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Sicklinghall CC Vs Shadwell CC
"The sweat smell of success"
Finally a game of cricket
on Saturday, as the boys made the trip to sub tropical Shadwell. Two months of rain
followed by recent clammy heat of 30 degrees had led to extreme growing conditions
in the Yorkshire area and Shadwell was no different, with retired Ghurkas being
called in with machetes to hack down the jungle which was once an outfield. A fine
job done, Rast won the toss and elected to bat first - mainly because he wanted
a bat (selfish Goit!). So D Boyd and M Wood set about the bowling with a hunger
not seen since Sidd last clapped eyes on the cake cabinet in the Scotts Arms ......
and we all know what happened to that!!
Forty runs were scored
in quick time before D Boyd played a hapless shot into the air and was caught. He
was followed soon after by "Man of the Season" J Crooks, who maintained his average
of around 8 before hopelessly swotting to cover. The Skipper came in next, the heat
already proving a problem as he made the 70 yard walk to the middle in full battle
gear. Bribery clearly works as not one but two Shadwell fielders managed to shell
him before he had even troubled the scorers. The exertion was too much and the Skipper
promptly relieved himself of his cap in order to try to get some cool air to his
crew cut in order to make his brain function properly.
Meanwhile at the other
end M Wood was reaching 50 with an array of gorgeous shots. However as is usually
the case, the applause triggered his muppet gland and he promptly gave his wicket
away again. This brought Shadwell speciallist Sidd to the crease who promptly proved
that he isn't actually a Shadwell speciallist by lasting about 3 minutes. This was
long enough to cause the Skipper great discomfort though, as he tried to run a 2
when there were clearly only 3.
PJ, Stevie the (Terminator)
Fish and Claz all played fine little cameos, before Pecker came in with 4 balls
to go and promptly middled more shots than the rest of the batters put together.
So the innings came to a close at 216 for 7, with Rast being physically helped from
the field 68 runs better off and 2 stones worse off. Oh the sacrifice!!!
The muggy conditions failed
to get any better during the interval, and in the distance (around the Winn area)
wise men foresaw large black clouds. More later .......
D Boyd and S Wood opened
the bowling and both conjured up magnificent pace of around 68 mph in oppressive
conditions. Pecker made the early breakthrough ....... again dispelling the myth
that half time sausage rolls and cake are bad for you, removing the opener with
a perfect away swinger. He and Boydy managed to get through 16 overs before Pecker
begged for a break and R Winn was brought into the attack, angry clouds already
bubbling overhead. It didn't take long before Sidd's "efforts" at long off incurred
the wrath of the snarling Geordie tweaker and thunder crashed around. A couple of
quick wickets improved his mood though and with Rast now staggering in at the other
end with metronomic ...... staggering, the runs began to dry up for the hosts. Two
overs later and the storm was back, as G Hudson failed to run in 30 yards, down
an undulating hill and take a diving one handed catch off a skyer ....... leaving
R Winn exasporated at his sheer bad luck. Sidd's screeching commentary of this incident
and subsequent mirth probably didn't help the situation, and Pecker's subsequent
catch at long on, followed by the announcement that he was stood on the boundary
line also failed to raise the Newcastle Spinner's by now shattered spirit.
The Skipper reminded Winn
of his responsibilities, pointing out (oh the irony) that only smiling and general
good naturedness was allowed in his team. The hairy backed Smoggie responded with
another wicket to finally leave the weather set fair and 'Hall on their way to a
resounding 70 run victory, the only remaining sour note being D Boyd's appalling
efforts which would and should have given G Hudson his first wickets for the club.
One of the large clumps
of hacked down grass clippings was awarded the fielding point, but the umpires subsequently
changed this to J Crooks when it transpired that an inanimate object could not take
the award ..... hence Sidd was also ruled out.
Final mention goes to A
Challenger who battled on bravely through 25 overs in the field, his knee having
painfully locked, leaving him nearly unable to move. Funny thing was, nobody noticed
any difference until he announced it after the game!
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Sicklinghall CC Vs Church Fenton CC
Rained Off.
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Sicklinghall CC Vc Scarcroft CC
"Pecker pounds pacemen as Boydy bombards batsmen"
After captain A.Wood deserted his troops to find their
own way past the might of Scarcroft, it was younger and lesser brother M.Wood who
accepted the role of leading the side. Suffice to say that memories of him as captain
against the same opposition a few months back came rolling back to crush any hope
of confidence turning up in our weaponry. With D.Bird thankfully on holiday, the
side welcomed, M.Follis and G.Hudson as crucial replacements and the return of S.Fisher
brought an increase in comedy value to the team.
On a wicket, drenched by the overnight rain, acting captain,
M.Wood made the first blunder by losing, what from the boundary, looked like an
easy toss. So, 'Hall we were put into bat with D.Boyd joining the captain to begin
proceedings. After the initial 10 overs of watching paint dry, both openers fell
to make room for J.Crookes and A.Siddiqui. Crookes looked good for an entire minute
but mistimed a straight drive back to bowler and Siddiqui produced no better and
was dismissed shortly after.
It took a valiant effort from both P.Wood and S.Fisher
to rescue the situation and they put on an outstanding partnership. S.Fisher producing
the big hits and P.Wood playing some good looking shots of his own. Fisher eventually
departed for an excellent 40 and PJ followed soon after with a gutsy 29. The platform
was now built for Hall's hitting machines to come out and bury the opposition. As
always, they did not dissapoint as A.Challenger contributed with some big hits but
it was the performance of S.Wood who kicked them while they were down as he literally
smashed the entire bowling attack of Scarcroft in to smithereens with some of the
biggest hits in the history of the game. His roaring 46 came of what seemed like
7 or 8 delieveries, supported well by G.Hudson and it was enough to post a dominating
total of 173.
Teas in the mid session interval didn’t quite match the
standard found during home games but that didn’t stop the Wood brothers packing
their plates with masses of sandwiches, cakes and pies. The interval also saw the
sudden arrival of A.Palanivel who assumed it appropriate to turn up in his union
jack boxer shorts, only to be told that hes gonna need to concentrate on other factors
of his appearance before he will pass as a member of the English community. Palanivel
departed shortly after an exchange of verbal insults with A.Siddiqui and perhaps
also because he relaised that he had parked his car blocking all traffic from entering
the premises.
The second half comenced with S.Wood and D.Boyd taking
the new ball. Both producing an excellent display of fast bowling with Pecker softening
up the batsmen and Boydy taking the wickets at the other end. There was moments
of frustration as LBW appeals were turned down.. One in particular saw Peckar pick
up a piece of wood from the wicket and throw it, only to see his sense of direction
go horribly wrong as the missile went and rebounded off the umpires head. Needless
to say, no lbw decisions were even considered after this point. Scarcroft's top
order struggled against the new ball and 'Hall reduced them to 60 for 7. Credit
to the opposition as they fought their way back in the the midlle of the innings
but with wickets falling at the right time for 'Hall, courtesy of some wonderful
and imaginative captaincy from M.Wood, they were always behind and finished 30 short
of the target.
The hero of the second half was D.Boyd who captured a match
winning 6 wickets and silenced his many critics (until the next game). An excellent
win for Sicklinghall that has ensured that the continue to fly in business class
next season aswell.
Wise men have said 'Never change a winning side' and bearing
this in mind, its difficult to see a way back in to the side for A.Wood. Perhaps
he has pondered over his future as a cricketer whilst wandering around the meadows
of Ipswich. Could it be that this is the end of an era…and the start of a new one?......Highly
unlikely with half the team missing next week and the rest with a combined ability
level of zero!
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Sicklinghall CC Vs Old Modernians CC
RAINED OFF!
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Sicklinhall CC Vc Spoffoth CC
"Opper's revival marks death of Winn"
This weeks encounter saw Sicklinghall (heavily weakened
by the presence of A.Challenger) take on arch rivals Spofforth. Spofforth sitting
comfortably at the top of the league table looking to cement their position and
‘Hall looking for revenge after the loss they suffered at home.
The SCC unit brought back Dan Scott in place of S.Fisher
while Malcolm follos took the place of ‘Jibber’ Winn. Pre match scenes experienced
no change as Spofforth started their preparation 2 hours early and ‘Hall arrived
just in time for play with no intention of burdening themselves with any physical
commotion. ‘Hall won the toss and batted first to make good use of a long batting
line up and also to allow maximum time for the large lunches to digest.
In went the out of form D.Boyd with opening partner M.
‘single figure’ Wood to face the pace of the Spofforth attack. After the initial
period of seeing the ball whiz past the nostrils, D.Boyd went in to positive mode
and runs began to accumulate at a reasonable rate. M.Wood however, decided that
pre meditation was the way forward and was clean bowled by what he thought should
have been a bouncer. His return to the dressing room was met with sarcastic shouts
of ‘Unlucky mate’ and ‘you didn’t do anything wrong buddy’ as J.Crookes made his
way to the center with the confidence of finally getting some runs in the previous
week. Crookes started well from the off and with settled D.Boyd started building
a solid platform. Exquisite shots being played by both and ‘Hall looking comfortable
until J.Crookes missed a straight one for the umpteenth time in his diminishing
career. Captain A.Wood was the next man in and looked in no bother as he carried
on the run flow with masterful strokes and very rare, intelligent running. With
the score on 73 for 3, D.Boyd pulled a half tracker straight down the throat of
deep mid wicket and departed for an excellent 43.
With the drinks interval taken on D.Boyd’s departure, A.Siddiqui
stolled out to join the captain. The immediate discussion saw the agreement that
twos were only to be taken if there was a comfortable three and if the ball had
been mis fielded by an aged man who had previously suffered from a severe heart
attack. Unfortunately for A.Siddiqui, even singles looked impossible and his uncharacteristic
defensive approach failed and he was back in the hut with the insult of being caught
and bowled by former Sicklinghall spinner I.Giddins. D.Bird came and went (again)
and Dan Scott fell to the bowling of
Taylor
after some good looking strokes. Luckily for ‘Hall. P.Wood rose to the occasion
and produced an aggressive late innings burst of 24 matching the power hitting of
A.Wood who cruised to a much needed half century keeping ‘Hall in the game with
a total score of 162. A.Challenger also contributed with 8 off 4 balls with his
favourite closed eyes swing of the bat that fluked contact with the ball yet again
After overloading themselves with tea time snacks, ‘Hall
took place in the field feeling relatively full and lethargic. A.Wood and D.Boyd
took the new ball and after the preliminary session of tight bowling, both openers
were removed and Spofforth looked to be struggling. S.Wood also came in to the attack
with some fine fast bowling and all looked well for ‘Hall until the surprise introduction
of J.Crookes who stopped play for 10 minutes before his spell to take a sh*t. The captain obviously thought that J.Crookes
deserved yet another chance to revive his livelihood only to regret his decision
after watching the ball being planted to all parts of the ground courtesy of a deplorable
two overs by the youngster. This passage of play would have lowered the self esteem
of any player to the point where agreeing to the captains decision to take a rest
would have seemed like a life line. Unfortunately, J.Crookes believed that his self
esteem needed further battering as he chased the skipper around the field begging
for one last over. The skipper gave in and granted Jamie one more over only to view
another series of shockers being smashed to the boundary.
Enough was enough and captain A.Wood banished Crookes to
the boundary and made way for the long awaited comeback of Martin Wood. It was indeed
a dream comeback and M.Wood rattled though the Spofforth Middle order taking 3 wickets
with an excellent economy rate, pegging the home side back and giving the ‘hope
of an unlikely victory. Amongst the scenes, there were chants coming from the boundary
“Youuuuuu are even faster than your broooooooothers!! Laaa lala lala la laaaa laaaaa”
which boosted him further and he should really have had five wickets as pj dropped
a difficult chance behind the stumps and Siddiqui’s flying attempt to grab an aerial
straight drive failed. After this display, ‘Hall players were left wondering what
might have been, had Opper been considered as a bowler at any point in the last
10 years. Questions were being raised in the camp. Had the senior Wood brothers
been threatened by his potential?. Had they kept him out to prolong their own careers?
No doubt Siddiqui will be leading the investigation with A.Challenger as his useless
side kick.
Unfortunately for ‘Hall, the rest of the bowling couldn’t
match up and Spofforth sailed home with 3 overs to spare.
A disappointment for ‘Hall but some positive points can
be taken from the performance. In particular, those of M.Wood who has ensured that
J.Crookes will never get a look in again and perhaps also marked an end to the controversial
career of R.Winn.
Should this be the case, I would like to take this opportunity,
on behalf of the club, to thank R.Winn for his efforts during the last 3 and a half
years and we wish him all the best with the seconds where he will no doubt play
second fiddle to the rising spin king George Barton.
Don’t worry Winny, I’ve spoken to a few of my contacts
and your number 11 batting spot will be safe in the seconds as well. Claz will take
your spot as 'jack' for the firsts
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Sicklinghall CC Vs Great
Preston
CC
"Indian Express Fails to Stop 'Hall derailment after Pissed Up Winn leaves Team
Mates high and dry"
The battle between the third and fourth place sides looked set for high scoring
encounter with a beautifully prepared wicket hardened by the sweltering heat that
had grown angrier over the week. To be fair though, batting paradise though it may
have been, it only ever looked like most of the high scoring would be done by the
opposition with Hall missing six of their regular players and the rest in dreadful
touch. All bar one could be forgiven for their absence but the sorry excuse for
a man known as R.Winn pushed the boundaries of each players patience as he made
himself unavailable moments before the toss was due to take place. The normally
gentle natured captain can be excused for his not so positive response at being
let down in his only hour of need (In that hour).
The toss was lost and 'Hall' were sent
to run their ten over weight carcasses ragged in the oppressive temperatures.
Runs continued to flow for
Preston
who took ones and twos at every opportunity against the impressively tight line
of A.Wood and S.Wood who kept an excellent economy rate throughout his spell. The
damage though was done by second team remedial player A.Palanivel who bowled with
good pace and accuracy troubling the batmen at frequent intervals capturing three
wickets in an excellent spell of pace bowling. His first two wickets, largely credited
to the fine catching display of G.Hudson a J.Crookes but his third, the reward of
an excellent yorker that left the stumps in disarray.
The career of J.Crooks ‘the bowler’ finally came to an end after his woeful display
of inaccurate grenade throwing. Surely this will bring A.Siddiqui and M.Wood in
to play for the remainder of the season. It simply must!!
Preston continued to accumulate runs in ones and twos and even the late burst of
D.Boyd who removed three of the late order batsmen couldn’t stop
Preston
from reaching a dominating total of 228. Memories of the game against Old Mods came
back as SCC prepared to chase their highest total of the season.
The mid session interval saw the boys tuck in to some excellent teas courtesy of
M.Wood and K.Wood. Variety, taste and presentation were all of the highest order
(unlike the batting that was about to commence)
So ‘Hall’ began with the hope of a fiery start from D.Boyd and J.Crooks. The only
thing fiery was D.Boyd’s mood as he departed first ball attempting an indescribable
shot off perhaps the most pathetic long hop ever bowled in the history of this game.
Could things get any worse?…Oh yes they could!. A.Wood unaware that the second innings
had begun was still wandering around in his jock strap without his pads on and was
forced to send an unprepared, yet still cool, A.Siddiqui to the crease. Elegant
boundaries flowed for a while until A.Siddiqui’s aggressive intent got the better
of him and he departed for 15. Next man A.Wood joined Jamie and they both accelerated
the scoring rate developing a promising partnership amongst some strange scenes
that saw A.Wood drop his bat and kick it whilst cursing himself out in the middle
(when WILL this man learn!!). Clearly, today was not his ‘good temperament day’
as he charged down the ground to the spinner only to miss and get stumped for 23.
There was no missing involved later as the score hut walls withstood the impact
of his brutal tantrum.
The sudden return of M.Wood to the ground brought some hope as he went in next and
set the standard by crashing regular boundaries alongside the steady J.Crooks.
Preston
however managed to keep ‘hall behind the run rate all times and picked up wickets
at the right time. J.Crookes batted well for his 43 and M.Wood looked good for his
46 as did the 25 from N.Shetty but ‘hall’ fell 20 runs short by close of play.
The only other idiotic moment involved that good for nothing stupid git A.Challenger
who thought that running a second would be a good idea after the fielder had released
the ball. As expected he was out by 17 yards.
There is a reason we don’t run twos. We are too slow!!! Trust me!. I tried for a
whole season…UNSUCCESSFULLY!!!
Needless to say, this loss will be dedicated to 'jibber' R.Winn who will be faced
with some deservedly harsh critisism and severe beatings on his return to the village.
I would like to take this opportunity to ask each member of the club to line up
in alphabetical order and take turns in beating him.......Actaully forget that!!!..just
maul the B**st**d.
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Sicklinghall CC Vs Wetherby CC
"More weather Vs Wetherby"
Finally after 3 weeks of trying, a cricket match to play on Saturday as Wetherby
visited the SCG. Early morning showers had given way to sunshine and all was set
fair as Rast won the toss and elected to bat on a good looking track (good because
he did it!).
After some debate it was decided that Jamie would open the batting to confront his
Wetherby demons head on and stick it to them. Sadly someone forgot to tell him and
after scratching about like a demented chicken he succombed for 4, the bragging
rights around town definitely with the opposition. There's a big score in Jamie
trying to "come out". Sadly it's taking even longer than Michael Barrymore did!
With Boydy also in the tent, triggered by a dubious caught behind decision, Rast
joined Opper at the crease. Wickets continued to fall regularly though, Opper for
10 and Rast for 18, getting out just as they looked in. It was left to the God that
is Siddiqui to restore some pride to the batting effort as he bludgeoned his way
to a chanceless (till he was out) 37. That this man has not yet played at county
level can only be down to politics!
The innings eventually petered out for a well below par 104 and it was left to Pecker
to raise the boys' spirits for the second half, firstly with his rallying cry for
the bowling effort, but more importantly with his (Cynthia's) fantastic home made
teas.
That seemed to do the trick and Boydy soon removed one of the openers, to leave
Wetherby at 10 for 1 when on looking in a North Westerly direction, Kirkby Overblow
suddenly disappeared under a blanket of rain that looked like it might have even
sent Noah scuttling for cover in his Ark. Luckily the boys got the covers on just
as the tempest hit.
An hour later it was over and the sun was out, but with the square (if not the wicket)
under water, it was always going to be a struggle to get the game back on again.
Despite the best forking efforts of Opper and Rast pratting about with a squeegee
for an hour, the surface water just wouldn't go ....... although quite a bit of
it went ...... all over Sidd in a freak squeegee accident, as he dared to get too
near to a cantankerous Rast.
Eventually then, hands were shaken and all adjourned to the pub. Two points each.
Such a pity ...... I'm sure we would have won!
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Sicklinghall CC Vs Oulton CC
"Sidd plants one on Oulton as Boydie goes to seed"
Without Dan and Stevie the Fish and with Pecker cycling this week with the wind
behind him ......... but somewhere between Penrith and Scarborough, Claz and Malc
were once again good enough to step into the breach to take on bottom side Oulton.
With 15 points between the sides going into the match, Rast saw it as a "must win
game" in order to create real daylight. He's optimistic our Skipper ...... we're
a shit sight nearer the top than the bottom and he's still wittering on about avoiding
relegation!
Anyway the toss was academic as Oulton won it and chose to bat, while Rast was going
to field anyway, what with the covers having been on for most of the week due to
yet more rain in the fair county of Yorkshire. 'Hall got off to reasonable if unspectacular
start as Oulton's openers put on 65 for the first wicket, but took 27 overs doing
it. Still a solid base for them to build on, but they never really did as the 4
pronged bowling attack of Boydy, Rast, Lins and Winny all bowled tightly. (They
must have realised that Jamie was next in line!) Despite Boydy and Jamie shipping
overthrows by seeing who could launch it furthest over PJ's head (Boydy won by 20
feet), the score continued to creep along slowly, till with only 6 overs to go it
stood at just 103 for 2. Some late hitting got it up to 144 for 4, but still 'Hall
were more than happy to not have to chase down more. Strangest moment of the day
came when Claz shelled a regulation chance at long on off Winny, but the Geordie
Tweaker merely shrugged his shoulders and carried on. Anger management must be starting
to work.
Birdy's teas were a creative masterpiece at half time, with Salmon sandwiches finding
a special place in Lindsey's heart (and gullet) and bucketloads of Pringles ensuring
that the captain cheered up from having to suffer the last 5 overs "fielding" display.
In fact the Skipper was still hoovering up the last of the crisps on his plate when
'Opper and Boydy took to the field to commence the 'Hall reply. Boydy didn't commence
for long as he was heading back to the pavilion after just 2 balls, plumb LBW. With
Rast not having thigh pads or box on Jamie went in next and it proved a masterstroke
as together with 'Opper they proved that they fare better against quicker bowling,
adding 78 in 22 overs, displaying an array of pulls and cuts against anything wayward.
With Jamie's demise Rast came to the crease and was soon joined by Sidd, as 'Opper
fell for a superb 57. With 45 still required it could have been a bit twitchy, but
the new look Sidd laid into Oulton almost from the off and the boundaries flowed
from the Shahid Afridi clone's bat. Oulton's returning quick bowler didn't take
to Sidd's approach and labelled him a "Plant Pot", one of the more genteel names
that he's suffered this season (including from his own team mates). Still Sidd didn't
take kindly to being called a Plant Pot, possibly because as well as containing
soil they are also full of shit, and he let rip in a vicious verbal tirade back
at the bowler, leaving Rast shocked at some of the words spewing from his mouth.
Once again could Palanivel's latest vicious verbal volley on the Pakistani Pounder
have served as the gunpowder in his canon? Rast merely knocked off ones and twos
at the other end as Sidd took 'Hall to scores level before clearing the stage (missing
a straight one) for Birdy to come in and see us over the line at 148 for 4.
This getting out just before the end is becoming a habit for Sidd who clearly refuses
to share the applause with his team mate at the other end, instead demanding his
own adulation like an Opera Diva who's just belted through Carmen at the Royal Albert
Hall. Someone should have thrown him a bouquet of flowers ......... to stick in
his PLANT POT!
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Sicklinghall CC Vs Kirk Deighton CC
RAINED OFF!!!!!
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Sicklinghall CC Vs Shadwell CC
"Heads We Win!"
What a game at the SCG on Saturday as high flying Shadwell rolled into town (well,
village).
Rast won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat first on a nice dry deck.
That and the fact that strike bowler Pecker was once again "pedalling into the wind"
somewhere between Knaresborough and Sicklinghall and Winny's big red "Lurrrve" mobile
hadn't yet hit town. With 'Opper away in Bristol the "honour" of opening the batting
with Boydy went to Jamie, who once again promised he was full of runs. Full of something
that's for sure!!!! (Joke!!)
Once again 'Hall got off to a pretty good start before Boydy was cleaned up swishing
loosely at a straight one. Rast didn't fare too well either, chopping on for a big
fat lonely zero - another to give it away. With the returning Dan also falling cheaply
and cruising back to the dressing room, 'Hall were in a bit of trouble at 50 for
3. With Sidd coming to the crease Jamie told himself to take responsibility and
bat through the innings to ensure a reasonable score. Unfortunately his ears never
got the message sent by his mouth and he fell soon after, trying to hit his way
out of trouble. Birdy, PJ and Claz came and went, Claz in particular making Rast's
duck look good as he was skittled first ball - and suddenly 'Hall were in real trouble
at 60 for 7. Thankfully Jamie's message to bat sensibly had bounced back off a satellite
and gone in through Sidd's ears. Having found a large vacant space in there it decided
to camp down for a bit, and lo, Sidd began to assuredly accumulate runs.
Lindsey had joined him at the other end and was feeling good ....... until Sidd
pinned him with a bullet of a straight drive, that would have gone for 4 had it
not hit him smack in the middle of the swede and felled him like a condemned tree.
Sidd counted the cost of his lost runs, while Lins just counted stars! However,
he was soon back on his feet and cursing Sidd profusely. Great - no lasting damage
then!
Lins fell again (in the losing his wicket sense) soon after, but by now Sidd was
like a man possessed. With the stinging criticism of Palanivel's "motivational"
e-mail driving him on, he pummelled the Shadwell attack to all parts (no doubt picturing
the Bangalore Express's mocking face on the ball) every time he whacked it out of
the park!
Pecker and in particular Winny played their parts in providing dogged support to
take 'Hall through to 148. With Sidd though, the comedy is never too far away and
with just 5 runs required to break the club's 10th wicket record of 58 and with
his own personal score on 67 (equalling his best), Winny drove the ball to mid on.
Sidd called for a run which was never there and on being correctly sent back by
the Geordie tail end hero, he could only squeal in anguish as both his feet went
from under him and he crashed to Earth like an Asian Jack Douglas! Shadwell should
be commended for retaining their composure long enough to run him out, whilst everywhere
else on the ground there was uncontrolled merriment.
However, the momentum had shifted ........... in the game, as well as Sidd's feet
......... and it was a charged up 'Hall which came out after PJ's excellent teas.
Rast struck 2 decisive early blows, bowling downhill for the first time in 20 years
(you chose ends Boydy - ha!) and Shadwell were suddenly in a big hole ........ probably
the one created by Sidd's "landing" earlier. Pecker came on and removed 2 more top
order bats and with the Spin twins of Lindsey and Winny (now recovered from finding
out that he NEARLY broke a record) weaving their webs again, there could only be
one outcome, despite some resistance from the Shadwell middle order.
And so it was that Boydy came back to get in on the act, removing the last man for
nought to seal a fantastic 39 run win .......... for once Victory claimed from the
jaws of Defeat.
Rast is determined to ensure that no-one gets big headed by the win - apart from
Lindsey who is currently nursing a lump on his, the size of a small country !
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Sicklinghall CC Vs Church Fenton CC
"Neigh Problem for 'Hall' as Sidd makes hay"
Rast arrived back from Spain sporting a glorious tan (except around the bikini line),
buoyed by the news that 'Hall were at full strength for the first time all season.
Jamie had finally dragged his arse up from Cardiff to bolster the batting (allegedly!),
Birdy's finger had re-attached and Sidd had hit form with a glorious 15 the week
before.
Fenton won the toss and surprisingly elected to bat first on a wicket still showing
the effects of all the rain.
Boydy did his usual trick of striking early to make inroads and with Pecker bowling
out of his skin, wickets fell pretty frequently. Rast also chipped in before handing
the ball to R Winn to do his stuff. Unfortunately it wasn't to be the Geordie's
day as the skipper unceremoniously took him off after just 3 overs - a move which
led to thunder clouds descending in a localised area around the ground (somewhere
about mid wicket-ish). After 35 overs a jet plane came in to land at the airbase
over the road, nearly crashing to earth as it encountered the unexpected heavy cloud
formation above Winny's head.
On the field wickets continued to fall courtesy of some
wonderfully intelligent captaincy from Rast and the hosts were
eventually undone for 109 in the last over.
Boydy and 'Opper went out to attack the target, but with just 9 on the board 'Opper
was undone (by the pitch obviously) and departed for 2. Rast came to the crease
and together with Boydy added 40 before Boydy missed a non bouncing off spinner
and was bowled. Jamie came out to join the skipper, proclaiming that there was loads
of time, before dancing down and edging to slip. In came PJ and together with Rast
managed to reduce the run rate to about 0.5 per over, and the opposition to tears!
The game came back to life though when PJ objected to being plumb LBW and kicked
his helmet all the way back to the pavilion, much to the amusement of the opposition.
What is it about these Woods and their tempers??!!!!!
Sidd came to the crease and was promptly verbally abused by the wicket keeper, whose
motives in telling Sidd that he looked like a black horse in the next field remain
unclear. Personally I think he looks more like the rear end of a pantomime
horse but that's just my opinion. Little wonder then that Sidd failed to notice
when he got a bit of bat on a nudge to silly point
soon after and didn't walk. F*****g Hell, their keeper was clean bowled and failed
to go!!!! Further verbal assaults served only to rub Sidd up the wrong way and he
battered his way to a superb 14 not out, as together with Rast who went to his 50
with the winning shot, the target was overhauled. Sidd was so pleased he screamed
himself hoarse with delight. He was rewarded with a bag of straw, a bucket of water
and by being mounted by a nameless colleague.
Fielding point went to a non Wood as Stevie the Fish took the prize with 2 magnificent
catches. Birdy also pulled off a blinder, but promptly fell over the fence with
it. Sidd also took one as well but it was deemed to be a fluke and struck from the
records!
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Siclinghall CC Vs Scarcroft CC
'Scarred by Scarcroft'
Finally, some better weather conditions graced the village as the showdown commenced
between Sicklinghall and Scarcroft. Sicklinghall fresh from a miraculous victory
over Old Mods looked to brush aside last seasons division 2 runners up.
The return of Pecker and Steve Fisher strengthened the side in all areas of the
game giving ‘Hall’, what seemed to be, somewhat of an advantage. The only set back
was the absence of captain and key batsman A.Wood and with M.Wood taking over with
his autocratic style of leadership, ‘Hall’ were set for an unpredictable game.
The toss was lost and ‘hall’ were made to bat on L.Pearson’s well prepared wicket
despite the heavy rain from the last two days. (An excellent effort!).
The openers began cautiously against the accurate Aussie bowler but M.Wood’s plan
to play a captain’s knock went drastically wrong as he patted a well disguised slower
ball straight back to the bowler. Phil wood, promoted to number three supported
D.Boyd well with some positive shots but with Scarcroft’s aussie keeping a strangle
hold on the batsmen at one end, runs were forced at the other and P.Wood miscued
a full ball to extra cover to make room for the next man, S.Fisher. Fishers’s stay
was short and sweet, leaving hall relying on A.Siddiqui to occupy the crease for
a longer duration than normal. The situation began to look ominous as D.Boyd started
testing Siddiqui’s fitness by running numerous threes leaving the poor lad in no
state to continue. (Strangely enough, D.Boyd is hardly ever seen running more than
one at other times). It was Siddiqui’s passion for the game that urged him to continue
and he combined a series of 'play and misses' with some excellent shots while wickets
tumbled at the other end. D.Boyd, harshly given out stumped for 37 and A.Challenger
missing a straight ball. The final few overs saw Pecker and M.Addyman playing attractive
cameo innings taking hall to a challenging 146.
The mid session interval had all the players tucking in to some excellent tea time
snacks, courtesy of D.Boyd (Nice one mate!)
The second half soon commenced and M.Wood ordered D.Boyd and Pecker to begin proceedings.
D.Boyd doing the early damage, removing two front order batsmen with the score on
only 25. With Pecker bowling valiantly at the other end, luck must have been against
him as he remained wicketless in his first spell and Scarcroft built a partnership,
surviving some hostile bowling from both openers.
The twin spin attack of L.Pearson and R.Winn once again brought a reduction in run
rate as wickets began to fall again. L.Pearson’s two wicket over with A.Challenger
taking a super catch put ‘hall’ in the driving seat.
Unfortunately, the home team failed to make use of the situation as regulation catches
were dropped at crucial times much to the personal annoyance of R.Winn who carried
his gloom well in to the evening. Scarcroft eventually crossed the finish line to
win by four wickets.
A special mention must go to M.Wood for his captaincy effort (Booooo!...bring back
Andy Wood!!!)
With the Wood regime now at its most powerful, surprise! surprise!, P.Wood claimed
the fielding point for his bravery behind the stumps. (I reckon these brothers are
just taking turns in alphabetical order!)
Next week promises to bring the crowds with the return of Jamie Crooks and D.Bird,
giving Sicklinghall a full strength side for the first time this season. So strong
that A.Siddiqui was nearly dropped...on his Birthday!!…and that would surely have
been a calamity!!
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Sicklinghall CC Vs Old Modernians CC
"Against the odds at Mods"
Saturday 24th May brought another cold and windy day as ‘Hall’ battled
it out with the Old Modernians. Sicklinghall turned up, armed with new batting recruits
in the form of M.Addyman and D.Scott but without pace man S.Wood and the continuous
overlooking of M.Wood and A.Siddiqui as bowling options, ‘Hall’ still remained heavy
underdogs against their undefeated counterparts.
Mods began the day with numerous warm up routines hours before the match whilst
SCC players were happy to amble (or hobble) in, minutes before the start of play
(Clearly the young guns were still warmed up after last weeks game)
With Andy Wood continuing his recently developed habit of losing the toss, ‘Hall’
were made to field with Mods looking to bat their opponents out of the game in rapid
time. D.Boyd, however, had other ideas as he ripped through two of the top order
batsmen in his first over with scintillating speed and accuracy. With A.Wood steaming
in at the other end 3 more fell within the first 10 overs and it looked as if Mods
would fold within the hour.
This hope was soon tarnished as Tim Baker and the Mod’s Aussie began to build a
partnership with runs flowing at an excellent rate. Baker raced past his 50 and
looked set to double this after A.Siddiqui spilled a sitter off the bowling of L.Pearson
(The captains policy of playing with a smile was laid to rest forever at this point).
Didn’t matter though as best mate M.Wood held on to a stunner off the bowling of
R.Winn soon after and Baker departed for 89.
L.Pearson continued his good form as wickets were taken at regular intervals but
the Aussie continued to keep the runs flowing and soon went past his 50, ensuring
a dominating total of 208 and challenging ‘Hall’ to get their highest score so far
this season.
With the pressure of chasing and the weather taking a chilling turn, the game had
Mods as strong favourites.
Hall began the chase positively and after the initial stumble in losing D.Boyd to
another irresponsible stroke, the senior ‘Wood’ brothers set the standard by scoring
freely against the opening attack. The scoring rate began to increase rapidly as
elegant shots were played all around the ground.
Both batsmen looked set to continue and the chances of an unlikely victory became
more and more realistic until A.Wood lost the plot and missed the ball playing across
the line. A moment, the skipper would perhaps like to forget. The after batting
tantrum was kept at bay with numerous players present in the changing rooms on the
skipper’s return. He simply threw his helmet down and went for a shower unaware
that R.Winn was casually bathing himself in the hot tub.
This lapse in concentration brought the debutant D.Scott to the crease and he played
magnificently to partner the stylish brilliance of M.Wood who cruised past fifty
in no time. D.Scott was eventually dismissed for a well earned 39 and M.Wood soon
followed for 74 leaving hall to get 6 runs an over for the last five. Gutsy performances
from P.Wood and A.Challenger brought victory closer leaving ‘Hall’ to get 1 run
from the last over. In all the excitement 'hall' began to crumble as three wickets
fell in the last over and the stage was left with one run still to get and only
wicket remaining. As ever, trusty L.Pearson guided the last ball on to his helmet
and head butted it for 4 to give hall victory in the most sensational finish so
far this season.
Fielding point remained within the ‘Wood’ family as M.Wood pocketed the honour for
his catching display.
A Special mention must go to D.Boyd and R.Winn for being launched for some seriously
big sixes on the way.Well done boys!
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Sicklinghall CC Vs Spofforth CC
"What a shower"
It was another tale of woe on Saturday as 'Hall succombed to top of the table Spofforth
by 6 wickets (I think ....... Difficult to tell by then as sleep had long since
set in)
The opposition clearly couldn't tell the time properly as they arrived en bloc a
full 70 minutes before the start ........ and proceeded to warm up and do fielding
drills, and all those other things that Australians swear by. Good job we don't
have one ..... he'd be doing it on his own. That said, Sidd also arrived 70 minutes
before the start but that was only because he was doing his Delia Smith bit in the
kitchen (Great samosas though mate!).
And so it was that half an hour before the start there came a shower of rain from
the Gods, which did liven up the pitch somewhat afore volunteers 3 could be found
to put the covers on. Rast promptly lost the most important toss thus far and Boydy
and 'Opper went out to dodge the bullets as they fizzed around off Taylor and Old.
Boydy and Rast departed quickly against this initial barrage, Rast given out caught
behind from a ball that was far too good to get anywhere near. Team mates were seen
running for cover as Rast tested his helmet on the Changing Room wall soon after,
whilst questioning the parentage of anyone within a 12 mile radius. Some serious
anger management required here! - This is the Captain - SET AN EXAMPLE!!!
Luckily 'Opper met fire with fire and played some glorious pulls as Spoff looked
to utilise the zippy track. PJ didn't last long but that merely brought the magnificent
Sidd to the crease, but needing to get on with the teas he decided to give the opportunity
to someone else to get runs. The unlikely hero was Claz who played a superb supporting
role to 'Opper as the two of them dragged the impetus back a bit. Sadly 'Opper's
dismissal to Giddy for a beligerent 57 was to signal the beginning of the end and
despite Claz's useful 20 and some useful late hitting from Lindsey and Pecker, the
boys were bowled out in the 34th over for 100.
Sidd's teas helped the half time mood but with Boydy having to choose washing up
over warming up, the omens didn't look too good against such a line up.
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