Match Reports 05 / 06 / 07

Match Reports 05 / 06 / 07

Although it would have been good to end on a win, we had to settle for getting the better of a draw against Ham & Petersham.

After a brief negotiation, Bob Welsh agreed that Ovalites would bat first, on a damp wicket, but with a fast outfield and short boundaries, on a ground where Ovalites had successfully chased nearly 200 last season.

It transpired that the wicket was almost comically slow, with loopy bounce, and the opening batsmen found it difficult to time their shots, but when Dave Evemy was joined by Dave Cole the two built a substantial partnership, and Ovalites put 100 on the board for 2 wickets. When Dave Cole was out for 26, Andrew Wilkes took very little time to set about the bowling, making 50 from 31 balls, before eventually getting out for 74. Dave Evemy fell after a well-made 41, and even Ben Wilkes joined in the fun with a 6 over square leg.

Ovalites were able to declare early on 193 for 7.

With steady bowling from Glenn McLeod, and an early wicket from Chris Keene, Ham fell behind the rate - not helped by a young opening batsman who played no attacking shots and who seemed, as they say, to have booked in for bed and breakfast.

On such a slow track, it was hard to break down solid defence, and with 20 overs to go Ham required around 140 to win with only 3 wickets down, and seemed in no hurry to get them.

While a couple of the Ham batsman attacked but perished, when finally the young opener was out, he was replaced by an experienced player who was equally determined not to lose his wicket.

The game died on its feet as wickets fell too late, and Ham ended their innings on 155 for 8.

Wickets were shared amongst several Ovalites - Danny O'Sullivan (3), Glenn McLeod, Chris Keene, Ben Wilkes, Jim Dowsett and Andrew Wilkes.

It was an enjoyable game, and we seemed to have kept this rather attractive fixture for another year.

Later, we pitched up at the local curry house for a perfectly tolerable meal, with more raucous entertainment, and the season ended on a high note.

Many thanks to all those who turned out to play during the season, and to the many others who provided help of various kinds, including the provision of food, scoring and general support. See you all next season.

Bob Welsh won the toss and contentiously chose to bat.

On a slow wicket, Chipstead & Coulsdon's opening bowlers were very steady, and the batsmen found it hard going.

Early wickets fell, including Andrew Wilkes being run out backing up when a Dave Cole drive touched the bowler's hand on the way to the stumps at the non-striker's end.

At 4 down for not too many, Bob Welsh went to the wicket and played a turgid, Dave Evemy-ish innings for a roughly one-per-over 29. With help from Ben Wilkes (20) and Glenn McLeod (13), the score crept past 100, and - with the help of the young Nathan, lent to us by a very sporting Chipstead as one of our players failed to show - Danny O'Sullivan chipped in and the score reached 128 at tea. Largely as the result of a plethora of maiden overs, Chipstead managed to bowl 53 overs in around two and three-quarter hours.

Ovalites started brightly after tea, with early inroads by Jim Dowsett and Glenn McLeod, and when Danny O'Sullivan took a wicket early in his spell, Chipstead wobbled at 40 for 4.

However, the Chipstead number three was batting ominously securely, and he began to attack the bowling.

More wickets fell, but Chipstead had a little in reserve. Despite good bowling, a good catch by the youngster Nathan, and an astounding one-handed catch near the boundary by Ben Wilkes, Chipstead eventually won by two wickets with just over one over to spare. The Chipstead number three ended on 63 not out, and his performance proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Wickets went to Glenn McLeod (3), Dave Cole (2), Jim Dowsett (1), Danny O'Sullivan (1) and Bob Welsh (1).

Not for the first time, John Moran helped us out and did a fine job in the field.

The game was played in a very good spirit on a pleasant, sunny day, and both sides took advantage of the excellent bar facilities after the game.

Bob Welsh won the toss and chose to bat on a reasonable wicket with a fast outfield, in a 35 over game using two new balls.

After a solid start, when Dave Cole (11) was out, the middle order collapsed, so that 4 wickets were lost while the opening bowlers - with a maximum of 7 each - were still going.

Dave Evemy (26) plodded on in difficult circumstances, and the skipper was able to take advantage of some loose later bowling for 37no. Ziggy Khan (13no) hit three boundaries in the final over to get Ovalites to a respectable - but below par - 138 for 7.

Surrey Ovalites knew they would be up against it, and started off well in the field, saving runs with some fine ground fielding. Early wickets were a must, but they were only able to take one in the opening 15 overs.

In the 1st over, a dolly catch went down at cover off of the bowling of McLeod, which was to prove costly, as the man dropped went on to make 70.

Glenn McLeod (1), Adam Mierzinski (1) and Danny O'Sullivan (2) took wickets, and Dave Evemy effected a run out, but, although the match went to the final over, Putney ran out comfortable winners.

The match was played in a friendly spirit, as Putney gained revenge for the 10-wicket defeat inflicted upon them in the same fixture last season.

Sunday's game ended in disappointment despite some good performances. We bowled well, with an excellent spell from Ziggy Khan of 2 for 6 off 6.5 overs. A few catches went down early, but the situation was redeemed with good catches by Glenn McLeod, Andrew Wilkes and two for Ben Wilkes.

Dave Cole took 3 wickets from his short spell - and is on a hat-trick when he next bowls - and the ever reliable Adam Mierzynski took two cheap wickets. Andrew Wilkes, Bob Welsh and Danny O'Sullivan shared the other 3 wickets, leaving Wickham Park all out for 193.

194 to win from 2 hours and 20 minutes on a good wicket with a fast outfield was challenging, but in the same fixture last year we successfully chased a larger total. This time, however, despite a solid start with Dave Cole scoring a creditable 31, the middle order lost it's way. Andrew Wilkes scored 24, but the rest of the batting fell away. When Dave Evemy was out for 77 with 3 overs to go, the game was up, but the batsmen kept attacking and Ovalites were all out just 20 runs short of the target.

It was a good game, played in a good spirit, and Wickham Park deserved the win

After discussion between Bob Welsh and some of the senior players, during which Bob opined that it might be prudent to field first and attempt a run chase, but found himself in a minority of one, he won the toss and elected to bat.

After a bright start from Ziggy (14), he and Dave Cole (7) received good balls and Ovalites were off to a poor start, but the skipper remained confident, knowing that there was plenty of batting in reserve, and Dave Evemy was batting steadily at one end.

However, Godfrey Parris, not for the first time, showed up an hour after the scheduled start of the game, by which time 2 wickets had already fallen and he was forced to rush into his kit.

The in-form Andrew Wilkes got himself in and set about the bowling, (with the help of a close runout decision, getting the benefit of what looked like a mere smidgeon of doubt) and Dave Evemy began to accelerate, and those two built a big partnership until Andrew was out for 71.

Dave pressed on to a well-earned 50, and Godfrey Parris (30no) struck a number of boundaries, with support from first Ben Wilkes (9) and then Glernn McLeod (6no). With Goresbrook looking a touch ragged in the field, at the end of the scheduled 35 overs, Ovalites had moved on to a substantial 205 for 5.

It transpired that one of the Goresbrook bowlers had exceeded his allocation, but, naturally, this was ignored by the Ovalites in the spirit of sportsmanship.

After tea, Goresbrook set off after the total, and reached 80 from the first 13 overs, and Ovalites were under a little pressure. Adam Mierzynski was a little unlucky not to take an early wicket when Dave Cole dropped the simplest imaginable catch at mid-off, and Evemy dropped a sharp chance off of McLeod.

When Danny O'Sullivan (3-18) was introduced into the attack, inroads were made into the Goresbrook batting, although the game was gone and half the fielding side seemed to lose interest, with much discussion concerning the ongoing Chelsea match.

With 5 overs to go, the home side needed 30 to win with 5 wickets left, but Bob Welsh had kept something in hand.

When Glenn Mcleod returned to the attack with two tidy overs, and Adam Mierzynski took two crucial wickets, thanks to a sharp stumping by Dave Evemy and an excellent outfield catch by Ben Wilkes, the result of the game remained uncertain.

Bob Welsh then pointed out in desperation that one of the Goresbrook bowlers had exceeded his allocation, and that the game should therefore be declared null and void, but his threat to contact the Club Cricket Conference fell on deaf ears and his attempts to offer the light to the batsmen also had little effect.
Finally the skipper, who had miscalculated the overs and unaccountably still had one remaining from his own allocation, was forced to bowl the final over.
Somehow the over reached the final ball - largely thanks to a tremendous save by Godfrey Parris on the midwicket boundary, and Goresbrook, with their skipper on strike, required 5 to win and 4 to draw. The final ball was edged towards the third man boundary, but Andrew Wilkes collected the ball at a cost of 3 runs - Ovalites ran out the winners

A triumph for the Ovalites, then, performing terrifically with the bat, ball and in the field.

In all seriousness - many thanks to Andy Livitt, the Goresbrook skipper, and to the rest of their team, for playing the game in the right spirit, and the day ended - as always - with a convivial evening involving numerous alcoholic beverages.

Winning the toss and batting first, Ovalites got off to a steady if unspectacular start from Graham Bennett (4) and Dave Cole (24). Godfrey Parris made a solid 37 without ever reaching top gear, Andrew Wilkes hit a brisk 32, but despite an excellent 23 from Dave Evemy down the order - seemingly continuing from where he left off last week - we were unable to accelerate in the last half hour - albeit with the vice captain doing his level best to immitate Dave Evemy by causing chaos in the final over, running a 3 when the ball never left the square..

With the skipper's unusually conservative declaration at 155 for 8, Chadwick were asked to get the runs in only just over two hours.

After some very tight opening bowling from Glenn McLeod, William (could someone please tell me his surname?) and then Luke Bennett, the chase became unlikely, and when Chadwick's middle order fell, the game meandered to a tame end, with Chadwick finishing on 110 for 6.

Wickets were shared, singly, between Graham Bennett, William, Jake Bennett, Glenn Mcleod, Bob Welsh and Ben Wilkes, with Glenn's wicket the result of a professional level leg-side stumping by Dave Evemy.

The game was played in a good spirit, in terrific weather, and it was an enjoyable day.

In the post match interview, when asked about his thoughts on the game, the captain had this to say to the waiting media:

"There has been some contentious discussion concerning my batting average, which some players feel may not be entirely representative of my form with the bat this year. I can only stress that an average of 48+ over a period of 17 games shows an astonishing level of consistency of which any batsman would be proud. I believe also that, contrary to popular opinion, that figure is even more impressive when you consider that I have not yet accumulated a total aggregate for the season which reaches three figures."

I hope that the matter can now be put to rest. (Along with the Captain)

Sunday started very badly.

Firstly, Barnes Occasionals made the barely credible decision that their wicket was playable when it had rained all night and the forecast was dire for the rest of the day.

Secondly, we arrived to find spartan changing facilities some distance from the ground, and half our team - incredulous that the game was on - still travelling.

Despite all that, and a after a very late start, we enjoyed an excellent game.

Ovalites batted first, and given a fairly quick start by Dave Evemy and Chris Keene, with an injured Danny O'Sullivan keeping things moving at three, the innings continued smoothly when Andrew Wilkes came to the wicket.

Thereafter, the score began to accelerate, and with Dave Evemy (73no) and Andrew Wilkes (67no) matching each other shot for shot, 90 runs came from the final 7 overs to enable Ovalites to declare at 182 for 2 after 33 overs.

Barnes Occasionals started solidly in reply, and when they reached 40 for 0 the declaration looked a little generous, but William broke through with his sharp fast medium.

With just over 20 overs to go, Barnes required 90 to win with 7 wickets left, but when Graham Bennett was introduced to the attack he took a wicket immediately, which tipped the balance in Ovalites' favour.

Thereafter, Ovalites got on top, with wickets shared around among William (3), Glenn McLeod (2), Graham Bennett (1), Jake Bennett (1), Bob Welsh (1) and Ziggy (1) (William's mate, rather than either of the two Mierzynskis, who didn't play).

Godfrey Parris, who was unfortunate enough to neither bat nor bowl, took two crucial catches.

Finally, though, the last wicket proved elusive, and Barnes finished on 140 for 9 after 43 overs, with the final 10 overs bowled in dismal light.

It was a good game, and we were very lucky to complete the game given the weather forecast.

The weather was kind to us after very heavy rain overnight, and although conditions were not ideal we were grateful to at least complete the game without interruption and with some sunshine towards the end.

Ovalites batted first, and on a wet wicket with a new ball, Wickham Park's first three bowlers were a very tricky proposition, and neither Ziggy, Dave Evemy nor Ben Wilkes could get the ball away. After early struggles, though, the wicket became a little easier and the later bowling proved less demanding, and Dave Cole (55no) and Andrew Wilkes (69no) batted splendidly to get the Ovalites to 147 for 3 at tea.

Wickham Park's captain had suggested that their team was a little weak by normal standards, with half a dozen colts - although he failed to mention that they could all run like gazelles and they saved a lot of runs in a fairly slow outfield.

After two early wickets fell, Wickham Park set off in the chase, with one of the two first-teamers in their team making the wicket seem like Openview in a hot summer, scoring 50 out of the team's 63 before another wicket fell. Eventually, the pressure told, and he was out to a good catch by Dave Cole from JR's bowling.

With only one more strong batsman left, but with only around 4 an over required from the last 10 or so overs, Wickham Park kept going for the runs and result remained in doubt until their final two batsman - two youngsters - proved unequal to the task.

All four of the Ovalites bowlers - in two spells each - contributed significantly to the win; JR (3-14), Jim Dowsett (4-34), Glenn McLeod (1-35) and Chris Keene (2-32). Dave Evemy completed a stunning catch which involved dodging both the stumps and the batsman and diving full-length to take the ball inches from the ground, around where short extra cover might have been.

The game was played in a good spirit by both sides, and proved to be the latest in a series of good games between the two clubs

After a very good start, Ovalites had Streatham & Marlborough in big trouble at 90 for 7, but then let things slip somewhat, and largely thanks to a chap who has apparently played first-class cricket in Sri Lanka, S&M managed to recover to 187 all out.

Danny O'Sullivan bowled very well for 4 wickets before straining a hamstring, Glenn McLeod deserved his 3 wickets, including that of the Sri Lankan and Chris Keene and Adam Mierzynski bowled well for 1 wicket each.

Ovalites never got going in reply, despite an excellent 26 from Gerald Mierzynski, with only Dave Evemy, Dave Cole and Andrew Wilkes subsequently reaching double figures. After a middle order collapse, the hobbling Danny O'Sullivan was required to heroically see out the final 3 balls of the match to secure a draw.

The task of chasing 187 was made more difficult by the fact that the Sri Lankan, having scored 60, then bowled 8 overs of very tidy orthodox left-arm spin.

For reasons which remain a mystery to me, with over 80 runs required to win from the final 3 balls, Danny O'Sullivan requested - and received - a runner. Despite the many potentially disastrous scenarios which may have resulted, the 3 deliveries were negotiated without mishap.

To general merriment, the skipper had earlier made his way almost as far as the wicket without his bat, evidence of a creeping dementia which seems to be affecting many aspects of his game.

Not for the first time this year, we played quite well but were beaten by a better team - in this case Hamsey Green.

After a solid opening partnership between Ziggy Senior (26) and Dave Evemy (8) against a very strong opening bowling pair, followed by excellent knocks from Godfrey Parris (29) and Andrew Wilkes (23), and finished off with a spectacular 29 from Simon Bunn, Ovalites posted a very creditable 153 for 6 from 43 overs.

However, despite 2 wickets each from Ziggy Junior and Glenn McLeod, we were unable to build sufficient pressure and runs flowed throughout the Hamsey Green innings, who won the game by 5 wickets with a couple of overs to spare.

All 5 wickets came from good outfield catches by Andrew Wilkes (2), Ziggy Senior, Ben Wilkes and John Botten.

The game was probably closer than the result suggests, as Hamsey Green's last two competent batsmen were at the crease at the end, and, with a bit more luck in the earlier part of the innings when Glenn beat the bat numerous times, the result may have been different.

Match Reports 2006

Eden Park (A) 9th July
Ovalites were asked to bat on a hot day in a 40 over match against the team with whom we share our West Wickham ground.
Early runs proved hard to come by on a very dry, very slow wicket, against a tidy fielding side.
Ovalites were 19 for 3 until Dave Cole (48) found some form. At 49 for 4, Dave was joined by Bob Welsh (24), and, despite the skipper's usual turgid performance, the pair managed to put on 48.
Despite good efforts from Glenn McLeod (12no) and John Botten (4) at the end, the innings subsided to 128 for 7 off the 40 overs.
Some excellent early bowling from Luke Bennett (6.1-1-20-1) and John Botten (6-1-18-0) put Eden Park on the back foot, and Glenn McLeod (5-1-33-2) picked up crucial wickets to put pressure on the batting side.
At 49 for 3, Danny O'Sullivan seemed to have got a critical wicket when Iqbal fairly obviously nicked one, to be caught by Dave Evemy.
Sadly, the batsman stood his ground, and the umpire was uncertain, so the game continued, but not in the best of atmospheres.
Iqbal went on to score 50 before being out - stumped of Tony Packwood (4-1-22-1) with the score at 110. Thereafter the game was up, and Eden Park reached the target for the loss of only 4 wickets with 6 overs to spare.
A disappointing defeat, then, to a side excellently led by Javed Khan, who scored 46 not out.
It was a pity that the match was soured by one incident.
Bob Welsh
Shooters Hill 2 July (A)
On a blistering hot day Ovalites set off for the return match in South East London to Shooters Hill. Unfortunately someone seemed to have informed Dave Cole that the match was to be fancy dress and as such he turned up in the most grotesque ensemble which was put together from a Moroccan market.
The skipper called correctly and Shooters Hill were put into the field for the afternoon in the blistering heat.
The opening partnership of Kuit and Hoggard Dave Cole set about the attack with gusto rattling up 34 before Gavin informed Dave that the mid off position had been left vacant and without further thought Dave decided to charge down the wicket to push the ball in the vacant position. This would have been fine except for the fact that the ball was on a length and as such Dave turned it into a yorker and was bowled.
Scott came to the crease and steadied the ship with Kuit and expanded the good start moving the score past 50 before Kuit was bowled cutting a ball from middle and off when he looked upstoppable driving and cutting the ball with consummate ease.
Mierzynski and Scott formed a partnership that was to take the Ovalites past 100 with some good running and excellent shot play from Mierzynski who looked unstoppable even at the early stages. Shooters Hill had a number of appeals turned down so decided to take the game to the Ovalites and change the umpire which did the trick nicely. Less than 2 overs later a shout for leg before for Scott saw the finger raised with lightning speed (and even before he had got back behind the stumps from the previous ball – not that he took it badly! huh).
The partnership of Parrs and Mierzynski lasted little time before a loose shot by Parrs to an even looser ball accounted for his wicket with a catch to second slip. Through all of this Mierzynski looked unstoppable placing the ball to all parts of the ground and Wilkes (15), McLeod (0) and Ben Wilkes (8) which included the shot of the day a beautiful cover drive pushed the score towards the 200 mark. The umpire played his part in restricting the Ovalites with a few strange calls (or failures to call) with a number of wides not being turned down due to NEW rules being invented especially for the game. Ovalites posted a score of 198 with Mierzynski caught on the last ball of the innings for a magnificent 78.
Wilkes and Cole opened the bowling and got off to a steady start and Cole nearly accounted for the opener however Wilkes put down a quick moving ball at cover. Again the umpires NEW rules for slow bowlers and calls for no balls were to impact some and it was clear that he was deranged when he said that Cole was a fast bowler. Ovalites didn’t manage to get an early break though and once the openers settled they set about the bowling moving the score rapidly past 100.O’Sulivan replaced Wilkes and after some early jitters tied the batsmen down and slowed the score before Welch (replacing Cole) picked up two wickets including an excellent caught and bowled. The heat was taking the toll on the ageing field with Mierzynski impersonating a statue at first slip and Cole who stood on the ball twisting his ankle and restricting his movement and as such was moved to a position that would mean that he would need to run!.
Scott replaced O’Sulivan and picked up a wicket in his first over when the opening bat pulled a shorter ball to the boundary and was caught by Cole on the second attempt and at the end Andrew Wilkes returned to capture a token wicket at the end with a fine catch by Ben Wilkes at short mid on before Shooters Hill passed the Ovalites total in the 35^th over.
A lovely day however in truth we were around 40 runs short of the target Ovalites needed to post.
G.Scott

Albamorphics (H) 26 June
Ovalites were asked to field first in a 40 over match on a fine day.
Bob Welsh (7-1-31-1) and Dave Cole (8-2-23-1) made early inroads, but the batting side were still going along quite nicely until the introduction of Danny O'Sullivan (12-1-42-4) initiated a collapse from 103 for 3 to to 116 for 5.
Albamorphics staged a recovery, but Chris Keene (8-2-24-3) put the brakes on the run rate, and Tony Packwood (7.3-0-36-1) finished the innings off at 160 all out.
Albamorphics unveiled a sharp opening attack, so Dave Evemy (8) and David Lewis (36) did well to see off the openers.
John McLeod (9) provided a brief cameo which included a fine 6 over mid-wicket.
At 66 for 3 the game was in the balance, but when Andrew Wilkes got going, and was then joined by Dave Cole (30), the pair put on 52 runs together.
Finally, Andrew was joined by Ben Wilkes (6no), and these two saw Ovalites home with 7 overs to spare, with Andrew hitting the winning runs with a 6 over extra cover to finish with a very fine 58 not out.
Ovalites did well to earn their first win of the season against a very sporting Albamorphics team.
Bob Welsh
18 June Nutley Hall (H)
Nutley Hall arrived with only 8 men on a hot day with live cricket and live football being shown on the two TVs in the clubhouse.
When Nutley Hall won the toss and elected to field, the home skipper's request for volunteer fielders to help out were met with polite refusals.
Ovalites got off to a fine start, aided by some extras conceded by the necessarily hard-working eight fielders.
Dave Evemy (13) and Dave Cole (65) took Ovalites to 72 before the first wicket fell, against a very decent bowling attack.
Godfrey Parris (45no) and John McLeod (13no) took the innings forward, but were unable to accelerate on a slow wicket. Nutley Hall were very slow through their overs, and eventually Bob Welsh put them out of their misery with a rather too sporting declaration after just over two and a half hours, during which only 37 overs had been sent down.
Nutley Hall's eight batsmen were asked to chase 172 to win in two hours and ten minutes.
Unfortunately for Ovalites, Nutley Hall's eight players were mainly strong batsmen, and they got off to a good start, with one of the openers getting to 50. Only when Tony Packwood was introduced did a wicket fall, but with 20 overs to go, Nutley Hall needed only 80 to win.
Tony bowled a fine spell, however (13.2-2-53-4), and when first Chris Keene (5-1-30-1) and then Andrew Wilkes (3-0-12-1) provided some support from the other end, Ovalites were able to exert pressure.
With only one wicket left, Nutley Hall required 11 to win, with a genuine number eleven batting at eight. Unfortunately, Ovalites were unable to engineer enough of the strike for the weak batsmen, and Nutley scored the winning runs in the 38th over, with still 4 remaining.
A good game, then, lost as a combination of Ovalites being unable to score really quick runs towards the end, even with wickets in hand, and a misjudged declaration by the skipper.
Bob Welsh

11 June Chobham (A)
Bob Welsh lost the toss and Ovalites were asked to field in a 40-over game.
The Chobham professional opened the batting, setting off at a fast rate, and looked likely to bat Ovalites out of the game. At 70 for 0, John Botten got the crucial wicket, aided by a sharp slip catch by Tony Packwood, and thereafter the game proceeded at a pace more usual for a Sunday game.
John Botten (8-1-40-2) got a second wicket, then Tony Packwood (8-2-21-2), Chris Keene (7-0-19-3) and Danny O'Sullivan (8-0-32-1) all did well, and Chobham were restricted to 164 from their 40 overs.
Despite a good start - particularly against 4 very sharp overs from the Chobham pro - from Dave Evemy (24) and Dave Cole (23), Ovalites lost their way in the middle, as first John McLeod (5) and then Andrew Wilkes (5) lost impetus, but Godfrey Parris (18) looked comfortable until he skied a leg-side full toss.
When Bob Welsh and Chris Keene came together, the target looked out of reach as 45 were required from the last 6 overs.
However, Chris got himself in and set about the bowling with a vengeance. When Bob was out for an unspectacular 21, Chris continued, and eventually 7 runs were required from the final over to win.
Chris hit a boundary, but was then out, leaving Danny O'Sullivan on strike with Tony Packwood at the non-striker's end.
With one ball left, 3 runs were required to win - Danny slashed at one outside off-stump, the ball passed the wicket-keeper and the pair ran two. The runs were given as byes, despite Danny's plausible claim to have nicked it, and the result was a draw with the scores level.
Overall, probably a fair result from a game played sportingly by both sides.
Bob Welsh

4 June Shooters Hill (H)
Ovalites lost the toss and batted first.
After a poor start Andrew Wilkes (14) and Ziggy (24) got the innings going, but it was only after Tony Rodway-Brown (54) entered the fray that the run-rate became respectable. When Tony was out, David Lewis (31no) continued in the same vein, assisted by Glenn McLeod (8no).
After no fewer than 53 overs, Ovalites declared on a disappointing 148 for 5.
After a very tidy start, with no runs from the first 5 overs, Shooters Hill embarked on a wild spree of hitting, with 4s and 6s being scored freely. Thanks to Danny O'Sullivan (11-4-23-2) and Tony Packwood (7-0-49-3), wickets went down sufficiently frequently to keep Ovalites in the game. Chris Keene (5-2-19-2) joined in, and several good catches kept the game in the balance.
Unfortunately, a missed chance in the field proved to be Ovalites' last opportunity to apply pressure, and Shooters Hill ran out comfortable winners with 6 overs to spare, 7 wickets down.
Once again, without playing to their full potential, Ovalites managed to be competitive against a stronger side, but were disappointed not to have done better.
Bob Welsh

4 June Shooters Hill (H)
Ovalites lost the toss and batted first.
After a poor start Andrew Wilkes (14) and Ziggy (24) got the innings going, but it was only after Tony Rodway-Brown (54) entered the fray that the run-rate became respectable. When Tony was out, David Lewis (31no) continued in the same vein, assisted by Glenn McLeod (8no).
After no fewer than 53 overs, Ovalites declared on a disappointing 148 for 5.
After a very tidy start, with no runs from the first 5 overs, Shooters Hill embarked on a wild spree of hitting, with 4s and 6s being scored freely. Thanks to Danny O'Sullivan (11-4-23-2) and Tony Packwood (7-0-49-3), wickets went down sufficiently frequently to keep Ovalites in the game. Chris Keene (5-2-19-2) joined in, and several good catches kept the game in the balance.
Unfortunately, a missed chance in the field proved to be Ovalites' last opportunity to apply pressure, and Shooters Hill ran out comfortable winners with 6 overs to spare, 7 wickets down.
Once again, without playing to their full potential, Ovalites managed to be competitive against a stronger side, but were disappointed not to have done better.
Bob Welsh

28 May Putney (H)
As promised here is the match report …. (by Graham Scott)
The team arrived expectantly at 1.15pm for the match vs. Putney. The previous day’s cricket had been called off after just 15 overs due to a heavy downpour which left the home skipper with a choice of two strips. The previous days wicket was maybe a little dryer (god knows how you could tell) however had some wear to the right handed batsman just short of a length but the other new strip was pristine if a little green. The choice was obvious to all (except the skipper) to take the worn strip.
The skipper then lost and we were forced to bat first.
The skipper had some experience of Putney and felt that they were capable of knocking over a few castles early on and as such wanted to bolster the middle order therefore Scott was to bat at six with Ziggy and Wilkes to precede him. In light of the skippers decision he believed he was take the early initiative and open with not one but two night watchmen (Evemy & Keene). Unfortunately Ovalites were to lose an early wicket when Keene did a rumba style move in front of the stumps and was given LBW for 1 run. Despite this setback the resourceful skipper sent in yet another night watchman to shore up the defense which seemed to stem the tide. After a day and a half batting Ovalites were to lose their second wicket when Evemy slashed hard at a wide ball and was caught by 2^nd slip for a (4)58 ball 4.
Time to attack and Ziggy went in to replace Evemy it was not however long before Ovalites lost McLeod (J) for a defiant 14 (including a sweetly driven straight 4 back past the bowler). It was now that Ovalites looked to push on with two attacking mind batsmen of great experience however this was not to last too long as Ziggy was dismissed for 9.
It was at this point when a drinks break was taken and a few wise words could be exchanged. Ziggy told Scott (the incoming rabbit) to take it easy and not to do anything silly, warning him to wait for the ball… the skipper said to Scott and Wilkes that it needed one of them to stay there until the end. In retrospect this was a terrible mistake as he did not say who should stay there and after Scott got a first ball duck whilst trying to drive off the back foot Ovalites were reduced to 46-6 and by the time Scott had returned to the pavilion and before he could remove his pads Wilkes was to follow for 4 (again not clear on the skippers instruction to stay there).
McLeod (G) has a brief but by previous batsman’s efforts successful before deciding to swing at a lose one that Feng Shui’d his stumps (re-arranged the furniture) and headed back to the pavilion to join the rest of the team. Danny O’Sulivan determined not to be out done decided that the Scott approach seemed best and joined the team back in the pavilion in just as many balls as him for a golden duck.
This left the skipper and the ever retired Packwood to see the team to a respectable score (Packers you don’t know how hard that was for me to write!) before eventually Packers wicket fell shortly before that of the youthful Ziggy Jnr leaving Putney to chase 78 to win the game.
After what can only be described as a fantastic tea the Ovalites were to try and make inroads into the Putney attack however Scott’s day went from bad to worse when his bowling was mauled by one of the Putney openers. Danny O’Sulivan however was more resilient and picked up a wicket with the score in the 20’s before Packwood winkled out another.
There is an unbiased point of view that comments that Wilkes who ended up with 2 catches could have win the game for us but for the THREE he put down, and linked to the fact that Evemy clearly stumped another (umpire was not sure what the appeal was for – 2 feet out of his ground or a catch!) however following a dive of Olympic quality by Wilkes (sadly over the ball) Ovalites were to run out of steam.
Personally I had a great day and look forward to playing again in the not too distant future with you bunch of Pi77 taking w@nkers as I really did have a wonderful time and laughed all day.
Thank you all.
Graham Scott

Battersea Ironsides 14 May (A)
Bob Welsh lost the toss and Ovalites were invited to field first.
Despite steady bowling from Danny O'Sullivan (1wkt), Richard Adams(1), Graham Bennett(1) and a fine spell from Chris Keene(3), Ovalites could not make serious inroads into the batting of Ironsides until late in the innings, by which time the opener Powell had gone on to 130 not out.
At tea, Ironsides stopped at 230 for 7.
Ovalites were asked to reach this unlikely target in around two hours and ten minutes.
As Ironsides unveiled some sharp bowling, the required run rate proved too much; despite a superb innings from Chris Keene (52), when the first wicket went down at 87, twenty overs had been bowled, and there was no letup in the quality of bowling thereafter.
Dave Evemy (68no) batted solidly, building partnerships with John McLeod (10), David Lewis (15) and Richard Adams (12), but to no avail.
The Ovalites innings ended on 180 for 5, with neither team ever really in a position to win the game.
Ironsides tend to play a particular type of game - essentially a limited overs approach, even in a time game. They get as many runs as possible until a predetermined tea-time, and then bowl to ensure that they don't concede the runs. To be fair to them, they expect other teams to do the same, and if they bat second they will attempt to chase any total until it becomes impossible.
This does mean, of course, that against a weaker side than themselves - as we were on the day - they don't consider an early declaration, or any attempt to offer some easy runs to encourage the chase and thereby improve their chances of winning (at the small risk of losing, of course).
Hence, unfortunately, we do have the odd slightly dull game for this fixture, but I believe we should continue to play them each year, as the ground is near where I live.
Bob Welsh.

7 May Chadwick (A)

Ovalites won the toss and chose to bat in a 40 overs per side game.

After a good start from the openers Dave evemy (18) and Chris Keene (25), Dave Cole (54) and Ben Wilkes (26) shared a partnership of 70, and a quick 28 stand between John McLeod (14) and Danny O'Sullivan (13no) in the last few overs took Ovalites to a very respectable 176 for 7 in their 40 overs.

Ovalites made a good start to the second innings with an early wicket for O'Sullivan (5-1-21-1) and a steady spell from Glenn McLeod (8-1-17-0). Chris Keene put Chadwick on the back foot with a fine spell (8-1-3-26), supported by a good catch by Karl Walker and an outstanding effort by Andrew Wilkes, but steady showers began to make batting and bowling difficult.

With the match finely balanced and Chadwick at 110 for 4, rain finally put an end to matters with 12 overs remaining.

A potentially exciting finish was kyboshed by the weather, but this was a good team performance by the Ovalites.

Bob Welsh.

April 30 Frankly Lewin (A)

Ovalites lost the toss, and were asked to bat.

After a slow but solid start from Dave Evemy (22) and John McLeod (12), nobody was able to go on and make a big score. Despite 25 from Andrew Wilkes, and a spirited late partnership between Chris Keene (21) and Danny O'Sullivan (8no), Ovalites could manage no more than 97 for 9 at tea.

Danny O'Sullivan (7-2-30-2) made early inroads, and Chris Keene bowled well (4-0-25-1), but a couple of crucial catches went down and Franklin Lewin reached the target with overs to spare.

A poor start to the season for Ovalites, although the match was perhaps closer than the bare figures suggest.

Bob Welsh.

Ovailtes v Goresbrook (A) 1.30pm

Bob Welsh lost the toss, but, after negotiation, Ovalites were asked to bat first in a 35-over game.

As usual at Goresbrook, it was a good wicket with a fast outfield, and Goresbrook fielded their usual very strong batting side.

Unfortunately for Ovalites, Goresbrook also had a very strong bowling attack, and runs came relatively slowly, despite good performances from Dave Evemy (20), Graham Scott (38) and Ziggy (38).

With Ovalites struggling to set a challenging total, discussions began concerning extending the game to a 40-over match. Unfortunately, the decision to extend the game was made after Ziggy was out attempting a sharp single - obviously, under the impression that there were only a few overs left. Ziggy was not best pleased.

The decision was justified, however, as the later bowling proved easier to get away, and quick runs from Andrew Wilkes (16), John Langford (28no) and Bob Welsh (15) took the score to a respectable 183 for 7 from the 40 overs.

Goresbrook's openers got off to a fine start, as they demonstrated that military medium bowling was comparatively easy to play on a flat wicket, and wickets only came when slower bowling was introduced. Danny O'Sullivan (8-0-32-2) and Chris Keene (8-1-35-2) bowled fine spells, and Bob Welsh (6-0-25-3) chipped in as the batsmen relaxed with the target in view.

John McLeod claimed Three catches in a very creditable team performance in the field.

Goresbrook won the game with just over 3 overs to spare, but this was a pretty good performance from Ovalites considering the strength of the opposition.

As ever, a pleasant day was concluded with a good deal of jocular discussion between the two sides, lubricated with plenty of liquid refreshment.

Ovalites v Wickham Park (A) 28 August

Bob Welsh lost the toss but Ovailites were asked to bat on a warm day on a dry wicket with the usual fast outfield at Wickham Park.

After a slow start against some very tidy bowling, Dave Evemy built partnerships with first Chris Keene (10), John McLeod (19), Javed Khan (10) and finally Graham Bennett (8no). The latter partnership was worth a very creditable 49 unbeaten, and Dave accelerated sharply at the end to finish on an excellent 86no.

Ovalites declared at 168 for 5 after 43 overs.

In reply, Wickham were unable to get the opening bowling away, thanks to good spells from John Langford (8-5-9-1) and Glenn McLeod (5-2-6-0).

With some terrific work in the field, Luke Bennett combined with Dave Evemy for a runout, and Wickham Park were behind the required run-rate.

Despite Bob Welsh's attempts to open the game up by operating with attacking fields, Wickham continued to struggle, but wickets proved elusive.

Eventually, all ten outfielders bowled a spell, and wickets finally came, with good efforts from Jake Bennett (6-0-29-1), Danny O'Sullivan (6-1-27-1), Javed Khan (2-0-8-1), John McLeod (3-0-29-1), with a short sharp spell from Luke Bennett (3-1-2-0).

Neither side was able to gather the momentum to win the game, but some fun was had ensuring everyone became involved.

The game ended with Wickham Park 145 for 8 from 41 overs.

Ovalites v Eden Park (H) 14th August

The game may have been in some doubt up to Saturday afternoon, but at last some dry weather appeared and the pitch recovered enough for the game on Sunday Vs Eden Park to take place.

The day couldn't have started any better for acting Skipper Glenn when he won the toss and chose to bat on a pitch which although not exactly hard and brown looked as if it would play fair all the way through.

At this point the Ovalites, with a depleted batting line up due to the absence of Dave Cole, Ziggy, Richard Adams, and Godfrey Parris could have been excused for thinking this was going to be a good day.

However, that soon changed as first Chris Keene and then John McLeod fell quickly for 6 and 1 respectively, leaving Javed Khan and Dave Evemy to repair the damage. Javed, playing against his former club wasn't afraid to play his shots, and soon looked in good touch, but Dave Evemy was dismissed, again only able to add 6 to the score.

When Andrew Wilkes came to the crease, things started to look up, and he and Javed held the innings together with 2 fantastic knocks. Javed had soon passed 50, and wasn't going to hang around in adding to that score, as the skipper had implied that to get to 120-140 was going to be a good effort.

With Javed out for 88, trying to hurry along the scoring, Andrew was determined to get to 50 and given 1 more over by the skipper, he duely smashed the first ball of the final over over the boundary for a huge six, and that was that. 176 / 5 was a great effort after a disasterous start.

When the Ovalites took to the field for the second Innings, Glenn decided to give the ball to Graham Bennett to open the bowling, and he didnt let us down, with 2 early wickets in a tidy spell which seemed to put the Ovalites well on top.

However, Dave Smith had other ideas for Park as he hung around to make a 50, backed up brilliantly by some hard if not fortunate hitting, from Martin who was dropped no less than 4 times.

At this point, Park only needed 5 an over to get to the victory line, and it was Danny O'Sullivan who got the breakthrough to get the Ovalites back on track with two quick wickets, numbers 198 and 199 of his Ovalites career, while at the other end, Bob Welsh had been keeping an end very tight, and his wicket was richly deserved as he ended with figures of 1-29 from 9 overs and the Ovalites once again thought they could win it.

Glenn came back on towards the end and picked up 2 wickets to put a shine on his figures of 2-14 from 9 overs, but it was too little too late in the end, as Eden Park had settled for the draw, their innings finishing on 156 - 8. The game itself was enjoyable, with everyone getting involved in some way or another and with 10 overs to go, all three results were still possible, but in the end, Ovalites just let Eden Park off the hook, allowing too many catches to go down.

Thanks to all who made it an enjoyable day!

Miami......................

Ovalites v Albamorphics (A) 14th August

Bob Welsh won the toss and chose to bat on a gloomy, blustery day on a damp wicket in Beddington Park.

Ovalites started well, but a couple of sharp showers interrupted progress.

Daves Cole (61) and Evemy (22) batted very well in difficult circumstances, followed by Richard Adams (17), Andrew Wilkes (15) and John Langford (6no).

Bob Welsh took the bold decision to declare after only 35 overs on 128 for 5; it seemed unlikely that Albamorphics would get the full two hours to get the runs with the rain threatening, and the home side only had 10 players.

As it turned out, the sun came out and there were no further interruptions, so Ovalites were under pressure to defend a relatively small total.

Despite a steady start from John Langford (6-1-25-0) and Glenn McLeod, Albamorphics only lost one early wicket, and they were well up with the rate.

Danny O'Sullivan (6-0-27-1) took an important wicket, but the home side required only 78 off the last 20 overs with 6 wickets in hand.

While Glenn McLeod continued to bowl a very fine spell from one end, the introduction of Richard Adams (5-1-8-2) helped to stem the runs, and the home side came under some pressure themselves.

With 5 overs to go, Albamorphics needed 30 to win, but Glenn McLeod (16-3-39-5) continued to take wickets in a superb effort, and with one wicket left, Albamorphics were relying on their number 6 batsman, Tracy, to steer them home.

Trying to pinch the strike at the end of the over, however, proved the downfall of Tracy (36), as Andrew Wilkes, with an excellent pickup and throw, ran Tracy out with a direct hit.

Albamorphics finished on 106 all out from 36 overs with 3 overs of the last 20 remaining.

A fine win in difficult circumstances, in a match played in a good spirit. We would hope that this might become a regular fixture.

Ovalites v Kempton 7th August (A)

Bob Welsh lost the toss and Ovalites were asked to field first on a good-looking wicket at Kempton's attractive ground.

Wickets fell early, mainly due to an excellent opening spell from Glenn McLeod (10-4-17-2).

However, Rawlinson batted solidly for the home side, and runs came steadily.

In total, Ovalites used 9 bowlers, including Jake Bennett (6-0-41-1), Luke Bennett (7-0-12-1), Javed Khan (5-0-16-0) and Andrew Wilkes (0.5-0-5-1).

Rawlinson went on to 107 not out, and the innings was declared at 172 for 6.

Ovalites, given an hour and a quarter plus 20 overs to get the runs, started very slowly, losing Dave Evemy (5) and John McLeod (9) quite early.

The pitch played quite slowly, and Kempton's medium pacers proved hard to get away.

Several batsmen got starts, but none was able to go on, with Dave Cole (30), Andrew Wilkes (23), Javed Khan (36) and Luke Bennett (20) making contributions while the required run-rate continued to rise.

The game reached an impasse, with Ovalites ending on 150-7.

Not a very exciting game, then, between two teams who perhaps did not know each other well enough to be able to engineer a close contest.

Nevertheless, an enjoyable Sunday game, with every chance that this game - arranged through the CCC - will become a regular fixture.

Ovalites v Pretenders (H) 31 July

On an overcast day and with a damp wicket, a 35-over game was agreed to limit damage to the wicket, and to avoid playing in bad light later in the day.

After a short negotiation, Ovalites batted first, and lost early wickets. Dave Evemy (8), having seen off the sharp opening attack, lost his wicket to an inconsistent spinner, and Ovalites were soon 3 down for not too many.

However, Ziggy (34) - continuing his good form - together with Godfrey Parris (31), guesting for the first time, got the innings back on track.

Andrew Wilkes weighed in with a solid 34, and Javed Khan continued the late acceleration with 24 not out, helped in the last two overs by John Langford (6no).

The innings ended at a challenging 168 for 6 from the 35 overs.

A typically sharp spell from John Langford (5-1-10-0), supported well by Glenn McLeod (7-2-20-1) put the pressure on the Pretenders, but short spells from Dave Cole and Danny O'Sullivan brought no more wickets and the game was poised.

Although Pretenders needed just over 6 per over from the last 20 overs, they were batting well and Ovalites were on the back foot.

The introduction of Andrew Wilkes ((3-0-21-1), however, brought the wicket of Manson (47), and then Danny O'Sullivan (7-0-20-1) completed his allotted overs, claiming the wicket of Bourne (38).

Wickets began to fall, but while the Pretenders captain, Stahl, was batting, the game remained in the balance.

Chasing 27 from the last 4 overs, however, proved too much for the Pretenders late order as Javed Khan (2-0-14-2) picked up a couple of wickets, and Bob Welsh (7-1-28-5) got the wicket of Stahl (38) and then picked off the tail.

Pretenders spirited chase ended 15 runs short after 34 overs.

A good team performance, then, with special mention to Dave Evemy, who took two stumpings and two terrific running catches, and Javed Khan, who - having already scored 24no - took two wickets and two catches.

The game was played in an excellent spirit by both sides, and we hope to repeat the fixture next season.

Ovalites v Alleyne Old Boys and Honor Oak

Bob Welsh successfully performed his most onerous duty of the day by winning the toss on a warm day. The wicket was cut, marked and flat, while the outfield was, as usual, short and fast.

Ovalites got off to a good start with a solid knock from Dave Evemy (29), and an excellent 81 from Dave Cole. Support was provided by Javed Khan (22), and there followed an extraordinary innings of 57 from only 27 balls from Ziggy.

John McLeod, given the thankless task of the pre-tea slog, hit 2 off the only delivery he faced.

The declaration came early at 204 for 3 from 37 overs, giving AOB just short of 2 and a half hours for the chase.

AOB set off at a lively pace, but wickets from Glenn McLeod (7-3-26-1) and Richard Adams (11-11-51-1) kept Ovalites in the game.

Tony Packwood joined in with a wicket, but AOB continued to score freely, and needed only 100 from the last 20 overs with 7 wickets in hand.

Bob continued to rotate the bowling to try and make inroads, and Javed Khan (4-0-18-1) picked up a crucial wicket.

When Andrew Wilkes produced a super spell (4-0-27-2) the game was pretty even, with the required rate around 4.5 per over, with 4 wickets left.

Tony Packwood (10-0-48-2) returned to take a second wicket, but runs kept coming, and with two overs to go, AOB needed 13 runs to win with 3 wickets in hand.

Skipper Bob Welsh bowled the penultimate over, and picked up two wickets as the pressure got to AOB's late order, leaving 11 required from the last over with the final pair at the wicket.

To their credit, AOB were still trying to attack the bowling, but managed only one run off the wily bowling of Tony Packwood, and the game - which neither side deserved to lose - ended in a draw.

AOB finished on 195 for 9 from 41 overs.

The game - arranged through the Conference - was played in a marvellous spirit, and both teams expressed the hope that the fixture could be repeated in the corresponding week next season.

Ovalites v Franklyn Lewin

Bob Welsh lost the toss, but Ovalites were invited to bat on a good-looking strip at the strikingly attractive Whitgift School ground in Croydon, where Surrey County play a number of home fixtures.

After a promising start, wickets fell, with Dave Cole (15) and Dave Evemy (13) making starts but unable to go on. John McLeod (8) occupied the crease as instructed for a long period to consolidate, spending most of his innings keeping Franklyn Lewin's best bowler out.

Andrew Wilkes first consoldated, and then accelerated, making 42 before being stumped.

Thereafter, Javed Khan contributed 23, and Bob Welsh made a typically turgid 25 not out.

Largely as a result of a very tight 25(!) over spell of 3 for 36 from Corrigan, Ovalites were never able to get away and post a challenging total. The innings was declared at 153 for 7.

Franklyn Lewin struggled in the early part of their innings, as wickets fell with the scores at 9, 12, 56 and 65, and at 83 for 5 it was anyone's game.

However, Steinmer, Franklyn Lewin's captain and opening bat, continued to ensure that the chase was on target.

Wickets from Glenn McLeod (10-1-38-1), Danny O'Sullivan (6-0-18-1), Luke Bennett ((4-0-29-1), Chris Keene (5-1-20-2) and Tony Packwood (7-0-27-1) kept Ovalites interested, and the game was still poised when the batting side reached 124 for 7.

Steinmer (88no) proved immovable, however, and Franklyn Lewin reached the target with 3 wickets in hand and a few overs to spare.

A disappointing result for Ovalites, who were beaten by a side who played very well on the day.

The game was played in the right spirit, Franklyn Lewin provided an excellent tea, and the day was topped off very nicely with a few drinks outside the pavilion in a very pleasant setting on a warm summer evening.

Ovalites v Eden Park (A)

Bob Welsh lost the toss and Eden Park chose to bat first on an underprepared wicket at the ground which Ovalites and Eden Park share.

Good opening spells from Glenn McLeod (12-4-40-3) and Danny O'Sullivan (9-3-32-1) embarrassed the Eden Park top order, and the first 4 wickets fell for only 21 runs.

Skipper Bob took his foot off the pedal in the field to ensure that the final total would be some sort of challenge, but Eden Park's late order rallied in spectacular style and despite useful spells from Chris Keene (6-0-17-1), Tony Packwood (8-0-34-1) in his first game of the year and Javed Khan (3-1-9-2), Eden Park reached the substantial total of 181 all out.

Dave Evemy took 5 catches - a club record, we think - and brothers John and Glenn McLeod took good catches.

Ovalites were faced with the difficult task of chasing 182 in a little over an hour and 20 overs.

After a distinctly uninspiring team talk from Captain Bob, Ovalites' openers made a solid start, and although Dave Evemy (7) and John McLeod (8) were not able to reproduce recent form, Ziggy (14) and the ever-reliable Dave Cole (61) kept the scores moving.

Into the last 20 overs, 102 were required, with 8 wickets in hand.

When Ziggy was out to a delivery which jumped sharply from a length, Dave Cole was joined by Danny O'Sullivan who had unaccountably been promoted up the order.

Things went well, however, until a mix up led to Dave Cole being run out for the second time in two weeks.

Danny (20) and Andrew Wilkes (23) shared a stand of 36 in half that many minutes, injecting a much needed impetus at that stage.

Andrew was out with 27 runs required from the last 4 overs, with 4 wickets left.

Skipper Bob Welsh came to the wicket, under no great pressure, having put down three difficult catches plus a sitter, having bowled one appalling over just before tea, and having overseen Eden Park's recovery from 17 for 4 to 181 - and with Danny O'Sullivan at the other end.

Danny slashed a Chinese cut for four invaluable runs before being out caught; this brought Chris Keene to the wicket, with some good form from his most recent innings (unfortunately, played in 2004).

Between the two of them, Chris and Bob managed to scrape and slog a few, and 14 were required from the final two overs.

With a couple of good shots from both players, 9 came from the penultimate over, leaving 5 required from the final over.

Chris (6no) pinched a single from the second ball, and Bob (16no) closed his eyes and - to the surprise of players and spectators alike - connected with a wild swipe for the winning boundary.

A fine win, then, with significant contributions from everyone, as usual.

Several candidates for man of the match include Dave Cole, Dave Evemy, Glenn McLeod, Javed Khan, Chris Keene, Andrew Wilkes and Danny O'Sullivan.

Skipper Bob Welsh's overall performance brought him close to qualifying as Eden Park's man of the match - but all's well that ends well.

Overall, a most enjoyable and exciting match, played in an excellent spirit by both sides.

Ovalites v Shooters Hill (A) 26 June

Bob Welsh won the toss and chose to bowl on an unmarked, uncut strip - Shooters Hill had recently returned from tour, and there had been a misunderstanding about this fixture.

After a fierce opening spell with the unusual experience of bowling with a new ball from John Langford, the wicket flattened and played rather well.

Shooters Hill reached 50 for no wicket, and, despite a good spell from Chris Keene (7-0-46-3) and John Langford (14.5-3-50-3) returning towards the end, Shooters Hill's opener made an unbeaten century, and the declaration came at 232 for 6, leaving Ovalites a maximum of 2 hours and 10 minutes to chase 233 to win.

In fact, the second innings began late, and the already enormous target receded further before a ball was bowled.

Skiipper Bob Welsh took the view that the target was simply unattainable - experience shows that the more runs scored early in the innings, the fewer overs will be received, so Ovalites would have to score 233 from 35 or 36 overs to win the game.

In fact, Dave Cole and Ziggy set off slowly and securely, as instructed, and when Ziggy (19) lost his wicket in controversial circumstances, Dave (97) and John McLeod (40no) built a solid partnership.

Shooters Hill tried belatedly to open the game up to go for a result, and runs flowed freely towards the end - Ovalites ended at 180 for 3.

Good performances from John Langford, Chris Keene, Dave Cole and John McLeod, with a couple of catches in the deep from Simon and Glenn, plus an excellent performance in the field by Adam Mierzynski, brightened up a rather dull game.

Ovalites v City Boys (H) 19 June

Bob Welsh won the toss and chose to bat on a very hot day in a 40 over match (two new balls) against an unknown quantity - the match was organised late in the week via the Club Cricket Conference.

Dave Evemy (73no) did his usual job of holding an end up, building two good partnerships, first with John McLeod (45) and then with Andrew Wilkes (37).

With a few quick runs from Ben Wilkes (6) and Javed Khan (7) in the last couple of overs, Ovalites reached the respectable total of 207 for 5.

Despite a steady spell from Danny O'Sullivan (8-1-44-0) and tidy stuff from Glenn McLeod, City Boys set off quickly and reached 100 before Javed Khan (6-1-42-2) managed to take the first wicket.

Chris Keene (7-0-41-0) bowled well without luck, and the City Boys' batsmen pushed on.

The introduction of Bob Welsh (8-1-40-3) and the re-introduction of Glenn McLeod (8-3-25-3) allowed Ovalites to gain some control, and City Boys lost 3 wickets for no runs to go to 141 for 5.

Thereafter it was nip and tuck, and Javed took a good catch on the boundary to make the score 154 for 6, which quickly became 154 for 7.

At 175 for 8 City Boys were in a little trouble, but their number 10 was a big hitter; although Ovalites had a couple of chances at this stage, City Boys managed to get home with a few balls to spare.