Archived News - Cricket
Eaton Bray Cricket Club - MCC Flypast Video
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray CC vs MCC
Come and celebrate our Centennial Year
Eaton Bray CC vs MCC
Sunday 27th July 2014 at The Rye Gardens, LU6 2BQ
Everyone Welcome
Ground open from 9.30am, Play to Start at 11am
All day BBQ from 11am
Raffle with Jools Holland
Tickets to be won!
Bouncy Castle
Free training session for all junior age groups at 10am
Free admission and parking.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Five day Golf Marathon in aid of Cancer Relief
Two Eaton Bray cricketers are embarking on a five day marathon of golf in aid of Cancer relief.
Bob Warner and Andy Norris are aiming to play 5 rounds of golf in each of 5 different countries over the next five days. During their 25 rounds, they expect to walk over 125 miles, burning 60,000 calories and taking more than 4000 shots!
Please follow them on Twitter - @Five5sgolf - and give your support with a donation on the Five5s Golf Challenge Cancer Research fundraising page.
Cricket: New Season Starts with a Win
A week late, but the league season finally kicked off for the Eaton Bray 1st XI with a home match to newly promoted Biddenham.
In what can only be described as the perfect start the new ball bowling off Andy Norris and Joe Roff was simply too good for the Biddenham top order who got blown away to be 4 wickets for 5 runs. All 4 wickets went to Norris deservedly so, however, the pressure built from the other end should not be ignored. A mini fightback from the opposition followed with aggresive strokeplay seeing the middle order build a semi-respectable score, getting up to 100 for the loss of no further wickets. Once the dangerman went to Pearson for an impressive 69, the house of cards fell down to see them all out for 127 with Pearson and Flecknell getting 2 wickets each, Jarrett took care of the only other man to reach double figures.
Chasing what should never be seen as a problematic total, the Bray top six did the job required without too many flutters of the heart. Hosking took advantage to top score with 77*, and was joined at the end by Kerins to put on a solid partnership of 61 undefeated.
A great win, great team performance and just what the doctor ordered, the only disappointment came when the appointed fines master bailed on his task to leave his captain high and dry!
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club - Fixtures Card 2014
A 16 page leaflet has been released for the centenary season of EBCC which can be downloaded here:
Source: EBCC
Eaton Bray Cricket Club - Upcoming Events
Eaton Bray Cricket Club youth coach wins award
23 year old Josh Peacock in only his second year of cricket coaching has recently been awarded a Natwest OSCA (Outstanding service to cricket award)) for his outstanding service to youth cricket.
Josh, who has been with the club as a player since he was 14, had captained the EBCC Sunday friendly side for the past four years where he has helped bring along the clubs young talent and having enjoyed himself has successfully trained to become a level 2 cricket coach. This season he has managed the U14 development team in the Beds league as well as assisting with the clubs U8's and U10's Wednesday night training along with the other three qualified coaches.
He has worked tirelessly to promote Eaton Bray's youth set up which has around 70 children registered and maintains the clubs various social media sites (follow us @EatonBraycc), writes match reports and compiles scorecards.
His award will see him go through to a nationwide competition culminating in a fantastic ceremony/dinner held on 30 Sept at Lords cricket ground (where last year the prizes were presented by former England Captain Andrew Strauss and present day player Johnny Bairstow) which he is understandably excited about.
Josh is pictured below collecting his award from Bedfordshire Crickets' Director of Strategy Martin Darlow surrounded by some of the Eaton Bray U10 players.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
EBCC seeks playing members
Eaton Bray Cricket Club is appealing to any young, budding cricketers to join its ever-growing youth section.
Now in its 3rd year and with over fifty 6-14 year olds training and playing on a weekly basis, the club requires even more youngster to boost numbers!
Ability and experience is not important, the club provides a fun and safe environment in which to enjoy cricket. Training sessions are taken by four fully qualified Level 2 cricket coaches, each Wednesday. 6-7pm for 6-10 year olds and 7-8pm for 11-14 year olds.
The adult teams also continue to seek new players, so please get in touch if you are interested in joining a very enthusiastic, friendly village cricket club!
E-mail us at [email protected] or follow us on Twitter @EatonBrayCC
Cricket: Batsmen go mad, as nearly 500 runs scored
This week saw the Sunday eleven travel to the civil parish of Bridens Camp to play Great Gaddesden who they had beaten comfortably just weeks before. A beautiful setting awaited the team on a glorious day. The Crown and Sceptre pub teased the players with the promise of a rewarding pint, but only after a match had taken place.
The Great Gaddesden skipper won the toss against the trumpeting JMc and elected to bat. Peacock jr. was not present at the toss, instead taking up residence in the away team toilet as the previous night's antics took effect!
GG Openers Hill and Bolton proved a challenge early as rapid-fire scoring commenced. Opening bowlers Tickell and Roff bowled well, but with a quick outfield, runs were readily available. Hill picked up his 50 before being bowled by Cee-lo Green. Bolton went to the Sunday veteran Ian Jones for 27 caught behind by a sore headed Mcdermid. Captain Cheeseman came in and played his shots before being expertly caught by a half-asleep Jones at square leg off the bowling of the colourful Peacock.R! Barm had stated that the ball moved at the speed of light, which in turn, made an incision in his finger, prompting talk of a potential hospital trip, which skip Peacock cruelly rejected. In strolled number 4 Plummer, with a selection of powerfully struck shots which the Bray bowlers had no answer to, as he went on his merry way to 117 not out. It wasn't all doom and gloom as Ollie Sirett picked up 3 fantastic wickets to build on his 2 wicket haul in his previous outing the week before.
The Bray opened their innings with the brothers Peacock. Josh set about his task quickly and began to send the ball to the boundary with some classy shot-making. He approached 50 as his brother looked to support by pushing runs in to gaps and rotating strike. Ryan's aerobic ability was being severely tested as the younger, fitter brother almost finished him off with some energetic running between the wickets as Bray kept up with the run-rate, which was being matched as a partnership of 100 came up from 12 overs. The two continued in the same fashion seeing the partnership go past the 150 mark. Josh made his century a few balls on but was undone as he attempted a 6 over cow, caught on the boundary by the oppo's centurion. He was heard remarking "I'm rubbish at slogging" as he walked off, which is probably true! The opening stand ceased at 154. At this point Bray were on for chasing the 274 total, although the next three batsman came and went without mustering many runs. They did however, importantly support Ryan as he went on to score his Maiden 50. Those in attendance were quickly reaching for tissues as his bat was raised. Tickell came in and attacked hitting 15 from 5 balls before falling to Cheeseman who quickly accounted for Ollie's old man John and "Pro" Green. With the sun setting on Bray's chances, the tail came and went without wagging. Ryan was still there at the close on 74*.
A truly good game of cricket played in the right way, in Caribbean-like temperatures!!
Scorecard
- Result: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI Won by 58 runs
- Date: Sun 19th Aug 2012
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: Briden's Camp
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Ollie Sirett 3 wickets, Josh Peacock 101, Ryan Peacock 74*
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Like Cricket? Get Involved!
Eaton Bray Cricket Club urgently require players of any age and ability to join its successful club.
From our picturesque cricket ground on The Rye, we run 3 successful senior teams:
- The Saturday 1st XI have won the FCCL Division 1 title several times within the last 10 years,
- the Saturday 2nd XI play in Division 4 of the league, and
- a Sunday XI, where the emphasis is on developing young and inexperienced players.
We run a varied social calendar as well!
A highly successful youth system has been running for the last 2 years and the club is going from strength to strength. In order for us to continue the development, more players, young and old are very welcome to come down and join any of the men's or youth teams!
Please contact us via the EBCC website for any further information or pop down on a Friday net session at the ground - The Rye Eaton Bray next to the garden centre.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Lack of runs prove costly
After losing the Andy Holloway Memorial match for the first time in 4 years last week, Bray were looking to get back to winning ways against the team with definately the best teas this side of Europe, Hawridge and Cholsbury CC. With only 1 Bray player hungover, things were looking rosy for the home side. Losing the toss, Bray were put into bat, which made things easier for the home skip who admitted he didn't know what to do if he won it anyway! Opening bowler Cath made it a poor start removing Jasper and Furby early on, before Drew and Jacamo steadied things with a partnership of 77 before both fell in quick succession for 48 and 34 respectively. "Sicknote" Holbrook added a very well played 22 before a collapse ensued, with Del Boy, Harv, Rhino and Bieber all falling quickly, which left Cee-lo Green and Mr Eaton Bray to try and get Bray up to a decent score. Unfortunately Green promptly forgot to use his bat and padded up to a straight one, leaving Bray 151 all out, being probably 30 or 40 less than was looking likely earlier in the innings.
A lovely tea rightly followed, although dining alfresco became a necessity as Del attempted to blow holes in the pavilion with some absolutely nasty farting, one spectator did comment "I think I actually swallowed that one". Barm and Rhino also mentioned it was a shame HCCC didn't bring any of their catering delights with them and so it was out to the field with 7 out of 11 Bray players wearing designer blue sunscreen, Ollie "Bieber" Sirett leading the way with nose, lips, cheeks and forehead covered.
HCCC openers Robinson and White started proceedings by smashing the bowling of openers Harv and Ronnie Round-Arm to all parts, as White brought up a rapid fifty, apparently on the back of 150 score the day previous, but the introduction of Barack in tandem with Drew Peacock changed the game somewhat as the scoring rate slowed and Barm began to digest his way through the middle order taking an impressive 2-10 from his 6 overs. The rapid start unfortunately meant that it was a case of when and not if HCCC were going to knock the runs off, although an impressive spell of 1-20 off 7 overs from "Cee-lo /Dai /Prof" Greene did delay things further. In doing this, Justin Bieber fan and lookalike Ollie Sirett was brought on to terrorise oppo batsmen and bowled magnificently, keeping the ball full and straight, being the undoing of Drane, stumped by Alden and then also opener Robinson who edged behind to begin wild celebrations. However, Harv obviously wished to have a beer and a cheeky sing-song after the game, so bowled a rank long-hop which was smashed for 4 and followed up with a wide to get things over and done with as HCCC got to their target with just over 6 overs to go. It was left to Bieber fever to take hold with Sirett being carried off the pitch on the shoulders of Rhino and Harvester.
Shower banter, a jug from Ollie (he's starting young!!), karaoke from both teams and some late night strip catching practice followed, rounding off a very fun, although not at all successful weekend for the Bray!!
Scorecard
- Result: Hawridge & Cholesbury CC - Friendly XI Won by 5 wickets
- Date: Sun 12th Aug 2012
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Hawridge & Cholesbury CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray beaten... by the rain
The Eaton Bray Sunday Superstars travelled to Ley Hill CC on Sunday deep in the Chiltern Hills. It was the first time the two sides had met, and on arrival it was found that rain had dampened what is a beautiful village ground. With a boundary one side that was short enough for Barm to hit the keeper's gloves from the rope and with a golf tee no further than 40 yards from the square, it was building up to be a very interesting match!
Bray welcomed under 14 player Aaron Gauntlett into the side, along with his recently transferred brother Lee. Sawdust manager / kit clerk / all-round cricketing enthusiast Fil Davies was also present.
To the cricket, and Bray won the toss choosing to field, with the match reduced to 35 overs per side and Hemming and Gauntlett junior warming up ready to open the bowling. Both bowlers bowled well and Aaron found some bounce throughout his spell, but with the boundary a sneeze away, runs were piling up. Aaron did break through in the 8th over having Pieterson jr caught expertly down the leg-side by keeper Del. A further rain shower ensued, enabling Barm to gawp at the women swimming in the Olympics, which quickly passed and Bray headed back out with more sawdust provided by Filipe Flop and beer towels at the ready. Harv and Barm bowled long spellls each, to no avail, with some toe-end chips to the short boundary ever accelerating the score. However, in order to make up for a terrible dolly drop in the 2nd over, Harv expertly run-out both number 1 and 4 batsman with two direct hits in to give Bray a sigh of relief before the rain returned once more. It was here that the game was reduced again to 27 overs a side. To finish things James "Pro" Green and the skip grabbed a cheeky wicket each at the end. Courtesy of opener Pieterson sr. and number 3 Nadeem's (sort of) brutal innings, LHCC closed on score of 197-5, which on a normal sized ground would have probably been around 150.
A lovely tea followed, with hot onion bhajis and mint sauce on the menu (Jake Barker wouldn't have left the table) and the Bray went out to smash their way to victory. It must be said that oppo skip Pieterson jr. must be a huge fan of Douglas Jardine, considering his bowlers pitched 90% of their balls in their half of the wicket. Bray made a steady start as the Ley bowlers used the bounce in the wicket to good effect. Both players then made a plan to hit their way through the short-stuff with both playing their shots, until Parrott strangely left a straight ball and headed to the pavilion for 12. Alden carried on the way he had, picking off runs until he was bowled for 20. It left Peacock and Gauntlett sr. to have a go with both piling runs up from some continuing short bowling. Both were going well, (26* and 30* respectively), but with a get-able 87 required off 9 overs and sloggers Harv, Del and Davies ready to club a few sixes, the rain returned to dash any hopes of a result and the exciting finish that was round the corner.
Scorecard
- Result: Drawn
- Date: Sun 29th Jul 2012
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: Ley Hill CC
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray win in the sunshine!!!
In the first weekend of sunshine since 1924, the Bray Sunday XI beat Great Gaddesden by 95 runs. Pale chests were out in force, as the temperature soared to a sauna-like 24 degrees!
With factor 20 Ambre Solaire in hand, skipper Peacock J started proceedings by losing the toss. GG stuck the Bray into bat on a slowly drying wicket and were immediately reaping the rewards after Alden was out in the first over, bowled round his legs for a belligerent 0. 'Polly' Parrott and Josh negotiated opening bowlers Upton and Vinod, and then accelerated, racking up a partnership of 126 with Polly making his maiden half-century for the club before being bowled by Hearn for 53, who accounted for Tickell a ball later. Holbrook joined his skip at the crease and with both players forcing the pace, a 49-run partnership ensued. With Holbrook falling for 11 and Peacock snr departing soon after, slogger Harv whacked a few more and the captain registered a century in the closing overs. However, the thought of topping up his tan and trying a shot he had never before played led him to the departure lounge for a well played 103. Davies the batsman joined the fun in hitting a boundary in the last over, in which Bray ended up totalling a challenging 202-6 from their 40 overs.
After a swell tea from Mrs J and co and a bit of Bray blue sunblock, the team set out to defend their total with honour, blood, sweat and good banter.
Opening with the 'Crafty Cockney' and 'The Artful Dodger' GG were immediately under the cosh as Hemming accounted for opening bat Plummer, courtesy of a brilliant stumping from Alden. Tickell then took charge, removing skipper Moore (caught / juggled behind) and Hearn (caught) in quick succession as GG slumped to 23-3. Spin duly became the order of the day, with the remaining 6 bowlers being of the slow-ish variety. Sharp fielding, excellent glovework from keeper Alden and brilliant spin bowling led to the demise of GG with wickets for Green (1-21), the evergreen Jones (2-3), Holbrook (1-17), Ryan (2-18) and Harvey (1-0) as the GG middle and lower order collapsed leaving them 95 runs short, finishing on 107! A great all-round performance from all 11 men culminating in this memorable victory!
Karaoke banter and a jug from the skip followed, (you got lucky boys, they don't come out often) finishing off one fine weekend!
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 95 runs
- Date: Sun 22nd Jul 2012
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Studham down the Bray (again)
In the second meeting of these two sides this season, Bray were heavily beaten at The Rye Gardens ground. Counting up recent fixtures against the local mountain men, it must be nearly 437 games since our Sunday XI last beat Studham.
Scorecard
- Result: Studham CC - Friendly XI Won by 146 runs
- Date: Sun 15th Jul 2012
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Eaton Bray win Village Cup Thriller
This Sunday witnessed a game of cricket that will live in Club folklore for a very long time indeed!
Playing in the Yorkshire Tea National Village Cup regional Semi Final at home versus Everholt.
Batting first the Bray had an early wobble being 24-2. losing Alden for 6 and Hosking for 3. A steady partnership between skipper Norris and young Flecknell took the Bray to 72-2. At which point Norris was dismissed for 33, and shortly after Flecknell departed for 24.
What happened next the England team of 1990s would of been proud of. Subsiding from 72-2 to 85 all out. Eversholt's talented bowlers proving too much for the Bray's young middle and lower order.
After another wonderful tea a subdued Bray took the field. However, miracles can happen in cricket, not that many of us believed it was today!!
Having reached 42-2, Eversholt looked favourites to progress, but the skipper kept reminding us "a couple of quick wickets and anything would be possible!"
Which is what happened! An inspired spell of leg break bowling, or straight onners as Wes the keeper said) from Jim Flecknell ripped out Eversholt's middle and lower order in pretty quick time. Jim finishing with 6-23 from his 8.1 overs. Norris 2-21 from 9 and Ellerton 1-26 from 9.
Some exemplary fielding and catching from the young Bray team, with several super catches (Adam Harvey, Ryan Peacock both taking stunners), a run out (a Peeky / Greeny combo) and several diving stops (and non stops - from the author!), backed up the tight bowling from Eaton Bray's 3 main bowlers.
Eversholt eventually being bowled out for 73 to send the Bray into the Final!
The final wicket, Lichfield (who had already showered and changed before needing to pad up!) caught behind off Flecknell for 0, brought a sizeable cheer from the small Eaton Bray section of the crowd and produced a proper team Hug in the middle. And then the incredible sight of the skipper buying a jug!!
Now the author needs to avoid going to a Test match the day before the next round!!
Ian Jones - 15/06/2012
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won by 12 runs
- Date: Sun 10th Jun 2012
- Start Time: 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Cup : National Village Cup - Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire - Group 22 (Third Round)
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Eversholt CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Eaton Bray: A.Norris 33, J.Flecknell 6-22, Eversholt: J.Fuller 3-34
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray lose at the last hurdle in this one
It was a Sunday like no other; in fact it was exactly like every other Sunday. There was the obligatory 'I'm too hung-over' phone call. This week it was Matt Ringsell who claimed to have eaten something dodgy in between around 20 pints at Trent Bridge. Scott Hemming answered the call by proclaiming 'Yeah alright me old china don't mind if I do, lovely job' and so the Sunday team were off from the spiritual home of cricket, the car park at the social club and on to Haddenham.
For those of you not aware of Haddenham, it has a rather decent claim to fame as the village has served as the backdrop to several Midsomer Murders episodes.
Back to the cricket, Eaton Bray batted first with Mark Parrot and Louis Peek opening the days play. Louis Peek struggled and was on his way back to the pavilion early with a Bronze Duck. Josh Peacock joined Parrot and the 1 and 3 Batsman looked to build a nice partnership. The pitch was difficult to judge with little to no bounce, there were some short balls bowled however which got 1 to 2 inches off the floor. It was one of these shooters that was the undoing of the opener and Parrot had to settle for a score of 13, which included 3 fours and many run 1s and 2s (so who was scoring!!!). Josh was then joined by the returning Jake Barker followed by the crafty cockney Hemming but both were quickly on their way back to the pavilion. Ryan Peacock was next out at 6 and joined his younger brother, as the two steadied the ship and built a good partnership. Ryan looked to push singles whilst putting josh back on strike and he did the damage with a score of 71 before losing his wicket to a ball which never got up above his shoelaces. Ryan went on to bat for a not out score of 23 and was assisted by two pinch hitters in the form of Adam 'the big AMH' Harvey and Adam 'Holby City' Holbrook who helped push the score up. Eaton Bray went in to lunch 164-6.
Lunch was good and it was here we all missed Olly Wilson as we had to make our own cups of tea. It was in to the changing rooms for designer sunscreen, some encouraging words from the skipper and a good bit of banter.
It was hoped the Bray Bowlers could take advantage of the pitch as the Haddenham bowlers had. It was a welcome sight to see Charlie Tickle back with the Bray and he was electric on his return. The bray also benefited from the superb early season form of Harvey and Jones with great spells to really help halt the run chase from Haddenham, with notable fielding contributions from Paul Davies (including a run out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and Louis Peek along with some good work behind the stumps from Mark Parrot the Bray were certainly keeping this one close. It would take a huge effort in the field too and the Bray didn't disappoint all round but as the overs wound down Haddenham CC reached their target with just a few balls remaining.
To wrap it up it was a disappointing and frustrating loss as the pitch, which Haddenham definately knew how to use, a short boundary and searing heat making things difficult. In truth it will be a good lesson for us all going into a long season. Lots of positives and recent weeks have proved that we are definately going in the right direction.
Scorecard
- Result: Haddenham CC, Bucks - Sunday 1st XI Won by 2 wickets
- Date: Sun 27th May 2012
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: Haddenham Playing Fields
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: While the Premiership went to the wire, this one didn't
After most players packed several jumpers for what is usually a rather cold game away to Studham; it turned out to be a glorious day atop the Studham mountains.
As is usually the case the Bray Sunday XI elected to bowl first. Openers R.Peacock and J.Jacobs got off to nervy starts with it evident a lack of cricket in recent weeks hadn't helped preparation. Tom Holloway was brought in early to relieve Jacobs of his troubles and later Harv stepped in to try and curtail a fast start by Studham. The run rate slowed considerably but the bray were still waiting for that wicket with the opening pair plus a fair few extras took Studham got to 100 runs without reply. It was the reintroduction of Jacko along with Ian Jones who took the opening pairs wickets. This breathed new life into the team and the next two wickets fell quickly again to Jacko and Mr Eaton Bray. Josh came on late taking a couple wickets at the end and the innings finished at 215-6
A fantastic tea followed. Harv stated 'this is possibly the best toffee sponge I have ever eaten' also special mention goes to Olly Wilson for making 9 cups of tea during the interval. Hawkeyes loss is most definitely our gain.
There it was City had won the title in dramatic fashion, this also meant it was time for the Bray to get out there and bat.
Jacko and Mark Parrot opened the batting in what was looking like a tough run chase. Mark Parrot went without facing a ball in a run mix up, diamond duck being the unlucky label obtained by the newcomer. Jacko went on to clobber runs in typical fashion as Josh Peacock joined him at the crease. Batsman 1 and 3 top scored with 28 and 45 respectively with other notable contributions from Olly Wilson (15) and Adam Harvey (17). The Bray just simply didn't get close. The last 5 Batsmen went for 1 run collectively.
A well beaten Bray Team will have to take this one on the chin and except we were all a little rusty better to come next week hopefully.
Scorecard
- Result: Studham CC - Friendly XI Won by 84 runs
- Date: Sun 13th May 2012
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: Studham Playing Fields
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Sunday XI win thriller
Deep in the Chilterns on Sunday, the Bray Sunday XI won, what can only be described as a nailbiter vs HC Trotters. Bray called up youth cricketer Fil Davies, due to Chelsea fan and alcohol lover Harv pulling out last minute, in a frantic phone call to Peacock, where he entertained him with puking up whilst on the line!
It was "agreed" that Bray would bat first, and after welcoming 1st team skip Norris into the team, it was hoped that a large total would loom. How wrong we were. At 41-4, some would deem a gentleman's agreement where one team bats first as utterly stupid, of which I would agree... BUT! There was to be some joy, as captain Peacock was joined by keeper Alden in a mammoth 5th wicket partnership of 142 that rocketed the run rate along as both enjoyed an outing in freezing weather. Alden who was doing his best to intoxicate the skipper when chatting between overs, was eventually out for a typically beligerent 66, which included 10 4s and 1 six. This brought in the introduction of Portugal's finest cricketing export and possibly the most optimistic runner in world cricket Fil Davies, who scored his first senior run for the Bray but was unfortunately dismissed shortly before tea, the innings closing with Peacock junior registering his first century of the season (104*) helping to get Bray up to their total of 214-6.
After eating what might have been the most expensively made tea in history, Bray were put under the cosh early as the HCT openers raced to 40 from 7 overs, until Peek had Wolfenden for extra pace, caught behind for 23. Both bowlers kept things tight enough but with Jones readily available, (he had been stretching for extra cakes all through the tea break), it seemed that if a carrot could be dangled, that the HCT start could be disrupted. The thought process worked, and Jones dangled his carrot, returning excellent figures of 4-28 from his 8 overs. There was even talk of a Sunday afternoon trip to the Mango Lounge in Amersham! There was though, one boy standing at fine leg, doing his best to get a bowl. Fil Davies announced himself to HCT taking the wicket of Jonwood to spark wild celebrations and birthday bumps all round (it wasn't his birthday but he felt like a rockstar). There was one small problem left to deal with however, who would the Bray's 6th bowler be? The scoring was well up with the asking rate and someone was needed. Well, of course Davies snr was an option, one to sneak a few cheeky wickets, maybe buy the tequilas? Unfortunately, he had pulled his thigh, so the ball was thrown to Ringsell (he was as surprised as you, the reader) but he stepped up, and in occasionally bowling very straight, returned career best figures of 3-28 to swing the game in the right direction, with Trotters finishing 207 all out.
A great effort by the team, which if can be maintained, will kickstart the Sunday XI's quest to improve on last season's efforts!
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 7 runs
- Date: Sun 20th May 2012
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: Amersham Hill CC
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Under 12's 1st ever win
Some better weather meant that the under 12's were finally able to play their 1st game, away at Henlow. Skipper for the first game, Jack Vincent won the toss and had no hesitation in putting the home side in.
Thomas Rainbow got things off to a fine start claiming the first of his 2 wicket's in his 1st over. Only a massive no ball with both feet past the crease prevented him from taking 3 wickets. Karl Shrowder also opened the bowling with and also took a wicket in his first over. There were wickets too for Cameron Summers and Jack Vincent. While Ryan Else, Matty Tubby and Jack Vincent all had run outs. Jack's coming off the final ball of the innings.
Eaton Bray bowlers all bowled well, there were (ahem) a few wides (22), and some curious fielding positions. but team spirit in the field was excellent. Special mention too for Fil (Motor mouth) Davies for a fine display with the gloves, conceding not a single bye, keeping the boys going too with his constant chatter. Henlow's batters came out with some lovely strait bats (which this coach enjoyed), however at times they struggled to get the ball off the square.
Eaton Bray's innings started in frantic fashion, with the opening pair of Thomas Rainbow and Fil Davies constantly risking being caught or run out. Isaac Rainbow and Riley Drummond steadied things, they only lost 1 wicket. And through some extra's and some good blocking they advanced the score by 5 net runs. Cameron Summers and Matt Tubby both batted well, neither losing their wicket and by the time they left the wicket Bray were only 4 net runs behind. Louie Giles and Ryan Else also combined well, and by the time the last pair of Karl Shrowder and Jack Vincent went out to bat, the scores were level. A run out off the 2nd ball of the 17th over, put Henlow back in the lead. A couple of fours from Karl Shrowder, tipped the balance back once again. Another wicket brought Henlow back into it again. But another 4 from Karl pushed Eaton bray over the brink. Captain Jack blocked the last over, thus ensuring a 10 run win. A very tight enjoyable game with both teams scoring 74 runs, the difference being Henlow losing 2 more wickets than Bray, showing just how tightly matched and easily the game could have gone the other way.
So an excellent performance for a new, inexperienced team, with some good team spirit shown. There is plenty to work on, but this was a good start.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Under 12 Won by 0 runs
- Date: Sun 13th May 2012
- Start Time: 10:00
- Ground: Pyghtles Henlow Park
- Type: League : Bedfordshire Youth Competitions - Development U12 South
- Scoring: Pairs
- Toss: Under 12 won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: (H) M.Noble 1-7, H.Gray 1-14, B.Gibbs 1-8, Z.Redden 1-4, C.Sale 1-9, (E.B.) T.Rainbow 2-12, K.Shrowder 1-15, J.Vincent 1-9, C.Summers 1-16, L.Giles 1-12, T.Rainbow 9, K.Shrowder 14 out once
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Big win for first game of 2012
The 2012 season started in emphatic style for the Bray with a resounding win over local rivals Edlesborough CC.
With skip Norris winning the toss and batting first Bray racked up a huge 275-5 off their 40 overs with Norris 63 ret'd, Peacock 60 ret'd, Flecknell 51 ret'd and Hearn 34 being the main contributors. Special mention to Charlie Alden, who with possibly the biggest maximum of the day left a local resident's parked car needing a trip to the bodyworks, as a huge six piled onto his car roof.
After watching the Grand National on Jimbo's phone and momentarily forgetting about fielding, the Bray started off strongly with opening bowler's Smith and Jacobs taking the wickets of D'Archembaud and Mistry. Regular wickets fell throughout and other than useful knocks from the Boro' skipper (33) and Wood (26) then the final total of 107 all out would have been much lower. Smith returned figures of 3-13, Jacobs 2-14 and leggy Holbrook 3-21 in what was a satisfying win to start the season.
A bigger test follows next week as Bray step up their preparartions for the league season when Reed CC visit the Rye Gardens ground.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 168 runs
- Date: Sat 14th Apr 2012
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Edlesborough Oval
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: A Norris 63 ret'd, J Peacock 60 ret'd, J Flecknell 51 ret'd M Smith 3-13, A Holbrook 3-21
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Sunday Season Starts with a loss
The Eaton Bray Sunday XI got the 2012 season off to a bad start, losing by 9 wickets to Wayfarers CC. After winning their last 3 matches of the 2011 season, the lads wanted to build again this season and play some good cricket. New player Parrott was welcomed into the side and Bray won the toss, deciding to bat first. The match had been reduced to 35 overs a side, as the Wayfarers teams seemed to come to the Bedfordshire via Cambridge, ultimately turning up rather late.
Two early wickets were lost to opening bowler Zabi, who yorked Ringsell and took the wiccket of Peacock off the inside edge. Parrott and the trumpeting McDermid steadied the ship with a good partnership of 37 until Parrott was out for 20. Bray were struggling in the middle overs and when McDermid was out for an anchoring 16, only contributions of Harvey (12) and Hemming (11) saved further blushes. Bray finished on a paltry 97 all out.
Tea was amazing (we've all missed it).
A team talk was held on the resumption of play, centering on some early wickets being taken and every team member contributing in the field, a big part of the success enjoyed last year.
Unfortunately aside from some good sledging of the oppo batsman and brilliant opening spells from Ryan Peacock and Roff, the luck was clearly with the Wayfarers side who cruised to victory within 22.3 overs; (some rather suspect scoring included) and number 3 batsman wasting all of at least 20 lives, passed to him by the cricket gods for the season, with some fluent outside edges and textbooks wafts outside off stump on the way to 26 not out.
Onto next week then, and a game against local rivals Edlesborough CC as the team look to bounce back to winning ways.
Scorecard
- Result: Wayfarers CC, Oxon - Friendly XI Won by 9 wickets
- Date: Sun 15th Apr 2012
- Start Time: 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Near perfect performance makes for perfect finish
So, the 2011 season has now come to an end, and it finished in style for the Sunday XI with 3 wins from the last 3 matches, to take them onto next year.
Winning the toss and to no one in the home changing rooms surprise, Row were put into bat. Bray put on the pressure from ball one with an all round strong fielding display. Both opening batsman were back in the pavilion early on with the score on 16, courtesy of a wicket for Roff and a run out from J Peacock. Number 3 batsman and part-time Elvis impersanator D'Archembaud hit a patient 28, but after he fell to the spin of Tom 'Gun' Holloway, it was left to local rent-a-cricketer Alan Mead to help the Row up to a par score 155 all out with a well played 54. Wickets were shared round for Bray with Roff and Jones returning 3 each, with Harvey, Holloway and Paul dot-ball Davies taking one.
Chasing 155, Kerins was out early, but the innings was rebuilt between young opener Louis Peek, who drove well throughout his innings, and skipper Peacock, who put on 55 before Peek succumbed to the spin of Lowde for a well played 14. Ringsell then joined his captain in the 16th over, and the ball was hit to all parts as the run-rate accelerated towards the total, Peacock bringing up his 8th half century of the season in the meantime went for one hit too many and was well caught at long-on by O'Sullivan for 56. In-form keeper batsman Alden kept the rate ticking along by putting on 48 with twinny Ringsell until Matt was out for a brutal 34, ending his season on a high with another solid innings. The 18 required after then was easily reached by Charlie and not out batsman Peacock snr (8 n.o) as Bray finished their season with a 6 wicket win.
Personally, I would like to say, once again, thanks to everyone who has contributed in our Sunday XI this year, we've progressed again really well from our first games, and recorded 6 wins. Along with the core of the eleven from last year, in both Peacock brothers, Ringsell, Harvey, Roff, Hemming and Barker, we have been joined by Alden, Davies and youngsters Tickell, Green, Peek, Harris and Holloway who will contribute heavily again next season. We may even enter a league in the next year or two, to further develop the team's skills and due to the high numbers of available players this year, a 1st and 2nd XI team will be considered also, for future seasons.
Thanks again,
Josh
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 6 wickets
- Date: Sun 25th Sep 2011
- Start Time: 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: The Row were inserted on a pitch with variable bounce and were soon in trouble at 76-6, but a 7th wicket partnership of 48 between A Mead 54 and K Mohammed 26 enabled the Row to reach a par score of 155 in their 40 overs.The Bray reached their target easily with over 5 overs and 6 wickets to spare.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray Sunday XI win again! Just!!
The Sunday XI made it 2 wins out of 2 with a close victory over St Albans. With only 10 men making up the side and the twelfth man not answering his phone, Bray were hoping that a strong team effort would see them through. They lost the toss and were put into bat, totalling 157, with the backbone of the innings, being a 2nd wicket partnership of 72 beyween Charlie Alden and skipper Peacock. Alden contributed a brilliant 77, being his best for the club.
In reply St Albans were quickly on the back foot as Ryan Peacock and vice skip Roff took wickets of both openers for 5 and 6 respectively as runs were kept to a minimum during the first 12 overs. The game then ebbed and flowed, until the introduction of Hemming and Tom 'Gun' Holloway swung the game back into Bray's favour with tight bowling and two wickets as figures of 1-17 (6) and 1-22 (6) respectively were returned. The off-spin of Harvey and leg-spin of Peacock was introduced, slowing up the run rate further, Peacock taking 2-15 from his 6 overs. At this point in the game, victory seemed certain, but the young side's inexperience then showed with misfields and over zealous throwing resulting in a tense final 4 overs as St Albans got all too close to the target of 158. Gladly, nerves settled within the last couple of overs and Bray held on as a pair of tight return spells from Ryan Peacock and Roff restricted the opponents to 149-9. Another win for our young team as the season comes to a close, but it could all have been so different.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 8 runs
- Date: Sun 18th Sep 2011
- Start Time: 12:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: St Albans CC - 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Sunday XI Claim Huge Win Over Local Opposition
The Bray Sunday XI have endured a mixed season this year, with some good wins, in amongst big losses and close-run defeats. A core of team players, willing to play every week has been greatly satisfying and 5 new young players have been found this year, to add to our ever-growing club. Yesterday, individual perofrmances all came collective with a very strong performance against local opposition William Simmons.
Bray were put into the field and ripped through Simmons line-up, as they capitulated to 98 all out. Debutant Tom Holloway returned impressive figures of 3-12 from 8 overs and was joined in his efforts by Ryan Peacock 2-28, the ever economical Joe Roff (1-23), Adam Holbrook playing in his first Sunday game since injuring his knee took 1-15 from his 8 overs and Adam Harvey mopped up the tail by taking 2-1 from 1.5 overs.
The Bray openers knew that with a solid opening partnership, the win would be a formality and Kerins and skipper Peacock did just that, with a stand of 51, until the latter was out for 32, going past 1000 runs for the season in the process. Kerins was out for 18, Matt Ringsell added 28 not out in a rapid fashion and combined with debutant Harris (9 not out), Bray won easily.
A great performance that will go a long way to install confidence in such a young and inexperienced team.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 8 wickets
- Date: Sun 11th Sep 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Simmons CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Rain and then some...
Hailstorms aren't normally seen at the Bray in August but teatime saw such a torrential downpoor that there was no choice but to call off the game as the square was totally covered in an ice/rain mix!
This may have been a good thing since asked to bat first on an already damp track the Bray had subsided to 92 all out with only Norris (37) putting up much resistance against the pace of Keeping (4-10).
Who knows how the second half may have gone,but with Olney securing their first division status for next season we look forward to playing them on a sunny summer day!
Scorecard
- Result: Abandoned
- Date: Sat 27th Aug 2011
- Start Time: 13:00
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Olney Town CC - Saturday 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Eaton Bray: A.Norris 37 Olney Town: S.Keeping 4-10
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Alden and Ellerton see off Elstow
In the final league game of the season at Elstow, the home team won the toss and asked the Bray to bat. Opener Charlie Alden made the most of a little good fortune in constructing 38 and in partnership with Harris (31) saw off the opening bowlers as they put on 80 for the first wicket, this allowed Norris and laterly Flecknell (37) to play their shots as a total of 203 was posted. At one stage it looked like a bigger target may have been set but at the Bray "everyone gets a bat" these days and the spin of Course (3-43) saw off the Bray lower order.
In reply Elstow got off to a poor start as they were unable to cope with the pace and full length of Ellerton, as he accounted for the top four batters. The Elstow innings recovered on the back of an excellent innings by Burraway (58) who saw of Ellerton and then began to push towards the target in partnership with Tanswell (31). At 180-8 the game was in the balance but Ellerton returned to have Burraway caught and finish with 6-28 as Elstow faded to 182 all out.
An excellent game which a well as the innings from Alden also saw the return to competitive cricket of Adam Holbrook after a lengthy recovery from a serious knee problem. The Bray finished third and can rue a poor start to the season that left them playing catch up during the second half...It seems a long time til next April when we'll go again!!
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 21 runs
- Date: Sat 3rd Sep 2011
- Start Time: 13:00
- Ground: Elstow CC
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray youngsters shine in game at Codicote
After winning the toss and deciding to bat the Bray friendly XI would have been very pleased to total 189-7 from their 40overs, especially after losing opener Barker for a duck. The Bray were indebted to skipper J Peacock's excellent 109 and Louis Peek 21 - his highest score for the club so far.
In reply and in a scorecard mirroring that of the Brays, Codicote relied heavily on Spencer who finished on 104* with Lucy compiling 28. Skipper Peacock was delighted with his bowlers as brother Ryan performed brilliantly to take 2-16 from his 8 overs (well supported by Mark Easton taking an excellent catch). With young Connor Parkes again bowling well (unfortunately denied two wickets due to dropped catches) and a dubious no-ball denying Easton a debut wicket Codicote got home with 3 overs and 6 wickets to spare.
Scorecard
- Result: Codicote CC - Sunday XI Won by 6 wickets
- Date: Sun 21st Aug 2011
- Ground: Codicote Cricket Ground
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray 2nds mauled by league leaders
It was always going to be a tough ask against leaders Thurleigh, but batting first Thurleigh put the Bray under tremendous presure from the word go and only Coughtrey (1-39) had any success as first Wood (39) then Bailey (86*) and Milne (60*) ran up 202-1, before declaring with 13 overs to spare.
On the face of it this was a very sporting declaration as it left the Bray with some 57 overs to secure the win, however it also meant that the draw was very unlikely, which satisfied the aims of both teams, since a win for the Bray would have closed the gap on relegation rivals Totternhoe. As it was Thurleigh showed why they are doing so well in this division with Franklin (5-20) proving very difficult to handle, as the Bray were bundled out for 55 with only Hawkes (12) providing any resistance.
Adrift by 47pts at the foot of the table with only two games to go, it looks like div 4 cricket will follow next season, however a trip to Willen and then local rivals Totternhoe to finish, mean that the Bray still have some cricket left to play...can they finish with a bang?
Scorecard
- Result: Thurleigh CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 147 runs
- Date: Sat 20th Aug 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Thurleigh CC: A Bailey 86 NO, A Milne 60 NO, C Franklin 10-3-20-5
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray lose to Walker ton
In the crucial fixture against league leaders North Crawley the Bray had to win convincingly to put Crawley under any pressure, with just the two games to follow.
As it was Crawley won the toss and asked the Bray to bat, who promptly slumped to 30-2 as both Hosking (22) and Peacock (0) succumbed to the bowling of Sharpe. This left Harris and Norris with much to do and at drinks they were still together, but accurate bowling had left them behind the perceived run rate. Some acceleration followed but the departure of Harris (60) allowed Flecknell to open his shoulders and smash 73* from only 40 deliveries and with Norris (52*) the Bray finished with a respectable 220-3 from their 44 overs.
On Crawley's excellent wicket 220 isn't a huge total and early wickets would be key to a Bray win, however Walker timed the ball well from the off and despite the loss of Phillipson, Goss (55*) who batted with great energy and Walker with a chanceless(121*) cruised to victory with 7 overs to spare. This all but means Crawley have taken the league title and on the evidence of this game they are surely the strongest team in all departments and deserved of the title.
On a sad note the game was unfortunately marred by the very serious injury to Bray bowler Manny Barker, who sustained a leg break whilst fielding and all our thoughts are with him as he now faces a long road to recovery.
Crawley face second place MK City next and with the Bray just 47 behind them any slip ups by City could see the Bray sneak to second place and in what has been a difficult season runners-up spot would be a bonus.
Scorecard
- Result: North Crawley CC - 1st XI Won Batting Second by 8 wickets
- Date: Sat 20th Aug 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Recreation Ground - North Crawley
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: North Crawley CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Eaton Bray - James Flecknell 73*, Paul Harris 60, Andy Norris 52* North Crawley - Alex Walker 121*, Marcus Goss 55*
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Relegation fears worsen as 2nd's lose
The Bray 2nd XI travelled to Willen on Saturday hoping that a positive result may give them a boost in their fight against relegation from Divison Three. Batting first they totalled 162 with 45 from debutant Shah and 30 from Bray stalwart Salmon the notable contributions. In reply, Bray did take 6 wickets, with 3 from stand-in captain Warner and 1 each for Roff, Jarrett and Jones, but the total was always going to be too light as Willen won the game in the 35th over. The 2nd XI take 6 points from the game but need to win in order to stay in the division, starting with their game this Saturday vs high flying Thurleigh.
Josh Peacock - 19/08/2011
Scorecard
- Result: Willen CC - Saturday XI Won Batting Second by 4 wickets
- Date: Sat 13th Aug 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: Willen Pavilion
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Willen CC - Saturday XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Middle order collapse sends Sunday XI to defeat
The Sunday XI got back to playing cricket on Sunday and came up short against local opposition Mentmore CC. Batting first Mentmore totalled 214-4 with Clapham carrying his bat for 77 not out.
Adam Harvey put all of Eaton Bray's mind's at rest at the end of the innings at least, by checking on adjoining fields' farmyard animals and was able to confirm they were alive and well after feeding many buffet balls to opposition batsman Kirchener who bludgeoned 52.
Roff was ever economical in taking 1-36 from his 8 overs, and other notable contributions included 1-30 (8 ovs) from Ryan Peacock. An early loss was suffered by Bray, with McDermid out for 5 in the 4th over. Skip Peacock joined pal Wilson and they set about chasing Moron's target quickly, as boundaries were registered frequently, until a halt was put to the effort as Wilson was caught for 16. 7 boundary fours came from the bat of Peacock until he was out courtesy of a juggled catch from Kirchener for 30. Matt Ringsell also smashed 28 before falling to the spin of Sloan and then a collapse followed with 5 wickets falling for just 14 runs, despite late resistance from Ryan Peacock (27) and Roff (5 not out), the middle order collapse hampered the efforts greatly, as Bray closed all out in the 39th over for 161.
Scorecard
- Result: Mentmore CC - Sunday Friendly XI Won by 53 runs
- Date: Sun 14th Aug 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Mentmore CC - Sunday Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Peacock and Smith star in win
In Div 1 of the Four Counties League Eaton Bray 1sts played Biddenham in a bid to close the gap on league leaders North Crawley.
After some confusion at the toss the Bray eventually chose to bat and after another good start, notably some strong back foot play from Hosking (26) the departure of both openers (at 69-2) left the way for Josh Peacock (64) and skipper Norris (63) to record an excellent partnership of 114. This took the game away from Biddenham and with Flecknell (18*) adding some late power, the Bray were able to declare 2 overs early, setting a target of 216 to win.
On a sticky wicket the pace of Ellerton and Norris caused early troubles, but it was the introduction of Mike Smith (3-14) that changed the game, as the top order fell to his subtle variations. Add in a run out and some tight bowling from Barker (1-1 from 6 overs) and Biddenham were eventually all out for 90, this despite the best efforts of Wren to hold out for the draw.
Unfortunately North Crawley also took 30pts from their game, so the gap remains at 76pts and with only 3 games to go, this Saturdays game at looks set to be the Brays last chance of really applying pressure to the leaders.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 125 runs
- Date: Sat 13th Aug 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Eaton Bray: P.Harris 30, J.Peacock 64, A.Norris 63, Biddenham: M.Smith 3-14
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Skipper carries Bray to win
A fine all round performance from skipper Andy Norris saw Bray 1sts defeat Studham with just 11 balls to go to keep their faint title hopes alive.
Batting first on a wicket with good bounce and carry the Bray were on the back foot very quickly as some excellent slip catches and a smart stumping saw the Bray slump to 24-4. Partnerships between Norris and Hearn (10), Jacobs (23) and Pearson (15) saw the score to 138-8 when Norris (55) was finally out. Some late hitting from Ellerton (17) dragged the total to 161 which with a fast outfield looked rather light.
Much like the last week however, a low total offered a tempting target for the opposition and Studham went aggresively about chasing it down, finding themselves 25-5 before R Thorne (29) and I Bostock (38) set about repairing the damage. At one point with the pair going well it looked like the win may have been back on, but the introduction of Peacocks' spin saw Thorne tempted into one big hit too many and a fine catch by Flecknell on the boundary saw the last defense breached. This let in Norris who had Bostock lbw and finished with 5-12.
With 4 games to go the Bray sit 3rd, some 76points behind first spot, but with the leaders facing three tricky games (against us and the teams sitting 2nd and 4th) there is still an outside chance of snatching the title...
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 40 runs
- Date: Sat 6th Aug 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: Studham Playing Fields
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Studham CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: A.Norris 55, C.Thorne 5-20; I.Bostock 38, A.Norris 5-12
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
1sts held to draw
In a bid to make it 4 wins in a row the Bray entertained fellow title rivals MK City in a 2nd vs 3rd place game. Batting first the Bray again got off to a good start as both Hosking (90) and Harris (56) combined to put on 114 for the 1st wicket before Harris played a rash shot. After that only Norris (16) got in to double figures and 175-4 with some 12overs to go soon became 193 all out with 4overs still to play and at tea the Bray looked a little light ith perhaps 230 being the least that could have been expected.
In reply City were almost immediately on the back foot as Norris (4-38) and Flecknell (3-24) got amongst the wickets and it was left to Tahir and P Heady to bat long in order to prevent the Bray taking all the spoils. At the end City finished 8 wickets down and the Bray were left to rue a no ball that saw Heady bowled with 12 overs still to go.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI WDW 50
- Date: Sat 30th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: W.Hosking 90, P.Harris 56, D.Loveland 3-28 J.Loveland 30, I.Tahir 30, A.Norris 4-38, J.Flecknell 3-24
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray hold onto shield for 4th straight year!
Eaton Bray held onto the Andy Holloway memorial trophy for the 4th year in a row last Sunday as they beat Olly's XI by 11 runs. The game is held each year, in remembrance of former player Andy Holloway, who sadly passed away nearly six years ago. The game consists of 30 overs a side and 3 overs maximum a bowler, so no hiding for anyone! Whilst battle commences out on the pitch, a barbecue is held and more importantly, the bar is kept open!
Batting first, Bray made 172, thanks to knocks from Peacock (57n.o), borrowed player Harris (40) and Ellerton (20). At the tea interva (where Barm had another cider), the lads were confident their total would be enough to take them over the line. And so it was, with regular wickets being taken, leaving Olly's XI to end on 162 and 11 runs short, despite herioics from Watt (33) and former Bray legend Wheeler (25 n.o).
As always, the game was played in a competitive, but friendly spirit and over £400 has so far been counted from the proceeds of the day, which will go to a chosen local cause.
Bring on next year, 5 years in a row coming up!
Scorecard
- Date: Sun 31st Jul 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: 2nds Frustrate League Leaders
A strong Open University side were asked to bat first and clearly they hadn't reviewed the league table in racking up 275-6 off 41 overs. With the Bray struggling at the foot of the table and an average score of 140 this season, it was somewhat surprising that the declaration didn't come some 10 overs sooner.
Kerins with 5-45 and Green with his first league wicket slowed the runs a little but the damage had been done by Lall who hit 135 in an opening stand of 192.
Bray started poorly and were soon reduced to 47-3 which could have been worse if Gypps hadn't been dropped in the 1st over. He and Kerins then dug in for some 35 overs to save the game, Gypps finishing unbeaten on 66 with the latter out for 57.
Open University refused to 'dangle the carrott' by having men situated on the boundary at all times even though the runs were never going to be an issue. Regularly bowling wide of the stumps also assisted the Bray in the battle for this draw. OU are certainly a good side, but a little more invention may have brought them more reward - this may well cost them the title.
The Bray moved off the bottom of the table with this draw and are starting to show the kind of spirit they will need to avoid relegation.
Scorecard
- Result: Open University CC - Saturday League XI WDNW 50
- Date: Sat 30th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The OU Pavilion
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: OUCC- Basil Lall 135, Tom Richens 50. Eaton Bray- Andy Gypps 66NO, Darren Kerins 57 and 5/45.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Sunday team win makes it a special weekend
With both the 1sts and 2nds winning on Saturday the Sunday XI travelled to Aston Clinton looking to make it 3 out of 3.
Bowling first Aston Clinton lost regular wickets as Tickell, Roff, Green and Ward all got 2 each and at one point Clinton were reduced to 95-8! Special mention to Tickell, who dropped dangerman Roberts and then ran him out in the same ball! They finished on 146 and on a lovely day the Bray were thinking at tea that they had a chance of pulling off their first win of the season.
In reply an excellent partnership of 125 for the 3rd wicket between the brothers Peacock with Josh (78*) and Ryan (38*) saw them home inside 30 overs and capped a fantastic weekend for the Bray, albeit coupled with some tasteful words being exchanged between the two sides, clearly the opposition weren't too happy as an imminent defeat loomed.
A brilliant effort from what is essentially still a very young team and hopefully having tasted victory they'll want to push for more success through the remainer of the season.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 8 wickets
- Date: Sun 24th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Win for the 2nds!!
After a tough introduction to div 3 cricket and several recent narrow loses the Bray 2nds finally completed their first win of the season and in doing so began to close the gap on their relegation rivals.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Bray got off a a good start with Coughtrey (2-32) and Roff (1-14) both bowling their 10overs straight thru as Stewkley found it difficult to get going. Only a hard hit 62 by Drakes got the scoreboard moving as Kerins (3-38) kept the pressure on and after 44overs the Bray were left with a target of 160 to win.
In reply despite the early loses of Warner, Smith and Ringsell a huge partnership between Gypps and Kerins (81) got the chase going and when Kerins was out with only a few runs needed it was left to Gypps to hit the winning runs and complete his fifty in the process.
An excellent result that left skipper Kerins full of praise for his team and later full of alcohol as he was finally able to celebrate a win. His excitment was tempered towards the end of the night, as without a taxi he was left wandering the streets of Bedfordshire...
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 2nd XI Won Batting Second by 6 wickets
- Date: Sat 23rd Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Hosking and Harris set the tone for big win
Asked to bat first on a firm but damp track the Bray openers Hosking (47) and Harris (90) set about the task of building a big total. Quick singles were the order of the day with the ball not coming on and despite a few dodgy calls a partnership of 80 set the tone. With Harris well set further partnerships with Peacock and then Norris (32) saw the Bray to the 180's before the dashing Pearson and Hearn pushed the total to an imposing 222.
In reply the extra pace of Ellerton (3-15) and Norris (3-45) saw additional bounce extracted from the wicket and MK slipped to 30-3 with an excellent return catch by Ellerton seeing the departure of skipper Mistry. With wickets falling regularly as MK continued to attack and some good catching in the outfield (notably two skiers to Hearn) the innings finished after just 22 overs with Flecknell (2-7) and Barker (2-6) applying the final touches.
Another good win for the Bray that now makes it three in a row...
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 135 runs
- Date: Sat 23rd Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: Milton Keynes Village Pavilion
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Milton Keynes CC - Saturday 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: W Hosking: 47, P Harris: 90, A Norris: 32, G Ellerton: 3/15, A Norris: 3/45 N Chavda: 6/36
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Debutant 12 year old stars for Bray
Parkes 4-20 and Skipper's 90 proves not enough
Twelve-year-old Connor Parkes starred for Eaton Bray's Sunday XI taking four wickets in his first game for the men's team.
Connor joined the club's junior coaching sessions at its open day back in April and has impressed all season, earning himself a place in the side against Soulbury CC.
Turning up, seeing Peacock making teas and rain coming down, Soulbury must have been worried and slightly confused, when electing to bat first! The game was reduced to 35 overs a side and Bray fielded superbly, restricting Soulbury to 161-8 declared. Club veteran Georgie Coughtrey weighed in with 3 wickets but with figures of 4-20 in five overs, Parkes' leg-spin proved a bigger handful for the visitors, his first wicket coming with only his third ball - a sharp stumping by Matt Ringsell off dangerman Jenner. Celebrations weren't short lived either as Connor ripped through Soulbury's middle order.
Unfortunately, Bray weren't able to capitalise on their young star's success though, losing by 29 runs as they were bowled out for 131, despite Josh Peacock scoring 90. Martin French weighed in with 4 wickets and Bowles 3 for the visitors. All in all, an exciting game for anyone to watch and we're all hopeful that a certain 12 year old is available this coming Sunday!
Scorecard
- Result: SOULBURY - 1st XI Won by 30 runs
- Date: Sun 17th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: SOULBURY - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: C Parkes 4-20, G Coughtrey 3-21, J Peacock 90, S Bowles 3-17, M French 4-27
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Gypps stars in loss
There is only one thing worse than scoring 100 and losing...scoring 99 and losing! Sadly this fate befell Andy Gypps who having opened the innings for Bray 2nds against New Bradwell 2nds was bowled with the milestone in sight. In partnership with Kerins (14) and then Ryan Peacock (25) a big total looked on the cards, unfortunately a late flurry of wickets left an albeit competitive total of 177.
In reply solid contributions by all the Bradwell top order took them to their target with only Jarrett (2-31) making any real inroads...Again the Bray were left to rue dropped chances as Bradwell secured the win with just 2 overs to go.
Scorecard
- Result: New Bradwell CC - Saturday 2nd XI Won Batting Second by 5 wickets
- Date: Sat 9th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: New Bradwell CC - Saturday 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Getting over the line
On a damp day at New Bradwell Bray 1sts were asked to field first on a green top. An excellent opening burst from Norris (6-17) with aggressive back up from Ellerton saw Bradwell slump to 42-6 before a few lusty blows from Javed saw them finish on 93 all out.
At the break Bray were confident and duly tucked in to all the fantastic tea on offer, whether this approach to the run chase was correct was quickly answered as the Bray collasped to 34-6 against Mohammed (5-17). Fearing another Olney style defeat skipper Norris used the motivational tool of "free beer if we get over the line" and Jacob (who likes beer!) with a hard hit 37 and Salmon 15 duly responsed. This wasn't the end of the drama as both fell with just a few runs needed, leaving Pearson (to cap a fine all round game, 2 catches and 3-26) and Ellerton to scamper the winning runs, whilst number 11 McCarthy sat nervously.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting Second by 2 wickets
- Date: Sat 9th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: Bradwell Road
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: New Bradwell CC - Saturday 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Javed 39, A.Norris 6-17, N.Pearson 3-26, J.Jacobs 37, Shazad 5-17
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Eaton Bray Sunday fall to another defeat
Following the withdrawal of Aston Clinton from this Sunday's fixtures late on Thursday evening, we secured an Away fixture to Bamville CC (who'd had similar issues with their fixture).
Upon discovering the ground in the middle of the 3rd fairway at Harpenden Common Golf Club, we were asked to bat first on a greenish track.
With the early loss of both openers leaving us 10-2 there was talk about a beer match. However, a steadying partnership of 40 between Ringsell and Alden followed.
A further partnership of 55 between Ringsell and S Hemming adding some back bone and respectability to the total the bray eventually finished on 144-9.
Special mentions must go to 2 highest personal scores by Ringsell (64, and a maiden 50 for the Bray) and S Hemming (20).
Unfortunately this total of 144 proved a little light with Bamville knocking off the runs 2 down inside of 25 overs. Bamville's openers proving particularly destructive against all the bowling.
Only a wicket by debutant Mark Ward being the highlight (if a somewhat interesting LBW decision).
On a brighter note the game was enjoyed by all (with some entertaining "banter" between the Bray players) with a particularly good tea being taken at the interval. Barker and Jones were happy with it, which is always the sign of a good tea.
A lovely little ground, hopefully we'll be returning there next year.
Scorecard
- Result: Bamville CC - 1st XI Won by 8 wickets
- Date: Sun 10th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: Bamville Cricket Club
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Bamville CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Eaton Bray: M Ringsell 64, S Hemming 20
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Peacock goes large
Despite wearing the tightest, brightest top imaginable, Sunday skipper Josh Peacock hit an excellent 107 and helped compile a partnership of 122 with Kerins (52) as the Bray totalled 217. Jason McDermid also chipped in with 25, his highest score for the Bray to date.
Some lazy fielding helped Wendover get going in reply, but an excellent catch by Charlie Tickel, backing up his bowling efforts (2-46) saw the Wendover chase stutter as they closed in on the target and they got over the winning line (Deer scoring 68* and Green 49) with only 4 balls to spare.
Captain Peacock was at pains to stress that despite the loss the team are gelling really well, enjoying their cricket and just need to back each other a bit more in the field.
Scorecard
- Result: Wendover CC - Friendly XI Won by 6 wickets
- Date: Sun 3rd Jul 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Wendover CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: J Peacock 107, Deer 68
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Collapse leads to 2nds defeat
In a relegation dogfight with local rivals Totterhoe, a win for the 2nds was vital. Put into bat on a tricky wicket the Bray reached 139-3 in 34 overs with Kerins (33) and Warner (26), there then followed a classic 'union' collapse (i.e. one out - all out!) as the 2nds lost 7 wickets for 8 runs finishing on 147.
In reply only Jacobs (2-19) and Jarrett (2-16) held up the run chase as Totternhoe reached their target with 4 overs to spare. If they didnt know it already the second half of the season promises to be very tough as the Bray search for the wins that may secure 3rd division status for another season.
Scorecard
- Result: Totternhoe CC - 1st XI Won Batting Second by 5 wickets
- Date: Sat 2nd Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Recreation Ground
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Totternhoe CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Eaton Bray D Kerins 33 Totternhoe G Simpson 38 A Mead 33 N Burch 10-1-24-4 A Mead 9-2-16-3
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: A return to winning ways
The Bray 1sts left skipper Norris feeling a whole lot happier this week after a solid all round performance saw off Elstow at The Rye. Batting first the Bray compiled 226 on a good wicket with Harris (46), Norris (41), Flecknell (38) and Pearson with a late-on assault (30*) all chipping in. In reply only Rani Thiarra (38) held up the Bray's push for victory, as the pace of Ellerton (3-20) meant they finished 144 all out from 39.5 overs. In support of the bowling the Bray ground fielding was very good, the only blemish being a couple of dropped chances (Harris & Barker, hold your hands up!!) which didn't prove crucial on this occasion.
This week the Bray are off to New Bradwell, traditionally a tough fixture on a very good wicket, there's also the small matter of fantastic teas to look forward to.....Mmmm profiteroles :)
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 82 runs
- Date: Sat 2nd Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Elstow CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Dazed and confused
Skipper Norris was left dazed and confused and later to be found drowning his sorrows as on a damp track the firsts were skittled in dramatic fashion for 37 (yes 37!!). After Ellerton (2 for 7) and Barker (3 for 9) had run through the Olney batting line up, to dismiss them for 99, the Bray were confident of a win at tea. Keeping (5 for 9) and Smith (5 for 13) did all the damage after the break and seven ducks tells its own story!
Norris was heard to mumble something about 'bouncebackability' before stumbling off into the night (leaving Kerins with the taxi bill) and we'll try again this Saturday at home to Elstow...
Scorecard
- Result: Olney Town CC - Saturday 1st XI Won Batting First by 62 runs
- Date: Sat 25th Jun 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: Olney Town Cricket Ground
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Crazy game, toss lost on damp wicket and Olney bowled out for 99, 7th wicket stand of 60 between Bates (27) and Brown (31) getting Olney to 99. Ellerton (2-7) and Barker (3-9) doing damage. After tea Eaton Bray all out for 37 with only Hearn (12) reaching double figures. Keeping (5-9) and Smith (5-13) taking the wickets inside 20 overs!
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Close...but no cigar
Another difficult day for the 2nds as having batted first on a two paced wicket they subsided to 117 all out from 41 overs. Several batsmen got in, with Gypps getting to 30 before getting caught and bowled and Smith 14 before holing out at fine leg, but aerial shots proved the undoing for others as Wilden held their catches.
In reply the game reached quite a climax as Wilden having lost eight wickets limped over the line, in one of the overs gifted by the Bray. McCarthy with 3-19 proved the pick of the Bray bowlers, but in a tight game the bowlers giving up 12 wides and 7 no-balls between them, gave the oppo too much assistance.
Scorecard
- Result: Wilden CC, Beds - 1st XI Won Batting Second by 2 wickets
- Date: Sat 25th Jun 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Wilden CC, Beds - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
High Sheriff's Cricket Initiative - Twenty20 Charity Match 24 June
The High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Andrew Slack, has organised a Twenty20 Cricket Match for Charity (Youth Cricket in Bedfordshire) to be held at Bedford School on Friday, 24 June: entry is free and there will be players from the Old England Test Team.
For more, please see High Sheriff's Cricket Initiative.
Cricket: Away trip ends in bore draw
The 1sts lost the toss and were put into bat on a good batting pitch at Biddenham CC.
Openers Hosking and skipper Norris got off to an excellent start with a partnership of 128 before Hosking fell for 62. Another strong partnership moved Bray onto 190-2 when James Flecknell was bowled for a well played 32, skipper Norris made the first Bray century of the season, as 68 was put on for the fourth wicket partnership and he continued to strike regular boundaries until he was out for 130 chasing quick runs, which allowed Bray to declare with only 40 overs bowled on a mammoth 272-4.
It was to prove too much for the home side, who as visits before show, soon after the beginning of their innings, batted for a bore draw despite the efforts of Bray's sharp fielding and bowling efforts of Pearson 1-24 from 8 overs, Flecknell 2-26 from 10 and 1-38 from Jarrett.
Number 3 Godfrey batted for most of the innings, falling in the final over for 94, as Biddenham closed out on 203-6, giving the 1st XI 18 points for their efforts.
-- Josh Peacock
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI WDNW 50
- Date: Sat 11th Jun 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: Biddenham Pavilion
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Biddenham CC - Saturday XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Eaton Bray : Andy Norris 130, Wes Hosking 62 Biddenham : Richard Godfrey 94, Alan Brown 47no
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bowling spell destroys Bray 2nds hopes
Set 199 to win on a challenging wicket the Bray two's were hopeful of causing an upset against high flying Willen and after a comfortable start to the chase there was no hint of what was to come.
A collapse from 14-0 to 15-5 in the space of four overs as S George wreaked havoc with the top order (finishing with 6-24), is the stuff of nightmares and is no doubt keeping long suffering Bray captain Kerins' (golden duck) awake at night!
Only a resolute display from 'stonewall' Harris (54*) and Ian 'cat with 9 lives' Jones' (16*) secured the draw and it was pretty painful stuff as the final 22 overs were negotiated with the Bray finishing on 106-7.
Earlier Willen had raced to 100-0 before the introduction of Kerins' (4-29 and two runouts) slowed the scoring rate down as he took regular wickets to have Willen 138-7, but a late order rally saw the game taken away from the Bray and the battle to stay in Div 3 looks set to be a long a hard fight.
Scorecard
- Result: Willen CC - Saturday XI WDNW 50
- Date: Sat 11th Jun 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Studham @ home
Back to basics
The 1st XI got back to winning ways with a 47 run win at home to Studham. Bray were inserted and at 48-4 were struggling, until a partnership of 113 between Josh Peacock (70) and skipper Andy Norris (35) got Bray going again. Jaco Jacobs (36no) hit some lusty blows to get the score up to 216.
The visitors scored quickly at the start, but regular wickets began to take their toll. At drinks Studham were 109-5 with Chris Thorne (61) well set.
The rye wicket played its part and wickets continued to fall, allowing Bray to ease to victory.
-- Andrew Norris
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 47 runs
- Date: Sat 4th Jun 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Studham CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Sunday XI take HCCC close in rainy thriller
The Bray Sunday Superstars travelled to the picturesque Hawridge and Cholesbury CC on Sunday, hoping to build on their good efforts from the previous week.
Bray won the toss and fielded first, and good bowling efforts kept HCCC to 208-5, a very short boundary on one side meaning boundaries were easily scored throughout the innings. Good bowling performances from Joe Roff, 0-25 from 8 overs, Louis Peek, 2-18 from 5 overs and Ryan Peacock 2-19 from 4 overs.
An excellent tea followed, (easily the best tasted, as told by Jacob) and then it was Bray's turn to bat. An opening stand of 44 from Peacock and Barker meant things got off to a good start before Jacob was out for 4. Enter Adam Harvey, with no cricket in him for over a year set about scoring quickly as another strong partnership (57 runs) was made between him and Peacock, until the latter was stumped on 59.
Harv ended up with a Bray best of 33, and a few quick wickets followed, until numbers 6 and 7 Ryan and Matt put on 51 between them. Both batsmen fell in quick succession with 31 being needed off 3 overs as the scoring slowed somewhat.
A few good late hits from Louis Peek took Bray to 185-8, just coming up short once again! Another very good performance from the young Bray lads, where only one player was over the age of 25.
-- Josh Peacock
Scorecard
- Result: Hawridge & Cholesbury CC - Friendly XI Won by 23 runs
- Date: Sun 5th Jun 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: Hawridge & Cholesbury Cricket Club
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: S. Knight 107, J. Peacock 59
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: 2nds suffer heavy defeat
The Bray 2nd XI succumbed to a heavy defeat against high flying North Crawley on Saturday.
Fielding first Crawley racked up 280-3 with a club record 169 from batsman Mitford and 71 from Goss being the stand out innings. Joe Roff was the only bowler to retrun figures of credibility with 2-34 off 8 overs.
In reply, despite Ollie Wilson's defiant stand in attempting a draw, the only other players to hit double figures were skipper Kerins (19), former captain David Wheeler (10) as the home side took frequent wickets to leave Bray 69 all out.
-- Josh Peacock
Scorecard
- Result: North Crawley CC - 2nd XI Won Batting First by 211 runs
- Date: Sat 4th Jun 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Recreation Ground - North Crawley
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: North Crawley - Paul Mitford 169 (equals club record), Marcus Goss 71*, Richard Braybrook 3-5, George Gresty 3-4
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray 1's soundly beaten by MK opposition again
Bray travelled to Mk City hoping to improve on the heavy defeat that was suffered at the hands of Mk Village the week before.
City batted first and some moments of brilliance were mixed in with some dropped catches and poor ground fielding allowing City to rack up 251-9 off of their 44 overs. Club stalwart Michael Jarrett bowled beautifully in returning figures of 3-30 and James Flecknell was amongst the wickets as per usual taking 3-50.
In reply, despite skipper Wes Hosking's 44, MK took wickets frequently in dismissing Bray for 113, even with Joe Roff and Jarrett's defiant last wicket stand as a draw was attempted.
The lads will be ever more desperate for a win this week, as they take on Studham at The Rye Garden's ground.
-- Josh Peacock
Scorecard
- Result: Milton Keynes City CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 138 runs
- Date: Sat 28th May 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Pavillion
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: 2nd's get lectured after loss to Open Uni
The Bray 2's knocked up a modest 147-9 from their allotted 44 overs with the only notable contributions being 46 from opening bat Gypps, 18 from Ryan Peacock and 13 from vice skip Bob Warner.
In reply The OU romped to victory within 35 overs with 70 from Basil Lall, and 23 from Parkin, although there were good efforts from bowlers Dave McCarthy 3-36, Nicko Pearson 0-5 from 6 overs.
The 2's returned a lowly 3 points from the game and will hope to bounce back strongly against North Crawley this Saturday.
-- Josh Peacock
Scorecard
- Result: Open University CC - Saturday League XI Won Batting Second by 7 wickets
- Date: Sat 28th May 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Open University CC - Saturday League XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Sunday XI lose cruelly by 2 runs
Bray won the toss and put RR's into bat on an overcast afternoon at The Rye Gardens, which paid dividends as Ryan Peacock took the wicket of Rock for 6, in the 6th over, courtesy of an excellent catch by keeper Ringsell.
RR's struck together a worthy partnership after that as opener Rymer knocked up 66 and Wiggins 56 until James 'Professor' Greene knocked back Rymer's middle stump. This sparked a middle order collapse as Greene, 2-15 off 4, J Peacock 2-18 off 6 and Kerins bowled well in recording 0-21 off 8 overs, helping restrict RR to 174-6.
In reply the sunshine came out, things were steadily progressing, when JMC was caught in the 8th over. Peacock and Kerins came together and scored aggressively off the bowling, when Kerins was bowled for 33, Charlie Tickell came in at 5 and set about hurting fielders fingers, the chase was well and truly on.
An excellent partnership of 78 followed until Charlie was out for a very well 35. Josh hit 55, but in a quick turn of events, was run out in a mix-up with Ryan who played his way to an aggressive 24 until being run out also, then Barm and Paul Davies were in and gone in a flash.
It was left to the ever defensive Joe Roff and Pro. Greene to try and hit 3 runs off 3 balls as the match went to nail-biting mode. In typical fashion Roff blocked the first two and was bowled on the last ball, as the team looked on, gutted at how the wheels came off.
A great effort in all 3 aspects, but it was just not to be.
-- Josh Peacock
Scorecard
- Result: Roving Reporters CC - Friendly XI Won by 2 runs
- Date: Sun 29th May 2011
- Start Time: 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Gypps and overseas star Stopp shine as Bray draw
The 2's batted first and totalled 171 for the loss of 5 wickets, with a well constructed 76 from opener Andy Gypps and 34 from number 3 Jones. There was even a rare appearance from former captain Dave Wheeler who made 7 batting at 5.
In reply there was a 5 wicket haul and 3 catches from Jonty Stopp, son of resident 2nd team scorer Judy, who was visiting from his now home in America. Stewkley did manage to grind out a draw, even with skipper Kerins using every outfield player bar one as a bowler in an effort to find a breakthrough as the game ended.
An excellent performance from the 2's who came within inches of snatching a victory.
-- Josh Peacock
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 2nd XI WDW 50
- Date: Sat 21st May 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Rec
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Stewkley Vicarage CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Eaton Bray: A Gypps 76 and J Stopp 5-35
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Village thrash 1st XI
The first XI fielded first on a sunny Saturday, which proved almost fatal as Village rattled up 290-3 from their 44 overs.
All Village batsmen contributed to the cause and with some bad fielding aiding the opposition, a massive total was ran up. The reply, never really got going, with Chopper falling LBW in the 2nd over and all other wickets falling frequently.
Skipper Norris batted defiantly, for his very well played 80 until edging behind in the penultimate over, aided all the way by Manny Barker who stood fast for close to 20 overs, battling hard for the potential draw.
The Bray fell very well short all out for 156 and will surely want to bounce back with a strong performance against MK City this coming Saturday.
-- Josh Peacock
Scorecard
- Result: Milton Keynes CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 136 runs
- Date: Sat 21st May 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Sunday XI fall just short
A very young Bray Sunday XI travelled to Studham, who batted first after the weather settled and amassed 234 with opening batsmen Welch making 84 and Woof 61.
The Bray toiled hard and good figures were returned of 4-18 for Paul Davies on debut, 2-35 for James Greene and 2-2 for Matt Ringsell on what was probably his first outing as a bowler!
In reply, The Bray innings got off to a solid start, until Peacock fell for 39 to the bowling off Thompson. Dave Hopkins soldiered on after entering in the 9th over and finished with 92 not out, being his highest ever score for The Bray!
Bowler Thorne ripped through the middle and lower order finishing with 6 wickets and ultimately ending Bray's faint hopes of a win as they ended up 186-9 from their allotted 40 overs.
-- Josh Peacock
Scorecard
- Result: Studham CC - Friendly XI Won by 48 runs
- Date: Sun 22nd May 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: Studham Playing Fields
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Studham CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Paul Davies 4-18, Dave Hopkins 92*
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Eaton Bray take on the FCCL Representative XI
The FCCL Representative XI took on Eaton Bray on Sunday 8th May in a Twenty20 match at The Rye Gardens as part of Eaton Bray's open day.
Eaton Bray batted first and posted 165-6 with 50 from Wes Hoskings, 41 from James Flecknell and 30* from Paul Harris. The pick of the bowlers being Paul Loveland with 2-11 off 4 overs.
In response, the Representative side were dismissed for 86 in 17.4 overs, Stewart Phillipson being the only Representative side member to score double figures with 24. Paul Harris was the pick of the bowlers, 3-5 off 2, and R Peacock taking 2-11 off 2.
A great day for Eaton Bray, attracting a lot of new youth players to the club through their latest coaching initiative.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Eversholt squeeze out the Bray in village cup
In a very competitive game played in a good spirit to the end, home team Eversholt ran out winners by 20 runs despite a powerfully struck 72 by Flecknell. Eversholt batted first and compiled 207ao from 39.5 overs with Litchfield 44 and Ben Nichols 47 providing the majority of the runs. Ellerton took 3-24 and Flecknell 2-29 to help hold the home team down to a chaseable target, however with the Bray 0-1 after 3 overs the chase didn't look promising...enter Flecknell who almost turned the game single handed, he was out (to an excellent return catch by Ben Nichols) with the score at 115-3 from 22 and despite Josh Peacock well crafted 39 and Dave Hopkins 17, the Bray challenge ran out of steam with 30 needed from the last 3 overs.
Scorecard
- Result: Eversholt CC - 1st XI Won by 21 runs
- Date: Sun 15th May 2011
- Start Time: 13:00
- Ground: Recreation Ground
- Type: Cup : National Village Knock-Out - Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire - Group 22 (Quarter Finals)
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Eversholt CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Norris cleans up
A windy afternoon in Pagnell saw the Bray bowling first after Pagnell chose to bat and on a track with some variation in bounce the home batsmen never looked settled against the pace of Ellerton. The wickets came at the other end however as Jacobs took 2-34 before the introduction of Norris. His spell of 6-14 from 7overs meant Pagnell only posted 107 as he found some particulary nasty lift of a good length.
In reply Harris 42no and Flecknell 41 took the Bray total to 74 before Josh Peacock 15no applied the finishing touches. A good 8wicket win which sees the Bray to two wins from two and 11 wickets for Norris already.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting Second by 8 wickets
- Date: Sat 14th May 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: Willen Road Sports Ground
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Newport Pagnell CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: A.Norris 6-14, P.Harris 42no, J.Flecknell 41
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Peacock and Spicer stand fast
With Stoke Hammond rattling up a commanding total of 272 from their full allocation of overs, Bray 2's were always up against it in this Div 3 game. Pick of the Bray bowling was Joe Roff with 2-39 with 5 maidens and although expensive, Coughtrey also picked up 3 wickets. In reply, once Kerins was out for 39, it was time to dig in for the draw and Ryan Peacock with 21no and Phil Spicer set about grinding the bowling into submission, it definitely wasn't pretty but it got the job done...
Scorecard
- Result: Stoke Hammond CC - 1st XI WDNW 50
- Date: Sat 14th May 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Stoke Hammond CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Good start for the 1st XI
In what is traditionally a very tough fixture, the Bray turned in a solid performance with skipper Andy Norris bowling well to take 5-41 in restricting Bradwell to 149 all out. In reply Burton (37) and Hosking (54) carried on their early season friendly form in a partnership of 81 which took the Bray to the cusp of victory and a typically aggressive 46no from Flecknell secured the win.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting Second by 7 wickets
- Date: Sat 30th Apr 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: New Bradwell CC - Saturday 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: F.Aftab 37, J.Jacobs 3-41, A.Norris 5-41 W.Hosking 54, S.Burton 37, J.Flecknell 46 no,
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Jaco goes mad as Bray 2nds secure draw
In their first game in Div 3, Bray 2nds secured an important draw against a very strong New Bradwell team. Despite the bowling efforts of Manny Barker (taking 4-49) and hampered by an early injury to opening bowler Mike Smith Bradwell knocked up a huge 271 all out. In reply the Bray struggled early on but a one man blitz by Jaco Jacob hitting 127no from only 80balls saw the Bray to safety at 237 for 5.
Scorecard
- Result: New Bradwell CC - Saturday 2nd XI WDW 50
- Date: Sat 7th May 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: Bradwell Road
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Highlights: New Bradwell - Alan Quelch 78, Carl Ward 55, John Mulholland 40, James McMillan 32 Eaton Bray - J. Jacobs 127 not out, M. Barker 4-49
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray fall to Hawkridge
A powerfully struck 73 by middle order batsman Hawkridge saw Potten End to an imposing 212 and despite late order resistance from Charlie Alden (47) and Ryan Peacock (26) the Bray fell short on 166.
-- Paul Harris
Scorecard
- Result: Potten End CC - Sunday Friendly XI Won by 46 runs
- Date: Sun 24th Apr 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Strong performance in league warm up
In the last Saturday fixture before the league season kicks off in earnest, the Bray top six all got in some valuable batting practice. It wasn't chanceless by any means but strong knocks by Hoskins, Flecknell and Norris saw a total of 333 posted that proved too much for a stubborn Wing who closed around 100 runs behind.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 124 runs
- Date: Sat 23rd Apr 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Wing CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Sunshine in April
After winning the toss and electing to bat it didn't take The Bray long to regret the decision. 39-6 with star bat Flecknell out for a golden duck meant that it was down to long time servants MJ (30) and DK (35) to repair the damage with a partnership of 83, a Club record for the 7th wicket at The Rye Gardens.
Jones (15) and Osborne (26*) then took the final total to 164 with some lusty blows and steady running between the wickets. For Tottenhoe Burch was the pick of the bowlers with 5-26.
In reply Tottenhoe were always in the hunt despite an economical spell from Pearson and it was only the introduction of Flecknell (4-19) that applied sufficient pressure to secure the win. Osborne followed up his batting exploits with an aggressive 8 over spell (1-21) and Barker bowled an exhausting (for everyone!) 5 over spell mixing some serious spray with enough good balls to suggest he will cause batsmen problems, once he finds his rhythm!
All in all an excellent warm up for all who played!
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 16 runs
- Date: Sun 17th Apr 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Eaton Bray won by 16 runs in a very close game that could have gone either way right up to the last few overs. Totternhoe's star was N Burch with the ball, taking 5 for 29 off his 8 overs,and with the bat G Simpson top scored with 38.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Highlights
For Reed opener McKechnie scored 50, Greoves 37 and Jackson 37 totalling 236-5 with Holbrook taking 2-25. In reply Hosking scored 47, Norris 69* and Flecknell 50 as The Bray finished 12 runs short. A great effort for the first game of the season.
Scorecard
- Result: Reed CC - 1st XI Won by 12 runs
- Date: Sat 16th Apr 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Reed CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: READ ALL ABOUT IT! Reporters beat Bray
A typically young Bray Sunday XI entertained Roving Reporters C.C on Sunday in an exciting contest which went all the way to the wire.
Bray were put into bat and opened with tried (and almost trusted) pair Jacobs and McDermid who started solidly putting on 35 before McDermid fell for none. (He will tell you though that he did get bat on one that was given as leg byes). Sozzled and feeling more ill by the minute from the day and night before, skipper Peacock made his way to the middle, and after struggling to see at least the first 2 overs set about trying to make some runs. Both batsman scored quickly and took liking to the opposition bowling. Jacobs unfortunately fell to the bowling of Farooq for a well played 46 and Peacock not too long after stumbling down the wicket and missed a blurry ball and was stumped for 29, Watson being the wicket taker. Club legend and poker fanatic John Salmon, in his first innings of the season joined Charlie Tickell and both batsman played some top shots in making 32 and 24 respectively. Bray were going along well but also needed runs from their lower order and vice skip Barm was given the role of being 'the glue' at the end and seeing the innings through. Shame. He was out for 4 and Barker, Churchyard and Ross taylor followed not long after. However, there was one batsman waiting to dazzle and ultimately waiting to surprise! Phil Spicer coming in at 11 joining young Ryan Shiletto batted out of his skin, as did the youngster as the pair forged 36 for the last wicket, Ryan played some cracking shots on his way to 11 n.o and Spicer's unbeaten 20 included some cross bat smashes with a delicate chip over the infield using his feet to meet the ball. I think some thanks is in order to Chop who did some batting coaching in the week. Bray ended on a respectable 190 off their 40 overs.
They came out to bowl and hot off his batting antics Spicer's grenades opened the bowling with Tickell. Reporters opening batsman were in good form and picked off runs at ease. Peacock was now starting to see a little straighter and bought himself and Petrus Jacobs into the attack. The skipper managed to bowl opener Wiggins for 47 and Jacobs got his revenge when he removed Farooq's middle stump for 17. Townsend was looking at batting out the entire innings and the 8 different bowlers used couldn't trouble him until young Taylor with a sharp leg spinning delivery had his man stumped for a well played 77 after some sharp work from wicket keeper/trumpeter McDermid. It was the youngsters first wicket for the club, and all the team agreed that he should do the right thing and buy a jug (although he would have to settle for Coke or Sprite). Reporters captain Smith anchored the late part of the innings with 29 not out and number 5 batsman Jones finished things off with a boundary 4 to win. Mentions to Jones and Churchyard who bowled good spells each. Bray can be proud of their efforts as everyone worked very hard in the field. Young talent is definately progressing here! Let's keep going lads!
-- Josh Peacock
Scorecard
- Result: Roving Reporters CC - Friendly XI Won by 7 wickets
- Date: Sun 30th May 2010 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Roving Reporters CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Young Bray Side go down at Mentmore
On Sunday a young Bray team containing five players under 18 (and only 2 of over 25!) travelled to neighbours Mentmore.
Mentmore won the toss and were persuaded to bat on good looking pitch. Roff and Tickell opened the bowling and both bowled very well keeping their lines tight and not allowing the batsmen much room to score runs. They were backed up by good fielding from the young side and Tickell made the early breakthrough by taking the wicket of Kirchner snr for a duck.
Baines followed not long after, bowled for 17 with both Roff and Tickell constantly missing the outside edge with late swing. Recent recruit and resident 16 year old Holbrook with his leg spin joined the act with a ball that clearly wasn't in batsman Lewis' arc and bowled him for 8 to leave the home team in a bit of trouble close to drinks. Opener Nutley was still going though and quietly went to 40 before also being bowled by Holbrook with a turning delivery. Skipper Peacock rotated his bowlers often and debutant bowler Ross Taylor was unlucky not to pick up his first wicket for the club after Ryan Peacock dropped a powerful hit shot backward of square off the youngsters bowling. Veteran dangerman sayers coasted to 83 not out along with Newton who hit 63 not out and Mentmore ended on 238-4 off their allotted 40 overs. Bray fielded very well and can be happy with their efforts, with a few exceptions and Jake went into tea as normal, happy.
The break seemed to drag on longer than normal as both teams listened to England smashing the Aussies in the 20/Twenty final before realising a game of their own was still to be completed. Ryan Peacock opened up with Roff, a combination not used before and the result seemed to be effective enough with the explosiveness of Peacock coupled with the steadiness of the latter. Things were going along fairly well until Roff was sent back for 4 by Kirchner.
Ryan continued in his normal vain scoring at a good rate and hitting regular boundaries as well as clearly doing damage to Mentmore's Nutley in the process who took no further part in the game after trying to catch a fiercely hit hook shot. Unfortunately he got out not long after for 17 bowled by Sayers and was followed by Tickell for 3, trapped lbw by a typical full ball from the same bowler. Captain Peacock in at 4 started the rebuilding process along with vice skip Jones and things went along fine for at least an over, until Roff triggered Barm for 5 to a delivery that was heading well towards fine leg! Daniel Vettori a.k.a Matthew Ringsell joined his young skipper and a partnership was built as both players picked off loose deliveries as well as being careful in valuing their own wickets. When Ringsell departed for 11 Peacock jnr was joined by Eaton Bray stalwart Lewis Taylor who rolled back the years patiently rotating strike for his skipper to keep the runs ticking along. However, the run rate was rapidly rising and with the radio at full blast on the boundary Josh decided to listen to the finale of the World Cup final and hit a loose drive to backward point for a well grafted 58. Lewis was joined by Curtis Anthony who hit some good shots on his way to 11 not out but for all the efforts put in by all eleven players, the asking total was always going to be a bit out of reach as they finished on 154 all out.
A really good effort and every Bray player on the day can be happy with effort put in.
-- Veteran skipper (20)
Scorecard
- Result: Mentmore CC - Sunday Friendly XI Won by 84 runs
- Date: Sun 16th May 2010 @ 14:00
- Ground: The Cricket Club
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Sunday XI seal huge win
The Bray Sunday team travelled away to Bourne End CC hoping to carry on their long unbeaten run of 1 game.
Skipper Peacock won the toss and decided to bowl on a typically sticky wicket and slow outfield. The opposition got off to a solid start negotiating the opening spells of 72 year old veteran Georgie Coughtrey and the flight and guile of Joe Roff. However the introduction of Jaco paid dividends with a superb caught and bowled effort to remove Pateman and then Akhtar for 70 assisted by a brilliant one handed catch from wicket keeper Bob "The arrogant one in the helmet" Warner. Jacobs, intending to be heavily involved in the game, then caught a sharp catch at short cover to give Roff the wicket of Ashburner. Barm took the important wicket of the dangerous Baber and of Sattar in a great spell of 2-7 off 5 and was aided in both wickets with good catches from McDermid who tested the wind as the ball was on its way down. There was also a wicket for Peacock and good spells from debutant leg spinner Holbrook, Curtis Anthony and Kerins. Special mention to Coughtrey who was smacked everywhere in his second spell of 3 overs by Andrew Symonds lookalike Adam Dukes who fed him some generous buffet bowling. Bourne End ended on 230 for 6 a target that the Bray thought would be within their reach with the batsman they had in their side.
Bray opened up with McDermid and Jacobs and there was an early breakthrough when the Aussie trumpeter was bowled for 0 (although he will tell you, "at least I didn't leave it!"), I'm still trying to work out if this is an achievement or not! Skipper Peacock joined Petrus Jacobs and both began to dominate the bowling bringing up the 100 total in 12th over. The pair smashed the ball everywhere and Jacobs hit his first century for the Bray, (we are awaiting his jug sometime this week) in a second wicket stand of 176 which ended when Peacock fell to Dukes for 83 a knock which included the ball once unfortunately denting Bob Wankers lovely BMW roof. While the batting innings was taking place, there was drama unfolding on the sidelines where apparently the cocky and arrogant Warner was berating the opposition team mates, their abilities and Roff joined in doing something similar in regard to the facilities, though the police still haven't confirmed this. Paul Jewell joined Jacko and hit a quickfire 6 and was soon followed into the pavilion by Jacobs who made a quite brilliant 120. Wanker and Kerins finished things off with 10 and 7 not out respectively and unfortunately for the tea lady he hit the winning runs also.
A huge win for Bray with a quite brilliant batting effort and they finished the innings chasing a big total down in just 22.4 overs.
Rumours around the villages say that Mentmore may not be looking forward to next week's game.
-- The Jug Evader
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 6 wickets
- Date: Sun 9th May 2010 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Jacko Jacobs 120 Josh Peacock 83 EBCC innings second wicket partnership 176 between Jacobs and Peacock in 13 overs!
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray 2's Too Good for Potten End
Eaton Bray were asked to bat first in this 35 over encounter, we maintained a run rate of around 5 an over throughout the whole innings. Opener Jacobs hit a cameo 28, but it was the 5th wicket partnership between Smith and Warner which set up a decent total of 184. Smith made 52 (30 of which before he realised he wasn't wearing a box) whilst Warner finished 49 not out, harshly missing out on a deserved first ever half century.
Hofmann commented that he never wears a box, but when you only go out there for 1 delivery the chances of getting hit are slim!
The Potten End openers made a good start putting on 50 off 9 overs and punishing some erratic bowling from Roff and Hofmann. 87 year old George Coughtrey was brought on and immediately turned the game on its head, in a devasting spell of pace, taking 4-18 off his 7 overs.
Well supported by McCarthy, who amazingly managed to get through the game without needing A&E treatment, Potten were rattled and Smith and Kerins mopped up the tail. A direct throw on the stumps from McDermid left Potten End on 158.
Dropped catches were once again in abundance, with Warner, Smith(x2), McDermid, Coughtrey and McCarthy all guilty - it's a good job our recruits from Edlesboro, Jacobs and Owen, know how to catch a ball. Long may the winning run continue!
-- Undefeated skipper
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 26 runs
- Date: Sun 25th Apr 2010 @ 14:00
- Ground: Potten End CC
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Potten End CC - Sunday Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray Sunday XI start with big win
The Eaton Bray sunday team began the season on a sunny April day down at The Rye with a traditonal curtain opener against neighbours Totternhoe C.C.
Captain Peacock decided to be a useful tosser and confidently put his team into bat and opening pair Hosking and recent recruit Dan Owen started briskly putting on 52 before Owen fell for 14. Wes, looking in fine form finding it too easy to pick runs off at will, smacked the ball to all parts, and along with Peacock kept the scoreboard ticking at 10 an over. However, the thought of a cup of orange juice at the drinks interval clearly sounded a good idea and he decided to retire after hitting 5 sixes and 19 fours in a mammoth 134 putting on a second wicket partnership of 141. Flecknell joined Peacock and the ball continued to go across the rope from both parties until Jimbo edged behind for 18 and shortly after Peacock put one down the mid wicket fielders throat for 50. Useful lower order contributions from Barm (14), Old Spice (11) and Brendan 'Boots' Hoffman with 20 including a six over cow corner (believe it or not) allowed the Bray to end on a huge 269 for 5.
Jake had clearly missed the tea lady's food over the winter and followed the lads out to field, with everyone feeling a few pounds heavier to say the least. Eaton Bray legend Georgie Coughtrey opened up with Boots Hoffman and the pair kept it tight bowling in good areas and made sure the Totts batsman couldn't make a good start, although Flecknell and Barm were doing their best to help the opposition with comical fielding. Coughtrey made an early breakthrough with Wray finding the edge to Hoffmann for a good low catch in the slips for 14 and Simpson followed soon after with Spicer boring him to death for 9. With the run out of Hird by Hoffman/Hosking for 1 Bray were making constant breakthroughs and had it not been for D'Archambad with a patient knock of 60 and a brisk 35 from Cole who took a liking to the bowling of Spicer, the final total of 167 would have been much less. MJ and Georgie favoured the conditions and both finished with figures of 6-1-8-2 and 8-4-13-2 respectively.
A good win for Bray first up with a victory of 102 runs, well done lads.
-- Great Tosser
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 102 runs
- Date: Sun 18th Apr 2010 @ 14:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Wes Hosking 134 ret.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
The snow has gone, the temperatures are rising and Eaton Bray Cricket Club is preparing
for its 30th season at its 'new' ground in The Rye (just beyond the nursery). 'The Rye Gardens' was a project of the then Chairman and President Ken Bearton and George French. It has evolved from disused Parish Council owned allotments into a well used and well cared-for cricket ground. Dave Roberts and Mick (and Sharan) Flecknell ensure that the facilities receive the best attention through hard work, dedication and the use of funds provided by sponsors; Hawkins Transport and M&M Properties.
The club welcomes new and old players from the village to visit and experience the facilities, and hopefully join as a member. The club especially welcomes budding cricketers, as it is looking to develop even further. Anyone interested can either contact Ian Jones via the Eaton Bray Cricket Club website, or just turn-up to the twice weekly training sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays, starting at 6.30pm. And, of course, there is no charge to watch any of the games.
The club has been very successful over recent years, and again won the Four Counties League last season. It runs three teams, two on Saturdays and one on Sundays, catering for all standards.
At the recent AGM the following offi cers were elected: President Lee Bearton, Chairman & Treasurer Martin Quinn, Secretary Michael Jarrett, Saturday 1st team captain Andy Norris, Saturday 2nd team captain Darren Kerins and Sunday captain Josh Peacock.
Source: Focus, April 2010
Cricket: Friendly bray Win Again
Bunker FM hit a quickfire 40 and then begged his captain to let him have a bowl. This was not possible due to the Bray only getting 180, thanks also to a Boycott-esque innings from Steve Davis.
Career best performances from Joe Roff (3 wickets) and Ronald Weasley (5 wickets) ensured a comfortable victory for the Bray.
1st team skipper Paul Harris was also playing after booking his wife on a long distance flight, driving her to the airport, checking her in, escorting her to the departure lounge and personally closing the cabin door! He may be regretting these actions after being forced to bowl 8 overs into the wind but somehow i doubt it...
-- Andy Norris
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 30 runs
- Date: Sun 7th Aug 2005 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray overwhelmed
If Chelsea were playing Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, the result would have been closer than this 1 sided encounter. A conference fixture, both sides were described as 'medium' strength, the Bray were therefore happy to learn that we were not playing against anyone 'strong.' Gunning shot us down with 157 not out, out of 322 for 3 (a record against the Bray) and the only positive that came out of the game was determined batting by Cottrell to ensure the Bray were not bowled out. If we ever play them again, we will have to remember to bring more balls.
-- Andy Norris
Scorecard
- Result: Langleybury CC - Friendly XI Won by 161 runs
- Date: Sun 21st Aug 2005
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Langleybury CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray win a close encounter
An exciting game which saw acting skipper Andy Clarkie hit 4 6's in an over, ensuring that he reached the 50 milestone yet again this season. Useful contributions from Aaron Cottrell and Lester Piggott ensured that the Bray jockeyed to a decent but not unachievable total.
An interesting opening spell from Steve Davis supported by Ossie Osborne (certainly an unlikely opening partnership) helped put the Bray on top. However, wayward bowling from Messrs. Scholes, Jones and Bunks FM seemed to turn the initiative back to Bourne End.
However the opening partnership returned to steady the ship, with Ossie picking up the final wicket in his last over.
Stonewall Spinks was on the field of play but had a day to forget. After getting very little sleep, getting out for a golden duck and failing to stop a ball all day, he was seen texting his girlfriend during the drinks break. This has caused him to be fined an unprecedented amount by his skipper, and caused him to be suspended.
-- Andy Norris
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 16 runs
- Date: Sun 14th Aug 2005 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: New & Improved for 2010
With the 2010 season only 8 weeks away its time to update everyone on a number of changes and improvements being made at the club for 2010 season.
- Martin Quinn has taken over as Treasurer from Ian Jones, so all financial related matters will need to go through him. Ian Jones has taken over from Brian Hing as fixture Secretary, in force as from the end of 2010 season. Georgie Coughtrey has reprised his role of Social Events Project Director.
- Martin Quinn has now retired from work to practice his umpiring and give the treasurer's post the attention it deserves.
- CLUB COACHING & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - We have 4 club members currently going through the ECB's coaching qualifications. They will offer coaching to members if requested during our usual net sessions but we also propose to offer coaching to any under 18s (ideally 13- to 16-year-olds) involved with the club and associated with club members. The plan is to work up to running separate group coaching sessions for this age group if we have enough interest and when the coaches are qualified.
- EBCC branded gear - The club is relaunching a range of club branded gear for use at matches and practice. These items include Caps, Shirts, Jumpers, Fleeces, T-Shirts, Training Tops. Please speak to Josh Peacock about ordering items now.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Ted Bowers Cup Found Shocker
Having played Edlesborough CC 2 weeks ago for the Ted Bowers Cup, it was discovered after the game (which the Bray won) that the Cup was nowhere to be found.
In a surprise turn of events the Ted Bowers Cup has been found by Paul "Chopper" Harris after a spot of cleaning, it is assumed that it was discovered on the Harris's mantlepiece where it had pride of place next to Chopper's gold medal for winning the U9s Egg & Spoon race whilst he was at school in 1965.
Once removed from the mantlepiece (if possible), where it is beleived to have resided since Chopper was skipper of the victorious Bray team of 1982, it shall pollished and presented to Josh Peacock, the 2009 skipper, at the Annual Presentation Night.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray beaten as skipper breaks the silence
It was the turn of Great Gaddesden to visit fortress Rye Gardens on Sunday and with skipper Josh Peacock taking a punch to the throat in a Sunday morning footy game, strangely things were quiet!
Unfortuneately the want to bat first with the depth and batsmen at his disposal did not come off as opposition skipper Cheese-Man (jnr) won the toss and opted to send his troops out to bat, while the Bray were forced to trudge out onto the field.
James Flecknall and Joe Roff opened the bowling with Flecknall taking a liking to bowling with a new shiny cherry and went for the "if you can't get em' out knock em' out" tactic, frequently putting the ball round the opposition batsmen's ears.
Birthday girl Georgie Coughtrey (now 87) bowled with accuracy and even though we are starting to realising that age is affecting his Shaun Tait-like bowling action, he still has got it... (being the tufts of hair on his head). Anyway, Barm managed to get a 4-for and didn't buy a jug for evading 5, bowling with big time F+G throughout his spell, finishing with figures of 8-1-39-4 with help from 1st team skipper Norris who added some tidy Chris Clarkey like glovework.
Peacock senior, fresh from his involvement in protecting his little brother earlier in the day, during Sunday morning's fracas, bowled towards the end and being unlucky not to pick up a few wickets. Kerins bowled 6 overs for 46 near the end (somehow I think he got some of Barms runs) and Jake truly finished things off in style by going for 35 in 3 overs. NICE! Great Gaddesden ended on 248 with Crawley 98* and Oliver 41 ret. being the main contributors.
Skipper Peacock and the Roff went out to open the innings and Peacock very much took a liking to the buffet Barm style bowling on offer and proceeded to smash 39 before being caught behind off opposite number Cheeseman.
Jimbo hit a quickfire 25 before being stumped. Andy, managing to see straight in stark contrast to the night before (This guy's got some moves) also did his bit with the bat too hitting 51, forging a strong partnership with Kerins who added 29 to give the innings some impetus.
However, when the pair were lost and with the run rate increasing it would be a big ask of the lower order to give it a go, and it wasn't helped by numbers 7 Harris, 8 Coughtrey (who hasn't seen straight for years now) and 9 Barker falling for ducks. Barm and Ryan gave it a good go at 10 and 11 adding 17 and 10 n.o respectively before Jones mowed the grass and was bowled. Bray ending 50 runs short on 198.
After the game, Jake provided entertainment by eating a bowl of salad for £6.20 of his teammates money, and yes it took a very long time but all we can hope is this guy goes for Quorn burgers next time he eats instead of the Big Mac variety. Last game next week and on a personal note, I hope we end it with a win and then maybe go get leathered, NAKED! In the pavilion.......
-- OOOOOOOOOO Barmy, Josh FM has died
Scorecard
- Result: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI Won by 54 runs
- Date: Sun 20th Sep 2009 @ 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Crawley 98*, Andy Norris 51, Ian Jones 4-39
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Peace and Quiet, A Game of Cricket and The Salad Challenge
The Bray boys arrived to an amazing piece of good fortune. Due to an earlier football related 'incident', skipper Josh Peacock had lost his voice and was unable to speak for the whole day! A game of cricket with him involved has never been so quiet!!! Losing the toss again he was duly asked to field on a warm September day.
Mixed bowling from openers Roff and Flecknell got Gaddesden off to a good start. 1st change Coughtrey, had to leave the field when attempting a caught and bowled and whilst he missed 1 over, Bray removed both openers. 1 genuine wicket and 1 retired hurt!
Runs were still flowing aplenty, despite Jones' 4 wickets which included 2 stumpings and a catch for keeper Norris. Quite who was giving the instructions throughout the day was unclear, but the person next to skipper Peacock at any particular time had to be vocal.
Death bowlers Barker and Kerins were given some treatment as the visitors racked up an impressive 248-4 off 40 overs (yes Jones did get all the wickets but he's probably text you and told you this before you've got around to reading this). Despite this, Barker was still first in the queue for tea. Openers Roff and Peacock got Bray off to a decent start, but when both fell in quick succession, it was hoped Flecknell and Norris could make big inroads into the huge total. It was all going so well until Flecknell needlessly got himself out stumped and when McDermid fell next ball, drinks had to be taken as next batsman Kerins was the umpire!!
Needing 160 odd off 20 overs, Norris and Kerins put on 72 and gave the Bray real hope before Norris allowed a long hop to creep up his bat through to the keeper and Kerins was caught in the deep by a diving 70 year old!
Some hitting from last pair Jones and Peacock snr ensured Bray got up to a respectable 194 all out with 1 over to go.
Short of cash, Jake Barker, renowned for his tea eating was then offered a challenge. Several members would put up some cash if he could eat a large bowl of salad (he has never before eaten anything good for him). This challenge was readily accepted and he said it would be easy. 1 hour later, and after several false attempts to puke, he finally succeeded. Munching on a Mars bar 'to take away the taste' he quoted "he'd rather run 20 miles than do that again!"
And how much was in the pot? £7.20 to be exact. It is not known who put the 20p in, but Coughtrey was in the building.....
-- Football Card Winner
Scorecard
- Result: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI Won by 54 runs
- Date: Sun 20th Sep 2009 @ 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Crawley 98*, Andy Norris 51, Ian Jones 4-39
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray beat local rivals in near darkness as good form continues
Close fought game ends in Karachi style darkness
As the season nears an end close rivals William Simmons were entertained at Rye Gardens as the Sunday XI made it 2 wins in two with some good performances in all areas.
Bray lost the toss, and were put in on a fairly decent looking pitch for this time of the year, (jumpers and triple layers were visible as the day wore on.) Bray made a solid start with openers Ollie Wilson and James Flecknall putting on 59 for the first wicket before Wilson was out for 18. This continued with captain Peacock and Flecknall carrying on the onslaught, a huge total looked very likely, until Peacock was out for 33, the pair putting on 92 in 10 overs. James carried on whacking the ball to all parts until he was out for a very classy and dominant 97. With a useful 19 from Jason Mcdermid, 31 n.o from Manny Barker and 14 from Joe Roff, Bray closed on a very respectable 231-9.
In reply Simmons struggled against opening bowlers Roff and Mike Smith with the latter keeping his lines tight whilst bowling with good pace. Bray took wickets fairly regularly with only Deverell (32) and Gear (30) hitting a few lusty blows as well as opposition skipper Ashcroft (71) down the order. The Ashcroft wicket was a big coup for the lads as he took liking to some of the bowlers, with Joe Roff possibly claiming catch of the season off the bowling of E. Barker as he ran round from the boundary before sliding as he took an amazing catch in the fading light. Just a quick mention to Ollie Wilson who fielded absolutely awfully and looked like Barm at extra cover instead of his usual athletic self. like Skipper Peacock gave many of his side a go with the ball with debutant youngster Jonathan Harris chipping in with 2 overs for just 10 runs. Simmons ended up batting in near blackness and closing the innings 13 runs short on 218-9.
Roff finished up with figures of 8-0-42-2, Mike Smith 8-0-37-1, Manny Barker 5.2-0-30-2, Ian Jones 4-0-18-1, Jake 5-0-28-1, Harv 4-0-28-1, Little Jonathan 2-0-10-0, and Jimbo adding a bit of squeeze at the end with 3-0-12-0. Bring on next week as Bray look to field a strong side once more and hope to close out the season with a couple of wins which is more than our young side (with the help of a few 'oldies') deserve.
-- World class skipper
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 11 runs
- Date: Sun 13th Sep 2009 @ 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: J Flecknell 97
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray win Ted Bowers Cup
The Bray took on local rivals Edlesborough on Sunday for the Ted Bowers Cup (who was a long-time stalwart of both clubs), unfortunately the Cup's whereabouts is unknown so wasn't actually presented!!
A fairly strong Bray side was assembled for this annual clash, with the inclusion of a couple of senior 1st teamers strengthening the usual compliment of Sunday regulars. 1st teamer and Sunday captain Peacock again won the toss and decided to make first use of a decent looking Boro pitch.
Thing began badly for the Bray when the mobile scoreboard tipped over in a gust of wind and struck skipper Peacock on the head. Whilst the skipper received some attention from nurse Coughtrey the scoreboard will need to be replaced next year.
Bray fortunes then dropped even further in the 2nd over when Ollie Wilson was run out for a Diamond Duck (out without facing a ball) for the second time this season, looking for an improbable 3rd.
The rest of the Bray's innings consisted of lots of decent cameos, Chop 41, Flecknell jnr 36, a concussed 36 from the skipper and a very impressive 38 from 14 year old Charlie Tickell. Eventually the Bray finishing on 169-9 after their 40 overs. All batsmen struggling on the pitch which hardly bounced, belying its look earlier on.
A good opening spell of right arm slow from Coughtrey opened things up for the Bray bowling wise, fellow opener Craig Westley proving a little expensive until he found his line and length. The fall of regular wickets kept the Boro score in check and a fine period of spin from Bray's 3 spinners put the kibosh on the Boro's chase. Loopy leg spin from Wilson, quick leg spin from Flecknell and left arm orthodox from Jones proving too much for the Boro batsman on a turning wicket. Indeed Jones's 7 overs, 2 wickets for 6 runs being the best he's bowled all season and probably the best since 2007 or even 1987. (Anyone yet fallen asleep?)
The introduction of young Charlie Tickell, Jake Barker and Zak Churchyard finished off the overs with Edlesborough limping to 120ish for 7. With Charlie taking 2 wickets to claim the Man of the Match Award.
A number of players from both teams were still seen socialising in the Bell at nearly midnight, showing the camadarie between these two teams.
Its hoped that Edlesborough CC continue as a cricket club for many years to come to allow plenty more days an evenings like this.
Barm try getting the facts right before writing the report!! Ask for the scorebook in future, or as agreed allow me!! That's also the first toss I have won in weeks!
-- Twirler et al
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 49 runs
- Date: Sun 6th Sep 2009 @ 13:30
- Ground: The Edlesborough Oval
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Update 21-Sep-09 - Ted Bowers Cup Found Shocker
Having played Edlesborough CC 2 weeks ago for the Ted Bowers Cup, it was discovered after the game (which the Bray won) that the Cup was nowhere to be found.
In a surprise turn of events the Ted Bowers Cup has been found by Paul "Chopper" Harris after a spot of cleaning, it is assumed that it was discovered on the Harris's mantlepiece where it had pride of place next to Chopper's gold medal for winning the U9s Egg & Spoon race whilst he was at school in 1965.
Once removed from the mantlepiece (if possible), where it is beleived to have resided since Chopper was skipper of the victorious Bray team of 1982, it shall pollished and presented to Josh Peacock, the 2009 skipper, at the Annual Presentation Night.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Skipper Josh shines despite defeat
With half the team severely struggling following a sizeable party the night before the Bray took on Studham on Sunday, on a cold and blustery day.
Winning the toss and electing to field first the Bray spent 40 overs chasing red leather. Studham batting very well to reach 240-7. Though a late order collapse after fine bowling from Charlie Tickell, Ryan Shilleto and Ryan Peacock restricted the scoring in the last 10 overs.
The Bray then set about the task of chasing down this daunting total, with only Josh and Brian the recognisable batsmen and Brian the only one with his eyes open. Josh Peacock and Joe Roff started things off, progressing steadily before Joe was out with the score on 31.
The number 3 batsman was preparing himself for the task ahead by falling asleep!! Considering what happened next, this preparation technique is highly recommended!!
At the fall of Roff the sleepy no3 ambled out to the middle and proceeded to make the Studham attack look world class, failing to hit the ball off the square for large portions of his knock. However, with Peacock smacking regular 4s the score built quite nicely. Eventually, our sleepy No3 was out with 7 overs remaining, having been in 2nd wicket partnership of 132 contributing 20 of these, having been in for 25 overs!
A middle order collapse subsequently followed whilst our No3 went back to sleep and our skipper continued to plunder runs and send Studham's attack to all parts!!
The skipper (Josh Peacock) remained standing and was still not out at the end of the match eventually racking up 158*, finishing his innings batting with older brother Ryan who was 6* off 2 balls. His first ever hundred and smashing the record for the highest score by a Bray batsman at the Rye Gardens (beating the 119* scored by Dk the week before). This guy is starting to develop into one bloody good batsman, promising signs for the sterner challenges he faces in the league. The bray still found themselves 20 runs short, but this was a valiant display by the team, full of youngsters and some very promising young cricketers. And some very sozzled older players!!
-- Zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Scorecard
- Result: Studham CC - Friendly XI Won by 20 runs
- Date: Sun 30th Aug 2009 @ 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Studham batted first and reaching 240-5 inside 40 overs. Chris Thorne top scoring with 100*. Tickle the pick of the bowlers with figures off 8-0-39-4. Eaton Bray chasing reached 212-4 i their 40 overs and fell 28 runs short. J.Peacock top scoring with 158*. Krishan Chavda the pick of the bowlers with figures off 7-0-36-2
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray Boys Reign Supreme
Fresh from the knowledge that the 1st XI secured the league title again on Saturday, most of the team were nursing severe hangovers. Peacock yet again lost the toss but was surprisingly asked to bat on what looked a good hard wicket on a warm day.
Openers Wilson & Kerins took the opportunity with open arms in an opening stand of 139 before Wilson ran himself out for 57, his first ever half century. But Kerins continued in his normal attacking vein and reached 3 figures and was eventually retired by his skipper on 119 with 8 overs remaining. This score being the highest ever at the ground by an Eaton Bray player.
Harvey hit a lusty 6, surprisingly over cow corner as Bray racked up 249 in their 40 overs.
Knebworth Blues opener Dev Woolley is a big hitter and this total was well within his grasp. However, he hadn't banked on the opening spell of Joe Robb which sent him back to the pavilion bowled for just 24. Wickets were taken at regular intervals and the ground fielding was good, the example being set by Ryan Peacock who proved that someone in their family could field and was not frightened of the ball.
In total 8 bowlers were used and all got wickets, with Robb and Wilson getting 2 apiece. The latter even celebrated a bowled before the ball had hit the stumps!!! Peacock snr, in an impressive spell, bowled the only batsman left for 96, after he had been particularly brutal to the bowling of Jones, Barker and Tickell. Young Kiki Churchyard rounded off proceedings by bowling the final batsman as Bray were victorious by 36 runs.
The age of the Bray team was encouraging with only Jones & Kerins aged over 30 (just). This was in stark contrast to the opponents who had 4 players old enough to be Jones' Dad! The future looks bright for this young team.
-- Aching
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 39 runs
- Date: Sun 23rd Aug 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Knebworth Blues CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Valiant Chase Ends In Defeat
After losing the toss (again) on a hot day, Bray were asked to field. An early wicket for Ruff thanks to a stunning slip catch by the author secured an early breakthrough. (One fielder remarked that the catch was indeed 'world class'.) However, opener Akhtar set about punishing the attack and a score of 300 was on the cards.
Akhtar then made a fatal error. Ozzie 'bucket hands' Osborne, back from injury after 6 consecutive seasons out, picked up the ball on the boundary and Akhtar called for a second run. The direct hit on the stumps had him run out by yards! Bucket hands proceeded to take two catches with the usual thud as the ball was safely secured in his hands. Jones, switched ends after 3 overs for 30 and promptly picked up 2 wickets (somehow). Tickle got an lbw despite not appealing himself but the star of the show was the constantly improving Jake Barker who ended with 3 for 17 off his 4 overs, narrowly missing a hat-trick as the ball raced past the outstretched McDermid's hands.
A total of 236 for 8 was a very good score on the EB wicket and with the early loss of Wilson and Hearn, looked a long way away. Captain Peacock came to the wicket to join makeshift opener Kerins and the two set about the chase. Kerins by blocking and Peacock by keeping up with the required 6 runs an over with some sublime shots.
Peacock went on to make a career best 91 before being bowled trying to keep up with the required 10 an over run rate. A first ton is surely just around the corner for this classy batsman?
Bucket hands hit a huge 6 in his cameo 28 before he fell to the cause, and Jake Barker smacked the ball around as Bray fell for 197 in near darkness.
That of course didn't stop youngsters, Kiki, Ryan and Charlie from then having another game!
-- Slip Specialist
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Mentmore Concede to Bray
Ok, so 7 of their players have gone down with swine flu, but we'd have won anyway.........well pigs might fly. Although the price of bacon has been going up. Bray captain Josh Porkcock went the whole hog and remarked "It's ruff for us all, and being called off this late is a real swine, because it was swill weather, I was going to drive and pork in the field and have a pignic with a ham sandwich, and hold hams with Jacob and Joe, and maybe sow up the game and rub some oinkment into Mike Smith's aches and pains, hog the batting, hog the bowling, hope i'm not boaring you......."
5 Hours later...........
"and i got a duck again yesterday.....a real swine but the day just flu"
-- Pig of a Day
Scorecard
- Result: Cancelled
- Date: Sun 9th Aug 2009 @ 14:00
- Ground: The Cricket Club
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray soundly beaten again
This match report is brought to you by Peacock and Roff (no DK and Barm not Ruff).
On a very green wicket remeniscent of cabbage, near a watering hole in Bletchley, Bray were soundly beaten for the 2nd week in a row.
Captain Peacock has clearly proven to be a useless tosser all season and once again his team were sent out to field, (even though it was a very bowler friendly wicket). A tight start by the openers Smith and Peacock and then 1st change bowler Roff, ensured wickets were taken fairly frequently and runs were restricted.
Joe Roff bowling on his favourite ground in the world where he has terrorised many batsmen finished with brilliant figures of 6-0-10-0, (if only more captains were watching).
Mike Smith chipped in with 1, Peacock with 2, Charlie "Dickens" Tickell swung it both ways like Barm on a Saturday in Cubes bowled beautifully for 2 wickets for 11 runs. Harvey bowling with Graeme Swann-esque ability was very unlucky with some mis-fields and also as a batsman hit one straight down vice-capatin Jones' neck, shame we all know the result of that one.
Jacob Barker, looking like Alex Wharf, bowled excellently apart from a few extras. Special mention for Jones, who tried to feed the pigeons cricket balls on many occasions. Shenley Church End ended on 168-5.
When Bray walked out to the bat-tlefield, the message was to be positive but stay there. Unfortuneately Mike Smith opening the batting, was caught by A.Peacock. Wilson soon followed LBW (yes and it was plum) for 5 and the team were in strife at 24-2. In came Peacock at 3, to try and forge partnerships, mainly with his favourite batting buddy, Joe Roff. However, due to cobwebs in the poor boys ears, he ran himself out. Peacock was eventually out for 29.
Not many others chipped in apart from Barker with a few lusty blows and McDermid who hung around to frustrate the bowlers and give Jake some strike. Unfortuneately Bray plummeted to 87 all out and back to the showers for some hot-headed banter and a scrap between Harv and Jacob.
-- Pink Punters fans
Scorecard
- Result: Shenley Church End - 1st XI Won by 87 runs
- Date: Sun 26th Jul 2009 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Shenley Church End - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
10 Man Bray get the Blues
Yet again the Bray struggled to find 11 players, and then when Ollie Wilson pulled out at 12.30pm on match day we were left with 10!! This almost became 8 with the Barker pair getting lost for an hour in Hitchin. An interesting mix of youth (4 U14s and 1 U17) and experience (5 over their mid 30s) was again the order of the day for the Bray.
The Bray skipper won the toss and took the decison to bowl first, more on the basis of wanting the game to last beyond 4.30!!
The Knebworth Blues openers batted for a long time, eventually having an opening partnership of 160, with their captain being out for 108 to Kiki (clean bowled!!). The other opener was run out attempting a 4th in the 40th over for 63!!
Good bowling from DK (1-36), Kiki (2-52), Jake and Rakish (on debut) restricted what could have been a mammouth score to something rather large! Zach Churchyard also taking a good catch off his brother, Kiki, to prove the youngsters have a future with Eaton Bray.
The Bray batting had little high points, a 50 run partnership between DK and the stand-in skipper (Barm) and a last wicket stand of 32 between Jake Barker (22*) and Rakish Kara being the only highlights!! Jake's 22* being his highest score for the club (for the 3rd week in a row!). His father Manny will need to bring a thicker wallet next week for the jug! The being all out for 127 in the 32nd over.
-- Into the Wind Specialist
Scorecard
- Result: Knebworth Blues CC - 1st XI Won by 119 runs
- Date: Sun 12th Jul 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: Lucas Lane
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray In Amazing Run Chase Victory!!
Bray were struggling to get a side out prior to this game. In the end, 10 players were assembled, with Joe Ruff the 4th oldest at 20. Senior players Manny Barker, Darren Kerins and captain Ian Jones knew a tough task was ahead of them.
Winning the toss and electing to field, Bray started tidy with Kerins and Ruff keeping it tight, but wicketless. With Manny having to keep wicket due to Kerins' inability to bend down due to keeping the day before, Bray were down a bowler. But captain Jones stepped up to the plate, in giving the youngsters a go and also with leading by example.
He got the first 5 wickets to fall, including the Wendover captain for his 1st ever golden duck, in an impressive 9 overs (yes somehow he bowled 9 despite the maximum being 8) but runs were always flowing despite some good bowling from youngsters Dillon Nawagamuwa, Richard Shilleto and Charlie Tickel. At 214 for 7, most were convinced it was at least 100 too many.
Kiki Churchyard and Ryan Shilleto, both aged only 14, again fielded impressively and the ever improving Jake Barker weighed in with a wicket and some inspiring comments.
Openers Manny Barker and Ruff set about a solid start, putting on 79 in 20 overs giving Bray hope. When Ruff fell for 17 (his personal best) shortly after in an opening stand of 84, Kerins & Barker took the attack to Wendover with some good hitting and some sharp running which was winding up the fielders in an annoying manner.
Barker fell for 58 with the score on 162, and when Kerins was 5th man out for 56, the score was 175 for 5 with only 6 overs remaining. Aussie Richard Shilleto, who got a golden duck in his 1st game for the club last week, then swung the bat to hit 2 of the biggest sixes ever seen at the ground. The first went soaring overs the cars and hedge into the lane. The next (which apparently he toed) went almost into the farmyard. When he was out lbw, 7 were needed from 2 overs, with only 2 wickets left.
Jake Barker hit 4 from that over, Jones sneaked a single off the first ball of the final over. 2 needed off 5 balls. Barker swings hard and hits his first ever boundary for the club and Bray have won!!!! The hug that took place between Jones and Barker mid wicket send shock waves through all surrounding villages.
The opening batsman for Wendover, John Stern, is editor of Wisden magazine - this game would have proved an excellent article for him, but being on the losing side we doubt it will figure. Well done the Bray.
-- Can't Bend Down
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 3 wickets
- Date: Sun 5th Jul 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray 0 Mentmore 2
With only 9 men and batting first, Bray were all out for 49. Harvey hit 24, Roff was 10 not out and not many others troubled the scorers. Jake Barker hit his first run of the season, ensuring that he scored more than his captain Peacock.
Mentmore knocked the runs off for the loss of 2 wickets, the highlights being a superb catch above his head at mid on by Jones, and a good throw from Curtis Anthony for a run out.
Tea was then taken and a hastily organised Twenty20 match was planned.
Mentmore batted first and racked up 146 from their 20 overs. Sayers being the main contributor in making a half century. Tight bowling from Twenty20 specialists Kerins & Flecknell Snr, ensured that the game was still a contest at this stage.
Lewis smacked the last ball of the innings to deep mid off, where Jones took a spectacular catch on the run, much to the disbelief of all in attendance.
Kerins & Peacock set about the total in fine style, racking up 70 off 8 overs before Peacock was out. The quick loss of Harvey, McDermid and the run out of Jones (still recovering from that running catch) and tight bowling from Sayers, kept Bray in check, but Kerins and Flecknell Snr were still having a go.
With 20 needed off 3 overs, Kerins was out stumped for 63 off the impressive Kirchner, and although Roff and Flecknell gave it a good go, helped by some controversial umpiring from Harvey, Bray finished 2 runs short.
-- Twenty20 Specialist
Scorecard
- Result: Mentmore CC - Sunday Friendly XI Won by 8 wickets
- Date: Sun 21st Jun 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Runs Galore as Bray Go Down Fighting
After being put in the field, Bray gambled by opening the bowling with the spin of Jones against the free hitting and big scoring run machine Lucky Singh. Singh duly smashed a quick fire 20 before launching Jones high into the sky. The ball went up, into orbit, did a loop around Mars before falling into the safe hands of Harvey.
New boy Westley caught the other opener on the boundary and when Harvey was presented with a dolly, Simmonds were 52-3 with Jones having claimed all 3, taking his 200th wicket for the club in the process.
Jones was then asked if he wanted to bowl out and he said no! With 3 wickets to my name and 2 new batsmen at the crease, you wouldn't have been able to take the ball off me!
Runs flowed until Westley bowled a beamer at Gear, and no ball was called. McDermid took the catch anyway, threw the ball into Peacock, who took the bails off with the batsmen standing half way down the wicket believing he was safe due to the no ball!!!
When Kerins came on to bowl at the death, Westley remarked that Kerins is not just a keeper. An astute observer that Westley lad. Simmonds ended up with 233.
Openers Peacock and Ruff set about the total in fine style, putting on 72 in 10 overs. Ruff was then out for 1. When Peacock was bowled for 77, out of 85, Bray collapsed to 110-6 and the chase was effectively over.
But Westley had other ideas. A fine array of attacking shots including switch hits and reverse sweeping, got Simmons panicking. Barker was offering good support until the ball hit his pads, and he decided to go walkabout and was duly run out. I would like to call this piece of cricket braindead, but that would be too kind on Barker.
Westley ended on 59 not out as Bray were finally all out for 194. Credit must also be given to the 3 youngsters Charlie, Ryan and Keke who all fielded exceptionally, and brought the average age down to just 23, despite McDermid and Jones playing.
-- Not Just A Keeper
Scorecard
- Result: Simmons CC - 1st XI Won by 37 runs
- Date: Sun 14th Jun 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: Mentmore Park
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Simmons CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Reporters Make The Headlines
Skipper Peacock lost the toss and was unsurprisingly asked to field on a hot day. His first decision was who to omit from the 12 players available. Jones was duly selected to stand down, to ensure that he didn't give anymore shocking lbw decisions, which Barker Snr was still moaning about.
Tidy bowling from all concerned restricted RR to an achievable 169 with Barker Snr, Martell, Kerins, Roff, the impressive Tickell and the veteran Molyneux sharing the wickets.
McDermid made a career best 19 but the early loss of Norris and Peacock meant the chase was always going to be tough. Umpire Martell continued the poor umpiring trend, when giving Peacock out lbw. When asked about the decision, Martell said he only gave it "Because I thought you were walking anyway!"
Hing and Kerins got themselves in, and out, and the chase fell apart. It was left to youngsters Tickell and Roff to ensure Bray were not bowled out, ending 121 for 8.
The players who umpire need to take some lessons from our umpire professionals, 1st team umpire Martin Quinn and 2nd team umpire John Smith. Quinn is known as the fastest finger in the UK whilst Smith called a wide and declared over! Coaching courses anyone?!
-- We Hate Umpires
Scorecard
- Result: Roving Reporters CC - Friendly XI Won by 49 runs
- Date: Sun 31st May 2009 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Village Cup Dreams Dashed
Eaton Bray made the trip to North Mymms on Sunday 17th May for their first ever nPower Village Cup tie. It was cold and windy with some rain about!
Things began inauspiciously having arrived at 1.20pm to be advised the tie should of begun at 1pm. This despite North Mymms's advertising saying it was a 2pm start!! The Bray then won the toss and elected to bowl on a dry pitch (North Mymms's having decent covers!).
A good bowling and fielding effort by the Bray saw regular wickets fall, eventually restricting Mymms to 180 all out from 35 overs. Gary Ellerton (fresh from 8-20 the day before) and Darren Kerins being the pick of the bowlers, both taking 3 wickets each. Gaz through his usual brisk pace and DK through his usual lack of it!
This proved to be the top of the Bray's performance however, as a combination of good bowling and dubious shot selection and a couple of "interesting" umpiring decisions found us bowled out for 69 inside 29 overs, only Chopper Harris offering any decent resistance with the bat, top scoring with 37!! North Mymms did employ the interesting tactic of utilising 4 spinners and 1 medium pacer.
The team's feeling at the end of the game was our poor batting performance put the kybosh on what could of been a great win against the odds.
We plan to try again next season, and hope for a slightly easier draw next time out.
-- Fine Legger
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Peacock winning streak continues
Eaton Bray Sunday XI (or 10 for this game) constinued their winning streak in 2009 to 2 games by beating old rivals Potten End on a bright sunny day (though only mildly warm).
Having arrived at tea due to a prior engagement your reporter found the Bray had won the toss and batted first. With a strong looking batting line up, a decent total was virtually assured. So a total of 212 for 5 from 35 overs was about what the skipper would of been looking for. *Some additional info from those there would be useful for accuracy here!!*
Having consumed a fine tea shortly after my arrival the Bray took the field. Potten End's combination of big hitters and talented youngsters proved a decent match for Bray's varied attack. However, some good outfield catches by Hosking (3 of them) and some good glove work by debutant Paul Darts (2 stumpings) kept the runs in check. Potten End eventually being bowled out off the last ball of the game for 185. The wickets were shared around, Coughtrey, Norris and Roff all 1 each, Peacock and Jones 2 and Flecknel Jnr 3, all point to some decent form leading into the first league games next week.
Mention must be made of Jake Barker's 4 overs, looking much more menacing than his old man in 2008, he was unlucky not to get any wickets, though he also had his fair share of tea, so he had a good day!!
-- Tea is my favourite
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Peacock Blooms
The 1st game of the season was played at a sunny Rye Gardens and marked the start of the Peacock regime. He may have been regretting his decision to bat at 19-3 off 14 overs but leading by example and receiving support from Flecknell, a big partnership followed.
Flecknell was eventually dismissed for 62 and Peacock retired on 87, with just 3 overs remaining, unselfishly giving others an opportunity to feel bat on ball. Kerins ended the innings with a rare not out as Bray racked up 212 in their 40 overs.
Tea then arrived at precisely the same time as Jones.
The visitors, Tottenhoe, were soon behind the rate, with the first 10 overs from Ellerton and Pearson going for 4 runs! 2 wickets each for Flecknell and Linney, supported with tight bowling from 7 other bowlers, and some highly unusal diving stops by Jones restricted Totts to 84-8 at the close.
Pearson leads the catching cup from all by 2, with Jones leading the race to retain his eating cup, and the groundsman repairing the trenches left by Jones's dives.
A good start for the new captain, who will be looking for a 1000 runs this season - although surely much tougher tests are to follow?
-- Pad Rash
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
The cricket season starts with a home match versus Edlesborough on Saturday 18 April.
The club is again searching for new players. Despite it being a solvent, successful and highly sociable club, it is always looking to increase its membership, especially from those living in the village. The club can accommodate any level of playing ability as it runs three distinct teams. Two elevens play league cricket on Saturdays with the first team reigning champions. On Sundays the club plays friendly-cricket which provides ample opportunities to bat and bowl. So regardless of whether you are young or old, small or big (not too big!), contact Ian Jones, or if you are brave, attend net practice on a Friday night at the Rye Gardens ground.
The club held its Annual General Meeting in February and elected its officers for the coming year; President Lee Bearton, Chairman Martin Quinn, Treasurer Ian Jones, Secretary Michael Jarrett, Grounds Manager Mick Flecknell, Saturday Captains Andy Norris & Darren Kerins, Sunday Captain Josh Peacock
MJ
Source: Focus, April 2009
Sunday 17th May at 2pm
The draw for the nPower Village Cup has been made and we have been given a bye into the 3rd round.
However, our 3rd round opponents are North Mymms CC, at their ground. They currently play in the Home Counties Premier League Division B. Their usual oppenents this year will be West Herts or Hemel Hempstead. The game is to be played on Sunday May 17th, starting at 2pm.
We're confident of beating them, if we can put out a strong side and play to our potential (we came to this conclusion in a pub a few Saturdays ago after a few beers and vodka shots!).
We would love to take a big contigent of supporters with us. So please place this date in your diary. 1) In case your needed to play and 2) to come and support if your not asked to play.
North Mymms CC Web Site: http://www.northmymmscc.co.uk/
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray are champions of the Four Counties League. Since its inception in 2001, the club has won the league four times, but not for the last four years. Recently the trophy has been on an extended loan to other clubs before Andy Norris secured the division one title at his first attempt. Andy's tougher style of captaincy has worked perfectly, putting the team ahead of individual performances, including his own.
Winning the championship wasn't without difficulty, indeed the club suffered the ignominy of losing a match by 300 runs, being bowled out by 32 by the eventual runners-up New Bradwell. This was the biggest defeat in the club's and league's history!
The season was one of two halves. In the first part Wes Hoskin, James Flecknell and Gary Ellerton bullied most teams into submission with bat and ball. However in the latter stages of the league programme the games got tougher with Eaton Bray batting second. There were three almost identical run chases that Eaton Bray made difficult.
The highlight of the season was the game against Newport Pagnell, when chasing 164 Eaton Bray had been reduced to 77 for 6. All-rounders Gary Ellerton and Lee Bearton beat the opposition single handedly (sic). In two other games Paul (Chopper) Harris showed his maturity by batting throughout the innings and scoring 2 unbeaten half centuries. Nick Pearson chipped in just at the right time against Cublington. But perhaps the best and most valuable innings was played by Josh Peacock in the last game of the season. Josh scored his only half century of the season in that game. It was a match, and championship winning innings full of champagne shots.
The club wishes to share its success with everyone that helped throughout the season. A BIG thank you to; sponsors, weed sprayers, 100 club owners, cleaners, supporters, tea ladies, groundsmen and to all the suffering wives and girlfriends!
-- MJ
Back row; John Salmon, Darren Kerins, Josh Peacock, James Flecknell, Wes Hoskin, Dave Hopkins, Gary Ellerton
Front row; Michael Jarrett, Nick Pearson, Andy Norris, Paul Harris
Source: Focus, October 2008
Cricket: Bray Beaten in Season Finale
Bray went down to a strong side from Great Gaddesden in the last game of the season. Batting first, Bray were soon in trouble at 2-2 off 6 overs after openers Wilson and Hearn had thrown their wickets away offering easy catches. Skipper Peacock and Kerins set about restoring order with a 50 partnership, but tight bowling and good fielding ensured that the scoring rate was still slow.
When Kerins went to an unplayable delivery, more cheap wickets followed with Peacock, McDermid & Salmon all offering more easy catching practise for the fielding side. Salmon added to his ever impressive and growing list of getting out to bowlers who shouldn't be bowling!
Some lusty blows from Shepherd ensured a final total of 138-8 off 40 overs but at tea, it was genearlly felt this was not enough.
And so it proved as the visitors' openers despatched some wayward early bowling from Warner, and at one point it looked like the runs would be knocked off before drinks!
A moment of international standard fielding from Kerins resulted in the first wicket going down, a direct hit on the stumps at the keepers end from mid on running out the batsman.
Roff was introduced into the attack just as his Mum turned up at the ground. Keeper Peacock had the ball and threw it high in the air back to Roff. Unfortunately Joe wasn't looking and turned around at the exact moment the ball smacked him in the face. Pleased to say that he's ok, but he does a great Mick Jagger impression at the moment!
This seemed to inspire Roff, who took 2 late wickets thanks to 2 well held catches from Kerins and there was still time for Salmon to do his David Seaman impression (Nayim form the halfway line) in dropping a catch.
Gaddesden cruised to a 7 wicket win but given the glorious weather in which the match was played in, should we carry on playing? I'm ready for the start of the season!!
-- International Standard Fielder
- Result: Great Gaddesden CC - 1st XI Won by 7 wickets
- Date: Sun 21st Sep 2008 @ 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Thousand Island for Aussie Hosking
The penultimate game of the season against Simmonds turned out to be an exciting one. Simmons batted first after Bray once again lost the toss.
Lucky Singh smashed the ball to all parts in his quickfire 87, but it was the introduction of skipper Jones to the attack which left him bemused. A rank long hop left him playing his shot far too early, and as the ball gripped, turned and bounced at record slow speed, it came down on the stumps.
A well taken skier by Hosking and a wonder catch from Wilson in the deep gave Jones his 2nd & 3rd wickets and the skipper ended his spell with 3-21 off 6 overs to end his season on a high. Good catches from McDermid and Harvey kept wickets falling and Simmonds ended up on 176.
Aussie Hosking needed 62 runs to make 1000 runs for the year - clearly his lacklustre performance in the field was to ensure that a decent total was set by the visitors. He survived one sharp dropped catch and then proceeded to make hay, hitting 3 sixes in one over into the farmyard, causing the farmer to lose his temper. Sensing trouble, the Aussie promptly got out, for 83, thus ensuring his objective was reached.
Bray looked to be cruising, but the quick fall of Peacock, Harvey (golden) and Flecknell sent jitters in the team. One man was standing firm at the other end, Joe Roff. With his now solid defensive technique he was ensuring that the collapse that threatened to happen, did not, and in Kerins he had a partner who paced the innings to perfection, the two of them ensuring victory with 1 over to spare.
Roff ended up hitting the winning runs to finish on 9 not out and he batted for 22 overs. This was by far his best innings for the club and went someway to compensating for his two dropped catches, one of which my 3 year old nephew would have had difficulty in dropping. Obviously attempting to ensure he wins the Friendly bowling cup this season!!
-- The Finisher
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 4 wickets
- Date: Sun 14th Sep 2008 @ 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Simmons CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray take league title
Eaton Bray are the new champions of the Morrant Four Counties League Division One.
They beat North Crawley by eight wickets on Saturday and finish seven points clear of their closest rivals New Bradwell.
North Crawley totalled 162 and Eaton Bray got the runs for the loss of two wickets with Josh Peacock scoring an unbeaten 67 and Paul Harris 56 not out.
Stoke Hammond won Division Four and Cublington 2nds finished top of Division Five. Ivinghoe and Pitstone topped Division Six South.
Get the Leighton Buzzard Observer every Tuesday.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 2 September 2008
Cricket: WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!
Eaton Bray are the Morrant Four Counties Division 1 Champions once again, edging out New Bradwell by just 7 points. Needing a win against North Crawley to secure the title, highly strung captain Andy Norris called correctly and had no hesitation in inserting the opposition.
Bray bowled and fielded very well, although dropped catches by Norris and Ellerton kept nerves jangling, but in bowling Crawley out for 165 in 42 overs, a job was well done. The wickets were shared around amongst bowlers Norris, Ellerton, Jarrett, Pearson and Flecknell who all bowled economically but the score could have been much higher if it wasn't for a wonder catch on the boundary by James Flecknell to dismiss dangerman Phillipson.
Hosking dislocated the same finger twice keeping wicket and showed his true metal when team physio Dave Hopkins offered to put it back in to place by asking whether it would hurt! Typical Australian!
At 43-2 nerves were jangling, but then came the partnership we all wanted to see. Peacock started off by sledging the bowlers and fielders but was his fluent best in making 67 not out, ably supported by Geoff Boycott, sorry Paul Harris who made 50 odd off 200 balls.
An 8 wicket victory was secured with 4 overs remaining and the fact that New Bradwell also won was meaningless for them.
Everyone played their part, John Salmon made some stunning dives and stops in the field, and Kerins was there to accurately write this report and ensure he was eligible for a winners trophy.
The night rolled on to the social club with "We Are The Champions" being played endlessly and then on to the nightlife of Dunstable.
Congratulations to all who have represented the 1st team throughout the season, and roll on our title defence of 2009!!
-- Trophy Collector
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: 2s show fight but lose again
Another game another loss for the 2s in the last game of their 2008 league campaign. The game followed the usual trend for the 2nds this season. Some very good cricket interspersed with some poor cricket, eventually leading to a lose! 2 wins, 3 draws (2 of which were washed out) and 13 losses not really what Kerins was looking for when he took on the reigns this year.
Two suicidal run outs accounted for both of the Bray openers (Lester and Brian) early on, this was followed by dogged knock of 39 from Hearn, a few cameo innings in partnership with him but the continued loss of wickets left the Bray 114-7 with 8 overs still remaining. This brought together the partnership of Jones and Shepherd. Given the somewhat precarious situation they set about playing themselves in for the first 5 overs followed by a bit of biffing from both in the last 3 overs (which yielded 40 runs!) brought up the 50 partnership and led to a total of 167-7.
Spirited bowling and fielding from the Bray, combined with some youthful enthusiasm from Harv and Ollie (as always!) kept the game interesting, though Crawley were always up with the run rate and they eventually won with 2 overs to spare. Tidy figures from 4 of the Bray bowlers continued the usual trend for the season, reasonable bowling but a lack of wickets hindering the cause. Jones (2-22 off 10), E Barker (1-32 off 10), Shepherd (2-34 off 10) and Roff (1-43 off 9) being the pick of the bowlers for the home side.
Well bring on 2009 I say, Div 4 shouldn't be as tough as Div 3 has been this season!!
-- Tail End Biffer
- Result: North Crawley CC - 2nd XI Won Batting Second by 4 wickets
- Date: Sat 30th Aug 2008 @ 13:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: North Crawley CC - 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray Get The Blues with Pea Cock As Skipper
In the end Bray were soundly beaten by visitors Knebworth Blues despite getting off to one of the best starts in their history.
At 152-1 and 10 overs remaining, a massive score loomed, but the fall of Norris for 75 and skipper Pea Cock for 44 in successive overs signalled the arrival of a calypso collapse with Barker, Spicer, Taylor and Jones all going for ducks and Kerins, Harvey and Roff all fairing little better.
Left standing on 22 (well staggering) at the other end was local drunk and public disgrace 'Chuck Up' Harris. After sending the wife away for the weekend with the kids he was able to make his sunday debut this season. But after a heavy night out celebrating his birthday the night before, the pale faced run scorer was a shadow of his normal self and was sick shortly after arriving at the ground.
Bray ended up 183 all out off the final ball and had to take early wickets. Key man Woolley was dropped early on off his own bowling by Kerins (who later claimed he caught the middle ball) and then again by Taylor off the luckless Jones. Taylor subsequently claimed that this was his first ever dropped catch throughout his glittering 74 year career, but we all have our doubts.
Woolley was later dropped a 3rd time by keeper Harris as Blues comfortably won the game despite Jake Barker still shouting that Bray would win when only 3 runs were needed off 5 overs with 7 wickets in hand!
Moral of the day: Catches win matches and alcohol gives you a hangover.
-- Headache
- Result: Knebworth Blues CC - 1st XI Won by 7 wickets
- Date: Sun 24th Aug 2008 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Knebworth Blues CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: P.Isaac 7-3-11-4, D.Woolley 89*, A.Cooke 46
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Record Smashed as Bray Stretch Unbeaten Run
Bray kept up the winning habit on sundays with a comfortable victory over Bourne End. Losing the toss and being put in, this could have been another story at 72 for 5 before Peacock and Flecknell Jnr put a total on the board. Flecknell Snr, at this stage, had been sent home to retrieve his kit from the loft to ensure Bray had 11 players.
When Flecknell Jnr fell for 45, Barker soon followed and when Harvey was adjudged lbw by good pal Wilson, 11 overs still remained. Enter the stalwart skipper Jones, who firstly showed his defensive qualities by shutting up shop before unleashing a barrage of shots all around the ground with his partner Peacock. The 9th wicket eventually fell in bizarre circumstances when Jones simply walked off the field with 2 balls remaining and was run out.
His reasoning was that he wanted Flecknell Snr to bat. The fact that Mick spent 2 balls at the non strikers end before the innings closed did not go down well with the 11th man!
At tea it was then discovered that the 9th wicket partnership that Peacock & Jones put on of 58, beat a 14 year old club record, formally held by club 'umpire' and youth team co-ordinator Martin Quinn.
Flecknell Jnr bowled a pile of dross, but Harvey & Roff kept things tight before Hosking weighed in with 2 wickets with smart catches at slip and gully, and it was left to the pie chucking Simon Burton to have career best figures of 4-44 in wrapping the innings up.
There was still time for Peacock and Wilson to drop catches and Jake Barker, in taking 2 catches, showed them how to do it and he also bought his 1st ever jug in recognition of this. Just a shame he's too young to drink any of it.
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 51 runs
- Date: Sun 17th Aug 2008 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Bourne End - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: A record 9th wicket partnership at home for the Bray of 58 between J Peacock & I Jones. S Burton taking 4 wickets.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray Back To Winning Ways
Bray returned to winning ways and inflicted Studham's 1st defeat of the season on a sunday in an exciting match.
Batting first on a humid afternoon, severely hungover opener Andy Norris hit 50 and in true 'Harris' style was then out next ball.
Ollie Wilson, his opening partner, hit a career best 37 and will be a fine cricketer if he can be available for more games.
After the cheap dismissal of Peacock, guest player Matthew Molyneux, on the eve of his 40th birthday, hit a rapid 30 although he was dropped 4 times and survived 2 missed stumpings.
Some farsical batting and running at the end from Jones, Roff and Barker took the score up to 187 for 9, Barker continuing his trend of being out off the final ball leaving Kerins as DNB (did not bother).
Mead smashed Peacock for 2 successive boundaries, and in attempting a 3rd, he creamed the ball through the gully area. Jones, because he didn't have time to think, promptly ate it....sorry caught it. Apparently, for one split second he thought he was in cricketing heaven and a pork pie was zooming towards him.
Stanton, opening the bowling at the other end and moving the ball all over the place, took 3 quick wickets to leave Studham reeling. A big 5th wicket partnership was finally broken with 50 runs needed and then Peacock got the vital wicket of Thorne for 84 to effectively seal the game for the Bray.
Old timer Molyneux picked up the final wicket to ensure a 19 run win, after the final pair had survived 3 dropped catches - Peacock, Jones and a Harvey dolly being the culprits.
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 19 runs
- Date: Sun 27th Jul 2008 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Studham CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: 84 runs from Chris Thorne could not save Studham form their first defeat on a sunday.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Thriller at Rye Gardens
After last weeks rallying call from Jones, he certainly got the response he wanted in this thriller with local rivals Soulbury. The fact that the match was also played in a great spirit was a credit to the captains (Stopp of Soulbory and Kerins, Norris & Peacock for the Bray).
Great to see Will Caughie back in his whites and spend some time in the middle although his gloves still have traces of blood on them and in dropping a catch he managed to avoid the ball hitting him on the head for the first time ever!
Batting first, Bray got off to a flyer with Norris hitting 64 and Peacock a rapid 35 before that man Stopp claimed both wickets to put the brakes on. Bray lost their way a little and ended up 162 all out of the final ball, Coughtrey running out Jake Barker scanderlously off the final ball.
The scorer and tea lady, Judy Stopp, started off claiming to be neutral, although as the game progressed it became more and more evident that she was routing for the visitors. Allegations of doctoring the scorebook, at this time, remain unproven, although statisticians are continuing their investigations.
Kerins & Coughtrey kept it tight but the introduction of the extra pace of Peacock caused the openers problems, and the breakthrough came when DC gloved a vicious bouncer through to the keeper. Coughtey picked up an lbw and Peacock got a wicket from a long hop!
That brought in Stopp (Yes at number 5!!!). He took an age to get there, got heavily sledged in the process and then Peacock sent his off stump cartwheeling out the ground 1st ball!!! The scorer then entered the fray, giving Peacock a slap across the face!!
However, dangerman Sear was still there, and with only 4 frontline bowlers (if you include Jones), Bray had a problem. Hearn was called up to the job, his 1st bowl for 20 years probably! But Sear kept the score ticking along at the required 5 runs an over and with 3 overs remaining, the batsmen looked favourite.
Wilson was called up to bowl the 1 over Bray were short and was unlucky not to get a wicket as he went for 9. 6 needed off 2 overs. Kerins bowled 5 balls for 2 runs. The batsman hit the next ball to mid off and the diving Coughtrey deflected the ball to Peacock who threw the stumps down to run the batsman out! 1 over left and 4 needed to win, with Sear off strike.
1st ball wide from Hearn. Just to keep it interesting he said. 2 legitimate dot balls followed. Next ball hit over the top for a single. Sear on strike and he creams it through the covers for 4 to win the game.................NO wait, Jake Barker (after his toilet break for a No2) at full stretch, dives and stops the ball to keep it to a single.
Scores level, 2 balls remaining. Dot ball follows. Last ball, the batsman hits it back to Hearn who runs him out and the game is a tie!!
And Luton won the scratchcard in the bar afterwards - see there is hope...
- Result: Tied
- Date: Sun 20th Jul 2008 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Disgrace of the Bray
Another disgraceful lack of commitment by the members of the club led to a 3rd game being cancelled due to lack of players. With some players pulling out on Friday and Saturday!! Understanderably Knebworth Blues were extremely unimpressed and we'll be lucky to get them as a fixture for next year. We will also have to cover their pitch hire and tea costs of about £50.
If this situation happens again the Sunday skipper will suggest to the committee that all Sunday fixtures be cancelled for the remainder of this season. The club will then have to decide if Sunday fixtures should be disposed of entirely. This will create less opportunity to bring through new players and youngsters. All because most players seem to think their commitment to the club finishes after their game on a Saturday.
- Result: Cancelled
- Date: Sun 13th Jul 2008 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Hat-tricks and hundreds don't come along too often. Certainly very rarely do they happen in the same game. Poor old Newport Pagnell copped both! Michael Jarrett recorded his second ever
league hat-trick in his 31 seasons of toil, and Wes Hosking scored
his first century for the club. The amiable Aussie who couldn't
top fifty last season is now the league's leading run scorer in
2008.
Bowler Gary Ellerton is matching Wes, knocking over the stumps more regularly than any other bowler. Not surprising really as Gaz is quick. Gary's best performance was against Milton Keynes Village when he took 5 wickets whilst conceding just 7 runs.
The first team has made an excellent start to the season and leads the first division at approaching the half way mark. It is however a different story for the Saturday seconds and the Sunday friendly team. Both teams are struggling. Player availability causes problems for both teams, as the first team takes priority for both individuals and the club. But both teams have given opportunities to the newcomers. Ben Martell and Steve Shepherd have performed well with the ball, Dave Hopkins and Glen Hearn have consistently scored runs, however Jason McDermid has yet to have cause to blow his own trumpet!
Every year the cost of running and improving the club increases. The club is very fortunate to have within its ranks skilled and willing handymen, keeping the overall costs down. In addition it is extremely grateful to the two sponsors Hawkins Transport and M&M Properties. The extra financial support allows the club to maintain its high standards and playing facilities. The club wishes to thank all those that support the club in anyway and wishes to remind everyone that the 100 club is due for renewal!
MJ
Source: Focus, July 2008
Comedy Cricket At Its Best
The short trip to Simmonds was made after the celebrations for Barmy's 40 birthday the previous night and it would be fair to say that few of the team were sober. After losing yet another toss, Bray were asked to field.
An early wicket for Martell and a sharp caught and bowled from Jones to dismiss dangerman Robinson for 0 left Simmonds in trouble. Anslow played the next delivery straight up in the air, 2 yards behind the bowler Jones. Martell called it but backed off as the sight of Jones' backside moving back towards him was a fearful sight. The ball landed in the 1 yard between them.
Next ball, same shot, straight up in the air back to Jones who didn't have to move and so duly dropped it. This then became a farce when the following also dropped this same batsman - Josh 'Cymbals' Peacock (x2), Barker Snr, McDermid along with the chap teasing the fielders. And he only faced 10 balls!
One man stood out from the crowd. One man was prepared to buck the trend. One man was prepared to rise above the rest and show his true colours. One man desperate to end this farce. One man who was sober. That man, of course, was Philip Spicer.
3 out of 3 catches for this legend taking his career tally to 4 in 6 seasons set him apart from the rest. Which led to a comment being heard, surely never to be repeated - "If only we had 11 Spicers."
Another never before heard comment was "Barmy, you're going to have to come off, you're too good for them". It certainly was bizarre.
Barker Jnr and Roff wrapped up the innings with Jake closing in on his Dad's tally of wickets for the season in 50 less overs, whilst Roff ended up with 4 wickets and his next ball will be a hat-trick delivery as Simmonds were routed for 98.
The early loss of Peacock and McDermid sent some jitters through the team but Harvey and that man Spicer steadied the ship. Spicer's bat, after 6 seasons, finally showed signs of being knocked in as he creamed the ball to the boundary.
Martell hit 22 with some back foot cuts but when he was out 15 was still needed with only 4 wickets remaining. Simmonds were frantically trying to work out who Bray had left and the captain was heard to remark "They've still got Barmy - he can bat." Looks like we weren't the only ones hungover.
Stanton and the local drunk ensured there were no more alarms and took Bray to victory. Stanton tried a Pieterson-esque reverse sweep off the final ball and a bye was duly run.
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 4 wickets
- Date: Sun 15th Jun 2008 @ 14:30
- Ground: Mentmore Park
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Simmons CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
This season is a month old and the first eleven has already established a lead at the top of the Four Counties cricket league.
A win and 2 one-sided winning draws has set the pace. With the bat Wes Hosking, Andy Norris, Paul Harris, Josh Peacock, Lee Bearton have all recorded Saturday 50s, but James Flecknell has gone one better by scoring a century in the first league match at Aspley Guise. James has also starred with the ball taking 6 wickets in the winning draw with Olney.
Nick Pearson has re-modelled his bowling style and looks far more effective as a 'dibbly-dobbler'. And as always, Gary Ellerton has bowled quickly, sometimes even too quickly for the umpire to spot the dismissal.
The Saturday second team has had a tough time, failing to register a single win in the early season. However the seconds is not just about winning, it is also about development and nurturing of talent plus team for a few old boys to go out to graze.
The Sunday team, under the direction of Ian Jones has fared little better losing to Totternhoe for the first time in 83 years! But Barmy did mastermind a victory over Shenley Church End. Having totalled 280, the captain took the opportunity to bowl his lesser established stars. Joe Roff and Phil Spicer took their chances with both hands, taking 5 and 3 wickets respectively.
Despite a squad of over 30 playing members, there is always room for more. If you would like to join the club, or help in some way, please contact Treasurer Ian Jones. The club wishes to thank everyone involved for their support in the past. MJ
Home Fixtures for June:
- Sunday 1 - Roving Reporters
- Saturday 7 - New Bradwell 2
- Saturday 14 - New Bradwell
- Saturday 21 - Shenley Church End
- Saturday 28 - North Crawley
- Sunday 29 - Potten End
Source: Focus, June 2008
Cricket: Campbell takes first ever catch
Colin 'Crocodile hands' Campbell took his first ever catch in fine style (certainly the first catch I've ever seen him take!) as Bray romped to a comfortable victory at Winslow on Saturday. Bray got off to a flier with a quick 47 from Wes Hosking, but several quick wickets and some tighter bowling meant Bray had to settle for 208 off their 44 overs. Skipper Norris top scoring with 64 not out and Flecknell scoring 52. Fenton Price as usual was the toughest Winslow bowler to score runs from.
In reply Winslow lost wickets quickly and regularly, and never really threatened Brays total. Victory arriving with 15 overs to spare. A pleasing win for Bray as last season Winslow chased down a first innings total of a similar size, to dash Brays title hopes.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Reporters Have A Field Day
After losing yet another toss, Bray were duly asked to field and some indifferent bowling from Mssrs Peacock and Shepherd gave Rovers a flying start, 50 coming off the first 10 overs.
Skipper Jones introduced himself to the proceedings along with Stanton and these two kept it tight, Stanton claiming his first wicket of the season with a smart catch by the keeper and Jones unbelievably holding a caught and bowled.
Dropped catches were to make Bray pay, 2 from Burton and a dolly from Harvey off his own bowling and it took a smart catch from Barker Jnr to show these two how it's done.
229-4 looked a good score on a slow outfield and indeed it was.
Bray set about the chase with venom, Burton & Peacock sending the ball to the boundary on regular occasions, and at 59-1 off 10 overs a contest was underway. Peacock fell to a fine catch on the boundary and Kerins was bowled by a ball that went underground before reappearing to hit his stumps, and at 59-3 off 10.2 overs the game was up.
Bray didn't hold out much hope for getting close at this stage, although to collapse to 81 all out off 23 overs is embarrassing with no other batsman reaching double figures after the top 3.
Kerins' misfortune was further compounded when his popadom finger showed signs of yet again being broken despite having the keepers gloves and Harvey proved he did have a use for the day in selling the football card.
- Result: Roving Reporters CC - Friendly XI Won by 149 runs
- Date: Sun 1st Jun 2008 @ 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Roving Reporters CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray suffer humiliation in the sun
On a bright hot sunny day and with most of the team being far too sober the Bray travelled to old rivals Bourne End. This is the first time we've met in about 3 years due to being rained off in the last 3 seasons.
On what was a good day to lose a toss the captain actually won it and made the biggest mistake of the day by batting first! This seemed prudent at 2.30pm with temperatures at about 25 degrees and a pitch that looked dubious although hard.
About the only highlight of our innings was a dogged 15 from new boy Glenn Hearn having been asked to open the batting and a top edge 6 from youngster Adam Harvey, this cleared the short boundary fence, struck the road and clattered into an AA Van that had stopped to watch us play!! Brooksey and Harv were later heard commenting that the driver was a very nice man indeed!! Although the rest of the team thought they had disappeared for 10 minutes to go to McDonalds!!
Following these highlights and lots of lowlights, including the skippers wild hoick that led to a 3rd ball duck, we eventually succumbed to the not very nice men of Bourne End for 82!
There were no further things of note, with Bourne End knocking the runs off 1 wicket down in about 11 overs!!
We even managed to visit the wrong pub after the game, Bourne End having changed about 23 years ago following the last time we palyed them!!
A team meeting will be held after the President's 40th celebrations (which are in the Social Club of Eaton Bray) at 4.30am in the Cube Room in Leighton Buzzard on Saturday 17th.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Bray Slaughter Shenley Church End
On a pitch that would do well to be decscribed as poor, Bray were inevitably asked to bat after losing yet another toss.
The attitude of the batsmen was to try and play positive as it was expected that a ball with your name on it would soon be coming. An early wicket brought the experienced Norris & Kerins together and with some fine hitting and at times gutsy defending, the rate ticked along at more than a run a ball.
A stand of 157 in 25 overs was eventually ended when Kerins was well caught for 71 and Norris soon followed for 80 when the ball failed to bounce. Fine hitting by Peacock and Hurren (42 and 35 respectively) kept the momentum going and Bray ended up 283-6, a score well in excess of par on that wicket.
Church End never had any momentum as wickets fell steadily. 2 catches from Wilson (the less said about the celebrations the better) paved the way for a good fielding performance as 7 catches were taken in total.
But the man able to extract the most from the wicket was Roff. Bamboozaling the number 3 by clean bowling him, he went on to claim his first ever 5 wicket haul, his figures ending up 5-25. He even deliberately dropped a dolly catch off skipper Jones so he could claim the wicket at the other end.
But the story doesn't end there. The introduction of Spicer left players and spectators gaping as his missiles were launched. One batsman thought he was the luckiest person in the world when, after being completely deceived by the flight and guile of Spicer, the ball hit the bail and failed to remove it!!! The batsman then became the unluckiest player in the world when in the next over he was caught Jones bowled Spicer!!!
There was still time for Jones to drop another catch off the luckless Harvey before Spicer wrapped up proceedings and ended with figures of 3-34.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
The close season activities of quiz nights, race evenings, trips to London and Towcester race course do not compare with the real thing. The real thing started again on 18 April. Yes, it's the cricket season and summer has finally returned.
Naturally when the members of Eaton Bray Cricket Club opened-up the pavilion in April there was snow laying on the outfield. Not wishing to enter the whole debate on climate change, but, haven't the seasons shifted? Aren't the seasons getting later?
Well, the cricket 'season' is not getting later. The club started on the third weekend in April and league season started after a further two weeks.
The Club competes in the Morrants Four Counties League, loosely based around Milton Keynes. Since its inception in 2000 the Club has a good record having been champions three times and runners-up twice. However it has not won the title for the past two years.
The second team competes in the third division of the same league and should have a good season with Darren Kerins in charge, and with the return of veteran swing bowler Georgie Coughtrey. Georgie played in the Sunday friendly team last season and missed the competitive edge of league cricket.....and a beer on a Saturday night!
Within the bounds of village cricket, the Club is quite progressive. It is always looking to improve its facilities and membership. This year it plans to buy a new, second-hand roller. This will allow the pitch to be prepared to an even higher standard! It is also on the look-out for new players; young and old (not too old!). If you fancy getting involved please contact Ian Jones. MJ
Home Fixtures for May:
- Saturday 3 Whitchurch
- Saturday 10 Olney Town
- Saturday 17 Drayton Parslow
- Sunday 18 Mentmore
- Saturday 24 Milton Keynes
- Saturday 31 Milton Keynes City
Source: Focus, May 2008
Cricket: Close but not quite for Bray
Eaton Bray got their 2008 league season off to a solid start on Saturday with a winning draw at Aspley Guise. Bray were asked to bat first and survived some good early bowling from Aspley Guise in reaching 254-3, declaring with an over to go. Wes Hosking made a typically flamboyant 64, Paul Harris a good 41 and James Flecknell made an excellet 105 not out taking advantage of some tired bowling and hogging a large portion of the strike along the way.
Bray bowled tidily, but struggled to create chances on a track that offered little assistance to the bowlers. Aspley's Batsmen batted sensibly, and a comfortable draw looked the likeliest outcome. An excellent 2nd spell from Gary Ellerton and the carrott of an extra batting point for Aspley brought the game very close to a Bray victory. Aspley had 2 balls to survive with 1 wicket left, but held out for the draw.
The game was played in good spirt between the 2 teams, and we look forward to the return fixture back at Eaton Bray.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Peacock Blooms But The Umpire Strikes Back
Jones won the toss on a wet Potten End track (has it ever been dry there?) and inserted the opposition. One wicket a-piece for Peacock and Roff gave early hope, but a big 3rd wicket partnership set a testing total for the Bray. Tight bowling from debutant Martell & skipper Jones ensured the hosts finished with 185-4 off their allotted 35 overs.
Peacock then set about the chase with a fine array of shots, proving that he was technically the best batsman on display all game. To take his game further, he needs to ensure he 'gets the job done' and must not sell himself cheaply, this time shortly after reaching his half century. Also worth mentioning Hing's slog sweep onto the pavillion roof!!
At 115-2 and 14 overs still remaining, the chase was on. Then came the decisive moment when Hing played forward to a ball that bounced and turned and was unbelievably given out lbw by the home umpire. Hing was later fined half of his match fee for refusing to walk (and rumour has it he is still stood there now shaking his head in disbelief).
A dramatic collapse followed, with the same 'umpire' giving two more lbw's, although one batsman did admit he was probably plumb. At 120-8 the game was lost but Martell, with some fine hits, ensured the Bray batted out their allotted overs with the tailend stalwart Jarrett at the other end.
Nets for everyone this week please.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: And So The Jones Era Begins
The home game against Totternhoe on sunday marked the start of the reign of Ian Jones as captain. A disappointing batting display in the main, Josh Peacock top scoring with 24 but at 80-7, and 15 overs remaining, a well below par score was looming. Phil Spicer and Joe Roff utilised vital overs before some big hitting from Ozzie Osborne and newcomer Steve Shepherd ensured a competitive total of 136 was achieved in the final over.
Osborne and Shepherd then impressed with the ball, keeping Totternhoe to 10 runs from the first 10 overs, which would have had more success were it not for the ineptitude of skipper Jones in the gully, clearly with other thoughts on his mind as the ball looped towards him (like what he was having for dinner, supper and late night supper that evening).
Suddenly wickets started to fall, and at drinks Tots were 36-6 and the game seemed won for the Bray. But Wood & Pretty (66no) had other ideas and secured a penultimate ball win for the visitors, with 2 wickets still in hand.
Skipper Jones was so upset by the result that he has called a team meeting before next weeks game. This will take place at 2.30 am in Cubes in Dunstable (that is assuming that by this time, Jones has not been thrown out for throwing drinks over a barmaid).
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Eaton Bray Cricket Club
The Annual General Meeting of the club was held in February and was well attended by 20 members. It was lively and long. It lasted 4 hours during which time the members elected a management team of Lee Bearton and Martin Quinn as president and chairman, plus Ian Jones and Michael Jarrett as treasurer and secretary respectively.
The captaincy of all teams has changed hands. Andy Norris was elected as first team captain. Darren Kerins has dropped to the second team giving the 'twos' his tactical nous. An inexperienced combination of Ian Jones and Josh Peacock, his vice-captain, will lead the Sunday team.
The first match is on Saturday 19 April, but ahead of that there is much preparation. Naturally the players will continue to fine tune or indeed learn some of the more rudimentary skills. The off-field preparations are also underway. Nick Pearson is repairing the cladding to the outside of the pavilion, but the bulk of the work will be done, as usual by the Flecknells.
Whilst it is a cricket club, its social secretary Georgie Coughtrey does arrange other events. In February Brian Hing's team of masterminds won the quiz night and prior to that Lawrence Bunker's red-hot tip at Towcester, made a couple of pounds for the lucky few. On 12 April, an indoor race night is scheduled. It will be held at the Sports and Social Club. Tickets are available from Georgie.
The club is always very encouraging of new members. This season, in particular, the club is promoting junior membership, as it will be running some junior matches, in conjunction with Edlesborough Cricket Club. If you'd like to join, please contact Martin Quinn.
Source: Focus, April 2008
Cricket: All change at top for the Bray
Following the clubs AGM on Sunday 17th February 2008 there has been a radical change in positions for the senior "staff" of the club.
Ian "Bobo, Barmy" Jones takes on the Treasurer and Sunday Captain roles. He must be mad!!
Darren "Resident Journo" Kerins relinquishes the treasurer's role to become 2nd Team Captain.
Andy Norris reliquinshes the Sunday Captaincy to become 1st team Captain.
Michael "MJ, Merlin, Coco" Jarrett becomes Secretary once again, having handed this role to Barmy in 2004.
New boy Wes Hosking becomes 1st team vice captain, despite strong protests from Colin about Wes's country of upbringing! Young Josh Peacock becomes Sunday vice captain.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Bray remain out in front
Morrants Four Counties League - Not for the first time this season the weather was the winner last Saturday with no league games completed.
Eaton Bray lead Great Brickhill by two points as the league enters it's final two weekends.
Bray (14 points) were 197 all out on Saturday when the weather intervened against New Bradwell (15), James Flecknall top scoring with 77 with Paul Harris adding a useful 42. Zed Khan was the pick of the Bradwell bowlers taking 4-23.
Second placed Brickhill ( 13) had Newport Pagnell Town (13) on 153-6 when the rain came, Paul Braddy hitting 54 while Stuart Cooper picked up 3-37.
MK City were 133-8 against Cublington (14) and Winslow (13) were 161-8 with Paul Tomlinson hitting 75 against North Crawley (14). Mentmore's failure to fulfil their fixture against Milton Keynes sees them relegated.
Tring Park picked up 12 points from their abandoned game with Olney Town (12) in Division Two, Ben Caddigan scoring 42 of his side's 148-4.
Aspley Guise (13) were well on top of Stewkley (10) at 151-1 when it rained, John Rowbotham and Grant Webster on 56 not out and 58 not out respectively.
Richard Blake of Studham (12) was 62 not out in Studham's (12) 137-4 against Old Bradwell while Aston Clinton (11) were 101-2 against Turvey (11). Edlesborough picked up 12 points to Soulbury's 11 in their rained off game.
In Division Three Caddington's home game with Drayton Parslow and Milton Bryan's clash with Shenley Church End did not get started. Open University took this opportunity to go top by picking up 15 points from their abandoned game against Eaton Bray 2nds (10), Bray 99 all out with Sohail taking 5-39.
Biddenham (15) were 24-0 in reply to Eggington (11), who were bowled out for 122 while New Bradwell 2nds (15) bowled out Steeple Claydon (11) for 121, Subhan Shafiq taking 4-15.
North Crawley 2nds (12) stay top of Division Four after the match with Stoke Hammond (12) was abandoned after Crawley 2nds had scored 128-5 with Jim Armstrong scoring 34 not out.
Whitchurch (12) were 144 all out against third placed Totternhoe (15) while Cranfield University (15) bowled out Great Brickhill 2nds (12) for 147 with Andy Higgs top scoring with 43.
Bottom side Old Bradwell 2nds (10) were 98-7 thanks to 51 from Vinod Tailor when play with Milton Keynes (13) was abandoned.
Willen (15) were well on the way to victory against Harlington when the weather thwarted them, Willen on 55-0 in reply to Harlington's 135-8.
MK City 2nds gained 12 points from their rained off match with Cublington 2nds (12) and was enough to clinch promotion from Division Five.
Printers look set to join them as they picked up 13 points against Little Horwood (10). Tring Park 4ths (13) had Olney Town 2nds 70-6 when they were stopped by the rain and Milton Bryan 2nds' home match with Stewkley 2nds and Wing's clash with Winslow 2nds did not start.
In Division Six, Newport Pagnell Town 2nds (14) now hold an eight-point lead over Ivinghoe and Pitstone (11) following their meeting. Ivinghoe were 109-8 with Steve Cordory taking 4-30 before the heavens opened.
Wolverton Town 3rds (13) were 140-8 when the game was called off against Eggington 2nds (14).
MK Park 3rds scored 198-9 against North Crawley 3rds with Raza Ifthikar hitting 57 not out and Nick Cooper taking 5-35, each side picking up 14 points.
Source: Milton Keynes Citizen, 23 August 2007
Eaton Bray close the gap
Eaton Bray beat North Crawley by 23 runs on Saturday to close the gap on Morrant Four Counties Division One leaders MK City.
Bray totalled 120 with John Salmon scoring 52 before dismissing North Crawley for 97 with Andy Norris taking 3-15 and Gary Ellerton 3-24.
Great Brickhill are in third place after handing leaders MK City their first defeat of the season.
City were all out for 119 with Nick Tweed taking 4-14 and Shannon Tubb 4-40.
Brickhill replied with 122-2 with Aaron Aris hitting 51 and Tubb 31.
Cublington were 113-run victors over Winslow with Steve George 56 and Phil Ellwood top scoring in their total of 245-5. Winslow were removed for 132 with Fenton Price taking 3-46.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 12 June 2007
Villagers bounce back and push champions all the way
Morrants Four Counties Cricket League - Milton Keynes bounced back from last week's unwanted record-breaking total to push current Division One champions New Bradwell to the wire.
Against Eaton Bray they were shot out for just eight runs - seven of which were extras - but they responded against Bradwell eventually losing by just three wickets.
Sami Ali hit 31 as Milton Keynes totalled 153, but the defending champions proved to be too strong as they won with 158-7 with 34 from Andy Overton and 33 from Naseem Malik.
MK City remain top despite falling to their first defeat of the season, losing by eight wickets to Great Brickhill.
Abid Hussain hit 67 in City's opening knock but 4-14 from Brickhill's Nick Tweed restricted their total to 119. In reply Aaron Aris scored 51 as Brickhill scored 122 for the loss of just two wickets.
Eaton Bray's 23-run win over North Crawley saw them close the gap at the top to 12 points, John Salmon's 52 helping them to an opening innings total of 120. Crawley were all out for 97 as Andy Norris and Gary Ellerton took three wickets apiece for Eaton.
Elsewhere, Newport Pagnell Town (151-9) beat Mentmore (119) by 32 runs, James Chaplin hitting 25 not out for Newport with Gary Hefferon taking 3-10 off his 10 overs in the Mentmore innings. Cublington (245-5) beat Winslow Town (132) by 113 runs.
Source: Milton Keynes Citizen
Eaton Bray skittle MK for eight runs!
Visitors Eaton Bray cracked 222-5 batting first in the Morrant Four Counties League Division One match before Milton Keynes' sorry demise, only one run coming from the bat as the innings saw nine batsmen dismissed for nought.
A league spokesman confirmed this week that Milton Keynes' score was not only the lowest in the history of Division One but was also the lowest in the league.
The previous lowest Divison One score was 34 and posted by Great Brickhill in their clash with Olney Town in May 2003. The lowest league total of 28 was scored by Wing in their Division Four game against Biddenham in July 2004.
For the record the one run scored by a batsman came from Shahid Malik - the rest of the total made up of three wides and four leg byes. Three batsmen were caught, four were clean bowled, two fell leg before and one was stumped.
For Eaton Bray Gary Ellerton bowled six overs - three of them maidens - taking six wickets at a cost of just two runs.
Andy Morris bowled six overs - five of them maidens - taking four wickets at a cost of just two runs.
James Flecknall top scored with 79 in Bray's total of 222-5, giving them victory by 214 runs.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 5 June 2007
Cricket: Villagers lose to city team
Eaton Bray lost to Milton Keynes in Division One of the Morrants Four Counties League at the weekend.
Eaton Bray ended on 163 and were beaten by six wickets with Milton Keynes finishing on 165-4.
Other results were:
Division One: Mentmore (189) beat Old Bradwell (70) by 119 runs. Eggington (150-8) drew with Simpson & Walton (240-7). Newport Pagnell (214-6) beat Aspley Guise (210-9).
Division Four: Eaton Bray (138-4) beat Cranfield University (135) by six wickets.
Division Five: Wing (242-6) beat MK City (240-4) by four wickets.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 1 August 2006
Cricket: Battling pair hit 170 for Simmons
Eaton Bray 186-8, Simmons 187-1 (Dunstable Midweek League)
Eaton Bray elected to bat on a fairly lively track but managed to score steadily with Darren Kerins (53) Andy Norris (53 no) and John Peacock (119) making the runs.
However, Simmons bowled well throughout and never allowed an Eaton Bray onslaught. Neville and James Clarke bagged five wickets with figures of 3-34 and 2-32.
In response, Simmons lost an early wicket but then a magnificent 170 run partnership won the game with seven overs to spare.
Neville Clarke (62 no) played a good supporting role for left-hander Mark Gear who struck a marvellous unbeaten 109.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 20 June 2006
Cricket: Eaton Bray held to a draw
Second placed Eaton Bray maintained their unbeaten run but had to settle for a draw when they took on New Bradwell in Division One of the Morrants Four Counties League on Saturday.
With James Flecknall scoring 68 and Paul Harris 33, Eaton Bray totalled 208-9.
Flecknall also had success with the ball, taking 4-30, but the visitors held on for a draw at 160-7.
Mentmore have slipped to fourth place after losing by two wickets to North Crawley.
Mentmore totalled 147-8 with Howard Sayers scoring 54 and Henry Kircher 41.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 6 June 2006
Cricket: Bray boys take title
Andy Norris' efforts ultimately helped Eaton Bray to clinch the Division One title of the Morrant Four Counties Cricket League, just pipping New Bradwell.
Bray beat Old Bradwell by four wickets. Bradwell posted 143 all out with Michael Jarrett taking 4 for 25 and Andy Norris 3 for 30 before knocking off the runs with fine knocks by Nick Pearson (45) and Dom Taylor (34no).
Norris also scored 475 runs in the season to be the division's top all-rounder.
New Bradwell had to beat MK City to win the title but were held to a draw.
At the foot of the table Great Brickhill beat Aston Clinton to stay in the first division.
In Division Two centuries from Jamie Litherland (120no) and Glyn Davies (105) saw Winslow Town smash 262 runs for four wickets as they beat Edlesborough by 180 runs to clinch the title. In the Edlesborough innings Johnathon Waugh took 4 for 17 which brings his season's tally to 31 and confirms him as the division's leading wicket taker.
Runners-up Mentmore overcame Willen by 8 wickets. Willen only managed 115 all out and Gareth Sowter scored 80 undefeated in Mentmore's reply of 119 for 2.
Soulbury (203 all out) beat relegated Newport Pagnell Town (197 all out) by six runs. Danny Broad took 4 for 30 in Soulbury's innings while John Braddy's 73 wasn't enough to steer Newport home.
In Division Three Cublington and Aspley Guise were promoted. Cublington overcame Stoke Goldington while Aspley Guise drew at home to Shenley Church End.
Of the other four promotion contenders Caddington drew with Drayton Parslow and New Bradwell drew with Open University who were relegated along with Totternhoe.
Steeple Claydon beat Great Brickhill by seven wickets to clinch the title in Division Four. In Brickhill's 110 for 9 Kevin Marsden took 6 for 18. Adam Neat top scored for Claydon in their reply of 111 for 3. Studham were second in the division.
Milton Bryan clinched the Division Five title with a comprehensive victory over Wing who only managed 69 runs all out.
For Milton David Shearn took 4 for 20 and Rob Wild and Clive Fuller took three each.
In reply Milton Bryan lost one wicket in knocking off the runs in 12 overs.
Markyate's withdrawal from the league left Winslow Town in runners up spot completing a good season for the Winslow teams.
Eaton Bray (221 for 7 - Dave Roberts 72, and Lee Bearton 60) finished third in the league securing this place with an 83 run victory over Stewkley (138 all out) for whom Martin French took another three wickets to finish on 38 for the season.
In Division Six Olney Town 2nds (120 for 3) overcame Milton Keynes Park (117 all out) to clinch the title. Park's defeat meant the MK City 2nds secured the other promotion place with a win over Wolverton Town 3rds.
The league is inviting new clubs to apply to play in the league for the 2006 season. For more details log onto www.fccl.org.uk
Source: Leighton Online, 6 September 2005
Cricket: Bray overwhelmed
If Chelsea were playing Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, the result would have been closer than this 1 sided encounter. A conference fixture, both sides were described as 'medium' strength, the Bray were therefore happy to learn that we were not playing against anyone 'strong.' Gunning shot us down with 157 not out, out of 322 for 3 (a record against the Bray) and the only positive that came out of the game was determined batting by Cottrell to ensure the Bray were not bowled out. If we ever play them again, we will have to remember to bring more balls.
-- Andy Norris
Scorecard
- Result: Langleybury CC - Friendly XI Won by 161 runs
- Date: Sun 21st Aug 2005
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Langleybury CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: If Chelsea were playing Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, the result would have been closer than this 1 sided encounter. A conference fixture, both sides were described as 'medium' strength, the Bray were therefore happy to learn that we were not playing against anyone 'strong.' Gunning shot us down with 157 not out, out of 322 for 3 (a record against the Bray) and the only positive that came out of the game was determined batting by Cottrell to ensure the Bray were not bowled out. If we ever play them again, we will have to remember to bring more balls.
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Friendly bray Win Again
Bunker FM hit a quickfire 40 and then begged his captain to let him have a bowl. This was not possible due to the Bray only getting 180, thanks also to a Boycott-esque innings from Steve Davis.
Career best performances from Joe Roff (3 wickets) and Ronald Weasley (5 wickets) ensured a comfortable victory for the Bray.
1st team skipper Paul Harris was also playing after booking his wife on a long distance flight, driving her to the airport, checking her in, escorting her to the departure lounge and personally closing the cabin door! He may be regretting these actions after being forced to bowl 8 overs into the wind but somehow i doubt it...
-- Andy Norris
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 30 runs
- Date: Sun 7th Aug 2005 @ 14:30
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Highlights: Bunker FM hit a quickfire 40 and then begged his captain to let him have a bowl. This was not possible due to the Bray only getting 180, thanks also to a Boycott-esque innings from Steve Davis. Career best performances from Joe Roff (3 wickets) and Ronald Weasley (5 wickets) ensured a comfortable victory for the Bray. 1st team skipper Paul Harris was also playing after booking his wife on a long distance flight, driving her to the airport, checking her in, escorting her to the departure lounge and personally closing the cabin door! He may be regretting these actions after being forced to bowl 8 overs into the wind but somehow i doubt it...
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club