Christmas Quiz

Just a slightly late notification of our Christmas Quiz being held on the 27th.

We’d like to thank all who attended our Wine & Nibbles evening – went down well and got us rolling with the fundraising. Thanks to all who enabled us to raise £346 that night!

So as everyone enjoyed it, we’re doing the Quiz bit again! Also running will be a raffle, quiz entry will be £2.50 per person (max of 5 persons per team)

Rock Cricket Club Christmas Quiz

27th December 2009

at The Horseshoes Inn, Rennington

After food service has finished
(approx 9:30pm)

Hope to see you there!
In the meantime, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Upcoming Event – “Wine & Nibbles”

As we begin our quest to raise a couple of grand to help replace numerous ground-keeping items, we are please to announce our opening event of the Winter.

Wine & Nibbles Evening (with a Quiz)

Sunday 6th December 2009

at The Horseshoes Inn, Rennington

7:30pm

Tickets are £5, available from The ‘Shoes (from Friday 20th Nov) or from Tony Dunn & Andy Gray.

Please also keep the evening of the 27th of December free as we hold our Christmas Quiz, again in the ‘Shoes. More details to follow.

Fundraising Meeting

As in most company’s and family’s budgets, times are hard and we all need money to survive. This is also true for not only our club but many clubs and in all sports. Thus we must do all we can to ensure that our little club survives and set in place actions to let it flourish.

Our coffers aren’t threadbare yet but could do with an injection of fresh money and fresh ideas for the club.

So for the 1st time we are holding a meeting, for anyone to attend, who has any ideas for fundraising, not only during the season but over the winter months as well.

The meeting will be held at the Horseshoes Inn, Rennington on Sunday 15th of November at 7:30pm.

Hope to see you there.

Presentation Night & Award Winners 2009

Saturday night saw the annual Presentation night at the Horseshoes Inn. The night itself was well attended by sponsors & supporters, its just a pity that not all players could attend. Clashing with Halloween celebrations meant some were missing.

An excellent buffet was laid out and quickly demolished by all attending. Many thanks to Mark, Louise and their staff for being such gracious and attentive hosts!

We hope all that attended enjoyed their evening, and will be around next year when we do it all again!

And so to the award winners…

The Ronnie Williams Memorial Shield for Fielding – Kevin Wilson

The “Duck” Trophy – Andy Gray

The Norman Tulip Challenge Trophy for Batting – Kevin Wilson

The Junior Cup – Steven Gray

The Henna Wilson Challenge Cup for Bowling – Kevin Wilson

The Player of the Year – Kevin Wilson

The Captains Trophy – Wayne Dunn

Unfortunately Kevin wasn’t at the event, so various team mates collected his awards on his behalf. Many thanks to them.

Don’t they look so young!

A little randomness for a cold, miserable, wet Thursday, but some brightness came as I skimmed through the Northumberland Gazette today. In the regular Remember when… feature, where news items and photos are reproduced from both 25 years and 50 years ago. So imagine my delight at spying, not only one, but three current Rock players looking incredibly young in a photo from their days playing Rugby whilst at Duchess’s High School in Alnwick.

See who you can spot.

 

Yes, fresh faced and badly trimmed hair we have Phil Baston, and twins Rod & Ian Bell.

Presentation Night

Just a reminder for everyone that the Annual Presentation Night is fast approaching!

Saturday 31st of October, 7:30ish @ The Horseshoes Inn, Rennington

Supporters & sponsors please let me know you will be attending, by the 20th of October so we can cater for everyone appropriately. Email me on rockcricketclub@yahoo.co.uk Thanks.

Players, please remember to firstly attend, and secondly to provide a raffle prize!

See you all on the 31st! By which time I should have prepared a running order, and the stats board!

ROCK Win How?.....ick

Mr Calm’s take on the incredible match against Howick, in his final report of the season.

“Your ever so humble correspondent has played through some exciting finishes in his full 30 seasons but, methinks, I will be hard-pressed to come anywhere near the mix of emotions experienced at the end of this match. The wicket was as soggy as a soggy thing in soggy land but, last game of the season and all that. Howick came to Rock polygon, determined to end their season on a high, however, the Rock lads had other ideas. Firstly, Spoon cunningly lost the toss and the home side were inserted for the 1st time in a while. Then with no fewer than 7 potential opening batsmen to choose from, he chose Rod of the Bells & Kev of the Wilsas to give it some hokey-pokey. And give it some hokey-pokey they did, putting on 72 for the 1st wicket, Kev hitting 5 fours & Rod 6. Durie (A) plugged away, (literally, on at least three occasions the umpires were forced to call the R & A for a ruling!), and was finally rewarded with the wicket of Mr B for 38. Wilsa went soon after, trying to loft the noble Mr Wright into the sheep paddock but only succeeding in holing out to Ant Elliott. Super secret agent & 3rd choice WK PhilB came in but was despatched for a promising 9, given "out" LBW. All the while Gianfranco di Bobbio was accumulating at the other end until he too was sent on his way caught behind for a smashing 25. This brought together the Prof & The Pie-man, (now theres a name for a pub!), MG deciding that the fact he's looked like he has been batting with a stick of celery all season was a good excuse to fanny about. Eventually he was given out by a gleeful Wilsa, whose decisiveness over a LBW decision caused some mirth in the gloaming at the pavilion! In came Shorty, who hit a 16 ball 20 including 4 fours but was bowled by the former Wightman Cup favourite, Jo Durie. Calm hobbled to the wicket to join the Confectioner, who proceeded to lay waste to the Howick bowlers averages. In an incredible few overs he hit 1 four & 5 sixes in a brilliant 52 not out. Comment of the day from young Mr Oliver, (too good for Alnwick), when he remarked that Tony didn't fancy the short stuff when he'd been pawping it all over the field! Calm just managed to get a red inker on 18 not out & Rock finished on 213 for 6. Bowling plaudits to Durie (A) Wright (J) & Durie (J) with 2 wickets apiece.

Top tea taken, the Skip emphasised the need to pitch it up & for the fielding to be tight. So, naturally, Rock went into the fray bowling short , dropping catches & misfielding at every opportunity. Jo & Ed Durie made the most of their opponents ineptitude & boshed at will. Eventually, Ed was snaffled by a grateful Tony off the bowling of an even more grateful CJ. TD went at 6 an over, The Prof at fives, Wazza did his utmost but no-one could make the breakthrough until Platter came up with the master stroke; a double change. He brought himself & Wilsa on. Andy tempted Oliver into what the man himself later described as a sort of shuffling forward defensive, (??), that left him stranded 3 yards down the track while Kim showboated the stumping. Williams replaced the clearly exhausted skipper and bowled a "mare" of a first over which went for eight. Wearmouth made a quickfire 25 before depositing a catch into The Prof's normally unreliable hands, 197 for 3. Then Dad Durie totally misread a Calm slower ball, which was going even slower than he thought & Kev took the catch. Then the turning point; Jo, who had been batting well & riding his luck, played all round a Wilsa special and was bowled for 82. After that it was, quite literally, all downhill. MW collected three more scalps while Wilsa took the last 2 wickets in the 43rd over, Ant Elliott being the last victim, caught & bowled. There ensued much cheering and, believe me, disbelief! For 33 overs we were second by a long way & the Howick lads must have thought the game was won but isn't this why we play? It aint over 'til the fat bloke & Wilsa bowls.”

The King of the Fines – 08/09/09

“How the hell did we win that one?!”

As Kev took the return catch that ended the season of 2009, and sent the ball skyward, Rock had managed to pull off one the greatest of escapes I had seen in my 20 years on the field. How we managed it I’ll never know, but the legends Kevin Wilson and the master craftsman Mick Williams used every minute of their years of experience to somehow combine to take the final 7 Howick wickets for 10 runs in 8 overs.

As is usual at Rock, for the last game of the season the cricket isn’t the priority as the changing room is all “costumes, drinking, the Squash and sofa availability”. And on this weekends evidence, we need to forget about such matters until the final ball is bowled.

A solid, but at times slow, batting display preceded a horrendous bowling and fielding performance which could have ruined a great end to the season. For 35 overs Rock were losing, and losing quickly. The damp wicket did nothing but aid the batting side as anything short sat up begging to be smacked out of site, and of course our seamers bowled a lot of short stuff. A change of pace, and a fuller length paid off as Phil (eventually) stumped the dangerous Oliver, Howick were now 2 down for 146. Joe Durie continued on his merry way as our thoughts turned to drinking the night away, still believing we had no hope. Not long after and Kev removed his off stump, and there was a glimmer of hope.

At this point with Howick passing 200, Mick Williams began to bamboozle the young Howick middle and lower order with his many variations, picking up wickets regularly and a collapse of Rock proportions set in.

Kev took the 2 final wickets, capping off an excellent season for the all-rounder who has been a VERY welcome sight on the cricket fields of the Alnwick & District League, in Rock colours!

We all then got costumed up (to varying degrees) and celebrated an unbelievable win long into the night. A little too long for some…

Scorecard

Well done to all the lads for an excellent end to the season, which saw us win 4 on the trot, and end up 6th in the league.

Thanks to all the Matchball Sponsors throughout the season, your support means we can continue to provide such moments of drama throughout the summer months.

Hopefully a full report from Mr Calm to follow later in the week.

Team for 5th September vs Howick

The final game of the season is now upon us, and with that in mind team selection has been tricky. Do the returning members deserve to walk directly back into the team? Do we drop Mick Gray for being Mick Gray? Does the Captain get dropped again?! All will be revealed…

1pm meet for 1:30 start
Bring Tea for plenty.
Fines will be a minimum of double the normal rate – bring your cheque books!
Reserves please turn up aswell for the festivities, maybe in your costumes??!

Team:
1. A. Gray (capt)
2. K. Wilson
3. R. Dodds
4. D. Short
5. T. Dunn
6. R. Bell (wkt)
7. M. Gray
8. P. Baston
9. W. Dunn
10. M. Williams (exempt from Umpiring stints)
11. C. Johnson

Res:
I. Bell
A. Woodcock
S. Gray
C. Dunn

As its the last game, expect the batting order to be a little different from the norm…

“Pub Signs” Costumes to be adorned following the game, hopefully making it into the Horseshoes Inn about 7:30-8pm.

Wock WINdy @ Warkworth

Is Rock now on what could be described as a win streak?! Or is it the recently lifted curse of Mick Gray’s ‘tash?! Anyway we won!

So for his penultimate report, Mr Calm has another successful game to dissect as only he can…

The sun shone on the Castle Field on Saturday and, despite a strong breeze hearts were gladdened by the cricket on display. Mr Doyle won the toss for Warkworth 2's & decided to make first use of a dry-looking wicket. Keith of the Pudds started in his usual aggressive & stylish style but Adam Spoors was an early victim of the pie-master, who PITCHED THE BALL UP & bowled the youngster. Adam Jobson joined Pudds & seemed determined to perfect the Surrey cut! No matter, they took the score on steadily until Shorty took a good catch off Wilsa's bowling. Then Doyle was trapped in front by Plum, who seems to have reconciled himself with the LBW law but still can't manage to stop Pudds scoring sixes off him! However, he had his revenge sooner rather than later when he enticed Keith into a flashy shot & he dragged on for a good 50. Enter Mark Spoors, fine bowler & good hitter. He set about all of the Rock bowlers with relish striking 7 fours & 3 sixes in his 59. Meanwhile. Kev accounted for Little Pudds & Skipper Spoon ended a brief flurry from Richie; he also despatched Stan & in so doing qualified for the bowling averages. Spoorsy was finally caught by the Skip off Mr Calm, who also had Jamie P caught by Chris Dunn in the deep. Chris appears to have either broken his finger or finally removed it from a dark place, as a result. Warkworth all out for a competitive 167

Yet another top tea was taken. No wonder quite a lot of us are portly! Kev of the Wilsas & Rod of the Bells opened the reply for Rock. Spoorsy's radar seemed to be off in his first over & we got off to a bit of a flier. Kev had scored 15 when he chased a wide one to him in his 3rd over & was well caught by his brother at Wicketkeeper. Nels annoyingly fell to the opposing skipper lofting one to Spoorsy for 7. Shorty came in with a welcome opportunity for some time at the crease. After a shaky start he soon settled into his work while Bobby of the Bells plundered at will from the other end. Rod finally pansied one to Big Pudds off Richie Carruthers who had bowled well without any luck but Rod's work was done with a beautifully compiled 80. Shorty was joined by the skipper, who, it has to be said, didn't run himself out & managed to smack 4 fours in his 17 not out. Shorty ended up on an excellent 37 not out as Rock overhauled Warkworths total. A special mention for young Matthew Potts who bowled a lovely little spell from the Castle end into the wind.

All in all, a good, solid, all-round team performance & this correspondent can look forward to putting his feet up next week after 2, (yes 2!), umpiring stints. Second week in a row, as well. Pk was roundly fined after the match for not being available next week, when Rock welcome Howick to The Polygon for the final game of the season. Don't forget your "pub-sign" gear, Orange boilersuits officially banned; Your Plumness, you have been warned!!

His Serene Calmness

Rock vs Mitford Full Report

Mr Calm is back with tidings of yet another win for the Rock boys!

“Here we are 2 weeks away from the end of the season and everything seems well with the world, England won the ashes, Toon fans think they're the best team in Christendom, and Rock tripled last years total in the "win" column!! 

We welcomed Mitford to Rock Polygon at the weekend on a breezy but warm day, heartened by our win against Embletoon.  Spoon won the toss & inserted the oppo, no doubt relishing a chase.  CJ got us off to a belting start by making Elly play on to his stumps.  There followed a quick fire stand of 80 between Mark Parrish & Terry Dunn & with the score on 96 for 1 and not many overs gone, Rock were looking down the barrel yet again.  Enter Rock's new, all-action hero, Wazza, who despatched Dunn via a catch by the clean-shaven Prof.  Speaking of the Prof, he & Wazza really slowed the scoring rate & his Plumness also accounted for Colin with one that kept a little low.  Sick-note was warmly welcomed to the crease, the recent case of swine flu apparently shaken off.  Rock were grateful to Wazza for warmly sending him back courtesy of a good catch by Gianfranco di Bobbio, who was seriously injured in a morning kickabout.  We don't know who was kicking him about but whoever it was should be arrested.  He outdid himself moments later when he caught Parrish, (80 excellently compiled runs), magnificently, despite his obvious pain.  The rolling about was a bit much, though!  Burt Barakat, (one for you oldies out there!), and Lees added some gloss to Mitford's final total of 214 for 9, Chris taking the bowling honours with 4/46.

Tea taken, the tried & trusted opening partnership of Kev of the Wilsas & Gianfranco Hopalong strode to the wicket. Well, Bob kind of hopped. There followed a magnificent partnership of 181 with both batsmen brandishing & dispatching like nobody’s business. Despite some excellent bowling by Gaynor & a dropped catch by an obviously poorly Sick-note, Mitford had no answer to the two Rock openers. Nine bowlers were used & eventually Burt managed to get one to lift to Gianfranco Di Hoppio, & young Mr Parrish gratefully accepted the catch. A standing ovation ensued for Bob, who had scored 77 and he took the mickey taking with good grace. The only question that remained was: could Kev reach three figures? The answer was, alas, no. PhilB came in and, quite frankly, had no choice but to hammer some pies to the boundary. The end was delivered, appropriately, by Kev who finished on 94 not out, including 11 fours & 4 sixes. There were 11.5 overs left, yes, count them, 11.5!! At last, Rock are delivering on their promise, but we must not be complacent. A young & hungry Warkworth side lie in wait for us next week & we must be at our best to compete.”

Mr Calm - 27/08/09

Muddy Hell! (All in the name of charity)

In conditions you’d expect to find in November, Rock CC hosted a Rock/Rennington Village XI.

20 overs a side it was to be, with some obscure rules designed to deliberately hamper the Rock CC XI. The visitors amassed an impressive 97 from their 20 overs surprisingly only losing 12 wickets (yes we went around again).

In reply, Rock CC lost wickets aplenty as they struggled to bat with their wrong hand, only Chris Dunn managing to dominate early on. Batting so well, we wondered if he should change to a right hander permanently! In the end, Donks and captain for the day, Tony, knocked off the winning runs in around the 15th over. By the end most Rock batters had been in and out twice and the Villagers had acquired extra fielders, I counted 17!

The final over was bowled by former Rock legend “Kapil Nev”, who claimed the wicket of son Chris with the last ball of the day.

A very enjoyable day was had by all and more importantly more cash was raised for the very worthy causes that are Help For Heroes and The Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Plans are already in the offing for next years game!

(Rock) Climbing up the table

An outstanding performance by Kev Wilson and Bobby Dodds with the bat on Saturday enabled Rock to finally make it out the doldrums of the bottom end of the table. A 1st wicket stand of 181 whilst chasing down the 214 runs Mitford posted, ensured we took 19 points from the game putting us in 7th position, easily the highest we’ve managed this year!

Kev ended up on 94 not out, whilst Bobby fished at a wide one and was caught on 77. Whilst the bowling/fielding performances weren’t up to the same calibre as the batting, Chris Johnson claimed 4/46 in another fine spell.

Scorecard

Hopefully a Mr Calm report to follow.

Many thanks to our Matchball Sponsors, Steve & Jan Carty.

Team for 29th August vs Warkworth II’s

Warkworth II’s away.
1pm meet for 1:30 start

1. A. Gray
2. M. Gray
3. T. Dunn
4. M. Williams
5. K. Wilson
6. R. Bell
7. P. Kelly
8. C. Johnson
9. D. Short
10. C. Dunn
11. S. Gray

Res.
A. Woodcock

Fingers crossed the rain stays away!

Villagers seek revenge all in the name of charity

This coming Sunday (23rd August) a Rock CC XI take on a Rock/Rennington Villagers XI, hopefully weather permitting this time in a game of cricket. Having retreated to Rennington Village Hall a few weeks back to play carpet bowls, as rain put paid to any chance of playing cricket, the Rock CC XI surprisingly beat the opposition out of sight on the carpets. This weekend the Villagers have a chance to exact revenge and cause the cricketers some embarrassment as we try again to play some cricket.

Again in aid of “Help for Heroes” and “The Great North Air Ambulance” we are holding what should be a fantastic spectacle! Well the clothing could be! Bright colours are order of the day.

Tea’s, cakes, sarnies etc will be on sale, probably a bar aswell, Raffles etc.

Last time we raised over £300 for these charities, lets beat that amount out of sight!

See you all at the ground at 2pm Sunday!

Team for 22nd August vs Mitford

Rock vs Mitford (home)
1pm meet for a 1:30pm start
Tea for plenty.

1. A. Gray
2. T. Dunn
3. W. Dunn
4. M. Gray
5. M. Williams
6. K. Wilson
7. R. Bell
8. P. Baston
9. R. Dodds
10. P. Kelly
11. C. Johnson

Res.
I. Bell
D. Short
C. Dunn
S. Gray
A. Woodcock

Matchball Sponsor – S & J Carty

Rain Rain Go Away

Yet another game lost to the weather as a persistent drizzle, which increased to whole rain once the pitch was readied, ended hopes of seeing any cricket played at Rock on Saturday.

Of course by 3pm the sun was out and a nice breeze blew through the Northumbrian Countryside. We weren’t the only game called off, only Warkworth (with their fancy covers) managed to play, albeit after a delayed start.

Whilst waiting for the drizzle to stop the groundstaff and captain investigated the approximate location of a 30 yard fielding circle on the Rock pitch, in preparation of the possible 20/20 competition mooted for next season. Our findings? Well in a surprise to many the 30 yard circle fits within our boundary …JUST! Roughly 6 yards to play with to the straight boundary on the north end of the ground. Maybe we should look at a 20 or 25 yard circle?!

Wazza Wins Away!

Saturday saw our 2nd win of the season as we travelled to Embleton to take on the local rivals. Scorecard is here. But sit back and enjoy Mr Calm’s take on this win and a special performance with the ball by Wazza Dunn.

“Well, what a difference a week makes! Woeful at Whinney Park last Saturday, Wonderful at Warkworth on Sunday & then, to cap it all ecstatic at Embleton in the league. Rock arrived at Embletoon full of hope & confidence after defeating Warkworth in a competitive friendly last Sunday. Young Mr Gray, of the silver persuasion, was restored, (eventually), to the captain's armband after some lengthy carousing at his sister's wedding last weekend. Old Mr Gray, of the Prof persuasion, was also "welcomed" back, though some of the younger members of the squad were rather disturbed that the unidentified wildlife that the Prof has been sporting on his top lip for the last 30 years, seemed to have disappeared.

Embleton were missing quite a few top players, either being rested for the next days semi-final, or simply couldn't be bothered to waste their time on the league's whipping boys! Platter won the toss & inserted the home side on a slow looking track. Tram Lines opened from the football ground end, while the Prof plied his trade to the back drop of the Creighton Hall. The piemaster, buoyed by a good performance at harry Hotspur's former abode, started to pitch the ball up, (something his teammates & followers have been praying for), and was rewarded with a plumb LBW to remove the experienced Weatherhead. Liam came in, intent on smashing every ball to the fence & was initially successful until Tony got one to lift & the young fella top-edged to the recently arrived Doddsa. Old Gray then accounted for Paddy, who played-on & Gazza became yet another victim for the former confectioner, Roberto taking another easy catch. Enter Wazza, striving to emulate his younger brother who, apparently, has taken up cross-stitch recently, (he does a lovely bit of embroidery!). There followed the "magic" spell that Rock have been looking for all season; 6/14 including 3 LBW's, only Darren T offering any resistance. PhilB had a cracking game behind the sticks, (his ribs, mostly!), the ground fielding was excellent & Bobby took another super catch to get rid of the opposition skipper. Embleton 58 all out within 20 overs.

Turning straight around to give the kettle time to boil, Kev of the Wilsas & Gianfranco de Bobbio strode to the wicket looking to overhaul Embleton’s paltry total. Some tight bowling from John W & Paddy on any other day would probably have gleaned some wickets but the 2 Rock boys rode the storm & in 12.2 overs, Bobby struck the winning runs, leaving him on 24 not out & Wilsa, with a train to catch, 34 not out. A 10 wicket win!

We had an excellent tea, wished our hosts well and retired to the Blue Bell to marvel at Embleton's selection system! Could this be the catalyst to a better end of season? This correspondent certainly hopes so!” 
Mr Calm – 11/08/09

The Results are in!

As the end of the season rapidly approaches its time to put our thinking caps on for costume designs. So without further ado… This years theme is, the much discussed, Pub Signs!

The count down is on, and we’ll see your creativity in The Horseshoes after the game against Howick on the 5th of September.

Team for 8th Aug vs Embleton

Embleton away
1pm meet for 1:30 start

1. K. Wilson
2. T. Dunn
3. W. Dunn
4. P. Kelly
5. M. Williams
6. P. Baston
7. D. Short
8. C. Johnson
9. M. Gray *
10. R. Dodds
11. R. Bell +

Res.
I. Bell
A. Gray
S. Gray
A. Woodcock
C. Dunn

Fancy Dress Categories

As the end of the season is rapidly approaching, only 5 games left, it is time for the players and support staff to vote on what the theme for this years end of season p*ss up is!

The categories are as follows…

Medieval
Circus
Detectives
Xmas
Musical Groups
60's
Wild West
Pub Signs
James Bond
Kings & Queens
National Costumes

If you haven’t yet submitted your vote, get in touch with Mick Williams.

Last Weekends Games

Apologies for no updates last week, but I went AWOL to attend wedding duties.

The hangover is now gone, however the team’s hangover is still hanging over us!

Another drubbing at the hands of League leaders Warenford (no report from Mr Calm as we were so bad), and we are now rooted to the bottom of the table. Not good enough! The talent we have at the club and the way we played at the start of the season, we should be nowhere near the wooden spoon position. This week we have a MAXIMUM strength team out on the field so the boys who are playing should comeback with nothing less than the taste of victory over our local rivals in their mouths!

Consolation at the weekend though, as in a friendly against a rather young Warkworth side we came out on top. Bobby Dodds making 76.

Pearls before Swine

Mr Calm’s match report for the home game vs Wooler 11th July 2009

A Warm day at Rock, a large crowd, copious amounts of alcohol & food being consumed? Ah, Wooler must be in Town, er Village, erm, Hamlet.

After all the rain during the week, the pitch looked a bit crusty & Wooler’s skipper had no hesitation in inserting the home team. Rock welcomed back Kev of the Wilsas & he proceeded to the wicket promising a positive attitude following 5 weeks off sunbathing, oh, sorry, I mean recovering from serious injury! Inch-High thundered in from the knackered roller end & Kev positively edged his first ball to Clarkey, who made no mistake in pouching the catch. Kev walked back, positively blaming Mr Calm’s bat. PhilB & Rod of the Bells took the score on to 22 until “Don” Mclean joined the party & had Kim also caught behind for 9.

The Prof muttered his way to the crease & 3 balls later was muttering his way back after being hit on the back leg on the full, in front. Printed below is the law regarding LBW.

The striker is out LBW in the circumstances set out below.
(a)The bowler delivers a ball, not being a No ball and (b) the ball, if it is not intercepted full pitch, pitches in line between wicket and wicket or on the off side of the striker's wicket and (c) the ball not having previously touched his bat, the striker intercepts the ball, either full pitch or after pitching, with any part of his person and (d) the point of impact, even if above the level of the bails either (i) is between wicket and wicket or (ii) is either between wicket and wicket or outside the line of the off stump, if the striker has made no genuine attempt to play the ball with his bat and (e) but for the interception, the ball would have hit the wicket.

2. Interception of the ball
(a) In assessing points (c), (d) and (e) in 1 above, only the first interception is to be considered.

(b) In assessing point (e) in 1 above, it is to be assumed that the path of the ball before interception would have continued after interception, irrespective of whether the ball might have pitched subsequently or not.

3. Off side of wicket
The off side of the striker's wicket shall be determined by the striker's stance at the moment the ball comes into play for that delivery.

Well, let’s hope that is now clear, Plummy. Mr Calm gave The Prof a wide berth as he strode to the wicket, in fact, I think for a moment, he was following Andy’s satnav. A stand of 35 followed including a moment of high-comedy. Calm, frustrated by Bob’s superb line & length swiped at a leg-cutter which flew to the cover-point area. Inch-High, temporarily stopped dreaming about Snow White and hared after the ball, his running looking like a crazed bee, (albeit a short one), after being walloped by a rolled-up newspaper. Unfortunately, the vertically challenged schoolboy got nowhere near it & Williams managed to run 2. Rod managed to reduce Wooler to 10 when he smacked a cover-drive straight at Tom Burston’s eyebrow, which was promptly Burston all over the place. (OK, I know, cheap laugh. Sorry, Tom!). While Tom had to go to Casualty to find treatment our very own trained St John’s ambulance person, took photo’s of wild flowers. Mills replaced McLean after a tremendous spell of fast bowling. Calm, grateful for the fact he now did not need a sightscreen, despatched the League Secretary for a couple of healthy hits before young Bob finally got his reward, Sam catching Williams at square-leg. Bob then ran through the Rock order & claimed 6 for 41. Rod & Calm scored 36 & 32 respectively & Wazza also got into double figures. 108 all out in 35 overs.

Wooler’s reply began steadily but Clarkey got a low one & CJ had a reward for some fine bowling, then Stu was bowled by The Prof & Wooler were 28 for 2. Scully despatched Reggae’s first delivery into the rape field for the flattest & hardest hit 6 you could ever hope to see. He obviously had an urgent appointment to attend to because he set about the Rock bowlers with relish. Mind you, when was hit amidships by the skipper, we think he cancelled that appointment & made a different one. Now, young Kevin, as Bumble would tell you, wearing a box is a must! Wazza managed to bowl Ant, after he had scored 16 with 8 different bats! Les came in & looked on as Scully took out his pain & anger on the ball & finished the game 67 not out. Wooler won by 7 wickets & well deserved it. Many thanks to David Head & to Chris & David Barraclough for match ball sponsorship.

Pyjama Cricket? Pink Balls? Fielding restrictions? Bring it on, I say!!

Young Billy Gallon

Black Bullets, Berwick & Bad Bowling

Mr Calm’s match report for Berwick 2nds away 4th July 2009

Do you remember Black Bullets? You can still get them, apparently. I used to think they came from Berwick, ‘cos my Gran told me they did. Anyway, Rock might as well have been bowling with them as they visited the ever accommodating Berwick 2’s @ the Pier Field. Two miracles occurred before the toss; 1) It was a warm, sunny day & 2) I didn’t get lost!

Well, Bobby of the Bells lost the toss & the 2’s decided to make first use of a slow-looking Bunsen. Rod wasn’t the 3^rd captain of the season, Mr Silver’s Satnav was taking him via Galashiels. Anywho, we were all ready for the start & the Dunn boys opened the attack. Thomson & Mcreath (Sr) made hay, while Reggae’s run-up became ever more eccentric & Wazza was convinced we were playing on a pitch that was 3 yards too short! No matter, we still managed to drop several catches, including yours truly, who dropped a sitter that Tim “edged” off the middle of his bat. The Prof & Calm came into the attack & after Williams had beaten Mcreath (Sr) for lack of pace, the innings seemed to stall, Silver Platter continued the good work & it looked as if Rock wouldn’t be chasing that many. Reggae & the Prof took a late wicket apiece & the 2’s ended up on 183 for 3.

After a top tea, Rod of the Bells & PhilB marched out intent on knocking off the 4 an over we needed. Alas, it was not to be; as Rod & Phil both fell to young Emery, the Prof remembered not to let the ball hit his pads but was caught behind for seven, Ho-sin & Calm did not linger long and Ian of the Bells elegantly ran himself out. Nelson was given out, much to his chagrin, nadgers before wicket, Silver-arm was again run out; I think his satnav was sending him via McKay’s Household Furnishings on Hide Hill. We were soon crumpled in a heap at 89 all out, pointless, as usual, the remainder of the innings falling to Mr White’s “spin”. A couple of beers were taken & the advice from the opposing skipper ignored; we know we are rubbish & don’t really need to be told!

Special mention must be made of ChrisD & Ed the Ball, who fielded like demons. Unfortunately, they bat like rabbits but they are not the only ones. Berwick have a very young 1^st & 2^nd string attack & the club’s future looks bright and they must be congratulated on that. Practice Sessions at Rock are poorly attended & it shows; There is also an issue over how we practice: Batting/bowling on unprepared pitches does no-one any good whatsoever and catching is our biggest downfall at the moment. Unlike other clubs we are loyal to the League & do not want to go the way of Kelso/Red Row/Shilbottle, so it is time to pull together & become competitive again.

St Crispinian

Future of the Alnwick & District Cricket League

Today I received a rather depressing but also exciting email from the League Secretary. Whilst the League situation is perilous, the proposals for changes in structure and a “proper” Twenty20 competition are definitely a step in the right direction.

Email in full…

“Dear People,

As you are all aware the ADCL is now down to ten Clubs after Shilbottle's early season resignation and if we continue to lose Clubs the Leagues future will be in serious jeopardy, a fact acknowledged by the Northumberland Cricket Board’s development officer, Ian Wardle, who has been in contact regarding this worrying predicament as the NCB do not want to see a "grassroots" league disband and disappear all together.

The Management Committee has taken the decision that all of the Alnwick and District Cricket League Clubs shall give a statement of intent with regard to 2010 season, each Club must inform me by Friday, 14th August of their continued commitment to play in the League next season or their intention to apply for membership of another league.

We have made this unusual request in order that we may propose and if passed, implement some changes for next season, changes that the Management Committee hopes will improve, make the season more enjoyable for the players, provide more interest for all and sundry and most importantly keep the League going.

Ian Wardle brought these ideas to our last Management meeting, he will be attending the League General Meeting in September to talk about these proposals to your Club representatives, thus giving everyone time to think them over, comment and vote on any changes at the AGM.

Briefly the idea is, if we still have ten teams, an 18 week League season, with a new T20 competition to be played half way through. There will be nine weeks of League fixtures, then a month of T20 followed by the rest of the League program. The intention is to ask two more teams to join the T20 competition, all games would still be played on a Saturday.

TWENTY20 FORMAT

The T20 would comprise of 4 weeks of cricket, the 12 teams would be split into 3 geographical groups of 4 with each team playing each other once during first 3 weeks of programme.

Following the 3 games, teams will be then allocated into finals days:

PREMIER LEAGUE FINALS DAY

1st placed team with best record vs 2^nd placed team with best record

1^st placed team with second best record vs 1^st placed team with third best record

Final

With the same type of format used for a CHAMPIONSHIP and DIVISION 1 finals days, that way all teams get to play in a finals day.

Usual T20 rules will be used with 30 yard fielding circle, 15 yard catching circle, free hits, 4 overs per bowler etc.
NCB would provide coloured clothing to be used for the premier league finals days as well as pink balls to be used during the whole competition for all teams.
The proposed changes will be discussed in full detail at the General Meeting.
Please inform your Committee of this email at your earliest convenience regarding this most important of matters.

Yours Sincerely,

Stephen Mills
League Secretary.”

If anyone has any views on this please email us at rockcricketclub@yahoo.co.uk

Rock vs Wooler Brief Report

On a glorious day in front of “the members” and the gathered “press gang”, Rock played the usually competitive return fixture against Wooler. Debuting were the smart new team shirts!

Andy promptly lost the toss and we were inserted. Kev lasted just the single delivery as he attempted to put Aitchy in his place. Phil and Rod hung around until the middle order collapsed as Mick G suffered from the LBW law and Tony also lasted a single delivery. Mick W looked in good touch as he amassed 32. As is usual Andy was run out, Wayne swept and Chris J hit straight. Ending on 108 with only Rod and Mick W passing 30. Bob Matthewson bowling tidily for 6/41.

Wooler’s reply started well for the Rock boys as Chris J bowled beautifully. Clarkie done by the old “hit on the gloves in front of his face, one ball - only to get a low one 2 balls later” and lost his castle. Stu Blacklock also done by bounce to end his day. Wooler’s captain Scully then made it all look easy as everything he hit disappeared and brought up 50 in no time. The end came swiftly as the Dunn brothers suffered Scully’s wrath, though Andy got some revenge as he hit him in the crown jewels (found out later he doesn’t wear a box), I did wonder why he stayed down…

Scorecard

Away to Alnmouth next week, with high hopes of a good result!

Thanks to David Head and Chris & David Barraclough for being Matchball Sponsors.

Just a note on Sponsorship, due to the change in League fixtures the list in the Pub no longer applies so sponsorship of games will be decided by the Secretary. Thanks for understanding.

Team for 18th July vs Alnmouth 2nds

Away to Alnmouth & Lesbury 2nds
1pm meet for 1:30 start

1. A Gray
2. T Dunn
3. W Dunn
4. P Kelly
5. K Wilson
6. P Baston
7. I Bell
8. C Johnson
9. C Dunn
10. E Glassey
11. S. Gray

Res
I Donkin
H Glassey
M Wilson-Bell

Team for 11th July vs Wooler

Rock vs Wooler (home) 1pm meet for 1:30pm start
Tea for several and £25 for your new shirts.

1. A Gray *
2. M Gray
3. R Bell +
4. K Wilson
5. M Williams
6. P Baston
7. C Johnson
8. T Dunn
9. W Dunn
10. P Kelly
11. D Short

Res.
E Glassey
C Dunn
S Gray
A Woodcock

Shirts Now In!

Tony has FINALLY taken delivery of the new club shirts – yes I know we’re past half way in the season…

£25 is now due from all who ordered them, Tony will have them at training on Friday night and at the game on Saturday.

NO MONEY – NO SHIRTS!

Its Bad! Rock vs Berwick 2nds Brief Report

Whilst we’ve only come out with a victory once this season in every game we gave a good account of ourselves in all the losses, until this week…

Once all had navigated the back streets of Berwick and found Pier Field, Berwick had won the toss and had inserted themselves. The brothers Dunn opened the bowling without success, Wayne complaining about the length of the pitch as he continually sent down juicy full tosses. The runs flowed freely with a couple of chances offered but denied acceptance. Only the introduction of the spin twins of Gray & Williams slowed the rate as Berwick inexplicably shut up shop in the middle overs. In the end Berwick ended up on 183/3, a long way short of what they should have got. So we were all very positive as we demolished our tea.

The reply started briskly as Phil made mince meat of some wayward bowling. Once the top 3 were back in the hutch Ian & Tony tried to break their shackles when the spinners were introduced, though both struggled to dominate. Ian eventually run out as he ambled an unlikely second. At the fall of his wicket the lower order collapsed in a heap, though not helped by some questionable decision making in the umpiring ranks! But I’ll leave that for another day.

A final total of 89 all out in 25 overs just isn’t good enough, even with some experienced heads missing from the line-up.

A better performance against Wooler this weekend is required!

Thanks to Neville Dunn for this weeks Matchball Sponsorship!
Also Mr Calm’s full match report to follow at some point.

Team for 4th July vs Berwick II’s

Away to Berwick. 1pm meet for 1:30 start.

1 A. Gray*
2 T. Dunn
3 P. Kelly
4 K. Wilson
5 M. Williams
6 M. Gray
7 P. Baston
8 W. Dunn
9 I. Bell
10 R. Bell+
11 E. Glassey

On a separate note, will get around to posting full reports for the Embleton League game and the V.P. Cup match vs Warenford. Just been a little busy…

This was supposed to be the Tillside report…

At the untimely passing of long time Wooler player Sandy Scott, our own Mick Williams lays aside his Mr Calm alter-ego to pay tribute to one of the leagues greats.

“Well, I was going to whinge & bleat, (as usual, some might say), about the unfairness of circumstances relating to 2nd teams, etc, etc. However, events over the last week or so have made anything that annoys me or members of our happy little crew, completely inconsequential.

I remember in the early days of my career this obdurate but immensely talented opening batsman for Wooler who annoyed me intensely. If you bowled short to him he would cut/hook/pull you for runs; you bowled up to him he would drive you straight or through the covers for more runs. He could sledge with the best of them & as years rolled, (too quickly), by, a grudging respect began to form in my mind. He was also a fine Gully/Point fielder & a Man Utd supporter.

Playing Wooler wont be the same, now. He would want us to carry on but cricket doesn't really matter that much today. The whole League will, I'm sure, pay tribute to this cricketer/man/friend, we should cherish the memories we have of him.

Thank you Sandy, I'll miss you.”

Mick Williams - 16/06/2009

 

To follow up, all of us at Rock CC would like to offer our condolences to Sandy’s family and friends. He will be missed greatly throughout the local cricketing community and it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon in his company only a few weeks ago during our away game at Wooler.

Brief match report – Rock vs Warenford. Tate Cup 2nd round

After spending the day watching the pros whacking the ball everywhere on tv it was our turn to have a bit of 20/20 action!

Kev took the captains duties for this one and promptly lost the toss. Warenford of course chose to bowl…

From ball one the field was spread to all parts as we waited for a Chris Gayle-esque onslaught, but of course this is our style of 20/20… No coloured shirts, a ball you can’t see in the dark, no fielding circle… It really is time the league looked at spicing things up! And so it was a slow start as the fielders stemmed the boundaries and Dan P in particular bowled tightly. Eventually there were some lusty blows as Kev and Tony got us to 95/9. The rest of us didn’t contribute much.

In reply the Warenford openers rarely looked hurried or troubled in anyway and steadily progressed the score towards the target. Alex proved he can catch a ball, not just let it hit him as he and Tony teamed up to remove Dan P.

Close to the end Andy decided he didn’t need the keepers gloves to catch the ball and tried using his face instead, and will now be petitioning the league to start using white balls for evening fixtures!

And that’s us out this cup for another year, VP cup on Sunday against the same opposition.

Scorecard

Brief match report – Rock vs Tillside 6th June

A threadbare but still experienced Rock team travelled to Tillside on Saturday to take on the League’s current whipping boys. But the boys were bolstered by some older heads and in the end that was the difference.

Tillside were inserted on the spongy looking track and immediately reward followed Cam McGregor nicking behind 1st ball of the game. Many more Tillside should have gone in similar fashion but Rock managed to shell a total of 8 catches. And following that catching display deserved to be chasing 252. Only Mick W & CJ escaped with respectable figures.

The huge target sparked the Rock top order into life, the pedestrian style and pace of Ian & Phil was ramped up in an effort to keep pace with the run rate. A steady stream of wickets left us short in the end, but a good performance with the bat was let down by shocking catching.

Scorecard

Matchball Sponsor – Mr P. Pringle

Full Match Report for 31st May vs Wooler CC

Wock Windy @ Wooler

Well, hello again. Back from me hols feeling, quite frankly, knackered. Having fun is an exhausting business. Anyway, Rock trundled into Cheviot country on Saturday looking to put right the wrongs of the week before. Silver skipper inserted the title contenders on a dry, flaky surface. From the off the pitch offered something for the bowlers & Rock were grateful to Wilsa & PhilB combining to dismiss Stuart Blacklock with just 14 on the board. Adamant Murray & Clarkey put on another 37 before they were both out caught behind with the score on 51. Scully & Tom Burston pushed the score up to 94 before Mr Calm wound back the clock & actually got one to bounce to remove the Wooler skipper. Calm & Silver Arm and the Prof bottled up the Wooler middle-order, chipping in with a few wickets & with the score on 134 for 8, Rock were looking forward to a magnificent tea. However, in came the esteemed League secretary, all rippling muscle & athleticism & gave us some of the best entertainment in years. Calm, with one of his nastier deliveries hit Sllim in the one-pack, the ball went straight up in the air & proceeded to hit the poor fella on the head! Always wondered why he had a target tattooed on his napper but now we know! After a sublime piece of fielding by Ian of the Bells & a cruel deflection off the stumps Mills & Mclean had to run 4, oxygen was administered to Sllim & a Lambert & Butler King-Size for everyone's favourite goalkeeper.

Nonetheless, the pair added 35 very useful runs & Rock were to rue their missed chances. In the end Wooler posted 176 all out & full batting points. A super tea later & Rock opened up with Kev of the Wilsas & Bobby of the Bells. The Wooler opening attack of Mclean & Inch-High Private Eye kept it tight until Rod was caught by young Burston. PhilB took a while over his duck, The Prof managed only 2 while Wilsa carried on with his good form & plundered 33 out of 56 for 4. Ian of the Bells & Ho-Sin put on 30 including a quite enormous 6 from young Saucy, who was brilliantly christened "Reggae-Reggae" by Nelson. When they were both gone Calm & Ned tried to up the scoring rate & managed to accumulate 48 in very short order. Once Calm had gone, Kelly did smote with his wand & put on 15 with Hilts, well, Hilts ran 15! So, despite the efforts of the lower middle order, Rock fell 26 runs short of their target. Excellent bowling from M&M & Inch High was the ultimate match-winner for Wooler. So next week to Embletoon, no sorry, I've just been told it's Tillside. The Border tour continues........... Excellent!

Revised Fixture List

Ok hot off the press from the Management Committee Meeting…

The revised schedule has been agreed and will take effect immediately, so this Saturday we travel to Tillside.

The revised league games are as follows:

06/06/2009   Tillside II v Rock
13/06/2009   Rock v Embleton
20/06/2009     Bye
27/06/2009   Rock v Alnmouth II
04/07/2009   Berwick II v Rock
11/07/2009   Rock v Wooler
18/07/2009   Alnmouth II v Rock
25/07/2009     Bye
01/08/2009   Warenford v Rock
08/08/2009   Embleton v Rock
15/08/2009   Rock v Tillside II
22/08/2009   Rock v Mitford
29/08/2009   Warkworth II v Rock
05/09/2009   Rock v Howick

Remember we also have the following Cup games:

Tuesday 9th June   vs Warenford (home) Tate Cup
Sunday 14th June   vs Warenford (away) Vice-Presidents Cup

And a friendly:

Wednesday 17th June    vs Percy Farmers

League Fixtures Update

As you may or may not know, there is a League Committee meeting Monday night (1st June) to look at the revised fixture list prepared by our own Paul Kelly (don’t worry he’s allowed to – he’s the League Fixture Secretary).

I’ve seen the proposed schedule that will be discussed at the meeting. Obviously I can’t publish anything until the committee has ratified these changes. All I’ll say is under these proposals there are still ‘Bye’ weeks and the season would end on the 5th of September.

More news, and hopefully a fixture list, straight after (maybe) the meeting on Monday.

Brief match report – Wooler vs Rock 30th May

As usual a very competitive game between ourselves and Wooler, played in glorious sunshine tempered only by a stiff breeze.

Some great fielding and a top performance by Rod behind the stumps (4 catches and a stumping) kept a usually dominant Wooler side to only 176 all out off 44.1 overs. Mick’s Gray & Williams took 3 wickets apiece, Andy 2, Kev & Wayne chipping in with important early breakthroughs.

Kev got the reply of to a flyer, but the loss of opening partner Rod slowed things down as the middle order struggled to score fluently. The pace increased 10 fold when Mick W & Kelly shared an excellent 50+ partnership giving us hope of an successful run chase. However the pursuit ended in the need for big hits. The end coming in the 43rd over with the score on 150. Kev top scored with 33, followed by Kelly (29), Mick W & Tony (both 26).

Matchball Sponsor was Mr D. Dunn – Many thanks!

Scorecard

Mr Calm’s full report to follow…

Team for 30th May vs Wooler

vs Wooler
At Wooler, 1:30pm start

1. A. Gray*
2. P. Kelly
3. P. Baston
4. T. Dunn
5. W. Dunn
6. C. Johnson
7. M. Gray
8. M. Williams
9. I. Bell
10. R. Bell+
11. K. Wilson

Reserves
S. Gray
P. Baker

Match Ball Sponsor – Mr D. Dunn, Rennington Village

Match Report - Rock Vs Warkworth II’s

And so again we are slipping into the old habits of last season where we stare down the barrel of a stylish shiny Beretta 92 semi-automatic and dodge the incoming bullet Neo style, only to turn around and get broadsided by an unwieldy Blunderbuss.

A new look Rock team arrived full of hope to take on Messer's Doyle, Phuddephatt, Spoors et al.  Returning to the fold was the other Bell child, Ian, after 20 years (that’s what someone said anyway) The wee scamp stole his brothers kit to fit in with the rest of our rabble, A trip to Hodgey’s this week in the offing? Otherwise one of the Bell kids might well be playing in the buff at Wooler this coming Saturday!
Making his debut in Rock colours (white of course) was young Peter Baker, persuaded to play, by Tony “the selection committee” Dunn, no doubt with all the subtlety of a Canadian clubbing a seal.

Stand-in skipper (for how long? Who knows?) Silver-arm won the toss and immediately holstered said arm and took the keepers gloves as he inserted the youthful Warkworth side. By the end of the 2nd over the Rock boys wished Roddy was behind the pegs as Silver-arm failed to get gloves on anything! Oh and PhilB put down 3 catches at 1st slip. Young CJ bowled beautifully only to be slapped around by a condescending Dimelow. Mr Dimelow slapped everyone around and brought up a 50 in no time. The captains masterstroke (ok it was desperation) of bringing on the Professor of Plumness reaped reward as Dimelow made an arse of a straight one and handed the veteran his 1st wicket of the season, thus reducing the rapidly increasing Defcon level status of his temper.

Tight bowling by Doddsa, Wilsa and His Plumness quickly rattled through the middle and lower order. Wilsa ending with 5/27, all his wickets in his 2nd spell. Warkworth ending on 168 all out with 5 overs to spare. Taking Dimelow’s 90 and the 23 byes out of the equation, not much to write home about.

Tea came and went, along with some drizzle. And Warkworth were out on the field, eventually with 2 batsmen. Bobby creamed three 4’s in his 1st over only to be tricked by one from Carruthers that pitched. PhilB played some lovely stylish shots, unseen for so long at Rock. Warkworths Got Talent’s very own Doyle then brought himself on to bowl slow and straight – always enough to take care of even the most talented and determined players at Rock. At the fall of PhilB’s wicket His Plumness strode to the wicket only to stride straight back. 1st ball laugher, LBW, and not even a hint of histrionics! We think it was because Doddsa was the umpire.

Some weak shots from PK and Ho-sin catered for their wickets. The other Bell kid looked as solid as Rod, if a little short on match practice – or practise of any kind. Run outs are obviously a theme with the Bell boys this season as Ian finally pierced the field, called the rather un-athletic skipper through for a 2nd, only for Silver-arm to be missing from about 4 tv frames of third umpire view! Glass’s direct hit from the boundary wasn’t quite the stuff of legend or Youtube worth that the League Secretary hinted at in his weekend report. Though skip was glad the Belgian tourists with their cameras had left shortly after tea, eliminating all chance of it being documented.

The end came quickly after as Rock’s tail played dead, leaving the kid Bell high and dry on 1 not out. 96 all out isn’t going to get us anywhere this season. Plenty of fines were due and will be gratefully drunk at the end of season bash.

Your Match Sponsor for this week was Dixie Bell.

Next week into the land of Sheep, no wonder the Prof was keen to play in that one! Oh and Mr Calm’s reports will be back in their rightful place!

Scorecard

Team for 23rd May vs Warkworth II’s

Rock CC vs Warkworth CC II’s
At Rock, 1:30pm start

1. T. Dunn
2. W. Dunn
3. A. Gray*+
4. M. Gray
5. C. Johnson
6. K. Wilson
7. P. Baston
8. P. Kelly
9. P. Baker
10. R. Dodds
11. I. Bell

Facebook …Finally!

Alex has finally setup the Rock CC Facebook group!

Ok so he did this a couple of weeks ago, I just remembered I hadn’t added the link here. Link should be on the right there… Please join and get some stuff posted.

League Situation Update

An update from the League Management Meeting held on 19th May.

The fixtures for the next 2 weeks (until 6th June) will remain in place, therefore this weeks game at Home against Warkworth II’s and next weeks away trip to Wooler are unaffected.

The League fixture secretary (our own PK) is looking at rearranging fixtures from the 6th of June, to eliminate the need for Bye weeks and of course the defunct Shilbottle fixtures. If this is possible, the season will end earlier than the currently scheduled date of 19th September.

More updates as I have them.

Statement from the League on Shilbottle CC

“Shilbottle CC have resigned from the Alnwick and District Cricket League with immediate effect as the club could no longer field a full team as only 6/7 players were prepared to commit themselves to playing after meeting last night (14th May). All games against Shilbottle are now cancelled.

We are looking into the viability of amending the fixtures to ensure that every team has a game each remaining Saturday and you will be informed with immediate effect of any decision taken to sort out this unfortunate mess.”

Stephen Mills
Secretary
Alnwick & District Cricket League

I think there is a League management meeting on Tuesday 19th May, I’ll update as soon as I hear anything.

Weather Woes

Well instead of flexing my lyrical muscles in the absence of Mr Calm, your regular match reporter, the annoying British weather robbed us of the 1st game this season and therefore saved you from my written drivel.

The most action the Rock “Bowl” saw was Ho-Sin & Wazza throwing balls at each other in the fog, probably with the aim of hurting each other. Much humming and harring ensued but eventually the ever thickening fog, the horrible damp miserable conditions, and the fact that Wazza didn’t fancy getting slapped around the field AGAIN… we surrendered to the weather.

Of course by lunchtime the sun was out and we were happily sitting watching the Test Match on TV, playing spot the Alnmouth & Lesbury lads that decided they didn’t fancy a trip into the hills to play Wooler and got dressed up as cartoon characters to watch England whoop the Windies instead!

Decisions were justified as it tipped it down at 3pm and reading results from around the league, the pitches were obviously lively!

Warkworth II’s visit this Saturday, hopefully Wazza has managed to get the stripes out of the pitch for this week!

Full Match Report for 9th May vs Mitford CC

The highlight of the week is here! Mr Calm’s match report.

Rock travelled to the best ground in the ADCL 2008 on Saturday, with high hopes, which were soon to be dashed. One look at the wicket suggested a slow, spongy affair, (much like playing at Rock!), and the insertion of the opposition. However, using some reverse psychology and the fact that Saucy can't count, Skipper TeePee decided we should have first use. Bobby of the Bell & Kev of the Wilsas started, understandably, slowly until Bobby got a lifter & was cruelly not run out this time. After a shower of rain & a delay of 45 minutes Kev was out for 15. PhilB was joined by Ho-sin & they started to move the score on before Saucy was out for 10. A very unusually calm Mr Calm flattered to deceive & ran himself out before he began to look too ridiculous; Well, any more ridiculous than dropping your bat mid-run and trying to scramble back in. The new three berth 25 footer added some lusty blows but to no avail. PhilB was top-scorer with 25 & grafted hard for his runs. Soon to be a dad again, Scoota, bowled beautifully for Mitford and Ellinor took three wickets; most of his victims being rendered helpless by his accent.

Tea had already been taken during the rain-break, so, a sharp turn around & we were fielding, trying to defend 97 paltry runs. Marvin opened the bowling from the, erm, bottom end & had almost immediate success, removing Terry D for a blodger. Ellinor & Davies then set up base camp as they literally inched their way to the target. Having just posted a 50 partnership, Wilsa finally got his deserved reward trapping Ellinor straight in front. Rock fielded poorly & several dropped catches did not help their cause, But we can let Wilsa off with his because the sun was in his eyes. (Until the end of the season when the Fines Committee meet). Howlison proceeded to carve the "attack" to all parts and the end, thankfully, came sooner rather than later, Mitford winners by 8 wickets. Top tea, by the way, & the Mitford lads are good company, so not an entirely wasted journey. Rock must learn to compete in every situation or this season could quickly go the way of the last.

Your correspondent is off on his hols for a couple of weeks, much to the relief of the Skipper, no doubt. I shall leave you in the capable hands of Silver-arm, trusting that the concussion he suffered on Saturday was not too serious.

Mitford in Brief(s)

Rock were caught with their pants down on Saturday.

On a typical Mitford wicket the top order couldn’t provide the solid base, which has been welcome the past 2 weeks, on which the “sloggers” down the order could exploit, and after a break for rain, in which and early (huge) tea was taken, Rock could only muster a a paltry 97 all out in 39.4 overs. Phil’s vigil for 25 the only score of note. Though the pitch claimed 2 victims, the very unfortunate Mick W, who’s bat was swallowed by the Mitford turf preventing him making his ground, and a shooter took care of my cheap wicket!

Despite a wicket 2nd ball Mitford batted comfortably, blocking out Kev until the end of his spell then smacking Tom about a bit to get it finished so we could get off to the the Plough Inn for refreshment.

The fines jar finally got some serious investment this week with 3 ducks, and 5 dropped catches (that I can remember!).

Full report from Micky W is imminent – I hope!

Scorecard

Full Match Report for 2nd May vs Howick CC

And so, our merry crew rolled up to Howick with memories of a welcome win here last year in what turned out to be the last match of last season.  The Skipper merry-go-round did another spin & Cecil returned to the fold after a bit of S & M played havoc with his lower "back".

Anyway, toss was duly won & Howick inserted.  A slow but steady start with some good tight bowling from Wilsa, Wazza & Ho-Sin initially,

Wright eventually falling to DunnT courtesy of a catch By Wilsa.  Jamieson then took more than a fancy to Tony's pies, (available on all good cricket pitches throughout the summer), taking a bit of a toll on the young fella.  When the belligerent Jamieson finally fell to a good catch from Ned, giving silver-arm yet another wicket, Rock were looking forward to an early tea.  Unfortunately, Rinky-dinky-Pinkney had other ideas and proceeded to fill his size 10's to the brim!  Apparently he hit 10 fours & 6 sixes, & even more amazingly he only ended-up with 67 runs!  As our, quite frankly, distasteful American cousins would say " you do the Math!!"  Bivouac did his best to save Rock's blushes & took a wicket with his last ball to gain his team a point. Howick closed their innings 174 For 4

Top-tea later & Kim & Bobby of the Bell opened up.  PhilB was soon on his way back, struck on his back leg & adjudged LBW by the "umpire".  Then Mr Bell was yet again cruelly run out by a mile attempting a third run which at his age & condition is not a good idea.  An even more unusually calm Mr Calm tippy-tapped his way to "21", before pansying a catch to deep mid-on.  This brought "Northern Lads love gravy" to the crease & he went on a wild spree, culminating in the biggest 6 of the day, which Boulmer Radar Station picked up at 3 Thousand feet, thought the country was under attack & launched inter-continental nuclear missiles against Pakistan & caused the end of civilisation as we knew it. ( That last bit was made up by the way, so if you're reading this & you thought the shops were quiet today; it's because it is a BANK HOLIDAY, you plank!).  That got Howick's dander up & it wasn't long before wily old veteran Bick had the precocious youngster clean-bowled.  In strode Ned & after his season-long sabbatical, its like he has never been away; playing & missing,  wild swipes, sarcastic comments & nicknames, what is the world coming to, eh? But, no, seriously PK batted sensibly supporting Wilsa who had come in at number 3 & was doing what he does best; demoralising bowling attacks. When the end came, (with 8 overs to spare), PK was on 22 & Wilsa on 68, bringing his average to a Steve Waugh like 126.  The Prof has some catching up to do! So, a win by 6 wickets & hope for Howick, missing several crucial players, they will be a force to be reckoned with.  Lessons for Rock?  Take your chances, don't be afraid to experiment & keep on scoring those lovely runs! Next week to Mitford Park & the lovely Plough Inn. Oh, and some cricket!

Brought to you by Dunn's pastries, SHORT -crust & terribly tempting!

Full Match Report for 25th April vs Warenford CC

And verily it came to pass, the new, all-singing, dancing & fannying about with the start time Alnwick & District Cricket League, sort of groaned in to action.  Your correspondent dreads to think what the combined average age of both teams added up to but what the hey! It's cricket time and for that we are grateful.  The day started bizarrely with Rock strolling on to the field ready to face 45 overs of leather-chasing, (very popular in Alnwick on a Thursday night I am led to believe), when the opposing skipper informed Hi-Ho that we were in fact batting.  Never mind, a quick change & we were ready; incredibly, Bobby of the Bell & Kev of The Wilsas led nobly from the front putting on 79 runs until Rod was cruelly run-out via a deflection from master veteran Brian Thompson. Wilsa was plundering to all parts ; Zola & Kim PhilB came & went.  Kev was finally out for 58 and after more than a decade away from his spiritual home it was truly a welcome return.  An unusually calm Mr Calm did not trouble the scorers for long & it was left to Saucy & Nels to winkle some more runs out of the tight Warenford attack.  Thanks to some fine work from Boiler & Rog, Rock were restricted to 195 For 7.  After last years indiscretions, Rock were more than happy to claim all 4 batting points.

After a splendiferous tea, Messrs DunnT & Wilson set about the Warenford batters. Apple Sauce accounted for Boiler & then Kev despatched Rog, Warenford 16 for 2.  Then a stand of 85 between Brian Thompson & Dan "the man" Patterson,( who, by the way, must have Popeye arms, have you seen how far he hits it off the splice??!!), punctuated by Steve "Hilts" Gray performing his Bambi on ice impression & getting nowhere near a top-edge from Brian. This kind of summed up the day for PC Dodds who bowled well with no luck whatsoever.  Then the master-stroke from skipper Gray, bringing himself on at Charlie's Wood end, (Snort!! Just read that back & it sounds a bit rude.)  4 reasonably quick wickets fell to give Rock some hope & an extra point.  We would call him golden arm but with his initials it just wouldn't be right!  Alas, to no avail; the even more veteran Davy Knox & Graham Rog steered Warenford home with 11 balls to spare.

So, close but no cigar.  Pitch in pretty good nick as were most of the batters, bodes well for the season to come. Thanks to Mr Keith Wilson for a fine bit of Match-Ball sponsorship.

1st Win! …and its not even August yet!

Just a quick note as I’m off to the pub …again!

We beat Howick by 6 wickets in another cracker of a game, man of the moment was Wilsa yet again. Guiding us home with 7 overs to spare with a chanceless 68 not out. Ably supporting him were the longball hitters Tony, Mick W and PK. Special mention to Tony for attempting to put one ball in the North Sea!

Scorecard here.

Match report to follow.

New shirts (playing and leisure) are being arranged by Tony. £25 for both (unless someone wants to find sponsorship?).

League Roundup

Sllim’s League roundup can be found here. Along with…

League Table

Leading Run Scorers

Leading Wicket Takers – Look who’s number 1! (Very temporarily!)

I haven’t had a chance to write a full report of Saturday’s game yet. Maybe Mr. Williams would oblige? You all know he’s MUCH funnier than me!

Team for Howick

Vs Howick at Howick
1:30 start.

1. T. Parkinson*
2. A. Gray
3. T. Dunn
4. W. Dunn
5. M. Williams
6. K. Wilson
7. R. Bell +
8. P. Baston
9. P. Kelly
10. C. Johnson
11. S. Gray
Res. A. Woodcock

Matchball Sponsor – K. Wilson
Wayne has the League Handbooks. Players please pay him £10 subs and you can have a copy. Actually you all owe him subs anyway so please pay up ASAP.

Rock Vs Warenford

The 1st game of the season has now been logged and consigned to history. Though the bitter taste of defeat after an excellent batting display will linger with me for sometime yet.

Scorecard here.

We welcomed a new recruit in the guise of one Phil Baston who’s long defensive stride will serve him well on the Rock wicket.

We also welcomed back into our midst Kevin Wilson, after a number of years in exile at Shilbottle. Also returning was Paul Kelly after spending last summer buried in books on how to count!

Special mentions go to Kev for a stellar 58 along with an economical spell with the ball and I suppose myself for turning the ball square (joking) taking 4 wickets.

Well done to all for a wholehearted effort in the field, and committed performances with the willow.

Thanks also to our Matchball sponsor Mr I. Sutherland.

Report to follow.

Team For 1st game

Vs. WARENFORD CC at Rock.
1:30 start (Meet sharp 1pm)

In no particular order…

1. A. Gray *
2. C. Johnson
3. T. Dunn
4. W. Dunn
5. R Dodds
6. K. Wilson
7. P. Baston
8. M. Williams
9. P. Kelly
10. R. Bell +
11. A. Woodcock
Res. S. Gray
Res. C. Dunn

Matchball Sponsor – I. Sutherland

Tea for two. Subs also due.
Nets 6pm(ish) Friday as normal.

Warm Up Schedule

We have a “Knock around” game at Rock on Sunday – I’m guessing 2pm start. Availability to Tony ASAP. Bring Tea for Two.

Nets at 6pm on Friday night – as many attendees as possible please!

The start is nigh

The countdown is underway. League action resumes for 2009 in under 2 weeks! Scary!!

Yours truly woke this morning following the 1st nets yesterday feeling like I’d gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson. I suppose getting used to the rigor mortis now will aid recovery every Sunday until September!

A friendly is attempting to be arranged for Sunday coming (19th), if we can’t nail down some some opposition we will play a game amongst ourselves (six-a-side or the like) to get the blood pumping again. 2pm start. Will post once details confirmed.

Welcome!

Welcome to the brand new for 2009 Rock Cricket Club Blog!

There’s still some stuff to sort for this, and of course we need readers of this blog – please tell everyone who may have even the slightest interest in our club.

You may notice that there are a few links to the side here. As no one could remember what the web address was for all the fixtures and stats etc on play-cricket.com I have included it here for easy finding. This will hopefully become the hub where all club information can be accessed easily.

For the nerds (or those with little in the way of a life – yours truly included) Rock CC has a Twitter account! Initially this is to give followers almost live updates on the team’s scores/results on match days (dependant on mobile signal). Or we can just read about Stephen Fry stuck in another lift!

With a little help from club members and past players etc who may have photographs they wish to share, the Flickr gallery will hopefully fill over time. If you have any photos please forward them to me via rockcricketclub@yahoo.co.uk

Cheers for now!