Hambledon and the end of the 2018 season

The umpire has called over for the Hounslow Leisure 2018 season. It's been another great one, the weather has been fantastic, and we've had some really good games, a couple going to the last ball, and many going into the last over. We lost the first 4, won the next 9, and then lost the last 5, so that's P18, W9, L9. Next game, May 2019.

Race for 2018 top run scorers and wicket takers...

The last game provided some excitement in terms of final top run scorers and wicket takers. Prior to the game, Kieran was leading the runs on 278, Swainy on 274. Swainy failed to make the 5 required to put any pressure on Kieran. Having scored his 18, Kieran was looking rather happy. But few had thoughts about Wendel (not himself, however), who was 74 runs behind Kieran coming into this game. Once Wendel had scored 93, he became top run scorer, and finished up with 303 runs for the season, when caught on 99, 7 ahead of Kieran. Bowling had Paul and Bicky both on 14 wickets going into this game. Chris took 2 in his first spell. Paul then took 2 in 2 balls, and in his last over had Neil catch one, to finish up 17/16 to Paul. So, Wendel tops the runs, Paul the wickets, and Steve the fielding with 10 catches and 5 stumpings. Well done to Kieran and Chris though, in both their first, and come back seasons respectively.

Hambledon CC v Hounslow Leisure CC, Ridge Meadows, 15/9/2018. Match Report.

With our original hosts dropping out midweek, thanks to a spot on t'internet, we were able to hastily fix up a new game against Hambledon CC, down in the wonderful Meon Valley, Hampshire. The weather was hot, and the home team very welcoming. Hambledon, a mix of ages, but including a few first teamers, chose to bat first in a 40/40 over game. Hambledon started well, going at 7 an over, until we made the first break through at 54 with a Steve/ Bicky stumping. Their young guys batted well and it was 129 before the next wicket fell, but a mean spell in the middle overs from Parky, Ian, Kieran and Wendel reduced the run rate considerably, as regular wickets fell. Paul was on a hatrick at one point. A few big hits in the last over added 17, Hambeldon finishing up on 219/8.

At tea, we felt we were in with a real chance. Suddenly, at 98/8 (23 overs) in reply, it wasn't looking so great. However, Wendel was on fantastic form, but needed support from the other end, which only Parky and Bicky were able to provide. Once Wendel was caught, on 99, with the score on 150, with 5 overs remaining, the game was effectively over. Bicky scored a patient 42 ball 9, Wendel a 66 ball 99, with 9 4's and 5 6's. 3 wickets for Paul, 2 each for Bicky and Kieran. We bowled well. Fielding was a bit hit and miss at times, but unfortunately our strong batting line up didn't quite fire today. Had Wendel had more support, the Hambledon score may well have been achievable....HL 163/10, 36.4overs.

HLCC 15/9/18: SteveM, Neil, Paul, Knobby, Adam, Bicky, Kieran, Swainy, Jim, Ian, Parky, Wendel.

Cricket in Hambledon

Hambledon, Hampshire. They've been playing cricket there, on Broadhalfpenny Down since the 1750's. Hambledon CC actually play at Ridge Meadow, about a mile away and have been on their current ground since the 1840's. The famous Bat and Ball pub, where the first rules of cricket were formulated is opposite the original ground (where the Hambledon Club played an All England Team 51 times) and is a cricket museum where you can eat and drink beer and read about and look at all sorts of cricket artefacts. Well worth a visit, which is exactly what we did for a few lively hours after the game....