Welney Croft Cricket Club
2006 Match Reports
Club pages provided by The Welney Website
away against
Littleport
KENT SAVES WELNEY BLUSHES
Littleport won by 7 wickets, Welney Croft 97 for 8 (all out), Littleport 98 for 3
Played at Camel Road, Littleport for the last match of the season on Sunday September 17th.
Stephen Kent saved Welney from complete embarrassment by scoring 63 not out in the teams final score of 97. Batting throughout he scored 48 in boundaries (12 x fours) with only Sean Goodger managing double figures (12 including 2 x fours) the rest of the 9 man team managing only 15 runs.
Littleport comfortably reached their target with 7 wickets and 17 overs to spare - wickets falling at 18, 30 and 80. Only Welney bowler to shine was John Rowland finishing with the very respectable bowling figures of 2 for 28 from his allocated 10 overs, including 4 maidens.
Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, John Rowland, Stephen Revett, Sean Goodger, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara and Gareth Kent. (9 players only)
at home against
Wicken
ANOTHER HOME DEFEAT Sunday September 10th
Wicken won by 64 runs, Wicken 126, Welney Croft 62
Wicken kindly accepted this rearranged fixture due to Castor being unable to raise a team and easily maintained their unbeaten form with a convincing 64 run victory. Batting first Wicken totalled 126, a good score on a difficult wicket and slow outfield, with Jones (48) and French (29) being the main scorers. All Welney's bowlers shared the wickets with 3 wicket hauls for both Sean Goodger ( 3 for 31) and Stephen Revett (3 for 15). A special mention to new boy Graham Park, who conceded only 13 runs off his allotted 8 over spell although only taking one wicket? Graham has certainly been the find of the season, joining us half way through the season and taking 14 wickets for an average of only 11.8 and a useful batsman- here's hoping we can secure his services for next season?
In reply after tea Welney continued their recent poor form with the bat losing the first two wickets for only 5 runs - a mini revival from Kent and Singleterry took the score to 35 for the third wicket before Kent was bowled by Capstick. Sean Goodger then joined Singleterry at the crease, quickly taking the score past the half century. At 54 for 3, the home team still seamed to be on target? Alas, after the departure of both Stuart (24) and Sean (16) the tail failed to wag and added only a further 8 runs. All out for the low score of only 62 - yet another dismal batting performance!!
Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Graham Park, Stephen Revett, Sean Goodger, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Andy Walker, Gareth Kent and Oliver Revett
away against
Narborough
VETERAN TAYLOR SHOWS THE WAY! Sunday August 20th
Narborough won by 77runs, Narborough 118, Welney Croft 41
Having arrived at the picturesque venue of Narborough Hall in the rain, this fixture was briefly called off with the offer of an early tea before returning to Welney? Whilst the players tucked into the best tea of the season the sun shone brightly and with all overcast clouds disappearing - the captains then decided to continue with a delayed start.
Narborough batted first with the opening batsmen struggling to score runs against Welney's bowling attack and with the score at 54 for 7 wickets the visitors had so nearly achieved the final breakthrough? Unfortunately this tail stubbornly resisted all efforts and continued to score runs at ease, adding a further 64 runs for a final total of 118 runs off 32 overs. After the second tea, Welney in reply could not cope with the home teams young speed bowling attack, the first 4 wickets falling for only 8 runs - the question being asked, would this be our all time lowest score??
Veteran Colin Taylor was called out of retirement and rolled back the years, he tried in vain to keep his end up, batting doggedly throughout for his top score of 20 runs ( 2 x fours) - an innings lasting 50 minutes against one of the best attacks faced this season. Welney's top four batsmen Kent, Parkinson, Singleterry and Goodger all being dismissed for ducks!!
On a bright note it was good to see youngsters Sean Smyth and Carroll both hit boundaries in their scores of 5 and 4 respectively before being caught out. The depleted and struggling Welney team had returned its lowest score of 41 for the season and the lowest for many, many years.
Narborough ran out easy winners this time by 77 runs, overturning an early season 61 run defeat at Welney.
Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Colin Taylor, Sean Goodger, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, John Lynskey, K.Carroll and Gareth Kent.
Home fixture against Fincham cancelled due to rain
away against
Chrishall
Match Drawn - Chrishall 210 for 6 wks, Welney 160 for 6 wks
‘Rolo’ staves off defeat.
Chrishall won the toss and elected to bat in this timed friendly fixture
The home teams innings was dominated by Harry Picton (95 - including 7 x sixes) and was only denied his century by a good catch near the boundary by John Lynskey. Skipper Richard Blunt gave valuable support batting 80 minutes for his score of 44.
Graham Park was again Welney’s best bowler (4 for 46) with ever steady Percy Bulsara getting the other two wickets (2 for 39).
Chrishall declared at tea to set Welney 211 to win with 1 hour plus 20 overs batting time.
Openers Stephen Kent and Dick Carter kept Welney in the hunt, scoring 50 off the first 10 overs and a first wicket stand of 55. Carter finally being bowled by Picton for 19 and Kent later being caught and bowled on his half century. The visitors gradually fell behind in the run rate to the bowling of Picton and Brunt but John Rowland saw Welney home to a comfortable draw scoring 41 not out (7 x fours) and with dogged support from Parkinson, Loveday and Pat Lynskey.
Team – John Loveday (Capt), Stephen Kent, John Rowland, Richard Carter, Alec Lampard, Graham Park, Percy Bulsara, Neil Parkinson, Pat Lynskey, John Lynskey, Gareth Kent.
home against
Gooderstone
played for the
"Blows Brothers Cup"
Gooderstone won by 20 runs and retained the Blows Cup.
Gooderstone 123 for 9 wkts, Welney 103 all out
This seasons Blows Brothers Cup was dominated by the bowlers from both sides as runs were hard to come by - Stuart Singleterry being the top scorer with 27.
Graham Park was instrumental in getting Welney off to a fine start removing the first four visiting batsmen for only 20 runs. Gooderstone being 45 for 5 at one time with middle order batsmen Ashley Drohan (16) and A. Chalkley (12) coming to the rescue – both at the wicket for long periods and Boughen quickly adding a useful 16 runs.
In reply the home team started badly and then rallied with Goodger (12), Parkinson (11) and a rapid 27 from Stuart Singleterry (including a huge 6) and suddenly Welney looked to be back into contention for a while?
That was until opening bowlers Porter (2 for 4) and "Ash’’ Drohan (2 for 13) were brought back into action and finished off the tail - although with the home score on 96 for 7 wkts a home victory looked a possibility with plenty of overs to spare.
Welney’s high points apart from Singleterry’s quick fire 27 was Graham Park’s 8 over opening spell and an outstanding close in catch by Alec Lampard.
At the close of play Dianne Kent presented the trophy to Gooderstone along with miniatures to the players and Man of the Match awards to Ashley Drohan (Gooderstone) and Graham Park (Welney).
John Loveday (Capt), Stephen Kent, Stephen Revett, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Goodger, John Rowland, Richard Carter, Alec Lampard, Graham Park, Percy Bulsara & Ian Stirling.
away against
Old Wilhads
Old Wilhads won this thriller at Wilburton by just 4 runs.
Old Wilhads 209 for 7 wkts, Welney Croft 205 for 7 wkts
Nigel Baker proved to be the match winner for the home side scoring 109 n.o (15 x fours, 5 x sixes) and scoring 30 in one over from Stephen Kent – (6,6,4,4,6,4)
The pick of Welneys bowlers – Graham Park (3 for 33) and John Loveday (2 for 20). John Rowland as usual bowled economically - 8 overs 2 maidens 26 runs, unluckily for no return.
After losing 2 early wickets, 13 for 2 at one time, Park (26) and Goodger (36) added 63 for the third wicket. Neil Parkinson then became Welney’s mainstay (49 n.o) and got valuable support from Loveday (29), Rowland (18) and Lynskey (8) in the chase for runs. In the final over bowled by Nigel Baker, Welney needed 16 runs to avoid defeat but managed only 12 – a four being needed off the last ball faced by Andy Walker. It was a fine batting display falling only 4 runs short and Neil Parkinson just missing out on his half century.
John Loveday (Capt), Neil Parkinson, Graham Park, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Goodger, John Rowland, Pat Lynskey, Stephen Kent, Kevin Smyth, Andy Walker & Gareth Kent.
at home against
Wicken
Wicken won by 7 wkts. Welney Croft 163 for 9 wkts, Wicken 164 for 3
After scoring only 40 runs from the first 18 overs the home side recovered to record a reasonable total of 163 off their allocated 40 overs - but in the end the slow start proved to be Welney’s downfall. The run rate was turned around in the second half of the innings by Sean Goodger 56 (9 x fours) off just 61 balls and Neil Parkinson 20 off 23 balls.
In reply the home team got an early breakthrough but then St.John 41 (8 x fours), Abbott 64 n.o. ((8 x fours) and Ashton 27 n.o. saw Wicken home to a comfortable 7 wicket victory with 5 overs to spare.
Newcomer Graham Park bowled well for Welney removing both openers and finishing with 8 overs 2 maidens 29 runs 2 wkts.
team – Ken Smart (Capt), Neil Parkinson, Graham Park, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Goodger, John Rowland, Pat Lynskey, Percy Bulsara, John Loveday, Sean Smyth & Andy Walker.
at home against
Harborough Hamtunes
Harborough won by 66 runs. Harborough 190 for 8 wkts, Welney 124.
Visiting batsman Chris Knowles scored 80 (9 x fours, 1 x six) and proved to be the match winner for Market Harborough’s Hamtunes, before being bowled by veteran Percy Bulsara, who finished with the impressive figures of 4 for 33 - three being clean bowled.
In reply openers Ken Smart (14) and Paul Kaminski (39 – 5 x fours) got Welney off to a flying start by adding 64 runs for the first wicket – then a major collapse with 3 wickets falling on 64 and another 2 on 79. Only Sean Goodger batting at No.5 and John Rowland offered any resistance with Sean scoring 36 (3 x fours, 1 x 6) and John remained 13 not out at the close of play.
Most surprisingly SEVEN of the home batsmen recorded ‘ducks’ – must be a club record?
The Harborough team winning comfortably by 66 runs after 34 overs.
Team – Ken Smart (Capt), Paul Kaminski, Neil Parkinson, Graham Park, Sean Goodger, John Rowland, Paul Wildman, Wayne Good, Peter Stirling, Percy Bulsara & Chris Roper.
away fixture against Werrington cancelled - clashed with football world cup final live on TV
The "Pop Bedford" Trophy
played at home against
Brentwood & Havering LPCC
Welney lost by 7 wkts - Brentwood retain ‘Pop’s Cup. Welney Croft 124, Brentwood & Havering LPCC 125 for 3 wkts
This annual fixture was again played in glorious sunshine with proceeds going to the local Kings Lynn & District Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society - a few villagers and visitors came along to support the charity and remember our old friend.
Proceeds included - all refreshments, Raffle with donated prizes, both teams match fees, and a £100 donation from Brentwood Labour Party.
Welney elected to bat first and only Ken Smart doggedly stayed at the wicket hitting 32 runs in 1 hour 15 minutes. This included a 47 run partnership with fit again Neil Parkinson (17). Stephen Kent (10) and Stuart Singleterry (16) both looked set for good scores until being bowled by Parrot.
With the home score at one time 94 for 3, a good total looked achievable, but unfortunately the wickets tumbled with only 30 more runs being added for the remaining 7 wickets.
With the exception of Malcolm Sargent the home bowlers were never able to contain the hard hitting visitors. His spell of 8 overs 2 maidens, 1 wicket for 25 was again economical and he was very unfortunate not to take more wickets in his farewell performance for the club. (second bowler lost to “emigration” this season, John Dale leaving in April)
In reply Brentwood comfortably reached their target of 125 runs in only 24 overs, with Mike Thornton getting 32 (caught and bowled by Stephen Kent) and former Herts County bat Mark Parrott narrowly missing out on his half century (48 n.o).
Brentwood retained the Peter Bedford Memorial Cup convincingly by 7 wickets.
Phil Singleterry (Branch Secretary of MS) gave a brief insight into the organisation of the local group and then presented the Cup with miniatures to both teams, judging visiting bowler John Taylor to be “Man of the Match” taking 4 wickets for 23 runs.
team – John Loveday, Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Malcolm Sargent, Stuart Singleterry, Neil Parkinson, Sean Goodger, Pat Lynskey, Sean Smyth, Andy Walker & Gareth Kent.
at home against
Old Wilhads
Old Wilhads won by 54 runs. Old Wilhads 161 for 8 wkts, Welney Croft 107.
This 35 over friendly match started at 10.30 am to enable interested parties to see the televised afternoon England world cup match at 4.00 pm.
Wilhads elected to bat first and started slowly with opening bowlers Sargent and Buxton managing to stem the run rate and with the total at one time 61 for 5 wkts, a modest score looked likely. Unfortunately the supporting bowlers were unable to contain the tail enders with a further 100 runs being added – Nigel Baker scoring 59 (retired), Giddings 18 not out and Cornwell a useful 13, before being caught by Malcolm Sargent off Stephen Kent’s bowling.
Wicket takers for Welney being Sargent 1 for 27, Buxton, 3 for 32, Kent 3 for 35 and Stephen Revett 1 for 13.
In reply, Welney looked comfortable against the opening bowlers scoring 52 off the first 9 overs – however after the dismissal of the openers only Adrian Buxton, 29, looked likely to record a big score. At 62 for 2, Welney looked on target with a possible victory in sight, then another mid order collapse to 67 for 6 wkts. Wilhads P.Giddings 3 for 10, I Giddings 2 for 12 and B.Storey 2 for 7 all proved too much, with only Colin Taylor (17) and Stephen Revett (10) being able to add much needed runs.
It was possibly the poorest home team batting performance this season, with all 10 wickets falling with 6 overs to spare? Wilhads ran out comfortable winners by 54 runs – sweet revenge for the 211 run defeat of last summer.
team – John Loveday (Capt), Ken Smart, Percy Bulsara, Stephen Kent, Adrian Buxton, Stuart Singleterry, Malcolm Sargent, Stephen Revett, Colin Taylor, Lee Buxton, Sean Smyth.
at home against
HAMPTON
(not Castor as scheduled?)
WELNEY won by 29 runs. WELNEY CROFT 225 for 5 wkts, HAMPTON 196 for 8 wkts
Singleterry unluckily misses out on century.
A third wicket partnership of 118 runs between Stuart Singleter ry (85) and Dennis Birch (44) proved to be decisive and eventually a match winning partnership. Singleterry was given out - unluckily caught behind with no appeal from the wicket keeper? Generally agreed a poor decision? Singleterry (6 x fours and 4 x sixes) and Birch (4 x fours).
Hampton’s young 17-year old Valentine bowled extremely well on his debut taking 4 for 33 – one to be watched for the future.
In reply Hampton started slowly and at 82 for 4 wkts looked well beaten. After Sargent (2 for 24) and Rowland (2 for 23) had finished their allocated 8 overs, captain Graham Debell (98) and Paul Burrows (34) added 88 for the visitors fifth wicket and looked capable of overcoming the high run rate required. Percy Bulsara trapped Debell lbw 2 runs short of his century and 56 runs short of victory.
Burrows followed soon afterwards, caught behind by stand-in keeper Ken Smart off Stephen Kent. A return to form with the ball for Kent taking 3 for 23, tying the tail enders down, enabling Welney to win by 29 runs.
team – John Loveday, Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Malcolm Sargent, Dennis Birch, Stuart Singleterry, Percy Bulsara, John Rowland, Colin Taylor, Sean Smyth & Andy Walker.
at home against
Narborough 11
Welney won by 61 runs, Welney Croft 184 for 4 wkts, Narborough II, 123 for 8.
Smart work - Ken carries his bat while ‘Stewy’ runs riot!
Welney won the toss and elected to bat on one of the hottest days of the year. Ken Smart and Stephen Kent gave the home side a good start adding 46 for the first wicket. After 32 overs the score stood at 89 for 4 wickets in this 45 over friendly match. Stuart Singleterry soon got into action spreading the fielders to the boundary – scoring 50 of his 58 runs in boundaries – 11 fours and 1 six. Both remained not out at the close of innings having added 95 runs.Ken’s marathon innings lasting 2 hours 55 minutes and included 6 fours.
After tea a good all round bowling performance secured a 61 run victory. Sean Goodger bowling economically conceding only 9 runs off 8 overs. John Rowland (3 for 20) and Malcolm Sargent (2 for 23) kept the run rate down while Dennis Birch, John Loveday and Stephen Revett all picked up a wicket. Narborough closing on 123 for 8 wickets.
John Loveday, Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Stephen Revett, Malcom Sargent, Dennis Birch, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Goodger, John Rowland, Andy Walker and Sean Smyth
against
WICKEN
played at Wilburton
WICKEN won by 37 runs, WICKEN 146 for 8 wkts, WELNEY CROFT 109 all out
Pope beats Welney
Josh Pope was the match winner for Wicken hitting 68 runs in 2 hours at the crease (4 x fours, 1 x six). The total of 146 off their allotted 40 overs proved to be a very good score on an extremely slow outfield. Stephen Revett returned the best bowling figures (3 for 21) off 7 overs with both John Rowland and Dennis Birch taking (2 for 23).
Welney started slowly in reply and only Ken Smart 29 (3 x fours), Dick Carter 24 (unluckily run out) and Dennis Birch 21 looked likely to record a big score. Unfortunately the tail collapsed leaving the visitors 37 runs short of victory.
Some difficult catches dropped early in Wicken’s innings and Popes impressive display proved to be the difference between the sides.
Welney team – John Loveday, Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Stephen Revett, Malcom Sargent, Dennis Birch, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Goodger, John Rowland, Colin Taylor & Richard Carter
Home fixture against Chrishall - cancelled - rain!
Away fixture against Brentwood cancelled - college ground unavailable (but would have been rained-off anyway!)
SUNDAY 14th May 2006
away, against
GOODERSTONE
WELNEY won by 108 runs, WELNEY CROFT 194 for 7 wkts, GOODERSTONE 86 all out.
Career best for Sean Goodger in convincing win for Welney.
On winning the toss skipper John Loveday elected to bat first. An opening stand of 78 by Ken Smart (35) and Stephen Kent (35) put Welney in a strong position, although the next three wickets fell quickly - both Malcolm Sargent and Neil Parkinson going for “ducks”, leaving the visitors on 82 for 4 wkts.
Stephen Revett (27) and Sean Goodger (68) came to the rescue putting on 70 for the fifth wicket. Sean’s total included eleven 4’s and one 6 in his 50 minutes at the wicket.
Opening bowler Malcolm Sargent produced an accurate spell in his 8 overs taking the first 3 wickets for only 15 runs. He was well supported by John Loveday taking 4 for 13 off only 7 overs. The remaining 3 wickets were taken by Colin Taylor (1 for 1), Stephen Revett (1 for 4) and Sean Smyth (1 for 5).
A good all round performance produced a comfortable first win of the season.
Team – John Loveday, Neil Parkinson, Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Stephen Revett, Colin Taylor, Sean Goodger, Sean Smyth, Percy Bulsara, Malcolm Sargent & Pat Lynskey.
THURSDAY 11th May 2006
away, against
HARBOROUGH HAMTUNES
Played at Rockingham Castle
WELNEY lost by 113 runs: HARBOROUGH 248 for 4 wkts, WELNEY CROFT 135 for 9 wkts.
Losing two players on the morning of the match, Chris Roper and John Simpson Jnr. , this left an already depleted side in real trouble and having to recruit local Jim Boyd.
On one of the hottest days of the year in the picturesque setting of Rockingham Castle grounds and over looking the Northamptonshire countryside - it was an ideal day for spectating.
All Welney’s bowlers were given heavy punishment from a strong home batting line up. Nick Clarke just scored an unbeaten century in the last over to remain 100 not out (twelve 4’s and one 6) after 40 overs.
High points for Welney was the catch held at square leg by veteran Percy Bulsara and two fine run outs - one a direct hit at the stumps from Adrian Buxton at mid-off and an accurate through from Wayne Good to enable stand in keeper Ken Smart to run out No.4 bat Paul Rogers. Wayne Good bowled Knowles in the last over to finish with figures of 6–0- 26–1.
For the visitors only Jim Boyd (24) and Adrian Buxton (31 – three 4’s & one 6) innings’s were worthy of a mention. Ken Smart (9), Paul Kaminski (12) and John Loveday (11) shone briefly to a mediocre bowling attack.
Another heavy defeat by 113 runs, a match that Welney never looked like winning, but on reflection it could have been a lot worse?
Team - John Loveday, Ken Smart, Dennis Birch, Adrian Buxton, Paul Kaminski, Wayne Good, Peter Stirling, Ian Stirling, Jim Boyd, Percy Bulsara.
SUNDAY 7th May 2006
Home fixture against Werrington cancelled due to rain
SUNDAY 30th April 2006
away, against
CASTOR & AILSWORTH III
Played at At Port Lane, Castor.
CASTOR won by 5 wkts. WELNEY 116 all out, CASTOR 119 for 5.
The new season started with Welney batting first and putting in a very mediocre performance - although there were a few signs of better things to come.
Ken Smart hit a glorious 4 on the off (so nearly a rare 6) and then holed out, being caught a few balls later with a similar shot, Stephen Kent hit three fours and had started to look set for a good score before being caught in the slips, then Stuart Singleterry started where he left off last season hitting all his runs in boundaries, 2 sixes and 3 fours in his total of 24 – having to retire with a pulled muscle before coming back at the close of the innings. The biggest partnership of 29 was between John Loveday (24 not out – 4 fours) and youngster Sean Smyth, who held his end up well, allowing John to attack the bowling and to break the ton for a modest total of 116.
After tea Sean Goodger and Dennis Birch opened the bowling and dismissed the openers for only 13 runs and with the home side losing further wickets at 36 for 4, 116 looked a long off.
However Sedate Akram batted extremely well punishing any loose ball before being caught by Stephen Revett on 44. The fifth wicket partnership of 55 had the home side on 91 for 5 wkts and only 26 runs short of victory.
Veteran Norman Gray (20 n.o) and Ali (10 n.o) saw Castor home comfortably with 5 wickets to spare.
Team – John Loveday, Neil Parkinson, Richard Carter, Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Stuart Singleterry, Stephen Revett, Colin Taylor, Sean Goodger, Dennis Birch, Sean Smyth.