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....

St Neots Methodists....

Searing heat for evening game against St Neots Methodists....standin-in skipper (AT) opted for shade, while opening bats Moss and Shaw opted for cool test match style approach. OJ sent in to up the pace, should have been out twice on boundary, and eventually miscued for disappointing single figure score. AT rescued innings with decent 36 (retired) but booed off pitch for running out daughter (MT). Scrambled to 96 runs off 16 overs, despite widespread confusion on last ball. LSVCC fielding and bowling excellent all round....OJ made up for dismal batting, and spin twins PP and OT kept scores down. Sprinkling of wickets for all, and a good last over victory for home side.....

Logo....

Finalising a logo for shirts and maybe caps next season...have a look at images below and let me know which one you prefer. The basis for the design is from 109 squadron shield, from whom we originally borrowed the motto 'primi hastati'. I think left one for shirts right one for caps ?

Northants U10-13 player of the month....

Glenn Davies.....

Farewell (for now) to Glenn who has returned to Australia....I'd hoped to hide away, but after day 3 of first test I'm not so sure ! We're pleased that you had such a good time playing for LSVCC, so thank you for your very kind words in support of the club....we look forward to seeing you again in years to come. We'd also like to thank you enormously for generous donation of funds and kit. Keep in touch.

LSVCC Stats

Started to load LSVCC stats sheets into Documents folder.

Overview on front sheet when opened, individual stats by clicking the number relating to your name. will upload seasons as i do them have 2008 ready but issues with upload today.

2009 ongoing sheet on going and will update as and when.

Got an 'all seasons' sheet which will update at end of each season.

Little Paxton Match Report: Sunday 5th July

With Hoppy not playing Ollie J won the toss and on a nice sunny day in Staughton, well apart from the sharp shower about an hour before the start, and a nice looking track (cheers Pete), there was only one option: bat 1st!!!!

Moss and Arch were sent out to open and a quick start was made, a few swift blows and some quick, yes I said quick singles started the board ticking, until Tony had, had enough of Jody's running and took a big swing at a straight one and missed, 1st wicket down. This brought OJ to join Jody and the pair started to form a decent partnership, with some good running, some big hits and a lot of luck from little paxton drop catches. After seeing off the opening bowler, a change of bowling at the dog poo bin end saw to the end of Arch (38 from 45 balls [thanks to the paxton scorer for marking the dot balls in the score book!!])

Phil W and Pat came and went, the latter LBW to an Easy one for Mr Banks to look at. Glen Joins OJ and sets his stall out he's not hanging around for long. A change of gloves later and OJ hits 6 over the childrens play area to bring up the 1st LSVCC 100. Phil Day replaces the retired OJ and He and Glen are not in the mood for running as balls fly to the ropes. with the 200 coming up and 8 overs left, will N replaces Glen (another Not Out knock) and comes back first ball to one that loops onto the top of the bails. Ben W replaces Will and shows him how it should be done. Batman Robbins then replaces the not out Phil with 4 overs to go and has a swing first ball, when Ben finally departs following a solid looking knock Ollie M join the love of his life and lets just say the running was not the best!!! Ollie lost his wicket with just over an over to play, and LSVCC decided not to send OJ back in so with 3 players retired and 1 not out a score of 231 for 7 dec was posted.

Following Tea, Clive took the new ball from the Greys Grove end, and should have had a wicket first ball but for Roy boy not agreeing it was going on to hit the stumps after the batsman forgot he had a bat and used his pads!! OJ then dropped the 2nd ball from a faint edge behind. Batman joined him in taking the ball from the dog poo bin end, and looked to be straight into his stride with some quick deliveries outside the off peg. these two kept balling well and deserved a wicket if not too but it took a change of balling with ollie M taking over from Clive and after testing the batsmans ability and the keepers by spraying the ball all over the place, then getting the batsman to nick one behind with Oj taking a straight forward catch. As Jody rang the balling changes with good spells from all involved (Phil W, Phil d, Ben W, Glen) little paxton managed to move slowly but surly towards their target with out losing wickets along the way.
At the 20 over drinks break Pat departed from the fray falling ill, leaving the fielding rotation easy, all players now on the pitch. with 28 overs balled and the target getting closer their opener passes his 100. A change in plan was formed and Phill D took over behind the stumps and OJ joined the attack to try and slow the run rate down a little. With good spells coming in here from all and the Fielding picked up a little with everyone not wanting to see defeat.

coming in to the final over LSVCC seemed to have done enough leaving Paxton needing 15 from 6 balls and glen balling the final over. With Oj setting a field of EVERYONE on the ropes, the bats man took a couple of byes, and then a wicket 13 off 3 and a new man on strike. with one swing of the bat make that 7 off 2, another bye leaving 6 off 1. Glen looked a little nervous at this point lets hope thats a feeling him and his fellow country men have all summer, but with a good delivery paxton were restricted to 1 from the final ball leaving a LSVCC victory by 5 runs.

A good win in the end, in what was a very enjoyable game.