Sometimes you have to take your hat off to a member of the opposition, simply shake their hand and say "well played, you were different class today". Yesterday was one such occasion for Bickley Park.
Bickley won the toss and got off to a disastrous start at 14-3. The ship was mainly steadied by an excellent innings from Saf Imtiaz though he was left stranded on 111* with Bickley's last 5 wickets going for just 10 runs. 230 all out with still another 3.1 overs to go.
Bromley Common lost one of their openers with the very first ball of the innings. In strode Will Clark, a former NZ U19 cap AND who plays for Central Districts. From the off everything came from the middle of his bat, mainly on the deck too (no 6s) and a chanceless innings culminated with him hitting the winning run to finish with 148* (135) for his side to win by 5 wickets with 6.5 overs to spare. Such was his dominance that the batters at the other end managed just 56-5 off 124 balls. Well done young man.
Bickley have now missed their best player, all rounder Elliot Hooper, for three games (one win, one loss and one incomplete) and simply do not have the strength of squad to cope with one player missing let alone one of the calibre of Hooper.
By contract, the KCL might just as well give the Championship title to the Vine now. It isn't just the fact that they are 24 points ahead of Bickley but, more. because they are, simply put, the best side in the division. Or should I say they have the best batting line up in the whole of the Kent League and that includes the KPL in my opinion. When the Vine haven't had the services of ex-England batter, Nick Compton (381 runs at 63.50), they've managed to bring in his cousin, Kent opener, Ben Compton (71 runs @ 35.50). Add Evert Bekker (431 runs @ 67.00), overseas Bradley Hope (568 runs @ 107.75) and former SA State player Luke Schlemmer (568 runs @ 94.67 and their top four have amassed 1,853 in 8 matches at an average of 232 per game and at an average of 77.21 per man.
Fair to say that Old Colfeians 1s had a good win yesterday - especially as Wilson, opening the batting, scored more on his own than any other team in the division amassed as a whole: https://oldcolfeians.play-cricket.com/website/results/6746125
Sometimes you have to take your hat off to a member of the opposition, simply shake their hand and say "well played, you were different class today". Yesterday was one such occasion for Bickley Park.
Bickley won the toss and got off to a disastrous start at 14-3. The ship was mainly steadied by an excellent innings from Saf Imtiaz though he was left stranded on 111* with Bickley's last 5 wickets going for just 10 runs. 230 all out with still another 3.1 overs to go.
Bromley Common lost one of their openers with the very first ball of the innings. In strode Will Clark, a former NZ U19 cap AND who plays for Central Districts. From the off everything came from the middle of his bat, mainly on the deck too (no 6s) and a chanceless innings culminated with him hitting the winning run to finish with 148* (135) for his side to win by 5 wickets with 6.5 overs to spare. Such was his dominance that the batters at the other end managed just 56-5 off 124 balls. Well done young man.
Bickley have now missed their best player, all rounder Elliot Hooper, for three games (one win, one loss and one incomplete) and simply do not have the strength of squad to cope with one player missing let alone one of the calibre of Hooper.
By contract, the KCL might just as well give the Championship title to the Vine now. It isn't just the fact that they are 24 points ahead of Bickley but, more. because they are, simply put, the best side in the division. Or should I say they have the best batting line up in the whole of the Kent League and that includes the KPL in my opinion. When the Vine haven't had the services of ex-England batter, Nick Compton (381 runs at 63.50), they've managed to bring in his cousin, Kent opener, Ben Compton (71 runs @ 35.50). Add Evert Bekker (431 runs @ 67.00), overseas Bradley Hope (568 runs @ 107.75) and former SA State player Luke Schlemmer (568 runs @ 94.67 and their top four have amassed 1,853 in 8 matches at an average of 232 per game and at an average of 77.21 per man.
Fair to say that Old Colfeians 1s had a good win yesterday - especially as Wilson, opening the batting, scored more on his own than any other team in the division amassed as a whole: https://oldcolfeians.play-cricket.com/website/results/6746125
It's the consecutive hundred partnerships where the other blokes got 28 and 16 that really seal it
Sometimes you have to take your hat off to a member of the opposition, simply shake their hand and say "well played, you were different class today". Yesterday was one such occasion for Bickley Park.
Bickley won the toss and got off to a disastrous start at 14-3. The ship was mainly steadied by an excellent innings from Saf Imtiaz though he was left stranded on 111* with Bickley's last 5 wickets going for just 10 runs. 230 all out with still another 3.1 overs to go.
Bromley Common lost one of their openers with the very first ball of the innings. In strode Will Clark, a former NZ U19 cap AND who plays for Central Districts. From the off everything came from the middle of his bat, mainly on the deck too (no 6s) and a chanceless innings culminated with him hitting the winning run to finish with 148* (135) for his side to win by 5 wickets with 6.5 overs to spare. Such was his dominance that the batters at the other end managed just 56-5 off 124 balls. Well done young man.
Bickley have now missed their best player, all rounder Elliot Hooper, for three games (one win, one loss and one incomplete) and simply do not have the strength of squad to cope with one player missing let alone one of the calibre of Hooper.
By contract, the KCL might just as well give the Championship title to the Vine now. It isn't just the fact that they are 24 points ahead of Bickley but, more. because they are, simply put, the best side in the division. Or should I say they have the best batting line up in the whole of the Kent League and that includes the KPL in my opinion. When the Vine haven't had the services of ex-England batter, Nick Compton (381 runs at 63.50), they've managed to bring in his cousin, Kent opener, Ben Compton (71 runs @ 35.50). Add Evert Bekker (431 runs @ 67.00), overseas Bradley Hope (568 runs @ 107.75) and former SA State player Luke Schlemmer (568 runs @ 94.67 and their top four have amassed 1,853 in 8 matches at an average of 232 per game and at an average of 77.21 per man.
Fair to say that Old Colfeians 1s had a good win yesterday - especially as Wilson, opening the batting, scored more on his own than any other team in the division amassed as a whole: https://oldcolfeians.play-cricket.com/website/results/6746125
It's the consecutive hundred partnerships where the other blokes got 28 and 16 that really seal it
AshBurton Jr’s understated role in facing the entire opening spell of the division’s quickest bowler was also key, with the double century maker very keen to stay at the other end. Shame he immediately got out to their offie having done the hard work, doh!
Hayes and former Kent player, Alex Blake hit 101 off 35 balls yesterday for Cornwall against Dorset. Fellow Hayes' team mate, Will MacVicar, was somewhat pedestrian by comparison with 48 off 51 balls in Cornwall's total of 213-7 off 20. They ended up winning by just 6 runs.
Drugged with pain killers lolwray ventured onto the greensward for his first appearance of the season to make it 51 consecutive years of playing club cricket. Sidley 2nds making 198 and Little Common 3s 189 in reply. I didn't bat but bowled a tidy 8 overs for 27 ..2 overs at the death only went for 4 so I was more than happy with that. Even happier that I am alive still to type it
My eldest grandson has started playing for Whitstable under-11s. It makes me so proud to see him in his whites. And he’s a nippy little bowler and has taken some amazing catches. His nanny would have been incredibly proud — even though she didn’t get cricket at all.
My eldest grandson has started playing for Whitstable under-11s. It makes me so proud to see him in his whites. And he’s a nippy little bowler and has taken some amazing catches. His nanny would have been incredibly proud — even though she didn’t get cricket at all.
He'll get some excellent coaching there. Good luck to the lad.
My eldest grandson has started playing for Whitstable under-11s. It makes me so proud to see him in his whites. And he’s a nippy little bowler and has taken some amazing catches. His nanny would have been incredibly proud — even though she didn’t get cricket at all.
My 10 year old has been turning out for Bexleyheath's U11s, batting 3 and keeping, i absolutely love watching him play cricket his team mates are all good lads too. He (and I) get so much more out of cricket than playing for his football team. Hope you Grandson sticks with it and you both continue to enjoy yourselves. That transition to hard ball can be tricky though.
If you don’t mind - why did they both get into cricket?
I love the game and I know the ECB have been funding the all stars program, but with so many schools not playing it , I am interested on what’s bringing the youngsters to the clubs.
Through my love of cricket and a chance flyer through our letterbox from Bexleyheath CC advertising their All-stars programme at just the right time. We're hoping he passes his 11+ as his main driver is going to a school with a cricket team!
If you don’t mind - why did they both get into cricket?
I love the game and I know the ECB have been funding the all stars program, but with so many schools not playing it , I am interested on what’s bringing the youngsters to the clubs.
At my club in Herts, the Juniors section had folded until the All Stars initiative. Every Sunday there's more than 100 kids from 6-10 up on the Common doing it - a real sight for sore eyes.
The first group which started are now U13s and half a dozen (including my boy) are also playing senior cricket this summer.
ECB have got many things wrong over the years but the All Stars programme has been a massive success - along with Central Contracts would say their two best decisions of the last 10-20 years.
Hundred obviously being the worst but we won't get into that again just now!
I have been coaching kids down here for the last 5 years and the 9 year olds of 5 years ago are just beginning to make an impression in adult cricket. I can't believe how excited I get when one of them takes a wicket
Seb works with James Amor at Colfes who he understands is making his debut for your 2s today. Safe to say that Seb is confident that he might be a bit of a handful for your opposition batters! Here's hoping he isn't wrong on that count.
Seb works with James Amor at Colfes who he understands is making his debut for your 2s today. Safe to say that Seb is confident that he might be a bit of a handful for your opposition batters! Here's hoping he isn't wrong on that count.
I saw him in nets on Tuesday. He had a bit about him, yeah. Luckily I didn't bat
Seb works with James Amor at Colfes who he understands is making his debut for your 2s today. Safe to say that Seb is confident that he might be a bit of a handful for your opposition batters! Here's hoping he isn't wrong on that count.
He's miles too good/quick I imagine, based purely on play-cricket badgering. But he's around for two games and wants to play with Tom Rameaux!
So many bloody problems arising from our 281 plays 107 against Wilsonians today. Our two top scorers are all rounders, one of whom also got a 5fer (got 45 batting at 8), the other with 48 and a wicket.
I genuinely do not know how I can give everyone a fair game! We've scored 956/29 in our last 4 totals while conceding 684/34. That's 239 on average vs 171 on average. It is an embarrassment of riches when we have good availability - our 4s side would run our 3s very, very close.
Another wank performance as relegation looms for our 2’s losing at 3rd bottom brookweald 2s
we got 257 all out in our 45 overs with stand in skipper smashing 94 off 52 balls on a ridiculously fast outfield (but he’s a semi pro referee and has only 2 games left for us before footy restarts )
oppo at 89/3 in 23 overs looked like struggling but were never out of it and then in strode their first teamer (played 9 games for the ones this season and none for the twos their 5th highest batting average and 3rd best bowler ) having got 5 wickets in our innings he hits a magnificent 106 not out off 62 to see Them home with 13 balls spare at 4 down they still needed 83 off 10 overs but our fielding and bowling were wank , I think it’s the angriest I’ve ever been cos it’s genuinely pathetic how scared some of our players are of the ball
i got 2 off 4 batting at 8 and bowled 9 overs 1-51
More players back next week and we are capable of getting out of this shit but it will require a massive turnaround.
ones lost a low scorer , boffin unavailable away golfing with his grandad and Peter Kay
Bickley hosted Leeds & Broomfield yesterday, a team full of immaculately behaved young players and a real credit to their club. It's not often that a former England Test international but that was the case yesterday with Martin McCague, with his two sons playing, on duty in the absence of their regular scorer - proper old school, coloured pens and all.
The game itself was interrupted for an hour or so, with Bickley on 26-1, turning it into a 43 over-a-side affair. Bickley ended up with 234 (reduced by one thanks to DLS to 233) thanks mainly to 84 off 70 from Shehre Yar Zeb. Leeds & Broomfield were always in the game but eventually finished some 13 runs short at 220 all out off their 43 overs, with the returning skipper, Elliot Hooper, taking 4-42.
Bickley remain second and go to the Vine next week who will, no doubt, be looking for revenge for that first game defeat - their only loss this season. The Vine's top 4 have hit well over 2,000 runs in the league alone and we aren't even half way through the season. Anyone know what the weather's looking like on Saturday?
I stood in the top-of-the-table Tunbridge Wells vs St Lawrence & Highland Court game. Some excellent bowling was on show on a hard, bouncy pitch. Wells were soon 2-2 and Alex Williams (36) was then dropped at slip first ball, before then being caught at third man off a no ball. The rain came at 40-3 reducing the game to 39 overs a side, and wickets continued to fall. Ex-West Indian test player Shermon Lewis bowled very fast and aggressively! 40-4 became 88-7, and any total much over a hundred looked to be par. The eighth wicket however doubled the score, and Wells ended on 186-8, with Kiwi Danru Ferns hitting an excellent 62. Lewis ended with 3-38 and John Grewar 3-20. DLS reduced the target score to 181.
SL&HC started in a similar fashion to TW, and were also very soon 2-2! In fact, only two players reached double figures as they were skittled for 68 in under 20 overs. Ferns put in a fabulous all round performance, taking the first five wickets to fall (6-0-23-5), ably supported by fellow pro Ari Karvelas who took 3-19. It was a comprehensive win, and takes TW 16 points clear at the half way stage of the season.
Some lovely news this morning. Charlton fan and Kent Over 60s captain Chris Tarrant has been selected in the England squad for the Over 70s World Cup. Congrats mate!
Some lovely news this morning. Charlton fan and Kent Over 60s captain Chris Tarrant has been selected in the England squad for the Over 70s World Cup. Congrats mate!
Presumably, his life ban for playing as a schoolboy ringer has been lifted, then.
Some lovely news this morning. Charlton fan and Kent Over 60s captain Chris Tarrant has been selected in the England squad for the Over 70s World Cup. Congrats mate!
Presumably, his life ban for playing as a schoolboy ringer has been lifted, then.
Grassed a tricky one off me on Sat and this is the reward eh? I kid, this is so richly deserved. That he's still playing a decent standard of club cricket at 70 is testament to the absolute dedication of the guy - he also still refs football. He and I don't get to resume our web of despair around Div 9 batsmen this week cos one of us is up in the 2s. Clue: it isn't me
Some lovely news this morning. Charlton fan and Kent Over 60s captain Chris Tarrant has been selected in the England squad for the Over 70s World Cup. Congrats mate!
Well he kept that quiet..didn't know he is one of us ..well done Chris and also to add that he is Chairman of the Kent Cricket League
If you don’t mind - why did they both get into cricket?
I love the game and I know the ECB have been funding the all stars program, but with so many schools not playing it , I am interested on what’s bringing the youngsters to the clubs.
Simple really. His dad and I both love cricket, and now he does too!
The Vine are clearly worried about Bickley repeating their victory of the opening game of the season tomorrow because they've now added Ben Compton to the top four that has scored 2,024 runs this season. The Hartley top five at their height was exceptional but has this one has to rival that as the strongest in the Kent League let alone one that is playing in the second tier:
Nick Compton (England - FC average 40.42) Ben Compton (Kent - FC average 45.21) Evert Bekker (511 runs at 56.78 in KL this season) Luke Schlemmer (Kwa Zulu Natal - FC average 37.20) Brad Hope (Tasmania - FC average 47.45)
The Vine are clearly worried about Bickley repeating their victory of the opening game of the season tomorrow because they've now added Ben Compton to the top four that has scored 2,024 runs this season. The Hartley top five at their height was exceptional but has this one has to rival that as the strongest in the Kent League let alone one that is playing in the second tier:
Nick Compton (England - FC average 40.42) Ben Compton (Kent - FC average 45.21) Evert Bekker (511 runs at 56.78 in KL this season) Luke Schlemmer (Kwa Zulu Natal - FC average 37.20) Brad Hope (Tasmania - FC average 47.45)
The Vine are clearly worried about Bickley repeating their victory of the opening game of the season tomorrow because they've now added Ben Compton to the top four that has scored 2,024 runs this season. The Hartley top five at their height was exceptional but has this one has to rival that as the strongest in the Kent League let alone one that is playing in the second tier:
Nick Compton (England - FC average 40.42) Ben Compton (Kent - FC average 45.21) Evert Bekker (511 runs at 56.78 in KL this season) Luke Schlemmer (Kwa Zulu Natal - FC average 37.20) Brad Hope (Tasmania - FC average 47.45)
Put it this way: I'd be glad to be keeping
Their keeper is Harry Houillon who was part of the emergency Kent team that played a match during the pandemic when the whole of the 1st XI caught covid. He's no mug with the bat either and they also have Chris Vernon (13 fifties and 4 tons for the 1st XI) and Harry Bevan-Thomas who is ex-Bunbury and hit 54 off 42 balls last week. Just when you thought you were through them......
The Vine are clearly worried about Bickley repeating their victory of the opening game of the season tomorrow because they've now added Ben Compton to the top four that has scored 2,024 runs this season. The Hartley top five at their height was exceptional but has this one has to rival that as the strongest in the Kent League let alone one that is playing in the second tier:
Nick Compton (England - FC average 40.42) Ben Compton (Kent - FC average 45.21) Evert Bekker (511 runs at 56.78 in KL this season) Luke Schlemmer (Kwa Zulu Natal - FC average 37.20) Brad Hope (Tasmania - FC average 47.45)
Put it this way: I'd be glad to be keeping
Their keeper is Harry Houillon who was part of the emergency Kent team that played a match during the pandemic when the whole of the 1st XI caught covid. He's no mug with the bat either and they also have Chris Vernon (13 fifties and 4 tons for the 1st XI) and Harry Bevan-Thomas who is ex-Bunbury and hit 54 off 42 balls last week. Just when you thought you were through them......
Good luck AA...you need an umpire like Big Al who only does short games, then you might have a chance! ;-}
Comments
The first group which started are now U13s and half a dozen (including my boy) are also playing senior cricket this summer.
ECB have got many things wrong over the years but the All Stars programme has been a massive success - along with Central Contracts would say their two best decisions of the last 10-20 years.
Hundred obviously being the worst but we won't get into that again just now!
Seb works with James Amor at Colfes who he understands is making his debut for your 2s today. Safe to say that Seb is confident that he might be a bit of a handful for your opposition batters! Here's hoping he isn't wrong on that count.
I genuinely do not know how I can give everyone a fair game! We've scored 956/29 in our last 4 totals while conceding 684/34. That's 239 on average vs 171 on average. It is an embarrassment of riches when we have good availability - our 4s side would run our 3s very, very close.
we got 257 all out in our 45 overs with stand in skipper smashing 94 off 52 balls on a ridiculously fast outfield (but he’s a semi pro referee and has only 2 games left for us before footy restarts )
oppo at 89/3 in 23 overs looked like struggling but were never out of it and then in strode their first teamer (played 9 games for the ones this season and none for the twos their 5th highest batting average and 3rd best bowler ) having got 5 wickets in our innings he hits a magnificent 106 not out off 62 to see Them home with 13 balls spare at 4 down
they still needed 83 off 10 overs but our fielding and bowling were wank , I think it’s the angriest I’ve ever been cos it’s genuinely pathetic how scared some of our players are of the ball
i got 2 off 4 batting at 8
and bowled 9 overs 1-51
More players back next week and we are capable of getting out of this shit but it will require a massive turnaround.
ones lost a low scorer , boffin unavailable away golfing with his grandad and Peter Kay
The game itself was interrupted for an hour or so, with Bickley on 26-1, turning it into a 43 over-a-side affair. Bickley ended up with 234 (reduced by one thanks to DLS to 233) thanks mainly to 84 off 70 from Shehre Yar Zeb. Leeds & Broomfield were always in the game but eventually finished some 13 runs short at 220 all out off their 43 overs, with the returning skipper, Elliot Hooper, taking 4-42.
Bickley remain second and go to the Vine next week who will, no doubt, be looking for revenge for that first game defeat - their only loss this season. The Vine's top 4 have hit well over 2,000 runs in the league alone and we aren't even half way through the season. Anyone know what the weather's looking like on Saturday?
SL&HC started in a similar fashion to TW, and were also very soon 2-2! In fact, only two players reached double figures as they were skittled for 68 in under 20 overs. Ferns put in a fabulous all round performance, taking the first five wickets to fall (6-0-23-5), ably supported by fellow pro Ari Karvelas who took 3-19. It was a comprehensive win, and takes TW 16 points clear at the half way stage of the season.
Nick Compton (England - FC average 40.42)
Ben Compton (Kent - FC average 45.21)
Evert Bekker (511 runs at 56.78 in KL this season)
Luke Schlemmer (Kwa Zulu Natal - FC average 37.20)
Brad Hope (Tasmania - FC average 47.45)