Welney Croft Cricket Club

Match Reports, 2009

page last updated Wednesday, 21 November 2012

 
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Reports provided by the Club Secretary, Tony Smart.

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NOTE: All reports for the season are on this page; please scroll down to view earlier matches.
Sunday Sept 27th

away, against

Littleport

DALE - INWOOD CENTURY STAND SEES CROFT HOME

 Welney won by 4 wkts. Littleport 203 for 3wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 207 for 6 wkts (35.5 overs)

John Dale and Ashley Inwood were the unlikely batting heroes for Croft, performing heroics in near darkness at the end, in securing this end of season victory against near neighbours Littleport. Croft won the toss and invited Littleport to bat first on yet another fine sunny Sunday afternoon at the village Playing Field. On a good batting track the visitors set an impressive 40 over target of 203 runs for the loss of only 3 wickets, with skipper Wayne Good scoring a deserved century in the final over, 103 not out including 12 x fours. Number 5 bat Wallace narrowly missed out on his half century, 49 not out at the close, having helped Good take the score from 83 for 3 wkts - a partnership of 120 runs. All Welney's bowlers were made to suffer with the exception of young Gareth Kent who bowled economically conceding only 13 runs in his 5 over spell.

John Dale 0 for 49, John Loveday 1 for 40, Stephen Revett 0 for 29, Percy Bulsara 1 for 30, Stephen Kent 1 for 40, Gareth Kent 0 for 13.

After the tea interval Welney got off to a poor start with the loss of opener Stephen Kent in only the second over. Ken Smart (27)and Stephen Revett (22) added 30 for the second wicket taking the score to 42. Two of the clubs most successful  scorers this season then failed miserably, Neil Parkinson (0) and Duncan Hobbs (5). John Loveday (17) joined Ashley Inwood to add 36 valuable runs for the sixth wicket taking the score to 107, still 97 runs being required for victory. John Dale then strode to the wicket to join Ashley in fast fading light and started with four singles before unleashing his full power, spreading most  fielders to the boundary. With his partner Inwood also batting sensibly (43 not out) the pair added exactly 100 runs to take the team total to 207 - John scoring 3 fours in the final over and reaching his unbeaten half century (54 - including  9 x fours and 1 x six). Both achieved personal best scores for the club in securing a welcome victory when all looked lost after 20 overs in fast fading light - well done John & Ashley.

Ken Smart  27 (2 x 4's), Stephen Revett 22 (2 x 4's, 1 x 6), Ashley Inwood  43*  (4 x 4's), John Dale 54* (9 x 4's, 1 x 6).

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Kent, Gareth Kent, Ashley Inwood, Stephen Revett, Percy Bulsara, Ken Smart, & John Dale (10 men)

 

Sunday Sept 20th

away, against

Narborough

KING CONQUERS WELNEY

Narborough won by 25 runs, Narborough 194 (40 overs), Welney Croft 169 (40 overs)

After a slow start, the home side were restricted to just 16 runs off the first 8 overs from the tight bowling of Bulsara and Johnson. Narborough eventually picked the run rate up due to the efforts of number 3 bat J. Coe, who narrowly missed out on his half century – 49 (7 x 4’s & 1 x 6). When Coe returned to the pavilion the team total was 112 for 5 from 25 overs and it was left to tail ender S. King to completely dominate proceedings for the remaining overs - top scoring with an unbeaten knock of 59 including 3 x sixes and 7 x fours, resulting in a final score of 194 in 38 overs.

 Adam Johnson 2 for 22, John Loveday 2 for 29, Stephen Revett 3 for 23, Percy Bulsara 1 for 35, Stephen Kent 2 for 48, Gareth Kent 0 for 22.

After the tea interval Welney started brightly, 24 off the first 6 overs, Stephen Revett scoring 18 and opening partner Duncan Hobbs 44 in 112 minutes at the crease. For the second wicket partnership between Hobbs and Neil Parkinson (26), added 69 runs taking the team total to 92 for 2 wickets, but 30 overs had been used, leaving a further 96 runs for victory in the remaining 10 overs. Stephen Kent made a valiant effort in his knock of 30 (23 mins), hitting two massive sixes and three fours with the aid of a runner and son Gareth hitting two boundaries in his score of 8. Croft losing out by just 25 runs.

Stephen Kent 30 (2 x 6's, 3 x 4's), Stephen Revett 18 (3 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 44 (3 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 26 (2 x 4's)

 

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Kent, Gareth Kent, Adam Johnson, Ashley Inwood, Stephen Revett, Percy Bulsara, Ashley Hobbs & Oliver Revett.

 

Sunday Sept 13th

home, against

Castor & Ailsworth 2nd's

CROFT HANG ON AS LIGHT FADES

Welney won by 18 runs. Welney Croft 209 for 9 wkts (40 overs), Castor & Ailsworth II 191 (40 overs)

The scheduled early 1.00 pm start was delayed due the vistors encountering traffic hold ups and under over cast weather conditions, during the "toss up", hopes of getting in a full 40 over match looked poor. Castor surprisingly invited Croft  to bat first and the home side soon got off to a good start with the openers putting on 43 for the first wicket, Stephen Kent (15), Stephen Revett (28) and being well supported by the middle order - Adam Johnson (20), Neil Parkinson (13), Dennis Birch (18) and not to be forgotten in form Duncan Hobbs, who again top scored with a club best score of 60 runs, including one 6 and seven 4's, in 84 minutes at the crease. The tail failed to wag, John Dale (7) had two mighty swings of the bat and Ashley Inwood (3 not out) and Gareth Kent (2 not out) added runs bringing the final total to 209 for 9 wickets off the allotted 40 overs. 

Stephen Kent 15 (3 x 4's), Stephen Revett 28 (5 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 13 (1 x 4), Duncan Hobbs 60 (7 x 4's, 1 x 6), Adam Johnson 20 (3 x 4's ), Dennis Birch18 (2 x 4's)

After the tea interval Castor's hopes of making a serious challenge to the 210 target was severely knocked back with the loss of 3 wickets in the first 4 overs, John Dale bowling Mazarous and John Loveday claiming the other two - bowling Baugh and having Porter caught out by Duncan Hobbs at mid-wicket. However the vistors middle also order batted extremely well in very poor light conditions to bring the score board at one time to 175 for 6 wickets. With 6 overs remaining and Sadet Akram hitting boundaries at will, the 6 runs per over run rate looked well within their capabilities. Opening bats Stephen Kent (2 for 15) & Stephen Revett (1 for 4) came to the rescue claiming 3 of the 4 remaining wickets. Last man Parker was run out on the very last ball with Sadat Akram 64 not out , the team score on 191 - just 18 runs short.

Under failing light Welney had some how managed to secure a win when another defeat looked more likely - Croft's advantage of batting first being the match decider.

John Dale 1 for 27, John Loveday 2 for 35, Adam Johnson 2 for 46, Dennis Birch 1 for 44, Gareth Kent 0 for 21, Stephen Kent 2 for 15, Stephen Revett 1 for 4.

Team -  John Loveday (Captain), Neil Parkinson, Ashley Inwood, Duncan Hobbs, Dennis Birch, John Dale, Adam Johnson, Stephen Kent, Stephen Revett, Gareth Kent & Oliver Revett. 

Sunday Sept 6th

away, against

Parson Drove

WILHADS HOME WIN

Old Wilhads won by 6 wkts; Welney Croft 124 for 9 wkts (40 overs), Old Wilhads 128 for 4 wkts  (40 overs)

Played at the Paradise Ground at Ely, Croft were invited to bat first and were soon off to a poor start with Ken Smart gifting an easy chance at point in only the second over. Opening partner Stephen Kent hung around for half and hour but never looked comfortable before being caught off Storey's bowling for only 4 runs. This seasons man for a crisis Neil Parkinson (38) again came to the rescue batting for 78 minutes and with Stephen Revett (24) added 36 for the third wicket and with Ashley Inwood (12) added 30, taking the score to 86 for 4 wickets. There was then a middle order collapse with 4 wickets falling for only 13 runs leaving Croft again struggling at 99 for 7 wkts on a good batting wicket. It was then left to tail enders Loveday, Bulsara and Gareth Kent to add a valuable 25 runs to close the innings at 124 for 9 wkts off the allocated 40 overs.

Neil Parkinson 48 (3 x 4's), Stephen Revett 24 (5 x 4's), Ashley Inwood 12 (2 x 4's), Gareth Kent 11 (1 x 4).

After the interval, opening bowlers John Dale and Percy Bulsara never troubled Wilhads first two bats, openers Koopowtz and Sivier - Koopowitz retiring on 51 and Sivier (31) finally being bowled by John Dale with the score on 51. With the home sides score on 92 for 1 wicket, skipper John Loveday gave younsters Gareth Kent (1 for 8) and David Goodwin (2 for 23) their chance and both showed tremendous promise capturing a further 3 wickets before Storey hit the winning runs - Wilhads closing at 128 for 4 wkts in the 23rd over.

John Dale 1 for 35, Percy Bulsara 0 for 40, John Loveday 0 for 9, David Goodwin 2 for 23, Gareth Kent 1 for 8.

Team - John Loveday (Captain), Neil Parkinson, Percy Bulsara, Ashley Inwood, John Dale, Stephen Kent, Stephen Revett, Ken Smart, Gareth Kent, Oliver Revett & David Goodwin.

Sunday Aug 23rd

home, against

Parson Drove

Webmaster's note: What a day! England resoundingly beat Australia at the Oval in the final match of the 2009 test series, winning the series 2-1 and bringing the Ashes back home; and Welney trounced Parson Drove at Welney Playing Field.

PERCY'S A MATCH WINNER

Welney won by 86 run; Welney Croft 185 for 7 wkts (40 overs), Parson Drove 99 (40 overs)

Parson Drove won the toss and surprisingly invited Welney to bat first, on a fine sunny afternoon on a fair batting wicket. Parkinson and Kent got the home team off to a good start until Kent fell to Nathan Forder, the pick of the visitors bowlers, taking 1 for 9 off his first 5 over spell, the score standing at 29. His opening partner Parkinson stayed much longer for 24 runs (78 mins) in a 64 run partnership with Adam Johnson, who lasted just 5 minutes longer, then being bowled by Frusher. After a cautious start Duncan Hobbs top scored with 45 not out, a fine knock including 4 boundaries and with Dennis Birch (28) added 40 runs for the fifth wicket. The innings closed with the score at 185 for the loss of seven wickets - all bowled?

Duncan Hobbs 45 n.o.(4 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 24 (2 x 4's), Adam Johnson 29 ( 4 x 4's), Stephen Kent 14 (3 x 4's), Dennis Birch 28 (4 x 4's)

After the break the home bowlers soon got an early break through with wickets falling in the fourth and fifth overs to Goodger and Johnson. Opener Gill proved much more difficult and scored 27 (48 mins) before being stumped by Parkinson off Percy Bulsara's bowling. Gill scoring 6 boundaries in his score. Only Frusher batting at number 8 managed to trouble the home bowlers, top scoring with 29, before falling LBW to Dennis Birch. Drove's  final wicket fell on 99 - a victory for the home side by 86 runs.

Special mention to our senior team member, 76 year old Percy Bulsara, finishing with a seasons best bowling figures of 4 for 19 off his 8 over spell.

Sean Goodger 2 for 17, Adam Johnson 2 for 25, Percy Bulsara 4 for 19, John Loveday 1 for 20, Dennis Birch 1 for 15.

Team -  John Loveday (Captain), Neil Parkinson, Percy Bulsara, Sean Goodger, Duncan Hobbs, Colin Taylor, Ashley Inwood, Stephen Kent, Gareth Kent, Dennis Birch, Adam Johnson.

Sunday Aug 16th

home, against

Wicken

LATE RUNS PROVE COSTLY

Wicken won by 49 runs;  Wicken  218 for 4 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 169 for 7 wkts  (40 overs)

Wicken's batsmen were in control throughout their 40 overs innings and only John Loveday posed any problems, removing both openers Digman and Ashton and conceding 22 runs off his 8 overs. After an opening partnership of 69, Digman just missed out on his half century, adding a further 45 with French for the second wicket. Number 4 batsman Poole proved to be the biggest  obstacle scoring an unbeaten 61, and with Bentinck scored 49 runs off the final 4 overs - these proving very costly. 

Jon Dale 0 for 18,  Adam Johnson 0 for 36, Percy Bulsara 0 for 34, Stephen Revett 0 for 22, Stephen Kent 1 for 42, John Loveday 2 for 22, Dennis Birch 1 for 34.

Welney's openers never had the chance to settle against the Wicken attack of Bentinck and French, bowling 5 maidens in the first 10 overs. Stephen Revett fell lbw to Bentinck in the third over and Stephen Kent also lbw, this time to French. Duncan Hobbs & Neil Parkinson eventually settled with Hobbs scoring 34 in 87 mins and Parkinson 48 in 92 mins, narrowly run out, so close to another half century. Adam Johnson scored an impressive 28 before being bowled by French. Big hitter Jon Dale came in at number 7 trying to to hit some quick late runs finishing on 11 not out with partner Colin Taylor 3 not out. Welney finished on 169 -  49 short of the target, Again it was the same old story starting too slowly, only 54 scored off the first 20 overs and 115 in the second half off the innings.

Wicken's fine all round performance proved too much on the day for Croft.

 Duncan Hobbs 34 (5 x 4's),  Neil Parkinson 48 (4 x 4's), Adam Johnson  28  ( 2 x 4's), Stephen Kent  11 (2 x 4's), Jon Dale 11 n.o.

Team -  John Loveday (Captain), Neil Parkinson, Percy Bulsara, Duncan Hobbs, Colin Taylor, Ashley Inwood, Jon Dale, Stephen Kent, Stephen Revett, Dennis Birch, & Adam Johnson,

Sunday Aug 9th

 

No fixture

Sunday Aug 2nd

home, against

Pinchbeck

ALL TIME LOW FOR CROFT

Pinchbeck won by 7 wkts - Welney Croft 34 (24.4 overs), Pinchbeck 36 for 3 wkts (9.3 overs)

This match report will be like the match itself - very short.

Skipper John Loveday won the toss and decided to bat first with a much depleted 10 man team. It was soon evident that this rain affected wicket was very difficult to get the ball away. Opener Neil Parkinson battled gamely for over an hour to top score with just 6 runs and with Colin Taylor added 11 runs for the fourth wicket - the best partnership. The total runs scored off the bat was a mere 18 runs with 16 extras to record another low score of 34 off 24 overs.

The teams changed round immediately and Pinchbeck knocked off the required runs in 9.3 overs with only John Rowland finding any joy from the match taking all 3 wickets for 14 runs in his 5 overs. Had the wicket got easier for Pinchbeck after one and a half hours play? Possibly - but it was certainly another lack lustre batting performance and another disappointing result.

John Rowland 3 for 14, Percy Bulsara 0 for 20, John Loveday 0 for 2.

Team -  John Loveday (Captain), Neil Parkinson, Percy Bulsara, Duncan Hobbs, Colin Taylor, John Rowland, Ashley Inwood, Andrew Revett, Oliver Revett, Tony Smart (10 players only)

 

Sunday July 26th

The Blows Cup Match

at home, against

Gooderstone

THE BLOWS CUP RETURNS HOME

Welney won by 80 runs - Welney Croft 164 (40 overs), Gooderstone 84 (40 overs)

The Blows Brothers Cup was again contested with Gooderstone - the holders for the last three years. Gooderstone won the toss and invited Welney to open the batting. The home side were soon in trouble with the early departure of Neil Parkinson in only the second over. However opening partner Duncan Hobbs stayed much longer, 74 minutes, for his knock of 32, leaving with the score on 77 for 4 wickets. Sean Goodger made a promising start until bowled by Chalkley when on 18. Number 5 bat Dennis Birch, Bedford Cup Man-of-the-Match, was again the main stay of Welney's innings, just missing out on his half century, being last man out for 48. Jon Dale was promoted up the order to attack the slow bowlers - this he did with great effect scoring 25 in 25 mins - 20 runs scored in boundaries. Useful late runs were also added by Rowland and Ashley Hobbs to bring the team total to 164 in the 40th over. 

Dennis Birch 48 (3 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 32 (4 x 4's), Jon Dale 25  (5 x 4 's), Sean Goodger 18 (2 x 2's), Colin Taylor 11   (1 x 4) 

After a quick interval and with high prospects of rain, the home bowlers set about Gooderstone, Sean Goodger getting Chalkley bowled in only his second over. K.Morgan (15) and A.Boughen (14) added 32 for the second wicket, batting patiently. After 20 overs Gooderstone were well behind in the run race needing to score 125 for victory off the final 20 overs. With the club fielding possibly it's strongest bowling line up of the season this was not going to happen. All 5 bowlers  shared the wickets and bowled economically, openers Goodger and Rowland conceding only 12 and 11 runs respectively. Gooderstone's final wicket fell in the 35th over, well beaten by 80 runs.

John and Ernie Blows Cup had finally returned to the village after a 4 year absence making it a Cup Double for the season. 

Sean Goodger 1 for 12,  John Rowland 1 for 11,  Jon Dale 2 for 19, Percy Bulsara 2 for 16, John Loveday 2 for 19.

Team -  John Loveday (Captain), Neil Parkinson, Percy Bulsara, Duncan Hobbs, Sean Goodger, Dennis Birch, Colin Taylor, Jon Dale, Peter Scott, John Rowland, Ashley Hobbs.

Sunday July 19th

home, against

Loddington & Mawsley

 

Fixture cancelled by Loddington & Mawsley

Sunday July 12th

away, against

Chrishall

 

CHRISHALL RUN RIOT!

Chrishall won by 107 runs. Chrishall 284 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Welney croft 177 for 6 wkts (40 overs).

Chrishall’s opening bats went on a run riot ammassing 162 runs for the first wicket partnership after only 23 overs – a 300 plus score looked a real possibility. Veteran guest player Alec Lampard finally had Harriss (71) back in the pavilion with a catch at mid-wicket after one and a half hours play. Three runs later Stephen Revett captured the prized wicket of Harry Picton caught and bowled. There was another 47 run partnership between Brunt (79) and Ling (36) before Revett trapped Brunt LBW and after some big hitting from Lucas, Adam Johnson uprooted his stumps.

Stephen Revett was the pick of Croft’s bowlers taking 3 for 39, with the exception of one bad over when he conceded nearly half his runs. Young Gareth Kent made his debut behind the stumps as stand-in wicket keeper, taking 2 stumpings and one run out. After 2 hours 40 minutes the run feast was over with the score at 288 for 8 wickets after the allotted overs.

Adam Johnson 1 for 66, John Loveday 1 for 73, Stephen Kent 0 for 43, Stephen Revett 3 for 39, Alec Lampard 2 for 55.

After the break Stephen Kent & Richard Carter got Welney off to a good start 52 after 10 overs and then both departed within a few balls, Kent (34) bowled by Roberts and Dick Carter being run out on a second run. No.3 Stephen Revett (31) and Colin Taylor (27) tried to keep the run rate moving, although almost inevitably gradually falling behind the target. Duncan Hobbs (11 n.o) and John Loveday (24 n.o) batted out the final few overs well short of the required total finishing on 177 for 6 wickets – well beaten by 107 runs.

 Stephen Kent 34 (4 x 4's, 1 x 6),  Richard Carter 20 (2 x 4's), Stephen Revett 31 (6 x 4's), Colin Taylor  27 (3 x 4's), John Loveday 24 n.o (1 x 4, 1 x 6),  Duncan Hobbs 11 n.o

Team -  John Loveday (Captain), Stephen Kent, Gareth Kent, Adam Johnson, Colin Taylor, Stephen Revett, Duncan Hobbs, Oliver Revett, Richard Carter, Alec Lampard &  Mike Kirby.

Sunday July 5th

away, against

Spalding Poachers

GREAT EFFORT FROM PARKY IN VAIN

Spalding Poachers 186 for 7 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 164 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Spalding won by 22 runs

The match started promptly at 2.00 pm, Spalding batting first in glorious sunshine with the exception of a 20 minute break for a passing heavy rainfall. Play was able to resume quickly with the wicket covers being used. Welney's opening bowlers had little return for their efforts, the home team batting steadily with ease on a good wicket and fast outfield. It wasn't until John Loveday ( 2 for 21) and Danny Horn (2 for 39) came on that wickets started to fall, the first at 59. Throughtout the innings 5 good catches were held in the outfield, Stephen Kent holding a brilliant skier on the boundary and newcomer Horn catching two, one fine catch in the outfield from Parker who had previously hit 2 enormous sixes off Stephen Revett.

Adam Johnson (0 for 34), Percy Bulsara (0 for 37), John Loveday (2 for 21), Danny Horn ( 2 for 39), Stephen Kent (1 for 21), Stephen Revett (2 for 30)

After the break Welney lost 3 wickets in one over with the score on 16, Kent, Revett & Johnson for 10 , 9 & 0 respectively - hopes for a good total looked shattered. However, step forward Neil Parkinson, batting at Number 4, he remained 35 overs unbeaten for his 65, two and a half hours at the crease and having to overcome a pulled hamstring, Horn standing in as his runner near the end. Veteran Colin Taylor too had injury problems, having severe cramp and retiring unbeaten on unlucky 13, having been at the crease for 80 minutes with Neil. Danny Horn, having only his second match for the club scored a valuable 21, in 25 minutes - a good all round performance also taking 2 catches and two wickets earlier. No.9 Andrew Revett hit 2 boundaries scoring 8 runs near the end and 17 runs were hit off the final over bringing the score to 164 for 8 - Oliver Revett bowled on the last ball.

Stephen Kent  10 (2 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 65 n.o 11 (5 x 4), Colin Taylor 13 n.o., Danny Horn 21 (3 x 4's). 

Team -  John Loveday (Captain), Neil Parkinson, Stephen Kent, Percy Bulsara, Gareth Kent,  Adam Johnson, Danny Horn, Colin Taylor, Stephen Revett , Andrew Revett & Oliver Revett .

Sunday June 28th

away, against

Pinchbeck

EASY WIN FOR PINCHBECK

Welney Croft 124 (35 overs), Pinchbeck 128 for 4 wkts (27 overs). Pinchbeck won by 6 wkts

Welney opened their innings first and were soon in trouble with the dismisal of Stephen Revett in the 3rd over having only 5 runs on the board.  His oppening partner Stephen Kent stayed much longer, just over the hour for 31 valuable runs including 5 fours'. Stand in skipper Neil Parkinson shared a second wicket partnership of 48 with Kent before being bowled by Caswell for 11.The only other major contribution came from middle order bat Sean Goodger, who top scored with 42, hitting 4 x fours early in his innings, and then very sensibly for his 65 minute knock, being finally bowled by Robinson. Sean departed with the score on 120 for 7 wickets - the next 3 wickets falling for only 4 runs, a boundary by Gareth Kent. The innings closed on a  very mediocre 124.

Stephen Kent 31 (5 x 4's) , Neil Parkinson 11 (1 x 4), Sean Goodger  42 (4 x 4's).

After the tea interval Dennis Birch & Sean Goodger had Pinchbeck struggling at one time on 16 for 3 wickets with Dennis taking both openers wickets with catches from Duncan Hobbs and a superb slip catch from Sean Goodger. Unfortunately after their opening spells there was little penetration from the home bowling attack and Brown (63 not out ) and Wallder (19 not out) calmly hit off the required runs with 13 overs to spare, winning by 6 wickets.

Sean Goodger (1 for 18), Dennis Birch (2 for 23)   Duncan Hobbs (0 for 18), Percy Bulsara (0 for 37), Stephen Kent (0 for 17)  Harry Waine (0 for 8)

Team - Neil Parkinson (captain), Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Kent, Gareth Kent, Dennis Birch, Sean Goodger, Ashley Inwood, Stephen Revett, Oliver Revett, Percy Bulsara & Harry Waine.

 

Sunday June 21st

at home, against

Old Wilhads

 

ANOTHER NAIL BITING WIN.

 Welney Croft 205 for 6 wkts. (40 overs), Old Wilhads 204 (40 overs), Welney won by 1 run.

Sunday afternnoon, venue Welney Playing Field, the place to be for all cricket lovers these days. Last week a 1 wicket victory with two balls remaining, this week another win by the slimmest of margins, just 1 run, and again with 2 balls to be bowled.

Old Wilhads won the toss and invited Welney to bat first. Another good opening partnership (48) from Stephen Kent and Stephen Revett got the home side off to a good start. Kent was this weeks batting hero scoring 79 in his 1 hour 51 minutes at the crease and was well supported by Adam Johnson batting at Number 4. The pair added 69 for the third wicket before Kent departed, bowled by Sevier. Johnson then shared in a 35 run partnership with Sean Goodger, whose innings of 22 included an enormous 6 into Bedford's field nearby. Neil Parkinson & Ashley Inwood added valuable runs at the close to take the team total to 205 for 6 wickets.

Stephen Kent  79 (9 x 4's), Adam Johnson 40 (5 x 4's), Sean Goodger 22 (1 x 6, 1 x 4), Stephen Revett 12 (1 x 4)

After the tea interval Welney had a dream start capturing 3 quick wickets, Johnson & Goodger doing the damage and Wilhads struggling at 29 for 3 wkts. The match was soon to turn with a 106 run partnership from two young batting talents Sherwin (80) (including 10 x fours and a six) and Baker (44). Sherwin was finally bowled by a full toss from Dennis Birch and Baker smartly stumped by Neil Parkinson off John Loveday's bowling. Wilhads lost 2 further wickets quickly and the unfortunate Nigel Baker then pulled a hamstring to retire hurt, later to return for the last wicket. At 160 for 8, Croft looked to be sailing home comfortably, only for Koopowitz (17) and Jan Aniscwiz (22) to turn the tables again and so nearly win the match for Wilhads. With the dismissal of Koopowitz four  runs short of victory Nigel Baker joined Jan with 7 balls remaining. Duncan Hobbs then had the unenviable task of bowling the final over, Jan immediately scored 2 from the first ball, just 1 run needed to tie. The next 2 were blocked, still 2 runs needed with 3 balls remaining. Finally Jan goes for the big hit and sets off down the wicket in vain and is run out in returning to his crease - another Croft victory by the narrowest of margins, a single run.  

Sean Goodger 1 for 38, Adam Johnson 3 for 54, John Loveday 2 for 36, Dennis Birch 1 for 38, Stephen Revett 1 for 21, Duncan Hobbs 0 for 15.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Kent, Gareth Kent, Dennis Birch, Sean Goodger, Adam Johnson, Ashley Inwood, Stephen Revett & Andrew Revett. 

 

Sunday Sunday June 14th

The Peter Bedford Cup Match

at home, against

Brentwood & Havering LPCC

A real thriller!

POP'S CUP COMES HOME AT LAST

Brentwood & Havering LPCC 155 (40 overs), Welney Croft 157 for 9 wkts (39.3 overs) - Welney won by 1 wkt

This annual fixture with  Brentwood & Havering Labour Party for the Pop Bedford Memorial Cup has been played for since 2002 and sponsored by Pam & Terry Roberts. All proceeds from match fees, teas and raffle being raised this year for the charity MAGPAS.

Brentwood batted first and soon lost 3 wickets in the first 4 overs for only 14 runs with Adam Johnson removing both openers, Che Smith and Playdell, with Sean Goodger clean bowling our old friend Dick Carter for a duck. Middle order bats Kier Smith (36) and Seymour (27) added 52 for the fifth wicket taking the score to 97. The tail kept the run rate going with No. 9 Greg Gleeson getting 19 before being trapped LBW by John Loveday. The innings closed on 155 with "Extras" being second top scorer (32).

Sean Goodger 2 for 28, Adam Johnson 2 for 38, Percy Bulsara 1 for 24, John Loveday 2 for 8, Dennis Birch 2 for 37, Duncan Hobbs 0 for 6.

In reply after tea Welney started very slowly with Seymour capturing the wickets of Stephen Kent (8), Duncan Hobbs (6) and Adam Johnson (0), the home side were struggling on 33 for 4 wickets after 16 overs, and thoughts of a possible victory seemed remote. However Dennis Birch and Ashley Inwood turned in their best performances of the season, Dennis scoring an unbeaten half century and Ashley 28 in a 64 run fifth wicket partnership. After Ashley's dismissal, caught & bowled by Parrott, Welney were on 121 for 6 wkts, 34 runs short of victory with 7 overs remaining, a run rate of nearly 5 per over being needed. With Dennis still at the crease there was still hope and the tail supported his efforts in reaching the target - final score 157 for 9 wkts and a 1 wicket victory.

Although it was a fine all round team effort, Dennis Birch was undoubtedly man of the match for his face saving unbeaten half century, with major contributions coming from Ashley Inwood, Sean Goodger and Percy Bulsara. Ashley for his seasons best score of 28, sharing a 64 run partnership with Birch, Sean (who only scored 8 runs himself!) but acted as a runner for Dennis and his quickness between the wickets gained extra valuable runs; and lastly last man Percy relied on his vast experience, not only keeping his end up, but hitting the winning runs  (2) off a "no ball"  in the last over with just 3 balls to spare.

Dennis Birch  50 not out (3 x 4's), Ashley Inwood  28 (4 x 4's) In what was possibly the best match seen at home for many years Pop's trophy returned home for the first time since 2003.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Kent, Gareth Kent, Dennis Birch, Sean Goodger, Adam Johnson, Ashley Inwood, Ashley Hobbs & Percy Bulsara.

Match photos

Sunday June 7th

home, against

Spalding Poachers

Match Cancelled due to rain

Sunday May 31st

away, against

Wicken

EASY WIN FOR WICKEN

Wicken won by 122 runs. Wicken 233 for 8 wkts  (40 overs), Welney Croft 111 (30.1 overs)

This away friendly fixture against Wicken was played at Wilburton on another sunny Sunday afternoon.

Things went from bad to worse for Croft with the very late arrival of three players, John Dale suffering a hand injury and then being given the runaround for 2 hours in the field before suffering another heavy defeat - this time by 122 runs.

Green (23) and Abbott started brightly for Wicken, scoring 46 runs in their opening partnership, Abbott just missing out on his half century, scoring 46, including 6 boundaries, Dennis Birch getting his wicket with a catch at the stumps by Neil Parkinson, Wicken batted in depth with other major contributors being St.John (38), Jones (21), Bentinck (36 n.o) and Ashton (35), Sean Goodger taking 2 wickets in the last over. Wickens final total of 233 set Welney to score at nearly 6 runs per over.

Sean Goodger (2 for 28), Adam Johnson (1 for 41) John Loveday (1 for 43), John Dale (1 for 22),  Dennis Birch (3 for 38), Stephen Revett (1 for 49)

In reply after tea, Stephen Kent and Stephen Revett started steadily scoring 33 runs in their partnership before Kent was dismissed by Bentinck.  Number 3 Adam Johnson also started confidently with three boundaries in his knock of 15 but was then bowled by all rounder Abbott. As Welney gradually fell well behind the run rate the wickets continued to fall and only skipper Loveday offered resistance hitting 3 fours in double quick time in his score of 13 - John Dale was unable to bat and Croft finished on 111 well beaten by 122 runs. 

Stephen Kent 14  (1 x 4), Stephen Revett  6 ( 2 x 4's), Adam Johnson 15  (3 x 4's), John Loveday 13  (3 x 4's)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Stephen Kent, Gareth Kent, Dennis Birch, Sean Goodger, Andrew Revett, Adam Johnson, John Dale, Stephen Revett & Ashley Inwood.

Sunday May 24th

home, against

Chrishall

Welney won by 33 runs.  Welney Croft  197 for 7 wkts  (40 overs), Chrishall  164 (39.3 overs)

This annual bank holiday fixture against the Essex village of Chrishall was played in the sunshine on a good batting wicket with over 350 runs scored. For the second consecutive match the home sides batsmen scored freely at nearly 5 runs per over, finishing on 197 off their alloted 40 overs, for the loss of 7 wickets.

Neil Parkinson 11 (1 x 4), Duncan Hobbs  33  (4 x 4's), Colin Taylor  25  (3 x 4's) (1 x 6), Sean Goodger 20  (1 x 4, 1 x4), Richard Johnson  32 n.o (5 x 4's), John Loveday 29 (3 x 4's) (1 x 6)

In reply after tea, Chrishall got off to a poor start losing both openers Lucas & Loveday in the first 2 overs for only 4 runs to opening bowlers Sean Goodger & Adam Johnson. Numbers 3 & 4 bats Harris (22) & Zygmunt (33) got the visitors back on track before losing their wickets to Bulsara & Birch respectively. Later number 7,Tom Picton had  a possible victory on the cards for Chrishall before holing out to Percy Bulsara off Goodger's bowling when on 45. Duncan Hobbs secured victory for the home side dismissing Roberts for the last wicket, with Chrishall falling 33 runs short of victory. 

Sean Goodger (3 for 32), Adam Johnson (1 for 33) John Loveday (1 for 24), Percy Bulsara ( 2 for 27) Dennis Birch (1 for 22) Oliver Revett ( 1 for 12)Duncan Hobbs (1 for 0) 

Team - John Loveday (captain), Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Percy Bulsara, Dennis Birch, Sean Goodger, Andrew Revett, Richard Johnson, Adam Johnson, Colin Taylor & Oliver Revett.

Saturday May 16th

away, against

Hampton

Match cancelled

Sunday May 10th

away, against

Loddington & Mawsley

GOODGER GETS CROFT BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Welney won by 7 wickets. Loddington & Mawsley 138 (33 overs), Welney Croft  142 for 3 wkts  (28 overs)

The club's second match of the season was played mostly in glorious sunshine at Mawsley, Loddington's second ground, near Rusden in Northants.

Welney won the toss and invited the home side to bat first. Opening bowlers John Dale & Sean Goodger troubled the home batsmen from the start and had them struggling on 33 runs for 4 wkts after only 8 overs - Goodger ( 4 for 19), Dale (0 for 16) in their opening spells. With the fast dry out field runs were there to be had. 49 runs were added for the 7th wicket partnership between Daniel (16) and Alford (31), with John Loveday (2 for 13) and Dennis Birch (2 for 16) helping to clear the tail enders. Loddington finishing on 138 in 33 overs.

John Dale ( 1 for 31), Sean Goodger (4 for 28), John Loveday (2 for 13), Percy Bulsara ( 0 for 33), Dennis Birch 2 for 16) 

New opening pair Stephen Revett and Duncan Hobbs played steadily in making a fine  half century partnership keeping well up with the clock. Revett was first back in the pavillion (31) scoring 20 in boundaries. Neil Parkinson (18) joined Hobbs to keep the score on target. Hobbs finnished on 22.It was left to Dennis Birch 9 n.o and Sean Goodger 39 n.o to hit off the winning runs. Sean's innings including 7 fours and 1 six - 32 in boundaries. Welney reaching their target with Goodger four and finishing on 142 having lost only 3 wickets.

A fine all round performance from Sean, his first match of the season, helped Croft back to winning ways!

Stephen Revett 31 (5 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs  22 (3 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 18 (2 x 4's), Sean Goodger 39 n.o ((7 x 4's , 1 x 6), Dennis Birch 9 n.o.

Team - John Loveday (captain),  Neil Parkinson, John Dale, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, Percy Bulsara, Gareth Kent, Dennis Birch, Sean Goodger, Andrew Revett.

Monday May 4th

away, against

Castor & Ailesworth 2nd

Match Cancelled due to rain

Sunday April 26th

away, against

Parson Drove

OPENING SEASON SHOCKER !

Parson Drove won by 93 runs; Parson Drove 134 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 41 (28 overs)

After a good start Welney's opening bowlers  John Dale & John Rowland restricted the home side to just 14 runs off the first 10 overs - Dale (0 for 3 off 5 overs) & John Rowland (1 for 6 off overs). Then Parson Droves second, third & fourth batsmen Pritchard (23), Hill (34) and Lewis (44} made the most of dropped catches in the field and some generally loose bowling to allow them to record the respectable total of 138 for 8 wickets off their alloted 40 overs - possibly 50 more than they should have?

John Dale ( 1 for 5), John Rowland (2 for 19), John Loveday ( 3 for 20)), Percy Bulsara  ( 0 for 17) Stephen Revett, (1 for 45)  Danny Horn (1 for 19)

In reply after tea, Welney never looked comfortable on the "plastic" wicket, the opening partnership between Stephen Kent and Stephen Revett lasted for 25 minutes before Kent departed and Revett  (13) ten minutes later - the only player to get into double figures. Apart from Neil Parkinson, who carried his bat through to the end, the rest failed dismally, the team score of 41 being the lowest recorded for many seasons.

Paron Drove's 93 run victory was their first win over Welney since our fixtures started  in 2007.

Excuses can be made  for the match being the first of the season with very little practise and playing on an artificial wicket, but this still can not hide a poor all round performance.

Stephen Revett       13    (1 x 4)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, John Dale, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, Percy Bulsara, Colin Taylor, John Rowland, Gareth Kent & Danny Horn.