Season 2012 Results

Last mid week game and a sunny Sept eve in Ealing awaited HL v Parkmen. Won toss, into bat, we finished up on an ok 131/8, everyone getting a bat (shaz35)..They had a few good batters but tight bowling pegged them back to just 108/8 just as the dark descended. 2 wickets for Wendel and Swain, direct run out throw from Steve and tight bowling from Shaz. Slap up food in the pavilion afterwards and a fine end to the midweek season. Still Hatfield to go though..

v Garrison. 2nd game in 2 evenings. HL 194/4 from 20 overs in another Spelthorne run fest, Swain with a swashbuckling 93!, Paul53. A good start from Garrison but always behind the run rate, finally falling 30 short, 164/6, 3 wickets for Paul. Perhaps the last time, after 20 years of epic contests, that we play Garrison. Shaz and Hardy for the oppo, and Murray making his first appearance of the season. 2 catches for Wendel, but we didnt need his runs this evening... 4 wins in 4, and weve scored 708 runs in 80 overs....

v Richmond, new oppo and HL into bat with Rick36 and Steve33 in an opening 70 partnership. 38 from Swainy and 19 from debutant Lee and at the end Wendel with an 11 ball 41no (5 6's), pushing the score to seasons highest 197/5. Richmond got off to a great start, but regular wickets pinned them back to 125/8 off their 20 overs, 3 wickets for Rick, 2 each for Paul and Wendel. 2 catches for Wendel and 2 dismissals for Mike behind the stumps. Richmond didnt bowl badly, HL were just on fire this evening...


v Elmbridge. 2nd game in 2 evenings and 2nd time the game goes into the last over. HL164/5, Steve46, Hitesh44, Alex35. Wendel contorversially fingered LBeeeeW for 4. Slightly below par, with a fast outfield and shortish boundary. ELM into bat, their extrovert opener out hit wicket, 2 stumpings from Wendel, a direct boundary throw run out from Paul, and 2 wickets from Don later, they were needing 13 to win from the last over with their no.3 still there on 76no. Alas, only 7 were scored, HL winning by 6 runs. Another fantastic game and win..


v Superstars. Imber Court was looking good on this hastily arranged 2020 fixture. Put into bat, HL racked up 153/5 thanks to Shaz48, Wendel47 (from 4 overs) and Swain21, despite 8 tight opening overs. We were confident, but with 40 needed off the last 4, the situation was getting a little edgy in the fading light. However, a couple of runouts left them needing 18 from the last over, finally falling 11 short. Wickets each for Ian, Wendel, Hitesh, Paul and Shaz. Apart from the absent Adam, probably HL's strongest batting line up all season today.


v GSK. Always strong, and GSK batting first, at 10 overs with only 60 on the board it was looking ok. However, one of their guys scored a 93no and they finished up on 167/4. Tough, we needed to fire on all cylinders. 2 wickets in the first over didnt help (Wasim - golden). Wendel went crazy with 3 6's on the trott, and after 10 overs we were just ahead on at 85/2. The issue with the sight screens came back as Wendel was bowled and after that it quickly fell apart in the fading light, HL ending on 127/9 from the 20. Wendel52, Paul23, Don21.

v Westminster. Lost toss, fielded first, Westminster plodding their way to 81/9. Never really too much of a test, although 0 for 1 from 3 overs woke us up a little. However 2nd wicket partners Adam49no and Steve 32no, got us past the post in just 14.1 overs. 3 wickets for Paul, 2 wickets for Knobby, Swain and Rick. 2 stumpings for Mike, 2 catches for Shaz and Wendel...

V Thames Trains. The sun was shinning, but no oppo; fasting, injuries and holidays depleting their squad. Shame, but it happens. Always a good game.

v Wandsworth. 20 years of playing and what a game, it ebbed and flowed throughout on a scorching evening down by the river in Putney. Leisure opting to bat finding themselves at a perilous 60/7 from 11 overs. Wendel and Rick dug deep for 9 overs and a 50 from Wendel, including two massive sixes, one literally out of the park, hitting a house on the other side of Putney Bridge Road, got us to an okish 115. It was always going to be tough to defend. 6 runs/ 2 wickets from 4 overs from Wendel, took us amazingly into the last over with Wandsworth needing just 7 to win. 5 swishes and misses later and the scores were tied with one ball to go. Unfortunately, bat connected with ball and the game was lost on the last ball. A thriller, but looking back lots of places where that one run was lost... Chris Bicks last game, perhaps? 2 old school tight overs, 2 catches, but a duck batting at 3. A Leisure Legend...


v Parkmen. Batted first, 50 from Swain, Alex21 and a quickfire 43no from skipper Wendel took Leisure to 140/4 from 20. Parkmen struggled to just 86/7 thanks to 4 wickets for 18 from Ian.


v Harrow. Forecast said it was going to rain in London about 4pm, and once started it wasn't going to stop. Well, the forecast was correct, so the game was called off just as the oppo left for the game.

v OCCCs..They did what they always do when they win the toss, bat. Taking their top 3 batters early, who we know can all score big, knocked them sideways and they hobbled to 73/6 off their 20overs. Into bat and it was looking easy at 59/0 off 10 overs. However, a mini collapse and the fading light and start of more rain, made it harder than it should have been and we got there off 15.4 overs, having lost 5 wickets...Swain27, Steve26, CBurton13, Swain 2/15, and a great direct hit run out from Wendel the highlights..And a Knobby catch..

v Chessington WoA. Into bat, runs from Steve31, Adam27, Alex20, Knobby18 and a 10 ball 41 (6*6) from Wendel got us up to 166/6, a half decent score, but Chess were always up with the run rate, 80 off 10, 120 off 15.... With mongooses and 6's aplenty, we entered the last over with just 4 needed, CWoA obliging with a 6 off the 2nd ball. We could have scored a few more, but a good close game all the same. 2 wickets for Paul and Rick, and a moral boosting catch for Swainy. Hardeep, fielding for the oppo, managing to kick the ball over the boundary for a six..

v Richmond, rained off, all day July drizzle...

v Richmond Teachers. We finished on a below par 106/6 on a blustery evening on Old Deer Park,  but thanks to 42 from Ash, with help from Alex19, Adam14. However, we were confident until they were suddenly 76 from 14. On 98 we managed to get their one major run scorer out clean bowled, and the game was over, won by 8 runs, with 11 balls left. 3 wickets for Swainy, back from his incident a fortnight before, and 2 for Paul. Debut to Umar (1 wicket, 11no). Lots of off boundary action to keep Wendel and co turned on...Thats now 5 wins from 6, and the loss was just by 1 run.

v Superstars. Mid day rain and a dodgy forecast knocked this game out. Shame; good oppo, and actually, possibly, could have got away with it in retrospect as the evening was dry enough.

v Parkmen at Trailfinders, a 22/22 with it being almost the longest day of the year. Slow start, but 100 off last 10 overs got us to 142/3, thanks to 86 from Hitesh and 32 from Shaz, a half decent score..It was looking tight up to the last 5 overs, but regular wickets pegged them back, HL actually winning by 36 runs in then end, bowling them all out in the 21st over, Paul 3 for 6, Hitesh 2 for 15. Lots of dropped catches, but no injuries..debuts for Adu and Mr Wuu.

v Spelthorne..called off. Wet pitch, no team, one or the other..disappointing...

Lost by 1 run. 4 needed to win off last over, frustratingly only managed 2, as a direct throw runout denied us at least a tie. Amazing that we even played considering it had only stopped raining for 2 days a few hours earlier. OCCC 120/5, Wendel 3, Paul 2 wickets. HLCC 119/6, Paul 35, Wendel 21. 1 smashed windscreen and 2 lost front teeth, courtesy of Swain failing to get his face out of the way of a spilt catch. Very unfortunate and not a pretty sight, but a odds on for the 2012 JB award.

3rd game, v Harrow...rained off...

Match winning 67 from Wendel, helped us score 129/3 off 20ov v Thames Trains at Perivale. Slightly difficult to control the ball in the conditions, we gave away a fair few wides, Mikey had to stretch for a few, but fortunately the good balls were too good for them to score many off and we won by 16 runs, Paul 3, Ian 2 wickets. HLCC 129/3, TTrains 113/6.

109 needed, 104 on the board, last wicket stand needing 5 runs to win. Bowler bowls, Adam misses, keeper misses, ball hits helmet; 5 runs, win! ...Adam match winning 48no, Swainy 4 wckts, Knobby, Shaz playing for them with 38, 2 wkts and a high stretch of a catch. Good game, fantastic weather, unusual finish, fortunately it wasnt Knobbys helmet that got hit, Pauls 200th recorded wicket for HLCC. ....v Chessington WoA 108/7, HLCC 109/9.

At last, a game, and a win, by 18 runs. 52 for Swain, 32 for Hitesh, and champagne moment - a golden duck for Wendel! Wickets for Rick, Ian, Wendel and Don. Good to be back, its been a long winter, and fine vocal support from the boundary from Hardy and Shaz who gave up an evening watching the IPL to watch us boys...HL 131/6 20 ov, Elmbridge 113/6 20 ov, win.

First 2 games rained off..March and April heatwave and drought. Rain the moment the cricket season starts...

HLCC, Magdalen and Ashford.

A few HLCCers play for Magdalen or Ashford on a weekend.And a few Mags and Ashford play for Leisure.. Check out how your fav players are doing on the Mags and Ashford play cricket sites...

http:/lmagdalen.play-cricket.com

www.ashfordcc.play-cricket.com

Despite the drizzle and the sawdust, the 2012 annual season opener between Mags and Ashford did occur. Ashford scored 230 all out, skipper Wendel hitting 160 and the only way Mags could get him was by running him out. Mags response wasn't great, all out for 43 in 20 overs.

HLCC have played Mags 3 times at 2020: 1 TIE, 2 abandoned mid game (DL method states one win a piece). The game that was completed was a TIE...with Leisure needing 2 off the last ball to win.

Mags have played Ashford 4 times now, always a mid April seasons opener. Wendel usually scores a hundred against Mags (3 out of 4 times). (He usually doesnt score when playing for Mags, but does happen to hold the highest Mags score record of 160odd in 65 years of history). Leisure haven't yet got to play Ashford, which is probably quite wise from their point of view...

Magdalen CC Presidents XXII at Kent CC ground in Beckenham, Aug 2012. To celebrate Captain Hooks 50th. 22 Maggers in to 2 teams for a 2 innings all day game. Ha, my Sunday chums have been telling me for years what an iffy bowler I am, so I was pleased to return the compliment by taking 6 wickets (including Wendel, stumped, for my fifth)  in this game (i can understand the oppo falling for it, but chaps who see me most weeks?, really, tut tut...)...More than a few HLCC regulars and occasionals in the above photo...And what a fantastic day...

The best cricket song ever? - you must hear this...

Warnes 'ball of the century' as seen from fat Gatt, written and sung by the Divine Comedy (actually the Duckworth Lewis Method). You must hear this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAuIFXMwyaE&feature=related

2012 FIXTURES

TUES 01-May HOME RICHMOND - RAINED OFF
WED 09-May HOME FELTHAM GARRISON - RAINED OFF
THUR 17-May AWAY ELMBRIDGE - WIN
THUR 24-May HOME CHESSINGTON - WIN
THUR 31-May AWAY THAMES TRAINS - WIN
THUR 07-Jun AWAY HARROW - RAINED OFF
TUES 12-Jun AWAY OLD CALIFORNIANS - LOST
THUR 14-Jun HOME SPELTHORNE - RAINED OFF
WED 20-Jun AWAY EALING PARKMEN - WIN
THUR 21-Jun HOME SUPERSTARS - RAINED OFF
FRI 29-Jun AWAY TEACHERS - WIN
TUES 03-Jun AWAY RICHMOND (MHILL) - RAINED OFF
WED 04-Jul AWAY CHESSINGTON - LOST
TUES 10-Jun AWAY OLD CALIFORNIANS - WIN
THUR 12-Jul HOME HARROW - RAINED OFF
THUR 19-Jul HOME EALING PARKMEN - WIN
WED 25-Jul AWAY WANDSWORTH - LOST
THUR 02-Aug HOME THAMES TRAINS - CALLED OFF
TUES 07-Aug AWAY WESTMINSTER - WIN
THUR 09-Aug AWAY GSK BEECHAMS -LOST
WED 15-Aug AWAY SUPERSTARS - WIN
THUR 16-Aug HOME ELMBRIDGE - WIN
TUES 21- Aug HOME RICHMOND - WIN
WED 22-Aug HOME FELTHAM GARRISON - WIN
WED 5-Sep 500PM AWAY PARKMEN - WIN

SAT 15-Sep 11AM AWAY HATFIELD HEATH

20 in 2020 in 20 12

2012. Fixtures all confirmed for the season, starts 1/5/12, 21. Ends Hatfield 15/9/12.

2020. This year, we celebrate the 20th anniversaries of games against Wandsworth (played 23, won 10, lost 13), Harrow (played 32, won 13, lost 17, tied 1, abandoned mid match 1) and Old Calfornians (played 16, won 7, lost 7, tied 2). I suspect we have only been playing Regs Ealing Highways longer, but nobody knows for sure..

HL AGM and PU 2011 - Isleworth Woodmans

Yep, we had the AGM. Rick and Paul won the bowing awards (21 and 19 wickets) and Wendel and Adam won the batting (cant remember off hand how many each).. Adam won champers moment for his run into an invisible wall at Hatfield and Don the gold award for reaching 100 wickets this season, so with Paul and Chris becomes the 3rd player to reach both 100 wickets and 1000 runs..Well done to all!

The following evening some of us made the Magdalen annual dinner. Paul won Player of the season for his 32 wickets. Wendel and Ian were mentioned for runs and wickets respectively. Rick came close to winning champers moment for his tumble running, but ultimately our own Knobby won it for his scrap with an 11 year old on tour..

2011

Thats it chaps for HOUNSLOW LEISURE CRICKET for 2011. Played 18, lost 11, won 6, tied 1. Several lost to the rain. AGM next, date venue to be advised, stats to follow..Cheers...

Hatfield Heath 2011

Forecast wasnt great for our 10th annual outing to Hatfield, but despite a couple of rain stops, we managed our traditional 2 innings game, 30 and then just 15 overs. The chaps were disapointed to lose, giving away a 20 run deficit on the first innings and failing to reach the required 101 in the 2nd innings. As usual there were some great moments, pauls flick on run out, steves 61, wendels 72, ricks 4 wickets, wendels 6 wickets, jims 3 catches behind, adams disapearance down a ditch, wasims test match batting, hassans 3 wickets on debut, their chaps getting 2 goldens...It was tense as the run rate increased. We should have won, but Hatfields more urgent batting being the difference. Looking forward to Sept2012 already...HH 217 and 80, HL 197 and 83. Lost by 18 runs.

2011 Seasons Results

v old cals. good toss to win, racking up 157 from 17 overs. With light fading, Old Cals managed just 85 in response. Paul, Wendel both 50. Win!

v elmbridge, won in last over chasing 162 in a 17 over game, wendel46, himesh37. Another high scoring and close game, and ending 6 defeats on the trott.

v beechams. 180 is quite a few to chase. To fall just 12 short was good. were getting closer. Adam 51no

v wandsworth. 189 is quite a few to chase. Regular wickets pegged us back as we fell 36 short. Adam 65.

v old californians. 160 shouldnt actually have been difficult to chase with our line up that eve, but we failed to do so, even with wickets in hand. lost by 28.

v garrison. at home! similar story to harrow, next down. even wendels return of 42 didnt make too much difference. lost by loads.

v harrow, didnt recognise many of the oppo, not the harrow of old. 194 is always a big ask, even at sunbury. at 10 overs we were there, but lost wickets to finish 62 short.

v parkmen, slightly depleted team at trailfinders found ourselves chasing 161, too many it proved as we fell 35 short. Alex, an agressive 57.

v chepsom allstars, the game ebbed and flowed, 121 for CH, we were flying, then we werent, 23 needed off last 2 to win, we got 22 - A tie! Rick 3/25

v old californians, hl 147/3 v 116/3, mags pair burton and williams sharing a dominant opening partnership, too much for occc's. Win by 31 runs, Alun75

v parkmen, hl 163/5 v 164/7, felt plenty but let it slip, parkmen needing 9 off last over, to win with 1 ball remaining. Sounds familiar? paul 5/26

v superstars, hl 140/6, felt safe with 60 needed from 6, but poor fielding allowed superstars a win with 1 ball remaining. chris b 40

v thames trains, half decent score well defended, putting oppo under pressure for a win. 140ao v 117ao. chris b 4 wickets

v westminster, big knock from wendel helped secure a win by 48 runs. 173/7 v 125/5, wendel 79

v elmbridge, 3 key wickets were needed, and taken, in ensuring victory by 20 runs. 137 v 117, Adam 54

v garrison, needed a 6 off the last ball to tie. Lost by 4 runs. 165/2 v 161/6, chris b 48

v hounslow hawks, needed 16 off last over. Lost by 6 runs. 178/4 v 172/4, ian 3 wickets

Mags v Ashford v Leisure

Winter is over, hail the cricket season. Magdalen take on Ashford this Sunday. With Paul, Knobby, Ian, Mike in the Mags ranks, and Wendel, Wasim, Swainy, Umar and Ian Mc in the Ashford ranks, there is a serious Leisure presence to this game. Im predicting a Mags win, Swainy and Wendel out to the skip and Ian S taking Wasims wicket. Knobby to score the winning runs...I'll let you know what really happened next week.

First Hounslow Leisure game 3/5 v Hounslow Hawks...

February 2011 update

Lords nets booked, 27/4
Mags v Ashford 17/4
Marble Hill nets possibly
ICC World Cup starts tomorrow...


2011 games already booked:

Harrow, Wandsworth, Elmbridge, Garrison,
Californains, Richmond, Westminster, Beechams
, Epsom, Parkmen, Superstars, Trains, Homes.

New Year Greetings

Melbourne 2010, the ground the Ashes were retained. Tremlet, Bresnan bowled em over. 2-1 up, Sydney to go, hopefully Eng can win there, but regardless, those Ashes are coming back...

Happy New Year to all our players, back roomers, friends and fans...2011 is gonna be massive.

Richmond Teachers already booked for June, and January/ February will be busy filling in the rest of the fixtures. Not long now, 17 weeks I reckon...

Looking for a player or two to join the ranks for the new season, so keep ya eyes peeled...

STATS todate

Although the team has been around for a few years, we only have stats for the last 13 seasons.

BOWLING: 50 wickets
Rick 214 wickets, at 15.5, 6.4 economy, best 5 for 11
Paul 178 wickets, at 18.1, 5.9 econony, best 5 for 20
Chris 133 wickets, at 22.2, 5.9 economy, best 5 for 12
Don 97 wickets, at 29.6, 7.3 economy, best 3 for 8
Phil 72 wickets, at 20.4, 7.1 economy, best 4 for 10
Wendel 63 wickets, at 17.5, 4.4 economy, best 3 for 16
John Walker 57 wickets, at 16.6, economy 6.4, best 4 for 11 (also 660 runs at 20, best 96

BATTING: 1000 runs
Paul 3436 runs at 21.7, 7 50's, highest 77
Wendel 3216 runs at 57.4, 5 100's, 24 50's, highest 140no (39 balls)
Knobby 2070 runs at 15, 2 50's, highest 53
Adam 1660 runs at 29.6, 9 50's, highest 64no
Chris 1566 runs at 19.1, 4 50's, highest 72
Jim 1453 runs at 12.4, highest 46
Don 1227 runs at 11.6, 1 50, highest 56
Brett 1104 runs, at 58.1, 10 50's, highest 92 (also 38 wickets at 10.4, econ 3.3.)
Phil 1065 runs at 11.2, 2 50's, best 85no

FIELDING
Catches for the last 6 years: Wendel43, Paul43, Adam 35, Jim31, Chris29
Mike, keeper: 33 catches and 35 stumpings

England 1 up in the Ashes

Shouldn't be gloating too much quite yet, but the boys beat the aussies by an INNINGS and 71 runs yesterday at Adelaide. Oh yes. Runs for KP, Cookie, and The Trott and wickets for Jimmy and Swanny. A knobby duck for Ponting...3 more games to go with Perth next.

HLCC AGM

We had the AGM last Friday in Isleworth. There never seems much business to discuss, which means more time to talk about whatever...Anyway, the venue seemed to work well and a good time was had.

The 2010 awards.

Batter - most runs: Wendel 458 (ave 42, highest 81)
Batter - runner up: Knobby 307 (ave 16, highest 29)
Bowler - most wickets: Paul 30 (ave 5.6po, 10pw, best 4o/12r/4w)
Bowler - runner up: Rick 23 (ave 5.9, 14.3pw, best 3o/6r/4w)

Seasons Moments
Gold: Steve, 16 in last over to tie game v Harrow
Silver: Wendel, smashing window at Hatfield
Bronze: Chris, 50 not out v Superstars

Seasons Champagne moment
Knobby: 2 golden ducks in one day (2 innings game at Hatfield)

Jim Buchan award for stupidty, injury, action beyond call of duty etc
Ian: Broken front tooth trying to catch a ball v Parkmen

Wendel was given an award for the highest score ever for Magdalen in its 65 year history, 162 not out. And Paul won Mags Seasons chamagne moment award the following evening for getting electrocuted on a cattle fence, fetching a ball...

Into Winter

Thats it folks for another season.

20 games, won just 7 this season. Think most of the ones we lost were close games though.

Date of AGPU to be announced soon, hopefully November.

Nominations for champagne/ magic moments now being accepted.

Wendel v Window. Both Got Smashed.

We were all present by 11 o'clock with bright blue skies above, but rather on the chilly side. The toss was won by Rick and play commenced with us batting first, Knobby as usual taking the first ball. And the only ball it was, as he was comprehensively bowled around his legs for a golden. Most amusing. Steve, Jim, Phil did well and we were 46/3 from 10 overs. Wendel came in, for a quick fire 44 including 4 sixes, one of which came from a legside full toss, flicked off the bat, over square leg, over our heads and straight through the double glazed oppositions changing room window, as we sat and watched helplessly, leaving shattered glass all over their kit, and room. He was soon out to a great catch, leaving Paul and Adam to see the team to the end of the 20 overs, the score finishing 120/6.

A team photo and examination of said smashed window ensued.

Hatfield in to bat, but tight bowling kept them well in check. A steady partnership was beginning to build until Wendel had one of the guys run out with a direct throw, one where he took his time and aimed at the one stump. 2 wickets for Ian left them on 88/5 and 32 behind. 2 run outs, 2 catches for Wendel, 1 for Paul the claw.

Tea - a fantastic spread of sarnies, pasties, crisps, fruit, cakes, scones, squash, tea....very nice.

Back into bat, Adam and Paul, the not out batsman from the last innings, just like last year. Fortunately Ad wasn't quite so pissed and managed to bat his way to 27 before being caught by the bowler. Ian didn't last long. Paul, despite serious heckling from his own team, dug deep and took the score to 103, scoring his first 50 in 4 years, until he was bowled going for a biggie. A succession of wickets fell, including Knobby, bowled, for a 2nd golden of the day, much to the cheer of both teams and spectators, with only Jim (not best pleased with being run out), Phil and Wendel from the last 9 getting into double figures, the team finishing on 150/9 from the 30 overs, a lead of 182.

Everybody, but Jim and Adam, bowled in the 2nd innings. Hatfield never really looked likely of getting the runs, perhaps the rotating batting order working against them, as their lesser batsman used up the overs. 2 wickets a piece for Ian and Steve, who both bowled well at the front. Ian managed to find the only puddle on pitch, knee deep in mud...Hatfield finishing on 128/7, 54 behind overall and 22 on the 2nd innings.

So, another glorious victory for the Leisure.

Two bottles of JD went missing from the changing room but, unlike Pauls boot and Wasims kit bag, were not recovered. One bottle is still thought to be up Adams backside, delicately placed there by Wasim, as he showered.

Over to the White Horse for a beer as dusk fell over the Heath, Wasim fortunately taken home before being beaten up, leaving the rest of us to sample the delights of Zafrani restaurant, the Stag and then back to Roberts van for more frivolity.

Rick, Wendel, Knobby and Paul managed to play, and win, for Mags on the Sunday, with 5 wickets a piece for Rick and Paul, 41 top score for Wendel, and Knobby managing to avoid a third golden of the weekend, with a very patient 3, an average of 1 for the weekend.

Ken the Ozzie

Kens last game before returning to OZ, after 2 seasons with the Leisure, ended up being cancelled due to inclement weather. Basically it pissed down all day and at 2pm it was obvious it werent gonna happen. Being a friendly and thirsty bunch we made alternative arrangements, namely the Fountain Pub.

Ken, handy with both bat and ball, maybe not so hot in the field, rugby worn knees not helping the mobility. Infact, he was beginning to get a reputation for either running others, or himself, out (will consult the scorebooks to see how many exactly). A great find though, and from a skips point of view always available, always reliable, and able to find his own way to games, albeit via some strange satnav routes. In the 2 seasons he scored 395 runs and took 15 wickets. Not bad for someone who apparently hadnt previously bowled.

Keen smoker of menthol ciggies, he told of fav innings, wickets and grounds. He was presented with a Hounslow Leisure CC shirt and a mini bat signed by all the team. Hopefully we'll see him again, maybe when we tour Brisbane.

More match reports (august/ sep)

v Pairs
Pitch booked, no oppo, 12 players, 30 overs of light. Could only mean the inaugural Leisure Pairs. 5 overs each, -8 for a wicket....Chris and Paul 71, Wendel and Don 58, Steve and Mike 19, Knobby and Alex 18, Pete and Jason 3, Rick and Jim 1. Knobby and Jim both out 4 times, 2 catches for Don, 3 stumpings for Mike. Quite good fun actually. Then England beating Bulgaria in the bar afterwards.

v Garrison
Last evening game of the season. Skip rips out the top order with 4/12, Garrison limping to 106 off their 20. Wasn't looking great at 40/4, but enter Wendel, with a sensible 50 to guide the Leisure home with 3 overs to spare.

V Garrison.
Rained off.

v Thames Trains
Match report to follow, but we won

v GSK Beechams at Northfields
Rain meant a delayed start and a reduced game. Their openers were flying for 5 overs and were 56 off 5. The next 12 they scored 66/8, with catches, run outs and tight bowling pleasing Leisure. Our innings was like their last 12, against some good bowling, and fadingish light all out, dissappointingly, in 15 overs for 88. Knobby, Wendel and extras scoring most of them. 2 wickets, a catch, and a run out assist, plus a duck for birthday boy...

V Parkmen at Trailfinders.
We won. Ask Rick about it, I wasnt there, he'll tell you all about it. Something to do with team hugs, Wendel scoring 80, Chris bowling well, their aussie having a bad evening...An easy win by all accounts, however, marred by young Ian having his front tooth knocked out going for a catch. (try not to get your hands between your face and the ball in the field..)

V Westminster at Wandsworth Common
Usually when you score 184 in 20 overs, youd expect to win. However, somehow we didnt. Won the toss, a good start from Wasim and Knobby and then a quick 67 from Wendel and a 43 from Paul, saw us to 184/4, with only 4,6s and ones being scored on a fast and short outfield. Westminster, were 100 from 8 overs, and started to look like cruising, then a few tight overs tipped the scales back to us. When they attempted the first two of the match, the chap was run out. 40 from the last 4, then 11 from the last over; a 6, a dot, then a 4, then a single it was all over with 2 balls remaining. Westminster were well chuffed, Leisure less so. In hindsight, we should have, and could have, scored 200, but maybe we took pity on the bowlers when their heads went down with all the 4's and 6's we were scoring. Rick went for 20 off 5 balls and then a Wendel overthrow meant he went for 24 off six...

Super Leisure Orbit the Stars, 99 Tie v Harrow and other match reports

V Parkmen
Despite late afternoon car trouble from the skip, we all made it to Trailfinders in good time. Parkmen batted first and made it to 120/7, 2 wickets a piece for Paul and Don,and 2 stumpings for Mike. Not the best total on a fast and smallish outfield. Into bat Leisure went and 5 overs later we were 14 for 5. A silly run out and 2 great catches contributing, almost already out of the race. Chris scored 41 and Rick 18 to give us some respectabity to finish on 96/9. 2 nil to Parkmen this season with an offer of another game at Trailfinders on 11/8.


V Harrow
Harrow came to Sunbury. Similar traffic problems for them that we had earlier in the season. Reduced to 16 overs due to the late start. Harrow batted and from 16 made it to 99 all out, 3 wickets for Chris, 4 for Rick, 2 for Phil.
Our 7 an over response went well, despite an innings first baller for Swainy, until a tight middle spell saw us scoring just 16 from 6 overs, allowing the run rate to creep up to almost 10 off the last 5 overs. Stevie M, told off at one point for not backing up, to face the last 5 balls needing 16 to win. 2,dot,6,2 meant 5 needed off the last ball to win. A big hit, some confusion as to wether it had gone over the line meant a 4 and a tie. Steves nerve was held and a thrilling finish to the game.
We scored 99 the last time we met, and we both scored 99 today.



Pauls 6 All Stars v Rickes 6 All Stars
No oppo, a booked pitch and a scorcher evening saw the skip and his 6 take on the vice with his 6 in a 12 over contest. A good time was had with everybody having a bat and a bowl. Pauls 6 taking the honours, 157 to 120.

-----

V Chepsom
Lovely evening in Chessington saw Chepsom rack up 143/6, Paul on a hatrick at one point, but a late flourish from a dreadlocked ozzie, some poor fielding gave them 20 more than we wanted,Swain with 3 for 20. A steady response but just behind the run rate throughout meant we needed 30 off 2. Just a little too much as Swain scored 40 and Jim, rolling back the years, with a quick fire 25, falling 16 short.

-----

First 2 game week of the season saw Leisure playing two traditionally competetive matches.

Games v Old Californains have produced 5 wins, 5 losses and 2 ties.

This time, on a glorious sunny evening, saw us fielding first. 20 overs, 1 wicket, a ton from their opener had them at 178, 122 coming off the last 10 overs.

19 overs later, we needed 16 off the last 6 balls, finally falling 6 short, 6 down. A brutal 56 from Wendel helped add 54 in 4 overs to keep us up with the run rate. 40 off the last 4, with the ball coming out of the sun from the ruxley end, despite 36 from Paul, just too much. However, a great chase and we had OCCC on their toes through out.

Superstars came to Sunbury for the fifth time with 2 wins and losses each. Lost toss, bright start from their openers, but they both went before 5 overs, with a direct throw, at long last, from Wendel. Tight bowling from Ken and Swain contained them to 143/4, despite the fast outfield, and the short car park side boundary. A well paced but uptempo 103 partnership from Swain and Chris (51no) contributed to the victory in 18.5 overs. A good win over a good team that wilted under the pressure we put them under.

Garrison off Guard, and other 2010 match reports

V PARKMEN
Rick Skipper, bowled them out for 127 in 19ov, Paul 3 and Rick, Ken 2 wickets. Rather slow response to some half decent bowling ended with us falling 30 short with 7 wickets remaining, off our 20 overs.

V THAMES TRAINS
A grey overcast windy cold evening in Perivale saw us struggling to control the ball aginst some lively batting, helped by a small boundary and lots of bushes. We bowled better in the last 8 allowing them only 30 to take the score to 141/8, Rick taking 4 for 6 from his 4 overs. Steve, Phil and Wendel fell early, 4 for 3, but then enter Knobby and Alex, who hit the ball all over, including 2 6's from Alex, in a 98 run partnership. When Alex fell we needed just 40 from 7. Their openers came back and we fell 6 short.

V PS93
Social friendly. Leisure 187/3, PS93 140/7

V HARROW
Why anyone would want to drive from Feltham to Harrow on a daily basis, I dont know, but once a year is doable. Harrow is a very old fixture, they have a few characters, and over the years the honours are quite even. Anyway, the losing streak was continued as we limped to 99/8 from 20, Knobby top scoring with 27. The plan was to make Harrow work hard for it. A wicket first ball and another in the 3rd over from Paul gave us confidence on a slow uneven wicket. However, 5 an over is hard to restrict and one expensive over put them on top. A couple more wickets fell but the game was up in the 19th over.

V ELMBRIDGE
9 man Leisure went to Hersham on a glorious Thurday evening. Bowled and fielded well, and despite fifties from their two openers, we restricted Elm to 133/5 from 20. Rick 2 wickets. The reponse started well. Wasim and Swain with 30's. However, the ball after a massive lost ball six, Wendel fell to an impressive catch at point from a fielder who had missed everyting else that evening and we found ourselves needing 16 from 4 overs, with the last wicket pair out in the middle. 16 became 6, and when last man Jim fell plum LBW, obvious even from the pavilion, meant that with 2 batters short, we lost by 6 runs. Could have done it with a full team, but not to be.

V RICHMOND TEACHERS
Leisure were on good time. Eventually, the oppo turned up, the boundry markers and stumps put out and play commenced. Teachers batted first. A solid 50 from one of their chaps, a lightning fast outfield and an artificial matt, allowed Teachers to 155/5 from 18 overs, Ian S taking 2 wickets. We responded well and were always up with the run rate, until the last 6 overs or so, with the light fading. The run rate crept up, so needing 19 off the last over. We fell 16 short, 7 down. Everyone chipped in with runs, except John C, who recorded the second golden duck of the season.

V GARRISON
Despite the massive boundary and 48 from Chris and a quick fire 24 from Wendel, 125 was not really enough from our 20 overs. 65/0 from 10 overs in response only confirmed our fears, so it was a case of how near to the 20 overs we could take them. However, in the space of 2 overs, they lost 5 wickets (1 stumping, 1 direct run out (Chris), 3 catches), and from then on the run rate slowed and more wickets followed. We even managed to drop at least 5 catches, and in the end winning by 22 runs. Paul with 4 wickets, Chris with 48 runs.

2010 season is underway!!!

HL welcomed Elmbridge to Sunbury for our first game of the season. And lost. Elmbridges first win against us at home. But deservedly so, thanks to their opening bat getting 70 odd not out. Highlights: Don getting a golden, Jim and Ian S dropping catches, Ken kicking the stumps, Ian Mc 44 runs. We scored 121 and they needed the last over to win, so a close game all in all.

The fixtures for 2010:

05-May HOME WED 530PM ELMBRIDGE LOST
12-May AWAY WED 530PM FELTHAM GARRISON WON
14-May AWAY FRIDAY 530PM RICHMOND TEACHERS LOST
20-May AWAY THURS 530PM ELMBRIDGE LOST
27-May AWAY THURS 530PM HARROW PLANNERS LOST
03-Jun HOME THURS 530PM HOUNSLOW HOMES WON
10-Jun AWAY THURS 600PM THAMES TRAINS LOST
16-Jun HOME WED 600PM EALING PARKMEN LOST
22-Jun AWAY TUES 600PM OLD CALIFORNIANS LOST
24-Jun HOME THURS 600PM SUPERSTARS WON
30-Jun AWAY WED 600PM EPSOM & EWELL LOST
07-Jul AWAY WED 600PM WANDSWORTH CANCELLED
14-Jul HOME WED 600PM HARROW PLANNERS TIED
15-Jul HOME THURS 600PM MAGDALEN CANCELLED
21-Jul AWAY WED 600PM EALING PARKMEN LOST
28-Jul HOME WED 600PM FELTHAM GARRISON CANCELLED
05-Aug AWAY THURS 600PM WESTMINSTER LOST
11-Aug AWAY WED 600PM PARKMEN WON
12-Aug AWAY THURS 600PM BEECHAMS GSK LOST
19-Aug HOME THURS 530PM THAMES TRAINS
25-Aug HOME WED 515PM FELTHAM GARRISON
01-Sep AWAY WED 500PM FELTHAM GARRISON
18-Sep AWAY SAT 1100AM HATFIELD HEATH CC

AGPU and Awards!

The Annual General Piss Up took place last Friday. Scoff and beer in the Yellow Xpress and then more beers and awards in the Red Lion. A past Captain, having not played for 10 years made a guest appearance, Anthony M. He was my first captain and indeed the person who actually interviewed and employed me all those years ago. Many now know that it wasnt my experience and knowledge on the CV that got me the job, it was the mention of cricket. He was able to see through the CV and the crap interview. I started on the Monday, the first game of the season was on the Tuesday. 15 seasons later...It was a pleasure having him join us, a very fine batsman and a friend of the club.

2009 saw us play 23 games, winning 11.

Top batter:
Wendel 572 runs, ave 57, 1 ton, 3 fifties
Top bowler:
Rick, 29 wickets, ave 15, best 3/12

Runner Up batter:
Knobby 356 runs, top score 33.
Runner up bowler:
Chris B, 24 wickets, ave 19, best 3/21

Notable Performances.
Gold: Don, maiden 50, at last!
Silver: Mike, keeper, 7 dismissls in 1 game: 4 stumpings, 2 catches, 1 runout
Bronze: John S, 3 fifities.
Bronze: Adam C, 2 fifties, 4 catches in 1 game

Champagne Moments
Chris B: 100 wickets for the club. Only the 2nd to have 100 wickets and 1000 runs.
Wendel: 100no off 9 overs, batting at no 9, when we were 60 for 8 or something ridiculous
Adam: completely pissed and useless at Hatfield (we dont often award for bad behaviour)

Seasons Champagne Award
Rick: 2 last wicket innings to win both games, 1st; 9 down needing 24 from 24 balls v Wandsworth(with Ken), 2nd; 9 down, 13 needed off last over at Old Cals, with Mike. Determined batting, nail biting stuff, great wins. Deserves to go up the order, to 10.

JB Memorial Award (acts of stupidy, danger, beyond the call of duty etc)
Wendel and John colliding at Old Cals. If there's a catching opportunity, make sure Wendel aint in the area...

First game: Wed 5th May 2010

Hatfield Heath 2009

We lost, but hey, it werent so bad. Late drop outs from Steve and Wendel meant we only had the 11. We tried our best, perhaps, but the better team won on the day. A 2 innings 50 over match, 20 then 30. We batted first, but HH won with a good 10 overs to spare. Not many wickets to be had on possibly one of the nicest days weatherwise all summer. Wasim scored a 47, Paul and Ken 30's, Knobby and Mike 20's Rick took 2/14 in the 2nd innings.

HL 125/6 20ov, 167/5 30ov
HH 165/4 20ov, 128/3 19.5ov

Wendel v Gaffin

Unfortunately ECT are no more as a team. But the 15 games we played were always good fun.

Towards the end they picked up some guy by the name of Gaffin, about the same time we picked up a guy called Wendel.

For a while it was almost like it was the Gaffin v Wendel show, and not ECT v Leisure, as the remaining 20 of us seemed to be there just to pay for, and to fetch the balls.

They played against each other 5 times, in which time Wendel scored 371 runs, out twice, with scores of 127no, 140no, 26, 26 and 52no, an average of 185. Gaffin scored 355 runs, out 3 times with 1 ton and 4 fifties, an average of 118. See other blogs regarding the 140no by Wendel, including 34 off one over. 666646, and the 4 fell only a yard short. Poor bowler Smith, never to be seen again.

Gaffin always stuck around, bought jugs and is a friend of the club, and has since played for us, just the once though. Scoring a duck.

Hatfield Madness

For many, the annual end of season trip to Hatfield Heath, in Essex, is one of the highlights of the Leisure Calender.

A heath with bomb craters, ditches and a road cutting the outfield in to two, a rickety old pavilion with one shower, two local pubs, one decent, the other slightly dodgy, doesnt sound every ones cup of tea, but usually good September weather, a nice bunch of oppo, great teas, and camping on the Heath adds to the occassion. Cricket has been played there for donkeys, and the ground and surrounding village has a real charm about it. Batman and Robin turned up one year to watch.

2009 will be the 8th year of playing. We've always played 2 innings, be it as part of one game, or two seperate ones. The first game we lost in 2002. In 2003 a 2 innings draw, 2004 a 2 innings loss, 2005 a 2 innings win, 2006 2 wins, 2007 a tie and a win and 2008, a win and a loss. So, all in all, pretty good results, for a works 2020 team against an established weekend team.

Wendel has scored 3 fifties, has a hit a six over the house one end and into the pub the other, said to be the biggest 6 ever seen there. Aussie Brett scored a couple. Paul, Adam, Rick have also scored 50's here. Maurice scored a 49. Jim was run out twice last year, but at least he wasnt run over, which is easier to do than at 3 Bridges.

Chris has taken 4/7, Adam 3/11, Duane 3/19, Brooks 3/10 and 3/5 and Martin 3/21, on various occassions. We ran out 4 batsman in one innings.

Knobby was out first ball of the day once, with wife and kids watching but scored an imporant 42 on another occassion. He still goes on about the Elvis impersonater in said dodgy pub.

The year we had the tie and a win (having scored 70 all out in 28 overs, and then bowling them out for 47) was rather exciting.

(From the archives:

Two extraordinary games at Hatfield Heath last week.
20 over game: HLCC 116/5, HHCC 116/3, tie, Adam 51, Knobby 42.
28 over game: HLCC 70/10 (27.4 ov), HHCC 47/10 (19.3ov) win, Mike 20, Robert 12, Chis 4/7, Adam 3/11)

Next week we will be there again, so lets see what awaits...

Rick and Ken in last wicket partnership to win v Wandsworth 8/7/9

Wandsworth.
Lost the toss, the pink ball in use, on a murky Wandsworth Common with an undulating and damp wicket. Fielded first and after 4 wickets down from 5 overs, I was thinking a good toss to lose. The ball swung in the air and deviated off the wicket big time. However, the short boundaries still meant lots of runs and Wands recovered to 142/8 from their 20. Ken taking 3 early wickets and Rick and Wendel bowling well at the end.
Into bat and Knobby was run out early, Don hit a six off his first ball, but didnt last much longer. Then Wendel, 6's galore, including a massive one over the trees and over the wall into the flats beyond. At 94/4 off 10, it looked plain sailing. Then a shooter had Wendel lbw for 54, having hit seven 6's. The game still seemed ours though. Then the wickets started tumbling. Steve caught for 0, Swain caught for 20, Phil bowled for 8, Paul edged a wide for a golden, Joe two healthy 4's before being stumped, then Chris with a ridiculous run out without facing a ball. Suddenly we were 117 for 9 with 5 overs remaining and it seemed that we had blown it. Last men Rick and Ken had the overs (but did they have the balls?) and the tension was high. Wandsworth were moving in for the kill. 24 needed from 24 balls seemed a long way off. 18 off 3, 15 off 2, 9 off 1, Rick dropped, and then 2 fours from Ken and victory was ours with 1 ball remaining. Leisure were chuffed, Wands were gutted. Well done Rick and Ken for keeping in there.

Ricks match report v Elmbridge 28 Aug 09

Leisure chalked up a massive 78-run victory in an 18 over bash against a new-ish looking Elmbridge (well, two decent players we hadnt seen before).

Stand-in skipper Rick won the toss and sent in Nobby and Jim to face Elmbridge's new opening bowler. Long steppy strides in and a nippy action were however no match for our Scottish opening duo, not for 5 balls anyway until Nobby departed (4) after one smart boundary. Enter Swainy, who put his recent mixed form to one side and proceeded to hit a 19 ball 50 in a classy 61 - though substitute fielder Joe managed to drop him at deep mid wicket quite early on while having a fielding nightmare, in no way encouraged whatsoever by the near prximity of the watching Leisure players.

Leisure wickets fell regularly at the other end (Jim 10, Don juan (1), Adam (14), Ash (4), but just as the score had been stagnating around the 13th over, Swainy's eventual demise saw Wendel enter the fray at number 8. We then saw a blistering 50 run partnership with Chris Biccie (8) putting the Elmbridge bowlers to the sword, ably supported by Big W (just the 42, several 6s, one out the ground) before both fell, Wendel off the last ball but not before Joe (1 n.o.) gave us a hint of his forthcoming contribution.

Their skipper Andy 'Noddy' Holder the pick of their bowlers with three wickets from his loopy leggies and on a hat trick, which Wendel saw off. No need for the last wicket specialist batting services of Mike nor Rick in Leisure's intimidating but maybe gettable 148 - 7 on a good batting pitch with a lightning outfield.

However, before we knew it, Chris and Joe ripped through the Elmbridge top order, which we've seen hit a few before. Unaccustomed to two slips and a gully, Chris nonetheless bowled a set of beauties for practically nothing, until 4 overthrows from a Wendle hit-the-stumps attempt induced a cry from Chris of "good try mate, bad luck" (some said that he said "fat cock" but they must have got that wrong) and a 4 off his last ball rendered his figures as a shocking 13 - 2 off 4 overs, catches courtesy of Adam and, er, Nobby. Joe, in the meantime, sent down his speciality of wide leg side, wide off side, BANG to bag the loud danger man, Audrey - who is rapidly becoming Joe's bunny - thanks to a decent catch from Swainy and with one caught by Biccie fielding on the 45 behind the wicket, Joe's three overs also resulted in 13 - 2.

Don bowled a maiden. There appears to be no way of saying this without sounding surprised so maybe it works better written down. Two wicketless overs but for just 5 runs from The Don, while Ash joined in on the act with two wickets. While a couple of classic Nobby floater overs went without reward (the first of which without wides either, amazing its perpetrator), this set up 'Striker' Jim of the glen, who terrorised Elmbridge's lower middle order with his first two overs of the season - and two wickets to boot (a smart low catch from Wendel and Mike joining in with a stumping) to make a watching son proud. We thought we had seen it all, but then Wendel got pinged a bit in the penultimate over from their new batsman, who hit 41, before he got him with the last ball - a 'spectacular' catch at long off from Joe, perfecting the Nobby art of rolling backwards and falling over, then holding the ball aloft - thus rubbing it in somewhat given his rather mixed fielding performance helping Elmbridge when they were short, something the opposition gently commented upon from time to time.

That just left bully Rick to take the last over and bowl 4 balls to their last man, batting with a runner. Remarkably, he was one of just two who hit the stumps for his wicket (Ash's full toss being the other), as Elmbridge fell to 70 all out. 7 catches (hey, what field placings skip!) and a stumping, not really any drops - everyone wondering where Paul was - capping a strong performance all round.

The ASHES

Lets not forget the fantastic ASHES victory this year, 2-1 to England. A thrilling draw at Cardiff, a historic win at Lords, rain in Edgbaston, disaster at Headingly and a glorious win at the Oval. Come on Strauss and the boys. 7 one dayers now, just to seal the season.

2009 champagne moment?

Too many to remember?

Was it; Wendel and Swains collision At Ruxley Lane, Mike filling in at Hersham, Dons Maiden 50, Ricks juggling act of a catch only for Wendel to steal it the ball as it ws about to land into Ricks, finally, safe hands, Ricks diving caught and bowled, Chris going to the wrong ground, Ricks innings at Ruxley (almost hitting a 6 to win), Harrow skippers car window getting hit, Wendels 100 off 9 overs, Adams 4 catches v Parkmen, Mikes 7 dismissals v Superstars, Swain catching Alex for a golden, Kens runouts (himself, and others when batting), Steves excuses for getting out, Knobbys bruise, Jim taking a catch at Ruxley, playing with pink balls....

Let me know more......

2009 results update

v Epsom and Ewell
HLCC 200/6 20 ov (wendel 102, knobby33)
EECC 116/10 19.3ov (rick3/12, don3/31)

v Thames Trains
HLCC 177/8 20ov (wendel 51, chris 33, rick/ nathan goldens)
TTCC 162/7 20ov (rick2/24)

(a hatrick by the oppo - 3 keepers replaced 1) bail in eye, 2) suspected broken finger 3) ball in face, oh and 3 of our chaps bowled by Nav (who once played for us) in 3 balls

v Elmbridge
HLCC 148/7 18ov (swain 61, wendel 42)
ELM 70/10 (chris, joe, jim, ash 2 wickets each)

v Garrison
HLCC 102/7 15ov (wendel 39, knobby 29)
ELM 103/0 11ov

2009 Season Summary

Played 23, won 12, lost 9, 2 abanonded, 2 cancelled.

A slow start to the season in terms of wins, but overall good wins v old californians, beechams, wandsworth, superstars, garrison made up for loses v elmbridge, richmond, harrow and thames trains. magdalen yet another wash out mid game, as was westminster. one a piece with parkmen. a large win v new team epsom and ewell. player stats to follow. an often cloudy, grey, sometimes damp, windy season, but we did have a handful of true summer evenings. our last 15 overs of play for the season involved fielding in the drizzle, wicketless and defeated, but that would be very unfair to use as a picture to sum up the season. There have been some fine match winning innings, great catches, top bowling performances and all round team efforts. And throughout, weve all had a laugh, most of the time.

OC 117/4 18ov, HL 118/9 17.5ov WIN!

The sun was shinning, but traffic delays around Tolworth meant that Leisure took the field with only 5 men, having lost the toss and put out to field. Paul and Swain opening up the bowling. One by one Leisure turned up and by about the 6th over we were at the full 11. Game reduced to 18 overs due to the delayed start. Chris, Rick, Don and Wendel chipped in with tight overs, restricting OCCC to just 117/4 off 18. Jim taking a confidence boosting catch, Wendel giving a few over throws, Paul/ Mike taking a stumping that was out, but in the spirit of the game wasn't....

Into bat, Swain out from a good catch for a duck. Knobby and Jim keeping up with the run rate. Wickets started tumbling as the overs ticked by and the run rate increased. At 5 down, we needed 60 off the last 7. Steve, Wendel, Phil, Don, Paul all chipped in with brisk runs. 27 then needed off 4 overs. Suddenly 9 down with 13 needed off the last 2 with the light going quick. Tense stuff. Mike was dropped but got Rick on to strike. 4 needed off the last 2 balls, Rick doing the business with an almost 6, for HL to win with one ball to spare, and Rick ending up on 17no. Jim top scoring with 20.

That's two wins against OCCC this season. Yet another close game. We've had some thrillers over the last few years. In recent times (we used to play in the 90's at Kingston and Boston Manor, and then didn't play for about 10 years (apparently we weren't strong enough)), we've played 12 times; 5 loses, 5 wins and 2 ties. We almost always seem to bat 2nd (the two times we've batted first we've won). The loses have been generally big loses, collapsing in the chase for runs, but the wins have generally been close. Obviously the ties have been even closer, both batting second. Usually we bowl and field well, but then our batting response has been mixed. Chris and Rick have taken fifers and Wendel has had big knocks the few games he's played.

Young Luke came to watch HL play, and saw us win for the first time. Hopefully, he'll be pushing for a place in the next season or two.

Games left for 2009 season

11/8 at Ruxley (OCCC)
13/8 at Spelthorne (EEBC)
19/8 at Spelthorne v Thames Trains confirmed
27/8 at Spelthorne (EBC)
2/9 at Garrison
19/9 at Hatfield Heath

2009 recent results

14/7 v Harrow - match lost
Harrow 146/10 (Rawal 3/17, Chris 2/18, Rick 2/29, Joe 2/29)
HLCC 135/6 (Wendel44, Knobby27, Paul26no)

16/7 v Magdalen - match abandoned, rain.
Mags 188/6 (Paul2/31, Chris2/35)
HLCC 82/2 10ov (IanMc27no, Swain25., Wendel22)

22/7 v Parkmen - match lost
HLCC 142/5 (Adam57, Knobby33)
Parkmen 143/4 18ov (Chris2/10)

28/7 v Superstars - match won
HLCC 124/8 (Wendel34, Adam30, Don20)
Superstars 103/10 (Mike 4 stumpings, 2 catches, 1 runout, Paul2/9, Chris2/14, Swain2/21, Wendel2/21)

29/7 v Feltham Garrison - match won
HLCC 143/7 (Chris51no, Knobby19, Paul18no, Steve golden)
Garrison 140/8 (Adam2/18, Phil2/19, Paul2/23)

4/8 v Rowlands XI - friendly, 3 overs each, 25 and retire...
Row XI 168 20 ov
HLCC 148 20ov

6/8 v Westminster - Match abandoned
HLCC 93/4 12 ov
The forecast was correct...

2008 Season!!!

Played 20, won 16, tied 2.

Top batsmen Wendel 407, ave37, 4 50's, hs86no
Knobby 354, ave21, 1 50, hs53

Top bowlers Rick 38wckts, ave9, best 5/11
Paul 19wckts, ave13, best 4/16

Catches Paul10, Jim7. Mike11 stumpings

Champagne moment Wendel 2 direct hits v Garrison (2 games, same batsman)

Gold Award Paul undeafed captain.

Records 98 to 08

We have detailed stats for the last 11 seasons. Im currently hunting down previous score books that include a few current players figures.

In those 11 years, we have played 188 games, won 103, lost 79, tied 5 and 1 draw.

We've scored 22,602 runs and lost 870 wickets in the process. Weve taken 1,092 wickets for 21,871 runs. Oh yes. 2009 stats available soon. And maybe some mid 90's ones as well, eh Jim?

Paul has scored over 3000 runs, Wendel well over 2000. Adam, Brett, Chris, Jim, Knobby and, this season, Don and Phil have more than 1000 runs each. Paul and Rick, and this season Chris, have taken over 100 wickets. Mike has taken 85 keeper dismissals and taken 4 stumpings in a match at least twice. Jim and Adam have each taken a 4 outfield catches in a match. No hatricks! Maybe just Adam, who took one against us!

Chris, Rick and Paul have taken fifers, a feat not often achieved in 4 overs. 6 tons have been scored, Wendel with 5 of them, some going in 20 overs, and has also scored over 20 fifties.

The highest individual score: Wendel, 140no in 38balls, 14 6's, (5 in one over) to help Leisure score 204 in 12.2overs to beat ECT in 2006.

Best bowling: Chris, 5 for 12 off 3 overs, all bowled v OCCC in 2005.

We once scored 70 all out and managed to win by 21 runs v Hatfield Heath. Probably our lowest score to win, batting first.

Our highest score, 217 v Parkmen 2009, our lowest; well, depends how you look at it. 52 played in awful weather conditions at OCCC I guess, 2007.

We beat Three Bridges 3 times in 8, before deciding they were a little too serious, and good, and violent. Our last game ended in arguments, threats, pushing, chest beating and stumps being ripped from the ground in anger, before nobel peace prize winner Steve stepped in.

Jim was once run over on a duel carriage way, fetching a ball that had been hit over the fence, causing traffic gridlock mayhem around Ealing for hours. He missed about 10 games, only to return to the field as umpire, only to be hit in the face by a ball at square leg off the bat.

Our last tour to Monmouth, ended with the team being locked in the clubhouse and having the landlord buy us drinks until 3 in the morning. Thats how nice we are, landlords buy us drinks.

Ringer Richard, at OCCC in 2006, top scored with 20, despite never ever having actually batted before in a proper game. The rest of us only had at least 1000 games between us.