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?).