Author: Al Rix

“Daddy, you mustn’t swear”

Posted on by Al Rix in Match Reports
Match Report – Lodsworth CC v Ebernoe CC

24th April 2010 at Ebernoe

Ebernoe CC 152 all out in 39.4 overs (C Hawkes 52, D Whittington 32, M West 20; Alfie Bunker 3 overs 3 wickets for 9 runs, Dave Clark 8 overs 2 for 26, Paul Phillips 10 overs 2 for 43).

Lodsworth CC 154 for 6 in 36.1 overs (Matt Hall 68, Richard Gough 26, James Hickey 14 not out, Harry Dimond 13; M West 4 overs 2 for 19, D Turner 11 overs 2 for 43)

Lodsworth CC won by 4 wickets.

Glorious sunshine and the first signs of spring heralded the start of the 2010 season and a strong Lodsworth team rose to the occasion with a resounding victory over near neighbours Ebernoe.

Skipper Andy Long opted to field and with eight bowlers in the team chose to open with Dave Clarke (2 for 26) and himself (1 for16) followed by Paul Phillips (2 for 43), Matt Hall (1 for 15) and Martin Howard (1 for 7) with Alfie Bunker cleaning up the remainder with a devastating spell of 3 overs 3 for 9. In truth Lodsworth could have finished off the opposition much more quickly but for some slack fielding which saw five catches put down and allowed Ebernoe to accrue 152 runs with major contributions from C Hawkes (52) and M West (20).

After tea, Ebernoe had an early strike, capturing the wicket of Alfie Bunker in the opening over, but Matt Hall (68) and Richard Gough (26) put Lodsworth into a strong position and contributions from Harry Dimond (13), James Hickey (14 not out), Paul Phillips (11) and (Dave Clark (8 not out) carried the village team to victory with 154 for the loss of six wickets. The score could have been achieved sooner but for the introduction of ‘a local rule’ that sixes ‘have to clear the five bar gate’.

Paul Phillip’s dismissal with a LBW decision threatened to result in an explosive outburst but it was quickly quelled by Councillor Phillip’s young son Joel who reminded his father, “Daddy you mustn’t swear”.

Ebernoe lay on a magnificent tea and spirits were high in the bar of the Stag at Balls Cross in the aftermath, but Lodsworth’s fielding will have to tighten up when we meet stronger opposition.

Man of the Match – Matt Hall

Bob Powell

Scribe

Lodsworth Cricket Club Fixtures for the 2010 Season

Posted on by Al Rix in Match Reports
Saturday 24th April Ebernoe Away 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 2nd May Westbourne Home 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 9th May Kirdford Away 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 16th May Milland Home 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 23rd May Bosham Away 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 30th May Lurgashall Away 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 6th June Loxwood Home 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 13th June Tangmere Away 2:30 Confirmed

Saturday 19th June Matt Hall Invitation XI Home 2:30 Confirmed

Barbeque in the evening

Sunday 27th June Goodwood Home 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 4th July Tillington Away 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 11th July Bury & West Burton Home 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 18th July Storrington Away 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 25th July Graffham/Smithbrook Away 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 1st August Fittleworth Away 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 8th August Arundel Grasshoppers Home 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 15th August West Chillington Home 2:30 Confirmed

Also VIP Lunch

Sunday 22nd August Walburton Away 2:30 Confirmed

Sunday 29th August No fixture – Bank Holiday Weekend

Sunday 5th Sept Parham Park Away 1:30 Confirmed

Sunday 12th Sept Fernhurst Home 1:30 Confirmed

Sunday 19th Sept Grayswood Away 1:30 Confirmed

Sunday  26th Sept The Cricket Society Home 1:00 Confirmed

AGM Minutes

Posted on by Al Rix in Other Stuff
7 members attended.  Apologies received from Andrew Wilson-Smith

Agenda Item 1 – Welcome by John King, the Chairman

2009 was a good season.  Results were encouraging and could have been even better had one or two narrow defeats/draws gone our way.  There were some definite plusses.  Particularly pleasing was the number of young players who played for the club and thanks are due to young Harry Dimond.  We hope to see them playing again this year.  Team spirit was also positive.  JK thanked Andy Long, the Captain, for his tireless efforts on and off the field; thanked Paul Phillips for his work in preparing the square and outfield; thanked Bob Powell for looking after the accounts and recorded the Club’s grateful thanks to the tea ladies for their support.  2010 looked to be another challenging season and, as ever, there was an urgent need for some new players.

Agenda Item 2 – Report on the 2009 Season by Andy Long

AL reported briefly on the Club’s playing results.  He had been encouraged by the availability of the young players and only in the first few weeks had there been difficulties in fielding full teams.

Agenda Item 3 – Report on 2009 Accounts by Bob Powell

BP presented the accounts.  The Club’s capital had gone down from £2,782 (2008 accounts) to £2,305 i.e. £477.  There were several reasons for this.  It was agreed:

  1. We needed to be tougher in getting players’ annual subs

  2. We should organise one or two fund raising events (see agenda item 14)

BP reported that, as with the previous year, the accounts were being audited by Niel Daubeny.  (Action – BP to clear with Niel the minor points raised by him)

The accounts were accepted unanimously by the members present.

Agenda Item 4 – Report on Grounds Matters by Paul Phillips

PP reported briefly and mentioned that, as ever, there was a paucity of volunteers to help with the grass cutting.  (Alan Thompson volunteered to help).  The AGM confirmed that PP should repair the sightscreen within a budget figure of £350 (Action PP).  PP also mentioned that the mower was probably reaching the end of its useful life and would need increasing maintenance.  JK suggested a notice in “Outlook” enquiring whether anyone in the village had a suitable mower which they were prepared to offer to the Club.  (Action JK).  It was also agreed that PP should arrange for the pitch to be rolled at a cost of £187.  (Action PP).

Agenda Item 5 – Election of Club Officiers for the 2010 Season

The following officers were elected:

Club President    George Bristow

Club Chairman    John King

Club Captain     Andy Long

Club Vice Captain    Paul Phillips

Honorary Secretary    John King

Honorary Fixture Secretary  John King

Honorary Treasurer    Bob Powell

Gounds Member    Paul Phillips

Club Rep on the Village Hall Comm. John King

Additional Committee Members  Andrew Wilson-Smith, John Clifford

Alan Thompson, James Hickey

Club Honorary Auditor It was agreed that Niel Daubeny should be asked to serve again (Action JK)

Agenda Item 6 – Club Playing Equipment

No new equipment is needed. (Action JK sort out equipment for the 2010 season).

Agenda Item 7 – Fixtures for the 2010 Season

The confirmed fixture list is attached to the minutes.  A new fixture has been arranged with Storrington.  In total 22 fixtures, 10 home games, 12 away games.

Agenda Item 8 – Preparation of Fixture Card

The target is to have the fixture cards ready for distribution by mid-April (Action JK)

Agenda Item 9 – Recruitment of New Players

All present were aware of the need to attract new players for the coming season.  JK mentioned that Easebourne CC were unlikely to play Sunday matches and there could be one or two of their players who might be interested in playing for Lodsworth (Action JK to follow up).

Agenda Item 10 – Club Vice-Presidents and Sponsors for 2010 Season

Vice Presidents: JK will write to existing VPs and will also contact possible new VPs.

Sponsors:

  1. Andrew Wilson-Smith very kindly agreed to donate the match balls.  The meeting recorded its thanks.

  2. Alan Thompson also indicated that his company would be prepared to sponsor 15 -20 new club shirts with the company logo added to the Club logo. The meeting recorded its grateful thanks.  (Action JK to follow up with AT).

Agenda Item 11 – Practice Nets/Matches

Sunday 28th March  AL to organise the first nets.

Sunday 18th April   AL to organise a practice match.

Agenda Item 12 – Players Annual Subs and Match Fees for the 2010 Season

The AGM agreed to retain the 2009 rates for the coming season.

Agenda Item 13 – Lodsworth CC Website

Ally Rix had been contacted and would arrange for the website to be updated.

Agenda Item 14 – Fund Raising

  1. Village Quiz Night – Friday 19th February.  AL will organise a Club team to take part.

  2. Lodsworth Sports Clubs Bingo evening – Saturday 20th March.  The football, stoolball and cricket clubs were getting together for the first time to organise a bingo evening to raise funds for the Village Hall/Recreation Ground.  The AGM agreed to donate £40 towards cash prizes.  The football and stoolball clubs were contributing similar amounts.  AL agreed to be the caller for the evening and PP agreed to run the bar.

  3. Club Barbeque – James Hickey offered to organise a fund raising barbeque to be held after the June fixture with the Matt Hall XI.  (This fixture will now be held on Saturday 19th June).

  4. Home Matches Raffle – MH will organise these raffles starting with the first home fixture against Westbourne on Sunday 2nd May.  AL agreed to send out a Captain’s letter to all players before the start of the season.

Agenda Item 16 – Date of the Next Committee Meeting

The Committee will meet after the practise game on 18th April.

John King

Honorary Secretary

February 2010

Lodsworth Cricket Club AGM January 2010

Posted on by Al Rix in Other Stuff

In mid-January with the Recreation Ground still under several centimetres of snow and with more expected  it is strange to be thinking of the cricket season but things are stirring in the village.

On Friday 28th January the AGM of the club was held in the Hollist Arms.

The committee nominated last years popular skipper Andy Long for another season and Paul Phillips to act as his deputy. The full list of nominations was.
  • Captain Andy Long

  • Vice Captain Paul Phillips

  • Chairman, Secretary and Fixture Secretary John King

  • Treasurer Bob Powell

  • Grounds Member Paul Phillips

  • Representative on the Recreation Hall Committee John King

  • Committee Members James Hickey, Andy Wilson-Smith, Matt Hall, John Clifford (carrying on a Clifford family tradition)
George Bristow graciously agreed to carry on as President of Lodsworth Cricket Club.

The AGM recorded its thanks to the Sponsors and Vice Presidents of the club who have continued their support in difficult economic times.

Looking ahead, John King has already arranged 22 fixtures for the 2010 season; 11 are home fixtures and 11 away. Easebourne have dropped off the list to be replaced by Westbourne and a new fixture against Storrington

As ever the club is keen to attract talented players – young and old. In 2009 Richard Gough brought his sublime batting skills to the team on a couple of occasions while Jack, Harry and Charlie Dimond all turned out for the village team and recruited their friends Nick Bellion, Alfie Bunker and Josh Cowell.

Graham Braithwaite raced home from university on half a dozen occasions to play for the village and Jonno Thompson also made an appearance while Andy Wilson-Smith introduced Ben and Elliott to the joys of village cricket.  For the stalwarts of the club it was a real pleasure to see the traditions of village cricket being carried on by a younger generation.

Lodsworth Annual Dinner and Awards

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On Saturday 28th November the Lodsworth Cricket Club gathered at the Hollist Arms for their annual dinner and awards ceremony.

Once again George and Juliet created a celebratory atmosphere with a log fire and candles and 26 club members and partners took their places at a long table. LCC Chairman John King was in fine form and a well crafted speech by skipper Andy Long kept the party moving.

The awards went to the following players:

Bowling
  1. Andy Long 121.3 overs  298 runs 33 wkts  Average 9.03

  2. Martin Howard 38 overs 144 runs  7 wktsAvr 20.57

  3. Graham Braithwaite 39 overs 198 runs 9 wktsAvr 22.00

  4. Paul Phillips 146.3 overs 466 runs 20 wktsAvr 23.30

Fielding
  1. Andy Long 17 catches

  2. James Hickey 13 catches and 2 stumpings

  3. G Braithwaite 6 catches

Andy Long’s field placing paid off here as the skipper always seemed to be well positioned for any lofted balls! Meanwhile James Hickey elbowed Bob Powell aside and (almost) made the wicket keeper’s place his own.

Batting
  1. G Braithwaite 10 innings, 1 not out, 353 runs, Avr 39.22, Highest score 81

  2. Matt Hall 17 innings, 1 not out, 428 runs, Avr 35.66, Highest score 82

  3. Harry Dimond 12 innings, 1not out, 338 runs, Avr 30.72, Highest score 71

Matt Hall might have won the batting award but for Bob Powell wrongly giving him out caught behind at Walberton! But good to see two young players from the village in the top three. James Hickey scored 246 runs in the season. Ollie King 214 runs in the season.

All our batsmen improved on their last season’s totals and made up for the loss of Jon Houghton (on World tour), Rod Taylor(posted to Muscat) and Alfie De Souza(returned to India).

Biggest improvement was Matt Hall who took the trophy for the overall best Player of the Year with a total of 428 runs.

The trophy for Young Player of the Year went to Harry Dimond who is a batsman of exceptional talent.

The Duck Trophy was shared by Paul Phillips and James Hickey who both had three ducks.

Finally the trophy for ‘Clubman‘ of the Year – the person who has done most for the cricket club in 2009 went to Jill King. It was a well deserved acknowledgement of the huge amount of work Jill puts into organising the acclaimed “Lodsworth teas” assisted by Teggy Phillips, Zena Davies, Vicki Braithwaite and Gillian Johnson.

The Cricket Club is now involved in the Midhurst Indoor Cricket winter competition and anyone who would like to take part is invited to call John King at 01798 861728.

2009 Season Preview

Posted on by Al Rix in Match Reports
Apologies to readers of Outlook that we missed the March edition of the journal. Severe snowstorms in February led to the postponement of the Cricket Club AGM and there was little else of interest to report.

Now, however, we have a much to communicate– first the club appointments – The new skipper of the LCC is Andy Long. Andy has played for almost a decade with the village team and is one of our key bowlers. He has served his time as vice-captain for two seasons and now takes on the task of lifting the club to a higher level.

The new vice captain needs little introduction. Paul Phillips is another key bowler and has served the club in many other capacities. He has almost single handed transformed the wicket at the recreation ground from a mediocre square into one of admirable quality – still slow but at least it is true. He has also overseen the clubs accounts for four years.

The full line-up is

  • President – George Bristow

  • Chairman and Hon. Secretary – John King OBE

  • Captain Andy Long

  • Vice Captain – Paul Phillips

  • Fixture Secretary – Hunter Graham

  • Hon. Treasurer – Bob Powell

  • Grounds Member Paul Phillips

  • Representative on the Village Hall Management Committee – John King

  • Committee Members – Andrew Wilson-Smith, Alan Thompson, James Hickey

Next – to the fixture list. Hunter Graham has excelled himself and we have a busy summer ahead of us with 20 regular Sunday games including, in addition to our regular opponents, for the first time for many years a fixture against Lurgashall CC, plus a match against Goodwood Park, another against Arundel Grasshoppers to be played in the famous Castle grounds, and a home game against a touring team -The Cricket Society– made up of a venerable team of County and Test match scorers.

All that remains is to find new recruits to the club. In 2008 we lost the high-scoring Indian batsman Alfred De Souza who returned to India and soon after we lost our South African all-rounder Rod Taylor who moved to Dubai. Martin Howard relocated to Manchester, so, although the core of the team remains, there are gaps to be filled.

We end therefore, as usual, with a plea for cricketers in the village and beyond, to join us for some fantastic games on Sunday afternoons, usually of about 35 to 40-overs, which accommodates both the youthful up-and-coming fast bowlers and seasoned batsmen with faultless technique who amble between the wickets. Forget the woes of the economic recession, we offer great teas, some charming away venues such as Lurgashall and Ebernoe Village Green and a lot of fun playing competitive Village Cricket.

Outdoor nets will commence at the Recreation Ground in late March/earlyApril. It you are interested in joining us telephone Paul Phillips (01798 861665) or John King (01798 861728).

The End of the Season

Posted on by Al Rix in Match Reports
Lodsworth CC v The Cricket Society at Lodsworth 27th September 2009

The Cricket Society 163 for 5 (A Gale 65, A Newman 30; Paul Phillips 10 overs 2 for 43)

Lodsworth CC 113 all out (Oliver King 33, Matt Hall 29; R Symons 7 overs 4 for 36, P Hartland 10 overs 3 for 39)

Lodsworth Lost

And so to the last game of the 2009 season. The Cricket Society were an unknown quantity- we knew nothing of their pedigree or their ability. It transpired that like many of the touring teams who have no ‘home’ of their own but play away every weekend they were a mixture of accomplished grey-haired doyens of the game with a good straight bat and deft flick of the wrist and a couple of athletic youngsters.

Electing to bat The Cricket Society proceeded to 163 for 5 off 41 overs from Lodsworth. Paul Phillips captured two wickets for 43 runs while Harry Dimond and Matt Hall took one each. There was nothing flamboyant about the opposition but they have certainly mastered the basics.

Their score did not seem unachievable and after another extraordinarily good tea Matt Hall and Martin Howard strolled out to do battle. But pretty quickly P Hartland struck for the visitors and the wickets of the openers and Andy Wilson-Smith were captured. The middle order suffered a crisis of confidence and suddenly it was all down to Ollie King who scored a commendable 33 before the tail end capitulated and Lodsworth finished on 113 all out.

Skipper Andy Long sought the positives to take away from the season and there are many –in April faced with the loss of several players there were doubts if we could even raise a team but not only have we fulfilled all but one game, the team have occasionally played some brilliant cricket.

Man-of-the-match Ollie King

Another one that got away

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Lodsworth CC v Grayswood CC at Lodsworth 20th September 2009

Lodsworth 177 all out in 36.4 overs (Richard Gough 76 not out, Paul Phillips 22; S Peate 11 overs 5 for 28)

Grayswood 96 for 9 in 37 overs (J Wilson 34; Andy Long 10 overs 6 wickets for 12 runs, Nick Bellion 4 overs 2 wickets for 14 runs)

Match Drawn.

Andy Long lost the toss and Lodsworth were put in to bat on a lively green wicket that saw the ball bouncing high and offering a number of catching opportunities. The early batsman struggled until Richard Gough arrived at the crease and brought some stability. A credible score of 177 all out off 36.4 overs gave the home team some confidence of victory as they went into tea. Richard contributed a chanceless 76 not out and Paul Phillips continued his good run of batting with a solid 22. The majority of Lodsworth’s wickets fell to Grayswood’s paceman S Peate who took 5 for 28 off 11 overs.

After an excellent spread provided by Vicki Braithwaite, Teggy Phillips and Zena Davies the Lodsworth team set about the opposition with zest and quickly had the young Grayswood Xl ‘on the ropes’. But, alas, not for the first time this year, the village team were unable to land the knockout blow.

This has been a recurring theme of the 2009 season and searching for a reason we were forced to conclude that we have missed the contribution of John Houghton this year – not for his batting – but for his spin bowling that has often changed the course of a game in the past.

Andy Long played a Captain’s role with 6 wickets for 12 runs off 10 overs and Nick Bellion captured 2 for 14 off 4 overs. There was also an excellent run out with a direct hit by Lee Ayres. Towards the end the Lodsworth fielders crowded around the bat in desperation, but the last two Grayswood batsmen survived and ‘another one got away’.

Man of the match – Richard Gough and Andy Long

Bowled Over

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Lodsworth CC v Parham Park CC at Lodsworth 13th September 2009.

Lodsworth CC (James Hickey 51, Andrew Wilson-Smith 46; Richmond 10 overs 6 for 38)

Parham Park CC ( M Williams 45, D Burt 34; Paul Phillips 13 overs 2 for 34)

Lodsworth lost.

With many regular faces missing including skipper Andy Long it was left to Paul Phillips to scrape a team from Matt Hall’s family, occasional cricketers and Easebourne school dads.

Put into bat by Parham, James Hickey (51) saw a stylish return to form. He was ably assisted by Martin Howard (14), then Matt Hall (16) nursing his first cold of the season. Lodsworth made a solid start but every year when playing Parham we seem to fall to the same Mr. Richmond (10 overs 6 for 38).  A truly canny old village cricket bowler who chucks them up ‘like pies’ and somehow you can’t help but get yourself out.  Only Andy Wilson Smith (46) played an uncharacteristically measured and dogged knock whilst all around him collapsed. Then after Andy belted one for a hopeful 6 for his half-century to be foiled by an excellent catch in the deep by Mark Little, Lodsworth stumbled and fell at 160 runs off 33.5 overs half an hour before tea.

Phillips (2 for 34) and Howard opened with a tight 8 overs till tea.  A fine catch fizzing to Hickey keeping wicket dispatched the Parham skipper.  We then enjoyed a lovely tea prepared by Vicky Braithwaite, Teggy Phillips and Zena Davies and retook the field.

Lodsworth fielded tirelessly and really very well, with universally good, if unrewarded, bowling performances from Clifford, W-S, Hall and Pearman. With all fielders diligently applying themselves to the task; a few snappy run outs and many fine stops, Lodsworth made Parham work for every run. We bowled an astounding 51 overs before a nail biting finish:  With two balls to go, their lefthander Williams (45) dispatched the winning runs into the dim twilight. (five wickets remaining.)  Somehow not quite holding out for a deserved draw didn’t dim the pleasure of such a very good game of cricket.  Thanks to Hunter Graham for scoring.

Man of the match James Hickey

Starring role for Under-18’s

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Lodsworth CC v The Matt Hall Xl

John Clifford Memorial Trophy Game At Lodsworth 8th September 2009.

Lodsworth CC 283 for 5 wickets (Jack Dimond 40 rtd, Alfie Bunker 40 rtd, Harry Dimond 40 rtd, Graham Braithwaite 35, Nick Bellion 26, Elliott Wilson-Smith 20: Johan Fourie 4 overs 1 for 17)

Matt Hall Xl 136 all out (Matt Hall 39, Aaron Calder 17, Jon Clifford 14; Jack Dimond 3 overs 3 for 11, Andy Wilson-Smith 4 overs 2 for 18)

Lodsworth won.

Fielding their youngest ever team with six players 18 or under Lodsworth stormed to their highest score for several years and scored a comprehensive victory over the Matt Hall Xl. In this annual game for the John Clifford Memorial Trophy many of the usual conventions are set aside. The intention is that every player gets to bowl, batsmen retire at 40 and wides and no balls are penalised with two runs but no extra balls.

Jack Dimond (40 rtd) and Alfie Bunker (40 rtd) went off at a fair pace for Lodsworth and Harry Dimond followed his brother with another 40 (rtd). Further contributions from Nick Bellion (26), Graham Braithwaite (35) and Elliott Wilson- Smith (20) soon pushed the score beyond 200. The ‘old-men’ i.e. Andrew Wilson- Smith, Paul Phillips, Andy Long and Bob Powell were eclipsed by the next generation.

After a typically excellent tea prepared by Tim and Gillian Johnson the Matt Hall XI embarked on a seemingly hopeless chase. With his ‘A’ Levels behind him Jack Dimond was as effective with the ball as with the bat and claimed 3 for 11 off 3 overs while Andy W-S took 2 for 18 off 4 overs and Charlie Dimond, in his debut appearance for the village team took the vital wicket of Matt Hall. Andy Long snapped up two catches while Bob Powell took one and a stumping. For the Matt Hall Xl, Matt contributed 39 and Jon Clifford 14.

Man of the match Jack Dimond