Welney Croft Cricket Club
2005 match reports
Club pages provided by The Welney Website
These match reports have kindly been provided by Tony Smart, the Welney Croft Cricket Club secretary
SUNDAY 25th September 2005
at home, against
WICKEN
ANOTHER CONVINCING WIN.
The season finishes on a high with a 7 wicket victory against Wicken -following last weeks easy 9 wicket win. It goes to show at full strength we are match for many local teams - unfortunately we are rarely able to field our selected XI.
After a miserable wet morning the club covers enabled this match to go ahead, being played mostly in glorious sunshine. With an early start of 1.00 pm it was decided to have a reduced 38 over match with each bowler allowed 8 overs maximum.Welney won the toss and invited Wicken to bat first. Wicken made a solid start getting 38 before the first wicket fell to Malcolm Sargent, trapping Digman lbw. Two more wickets quickly fell, again both to Sargent in succesive deliveries, firstly Pope, who was beginning to look dangerous and Green for a "golden duck". Only Branch (24) and Abbott (20) batted comfortably against the home bowlers. John Dale again bowled well for little return, sending down many unplayable balls.He was well supported by Sargent (3 for 25), John Loveday (1 for 23), John Rowland (2 for 26) and Percy Bulsara mopping up the tail with (2 for 2). Wicken just failing to get the ton, all out on 99.
In form openers Ken Smart and Stephen Kent again got Welney off to a good start adding 48 for the first wicket, Stephen falling lbw to Abbott. Neil Parkinson and Stephen Revett soon followed both being clean bowled for 1. From 48 for 0 the home side were quickly reduced to 55 for 3, was another batting collapse about to happen? The answer was no! Ken was still batting with great resolve and Stuart Singleterry, after early caution, set about attacking the visiting bowlers, a great sight seeing the fielders retreating to the boundary. Another fine innings by Stuart (38 not out) saw Welney home, finishing on 100 for 3 wkts, with 5 overs to spare.
Team - John Loveday, Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, John Rowland, Stephen Kent, Sean Goodger, John Dale, Percy Bulsara, Stephen Revett, Stuart Singleterry & Malcom Sargent.
SUNDAY 18th September 2005
at home, against
FINCHAM
Welney won by 9 wkts. Fincham 77 (all out), Welney Croft 78 for 1 wkt
The match was played in dull and overcast conditions and on winning the toss captain John Loveday invited Fincham to bat first. After the dismissal of Fincham's opening 3 batsmen, the home bowling attack dominated throughout with Malcom Sargent again bowling well for his 1 for 17 - very unlucky not to have taken more wickets. Sean Goodger returning 3 for 14 off his 6 overs, John Loveday 2 for 6 and Stephen Revett 2 for 10. Colin Taylor took a spectacular catch at second slip, surprising even himself, and Ken Smart eventually caught out Flowers from a rebound via wicket keeper Parkinson. With the exception of Good the lower order batsmen offered little and were eventually all out for 77.After a few overs the result never looked in doubt although it did take 30 overs in reaching Finchams modest total of 77. With victory in sight it looked like a 10 wicket victory but the first wicket fell at 69, Stephen Kent being caught out off Marsh's bowling on 43. Ken Smart remained not out on 12 (batting for 30 overs 1hour 45 mins) - batting steadily throughout one could say? Richard Carter came in and took great delight in hitting the winning runs.
Team: John Loveday, Ken Smart, Sean Goodger, Stehen Kent, Percy Bulsara, Malcolm Sargent, Dennis Birch, R. Carter.
SUNDAY 11th September 2005
SUNDAY 4th September 2005
at home, against
UCLES
(University of Cambridge Local Exams Syndicate)
Welney lost by 97 runs, UCLES 201-7, Welney Croft 104 all out.
The visiting University side proved to be far too strong for Welney and only John Rowland 2 for 17 and John Loveday returned creditable bowling figures. Linsdell (32), Lawrence (47) and Bean (52) all looked capable of producing big match winning innings. Bean finally dismissed by some quick work by wicket keeper Neil Parkinson, a stumping off John Loveday's bowling. UCLES were at one time 141 for 3 wkts after 33 overs and lost another 4 wickets in the final run race finishing on 201 for 7 wkts.
At the start of Welney's innings both batsmen looked uneasy against the visiting opening fast bowlers Ordish and Spittle. Both proved to be too fast and gave little away in their alloted 8 over spells. The home team again had Neil Parkinson to thank, hitting 32 runs just under 2 hours, another dogged innings before finally being last man out. Stuart Singleterry was the only other batsman to achieve double figures (24 - including 5 boundaries) in only 39 minutes. One for the future, young Mark Kent (0 n.o) stayed at the crease for 24 minutes to help Parkinson add 19 runs for the last wicket, for a final score of only 104 all out. After being 16 for 3 wkts, it was always an up hill struggle for the home side, in fact never looking likely to win. At close of play it resulted in a 97 run defeat, the only plus factor being "it could have been a lot worse".
Welney Team: (in batting order) Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Stephen Revett, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Goodger, Colin Taylor, John Rowland, John Loveday, Lewis Singleterry and Mark Kent
SUNDAY 21st August 2005
at Sandringham
Welney lost by 28 runs. Sandringham 165 for 4 wkts, Welney Croft 137 all out.
With the absence of John Loveday, Ken Smart captained a depleted Welney side (only 9 at the start) including youngsters Sean Smyth and Gareth Kent - to their credit they took the field and managed to restrict the home side to 165 for 4 wickets. The bowlers did remarkably well, considering Welney did not have the benefit of substitute fielders. Malcom Sargent again bowled the best, his 8 overs for a meagre 18 runs and Sean Goodger for 25. Other bowling returns being Stephen Kent 2 for 40, Percy Bulsara 1 for 31, Colin Taylor 1 for 28 and a bowling debut for Sean Smyth 0 for 8. A controversial umpiring decision soured the match for a while, with one batsman initially walking and only returning when he realised the square leg umpire had not
seen the stumping "because he wasn't looking"??After tea, Welney welcomed the arrival of brothers Stuart and Lewis Singleterry to bolster their batting line up. Welney started well with the opening pair putting on 31 for the first wicket, Stephen Kent being bowled for 11. Ken Smart added 22 (3 fours) before also being bowled by Richmond. Sean Goodger scored a seasons best 37 (a six and 5 fours) and Malcolm Sargent (18) - this pair adding 49 for the fifth wicket. Stuart Singleterry scored a valuable 22 runs, including 3 sixes. With his dismissal went Welney's hopes of a surprise victory. He departed with the score on 130 for 7 wkts, still 35 runs short. It was then left to Percy Bulsara and youngsters Lewis, Sean and Gareth. Only another 7 runs were then added, finishing on 137 - a defeat by 28 runs.
Team: Ken Smart, Sean Goodger, Stehen Kent, Percy Bulsara, Colin Taylor, Malcolm Sargent, Neil Parkinson, Sean Smyth, Gareth Kent, Stuart Singleterry, Lewis Singleterry
SUNDAY 7th August 2005
away against
CHRISHALL
ANOTHER THRILLER - LAST GASP WIN FOR WELNEY - Welney won by 3 runs.
Welney Croft 184 for 5 wkts, Chrishall 181 all out.
In this 40 over match a depleted 10 man Welney side pulled off a surprise victory against the Essex village team. A seasons best opening stand of 102 between Ken Smart (56) including 9 x fours and Stephen Kent (40) 7 x fours gave Welney the start they could only have wished for. After their departure Neil Parkinson took over the mantle and remained not out on 32. With Colin Taylor chipping in with a valuable 11 runs, they added 45 for the fourth wicket. John Dale had his normal short innings, quickly adding 15 runs before being caught in the deep outfield.
In reply Chrishall lost 2 wickets in the first over to the fast bowling of John Dale, both being clean bowled. Wickets continued to fall with Percy Bulsara (3 for 33) taking 3 valuable middle order wickets with his slow line and length deliveries. At 90 for 8 Welney looked home and dry with the home team still needing another 95 runs. Then a 75 run partnership between No.5 bat Harris (66) and No.10 Walker (27) had Welney looking around the field for someone to bowl economically for the last two remaining overs. John Dale, John Loveday and Percy Bulsara all had completed their 10 over stints, all-rounder Neil Parkinson gave up his wicket keeping gloves to Ken Smart before bowling his one over for just 2 runs, a brilliant over considering the circumstances. Stephen Kent had to bowl the last over of the match with any of 3 results still possible. On his penultimate delivery Chrishall needed four runs for victory, last man Chilton then played the ball back to the bowler with Harris scampering through for a single, Stephen sensibly walked up to the stumps to remove the bails - a run out with Chrishall finishing on 181 all out, 3 runs short of Welneys total.
Team - John Loveday, Neil Parkinson, Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, John Dale, Colin Taylor, Percy Bulsara, Tony Smart, Lewis Singleterry and Gareth Kent. (10 players)
SUNDAY 31st JULY 2005
at home, against
GOODERSTONE
played for the Blows Brothers Cup
GOODERSTONE WIN THE BLOWS BROTHERS CUP BY 51 RUNS
Gooderstone 129 for 8 wkts, Welney Croft 78 all out.
After winning the trophy on 3 successive occasions Welney tamely let the trophy leave the village, playing against Norfolk league side Gooderstone. Gooderstone only scored 129 for 8 wkts off their allocated 40 overs with all the home bowlers returning reasonable figures. Best bowler being Malcolm Sargent who bowled his 8 overs for a mere 17 runs and veteran Percy Bulsara chipping in with 3 for 23, not bad for a young 71 year old. Other bowlers Stephen Revett 2 for 29, Sean Goodger 1 for 25, John Loveday 1 for 32 and Stephen Kent 1 for 1.
At tea-time the home side were confident of retaining the trophy but the visiting bowlers soon got the upper hand and made the higher order batsman struggle. Most batsmen stayed at the crease for while but were not able to build a match winning score - Ken Smart (6) , Stephen Kent (6), Neil Parkinson (7), Malcolm Sargent (6) and Colin Taylor (6). Only Stephen Revett (17) and Sean Goodger (9) batted with confidence and looked likely to score runs. All in all a disappointing result !
These days it appears the visitors are more at home on the Welney wicket, with only one home victory this season?
Stephen Kent, son of club President and competition sponsor Ray Kent, presented the trophy and miniatures to the victorious Gooderstone team.
Team - John Loveday, Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Malcolm Sargent, Stuart Singleterry, Stephen Revett, Sean Goodger, Colin Taylor, Percy Bulsara and Sean Smyth.
SUNDAY 24th JULY 2005
at home, against
OLD WILHADS
Match cancelled due to heavy rain.
SUNDAY 17th JULY 2005
at home, against
WICKEN
Wicken were again visitors on Sunday July 17th as they were unable to get a home wicket.
On winning the toss Wicken elected to field first. The home team's first 7 batsmen all started well and showed promise of a good knock but no one was able to build a big score - Smart (9), Connor (9), Sargent (8), Parkinson (12), Singleterry (20), Revett (7) and Goodger (19) all were at the crease for at least 30 minutes but most played far too carefully and lacked confidence in playing their strokes? Partnerships of 29 between Sargent & Parkinson and 32 between Revett & Goodger enabled Welney to total 121 in 39 overs.
From the outset Griffiths attacked the bowling with little concern about the wicket and showed it was possible to score runs with the right attitude - scoring 85 not out in his teams match winning total of 122 for 4 wickets. With the exception or John Rowland and Malcom Sargent, both taking 2 for 23, the home bowlers lacked penetration and looked unlikely to achieve the vital break through - Wicken winning comfortably by 6 wickets with 12 overs to spare.
Team - Ken Smart, Percy Balsara, Sean Goodger, Billy Connor, Malcolm Sargent, Neil Parkinson, Stuart Singleterry, Stephen Revett, John Dale, John Rowland & Sean Smyth.
THURSDAY 14th JULY 2005
at Stamford against
Harborough Hamtunes
Our second midweek fixture of the season resulted in an exciting draw. Although finishing 9 runs short of victory, three wickets fell in the final two overs, narrowly escaping an undeserved defeat.
It was decided prior to the start to have a timed match with each side having 2 hours at the crease. On winning the toss Harborough elected to bat first. Opening bowlers for Welney, Simon Larter and Matt Felgate both restricted the early run rate with Simon only conceding 8 runs in his first spell and Matt finishing with the respectable figures of 1 for 19 off 6 overs. A second wicket partnership of 146 from the Gordon brothers put Harborough in a strong position and when finally C.Gordon was caught out by Ken Smart from Simon's second spell - the score was a mammoth 180 for 2 wkts. All Welney's bowlers came in for punishment as the total reached 215 with no further loss and thoughts of victory were far away.
With the early departure of Dennis Birch (3) and Field (0) and the score at 25 for 2, it was left to Ken Smart (53) and Matt Felgate (79) to gradually bring Welney into contention, adding 72 for the third wicket and Neil Williams (26) supported Matt in adding 51 for the fourth wicket. The total then standing at 148 for 4. Whilst Matt remained at the crease the target looked possible although time was rapidly running out. He finally departed at 186, just 30 runs short of victory. Simon Larter and Sean Goodger added a further 18 runs to edge Welney to within 12 runs of victory but with only 2 overs remaining 3 further wickets fell, leaving the village side hanging on for a creditable draw.
Team - John Loveday, Ken Smart, Dennis Birch, Chris Roper, Percy Balsara, Sean Goodger, Neil Wiliams, Tom Williams, Simon Larter, Mat Felgate & R.Field.
SUNDAY 10th JULY 2005
at Welney against
Brentwood & Havering Labour Party CC
played for the Peter 'Pop' Bedford Trophy
Back in action again this weekend playing for the Peter 'Pop' Bedford Trophy sponsored by Pam and Terry Roberts.
Brentwood and Havering Labour Party retained the trophy they won last season by 3 wickets.
Welney Croft 132 for 6 wkts, Brentwood & Havering LPCC 133 for 7 wkts
OVER £200 RAISED FOR THE AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE
Played in glorious sunshine many villagers turned out to remember a dear friend to many and supporter of the club for many years as a player and keen cricket fan. A draw was organised and refreshments sold with all match fees and proceeds going to the Air Ambulance Service - over £200 being raised.
Match details - Brentwood won the toss and invited Welney to bat.
After losing the early wicket of Ken Smart with the score at 7, Stephen Kent and Neil Parkinson then added 42 runs for the second wicket partnership. Neil remained unbeaten at the close of the innings on 53 not out including three 4's. Sean Goodger and John Dale both scored important runs, Sean 17 and John 16, including the biggest 6 seen at Welney for a very long time, into the gardens of Hern Side.
The home side started well with the openers back in the pavilion after only 3 overs, bowled by John Dale and Malcolm Sargent. With the visitors on 30 for 4 wkts Welney seemed to be in a commanding position until the Smith brothers Keir and Che came to the crease, scoring 21 and 31 respectively in a fifth wicket partnership of 51. After their departure, it was left to Mike Parrott and Graham Player, both scoring 18, to see the visitors to victory with 3 wickets to spare.
Local Councillor David Pope presented the trophy to the visiting captain and miniatures to players. After careful consideration he awarded the Man of the Match award to home player Neil Parkinson for his marathon innings of 52 not out in 2 hours 20 mins. narrowly beating visiting all rounder Keir Smith for conceding only 4 runs from his alloted 8 overs and scoring 21 runs.
Team - John Loveday, Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Stephen Kent, Malcolm Sargent, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Goodger, John Dale, Percy Balsara, Mark Kent & Sean Smyth.
SUNDAY 26th JUNE 2005
at Wilburton against
OLD WILHADS
Back to winning ways with a most convincing win - by 211 runs !!!!!
Welney Croft 234 for 4 wkts Old Wilhads 23 all out
BILLY CONNOR SCORES CENTURY IN RECORD WIN
After 10 overs with only 20 runs on the board, the early batsmen were made to struggle, with opening bowlers Aniskowicz and Thomas dominating. The thoughts of a 200 plus score in this 40 over match were far away. Both Stephen Kent and Billy Connor rode their luck early in their partnership and then gradually upped the tempo against the later bowlers, eventually turning into a run riot - scoring 149 for the second wicket before Stephen was caught out on 74 ( 3 x sixes, 8 x fours). Billy continued his innings passing the century mark for 107 (13 x fours) in 2 hours 15 mins in the 37th over. Neil Parkinson (20*), Stuart Singleterry (11) and John Dale (6*) all kept the run rate going to the end, 100 runs being scored off the last 10 overs, and totalling 234 for 4 wkts, the clubs highest score for a few seasons.After the tea interval John Dale and John Rowland had half the home team back in the pavilion after only 2 overs with the score on 5 for 5 wkts. In his second over John Dale again clean bowled his fourth victim having beaten them all with his sheer pace. John Dale's analysis 3 overs 1 maiden 10 runs 4 wkts. John Rowland finishing with the remarkable figures of (3-2-1-3). With the home side struggling Sean Goodger (1 for 2), Stephen Revett (1 for 6) and John Loveday (1 for 4) then completed the rout dismissing Wilhads for only 23 runs in only 11 overs.
A record victory since the club reformed in 1999 by the margin of 211 runs.
Welney team: John Loveday, Neil Parkinson, Ken Smart, Billy Connor, Stuart Singleterry, John Rowland, Sean Goodger, Stephen Kent, Stephen Revett, John Dale and Sean Smyth.
SATURDAY 18th JUNE 2005
at home against
CASTOR & AILSWORTH III
Welney lost by 97 runs - Castor 241- 6 wkts, Welney 144 all out.
For a rare Saturday fixture Welney fielded an under strength team against the visitors from Castor. On winning the toss, Castor elected to bat first on the hottest day of the season and soon made rapid progress with young openers Vitas and Rodgers putting on 154 for the first wicket - Vitas, just making his century (exactly 100) before being bowled on John Dale's last delivery of his allotted 12 overs. Again John was the pick of the home bowlers and was very unlucky, finishing with only 1 for 45. He had a few dropped catches and beat the batsmen for pace on numerous occasions. It has to be said that the home side was made to suffer out in the field, during the hottest part of the day - refreshments being brought out after every 10 overs. The heat possibly contributed to the overall poor fielding display - overthrows, missed catches and misfields for boundaries?In response after the tea interval, Weney soon lost the wicket of Stephen Revett (1) at 13 in the third over. Stephen Kent was again playing well, hitting 5 boundaries in his score of 24, until being caught behind the stumps. At 65 for 4 wickets after 22 overs it really looked a mammoth task to get the required 242 for victory. Then big hitters Stuart Singleterry and John Dale started to treat all bowlers with little respect, with most fielders on the boundary, Castor were on the defence for the first time in the match. In just 7 overs they had nearly doubled the score before John Dale was bowled for 17 (3 x 4's) at 127 for 5wkts. Stuart continued his good form, narrowly missing out on his half century (46) including 2 huge 6's and 6 fours. After Sean Goodger's dismissal (10) the tail soon collapsed for a final total of 144 - a 97 run defeat.
Welney team: John Loveday, Neil Parkinson, Stuart Singleterry, Stephen Kent, Malcolm Sargent, John Dale, Sean Goodger, Stephen Revett, Chris Roper, Mark Kent and Sean Smyth.
batting and bowling averages.
Tony Smart has now compiled figures after 7 games (i.e. up to & including this match). Click on the link at top right of page.
SUNDAY 12th JUNE 2005
against
BRENTWOOD & HAVERING LPCC
played at Emmanuel College, Cambridge
Drawn, Brentwood 213-9, Welney 142 -5.Welney were able to secure a match-saving draw from this timed cricket match - very much against the odds. Brentwood's batting line up completely dominated Welney's bowlers on a good batting wicket and fast outfield. At one point, with the score at 115 for 2 wickets, Brentwood looked set for 250 plus. After the fourth wicket fell at 181, another 5 wickets soon fell with John Dale being the pick of the home bowlers, finishing with a respectable figures of 9-3-36-3.
In reply after tea, openers Ken Smart and Stephen Kent got Welney off to a flying start, hitting 47 for the first wicket, until Ken was trapped Lbw on 19. Stephen went on to score 39 before being unluckily run out, when looking set for his half century. After his dismissal the run rate slowed down considerably and at 99 for 5 with only 12 overs remaining a defeat looked a certainty. However Neil Parkinson staved off defeat, batting 110 mins for 23 not out, along with John Rowland, scoring 24 not out in his first innings of the season.
Welney team: John Loveday, Neil Parkinson, Richard Carter, Stephen Kent, Ken Smart, John Rowland, John Dale, Sean Goodger, Lewis Singleterry, Mark Kent & John Hodgson
SUNDAY 5th JUNE 2005
at home, against
WICKEN
TAILS - YOU LOSE !
In general opinion this match was decided with the "toss of the coin" between the captains at the start.After two heavy showers on the morning of the match had left the unprotected wicket water logged, a late decision was made to play the fixture. The weather having improved for the 2.00 pm start.
Wicken won the toss and invited Welney to bat first. Openers Ken Smart and Stephen Kent soon discovered how difficult the conditions were and battled on for 14 overs for an opening stand of 18 - Stephen getting an edge to wicket-keeper Pope. Ken persevered for 80 minutes in getting his valuable 13 runs. A sixth wicket stand of 40 between Malcolm Sargent (19) and top scoring Stephen Revett (21 n.o) enabled Welney to set a target of 108 on slightly easier drying wicket.
After tea the home bowling attack were optimistic of causing the visitors problems, but this was soon to be unfounded, as the openers soon settled, with Digman and the impressive youngster Pope confidently moving the score along to 77 off only 18 overs. On getting his break through, by trapping Digman lbw, John Dale then removed his partner two balls later and No 4 bat Beckett in his next over, shattering his stumps, the only " clean bowled" in the match? Wicken had started to faulter - was a possible collapse on the cards? John Rowland then came back for his second spell claiming 3 victims (all caught) in 2 overs - but at 108 for 6 the visitors only needed one run for victory. New batsman Abbott then hitting a boundary for the winning runs. A defeat for Welney, losing by 4 wickets.
Very much a match of "ifs" - if only Welney had won the toss, if only they had achieved an earlier break through? This match wasn't a lottery, but the visitors winning the toss was a major factor in the final outcome.
Welney team: John Loveday, Neil Parkinson, Billy Connor, Ken Smart, Malcolm Sargent, John Rowland, Stephen Kent, Stephen Revett, John Dale, Stuart Singleterry, Lewis Singleterry.
SUNDAY 29th MAY 2005
at home, against
GREAT CHRISHALL
BILLY CONNOR BACK IN FORM.
Finally a home fixture resulting in a third consecutive win against the visiting Herfordshire team.Winning the toss John Loveday decided to invite the opposition to bat first. On a wicket of variable bounce the visitors were very uncertain with the home bowlers never allowing the batsmen to settle. The openers put on 42 for the first wicket, once these were dismissed the other batsmens' priority was to build on the score. Apart from hard hitting No. 8 Collyer, who hit 4 boundaries in his 22. Mal. Sargent produced another superb marathon spell, getting movement off the wicket and in the air, bowling 6 maidens from 16 overs, deserving his 4 wicket haul for 27 runs. Ever improving seventeen year old Sean Goodger was leading wicket taker producing his best figures for the club of 5 for 35. Paceman John Dale also played his part bowling 4 maidens from his 10 over spell. Chrishall's innings closed at tea on 126 all out in the last over.
Welney had to get the winning runs with only one hours batting from 5.00 pm plus 20 overs. After a bad start, losing Neil Parkinson on 16, the home side settled to grind out a match winning result. Last seasons leading run getter Billy Connor had a return to form producing a match winning performance, getting his half century on the last ball of the innings, including 9 boundaries (4's). Big hitting Stu' Singleterry continued his good early season form, getting 18 (four 4's) but also showing great determination to "stay a while" and good shot selection - apart from his dismissal? At 66 for 4 wickets, victory looked a long way off. Stephen Revett, playing in his first match of the season, then played a good supporting role for 'Man of the Match' Billy Connor, scoring 13 not out (55 mins) in a match winning partnership of 61.
Welney Team: John Loveday, Neil Parkinson, Stephen Kent, Billy Connor, Stuart Singleterry, Malcolm Sargent, John Dale, Sean Goodger, Stephen Revett, Lewis Singleterry, Mark Kent.
away, against
GOODERSTONE
Welney won by 2 wkts, Gooderstone 127 all out, Welney 131 - 8 wkts
Mal. Sargent (8-3-6-2) bowled line and length to hamper the home sides quest for for runs and finished conceding just 6 runs, he was well supported with the left arm slow bowling of club captain John Loveday, who finished taking 3 for 22. With a shortage of bowlers on the day, Neil Parkinson came to the rescue mopping up the tail, taking 3 wickets for 1 run of 2.2 overs. Substitute wicket keeper Ken Smart taking over the gloves, moving over from first slip.Welney's innings started well with an opening stand of 42 between Ken and Dick Carter. Ken's good early season form continued with a knock of 27, including six 4's - he'll do anything to avoid running!! After the openers had been dismissed, Welney struggled for a few overs until Stuart Singleterry (31 n.o) and Sean Goodger (21) came to the crease, these two quickly brought victory in sight, until Sean was bowled at 121 - just 7 runs short. Two more wickets fell in consecutive balls, meaning a hat-trick for the home bowler Chalkley, with only brothers Mark and Gareth Kent to bat. Mark played out the remaining balls of the over, leaving Stuart to hit the winning runs, first with a huge 6 (levelling the scores) and finally a four - a tense and exciting finish to the afternoon's match.
Welney team: John Loveday, Neil Parkinson, Ken Smart, Stuart Singleterry,
Stephen Kent, Malcolm Sargent, Richard Carter, Sean Goodger, Mark Kent, Gareth Kent, Jamie Wilde.
away, against
HARBOROUGH HAMTUNES
(played at Fairfield Road, Market Harborough)
Welney won by 4 wkts with 3 overs to spare. Harborough 150 for 4 wkts off allocated 40 overs, Welney Croft 151 for 6 wkts.Welney lost the toss and Harborough elected to bat on Market Harborough's town wicket, on an afternoon of brilliant sunshine. Former county and England test cricketers Devon Malcolm and Jack Birkenshaw guested for Welney along with Charlie Sutton to strengthen Welney's team against the strong batting line up of the local team. Devon bowled his 8 overs economically for only 17 runs off a very short run up. All the bowlers played their part in restricting the home team to only 150 off their allocated 40 overs, on a good batting track and fast outfield. Man of the match Paul Kaminski took a brilliant diving catch at square leg to remove opening star bat Gordon.
At 58 for 5 wkts victory looked a long way off, but young Charlie Sutton was still at the wicket, batting steadily (52 n.o in 100 mins), he was well supported by Neil Parkinson in typical dogged fashion for his 13 in 33 mins. Paul Kaminski then strode to the crease - in 23 balls he hit three 6's and two 4's finishing on 35 n.o. ensuring victory for the visitors.
Welney team: John Loveday, Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Devon Malcolm, Jack Burkenshaw, Charlie Sutton, Paul Kaminski, Paul Wildman, John Dale, Dennis Birch, Adrian Buxton.
SUNDAY 2nd MAY 2005
away, against
CASTOR & AILSWORTH
(played at Port Lane, Castor)
The first match of the season was played at Port Lane, Castor against CASTOR & AILSWORTH III. Played in brilliant sunshine most of the time, apart from one short sharp shower after tea - Welney lost by 51 runs. Details - Castor 193 for 4 wkts Welney 142 - 5 wkts
Sean Goodger (8-2-26-1) and John Dale (12-1-37-0) bowled well in their opening spells restricting the homes side's run rate, totalling only 58 off the first 20 overs in this 45 over match. John Loveday taking a brilliant catch at square leg.
Welney's opening bat Ken Smart started the season with a half century (53 runs including 5 x 4's) and was well supported by Stephen Kent (32 runs including 6 x 4's), Stuart Singleterry (22 including a massive six) and Neil Parkinson 17 not out.Welney Team: John Loveday, Neil Parkinson, Billy Connor, Ken Smart, Dennis Birch, Stephen Kent, Stuart Singleterry, Sean Goodger, John Dale, Kevin Scarff & Lewis Singleterry.