Category: Match Reports

20th June 2021 at Lodsworth

Findon 48ao (Glover 20, O Crawshaw 3.1-3-1-3, J Gough 2-0-3-2)

Lodsworth 49-2 (M Williams 16, Franklin 3-1-10-2)

After the previous week’s strong performance in the field, Lodsworth CC followed up with a resounding victory against new fixture Findon CC. It was definitely jumper weather, gloomy and overcast with a forecast turning worse as the day progressed with heavy rain expected late afternoon. With that in mind, the two sides agreed on a 20-20 format, with a maximum of four overs per bowler and anything down the legside deemed a wide.

Losing the toss for the fifth time in a row (some sort of record?) Lodsworth were put into the field. The skipper set a pragmatic field, weighted on the offside, with cover and mid-wicket closer to protect against the quick single and a sweeper on the offside to protect the boundary. The wicket itself was slightly two paced, keeping low and skidding on at the village end and with an awkward bounce at the other.

Youngsters T Holloway and J Gough opened the bowling for Lodsworth, immediately putting pressure on the visitors, and Jamie taking a wicket with his first ball. Tight lines, good length and pace backed up with excellent fielding ensured Findon struggled to score, lasting just over 14 overs with only two players making double figures and a total of six ducks in their innings and 48 runs on the board.

T Freeman, Holloway and Gough each took a brace of wickets, with O Crawshaw wrapping up the tail with 3 wickets, 3 maidens for 1 run from 3.1 overs with the last wicket falling for a well executed run-out. Two catches from Freeman and another from Holloway summed up an excellent day in the field for the home team.

Aware of the clouds closing in, Lodsworth’s top-order elected to bat aggressively, taking 11 runs out of the equation in the second over. Franklin was the pick of Findon’s bowlers picking up the only 2 wickets but in truth, such a low score could never be defended and opener D Green and skipper M Williams ensured Lodsworth chased the target down in just over 7 overs.

An early finish just in time before the heavens opened…

13th June 2021 at Petworth Park

Petworth Park CC 228-1 (35 overs G Westmore 115no, A Rees 63no, T Holloway 7-1-37-1)

Lodsworth 230-5 (32.4 overs O Crawshaw 125no, M Williams 48, M Hasan 7-0-41-2)

Lodsworth won by 5 wickets

Hot and sunny, no clouds in the sky, and approaching nearly a year without a win in the book, Lodsworth Cricket Club visited their neighbours in the grounds of Petworth Park. Beautifully situated with stunning views to the South Downs, Petworth Park CC has been rejuvenated over the last few years, with a keen team and plenty of investment, and a wicket with a surface so flat and smooth that West Sussex County Council Highway Division could only ever dream of…

Having lost the toss for the fourth time in a row, Lodsworth were sent out to field in the scorching heat. With an initially attacking field in place, it was soon evident that the pitch was going to offer little assistance to the bowlers and the quick outfield meant boundaries were found easily, with the Petworth openers Westmore and Abbott pouncing on any ball that was not perfect in line or length. Two overs in and Lodsworth were already on the defensive, with 3 deep on the offside to limit the damage.

Westmore was rarely troubled and accumulated back-to-back centuries against the visiting side. The only wicket to fall in Petworth’s innings was with Abbot top-edging a pull off Toby Holloway with a great catch by Jamie Gough running in from the fine leg boundary.

It wasn’t an entirely perfect performance by the visitors, and had Lodsworth not let through a few fours and given away overthrows, the target may have been 20 runs less. Injuries to the skipper further compounded the task. However, despite the punishing conditions in the field, Lodsworth stayed committed and limited the target they would be chasing – Petworth finishing their innings with 228 runs off 35 overs.

Although Lodsworth had little to show for their efforts in terms of the scorebook, it did feel that it was a score a bit below par for the wicket and certainly chase-able if one or two batsmen got themselves in.

Following the picnic tea, the intent was there from the offset, Matt Hall cutting the first ball to the boundary and 11 runs scored off the first over. Petworth soon tightened up on the bowling, and stemmed the flow of runs initially. After Hall fell, there was a flurry of quick wickets, bringing the injured skipper Mike Williams + runner batting at 6 to the crease alongside number 3 Owen Crawshaw.

A disastrous over conceeding 32 runs injected life into the Lodsworth innings, and Crawshaw seized the initiative, combining splendid stroke play with power, including towering sixes in all directions and fielding the strike to keep the momentum going. Williams, when on strike, complimented with a sparkling 48 off far fewer balls.

With quick running, turning singles into twos, and punishing any bad ball to the boundary, the run-rate quickly started to fall. When the skipper eventually fell, the imperious Crawshaw turned up the heat and accelerated to his well-deserved maiden century for Lodsworth. Needing 35 runs from 5 overs, the target was in sight and 16 balls later passed, with Tom Freeman scoring the winning runs and Crawshaw finishing on 125 not out.

After 3 close games, with Lodsworth on the losing side in each, it was a fantastic victory to turn the tide topped off with Owen’s outstanding innings. Credit too to the bowlers for keeping it tight, the skipper for his innings despite injury and the whole team for their efforts in the field.

27th May 2019 at Petworth Park

Lodsworth 164-8 (A Long 53no, O Crawshaw 15, A Rix 14)

Petworth 151ao (G Westmore 100no, A Long 8-0-28-5)

Lodsworth won by 13 runs

Taking advantage of the bank holiday and avoiding clashes with the Village Fete, Lodsworth were welcomed back to play at Petworth for a Monday fixture.

Having had no cricket club for a number of years, Petworth CC was revived in 2016 and this is only their first full season. Despite having a young and inexperienced team, they are backed up with fantastic facilities and a great looking pitch. Perhaps this is why the keen eyed skipper elected to bat first, having won the toss, deciding that it looked like a perfect batting track and a quick outfield…
Lodsworth started well, with Hall taking advantage of some wayward no-balls.

However, once the home side got their line and length, the true nature of the track revealed itself, with variable bounce. Blustery conditions combined with excellent fielding made batting a process of accumulation and wickets fell at regular intervals with none of the top order getting in. It wasn’t long before the skipper King batting at 6 was walking out with only 60 runs on the board.

With Petworth having used their quicks and bringing on their spinners, the tail began to wag. With Mills falling to a top edge trying to hit the ball into the pavilion, in came the lower-order specialist Andy Long. On the back of 3 not-outs in succession and marshalling the tail expertly, the number seven batted steadily and with patience, putting away the bad balls and taking just under 20 overs to reach his half century. Combined with cameos from Stanton, Alexander and Holloway, Lodsworth reached 161 at tea.

Following a short break for tea, Lodsworth took to the field. Braithwaite struggled to find his line and Petworth opener Westmore took full advantage, clearing the ropes on a regular basis. Hall and Alexander restored order with tight bowling and restricted the flow of runs, picking up 2 wickets each. Good fielding from the visitors, especially Holloway and Collins, helped stem the flow of boundaries. Economical Long picked up 5 wickets, with excellent catches by Holloway and Crawshaw.

However, with 3 wickets needed and the hosts teetering at 76-7, Westmore started to open up, picking off good and bad balls and guiding the tail enders. Despite 9 and 10 falling quickly, Westmore put on 64 with Batthams for the 10th wicket, reaching his century in the process. Lodsworth’s lack of penetration was beginning to haunt them – could this be another snatching defeat from the jaws of victory for the visitors? A change of wicket keeper brought on Crawshaw to bowl and just when it was looking the match could go either way, Battham’s off stump was removed, leaving Lodsworth’s skipper undefeated this season.

The afternoon was wrapped up nicely with the hosts inviting the visitors to a barbecue and plenty of discussion over rule 28.2b subsection 7 with the umpires.

Even Steven before Rain Rain Rain…..

Lodsworth Sunday 10th Sept 2018

played a shortened version game of 25 overs each against a strong local side in Wonersh.

Played 3 lost 3 was the record against this side who had a smattering of young blood and some canny old boys.

After being put into bat, Loddys openers of Hall and old boy favourite Justin put on 40 before Matt departed.

We then saw new face Junaid come in and with some deft shots and power hitting by these 2, the score raced onto nearly 100 runs in what some wags had said was the best batting partnership of the year.

Once these 2 went, regulars PP, Mike W and King went cheaply and it was left to newby Doctor Dave and El Gringo Manuel Ally Rixxo to steady the score to a respectable 137-6 in 25 overs.

JUSTIN 52.    JUNAID 35.  DAVE G 15NO.  HALL 19.

After a lovely tea, Loddy opeend up with Junaid and Long on now a pitch that was getting softer and drizzle in the air.

Wonersh got off to a steady start until Junaid got a wicket bowled and then Long got 1 by being superbly caught by Dave G at mid-wicket. Hall got in on the act – only after some frutuious generous fielding by Rixxo who conceded 4 but next ball getting a plum LBW. Game was set at 45-3 but then the rain started to come down more heavier.

Another 3/4 overs went on until at 68-3 after 13 overs the game had to stop as it was pouring down.

After waiting half an hour it was decided we all go down the pub where Skipper Long promised all and sundries that he was going to buy a round!!! And then being a taxi service to Al and Justin who were catching a train to London.

JUNIAD 1-10.    HALL 1-14.    LONG 1-19.

MOM….   A LOVELY KNOCK BY JUSTIN WHO GETS ALL THE PLAUDITS.

16^th October 2016 at San Augustin, Ibiza

“Ibiza bite back”

Ibiza CC 155 for 8(30 overs) (G.Boe 34, P.Cruttwell 32, P.Phillips 3-32, A.Long 2-12)

Lodsworth 115 for 9 (30 overs) (J.Lamb 34 O.King 30, A.Rix 16 not out, P.Cruttwell 4-13, S.Hadlow 2-16)

Lost by 40 Runs

Man of the Match: Paul Phillips

Following much laughter and “rehydration” in Ibiza town the previous evening, which also included a guided tour by John King- a sightseeing trip which took in some extremely interesting sights! And what goes on tour stays on tour- therefore no elaboration required…, the second match of the tour was again played at the same venue and under beautiful blue skies once again.

Al Rix took over the captaincy, Andrew Mills made a debut for Lodsworth and Ollie King returned to the side. Fergus stepped down and opted to score. Lee Mulcahy fielded for both sides, which was probably the last thing that he felt like doing, however did get to face a few balls at the end.

On to the cricket and a stunning start by Lodsworth, reducing the home side to 55 for 6 at the halfway point, Messrs Phillips and Long bowling brilliantly and supported by stunning catches by both Lee and Rob. However, perhaps down to local knowledge and some superb batting, the home side took 99 runs from the final fourteen overs and posted a very good total given the situation they were in.

Lunch followed with Spanish sandwiches again and after a thirty minute interval, the teams took to the field and Loddy collapsed to 24 for 5, thanks to Mr Cruttwell with some excellent bowling up front. Justin and Ollie added fifty-one for the sixth wicket and the skipper a determined 16 not out. Loddy could not replicate Ibiza’s lower order batting and fell short by some margin.

Well played Ibiza CC, thanks to Al Shaikh for umpiring both matches and also to the VP’s who provided much needed support for the tour. The biggest thanks of all goes to John King for months of effort and determination in organising this weekend.

A complete success, fair results overall and the organisation for next years tour will surely start soon.

The team is off to hibernate for the winter now but with an end of season tour like this, we would like to encourage new players for next season and beyond.

15^th October 2016 at San Augustin, Ibiza

“Loddy shine in Ibiza”

Ibiza CC 167 for 9(30 overs) (C.Bromley 40, R.Parmenter 29 not out, W.Hannam 4-16, M.Hall 2-24)

Lodsworth 169 for 8 (30 overs) (W.Hannam 41, P.Phillips 34, P.Cruttwell 4-21, S.Hedlow 2-23)

Won by 2 Wickets

Man of the Match: Will Hannam

After weeks of eager anticipation and a twenty-one strong touring party, the White Isle provided an absolute thriller for the first game of Lodsworth’s inaugural overseas tour. With the previous day providing some sightseeing, swimming in the sea, good food and a few drinks, Loddy were all fit and raring to go.

Winning the toss and opting to field first on this artificial pitch and under sunny skies, tight bowling by Will Hannam and Andy Long kept the home side to under three an over for the first ten. Six of the first seven Ibiza batters reached double figures before Will came back and mopped up the tail, aided by two excellent catches from Justin Lamb. A total was posted which was considered extremely competitive. Lunch followed and Spanish baguettes replaced the usual plethora of cake and sausage rolls(surely a good thing!)

In response, the returning Jim Hickey hit a couple of glorious shots but it was Will Hannam who kept the innings together with a fine knock. Ably supported by Matt Hall(21) and arguably the allrounder of the season(Paul Phillips) the target was easily within range with three overs to go. Andy Long blasted a quick 15 but some tight bowling left three runs needed off three balls. Andy was bowled leaving three off two. In came Fergus and mistimed the first ball, dropped by Andrew Mills(Loddy landlord turning out for Ibiza on this occasion), leaving three to win off the final ball.

His final act as captain was to pull the last ball of the innings for four, giving Loddy a famous victory and thus ended what personifies a friendly game of cricket, played in great spirits and friendly banter all round. Beer followed! Thanks to Martin for arranging the final score to be posted outside the Hollist that evening.

During a small gathering to empty a barrel to make way for the forthcoming cider pressing, we received a call late on Saturday night informing us the  Chairmans’ XI had cancelled.  With a fine wicket prepared and a cake or two in hand it seemed a shame to waste a sunny Sunday.  The remnants of the team boosted by some rare appearances plus wives daughters and girlfriends gathered together and a seven a side game was hastily organised. With some a little green round the gills, we picked teams and took to the field.

Phillips’ Pie Chuckers opened with a solid partnership between Ben Law(13) and Sammy Dean (19) and the baton was ably taken up by Neil Pearman with a career best 33.  Maiden players Coral Phillips and Samantha Greet came next with seasoned players Will H (18) and Paul P cruising home to set a challenging total of 103. The pick of the bowling Al Rix 8 for 2 but Tom’s first ball since school taking out The Law was a highlight.

With the hall kitchen undergoing renovation Mrs P laid on a fine buffet spread including Rob’s delicious sausage rolls, Matt’s famous cheese and pickle sarnies and a cracking marmalade cake from the Church Fayre. All very yummy.

Colins’ Creaky Cricketers began well with Joel Phillips (8) and Tom (11) who finally fell to Neil Peaman’s first ball in several years.  Lee Mulcachy (18) top scorer and Young Josh Colins (10) proved difficult to shift.  Deanna Garriga (5) Rob Colins (9)  fell to some good bowling by the Law (9 for 2) and Sammy (11 for 2). Veterans Al Rix and Matt Hall were left to push the total of 94 with two overs to go. The pie checkers looked in trouble.  Will runs in, he bowls, Matt scoops him to leg and Samantha plucks it from the air to seal the win for the team and lady of the match for herself.

Every body bowled and all scored at least a run….A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Thanks to all who turned out.

11^th September 2016 at Wonersh

“Glorious September Sunshine”

Wonersh 183 for 6(35 overs) (A.Crocker 2-18, A.Long 1-22, J.Webster 1-28)

Lodsworth 98 All Out (29 overs) (A.Crocker 50 not out, P.Phillips 10)

Lost by 95 runs

Man of the Match: Arthur Crocker

Across the border into Surrey we assembled for the final away fixture of the season. Greeted by glorious blue skies, a picturesque ground, eleven players which included two debuts (Arthur Crocker and Jonah Webster) and a strip which had stood up remarkably well to the deluge of the previous day.

Fielding first in a 35 overs a side fixture against this strong side, made up mainly of twenty somethings from the local area, Messrs Long and Crocker each bowled five overs up front and the home side struggled to make more than two runs per over for the first ten.

Matt Hall came on first change and kept things tight and Jonah replaced Andy “manflu” Long and duly picked up a wicket first ball, a superb catch taken by Lee Mulcahy(contact him for all plumbing needs!). Paul Phillips (contact him for bespoke furniture making!) bowled from both ends and only had himself to blame for not taking a return catch. Fergus came on and took a wicket with just about the only straight ball he bowled but as seems regular, two good batsman with a fine partnership, held the innings together after the initial skirmishes went Lodsworth’s way.

Tea was taken upstairs in the pavilion and in the writers opinion, was the finest(and most expensive) of the season. Is it that opposing teams hear about our love of cakes and scones and hijack us with too much food every week? Well, it’s a plausible excuse for what often follows!

The batting was better than the previous week, since more application was shown but once again too many single figure scores contributed to a below par total. Only Arthur, with some splendid hitting, showed any real talent, although Rob Collins(contact him for all decorating requirements!), did hang about long enough for Arthur to reach his fifty.

A glorious afternoon, a very good spirited Wonersh side, a fighting effort from Lodsworth and although the result did not go our way, two new players were introduced and we are another week closer to Ibiza!