Category: Match Reports

Graffham CC v Lodsworth CC
29th May 2011 at Graffham
40-overs game

Graffham CC 148 all out in 38 overs (M Dally 50, S Pink 25, R Riddell 23: Dave Clarke 8 overs 2 for 25, Paul Phillips 2 for 23, Matt Hall 8 overs 2 for 26, Nick Bellion 7 overs 2 for 29)
Lodsworth CC 152 for 9 in 36 overs (Paul Phillips 28, Dave Clarke 27, Fergus Cruikshank 27, Bob Powell 11 not out; I Stevenson 8 overs 3 for 40, P Barrett 8 overs 2 for 26, B Barrett 2 for 27)
Lodworth won by 1 wicket

This was the first game between the two neighbouring village teams for about five years. The last encounter ended in acrimony when some inebriated spectators traded jibes with the Lodsworth players. But this closely contested game proved to be one played in the finest sporting traditions of village cricket and succeeded in mending fences.

Graffham CC batted first on a splendid wicket that has improved dramatically since our last encounter. M Dally hit a chanceless 50 supported by S Pink (25) and M Riddell (23). Lodsworth used seven bowlers and kept a fairly tight rein on the opposition. Dave Clarke, Matt Hall, Paul Phillips and Nick Bellion all took two wickets while Nick took a superb one-handed catch and Paul assisted in a smart run out.

The Lodsworth inning began with an almost disastrous implosion. Lee Ayres, James Hickey, Jonny Clifford, Nick Bellion and Matt Hall all departed with low scores and it was left to the middle order of Dave Clarke (27), Paul Phillips (28) and Fergus Cruikshank (27) to steady the ship.

The game went right to the wire with 12 runs needed as the last two Lodsworth batsmen, Jerry Keene and Bob Powell, came to the crease. Jerry stole a couple of singles and Bob knocked 11 including two boundaries as Lodsworth swept to their fifth consecutive win.

Man of the Match Paul Phillips

Lodsworth CC v Bosham CC
22nd May 2011 at Lodsworth

Lodsworth 132 all out (James Hickey 37, Nick Bellion 21, Jack Dimond 17: C Heath 7 overs 3 for 27, T Mann 6 overs 2 for 27.
Bosham CC 55 all out (Cox 18; Dave Clarke 5 overs 3 for 18, Nick Bellion 6 overs 2 for 15)
Lodsworth won by 87 runs

Bosham arrived for the game at Lodsworth with just eight players and although loaned a player the visitors were at a distinct disadvantage. Lodsworth batted first and were all out for the surprisingly low score of 132 with James Hickey topping the batting honours (37) supported by Nick Bellion (21).

After tea Bosham were dismissed for just 55 runs with Dave Clarke taking 3 for 18 in a spell of 5 overs and the ever-improving Nick Bellion grabbing 2 for 15 in six overs.

Lodsworth coasted to their fourth straight win.

Man-of-the-Match Nick Bellion

Milland CC v Lodsworth CC
15th May 2011 at Milland

Milland CC 134 for 9 off 35 overs (C Stopher 26, R Alderman 25, Pollard 19 not out; Fergus Cruikshank 4 overs 3 for 31, Matt Hall 7 overs 3 for 17)
Lodsworth 137 for 3 (Jack Dimond 52 not out, James Hickey 51, Rob Collins 14; R Alderman 7 overs 2 for 38, Charlie Dimond 5 overs 1 for 29)
Lodsworth won by 6 wickets

Lodsworth always had the upper hand in this 35-over game. Milland CC contained several gifted individuals but they were a very young team. Batting first Milland struggled to assert any authority. There were good opening bowling spells from Dave Clark and Nick Bellion followed by Andy Long and Paul Phillips but it was Fergus Cruikshank (4 overs 3 for 31) and Matt Hall (7 overs 3 for 17) who shared the spoils. The best of the Milland batsmen were C Stopher (26) and R Alderman (25) but the Milland innings closed on just 134 for 9 off 35 overs.

On the restart, James Hickey hit a rapid-fire 51 to establish a bridgehead and he was followed by Jack Dimond (52 not out). Perhaps Jack’s inning lacked the fluidity of his century of the previous week but this was an all-together different wicket and he had to work very hard. Rob Collins contributed 14 valuable runs and Lodsworth passed the Milland total in just 24 overs finishing on 137 for 3. Charlie Dimond played for the opposition and bowled 5 aggressive overs taking 1 wicket for 29 runs.

Man of the match – Fergus Cruikshank

Lodsworth CC v Kirdford CC
8th May 2011 at Lodsworth

Lodsworth CC 247 for 6 declared (Jack Dimond 104, James Hickey 53 Dave Clarke 48 not out, Nick Bellion 17)
Kirdford CC 43 all out (P Charman 14 not out: Dave Clarke 8 overs, 3 maidens 3 wickets for 6 runs, Nick Bellion 7 overs 3 maidens 3 wickets for 6 runs, Charlie Dimond 3.2 overs 1 maiden, 2 wickets for 4 runs)
Lodsworth won by 189 runs

With Andy Long, Oliver King and Lee Ayres unavailable Lodsworth drafted in Nick Bellion, Charlie Dimond and welcomed back James Hickey. Kirdford gained an early wicket, that of skipper Matt Hall. but then ran into a ‘brick wall’ in the shape of the second wicket partnership of James Hickey (53) and Jack Dimond (104). Both batted with great assurance and it was good to see Jack back at his commanding best. Nick Bellion contributed 17 and when Dave Clarke came to the crease he lost no time in pushing the score along and was on 48 when Matt Hall declared the innings closed at 247 for 6 shortly before 5.00 pm.

Another super tea was prepared by Jill King, Vikki Braithwaite and Zena Davies after which Kirdford CC took the field and Lodsworth opened their attack with Dave Clarke and Nick Bellion. Both bowled superbly, the right-armed Clarke moving the ball away from the bat and claiming three victims with dramatic catches by Paul Phillips, Nick Bellion and Bob Powell. Nick Bellion, bowling left-arm over the wicket, moved the ball into the batsmen and successfully bowled two batsman and had a third caught behind by Powell. The Kirdford batsmen were not allowed to settle and the last two wickets fell to the medium pace bowling of Charlie Dimond for just 4 runs. Kirdford were dismissed for 43 all out.

It was nevertheless a game played in a friendly spirit and both teams retired to the Hollist for a post mortem. After two beers, Dave Clarke (with 48 not out, 3 wickets for 6 runs and two catches) suggested that Andy Long was in danger of loosing his ‘best all-rounder’ title.

Man-of-the-Match – Jack Dimond
Scribe – Bob Powell

Lodsworth CC v Westbourne CC
1st May 2011 at Lodsworth

Westbourne CC 195 all out off 39 overs (A Bone 101, D Kehasais 28; Andy Long 12 overs 3 wickets for 32 runs, Matt Hall 9 overs 3 wickets for 36 runs)
Lodsworth CC 196 for 7 off 36 overs (Oliver King 98, Dave Clarke 61; A Bone 10 overs 3 wickets for 55 runs)
Lodsworth won by 3 wickets

Westbourne batted first and under a sustained Lodsworth attack wickets fell regularly but one batsman, A Bone, proved immovable. Although the Lodsworth skipper Matt Hall varied the attack Bone smote all to the boundary, amassing 101 runs before being run out by a swift return from Lodsworth debutante Arthur Phelan.

Andy Long (12 overs 3 for 32) and Matt Hall (9 overs 3 for 36) made steady inroads into the remaining Westbourne batsmen and some keen fielding resulted in three run outs. Paul Phillips took two good catches and Oliver King, behind the stumps had an outstanding game. The visitors eventually finished on 195 all out in the 39th over.

After a weekend of Royal Wedding celebrations there were evidently still some goodies left in various Lodsworth larders for the tea was exceptional and Zena Davies and Vikki Braithwaite excelled themselves (with some help from Teggy Phillips).

After tea Lodsworth openers Oliver King and Dave Clarke began the chase. An hour later the same two were still at the crease and the score was edging towards 100. Dave eventually succumbed on 51 but Oliver went on to achieve what was possibly his highest score for Lodsworth – 98. Other batsman made sizable contributions and it was good to welcome back Jack Dimond who was beginning to look dangerous when he was unfortunately caught on the boundary going for a six.

Westbourne are strong opponents and this game could have gone either way. As it was, Lodsworth’s doggedness and fighting spirit carried the day. After 36 overs the visitors total was passed and Lodsworth ran out as winners with 196 for 7.

Man-of-the-Match Oliver King
Scribe Bob Powell

Lodsworth CC v Ebernoe CC
23rd April at Lodsworth
Ebernoe CC 163 for 8 (A Carter 66, S Crouch 40; Fergus Cruikshank 3 wickets for 10 runs, Andy Long 2 for 25)
Lodsworth CC 104 for 9 (Dave Clarke 26, Finn Campbell 23, Tom Atkins 20).
Match Drawn

The traditional opening match for the village cricket team of the season is always against Ebernoe CC.  Matches between these two old adversaries are always keenly contested but played in a good spirit and this was true of this encounter. The ground and the wicket at the Recreation Hall were in excellent condition thanks to the hard work put in by Paul Phillips and Matt Hall.

Ebernoe batted first and amassed 163 runs for the loss of 8 wickets mainly through the efforts of A Carter (66) and S Crouch (40) while for Lodsworth Fergus Cruikshank (3 for 10) and Andy Long (2 for 25) were the pick of the bowlers. James Hickey got off to a tremendous start behind the stumps as he held onto four catches.

In response the Lodsworth batsmen laboured against a sustained Ebernoe attack. There was a collapse at the top of the order and the outstanding batsmen were Dave Clarke (26), young Finn Campbell (23) and Tom Atkins (20). But it looked as if the village team were heading for ‘an early bath’ until Paul Phillips and Rob Collins came together for a last wicket stand. The pair defended stoutly to stave off defeat and achieve a draw. The team ended on 104 for 9 with Rob on 12 not out and Paul on 7 not out.

Man-of-the-Match Rob Collins
Scribe John King

Lodsworth CC v The Cricket Society
at Lodsworth, Sunday 26th September 2010

Lodsworth CC 52 all out (Andy Long 17, Oliver King 9,  Bob Powell 8; N Holmes 7 overs 4 for 12, P Holland 7 overs 3 for 9)
The Cricket Society 54 for 3 ( T Crocket 27, A Gale 17 not out; D Clarke 8 overs 1 for 26, Andy Long 6 overs 1 for 15, Mat Hall 2.2 overs 1 for 9)


Severely weakened by the departure of all their young players – Graham Braithwaite to University of Wales, Harry Dimond to Leeds University, and Alfie Bunker and Nick Bellion back at Seaford College – Lodsworth were forced to mobilise Dad’s Army for the last game of the 2010 season. And so Pete, the father of skipper Andy Long, John the father of Ollie King and Bob Powell the father of three and grandfather of four children (none of whom have the slightest interest in cricket) found themselves defending the honour of the village. Suffice to say the combined age of the number 9, 10 and 11 batsmen was 198.

The Cricket Society are no spring chicken’s either but they had a wealth of experience and set a very intimidating field that rattled the Lodsworth batsmen who fell like skittles to a lot of daft catches. Andy Long top scored with 17 runs but the highlight of the game was seeing John King strapping on his pads and together with Bob Powell adding 13 for the last wicket to bring the Lodsworth total to 52 all out

With a fine drizzle threatening heavier rain The Cricket Society went straight out to bat and they were never in danger of failing to pass the Lodsworth score, indeed they did so for the loss of just 3 wickets shortly before tea.
After a magnificent spread served by Zena and Mike Davies the two teams decided to venture out again for a 10-over ‘beer match’, which Lodsworth managed to win thereby recuing some pride. Thereafter “ Dad’s Army descended on the Hollist Arms where the club President was prevailed upon to provide a free round of chips to celebrate the end of a relatively successful season.

Man of the Match John King
Scribe Bob Powell

Lodsworth CC v Grayswood CC
At Grayswood, Sunday 19th September 2010.

Grayswood 158 for 8 off 40 overs  (S Peet 56 not out, D Grundy 27; Dave Clark 8 overs 3 for 23, Andy Long 8 overs 2 for , F Cruikshank 8 overs 3 for 23) )
Lodsworth 159 for 4 off 26 overs (Richard Gough 64, Andy Long 57 not out
Lodsworth Won

Grayswood CC who had impressively racked up five successive victories in their last five games were the hosts to Lodsworth on the 19th September. Paul Phillips, the stand in skipper won the toss and elected to bowl first in a limited 40 overs-a-side friendly. Grayswood started off at a frantic pace, adding 31 for the first wicket in only six overs. However, Dave Clarke bowled a superb yorker removing the key wicket of C Kent (20) to stem the flow of runs.  Both Fergus Cruickshank and Andy Long bowled steady line and length limiting Grayswood to 61-4 after 18 overs. D Grundy and T White added 30 for the fifth wicket, before Clarke bowled Grundy by hitting the top of off stump. James Hickey took a sublime catch whilst wicket keeping and Grayswood looked to be in trouble at 116-7. Young S Peet was next to the crease and after a slow start hit some lusty blows for a superb 56 off only 45 balls. Lodsworth might have ended his innings very early on, but for a few senior moments in the field with three dropped catches going by the wayside. L Shoham was run out on the last ball of the innings, as Grayswood finished their allotted 40 overs on 158-8. A special mention must go to Oliver King who fielded well.

Lodsworth opened with Richard Gough & John Clifford who faced the fast bowling of Peet and Wilson. Clifford (9) looked to take the lead with two lusty fours before being bowled. Matt Hall joined Gough at the crease and they hit a crucial 52 for the second wicket before Jackson dismissed Hall (14) and Hickey (1) in quick succession to leave Lodsworth 87-3. With the game back in the balance, Gough, with his classy shots and Andy Long with his forearm ‘tennis shot’ smashes took the game away from Grayswood with a quick-fire partnership of 56. Gough was eventually caught behind for 64. Needing only 16 runs, young Christian came to the crease and defended 3 balls for a not out while Long with four boundaries in five balls quickly wrapped the game up and reached 57 not out with 14 overs to spare.

Overall a resounding victory under the dictatorship, sorry I meant directorship, of Paul Phillips. Well done Paul!

Man of the Match Richard Gough
Scribe Matt Hall

Lodsworth CC v Parham Park CC
At Parham House, 5th September 2010

Lodsworth CC 205 for 6 off 42 overs (Graham Braithwaite 85 not out, Andy Wilson-Smith 43, Harry Dimond 26, Matt Hall 24; Fraser 7 overs 2 for 36)
Parham Park CC 207 for 2 off 39 overs (M Williams 114 not out, B Huffer 52; Andy Long 14 overs 2 for 69)
Lodsworth Lost

Two weeks without a game and Lodsworth were eager to play. Parham Park is a wonderful venue with Parham House, an Elizabethan mansion built in 1577, forming the background to the game. That said the pitch is a little dodgy as rabbits occasionally exit from burrows on the boundary and on previous occasions we have had to halt the game as deer appeared behind the bowlers arm.

Lodsworth batted first and after a stuttering start picked up momentum with Graham Braithwaite and Andrew Wilson-Smith enjoying a long 5th wicket partnership. Graham finished just short of a century with 85 not out and
Andrew, back from holiday in Australia, was just short of a half-century with 43. Matt Hall weighed in with 24, and Harry Dimond hit a swift 26. Lodsworth went in for tea with a comfortable total of 205 for 6 on the board.

But Parham Park is a much-strengthened team this season and the opening batsman proved difficult to dislodge. A recurring problem this season has been Lodsworth’s inability to bowl out the opposition having batted first and set a defendable target. Andy Long has been the only consistent bowler. Parham managed to reach the target of 206 for the loss of just two wickets, with five balls of the last over remaining. As Jim Hickey succinctly put it in the bar of The Crown pub after the game, “A good game of cricket – a pity we lost.”

Man of the match Graham Braithwaite
Scribe Bob Powell

Storrington CC v Lodsworth CC
At Storrington July 18th 2010.
Storrington 149 for 7 off 36 overs (Paul Phillips 13 overs 4 for 38, Andy Long 12 overs 2 for 37, Harry Dimond 3 overs 1 for 26).
Lodworth 89 all out (Oliver King 26, Bob Powell 12, Graham Braithwaite 11)
Lodsworth Lost

This was new fixture for Lodsworth CC. Storrington CC run two League teams and a Sunday Xl, which gives some indication of the strength of the opposition. On a dry, fast outfield Lodsworth won the toss and decided to bowl. This proved to be a wise decision as Andy Long and Paul Phillips swiftly made inroads into the top order. Indeed Phillips had their opener out on the third ball and then nailed three more with catches by Matt Hall, Graham Braithwaite and a stunning backwards dive from Lee Ayres. The home team was in real trouble at 35 for 5. But Storrington had two or three League players in the lower order and this began to tell as 35 for 5 went to 120 for 6. Phillips and Long were brought back on and the home team finished on 149 for 7 off 36 overs.

After a fantastic tea Lodsworth had to switch their batting order due to injuries and one batsman having to leave early. Matt Hall and Lee Ayres opened against a formidable bowling lineup and Hall was soon out to a dubious LBW that hit his hip. In at number 3 came Bob Powell (the usual number 11). The first three balls he received all went to the boundary and the fourth took out his middle stump. After dogged play by Harry Dimond and Graham Braithwaite Lodsworth were like Storrington on 38 for 5 but in the end the opposition class showed and wickets fell regularly. It was up to Long and Oliver King to attempt to bat out the last 11 overs to salvage a draw. They almost made it with King on 26 and Long on 6 but with four overs to go King was out LBW. Lodsworth were all out for 89 although the score line does not paint a full picture. Storrington were unquestionably the better team but Lodsworth were not outplayed.

Man of the match Paul Phillips
Scribe Andy Long