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 .'
'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...'
