Other Cup Competitions Match Reports - 2007

July 8th County Cup 2 - Potters Bar 294 for 9 beat Cockfosters 152 all out by 142 runs

It was always likely to be a tough ask in this rearranged fixture at Potters Bar and so it proved. The bowlers put in everything they had with Tuffail Dar in particular returning splendid figures in the circumstances of 1 for 31 from his allotted 10 overs. Matt Stead was as usual in the wickets taking 3 for 64 and, as in the previous days game, the Stead family had a hand in all the dismissals bar one thanks to Chris Stead turning to himself late in proceedings and helping himself to 2 for 13 from his 2 overs.

The reply needed some big scores, but although a number of batsmen themselves in (Flat Track with 36, Gareth Hooper 25 on seasonal debut and Chris Stead with 23), none of them were able to turn those starts into the required big score. In the end the innings fizzled out for 152 - in addition to those above, Tuffail made 25 to complete a solid all round day, and Matt Shore once again looked like one for the future with 13.
 

June 3rd County Cup - Berkhamsted 108 all out lost to Cockfosters 112 for 1 by 9 wickets

This game looked likely to be a highly competitive match pitting as it did 2nd v 3rd in the 2nd Division of the Herts League - in the end it was anything but.

Berkhamsted's innings was dominated by the bowling of Matt Stead, who took 3 wickets in his opening burst of 7 overs and then, once the ECB regulations had been completed, he came back to mop up the final 2 wickets to finish with figures of 5 for 27, as Berkhamsted had no answer to his lively pace and accuracy. 'All over them like a rash' was how proud brother Chris Stead described it at the drinks break.

Matt was ably supported by Mark Sayers, who picked up another 3 wickets for just 23 runs to go with his league haul of the previous day. James Stead and Joe Clune picked up one apiece whilst waiting for Matt's return as the innings ended on just 108.

In reply the first over (which yielded just one extra) was the exception as we were treated to a cameo by Matt Fisher (25 in just 13 balls), including 2 straight sixes. His dismissal in the 5th over simply turned the spotlight to Declan who hit out with increasing frequency bringing up his 50 with a six over the clubhouse. He ended up unbeaten on 69 from only 46 balls with Sam Penny playing an excellent supporting role.

In the end an easy 9 wicket victory with almost over 36 overs to spare!
 

May 6th Evening Standard - Cockfosters 91 all out lost to Brentwood 93 for 2 by 8 wickets - by Mark Sayers

With a good league win under our belts and a "slightly" depleted team fosters set off for the sunny climes of Essex. The chuckle bus was full to bursting of bags and players and there were thoughts after the game that Adam' bag should have batted at 3 but I digress (sorry Ad).

We arrived to find a full on warm up a la Eastcote, so in true Fosters fashion we went to look at the strip and laugh at the outfield (It was obviously the county ground a loooong time ago and then has been used for some point to points ever since). A brief warm up and to war.

Skipper won the toss and elected for first use (heads eh, you've got to love it). The innings didn't get off to a great start losing Steady early on to a ball that he said he was going to leave and then decided to play at knocking off stump back (all those decisions in 0.5 seconds, no wonder I'm 11). Enter Adam ---------------------------Exit Adam looked harsh but c'est la vie mon brave (tough s***) Fish at this point was infuriating the bowler and most of the fielders by refusing to snick the ball or play straight, this led to some chirping and general banter (a lesson for all here don't chirp unless you've already got some runs under your belt, it might come back and bite you in the ass).

2 for 2 at this point, and looking for our youth to spur us on to a certain victory, Jimmy Stead came to the party, ate some cake and left by the kitchen door but not before Fish succumbed to a straight one and a send off "Hard luck old chap" or something I believe. Doris strolled out lidless, played some great drives and was then peppered with some good bouncers "welcome to Essex". Tony had joined him at this point and a small partnership ensued until Tony refused to get in line after ducking one (fell over) a few balls earlier.

This brought "Scotty too Hotty" to the attention of their by now ebullient bowlers, this got the best out of Scott who looked and played on top form for a man with 4 hours sleep. Doris exited stage left top scoring and the third Stead went out and came back (3 mins to Adam's 2 mins). Bring on Wells smash, bang, wallop and 7 (yes seven) defensive shots, that's 3 months quota used up in one game. Wells bowled (the mystery straight ball that undid so many). Benny (Hill not Wood) took over for Wells and then I replaced Scott we managed 1 to finish off our innings in the fashion of the day. Their opening bowlers were a very good partnership but a very below par performance generally with the bat 91 all out after 20 odd overs.

 
A straight turn round and Matty Stead has the ball, the first ball hits the pad and a small shout ensues until the umpire calls dead ball (he didn't say PLAY). Start again and Matt cleans up the Essex premier league's top run scorer 2006 first ball - game on, wicket maiden. Skipper throws me the ball and the chirper from early on in the piece plays on - wicket maiden 0 -2. Skip explained the situation to said chirper and the world was put to rights.

The next part of this epic story took a turn for the worse at this point from our perspective. Their young no 3 and vocal no 4 played very well although the youngster edged Matt 3 times in one over but after that went on to finish the game in emphatic style, beaten by the better side but playing cricket until the end we can only wonder what was going through their heads at 0 -2 !!