Week 19

Over Stowey’s season is now at a close, and wow, what a season. Plenty of highlights, plenty of up’s, not so many downs and plenty of enjoyment.

So here are my highlights (in no particular order):

• Carl’s match reports. I look forward to them every Sunday, makes my chuckle no end. Heavily edited and then sent to the papers. Just a brief highlight: Moment of the day had to be capt Pike's run out to take the first wicket or the fact that Shay took 2 catches.

• Kieran Barrow bowling left arm around and taking wickets in senior cricket.

• Lee Rich’s improvement from the no-ball king, to the most lethal spell I have seen him bowl against Dunster.

• Sorty’s first baller against Dunster.

• Stu Caldwell’s six against Bagborough. I can see why he enjoys the number 11 spot.

• The victory against Huish in the cup inspired by young Lee Villis.

• Five different bowlers taking a “Michelle” for the 1^st XI

• Mike Barrow’s eight wickets against Morebath.

• Not playing Bishops Hull.

• Teas

• Thatchers Cider

• Doing a supermarket sweep around Waitrose, having £100 to spend for the club’s Vice-president / Sponsor’s day. Oh those steaks were tempting.

• Ryan’s captaincy and the reintroduction of fines. Off to Vegas boys?

• The ever improving Stephen Miller, boy can he swing the ball.

• Shay trying to get out against Dunster as he was due to go to work, think he smashed 43 runs in about 20 balls.

• Jub’s century against Taunton, then being foiled by the rain in the next match against Bagborough by a most horrendous thunderstorm when on 93, so not quite completing back to back centuries.

• The ever present Stu Duerden and some remarkable catches.

• Phil Rich’s six for 19 against Carhampton, bowling very slow right arm.

• And lastly, but no means least, becoming champions of the West Somerset League Division Two.

Well, that’s about it for 2015, next week SCT will be back, oh boy have we had interesting summer of cricket.

Time for a Thatchers me thinks, had a few yesterday.

Week 18

Champions…Champions…Champions…Champions

I think you get the message! Over Stowey 1^st XI clinched the Division Two title with an emphatic eight wicket win over Carhampton. And with Timberscombe forfeiting their final fixture as they couldn’t raise a side, the Division Two title most definitely belongs to Stowey, and they still have a game to play.

All this excitement on Saturday, plus the club game on Sunday, I was suffering a bit on Monday, oh well; it does get harder to recover when you get older.

I would like to thank all those who turned up on Sunday, despite the weather, to play, to watch and support, and off course partake in some hospitality. It was good to catch up with some old players, so much so I didn’t know the scores on the pitch.

So, next weekend, the victory parade will be at Spaxton, when Stowey play their final game against Bagborough, I believe the champagne is ready to be opened as we speak.

Saturday was the final game of the season for the 2^nd XI, where they entertained Dunster. The visitors won quite convincingly, however there were two very good individual performances of note.

Firstly, Stephen Miller. Not only did he take four wickets off his 11 overs, apparently he swung the ball like a preverbal boomerang. Another milestone for Stephen is that he reached 30 wickets for the season, a great achievement by the 16 year old.

Secondly, Lee Rich. What a contrast to four months ago. Saturday was probably the best I have seen Lee bowl, pace swing, movement and great enthusiasm. He fully deserved his five wickets, he could have quite easily had more, but the ball just swung too much. Nice jug after thank you Lee.

Another milestone was one for myself; the last game of the season, and I gave my first LBW decision. And where there’s one, the second wasn’t far behind, but I gave the batsman the benefit of the doubt due to the angle the bowler was bowling at.

Anyway, plenty of improvement by the 2^nd XI this season and it’s just great to see the youngsters getting a chance. Well done by all those who played this season.

Right, Thatchers time.

Week 17

Rain and boy did it rain, thunderbolts and lightning, and indeed it was very, very…… not frightening but spectacular.

The 1^st XI was called off just as Jub was about to complete back to back centuries – jug avoidance me thinks. Thankfully Timberscombe game was also abandoned, so there is no change at the top of the Division, Stowey still handily placed, six points behind with two games left, and Timberscombe with only one match to play.

I could go into different scenarios in what could happen over the next two Saturday’s, and rain could even play a factor. One thing for certain, two wins and Stowey are champions.

The 2^nd XI had a difficult time down at North Curry. One thing for certain which came out of that match is that we have joint favourites for the coveted Hole in the Hand award; can you guess who they are?

Also, the 2^nd XI have been accused of breaking rule 10. This rule is about deliberately strengthening their side. So can the league tell us what two 13 year old boys are going to do, one I am led to believe has never held a bat before. The game against Crowcombe had nothing on it, both sides mid table in Division Five of the League, the lowest division in the league. Crowcombe had not even complained to the league.

This is the same league that didn’t have the balls to throw out a club, who was on their last warning, for violent conduct; and this same club who teams refuse to play. Okay, rule 10 is there for a reason, but hey surely common sense should prevail. (my view only).

Enough about that, I mentioned rain earlier; I just hope it doesn’t spoil the end of the season, especially as we have the Neal Sortwell Memorial match on Sunday. And with so many guests coming, I just hope all the hard work put in is not wasted.

There is nothing worse being sat in a changing room waiting for the rain to stop to see if the match will continue. Some players wanting to wait so as to complete the game, others (I’m in this category) wanting the game to be abandoned so as to try a few back in the bar. I do think the purchase of covers may be high on the agenda for Stowey.

So we are down to the business end of the season, the 2^nd XI play their final game on Saturday as they entertain Dunster; the 1^st XI travel to Carhampton and then all aboard for the trip to Bagborough the following Saturday.

Right, a bit early for Thatchers, but may try one later

Week 16

Over Stowey 1^st XI – Promoted, period! Well done guys, now go get that title.

As I was away in London all day Saturday I was waiting for the result to come through on my smartphone, guess what, the bloody thing went dead, battery as flat as my back lawn!

It wasn’t until I got home later that evening (well gone midnight), that I was able to charge up my phone, and it was the post from Stu Duerden what confirmed the victory and promotion. Me thinks that Stu was rather pleased with the days play.

I don’t blame him, winning by nine wickets, Jub scoring a ton and in the process beating Sorty’s club highest score – well done Jub. Three games left and everything to play for.

Someone has to tell me about the opening stand, I believe it was 154, chasing 158 to win. I also believe Mark scored 24 not out, to Jub’s 116. You can’t tell me that Jub had all the strike. But hey, Mark you done a job, as I am also led to believe Phil had to pull out on the morning of the match as he had lost his balance.

I’m loving the photo caption competition, there are all sort of scenarios you can think off. 

If you haven’t had a go, give it a try. I think it should be something to do with spoofing or drinking, maybe a combination of both.

Once again Carl has given me a cracking 2^nd XI report, and he pays great tribute to the youngsters in the way they performed in a senior league. But it also seems to me Carl was given out LBW to a very dubious decision. But he also says that he thanks the guy for umpiring as he had no one else.

Right, a bit early for Thatchers, but may try one later.

Week 15

What a catch. Take a bow Simon Pickard. Like picking apples from a tree. Talk about a “Champagne Moment”, well that could be it for the season.

The look on the poor Minehead batsman said it all, utter disbelief. He absolutely creamed it, four all the way. Simon, fielding at mid-off (could be mid-on), stuck his hand up above his head and the ball just stuck. Oh how I wish you put the ball in your pocket!

Phil’s catch at slip wasn’t bad either, I understand most people were looking behind him to see where the ball went, but Phil had caught it.

Simon’s catch was somewhat reminiscent of Timmy Little’s catch at Somerton some 30 years ago, slightly different circumstances, but nevertheless, a great catch.

A Sunday friendly away to Somerton, in fact the first friendly of the season, and I am sure they chose Stowey as “cannon fodder” so to get their eye in for the start of the new season. We lost the toss, and we were put in the field. By the end of the 14^th over Somerton had reached 100 without loss. Steve Little brought himself on to bowl his slow right arm off-breaks.

First ball he flighted up, the batsman missed timed it and the ball dollied up to Steve’s brother Timmy, and he failed to take the easiest catch you could imagine. Steve was furious; he banished Timmy to the boundary where he trudged off sulking.

Two balls later, the same batsman absolutely creamed the ball, and it was heading straight to Timmy, who was still sulking and his mind was elsewhere. “Timmy” everyone shouted, Timmy woke up started to move to his left, he suddenly saw the ball going to his right, stuck his hand up and it stuck.

Cue laughter and hilarity, plus some gloating from Timmy aimed directly as his brother about his ability to catch. Absolutely cracking.

So why we are on the subject of catching, who is favourite to win the “Hole in the Hand” this season? From what I can see and understand, it’s going to be a tough choice.

Right, that’s it for now. Oh, I almost forgot #Ashes #60allout Thatchers time.

Week 14

With both senior sides not having a game at the weekend, as they were due to play Bishops Hull, a well deserved rest was had by all.

There was a game on Sunday, a friendly against Kilve, which I believe they won, however getting a side was, well what can I say, interesting indeed.

On Monday, only two names were on the list to play. Stuart sent a message on social media to see if anyone was available. By Friday a team was all but selected and take on our near neighbours. A good effort by all; especially on a beautiful August weekend, right in the middle of the summer holidays.

However, one thing puzzled me was conversation I noticed on the club’s chat forum, it went something like this:

                Jack (Sunday Morning): Boys, 2pm start today, so be there for 1.45.

                Shay (2.29, Sunday Afternoon): Where was everyone?

                Mike (2.30, Sunday Afternoon): It’s at Kilve, isn’t it!

    Shay (2.31, Sunday Afternoon): Oh, thought it was at Stowey.

Nice one Shay, made me chuckle as I was supping the “Devils” drink (lager) Sunday afternoon at a Steam Fayre. They ran out of cider if you are beginning to worry! Don’t forget Shay, the 2^nd XI are away on Saturday at Fitzhead!

Thankfully I have never turned up at the wrong ground, been to a few grounds where there are more than one pitch and have been to places where I have struggled to find the ground. On one occasion I asked a local where the ground is, and I must of asked the only person who is deaf in the village!

So we are now in August, which means one thing: the end of the cricket season is nigh. Saying that, the 2^nd XI still have four games and the 1^st team go on into September and have five games left. Plus the inter-club game on Sunday 30^th August, so yes, still plenty of cricket to be played at the business end of the season.

That’s all for now, a well deserved Thatchers is beckoning and the fourth Ashes Test is fast approaching.

Week 13

Having missed this weekend’s entertainment due to free day out I was heartened to hear the resume of the games played on Saturday by both teams.

Let me start with the 1^st XI. Yes they won; they won comfortably, more comfortably than a few of us would of thought and the now sit on top of Division Two of the West Somerset League.

I assume the game against Bishops Hull is cancelled (rightly so) on Saturday as Ryan is looking for numbers to play golf that afternoon (sorry can’t make it), which means eight points each. The destiny of the 1^st XI this season is quite firmly in their own hands. How exciting is the run-in going to be for the rest of the season.

Gary Thomas has certainly got the fire in his belly this season, another “Michelle” for him on Saturday, this time in a winning vain against Timberscombe. The last match against the same side he took seven and the 1^st XI lost their only game so far in the League this season. How many wickets so far this season Gary? Me thinks well over 30, not bad for a first change bowler.

On to the 2^nd XI. Carl always sends me a match report either on Saturday night or first thing Sunday morning. It is always entertaining reading his account of the game, however this time I was particular impressed by the manner in which the game was played on Saturday.

In a week in which Stowey are due to play Bishops Hull (I believe they are not), it was heartening to read that the “Spirit of the Game” was suitably upheld in the 2^nd XI match against Stoke Saints on Saturday.

With Stowey playing a few youngsters, the skipper of the Saints side brought on to bowl their youngsters against Stowey’s. Thus in return the Stowey skipper repaid them by doing the same, by bowling Kieran and Stephen at their youngsters. Saints are pushing for promotion, so well done to their skipper who could’ve quite easily used his senior bowlers to give them a better chance of victory, and likewise to George.

That’s all for now, I am just happy that the virtues of the West Somerset League and cricket in general is evident. Thatchers time me thinks.

Week 12

They say form is temporary, but class is permanent, so work out this conundrum:

Mark Sortwell has had two successive first ballers, which has now been followed up by a “tortoise” like 82 against Lydeard St Lawrence 2^nd XI, who are bottom of Division Five of the West Somerset League, the bottom division I hasten to add.

I also hear in despatches that incoming batsmen were told to run Mark out as he was scoring to slow; so, me thinks that the 2^nd XI could off quite easily amassed 300. But hey, beggars and choosers come to mind, what would off happened if Mark was out early in the innings?

Congratulations to both senior sides who both won on Saturday and both collected maximum points for their efforts.

The 1st XI maintained their good form beating Brompton by 34 runs. They are currently lying second in Division Two, with a matter of points separating the top three in that division, with some crucial games fast approaching, plus with a game in hand, who knows what will happen. But can someone tell me what the pink toenails were all about?

I only managed to catch 20 overs on Saturday of the 1^st XI, but what I could see is that they play as a unit, always backing each other and always looking to do that bit extra to support the bowlers. A good team spirit is always essential within any side.

Unfortunately I missed my umpiring duties for the 2^nd XI (and will be missing again this Saturday), however they also have a good spirit within the team, so thus making the transition to the 1^st XI somewhat more easier.

Carl sent me the match report for Saturday’s game, a report which I have carefully edited, but there seems to be three moments of the match:

1.       George Pike’s cameo in the last over, it went something like 6, 6, 6, 2, 6 and then, last ball of the innings, dot ball.

2.       Shay’s two catches, yes two sticked!

3.       George Pike, again, a sensational run out to dismiss the Lydeard opener.

For me the dot ball wins!

One more thing, my Australian Cricket Correspondent is a bit more chirpier now, I wonder why? It was a bit embarrassing admittedly. But as I mentioned to Taylor (who is not my Aussie Correspondent), you do get a lot of lows watching / supporting England, more lows that highs. 

Celebrate the highs, as they don’t happen very often. I do have about 25 years on him, so I should know.

Thatchers time me thinks.

Week 11

Before I go onto Over Stowey, just one thing: Australia, you took one hell of a beating!

For the second week running the 1^st XI won by ten wickets, this time travelling to Morebath and knocking them over for just 62.

A fully refreshed Mike Barrow took eight wickets, amazing what a holiday does for you, batteries recharged, and back on it. I wonder if our beloved chairman will be fully recharged and ready to go when he returns from his jolly!

Well played the 1^st XI, second in the league, but still a long way to go.

Full credit goes to the Over Stowey ground staff who produced a belter of a batting track. Over 400 runs scored in the 2^nd XI game on Saturday, with only 10 wickets falling. More wickets could off been claimed, however a few catches were spilled despite the best efforts of the fielders.

As an umpire, I found the game very enjoyable to officiate, despite the right hand / left hand combination taking singles nearly every ball. I do love signalling a six, as the crowd roars with excitement, ok, up Stowey a handful of spectators, sipping tea and watching the world go by.

Mandy produced a quality tea again, and this time I had a few grapes, looking after my figure you know.

Off to Lydeard St Lawrence next week, I wonder if Julian is playing, if so I hope he doesn’t get lost this time, as I believe he did last season.

Short one this week, I have some pallets to dismantle, can’t wait! I suppose it will work up a thirst ready for some Thatchers later!

Week 10

As there was no 2^nd XI game, young Stephen Miller was called up to the 1^st XI to make his debut, and ended up winning the Helmet of the Week award. Not for anything he did on the pitch, but not wearing the correct Stowey kit. Back to the two’s next week Stephen.

With Stowey completely outplaying Cutcombe, winning before the tea was even brought up to the ground, I wonder how many times Stephen touched the ball and if he enjoyed fielding at fine leg?

Back when I was young, fitter, slimmer and I could see the ball, I had regular 1^st XI call up’s (only because they were short), and I made the fine leg fielding position my own. Some games would meander by, and it wouldn’t be until the 25^th over before I would touch the ball.

Fielding fine leg to fine leg, then going in at number 11 would cost me £5 per game. However, I would enjoy a nice tea and talk to other players thinking that I had earned it!

Fielding at fine leg had its advantages, not touching the ball very often, even less chance of a catch coming your way and Stoodleigh away. I always looked forward to that away trip, and especially fielding at fine leg.

There would be these two old boys sitting in their deck chairs at the fine leg position; they would also be sipping homemade cider, and how could I refuse a drop or two on a hot sunny day in Stoodleigh.

As for the number 11 position, well If I had to bat (which wasn’t very often), the game was almost certainly lost. And by the time I go to the crease, it would be usually in near darkness with the opening quick bowler back on to wrap up the innings.

For all my stern efforts in playing 1stXI cricket back then, there was that the occasional winners or runners-up trophy won. So just by playing a handful of 1^st XI games a season meant that I would pick up a winners medal or shield.

So back to Saturday, poor eight man Cutcombe only had eight men; they had no answer to Jack Rich and Stephen Easden and was bowled out for forty something. Stowey, or should I say Jub, wasted no time in knocking off the runs.

Next week, back to 2^nd XI action as they welcome near neighbours Kilve, whereas the 1^st XI have a long trip to Morebath.

That’s it for now, count down to the Ashes!

Week 9

Nine weeks have passed, half way through the season, and I don’t think I have even mentioned Sorty.

Having been dropped to the 2^nd XI and his position in the 1^st XI taken by young George Pike, Mark was looking forward to the trip to Dunster, spending a long time at the crease and getting some runs under his belt.

So what happened? First ball, Mark was delivered a nice juicy longhop outside of off stump which he duly despatched right down the throat of point; off Mark trudged back to the changing rooms, out first ball. Earlier, Mark caught an absolute skyer, only to step over the boundary rope and thus six runs to the batsman.

And to rub a bit more salt into the wound, Mark’s replacement in the 1^st XI, George, was involved in a match winning ninth wicket partnership with Matt Coombes which steered the 1^st XI to victory. A great bit of hindsight by 1^st XI skipper Ryan Gamblin me thinks!

Shay Keohane was in the runs again for the 2^nd XI. Shay was due leave early as he had to work that evening, so Carl sent him in as opener, and he played in the style of a pinch hitter, smashing the attack all round the park. During the innings it came to my attention that Shay was trying to get out, so he could get to work. Nice knock though Shay.

Looking at the scorebook after the game, the Dunster scorer (who was doing two scorebooks) credited all Shay’s runs to Sorty, which made Mark a bit happier. It is even on the League’s website that Mark hit all the runs. I am sure Carl will remedy the situation for the Stowey archives.

So it is halfway through the season, which I find quite unbelievable, where has that time gone? Anyway, so how are Stowey doing thus far this season?

Let’s start with the 1^st XI. Handily placed in Division Two with a game in hand over the teams above them, having won five out of their eight games played, which includes two cancellations and only the one defeat against Timberscombe.

They are also in the quarter-finals of the West Somerset League Cup, the furthest they have been for some seasons now, usually Stowey are first round specialists!

The 2^nd XI have picked up three victories in the games they have played (the league table on the website is wrong). There has been a lot of encouraging performances throughout and some pretty scary ones thrown in for good measure. With North Curry running away with the league, the runners-up spot will be between Stoke Saints, Dunster and Bishops Hull, Stowey will battle it out for the mid table positions, all of which Stowey will face during the second half of the season.

Right, that’s it for now. I would just like to mention that no one was hurt in my dropping of four full cider bottles on Saturday evening. It was upsetting at first seeing all that cider run down the drain, but alas an emergency supply was found, tins of Thatchers this time, and my night was a bit more of a happier one.

Week 8

“Snatching Victory from the Jaws of Defeat” is a phrase which describes Stowey’s victory over Huish Champflower last Thursday night in the West Somerset Cricket League Cup. And Stowey can thank Lee Villis for their progression into the quarter-finals of the competition.

Chasing 97 to win, Stowey slipped to 40-7 with all the big guns back in the preverbal hutch. So cometh the hour, cometh the man, Lee Villis take a bow, 47 not out, with great support from Greg Turner, Kai Baker and Mike Barrow, saw Stowey romp home by one wicket.

Nice on Lee, great to see it – in fact I left the ground when the sixth wicket fell, thinking I had better things to do. So it was great to learn via social media that Stowey had scrapped through to the quarters, now they face Bridgwater Pointers.

The 1^st XI was without a game on Saturday, so the focus as on the 2^nd XI who hosted undefeated North Curry. Despite the best efforts of the 2^nd XI, North Curry still remain undefeated.

Unfortunately I was out of the County on Saturday, so was unable to umpire, and most importantly missing out on Mandy’s wonderful teas (does it sound like I’m creeping? It certainly does!). But hey, there are plenty of home games left to tuck into them. Apparently I am led to believe that I didn’t miss much last week when Stowey played Crowcombe III’s at Holford, allegedly the teas weren’t that special, but hey, someone made the effort to provide them, so hats off.

Over Stowey 2^nd’s travel to Dunster on Saturday meeting them for the first time in a league fixture. I am personally looking forward to the trip, as having drove past their ground recently, it looks like it is in a great setting, I am sure Stowey will make a good account for themselves.

That’s all for now, have a tired brain, must be Thatchers time!

Week 7

Wow, week 7 and I don’t think I have mentioned teas, what’s wrong with me? It’s the only reason I umpire every season.

Teas have been of a very good standard this season, both at home and at my only away game, at Kilve. Wendy’s teas from the past three seasons were exceptional, but I have now had the privilege of sampling teas made by Tina, Mandy and Pauline, wow, what can I say, but exceptional also.

I for one loved Wendy’s cheese and onion sandwiches, and when Tina made them as well, just wow. Mandy made some wonderful quiches, with, guess what, cheese and onion, and to top that, Pauline is offering cheese and biscuits as well as sandwiches. I am meant to be losing weight you know!

With so much cricket being played, the tea ladies can somewhat be forgotten (not by me though). I know they are much appreciated by all at Over Stowey, both home and away, they are the quintessential thing about village cricket.

Despite the horrid weather on Friday night / Saturday morning, both senior sides took to the field on Saturday, and both notched up important victories. Despite the best efforts of the high pressure looming over the UK on Saturday giving me a thumping headache, I did manage to watch some of the 1^st team.

And that same said high pressure made me miss my trip to Crowcombe III’s at Holford. Another away trip missed, which meant another tea missed.

What I can understand in despatches is that Greg Arlotte made a huge impact in the game for the 2^nd’s, scoring a rapid and powerful 30, and then deceive the Crowcombe batsmen with his spin (very slow with plenty of flight) option, claiming four wickets.

I am also understand that a reluctant skipper brought himself on to bowl, and grabbed a couple of important wickets just after the drinks break. You know what they say about those types of breaks, a loss of concentration and a wicket goes down.

So what exciting stuff have we to look forward to this week. Well, the 1^st XI have a cup match on Thursday, yep, they are through to the second round, and they face an inform Huish Champflower, who have only lost one game so far this season. Saturday sees the 1^st XI without a game, whereas the 2^nd XI host runaway Division Five leaders North Curry. Bat first me thinks.

Ok, a bit of Thatchers and my feet up for the evening me thinks.

Weeks 6

Over Stowey Cricket Club’s newly refurbished pavilion got broken into Sunday night / Monday morning. Damage was done to the front door and cricketing items was taken, like new match balls. There are some very sad people out there; can you tell what is there to gain from this?

++++++

Over Stowey 2^nd XI skipper, Carl Woodley, sent me a message last Sunday asking about my availability to umpire the game on Saturday, I quote: “Home to Fitzhead on Saturday if you fancy a bit of fresh air!”

He wasn’t kidding; standing in a field for six hours on Saturday wasn’t the most enjoyable experiences I ever had, as it was blooming freezing thanks to a cold wind coming straight from Siberia (well, it felt like it). It is meant to be June you know.

By six o’clock, as the sun disappeared behind a big cloud making the wind even colder, Over Stowey lost their fourth wicket. Great, I thought, I’ll be home by seven for a nice hot bath to thaw out with plenty of hot coco to warm me up inside.

So what happened? Shay decided to find some form, something he has been threatening for a while, along with Rabbit, they stuck it out as they smashed the Fitzhead attack around the park, and at one stage threatening the Fitzhead total. But it was not to be. And the time the final wicket fell, it was below freezing, and I felt like an ice cube!

Oh the joys of umpiring in the West Somerset League Division Five. I even had to do a signal which I have not done for a long time, in fact this century, a batsman running one short. Shay might of top scored, however he denied George of one run (and doesn't he need them), as he failed to ground his bat. Carl also had to give a signal for one run short (two in the same game), but I, along with the Fitzhead fielder beside me, was a bit mystified by his signal, but alas the message got across to the scorers.

I even had to signal a no ball, not over stepping, but for Fitzhead having three behind square, and with only ten players it seems a bit of a waste, but hey it happened. On the subject of Fitzhead, who are a pretty decent sort to play against, that must of been the first time I have seen four players keep wicket in a match, three in a space of an over!

The 1^st team travelled to Minehead and came back victorious with a comfortable seven wicket win. And I expect it was even colder down there on the coast, but I wonder what the new clubhouse is like, and how cheap the cider is? And why was Sorty wearing a pink helmet?

As Sunday was such a nice day (no thermals needed), myself and my fiancée decided to go out for the day and to Judy’s bemusement it nearly ended up with a tour of the grounds in the West Somerset League. Holford, Carhampton, Dunster, Timberscombe, Cutcombe, Morebath to name but a few, I can even put Stoodleigh on there, as we went to Wimbleball Lake. On the way home, we even turned into Crowcombe so as to pass their ground. Oh happy days.

Diet cider time me thinks

Week Five

I wanted to say quite a bit about what has happened off the pitch over the past seven days which has affected so many Cricket Clubs, like Over Stowey, but have decided to tone it down somewhat. So here is an edited version, a much edited version:

These are the thoughts of me and me alone, which do not represent the views of anyone else, any club or society – so there!

This last weekend Over Stowey CC should’ve been playing Bishops Hull CC, in a game of cricket, village cricket. Over Stowey forfeited the fixture.

Let me remind you about the laws of cricket, especially The Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket:

Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of the Game.

Any action which is seen to abuse this spirit causes injury to the game itself. The major responsibility for ensuring the spirit of fair play rests with the captains.

1. There are two Laws which place the responsibility for the team's conduct firmly on the captain.

Responsibility of captains:

The captains are responsible at all times for ensuring that play is conducted within the Spirit of the Game as well as within the Laws.

Player’s conduct

In the event of a player failing to comply with instructions by an umpire, or criticising by word or action the decisions of an umpire, or showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall in the first place report the matter to the other umpire and to the player's captain, and instruct the latter to take action.

Straight on to Preamble Point 6:

6. Violence
There is no place for any act of violence on the field of play.

++

I am lead to believe this is also, quite rightly, that the zero tolerance about violence is in the WSCL Handbook. Thankfully other clubs, along with Over Stowey, have refused to play Bishops Hull.

Unfortunately I have become somewhat disillusioned about the West Somerset Cricket League, perhaps I need a holiday, but will continue my whole hearted support for Over Stowey.

Let’s just play Village Cricket, competitively but within the spirit.

Week 4

Disaster all round, from what I can understand, a bit like UK’s entry in Eurovision. So where do I start:

• Half the 2^nd XI went AWOL, trying to find the ground to where they were travelling, ths turning up late.
• Six dropped catches in the 2^nd’s.
• On the subject of batting collapses, the 1^st XI was doing ok when I left.
• I have dropped down the league in the Fantasy T20 Cricket league form 1^st to 2^nd - gutted.

So, the positives:

• The 1^st XI are in the next round of the cup.
• Gary Thomas got a hatful of wickets.
• I had a nice tea thanks to Pauline.

Personally, I am somewhat disappointed I didn’t make it to the 2^nd XI game, buying cider at a food and drink festival had a bit of a knock on effect, but I did have a nice tea. Have I mentioned that?

In all, these are the first defeats for both senior sides this season, something no doubt both captains will reflect on.

It was great to see Norman Hicks at the ground on Saturday, a former Over Stowey “great”. To hear he is retiring from work within the next 12 months just goes to show how time creeps up on you. Hope to see you at the ground more often Norman.

Not much more to say really, the match reports speak for themselves. So next week a double header against Bishops Hull, now that is something to look forward to. And yes Carl, I shall be there.