Match Reports 2006

This section is dedicated to reports submitted by team Captains, or other such members allocated editorial rights, ie. The Webmaster !  For the 1st team, such reports will also indicate the winners of the prestigious 'Champagne Moment' and 'Dick of the Day' Awards, plus fines accumulated. 

*** Dick Of The Season***, the final scores on the doors.  It appeared close after the Penton game, and the Webmaster was under no illusions he would be 'groomed' for fines over the last couple of games.  Luckily Holybourne was rained off, leaving only Hursley Park.   Basically five were in contention, Stevie Fenner ; Andy Walker ; Phil Cook ; Paul Anscombe ; Matty Angell. The fines committee were in session, with for some reason Stevie Fenner taking over the role as Finesmaster (usually Phil Cook).  This smacks of some underlying plot.  Anyway, the Webmaster felt relatively confident, having accumulated fewer fines than 6 others, and Matty Angell having secured a record base 39 for the day.  It was at this stage that the Finesmaster heavily promoted the Webmaster be awarded the DOTD, and as it was a double rollover, fines would be trebled.  This was immediately seconded by Matty Angell (wotta surprise) and was astoundingly carried. Anyway, The Webmaster does not hold a grudge, and a good time was had by all spending the money from the seasons fines in local hostelries, but next season, revenge and retribution........beware, especially Stevie and Matty.

A special mention goes to Darren Sturt for the highest average points per match of 25.5, mainly due to his physique being very similar to that of the Webmaster !  We must also mention our Scorer Ray Fenner.  Many thanks for your help throughout the season, and your contribution of 52 without even playing is much appreciated.

Andy Walker            : 231  

Matt Angell               : 207

Steve Fenner            : 189

Phil Cook                : 170

Paul Anscombe        : 155

Nigel Louth             : 147

Dave Guy                : 126

Nigel Dibben           : 121

Mark Dibben            : 104

Rob Jackson            : 76

Pete Bayless            : 74

Ray Fenner              : 52

Darren Sturt            : 51

Hugh Baker             : 32

John Elford             : 26

Simon Fountain      : 11

Alan Jackson           : 5

Colin Mansbridge    : 3

Pete Arculus            : 1

On a good batting track, Hursley elected to bat first.  They were given a steady start by Conroy (28) and Mansbridge (21) against tight bowling from Mark Dibben and Hugh Baker.  Baker (2-39 off 12 overs) removed both openers within a few runs, and bowled superbly.  Cockram with Jones (38) built a formidable partnership and were particularly severe on 'Inzy' Louth (0-72) and skipper Paul Anscombe (2-78).  I'm sure they could both have achieved century figures if they had bowled their full 12 overs, they only bowled 9 each !!.  Prendergast (17) and Westbrook (16) kept Cockram company while he blasted the attack and completed an excellent century (104no) just before the close.  Phil Cook who, claiming injury, only bowled a few overs at the end took 3-22 to leave the innings closed at 240-7.  In reply, Littleton kept to their usual tradition for the last match of the season and 'reversed' the batting order.  Mark Dibben opened with Dave Guy (9) and played some glorious shots before being bowled for 16 setting the target for other batsmen..  Despite losing wickets at regular intervals to Dave Westbrook (2-38) and Prendergast (3-59), Matt Angell with an excellent 39 including a six over point, Pete Bayless (17, just enough to out score Mark) and Andy Walker (14, classic Fenner cuts) kept the run rate going.  Stevie Fenner and Hugh Baker both decided not to trouble the scorers. The 'normal' top order batsmen then entered the fray, and took the game on.  Nigel Louth with a superb 65no, Paul Anscombe (20) and Nigel Dibben (22no) set the Hursley nerves going, but eventually the innings closed on a respectable 222-8.  Nigel Dibben even graced the game by playing left handed at the end and hitting an extra cover drive.  Phil Cook decided to avoid any embarrassment and refused to bat above number 11.  So another enjoyable season completed, again with reasonable success.

Champagne Moment : Mark Dibben for his glorious extra cover drive off his 3rd ball.

Dick of the Day : Andy Walker.  Having interrogated most of the team about his missing mobile phone in the valuables bag, and actually emptying the bag to no avail, the phone was called to try an trace it.  It rang in the valuables bag !  It was stuck in a small inside pocket and had never gone AWOL at all.   This award which was trebled for the rollovers, ensured the receiver also became the overall fines champion for the season.  The Webmaster would like to submit his own concerns on this award.  This was a single event on a personal relatively 'fine free' day, whereas Matty Angell had a mare.  So many things that it was difficult to keep up with them, and he even amassed the highest ever individual total (prior to a DOTD award) of 39.  If this had been trebled, or the Webmaster had not received DOTD, then he [Matty] would have been the overall fines champion for the season by a mile.  Where is the justice ?

Fines : Dave Guy 21, Nigel Dibben 19, Nigel Louth 23, Pete Bayless 11, Paul Anscombe 18, Phil Cook 23, Matt Angell 39, Hugh Baker 21, Steve Fenner 24, Andy Walker 20(60), Mark Dibben 8(0), Ray Fenner 6. 

Despite the afternoon being dry and 23 degrees, the game has called off due to a wet pitch at 12:00.

Champagne Moment : None

Dick of the Day : None.

Fines : None, last week of the season will be a triple roll-over. 

On what proved to be a very challenging track, Littleton batted first.  Nigel Dibben (17) and Dave Guy (a chanceless 40, well he was only dropped 5 times) put on 47 for the first wicket before departing.  Anscombe (plumb LBW) and Louth both fell for ducks, before Stevie Fenner and Andy Walker (14, but 21 balls to get off the mark) consolidated the innings.  Cook went first ball, but Fenner batting at four in the order continued a mixture of defence and aggression (including the infamous reverse sweep) before being stumped for an excellent 44.  Andy Gannaway with a quick 33 saw the innings through to a competitive 165-8.  P. Lane (3-31) and M. Gibbs (2-27) bowled well for Penton.

In reply Penton were destroyed by the opening bowlers Mark Dibben and Phil Cook, who bowled out their 12 overs each.  Dibben M, bowled superbly, and was ably assisted by brother Nige with two stunning slip catches, and finished with figures of 4-23.  Cook was his usual tidy self and took 3-19.  At 61-9 the game was effectively over, but Warburton (19) and Powley (20no) put on 37 for the last wicket to leave a final score of 98 all out,  Nigel Louth (2-26) claiming the rabbits.  Special mention must be made for the skipper who fielded at short leg (or was it mid wicket ?) with a helmet for most of the match, he had a mare !

Due to the showing of some dodgy videos, the fines committee did not convene, next week will be a roll-over.

Champagne Moment : None Awarded

Dick of the Day : Awarded to Phil Cook for submitting his Cricket Player Profile using the Football Questionnaire. (Still awaiting the corrected profile).

Fines : None. 

Champagne Moment : Rob Jackson, despite arriving 20 minutes late with a hangover.  He hit one of the biggest sixes seen for many years, which sailed out of the ground into the farm, and reached the cattle shed.

Dick of the Day : None awarded, despite being a roll-over week.

Fines.  Dave Guy 11, Nigel Dibben 9, Nigel Louth 14, Pete Bayless 8, Paul Anscombe 10, Phil Cook 12, Matt Angell 15, Rob Jackson 6(0), Steve Fenner 9, Andy Walker 11, Mark Dibben 13.

Champagne Moment : Little of note occurred during the match, so the award went to Mark Dibben for his valiant efforts in trying to retrieve the ball (which he ultimately failed to do) from the top of the 10ft high bowls green hedge .

Dick of the Day : None awarded.

Fines.  Dave Guy 6, Nigel Dibben 10, Nigel Louth 14, Pete Bayless 9, Paul Anscombe 8, Phil Cook 14, Matt Angell 12, Rob Jackson 11, Steve Fenner 6, Andy Walker 14, Mark Dibben 12(0), Ray Fenner 4.

Champagne Moment : Hmmmph, not happy with getting the award with the bat, Nige Dibben decided he could field as well.  As the game was shortened there were fewer events, so Nige got it for his superb run out with a direct hit from the boundary .

Dick of the Day : Hugh Baker's return coincided with a contagious epidemic of stupid comments.  Unfortunately Squirt seemed to be worst affected, so DOTD was awarded for two statements (attributable to the HB virus) made during then match.  Steve Fenner dropped a sitter while the batsmen ran, comment 1, "Don't worry, it's only another dot ball".  Hugh Baker was caught behind, and Squirt allowed Mark Dibben to go into bat saying, it's ok, they crossed so you won't be facing"  How many batsmen cross on a caught behind !!!

Fines.  Dave Guy 10, Nigel Dibben 10(0), Nigel Louth 15, Pete Bayless 11, Paul Anscombe 13, Phil Cook 12, Matt Angell 15, Hugh Baker 11, Steve Fenner 16, Andy Walker 13(26), Mark Dibben 10, Umpire : Will Lecomber 3

Champagne Moment : Nige Dibben is now just getting boring.  So this week, for his century, Paul Anscombe .

Dick of the Day : Another no brainer.  DOTD has to wear the silly shirt and the jesters hat.  So far this season, no hat, it seems to have gone on vacation.  Stevie Fenner has been adamant throughout the season he does not have it.  So this week, his wife Kirsty eventually ended the hats holiday.  It had been in Stevie's wardrobe all the time !

Fines.  Dave Guy 15, Nigel Dibben 16, John Elford 9, Pete Bayless 13, Paul Anscombe 12(0), Phil Cook 17, Matt Angell 25, Andy Gannaway 9, Steve Fenner 25(50), Andy Walker 17, Mark Dibben 12, Scorer Ray Fenner 5, Pete Arculus 1, Alan Jackson 5, Colin Mansbridge 2.

The skipper lost the toss and we had the unusual event of having to bowl first.  This was not helped by the fact Cookie and Nigel Louth had not arrived, and we had to play the first 5 overs with only 9 men.  Matty Angell removed the lethal Kinnear with his first delivery, but at the other end Mark Dibben was struggling to keep the number of balls in an over to single figures. Overton fielding their strongest batting line up for years, destroyed the attack, with D.Pitt(27) and P.Myers(26) being particularly severe and rattled up 66 in the first 11 overs.  The game changed though once Cookie and Nige were allowed to bowl.  Nige took a wicket with his first ball, and the innings then crumbled to 112-9 off 31 overs and what appeared would be a low score.  Remember this is Littleton !  Last wicket pair Blunden (21no) and young 16 year old Nick Tomlin (19no) made the game look easy through the professionalism of their batting, and the might of the bowlers could not remove them.  Tomlin especially played some excellent shots and they took the score to a creditable 152-9.   The extent (or is it embarrasment) of this feat was emphasised by an Overton 'insider' who said that Blunden's highest ever score was 3 !  Nigel Louth completed another superb day of bowling with his second consecutive match day figures of 5-29.  The fielding in general was good with one notable exception (see DOTD below), and the 30 extras which were primarily down to the bowlers not bowling straight !

In reply Littleton had a poor start losing Guy and Jackson for ducks.  Nige Dibben then bedded himself in, and with Pete Bayless(18) and Nigel Louth (a never ending 12, maybe it was the tacky trainers ?) took the score along at the necessary rate.  A. Reagan (3-43) bowled well, but no one looked like removing Dibben.  Paul Anscombe then joined Nige who had progressed into the 80's and selfishly with a straight driven six took the score to a level where Nige could not complete another century.  The Overton skipper then made some interesting field changes for Paul as if he knew how he batted (see below).  Justice was done with only a few runs required.  Nige (wearing 'non slip' trainers) slipped.  Paul sportingly ran past and accepted the run out, the least he could do.  With a classic drive, Nige completed the victory, at 153-5, with a personal tally of 93no.  So that's 303 runs from the last three innings, and only one dismissal.  Lucky the duck against Tichborne does not count as the game was rained off.  Some our estimate at the moment is that he is currently averaging 111 for the season.

Footnote :  It came to light that the interesting field changes made for Paul were down to the opposition following this website.  They had quite correctly identified from last weeks report that he was a slogger and set the field appropriately.  This raises a concern though.  Are we giving away too much information about ourselves which could cost us a match, what else did they glean from the 2 years of reports ?.......................Who cares !!  To Overton, thanks for the good spirited game, and your valuable input to the fines committee, your comments alone ensure another £3 in the kitty.  To all other teams, regards Overton, they are a social bunch of beer swigging Vicars and Tarts, who also play a mean game of cricket.

Champagne Moment : A difficult one, nothing exceptional as an individual event, so it had to go on consistency, and another joint award.  Nigel Dibben for his 93no (following on from innings of 115no and 95), and to Nigel Louth for two consecutive 5-29 hauls .

Dick of the Day : Well here's a tale.  Following on from last weeks DOTD.  How do you fall over ?  If the batsman hits out towards cow corner, and you are at long on, you will obviously give chase for the catch.  You charge around, and realise you are not quite going to make it, so it has to look good.  So you give it the full treatment, the belly flop dive with a Darcy Bussell piroette for good measure, and lie pole-axed on the ground.  Job done.  Well not quite.  While he is lying on the ground giving a good impression of a hibernating tortoise, the ball has not actually crossed the boundary !  It takes a good 10 seconds of screaming by team members to make him get up and chase the ball.  So unanimous was the vote on this, even the Overton team demanded he got the award.   So Matty Angell, its you again, a double double whammy, start arranging the 2nd mortgage.  Last season, if the Editor remembers correctly, Matty also fell over....while batting, so what is left ?

Fines. Double trouble as they include those remembered from last week.  Dave Guy 14, Nigel Dibben 22(11), includes the deduction for last weeks CM, Rob Jackson 20, Pete Bayliss 14, Paul Anscombe 22, Phil Cook 31, Matt Angell 26(52), Nigel Louth 28(14), Steve Fenner 21, Andy Walker 19, Mark Dibben 19, Scorer Ray Fenner 9. 

Champagne Moment : Nigel Dibben for his Century.

Dick of the Day : Matty Angell.  It is true that you can fall over in a hilarious way while running for a ball, diving for a catch, or possibly a quick single.  But while umpiring at square leg.....this has to be a first.

Fines. None awarded as everyone legged it off for the England footy, they will be rolled up into next weeks match !

Skipper Paul Anscombe achieved the hat-trick, losing 3 tosses, and being asked to bat each time.  Chawton fielding a young side initially bowled well.  Dave Guy (20) and Nigel Dibben started well, but after 3 quick wickets, Littleton were 70-3 off 20 overs.  Nigel Louth then joined Dibben, and started taking the bowling apart.  Dibben finally fell for a superb jug avoiding 95 after a partnership of 120.  Louth then continued his own personal onslaught, and at the close was 86no in a massive final total of 284-6.

In reply, Chawton struggled from the start.  Mark Dibben (3-20) and Phil Cook (2-12) made regular breakthroughs with only Knight (30) hanging around.  Skipper Anscombe then introduced himself for what he perceived would be cheap wickets against the remaining youngsters, but 15 year old Andy Vickers (24) smashed him for 3 sixes and he removed himself from the attack having conceded 34 runs in 4 overs.  This gave him the opportunity to try his first line 'spin' combo of Andy Walker (1-24) and Stevie Fenner (2-5), [yes you are reading this correctly] to see off the spirited defence of the youngsters in the lower order.   Walker eventually bowled an over straight, and Fenner's spin had the tailenders bamboozled, especially when the ball only bounced once, leaving a final total of 99 all out.  Mention must go to 'keeper Pete Bayless who took 5 excellent catches..

Champagne Moment : Pete Bayless.  5 catches behind the stumps.

Dick of the Day : No contest, after two Champagne Moments, Rob Jackson. Some young kids kicked their ball onto the outfield.  Rob decided to show off his footballing prowess.  He booted it back, not even straight, slipped, and ended up on his backside looking very stupid.  This though was not only recognised by the team, he got up to a chorus chant from the kids of "She fell over....she fell over !!!".

Fines, another very expensive day : Dave Guy 13, Rob Jackson 12(24), Phil Cook 17, Pete Bayless 10(0), Steve Fenner 22, Andy Walker 23, Matt Angell 20, Mark Dibben 18, Paul Anscombe 18, Nigel Dibben 12, Nigel Louth 28. Finally, scorer Ray Fenner 20, which must be a record for a non player.  Many thanks to his wife Jan for enlightening us to numerous fineable events !.

For the second week in a row, after losing the toss, Littleton were asked to bat first against previously unbeaten Breamore. After losing Guy, Rob Jackson and Nigel Dibben (29) took the score to 55.  Matty Angell (30) then kept Jackson company and the score accumulated slowly.  Steve Marlow (4-36) then started taking wickets, before Paul Anscombe added a quick 24.  Jackson (58) eventually departed with 3 overs to go, and the Littleton innings closed on 174-8.

In reply, Phil Cook bowled 7 overs 1-8, but a stand of 40 by the Marlow brothers put Breamore in good stead.  Darren Sturt came on and claimed the precious wicket of Shaun Marlow (23) before pulling up lame after only 2 overs. This introduced Matty Angell who changed the game.  He ripped through the Breamore middle order taking 5-40, with the final wicket being a run out of the non facing batsman while backing up, leaving them all out on 125.

Champagne Moment : Rob Jackson.  Partly for his batting, but primarily for the stunning throw demolishing the stumps with Shaun Marlow out of his ground.  It was not given because the umpire said he had his eyes closed taking avoiding action.

Dick of the Day : A couple of contenders, but finally the responsibility had to be taken by Darren Sturt on behalf of his daughter Anna.  Now Darren may have put a little weight on, but he must be really worried   Anna arrived at the ground and said "I can see daddy there, behind the stumps".  Wicketkeeper Squirt was delighted, not so Darren !.

Fines, an expensive day : Dave Guy 12, Rob Jackson 13(0), Phil Cook 12, Alex Philpott 3, Steve Fenner 14, Andy Walker 17, Matt Angell 17, Mark Dibben 11, Paul Anscombe 20, Nigel Dibben 12, Darren Sturt 19(38). Scorer Ray Fenner 2.

28 degrees, and the skipper lost the toss.  Amazingly we were asked to bat on a belter of a track. East Woodhay had several under 17 bowlers who made life difficult for the top order.  Guy, Louth, Dibben (N) [severely hungover], Anscombe and Fenner all departed without making double figures.  Rob Jackson eventually fell for 31 having spent 24 overs at the crease. Stevie Fenner did try to liven up proceedings with the attempted reverse sweep.  At 108-6 after 34 overs, it did not look good.   Andy Walker then joined Phil Cook and between them put on an unbroken stand of 74.  Walker (25no) farmed the strike to Cook (79no) who then proceeded to blast the ball to all parts of the ground.  The highlight of the partnership was the 'sprinted' 3 runs with the ball having barely left the square, bringing back memories of the type of running employed 20 years ago.  The innings finally closed on 182-6, respectable, but difficult to defend on such a superb track

In reply, Mark Dibben (2-55) bowled superbly removing batsmen 1 and 3 for just 10 runs.  Unfortunately this brought Alan Williams to the crease.  He despatched Dibben for several quick 4's.  It was decided to introduce Phil Cook to tame him.  Bad move, his first three balls were also smashed to the boundary.  Williams half century came up with the team total on only 68 !  Cook then removed Batchelor, but Gardner (38no) then joined Williams.  Paul Anscombe slowed the scoring down slightly with his offy's and doosra's, but Williams was not phased.  Having completed an excellent century, he smashed Mark Dibben for yet another six to finish on 112 no in the winning total of 185-3.

Champagne Moment : After much discussion, it was agreed that for the first time it would be shared.  Phil Cook and Squirt were awarded it for running the 3 with the ball having barley left the square.  This was reminiscent of 20 years ago when the likes of Squirt, Cookie, Dave Guy and Welly used to often do this for fun, and were fit enough to do it.  To see it done by them now, in 28 degrees.....well.....oxygen and video evidence required.

Dick of the Day : Paul Anscombe.  Having got himself out stupidly on a belter of a batting track, he returned to the pavilion.  His initial assault on the boundary marker was both violent and unprovoked, but what the changing room door said to him must have been right out of order.  A large bang, then suddenly it was at Deaths Door (no pun intended), hanging onto life by a single screw thread !  We were lucky to have a qualified surgeon in the camp (John Elford) who performed the major operation to give the door a future life.

Fines : Dave Guy 14, Rob Jackson 11, Phil Cook 16(8), Nigel Louth 11, Steve Fenner 9, Andy Walker 14(7), John Elford 6, Mark Dibben 8, Paul Anscombe 11(22), Nigel Dibben 13, Boz 6. Scorer Ray Renner 3.

At last, a hot sunny day, so skipper Phil Cook loses the toss !  No Paul, Nigel or Pete B, but still a solid side.  East Tytherley got off to a slow start primarily due to the tight bowling of Nigel Louth and Phil Cook.  Louth bowled out taking 1-37 off his 12 overs, and Cook chipped in with 2-27 off 10 overs.  Injury prone Mark Dibben bowled two short sessions and took 2-16.  J.Drake hit a gloveless 48 to bolster the total, and was particularly severe on Matty Angells spin.  Just as East Tytherley looked like they were getting on top, Darren Sturt making another comeback was introduced.  In his 3.3 overs he took 4-8, and the last 5 wickets fell for 7 runs leaving a final total of 120.

In reply, Littleton seemed to forget how to bat against tidy bowling from Edwards (3-33) and the spin of Kersey (4-19).  Louth, Fountain and Angell all went for ducks, and only Rob Jackson (20) showed spirit.  Unfortunately he stopped thinking (his words) and tried to smash the spinner out of the ground from his 2nd ball. 24-4 became 37-6 then 53-8.  Darren Sturt showed he could still bat, but his 16 (including a classy 6) was never going to save the game, and a dismal total of 73 all out was the lowest for many seasons.

Champagne Moment : Not much on the pitch, so Rob Jackson for the superb teas.

Dick of the Day : Andy Walker.  Ringing John Elford who had not arrived to see where he was.  Explaining to John that he didn't need to rush as he [Squirt] was padded up we were batting.  Sudden realisation that along with the pads were wicket keeper gloves, and we were actually fielding !  Editors mitigating circumstances that if Paul had let John know properly he was playing, the said phone call would never have had to be made at 2pm !

Fines : Dave Guy 7, Rob Jackson 9(0), Matty Angell 12, Simon Fountain 11, Phil Cook 15, Nigel Louth 17, Steve Fenner 10, Andy Walker 14(28), John Elford 8, Mark Dibben 7, Darren Sturt 13.  In their absence, Paul Anscombe 10, Nigel Dibben 8, Pete Bayless 2. Scorer Ray Renner 3 and bizarrely Colin Mansbridge 1 who only came up after the game had finished.

On a damp drizzelly day, the skipper lost the toss and we were inserted.  After losing Nigel Dibben to a golden duck, Dave Guy made a steady 21, but Jackson and Bayless (plumb lbw) fell cheaply.  Paul Anscombe made his usual aggressive 28, before being stumped and feigning a serious injury in the hope of getting a reprieve.  Nigel Louth hit a solid 26, but superb bowling from Duggie Butler 10-3-11-2 had the tail, especially Squirt, totally bamboozled.  The innings eventually closed on 126-8.

After tea, the rain got harder, but out we went.  Andy Joyce (17) and Nick Gerrard (15) gave Tichborne a solid start, with no indication that the game would be halted.  Suddenly after Phil Cook (2-21) and Nigel Louth (2-21) took 4 wickets in three overs leaving Tichborne at 40-4, the umpire deemed it too wet to continue. Hmmmm

Champagne Moment : None awarded.

Dick of the Day : Nigel Louth, forgetting his kit on route, going back to Southampton, then circumnavigating Alresford before arriving over an hour after the start.

Fines : Dave Guy 3, Nigel Dibben 11, Rob Jackson 10, Pete Bayless 6, Paul Anscombe 14, Phil Cook 9, Nigel Louth 11(22), Steve Fenner 8, Andy Walker 9, John Elford 3, Mark Dibben 6. 

A good toss to win and Aldershot were inserted on a damp and overcast day.  Runs never materialised, and the tight Littleton bowling restricted the runs with the odd wicket falling.  The introduction of Chris Tee totally changed the game.  His wicked spin destroyed the Aldershot batsmen, and his 5-18 left the score at 82-9.  At this point the rain came again, and the match had to be abandoned.

Hmmmmm, well the drought orders should soon be over with the amount of rain we are getting at the moment.  Dave Guy denied by the weather a third consecutive century against Steeple.

Champagne Moment : None.

Dick of the Day : None

Fines : None. 

County wide rain.  Again no play.

Due to late unavailability, the team travelled with only 10 players, and were missing 6 first team regulars.  Batting first, after losing a quick wicket Dave Guy (24) and Nigel Louth (38, returning after a couple of years absence) took the score to 60, before both fell in quick succession.  This then sparked a mini collapse, before tailender Paul Zanetti joined the ever dependable Phil Cook.  A partnership of 48 with Cook making 44 took the final total to 147 all out.

In reply, Cook (3-22) and Louth contained the runs, but were unable to remove opener Gardiner.  The first wicket did not fall until 80 were on the board, but Gardiner then received only limited support throughout the innings.  Alan Zanetti's (2-38) first two overs went for 17 before he claimed a couple of wickets.  From a comfortable position, panic set in, and wickets began to fall.  Seven runs were required from the final over, but only six were scored, leaving Gardiner undefeated on 84no, and the match tied.

Champagne Moment : None Awarded.

Dick of the Day : None Awarded.

Fines : None made. 

Littleton batted first and made a slow but steady start.  Pete Arculus and Steve Barrow both made 17, with the score at 40-1 after 20 overs.  Derek Dibben then rolled back the years using the new bat his wife bought him and made an excellent 48.  Steve Fenner with a quick fire 22, then Greg Sullivan and Leonard Boz with late runs completed a reasonable total of 165-7.

In reply Alton were always on the back foot, and struggled against Greg Sullivan (3-31) who seems to have grown 6 inches and added to his pace in the last 6 months.  The evergreen Steve Barrow bowled 12 overs, 2-28, and Chris Tee took 1-25 off his overs. Father and Son, H & R Little batted well at the end, but Alton eventually closed on 133-8 giving Littleton victory by 32 runs.

Opening fixture, usual problem.....rain.

Champagne Moment : None.

Dick of the Day : Whoever had to do teas !

Fines : None. 

Same problem as the first team, rain.  Again no play.

End Of Reports