Team: A Gregory (Capt) A Levy (wk), J Worley, C Xavier, P Bullen, S Barker, G Williams, A Shah, M Smith, C Nickolls, R Hill

With both teams looking for bonus points to secure vital positions in the table it was always going to be a bat first toss and Gregs duly chose to bat on winning the toss for the umpteenth time this season.

The planned minimum of 155 and ideal total of 230, never arose mainly due to some surprisingly good bowling from Old Camdenians and the loss of wickets at crucial times. Xav went early leg before to one that kept a bit low for 3 and then Geoff was surprisingly caught behind 60 short of this week's target.

Ajit and Paul Bullen kept the score ticking thanks mainly to extras (eventual top scorer with 35) before Paul was bowled by a good one. Michael Smith went quickly and then Ajit taking a bit of ricky 2 was unlucky to be out to a direct hit for 23. John Worley and Anthony Levy then bored everyone whilst putting on a vital 30 runs before John was caught at slip off the young leg spinner. Sam Barker was the next to go to a direct hit whilst running for 2 (a bit of speed training needed in the off season Sam !) and Anthony then lost his wicket to one that turned (no, really it did!).

Gregs was still hopeful of at least 2 points and was understandably disappointed to see Benny and Chris Nickolls rather throw their wickets away to see 130 all out.

Gregs was 'slightly displeased' with the batting performance but as usual after a bit of tea and a lot of nicotine, roused the troops once more.

There was some initial concern as the opening bat - looking more than a bit too good for Div 9 - hit John Worley's opening delivery for 6. However with the score on 32 and some worried Cockfosters faces, the breakthroughs came with Gregs picking up 3 wickets (crucially the opener caught at long on off a top edge by Benny - he has the bruise to prove it!) and John Worley a deserved leg before. 42 for 4 and the title was secured. However the side was now galvanised to go for the win.

At 97 for 4 this didn't look likely as the number 6 bat had taken a liking to the pace of Chris Nickolls and Roy Hill. However once he chanced his arm too often - caught at Cow Corner by Ajit - the wheels of the innings fell off. Benny, bowling easily the quickest spell of his season finished with 4 for 20 as Old Camdenians collapsed to 122 for 9.

With most of their team now departed the final 2 batsmen played out a succession of maidens with just one scoring shot (a 2 off Sam). Eventually and perhaps fittingly Sam got one to turn sharply to pin their 14 year old leg spinner leg before on the back foot. Unfortunately for this game cricket wasn't the winner.  

Team: A Gregory (Capt) A Levy (wk), C Knight, J Worley, R Blaby, S Barker, G Williams, I Cooper, D White, D Smith (Amanda), M Smith (Sam)

With the end of the latest series of Big Brother the night before, the side were able to welcome the twins, Amanda and Sam, to the Old Owens ground that is the home of North Mymms III. The twins had slightly changed from the previous night and before the start of the match they claimed to be Daniel and Michael Smith........

Having failed to win that vital toss last week, Gregs was back to winning ways this week and had no hesitation in inserting North Mymms and what looked likely to be a tricky track.

After 13 overs the scoring rate was barely one an over - John Worley gave away just one run in his opening 5 overs and that was an overthrow when Sam threw unlike a girl over the wicketkeeper where 'Helen' Blaby was too busy checking the latest travel information to notice! At the other end Amanda was bowling sharp inswingers at pace, getting a lively bounce from an otherwise placid pitch and leaving Anthony's little finger in disrepair! He deserved his wicket when the opener. in desperation, heaved around another inswinger to be given out leg before. John was to finally get his reward a little later when Danny White took a smart catch off a rare bad ball (full toss).

The fielding and the bowling then started to get a little ragged. First the Jedi (in scenes reminiscent of Spooks's drop against Clifton last season) put down an absolute sitter which will be re-enacted in the offices of Dresdner Bank this week! Ian Cooper made a rare hash of what would have been a tricky catching chance, and then both Gregs and Ronnie bowled some of their poorest spells of the season. Sam took a good catch off an awful ball from Ronnie, and Ronnie himself took a catch which he called for, then yelled out that he'd lost, then held rather easily.

Gregs then put down 2 chances off of the Cue Ball - we'll leave them both to discuss behind the bike shed, the competing merits of the catching ability of Gregs and the bowling ability of the Cue Ball.

Fortunately with a score of 180 looking likely, John Worley came back to put on the brakes  and Dan Smith took a wicket and gave up just 2 runs from the penultimate over to restrict North Mymms to 168. Ian Cooper also took a couple of catches to leave him comfortably top catcher for the side with 10. Geoff also took a rare diving catch at mid wicket although one younger voice was heard to comment that if he'd moved a bit quicker the dive would have been unnecessary!

In reply we saw what was missing last week as Geoff and Ian sedately saw their way through the opening overs. Both batsmen had a bit of luck - Ian was dropped at slip and was also caught off an above waist height no ball, whilst Geoff survived a very loud shout for leg before. Concerns started to grow when the score had reached just 67 from 27 overs.

Just as against Cheshunt 2 weeks earlier, the shackles were quickly loosened as 29 runs came from the next 3 overs and runs became easy to come by. It was somewhat of a surprise when Ian was bowled for 39 with the score on 118. In came the Jedi to make up for his earlier fielding display - coming down the wicket at all opportunities to maintain the momentum. North Mymms quickly worked out that everything was going to leg - their opening bat commenting on the 5/4 field that the side had about 5 too many on the off side and that the Jedi was going to get a nosebeed if he hit it that way.

With 12 runs needed for victory the Jedi was needlessly stumped and then Danny White played a false shot to a wide one. Geoff however was serene at the other end taking his score to 85 not out. The day was complete when Sam came out to bat, with the only run scored being the winning one.

Promotion assured and just 4 more points next week for the title.

Team: A Gregory (Capt) A Levy (wk), C Knight, K Brady, D Rollo, C Edwards, J Worley, R Blaby, S Barker, P Bullen, G Williams (late!)

When you are planning to take on a team in the top 4 of the division you need to have your preparation in hand and a bit of luck. For example:

You need to be able to pick your strongest team from solid availability
You don't want any cry offs during the week of the game
You certainly don't want anyone to cry off at 11am of the day of the game
You really don't need your top run scorer to break down on the A10
When faced with a pitch looking more like Tudor Park (due to the weather) you really need to win the toss and insert the opposition.

Having failed on all the above counts, Gregs asked his batsmen to bat sensibly and to try to set a reasonable target for the bowlers to exploit. Everyone tried their best but a mixture of some good quality bowling (better than most we've encountered this season) and the demons in the pitch, saw wickets fall on a regular basis. The only disappointment was the Jedi, who having put his head down and battled well for 13, got himself run out when taking a second to a misfield.

John Worley top scored with 24 and there were useful contributions from Paul Bullen and Shag. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, Geoff only managed to arrive half way through tea.

Allenburys were always going to find the chase hard and indeed they soon lost 3 quick wickets. John Worley bowled beautifully up the hill getting absolutely no reward as close leg before decisions were turned down and the ball either kept beating the edge or found ways to elude the fielders. Gregs though took the benefits taking the 3 wickets to fall and eventually finishing with 3 for 32.

A fourth wicket partnership (with more 6s than singles it seemed!) turned the tide before Sam Barker found his range (let's ignore that opening over!) to bowl the number 5. Number 6 batsman decided to try to hit everything before he finally played round one from the Cue Ball.

By this time though less than 10 runs were needed with Allenbury's number 3 playing well and, as required on this wicket, riding his luck. Sam managed to winkle out one more before the winning runs were hit.

Disappointment then on the day but given all the circumstances everyone tried their best and, with results favourable elsewhere, the side remain top by 27 points with 2 games to go.

Team: A Gregory (Capt) M Levy (wk), C Knight, K Brady, D Johnson, M Whitmore, J Worley, R Blaby, I Cooper, P Bullen, G Williams

Cheshunt have sadly declined considerably in the 3 years since these 2 sides last met and are certainly battling with Langleybury III and Old Habs II as the worst side in this division. Unlike those 2 sides this Cheshunt team at least know how to dig in when batting, which is what they did after being given first crack when Gregs won the toss (as usual).

3 unusual faces in this Fosters line up - behind the stumps in place of his injured father was Michael Levy - in the words of Gregs 'same name, different shape!'. Also making his seasonal debut was Dean Johnson, and it was a welcome return from Kevin Brady. It was also good to see Geoff Williams back after too many weeks in the Canadian Rockies.

The Fosters bowling effort was its usual containing self but was not as sharp as it might have been in the field with John Worley putting down 2 catching chances that he would normally take and both Jedi and Cue Ball dropping chances. In the end though it all went well as the safe hands of Ian Cooper were on hand for the one of the openers and then Jedi redeemed himself with a remarkable catch out of the swirling wind.

Gregs replaced the Cue Ball and bowled the other opener. 2 run outs then came as the young number 3 took a suicidal second run which Kevin Brady's throw managed to beat and then the number 5 bat foolishly looked for a run from Deano's opening ball, only to be sent back and beaten easily by Paul Bullen's direct hit.

Gregs continued to take wickets (Ian Cooper taking another catch) and then John Worley returned to claim 2 in one over - one a snick behind and one a well judged catch by Kevin Brady. In the end Cheshunt used up most of their overs but could only score 117. John finished with 4 for 38 and Gregs with 4 for 48 (and one ahead of Ronnie for the season).

Remarkably Former Yosser Whitmore, having made one good stop that nearly caused a run out, was never run on again - even when it was clear that he was injured. Respect at last for his fielding just before he moves North to end his season. Thanks also for his anagram of Cheshunt, which as younger people read this, I will not print here!

Credit to Michael behind the stumps, looking very tidy and always concentrating on the game, he yielded just one bye and took the chance that came. He was also confident enough to appeal (when no one else did!) and glare at the umpire for a decision - sadly his father (same umpire!) shook his head (and was later sledged!).

The only concern in reply was beating the incoming rain. Geoff and Ian were always in control but a bit slow with the score only reaching 49 after 19 overs. Fortunately both batsman started to free their arms and chance the quick singles as the final 72 runs were score off just 8 overs and just in time! Geoff beat his target of 54, with 64 not out and Ian was unlucky to finish just short of a half century with 48.

Team: A Levy (Capt) A Blaby (wk), C Knight S Barker, M Whitmore, J Worley, R Blaby, M Shore, I Cooper, P Bullen, R Wells

Just 2 hours before this game started Anthony was given the news that Gregs had been called up to the 2nd XI and he was now the skipper. This led to a quick rethink as Wellsy was called up and Adam Blaby was given the wicket keeping gloves.

As usual (0 for 3) Anthony lost the toss and after 5 minutes thought 2 man Parkfield decided to bat first! The game eventually started at 1-30 and the Parkfield opener (promoted up the order) started smacking the ball to all parts as Wellsy came in for some stick and John Worley pulled up after one over with back problems!

With the score having reached 50 very quickly some bowling changes did the trick as Sam had the sedate opener caught by Former Yosser and Richard Blaby induced the free scorer to hole out to Paul Bullen at long off. Fosters now applied some pressure with first Sam and Cue Ball and later Wellsy getting quickly through the overs with few runs accruing.

Another double bowling change did the trick with the score having reached over 100 for 3 - John Worley's 2nd ball induced panic in the batsmen and saw one of them run out by yards. 4 further quick wickets (including a bizarre catch behind by Adam Blaby - gloves to helmet to mouth and back in to gloves!) fell and it looked like the chase may be less than 150.

Unfortunately a 9th wicket hit and hope partnership helped take the score to 185 all out before Wellsy and Sam came back to take the last 2 wickets. All the bowlers and fielders stuck at it and all (bar a difficult chance to Matt Shore) the catches in the field were taken.

Also in the middle of the innings the scorer's tooth fell out......and the tooth fairy visited while her father was writing the match report

In reply the 3rd team captain's have now officially given up saying have a safe start.....Ian Cooper was taken at slip and Jedi played round a straight one to leave the score on 17 for 2. Former Yosser and Matt Shore settled things down as they did last week although Matt was extremely lucky to be dropped on 8 to a sitter. The runs started to flow and it was a real surprise when Marcus ran himself out for 36 with the score on 67.

Adam Blaby went in and he and Matt upped the scoring rate. Adam was somewhat foolishly caught having a swing with the score on 98 for 4 but with Fosters now ahead of the run rate. Paul Bullen went in and he and Matt added 60 in quick time and just 27 were needed with 12 overs to go.

Things then went off the rails......Matt holed out for a well made 60; Wellsy went first ball for a duck; Paul was bowled by a good inswinger and then John Worley went without facing a ball as he was run out by his skipper ('Sorry again John') ....and now it was 170 for 8 with the skipper and Cue Ball at the crease.

No problem as 18 runs were scored with few alarms with 21 balls remaining!

A vital win given that everyone else (barring Bushey II, who for the 3rd game running failed to take the final wicket in their match) at the top also won. Will Cheshunt get out a side next week......?

Team: A Gregory (Capt) A Levy (wk), A Blaby, S Barker, M Whitmore, J Worley, R Blaby, M Shore, I Cooper, P Moruzzi, M Langley

The top 2 in the table met at the Sandridge home of Spencer Meadows. Remarkably Gregs lost the toss and Fosters were asked to field. Cue Ball made an immediate impact claiming the first 2 wickets with just 5 runs on the board. In fact Sandridge could easily have been 4 down at this stage with the remaining opener edging past Gregs and the number 4 getting an inside edge past the stumps - both off John Worley.

John was incredibly unlucky to finish wicketless from 7 overs, particularly as it looked like he had their number 4 out twice in his final over. As it was the scorebook shows that Gregs had him leg before the very next over! In fact Gregs was to bowl immaculately after he replaced Cue Ball, eventually finishing up with 7 for 31 (still one behind Ronnie overall!) inducing back foot shots to balls that kept low and generally building pressure with his nagging length and line.

At the other end Ronnie wasn't quite his usual self, although he did pick up the vital wicket of the Sandridge number 5 off his worst delivery of the day - skied to the ever dependable Ian Cooper. He was eventually replace by the token 20s man Cheesy but it was Gregs who polished them off for 122.

In reply the batsmen were all told to get forward and make a safe start. The first bit was done but both Anthony Levy and Ian Cooper were back in the hutch with only 4 on the board! This brought together former 'Yosser' Whitmore and Matt Shore who gradually worked the side back in to the match through watchful defence and clever placement and running between the wickets. Matt belied his 15 years looking the senior batsman before he was caught for an excellent 39, with the score more comfortable on 86 for 3.

Marcus struggled on at the other end mixing good with some outrageous fortune as mistimed lofted shots landed away from fielders and a nick behind went down. He did well though to concentrate through the incessant field changes of the Sandridge captain!

Adam Blaby played a couple of excellent shots but was also lucky to be dropped to a return catching chance. With just 3 needed for victory, Adam and Matt Langley fell lbw to successive balls to keep Fosters on their toes. Marcus though hit the winning runs to finish on 55 not out, and another win sees the lead at the top increase to 31 points.

Team: A Gregory (Capt) A Blaby (wk), S Barker, M Whitmore, J Worley, C Knight, D White, D Rollo, R Blaby, M Shore, C Edwards

Gregs spent all week calling in favours to get a decent team out and was still left on Saturday morning scrabbling around for 11! As it was not much of a decent team was needed.

Another toss was won and Langleybury were quickly inserted. Aside from lasting a few overs longer than Old Habs had done a fortnight earlier, the batting effort was just as poor as they had no answer to the nagging Cockfosters bowling. Richard Blaby (on a normal size pitch) bowled economically without getting any success and John Worley also struggled early on as Langleybury reached 45 without loss.

Once the first wicket went the rest soon followed. John finished with 3 for 41 and then Gregs and Ronnie feasted on the lower order taking 4 for 10 and 3 for 14 respectively as once again the 3rd team went out to bat before tea, chasing just 90 runs to win.

Unlike 2 weeks earlier the pre tea session was not so simple with 3 early wickets falling. Jedi middled the ball beautifully to the fielders during the opening over before edging one behind. Matt Shore fell for 2 and Danny White (getting a 3rd team bat at last!) was out for 10. At tea Adam Blaby was told to build his innings......he completely ignored this advice and decided to get things over with an excellent 34 not out, containing a number of boundaries, whilst senior batsman 'Yosser' Whitmore sedately reached 23 at the other end.

This then turned into a relatively easy but vital win at the top of the table. Big game next week at Sandridge.

Team: A Levy (Capt/wk), P Bullen, S Barker, P Moruzzi, M Whitmore, R Hill, J Worley, C Knight, D White, D Smith, R Blaby,

A rather different team to last week took the field at the rather pleasant surroundings of Bayford. As usual Anthony lost the toss (sorry Gregs, your method doesn't work for me!!) but as planned we ended up in the field.

What was not in the plan was Cue Ball's opening spell - clearly the idea (possibly real?) that the pitch was actually a couple of yards too long got completely into his head as the Bayford opener helped himself to either short balls or full tosses. Unfortunately for the other opener Richard bowled his one good ball and that was enough to send him away leg before.

At the other end John Worley lost no time getting back into his usual 3rd team rhythm, bowling a really tidy spell and eventually getting 2 deserved wickets in final figures of 2 for 26. In fact all of the other bowlers bowled well on what was a pretty good batting track, even though Roy's figures of 0 for 32 masked a real improvement on his display last week. Just as amusing was Cheesy's attempt to go through every Hill he could think of to encourage him!

Most importantly for the future Daniel Smith - held back by the skipper who could see he was nervous - bowled an excellent spell (easily the quickest of the day) and again his figures don't tell the real story. The Bayford opener, already past 50 at this stage commented 'why wasn't he opening' - apparently the rest of the Cockfosters side were wondering this as well.......

As usual Sam came on to tease the batsmen and could easily have had more than the one wicket he got. Cheesy came on fairly late (blame Daniel's excellent spell!) and immediately got the opener with one that rolled back slowly on to the off stump. Everyone kept plugging away manfully in the field and Bayford closed their innings on 177 for 5.

What I have missed out so far is the 35 minute delay for rain from 2-25pm and then the fact that the Bayford declaration was made whilst running to the pavilion as the rains returned once more in their final over. Tea was taken but with a more and more resigned view to the weather clearing up. The captains reached the only possible conclusion at 5-30 with the rain still falling and the pitch sodden. In fact if the downpour those returning to Cockfosters drove through around 6-15pm carried on to Bayford, the square would have been flooded.

Another disappointing Saturday and more annoyingly some of our rivals lower down the league managed to complete victories to close the gap at the top. 

Team: A Gregory (Capt) A Levy (wk), I Cooper, P Bullen, S Barker, G Williams, P Moruzzi, M Whitmore, R Wells, R Hill, T Pigden

The writing was on the wall early here as not only was this Cockfosters 3rd team extremely strong but the opposition revealed that they had lost a number of their original line up to their 1st team. In the circumstances Gregs quickly decided to have a bowl to try to get this over with.

After 2 overs from Wellsy the Old Habs innings was in tatters at 10 for 3 after a couple of poor shots but also some well directed bowling including the bowling of the number 4 with one that went back up the hill. At the other end Roy Hill was really struggling for his line against the left handers and was perhaps fortunate to still be left on when he claimed the wicket of the remaining opener. Wellsy claimed the 5th wicket thanks to bowling another straight one as he finished with 4 for 61 - his figures suffering near the end as he tired.

Gregs came on to bowl a typical spell of tight bowling taking 3 for 7 from 7 overs (those 7 runs included a 4 from a shot that would have gone straight to Sam Barker had Gregs not just moved him). His 3 wickets all came courtesy of the batsmen feeling the pressure. Sam came on for just 7 balls but that was enough to take care of my mate Wisey, bowled through the gate going for another big shot.

Old Habs all out for 94 having probably put up the worst batting display we have seen in 2 seasons at Holtwhites - failing to apply themselves on a good batting strip.

We turned straight round and unfortunately lost the early wicket of Ian Cooper to a wonderful one handed catch when Ian tried to hit over the top. The innings was a bit quiet for a while but then Marcus (38*) and Geoff (43*) gradually got more and more on top as Old Habs ran out of ideas. A victory by 9 wickets and then tea was taken!

The side remain top of the league but a message here from the skipper - no complacency please, I want to win this division and there are still 8 games to go.

Team: A Gregory (Capt) A Levy (wk), I Cooper, P Bullen, S Barker, G Williams, C Knight, A Shah, R Blaby, C Edwards, M Edwards

Thanks to yet more unexpected cry offs and back injuries (!) this was easily the weakest side the 3s have put out this season - yet they probably won't see a more exciting game.

Put in to bat on a damp Holtwhites track, runs were hard to come by, and both Ian Cooper and Jedi Knight found themselves back in the hutch both gloving catches to the keeper. Paul Bullen also found runs difficult to come by, in the end making a 59 ball 14, which including a 5 thanks to some overthrows. Meanwhile at the other end Geoff was playing the normal innings we expect, generally looking untroubled, although also having difficulty piercing a well set field.

Ajit (8), Anthony (16) and Morgan (10) all made valiant efforts to increase the scoring rate knowing that there were plenty of wickets in hand, and this took us towards what we thought would be the 140 or so needed to be competitive. This effort failed in a flurry of late wickets as Geoff went stumped for a fine 56 (7 short of target) and then Cue Ball fell to a good low catch. Gregs and Ronnie went cheaply but at least 128 had been made off the full allocation of overs.

In response the best possible start was made by the Cue Ball as he picked up a double wicket maiden. First Geoff took an excellent low catch at slip - he always takes them when the keeper parries the edge (!) and then the number 3 batsman inexplicably lofted one straight to Morgan on the point boundary.

Gregs was bowling tidily at the other end, knowing that he had to ignore his back ache with limited bowling options. He too was to pick up 2 wickets in one over thanks to a catch from Ian Cooper and then a first baller for their no 5. A useful partnership then ensued (aided by the failure to give a stumping off Gregs - yes, I'm bitter!). Sam Barker was to end the resistance of the number 6 - having been hit for a mighty 6 off of the first ball of his over, he then bowled well before the batsman went back to one that turned sharply and was bowled.

It was around this point that the opposition skipper came out to umpire.....and after at least a minute of searching, realised he had the match ball in his pocket.

When play resumed there was a flurry of wickets as Gregs and Sam picked up another 2 wickets apiece including a well judged catch by Ajit.

More than 40 runs were still needed but the number 4 batsman was going well and he was joined by his experienced skipper who decided that a draw was not going to be the end result. There were a number of big hits and near misses with at all times the bowling, fielding and enthusiasm remaining high. The final over came with 7 runs needed and number 11 on strike. Gregs enduced 2 play and misses - from the 3rd ball a suicide run was taken and Gregs failed narrowly with the throw.

Three balls to go and 6 needed - Gregs served up the half tracker and the number 4 hit it straight down Paul Bullen's throat on the square leg boundary to keep the third XI top of the league! Gregs got a deserved 'Michelle' finishing with 5 for 46 and Sam bowled really well under pressure to finish with 3 for 51.

Team: A Gregory (Capt) A Levy (wk), M Whitmore, I Cooper, P Bullen, S Barker, G Williams, C Knight, A Shah, R Blaby, D White

Another large tweak within the bowling department was necessitated by a number of cry offs from among the second team. This didn't seem a problem early on as Bentley Heath were soon reduced to 30 for 3 thanks to 3 good catches from Gregs, Jedi and Ian Cooper. Cue Ball picked up 2 of the wickets although to be fair this was not his best bowling spell - struggling to find length and line.

Two chances then went begging - a complete failure by anyone except the keeper to appeal for a clear caught behind, and then the failure of sure arm Paul Bullen to find the bowler by the stumps, allowed the next 2 batsmen a let off which enabled them to take the score past 120. However just when it looked like they might bat on, 3 quick wickets fell with Ajit Shah fully involved - 2 catches by Ronnie and Danny White and then a run out from Ronnie off Ajit's bowling.

At this point the Fosters fielding came off the rails with Jedi missing 2 admittedly difficult chances and Geoff inexplicably dropping a skier. This allowed the Bentley Heath number 8 to make a quickfire 45 and bring about a final score of 219 for 9. Paul Bullen came on for 2 overs at the end to claim another 2 cheap wickets.

The reply was barely 4 and a half overs old (Ian Cooper having fallen to a catch behind off a superb delivery) when the rains came once again to complete yet another rain interrupted game at Holtwhites...when exactly did Summer start?

Team: A Gregory (Capt) A Levy (wk), M Whitmore, I Cooper, P Bullen, S Barker, G Williams, C Xavier, P Moruzzi, D White, R Wells

A very different side took the field this week due to 2nd XI changes and frankly the side simply looked stronger as a result! A showery day was already in progress when Gregs won the toss and inserted Baldock II. Before a ball could be bowled there were 2 rain interruptions one of which took place after Gregs had given the rousing teamtalk!

Once play commenced it was clear that conditions favoured the batsmen as Gregs was finding plenty of lift from a length and Wellsy was almost unplayable thanks to excellent pace and control. In fact it was also clear to this observer that Wellsy being in the 3rd XI frankly makes no sense. His final figures of 3 for 29 barely did him justice given that 12 of those runs came from 3 boundaries off of the outside edge, where at least one of them really should have been taken. As it was all 3 wickets came from catches behind the wicket - Geoff appreciating a simple one from the shoulder of the bat, plus 2 straight forward snicks through to the keeper.

Meanwhile at the other end Gregs as usual kept things tight. He ended up with 2 for 16 from 12 overs, thanks to a smart stumping plus a pretty plumb leg before decision.

Finally just after 4pm yet another black cloud swept into view and it was understandable that the match was called off before irreparable damage was done to a wicket that we will see for the next 4 weeks - a pity as 30 points were there for the taking.
 

June 9th - Bushey II 190 all out lost to Cockfosters 191 for 4 by 6 wickets

Team: A Levy (Capt/wk), C Nickolls, T Pigden, M Whitmore, I Cooper, P Bullen, S Barker, G Williams, D Morgan, C Knight, R Blaby

Clearly one of the biggest problems for a captain is a mixture of supplying directions and finding some team mates who can map read! Once that initial trouble was sorted out and 11 men finally found the ground the toss was lost (despite following Gregs' advice) and Bushey chose to bat first (in hindsight a toss well lost!).

After 5 overs no runs had been scored thanks to an excellent opening spell from Cue Ball Blaby and Chris Nickolls. This was pretty good considering the first 3 overs were played without the late arriving Marcus, who compounded the problem by staring at us all from the car park before a scream of 'Marcus' from the skipper got him back to his senses - he alleged later that he was looking for Gregs! He had been on the field barely 20 minutes before his shoes broke leading to another over off the pitch!

Richard got a deserved wicket (caught well by Tosh) and then with the score starting to accelerate at 53, Sam Barker took 2 in 4 balls with a leg before from the wrong'un and a catch close in by Marcus immediately after he had been positioned there. Generally this was the way the innings went, with every time the score moved on, some wickets fell.

Sam bowled superbly, bowling unchanged for 19 overs (mainly because his skipper really didn't have any alternative!) to finish with excellent figures of 6 for 60 (which would have been 7 had their number 3 and top scorer been given out stumped earlier in his innings). In fact it was good bowling all round as Chris's figures of 0 for 41 don't do him any justice, before Paul Bullen came on with a cameo bowling effort taking 3 for 23 off 6 overs, finding that off stump in a number of different ways!

Bowling the opposition out in the 50th over on what looked a pretty decent track gave the side confidence over tea. This was to be well founded as Geoff and Ian, after a sedate start with Geoff generally taking singles off the last ball of an over, began to accelerate comfortably against bowling that gradually got easier. In fact it was a major surprise when a wicket fell on 97, with Ian out for another well made 37.

Geoff simply continued onwards and steady partnerships kept the scoring rate well within the asking rate without ever needing to panic. Marcus was unluckily caught behind for 9 (he claims my son missed a run!) and Dave Morgan looked in good touch before succumbing to a remarkable caught and bowled for 18.

The main debate was whether Geoff (target score 49) could reach his 100 before Tosh Pigden scored the winning runs. As it was with just 4 runs needed for victory he nicked one behind on 94. Paul Bullen went in for a batting cameo to follow his earlier bowling one and his only runs were the winning ones!

An excellent win sees the side up to 2nd place in the table......Chris K - thanks for coming and padding up!

June 2nd - Stevenage III 115 all out lost to Cockfosters 116 for 3 by 7 wickets

Team: A Gregory (Capt), A Levy (wk), C Nickolls, T Pigden, I Cooper, P Bullen, D White, R Hill, S Barker, P Moruzzi, G Williams

Lots of uncertainty before this match, mainly in relation to which of the unprepared wickets we should play on! Gregs won the toss (once again using his lucky technique - which has been offered to the vc for next week's encounter) and asked a delighted Stevenage to bat first.

'Benny' Hill made the early breakthroughs (2 for 22 - in your best Richie Benaud accent!), in both cases just after the batsmen may have nicked behind. As it was an excellent swinging delivery was enough for the opener's off stump and the number 3 bat soon returned to a similar ball that had him plumb in front of middle stump. Roy's biggest problem (aside from the odd wide and no ball) was the smell of weed that was emanating from behind the bowler's arm!

Gregs replaced himself early with 'Ronnie' Barker but the pitch was not that much to Sam's liking and although he got plenty of flight and kept things tidy, he didn't get a lot of turn from the slow green wicket. It was Roy's replacement, the returning Chris Nickoll who undid the other opener with a fine inswinging delivery that once again took out the off stump.

Things were just starting to get out of hand as Stevenage moved comfortably on to 80 for 3. The key moments then came as Chris, who until this time had been a bit wayward, suddenly found a great length and line (6 overs 2 for 17). Eventually the pressure told and the number 5 batsman also lost that off stump. Cheesy then replaced Sam, and the number 3, trying to rid himself of the shackles put on by Chris and Sam, simply found Roy 'dependable (???)' Hill on the long off boundary.

Cheesy then took 2 in 2 balls in his next over and despite some lusty blows from the number 9 the innings subsided to 115 all out. Cheesy finished with an excellent return of 4 for 15, and the returning Gregs got in amongst the wickets taking 2 for 28 from 13 overs.

35 minutes needed to batted out before tea and Geoff and Ian made things look pretty easy in taking the score to 44 against some tidy but not very threatening spin and seam bowling with the old ball. In fact it was sometime after tea that the first wicket went with Geoff walking when out caught behind for a well made 40. Meanwhile at the other end Ian was showing increased maturity - playing out some maidens to some tidy bowling when on another day he might have lost his head and given his wicket away.

In the end he got his just reward, going through to his maiden 3rd team 50 just before the target was reached, finishing unbeaten on 52. Before Tosh came in for a cameo 6 not out to seal victory, Anthony dragged yet another one on to his stumps for 8 and Paul Bullen, looking to finish the match with a mighty 6, was undone by a ball that was held back and he was bowled for 1.

A comprehensive victory over a side in the top 3 - a top of the table clash with Bushey II beckons next week.

May 26th - Cockfosters 214 for 7 drew with Sawbridgeworth III 111 for 6

Team: A Gregory (Capt), A Levy (wk), M Langley, M Whitmore, I Cooper, P Bullen, C Knight, R Hill, S Barker, P Moruzzi, G Williams

Much debate went into deciding what to do on winning the toss - as it was Gregs decided to bat first and the decision looked more than debatable with the score on 19 for 3. Some excellent opening bowling saw both Geoff (countless runs below target!) and Ian caught behind and then Matt Langley bowled off his legs ('no one can say I threw my wicket away today').

Chris joined Marcus and they saw off the opening bowlers although with 'Edge'more clearly riding his luck with a number of streaky strokes. They put on 42 before Chris found mid on rather than clearing him! This brought Paul Bullen in and he immediately looked comfortable giving Marcus excellent support. Marcus reached 50 and looked on for a very big total indeed before he surprisingly fell 3 short of his favourite score with the score on 113.

This brought Anthony to the crease and he watched from the other end as Paul started to flow. In fact 21 runs had been added before Anthony troubled the scorers although he did end that barren run with 2 crisp 4 over the now brought in field. Rather surprisingly the leg spinner had him caught at long on. Another 40 had been added and the fightback was complete with Roy Hill joining Paul and taking the score past 200 as Paul passed 50 and then opened his shoulders to make 82 before skying one to the keeper when looking for very quick runs to get his ton. The innings closed on 214 for 7 with Gregs and Benny providing some comedy running. Overall an excellent effort given the early failures.

While off for tea the weather took a turn for the worse and it was a drizzle and then fine rain that engulfed the Sawbridgeworth reply. They were in immediate trouble as their opener padded up to Sam's 3rd delivery, Gregs got his first league wicket of the season with the number 3 pinned in front, and then the numbers 4 and 5 gave some catching practice to Roy and Gregs, The score was 13 for 4.

Sawbridgeworth's young number 2 and 6 bats then played extremely well in the difficult conditions although the wet ball was proving tricky for the bowlers - Cheesy in particular struggling with his line and length. Finally the number 2 fell to Sam with a good low catch from Roy. This was to be the last good act in the field from the Magnet - he had earlier dropped 2 very difficult chances but was now to drop 2 sitters from the number 6 bat the first a dolly off of Cheesy and the next denying Sam a meeting with the aging Michelle!

Also suffering in the field was Geoff who in reality did well to lay a hand on slip chances off of Gregs and Ronnie. With the conditions deteriorating the new ball was taken and Roy took a wicket to make up for his catching! In the end the rain was too much and the captains settled for a draw 17 overs early. 

May 19th - Cockfosters 106 all out (30 points) beat Greenwood Park 67 all out (10 points) by 39 runs

Team: A Gregory (Capt), A Levy (wk), T Pigden, M Whitmore, S Butt, P Bullen, C Knight, R Hill, S Barker, P Moruzzi, G Williams

They often say that cricket is a funny old game, and none more so than today's encounter at the surprisingly picturesque ground of Greenwood Park, despite being just a stone's throw from the A405.

Although a council owned track that required beer cans to be picked up from the outfield, the track looked surprisingly good given the recent weather and Gregs (using his nifty toss guessing trick.....) decided to bat first on winning the toss, taking the view that the spin twins would enjoy the drying track.

Clearly the ball was not coming on to the bat as Geoff and Marcus struggled for runs early on, nevertheless we were all hopeful of another large score when the score reached 43 without loss in the 17th over. Geoff, having only recently been dropped, then fell for 15 - well below his target for the day. This brought on a mini collapse as Marcus then went run out, comically falling over when looking for a 3rd that clearly was not on, and then both Tosh and Paul fell without troubling the scorers.

Kiwi Chris then came in and immediately looked at home. He and Anthony decided that with the keeper bizarrely standing back to the medium pacers, that it was time to bat 2 foot outside the crease to turn the good length balls into ones that could be hit. Anthony though then fell with the score now just 57 for 5......although oddly he should really have gone 2 balls earlier when he appeared to be given out caught bat pad, only for the Whitmore finger to be removed as there was no proper appeal - this writer admits that had the fielder looked even half interested then he would have just walked off as there were clearly 2 noises.

Out came Roy Hill.......took a middle stump guard.....and then proceeded to change from the right handed batting stance he had used to take guard to his correct left handed stance....much to the annoyance of the opposition. As it turned out 2 vital partnerships then ensued - Chris and Roy put on 23 before Chris found the only fielder on the leg side and was caught for 20. Sakib and Roy then put on 24 before they both fell - Sakib looking for Harvey Susser (I'll explain another time........) and Roy falling a bit like Chris had earlier.

The tail failed to wag and we were all out for 106 in 38 overs. A rather disconsolate tea then followed (in fact 'tea' was delayed as the urn hadn't been turned on!) before a bit of Churchill from Gregs, plus the realisation that we had a good bowling attack on a difficult wicket soon got us all going.

Wickets came quickly - Roy got the opener plumb in front from a yorker and then Sakib took 3 wickets for 13 - one caught behind by the only keeper to stand up to the wicket all day (!) one bowled and one return catch. This left the Greenwood Park reply in disarray at 23 for 4. Runs then started to come as the experienced opener/captain and numbers 6 and 7 kept looking for their shots.

Gregs had 2 disappointing overs, although had the keeper been standing back he would have had a wicket caught behind (!) and then on came the spin twins to wreak havoc. Sam soon snaffled the young number 6, who had no real idea what was going on and then got the number 7 once he had realised that he needed to pitch it up a bit more. The opener was proving troublesome though - Cheesy missed a tricky caught and bowled having foxed him in the flight and Sam failed to win an lbw shout that was difficult to fathom. Roy Hill also put down what would have been a great one handed effort at mid wicket.

However with the score on 61 the key breakthrough came as another tossed up ball from Sam was missed and this time the finger went up. Cheesy claimed 2 good wickets in the next over, leaving Sam to take the final wicket as the number 10 watched the ball onto his stumps from a foot outside off!! Cue mass celebrations with Sam finishing with 4 for 9 and Cheesy with 2 for 19.

This left a few observations in the dressing room: Tosh 'so we scored too many runs after all' Gregs 'the key thing was that we gave ourselves enough overs to bowl them out' and finally Marcus 'my day would have been complete if they had just scored 2 more runs!'

For another take on the game check out this report from the Greenwood Park website - the description of the impact of Sam's bowling is quite amusing
 

May 12th - Cockfosters (10 points) drew with Datchworth II 17 for 2 (10 points)

Team: A Gregory (Capt), A Levy (wk), T Pigden, M Whitmore, K Brady, M Langley, C Knight, R Hill, R Blaby, S Barker, P Moruzzi

Gregs won the toss under dodgy skies and inserted what we suspected was going to be a weakened Datchworth side in light of Stevenage taking part in the FA Trophy final.

This seemed to be borne out as Datchworth found themselves 1 for 2 after 3 overs and, but for an errant throw, would have been 1 for 3 at the start of the 4th! Roy 'Benny' Hill (lucky to be bowling according to Marcus!) bowled an excellent spell yielding a run out - when the opening batsman decided to run when he though he might be caught (Tosh Pigden lobbing the ball to the keeper with both batsmen at the other end!) - and then a regulation catch behind. Gregs was unlucky at the other end yielding an edge that went through the vacant 2nd slip area for 4.

Unfortunately the weather got steadily worse and in the middle of the 8th over the rain became torrential - 30 minutes of that and the entire ground was unplayable. Another disappointing end - and we didn't even get any tea!

May 5th - Cockfosters 191 for 6 (17 points) drew with Bragbury 148 for 9 (2 points)

Team: A Gregory (Capt), A Levy (wk), I Cooper, G Williams, K Brady, M Langley, C Knight, N Hale, R Blaby, S Barker, P Moruzzi

A heartbreaking final result, following a stirring opening league performance from an under strength third team.

Sent in to bat by a Bragbury skipper wary of the pitch, Geoff and Ian put on a solid start amongst much appealing from the Bragbury bowlers. This finally paid off as Geoff was adjudged leg before for 20. In came Anthony and the score then proceeded at a snail’s pace but with Ian looking more and more assured as he began to get to grips with the nagging bowling of the openers. Just after drinks were taken, a change of bowling brought his dismissal for a well made 30.

Matt ‘Abbots’ Langley came and went, which brought in happy Hammer, birthday boy and this month’s HR Director, Kevin Brady. His natural batting urgency seemed to rub off on Anthony as suddenly the scoreboard started ticking quickly as they added 68 runs in just 13 overs before Kevin was bowled for 27.

The momentum never died though as debutant overseas player Chris Knight made a brisk 24 (not even put off by umpire Westbury’s phone going off in the bowler’s delivery stride) and Anthony kept pace before being bowled for a jug avoiding 49. Neil and Richard brought up what looked like a final score of 200…..until it was discovered that our Colts scorer thought you got 2 runs for a wide and therefore 9 runs had to be deducted!

In reply the new ball was forsaken to allow Sam Barker to have an opening dig – despite looking dangerous he was unable to make a breakthrough, which in the end went to Richard ‘Cue Ball’ Blaby. Gregs and Cheesy came on and Gregs surprised everyone by bowling too short and conceding 12 off his opening over. He soon recovered to claim the scalp of the opposition captain and then Cheesy got the other opener to play on, to leave Bragbury precariously placed at 86 for 3.

At drinks it was decided that the best ploy was not to take the new ball as that would allow all 4 bowlers to stay in the game – initially this didn’t look a good decision as Bragbury comfortably took the score along to 128 for 3 with plenty of overs remaining. Then came a double breakthrough as Cheesy and Cue Ball claimed both incumbent batsmen and suddenly there was only one possible winner. Another 4 wickets fell quickly – a stumping off Cheesy and then 3 wickets to the returning ‘Ronnie’ Barker – to leave Fosters 4 overs to get the final wicket. Much effort and lots of appealing failed to bring the wicket and a ‘winning’ draw had to settled for.

Despite the failure to get the full 30 points, it was an extremely encouraging display, with a solid batting and bowling effort, and augurs well for the rest of the league campaign.