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!