Welney Croft Cricket Club

2008 Match Reports

 Club pages provided by The Welney Website

'Village Cricket - Nine Gentlemen in waiting' by John Edwards © L.F.Designs

page last updated Monday, 17 August 2009

away, against

NARBOROUGH

FINAL MATCH DEFEAT

Narborough won by 80 runs: Narborough 161 for 8 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 81 (40 overs)

Narborough won the toss and batted first.

Jon Dale soon dismissed opener Lown in his second over, clean bowled, for only 3 runs. Opening partner Rowell stayed at the crease much longer, 66 minutes for his 36 (6 x 4’s) before being caught by Ken Smart off Duncan Hobbs. Neil Parkinson removed Powley (18) with a quick stumping and Rami Niluka took a good catch, Coe (29) in the outfield, off Stephen Revett’s bowling. Welney were hampered by Jon Dale’s unfortunate knee injury. In a desperate bid to stop a boundary, he collided with the pavilion and was unable to bowl his final spell.  At 120 for 4 wickets, Narborough looked set for a possible double century total, four further wickets falling for a final score of 161 for 8 wkts off their allotted 40 overs.

Jon Dale (1 for 7), John Loveday (0 for 32), Percy Bulsara (1 for 30), Stephen Revett  (1 for 14), Duncan Hobbs (2 for 38),  Rami Niluka (0 for 22), Sean Smyth (1 for 10)

Welney’s innings opened very slowly and never improved. The only double figure scores were achieved by Ken Smart (21) and Duncan Hobbs (18) with the home bowlers being well on top throughout - J.Crisp (4 for 26) taking the wickets of batsmen No’s 1 to 4 and J.Coe, finished with the best analysis, 5 wkts for only 4 runs.

Croft were well beaten by 80 runs after only 34 overs.

Ken Smart  21 (3 x 4), Duncan Hobbs  18 (2 x 4’s), Neil Parkinson 10.

Team: John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Revett, Percy Bulsara, Ashley Inwood, Jon Dale, Rami Niluka,   Sean Smyth, Oliver Revett.

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Neil Parkinson

Oliver Revett

home, against

LITTLEPORT

LAST BALL THRILLER

Welney Croft 151 for 9 wkts (40 overs), Littleport 152 for 9 wkts (40 overs); Littleport won by 1 wkt.

Welney won the toss and elected to bat first.

Duncan Hobbs batting at No.5 proved to be the home sides mainstay, scoring a half century, a seasons best of 57, including 7 x fours in 101 minutes. Ashley Inwood hit a valuable 21 (57 mins) with Jon Dale unluckily being run out for 13. Chris Farnell was the pick of the Littleport’s bowlers conceding only 17 runs off 8 overs, ably supported by Marsh (2 for 22) and Godsmark (3 for 20). Welney’s last 3 wickets all falling on the final total of 151.

Ashley Inwood 21 (1 x 4), Ken Smart 10 (1 x 4), Duncan Hobbs 57 (7 x 4’s), Neil Parkinson 10, Jon Dale 13 (2 x 4’s)

In reply, Chris Farnell posed many problems for the home bowlers, hitting 41, including a 6, along with Adrian Buxton 32 (2 x sixes) and No.9 Kimsey, whose 28 not out set up a nail biter for the last ball bowled by Duncan Hobbs. Last man M. Scott came in for the final ball with the scores level at 151 and all fielders moving in - he just managed to get bat to ball for the single run needed for victory.

Jon Dale’s two spells of bowling produced the remarkable bowling figures of 8 overs, 4 maidens, 3 wickets for only 7 runs.

Jon Dale (3 for 7), John Loveday (2 for 39), Percy Bulsara (1 for 29), Stephen Revett  (1 for 24), Neil Parkinson (1 for 45), Duncan Hobbs (1 for 4)

Team: John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Kent, Stephen Revett, Percy Bulsara, Ashley Inwood, Jon Dale, Gareth Kent, Sean Smyth.

 

home, against

HAMPTON

Match cancelled - Hampton pulled out early in the week. Club secretary Tony Smart then contacted Loddington, who tried tried to fulfil the fixture at short notice but unfortunately also had to decline.

As it was, the rain may have prevented a full afternoon's play anyway.

home, against

PARSONS DROVE

MATCH WINNER REVETT

Welney won by 59 runs; Welney Croft 199 for 6 wkts (40 overs), Parson Drove 140 (40 overs)

After a two-and-a-half year absence, the welcome return of Jon Dale, one of the village's best bowlers in recent years, helped Croft back to winning ways. However on this occasion it was Stephen Revett who stole the show and produced a man of the match winning performance, scoring 79 not out, carrying his bat throughout the whole innings and claiming 2 wickets, including a catch. Stephen's marathon innings lasted 2 hours 37 minutes and included 7 fours. Sean Goodger joined him at number 4, scoring 19, including 4 boundaries. After his dismissal, bowled by Haynes, Adrian Buxton was again amongst the runs, narrowly missing out on his half century, scoring 48 in 41 mins. before finally being caught out near the boundary. Croft's innings closed at 199 for the loss of 6 wickets.

Stephen Revett 79 n.o (7 x 4's), Sean Goodger 19 (4 x 4's), Adrian Buxton 48 (5 x 4's, 2 x 6's), Neil Parkinson 12 (1 x 4)

Under overcast conditions and with thunderstorms predicted it was decided to have a brief break and have tea after the match.

In reply Parson Drove found it difficult to score initially with Jon Dale returning 2 wickets for 11 in his opening 6 over spell, including 3 maidens and Sean Goodger bowling from the other end. After the visitors openers, Carter & Pritchard had departed, No. 3 bat Lewis looked to be going well until being run out on 34. Carke (29) and K.Haynes (25 n.o) were the only other batsmen to trouble the home bowlers as their target gradually became impossible - falling 60 runs short of victory.

Jon Dale (2 for 16), Sean Goodger ( 0 for 30), John Loveday (2 for 31), Lewis Buxton (1 for 13) Gareth Kent (1 for 15) Duncan Hobbs (1 for 18), Stephen Revett (2 for 14)

Team: John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Sean Goodger, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, Adrian Buxton, Lewis Buxton, Jon Dale, Gareth Kent & Andrew Revett. (12 players)

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Stephen Revett

Jon Dale

Sean Goodger

home, against

WICKEN

EASY WIN FOR WICKEN

Wicken  won  by 73 runs; Wicken 253 for 5 wkts (40 wkts), Welney Croft 180 for 8 wkts (40 overs)

Wicken opened their innings on a good batting strip and then welcomed the treat of some very poor bowling - quickly scoring 40 off the first 4 overs. Although the run rate slowed down it never went below 6 runs per over.  Frank Digman hit 5 boundaries before departing to a brilliant catch by Ashley Inwood at point, in the 7th over. Opening partner Pope (58) was again in good form but went in the 16th over, caught on the boundary by Adrian Buxton, with the team score at 96 for 2  wickets. Darren Bentick (78 n.o) and Richard Abbott (55 n.o) added 103 runs after the fall of the fifth wicket, in 12 overs. Wicken finishing on 253 from their allotted 40 overs.

Adrian Buxton (1 for 33),  Dennis Birch (1 for 60), John Loveday (1 for 29), Percy Bulsara (2 for 55), Stephen Revett (0 for 29), Lewis Buxton (0 for 28) & Duncan Hobbs (0 for 9)

After the interval, Welney were never able to score freely, opening bowlers Bentick & French bowling a good line and length. Adrian Buxton was again in good form with the bat scoring 42 (75 mins) with the team total on 83 for 3 after 20 overs. The home side still needing 170 runs off the final overs, the target was never realistically achievable. Dennis Birch (23) tried in vain before falling lbw to an unfortunate umpiring decision? Duncan Hobbs (18) also tried to unsettle the bowlers with some quick singles before being bowled by Abbott and number 6, Ashley Inwood hit 24, including 2 fours before also falling to Abbott. Although never in the hunt, the runs still kept coming - Welney's reply being 180 for 8 wickets - 73 runs short of their target.

Most weeks this total would have been a winning score but the poor start with some questionable bowling and dropped catches contributed to this heavy defeat.

Adrian Buxton 42 (3 x 4's), Dennis Birch 23 (1 x 4), Ashley Inwood 24 (2 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 18 (2 x 4's)

Team: John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Dennis Birch, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Revett, Percy Bulsara, Ashley Inwood, Adrian Buxton, Lewis Buxton

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Duncan Hobbs

Lewis Buxton

home, against

Castor & Ailesworth 2nd

CANCELLED, Castor unable to raise team

 

John Loveday

away, against

PINCHBECK

PINCHBECK DOUBLE

Pinchbeck won by 7 wickets. Welney Croft 150 for 9 wkts (40 overs), Pinchbeck 152 for 3 wkts (38 overs)

The club visited south Lincolnshire for the second time within a month, a return fixture with Pinchbeck, but this time it was less fruitful, a 7 wicket defeat. It must be said the match was much closer than the score line suggests, the home side only getting the winning runs with 2 overs to spare - but with wickets in hand Pinchbeck always held the upper hand in doing the double over the Croft this season.

Pinchbeck won the toss and asked Welney to bat first. The innings started poorly with the dismissal of Stephen Revett in the 8th over and only 14 runs on the board - this included 6 wides ? Neil Parkinson followed 2 overs later with Ken Smart again struggling to get the ball away - eventually being bowled by Dalton for 10. The 4th and 5th wicket partnerships were far more productive – Ashley Inwood (19) and Sean Goodger (56) adding 34, doubling the score in only 6 overs and John Loveday (19) joined Sean to add a further 50 quick runs for the 5th wicket. Biggest disappointment of the afternoon was the injury to Stuart Singleterry, who retired hurt and had to be carried off the field of play with a dislocated knee injury, and unfortunately looks likely to be out for the rest of the season.
Three players were making their first appearance of the season Kevin Scarff, Rami Niluka and Andy Revett and all added valuable runs with Rami (12 n.o) and Percy Bulsara scoring 18 for the last wicket.

Sean Goodger 56 (1 x 6, 6 x 4's), Ashley Inwood 19 (2 x 4's), John Loveday 19 (4 x 4's), Rami Niluka 12 n.o (1 x 4), Ken Smart 10 (1 x 4)

Pinchbeck also started their innings very slowly and at one time seemed to be slipping behind the clock. However opener Parrish eventually slipped into attacking mode hitting Bulsara for 3 sixes, Revett for 2 sixes and was finally bowled by Stephen Revett in the 36th over, scoring 76, having put his team in a match winning position. Welney’s early success in restricting the home sides run chase was due to the tight bowling of Sean Goodger and John Loveday, conceeding only 17 & 13 runs respectively from their allocated 8 overs. The winning runs came off the final ball of the 38th over with Newman (37 n.o) and skipper James Cole still at the wicket.

Sean Goodger (0 for 17), John Loveday (0 for 13), Percy Bulsara (1 for 27), Stephen Revett (1 for 45), Kevin Scarff (0 for 31) Rami Niduka (0 for 13)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Stuart Singleterry, Stephen Revett, Percy Bulsara, Sean Goodger, Ashley Inwood, Kevin Scarff, Rami Niduka & Andy Revett.

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Ashley Inwood

Percy Bulsara

Rami Niluka

home, against

GOODERSTONE

GOODERSTONE RETAIN BLOWS CUP

Gooderstone won by 7 wkts; Welney Croft 79 (30.2 overs), Gooderstone 80 for 3 wkts (18.2 overs)

The long wait for the return of the Blows Brothers Trophy Cup continues after Gooderstone's fourth consecutive invitation cup win on Sunday - yet another batting disaster for the home side, scoring only 79 in 30.2 overs.

 John Loveday won the toss and elected to bat first on a sweltering hot afternoon. Gooderstones speed attack of Drohan and Bandy had both openers Ken Smart and Stephen Revett struggling from the first ball. Four maidens were played in the first 6 overs with both players continually being beaten for pace. Eventually Smart went in the fifth over for only 2 runs and Revett went 2 overs later for 4 - both falling to Bandy. Neil Parkinson (22 in 79 mins) and Dennis Birch (14 in 31 mins) led a mini revival adding 25 for the third wicket and only No.6 batsman Colin Taylor offered any further resistance scoring 15 in 44 mins, including 2 boundaries, before being bowled for the 10th wicket, in a desperate bid for quick runs. The tail came and went very quickly adding only 3 runs from the last 5 batsmen.

Neil Parkinson, 22, Colin Taylor 15 (2 x 4's), Dennis Birch 14 (2 x 4's)

After a short break Gooderstone took only 18.2 overs in less than an hour to reach their winning target of 80 runs. Openers Morgan and Samuels were both removed by John Loveday, with the second wicket falling at 23. The third wicket fell 10 runs later with a fine run-out, a direct hit on the stumps by Dennis Birch - leaving Smith just outside the crease. Ash Drohan (35 n.o) and Ian Sayer (19 n.o) added the required 47 remaining runs to see Gooderstone record possibly their easiest cup win to date.

John Loveday (2 for 29), Percy Bulsara (0 for 23), Stephen Revett (0 for13), Dennis Birch (0 for 14)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Neil Parkinson, Dennis Birch, Stuart Singleterry, Colin Taylor, Sean Smyth, Stephen Revett, Percy Bulsara, Mark Brown & Oliver Revett.

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Ken Smart

Colin Taylor

Sean Smyth

away, against

Old Wilhads

THE BUXTON'S SHOW

Welney won by 91 runs, Welney Croft 205 for 5 wkts (40 overs), Old Wilhads 114 (31.4 overs)

The combined cricketing talents of father & son, Adrian & Lewis Buxton, was the main reason for Croft's impressive 91 run victory over local rivals Old Wilhads. Adrian scored 81 runs, claimed 3 wickets (all bowled) and held one catch, whilst fourteen year old Lewis also took 3 wickets - a big, big contribution to the teams efforts.

Wilhad's won the toss and invited their visitors to bat first in this friendly fixture at Wilburton. In form openers Ken Smart (27) and Stephen Kent (28) again got the team off to fine start with a 60 run partnership in the first hour after 18 overs - Ken then being bowled by Henry Baker. Adrian Buxton, who has made occasional appearances over the past 3  seasons, then came to the crease and gave an outstanding display of big hitting and stroke play in his innings - scoring 6 sixes and 4 fours. This included a 45 run partnership with Sean Goodger, who as usual scored a quick 29, before being bowled by Nigel Baker and a 64 run partnership with Neil Parkinson. Adrian was finally dismissed in the 39th over, caught on the boundary going for another six. Ashley Inwood and Stuart Singleterry came together for the last two overs to take the score past the double century to finish on 205 for 5 wickets.

Ken Smart 27 (1 x 4), Stephen Kent 28 (2 x 4's), Adrian Buxton 81 (6 x 6's, 4 x 4's), Sean Goodger 29 (2 x 4's, 1 x 6)

After the tea interval Wilhads opened their innings needing run rate of 5.1 to reach their target. The first wicket fell in the eigth over, Lewis Buxton claiming Walker's wicket, a catch at mid-on by father Adrian. Opening partner Vincent went next, bowled by Neil Parkinson, who completed his eight overs conceding only 15 runs, a very impressive spell for an occasional bowler. Seventeen  year old Sean Smyth had his first eight over spell for the club and caimed 3 valuable wickets in the middle order, taking two catches himself and another one held on the run by Gareth Kent. With Wilhads struggling at 87 for 5 after 24 overs, the Buxton's then destroyed the tail, clean bowling the last 5 batsmen. The last 4 wickets fell for only 5 runs with 8 overs to spare the home side's innings closed at 114.

Lewis Buxton 3 for 24, Neil Parkinson 1 for 15, Sean Smyth 3 for 41, Adrian Buxton 3 for 10, Gareth Kent 0 for 19

 Team -  Ken Smart (captain), Stephen Kent, Duncan Hobbs, Sean Goodger, Stuart Singleterry, Ashley Inwood, Neil Parkinson, Adrian Buxton, Lewis Buxton, Sean Smyth & Gareth Kent.

 

away, against

Chrishall

TIMED OUT FOR DRAWN MATCH    

Another long away trip, this time over the Cambridgeshire border to Chrishall in Essex, resulted in a drawn match. This friendly was played as a timed match with Chrishall winning the toss and opting to bat first for two and a half hours, until the tea interval, and Welney batting for 1 hour plus 20 overs.

For the first twenty overs the visitors bowled tightly thanks to long spells by John Loveday and Percy Bulsara, with the home team having only 57 on the scoreboard.  John Loveday captured the first two wickets removing both openers Levy (3) caught by Mark Brown and a fine stumping by Neil Parkinson. Percy then bowled both middle order batsmen Roberts (2) & Gardiner (5) with Chrishall's score at only 63 for 4 wickets. However it was a different story for the remaining overs with Holmes (78 n.o) and Coxall 48 rarely looking in difficulty. The home team narrowly missed the double century by 2 runs.

John Loveday (3 for 65), Percy Bulsara (2 for 55), Stephen Revett (0 for 64), Mark Brown (0 for 15)

Croft's innings started with the loss of Stephen Kent in only the fifth over, trapped lbw for 5 runs and Stephen Revett then caught behind the stumps 2 balls later. It was again left to Ken Smart (48) to 'steady the ship' batting sensibly throughout his 85 minute innings, until falling to a dubious lbw decision? Ken and Neil Parkinson (29) added 66 for the third wicket with the score at 82 for 3 wickets, but with only 14 overs left a further 117 runs needed looked a near impossibility. Ashley Inwood (18 n.o) and Colin Taylor stood firm until the end, batting out for the draw.

Ken Smart 42 (4 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 29 (1 x 4), Ashley Inwood 18 n.o (3 x 4's).

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, Percy Bulsara, Colin Taylor, Mark Brown, Sean Smyth & Oliver Revett

away, against

Spalding Poachers

WELNEY BEAT POACHERS

Welney won by 83 runs - Welney Croft 211 for 4 wkts  (40 overs), Spalding Poachers  128 all out  (28 overs)

This friendly  match was played at the Memorial Ground, Spalding and started in the sunshine with a strong breeze, had a 20 minute rain stoppage immediately after the tea interval and ended in drizzling rain, thunder and lightning.

Spalding won the toss and invited Welney to bat first and after a slow start openers Ken Smart (76 n.o)& Stephen Kent (49) went on to share a rare century stand of 104 runs before Stephen was bowled by Bristo. Sean Goodger had a rare failure before Stephen Revett opened his scoring with a huge six in his total of 18. The run rate was kept going with Ashley Inwood (10) and Neil Parkinson adding a valuable 31 n.o, including 6 x 4's. Ken, the mainstay of Welney's innings, carried his bat throughout the 40 overs in an innings lasting two and a half hours, in what proved to be a match winning total of 211 for 4 wickets.

Ken Smart 76 n.o   (7 x 4's), Stephen Kent 49 (6 x 4's), Stephen Revett 18 (6 & 2 x 4's), Neil Parkinson 31 n.o  (6 x 4's).

After the interval there was only 10 minutes on the field before rain stopped play, but during this period Sean Goodger already had opener Morton clean bowled. Although the home side kept up with the run rate, wickets were falling and only Endersby (23 in 63 mins) and de Keyzer (44 in 64 mins) kept Spalding in the match. The last half hour was played in a fine drizzle making it very difficult for the bowlers & fielders. Stephen Revett was able to clinch victory taking the last 4 wickets in his 5 over spell for only 18 runs - the match winning margin being 83 runs. 

Sean Goodger 3 for 25, John Loveday 1 for 32, Percy Bulsara 1 for 35, Stephen Revett 4 for 18.

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Sean Goodger, Neil Parkinson,   Sean Smyth, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, Percy Bulsara & Gareth Kent.

Peter Bedford Cup match

home, against

Brentwood & Havering LPCC

BRENTWOOD RETAIN POP's CUP

Brentwood won by 2 wkts - Welney Croft 131 (38 overs), Brentwood & Havering LPCC 132 for 8 wkts (34 overs)

After a good start, at one time 96 for 3 wickets, Welney's remaining batsmen failed dismally to produce a Cup winning score, finishing on only 131 on a good batting strip. The ever reliable opening pair Ken Smart & Stephen Kent put on 43 for the first wicket before Ken departed on 29, trapped lbw to Seymour, the pick of the visitors bowlers. Middle order batsmen Revett (10), Inwood (7), Goodger (19) and Singleterry (14), all started to look comfortable before leaving for the pavilion. Andy Seymour finished with the best bowling analysis 8 overs, 3 maidens, 3 wickets for only 8 runs - but it was the Gleeson family who mopped up the tail with 6 wickets.

Ken Smart 29 (5 x 4's), Stephen Kent 22 (3 x 4's), Stephen Revett 10 (1 x 4), Sean Goodger 19 (1 x 6 , 1 x 4), Stuart Singleterry 14 (2 x 4's)

Brentwood lost star batsman Mark Parrott in only the third over to Sean Goodger, clean bowled with opening partner Tom Porter staying around much longer, top scoring on 41 (5 x 4's) in his 90 minute innings, before falling lbw to John Loveday. Bats No's 3,4 & 5 were removed in a fine 8 over spell by Wayne Stimson taking 3 for 29, (2 bowled and one lbw). Number 6 bat Andy Seymour scored a valuable 21, including a six, and it was left to Greg Gleeson and injured Che Smith to see the visiting Essex team home narrowly by 2 wickets (the closest match for a few years), in claiming their fourth successive cup victory.

Sean Goodger (1 for 28), Wayne Stimson (3 for 29), John Loveday (3 for 29), Percy Bulsara (0 for 30), Stephen Revett (0 for 11).

After presenting the Cup to the Brentwood team Peter Scott then awarded the 'Man of the Match' trophy to Andy Seymour for his good all round performance ( 3 wkts for 6 runs, and scoring 21 runs).

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Sean Goodger, Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, Percy Bulsara, Stuart SIngleterry, Wayne Stimson.

This year £288 was raised for the Hannah Gray Memorial Wildlife site at Clackhouse Primary School in Downham Market.

Click the thumbnail photos for larger view and description, names, etc

the team

presentation

spectators

home, against

Old Wilhads

Cancelled - Old Wilhads unable to raise team

home, against

Pinchbeck

CROFT'S MISMATCH 

Pinchbeck won by 8 wkts - Welney Croft 122 for 9 wkts (40 overs), Pinchbeck 123 for 2 wkts (21 overs).

This relatively young Pinchbeck side were better in all departments of the game and strolled to victory in only 21 overs. The same old problem of scoring too slowly being the main problem that must be rectified. The first half of Welney's innings the run rate was less than 2, leaving far too much for the later batsmen in the push for runs on what was a good batting strip. As can be seen from the score line the visitors went for the runs from the first over, the home bowlers having little success. The only high point being young Ashley Hobbs two brilliant catches, one off his own bowling to dismiss opener Riley and the other at square leg off Dennis Birch's first bowling spell of the season.

At close of play Pinchbecks number 3 bat Eyett was unbeaten on 62 with opener Parrish scoring 39, for an easy win by 8 wickets.

Ken Smart 21 (2 x 4's), Dennis Birch 22 (3 x 4's), Stuart Singleterry 12 (3 x 4's), Duncan Hobbs 18 (2 x 4's)

John Loveday (0 for 24), Dennis Birch (1 for 26), Mark Brown (0 for 18), Ashley Hobbs (1 for 22)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Duncan Hobbs,  Ashley Hobbs, Dennis Birch, Stuart Singleterry, Ashley Inwood, Mark Brown, Sean Smyth & Gareth Kent.

 

home, against

Spalding Poachers

Cancelled

away, against

Wicken

(Played at Littleport)

POOR SHOW ?

Wicken won by 6 wkts - Welney Croft 61 (31 overs), Wicken 64 for 4 wkts (17.3 overs)

A depleted 10 man Welney team produced the season's worst performance against old rivals Wicken at Littleport's Sports Centre. The team was hindered with two late drop outs, however the remaining regulars all failed unfortunately on the same day with only Stephen Kent (24) and Neil Parkinson (12) achieving double figures, next highest score being 2 and four "ducks".

Stephen Kent's opening partner Revett departed in the third over with only 3 on the board, being caught by wicket keeper Ashton off French's bowling. Neil Parkinson then joined Kent to add 41 runs for the second wicket partnership, but after their efforts the rest could only score a paltry 17 runs, leaving Wicken the easy target of only 62 for victory.  

Welney's hopes of an upset were raised falsely by Wicken losing the two early wickets of Green & Murfitt off John Loveday's bowling for only 9 runs. However Wicken's best batsman opener Pope was still there and he saw the  team home with an unbeaten (31) partnered by skipper St.John (21).

John Loveday (2 for 16), Neil Parkinson (0 for 27), Stephen Revett (1 for 13), Sean Smyth (1 for 7)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Revett, Ashley Inwood, Stuart Singleterry, Gareth Kent, Sean Smyth & Oliver Revett (10 players )

 

home, against

Chrishall

Cancelled due to rain.

home, against

Hampton

HOME DEFEAT FOR CROFT

Welney lost by 57 runs - Hampton 213 for 5 wkts (40 overs), Welney Croft 156 for 9 wkts (40 overs)

Welney won the toss and invited Hampton to bat first.

Quick thinking by Ashley Inwood removed opener Cullen in the fourth over, a stumping with the score at 17, there after it was a long afternoon for the home bowlers with McIntyre (62) and Kitch (68) adding 85 for the second wicket partnership. Father & son combination, Duncan & Ashley Hobbs, eventually removed McIntyre, Duncan catching off Ashley’s bowling. Stand in bowler Neil Parkinson bowled extremely well, taking 1 for 31, having Evans caught out on the boundary by Stephen Revett. Young Ashley Hobbs returned the best bowling analysis with 3 for 56 from his 10 overs. For the first home match of the season the wicket was ideal for batting and with the fast  outfield there was little help for the bowlers.

John Loveday (0 for 24), Percy Bulsara (0 for 45), Stephen Revett (1 for 50), Ashley Hobbs (3 for 56), Neil Parkinson (1 for 31)

Croft’s innings started brightly with 28 scored from the first 4 overs, Ken Smart hitting  3 boundaries in the first over. Ken was bowled by a Yorker from Samani in the fourth over but already having scored 17. Middle order batsmen Revett, Inwood, Duncan Hobbs & Parkinson all played solid innings without being able to produce a high match winning score. Skipper John Loveday came in at number 8 and soon started swinging and connecting – hitting a quick 31, including 6 boundaries in only 22 mins. After John’s dismissal, being caught out in the deep by Samani, the tail added only 2 more runs, to finish on 156 for 9 in the allocated 40 overs – a 57 run defeat.

Ken Smart 17 (4 x 4’s), Stephen Revett 17 (1 x 4), Neil Parkinson 19 (2 x 4’s), John Loveday  31 (6 x 4’s), Duncan Hobbs 12

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Neil Parkinson, Sean Smyth, Duncan Hobbs, Percy Bulsara, Ashley Inwood, Stephen Revett, Ashley Hobbs, Gareth Kent.

 

away, against

Loddington & Mawsley

LODDINGTON  RUN FEAST

Welney lost by 6 wkts. Welney Croft 243 for 7 wkts (40 overs), Loddington & Mawsley 244 for 4 wkts (35.5 overs)

A first away fixture in the picturesque Northamptonshire village of Loddington, near Kettering, produced nearly 500 runs in glorious sunshine.

Skipper John Loveday won the toss and elected to bat first. On a good batting track with a fast outfield the boundaries kept the score moving, and after 10 overs the visitors had 52 on the board with only the loss of Ken Smart for 23. His opening partner Stephen Kent proved to be the mainstay of the innings scoring 71 including (12 fours) in 95 minutes and added 115 for the second wicket with Stephen Revett, second highest scorer on 42 (78 mins). After his departure Sean Goodger scored a quick 21, including a huge 6, and was well supported by Neil Parkinson(19), Ashley Inwood(22) and Stuart Singleterry (16 n.o). At tea, after 40 overs, the visitors had totalled 243 for 7 wickets, for what looked like a winning score.

Stephen Kent 71  (12 x 4’s), Stephen Revett 42  (6 x 4’s), Ken Smart 23  (4 x 4’s), Ashley Inwood 22  (3 x 4’s), Sean Goodger 21  (1 x 6, 2 x 4’s), Neil Parkinson 19 (3 x 4’s), Stuart Singleterry 16* (1 x 6, 1 x 4)

Welney got off to a fine start with the dismissal of 2 wickets for only 16 runs and had high expectations. The first a run out by Stephen Kent, a direct hit on the stumps from over 20 yards and the other, Goodger clean bowling No.3 bat Coles. Haynes (65) and Penn (91*) got the home side out of trouble adding 73 for the fourth wicket. Braithwaite (47*) then enjoyed a match winning stand of 118 with Penn, who narrowly missed out on scoring a century. His innings of 91 included 13 x fours. At close of play the home team had reached their target of 244 for the loss of only 4 wickets in the 36^th over.

For the visitors, with the exception of Goodger and Bulsara’s opening spells, the bowling was generally poor, the attacking style of play appeared to unsettle line & length, and fielding was well below par, although there was only 2 dropped catches, there were many mis-fields.

Sean Goodger (1 for 36), John Loveday (1 for 71), Percy Bulsara (1 for 43)

Team - John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Sean Goodger, Stuart Singleterry, Neil Parkinson, Sean Smyth, Duncan Hobbs, Percy Bulsara, Ashley Inwood, Stephen Revett.

 

away, against

Parson Drove

ALLROUNDER GOODGER

Welney won by 34 runs - Welney Croft 114 for 9 wkts (40 overs), Parson Drove 80 all out (27 overs)

A fine all round performance by Sean Goodger was the difference  between the village sides on Sunday.

With the openers Smart & Kent back in the pavilion, it was proving difficult for Croft's batsmen, facing a good young bowling attack on  a "plastic pitch" of variable bounce and a slow outfield. However Duncan Hobbs brought stability to the innings with a determined knock, being at the crease for 92 minutes for his knock of 23. When number 5 bat Sean arrived to join Hobbs, Welney were struggling at 25 for 3 and it was this fourth wicket 71 run partnership that enabled the visitors to set a reasonable target for the home side. Sean scored a half century (51), in little over the hour including a six and 6 fours, finally being unluckily bowled by an unplayable 'shooter'. After Sean's departure the wickets tumbled with Forder claiming 3 victims in four balls, Singleterry, Loveday & Brown all for "ducks". The youngest and oldest team members, Gareth Kent ( aged 14) and Percy Bulsara (73) batted out the final 3 overs - both not out for 2 runs. Only Hobbs & Goodger finished with double figure scores with "Extras" scoring 25 and five players failing to score. 

Duncan Hobbs 23, Sean Goodger 51 (1 x 6, 6 x 4's) 

After tea Parson Drove started confidently with Carter and Pope adding 24 runs off 8 overs, Goodger then dismissing Pope LBW. Carter soon departed next over to a catch in the outfield by Hobbs off Percy Bulsara. Pritchard and Bussey settled in and started to score freely taking the total to  61 for 2. It wasn't until Goodger returned for his second spell that Welney's fortunes changed, claiming 3 victims all clean bowled, in his last 3 overs and finishing with bowling figures of 8 overs, 3 maidens , 4 wickets for only 11 runs. Skipper John Loveday also bowled well taking 3 for 8 off  5 overs. With the light deteriorating and a fine drizzle starting Stephen Kent bowled the last batsman in the 27th over to secure a 34 run victory. 

Sean Goodger (4 for 11), John Loveday (3 for 8), Stephen Kent  (2 for 9), Percy Bulsara (1 for 25), Mark Brown (0 for 21) 

Team: John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Sean Goodger, Stuart  Singleterry, Neil Parkinson, Sean Smyth, , Duncan Hobbs, Percy Bulsara, Mark Brown & Gareth Kent.

 

away, against

Castor & Ailesworth 2nd

WINNING START - Welney won by 35 runs

Welney Croft 133 for 6 wkts  (40 overs), Castor & Ailesworth II   98 all out (30.4 overs)

The first match of the season was played in ideal conditions with the sun shining brightly.

Castor won the toss and invited Welney to bat first.

Openers Ken Smart (18) and Stephen Kent (22) batted steadily adding 35 runs for the first wicket before Kent was caught at the stumps. Stephen Revett (18)  then joined Smart for a 37 run partnership taking the score to 72. After a slight wobble with two more wickets quickly falling, suddenly it was 77 for 4 and was another collapse about to happen? Neil Parkinson played himself in as anchorman whilst Stuart Singleterry went for the runs scoring four boundaries in his knock of 22 before being run out. Hobbs and Parkinson batted out the remaining overs to take the score to a final total of 133 for  6 wickets. 

Ken Smart 18, Stephen Kent 22 (2 x 4's), Stephen Revett 18 (2 x 4's), Stuart Singleterry 22 (4 x 4's)

The new opening pace bowling partnership of Wayne Simpson with Sean Goodger kept the home sides run rate down, both completing their allocated 8 overs in one spell - Goodger 2 for 22 and Stimson 2 for 19. After 16 overs the home side had moved to 47 for 4 with only No.4 bat Besseling (28) looking comfortable. Slow bowlers Loveday and Revett then took over, with Loveday claiming 2 victims in his second over, both bowled, and after Stephen Revett removed danger-man Besseling with a fine caught and bowled, suddenly the home side were struggling on 76 for 7, needing a further 58 runs. Castor's tail enders rallied with Shahd (13), before being dismissed, stumped by Parkinson off Loveday. The home side finished on 98 off 30.4 overs.

A good all round bowling / fielding performance had secured a 35 run victory.

Wayne Stimson (2 for 19), Sean Goodger  (2 for 22), John Loveday  (4 for 31), Stephen Revett  (2 for 18)

Team: John Loveday (captain), Ken Smart, Stephen Kent, Sean Goodger, Stuart Singleterry, Neil Parkinson, Sean Smyth, Duncan Hobbs, Stephen Revett, Wayne Stimson, Ashley Inwood.