The summer solstice is upon us and we have a cornucopia of glorious evening light for cricket. The annoying problem here is that we still have no actual cricket. However, we do have full bookings for nets and training at both junior and senior levels. Well done to everyone who has organised this and to those who have been training. Appetite for the game seems keener than ever which is tremendously encouraging. Several votes of thanks go out this week to people whose actions are making such a positive contribution to the club. Christleton Parish Council have given us a 3 month rent holiday and we are very grateful to our parish councillors for offering such a warm and meaningful gesture in these far from normal times. Big thanks also to our friends at BK Electrical for sourcing and fitting a high-grade CCTV system for us. This system can see what you’ve got in your sandwiches. Or at least, the images it provides are crystal clear, and in view of our recent history, we’re very glad to have this extra security. Lastly, thanks to our village Police/PCSO service for working so strongly with us to try to reduce instances of anti-social behaviour in our area. Whatever you are doing at present, stay safe, look after those around you, keep moving and stay in touch. I will look forward to seeing many more of you on the ground before too long. News of current cricketing items of interest can be found on page 2 of the newsletter.
Chairman’s Staying Alert Newsletter – Week 9
Game Day 9 of this (hopefully) unique season has arrived. We’re only 2 games away from the half-way point and by the time we reach that milestone we will be past the longest day of the year. People will be about to remark that ‘the nights are drawing in’ and we will not have seen a ball bowled. Of course team sport is about building character and it has been heartening to see such a positive response from our members and supporters. Far from being despondent, net bookings are high and everyone is in good spirits. Club officers are working their socks off at this time. Many thanks to Vice Chair Pete Roberts for his tireless hard work in getting practice up-and-running again. Junior coaching starts again next week albeit in a socially distanced way, and junior supremo Mark Inchley has worked into the night to try to balance the desire to play cricket with the strict ECB conditions for practising, such as ’one ball, one skin’. Safe Hands Nick Davis is on the scene making sure we consider welfare issues in everything we do. Vice-Presidents have responded to the club’s position of having hardly any income by starting to send their annual contribution. Mandy has the interior of the club looking as never before. And of course, our groundsmen have the place looking magnificent: what youngster isn’t going to want to run about out there after what they’ve been through in the last few weeks? So there’s a lot of good news: we just need HMG and ECB to turn on more green lights and we’ll be ready. Whatever you are doing stay safe, look after those around you, keep moving and stay in touch. I will look forward to seeing many more of you on the ground before too long. News of current cricketing items of interest can be found on page 2 of the newsletter.
Chairman’s Staying Alert Newsletter – Week 8
Hands up all those who were wanting some rain because ‘the garden needs it’. Having had a few days of rain and wind, enough is enough, bring back the sunshine please. We have now reached what would have been Game Day 8, past a third of the way through the season and steaming on towards half-way. Fixtures this week would have seen us playing Wirral for the second successive week. Just as well we got on so well with those guys last year.. News of current cricketing items of interest can be found on page 2 of the newsletter. There’s more movement with regard to possibilities for practice. Also, I’ve included below the text of CCCL Chairman David Humpage’s letter to clubs so you are aware of the County league’s standpoint.
Read the full newsletter here which includes
- Exiting June games from the vault
- ECB updates including reviewed guidelines for safe practice
- Clubhouse restoration project
- Christleton CC wicketkeepers
Chariman’s Staying Alert Newsletter – Week 7
Another weekend is here. It is once again a time of settled, beautiful weather that is crying out for a game of cricket. The wicket would be perfect and it would be boundaries all round. It’s enough to break a batsman’s heart. Time is moving on and we have now reached what would have been Game Day 7 as a May of fantastic sunshine comes to a close. Looking back through the records there are many cases of May abandonments and cancellations. Sadly, the lack of action this year is for different reasons. Game Day 7 would have seen us in action against Ashton-on-Mersey and Wirral. The 2ndXI game would have seen the two teams with the best end-of-season form pitted against each other. Our best wishes go to members at both clubs. News of current cricketing items of interest can be found on page 2 of the newsletter. Here, we’ll continue with a browse through some exciting end-of-May matches of the past.
Chairman’s Staying Alert Newsletter – Week 6
Time is moving on and we have now reached what would have been Game Day 6, which is the Bank Holiday week-end. Game Day 6 would have seen us in action against Barrow and Ashley. It is undoubtedly the fixtures against our neighbouring clubs that I am missing most, and the game against Barrow is always competitive and played in the right spirit. No action for us to report on so far in 2020, but there is a pinprick of light at the end of the tunnel with HMG acceptance of cricket nets being acceptable as a suitably socially-distanced form of exercise. Some members have already started to practise again which is very good to see. News of the net practice procedures and the rest of the current cricketing items of interest can be found on further below in this the newsletter. Here, we’ll continue with a browse through some exciting May matches of the past.
1st XI v Ashton-on-Mersey May 2001
On GD6 of the 2001 season we were away to a club appearing for the first time in our fixture card.
The hosts won the toss and took first knock on their picturesque ground ’The Beets’ that nestles into an elbow of the River Mersey. Club stalwart Matt Macgibbon did something highly praiseworthy and very unusual for the home club by carrying his bat throughout the innings, watching all 10 wickets fall at the other end. He finished with 65* out of a total of 95. Well played sir. The Swans bowlers sharing wickets that day were Greg Malkin (2) Matt Parkinson (2) and Dave Hill (1). Chief architect of the hosts down-fall was the affable Aussie Eric Godwood with 5-19.
Obviously, we now all like Australians having watched Amazon Prime’s The Test, which is essential lockdown viewing. However, we really liked Eric back in the day and he had a great impact during his time with us.
After tea, there were one or two wobbles but the to-tal was eventually chased down for 4, with near 20 scores from yours truly, Eric, Dave, and Ian Rule. The last two named batsmen were unbroken at the end in a stand of 40 that clinched the points.
By the end of the season the Aston-on-Mersey men would have seen enough of Eric as he rattled through the top order in the return game with an even more impressive return of 4.1-2-4-6, making 11-23 in the season.
This was indeed quite a season as we were 2nd XI and aggregate champions that year
1st XI v Tattenhall May 2018
Two years ago we had a great win at The Flacca. Josh M-J asked the hosts to bat first and they racked up an impressive score of 237-8. Great bowling efforts from Shavaiz with 5 wickets and Kiwi Josh with 3 gave us a glimmer of hope of the win.
After tea, the chase hit choppy waters at 34-4. At this point Atif Bajwa forged an alliance with Zain Abidin. Zain provided the essential support with 56* while Atif played a quite remarkable innings that will stay long in the memory of those lucky enough to witness it. He is a superb timer of a cricket ball, striking the ball very cleanly with fast hand-speed. He is a classy and powerful player. He scored 142* off 117 balls that day, with 15 fours and four sixes. Atif’s 142* is the second-highest 1stXI innings in the club record book. The unbroken 5th wicket partnership of 204 between Atif and Zain is a club record. Well played Swans– a great win.
The Power of nature
Friday’s winds were highly unusual in their ferocity. Trees in full leaf are easily damaged, and so it proved when large branches of a tree were blown into the next door field. Can you identify it? Also, think long and hard before fielding at the football end– you may have some little friends to contend with.
2nd XI host davenham May 1995
The 2ndXI entertained Davenham 25 years ago. It was a wet May that year and the club had no covers as yet. Sticky wickets were commonplace and most club bowling records come from the 80’s and 90’s. On this day the men from Butcher’s Stile were asked to bat and were all out for 93. there was a wicket apiece for Dennis Reeves, Neil Glover, Bob Lewis and Bob Ellis. However, destroyer in chief that day was the original Silver Fox, club legend Gordon Price. Gordon made his debut in the 1947 team. Here, 48 seasons later, he bowled his spin with extreme cunning and control to finish with an analysis of 8-1-16-6. Eight victims were caught and the catchers make an interesting list: 3 for Neil Glover, 2 for Dennis Reeves and 1 for Bob Lewis. Did these bowlers not trust anyone else? Catches for Derek Bell and Andy Miln completes the list of those who snapped up the chances.
It was not a run-fest after tea but the Swans made controlled progress towards the target with 20’s from Bob Ellis and Andy Miln. It is always good to see fathers and sons enjoying cricket together and, on this occasion, Neil Reeves 22* and Dennis 10* were there at the end to see us home at 94-4 and a 6 wicket win.
Look back to last year
Going back in time to the 2019 season, on the corresponding weekend we were at home to Frodsham in our first-ever game against the Moor Lane men. The 2nd XI were just moving into top gear at this point in the season. When asked to bat first on Terry Dandy’s flat pitch, the Swans did not need asking twice. Rob McNally 21, Harry Morris 33, and Joe Layder 34* all provided valuable support to the afternoon’s main contributor, Russell Crowley. The Baggies supporting veteran displayed a wide range of
shots in scoring an admirable 102. After tea a miserly and accurate bowling attack wrapped up the visitors innings for 78, leggie Dave Phillips (netting yesterday– keen) finishing with a bamboozling 3-9.
You can see Russ pictured below in Matt Jones’ (man with the Canon) excellent photo. Young Swans please note:
- High left elbow;
- Hole in the arms (shape of a number 9)
- Follow through int he direction of the shot
- Good weight transference
- Eyes over the front knee
- Great balance, not over-hitting, top hand in control. Great technique Russ
Staying alert – massive thanks to the County Board staff who are keeping us informed
This week’s ECB update is a Bank Holiday edition with lots of excellent content.
Together Through This Test is a nationwide campaign shining a light on the work undertaken by the game in response to COVID-19 and highlighting new resources available to the public.
The link below gives full details of the campaign, including links to an emotive (and very good) video narrated by Stephen Fry, and plenty of lockdown games and activities for children that can be played in small spaces.
www.ecb.co.uk/video/1670476/the-wait
This week’s other ECB email has lots of relevant information…
- ‘Together Through This Test’
- FAQ’s for safe outdoor practice
- Managing vacant buildings and operating safely
- COVID-19 support from Natwest
See www.ecb-comms.co.uk/1FT6-6VODJ-D6SSQJ4NB2/cr.aspx
Meanwhile, cricket net practice has begun again at Little Heath.
Full details can be found here:
Resumption of recreational cricket practice
Everyone is welcome to practise but please read all of the information thoroughly. The safety of everyone is our overriding priority.
And finally…
Last week I asked you to name the bowlers in 2nd and 4th position on this list. Here they are, together with all 2nd XI 9-for or 8-for’s. The players below should be proud of their outstanding performances.
…this weeks poser
Since 1978 we have been playing league cricket in Cheshire. Name the 3 clubs we have played most 1st and 2nd team games against.
1st with 120 fixtures is ………………………
2nd with 108 fixtures is …………………….
3rd with 98 fixtures is ………………………
Take care and stay safe everyone
Resumption of recreational cricket net practice
The Christleton Cricket Club committee have given a cautious welcome to the ECB announcement that, in line with the latest HMG guidelines, outdoor exercise to include cricket net practice can now be undertaken. Club volunteers have worked hard to make sure our facilities are ready and safe for members who wish to exercise in nets, and a booking system is now setup and open for members to book their session.
The nets can only be used by Cricket Club members who have paid the current nominal subscription for 2020.
As you will undoubtedly expect, there are stringent rules in relation to hygiene and social distancing and these rules MUST be followed at all times for the health and safety of everyone.
If you would like to secure a slot to use our nets, please read the guidance and proceed to the membership and booking details using the link below
Chairman’s Staying Alert Newsletter – Week 5
We have moved on to Eurovision weekend. This festival– love it or hate it– is a fixed milestone on Game Day 5 every season. By this point you’ll be hoping to take up a nice position in the league ready to start stringing some good results together. It is roughly a quarter of the way through the season although this year we have seen no action yet for obvious reasons. Today would have been Game Day 5 of the season. Scheduled fixtures were against Hale Barns and Neston. We first played Hale Barns in 1978 and 74 Saturday league games have followed since that time. It was at Hale Barns in September 1981 that we won the Cheshire Cricket League for the first time in a season-finale of high drama that finished in pouring rain– times were different then. Neston, our near-neighbours from up the A540, first provided the opposition in 2005 and we were to be cast in the role of visitors today. Sadly, there will be neither action nor ice-cream for our spectators today. We send our very best wishes to both clubs’ players and officials– we are sorry to have missed you. Current cricketing news can be found on page 2 of the newsletter. Here, we’ll continue with a browse through some exciting mid-May matches of the past.
1st XI v Bollington Mid-May 2012
On GD5 of the 2012 season we were again away at Bollington on the Recreation Ground. The hosts decided to ask us to bat first on this occasion, not surprising as there had been rain in the build up, so much so that the corresponding 2ndXI fixture at Little Heath was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
After losing Iftikhar Naseer for 28 and Iroshan for a very rare duck, the Little Heath men were finding the going tough. However, the innings was held together by a determined partnership between Matt Astbury 42 and Delhi all-rounder Varun Sood. Varun subsequently had a productive 53 run partnership with Jamie Creek. Skipper Guy Newell batting at number nine was in at the end scoring a rapid 18*. Varun was unfortunate to finish on 99*, his highest score for the club and a quality, battling knock in a tea time total of 231-7.
What happened next was spectacular. Firstly, Russ Butcher produced his second big performance in suc-cessive newsletters. Here, the radar was operating with military precision as he hit the perfect length time and time again, taking the first 6 wickets. He finished with a brilliant 6-20 to demoralize the home batters. Varun then stepped in to clean up the tail finishing with 4-1 in a total of 41 all out. Varun was and is a bowler of astonishing accuracy. He gives batsmen nothing so that they have to eventually take a chance against him. His finest cricketing moment must be when dismissing Ian Bell, Joe Root and Samit Patel in 2013. Scorecard here: https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/12286/scorecard/565805/delhi-vs-england-xi-tour-match-england-tour-of-india-2012-13
1st XI v Timperley Mid-May 2015
Meanwhile, fast forward to GD5 of the 2015 season and and our 1stXI were away to Timperley. Skipper Mike Gaynon decided that he wanted to chase that day. The Timperley batters were happy to set a substantial target with the 244-6 amassed at the half-way point always likely to prove a challenging quest. Dave Mumford was the most successful bowler with three hard-earned wickets. The 6 wickets was 1 more than the 5 point haul of Electro Velvet that year. Thanks to San Marino for those 3 points.
In the 2015 season we had a very formidable batsman in our ranks. Kiwi Mitch Renwick scored well over 800 runs in 15 league games that season at an average of over 92. His severe hamstring tear ruled him out at that point when he was on course for something like 1350 runs. We will never know what might have been but this was a day when he impressed all who were present, making 136* at a run-a-ball with 18 fours and 5 sixes, over a century in boundaries. Turfail Talha provided great support at the start of the innings with a rapid 65, before supporting contributions from Matt Astbury and Josh Morgan-Jones got us over the line at 246-3 in 43.4 overs and 25 points.
Read about Mitch’s maiden first class hundred here: https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/cricket/renwick-century-anchors-otago-innings.
Mitch currently plays for Ota-go Volts. Based in Dunedin, their beautiful home ground is the world’s southernmost test venue. Mitch has shots all round the wicket but you can-not bowl short to him or he’ll rock back and dispatch over mid-wicket as he’s doing here.
2nd XI enjoy success at Mobberley mid-May 2006
The 2ndXI travelled to Mobberley for this Eurovision weekend fixture in 2006. After a wet week, captain Brian Wareing had no difficulty making his mind up to ask the hosts to have first knock. 31 overs later, congratulations were due to the Swans’ bowling attack, and in particular to Dave Graham. Dave is a tall chap bowling a brisk medium pace slightly off the wrong foot and with a high action. When he was on song, Dave could cause teams to fumble in haste at those pad straps in the expectation of being in soon. Dave has 3 of the top 5 best-ever 2ndXI post 1978 bowling analyses to his name. At the lovely Church Lane ground in 2006, Dave had the remarkable fig-ures of 15.2-9-14-9, with the ever-dependable Richard Morgan-Jones ruining Dave’s chance of all 10, although his wicket was the second man out, so he is excused.
A total of 48 was always going to be hard to defend but the hosts made a good fist of it knocking over 5 wickets before the target was reached. Chris Brooks was top scorer in the match with 18*, an innings worth a lot more and almost twice as many as anyone else managed. Fittingly, Dave Graham was in with the battling Brooksy at the end as the win was secured. For the record, UK entry in 2006 was the rap meets St Trinians ’Teenage Life’ which wasn’t disgraced in 19th place.
Look back to last year
Going back in time to the 2019 season, we all remember the success of the 2ndXI and the magnificent run of wins that unfolded. GD5 was a trip to our local neighbours and good friends at CCO. The team knew that this would be a good test. Skip Pete Roberts won the toss and elected to bat: there was not much option last season if you wanted a 25 point win. When the wickets started to tumble on the old Brookhirst ground, we were not in robust batting health. Fahad Dar’s patient 29 was the start of the recovery. The stand for the 7th wicket between Jack Harding 42 and Nick O’Connell 27 was studious and responsible, and one of many times last year when the lower order produced the goods. Quick-fire runs from Adam Bayley and Louis Mullineux boosted the total to 179-9 at tea. Our square-keeper Alen Roberts bowled with his usual accuracy for CCO taking 2 wickets.
After tea wily batsman Ian Barlow made a doughty 39 for CCO but wickets were falling at the other end as the spin of Jack Harding and Dave Phillips claimed 3 victims each. There were wickets also for Louis and Nick as CCO closed on 121-9, with Alen having a good all round game defiantly 24* at the end. The points were 25 to 13 in favour of the Swans whose battling win against good opposition gave them the confidence to kick on for the rest of the season.
Some of our Sunday contingent are of the opinion that the Iceland entry this year is brilliant. What do you think?
Staying alert – thanks to the County Board staff who are keeping us informed
This week’s edition of the ECB newsletter focuses primarily on the new guidelines for the safe use of outdoor facilities, published yesterday by ECB. This has been produced to support the advice of government and medical experts, and to offer practical guidance to players and clubs on the steps they must take to remain safe whilst undertaking exercise in an outdoor cricket club environment.
PLEASE NOTE: No decision has yet been made by the club as to whether we believe these stringent requirements allow for the resumption of some very limited cricket activity. We will discuss on Tuesday to try to decide whether such cricket activity is feasible, manageable and safe. We will let you know what we decide but until you hear otherwise… THE NETS REMAIN CLOSED.
This week’s ECB update is a bumper edition with lots of excellent content, including:
- Dynamos Cricket App – download brilliant games for 8-11 year olds
- Free coach development webinars accessed via iCoachCricket
- Nominate your NHS heroes (deadline Monday)
- Natwest Moneysense featuring Michael Vaughn (Monday 18th May)
- Play-cricket updates
The communications from the ECB are required reading if you want to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the recreational game. This week’s can be found here:
https://ecb-comms.co.uk/1FT6-6VE30-D6SSQJ4NB2/cr.aspx
https://ecb-comms.co.uk/1FT6-6VEJU-757G090DCD/cr.aspx
Brian Wareing has kindly provided a couple of photos from the archive which I think will be of interest to a lot of people.
In both cases were going back around 20 years. To the left we have the absolute beast of a roller that was in use throughout the 80’s and 90’s. This device was very slow and lurched quite a lot. Parking it in the garage was a nerve-racking experience I remember only too well. Local Mercedes specialist Tony Forbes was amongst many keeping this monster working. You will notice too how open the surrounds are and how much the trees and hedges have grown in the intervening years.
A kind and generous donation from a club member allowed us to purchase the comparatively svelte roller that we use today. Thank you
Heading back to the same era, we have the start of the new net area.
For many years the net area was in the corner that now houses the scoreboard. This gradually fell into disrepair and was replaced by the facility you see. Steve Johnson, a true master of many trades, provided the skills to lay the concrete and build the brickwork. Steve is a remarkable man when it comes to ability to apply practical skills.
Standing on the concrete you can see the smiling figure of our much-missed former President Jim Partington. Respected throughout the area, Swans’ President for 20 years and 2nd XI captain for 10 years was always a man with a smile and some kind words. The ‘Partington Oak’ in the village centre still stands proudly as a tribute to the man.
…and finally
Cricket knowledge question – Level: Very Hard
Earlier, we reminisced about Dave Graham’s amazing bowling performance. You can see from the table above that this was no fluke. When he was on song, he was deadly, recording 3 of the best 5 2ndXI bowling analyses in league cricket from 1978.
My question for you today is, who else has recorded a 2ndXI 9-for?
Last weeks answer: Terry Dandy, the original safe hands. Well done Pete Roberts and Chris Spencer for getting that one
Covid-19 relief fund
Due the restrictions placed on recreational sport, the hospitality sector and leisure, the Cricket Club are generating ZERO revenue. You as players and members have not been asked to pay your membership for the immediate; match sponsors have not been approached; and functions that are normally arranged cannot be held. Our outfield mower requires some repairs and we have machinery insurance costs to cover for the immediate.
As such we have setup a crowdfunding page which is being supported by the ECB. If we can pledge at least £100 to the page then the ECB will also lock-in £100.
Can I ask you all to pledge your support via the below page – no pressure as to how much to pledge, but even the cost of a bottle of wine, or a couple of beers will help. Please share this link too, every penny helps.
Your community club – it needs your support.
https://www.spacehive.com/christleton-cricket-covid-19-relief
Chairman’s Lockdown Newsletter – Week 4
Warmest greetings to all Christleton CC members and friends to this Bank Holiday bumper newsletter edition. Today would have been game day 4 of the 2020 season. Scheduled fixtures were against Stockport and Port Sunlight. We first played Stockport in 2011, with Port Sunlight appearing in our fixture list for the first time in 2001 – there were games against Port Sunlight last year, when club members were very excited about plans for a new pavilion. We send our best wishes to both clubs’ players and officials– we are sorry to have missed you. Current cricketing news can be found on further below.
Here, we’ll continue with a browse through some exciting May matches of the past. For both 1st and 2nd teams, we’re casting the memory back to the 2010 season. National Treasure David Attenborough was celebrating his 84th birthday on the day of these fixtures, and in the World Cup T20 local lads Pietersen and Kieswetter were helping England to a hard-fought win against South Africa.
1st XI v Irby 08/05/2010
Game day 4 of the 2010 season was productive for both 1st and 2nd XI’s. The 1st team played at home to Irby. The morning had provided several sprinkles of rain that persuaded captain Paul Allen to ask the visitors to bat first. The Mill Hill Lane men found life difficult at first and at 48-5 could have folded quickly. This was not to be as a defiant lower order shepherded the team to a respectable 159 at half-way. Skipper Allen was in good form with the ball with 4-37. There was a wicket for Matt Parkinson, 2 for Guy Newell, and 3 for Iroshan de Silva.
A mirror image of the first innings was seen after tea, with the loss of early, key wickets followed by a steadying of the ship. Jamie Creek provided the steadying with a diligent and determined 45 off 90 balls. However, when he was out, closely followed by skipper Allen, at 108-8 Swans’ hopes were hanging by a thread. At this point, Andy Heyland decided that he wasn’t going down without a fight and began to smash the ball to all parts of Little Heath. His run-a-ball 44* proved decisive in securing a Swans’ win. Nick O’Connell, experienced in so many similar situations, provided the invaluable support with a doughty 12*. Andy played many bigger innings but this was one of his most important as it helped to secure victory at 161-8 and 20 hard-earned points.
2nd XI enjoy success at Mobberley 08/05/2010
This weekend in 2010 was a 45 pointer for the club. The 2nds under (ever dependable) Richard Morgan-Jones travelled to picturesque Mobberley, always a delightful place to play cricket. Our hosts asked us to bat first that day, only to find Swans anxious to gorge on runs. Willy Lamb 63 and Ollie Morgan-Jones 30 laid the foundation of a big score. Rob Marks (clearly in great form– see below) added acceleration with a stylish 70* before Russell Butcher, in uncharted territory batting at number 4, larruped a lightening 41 to enable a declaration on 222-2. Many quality players did not get in that day.
The adrenalin was clearly still raging for Russ after tea as he quickly removed 3 upper-order players. He also caught 2– MOM stuff surely? Ollie, having a good all-round game, also had 3 wickets, and Jimmy Dathan bowled one with a lovely nip-backer. It was then left to the wily Wareing to entice the tail into playing some shots. Brian duly did this, finishing with 3 wickets to wrap up a very good team performance and the 25 points.
Over 40’s action from Bramhall
Around this part of April is the time when midweek matches start to be played. This week, we’re going to turn our attention back to 2005. You will remember the Vets’ photo from last week’s Newsletter. This week we get to see them in action a week before Tony Blair’s 3rd General Election
victory.
Bramhall batted first and were pinned down by mercilessly accurate bowling, the innings closing in the 20th over at 85 all out. Nigel Campbell was remembered this week as a very fine leg-spinner by our Sweden correspondent Scott Thurling. This is true, but on this occasion one of his wickets was a really filthy ball smashed venomously into the waiting hands of Tony Collard, who had put himself into the right place, as he so often did and still does. Amazingly wickets fell in succession recorded as ‘Run out Hollindale’ and ‘LBW Hollindale’. [Not as under-bowled as Nick O’Connell, but definitely under-bowled.] Wickets also for Steve Johnson [2-8] Phil Tidy [2-9] and for current turf manager Alen Roberts. [There’s a nice picture of Alen below.]
The run chase was successful in the 19th over for only 3 down with Mike Field 30ret and Phil Tidy 27* stinging the hands of a busy backward point.
After the game a very welcome sight was that of a chap appearing in the pavilion with a large box containing 24 portions of rapidly demolished fish and chips– great hospitality fondly remembered even after 15 years.
Pictured relaxing at his street’s VE Day celebrations yesterday, squarekeeper Alen is clearly making the most of the limitations imposed by lockdown.
Cheers!
Under 18 season starts well
Back in 2010, Under 18 supremo Mark Astbury had assembled a side that he thought could do very well in the Cheshire Cup. The team’s first game of the season, a true test, was at home to a Brymbo team that had been strong in the previous summer.
Brymbo batted first that night and rattled up a useful 131-6 from 20 overs. There were 2 wickets apiece for the brisk Tom Allen and for future Peruvian international all-rounder Matt Astbury. We were left to hope that the 19 extras conceded would not prove to be the deciding factor.
The target was imposing but achievable and the young Swans chased it down with gusto, supplementing boundaries with daring and swift running between the wickets– always a feature of this side’s play. The Little Heath youngsters laid down solid foundations, only 44 at half way but with deep batting and wickets intact. Eventually Swans reached 132-8 after 19.4 overs to seal the victory, no mean feat against strong opposition. Rob Marks led the way that night with a dashing 52ret, whilst multi folk music award winner and broadcaster Greg Russell weighed in with a vital 27. There will be more reports from this U18 team later in the season.
Lockdown – thanks to the County Board staff who are keeping us informed
The Bank Holiday edition of the latest ECB newsletter covers the following:
- Details of a new Emergency Loan scheme for junior/senior leagues
- Info about the new Dynamos App (for 8-11 year olds) which launches next week
- National Emergencies Trust (NET) Coronavirus Appeal
- Spacehive Crowdfunding reminder (deadline 14th May)
We have registered for Spacehive and need everyone to get involved. Pete Roberts will let you know how. Follow Swans social media pages and outline details can be found here: https://ecb-comms.co.uk/1FT6-6V2RL-D6SSQJ4NB2/cr.aspx
Other things that will be of interest:
Groundsmanship
Level 1 Cricket Grounds Maintenance (online)
Find out more and book here.
Umpiring– online courses
ECB Association of Cricket Officials has created a range of free online courses for aspiring umpires and scorers. The courses are a great way for people to use thecurrent downtime to learn a new skill or brush up on their knowledge.
Basics of Umpiring – : http://booking.ecb.co.uk/d/jnqlsg
Umpire Stage One – http://booking.ecb.co.uk/d/fnqrf1
Coaching
Cheshire Cricket Board have organised an online batting masterclass with former West Indies and current ECB batting consultant Toby Radford, which takes next Wednesday May 13th from 7pm. Register your interest via the link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/master-class
A reminder that coaches can also access ECB’s excellent online resource iCoach
Cricket free of charge, with hundreds of drills and games to choose from: https://icoachcricket.ecb.co.uk/
Mentioned in dispatches
This week’s ‘mentioned in dispatches’ looksback to GW4 in the 2019 season. Swans 1stXI visited near-neighbours Tattenhall on this day.
Asked to bat first, only 2 Swans’ batters recorded double figures, namely Kiwi Josh and Arslan. Fortunately, someone racked up 3 figures. This was Mubashir Hassan. Muby scored 116, completely dominating proceedings. When he was 7th man down, he had amassed 116 with 7 fours and 10 sixes. A
final total of 182 looked formidable. Scored off only 87 balls, the power and class of his strokeplay will long be remembered.
After tea, Kiwi Josh and Javid had 5 wickets apiece as spin won the day, delighted Swans leaving the Flacca with 25 very useful points.
Cricket Sudoku – Week 4 Lvel: Easy
Holiday bonus
Some cricketers have been animated here. How many can you name?
Which bears most resemblance to a Swans’ player?
Swans Cricket knowledge question – Level: Hard
Which legendary Swan took 14 catches for the 1st XI in 1984 (joint club record) and 13 catches for 2nd XI in both 1983 & 1990 (a club record)?
Last weeks answer for amassing 814 runs for both teams: Mark Hughes
How our ground is judged by others
Chairman’s Lockdown Newsletter – Week 3
Warmest greetings to all Christleton CC members and friends. The previous spell of beautiful weather seems to have broken for now. Let’s hope for a return of some sunshine which has made such a positive difference to many of us during these extraordinary times. Today would have been game day 3 of the season. Scheduled fixtures were against Stockport Georgians and Oxton. We first played Georgians in 2002 when they became the 65th club we’ve played league cricket against. Oxton appeared on our fixture card for the first time in 2005, thus becoming our 79th opposing club. We send our best wishes to both clubs’ players and officials– we are sorry to have missed you. Current cricketing news can be found on page further down in this newsletter. Here, we’ll continue with a browse through some exciting early May matches of the past.
1st XI v Chester Boughton Hall 07/05/2005
The third game of the 2005 season saw the Swans make the short trip down the A51 to near neighbours Chester Boughton Hall. This was to be our first-ever 1stXI league match against CBH, and what a remarkable match it turned out to be. Heavy rain on the Friday had left some residual dampness, a factor that led to the visitors being asked to take first knock in this 110 overs game.
Wickets fell steadily throughout the Christleton innings as the team was bundled out for 131 in 42.2 overs. The only contributions of substance came from Simon Ratcliffe and Darron Cruickshank. Stylish left-handed veterinarian Ratcliffe battled manfully for over an hour for 25, whilst Cruickshank lost 7 partners before being the last man out with 11 fours in a commendable score of 62. Trinidadian Cruikshank was 19 at the time and playing for only the third time in England.
So often, as we all know, batting looks more straightforward after tea. Although, on this day, the hosts also found runs hard to come by, even though they had a theoretical 67 overs at their disposal. Jason Ashcroft, Darron Cruickshank and Alex Barr all chipped in with wickets. However, skipper Guy Newell decided that Maroof Khan’s bowling was too controlled to be replaced. Maroof bowled unchanged from one end, a spell of 29.5-8-51-5, an exceptional feat of concentration and control. This is the longest spell of bowling in club history and will never be surpassed. CBH were finally all out for 129 as the last man was out caught at slip off Khan in the 59th over of the innings for a narrow victory margin of just 2 runs. [Both sides conceded more than 2 in no balls– just a thought bowlers]. Scorers that day were the meticulous and affable Brian Ruks and Jim Law.
The 22 points earned the hard way on that day helped to kick-start a very good Premier League season for the Swans.
Leg-ends
Some Christleton Legends pictured at an Over 40’s home match in 2006.
11 points are available, one for every player you can name [Ed: I got 9].
Answers below .
2nd XI earn a hard fought victory hosting Oakmere
This week I’ve selected a match that will be fairly fresh in the memory banks for a lot of current players. It’s a home 2nd XI match against Oakmere from early 2017. Triple platinum track ‘Symphony’’ was at #1, surprisingly for only one week. It is approaching 1 billion YouTube views:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aatr_2MstrI
Swans won the toss and skipper Ian Mitchell fancied a bat on a Terry Dandy straw-top. The weather was recorded as cool and partly cloudy, similar to today. Swans’ openers Robbie McNally and Joe Wells were cautious and circumspect at first but crucially laid firm foundations by keeping wickets intact. Perhaps the batsmen were just stringing the bowlers along before deciding to cut loose? Runs were shared out that day: Wells 44, McNally 36 (must talk to him about getting out when well set) Mitchell 44, Guy Newell 46, Nick O’Connell 45* and 14 year old Max Wade 17*. It was unusual that the only batsman to miss out was run-machine Dan Hamp, and also for the fact that no-one scored 50 in a final total of 251-5 after 43 overs.
After tea, the men from Overdale Lane had a good crack at trying to reach this sizeable target, before closing at 164 all out. J. Williams scored a stylish 72 for the visitors as Adam Gittins, a very young Jack Harding, and Harisankar Kunhi Krishnan [Hari] finished with 3 wickets apiece in a pleasing win.
Mentioned in dispatches
I am delighted to be able to give our Sunday 3rd XI a mention. In 2007 we were playing in CCCL Sunday 3rd XI Division 1, and on May 6th we hosted a game against Upton from the Wirral.
The visitors batted first and put together a respectable total of 156, the main bowling damage being done by a cunningly flighted mix of off-spin and doosra from Willy Lamb. With 4-11. Richard Morgan-Jones [ever dependable], Dave Phillips and Andy Dyne secured the balance of the wickets that day.
After tea Willy Lamb was hoist with his own petard*, stumped for 30 off airy spin. Cellar master Dave Swift and skip Mal Joyce both hit a rapid 35. Dave Phillips was 48* at the end and the ever dependable you know who hit the winning runs in a nice win.
* Hamlet– classy newsletter this.
Lockdown
Last week I pointed parents in the direction of some skills practices that can be done in small areas, as well as some activities for All-stars aged children. See last week’s newsletter for details.
This week, once again there are some items of cricket news that you may be interested in. The latest ECB update has:
• News on The Hundred [postponed]
• National Programmes [All Stars/Dynamos]
• A link to online umpiring and scoring courses
You can see the update here:
https://ecb-comms.co.uk/1FT6-6UQEX-D6SSQJ4NB2/cr.aspx
On a more local level, the Cheshire Cricket board has done a great job in securing the services of former West Indies batting coach Toby Radford who will lead an online ‘masterclass’ exclusively for Cheshire-based coaches.
This session (date TBC) will be free of charge for all Cheshire club members. All coaches are encouraged to complete the survey and you will then receive an email with a link to dial into the online session:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/master-class
Cricket Sudoko – Level Easy
Who is the missing player? – Level: Hard (Answer next week)
814 runs in 1989
…of which 402 for 1st XI and 412 for 2nd XI
ANSWERS: Christleton Legends pictured 2006.
Back: Norman Goodwin, Mike Field, Jonny Read, Willy Lamb, Geoff Hawkes, Steve Johnson, Nigel Campbell,
Front: Paul Evans, Mike Hollindale, Tony Collard, Terry Jonas.