Woodham Mortimer Cricket Club

BDICL 1st Team & Reserve Reports
Reserves save the best till last!!!
The skipper won the toss and elected to bat knowing that only a thirteen point haul would guarantee promotion. Ian Ball and Spu Ju opened for the woodies. The Coggeshall opening bowler 'Egg' is no push over and our scoring was held back at first. Steve Richardson who has been one of the main contributors with the bat of late departed for 7. This bought Andy 'Anderson Smyth' Smith to the wicket. After seeing off 'Egg' the guys upped the run rate with three's being the order of the day, along with a good number of boundaries. Ian retired for a hard fought 25. Dave Goodchild has been in brilliant form for us and carried on in the same vane with the urgency for runs increasing even more. Chris Collis who had replaced Ian ran for everthing with Dave and was run out for a quick 11. David then reached a well desreved 25, thanks Dave. This left the skipper and the returning Andy Smith to take the score to 151 for 2. Job Only Half Done!!!

Dave Goodchild and Anderson Smyth opened for the pheasants. The boys kept things tight but wickets, at first, did not come and with woodham aware of the need to take maximum points from the game everybody involved remained on their toes. Dave was first to strike at a vital time. The skipper and Steve Richardson were next into the attack with SpuJu bowling really well and immediately taking a vital wicket, which was quickly followed by a run out by Chris. The skipper struck next followed by another wicket for Steve Richardson. Good bowling and fielding meant that the pressure had taken it's toll on the Coggeshall batsmen. However the dangerous 'Egg' still remained at the wicket until Steven Richardson effected a good run out to end the game and get the reserves promoted!!! Coggeshall all out 78.

Batting: I Ball 25 not out, S Richardson 7, A Smith 38 not out, D Goodchild 25 not out, C Collis 11, S Collis 13 not out
Bowling: D Goodchild 2 overs 1 for 10, A Smith 3 overs 0 for 21, S Collis 2 overs 1 for 21, S Richardson 2 overs 2 for 13
Run Outs: C Collis 1, S Richardson 1

A great end to a very enjoyable indoor season!!! Bring on division 4!!! From a very happy skipper.

Woodham v Lt Bardfield - Woodham won the toss and bowled
The woodies bowling was good in this important game without being quite as tight on the extras as has been the case in the last few games. Andy, Mark, Steven and flash all bowled there hearts out for the cause and with Chris taking two good catches behind the stumps, plus one each for Andy and Steven Lt Bardfield were all out 79.

Andy Smith and Steven Richardson opened for WMCC Res. Apart from Steven, Matt Fawcett and Mark Johnson, who all played really well, woodham suffered a steady fall of wickets. At one point the Bardfield score of 79 looked way out of reach, but these three put up a valiant fight, picked up valuable points and almost grabbed a dramatic win. It was not to be though with Steven attempting to score two off the last ball and being caught for 34.

This defeat means that the woodies must win by thirteen points in the final game to guarantee promotion. I would like to say thank you to Andy, Mark and Matt for umpiring and scoring.

Bowling: A Smith 3 overs 0 for 17, M Johnson 2 overs 1 maiden 1 for 15, S Richardson 3 overs 2 for 27, S Collis 2 overs 1 for 16
Batting: A Smith 3, S Richardson 34, M Fawcett 22, S Collis 1, C Collis 1, M Johnson 15 not out
Catches: C Collis 2, A Smith 1, S Richardson 1
Run Outs: S Richardson 1, S Collis 1

The skipper, as usual, lost the toss and the woodies were invited to bat. Andy Smith & Ian Ball got the pheasants off to a good start as the runs flowed. Andy departed run out for 14. In came Chris Collis to continue the fast pace before being out for 18. The skipper, as usual this season, came and went quickly and was soon followed by Mark Johson. The early momentum had been lost and WMCC were once again in a spot of bother, but we need not have worried. Ian, having retired, came back to join Dave Goodchild. These two played brilliantly taking quick singles and hitting boundaries when possible. All this took Woodham to a healthy 137 for 4.
Ian ending on 56 not out and David 38 not out. Well played you two.

Andy Smith and the skipper opened the bowling and kept things tight, as did Mark Johnson and Dave Goodchild. The woodies fielded well with good catches from Ian and Steve plus run outs from Ian, Chris and Mark. A good performance had Kelvedon and Feering finishing on 71 for 5. This bought WMCC Res 15 much needed points. With two games left we now have a three week break until the Lt Bardfield game which will go a long way to deciding promotion issues.

Batting: A Smith run out 14, I Ball not out 56, C Collis run out 18, S Collis caught 1, D Goodchild not out 38, M Johnson bowled 0
Bowling: A Smith 3 overs 1 for 14, S Collis 3 overs 1 for 18, M Johnson 3 overs 0 for 15, D Goodchild 3 overs 0 for 14
Catches: S Collis 1, I Ball 1
Run outs: I Ball 1, M Johnson 1, C Collis 1

WMCC defeat Halstead. If you look at the scores in this game you will think it was a very easy win for the Woodies!! NOT SO!!
WMCC lost the toss and were invited to bat. Steve Collis joined Andy Smith in a new opening partnership. It was not long though until Andy was out for 2, playing on. The skipper then decided to run Russell Barnard out for 5 leaving Woodham in more trouble.

Dave Goodchild started slowly and grew in confidence. Steve was out for 15 which bought Chris to the wicket. Chris scored a hard hit 13 before he too was out. At this point a score of over 60 looked unlikely, however Dan K and Dave had other ideas. Dan did his best to keep Dave company and the runs started to mount. With the overs running out Dave launched an onslaught against the Halstead bowlers, hitting a number of sixes. Dave ended on 44 not out and Dan a very usefull 4 not out.. WMCC: 110 for 4

Our bowling of late has been good, but this time it was brilliant!! Andy & David were spot on from the word go with hardly an extra or run in sight. After two overs each, including a wicket for David and a run out by Russell, these two were replaced by Russell and Steve. The lack of runs continued and wickets fell. Halstead were all out in the eighth over for 36. A brilliant all round effort by the woodies in the field. Accurate bowling, good catches by Chris, Russell and Dave and a run out by Russell.

Halstead had a sub fielder but only 5 batsmen.
Batting: A Smith 2, S Collis 15, R Barnard 5, D Goodchild 44 Not Out, C Collis 13, D Karkocki 4 Not Out
Bowling: A Smith 2 overs 0 for 7, D Goodchild 2 overs 1 for 6, R Barnard 2 overs 1 for 14, S Collis 1.5 overs 2 for 8
Well played the woodies, onwards and upwards!!! Steve

WMCC defeat Boreham by two wickets. WMCC won the toss and elected to bowl.
Stats:
Bowling: A Smith 3 overs 0 maidens 0 for 24, D Goodchild 3 overs 0 maidens 0 for 16, J Woodrow 3 overs 0 maidens 0 for 18,
S Collis 3 overs 0 maidens 1 for 15
Boreham 77 for 4. Catches 1 A Smith. Run outs 3 = S Collis, C Collis, D Goodchild.

Batting: A Smith 4, S Richardson 18, J Woodrow 8, D Goodchild 14, S Collis 2 not out, C Collis 8 Not Out
WMCC 78 for 4

Another good win. Sorry for the lack of a report but have been extremely busy this week. Steve

WMCC lose to West Bergholt in the Reserve Team Cup
Skipper for the day Chris Collis won the toss and elected to bowl. Owing to the strength in depth of the reserve team squad a much changed but strong Woodies team took to the gym hall. The ever improving Andy Smith and Mark Johnson opened the attack for the woodies. These two bowled a really good opening spell against a strong Bergholt outfit. Mark was first to strike with a lovely inswinging yorker knocking back middle stump. Mark struck again at the end of his second over with much the same delivery!!

Craig Symmons and Russell Barnard were next into the attack. These to took a while to dust off the cobwebs of a long winter lay off but soon got into there stride. Russell ending with two well deserved wickets. Andy returned to finish the innings with a wicket.
West Bergholt 127 all out in 8.4 overs. The fielding and catching by the woodies was really good.

Ian Ball and Andy Smith opened the pheasants reply. Ian soon departed but Andy just carried on. Craig was just starting to find his feet when he to was out. Andy then retired and Mark Johson joined Russell at the wicket. These two had a real go at winning the match for woodham with quick running and some good hitting. Mark departed for 15 followed by Chris for 4. This left Andy and Russell to try and get us home . But try as they might we couldn't quite keep up with the scoring rate. Russell was out for a quick 24 and Andy ended on a superb 38 not out. Woodham 112 for 5

A really good effort by the woodies. It was great to see Russell and Craig playing. Mark Johnson has been a revelation indoors and fully deserved to take two wickets, two catches and score 15. But Andy has been outstanding this indoor season and got the m - o - n award this time.

Bowling: A Smith 2.4 overs 1 for 14, M Johnson 2 overs 2 for 24, C Symmons 2 overs 0 for 43, R Barnard 2 overs 2 for 44.
Batting: A Smith 38 not out, I Ball 4, C Symmons 5, R Barnard 24, M Johnson 15, C Collis 4
Catches: A Smith 1, R Barnard 1, M Johnson 2

WMCC defeat Coggashall III
The Woodham openers, Chris (18) and Matt (22), made a steady start after the woodies were invited to bat. Woodham never really got on top of the bowlers, although five batsmen got going. It was left to Steve Richardson, Dave Goodchild and the late arriving Andy Smith to produce a late surge and get Woodham to a score of 118 for 4. In Braintree this is not a high score and we knew that our task would be a difficult one against a much improved Coggeshall outfit.

Andy Smith opened the attack for the pheasants followed by the returning Dave Goodchild. After early wickets the score started to mount and Coggeshall, with plenty of overs left, just kept on going. But two run outs, one by David (plus 2 wickets) and one by Chris kept the woodies in the hunt. After a rotation of the bowlers the skipper turned once again to Dave Goodchild. Dave took the all important last wicket. A brilliant effort from DG which won the game for us. Coggeshall all out 106 in 9 overs!

This was way to close for comfort and we have to make more of the one's into three's when we are batting and take some of the pressure off the bowlers. Catching again was good: Andy 1, Steven 1. And five players again got valuable runs.
Onwards and upwards and well played guys.

Batting: M Fawcett 22 (Run Out) , C Collis 18 (Bowled), S Richardson 25 Not Out, S Collis 5 (Bowled), D Goodchild 16 Not Out,
A Smith 13 Not Out
Bowling: A Smith 3 overs 0 for 25, D Goodchild 3 overs 3 for 16, S Richardson 1 over 0 for 24, S Collis 2 overs 0 for 30

WMCC v West Bergholt
On winning the toss WMCC took to the field. Steve Richardson and Mark Johnson were first into the attack for Woodham. Try as they might these two could not, at first, stem the runs from the strong Bergholt batting line up. John Woodrow and Flash were next into the attack with John taking a wicket. Even these two were finding things tough and the scoring only slowed slightly. A flurry of late wickets, including two stumpings by Chris C and a good catch by Spu Ju, meant that Bergholt were all out for 143.

Woodham in reply could not cope with the fast accurate bowling and brilliant fielding. The two Richardsons being the only ones to reach double figures. Woodham all out for 56 and well beaten by the best team in the league. More importantly the weird points system means although we bowled Bergholt out we take no points from this game?

Bowling:S Richardson 3 overs 1 for 39, M Johnson 3 overs 1 for 46, J Woodrow 3 overs 2 for 26, S Collis 2.5 overs 2 for 24
Batting: N Richardson 12, C Collis 6, S Richardson 11, S Collis 4, J Woodrow 8, M Johnson 1
Catches 1 Spu Ju Stumpings: 2 C Collis

WMCC Res v Lt Bardfield Village Res
Festive spirit reflects the Reserves mood. An all round excellent performance means the Reserves go into the christmas break in second place. On winning the toss skipper Flash elected to bowl and was not to be disappointed. Andy Smith and Mark Johnson were our opening bowlers and kept the scoring rate right down. Steve Richardson and Flash entered the attack after four good overs and continued the strangelhold on the run rate with Spu-Ju bowling particularly well. The returning Mark Johnson then picked up his first indoor wicket, well done mate, followed by Andy with two and Flash one. This and some top notch fielding meant Bardfield could only muster 101 for 4 off 12 overs. Two good catches (Andy and Spu-Ju) and some good work behind the stumps by Chris and good ground fielding are also deserving of praise.

A target of 101 would not normally pose a problem but following recent games in the league it's best not to take to much for granted.
Andy smith and Nigel Richardson soon had the score ticking along nicely. Nigel was first to go but Andy just carried on until retiring for 27, well played Andy. Chris 24 not out and Steve Richardson 15 not out both looked in fantastic form as they raced the Woodies to the winning line. WMCC 102 for 1

What a fantastic way to end a brilliant year for the Woodies both indoors and out. It's been amazing to see so many players putting in good performances all round, but especially in the new reserve indoor team. Thirteen different players have sampled this so far this season, and all have contributed in some way or another. Festive greetings to you all from FLASH.

Bowling: A Smith 3 overs 2 for 14, M Johnson 3 overs 1 for 24, S Richardson 3 overs for 16, Flash 3 overs 1 for 34
Batting: A Smith 27 Not, N Richardson 8, C Collis 24 Not, S Richardson 15 Not
Catches: A Smith 1, S Richardson 1

WMCC Res v Halstead at Braintree
A much changed WMCC reserves team was invited to bat by Halstead. Ian Ball and David Huett were the openers this week. David was soon run-out 0. This bought Steve Collis to the crease. Steve was caught behind for 9. Mark Johnson came and went quickly for 0 before Matt Fawcett and Ian built a partnership. These two provided the back bone of the Woodham innings, Ian 31 not out and Matt 29 not out, well played you two. Dan K scored one and Woodham ended on 99 for 4.

The Woodies for once just never got the line and length sorted out. The general gloom in the hall (caused by the dangerous and disgraceful lack of lighting) was matched by that in the Woodham camp. Mark Johnson's bowling being the only real bright spot. Those that say the ball doesn't swing at Braintree and it's a better venue well!!! Halstead scored 102 for 0

Bowling: D Huett 1 over for 19, S Collis 3 overs for 25, M Johnson 3 overs for 26, Dan K 1.3 overs for 24.

A much changed WMCC reserves team took to the field and proved how strong our squad is, as Ian Ball made the players used so far this season upto a dozen. Andy Smith bowled well without any luck but John Woodrow was just un-playable!! John's figures were 2.2 overs 3 wickets for 7!!! Not to be out done fellow spinner Dan Karkocki produced his best bowling yet for WMCC, 3 overs 2 for 24 plus a good catch. Chris Collis made three stumpings and took a catch on his debut as our keeper. The great bowling and tight fielding meant that Goggeshall A reserves were all out for 69 in the eleventh over.

Ian Ball and Andy Smith opened the batting for the pheasants. Ian, making his first appearance of the season, was caught and bowled early on. This bought Chris Collis in and the scoring rate started to race along with Chris retiring on 26. Andy Smith and Steve Collis took WMCC to victory and ensured we lost no more points. Andy finished on 26 not out. WMCC Res 73 for 1
A really good performance by the woodies!! Steve

Bowling: A Smith 3 overs for 21, J Woodrow 2.2 overs 3 for 7, D Karkocki 3 overs 2 for 24, S Collis 2 overs for 15
Batting: A Smith 26 not, I Ball 0, C Collis 26 not, S Collis 3 not
Catches: D Karkocki 1, C Collis 1
Stumpings: C Collis 3
Run Outs: C Collis 1

Losing the toss and batting first Andy Smith and Chris Collis got Woodham off to a good start. Andy was first to depart for a quick fire 19. This bought Steven Richardson to the crease. Chris and Steven played some great shots and kept the score board racing along until they both retired. Flash and Matt Fawcett soon departed and the returning Chris C joined debutante David Huett who made a very usefull 9. This left Chris and Steven to get Woodham to a reasonable target. Steven departed for a fantastic 31 but Chris just carried on. Woodham made 125 for 5 off 12 overs with Chris making history by scoring a match winning 54 not out.

In reply the Woodham attack kept things very tight. The first wicket fell via a direct hit throw in from yours trully. Matt Fawcett followed with a great piece of work behind the stumps to run out our second victim. Boreham were finding scoring quite difficult and the pressure was mounting. David Huett and Steve Richardson each bowled three overs and were fantastic in there first games this year, indeed it was Davids first game ever. The returning Andy Smith had the dangerous Trevor Money caught in the eleventh over which really swung the game our way and flash bowled the last over which produced yet another run out. Boreham all out 95.

Batting: A Smith 19, Chris collis 54 not out, S Richardson 31, S Collis 1, M Fawcett 0, D Huett 9
Bowling: A Smith: 3 overs 1 (caught) for 21, D Huett: 3 overs 0 for 28, S Collis: 2.3 overs 0 for 13, S Richardson: 3 overs 1 (Bowled) for 19. Catches: 1 x S Richardson. Run Outs M Fawcett 3, Flash 1
Man of the Match: Chris Collis

It is quite possible that WMCC Reserves made league history for all the wrong reasons against Kelvedon & Feering III. WMCC lost the toss and were invited to bat. Andy Smith 25, Nigel Richardson 26, Chris Collis 27, Matt fawcett 27, Steve Collis 4 and Connor 0 were all not out!!! 118 for no wicket. In a fantastic display of batting.

In reply Kelvedon made 119 for 3 in 11.4 overs. All the bowlers bowled well but it just wasn't our day. Connor looked a ease in his first Braintree game.
Bowling:
A Smith 3 overs 1 for 34, C Collis 2 overs for 23, Connor 2 overs for 23, Steve Collis 3 overs 2 for 29, N Richardson 0.4 overs for 11.
Kelvedon deserved to win for chasing such a score at Notley. Don't think we could have done anything about it.
Steve

WMCC Reserve batting second won the first game of the season by 4 wickets and score 13 points.
Statistics: Wells Ct 7, Richardson Rtd 25, Smith Ct 20, Fawcett Not Out 20, Woodrow Not Out 9, Karcocki DNB. Total 93 for 2
Smith 3-0-32-0, Woodrow 3-1-5-3, Wells 3-0-19-1, Karcocki 2-0-32-1, Richardson 1-0-5-1. Catches: Karcocki x 2, Woodrow x 1 Stumping – Fawcett x 2. Man of the Match: John Woodrow

A great start for the Reserve Team. Troops marshalled well by fill in captain Andy Smith. The bowling of Wells and Woodrow proved too much for Coggleshall 3's. Without the opposition captain who scored 50 this game would have been over much sooner. Opposition got excited with the early juggling catch of Wells but the mature innings of Spudley put WMCC in the a good position with some nice foot work and drives down the wicket. With an excellent innings from the skipper who had an unlucky wall deflection to be caught on 20 and not reach the 25 retirement milestone. Fawcett and Woodrow took us home for a 4 wicket victory and 13 points.

WMCC win the last game of the Season to make it 13 wins and just the 1 loss.

Reddin wins the toss and decides to have a bat as the title is won and a chance to give everyone a game. With regulars Fannon, Druid and Peggy absent in came able reserves in Fawcett, Karkocki and Kneller and the skipper also decided to change the order around as well. Farah opened with the Glamour Puss.

Farah was soon run out for 6 and then quickly followed by Raspberry, who was stumped for a duck. Next up was Reddin who was caught on the back wall for 5. Polish Dan was run out without troubling the scorer. In then came Kneller and together he and Glamour batted on and on and on. With Kneller offering excellent support Trevor moved on get the top score for the 1st team this season. Kneller’s contribution cannot be ignored. Mason was stumped in the last over for 56.

In 12 overs WMCC reached 93 for 5

Reddin chucked the ball to Polish Dan to open up proceedings and he bowled really well without a wicket. Barrett tweaked out a couple of wickets. Reddin bowled three overs and how he never took wickets we shall never know as he mesmerised the batsman with his flight and guile. Mason chucked a through overs down as well and took a wicket.

With good fielding and excellent last over by the Puss, Sampford' Reserves came up three runs short.
WMCC win and earn 10 points.

Mason Stumped 56 and 3-0-22-1
Fawcett Run Out 9
Barrett Stumped 0 and 3-0-21-2 (1 catch)
Reddin Caught 5 and 3-0-22-0 (1 catch)
Karkocki Run Out 0 and 3-0-22-0
Kneller Not Out 7 (1 catch)
Run Out – Fawcett / Kneller
Man of the match - Mason. Reddin 4/4/10

WMCC GAIN REVENGE FOR THEIR ONLY LEAGUE LOSS THIS SEASON BY BEATING EARLS COLNE.

In the penultimate game Reddin lost the toss and was asked to field. In a match that was reduced to 10 overs Earls Colne started briskly with no wickets in Druid and Peggy’s first four overs and with one of their openers moving on to a retirement on 25. Raspberry and the legend which is Glamour Puss came on next. They shared three wickets between them. The Puss who was looking very fetching in his new WMCC shirt (available for £20) was the pick of dobbers this week. There was also a stumping from glove man Chairman Fannon and a catch each for Mason and Barrett. ECCC finished on 96 for 3.

The Chairman and Captain Orange opened the innings. Mr Chairman ran himself out and Reddin avenged is golden duck last time out with a 27 run retirement slapping a couple of sixes during his innings. Barrett the anchor and Mason the slogger finished things off with a 5 wickets win and 14 points. WMCC 97 for 1

Man of the Match: Reddin 27 not out and for taking Peggy off before he got hit for many more runs.

Fannon 21 Run Out and a stumping
Reddin 27 Not Out
Barrett 13 Not Out – 2-0-27-1 (1 catch)
Mason 21 Not Out - 3-0-27-2 (1 catch)
Mitchell – 2-0-22-0
Shaw 3-0-17-0

One game to go: In this game Reddin shall prove his all round status as he shall turning the old arm over. Consequently, Fannon has had to be dropped for Kneller to ensure all the catches and stumping’s are made as the ball shall to be fizzing past the batsman edge. Reddin 29/3/10

Fannon won the toss and elected to field against High Garrett in this Division 4 clash. The Druid snared the opener in the first over, caught behind, and with a second wicket falling to the Log after a neat catch from Wright, Woodham were in the driving seat and would go on to dominate the game. Further wickets fell to two run outs and another catch from Fannon off the bowling of the Puss and Wright wrapped up the innings castling the final High Garrett batsman in the tenth over. High Garrett 48 all out.

The Woodham chase was swift and decisive. Wright was the only man to be dismissed falling for 10 in the second over, leaving Fawcett and Spuju to take the team to the title. An excellent display from all.

Fawcett 23* Wright 10 (2.3-0-20-1 and one catch) S.Richardson 13* (2-0-8-0) Mason DNB (3-1-8-1)
Fannon DNB (2 catches) Shaw DNB (2-0-12-2)

First team win by 32 runs to gain promotion to Division 3.

Reddin loses the toss and is asked to bat first. The skipper opening the Batting calls for a middle stump guard. This request motivates the bowler to knock his middle stump over first ball. According to Damo down the other end I missed a straight one. But for the record it was great delivery which was unplayable swinging left then right.... Fannon was next out in a bizarre manner “obstructing the field” knocking the ball away deliberately when he was about to be run out. Three excellent catches by the same fielder took care of Barrett, Mason and Mitchell. With the score a little low on around 90 Druid made hay with a crisp shots with two 6's to get us to 109 for 5.

Druid and Peggy opened the bowling and the opposition were soon behind the run rate. And with good support from Barrett and Mason and some stunning catching and fielding they were all out for 77 and 13 points to WMCC. Three wickets to Peggy and a couple to Raspberry and a run out.

Standings:
1. WMCC 134
2. Shalford Res. 99
3. Earls Colne 93

With 2nd and 3rd places playing in the next round of matches it means both cannot catch us and we have therefore gained promotion. Let’s concentrate now and finish the job.

Fannon Obstructing the Field 21, Reddin Bowled 0
Barrett Caught 24
Mason Caught 6
Mitchell Caught 9
Shaw Not Out 29

Shaw 3-0-9-0
Mitchell 3-1-6-3, Barrett 3-0-25-2, Mason 3-0-27-0

Man of the match: Druid 29 runs and 3 over’s for just 9 runs as well as two excellent catches.

WMCC bowling too strong for Margaretting.
Reddin won the toss and stuck Margaretting in. Druid and Peggy opened the bowling and the opposition were soon in trouble with excellent support from Raspberry and Glamour. With a run out and five catches opposition were all out for a poor score of 46.

The Chairman and Captain opened with the plan to hit the runs off and not lose a wicket for maximum points. Apart from one LBW appeal against Fannon which hit the bat the plan was a success with a 6 wicket win. Reddin spent most of his time watching off spin turn down leg for wides as Eddy Extra’s reached 15. There was some good bowling by a couple of the Margaretting players but with such a small total the openers were never bothered about the slow scoring rate and reached the target with 4 over’s to spare to earn a maximum 15 points.

Enjoyable game played in a good spirit.

Fannon 25 Not Out and Reddin 7 Not Out
Shaw 3-0-14-1, Mitchell 2.1-0-10-3, Barrett 3-0-18-1, Mason 2-0-4-0
Catches - Fannon, Reddin, Barrett, Mitchell, Shaw.
Run out Barrett/Mitchell

First team win their table top match with Braintree Reserves.

Reddin decides on a new tactic for this game of being the tosser and not choosing. He wins a toss for a change and sticks in Braintree. May be I should remain the tosser for the rest of the season!

Druid opened the bowling but was not as his best this week with a few too many wides. Not up to the brilliant standards off the last few week. Peggy was excellent with two maidens in his first two overs including bowling the opposition’s captain and best batsman. Kevin Wright making his league debut, showed he has great ability with a good line and took a wicket for not many runs. Kevin is looking like a very good player who I am sure will be a great addition to our squad in the summer. Glamour took a wicket also for a mean 15 runs.

Braintree made 88 for 4 in their 12 overs. This is not a great score at Braintree Leisure Centre and was down to good bowling supported by good fielding.

Fannon and Reddin opened the batting and found batting not too easy but were aided on the way with far too many wides. Both caught aiming for the back wall before they reached 20. Mason batted very well but on the way run out Kevin without facing a ball. A good partnership from Peggy and Glamour and a few runs from Druid at the end meant we reached the total in the last over with two wickets spare.

Excellent rear guard batting helped us reach the total and gain 11 points and increase our lead to 32 points.
Man of the match: Trevor Mason – for his batting and bowling…. Not sure Kevin agrees though!
Fannon caught 15, Reddin caught 13, Mason 27 & 3-0-15-1, Wright 0 & 3-0-20-1, Mitchell 15 & 3-2-12-1, Shaw 3-0-30-0
© Reddin 25/1/10

The First Team Start of the 2nd half of the Season with a Win to remain at the top of Division 4.

The Skipper loses the toss and is asked to bat first. Damo was soon out caught but was called back by the opposition as the umpire had missed a short of the line no ball. Shalford Reserves have to be commended on this sporting gesture. Not that it made much difference as he was soon run out shortly afterwards. Reddin was to follow trying to false the spongy ball giving a simple catch to point. Barrett drove and was caught on the back wall. Druid nicked one behind for a duck. At this point we were in a little trouble until Mason and Woodrow played two very good innings, Mason was caught, but Woodrow batted on for marvellous innings only to be run out on the very last ball. What looked like a low score was rescues by Mason and Woodrow scampering runs at the end to give us a score with some hope of defending. A total of 84 reached.

Opening the bowling was Druid who got a wicket in his first over, caught behind by Damo. Barrett was the second bowler and he was soon causing problems with his off spin with his best ever BDICL figures. Woodrow promoted to the first team in the absence of Peggy, bowled an excellent line. With off and leg spin and not Peggy’s ‘straight on’ spin the bowlers were on top. Two wickets for Woodrow, a caught and bowled and a stumping kept his incredible season going. John was hit for two cracking sixes but he never let this bother him and came back to win the day. Glamour also bowled well with 2 wickets. Shalford Reserves all out for 52 in 9.3 over’s. WMCC win by 32 runs and take 13 points.

We were up against it mid way through the out innings but good sensible batting by John and well supported by the Glamour. An excellent performance by everyone in the field gave Shalford few chances to really get going.

Stats:

Fannon: Run out 17, Reddin: caught 8, Barrett caught 9 & 3-0-1-1, Mason caught 11 & 1.3-0-6-2; Woodrow run out 25 & 3-0-26-2
Shaw caught 0 & 2-0-10-1

Catches: Barrett x 2, Fannon x 2, Woodrow x1,
Stumping’s : Fannon x 1
Man of the match: John Woodrow 25 runs and 2 wickets and a catch.

1st team wins in the Cup…. Sorry that was 1st team wins the toss in the Cup Match.

Brilliant performance by the skipper ‘Birthday Boy’ Reddin who had the skill and judgement to call heads.
He then made the tactical move by deciding to look confident against the League toppers Braintree Youth and bat first. Or was the truth he just wanted to get to the pub earlier to celebrate his age of forty something.

Fannon was soon back in the hutch caught, with Mason, new boy Wright closely behind. Peggy stumped going on a walk about and then the Druid was on his way after a cameo 9 with 2 fours. Reddin made a dogged 11 to be last man out.

The opposition knocked off the 50 target without losing a wicket. There was big appeal for LBW from the Peg which was apparently going under the stumps.

Sporting clique: We can now concentrate on the League.

This was unlike any other match we have played with the opposition far better than we have seen previously. With four bowlers all 6 foot plus bowling back of a length there were not many chances to score. We only managed to run one 2 in the whole game. Their is certainly a gulf between the leagues. Glamour played against them 5 years ago and 5 of the players were in the team then. There were a well drilled unit of good players..

Stats:
Fannon – Caught 1; Reddin – Bowled 11; Mason Caught 6 & 0.2-0-6-0; Wright Caught 5 & 1-0-8-0; Mitchell stumped 1 & 2-0-12-0; Shaw Bowled 9 and 3-0-29-0

Man of the Match: Reddin for buying the beers in the pub and winning the toss. © Reddin 11/1/10|
 
With the skipper abroad, it was left to the Chairman to take on captaincy duties as Woodham entertained Sampfords Reserves at the Leisure Centre. The call of tails was upheld and the stand-in skipper elected to bat first after last week's debacle against Earls Colne. Fannon and Smith opened up and started steadily before Dorothy managed to drag a leg-side wide onto his stumps to depart for 6. Raspberry joined the heroic Chairman and both posted 25+ scores with Raspberry crowning his innings with a sweetly timed straight six. Mason fell for a hard run 15 to a straight pie and, after Mitchell was run out for 13, the Druid finished the innings with a personal best unbeaten 20. Woodham posting 128-3.

Sampfords struggled in response to get the Woodham bowling away with the Druid starring with 2-8 from his three overs. Barrett and Mason also picked up wickets and, with two run outs finishing off Sampfords, Woodham were triumphant once again. Andy Smith held a great catch in the field and also produced the biggest bouncer of the day, whilst the Man of the Match was Druid, despite some of the most inaccurate throwing on record!

Stats
Fannon 28* Smith 6 & 1-0-10-0 Barrett 30* & 2-0-14-1 Mason 15 & 3-0-25-1 Shaw 20* & 3-1-8-2 Mitchell 13 & 3-0-21-0
Catches: Smith & Barrett

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
WMCC EXPERIENCE FIRST DEFEAT OF THE SEASON

Reddin the captain finally wins a toss and decided to stick the opposition in. Bowling on the whole was good with not too many extras. The spin twins of Barrett and Mitchell opened the bowling and took 3 wickets between them. But the fielding this week was not the best with two dropped catches and some unnecessary over throws. It has to be said that Earls Colne were a young side and were quick between the stumps but our fielding was not the smartest.

Regular openers Fannon and Reddin who have been on song both struggled early to get the scoreboard ticking along and the team found themselves soon behind the run rate. Reddin run out and Fannon caught was quickly followed by Barrett and Wells both caught having a go!

The top batting this week came from 5 and 6 in the guise of Mason and Mitchell who did some good conoldation work and got us near enough to get 4 points.

This game was lost on a few counts: some lazy and at times bad fielding and few too many overthrows. There will be days when a batsman fails or a bowler who bowls well gets a bit of welly but we need to ensure we get the basics right. Okay we lost…. The secret now is to put right the mistakes.

Well played to Earls Colne who I feel are the best opposition we have faced this season.

Man the Match: We lost and it is a team game so I will not be naming anyone this week.

Fannon caught 12 (1 stumping)

Reddin run out 7

Barrett caught 10 and 3-0-19-1

Wells caught 6 and 3-0-24-0

Mason caught 14 and 3-0-25-0

Mitchell not out 16 and 3-0-17-2

Earls Colne 96 for 4 and WMCC 84 for 5.
WMCC loose by 12 runs
WMCC 4 points
© Geoff Reddin 7/12/09

WMCC 1st team make it 5 out of 5.
After losing our 5th toss on the bounce, for the first time Woodham Mortimer were asked to field in a match which was cut down to 11 overs.

Woodham kept High Garrett down to 85 for 5 with a wicket each for Barrett, Mitchell and S. Richardson. If one was to be hyper critical the number of no balls this week was a bit high and we could have reduced them to 20 runs fewer. Fielding on the whole was good with a catch for Fannon and two for Richardson playing his first game for the first team. There was also a run out by Fannon and an assisted one by Mitchell and Richardson.

Opening the batting this week were the regular pair of Fannon and Reddin who both retired with 25’s. Wells was run out for 1 trying to slide in from 11 yards and Richardson drove the ball straight down the fielders throat.

This week it was left to Barrett and Mitchell to see the side home for a 4 wicket win and 13 points.

Stats:
Fannon 27 Not Out
Reddin 25 Not Out
Barrett 17 Not Out & 3-0-27-1
Mitchell 8 Not Out & 3-0-13-1
Wells 1 Run Out & 3-0-26-0
S. Richardson 0 Caught & 2-0-26-1

Man of the Match – Mitchell for his tight bowling and seeing the ship home with Barrett.

"Indoor Pheasants Hang on For Victory"
Stand in captain Mason, leading a team featuring a couple of able replacements, lost the toss but got what he wanted and Woodham padded up. Barrett and Richardson opened, starting at a reasonable pace with Barrett getting off the mark with a four. Richardson dabbed a couple of sidewall singles before his early demise as he hit inside out, driving down the throat of mid-off. Wells in at 3 came and went for a quick 13 compiled of some unconvincing dab-edges and one mis-fielded back wall four.
Trevor "the Puss" Mason walked to the crease and quickly upped the rate with Raspberry plying his usual trade of sensible and measured run-making. Simon retired yet again.
Andy "Dotty" Smith came to the crease accompanied by his usual nerves, departing after an unusual run-out for four..."I didn't think he'd thrown it" said Smithy, having seemingly not bothered to ground his bat having easily made his ground after deciding against a single. Chris Shaw in at 6, found runs quickly, while Mason choose tactics over his avergage giving the mediocre bowler a return catch to bring Barrett back in from the hutch as we sat comfortably on 106 after nine of the twelve overs...we looked on for a 130+ score. All of a sudden Shaw had got himself caught off a side wall, possibly pretending he wasn't out, a confused umpire checked with square leg and it was confirmed - Chris was now a runner and Barrett was to be 'last-man-standing' for the last two overs. Before we knew it Barrett skied a drive into the rafters - a run began, was decided against and although Shaw was out of his ground Simon went down as run out for 37 to bring Woodham's innings to an early close. 112-6.
 
We took our places believing that a century at Notley was enough as long as we kept tight and held nerve in the field, with "Spudley" looking well ballanced and poised at square leg, we we're under starter's orders.
 
"The Log" started with a field-supported maiden - rare and always welcome. Barrett and Shaw continued to complete the first 6 overs in tidy fashion, with Barrett making the breakthrough as a partnership was emerging - Wells taking a low catch from a drive to what would have been long-on. Chris Shaw should be praised for completing his 3 overs for just 10 runs - a contribution that would become invaluable in the last overs - allowing the "Puppy" to take the ball at 37 for 1 after 6.
Wells took a wicket in his first ropey over full of shoody deliveries, assisted by "Glamour-Puss" with a sharp catch to dismiss the left-hander. Smith's wicket keeping also allowed Wells to stem Eddie's tally and return better figures in his 2nd and 3rd. While all this was happening, the batsmen decided to pick on our very own "Puss in Boots" and bludgened him for 6 after 6. A sigh of relief was heard in the hall as Suckling retired on 25 after back to back 6s.
The last over - 23 needed, Glamour knowing what he had to do...3runs...7nb...6...(just 7 required off 4 legitimate balls)...dot ball...wicket! run out Wells...wicket! run out Mason-Wells...any legitimate ball would do...with pleas of "float it" ignored, Puss held his 9-life nerve and only 1 run was added.
 
Woodham Pheasants take a victory by 5runs and retain top of BDICL Div 4.
 
Andrew Smith's keeping stood up to scrutiny, Chris Shaw's bowling held us in the game...and well...Spudley made us damn handsome out there! Man of the Match is awarded to Simon Barrett. Returning healthy figures but most importantly retiring and coming back in to notch a hugely needed 37. This Man of the Match should also be considered recognition for a quality set of games with the bat Simon has had.

Stats: Barratt Run Out 37 & 3-0-27-1; N. Richardson Caught 2; Wells Caught 13 & 3-0-20-1; Mason Caught 20 & 3-0-48-1; A. Smith Run Out; Shaw Caught 14 & 3-1-10 0
Reporter: David Wells.
 
 
WMCC 1st team make it three in a row with an emphatic victory against Margaretting.
Statistics:
Fannon 38 RO Reddin 26 NO Wells 29 NO & 2.4-0-11-1 Mason 28 NO & 2-0-13-2 Mitchell 3 LBW & 3-0-22-1
Shaw 7 NO & 3-0-28-1
Man of the Match: Difficult choice this week.... but it goes to the Glamour Puss with 2 for 13 and 28 not out in quick time and also provide the assist for the run out.

Once again the skipper Reddin lost the toss and was asked to bat first in a game which was reduced to 11 overs because of a late start.

The top four batsmen all reached 25 and retired. Mitchell was out LBW with one which might have been going over the top. It was given out by The Puppy from the gallery who was keen to bat again. The only other wicket to fall was that of the Chairman who was run out with the top score of 38. WMCC final score was 145 for 2.

Opening the bowling were Druid and Peggy who went for only 50 for 2 wickets between them. This meant the opposition were well behind the chase. There was no rest for them though with the Puppy and the Puss ending the innings taking 3 wickets for 24 runs. An excellent performance all round with the bat and ball (not many extra to report) and a safe catch by the Druid in front of his nose and run out (Glamour to Druid) as Margaretting were all out for 74. WMCC win by 71 runs and take all 15 points.

Skipper now has a selection dilemma for the next game at Notley in two weeks.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

WMCC First team batting frist take all 15 points in a 57 run win.
Statistics:
D. Fannon Caught 20 G. Reddin Bowled 24 S. Barrett Run Out 16 D. Wells Not Out 29 T. Mason Not Out 3
C. Shaw Stumped 6
Total 139 for 4

Shaw 3-0-25-0 Barrett 3-0-16-0 Wells 3-1-11-0 Mason 3-0-19 2 Fannon - a stumping and a catch.

Reddin loses the toss and is inserted by Braintree Reserves. Foundations set by the openers who both just fell short of 25 retirements. Barrett, the sides no 3, increased the run rate before being joined by Wells who soon reached 25 and a well earned rest - Barrett was ran out. Shaw came in and hit a smart six before dancing down the wicket and missing the ball to be stumped. Mason supported Wells at the end give us a good Notley score of 139.

Shaw bowled a suberb 3 overs with no luck with good support from the off spin of Barrett. After the bowlers one and two were finished there was no rest for the batters. Wells three overs only went for 11 with a rare indoor maiden. Mason took the only wickets with the ball with his 2 for 19.

Man the match was Wells with 29 runs and 3 overs only for 11.

Next game is 1/11/09 at 21:30
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

WMCC batting first won the first game of the season by 26 runs to score 12 points against Shalford Reserves.
Statistics:
Fannon Retired 26 Reddin Caught 11 Barrett Caught 25 Wells Not Out 14 Shaw Caught 0 Mitchell Not Out 12
Total 108 for 3

Barrett 3-0-28-0 Shaw 3-0-22-1 Mitchell 2.1-0-16-2 Wells 2-0-14-1
Catches – Shaw and Fannon Stumping – Fannon Run Outs – Mitchell (Direct Hit), Fannon (took bails off)

Excellent opening game with the two indoor debutants Shaw and Wells. In a nutshell excellent fielding won the game with not any mistakes to remember. Good fielding led to pressure which led to mistakes by Shalford Reserves.

Man of the match: Peggy. Excellent batting at the end with Wells and 2 wickets in 13 balls.

Played at Wickford, 03-05-03, Toss won by Bluehouse. Pitch: Damp
Match Result: Bluehouse won by 8 wickets!
Captains Comments:
Bluehouse won the toss and put Woodham Mortimer into bat on a damp wicket a tight opening spell of bowling from R. Seeley (3-14) & J. Nevill (2-43) backed up by M. Evans (3-35) & J. Oliver (2-14) restricted the opposition to 112 all out.
In response Bluehouse cruised to victory in just 31 overs thanks to knocks of 44 not out R. Seeley & 24 not out I. Ashkettle.
Innings: Woodham Mortimer
No Name How Out Bowler Runs
1 Brock Caught / J. Cornwall J. Nevill 30
2 Cruze Caught / L. Druggan M. Evans 23
3 Collman Caught / J. Cornwall J. Nevill 0
4 Strange Caught / J. Cornwall J. Oliver 19
5 Kelly Caught / J. Cornwall M. Evans 0
6 Hills Bowled J. Oliver 0
7 Clairmont Bowled M. Evans 17
8 Carver Caught / M. Evans R. Seeley 9
9 Davies Bowled R. Seeley 8
10 Brown Not Out 0
11 Howlett Bowled R. Seeley 0

Bowling: Bluehouse
No Name Ov Mdn Runs Wkts Total Runs 106
1 R. Seeley 10.5 4 14 3 Extras 6
2 J. Nevill 12 4 43 2 Total 112
3 M. Evans 11 3 35 3 Overs 42.5
4 J. Oliver 7 3 14 2
5 A. Cooper 2 0 5 0

Innings: Bluehouse
No Name How Out Bowler Runs
1 J. Walsh Caught Kelly 14
2 I. Ashkettle Not Out 24
3 D. Baldwin Bowled Cruze 15
4 R. Seeley Not Out 44

Bowling: Woodham Mortimer
No Name Ov Mdn Runs Wkts Total Runs 97
1 Collman 5 1 13 0 Extras 17
2 Kelly 5 2 12 1 Total 114
3 Clairmont 7 1 20 0 Overs 31
4 Strange 4 0 21 0
5 Davies 3 0 13 0
6 Cruze 7 0 35 1
 

Woodham Mortimer BDICL make it 4 wins out of 4 against Coggeshall A Reserves.
Skipper Geoff Reddin lost the toss and the Coggleshall Reserves decided to bat first. Unfortunately as we played the last game of the day (9:30 pm start) the league administrator whipped the scoresheet and rushed off home so I do not have all the figures. Catching was good today. Damo took a good catch behind the stumps as did Chris and Dave Goodchild took one off 2 walls. That was particularly enjoyable as he did not realise it was out and proceeded to try and throw down the stumps. Russell playing his first indoor game showed his football skills by kicking the ball to Damo for a fine run out. But some of the fielding was not of the standard of recent weeks and we probably gave them 12 runs. Coggeshall completed their innings on 108 for 4.

Once again I sent out Damo and Chris to open. Chris was out for approx. 6 bowled behind his legs. In came Peggy for a typical bustling innings. Damo the best batsman on the day retired on 25 with a few boundaries. In came Dave Goodchild who was soon out caught. Skipper Reddin promoting himself to 5 (leg is getting better) to play his typical steady innings followed by two sixes off the same bowler. Peggy missed a straight one to be bowled. This game was going down to the wire. Not the ideal situation for indoor debutant Russell Barnard who played a good little knock before he was run out. In came Damo again. Things were going well until the skipper was given out caught behind for around 28 . Well I never touched it and according to the team it also bounced. Oh well…. 5 wickets down and left to Damo. With a 4 and 6 in the last over the game was won with a couple of balls to spare. I think we were a better side but some sloppy fielding cost us some points. Losing 5 wickets meant we only get 10 points with 5 to the opposition. They get a point per wicket fielding second. We should drop to second in the league as Sandfords got 14 points from their win.

Player of the week – Damo approx 40 not out and a catch and a good keeping run out.
Good bowling from Collis, Goodchild and Peggy.

So sorry been slacking reports wise but here they are:
V Maldon 4 July 2008. Won the toss, we had to bat as missing Laura and Rebecca both victims of the A12. Carol volunteered to open with me. Good bowling by Digweed and Hadfield had us struggling at 35-5 after 10 overs. Laura then came in at an uncustomary 6 and hit 28 and retired. The rest of the team all made good quick fire contributions and we made 94 for 6 off our alloted overs. Maldon made a good start 2 of their top three retiring and reached their target with two overs to spare. It was a game that we all wanted to forget and know that we have and can play better. Two mentions, Grace for her bowling 4-0-10-2 and Carol who kept wicket for the first time this season and made an excellent job of it and was my lady of the game. Grace was Maldons lady of the game.

V Eight Ash Green the semi final 18 July
Won the toss and put eight ash green in to bat.
Stunning bowling by Ruth and Holly meant that after 8 overs they were 24-4 Ruth returning figures of 4-0-8-3. Claire and Grace carried on the good work, but Debbie Aylwood batted well a true captains innings retiring on 25, she did come back in and with a great performance in the field including 3 run outs and great catches from Claire and Michelle we kept the score to 74 all out off their 20 overs.
Shirley and Victoria got off to a slow start, then enter Ruth who held the innings together retiring on 25. The tension was then become almost too much to bear, we kept up with the required run rate but were losing wickets. Holly and the returning Ruth were in and we needed 4 to win off the last over in very difficult conditions, being very dark !!! Ruth unfortunately mistimed a shot and was caught and bowled.
We lost by 2 runs. I cannot stress enough that this was a fantastic performance eight ash green have been winners of our league for the last three years. Lady of the game Ruth mine and theirs.
I want to thank the mens teams for their superb support, our opposition were stunned by the number of people at the ground, also by the silence on that last ball!!! To Carolyn for her help as always with the teas.
To Maggie, Richard and Andy(umpiring aswell) for their support all season. To Rob and Angela for umpiring.

Maldon V Woodham Mortimer Friday 16 May 2008
We lost the toss and were put in to bat at Promenade Park, the conditions at the start were overcast and the wicket was very green. Laura retired at 25 off of 7 scoring shots including a glorious 6. Shirley was out scoring 6 a victim of Rosie Digweed who bowled well returning figures of 4-1-14-1. Victoria batted well and scored 28, Debbie was next out bringing to the wicket our very own kiwi Claire Bulman who also retired on 25. Audrey and Carol came to the wicket and put on a very useful 13 runs in quick time. We scored a very commendable 112 in our alloted 20 overs.
Victoria and Sam opened the bowling and through some excellent fielding Georgina Penketh was run out in the first over. Victoria then bowled the dangerous Hadfield out in her second over. Elisha Penketh and Daniels put on 27 runs and were looking very good but Daniels was caught by Rebecca with the catch of the match! The wickets then fell at regular intervals, however there was stubboen resistance from Harris and Furnival who saw the overs out. Maldon scored 57 for the loss of 8 wkts. Excellent bowling figures from Laura 4-2-1-3 and Claire 4-0-7-4. Lady of the match Claire Bulman. I would like to add that this was a great performance especially in the field. Thank you girls you are making life very easy for me! Thank you also to our away supporters.
Grace Meluish made her debut for us on Friday and played very well taking a very good catch and bowling very well returning figures of 3-1-3-0. . Grace is 12!

Woodham Mortimer v Bluehouse (Home)
Woodham lost the toss and were put into bat

Woodham opened the batting with Ian Ball and Andy Smith. To say that the Bluehouse opening bowlers were a bit slower than usual would be an understatement!! And this had something to do with Woodham losing wickets. Basically you can’t take liberties with any bowling.

Andy Smith was the first to depart. This bought Dave West to the crease.
Dave made a solid 12 before also falling to the slow bowling. Enter Steve Collis to hammer a quick 24. Wickets at one end fell on a regular basis but not Ian Ball. Ian just carried on with the great form he has shown for most of the season.

John Scott scored a quick 17 and kept Ian company for sometime. However it was left to Russell Barnard to hold out so that Ian Ball could complete a wonderful hundred. Ian went onto score his highest score, 120 not out, in a Woodham Mortimer total of 184 all out off 44 overs. Well played Ian.

What followed can only be described as some amazing bowling by Woodham Mortimer and some very ordinary batting by Bluehouse. After a good start, 20 for no wicket, the Bluehouse batting line up simply collapsed. Russell Barnard with bowling figures of 11.2 overs 4 maidens 7 wickets for 20 was the star of the show with some great bowling. Russell was ably supported by, Tom Payne 1 for 12, and Rob Jones 2 for 5, in the wicket mayhem!! The catching this week was solid as well with no chances dropped. A good win to end the season with.

Bluehouse all out 38 in the 24th over.

Woodham Mortimer v Bluehouse (Home)
Woodham lost the toss and were put into bat

Woodham opened the batting with Ian Ball and Andy Smith. To say that the Bluehouse opening bowlers were a bit slower than usual would be an understatement!! And this had something to do with Woodham losing wickets. Basically you can’t take liberties with any bowling.

Andy Smith was the first to depart. This bought Dave West to the crease.
Dave made a solid 12 before also falling to the slow bowling. Enter Steve Collis to hammer a quick 24. Wickets at one end fell on a regular basis but not Ian Ball. Ian just carried on with the great form he has shown for most of the season.

John Scott scored a quick 17 and kept Ian company for sometime. However it was left to Russell Barnard to hold out so that Ian Ball could complete a wonderful hundred. Ian went onto score his highest score, 120 not out, in a Woodham Mortimer total of 184 all out off 44 overs. Well played Ian.

What followed can only be described as some amazing bowling by Woodham Mortimer and some very ordinary batting by Bluehouse. After a good start, 20 for no wicket, the Bluehouse batting line up simply collapsed. Russell Barnard with bowling figures of 11.2 overs 4 maidens 7 wickets for 20 was the star of the show with some great bowling. Russell was ably supported by, Tom Payne 1 for 12, and Rob Jones 2 for 5, in the wicket mayhem!! The catching this week was solid as well with no chances dropped. A good win to end the season with.

Bluehouse all out 38 in the 24th over.
So ended a very close and enjoyable first game of the afternoon. Read on!!!Woodham Mortimer 2nd XI v Danbury (Home) 18/08/07

Woodham Team: Chris Collis (captain), Steve Collis, Matt Grundy, Laura Thorogood, John Strange, Eric Strange, Rob Jones, Dave Goodchild, Russell Barnard, Andy Smith, Andrew Brown.

Woodham won the toss and inserted Danbury in to bat

Woodham opened the bowling with Rob Jones & Chris Collis. These two bowled a very tight opening spell which restricted the Danbury run rate to a little over one run an over for sometime. Woodhams fielding this season has been, in general, very good but we managed to miss a run out and drop a catch at this point.

Dave Goodchild along with Russell Barnard entered the attack. Dave removed the young opener Scofield for 18. This was his debut as an opener and he had done very well to hang around. The main thing was that Woodham managed to keep the Danbury run rate under control and, although wickets at this stage did not tumble, we kept ourselves in the game. Good fielding from Andy Brown and Laura Thorogood lifted our spirits. Andy Smith was brilliant behind the stumps and took two good catches.

John Strange and Steve Collis decided that the best idea was to take the pace off the ball, well that’s our excuse anyway. This made scoring for Danbury even more difficult. Steve removed Buttress for 15 with the score on 64.

The skipper alternated the bowling attack well and wickets started to fall. But it wasn’t until Russell Barnard bowled the dangerous Hansworth for 70 that we knew we had a chance. Russell also bowled Gauntley for 14. Dave Goodchild then decided to turn in a storming performance with the ball and ended with four wickets. Well bowled Dave and Russell. Infact all the Woodham bowlers bowled well on a very hot and glorious afternoon.

Danbury ended on 179 for 8 from 45 overs

Chris Collis and Andrew Brown opened the innings for the Pheasants. Chris has been struggling for runs of late. So it was great to see him dispatch some fairly ordinary bowling, at the beginning of the innings, and see us off to a flying start. The Danbury bowling then became a lot more disciplined. Andrew Brown who had stayed at the crease for sometime was out for a duck with the score on 26.

Enter Steve Collis to join Chris. With Chris striking the ball really well and Steve riding his luck, these two kept the scoreboard ticking along nicely. Danbury, try as they might, could not break this partnership. Chris was first to a well-deserved fifty that was greeted with a huge cheer and much relief from the pavilion.

These two just carried on picking up the runs and Steve was next to his fifty that was also greeted with joy. Soon after the hundred partnership arrived. Chris was now homing in on a maiden hundred. But it was not to be. With four runs needed for victory and four for his hundred Chris was out for 96. It cannot be overstated what this innings did for the team and Chris.

Steve then scored the winning runs and ended on 66 not out. A very welcome visitor in Eric Strange was the naught not out batsman.

Woodham made 180 for 2 in 38 overs and won by eight wickets.

Woodham Mortimer 2nd XI v Springfield (Away) 01/09/07

Woodham Team: Steve Collis (captain), Matt Grundy, Laura Thorogood, Eric Strange, Rob Jones, Russell Barnard, Andy Smith, Andrew Brown, Matt Fawcett, James Dallinger, Simon Barrett.

Woodham won the toss and inserted Springfield in to bat

Woodham opened the bowling with Rob Jones & Russell Barnard. Rob Jones made an immediate breakthrough by removing Grey caught by Andy Smith for naught. Rob continued to bowl a very accurate and long opening spell and picked up another wicket.

Next up James Dallinger and Simon Barrett entered the attack. Although these two did not pick up a wicket they both showed what promising bowlers they are.

It has to be said that Springfield are one of the strongest batting sides in league nine. But our bowlers were up to the task and along with some great fielding, including a great run out by Matt Fawcett and Andy Smith, we restricted the scoring on a fast outfield. Andy Smith was, once again, brilliant behind the stumps and took two good catches.

Russell Barnard returned to the attack later on and finished a fine spell with 4 wickets. Rob Jones finishing an impressive economical spell with 2 for 43 off 12 overs.

Springfield ended on 219 for 7 from 45 overs

Woodham felt that this score was quite achievable on a fast flat wicket. Eric Strange and Andrew Brown were the Woodham openers. The Springfield opening attack was quite fast but a little erratic and the required run rate was maintained.

First to go was Eric Strange for a well crafted and solid 22. Andrew Brown is a captain’s delight. He has taken to the task of opening for Woodham even though it’s not his preferred batting position. Andrew batted brilliantly for the side and scored a hard fought 25 in 25 overs. A big thank you Andrew from the captain!!

At this point with Steve Collis going really well and looking for another 50 and Laura Thorogood looking in good form a Woodham win looked on the cards. But sadly a very serious injury occurred (possible broken ankle) to one of the Springfield players, which required an ambulance to be summoned. The time this took and the fact that another ambulance was then summoned meant that we would not have been able, even if we wanted to, to finish the game in fading light. So by mutual consent the game ended in a no result.

Woodham finished on 134 for 4 from 31 overs.
Steve Collis ended on 39 not out and Laura Thorogood on 5 not out

I would just like to say a big thank you to the team, and Rob Jones in particular, for helping make the captain’s job a lot easier. Also our travelling fan club, the Thorogood’s and all the other’s, for helping with the scoreboard and other things throughout the season. And Matt Grundy for collecting all the match fees.

We need all the off field help we can get and this makes the captains job so much easier. THANK YOU

If this group of players can be kept together we will be a force to be reckoned with next season.

Steve Collis

Woodham Mortimer v Mountnessing (Away) Saturday 11/08/07

Mountnessing won the toss and put Woodham into bat

The Woodham Team: John Strange (Captain), Richard Kneller (Keeper), Russell Barnard, Simon Barrett, Matt Grundy, Rob Jones, Victoria Brown, Matt Fawcett, John Scott, James Dallinger, Steve Collis.

Russell Barnard & Steve Collis opened the Woodham attack. For the first couple of overs we kept things quite tight but then the Mountnessing batsmen began to get into their stride. Rob Jones & John Strange were the next into the attack. These two managed to get the run rate under control and along with some great fielding we exerted some pressure on the batsmen.

Rob Jones was the first to strike removing Barmby for 36. This was via a good catch by Matt Grundy. Russell Barnard, on his re-entry to the attack, removed R Pearce through a great catch by Simon Barrett. Russell then struck again, during a good spell, removing A Pearce for a duck.

Matt Grundy entered the attack and took a wicket with his first ball! James Dallinger entered the attack and took a wicket with his first ball (and another two in a great spell)!! Simon Barrett entered the attack and took a wicket with his first ball in a good spell!!! In all the years I’ve played this has not happened before!!!

Special mention must be made of the great Woodham fielding and catching. Great catches from John Scott, Simon Barrett, Matt Grundy, Steve Collis. The fielding was good all round but especially from Victoria Brown & Matt Fawcett.

Veteran keeper Richard Kneller done a great job behind the timbers.

Mountnessing have been running up scores of 300+ so a score of 257 for 8 was a great effort.
Well done everyone

Woodham opened the batting with Richard Kneller and Simon Barratt. Richard’s instructions were to tie up one end while Simon played his usual aggressive innings at the other. This he did with great aplomb. Richard was first to go followed by Simon who scored a creditable 20.

Lots of us got a start, John Scott 25, Steve Collis 21, Rob Jones 20, John Strange 27 but all were unable to get a big score.

Special mention must go to Russell Barnard who along with Matt Grundy fought hard to get us past 150 and a batting bonus point. Russell eventually being out for 20, but not before Victoria had scored a stylish one not out.

Woodham were all out in the forty first over for 160

The good news for the future of the club is these guys and girls can bat and have a lot of potential. Which is exactly what we need.

Steve