Match Report - Sun 1st XI v Pirbright (A)

Sun, 13 May 2012 19:26:43 +0100

by Dom Prisco

On a damp and unpredictable wicket Pirbright had no hesitation in asking Old Woking to bat upon winning the toss. However, turning up on the back of two good wins already this campaign, Chris Mckendry’s side were full of confidence and happy to take up the challenge.

Unfortunately skipper McKendry took an early bath as he was dismissed for a 3 ball duck as he was undone by a straight ball that kept low and crashed into his stumps. A fantastic partnership between Nick Collin (40) and Lincoln Lambert (41) not only steadied the ship but built the platform for success as they put on a further 50 runs before the fall of the next wicket.

Nick Collin was eventually caught at mid-on having just got slightly underneath a delivery while Lambert was bowled after a well-paced innings that put the team first as he looked to push on and see his side post a dominating total. There were further contributions throughout the batting order as David Pope made a quick 15 and ‘keeper Gavin Buck powered 16 not out
This left Old Woking with an above-par score of 165 to defend on a wicket that had been showing signs of uneven pace and bounce all day

Opening the bowling for Old Woking Tim Dalton and Jack McArdle restricted the Pirbright batsmen’s scoring opportunities although both finished wicketless. But it was the introduction of Dean Stenning that dramatically changed the game as he tore through the opposition mercilessly, cleverly utilising the vagaries of the pitch to combine with his blistering pace, as he claimed 6 wickets for 9 runs in a devastating 5 over spell.

In a scorecard that encompassed 3 opposition ducks, only 1 Pirbright batsman made double figures as the home side collapsed to 46 all out. Stenning was more than ably supported by Mohan who also picked up 3-13 as his leg spin troubled the opposition and he removed the obdurate Flannaghan (22) and mopped up the tail to wrap up a convincing win for his side.

Next Sunday sees the arrival of Fleet to Old Woking with the promise of more drama to come as the Sunday 1’s look to keep up their winning run

Match Report - Sat 2nd XI v Wimbledonians (A)

Sat, 12 May 2012 19:24:49 +0100

by Paul Edwards

After Old Woking 2nd team suffered their second consecutive league match cancellation, it was a pleasant surprise for them to be donning their whites in leafy Wimbledon in a hastily arranged friendly 45 over match.

They batted first after winning the toss on an extremely slow and low surface and were soon reduced to 14 for 2 after 2 lbw decisions. A third wicket partnership of 80 between captain Paul Edwards (45) and the mercurial Dev Grobbelaar (42) rescued matters and debutant Sravan Athuru’s extraordinary 18 off 10 balls gave the innings major impetus. The final total of 163 all out from 43.4 overs looked a commanding one in difficult scoring conditions.

When the home side batted they reached 48 for 1 with few alarms, though Sam Hart (1 for 17) made the initial breakthrough. However Old Woking ripped through the rest of the batting and 9 wickets fell for just 11 runs in a remarkable period of intense cricket. Raj Mohan took 4 for 7, Sravan 2 for 0 and Anthony Stephens 2 for 3. Young colt George Smith bowled a couple of promising overs and Jack McArdle(1 for 26) returned to polish off the innings. Old Wimbledonians subsided to 59 all out to lose by 104 runs.

Match Report - Sat 1st XI v Newdigate 2nd XI (A)

Sat, 12 May 2012 19:21:34 +0100

by Dom Prisco

After the frustrations of seeing the first league game cancelled due to the weather, the Old Woking Saturday 1st XI fell to defeat at Newdigate in their Division 2 clash in the Surrey Downs League

It was a bad toss to lose for Captain Matt Prisco as Newdigate had no hesitation in asking Old Woking to bat first on a traditional early-season “sticky wicket”. This was the first time this season most Old Woking players have donned their whites and it was a rusty display from the batsmen as Old Woking could only manage 142 from 44 overs.

On a slow, low wicket openers Matt Prisco (34) and Ed Smith (6) made a promising 44 for the opening partnership but the dismissal of Smith, caught at mid on as he mis-timed an uncharacteristically aggressive drive, sparked a collapse of wickets as only 1 player in the top 5 made double figures, with Campbell claiming 3-26 for the home side

The introduction of Hughes for Newdigate also brought a slew of wickets as he claimed 4-20 to remove the lower order with quick, accurate yorkers. Only a spirited 22 from Jeremy Rayne gave any resistance and allowed Old Woking a glimmer of hope

Despite Tim Dalton (1-18) picking up the early wicket of Newdigate opener, Slade, with a full pitched, straight delivery, the Woking bowlers failed to break through the Newdigate line up as opener, Castell (49), set up the win for his team. The introduction of spinners Gary Sirman (2-16) and Dominic Prisco (2-35) gave Old Woking some hope but, with a low score to defend, the Newdigate batsmen could afford to take their time and pick up singles as they cruised to a 5 wicket win

After the match, Matt Prisco admitted it was “…a disappointing start to the league season on a tricky wicket… however if we are honest with ourselves I think we can agree that our batting let us down and we probably were 20-30 runs short of a par score”

Next week sees the visit of South Park Manor to Old Woking who will be looking for an all-round improved performance

OWCC Season 2012

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:19:50 +0000

Spring 2012

On behalf of the committee I would like to welcome you to what we believe will be a great season as the club celebrates our 50 years anniversary

As you are aware we have the opportunity to rebuild or extend our club house, a task that needs serious consideration as the existing premises will soon need refurbishment. Martyn Cutmore has been project managing the exercise and we will soon be at a point that he can present the committee with design options, costs and then we will hold an EGM to discuss the opportunity with the membership. This is your club, and we will need your skills, your enthusiasm and commitment if this is to happen. As part of that exercise and to comply with Health & Safety regulations we will be issuing you all with a membership form that needs completing... please do so.

Social Calendar
We are very fortunate to have an all star action group of ladies, Natalie, Kat and Kim, responsible for organising the social activities and they have come up with the following that needs your support:

• 31 March: Ground force day
• 14 April: Pre season quiz night
• 7 May: 50 Year bash
• 4 June: Presidents day
• 27 July: Olympic Party & Presidents X1 v Paul Edwards Inland RevenueX1
• 6 August: South Africa v England match
• 16 September: single wicket competition and BBQ
• 6 October: Awards evening
• 24 November: Club Christmas party
• 31 December: New Years Eve party

Colts activity:
We continue to build our profile with both Surrey and the local schools and as such have agreement to coach in 3 schools and we are also hosting 2 Kwik Cricket competitions for the Woking area.

Once again Surrey have asked us to host the following Surrey Colts games, so come and see the future:

• 7 June: U11 Surrey practise
• 27 June: U12 Surrey v Berkshire
• 25 July: U12 Surrey v Wales

Subscriptions
I would also like to advise you that the subscriptions and match fees for season 2010 will be as follows:

• Adult subscription: £90.00
• Student/Junior subscription: £50.00
• Colt subscription: £40.00, 2nd colt in family £25.00, Under 11 £25.00

We are investing a considerable amount of our savings in preparing the ground preseason, so please send your subscriptions into Vic Shipp as soon as possible it will help immensely.

Let’s make season 2012 a year to remember for the right reasons. We would like to be a club playing and working together in harmony.... a club that we all will be proud of.

Enjoy your cricket

Phil Hughes

OWCC Chairman

Pre-Season Training 2012

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 19:59:54 +0000

by Dom Prisco
Press Officer

Hi All,

This is just a quick reminder that pre-season training is now well under way and it would be great to see as many faces there as possible

With a host of coaches running the sessions players have been grooving batting techniques, working on fielding skills and making full use of the 4 lane net facility.

We have also been fortunate to have a fully qualified personal trainer on hand to up general fitness levels and offer expertise on all things exercise!

www.ptinferno.com

Details as follows:
Royal Grammar School
7-9 High Street
Guildford
GU1 3BB
Directions

Time: 19.00 – 21.00

January 16 / 23 / 30
February 6 / 20 / 27
March 5 / 12 / 19 / 26

Sessions are £5.00 per person

**N.B. There is no training session on the February 13th due to school closure over half term**

Hope to see you there

Chairman’s end of season report - 2011

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:11:12 +0000

by Phil Hughes
OWCC Club Chairman

What a pleasure to report back on what has been a good season both on and off the field this year.

On the field:

It was a delight to see so many of our senior players, colts and regulars put on their whites so often. I cannot recall a season in which 81 players were selected on a Saturday; our playing strength is growing year on year
Both the Saturday 1st and 2nd sides narrowly missed out on promotion, whilst we regularly ran a Third team who adopted “Sheets Heath” a s a home ground and managed to persuade quite a few sides to visit the club for an after match beer
Sunday cricket was an enjoyable experience for players and spectators as many of our senior players supported by some very bright colts played with style and a sense of fun. More importantly our visitors and their supporters were made to feel welcome.

Season 2011 - awards evening:

A huge vote of thanks to Natalie Warrior, Dave Pope and the Purple Pepper Company, for organising the event and providing us with a superb buffet. This was our most successful event to date with 70 people attending and a healthy profit for the club. A great night was had by all.

The awards:

Saturday batting: Paul Edwards 881 runs (averaging 62.93)
Saturday bowling: Sam Hart (33 wickets at an average of 13.82)
Sunday batting: Aaron Freeland 512 runs (averaging 31.88)
Sunday bowling: Chris McKendry (15 wickets at an average of 16.00)
Six award: Aaron Freeland – 25 sixes
Most Improved Player: Nick Collin
Player of the year: Dean Stenning – 66 wickets and 448 runs
Centurion Ties: Paul Edwards, Dave Pope, Dean Stenning, Chris Hughes, Shreyas Pandit, Nick Collin
Clubman of the year: Sam Cogan

Off the field:

 We successfully hosted 3 Surrey County Fixtures at U10, U11 and U12. A signed bat has been awarded to us a thank you gesture
 We are also in early negotiations about potentially rebuilding the club house with the support of Surrey Cricket
 We are very proud to say the Jade Dernbach has become a regular England One Day Player
 We have 5 new ECB Level 2 coaches, Lee, Dean, Elizabeth, Jimmy and Vic....congratulations
 Our ground and wickets are returning to their former glories and our thanks go to Richard Bennett and his team along with the tree felling skills of Mark Smith

Social Events:
Natalie and Cat have organised a Christmas get together at the club on 10 December. Food, fun, games and alcohol are all available at the small sum of ￡10 per person. If you can make it please contact Dave Pope

Season 2012 AGM:

 Date – 9 January 2012 (7.30pm)
 As well as the usual business we will also update you on the club house project
 An agenda will be issued to you prior to the meeting
 Please make sure that you attend if possible

Winter Adult Nets:

Once again the nets will be held at RGS on the following dates (all Mondays):

January: 16, 23, 30
February: 6, 20, 27 (No net on the 13 Feb – half term)
March: 5, 12, 19, 26
April: 2

Details and costs will be published separately.

50 Year celebration:

Next season is our 50th year as a club playing as both Remnants and Old Woking. As such we are pulling together a programme of activities to celebrate. We would welcome ideas and any input you may have about how we should do that.

I would personally like to thank all those who have invested their time to make this club function both on and off the field this year. We have a number of players and volunteers who support the day to day running and future development of the club, without whom we would not be playing each week.

So ask yourself if you are able to do a little more than just turn up and play next season.... your help would be much welcomed.

I look forward to seeing you at the Christmas party if not have a great Christmas and I will see you at the AGM.

Sunday 2nd XI Season Review

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:36:29 +0100

by Glen Harrington

The Sunday 2’s, after a slow start, have got better as the season progressed, a rain ridden climax to the summer denying them the possibility of an even stronger record. Before the season is reviewed as a whole here is a look at this term’s statistical winners:

Season’s Form: Won 6, No Results 3, Lost 8, and Cancelled 2.
Most Season Appearances: Keith Harrington 15
Most Runs: Jason Orriss 284
Highest Individual Score: Chris Hughes 114 NO
Highest Average*: Jason Orriss 31.56
Highest Strike Rate*: Duncan Lomax 111.76
Most 4’s Hit: Shreyas Pandit 43
Most 6’s Hit: Chris Hughes 11
Most Deliveries Faced: Chris McKendry 443
Most Wickets: Chris McKendry 15
Best Individual Bowling Figures: Chris McKendry 5-21
Best Bowling Average*: Chris McKendry 16.00
Most Economical*: Humzar Mazar 3.96
Most Maidens Bowled: Humzar Mazar 10
Most Overs Bowled: Duncan Lomax 63
Most Catches: Duncan Lomax / Keith Harrington 6
Most Run Outs: Duncan Lomax 2

Highest Partnerships:
1st Wicket – Sam Cogan & Aaron Freeland – 67 vs. Woking & Horsell (away)
2nd Wicket – Sam Cogan & Shreyas Pandit – 89 vs. Eversley (home)
3rd Wicket – Sam Cogan & Chris Hughes – 71 vs. Ripley Courtiers (home)
4th Wicket – Chris McKendry & Jason Orriss – 71 vs. Claygate (home)
5th Wicket – Chris McKendry & Jimmy Steyn – 45 vs. Wonersh (home)
6th Wicket – Chris Hughes & Lewis Hockley – 109 vs. Pirbright (away)
7th Wicket – Lewis Hockley & Duncan Lomax – 27 vs. Pirbright (away)
8th Wicket – Keith Harrington & Roger Collin – 34 vs. Merstham (home)
9th Wicket – Jason Orriss & Lewis Hockley – 22 vs. Blackheath (home)
10th Wicket – Jason Orriss & Jimmy Steyn – 38 vs. Blackheath (home)

*Minimum of 8 completed innings / bowling spells

Story of the Season

The Sunday 2’s got off to their traditionally poor start to the season in May, beginning away at Eversley where an entertaining last wicket stand of 29 between Jack Richards and Humzar Mazar, along with a quick-fire 36 from skipper Duncan Lomax, was not really enough to improve the feelings evoked by a 114 run drubbing.

The 2’s faired far better in their next game away at local rivals Woking & Horsell. Aaron Freeland (49) helped the visitors to a respectable 152, but the 2’s were unable to prevent a cruelly narrow two wicket defeat – young George Smith’s figures of 2-23 the pick of an impressive bowling display.

Lomax’s men chalked up their first victory with a low-scoring thriller against Merstham. Batting first, the hosts were at one stage 61-7 before Keith Harrington (32) and Roger Collin (14no) helped set a target of 100. Despite reaching 55-3, Merstham never looked comfortable against the likes of Jimmy Steyn, Chris McKendry and Rowan Curd, but it was Roger Collin who became the hero, figures of 3-7 helping claim a nine run win.

A season high of 178-6 including innings of 48 (Jason Orriss), 42 (Aaron Freeland) and 34 (Chris McKendry) looked to have given the form finding 2’s the edge against Claygate. However, a swashbuckling 81 from J. Harman saw the visitor’s storm too a seven wicket win. Glen “the wall” Harrington’s performance at point, claiming two catches, the highlight of a disappointing defence to a competitive score.

The 2’s finally got both batting and bowling working in tandem when they took on Blackheath in another epic encounter. Jason Orriss (49) and Josh Mullins (34) helped post 168, while wickets from Dom Prisco, Lewis Hockley and Jimmy Steyn looked to have the game all but wrapped up at 76-7. A. Dore (66) was unwilling to go down without a fight, and as the visitors reached 142-8 and 160-9 fears continued to radiate. Hockley was the hero, executing a fine run out from boundary and leaving Blackheath eight short.

Hockley was also at the forefront of the 2’s incredible fight back against Pirbright. Chasing 233, Chris Hughes (86) and Hockley put on 109 for the 6th wicket, with Lewis eventually finishing unbeaten on 71, his side a mere 20 runs short having been 50-5.

The rain came down throughout as the 2’s took on Hook & Southborough in ridiculous conditions. Jason Orriss was the only man seemingly oblivious, making the hardest-fought 73 runs he will ever score, in what has to be the innings of the season from a 2’s player. Lomax (28) was the only other player to reach double figures as his team capitulated to 149 all out. The game was abandoned not long after the tea interval with Orriss, despite Macca’s regular protests, deservedly awarded the runs to his average.

The rain seemingly continued for the next week as a game with old foes Pyestock also fell afoul of the weather without a ball being bowled. However, the 2’s bounced back with another stunning victory at home to the Ripley Courtiers. Glen Harrington (25) and Sam Cogan (42) got the 2’s off to a fine start before an unbelievable, unbeaten, 65 ball 114 from Chris Hughes helped the hosts set an intimidating 247-6. The visitors, led well by skipper Campbell (75), fought valiantly and come the final over needed just nine to pull off an incredible victory. Duncan Lomax, so often the man for the big occasion, was not to be denied, bowling the final over and helping claim a two run win over his former teammates. Three wickets for Humzar Mazar and economical mastery from Jack Richards also well worth a mention.

The 2’s came crashing back to earth with successive, heavy defeats against Reigate Priory and The Sandford. Sam Cogan (27) and Chris McKendry (25no) where the only batsmen with their heads held high as the 2’s made just 90 against the Cavaliers, culminating in a 9 wicket defeat. Duncan Lomax’s return to bowling form (4-20) was the only bright spot in an equally crushing deficit one week later, losing out by 107 runs.

Thankfully, along came good old Badshot Lea, a team the 2’s have enjoyed great success against in recent years. The tie was not as simple as expected, the Shots posting a competitive 166 – despite 5-21 from McKendry. The visitors were wobbling at both 55-3 and 139-7, but an unbeaten 55 from Dom Prisco and a useful 25 from George Bradley ensured a three wicket win.

Jimmy Steyn was the next to join the milestone club as he made his maiden half-century against Wonersh a week later – 181-8 thought to be a good effort from the 2’s. Unfortunately, the visitors were in supreme form, reaching their target for the loss of just two wickets and with more than three overs to spare.

Kings of the “consistently inconsistent” tag, the 2’s turned in arguably their performance of the season as they hosted Eversley, keen to avenge their early season demolishment. Indeed, three wickets from Richards and fine economical bowling all round seemed to have the job done as the visitors managed just 157-9, but there was still time for a sparkling Shreyas Pandit century, completing proceedings with more than 14 overs remaining.

Comedy rained the following Sunday as the players went off for rain after one delivery – calmly dealt with by Sam Cogan. Despite Jason Orriss’ assurances that he would once again thrive in abysmal conditions, the game was belatedly abandoned after six overs, the visitors a respectable 10-0 against a strong look Yateley side.

Unfortunately, comedy rained once again against Wood Street as the 2’s handed the hosts victory in their traditional bogey fixture. A decent all-round batting performance, including 79 from Pandit in a team total of 173 initially looked to be more than enough to see of understrength Wood Street. However, five dropped catches, including Lomax’s spectacular rugby tackle of Jack Richards, ensuing neither of them got close to the dropping ball, resulted in a bitter one wicket defeat, the winning runs coming in the final over.

The 2’s thankfully had no such problems in their rematch away at the Courtiers, in what turned out to be their final completed game of the season. Despite the 2’s incredible collapse from 89-1 to 137 all out – Pandit posting another 59 – Old Woking were in inspired fielding form, taking three catches, a stumping and a run out. Duncan Lomax, despite his own comical run out and spectacular failing dive with the bat, produced overall bowling figures of 3-15 to once again be the hero against Ripley, claiming a 14 run win.

The season culminated in disappointment, what looked likely to be a close-fought game with Frimley ended in a wash-out after 35 overs – Sam Cogan at least enjoying a rare nine over bowling spell (taking 1-25) – while the final fixture against Pyestock again failed to see a delivery send down. Looks like Lomax and co will have to wait another year to resume that particular rivalry.

Overall a good season for the 2’s, once again improving on their form from the previous term. Batting collapses and truly poor performances are becoming increasingly frequent – poor showings away at Eversley and at home to Reigate the only fixtures all will hope to forget. Lomax will be disappointed his team did not sneak a couple more wins against the likes of Wood Street and Woking & Horsell, however unexpected victories over a strong Blackheath, a traditionally hard-to-beat Eversley and the double over Ripley Courtiers will give him more than enough satisfaction.

I would like to edge towards a close by thanking those that have put up with my ramblings throughout the season, and only hope that it justifies a future career in sports journalism. Finally, here is my vote for the top three players of this season; last year’s winners were Keith Harrington (3rd), Duncan Lomax (2nd) and Dom Prisco (1st).

Third Place: Chris McKendry – His batting may have been on the tedious side at times, but his contributions with both bat and ball have been invaluable throughout the season. 194 runs at 17.64 only tells half the story, as 443 deliveries faced (130 more than second placed Glen Harrington) shows best the anchor role he so often played, supporting younger more inexperienced teammates, or sitting back to watch an explosive show from Hughes, Pandit or Orriss. He also finished as part of both the 4th (with Orriss) and 5th wicket (with Steyn) highest stands. 15 wickets at just 16.00 also shows his ability to change the game, arguably outshining spin twin Prisco this year – both were as always superbly effective, especially when used in tandem.

Second Place: Humzar Mazar – An often undervalued member of the team, Mazar’s supreme bowling, especially towards the end of the season, more than made up for his often less spectacular batting and fielding displays. Still waiting for that catch H… Certainly, 6 wickets at 33.67 do not do justice to his efforts, often bowling, containing and building pressure on opening batsmen. An economy of 3.96, including 10 maidens in 51 overs, shows how valuable he has become, and I hope that this mention makes up for his infortune in missing out on a man-of-the-match award this term.

First Place: Jason Orriss – Although sometimes we all wondered how, Orriss’ “hit everything” batting attitude and “bowl at his head” tactics all most never failed to deliver… In all seriousness though, his 73 off 100 deliveries, legitimate or not in an abandoned game, showed both maturity and supreme concentration against hostile opposition – innings’ of 48 and 49 also helping him to a total of 284 runs at 31.56. I think it’s fair to say his bowling was less consistent, at times frustratingly predictable, at others near unplayable with its clever changes of pace and variety in length. Whatever you think, 10 wickets at 29.80 is hardly bad for a batting all-rounder! Always lively (talking wise) in the field, and the prospect of him at times single-handedly taking on the opposition with bat, ball and lip made the whole experience far more entertaining. Long may the form of his fine season continue!

That’s all, and I hope you’ve enjoyed the Old Woking 2011 season review. See you all next year when we hope to lose our opening game at Eversley by a more respectable amount!

Match Report - Sat 2nd XI v Brockham Green 2nd XI (H)

Sat, 3 Sep 2011 21:19:08 +0100

by Dom Prisco

Old Woking 2s concluded their fine league season with an entertaining draw at home to Brockham Green 2s, a result that saw the visitors narrowly fail to avoid relegation while the home side finished the season in a very creditable 4th position, the same as in 2010, but having achieved 9 wins in this campaign compared to 6 last year.

Having been asked to bat first, Brockham made a solid start before young opening bowler Sam Hart made the breakthrough clean bowling one of the openers with the score at 27. After that the second wicket partnership accelerated and added an impressive 121 before Dev Grobbelaar (1 for 25) removed the number 3 with a swinging full toss. Brockham carried on serenely despite a fine spell of seam bowling from Lewis Hockley (1 for 48) until Hart returned to grab 3 quick wickets to finish with 4 for 58 from his 13 overs. He was helped by fine catches from Aaron Freeland and Luke Living who ended their league campaigns with 11 and 8 catches respectively. Both players have been consistently outstanding in the field – Freeland was the leading outfielder in the side with his 11 catches and Living’s 8 catches came in just 10 outings. Brockham surprisingly batted on for an extra over beyond the 45 which only realised 5 runs, but a score of 255 for 6 was a stiff target to chase.

Old Woking made a big effort to chase down this total, despite the early loss of Freeland. Skipper Paul Edwards lead the way with 71 to post 814 runs in the league season. He was very well supported by Ray Oliver (26) in a 2nd wicket partnership of 63 and Grobbelaar (18) in a 3rd wicket stand of 51. Shaun Berry’s first league appearance of the season saw an enterprising cameo of 14 thanks to 3 massive scoring shots. Once Edwards was out caught in the deep, the two Jasons, Orriss and Walliker, came together to produce an stunning onslaught of 69 runs in an 8th wicket partnership in just 7 overs. Orriss struck a typical 39 not out from just 24 balls and Walliker bludgeoned 32 in only 23 balls. Walliker’s dismissal saw the brave run chase end and Old Woking finished on 230 for 8.

The bowling honours for the season went to 16 year old Sam Hart who claimed 22 dismissals for the 2s, but he was pipped by the evergreen Jason Walliker who took 23 wickets. Once again Muneer Basha was outstanding behind the stumps – he was a vital signing mid way through the season.