End of Year AGM....

Minutes of AGM will be posted shortly as a link in sidebar. Notable though were the awards for 2010 for contributions to another successful season. Best bat, Olly Jordan; Best bowler, Clive Burchett; Cliff Hopperton Cup for most improved player, Richard Smith; Clubman of the year, Pete Pullan; family award, The Moss family.....congratulations to all.

Special thanks again to all supporters of the club, and particularly to Kevin and Maria at The Crown who have supplied wonderful refreshment throughout the season.

Little Staughton Ashes 2010.....

First up LSVCC Juniors, of which up to over 30 have been turning out on the playing field each week under the watchful eye and skillful instruction of Roy Palmer and Richard Smith. Richard writes...

'We were again really lucky with the weather and had a fine day for the return match against Little Paxton this morning. Both the younger and older junior teams were looking to even things up after the matches earlier in the season in May.

The older juniors team captain, Joseph Bates, won the toss and elected to field first. A combination of tight bowling from Alex Wasilewski, Neve Palmer, Emma Edgeley and Jake Richards, and some good fielding including two well taken catches by Sam Edgeley restricted Little Paxton to just 22. The total was easily reached after a good partnership from Chris Feneley and Seb Wayles, and contributions from Tommy and William Bates. The team had learnt from the match in May and did well to keep the ball down and avoid being caught out and losing runs.

The younger juniors had a tougher game on their hands against a Little Paxton team who were warmed up and keen to get a victory after their first defeat. Captain, George Miller, kept up the 100% record for Little Staughton and won the toss, again electing to field first. Some good bowling from Laurie Stothard, Luke Manning and Ben Richards with contributions in the field from Luke, with a quick stumping, and a brilliant catch by Ben managed to keep the total down to 40. It was always going to be a big ask for the younger members of the team but a solid start by James Price and good batting by Joseph Smith with runs also coming from Joel Cain, Jack Squirrell, William Brightman and Benjamin Smith and at the end from Archie Tomblin and Tommy Bates brought them to a respectable total of 34.

So honours even at the end of the season .'

On to the (supposed) main event, Church versus Village...AT writes,
'Extraordinary scenes as Tony Moss's Village team (not to be confused with LSVCC) disintegrated to a score of one for eight (that is one run for eight wickets !!)...thoughts of Little Staughton entering the pages of Wisden were briefly entertained until recovery led by Nick Monsell with a detrmined score of 2 runs (extra credit for hitting the ball before it hit the stumps), Nick Cain with a massive top score of 8ish, and a few extras. Still, 18 all out was probably a bit light on a slow flat track....special mention of the athletic Richard Finch who caught a fast moving ball from the middle of Noels bat just inches from his face. Fired up by this wonderful piece of self-preservation, Mr Finch continued fearlessly  to throw himself after the ball....chiropracters, osteopaths, and physiotherapists who are short of cash should contact him directly. Church team soon strolled to their first victory with only a couple of wickets down. Tony Moss graciously presented the Ashes Urn to the victorious captain Bernard Hopperton. As most of afternoon still remained, sun was shining, and drinks flowing, a new 20/20 game was played, mixed teams captained by Jake Cain and Oliver Thrasher....Jakes team in the end victorious (lasted a lot longer than the first match !). Cake stall manned by Lucy Newell and Ben Thrasher who managed to sell a huge number of wonderful cakes at inflated prices ! So thanks to all the village bakers, and also again to Kevin and Maria who very kindly provided (and donated) a splendid paella for cricketers and loyal supporters through the afternoon. A lovely day....

The Ashes will be kept in The Crown to remind everyone of these momentous annual occasions....

Finally, many will Remember Ginny Lumley's remembrance service earlier this year, after which her ashes were placed temporarily behind the bar while her friends and family enjoyed fish and chips in The Crown. A break in the cricket allowed Matt and Rebecca Brightman the opportunity to unveil a fine bench dedicated to her.....many villagers and friends gathered in front of the pavilion to once again raise their glass in memory...'

Presidents Game....

Hottest day of the year for first ever Presidents match hosted by Bernard Hopperton....pavilion fitted out with tv for those unfortunates wanting to view the football, but most chose to sit in shade under gazebos on boundary. Wonderful hospitality courtesy of Hoppertons, first class tea (thanks to Hazel, Helen and others), cool beer, and excellent paella to finish in pub afterwards. Opposition proved a bit more reliable than home LSVCC side whose batting let them down despite good all round efforts in field. Plenty balls to find in hedges !!....looking forward to repeat event next year....(minus the footballing distraction)...

New excuses....

Knock around with Farmers on friday, Maya's team eventually victorious over Olly's. Experimented with white ball which I thought was much easier to see coming out of dense forests at either end. However also provided new excuse for LS player after dropping catches complaining that they couldn't see it coming out of grey sky !!.....

Rain stops play......

LSVCC played Blunham on Sunday 6th June, stand in skipper OJ winning toss and electing to bat. the lighting quick pair of Moss and Shaw were sent out to open and with some solid defensive shots, a few swing and miss and a edge for 1, Clive was 1st to go in the 4th over. The 5th over was not much better with Tony missing his opening partner he followed him back on the 4th ball for 2, and Patrick came and went with a Golden duck that was to cost him later. Pete joined Richard smith at the crease and the pair started to amass some runs, Smith finally going for 11, caught playing one too many big shots. Price in his first game for the village played a nice shot back down the ground before being bowled following a bowling change for 5. this brought OJ batting at 7 to the crease in only the 11th over!! He and Pete were going along steady with OJ showing the bowler a lot of respect in the first over allowing him a maiden, this paid off the following over as 2 full toss were dispatched for 6's. this was by far the longest the LSVCC players had seen Pete go without a fag, and a pint seems this was now here, and a tired looking shot saw him fall for a creditable 21, Arch joined OJ for the last 7 overs of what should have been a long 7 overs for the Blunham fielders but one full toss too many and Jody was too quick on his shot the ball hitting middle stump as bat was over left shoulder and eyes looking towards swings where ball should have gone. Clive Burchett was next in, and as he came OJ topped edged one to fine leg falling for 57. Jake Cain came in and played some nice shots, hitting 5 4's in his quick fire 22, Dad Nick learning from son got off the mark with a 4, before being last man out for 5.

Rain then interrupted play and following a few Zzzzz's on the cradle both captains agreed that the pub was the best option.

Ollie Jordan

Weekend of cricket....

Started well with exciting win against St Neots Methodist side....Hoppy scored more runs than whole of last season and had to retire ! Jody also contributed well....particularly bowling a tight last over to secure final victory ! Fish and Chips and Beer to follow...

Moving (briefly) on to the Thurleigh 6-a-side competition on bank holiday monday. We had secured ringer Ian from Great Barford team (who also played for methodists). LSVCC (represented by AT, Hoppy, Olly, maya, Nick, Jake, Will and Ian, supported by Pete) played well first game despite relative youth and old age, but succumbed to eventual winning team from Thurleigh (surprise !). However, accumulation of injuries both physical and psychological saw batting deteriorate...at end of what has to be say was an enjoyable day, we played 4 and lost 4.

I blame the captain entirely, who failed to inspire an enthusiastic team despite pie and champagne between matches !!....

A.

Olly T receives County Cap....

 

Little Staughton Juniors.....

Our “younger” juniors came very close to winning against a Little Paxton team who were on average at least a year older, and considering one of our team had only started playing cricket a week earlier this was a very good performance. Little Paxton batted first in a Kwik Cricket game with each player facing 6 balls. They scored 77 after some great fielding and backing up from our juniors restricted their big hitters from making it to a 100. A good opening knock from Joseph Smith followed by some excellent support from Ben Richards, Benjamin Smith, Danny Wayles and Archie Tomblin, plus some valuable runs from the new team members William Brightman, who decided to bat left-handed to fool the opposition, and Joel Cain brought us within touching distance of Little Paxton’s score. A brilliant captain’s innings from Laurie Stothard, including a big six, almost sealed the game but unfortunately we fell just short with a final score of 72.

Our “older” Little Staughton juniors played pairs cricket facing 2 overs each against an even older Little Paxton team (all around age 12) who the previous week had been practising the reverse sweep. Yikes! Despite playing well and scoring about 90 runs (against Little Paxton’s 61 with no wickets lost), our team unfortunately managed to lose a few wickets. The ball really was lively and had a tendency to fly up off the bat and get caught as most of our players found out, some more than once! The team was: Adam Richardson (Captain), Sam and Emma Edgeley, Neve Palmer, Tommy, Joseph and William Bates, Rosie Stothard, Connor Finch, Libby Brealey, Jake Richards and Zak Hall.

Congratulations to all those involved for exciting matches and showing plenty of promise for the future. Pride was restored later at the barbeque when we clearly ate and drank Little Paxton under the table by a considerable margin! We look forward to a return match in August.


ps the least said about the senior team who were soundly thrashed afterwards the better.....

Little Paxton Opening Fixture 2010....

from Little Paxton CC website....

SUNDAY 16TH MAY 2010 A MEMORABLE DAY

"Expectations were high on Sunday but never did we expect the response we got. A huge thank you to everyone that came along to watch and especially those that helped out on the day cricket returned!

The day started with two youth games Litte Paxton under 9's and Under 12's both ending victorious against Little Staughton Village CC. A very encouraging and welcome sight over over 40 youngsters playing cricket and warming the crowd up for the 'big event'!

Peter Hagger Chairman of the Parish Council officially opened the cricket field during a short speech during which we remembered Jenny Bartlett daughter of our Chairman Vic who sadly passed away in the morning. Paxton won the toss and in front of a crowd approaching 200 (how many County teams would like that size of crowd? ) elected to bat. Ian McGraw, Elan Anish and Wayne Huttly were the main stays of the innings that totalled 252-6 after 40 overs. A new club highest score! In response wickets soon tumbled but with some stability restored Staughton reached 111-3 before wickets started to fall rapidly. Mike Kimpton and Elan Anish tore into the middle order and before long with both bowlers ending an over on hat-tricks Elan polished off the last wicket with the third ball of the over. A staggering win by 141 runs for Paxton - our first win over our neighbours!

An exceptional day for all of us associated with the club - we are back next Sunday with our first home league match against Upwood II with a 1.30pm start."

Lords Taverners Kitbag....

 

Junior section received extra equipment from Lords Taverners as part of their scheme to encourage cricket at junior level and for clubs with junior sections.....

Dysfunctional inadequates ??......

Review of a very funny book from Cricketworld.....could be us !!

'It’s Saturday 4th June 1966 and chubby 10 year-old Michael Simkins is about to have an epiphany. Settled by the TV in the back room of a warm Brighton sweetshop, chewing his way through triangles of Toblerone, he is witness to a sporting moment that will change his life. As larger-than-life Colin Milburn barrels down the steps of the pavilion and begins a statuesque innings of 94 for England, Michael discovers the only thing that can knock chocolate bars and sweet treats from their number one spot in his affections – cricket.

Fatty Batter is the hilarious story of one man’s lifelong obsession with cricket. From his earliest awkward days as a fat schoolboy, to his years running a team of dysfunctional inadequates, cricket has offered him a shelter from life’s irksome realities and a place in which to quietly dream. That place is a peculiarly English arcadia of occasional wondrous beauty, forests of comforting statistics and the endless life-affirming rituals of defeat, humiliation and disappointment – the perfect practice net for life.

Spending his afternoons in a Formica–filled caravan as a commentator for CricketCall, expecting his wife to while away their wedding anniversary operating a scoreboard and desperately sneaking off from filming with Martine McCutcheon in a Tesco’s car park to watch England’s Ashes triumph at the Oval, Michael Simkins’ calendar revolves around the sound of leather on willow, the dulcet tones of Brian Johnstone and a mass of runs, wickets, batting orders and statistics. Recounting the pivotal rites of passage, from getting his first pair of cricket flannels to scoring his maiden century, Fatty Batter wittily recalls a life lived in search of the perfect cover drive.

Sharply observed and quietly self-deprecating, Fatty Batter is the glorious tale of one podgy boy’s dreams on the outside edge of a cricketing life'

Rotary donation....

Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club have very kindly presented LSVCC with a cheque for £260 to cover coaching fees. This will support training to ECB level one, and will be of great benefit to the juniors and to Roy Palmer who is at present our only qualified coach.

Season's Greetings from Glenn !

LSVCC AGM 2009

LSVCC AGM and prize giving held in Village Hall 13th November...click here for AGM minutes

Many thanks to Martin Banks for all his sterling work and support for the club. He voluntarily stood down to make way for Bernard Hopperton as President....however, Martin plans to play an even more active role in future club activities. Also congratulations to Ollie Jordan (best bat), Olli Middleton (best bowler), Richard Smith (clubman of the year), The Newell family (family award), and especially to Jake Cain who was awarded the Cliff Hopperton Cup for most improved player over the season. Special mention was made of Clive Shaw (needs most help), and Pete Pullan (for long hours maintaining pitch). Many thanks to all officers of the club, particularly to James Hopperton for getting teams on the pitch, and Roy Palmer for sustaining a thriving junior section. All bodes well for next season.....

And finally for 2009....

Under 30's versus over 30's 2 innings match in warm conditions of true Indian Summer. Once again, top class fun organised by OJ. Veterans compromised by Test match pace opening partnership in first innings, dodgy umpiring, and it has to be said some highly skilful performances from younger members of the U30's. For over 30's injuries included one groin strain and black eye sustained by CS attempting to catch ball with nose......we will all return next year older and wiser.

Juniors....

Wonderful end of season juniors match against Little Paxton on playing field....LSVCC juniors running out narrow last over losers, but all played excellently and represented the club with distinction. Well done to all, not least the coaches !

Little Staughton ASHES 2009.....

Towards the end of summer now, but fine day for now traditional (second anyway, last year rained off) LS ASHES...for those not at the first fixture, the ashes arose from Freddie Pullans bat which was cremated in CS's fire after shattering. Now encased in copper pot and awarded each year to winning team of Church (captained by Bernard Hopperton, sadly injured and off for knee replacement the next day) versus Village (nimbly skippered by Charman of PC Tony Moss). Large crowd gathered throughout day to watch firstly a juniors game of KWIK CRICKET on square, then highly tense last over finish in which OJ scraped the Village side home again through mixture of big(ish) hits, and multiple lives (dropped catches). Highlights included a 5-for from Daniel of the Church side, quite possibly the most ludicrous golden duck (RS) achieved through an acrobatic pirrouette leaving the bat face down on top of stumps, and Mr Finch's resurrected cricketing skills and bad back. Scorers kept calm despite increasing pressure as end neared....many thanks Catherine and umpires Roy and Martin !

The first LSVCC Junior prize giving was held after almost 30 juniors (age 4 to 12) attended a series of junior matches on the main wicket. Well done to Neve Palmer’s team on winning the deciding match, a narrow victory. Certificates were presented to all juniors with 2009 prize medals (awards for younger juniors and older juniors in each category) going to:

Best all rounder - Tommy Bates and Michael Richardson.

Best bat - Laurie Stothard and Adam Richardson .

Best fielder - Jake Richards, Joseph Bates.

Best catcher - Joseph Smith and Sam Edgeley.

Keenest cricketer - Benjamin Smith and George Miller.

Tried the hardest - James Price and Neve Palmer.

Most entertaining cricketer - Jacob Jones and Emma Edgeley.

Well done to all our juniors - it is fantastic to see real progress being made.

To complete a successful season, there will be a regular practice session on Wednesday 9^th at 6 pm followed by a match against Little Paxton Juniors on 13^th September, 2pm.

The 2010 season is expected to start first week after Easter, tbc. Any queries, contact Richard Smith or Roy Palmer.

Most of all thanks to Tony and Bernard for organising the day, and to Kevin and Maria for suppling refreshments and spectacular paella to finish. Also to Roy Palmer and Richard for all hard work with Juniors over the season.

...a real Village day I thought, and excellent advertisement for the spirit of our community.

Photos added to album....

AT and RS

Online poll result....

Q. Do you think toilet facilities should be installed in pavilion - 22 votes for yes, and no votes for no.

Stats - 2nd time lucky

Stats all up and working now - thanks Adrian

enjoy

Kimbolton Castle Rotary Challenge....

Another glorious day for challenge set down by Kimbolton Castle Rotary Club. Some confusion as to who was in Rotary and who would play for Village side, but by tea each team had 11 players (or participants). Rotary side batted well to reach 117, including fine knock from CS (why he doesn't do that for LSVCC I don't know), and glimpses of fine cricketers from the past. Captain Moss missed out again trapped in front of stumps.....blamed umpire and the pitch. Newcomer Charles bowled well for three wickets (including near hatrick), and Ben T caught fine catch of his own bowling. Dad T dropped sitter behind stumps (sorry OJ). However, spectacles needed for PP who failed to spot that CS was 3 feet out of crease when bails whipped off....

LSVCC batted solidly, including undefeated 30 from CB, and a few lusty blows from NM. Big guns lower down order not needed, and trophy secured at same time as Ashes victory at Oval with MT and skipper JH still at crease. All retired to Crown for pork, trimmings and well earned refreshments. David Watson, president of Kimbolton Castle Rotary presented unique trophy to skipper, and man of the match to Tony Moss, captain of the losing side....challenge to be resumed next year.

Lots more pictures uploaded into photoalbum....