Season updates thread

[hodge]

First topic message reminder :

I just thought for anyone who is playing this season that we could have a thread where people give updates on how their season is going both personally and for their team if they are interested?

As I said in another thread I have what are apparantly my university's first every cricket games thursday and friday this week and i'm captaining the side, no pressure there We have Newport cricket clubs midweek team on thursday and face UWE 2nd XI on friday who a freind of mine is captain so we have a little wager on the outcome of the game. Loser has to buy the winner a drink for every club 2nd XI game we both play in Again no pressure there!

Anyways good luck to everyone for this season, unless somehow in some strange case you end up playing against me!

[Shelsey93]

I was rather frustrated on Saturday after not being picked for our 4th XI game... others that were either have junior cricket to play or, in a handful cases, haven't paid their memberships... match was rained off anyway in the end...

On Sunday I was scoring as our 1st XI played Redbourn in the 2nd Round of the County Trophy (the 2nd tier knockout competition in Herts). We made 203, despite Charlie Thurston (Middx 2s player, see the Middx thread) making only 28 in his first outing for us this summer. Redbourn were 83-4 when the rain came which meant resorting to run rate calculations to decide that we won by 33 runs. Most of the teams in this competition are in Div 3 or below and we are a Div 2 team so there is every chance that there could be some silverware at the end of the season if we can keep fielding our strongest team.

[Carrotdude]

Frustration on Saturday as I came in with about 6 overs left at number 5, we were batting first. Got to 3 and then was run out via a direct hit from about 40 odd yards at the non strikers end going for a second to get our opener (who got 121) back on strike. At least it wasn't really my fault this time!

[JDizzle]

Back from Uni permanently now and managed to pick up 3-25 on my return as we won quite comfortably. 

Game rained off on Sunday, but a couple of T20's in the week should be a good laugh!

[hodge]

Dropped down to the 2's Saturday, we were put in and I was out within 4 overs for 4. We went on to hit 271. Opponents were never interested in chasing and were bowled out for 102 after 30 odd overs.

Took the U13's today to where i'll be playing if I stay with the 2's for Saturday, have to say hope I stay in the 2's this weekend 

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

My U17's start on the 4th of July, and I will be playing, having not even picked up a bat all summer thus far!

Bit of 20/20 so I'm either swinging and missing going first ball, or getting a decent score!

[Carrotdude]

Another win for the Sunday 11 on a very hot day here. We scored what we thought was a below par 181-8 from our 40 overs. I came in at number 7 with 6 overs left and managed to get a few away before I was bowled for 16. Quite happy with that as it's tricky to have to come in and hit at the end when it isn't natural to me.

It ended up a tight game that we just edged thanks to some great fielding - 5 run outs in their 170-9 including one that I effected. All in all a good days work really

[JDizzle]

Another win for me too. Gradually pulling away from the relegation zone! Another 3 fer for me aswell. Still not needed with the bat though, gutting!

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

A solid 19 run win for us yesterday. The format was a bit gimmicky - 2 18 over innings for each side, with 10 bowlers having to be used in the 1st innings by each side, while the batting order was reversed for the 2nd innings. 

A lovely day in Richmond, though the pitch had a little tennis-ball bounce.

We batted first, and scored a healthy 120/6, though I was bowled round my legs sweeping one of their "non-bowlers" for 5, from one that spun out of the footmarks (or hit a divot  ). Our opening bowlers had them in trouble early, and at 30-4 things looked good. Our non-bowlers were worse than theirs' though (my 1 over went for 14  ), while another guy's radar was so far off it took 20 balls to complete the over, and they got through to 123.

Having one of our batsmen arrive too late to bat in the 1st innings then paid dividends, as he was able to open in the reverse-order 2nd dig, and he managed to hit five 6s and three 4s in his rapid 45. Things slowed down after he got out, and we lost wickets trying to get the momentum back, meaning we were all out in for 123 in the final over. I got out slogging across the line again, for 12, so still some things to work on.

Our opening bowlers once again made massive inroads, but with bowlers limited to 7 overs in the match they were finished all to soon. The run rate rate required climbed up over 12 an over though before they lost enough wickets to bring some top-order bats in, and they began slogging, relying on the decent bounce in the pitch, and when they needed 28 off the last 12 balls the odds were in their favour. A good over from our 3rd seamer paid dividends by keeping their skipper off strike, and left 20 to get off the last over. Their skipper missed the 1st 2 balls,  and then was well stumped off the 3rd attempting a suicidal bye. The new batsman missed his 1st ball, then holed out off the 2nd, so the only run off the over came off the final ball.

The gimmicky format was interesting because the teams were quite evenly matched, we had stronger frontline bowlers while they had stronger batting. I think it'd make a mismatch very 1-sided though.

[hodge]

Mixed weekend for me. Saturday I only got 9 top edged one into my helmet which ballooned up. Our 2's were 98/8 only having 10 players so on our last wicket and we finished on 191. We then managed to bowl the opposition out for 140 odd. Still have no idea how we beat them as they were 4th as well.

Today playing for my school's old boys side against school 1sts, went in at 4 and was out 2 balls later for 1. Out to one which kept low, so much so that the opposition were pretty much apologising for it, it turned out to be the only one in the game that kept low. That was me thinking my game was over, but I got given a go and came on to bowl some seam, some medium-fast if i'm being generous, little bit of in swing as well.

They only needed 45 or so when I came on and ended up getting 3-16 off 5.4 overs so was happy with that. One thing I think I did well was using my crease when I bowled, As it wasn't doing a great deal I decided rather than let the batters settle to make them keep thinking by bowling wider or narrower on the crease to continue altering the angle into them.

May have to make a case to my 2's captain about giving me a go, if not I can just bowl myself on a Sunday, a perk of being skipper  

[Mike Selig]

Just back yesterday night from a week long preparation with the U19s.

Very good week overall - we won all 3 matches against local sides, with good contributions from everyone at some stage. Scores were 146 all out plays 147/5, then 173 all out (47 overs) plays 61, and 241/4 (40 overs) plays 90. Beyond the results, the team spirit and work ethic of the side were very pleasing, and made my job a lot easier.

Next stop is the tournament in Germany in August - as defending champions we will have to be on our game, as the other teams will want to topple us.

[hodge]

Won 1 Lost 1 this weekend.

Lost the game on Saturday with the 1sts. We won the toss and our skipper chose to bowl on a stinking hot day (much to the annoyance) of the rest of the side. They ended up scoring 314/7. Meaning 7 and over required from the start. Our openers got off to a very good start with a hundred stand or so between them at the required rate. I came in with 90 or so needed at 8 an over and was just told to have a go. Was out a few overs later having hit 19. We ended up losing by 20 or so.

Today we had a friendly against the local rivals, won the toss chose to bat first with a good batting line up we hit a very under par 141, I only hit 4 and i'm seriously out of form with the bat. We looked in trouble when they were 60 odd without loss, brought myself on when they were 2 down or so and took 4-20 off 6.2 overs including one harsh wide which was a good foot or two within the line. Probably wouldn't have given it wide on a Saturday let alone a Sunday. We ended up winning by 12 runs, not the point of Sunday games as they're friendlies but now 3 wins from 3 on Sunday's for me.

[DP]

Played tonight in my first twenty over game for a while. Bowled first and I came on first change and bowled 4 overs for 30, taking 3 wickets, the first a caught and bowled that I'm proud of.

Limited them to 130 and we pinged them off in 16, me hitting a punchy 38 with 3 sixes and a couple of fours.

Good to be back.

[hampo17]

I've had to stop bowling seam this season. I've got a heavy landing when I bowl and my ankles where swelling after every game, so I've taken to bowling off spin as it's an easier landing.

Bowled it for the first time this weekend, 12 overs for 19 taking two wickets. They wheren't a great team but I'm quite pleased with it overall. Just got to work on putting some real revs on the ball.

[JDizzle]

Thrashed a team on Saturday to get us out of the relegation zone and make it three wins on the bounce. No wickets for me this week, but bowled nicely enough. Still haven't batted yet though! It's getting very annoying now!

[Carrotdude]

Seems like everyone is doing well, good stuff! Hope you get a bat soon JDizzle!

In other news I have to make the teas for Sunday which could go horribly wrong      

[hodge]

Carrotdude i'm making teas Saturday I expect. Get it out the way and all.

Good part of being Sunday captain I can get other people to.

[JDizzle]

I'm hoping I do Carrot, not sure the rest of my team feel that way! They've seen me bat before!

Good luck on the teas, mini sausage rolls are always a winner!  

[hampo17]

Chicken dippers! No cricket tea is complete without chicken dippers! Or scones and cream

[hodge]

Standard from me (or my mum....) is about 5 different types of sandwhich, melon, scones and cream with jam, tesco sponge cake, small sausages, pink wafers, crisps at least.

 

[hodge]

Saturday:

Lost the toss and opposition chose to bat our captain having said he would bat as well which would have been a very very rare occurrence! However them choosing to bat was brilliant for us as we bowled them out in the 20th over for 78. It took us barely 17 overs to knock it off, our skipper put some bowlers up the order who didn't bowl and I came in at 5 as the 2nd recognisable batsman and hit 27 not out off of 21 balls, winning runs being a 6 Also took a decent catch at a shortish mid wicket off our off spinner and captain. Would say I was maybe 3 strips over from the batter.

If we win our game in hand which is against the same team and take full points we could go into 4th place. 9 in the league and bottom 5 get relegated!

[hodge]

Meant to put Sunday as well:

Sunday was my club's club day tournament which involved 6 teams containing players from selected teams in the club 1sts, 2nds, Sunday XI, U15's, U13's and Ladies. 7 a side 6 over matches. Didn't win a game in our group Lost 1 Tied 1. Got hit for 22 in my over in the first game but retired on 25. Requiring 38 in the last over to win I started with 2 6's in the first 2 balls before having to retire.

2nd game, got hit for maybe 18 in the over (it's not easy with 4 fielders, we were a player down) and didn't bat as everyone had to bat top 3, we needed 3 off the last over, our senior hit 1 off the 1st ball and our U15 could only take 1 off the next 5 meaning we tied and in the end it went to a bowl off. Everyone missed 1st time round (I bowled badly down leg as it swung) and my 2nd time round on sudden death with the chance to win I bowled one going on the stumps which rose sharply and went over by inches. We lost the bowl out so into the wooden spoon.

I hit 20 not out in the wooden spoon meaning I managed to avoid winning the wooden spoon....... again.

Stayed at the pavilion drinking till 3am or so with plenty games of boundary marker boule and spoof through the day and night. Great day overall.

[hampo17]

Sunday was an up and down day for me. We had a slow wicket but one that 190 was a par score. I came in with the score on 95 in the 31st over. Deciding as skipper I should push the run rate up, I attempted to hit their spinner out of the ground on just my second ball and got caught on the boundary. We finished on 146-5.

They finished on 75-9 off their 45 overs, I was able to get the ball to turn a fair bit which I am delighted with, finished with 5-27 off 11 overs. Best wicket was against their left hander, a ball that pitched and straightened missing the outside edge and getting him stumped.

[seanmichaels]

Might get in on this thread. Played 10 won 1 lost 9. scored about 50 runs and have an economy rate of >8 from about 15 overs. 6 of our games only 1 panel umpire has turned up meaning a 10 over stint of umpiring.

highlight of the season was a game against top of the league. Getting comprehensively beaten when i walked out to bat at 9. For some unknown reason the opp called me (and others prior to me) the c-bomb 30+ times. Then it moved to being a f-ing lucky c for not being given LBW whilst sweeping. At this point I had to explain to the keeper, who had incidentally caught the ball, that I couldn't have been out LBW as I hit the ball. First time the guy was lost for words all day.

[Fists of Fury]

I fared about as well as you, Sean.

Third ball duck batting at number six in a Twenty20. Went in with a required rate of 9 in the 14th over and did what I am so annoyingly susceptible to do...played all around a slower ball and was bowled.

Bowling was decent enough, 3 overs 0-20 with a couple of edges through the vacant slip area and three or four that missed the stumps by inches. Oppo closed on 145-3 and we stumbled to 129-7 in response.

[JDizzle]

I batted this week, which obviously means we got thrashed! I actually made 30 odd from number 9, but unfortunately me (and a few others I hasten to add) bowled like clowns so we lost anyway! Onwards and upwards!

[Carrotdude]

Sunday - we won comfortably on a ridiculously hot day, opposition all out for 155, we got it for 5 down but with only ten needed we were for 2. I came in at number 6 with 8 needed, got to 3 and then played another stupid swipe across the line so I was very annoyed for the rest of the day!

Having had a bit of a net tonight though I feel better about things, just need to keep it simple and play straight and play myself in.

Teas went down well, went with loads of sandwiches, sausage rolls, tomatoes, crisps and cakes. Spending 2 hours making sandwiches Sunday morning was not exactly fun!

Need to point out that our off spinner who turned 60 on Sunday recorded figures of 9-6-6-5!

[kingraf]

CarrotDude - Your entire post highlighted why cricket isn't a sport!

As an aside playing in the Winter league final this Sunday. My average for the Prague is a fair 115!!! We thoroughly thrashed the team we are playing during the league meeting, so it really shod be a formality. As an aside, got National Club Championships in September, and my knee hasn't quite recovered as I would like from a minor ACL tear, so I'm probably skipping it, and putting everything into making it for the Eastern Gauteng Amateur side (that's 2XI in County speak), and get a sponsor to play in Middlesex Club leagues next year. I had an offer this year, but the finances

Also umpiring my u14 teams first friendly of the season. They are quite bad, but hopefully, we can make some progress this season.

[hodge]

Got an interesting 3 days of cricket coming up

Friday: T20 Vs a touring team who are coming up for the third year in a row, we've won both the previous meetings and in one of them I made 30 or so off not many. Think the plan is for me to open the batting.

Saturday: 2nd's again away to 2nd in the league, with a game in hand we are 25 points off of safety (35 points from a game possible) so really we just need to keep winning. We won there last season so no reason we can't do it again. I've asked to stay in the middle order but think i'll be opening with a lack of people around this weekend who have been known to. Although there is also a slight chance I may get a few overs as the vice captain is in charge this weekend and he was pretty happy with my 4-20 a couple of weeks ago.

Sunday: Opposition called off so mixed game between Sunday mens side and ladies side. Although from what i've been told when people aren't batting they are going to be analysing the game to pick it apart so my captaincy will be under scrutiny.

[kingraf]

Our winter season finished yesterday. Won the toss and batted first. I opened for the first time in three years (the otber opener had a family bereavement).... Got chirped on my way in. told the fielders its bad sport to sledge the man of the match... Scored 85 off 78.... My mate scored 119* off 100. the team scored 303/3 after 40 overs. Bowled them for 113... 190 run win...

Me and my mate are pretty bad between the wickets. I think it probably hurts the mind to see us pound you. We dont do "Yes" "Stay"... We just use eye contact... It creates a few logistical issues, Its a miracle he only ran me out twice this season

[hodge]

Friday we were chasing 202 in a 20 over game, some poor captaincy most of us had the opinion. I opened up and got 22 and we lost by 20 odd. One guy decided he'd bat left handed instead of right to the SLA and smacked him over mid wicket for 6!  

Yesterday was frustrating, we only went with 10 one kid telling us he wouldn't play as he wanted to leave due to having heartburn... aka not really wanting to. Another junior injured himself 3 overs in, so 42 overs left in the field with 9 players, they ended up on 288-8. I bowled in the 2's for the first time in 6/7 years and after my first spell I had 7 overs 1-25 and was happy as a run rate of 3.7 or so in a game where they were looking good for 275 minimum. Then my skipper decides he wants me to bowl the last over after the ball hadn't been shined for 10 overs and I rely on in swing a lot, ended up going for 16 so 8 overs 1-41.

Batting wise, one guy threw a hissy fit and said he couldn't be bothered to open so I told to as I often do. Opening stand of 57 before I went attempting a cut off a short wide one going for 28. We were then all out for 150 ish.

Today, I was skippering the mixed side that was batting first, we went from 60 odd without loss off 12 or so to 89 for 7 when I came in at 9 (only having 9 players) having put myself down the order. The young girl who was on my team stuck around for a couple of overs but couldn't hit runs. I was joined by an under 13 who was batting again due to us having 1 less. At which point I decided to kick on as the opposition brought on a male senior who I quickly took apart, taking 40 off 3 overs. I ended up scoring 64 retired as we were supposed to retire at 50 but they hadn't been keeping track of my score, I hit 4 singles and a 2 in my 64 as well so 58 in boundaries.

[kingraf]

Anyone know any English clubs which I can play for next year? Improvements not really sure about cricket as a career but I think an English summer would be a great experience! Went there every year in high school for pre-season and after a mighty struggle, I've always scored runs. Id discuss it closer to the time, just putting feelers out there.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Really depends where abouts you are going Kingraf

I'm sure you'd love being over here to play for a summer, can only help you

[hodge]

Rained off Saturday but not after I was out for 4, one just stuck in the pitch a bit and sent it back to the bowler.

Today kept up my record of unbeaten as Sunday captain this year. They won the toss and chose to bat and we bowled them out for 162, I took a decent catch at square leg. Batting wise out for 15 coming in at 5, felt a bit of scoreboard pressure when needing 6/7 and over and got a very thin edge on one and walked. Getting near the end it poured down and we had to come off with 4 overs to go, went back out and it hammered down but we stayed out and ended up winning with 2 or 3 balls to spare, one guy hitting 53* despite being very hung over.

[kingraf]

Thanks Olly, I faced a few top schools in Yorkshire in 2010, and the place was great fun. 2011 - We went to Yorkshire again. 2012 - Was the Surrey area.... Would really like to play club cricket in Yorkshire..

[hampo17]

We have now faced the same team 3 weeks on the spin. Twice in the league and once in a friendly due to having the same week free.

My off spin is coming along nicely as well, first game I got 2-24, second game 5-28 and 4-24 in the friendly. Gradually getting the ball to turn more and working on my own personal grip which I find comfortable. Now I just need to remember how to bat as I've got 0 and 8 in the last two games.

[Shelsey93]

Made my captaincy debut on Saturday as we had a 5th XI out due to a spike in availability.

Faced with a tough task - the team we were playing bowled our 3rds out for 50 in the league a few weeks back - we made a decent effort, losing by 80-odd runs.

After winning the toss I decided to field, thinking that it would be best to have a full 40 overs in the field. Initially their openers teed off and got 80 or so from the first 10 overs but, thankfully, we were able to pull it back in the middle overs and restrict them to 240. I took the opportunity to bowl a full 8 overs and did pretty well, taking 3-45 despite being clattered for three boundaries in my 2nd over.

With the bat we were never in it, but 64 from our veteran opener and 51* from a youngster in the middle order ensured that we could go back with our heads held high. The less said about my batting the better!

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Got a T20 game tomorrow, two scores of 23 and 22 so far for me, hopefully can go on and make a really big score tomorrow, rather than just a start!

Gonna need it, missing 3 of our top 4 (im the only one left!!)

[hampo17]

Suffered our second loss of the season yesterday. We where bowled out for 80, I got out to one of the worst spinners I'd faced. I was batting with the number 8, and knowing that the guys who where left weren't gonna score many I decided to try and push on. Hit his first ball for a massive six and then tried to try again off a waste high full toss, came right of the toe and I got caught on the boundary.

They got the runs in the 18th over, the seamers struggled to grip the ball in the rain and leaked runs while I finished with 9 overs for 20 runs.

[hodge]

Had 3 games friday vs a touring side, saturday 2's and sunday friendly again.

Friday - Won the toss and I thought usual custom was for allowing touring side to bat first. We had them 60/6 so I decided it would be poor for us to skittle them, so brought myself and 1 or 2 other trusted players on to bowl dross which could look convincing for a few overs, however this allowed 2 of their guys to get in and they reached 219/9 from their 40. We did have 1 plumb lbw but as it was just when he got in we didn't appeal. In reply we only managed to hit 119 in reply all out. I came in about 7 or 8 having had a bowl and reached 21 before deciding we needed runs quicker and toed one to long on.

Would have batted first by choice as their bowling attack was nothing special and could have played myself in and batted a long time, hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Saturday - With it having rained a fair bit already and us having no covers, the pitch held up just well enough because of how dry it has been, we won the toss and with our usual skipper dropping himself the vice captain took charge, thing is he's quite easy to manipulate if you want him to do something. So with some bowlers missing we needed to decide who would open uphill. As we only play with 1 new ball in our games one guy suggested I open the bowling as I was one of few who naturally swing the ball, so in the end I open and start with a wicket maiden. 3rd ball I hit a guy on the pads on off stump and swinging in a bit 99% certain it would have hit from my case and their guy immediately says not out without reason. Next ball I bowl one starting 2 stumps or so outside off, lure him in to a drive and connect on middle and off.  

In the end I got figures of 4-32 off 8, was 4-16 off 7 but their number 5 who stuck around decided he may as well swing and hope it worked, helped we were on a short boundary. Anyway we bowled them out for 54 and got over the line 4 down.

Sunday - Going to a place which doesn't have a great wicket, turn up and its raining, inspect the 'wicket' and its the same length as the rest of the square. Then get shown we will be using a pink ball for some reason after we've reduced the game to 30 overs. Being a pink ball and knowing they swing I decide to have a couple of overs at the start to see if I can get a quick breakthrough. I had the 2nd over and 3rd ball it looked like my plan had worked perfectly, their opener chipped the ball back to me and...... I dropped it. In the end they scored 123 and I finished on 6 overs 1-22. Their skipper hit 70*.

In reply we got off to a bad start 2 wickets down around 8 overs in and we had to U15's together, one was going along nicely the other mainly just blocking. We were 14-2 off 9 overs. We needed 46 off 6 overs and our first teamer went in, 33 off 3 overs needed and he takes 21 off the over 12 needed off 2 overs, but he gets stumped first ball of the that over and I come in needing 12 off 11 with a 12 year old at the other end. Hit a 4 off my first ball through mid wicket off the spinner. Also take a 4 off the 5th ball. 4 off 7, try pushing him off my legs for a single from the last ball but fail to do so. Going into the last over i'm practically just begging the 12 year old to put it in a situation where we can run. He misses the first 2, 4 off 4. Next ball he is stumped, his heel is behind the line but in the air. 15 year old bowler comes in, gets a single first ball 3 off 2. I managed to hit one away through mid wicket, but because of the wet outfield just 2. 1 off 1. Hit it straight at mid on and take him on, he misses i'm in  hit 11 off 7.

Know its not the main thing but my Sunday side is still unbeaten, 5 from 5.

[hodge]

Sorry about the essay, didn't realise it would be that long  

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Got a T20 game tomorrow, two scores of 23 and 22 so far for me, hopefully can go on and make a really big score tomorrow, rather than just a start!

Gonna need it, missing 3 of our top 4 (im the only one left!!)

Well we only had 9 players in the end

They batted first, and we restricted them to 170-5 off their 20 overs, which is pretty good considering the pitch was quick, and a short boundary and of course 2 men down

However then the rain came down and the match was abandoned until next week

Good for us as our players should be back from holidays etc. Fancy us to beat them if we get a full strength side

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

For all you batsmen out there, how when you're out of form, do you play yourself back into form?

Whenever I am out of nick, I usually go in, and if after a couple of balls I ain't timing a thing, I decide to hit my way out of form, and see how it goes.

Rather do that, than scratch around looking for something that probably isn't gonna be there

[Mike Selig]

Hit loads of TDs in the nets until you feel you're striking it well there. This also gets your confidence levels up. Back when I used to play seriously, if I was out of nick I used to get someone to feed me long-hops for 20 minutes, because the pull shot was my best shot and I just wanted to feel I could hit the ball properly.

In a match, don't overthink things. Usually when you get out of form you start worrying about your technique, how you should bat, etc. All this does is make things worse. Clear your mind, focus on hitting the ball (sounds silly, but it helps) and having fun.

T20 is a great format of the game if you're out of form, because you don't have time to think or worry about things, you just have to go out and play positively.

[Mike Selig]

Junior tournament in Germany starting on Friday: Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and France. We won the corresponding tournament last year (reports on the associate/affiliate thread) so it's going to be tough, because everyone will want to topple the champions.

As is the case with junior cricket there is quite a heavy turnover in the squad (about half of the guys are new) and it is very hard to know what to expect (Belgium should be strong, Germany decent and absolute no idea about the Swiss).

I'm nervous which is usually a good sign.

[hampo17]

Had a 7-3 win yesterday against a local rival which is always fun. We batted first and made 205 all out in 42 overs, I opened for the first time ever, got to 25 without any problems before getting caught off a beamer and being given out. Spoke to their team after who couldn't believe it.

We bowled them out for 145, my off spin improved further this week, turning some balls square and I've developed the arm ball as well. Bowles 12 overs and took 3 for 36. As things stand we can still win the league but need to win 4 of our last 5 games.

[JDizzle]

0 wickets and a duck. Horrible decision too. Some days you just have them!

[kingraf]

When Im in bad nick, I try limit my range of shots. I shoulder arms to anything short, and basically only flick off my pads, being left-handed, its not a bad ploy. I also try hit spinners out of the attack. When Im in bad nick, I have no chance vs spin, so its me or them. Usually keep playing it aerial over their heads. Safest shot in cricket that

[hodge]

For all you batsmen out there, how when you're out of form, do you play yourself back into form?

Whenever I am out of nick, I usually go in, and if after a couple of balls I ain't timing a thing, I decide to hit my way out of form, and see how it goes.

Rather do that, than scratch around looking for something that probably isn't gonna be there

I've been out of form lately, Plan was due to being out of form I'd come in at 6 and be a finisher for innnings. Saturday I got put at 3 in the order due to people missing and one of the openers got a duck. We were only chasing 182 to win so I could take my time to play myself in, thankfully they had a guy bowling dead straight into me and not swinging it so I could literally just play myself in by driving the ball repeatedly, if it went to a fielder no problem I'll get another, if I hit a gap great, runs. I must have been on 5 off about 27 balls or so. Managed to hit 37 in the end, could have easily took my time and got 50 but decided to try and up the run rate and put pressure on the opposition team, worked for 10 runs or so then hit one going over mid on which then got caught in the wind and dropped into him, good catch though. We ended up winning by 4 wickets.

Also in their innings I opened the bowling 7 overs 1 maiden 0-25, 2 catches dropped at slip (easy straight into the hands) and one just over slip.

My club does a fantasy cricket and I'm 3rd on our clubs MVP list  

[Carrotdude]

Got my first ever 6 yesterday! Last ball of our innings came down the wicket to their opening bowler and hit if over mid off, I was very proud! Anyway that's 8 wins out of 8 now and promotion to the top division confirmed, title decider against Meopham who have also won all 8 games in a couple of weeks should be a good game.

Pretty high scoring yesterday, our 292/6 versus the oppositions 264/7.

[Mike Selig]

We came 2nd in our tournament behind a strong (but not outrageously so) Belgium side. We played some very good cricket, and some much less good cricket.

I may write up some more details in the near future, but for now I'm shattered, so...

[Sponsored content]