Avorians must now turn their attention to next week and
continue the good cricket they are playing in the hope of a more
fruitful result.
Saturday
9th June - Sutton (A) - Losing Draw
(Results
and League Tables)
Cobham Avorians travelled to reigning champions
Sutton, in what was sure to be their toughest test yet. Captain
Jeremy Hinds again lost the toss for the 4th time in a row this
season, Sutton choosing to bowl first on what appeared to be
a decent wicket and fast outfield. Aussie Mark Higgs made his
intentions clear, pulling leading wicket taker Phil Sampson for
6 in the first over. Sampson had the last laugh however removing
Higgs soon after. Andy Sartor bowled a tight spell, also picking
up the wicket of Stu Tomlinson to leave Cobham-Avorians with
their worst start of the year by far at 13-2.
With Paul Pritchard out of the side, Steve Naylor was elevated
to number 4 where he joined Jono MacLean in a reunion of the
2 involved in last week’s 200 run partnership. Under pressure
from a very good Sutton pace attack, both batsmen were forced
to live off only singles, a diet that cannot sustain the appetite
of Naylor. In an almost Carbon copy of the game against Guildford,
both men steadily built their innings before flourishing and
accelerating the run rate. Naylor found the boundary regularly
while MacLean played an excellent innings for his 55, proving
that he is the quality number 3 that “The A’s” desperately
needed. Graham Crawford (4) could not continue his good form,
and Andy Umpleby joined Naylor with the score at 160-4. Umpleby
belted a quick-fire 60, including some large maximums while Naylor
smashed a brutal 144 not out, allowing skipper Hinds to grab
his piece of action for the day and declare on 300-5 in the 64th
over.
Sutton’s reply began shakily with opening bowlers Scott
Jarvis and Andy Umpleby each claiming a wicket to leave Sutton
10-2 off 10 overs. But as the ball lost its hardness and shine,
runs began to flow. Jamie Lawrence joined the pace battery, replacing
the injured Steve Harpley and bowled well without luck. Mark
Higgs took a wicket to leave Sutton 68-3 off 19 overs at tea,
however after tea Sutton began to plunder runs at will, none
of the bowlers able to make a breakthrough or stem the flow of
runs.
Sutton’s middle order struck a rich vein of form to reach
240-4. Sampson hitting out with some massive blows for a very
quick 50 and looking as if he would get Sutton home in a mammoth
run chase. In the final scramble however Cobham-Avorians held
their nerve to take wickets and restrict the flow of runs. Higgs
picked up 5 wickets and Jarvis bagged 2-19 from 11 overs. Sutton
finished 281-8 from their allotted 56 overs to claim a winning
draw, Cobham-Avorians finishing with only a single point, but
the knowledge that they can mix it with the top teams in the
premiership and were only a few half chances from pushing for
victory.
After the match captain Jeremy Hinds said “It was an enjoyable
match where both teams threw everything at each other all day.
We showed we can be strong and compete and beat any team in the
competition."
Saturday
2nd June - Guildford (A) - Winning Draw
(Results and League Tables)
After the disappointment of last week’s wash
out, Cobham Avorians headed to Guildford in search of a valuable
13 points. Vice-captain Robbie Arthur was under the thumb and
forced out of the match, replaced by Steve Harpley, Ben Kingsnorth
taking over the gloves in his absence.
Guildford is known to be a good batting deck, the toss was always
going to be crucial and on this occasion it was to decide the
outcome of the match. Jeremy Hinds again calling the coin incorrectly,
the Guildford skipper asking Cobham-Avorians to bat first on
a wicket which did not appear to be the usual Guildford belter.
Aussie Mark Higgs got Cobham Avorians off to a
solid start compiling a well made 36, including a pull shot out
of the ground, over the main road and into the local neighbourhood
watch area. His departure, along with Stu Tomlinson (25) and
last week’s
centurion Paul Pritchard (10) to a couple of long-hops combined
with poor shot selection left Cobham-Avorians at 70-3 off 18
overs.
Steve Naylor joined Jono MacLean in the middle and they successfully
negotiated a testing period to reach lunch without further
loss. The run-rate was an uncharacteristically low 3.5 runs
per over, but this was soon to change. Both men were building
their innings taking quick singles and running hard between
the wickets – much
to Naylor’s disgust. A platform had been laid and then
both batsmen ignited in a blistering 200 run partnership Naylor
eventually fell for 88. MacLean’s innings of class finished
unconquered on 127 not out and with the wily Graham Crawford
also clearing the rope Cobham-Avorians pushed their total to
318-5 off the allotted 66 overs.
Things got even better for Cobham Avorians with
Guildford losing 2 early wickets. Opening bowlers Andy Umpleby
and Scott Jarvis continuing the good work of the pace battery.
Spin was soon introduced in the form of Mark Higgs with immediate
success, Higgs turning the door knob to pick up 3 quick wickets
to leave Guildford reeling at 50-5.
By this time the shutters were firmly up, Guilford intent
on blocking out the match and not attempting to chase any
sort of target, playing for draw. And do this they did. Despite
Cobham Avorians setting ridiculously attacking fields and
virtually giving runs away, Guildford were intent on making
it a miserable afternoon for all involved, blocking out the
entire afternoon for a losing draw and a single point. Guildford
finishing 200-6 off 60 overs, neither side gaining anything
significant from the match and Cobham-Avorians gaining only
4 points from a match in which they dominated.
Saturday
26th May - Farnham (H) - Abandoned due to rain
(Results
and League Tables) (Pictures)
After two close fought and tense victories, Cobham Avorians entered the third game of the season riding high on top of the Surrey Premiership table with a maximum of 26 points. Skipper Jeremy Hinds returned to lead the team, fresh after spending last week with his leg up. Wicket-keeper batsman Robbie Arthur also returned along with ex Essex captain Paul Pritchard and if that was not enough, new recruit Jono McLean was also welcomed to “the A’s”. South African born McLean has recent first class experience with Hampshire and will no doubt be a welcome addition to the already powerful Cobham Avorians batting line up.
Jeremy Hinds had the first duty of the morning at the coin toss - which he lost, Farnham having no hesitation in inserting the Cobham-Avorians on a dull, gloomy morning at Burhill Cricket ground.
Aussie Mark Higgs and Stu Tomlinson opened the batting for Cobham-Avorians and despite some early life the wicket, it wasn’t long before Higgs was giving the scorer a workout, striking the ball to all corners of the ground in typically flamboyant fashion. Stu Tomlinson weathered the early storm before growing in confidence, ably supporting Higgs and ensuring a healthy run rate.
Higgs was the first batsmen to fall with the score on 60, playing all around a straight one losing his middle stump. A bright start was to soon turn sour for Cobham-Avorians when debutant Jono McLean received two consecutive balls which rose sharply off the pitch, the second ball striking his glove and ballooning in the air to be caught for 0.
A confident Farnham XI chirped 1 out all out, sensing a batting collapse. Enter Paul Pritchard. Senior Pro Pritchard dusted the cob-webs off his trusty Gray-Nicholls and strode to the centre for his first hit of the season. What followed was a batting master-class, proving that you cannot put a price on experience and class.
“Pritch” blasted a typically classy 124 before running himself out… and collapsing in pain in the changeroom – the old legs are not what they used to be! Along the way he was supported by Tomlinson’s well crafted 51, Steve Naylor (17) and veteran Graham Crawford played a gem of an innings for 47, helping Cobham-Avorians reach a formidable 301-8, enabling Jeremy Hinds to do what he does best, declaring after just 58 of the 66 overs available.
The attacking declaration left Farnham with 65 overs to reach the target. An early wicket to the Cobham-Avorians pace battery saw Farnham at 14-1 after 4 overs. Andy Umpleby hitting the stumps to get the Cobham-Avorians off to a great start. However, typical of an English summer - the rain came out of nowhere to interrupt the game, eventually forcing play to be abandoned for the day and along with it any hopes of a Cobham-Avorians third victory on the trot.
Saturday 19th May - Sunbury (A) - Win
(Results and League Tables) (Sunbury's Match Report)
Cobham Avorians entered their second game of the premiership season on a high after last week’s dramatic last ball victory against Dulwich. An away game against Sunbury who also took 13 points from their first match was a meeting of last season’s top 2 sides from the championship.
In a blow to the Cobham Avorians, captain Jeremy Hinds was forced out of the match with a hamstring strain, failing a late fitness test on Friday night. If that wasn’t bad enough vice-captain and wicket-keeper batsman Robbie Arthur was also missing due to business commitments.
Aussie Mark Higgs was entrusted with the captain’s armband, failing his first mission at the coin toss, with Sunbury choosing to bowl first on what is usually a low scoring Sunbury pitch.
With the ball moving around early, life was difficult for the Cobham Avorians opening batsmen. Mark Higgs just began to hit his stride when he dragged the ball back onto his stumps, dismissed for just 16. Stuart Tomlinson was joined in the middle by Ben Kingsnorth, jumping the queue to get in front of some of the more experienced members of team, something he is very good at. A fine partnership weathered the early storm, however just when an excellent platform was being laid, both men fell in their 30’s to the off-spin of Matthew Todd.
From a position of strength at 80-1 off 20 overs, the Cobham Avorians were being suffocated by good quality spin bowling at both ends. The scoring rate slowed dramatically combined with a steady flow of middle order wickets. Steve Naylor compiled 25 before a Todd delivery kept very low to end his innings LBW 25. Andy Umpleby compiled a dogged 21 and Sammy Smart a breezy 20.
Cobham Avorians eventually bowled out for 175, failing to use 10 of their allotted over’s and none of the top order able to go on with their starts and make a big score. Matt Todd bowling very well for Sunbury, sending down 25 over's for 7 wickets.
Cobham Avorians entered the field knowing that they were a few runs start of what they had hoped for. , but to use a couple of clichés the runs were on the board and they were going to give 110%.
An early wicket was the ideal start, Sunbury 10-1 after 5 overs. However a large partnership between Kiwi Luke Woodcock and young opener London looked to have put paid to any Cobham Avorians a challenge. At 105-1 the game looked all but over. The fast men could not get a breakthrough, evergreen spinner Graham Crawford was toiling away without luck, the new skipper needed some inspiration, who could he turn too, to pull something from the fire?
Higgs gained the initial breakthrough, removing London for 40; Crawford finally had some luck go his way dismissing Woodcock for 60. With new batsman at the crease, the Cobham Avorian’s applied the pressure, drying the runs to barely a tickle. Even singles became precious, as Cobham Avorian’s gave nothing away not even to charity. Crawford claimed 2 more wickets, Higgs another and Sunbury were now stationery at 125-5. Small partnership were formed but Cobham Avorians were able to break through regularly with a swinging old ball. After 67 overs, Sunbury were 172-9. Higgs, Crawford and Jarvis all claiming 3 wickets in economic spells.
Pope then entered the fray with London, as his runner. Pope could only manage to slice the ball over gully and cause confusion on a single. Both batsmen and runner setting off for a run, the bails were removed at both ends with umpires conferring to rule that Pope had been run out.
Cobham Avorians gain 13 points, yet again in dramatic style. Cobham Avorians top league and look forward to greating Farnham to Burhill cricket ground next week.
Andy Bell, second team captain coming in to support the batting commented after the game “ We all put the miles in together, which helped us as a unit produce a great team effort and a deserved win.”
Saturday
12th May - Dulwich (H) - Win (1st match of the season) (Results and League Tables) (Photographs)
Freshly promoted to the surrey premiership, Cobham Avorians took some confidence from a good pre-season into what is going to be a long, tough summer. Cobham Avorians welcomed Dulwich cricket club for the season opener at Burhill cricket ground, with captain Jeremy Hinds winning the toss for the A’s and electing to bowl first an a pitch which had been covered since Tuesday due to the rain. Of course, after the driest April on record it was always going to rain on the first week of the cricket season.
Cobham Avorians were welcomed into the premiership with a wicket in the first over, Scott Jarvis (3-86) and Steve Harpley (0-14) contained Dulwich to 35-1 off the first 14 overs on a seamer friendly pitch. Despite the early breakthrough, the Dulwich batsmen dug in and managed to survive and tick the scoreboard over at a steady rate. With the introduction of Cobham Avorians 3rd and 4th seamers, Andy Umpleby (0-56) and Steven Naylor (3-50) - completing a formidable 4 pronged pace attack, they could not make the breakthrough despite continually beating the bat.
Two rain delays and 30 overs later; Dulwich had set a solid platform at 110-1 with Chris Thompson making 60. A large total was on offer, but the Cobham Avorians dug in showing discipline with the ball and commitment in the field to restrict Dulwich to 267-8 off their allotted 63 overs. Spinner Graham Crawford also chipping in with 2 wickets.
Rain delays resulted in the Cobham Avorians being left a daunting target of 268 from just 51 overs. Historically Cobham Avorians have never been ones to back down from any run chase, and this was no different. The early set backs of Stu Tomlinson (1) and new edition, young heart breaker Ben Kingsnorth (0), were not a deterrent in the chase of a large total. Former Australian One Day international player Mark Higgs was offered a life early on, one the Dulwich players were later to regret. If its excitement that you’re after, then it’s excitement you’ll get while “Higgsy” is at the crease. A fine 40 from the ever-youthful wicket-keeper batsmen Robbie Arthur ably supported Higgsy 95.
The game was always in the balance with Dulwich taking regular wickets at crucial times. Sammy Smart (28*) supported veteran Graham Crawford (30) towards the total of 268, until Crawford fell with 8 overs left, Cobham Avorians still requiring a further 53 runs for victory. This brought Scott Jarvis to the crease, after already bowling a mammoth 23 overs earlier in the day to try and salvage at least a winning draw. “Jarvo” and Sammy had other ideas. With some cleaver batting, lusty blows and some fielding mistakes by Dulwich, the Cobham Avorians supporters could see that “victory is in sight”.
Jarvis fell for 28 of 17 balls bringing Captain Jeremy Hinds to the crease with 8 runs required off the last over. Sam Smart struck a straight four off the first ball of the over, keeping the Cobham Avorians in the hunt for victory. Some clever shots and good running between the wickets meant the scores were tied with one ball to spare. The game was finally won when Hinds missed a half volley and managed to scramble through for a bye to win in a nail biting finish by 2 wickets.
Elated captain Jeremy Hinds said after the match “We stuck at it all day, it was a great effort from the lads who all gave 110% for each ball of the match. We had a perfect preparation but there’s plenty of improvement in us yet. It is a great start to the season and a vital 13 points”. Cobham Avorians look forward to collecting more points at Sunbury next Saturday.
Saturday 28th April
- Weybridge (A) - Win (Friendly)
Cobham Avorians second game of the season finished
in another win, both
games are friendlies and having beaten Byfleet last week the
A's went on to beat Weybridge in a 45 over match on Saturday. The A's
have one more friendly against Ashtead next week before starting
the first premiership game at home to Dulwich on May 12th.
Saturdays game gave both teams the chance to get some early season practice
in although Weybridge and the Avorians fielded under strength teams. Weybridge
batted first making a total of 257 in 45 overs with captain Gavin
Franklin making 80 and Hodgson 60, new comer this season
to the A's attack
Steve Naylor took 3 wkts.
In reply Cobham Avorians reached the target of 258 for the
loss of 5 wkts
with Tomlinson making 111 his second ton of the season with
Steve Naylor
making 68 in his second game for the club. A good start to
the season for
the A's with overseas player Mark Higgs arriving from Australia
this week to
strengthen the squad.
| Top of Page |
|
| Copyright © 2007 Avorians Cricket Club,
Cobham, Surrey. All rights reserved. No reproduction. |
