Village Newsletter Contribution....

Little Staughton Village Cricket Club

The 2nd LSVCC AGM was held at The Crown on Saturday 6 December.  The previous season was judged to have been extremely successful, and the result of many contributions from players, families and supporters. Topics discussed included the 12 2008 fixtures, future fixtures, and club development.  One of the most rewarding things of the last season was the involvement of youth in the club. No more so was this evident than the Kymbrook Lower School coaching sessions organized by Roy Palmer each week. These activities are very important and also enable extra funding from English Cricket Board (ECB) with whom LSVCC is now officially affiliated.  LSVCC has now adopted the ECB safe hands policy as part of its official constitution. Some youth  members had even been seconded to play for other clubs in the region. Playing field facilities were discussed, as the opportunity exists to obtain a grant from Biffa Waste Disposal to provide water and toilet amenities for players and spectators alike.  To assist the Parish Council in their consideration of an application for these funds it was unanimously agreed that LSVCC would submit a proposal and business plan to them. Other important developments included the refurbishment of the pitch roller, and purchase of a dedicated wicket mower.

2008 awards were presented as follows:

The Cliff Hopperton Cup for the most improved player-Oliver Middleton

The Best Bowler-Maya Thrasher

The Best Bat-Jody Arch

Clubman of the Year-Adrian Thrasher

Player with most room for improvement-Patrick Dignan

Groundsman Award-Ben Thrasher    

Family award-Thrashers

Fundraising events were discussed as these are now essential for survival of the club. Recurrent money is required for equipment, indemnity and liability insurance, and hire of facilities and services. Bernard Hopperton said he would delighted for the club to use his barn again, this time  for a joint Church and CC venture that would raise money for both concerns. Potential for a Village fete to coincide with some cricketing activity on the playing field will also be considered.  A match against the Church will be arranged again next season. Other CC entertainments are currently being organised, including a springtime club dinner…..for the dates of forthcoming LSVCC events please keep an eye on the Little Staughton Village Cricket Club website, either at http://lsvcc.blogspot.com/ or following the link on the village website http://www.littlestaughtonvillage.co.uk/

Anyone interested in joining LSVCC should contact either Jason Newell on 01480 860355 or Adrian Thrasher on 01234 376952.  New members welcome. For youngsters under 10, weekly coaching sessions are held throughout summer. Finally we would like to thank every one in The Village who has offered support and encouragement for LSVCC throughout the last season and hope that we can count on you again in coming months. Special thanks to Duncan Brightman and family for generous donation of woodstain for the pavilion, and to Kevin and Maria at The Crown for wonderful refreshment !

 

Minutes of AGM available in documents in side-bar.

Ready for battle......

Last of the 2008 season...

Last outing of season....struggling with a few injuries (see below), but spirited batting recovery led by Olly Middleton and reliable though out of touch Jody. 127 never enough against Kimbolton side, despite some useful bowling from Maya, James and the Olly's. Played in good spirit in lovely setting. Fielding practice to be an agenda item at AGM later in year......even though Patrick wasn't playing. By the way, decent catch from old man T (keeper) sprinting to skied top edge and diving full length....

Which of these injuries were caused by cricket ball ?.......

Answer: none....
1. Tarmac
2. Nasal inflammation
3. Pig roaster

We're being watched !!.....

Since this blogsite was established:
1603 visits from 28 countries
1469 visits from 160 towns and cities accross UK.

Ouch !!.....

Two games this weekend, both unfortunately going the wrong way for LS. First against Blunham 3rd XI was creditable perormance particularly by bowlers, though 6 catches spilled and multiple extras....not helped either by their skipper who scored 100. However, fledgling side managed a good 138 in return so no embarrassment there. Notable bowling by Olly Middleton (who also found the middle of his bat on several occasions) and Olly T, who bamboozled and bowled a beauty round one victims legs. Stand in skipper Dad T unfortunate to be given out on boundary as fielder stepped over ropes...at least according to Maya T and Olly T ! Next day against Great Staughton, again bowling was excellent and they were restricted to less than 150....4 excellent wickets for Maya, but too many catches spilled again (Patrick please note). Unfortunately none of the batters really got going, so ended up 20 odd short despite Mayas valiant and painful last stand.....both games played in fine spirit.

Umpire Tangooooooooooed??.......

CS.

Barbados tour ?....

Prime scout Middleton on fact finding mission in Barbados.....early reports are promising for LSVCC touring team....

Wet wicket.....

LSVCC players on loan....

LSVCC players on loan at weekend in Cambridge...

'Yesterday in an abrupt change of policy we went from Help the Aged to a Youth, Grave to Cradle, halving the average age. It certainly showed in the field with the 14 year old Maya from Little Staughton showing electrifying speed and an arrow-like throw. Her run out was a highlight, and she was also the only person to take two wickets. Her diminutive (but only in stature) 9 year old brother Ollie's leg spin deserved a wicket, fresh from Beds v Essex Under 11, but a catch went down. They inspired their old man Adrian to a tumbling catch behind to dispose of the dangerous Goosen.......'

Pavilion...

From LS Parish Council minutes....June meeting

An email from Adrian Thrasher was read out regarding approaching Biffa for funding for a water supply, toilet installation and a sink, in the pavilion. The Council considered the benefits that these facilities would bring but expressed concern regarding the additional long term expenditure that would be incurred, eg, water and sewage rates, council tax, maintenance, insurance, etc. Councillor Llewellyn feels strongly that the Cricket Club should be asked for a donation towards the pavilion’s upkeep.
After some discussion, it was agreed that the Chairman should respond to the Cricket Club that while the Council does not anticipate providing toilet facilities at the present time, the matter will be kept under review.

any comments ?...

ARA take 2....

The second encounter of the season between LSVCC & the ARA took place on Friday night, and saw stand in skipper Ollie J win the toss and decide to bat. The opening partnership of Shaw & Arch got off to a flyer before Shaw went bringing Ollie J to join Jody in hitting the ball around the ground...except, this did not go quite to plan with OJ going cheaply, Tom Lumley coming and going and Ollie Thrasher playing a test match innings (all text book I must say!!!). Jody finally retired on 51, and at the end of the LSVCC innings, Pete & Maya had taken the score to 106 in 18 overs.

The ARA innings started well for LSVCC as Ollie M clean bowled their opener, and Ollie J bowled a tight 1^st over from the other end. The bowling from here on in was shared around the team with all bowling at least one over, Richard Smith throwing him self around behind the stumps as if he had been given a new lease of life. With all bowling very tight and the fielding being top notch, Tom Lumley picked up a wicket thanks to a good catch from OJ, and OJ then picked up a caught and bowled off his second over. The game went to the final over with ARA needing 11 off 6 bowls and Jody to bowl, and as such the plan went wrong as the second ball was dispatched to cow corner and through a diving Pete P for 4, the next ball followed in the same direction this time for a maximum and with the field right up in a tight ring a half volley outside off stump was dispatched to covers for 2, and an ARA win.

A good night had by all and some great food and drink down the crown after, even if OJ was dressed like a refresher bar.

OJ.

Kwik-cricket....

Popular Kwik-cricket sessions held on wednesday evenings on playing field between 6 and 7pm...many thanks to Roy Palmer and various assistants for running the sessions. For children at Kymbrook and any others of same age range (and below sometimes !).

Vandalism...

Gamecox......

Cricketing day for LS residents:
Maya and Olly played for Blunham in morning...Maya bowled too short and out to long hop so very cross and sulky. Counselling from dad lead to determined and excellent performance in afternoon against friendly Gamecox side. In fact Maya top-scored for LSVCC with 18 runs. Excellent performance by bowlers and fielders (excluding skipper Hoppy who needs practice, counselling or both) to limit good side to 154. Really should have chased that down over 35 overs but senior batting was poor....Dad Thrasher now cross and sulky, but looking forward to rematch next year ! Lovely day in the sun so a bit unexpected as so much rain in week and pitch waterlogged up until yesterday....

Baptist Chapel Game...

Despite the weather looking unsettled a large crowd (by Little Staughton standards) turned out to see Caleb Saunderson's chapel XI take on the unbeaten Little Staughton side. The chapel batted first and reached over 120 with some wickets to spare. The Staughton side all bowled at least one over each with the youngest being under 10 years old and the oldest being over 60, bowling 2 overs each. The team was carefully captained by James Hopperton with added sledging from vice captain Jody Arch. Jody scored the highest score and knocked two balls right out of the ground. Will Newell celebrated his birthday with the second highest. During the last 10 overs the chapels target started to look out of sight but an exciting last few overs saw a close victory to Staughton.

Jason Newell

Dear Jason & James,

A big thank you for last evening’s game. I think it was thoroughly enjoyed by all and both played and umpired in the right spirit. Congratulations on a deserved win. Of 3 games, we’ve now lost 2 and won 0 tied 1, so we’ll have to try harder next year.

Wishing you further success for the rest of the season.

Caleb

Finely judged....

The combination of fine weather and a good pitch (with some bounce !) allowed a 35 over match. Despite some dropped catches and an early batting collapse, a sterling performance was made against Kimbolton with a score of 184, winning by 2 runs with just a few balls to spare and nobody left to bat ! Ollie Middleton hit two boundaries to secure the victory, which makes up slightly for his shocking batting performance last time, and earns him Man-of-the Match award. Top scorer was Jody who hit a good proportion of the runs and kept the rate up nicely. Good bowling performances from Bob, Jeremy, Ollie M, Ollie J, Jody and James though a good few wides too. Here’s to the away game on 21^st September....need some catching practice before then, particularly Hoppy !

Richard Smith

Pathfinders weekend....

Friday evening cricket match against aircraft research team...fine victory despite Olly Middletons spectacular demise to his first ball.....fortunately Dad Noel showed the way with controlled innings. Good contributions from Phil, Bob, Maya and others. Weekend notable for Pathfinders visit, wartime exhibition in Church, flyover by Typhoons and Hercules on saturday. Lancaster bomber made several low level passes over village on sunday afternoon. New book of interest....

Catching practice !....

Thanks to money raised we have ordered a slip cradle to enhance our pathetic fielding abilities....not for sleeping in !

Donated to LSVCC by English Cricket Team....

Single Wicket Competition...

Sun appeared for LSVCC single wicket competition. Over 20 entrants aged 9-old...Somehow Ollie Jordan (organiser) managed to win !....but well done to him for excellent day. Notable highlights included Noel clutching 3 balls at once, Ollie Jordans first baller from Tom Lumley, and Mayas dismissal to a pea-roller (bowled by Dad). All youngsters plyed superbly, particularly Tom, Olly, Ben (W), and Peter. Special mention of Ben (T) as highest ranked youngster . Great fun to be repeated next year for sure....

ECB Affiliation...

We are now formally associated to the ECB through Bedfordshire CB. This has some advantages in terms of services for clubs, equipment grants etc. Also will enable us to link into play cricket network run by ECB.....click on link in sidebar to see more.

Thurleigh report....

First away fixture for fledgling LSVCC side, and highly creditable performance. Thurleigh fielded mixture of 1st and 2nd teams. Highlights included Hoppy's unbeaten 50, Noel's beaten 0, Pete's unusual and painful fielding technique, and Ollie Jordan's diving attempt. Great effort by all youngsters including Maya, Bob, and Will......Great Stuff !

Scorecard:
http://thurleigh.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10600754

ps. Thanks to LSVCC barmy army for support and sustenance !

Thing of beauty.....

Philip Keevill 2008.

Indoor nets....

Preseason nets at Sharnbrook school for multi-talented, multi-aged and multi-cultural cricket enthusiasts from LSVCC. Captain Hoppy showing good technique after winter layoff....lets see what happens at Thurleigh next week for first away fixture....2pm start, all support welcome and much needed !

More Old Timers !!....

Bunch of old women....

Duncan Brightman kindly forwarded a picture taking on playing field in 1977. Apparently this was a previous incarnation of LSVCC....seem to be some familiar youngish looking faces !!

Fanbase....

We note the global (and wider national) interest in LSVCC....hits last year from 19 different countries. So for all of you in distant lands, wellcome to LSVCC....if you would like to contribute to the activities of the Viallge and cricket club, we'd be delighted if you joined the membership....forms are attached to the site ! Great to have such wider interests, would be good to know who you all are !! Why not let us know your link to LS....(athrashe@gmail.com).

Resurrection....

Enthusiastic meeting held in Crown on 12th January. Formal constitution agreed by all present, and committee for 2008 elected.....President (Martin Banks), Chair (Adrian Thrasher), Secretary (Jason Newell), Treasurer (Richard Smith), Captain (James Hopperton), Member (Jeremy Jacobs), Junior Member (Oliver Middleton). Agreement on membership subscription of £20 to cover insurance and equipment costs.....aim to try and get as many playing and non-playing members as possible to support club. Junior membership (under 18) will be free. A club bank account will be set up, and accounts audited annually.

Mumbai trials....

U15 trials for Mumbai team at Wankede stadium...followed by Mumbai versions of club cricket in front of 'VT'....overlapping pitches, no marked boundaries, all and sundry walking on pitches during games, makeshift pavilions to shade from sun...all made LSVCC look like Lords. But by God were they playing good cricket !! Olly itching to play at both venues....

India touring....

LSVCC winter side-tour to India....cricket played in Chrapungee (wettest place on the planet except LS), Himalayas (some of highest cricket grounds), Kolkata (including visit to Eden Gardens, 2nd largest cricket ground in world), and ending up on beaches in Goa (our youngest representative impressing all locals)....final stopoff in Mumbai where I'm sure we can find some more cricket related activity...maybe should send full touring side soon !!...Happy New year to all back home.

A.