I can’t decide on the most appropriate summary for this match report. There are so many suitable options, so I’ll go with all three.
- Wolvercote loot the Steve Dixon Memorial Trophy from under the noses of West Witney,
- West Witney let the Steve Dixon Cup slip through their fingers (makes a change from us dropping stuff), or
- To quote Churchill (not the nodding dog), “Never was so much owed by so many to so few our bowlers”.
The weekend before last was a big one for the first team, having a top of the table clash on Saturday and the first chance of some silverware in recent memory on Sunday. It was strange that the Saturday game appeared to be (on paper at least) the harder of the two, playing away to a team riding high rather than a final against a team that had only won a handful of games all season, albeit it in the league above. So after achieving the much-needed win on Saturday, we turned up at Westbury on Sunday full of confidence.
Early signs were positive: according to Tim the pitch looked full of runs (when don’t they Tim?!), the weather looked good , all the players made it (despite Ben and Quinny’s best efforts to have the game played on the Westbury chairman’s front lawn by supplying yet another dodgy postcode) and, in the least shocking event of the day, Burnsy not leaving until after he was supposed to arrive.
Wolvercote Is make a mountain out of a molehill on way to victory in blustery Garsington.
Braving a gentle force nine gale, and a ground so vertiginous fielders had to abseil to cow corner, Wolvercote Is won the toss and elected to bat. McIntyre (70) and Tofts (45) got us off to an almost perfect start, with the latter outscoring the big Saffa (a fine, surely?) as Wolvercote put on 70 odd runs for the first wicket. This feat was particularly impressive as a knackered Tofts had hit 93 the day before, and McIntyre, in order to avoid being blown over in the wind, had taken the precaution of adding a pair of anvils to his lead Wellingtons. With the loss of Tofts, Proctor strode to the crease with the sole intention of scoring more runs in a weekend that his former Gibbon team-mate. The mission was accomplished some 67 runs later, with the younger man beating the older by two on the weekend, but with the pair level-pegging on 203 in the season.
History does not record whether or not Matt Taylor actually took his pads off over night but, having sat for 45 overs on Saturday, it was not until the 30th over of Sunday’s game that he got the chance to beat out his frustrations on a piece of red leather. A brutal, if somewhat agricultural, 44 runs followed, supported by cameo performances from Asif (18 no) and Burns (13). The latter’s innings including a pair of towering sixes biffed down the cliff at cow, and followed what has to be the longest “comfort” break since Cyril the Constipated ate 4 dozen hard-boiled eggs whilst reading the Doomsday book on a dunny in Bungay in 1087. This took the Wolvercote total to a (surely insurmountable?) 270.
Now comes the less impressive part. Having watched a modest Garsington attack concede runs by bowling short and wide, the Wolvercote bowlers elected to follow suit and, as a consequence, failed to break through the Garsington top order. There cannot be many cricket matches where the number of lost balls exceeds the number of wickets, but, with at least 5 Wolvercote cherries AWOL in the cornfield, and only one wicket each to Burns (12-1-46) and Oliver (12-1-57), the away side’s total started to look vulnerable. Credit is due to the Garsington batsmen with Day (87no), Bound (48), and Wharton (75) playing their way to within 20 or so of Wolvercote’s mountain of runs. However, the undefeated Day slowed down as the innings wore on and, mindful that, if removed, he may be replaced by a slogger with more swagger, Proctor wisely chose to put down a simple catch on the boundary and Gilly, following Ben’s lead, was almost casual in what must surely have been a deliberate drop at mid-on? Thus victory was assured, with Quinn the pick of the bowlers with a stabilizing “taking-the-pace-off-the-ball” mid-innings 54 for 0 off 12.
Following a below par batting display against Kilkenny, Captain Campo decided, after winning the toss, to give the batsmen another go at proving they can post big scores. Everything started well, with myself and Tim scoring at a decent rate without taking too many risks.
Tim and I progressed quickly to our first century partnership, scoring at 4 to 5 an over. We got to about 110 before Tim clipped one off his legs which didn’t clear the fielder. Next in was Ben, who started slowly – at least for the first couple of balls. Although Chalgrove have seen me bat before, they decided to push the field out for me, but keep it in for Ben, which help Ben push the score along quickly. With some big shots and cultured drives Ben quickly progressed past his 50. With a century within his grasp, he decided it was time to have a little walk down the pitch and was stumped on 73 with the score past 200.
Captain Campo decided it was time for the big hitters to have a go and try to push the score on to 300. First in was Gus2; Gus’s innings was short, but still golden! Given out LBW to one that looked a little high. With Gus’s departure, it was time for Mr Burns, promoted from number ten to number five. With the bowler on a hat-trick, Burnsy started with what would be a very rare occurrence in his innings, a defensive shot (there were only two other dot balls in his innings, one of which went for 4 byes).
Watching one of the most destructive innings which followed some of the best batting I’ve seen from both Tim and Ben was excellent. I have to say I was happy for burnsy to continually clear the boundary rope, meaning there was no need for quick singles! Scoring his 50 in what I guess was 20 or so balls we quickly progressed past 300 to end on 311. One of the best batting displays I have had the pleasure of watching – luckily from the non strikers end.
With tea next, where Margret put in an excellent performance, as well as Asif, who put in his best performance of the day getting through 3 cup cakes!
The bowling started well, with both John and Burnsy putting in fine performance, Burnsy had a whole over beating the outside edge. With both runs and wickets coming slowly, the captain decided to turn to the Wolvercote bowler who was top of the averages, and described by one person (himself) as our main strike bowler. Landing it on a sixpence and turning it sideways, his decision proved to be a good one. With strong support from Richard at the other end Jon ‘strike bowler’ Campion finished with excellent figures of 12-3-42-4.
With some poor catching – including a full length diving slip catch which I just got a hand to (the reason I’m writing this)! And some belligerent batting, Chalgrove managed to hold on with two wickets remaining.
Overall a superb batting display, and an excellent win by 161 runs.
I stepped out of Toftsy’s Alpha for my first appearance for the club with a mixture of emotions. Nerves, intrepidation, excitement, anticipation. All my fears that the season opener might be washed out seemed to have been without foundation as the wicket, although not bone dry, was more than playable.
Campo strode out to the middle, coin in hand, for what may be one of the more important tosses of the season. He returned to tell us that he had performed well in the tossing department and we would have first use of a wicket which would prove to be fair, but which certainly had something in it for the bowlers.
He tossed the new ball to Burnsy, a scar on the bridge of his nose the only sign of his batting indiscretion which resulted in his A&E trip last weekend. His first over was a sign of things to come. Tight bowling, with a good line and length regularly found. John shared the new ball and as with Burnsy hit the spot right from the start.
It might have been a different story had a number of simple chances been held in the field (hands held up here, i dropped 4). As it was, a fantastic spell of middle over bowling from Wayne and Rich, which saw the flow of runs stifled and as a result wickets tumble at both ends resulted in Shrivenham setting us a target of 119 to win.
After a lovely tea had been demolished, mostly by Asif, Tofts and I made our way to the middle to try and find the runs to take us home. I was out in the 4th over, with the score on 26 and Toftsy yet to get off the mark, but that was what he needed to get going. He batted superbly, playing himself in nicely before picking and putting away the bad balls.
He had ample support from Gilly and Dirk, who had both been livewires in the field, before Asif came in to help see the side home. Toftsy finished on a fantastic 50no and his linchpin innings was something we hope to see more of all season.
All in all, it was a fantastic all round team performance. Everyone from Gus behind the stumps, to Burnsy and John’s new ball bowling, Rich and Wayne’s middle over pressure and Toftsy winning knock contributed. A 7 wicket win with 18 overs to spare was more than we could hope for in the first game of the season, but inspires confidence that it may be the first of many. Bring on Kilkenny next week!!
Ben
Hi Everyone,
Team below for the 1st XI game vs Kilkenny. If there are any problems concerning availibility then please contact Stuart.
Stuart T
Dave G
Brian G
Jamie VS
Gus 1
Gus 2 (wk)
Rich O
Pog
Pablo
Sir John Chrystal
TBC
Game is away at Kilkenny which apparently is in Carterton. Obviously with not being around last week, I am unsure of the availibility of everyone. I am not around from tonight so if there are any problems then please talk to Stuart.
The TBC is open to anyone who fancies a game in the team. Again, not sure who was free and who wasn’t so leaving it open.
Best of luck!
Jonathan
The Wolvercote 1st team entered their match with West Ilsley off the back of a narrow league defeat to Kilkenny and a conceded victory from Hook Norton. One sensed that anticipation was in the air – or was that just Simon Burns’ flatulence problem? Without captain Campion, Stuart Tofts stepped seamlessly into the skipper role, marshalling his troops with great assurance – truly the iron fist within the velvet glove(s).
However Tofts’ first contribution was to lose the toss and Ilsley elected to bat. Whilst strike bowler Burns has been in supreme form this season, his punctuality left something to be desired, arriving just as the first over was commencing! John Chrystal (2-33) stormed in, fired up as ever. Indeed JC seemed to be particularly hot under the collar on what was a balmy day. With one opening batsman persistently stepping away when people crossed behind the bowler’s arm, Chrystal quipped, “It’s a f*****g park!” You tell ‘em John!
The Ilsley openers started well but once removed the batting line up proved to be dodgier than Pablo’s chat up lines. Simon ‘the Bernabéu’ Burns was probably only at 75% fitness for the game but nonetheless managed to pick up a brace of wickets. Tim MacIntyre supported well with his big away swingers, but it was JVS who produced one of the moments of the match when a delivery hit the stumps with sufficient velocity as to send a bail over the boundary for six! Angus ‘Big Merv’ Stock bent his back as usual and picked up 1-11. The only batting resistance came from John Marston (41 n.o.) whose unconventional technique – holding the bat more like a sabre than a cricket bat – proved effective. The Wolvercote fielding was mixed – some excellent stops and catches (for example Brian George’s diving effort which resulted in a rib injury). However there were a number of dropped catches from Angus Gardiner-Morrison, Asif Amin and there may have been a missed chance (or two) by John ‘Teflon’ Beard.
A top class tea was laid on, as ever, by Margaret which included a wide array of cakes and cookies. Patrick was the surprise teatime guest.
The sound of the vuvuzela could be heard as Wolvercote’s ‘bafana bafana’ openers, Angus and Tim, took to the field. The pair made a solid start but were both bowled to unconventional strokes. JVS (19 runs) was his usual pugnacious self at the crease and was perhaps unlucky to be triggered leg before. WCC’s answer to Tamim Iqbal – Asif Amin – has been in encouraging form of late and this he continued with 31 runs.
On the sidelines Burns and resident cheerleader, Phil Tristram, cracked open the beers whilst JVS tucked into a bottle of vodka. The celebrations may have been somewhat premature but victory was not long in coming, secured by Gilham (24 n.o.) and Beard (11 n.o.) with more than 20 overs to spare. A fine performance lads – keep striving for the double!
Below is the team for Sundays Cup Semi vs Swinbrook. Game is home and a 2pm start. Please meet at 1:15 as per usual.Any problems then please let me know.
Asif Amin
Jon Campion
Angus Gardiner-Morrison
David Gilham
Rich Oliver
Andrew Pogorzelski
Tim McIntyre
Phil Tristram
Angus Stock
Stuart Tofts
Darren Campbell
Hi Everyone,
Hope all are well. Below is the team to play Marsh Gibbon on Saturday. Its a 2pm start and please meet at the ground at 1.15. If there are any problems with transport then please let me know and i’ll try to sort out lifts for people.
Campo
Asif
Chrystal
Gus 1
Gus 2
Brian
Gilly
Rich Oliver
Tim
Stuart Tofts
Crouch
Any problems with this then let me know. See you all Saturday.
The firsts team for Saturday is as follows. I have confirmed availability with most of you, but if there are any issues could you let me know as soon as possible.
Angus Stock
David Gilham
Jamie Van Santen
John Beard
John Chrystal
Brian George
Simon Burns
Tim MacIntyre
Stuart Tofts
Asif Amin
Angus Gardiner-Morrison
Please meet at Cutteslow for 1.15pm.
Wolvercote 1st XI strolled into the semi-finals of the Steve Dixon Memorial Cup after beating 2009 Champions Cairns Fudge convincingly at Jordan Hill Sports Ground, North Oxford.
The day didn’t start well for Cairns Fudge (CF) as two of the players they selected were unable to play following an administration gaff meaning they would only play with 8 players. It got worse for them when stand in Wolvercote captain Jamie Van Santen won the toss and elected to bat first. Tim MacIntyre opened the batting with the skipper and signalled his attacking intention by hitting the first ball passed the bowler for four however Van Santen (0) was bowled with the last ball of the first over. This brought D.Gillham to the crease who steadied the ship along with MacIntyre until Gillham (12) was out LBW. Asif Amin was next in and looked comfortable against the bowling hitting a series of classy shots including a great hook shot for four. This partnership took the score above 100 before MacIntyre (49) was cleverly caught at fly slip. Amin continued to play his shots as he was joined at the crease by Angus Gardiner-Morrison who played a number of excellent cut shots. Gus 2 hit a huge six down the ground before being bowled for 34. Angus Stock (9) was the next man in and didn’t hang around long before being caught. Asif (60) completed his half century as the Wolvercote score approached 200 before he nicked one behind. Pog (2) was soon bowled and Simon Burns (12) was superbly caught in the deep by a CF fielder. The Wolvercote tailed briefly wagged with contributions by John Chrystal, Brian Gillham and Dave Henwood as Wolvercote posted a score of 223 runs in 40 overs.
After an excellent lunch provided by CF, Wolvercote took to field only needing to take 7 wickets but against a side who had scored over 300 runs the previous day. A fired up John Chrystal took the new ball with Simon Burns who both opened with excellent overs. Chrystal took the first CF wicket when Ragg (1) hit an aerial shot into the covers which was taken (eventually) by Jamie Van Santen. Later in the over another wicket fell when D.Gillham took a good catch to dismiss Milne (0). After some hostile bowling from Burns the CF batsmen looked to go after Chrystal but Race (5) only succeeded in finding Asif at Mid Off who took an excellent catch. Then Chrystal took a superb catch off his bowling to dismiss Small (0) as CF were left in ruins at 10-4. A mini revival was offered from Hanscombe (21) until he was well caught by Asif to give Chrystal a ’5-fer’. Next ball he bowled Hatfield (0) to get his sixth wicket (8-3-30-6) leaving the cup holders in disarray. Burns (8-3-10-1) was rewarded with the final wicket when he bowled Pinnington (6) leaving opener Clark (7*) at the other end. CF were bowled out for just 40 runs and Wolvercote did not concede a single extra during the 16 overs bowled.
An excellent all round performance by Wolvercote against a team in the top region of Division 5. The reward is to play Swinbrook at Cutteslowe ‘Sabina’ Park on the 18th July.
P.S – A long sleeved Slazenger cricket jumper was left at the ground after the match. It was picked up by Jamie so get in touch with him if it is yours.
