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Sandhurst 1st XI
Emmbrook & Bearwood 1st
XI 124
Sandhurst 1st XI 126-2
Berkshire Cricket League premier division
RESULTS elsewhere prevented Sandhurst from taking top honours in the Berkshire
League premier division, but they capped off a stunning season with an emphatic win over stragglers Emmbrook & Bearwood
(August 29th).
Keen to bat first to target the maximum 35 points, skipper Chris Pharo lost the toss and
was asked to field. According to reports, this decision was taken by a weakened home team because they expected to be rolled
over and were wanting to end a dismal season as soon as possible and drown their sorrows.
If this was the case,
then it makes a mockery of the league's points system. With points like gold dust on the final day of the season, as up to
five team pushed for glory, this coin toss could have determined the direction in which the premier division title went. As
it transpired, the additional five points would have secured runners-up spot for Sandhurst.
The championship
itself went to Grosvenor, after their win over Sulhamstead & Ufton, making Sandhurst's result academic. Mortimer
West End claimed second, with Sandhurst finishing a creditable third spot.
Against Emmbrook & Bearwood, though,
Pharo's team did all they could do. Emmbrook were ticking along at 99-3, before crumbling to 124 all out. Aron Shallom took
4-14 and Sumit Malla 3-29.
Sandhurst openers Des Sussex and Graham Sanders put on 80 for the first wicket. Sussex went for 34, while Sanders
made 58. Victory was achieved in the 17th over, as Sandhurst were triumphant by eight wickets.
*
The best Sandhurst had previously managed was third, but once the initial disappointment subsides of missing out on the top
prize, they will reflect on what has been a tremendous season. Considering the narrow escape from relegation in 2008, this
year has been a fantastic turn-around.
Sandhurst 1st XI 252-5 Crown
Wood 228-5
Berkshire Cricket League premier division
SANDHURST missed the chance to return to the top of the table after managing
just a winning draw in their penultimate match, at home to Crown Wood on Saturday (August 22nd).
Chris
Pharo declared the innings on what appeared a healthy 252-5, from 43 overs. Aron Shallom top scored with 81. Ashfaque Rahman
blasted an unbeaten 59, which included four 6s - the pair put on 104 for the fourth wicket.
In reply, Crown Wood
were on the ropes at 107-5, but Ravi Godbole refused to budge. He was still there at the end on 95. Sandhurst were unable
to dislodge another wicket, and could do no better than a winning draw.
Jaemie Gale spilled a good chance, which
may have altered the outcome but - in truth - the spark went from Sandhurst's game too swiftly when things failed to go their
way.
Rahman took two wickets, but it was most definitely a batsmen's track. As the Crown Wood innings wore on,
the chance of a sixth wicket for Sandhurst appeared more and more remote.
Sandhurst collected 20 points from
this winning draw, and remain fourth in the table. Stoke Row are top, but just 0.571 average points ahead of Pharo's team.
(This is even closer than originally thought after it was discovered that Sandhurst were due an additional two points).
Stoke Row 1st XI 103-6 Sandhurst
1st XI 102
Berkshire Cricket League premier division
ECSTASY turned to agony for Chris Pharo's championship-chasing
team, as they crumbled to defeat at Stoke Row (August 15th), with the finishing line in sight.
After wins
over high-flyers Grosvenor and Sulhamstead & Ufton in recent weeks, this reversal of fortune was a bitter blow in the
side's bid for the premier division crown. Sandhurst slip to fourth, with Mortimer West End back on top after a win over Swindon
NALGO.
Having lost the toss, Sandhurst batted first, on a tricky track. Des Sussex went cheaply, chopping on. He
was rapidly followed back to the pavilion by the out-of-sorts Simon Massey and Anthony Clapham, who had
been in pretty good form recently. Aron Shallom got into his stride, but eventually went for 30.
Ashfaque Rahman
was involved in a comical run-out with Andy Tutty. Tutty then got an unplayable delivery, which hit the deck and ran along
the ground to nudge the base of the stumps. Sumit Malla was another run-out victim, having reached 17.
In all,
it was x-rated stuff - and not of the sexy variety ... more a horror show, as the 1st XI just about crept into treble figures
before being dismissed for only 102.
Stoke Row finished off Sandhurst so early that tea was delayed, and the visitors
certainly worked up an appetite, with a gutsy, fiery response. As such, Stoke Row settled down at the interval on a nervy
21-3.
An unforgivable piece of gamesmanship saw Sandhurst denied a crucial breakthrough soon after the re-start,
and by the time Stoke Row lost their fourth wicket for a 'second' time, they had worked their way to 70-odd and into a match-winning
position. Shallom took three wickets.
Sandhurst 1st XI 252-4dec
Sulhamstead & Ufton 1st XI 146
Berkshire Cricket League premier division
SANDHURST recorded a second successive win over a title rival, as Sulhamstead
& Ufton were blown away at the Memorial Park on Saturday (August 8th).
Playing their first match since beating high-flying Grosvenor two weeks ago, Sandhurst maintained
their momentum with a blistering display against a team which began the day one place below them in fifth. Victory lifted
Sandhurst to second in the table, less than half an average point behind new leaders Swindon NALGO.
Skipper Chris
Pharo was keen to bat first were he to win the toss. Sulhamstead called right, then duly obliged by opting to field first.
A highly dubious LBW decision cost opener Simon Massey (2) his wicket, with the score on just 12. Without Graham Sanders
in the side, all-rounder Aron Shallom was handed the responsibility of opening the innings, and grasped it with both hands.
Shallom took on Sulhamstead's bowlers, blasting his way to a top score of 78, which included nine 4s and four
6s. His was the third wicket to fall, with the score on 109. Adam Birch had earlier been caught and bowled for just six.
Anthony Clapham and Ashfaque Rahman came together for the fourth wicket and put on 102, before Rahman was caught
going for another big shot. He made 74 from just 51 deliveries. His 50 was brought up with two successive sixes, with 46 of
the runs coming in boundaries!
Clapham was steady throughout and remained unbeaten on 64 when Pharo called
time on the innings after 43 overs, with Sandhurst sitting on 252-4.
Sulhamstead's batsmen were no match for Sandhurst's
bowlers. Andrew Bradshaw dismantled the opening pair with a fiery burst. Rahman completed a fine afternoon personally with
two wickets of his own. Martin Pharo - elevated from the 2nd XI - took 2-30, while fellow-spinner Jaemie Gayle snatched many
of the bowling plaudits with 4-25.
The first 15 overs went for 80-odd, but wickets kept tumbling and the tail was
unable to waggle too much as Sulhamstead succumbed to 146 all out.
* In Sulhamstead's defence, they were without
their regular skipper - who was also their wicket-keeper. In the words of one of his team-mates: "He went AWOL this morning.
Nobody has heard from him, so we had no idea which players were available. As a result, we've had to draft in players from
our other sides."
Grosvenor 151 Sandhurst 1st
XI 193-8
Berkshire Cricket League premier division
SANDHURST'S push for premier division
glory received a timely boost on Saturday (July 25th), as they swept to a 42-run victory over a Grosvenor side which began
the day on top of the pile.
Without a win in their previous three games, the 1st XI were in danger of
slipping out of title contention, but showed great character in beating Grosvenor convincingly with - arguably an understrength
side.
Most players chipped in with runs, as Sandhurst reached 193-8 from their 45 overs. Adam Birch marked
his return to first team duties with a top score of 36. Graham Sanders (29), Ashfaque Rahman (28), Andrew Bradshaw (25 not
out, including one huge six) and Anthony Clapham (24) also contributed to the cause.
Grosvenor's reply began badly,
losing their first wicket without a run on the board. After this, they were rarely in the running, losing wickets at
regular intervals.
Bradshaw followed up his form with the bat by taking three wickets. Sumit Malla picked up 2-8,
while Mark Clapham - though wicket-less - leaked just 11 runs from his six overs.
At 70-6, the writing was on the
wall for Grosvenor. A late flurry pushed them beyond 150, but only just, as they were skittled out for just 151.
Sandhurst 1st XI 179 Swindon
NALGO 182-9
Berkshire Cricket League premier division WITH a third of the season remaining, Sandhurst
may be glad to see the back of July, having suffered a loss and two losing draws in the month - a run which threatens to wreck
their premier division title aspirations.
Batting first, Sandhurst managed 179. Opener Graham Sanders
(82) was back amongst the runs.
Swindon were in a spot of bother mid-innings, but managed to squeeze home for the
loss of nine wickets.
Mortimer West End 1st XI 277-7
Sandhurst 1st XI 213-7
Berkshire Cricket League premier division SANDHURST'S first eleven were on the end of a
second successive losing draw, and slipped to joint-third place in the premier division, though there's now less than three
points separating the top six sides.
Chris Pharo won the toss and put Mortimer in to bat. His bowlers
were in charitable mood and allowed the reigning champions to post 277-7 from their allotted overs. Aron Shallom took a couple
of wickets but, in the words of Pharo: "Everybody else went for loads."
The wheel fell off Sandhurst's
run chase with the early and cheap dismissal of Graham Sanders (16) and Simon Massey (0), making the winning target of 278
seem even more distant.
It was left to the middle order to push on for the bonus batting points. Anthony Clapham
(62, above), Andy Tutty (34) and Chris Pharo (31 not out) worked well, as the first eleven closed on 213-7.
In
collecting just nine points for the losing draw, Sandhurst dropped to third in the table. There are seven games remaining,
and the premier division title is still very much up for grabs.
Sandhurst 1st XI 228-8 Peppard
1st XI 246-9
Berkshire Cricket League premier division SANDHURST have only themselves to blame for suffering
a losing draw at home to title rivals Peppard on Saturday (July 4th).
Chris Pharo's team - leaders at the start of play - bravely fell 19 short in their run chase. Earlier,
though, they had gifted Peppard 35 extras. Peppard's bowlers were a lot tidier, giving away just seven additional runs in
extras ... and there lay the difference.
After being put into bat, Peppard built steadily, with Paul Vines making
a useful 72. Gerry Bacon (49) fell just short of a half century, while Matt Reeves (39) - who later did damage with the ball
- showed he can also bat.
Sandhurst conceded far too many extras, among them being 21 wides. They also succumbed
to a late onslaught from the visitors, as Peppard peppered the boundary to chalk up 44 runs off the final four overs!
The pick of the Sandhurst bowlers was Ashfaque Rahman (4-43), who is almost certainly the find of the season.
Chasing
247 to win, but minus Graham Sanders, the 1st XI still had enough in the batting department to place themselves in a winning
position. From 212-4, the challenge faltered somewhat, as Sandhurst slipped to 212-7 - including a first-baller for Chris
Pharo. Andy Tutty (5) also went cheaply.
It was left to Sumit Malla and Jaemie Gale to hang on at the end for a
losing draw, closing on 228-8. Rahman top scored, with a rapid-fire 52 from 48 deliveries. Simon Massey (46) and Des Sussex
(44) also contributed. Peppard's top bowlers were all-rounder Matt Reeves (3-38) and Roy Haydon (3-31).
Sandhurst 1st XI 138-3
Emmbrook & Bearwood 1st XI 135
Berkshire
League premier division
AN unbeaten 73 from Graham Sanders propelled Sandhurst
to a seven wicket win over Emmbrook & Bearwood (June 27th) and catapulted them to the top of the Berkshire League premier
division.
Emmbrook won the toss and batted first, a decision they may have regretted as Andrew Bradshaw
split the openers with just 16 runs on the board.
The visitors, though, knuckled down and put on 85 for
the second wicket, before Jordan Clement (2-18) triggered a collapse. The ever-reliable Ashfaque Rahman (4-25) was again in
the thick of things, while Sumit Malla (2-24) also contributed to Emmbrook's downfall.
But it was Jaemie Gale's
(1-3) solitary scalp - a controversial LBW - which brought out the worst in a disappointed Emmbrook, with abuse hurled
at the Sandhurst umpire. This did little to enhance Emmbrook's reputation, as they crumbled from 101-1 to 135 all out!
Sandhurst expected some kind of 'response', but did not imagine it would be as swift as it was - the first ball
of the innings. Opener Simon Massey left one outside the off stump, only to be given out by the Emmbrook umpire.
This only served to make this more steely Sandhurst more determined and, though Andy Tutty went cheaply (16-2), the pair
of Sanders and Anthony Clapham (30) pushed on.
When Clapham fell, Sanders and Rahman (20 not out) finished the
job. Sanders made sure with two terrific sixes, as Sandhurst won by seven wickets to pick up 30 points.
All other
results went their way, with Sulhamstead, Mortimer West End and Peppard all beaten, which elevated Sandhurst to top spot.
The season has reached the mid-way point ... and it's tight, with a little more than two average points separating
the leading five sides.
Sandhurst's title aspirations could be determined over the next four weeks, as they tackle Peppard,
Mortimer West End, Swindon and Grosvenor.
Crown Wood 1st XI 173 Sandhurst
1st XI 221-8
Berkshire Cricket League premier division
SANDHURST'S fine form continued on Saturday (June
20th), but they needed middle-order heroics to put the match beyond Crown Wood and keep the pressure on the leaders.
Skipper Chris Pharo won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision which appeared flawed
as the top order - minus the reliable Graham Sanders - crumbled to 17-4. Pharo went for four, Adam Birch made 10, while Aron
Shallom and Andy Tutty registered a run apiece.
But out of the wreckage strode two saviours, in the form of Ashfaque Rahman and Anthony Clapham, who put on 147 for
the fifth wicket. Clapham made 71, while Rahman contributed 80.
Little followed, with only Sumit Malla (18) reaching double figures, but Rahman and Clapham had done enough
to salvage the innings, as Sandhurst closed on 221-8. Ravi Godbole (4-47) was the pick of the Crown Wood bowlers.
Crown Wood went for the total from ball one and were going along at the required rate, but some excellent bowling from Andrew
Bradshaw (2-44) and Sumit Malla (3-36) tore through the middle order, leaving Jaemie Gale (3-5) to blow away the tail at the
end and wrap up victory by 48 runs.
* It's now even tighter at the top of the Premier Division. Less than three
points separates leaders Sulhamstead & Ufton (24.857 avg) with fourth-placed Sandhurst (22). Mortimer and Peppard, second
and third respectively, both lie on 23 points.
Sandhurst 1st XI 239-7 Stoke
Row 200-7
Berkshire League premier division
THIS season's Premier Division appears wide
open, with just five points separating the top five sides, and Sandhurst are in the thick of it.
They
were denied victory at home on Saturday (June 13th), but emerged with a winning draw against Stoke Row after another destructive
batting display.
Batting first, opener Graham Sanders (81) led the charge, with useful support from skipper Chris
Pharo (50) and all-rounder Andy Tutty (41). The home side ended on 239-7.
On what was a decent track for batting,
Stoke Row ran out of overs in their pursuit, though not before Nicky Howell (53) and Darren Clark (52 not out) had reached
half centuries. Sandhurst were thwarted in their bid for a second straight win, with Stoke Row holding out on 200-7.
Sandhurst collected 21 points for their troubles, and remain fourth in the table, but weekend results suggest that the title
is up for grabs. Leaders Sulhamstead & Ufton were beaten by Pinkneys Green. Pinkneys began the day bottom of the pile,
and without a win.
Last season's runners-up, Swindon NALGO, are having an indifferent campaign and lie sixth in
the table.
Sandhurst are fourth, less than five points behind Sulhamstead, and have a great chance to push on with
a trip to bottom side Crown Wood this weekend. Beware, though, because as was shown last weekend, the basement boys are capable
of springing a surprise! Pinkneys Green 216
Sandhurst
1st XI 217-2
Berkshire League premier division SANDHURST made short work of Pinkneys Green as
they romped to victory by eight wickets in double-quick time to register their second win of the season (May 30th).
Pinkneys batted first and were dismissed for 216, due in the main to a wonderful spell of bowling from Ashfaque
Rahman. Rahman returned match figures of 5-47. It could have been even better, though, as the home side were 46-6 at
one stage. One of their batsmen then decided to throw caution to the wind and have a dip.
The win was never in
doubt, especially as Graham Sanders and Simon Massey were in free-scoring mood. Sanders, in seeking to beat
his batting partner to three figures, holed out when on 71. That left Massey to post the big one, as he finished unbeaten
on 100, as Sandhurst raced to victory in just 27 overs.
Sandhurst 1st XI 220-7 Grosvenor
222-7
Berkshire League premier division CATCHES win matches, so the saying goes. It's
also safe to suggest that dropped catches lose matches, especially when as many as seven chances go begging.
That
was the case for Sandhurst 1st XI on Saturday (May 23rd), as they gifted Grosvenor victory by three wickets in a high-scoring
game at home.
Skipper Chris Pharo was at a loss to explain the defeat - Sandhurst's second in three games.
Batting first, the 1st XI enjoyed the May sunshine with an impressive 220-7 from their 45 overs. Aron Shallom (72) top scored,
while Des Sussex (33 not out) also contributed toward the end. Grosvenor's best bowler was M Khan (3-47).
Grosvenor were there for the taking and ought not
to have got anywhere near Sandhurst's total. But if you fail to hold the chances when they come your way, then expect to be
punished. The premier division newcomers did just that, as they reached the target with five balls and three wickets to spare.
Andy Tutty was Sandhurst's best bowler, taking
3-55. His figures, and the figures of fellow-bowlers, would have been so much better had the chances not gone begging.
Pharo will take comfort in the knowledge that the batting looks in good shape. The bowlers certainly worked hard enough
to take seven wickets and create numerous wicket-taking opportunities ... only the fielding let them down. Sandhurst 1st XI 164-6
Mortimer
West End 1st XI 167-4
Berkshire League premier division ANTHONY Clapham and Jordan Clement put on an unbeaten 64 for the seventh
wicket, but defending premier division champions Mortimer West End were not to be denied their first win of the season.
Sandhurst 1st XI captain, Chris Pharo, was without leading batsman Graham Sanders or all-rounder Des Sussex, and had
to rely on the youngsters - Clapham (47 not out), Adam Birch (39) and Clement (21 not out) - to score the runs.
Openers Pharo and Birch laid the foundations, but wickets fell too regularly, from 43 without loss to 100 for six.
Clapham and Clement combined to push the total to 164.
In reply, Aron Shallom - still not fully fit - picked up
two wickets, but a crucial LBW shout went against the home side, with Mortimer West End requiring about 50 for victory, and
that signalled the end of Sandhurst's hopes.
Sandhurst are now third in the table, after a mixed start to the season.
Peppard 1st XI 119 Sandhurst
1st XI 158-9 IF the league season were but one match, then Sandhurst would be crowned
champions of the premier division. Sadly, that's not the case, though they do sit atop the table after opening with a
39-run win at Peppard.
Bowler Ashfaque Rahman dazzled on his league debut for Sandhurst,
returning figures of 3-27. Equally impressive was the fiery Andrew Bradshaw (4-36). Between them, they halted Peppard's
charge toward their victory target of 159.
Earlier, Sandhurst managed 158-9 from their overs. Under normal circumstances,
a modest total, but the mix of power, pace and guile, proved too much for Peppard, who were skittled out for just 119.
Sandhurst Sunday XI 157
North Maidenhead
226
THE story of the season came back to
haunt Sandhurst Sunday XI, as a series of dropped catches cost them dear in a 69-run home defeat by North Maidenhead (September
6th).
North Maidenhead batted first and, although they were held back early on by Sandhurst's
bowlers, the fielding errors gave them confidence.
Mark Honey - playing his first full game behind the stumps -
took a sensational catch off Mark Clapham. Honey, though, did put down three regulation efforts.
Sloppy work in
the field enabled the visitors to chalk up 226 from their 40 overs. Mark Clapham took 2-18 from five overs. Furqan Shakir
returned figures of 2-18 from three overs.
In reply, Sandhurst lost wickets at regular intervals and struggled
to keep pace with the run-rate.
Mark Honey (32) was joint top scorer, along with extras. Anthony Clapham made 23,
but the North Maidenhead total was never really under threat, as Sandhurst managed just 159.
Pinkneys Green 125
Sandhurst
Sunday XI 169
Friendly
RICHARD
Jenkins' Sunday side got back to winning ways with a 44 run victory at Pinkneys Green (August 30th), thanks to the blend of
youth and experience.
Alan Feltz steadied the ship with a solid 45, after the opening three batsmen
crumbled with only 13 on the board. Young ace Sunam Malla then strode to the middle, failed to score off the first two deliveries,
before smashing 59 off the next 36 balls!
Few other players found any form - the last five batsmen combined for
a miserable 18 runs. With extras contributing 25, the visitors managed 169 all out from 38 overs.
Pinkneys
found Sandhurst's fielders in charitable mood once again. The counting stopped after five catches were put down, though bowling
was tidy.
The margin of victory would have been much greater, were it not for the staggering 34 runs gifted in
extras!
Pick of the Sandhurst bowlers was Tom White (3-24). Other notable contributions came from Imran Shakir
(2-19) and Richard Jenkins (2-9). Jenkins' display with the ball did little to erase the nightmare of his batting 'cameo'.
He turned to sweep the first ball down the leg-side, only to glance the cherry straight into his stumps!
* Pinkneys'
players failed to stick around for too long in the middle. After the match, they failed to stick around at all. Indeed, Sandhurst
were even left to fill in their scorebook.
Sandhurst Sunday XI 192
Crane 193-5 POOR fielding
finds a way of coming back to punish you. And so it was, as five spilled chances - on a scorching day - left Sandhurst Sunday
red-faced in a five-wicket loss to Crane (August 23rd).
Batting first,
the home team were dismissed for 192 from their 40 overs. At one stage, a score in excess of 200 looked on the cards, thanks
to useful knocks from Nayeem (42), Alan Feltz (31) and Sumit Malla (24). A clatter of wickets, though, put paid to that.
Twelve-year-old Indrabir Gill was among the wickets, taking 2-17, but it was Nik Patel who proved the pick of the
Crane bowlers, with 3-15.
Crane's opening batsmen took an instant liking to the Sandhurst bowlers. Hardeep Khangura finished on 110, Wahid Butt 46, before a little
cameo by Zahir Ibrahim (21) saw them home, for the loss of five wickets.
Sandhurst stalwart Martin Bridges emerged
with his reputation intact, taking 3-23. Skipper Richard Jenkins took 2-29. Kevin Speakman went for 15-an-over. Russell Rahman
was tonked for 26 from his two overs, while Nayeem was also expensive at 11-an-over from four.
A bit more energy
was shown than the previous week, but clearly there are areas which need huge improvement.
Binfield 213-2
Sandhurst Sunday XI
145-8
WHILE Sandhurst seemingly wilted on a sunny Sunday afternoon, hosts Binfield barely broke sweat
in this one-sided affair (August 16th).
Binfield failed to register
a run from the first three overs, before opening up the shoulders and smashing Sandhurst's bowlers to all corners of the park
on the way to 213. In reaching this decent total, they managed to lose just two wickets - falling to the father/son duo of
Furqan and Imran Shakir.
Matt Humphrey top scored with 89. Tony Boad remained unbeaten on 62.
The Sandhurst
energy levels were low and the spark missing. There seemed to be a lack of urgency, and the lacklustre approach was duly punished
by Binfield.
Sandhurst's top five batsmen all got started, but failed to push on. Wickets fell far too easily,
leaving Keith Herbert and top-scorer Jamie McDermott (24) to cling on toward the end.
Emmbrook & Bearwood 98-9
Sandhurst
Sunday XI 100-3
EMMBROOK & Bearwood's 1st XI may have undone
Berkshire Cricket League premier division champions Mortimer West End the previous day, but their Sunday side had no answer
to Sandhurst who cruised to a seven-wicket win with room to spare (August 9th).
The home side batted first.
With just ten players, they were quickly enjoying tea after being dismissed for only 98. Martin Bridges was the pick
of the Sandhurst bowlers, taking 2-12 from five overs, which included the chance of a hat-trick!
Sandhurst wasted
little time in chasing down the runs. Kevin Speakman top scored, with 41, as the visitors wrapped up the win in just 15 overs.
Sandhurst Sunday XI 135
Aldershot
216-7
SANDHURST were given a sound thumping at home by Aldershot
on Sunday (July 19th), losing by 81 runs. Stand-in skipper Adam
Birch used seven bowlers after opting to put Aldershot in, as the visitors punished some erratic fielding with a daunting
total of 216-7 from their 40 overs. Anthony Clapham was the best of the
bowlers, taking 2-44. S Jabar finished unbeaten on 106 for Aldershot. Sandhurst's
reply began badly, with both openers succumbing for one run apiece. Mark Honey (18) and Alan Feltz (18) tried to repair the
damage, but the mountain was too steep to conquer. Birch, Sunam Malla and Imran all got started,
but failed to push on. Sandhurst fell some way short, being dismissed for a paltry 135, to gift Aldershot a comprehensive
victory.
Hawley 98-3 Sandhurst Sunday XI 96
SUNDAY skipper Richard Jenkins suffered
his first defeat of the season, as a sloppy Sandhurst were crushed by near-neighbours Hawley (July 5th).
It was a dire performance, which left Jenkins struggling to explain.
Batting first, Sandhurst lacked patience
and discipline in the middle. The dismissal of Nayeem (2) and Mark Honey (0) left Sandhurst on 8-2.
Just three
players reached double figures - Sunam Malla (31 not out), Richard Fleming (15) and Alan Feltz (13). Fleming and Feltz were
the only players to dig in and stick around.
After Feltz fell, with the score on 30, Fleming tried to prop
up one end. Unfortunately, too many team-mates came and went. Jamie McDermott went first ball. Martin Bridges was trapped
lbw for a third-ball duck. When Fleming became the seventh wicket, after 15 overs at the crease, Hawley were able to pick
up more cheap scalps. Jenkins lasted one ball. Keith Herbert made 9.
Malla and Richard Dobson put on a tenth
wicket partnership of 31, before Dobson's dismissal brought the agony to an end in the 26th over.
Hawley set about
the miserly target with a great deal more focus and determination. Their run chase was aided by a lacklustre Sandhurst,
whose fielding mirrored their batting - short on energy, a competitive edge and concentration. The home side
scampered to victory for the loss of three wickets in the 18th over.
Wokingham 212-7
Sandhurst Sunday
XI 215-4
SANDHURST Sunday produced
another fine result last weekend (June 21st), as they beat Wokingham by six wickets, but more importantly the outcome was
determined by impressive batting displays from two of the club's younger players.
Wokingham batted first
and amassed what they felt would be a match-winning score of 212-7 from their 40 overs.
It's key, at this
point, to hail the cameo roles played by two of Sandhurst's colts, Ryan Honey and Connor Pharo. Ryan bowled a wicket maiden,
while Connor enjoyed 1-21 from his three, tidy overs.
Then came the turn of Sandhurst
to chase down the runs.
The opening pair of Anthony Clapham and Jordan Clement set about chasing the total but
Clapham could not follow up his Saturday form and only scored 10. Nayeem entered the fray and, after his customary wild slashes,
settled down to play a controlled innings.
Clement went on to score 54 before being caught, going for another boundary.
This brought Alan Feltz in to the equation. He went for 11, handing Wokingham the initiative.
From his dazzling
display for the 2nd XI, a confident Mark Honey strode out, and started to pick up the run rate with Nayeem.
Drinks brought the customary fall of a wicket, with Nayeem getting out for 50. This brought
the skipper, Richard Jenkins (19 not out), to the middle and both he and Honey (54 not out) managed to surpass the Wokingham
total with an over to go.
Sandhurst Sunday XI 193-8
Crown Wood 2nd XI 111
Friendly SANDHURST Sunday XI made it two convincing wins
in a row, as they proved too strong for a young Crown Wood side to triumph by 82 runs (May 24th).
On a
scorching afternoon, under a cloudless sky, Sandhurst batted first and posted a decent 193-8. Much of the hard work was done
early on, through Jordan Clement (36) and the two top scorers, Sumit Malla (54 not out) and Alan Feltz (51 retired).
Clement found his range, and clubbed the Crown Wood bowlers, forcing the fielders to scurry around in sapping conditions.
His departure brought Feltz to the middle, who was a little more patient in registering his second successive 50 for the Sunday
side. Alongside him was the stylish Malla, who had been given a chance to wield the willow, and didn't disappoint.
Only one other Sandhurst player made double figures, though, as the middle order threatened to undo all the early groundwork.
Four players went without scoring, which forced Malla to make a return (having retired at 50), and help Sandhurst see out
their 40 overs.
Crown Wood lost wickets at regular intervals, and were never really up with the run rate required.
Six of the seven bowlers took a wicket, including Keith Herbert (3-17), who bagged the danger man, D Cartledge (28), in his
first-ever over for the club!
Richard Fleming,
meanwhile, got the rare chance to turn his arm, and snapped up 2-20, before Crown Wood were dismissed for 111 at
the end of the 31st over, handing Sandhurst a comfortable victory.
Sandhurst Sunday XI 246-2 Hawley
180-8
Friendly fixture JUST a day after starring with the bat for the 1st
XI, the ever-improving Anthony Clapham went even better for Sandhurst Sunday, firing an unbeaten 114 in a comprehensive home
win over neighbours Hawley.
It proved a good toss to lose for Sunday skipper, Richard Jenkins, as his
team totalled a mammoth 246-2 from their 40 overs.
Clapham was again well supported by Jordan Clement (48), while
Alan Feltz got in on the act with a fine score of 51 not out. Hawley’s
reply was encouraged by more below-par fielding, but the bowlers did enough to restrict the visitors to 180-8. The pick of
the bunch was newcomer Sumit Malla (3-42), while Feltz capped off a fine day with his first-ever wicket for the club, to dismiss
Hawley’s skipper - and top scorer - Richard Miles (53). Skipper Jenkins,
though thoroughly delighted with the win, added: “I think fielding practice will be the order of the day at nets, as
more chances were again put down, which would have restricted Hawley to far less than they achieved. That said, a great win.”
Sandhurst Midweek XI
Sandhurst Midweek XI 99-5
Finchampstead 214-2
Bracknell & District Evening Cricket League Cup final
SANDHURST relinquished the Midweek League Cup
on Wednesday (August 5th), as Aaron Todd single-handedly swept Finchampstead to victory by 115 runs.
The
one-time Western Australia U17, who averages 39 for Finch 1st XI, finished unbeaten on 149 as the challengers set the cup
holders a staggering 215 to win from 16 eight-ball overs.
Todd's performance was astounding, though not surprising
for a player who earlier this year featured in the First Grade Grand Final at the WACA Ground in Perth. It confirmed Finchampstead's
desperate desire to wrestle the trophy away from Sandhurst, in fielding their star overseas player.
Fielding positions
were pointless, against a player of Todd's worth, as he found gaps with ease. Sandhurst skipper Adam Birch commented: "It
was impressive to watch. Just a shame it was us on the receiving end."
Against a defensive field, Sandhurst's
reply was always likely to fall short. Tight bowling also stifled any ideas of chasing down the mammoth total, as the defending
champions batted out their overs to finish on 99-5. Saj Shafi made 42, while Birch contributed 24.
"There's
little you can do when facing a player of that calibre at our level of cricket," explained Birch afterwards.
"Nobody was too disappointed with the outcome, as they were two evenly-matched teams ... bar one."
Binfield 149-5
Sandhurst
Midweek XI 189-9
Bracknell & District Midweek League Cup semi-final
ADAM Birch has led Sandhurst
into the League Cup final for a second successive season after a second successive victory over Binfield (June 30th).
Having beaten Binfield in the league the week before, Sandhurst's openers of Des Sussex and Saj Shafi
set the stage for a big score with a stand of 128 from the first nine overs.
Sussex made 84, while Shafi went
for 42. This attacking approach forced the home team to position their fielders on the boundary for the latter half of the
Sandhurst innings, allowing for a big score of 189-9, though a number of wickets were thrown away - among them three suicidal
run outs.
Binfield's reply was frustrated by tight bowling early on, as the hosts managed just 65 from the first
eight overs. Andrew Bradshaw, for the second game in a row, was on a hat-trick at one stage.
Sandhurst eased to
victory by 40 runs, as Binfield managed just 149-5. The Midweek XI will now face Finchampstead in the final
of the League Cup, to be staged at Bracknell on July 24th.
Binfield 147-8 Sandhurst 177-4
Bracknell & District Midweek League division one
SANDHURST remain on course for a league and
cup double after enjoying a resounding 30-run win at Binfield (June 23rd).
Adam Birch's side -
the league cup holders - return to Binfield on Tuesday to try and book their place in the final of that particular competition.
Batting first, the Midweek XI played positively in reaching 177-4. Aron Shallom top scored with 44, with Ashfaque
Rahman (42 not out) and Birch (30) also making useful contributions.
In reply, tight bowling frustrated the home
side, who only managed 50 runs from their first eight overs. Andrew Bradshaw certainly excelled and, at one stage, was on
a hat-trick.
Binfield skipper, Paul Edgington, opened up the throttle and launched a number of huge sixes in his
entertaining innings of 61, but the early work paid off, as the hosts ran out of overs.
Bradshaw finished with
figures of 3-26 from his four overs. Rahman took 1-19, while Jordan Clement - who suffered some punishment from Edgington
- ended with 2-43.
Bracknell 115-9
Sandhurst
Midweek XI 116-4
Midweek League Cup quarter-final SANDHURST Midweek
XI seem determined to hang on to their crown after sweeping past Bracknell and in to the last four of the League Cup on Tuesday
(June 2nd).
Bracknell batted first and were restricted to 115-9 from their 16 eight-ball
overs. Wickets were shared between Richard Dobson (2-14), Jordan Clement (2-24) and Mark Clapham (2-30), while excellent fielding
produced three run outs.
In reply, Sandhurst reached the target with more than two overs to spare, for the loss
of just four wickets, to win convincingly. Des Sussex top scored with an unbeaten 51, while Kevin Speakman (50) also reached
his half century.
Skipper Adam Birch said: "It was another really good performance in the
field. Good catches, three run outs - very solid." Wellington College 92
Sandhurst
Midweek XI 97-1
Friendly WELLINGTON College were beaten convincingly by Sandhurst on Thursday (May 28th), who romped
to victory by nine wickets in this one-sided affair.
Batting first, the College mustered just 92 runs
from 19 overs. Newcomer Dan Marsh proved the pick of the bowlers with 2-6, while Sumit Malla (3-22) and Jaemie Gale (2-24)
also played their part.
Sandhurst's reply was swift and ruthless. They swept past the home side's meagre offering
from just 11 overs, for the loss of only one wicket. Another new face, Saj Shafi (28 retired), led the way, with back-up from
not-so-new face Aron Shallom (24 retired) and Jamie McDermott, who finished unbeaten on 20.
Skipper Adam Birch
was more than satisfied with both the result and the manner in which victory was achieved: "We saw some great fielding
in the game and tight bowling. It was a much better improvement from previous weeks in the field." Sandhurst Midweek XI 154-6 Binfield
153-7
Bracknell & District Evening Cricket League SANDHURST'S next generation were again influential,
as the Midweek XI defeated the reigning champions Binfield by four wickets, to continue their fine start to the new season
(May 12th).
The key man, though, was veteran all-rounder Aron Shallom (70), who relished the run chase.
Binfield had earlier won the toss and elected to bat. Their total would have been a more modest one, had it not been
for 33 extras gifted to them by Sandhurst.
The pick of the bowlers was Sumit Malla (3-20). Martin Bridges bagged
two wickets, as did teenager Jordan Clement. Clement also claimed a wonder, one-handed catch out in the deep. Not to
be outdone, Colts player Conor Pharo snaffled one at fly slip as the visitors made 153-7 from their 16 eight-ball overs.
Sandhurst needed a fifth-wicket stand of 63, between Shallom and Jamie McDermott (14), to revive their victory charge,
as they got home for the loss of six wickets. Sandhurst Midweek 244-3 Fujitsu
132
Bracknell & District Evening Cricket League Cup VICTORY came at a canter, but cup holders Sandhurst
will face tougher opposition over the season and cannot afford a repeat of the sloppy fielding which tarnished this result.
Batting first, Sandhurst dominated the flimsy Fujitsu attack. Adam Birch (113 retired) and Richard Jenkins
(27) put on 138 for the first wicket. Anthony Clapham (50) was again amongst the runs, as the home side set Fujitsu a daunting
target.
Fujitsu were rarely in this contest. Sandhurst youngster Connor Pharo was the pick of the bowlers, taking
2-0 from just four deliveries. Ross Darrah (3-18) also played his part, as did Jordan Clement (2-28). Jaemie Gale was left
wicket-less, though he was not helped by six dropped catches off his bowling!
The victory margin of 106 runs could
have been even greater. Suffice to say, there's room for improvement in the key area of fielding.
Emmbrook & Bearwood 106
Sandhurst U13 Spitfires 98-6
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B SANDHURST'S battling under-13s came close
to winning their first game of the season on Monday (July 6th), but dipped short of the finish line in an eight-run defeat
at Emmbrook & Bearwood.
Batting first, the home side just crept into three figures, before being dismissed
for 106. Callum Green bagged three wickets, while Jack O'Neil took two (though he was on a hat-trick).
Sensing
a real chance to finally end their losing streak, Sandhurst got off to a poor start, gifting Emmbrook & Bearwood's youngsters
cheap wickets early on.
Connor Pharo (18) and Dan Bird (17) helped take the Spitfires to the brink of glory, before
the team ran out of steam at 98-6 from their 20 overs.
Manager, Ross Holden, said: "It was
another agonisingly close game, but at the end, we weren't quite good enough." Binfield 191-2
Sandhurst
U13 Spitfires 104-9
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B
ALFIE Gibbons was again on top form with the bat,
but it was not enough to stop Binfield from recording an 87-run victory on Wednesday (June 24th).
Binfield
were gifted between 30-40 runs by Sandhurst, as they set a target of 192 to win in 20 overs. The Spitfires only managed
to take two wickets, as Binfield's batsmen exploited the flat track, fast outfield, and generous fielding. A number of the
Binfield boys retired on reaching 30.
In reply, Alfie reached 30 for a second successive game. He later returned
to finish unbeaten on 39. Connor Pharo - fresh from his exploits with the senior Sunday side - managed to chip in with 17,
as Sandhurst reached their highest total of the season, 104-9.
Manager, Ross Holden, said afterwards:
"This was a much improved batting performance, but Binfield are a strong side and our general fielding let us down."
Sandhurst U13 Spitfires 97-3
Emmbrook & Bearwood 98-6
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B
THE Spitfires played their second game inside
three days (June 18th) and were again left to ask what might have been as they were defeated by Emmbrook & Bearwood at
home.
Batting first, the U13s lost just three wickets on their way to 97. Ryan Honey and Alfie Gibbons
both had to retire on reaching 30 - something which hasn't happened for a number of seasons, so well done lads.
The
total never really looked to be enough and, despite some good bowling, the visitors claimed victory for the loss of six wickets
with an over to spare.
Manager Ross Holden said afterwards: "Again, the lads got mighty close
to their first win of the season, but just missed out, despite some fantastic individual performances by a couple of the lads.
"So, continued improvement but as yet, we're not quite displaying that killer instinct to get us over the line."
Sandhurst U13 Spitfires 96-7
Crown Wood Cyclones 109-7
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B
THE Spitfires came within a whisker of winning
their first game of the season on Monday (June 15th), only to run out of overs in their pursuit of victory at home to Crown
Wood Cyclones.
Crown Wood won the toss and elected to bat, and were restricted to 109-7 from their
20 overs. Sandhurst's bowlers were as tight as they have been all season. Aiden
Buckingham again bowled well and Lewis
Graham kept tidily behind the stumps.
With 110 certainly "getable", Sandhurst opened promisingly with
Lewis chalking up a useful 13 before a flurry of cheap wickets put Crown Wood back in control. Aiden steered 10 useful runs
before retiring unwell. At the end, Connor Pharo was left stranded on 13 not out as Sandhurst ended the 20 overs on 96 for
7.
On this performance, manager Ross Holden knows it's only a matter of time before everything
clicks and the lads get the victory their hard work deserves.
He said: "That's the closest we've come to victory
this season. It was a much better performance and we were just a tad unlucky."
Finchampstead 147-9
Sandhurst
U13 Spitfires 75
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B
SANDHURST Spitfires still await their first
win of the season after falling some way short at Finchampstead on Tuesday (June 9th), but the game produced many positives
for manager Ross Holden.
Finch won the toss and chose to bat,
posting a respectable 147-9. Their skipper, having retired on reaching 30, returned toward the end to finish unbeaten on 58.
It was good to see the Sandhurst lads taking wickets, particularly
some of the newer and younger bowlers. Among them, Jason Wiseman (who found himself on a hat-trick in his second over), Harry
Wilcox and the pacey-looking Aiden Buckingham.
Sandhurst's reply
began brightly before Ryan Honey was unluckily run out. Lewis Graham looked comfortable, while George Holden weighed in with
17, finally losing his wicket on the final ball of the innings.
Ross Holden said afterwards:
"It was a much better all round performance, in a game that was played in great spirits by both sides throughout."
* Finch won by 72 runs. Sandhurst U13 Spitfires 43
Falkland U13 200-3
County Cup 3rd round THE U13 Spitfires were downed by Falkland on Thursday
(May 28th), as their County Cup campaign came to a disappointing end.
Falkland, boasting a number of talented
District players in their team, batted first and racked up an almighty 200 from their 20 overs. Three of their players retired
on reaching 30.
Forced to field four U11s, due to regular players being away for half-term holidays, Sandhurst
needed a daunting 10 runs an over.
It was always asking a lot. Sandhurst, though, fell some way short, as they
were dismissed for just 43.
There were a number of golden moments, notably Mark Paget snatching a wicket with his
very first ball at this level, while Harry Wilcox - making his U13 debut - struck a mature 12 runs, which included two 4s,
and was rightly awarded man-of-the-match.
Sandhurst U13 Spitfires v. Binfield
BYCL Division B SANDHURST U13 Spitfires recovered from a poor
start, but were unable to prevent Binfield recording an eight-wicket win on Wednesday (May 6th).
Electing
to bat first, Spitfires back-fired and were struggling on 8-4. Dan Bird, though, strode to the middle and provided some much-needed
stability with a solid 17.
Indeed, Bird carried his bat as Sandhurst did well to see out their allotted 20 overs
in setting Binfield 55 to win.
All Spitfires bowlers turned their arm over in an attempt to thwart Binfield's charge.
The visitors, though, triumphed for the loss of two wickets with overs to spare.
Manager Ross Holden
said: "Credit to the boys, as they managed to bat the full 20 overs. We can build on this."
 |
|
Sandhurst 2nd XI
Sandhurst 2nd XI 188-8
West
Reading 191-3
Berkshire Cricket League division four
A HEAVY defeat on the final day of the season dashed any hopes
Sandhurst had of finishing runners-up in division four, as West Reading won convincingly by seven wickets to take second spot.
This crucial end-of-season showdown started 12 minutes late, with West Reading fielding just seven players! The rest
arrived in dribs and drabs, leaving their skipper embarrassed and angered.
The 2nd XI are one of the more sporting
sides in the division and - although beaten by a better side on the day - a number of mysterious decisions from West Reading's
umpire left Sandhurst scratching their heads.
So, Sandhurst began with 12 bonus runs, and reached 48 without loss
before Nigel Birt was mysteriously given out. The umpire suggested a nick. Few others in the ground held the same belief,
with clear daylight between bat and ball.
Birt's dismissal triggered a flurry of soft wickets - Kevin Speakman
(1) and Drew Birch (0) - leaving Sandhurst wobbling on 50-3. Adam Birch (30) swished at one soon after and got a top edge,
as the home side's promotion push creaked at 54-4.
Simon Coxwell (28) and Andy Fleming put on 70 for the fifth
wicket, before the skipper succumbed. Fleming had reached 42 before being given run out by the square-leg umpire, in controversial
circumstances.
Though Mark Honey contributed 30 not out, a few late wickets prevented the home team from hitting
the 200 mark, as they managed 188-8 from 45 overs.
In reply, West Reading reached the target in the 35th over,
for the loss of only three wickets. Richard Dobson and Nigel Birt put down two soft chances, while Coxwell looked to have
trapped players LBW on at least two occasions, only for the visiting umpire to keep his finger hidden.
West Reading,
over the season, quite clearly deserved the runners-up spot, but there were elements of their game which, sadly, let them
down.
For the 2nd XI, a disappointing end, but the 2009 campaign has been a cracking one. The highs certainly out-weighed
the lows, and much of that is due to the form and captaincy of Simon Coxwell. Many reasons to be proud ... well done, lads
...
Sulhamstead & Ufton 96
Sandhurst 2nd XI 97-1
Berkshire Cricket League division four
EVEN before the crushing win over Sulhamstead
& Ufton, the Sandhurst 2nd XI knew they would have to win their final game of the season to stand any chance of promotion
- nothing's changed.
Sandhurst remain fourth, after West Reading picked up a 35-point win over Grouse
& Label. Twyford collected 29 points in their victory over Purley.
It means Sandhurst must collect maximum
points against West Reading at home next Saturday (August 29th), and hope runaway champions Mortimer go to Twyford and give
them a good hiding.
Hindsight's a wonderful thing, but the Goring defeat may yet come back to haunt the 2nd XI.
Had Sandhurst won last month's encounter, they would be lying second in the table and in the box seat.
Sandhurst
made no mistake at Sulhamstead, though, with a ruthless victory. Having lost the toss, the visitors tore into Sulhamstead,
having them on their knees at 13-4 and then 38-5.
Jamie Frecker (56) stuck around, but when his resistance was
ended by Russell Stone, Sandhurst mopped up the tail.
Sulhamstead were all for just 96, in the 35th over. Simon
Coxwell bagged 4-31. Andy Fleming took 3-27, while Calvin Hall snaffled the last two wickets to finish with 2-2.
Openers Stone (34) and Adam Birch (47 not out) took Sandhurst to within a whisker of victory before the former fell to a
loose shot. Birch put sorry Sulhamstead out of their misery in the 13th over, with a six over mid-wicket. Done and dusted.
Sandhurst 2nd XI 226-8 Grouse
& Label 190-8
Berkshire Cricket League division four
SANDHURST'S rivals for the second promotion
place both won comfortably, leaving Simon Coxwell's side in fourth spot with two games to go after a frustrating winning draw
at home to Grouse & Label (August 15th).
Twyford remain second in division four, some distance behind
Mortimer - who thumped Goring by nine wickets. Twyford trounced Sulhamstead & Ufton by 113 runs, while West Reading ended
Waltham St Lawrence's slender hopes of promotion with a nine-wicket win.
For Sandhurst, the lack of early wickets
in Grouse & Label's reply proved their undoing, as the visitors made the most of what had become a docile track. That
said, Coxwell did eventually bag 5-32, to take his tally to 52 for the season!
Batting first, Coxwell and
Nigel Birt both fell cheaply. So too did the returning Adam Birch, as the home team limped from 4-1 to 33-3. All were due
to poor shot selection, rather than the trickery of the bowlers.
Kevin Speakman (30) and Drew Birch (29) then batted
Sandhurst out of a hole with a 55-run partnership for the fourth wicket. When those two fell, centre stage was then occupied
by Andy Fleming (47) and Mark Honey (36), who rattled up 86 for the sixth wicket in no time at all.
Russell Stone
appeared for the final few overs and helped himself to a swift 28, which included six 4s!
Grouse & Label's
reply was painfully slow. They were creeping along at one an over for the first 11 overs. More importantly - though not scoring
quickly - they were keeping Sandhurst's bowlers at bay. The first wicket fell in the 15th over, with the score on 25!
It took until the 27th over for the second wicket to tumble, and it was something of a collector's item - caught Andy Fleming,
bowled Richard Fleming. R Fleming's dross did the trick, with top scorer Sayeed sent back for 53.
The third wicket
came in the 33rd over, before the visitors collapsed from 159-4 to 159-7. For Sandhurst, though, the damage had been done
early on, and Grouse & Label played out the final few overs for the draw, to dent Sandhurst's promotion hopes.
A word of note for Adam Birch, who had a good game behind the stumps.
Mortimer 226 Sandhurst 2nd XI
50
Berkshire Cricket League division four
DO not adjust your web browser. Sandhurst 2nd
XI really did get skittled out for just 50 runs, as they saw their hopes of promotion take a massive hit with a crushing defeat
at champions-elect Mortimer.
To stand any chance of promotion, the twos really need to win their three
remaining fixtures, starting with a home match against a rejuvenated Grouse & Label next weekend (August 15th).
Having won the toss, Sandhurst captain, Simon Coxwell, put Mortimer in. On a positive note, a side which has scored 300-plus
this season was restricted to 226. Coxwell (3-62) and Saj Abassi (2-57) went for a few, while Russell Stone (3-52) and Calvin
Hall (2-43) fared slightly better.
Sandhurst's struggle when chasing a target was again apparent, albeit against
an impressive bowling attack. Only Drew Birch (16) and extras reached double figures, as Sandhurst disintegrated to their
lowest total of the season.
* A special thanks to James Birch for turning out as late notice and fielding very
well.
SANDHURST 2nd XI were left feeling frustrated on Saturday (August 1st), as rain wreaked havoc in their bid
to put daylight between themselves and the promotion-chasing pack.
While Simon Coxwell's side had their match at fourth-place Waltham St Lawrence abandoned, third-place West Reading
were losing at fifth-placed Twyford.
All change ...
Sandhurst remain second, while Twyford's seven-wicket
win at West Reading lifts them to third. Waltham remain fourth but West Reading slip to fifth (you keeping up?). Indeed, the
gap between Sandhurst and the team in third has widened marginally.
But it could have been an even better story
had the soggy weather not intervened. Batting first, Sandhurst made 218-7 from their 45 overs. This included an opening stand
of 69 between Nigel Birt (52) and Coxwell (40).
The top four all contributed. Adam Birch made 32 and Kevin Speakman
an unbeaten 38. The middle and lower order maintained the momentum, to help post a decent total.
With dark clouds
looming, Sandhurst snapped up a wicket with the fourth ball of the Waltham reply - Andy Fleming taking a catch off the bowling
of Russell Stone. The wicket was certainly one to favour the bowlers and Sandhurst could only imagine what might have been
as the rain put an end to matters in the seventh over, with the home side on 17-1.
Sandhurst 2nd XI 164-7 Goring
167-7
Berkshire Cricket League division four
THE
2nd XI received a real wake-up call on Saturday (July 25th), as they were undone at home by lowly Goring, losing by three
wickets.
At the mid-innings break, Sandhurst 2nd XI skipper, Simon Coxwell, suggested the
knock of 164 was perhaps 20 runs short of a decent total ... he was right.
Coxwell led the way with 51. Richard
Jenkins (26) and Andy Fleming (23) played a part, but from 102-2, the promotion-chasing 2nd XI slipped to 115-5 as the middle
order took their eye off the ball. Tom Hedge returned figures of 4-54, on a track which offered little to the bowler and was
certainly worth more than the 164 achieved by Sandhurst.
At 108-3, Goring looked odds-on for a comfortable victory,
but Coxwell, Martin Pharo and Andy Fleming (3-17) struck, to leave the visitors on 124-7. Richard Fleming should have done
better with a sharpish chance soon after, and Goring needed no second invitation as the eighth-wicket stand of 43 took
the game away from Sandhurst.
The visitors reached the target with two overs to spare. Despite defeat, Sandhurst
remain second in division four.
Twyford 1st XI 195-7 Sandhurst
2nd XI 151-8
Berkshire Cricket League division four SANDHURST 2nd XI were on the end of a losing draw to
promotion rivals Twyford for the second time this season, with the direction of the match determined in the first ten overs
of the game.
Without
three key bowlers, skipper Simon Coxwell (left) won the toss and put Twyford in to bat. An early chance was spilled
by Nigel Birt, before opener Chris Lunnon (84) made the most of a docile track and a drying outfield.
The home
team were rattling along at five an over, reaching 100-2 in double-quick time. Andy Fleming (2-49) bagged the key wicket of
Lunnon, before Coxwell (4-54) did his best to dismantle the middle order. Youngster Josh Baker (56 not out) gave the home
team renewed impetus with a late flourish, as Sandhurst were set 196 to win - a target which should have been within
their grasp.
Of the eight Sandhurst wickets to fall, at least half were due to poor discipline, a lack of patience
and incorrect shot selection.
Adam Birch and Drew Birch both fell with the score on six, and Sandhurst never fully
recovered, though Nigel Birt (57) and Mark Honey (27) tried to get the innings back on track with 62 for the fourth wicket.
But, from 101-3, the 2nd XI crumbled to 108-6. It was then a case of shutting up shop and seeing out the overs, which
the team were able to do thanks to sensible batting from Calvin Hall (20 not out).
Sandhurst 2nd XI 96-2 Purley
3rd XI 95 all out
Berkshire Cricket League division four
PROMOTION-CHASING Sandhurst dodged the showers
on their way to a thumping eight-wicket win over Purley (July 11th), to open up a greater gap between themselves and
third place.
Having won the toss and electing to field, the 2nd XI proved far too strong for a Purley
side fortunate to have got past 50 - at one stage, they cowered on 30-6 from
17 overs. Opening bowlers Mark Clapham and Simon Coxwell shared the wickets. There was a short break for rain after 22
overs but no time was lost, before young brothers Tom (23) and Jack Purser (35) showed their more experienced colleagues the
way, only for wily old spinner Martin Pharo to out-fox the pair.
Richard Dobson contributed by trying to get
Purley up to 100 with a spell of two overs for 21 runs! Purley ended up with 95 all out off 36 overs. Clapham,
Pharo and Coxwell all chipped in with three wickets. Russell Stone took the other.
With rain threatening,
and forecast to arrive at any time, there was some urgency required on a difficult wicket. A draw was not good enough
for Sandhurst as it would have lowered their average points, so openers Nigel Birt and Coxwell started with purpose before
the latter holed out to mid on for 36. The openers put on 65 for the first wicket.
Stone was promoted to number
three after his heroics at Knowl Hill the previous week, but he fell LBW to Jack Purser for six, allowing Birt (38 not out)
and Kevin Speakman (6 not out) to see the side home in the 19th over.
Knowl Hill 114 Sandhurst 2nd
XI 193-8
Berkshire Cricket League division four
FOUR wickets apiece for Simon Coxwell and
Martin Pharo shattered Knowl Hill on Saturday (July 4th) and firmly cemented second spot for the 2nd XI.
Chasing 194, the home side looked good for at least a losing draw, as they frustrated Sandhurst with a stubborn fifth wicket
stand.
But the mid-innings drinks break brought a change of approach from skipper Coxwell, which altered the course
of the match, as Knowl Hill slipped from 101-4 to 114 all out.
Earlier, Russell Stone bludgeoned a cavalier
43 not out - including 20 off the final over - as Sandhurst made 193-8. Simon Coxwell (35) and Adam Birch (39) opened, and
were flying along at six an over until the latter holed out to deep mid-wicket. Andy Fleming (16) stuck around, while Calvin
Hall shone briefly, but from a cosy 118-3 the 2nd XI stumbled to 125-6 and then 146-8.
Stone was then joined by
Richard Fleming to see out the remaining five overs, during which 47 runs were scored - the bulk of which had nothing to do
with Fleming the younger!
D.Brookman was Knowl Hill's top bowler, taking 4-59. He also got a hiding
from Stone off the final over of the innings, which soiled his figures somewhat.
Knowl Hill were in the game until
refreshments were taken, whereupon the canny Coxwell tied up danger-man T Darvell (45) who eventually ran out of patience
... and out of luck. Once his wicket fell, the Knowl Hill challenge imploded, as they lost their last six wickets for 13 runs
and were dismissed inside 37 overs. Only two players made double figures.
On a rutted outfield, Sandhurst fared
well. The fielding was reasonably tight, but special mention must go to Mark Clapham, Adam Birch and Calvin Hall. Hall took
the first wicket, instigated an early run out and then took a low catch close in. Clapham bowled exceptionally well. His figures
of 0-11 off six overs did much to apply pressure on the middle order. Birch kept wicket well, and enjoyed two terrific stumpings.
West Reading 156
Sandhurst 2nd XI 136
Berkshire League division four
NOT one to be outdone by his fellow-elder statesman, Simon
Coxwell emulated Martin Pharo's antics from the previous match with seven wickets, but the 2nd XI's batting let
them down as they lost by 20 runs at West Reading (June 27th).
Despite this disappointing defeat, the
2nd XI remain second in the table at the midway point of the season, as both Twyford and Waltham both lost. Leaders Mortimer,
though, have opened up a daunting gap.
West Reading won the toss and
chose to bat first at Reading University. Openers Waseem Akram and Adnan Raja put on 67 at four runs an over before Martin
Pharo bowled Akram for 43, scored off 49 balls.
For the second week running, Russell Stone had no luck with many
aerial shots off his bowling evading fielders, while Calvin Hall - opening the bowling for the first time this season - bowled
an excellent spell of 10 overs. He took 1 for 19 - his wicket courtesy of a sharp stumping by 2nd XI 'newcomer' Adam Birch.
Skipper Coxwell had opener Raja caught by Mark Honey for 55, then ran through the middle order to finish with
7–41. Mark Clapham took the final wicket courtesy of a third extraordinary catch from Hall.
West Reading
finished on 156 all out off 35 overs, leaving Sandhurst with 55 overs to bat.
After a tea, which will not have
threatened the £35 budget, Sandhurst began their reply shakily as West Reading started with the old ball, opening with
spinners Taimoor Yousuf and Ghoddusi. Yousuf soon had Coxwell caught at slip and this set the tone for a very disappointing
effort as Sandhurst slumped to 68–7, before Martin Pharo and Rob Lloyd dug in with a partnership of 57 to take Sandhurst
to within 30 runs of an unlikely victory.
However, once Pharo mis-timed a drive to be caught for 34, the last two
wickets quickly followed and Sandhurst finished on 136 all out with seven overs still to bat and 20 runs short.
*
There are certain things you don't expect to see on the cricket field at this level of the game. Streakers is one of them,
while one would be mildly surprised if division four of the Berkshire Cricket League triggered pitch invasions, or Mexican
waves. And an umpire wearing an iPod could be accused of not concentrating fully on the match, but this is exactly what faced
the Sandhurst 2nd XI at West Reading. That, coupled with a skipper who felt it necessary to coach his batsmen in between overs
whilst umpiring, also raised a few eyebrows. Slipping standards ...
Sandhurst 2nd XI 224-7
Sulhamstead
& Ufton 3rd XI 126
Berkshire Cricket League division four
LEAGUE-BEST figures of 7-27 from club stalwart
Martin Pharo helped Sandhurst romp to a 98-run victory at home to Sulhamstead & Ufton on Saturday (June 20th), which catapulted
them up to second in the table.
Batting first on a hard, flat track - having won the toss - Sandhurst
openers Nigel Birt (46) and Simon Coxwell (55) put on 124 for the first wicket, at a rate of five an over. Birt was eventually
caught, in the 25th over, swiftly followed by his skipper, who was clean bowled by his opposite number Dave Lattimore.
There then followed a mid-innings wobble. Andy Fleming (2) and Drew Birch (1) went cheaply, as the 2nd XI lost four
wickets for just 18 runs.
Mark Honey and Martin Pharo dug in to get the innings back on track, with Honey contributing
a quick-fire 37, which included seven fours. Russell Stone, Calvin Hall and Rob Lloyd kept up the momentum, taking the total
to 224-7. The innings included 22 wides.
In reply, Sulhamstead got off to a flyer, with youngsters Davies and Shields scoring
47 off the first eight overs, and the run chase looked on. Opening bowlers Russell Stone and Mark Clapham had no luck,
with plenty of aerial shots evading fielders.
The run rate was pegged back by the introduction of veteran slow
bowlers Pharo and Coxwell, which triggered the Sulhamstead demise. Wickets fell regularly, with excellent fielding and
catching backing up the bowlers’ work. Pharo ended up with seven wickets, while Coxwell took 3-24, as Sandhurst won
by 98 runs to take the full 35 points.
Grouse & Label 2nd XI 71
Sandhurst 2nd XI 75-4
Berkshire League division four SIMON Coxwell bowled Sandhurst to a crushing
six-wicket victory at Grouse & Label on Saturday (June 13th) with a match-winning performance.
After
winning the toss and electing to field first, Coxwell's class shone through as he bamboozled the home team's batsmen with
guile and deception. Grouse & Label were skittled out for just 71, with Coxwell returning cracking figures of 5-14.
Russell Stone and Jordan Clement had opened the bowling, and set the tone with a tight line. Stone returned impressive
figures of 1-17 from his ten overs; Clement 1-18 in six.
Calvin Hall maintained the momentum - his third over brought
two wickets, both killer full tosses!
In reply, the 2nd XI reached the target for the loss of four wickets, collecting
another precious 29 points in the process. Kevin Speakman (20) led the way after the early departure of Nigel Birt and Andy
Fleming. The winning runs were struck by 2nd XI debutant Saj Abassi, his four providing a batting bonus point and a comfortable
win. Abassi had earlier bowled two overs, and looks to be a real asset.
Sandhurst have consolidated fourth spot
on 22.167 points, just behind Waltham St Lawrence (25) and Twyford (24.143). Mortimer enjoy a reasonable cushion at the top
(30.60).
Sandhurst 2nd XI 200-5
Waltham
2nd XI 201-5
Berkshire League division four SANDHURST 2nd XI suffered a heavy defeat at home
to Waltham 2nd XI, losing by five wickets, despite posting a decent total.
Batting first, the home side
again made steady progress. Andy Fleming (39) top scored - maintaining his fine start to the season - with other decent contributions
from Nigel Birt (37 not out), Kevin Speakman (33), Mark Honey (29 not out) and Martin Pharo (28).
When it came
to Waltham's reply, a couple of dropped catches early on proved crucial, as did a number of missed stumping opportunities.
Instead of being on the back foot, Waltham pushed on to 87 before losing their first wicket, and by that stage, the damage
had been done as they reached victory for the loss of five wickets in the 41st over.
Goring 2nd XI 101 Sandhurst
2nd XI 173-4
Berkshire League division four SUMIT Malla took an incredible 5-2 from just
3.3 overs, as Sandhurst 2nd XI convincingly overcame Goring by 72 runs to bag their third win from four games.
In two league games, Sandhurst's new find Malla now boasts figures of 9-16!
To be fair, though,
there were a number of fine individual performances at Goring, in what was also a solid, disciplined team effort.
Batting first, having lost the toss, Sandhurst lost the early wicket of Nigel Birt to make it 12-1. Andy Fleming (25) picked
up where he left off at Purley two weeks earlier as he and opener Simon Coxwell (33) put on 70 for the second wicket.
Coxwell's side were 55-1 at the drinks interval, but with wickets in hand, they were able to accelerate in the second half
of the innings. The second wicket stand was followed by a 67 run partnership for the fourth wicket, involving Kevin Speakman
(28) and Jordan Clement (38 not out).
Chasing 174 to win, Goring got off to a flyer, but from 33 without loss,
they slipped to 43-4 - all four taken by the unplayable Coxwell (4-36). One of Coxwell's victims was a first-baller, who was
unable to contain his utter disgust and frustration, launching his bat halfway across the outfield on departing the scene.
Not a pretty sight.
Goring did rally slightly, but by the time Andy Fleming caught skipper Stephen Wincott
(43) in the deep - off the bowling of Russell Stone - the tail had long-since been exposed. Wincott's wicket went
at 84. Time, then, for Malla to enter the contest. His spin and accuracy polished off the Goring effort, as they slumped from
84-5 to 101 all out. Sandhurst 2nd XI 127-9 Twyford
164
Berkshire Cricket League division four AFTER starting the season with two wins, a below-par
2nd XI fell short in their run chase at home to Twyford on Saturday (May 16th), and were forced to bat out for a losing
draw.
The plus point was an impressive league debut for Sumit Malla, who returned figures of 4-14. The
low point was another erratic batting display, as Sandhurst responded to Twyford's 164 all out.
Batting first,
Twyford were pegged back early on by Simon Coxwell and Mark Clapham. At the mid-innings drinks break, the visitors had managed
just 44-3 from 22 overs - Clapham had taken all three wickets.
Twyford responded after the interval with Lummon
smashing 62, which included 9 fours and 2 sixes. He was eventually bowled by Malla, though not before he had hauled Twyford
to a respectable total.
Sandhurst's run chase never really got going. Drew Birch top scored with 24, but at 118-9
- and with 10 overs remaining - it was left to the opening bowlers to bat out the innings, in bitterly cold conditions. Coxwell
and Clapham saw off the remaining overs for a losing draw, though watching dust gather on a shelf would push it close
for high drama and excitement.
Only one other match was possible in division four. Three games were cancelled due
to waterlogged pitches.
Purley 3rd XI 89 Sandhurst 2nd
XI 94-7
Berkshire League division four ANOTHER fine spell of bowling from new skipper, Simon
Coxwell, inspired the 2nd XI to victory at Purley - but, oh, how they very nearly blew it!
Set just 90 to win by Purley 3rd XI, a steady opening stand by Nigel Birt
and Drew Birch was simply the quiet before the storm.
Of the batsmen to follow, only Kevin Speakman and Andy Fleming
(27 not out) played with any fluidity. Russell Stone (1), Ross Darrah (0), Richard Fleming (0) and Calvin Hall (0) all fell
cheaply with just a handful of runs required, before Andy Fleming cracked two fours and a six in successive deliveries
to ensure victory by three wickets.
The match was almost over as a contest early on, as Coxwell (5-36) and Mark
Clapham (2-17) raced through the Purley top order. At one stage, Purley were staring at a total of around 50, but a mid-innings
spark allowed them to register 89 all out.
Calvin Hall grabbed two wickets, while Russell Stone stopped Purley's
mini revival with the removal of Gary Burne (48), just two runs from his maiden half century. Drew Birch's modesty, meanwhile,
will prevent him telling of his two catches and a stumping.
* Sandhurst picked up 28 points for their win, and
lie fourth in the table.
Sandhurst 2nd XI 142-6 Knowl
Hill 1st XI 139-8 NEW skipper Simon Coxwell led by example, as the 2nd
XI completed a four-wicket win over Knowl Hill on Saturday (May 2nd).
Coxwell opened the bowling, and
snapped up the first two wickets. A clever bit of fielding led to a run-out from stand-in wicket-keeper Kevin Speakman, and
Knowl Hill were struggling at 26-3.
Etreya and Depledge dug in with a turgid 46 run partnership, before both were
dismissed LBW by Calvin Hall who bowled a fine 10 over spell.
With his wily bowling causing Knowl Hill problems,
Coxwell went on to take 4-32 as the visitors were restricted to 139-8 from their allotted overs. Richard Dobson sneaked
a wicket near the death, just as Knowl Hill were looking to build some late momentum.
In reply, the consistent
Nigel Birt - still nursing a finger injury - contributed 40 runs. A great knock, also, for Richard Jenkins, who struck 43
off just 34 deliveries in a 61-run partnership with Birt. Sandhurst, though, had been 19-2 after Rob Lloyd and Speakman
fell cheaply - Speakman to a terrific take at square leg.
Birt and Jenkins lifted the spirits with their super
knocks, before Russell Stone chipped in with 15. A straight one did for Stone.
Mark Honey (10) showed maturity
beyond his years, before Calvin Hall rattled off 17 from seven deliveries to see Sandhurst home with five overs to spare.
Coxwell commented: "A special thanks to Mark Clapham for a splendid tea, to Spacey for keeping wicket at short
notice and to Ryan Honey for standing in at even shorter notice. Well done everyone, let's keep it going."
Sandhurst U11 Sharks
Crown Wood 88-7 Sandhurst U11s
90-7
Friendly match
SAM Paget was the Sandhurst hero at Crown Wood
on Monday (August 24th), as the U9 struck a boundary for victory, in one of two post-season friendlies against the near-neighbours.
U11 skipper Jake Staples lost the toss, and Crown Wood
opted to bat first on a balmy night.
Tight bowling restricted the home side, though Dan Bolton hit 25, before retiring.
Key bowler Jack O'Neil (2-10) was ably supported by Sam Paget (1-11), Billy Rooney (1-3) and Harry Staples (1-2).
So with more than four an over required to win, Sandhurst lost their way a bit at the top, and stood on 12-2.
But aggressive middle-order knocks from Ted Batchelor (9), Billy Rooney (10) and Sandhurst debutant Jake Binstead (15)
put the visitors in command. Despite losing a rash of wickets towards the end, it was up to U9 Sam Paget to hit the winning
four in style.
Manager Ian Cousins beamed: "All the players bowled very well and again the teamwork
in the field was exemplary.
"It was a great game, played out by two competitive sides, in the right spirit.
It must also be noted that the U9s did not look out of place in the game, and did very well with the U11s."
Sandhurst U11 Sharks 42
Emmbrook
& Bearwood 152-8
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division H THIS is a match best forgotten from a batting
perspective, as the Sharks lost by 110 runs at home to a strong Emmbrook & Bearwood (June 26th) - and it could have been
so much worse!
Put into bat, Emmbrook made 152-8 from their 20 overs. Among the highlights was some terrific
bowling. Team captain, Harry Staples, led from the front to finish with figures of 3-19 - at one point he was on a hat-trick.
Harry was ably assisted by Aiden Buckingham (2-15), while wicket-keeper Mark Paget
claimed two stumpings. Add to that another Ted Batchelor run out from the deep, and the performance was pleasing ... apart
from the 62 extras!
So with a large total to aim for, the Sharks then proceeded to see how quickly they could go
in and come back again. The kit bag area resembled a Ferrari formula one garage, where coach Ian Cousins could not get the
batsmen ready in time due to the procession of players them coming and going!!!
After just four overs, the sorry
Sharks had crumbled to 6-9 and were in danger of failing to record double figures.
Then, charged with staying there to the end, Jake Staples and Harris Khamisani defied the tight Emmbrook bowling for another seven
overs and put on 36 before Jake succumbed, to leave Harris unbeaten on 13.
Ian sighed afterwards: "Our bowling and fielding was spot on, and gave us a real chance but - oooohh - the batting!!!!!!!
"The less said about that area the better, though some junior players showed a few seniors the way in terms
of technique and guts."
Adair writes: "Sandhurst U11 Sharks recently played Finchampstead
Royals and Wokingham Golden Oaks. Unfortunately, we lost both of these matches - again, though, our boys were up against much
more experienced teams. The boys, however, still gave it their all and have not been down-heartened by the results. Their
batting is improving as well as their bowling.
"Against Finchampstead,
both Harry Staples and Aiden Buckingham bowled really well against big hitting opposition. Harry took 1 wicket for 15
runs and Aiden took 2 for 15. Harry also batted well before falling LBW for 16.
"Versus Wokingham, Oliver
Penn bowled well and our wicket keeper, Rob Andrews, made a brilliant stumping."
HERE, the U11 Sharks manager, Adair Staples, gives an overview
of the early season form of the side. How refreshing to see some of our youngest members embracing the game with such enthusiasm
- win, lose or draw.
Adair writes: The Sharks have played their first two games of the season,
against Wargrave and Hurst, and throughly enjoyed themselves even though they unfortunately lost both of them.
The Sharks are our development side, with many of the boys never having played hard-ball
cricket before. Indeed, two of them are just 8-years-old! They all approached the games with enthusiasm and without any fear!
In both games we were lucky to win the toss and chose to bowl first. Unfortunately, on both occasions, our bowlers
came up against some experienced batsmen, and large scores were posted. However, they didn't get despondent but
kept going and really concentrated on their fielding.
When it was their turn to bat, they confidently walked to
the crease and faced up to some pretty fast bowling at times. Even though we didn't reach the targets we were set, the boys
did make the opposition bowl all their 20 overs.
Two of the boys I would just
like to mention were our two 8-year-olds - Sam Paget and Jake Staples. They both bowled and batted in both
games and did really well. Sam got two runs in the first match, and had a big grin on his face, while
Jake finally managed to get his first runs in our second match after being bowled first ball in the season opener. Emmbrook & Bearwood 73-4
Sandhurst U11 Sharks 71-9
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division H THE Under-11 Sharks began with a six-wicket loss
at Emmbrook & Bearwood on Sunday (May 10th), but that barely tells the story as the Sandhurst side certainly showed enough
in the game to suggest success is just around the corner.
Having lost the toss, Sandhurst batted first. After losing Jarrod McTeggart second ball and then Jamie Miles and Mikey Barton
in successive deliveries the next over, the Sharks were three down with just six runs on the board.
Man-of-the-match,
Mark Paget, rallied the side with a superb 18 (including three fours) and - coupled with some sensible middle-order batting
- the visitors were able to post a decent score of 71-9 from their 20 overs. This was a creditable total, against quick, accurate
Emmbrook bowlers on a pitch offering variable bounce. Ben Cousins and Rob Andrews even took one for the team on the chest
and helmet!!
Emmbrook's run chase was frustrated by a great opening blast from paceman Aiden Buckingham and wily
spinner Billy Rooney, which only yielded 20 runs from five overs. Buckingham was certainly charged, striking
the Emmbrook skipper on the helmet, before hitting his leg stump two balls later.
More tight bowling and fielding from the pumped-up Sandhurst boys made
Emmbrook's task that much tougher, as they slowly reached the target with almost seven overs to spare.
Manager
Ian Cousins said: "The Sharks have started brightly this
season, against a top side, and if they continue with that commitment and effort they will do well.
"The parents
all commented on the step up in abilty from what we saw last season. Well done ... onwards and upwards."
Binfield U11 102
Sandhurst
U11 Hawks 105-3
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B
BINFIELD'S 100 per cent record was left in
tatters on Thursday (July 16th), as Sandhurst U11 Hawks went top of the table with a seven-wicket win.
The
Hawks must now wait on the outcome of this week's match between Binfield and Finchampstead to see whether they will remain
top and progress to the knockout stages.
On a sultry night in Binfield, in-form Sandhurst were surprisingly
asked to field first. They got off to the perfect start when Prashant Singh dismissed the Binfield opener first ball!
The home team steadied matters and pushed along at five an over. Tight bowling in the middle of the innings pegged them
back (Ted Batchelor 1-9 and Aiden Buckingham 1-12), helped by disciplined
work in the field.
Then came the Binfield collapse. Dan Bird and Alfie Gibbons were given the job of delivering the final six overs, and duly rose to the task. Alfie finished with 4-4, including
a double wicket maiden. Dan took 3-14.
So, Sandhurst were set 103 to win in the gathering gloom end electrical
storm!
Hawks opened up with power-hitter Aiden Buckingham (10), and the steel of Mark Paget (9), and steadily
chased the target down in near pitch-black conditions.
This followed by Alfie Gibbons (25 retired), Jarrod McTeggart (5) and Dan Bird 19 (not out), as the Hawks saw off the runs with overs to spare,
just as the heavens opened!
Manager, Ian Cousins, said: "Although two boys shone tonight,
this does not reflect the all-round team effort and enthusiasm generated.
"All of the boys played their part
in the field and bowling and the huge cheer and charge onto the pitch at the end
to greet the winning runs showed what it meant to them all!"
He added: "Thanks you boys for your huge
effort and great enthusiasm this year. You have all been a joy to coach and watch."
Sandhurst U11 Hawks 123-3
Ascot & Sunningdale Princes 60-7
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B
PLAYED seven, won five. That's the impressive
record now enjoyed by the U11 Hawks after a comprehensive home win over Ascot & Sunningdale Princes on Monday (July 13th).
This was a re-arranged fixture, after the original match
was abandoned, and the Hawks made no mistake with one of their most impressive displays of the season.
Manager,
Ian Cousins, was immensely proud of his young players afterwards: "They all worked their socks off in
the field and kept up the encouragement right up to the last over.
"The team spirit and ability to see a game
home impresses me with each passing game. Every boy played a part to get us this win!"
Sandhurst lost the
toss and were invited to bat first. The Hawks openers set about setting
a tough target on a glorious evening at the Memorial Park. Callum Lindsey played a steady and patient innings (24 not out)
and - after losing his opening partner - put on a stand of 60 with Ben Cousins (9) and 61 with Jarrod McTeggart
(24 not out).
Callum carried his bat, but the total of 123-3 was certainly not beyond Ascot.
The Ascot reply, though, was hampered
by some awesome fielding and bowling, which restricted the visitors to just two runs an over for the first eight
overs.
Opening bowlers Jason Wiseman (1-5) and Jack O'Neil (1-3) soon removed Ascot's top two. The rest of team
maintained their vice-like grip, with debutant Tom Brown going for only seven in his first-ever game.
As
they lagged ever further from their target, Ascot threw the bat - to some success
- but a blistering spell of pace from Harris Khamisani (3-8, including a double wicket maiden) soon had the opposition reeling
and their chase petered out.
* Sandhurst (20 points) beat Ascot & Sunningdale Princes (3 points) by 63
runs.
Finchampstead Falcons 86
Sandhurst U11 Hawks 136-2
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B
THE
Hawks' fantastic season continued on Monday (June 29th) with a cracking win by 50 runs over Finchampstead Falcons, which keeps
them on track for the league title.
Batting first on a glorious night at Finch, the opening pair of Mark
Paget (25 retired) and Jason Wiseman (25 retired) made the most of the quick out-field
and short boundary by plundering runs against good bowling and rattled along at six an over.
Alfie Gibbons is scoring
runs for fun at the moment. He launched two sixes in his innings of 25 (retired) to up the tempo even more, though the middle
order which followed was unable to follow suit as Sandhurst finished on a decent total of 136-2 from 20 overs.
Finch's reply was hampered by Sandhurst's
opening bowlers, who clamped the run rate down. Spinner Bill Rooney (2-9), skipper Dan Bird (2-10) and Jack O'Neil (1-10)
tore through the top order. Add to that a couple of run-outs from Rooney and Ben Cousins, and Finch were beaten.
Manager, Ian Cousins, said: "All round a great performance,
especially the fielding and bowling to close the game out at the end.
"There was a great team spirit, with
encouragement from all the boys right the way through on a very hot night.
"It was also pleasing that we retired
three batsmen in one game and were able to set a challenging target."
Sandhurst U11 Hawks 100-5
Crown Wood 99-4
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B THESE are exciting times for Sandhurst U11 Hawks.
With three games to go, they remain very much in the hunt for honours after cruising to a five wicket victory at home to Crown
Wood on Saturday (June 20th).
It shows how far the team has come, having lost to the same side by 24 runs
on the opening day of the season.
Crown Wood won the toss and elected to bat, but were forced to work for every
run by the opening bowlers. Jason Wiseman (2-6) removed the Crown Wood openers, before the visitors steadied themselves in
the middle order.
The Hawks performed well in the field and, coupled with more tight bowling, restricted Crown
Wood to 99-4 from their 20 overs - and this included a whopping 40 extras!
Set an even ton to win, at five an over,
Hawks openers set about the run chase with gusto. Mark Paget (16) and Dan Bird (25 retired) provided the base for a convincing
win by five wickets, with more than four overs to spare.
Hawks manager, Ian Cousins, beamed: "A tidy win with some great teamwork.
"Bowling could have been a little tidier with the extras and on the stumps, but we clamped them in when
it was needed and easily knocked off the runs with confidence."
Sandhurst (20pts) beat Crown Wood (5pts) by
five wickets.
Sandhurst U11 Hawks 87 Binfield
113-6
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B
THREE games in six days took its toll on the Hawks, as they fell short in
their brave bid to make it a hat-trick of wins with a 26 run defeat at home to Binfield on Monday (June 8th).
Batting first, Binfield were often tied up when the bowling was on off-stump. Anything down
the leg side was punished. Sandhurst's best bowler was Billy Rooney (2-13), who also scored with a direct hit from mid-wicket.
Wicket-keeper Rob Andrews performed well with the gloves, taking a catch and two stumpings.
So, set a very getable
114 to win a third on the trot, the Hawks kept up the run rate, depsite losing two early wickets. But, even after good middle
order knocks from Alfie Gibbons (25), Mark Paget (14) and Rob Andrews (8), Sandhurst fell behind the rate as boundaries were
few and far between. This left the tail with a lot do in the gloom and - with four run outs near the end - the match slipped
away from them.
Manager Ian Cousins commented: "Despite
the defeat they gave 100% and were in the game right 'til the last overs.
"That said, we needed more
aggression and power in the middle with scoring off the bad balls. The running between the wickets seemed hesitant."
Ian added: "I'm pleased again with the bowling as the wides are now
being kept very low but we need to work on that line again.
"A
big thank you to Callum Sanders for stepping in literally at the last second after a player did not show.
"Heads
up boys and have a deserved rest!!!"
* Binfield (20pts) beat Sandhurst Hawks (7pts) by 26 runs.
Sandhurst
U11 Hawks 101-5
Finch Falcons 100-3
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B
THE Hawks followed up their opening win at Ascot with a thrilling
victory over Finch Falcons at home on Friday (June 5th).
Batting first, Finch impressed with some great technique and stroke-making but some excellent Hawks bowling
saw them restricted to 100-3 from their 20 overs. This was a small total, and Finch were made to work for every run by
a well drilled and committed Hawks 11.
Finch retired two batsmen and the only wickets came from an excellent caught
and bowled from Harry Staples, a catch by Jason Wiseman off the bowling of Ed Batchelor, plus a superb run out from mid
wicket from Ben Cousins.
On a gloomy night, home side Sandhurst were faced
with batting in virtual darkness. Needing five an over for a great victory, opener Jack O'Neil (23) stayed around but
helped run out his first two partners until "captain fantastic" Dan Bird (9) came in and steadied the ship with
some fine stroke play.
When he departed, it was left to Ben Cousins (8 not out) and Harris Khamisani to guide the
Hawks home to a fine win.
Ian Cousins commented:
"This was a great game to play in, watch and be part of, played by two well-matched teams and played in a great
spirit.
"The boys are definitely on a roll and look a tight unit all round the cricket field. Bowling
is great with hardly any extras tonight. Batting is confident and aggressive, and the fielding and team spirit is second to
none."
* Sandhurst Hawks (20 points) beat Finch Falcons (7 points) by 5 wickets.
Ascot & Sunningdale Princes 117-8
Sandhurst U11 Hawks 118-2
Berkshire Youth Cricket League Division B
SANDHURST Hawks cruised to their first victory of the season with an emphatic
eight-wicket win at Ascot & Sunningdale Princes on Wednesday (June 3rd).
Bowling first Sandhurst impressed
with some tight bowling and attacking fielding all round. Notable performances came from Billy Rooney (2-10) and Jack
O'Neil (2-4), with both supported well from the rest of the bowlers.
The only issue was the leg-side bowling that
Ascot duly despatched to the boundary every time. But with good backing-up and all-round team effort in the field the
Hawks were set a realistic target to chase.
Openers Mark Paget (15)
and Jarrod McTeggart (25 retired) set about the Ascot openers with confidence and style. Alfie Gibbons (26 retired) and Ben
Cousins (10) steered the Hawks close and it was left to paceman Aiden Buckingham to seal victory with six overs to spare,
his square cut for four being met with big cheers.
Manager, Ian Cousins, said: "All round an excellent performance and fully deserved victory, much to the pleasure of the cold and supportive Hawks
away following."
* Sandhurst Hawks (20 points) beat Ascot (6 points) by 8 wickets.
Crown Wood 103-5 Sandhurst U11
Hawks 79-6
Berkshire Youth Cricket League division B TOO many extras, followed by defensive batting,
proved the undoing for Sandhurst U11 Hawks, as they lost by 24 runs at Crown Wood.
Bowling first, Sandhurst made a steady start, with some tight bowling from Harry Staples. The early good work,
though, was undone by the return of the 'wide'.
Out of Crown Wood's total of 103, 56 of those were gifts from the
visitors, which was alarming as the Hawks had an experienced attack. Fielding was also not as tight as it could have
been, but the team effort was faultless. The highlight came from debutant Ed Batchelor, with a run out from the boundary.
Pick of the bowlers were Ben Cousins (2-8), Jack O'Neil (1-8) and Callum Linsey (1-3).
Requiring 104 from
20 overs - a gettable total - Sandhurst began poorly, scoring just 12 off the first five overs, while losing two wickets
to run outs ... one of them suicidal.
The shaky start left the Hawks behind the rate and - with the light
fading - the Sandhurst innings fizzled out.
Hawks limped to 79, of which 52 were extras!! Top scorer was Ollie
Dunlop (10), with almost half of the team's total off of the bat!
Manager Ian Cousins commented: "Back to the nets for some aggresive batting practice, as Crown Wood's average attack took control and
we never looked for quick singles or loose balls at all. Very disappointing and the boys knew it."
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