LATEST RESULTS

Saturday 28 April

Friendly against Lt. Waltham

The 2nds traveled to sunny Lt. Waltham for a pre-season friendly and for probably the only time that it will happen this campaign skipper Mortz was not the oldest player. We elected to field and in a fine opening spell Ash Tyler proved to good for Specky Newman and the Waltham number three. There then followed some uncharacteristically loose bowling from Frosty which opener Thorogood took advantage of to see Waltham race to 100-2 in 14 overs. New boy Shoab started slowly but produced an excellent slower ball to deceive Thorogood and then followed it up with another wicket soon afterwards. From here on we bowled a bit tighter and were pleased to see the opposition only reach 227-9 from 40 overs.

After a fine tea the highlight of our reply was a super knock of 87 from Chalky (his highest senior score). Matt was ably supported by the run machine Southwell who hit 31 and extras who scored very well towards the end of the innings. Unfortunately we closed two runs short at 225-6.

All in all this was an excellent first game with everybody getting some form of practice. We could have fielded a little better but it must be said we kept an attacking field throughout the first half of the Waltham innings on a ground that will surely see a number of scores close to 300 in the league this year.

Next fixture 12th May against Ekco Monarchs Trojans home 13.30

Rayne 165-9

2nd XI 166-1

Rayne were asked to bat first and despite some good bowling they achieved an opening partnership of 72. However after the dismissal of Cooper (48) and Rainbird (31) some very tight bowling from Pete Frost (3-43) saw the opposition pegged back to 165-9 from 45 overs. Pete was assisted by Dan Rising (2-47) and Faharn Mahmood (2-20). The latter finished with a very quick spell that included 3 successive maidens at the end of the Rayne innings.

In reply we got off to a flyer. The rather optimistic short leg was removed after 3 boundaries came in the first 5 balls from Adam Radford. Adam continued where he left off at the end of last season with an awesome display of clean hitting. After a cautious start Dan Unger joined in the fun and these two added 130 for the first wicket in 16 overs. Adam finished with 74 and Dan 64 not out; Matt Chalk helping Dan knock off the runs in only 23 overs. A brilliant start to the season.

Next fixture 12th May against South Weald away 13.30

Sat III 165-5 against Bluehouse 161-10

Sunday IIs vs. High Roding

With the first game of the season against Nazeing Common better forgotten (got thrashed, don’t want to talk about it), Russell lead us away to High Roding for the second first match of the season. Obviously intimidated by the swarms of under 11s and under 13s using the High Roding nets, Russ decided that he would bowl on a good May wicket. The skipper’s confidence was rewarded when James Welshman removed their opener for none in the second over. At the other end, Dan Rising bowled some nice gentle in swingers taking 2 wickets in the process. Roding fought back though, and were looking good until Mcdermott teased the skipper out of his crease for an exceedingly sharp stumping, and the Martin Solomon did the limbo on the boundary for a good catch. A generous declaration saw High Roding set 202 to win with 90 minutes and 20’ to do it in. 

High Roding shot themselves in the foot by removing ‘steady as she goes’ Clancy second ball, bringing the fleet footed Troy Nice to enthusiastic Solomon together 4 balls in. The pair put on 80 for the second wicket, until Troy went a sweep too far. Solomon remained to create a lynch pin for the innings, scoring 55. Well paced 20s from Grey, Welshman and Rising were vital in setting up a victory, and with everyone expecting Russ to end it in the penultimate over, he let Mcdermott tease us to with 2 balls of a draw before he clattered the ball for four…through fine leg.

7th May

Sunday IIs vs. Hornchurch Athletic

‘Springfield Not Particularly Athletic’ made the trek over to Romford with windscreen wipers on all the way on a typically grey bank holiday Monday. After a 45 minuet delay and a lot of poking a squelching pitch, play got under way with The Bank Holiday Monday First Team in the field. Hornchurch started brightly, with Solomon inflicting the first wicket with the score well progressed. A lot of ball chasing ensued, as Hornchurch tucked in and helped themselves. The brightest beam on the day was undeniably Mark Northfield, taking 4 good ‘spinner’s’ wickets including a spectacular catch from Gary, running round the long on boundary with a full length dive (narrative licence used). Hornchurch declared on 200 after 30 overs, setting a daunting target in the rain ravaged context in which this match was played in.

In reply, Springfield never really looked threatening. Supplementary knocks from Solomon (18*) and Clancy (16) were nonentities when compared to Martin Southwell’s first ton on the year, a marvelous 117 not out from 115 balls. This was crucial in getting Springers up to their end total of 185 for 4. The end result of a draw was rewarding for a team who were out played and out classed in many departments, and Springfield can be happy with it as well…

Next fixture 13th May against Hockerill away 14.00

Next fixture 19 May Pegasus & Corringham 13.30 home

South Weald v Sat 2nd XI (42-1 in 19 overs)

On a soggy track Springfield were invited to bat an the extremely youthful partnership of Mortz and Kendo zimmer framed there way out to bat. It must be said that the only highlight of an extremely boring hour's cricket played was the 435rd unlucky dismissal of Kendo's very long career. Neil absolutely larruped a straight driver only to see the bowler make a superb jumping effort. The ball was diverted towards extra cover where mid off dived full length to take a catch a few inches from the ground. After a brief moment of reflection Kendo uttered the immortal words of Victor Meldrew and returned to his teammates in the pavilion (most of whom were still rolling around in hysterics). It then rained............

P.S. A really good day for Kendo was rounded up with the 2nd trip to South Weald to pick his kit up

Next fixture 19 May against Canvey Island 13.30 away

Next fixture 19 May against Hullbridge 13.30 home

Sunday 13 May

Sun II vs Hockerill

Saturday 19 May

Springfield II 202-7

Canvey Island 181 All Out

The two's made the trek to the island and against all odds found the ground straight away albeit taking in a few grassy mounds along the way. We were asked to bat first and in very windy conditions and against a swinging ball a steady opening partnership of 91 was achieved between Dan Unger and Mortz. Dan was first to fall for 41 and Mortz followed later for 63. This led to a mini collapse that left us at 136-6. However Shoab and Faharn rode their luck and got us out of jail with a 60 partnership to lead us pass the 200 mark. Shoab finished with 47 that included a large six over midwicket and Faharn with 17 not out. Ash and Dan Rising failed to impress with the bat but gained village awards for going to the shops for sweeties (thank God the Beacon isn't open anymore).

The Canvey reply began with the Cup Final still in the balance and we were rewarded with two quick wickets. The first of these saw Flub give a Jonty Rhodes masterclass at cover point. The opening bat drove square and hard well to Flub's left and sat back and admired his certain four. Flub, however, had a different angle on the situation. All normal launch sequence protocols were ignored as he flew through the air and took an amazing catch to his left. For those at Canvey who saw this feat had just seen the catch of the season. For those that didn't the realisation that as Flub landed their island had just gone another foot below sea level will soon become apparent.

Another wicket followed soon after but then it must be said we let things slip and bowled and fielded erratically for a while. We did get back into the game thanks to some steady bowling from Frosty (2-48) and a couple of run outs. The introduction of Flub coming down the hill with the wind bowling in tandem with Pete saw the run rate go up and Springfield looked favourites. However a late flourish from the Canvey middle order threatened to ruin Springfied's day and 22 were needed of the last 3 overs with 3 wickets in hand.

At this stage Mortz and Frosty had a timeout where Pete suggested Flub might go for a few. For the record Flub stayed on and took all 3 wickets in his next over. Another good performance came from Blanch with his new retro orange gloves.

A very good win in the end that could have gone either way. We do need to work on a number of elements of our game. Our bowling needs to be more consistent and our fielding was not good at all.

Next fixture Bentley II 13.30 home

Sunday 20 May

Away to Hanningfield this week at the tranquil Barry Hearn Park. Russell, bullied into tossing the coin by Hanningfield’s captain, decided to bowl on an interesting pitch, dubiously prepared by Hanningfield’s opening bowler.

Things, already, were not looking good. However, forming conspiracy theories is not the Sunday twos’ way, so opening bowlers Blundell (on debut) and Welshman (remember him??) set to their task with aplomb, returning extraordinary figures of 0 for 11 off 7 and 2 for 12 off 10 respectively. This reduced Hanningfield to 24 for 2, before two wickets from a second debutant, Paul Doody, brought the score onto 28 for 3 and then 28 for 4. Hanningfield were on the verge of collapse, and to provide the killer blow, Rusty turned to his very own King of Spain, Gary Nightingale. Gary tossed and twiddled himself figured of 4 for 29, before Smith game on to grab the last two wickets. The only saving grace for Hanningfield was a last man stand of 36, with the top score coming from number 11 and only one other bat to reach double figures. An immaculate display behind the stumps ensured extras weren’t too damaging. Springfield went into enjoy and scrumptious tea with a total of 89 firmly within their sights.

Russell decided to back brains over beauty in the batting order, sending out Ash Pattani and Martin Solomon to open up. They lasted 5 overs before Ash nicked one behind whilst on 2 and the score on just 7. Walking off, he was heard to remark “doesn’t seam like that at Fenners”. This bought Troy Nice (remember him??) to the crease, and him and Solomon started to build a solid platform. Solomon’s wicket sparked a tragic train of events, seeing the score go from 15 for 1 to 25 for 7 in 12 overs. The principle destroyer in this calamitous collapse was Pete Frost, seeing 3 of Springfields’ finest (Sunday) players trudge off without troubling Gary (he was scoring). Frosty bowled through the innings, and met tough resistance from Troy (22) and Andy Blundell (19). These two took the score to 31 from victory, but a cold hearted display of bowling from Frost saw Springfield splutter to 72 all out. Frost ended with comic figures of 22 overs, 17 maidens, 8 for 10. So that’s the story of how Springfield lost to effectively a 3 man East Hanningfield team. If there’s one positive to take from this game it’s that Russ won’t be able to boast he is the only unbeaten captain in the club. Oh well, there’s always next year...

Next fixture 27 May Great Canfield 14.00 home

SATURDAY 26 MAY

2nd XI 109 All Out
Bentley II 110-3

An under strength 2nd XI were totally outclassed by Bentley on a green Corra track. Put into bat only Mortz with 52 and Flubb with 26 at the end got into double figures. Yes, the ball did swing around, but we batted poorly and got a stuffing. Enough said,

P.S. Thanks to those guys who came in at the last minute and to Claire for the work she put in on the BBQ and choccy fountain.

Or rather non-match report

Bank Holiday Weekend

Vs. Great Canfield

Vs. Hockerill

Saturday morning heralded untold frustration, as Great Canfield, the opposition for Sunday, called up to cancel. Whether they disliked the forecast, or could genuinely only muster 4 players and expected to fill their team on the day before the match, is disputable. Regardless, the rain poured down all Sunday, meaning that there would have been no chances of play at the Corra, unless we reerected the rugby posts and tried out our crouching Johnny Wilkinson impressions. The story was the same for Monday, alas, and even though we had an opposition, 24 hours of rain meant our time was better spent researching the most effective methods of ark building. Having two games simultaneously cancelled is always frustrating, but even more so when they represent 2/5 of home games for our side, and probably the only time we would have the lazy privilege of playing on number one square (unless the presidents day 6 aside comp is demoted to the second square, gifting the main stage to some serious cricket…). Even more sickening is memories of the week before, when I had been showing off my shapely legs by wearing shorts, and also the sunburn I endured in April. However, we must always look for a silver lining. I didn’t not score any runs, which is good. I could go out for a curry a half price curry on Sunday before the good meat was gone. And I had an excuse not to wash my filthy car. Even so, its still gutting not to play cricket. Roll on next week and some sun…

SATURDAY 2 JUNE

2nd XI 199 All Out

Gt. Waltham 200-7

On a brilliant sunny day to play at Gt Waltham is what cricket in Essex is all about. Enough of the sentimental jargon before I get compared to the Sunday 2nd team bard.

Simon Richardson, a mean bard himself, having seen some of his epics on the Waltham website, put us in on a firm, green track. Against a swinging ball we had to work hard to score runs and it was not long before Kendrick induced an edge with another away swinger to account for Dancey. The introduction of Chappo saw the demise of Chalky and Mortz and Moony had to knuckle down and pick the odd bad ball to hit. Unfortunately Moony perished for 26 and Mortz for 53 and we were then knew we had to work hard to post a good score. However useful contributions from Soahab, Waqas, Firhan and Dan Rising saw us reach a very respectable 119 All Out. The feeling in the camp was that this was probably 20 short but with some tight bowling and a few early wickets who could tell.

The early wicket did not come although the odd chance / near miss always looked likely. Ex Springfield man Bloomy made an adventurous 63 before taking one too many chances and falling to Frosty. Once again Frosty and Flub put the brakes on the opposition innings and both went for just 3ish an over. Flub finished with 3 wickets including a smart one handed return catch. As a result of this tight bowling and with Dancey bowling 4 overs for just 11 runs at the end a victory became a possibility. However Paul Allen saw Waltham home with just 2 balls to spare. An excellent game of cricket played in good spirit in front of an appreciable crowd.

We battled back well in this game to nearly get a win and this was helped by the controlled bowling of the trio mentioned above and the vital contributions from a very young middle order. Special mention to Blanch who kept wicket very enthusiastically and took two good stumpings.

We do need to work on a few elements of our game though. All of our bowlers need to bowl more consistently and we need to hold more chances. The key to this is to stay focused on the job in hand. Everyone has a role to play at all times during the game.

Next fixture Little Waltham 13.30 Home

SUNDAY 3 JUNE

3rd June vs. North Weald

Forget the grandeur of Audley End, North Weald is the fixture that every Sunday 2s player looks forward to the most. Over the years, a good friendship has been struck up between the two sides, which was duly tested when half of the SSIIs were diverted around the perimeter of Essex by a road closure. Starting late, North Weald won the toss (they insisted on doing a toss, much to the annoyance of Russell) and inserted Springfield on a typically slow and patchy wicket. Jerry Hayes opened the bowling, and along with Ginn kept a tight lid on the scoring, seeing the score on 23-1 off the first ten, Solomon the casualty. This bought the future of cricket, Clancy and Nice together, to share a stand of 55. Whilst Troy grafted, Clancy laid into the Weald bowling with an attractive array of shots down the ground, before falling for 50. Undeterred, Nice continued and pulled and cut his was to 87 off 106 balls before falling. A good contribution of 30 from Southwell pushed the score onto 199 for 5 before the declaration.

In reply, Weald started well. Wood and Westly were batting well when, whilst the score was on 30, Blundell claimed his first senior Springfield wicket, finishing with 2 for 28 off 13. Although wickets were hard to come by, Springfield were able to control the scoring rate, pressure earning wickets for McDermott, Russ and Clancy senior, bowling his first ever maiden at the tender age of 50. The slow wicket and imposing total were too much for Weald, only Elby ever looking really comfortable for a good 40 not out.

Despite a run out off the last ball, Springfield were only able to take 9 wickets, and thus the match ended in a good draw. Although not making the most exhilarating reading, a drawn game can be the result of a close and exciting encounter. Although not being that close at the end, and with the slow, low wicket not being totally conducive to exciting cricket, the two teams of purists appreciated the result as a fair conclusion to an enjoyable match.

Next fixture Audley End 14.00 Away

Sunday 10 June

Sunday II's  vs. Audley End

The second team travelled beyond the Flitch this week to play in the grounds of the grandiose Audley End house. Whilst no one doubts the charms of Great Waltham and Foulness (a rose by any other name…), playing beneath the Jacobean splendor of Audley End is a day out fit for a king, and indeed was for King James I. Without wishing to engage in superfluous ‘sentiment’, on with the cricket.

Upon arrival, skipper Russ was immediately caught off guard, being hoodwinked into playing an overs game. An overs game?? Bad form! But, as has been made clear before, this is no village side, and the Sunday Twos took the field with a truly commendable professional spirit in the face of what was seen to be true adversity (an overs game, I ask you!). The bowling was opened by Blundell and Solomon, the first three overs played without two junior Sunday Twos, who were lost somewhere in Saffron Walden, but when their sat nav did find the huge house signposted for miles around that we came to last year, everyone was very sympathetic. The first wicket fell to Blundell, a good, steep catch by McDermott, before he claimed his second scalp by inducing the edge, gifting an easy catch to slip. Blundell finished with 2 for 16 off his eight, looking assured and rhythmic throughout his spell. At the other end, Solomon ran in hard, his brand of left arm aggression earning one wicket for twenty one runs in his spell. At the culmination of these spells McDermott came on from the bottom and Pattani, guesting for the second time this year, bowled with the slope. In his preliminary three over spell Pattani bowled with guile and turn that was clearly too avant gard for the Audley End middle order. At the other end, McDermott was unlucky not to get a wicket in his four overs. The introduction of Martin Southwell saw desperate measures adopted by Audley End, unable to project the ball from the square and running out of ideas, some suicidal singles seen only before in terrier cricket progressed the score. Concern at the poor total was indicated by the raucously partisan support from those who had already failed with the bat. In the final ten overs, Pattani returned to the fold, conclusively bowling two batsman with aplomb. Figures of 2 for 19 would have appeared much more preponderant had his prey been able to lay bat on the ball. Audley End sulked in having posted 139 for 9 off their 40 overs.

Springfield’s reply was led by Clancy and Solomon, who smote a four through the covers in the third over to open the teams account. Solomon was unable to further his score before turning the ball midwicket who claimed a catch after the ball appeared to come up off the turf. The fieldsman’s refusal to recant his appeal saw the end of Solomon and the remainder of play was all the more bitter for it. Said fieldsman’s demeanor was sheepish thereafter, until a confident appeal was turned down by the umpire, evoking more bad spirit. Wickets fell steadily for Springfield, only Clancy (12) and Welshman (14) reaching double figures before getting out with the score on 36 for 5 at the half way stage. With some tight bowling, especially from Loughran (4 for 9) and a sluggish pitch, seven Springfield wickets perished to some good Audley End catching. The brightest moments of Springfields’ reply came when Southwell (26 not out) and Blundell (9) shared a stand of 30, taking the closing total to 86 for 8 off 40 overs.

To conclude, a pleasant day out at Audley End was only soured by defeat. It was pleasing, as ever, to see some traveling support, as well as to be playing in some lovely grounds and in splendid sunshine. Ash Pattani has also penned his views in his own majestic style, to deliver a perfectly rounded view of the match. Hopefully that will appear between these pages as soon as he escapes from the Bank of England.

SUNDAY 17TH JUNE

Springfield headed off in a familiar direction the week, that of Stansted. With the airport expansion looking a certainty, Russell must be concerned at the disruption it’ll cause to his fixture card, the new runway threatening to obliterate the majority of our oppositions’ grounds. For the third time in three weeks, Gary’s maps were unable to guide us all directly to the ground, a mixture of diversions and Asda employees (ie. Troy), leaving the skipper red faced (whether that was with anger, or embarrassment is disputable).

Stansted batted first and reached 20 before Welshman broke through. The Willingale wobbler would later take another wicket and end with commendable figures of 2 for 11 off 9. Stansteds’ top order struggled against the early swing of Welshman and Blundell before Goodaye (on debut) gutted the middle order taking 3 for 18, including two brilliant in-swinging yorkers. In a young Stansted line-up, a lot of promise was shown by Monk, before being caught off the bowling of Green (on debut, 1 for 8), and Kirby, succumbing to the loop of Clancy senior (poor man). Southwell and Clancy snr finished their spells with two wickets each, before Captain Jones bought himself on to clean up, bowling the 5 year old batting number 11. He boasted as he was walking back to the pavilion “I’ve had smaller…”. Stansted ended on 122 all out.

Generally speaking, when the opposition captain asks if it would be ok to start the second innings because the burgers aren’t ready yet, you can allow yourself a slight grin before you start licking your lips. This occasion was no exception, and after Clancy junior and Solomon successfully negotiated 45 minutes of play, the feast began. It was one of those rare, once a season teas where you get the unnerving feeling that turning the opposition into bloated, lethargic gastronomes is something the home side takes great delight in, as at tips the scales firmly in their favour (pun all too easy).

Anyway, on with the cricket and the resumption of play saw Solomon and Clancy achieve their first 50 partnership of the year. Loose balls kept the scoring rate ticking, before Solomon nicked one ball behind and turned to walk off. In a very sporting display, he was then called back by the bowler, the ball not carrying to the keeper. To see a batsman walk after an edge is unfortunately rare, but to then see the opening bowler, who had given his all for 10 overs with no reward then call him back, demonstrates the friendly nature of the game and the sportsmanship both sides valued. This, however, proved to be Stansteds’ best chance of a wicket, apart from some questionable running, and Solomon and Clancy carried their bats to complete a 10 wicket win (Solomon 58 not out, Clancy 59 not out).

Thus Springfield were back to winning ways with a good performance. We’re off to Kelvedon and Ferring next week, taking the Sunday Second show into new lands. I can’t wait!

Lt. Waltham 263-6 (Thorogood 146, Baxter 48, Platt 30; I Gregory 2-53, P Frost 3-78)

Springfield 225-8 (Mortimer 75, Chalk 35, Bass 35; Williams 4-57)

A thorough drubbing by Frank Thorogood who we dropped a few times cost us this game.

16th June - Sat 2nd XI lost to Chignal by 1 wkt.

Springfield 138-8 ( Chalk 38, Jarvis 31, Waqas26 n.o.; Bird 3-46, Fernando 2-28, Cant 2-21

Chignal 144-9 (Fernando 60; P Frost 2-26, Gregory 2-28, D Howell 2-45)

A very damp track which mad run scoring difficult. Chalkie and Damo ground out runs and Waqas scored freely at the end. After getting 4 quick wickets we looked in the driving seat but Fernando had other ideas and through a mixture of luck and aggression scored 60. With the scores level and two balls to go the number 11 struck a six to see a very disappointing result that we should have got more from.

23rd June - Sat 2nd XI beat Sandon by 4 wkts

Sandon 171-6

After losing players left, right and centre we managed to muster 11 at 1.10pm against Sandon. We again bowled fairly well but bowled the odd bad ball that Pete Lewington (47) punished. Tariq unfortunately suffered an injury when hitting his 2nd ball for 4 and required a runner soon after. Luckily the batsman that had been out 10 minutes earlier still had his pads on. As soon as he stepped out from behind the wall we knew that quick singles that had dried up were about to follow. We continued to bowl well but could not get Tariq out as he grew in confidence and mobility and was able to strike a number of boundaries interspersed with the odd, sharp single to score 75 n.o. The heaens then opened and tea was taken 4 oves early.

Springfield 172-6

The highlight of our innings proved to be a partnership between Moony and Mortz. Si got back to form with a blend of careful defence and brutal hitting and made 58; Mortz finished on 73 n.o.

This was a much needed win after a run of bad results. Thank you to those that stepped in at the last minute especially Harris (even though he did hog the strike)

1st July vs. Rayne

Apologies for the lack of updates, but match reports are a nightmare to write when there are no matches. Due to the disgustingly wet weather play for the last two Sundays has been called off without any balls being bowled. Kelvedon and Feering was a particularly disappointing fixture to lose, not only because it was due to be our first trip there, but also because it’s a relatively close fixture to home. With a water table higher then James Welshman’s bowling average, Rayne was always destined to be cancelled. For myself, with exams over and no more school, my week is really spent waiting for the weekend’s cricket. For the past few weeks this has meant living and dying by what happens on the cricket pitch, and it’s horrible not to be able to right Saturdays wrongs with no play on Sunday.

Anyway, I’m jetting off on holiday for the next two weekends so I anticipate someone else will take up the mantle of the match report. They might even do such a good job my services aren’t needed, or even better, match report ‘write-off’ competitions could ensue! I’m hoping that my flight will help the fight to speed up global warming and bring us some cricket weather. I encourage everyone else not to turn their lights off and keep the washing machine on all day for the same reason. Has anyone else noticed how quiet all the environmentalists have been recently? That’s always a bad sign. I’ll be back when the sun is…

2nd XI v Writtle

Match called off - waterlogged pitch!

Saturday 7th July

Sat 2nd XI 107 All Out

Rayne 108-2

With players missing for various reasons we took an inexperienced side to Rayne and quite frankly it showed. Whilst the track was not perfect it was one where you got your head down and built a score and 200 should have been achievable. However wickets fell regularly at one end as only Mortz looked comfortable scoring 58. Even at 105-5 with spinner Cooper having only 3 overs left to bowl we should have been looking to score another 60 or 70 runs. However a collapse ensued and we scored a mere 2 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.

Rayne had an extra 12 overs to score the necessary runs and started with a flourish as 10 runs came from Faharn's first 3 balls. Ian Gregory at the other end proved less hard to score from and completed 5 maidens on the bounce before tea with one wicket to his name. After tea Ian continued to bowl well and finished with 1-9 off 10 overs. To be honest no-one bowled badly but with just such a small score to chase Rayne just hung around picking up runs here and there and ran out winners off 37 overs.

A very disappointing result for us and one that we can ill afford to have a repeat of.

Sunday 8th July vs. Hornchurch

No Southwell, no Nightingale, no Clancy, no worries…" was how Russ' team talk would have gone for this latest Sunday 2s encounter, had we not arrived a mere 5 minutes before the start time. Nonetheless, thankfully there was no rain, and just enough time for Russ to persuade the opposition captain to let us field first in the baking heat in this 40-over a side match.

Things started tidily for Springfield with probing spells from Psycho and Andy Blundell – the scoring never picked up pace, but it wasn't until the 16 th over that Andy (finishing with 1-16 off 8) finally had the opener gobbled up by Cooky at gully that the break through came. Some canny bowling changes from Russ coupled with some atypically good Sunday fielding (mostly from Troy) kept the shackles firmly on the Hornchurch innings. Psycho's intimidation of the procession of schoolboys was rewarded with two excellent catches to bag wickets for McDermott (1-27) and Doody (who ended 3-44). Hornchurch hadn't progressed much beyond 100 with only 12 overs remaining, and it wasn't until the charitable introduction of Pattani that the scoreboard really got motoring – a series of ill directed quicker balls coaxing the total to 181 when 150 had seemed more realistic.

Cricket was soon forgotten as the bedraggled bunch lurched into the pavilion for the most incredible tea yet (some would say better than Stanstead, both in terms of variety and quantity), only to lurch back out slower and more reluctantly 40 minutes later all seemingly happy to bat down the order this week. After obeying strict orders not to go up for thirds at tea, Solomon and Atwell seemed content to tuck in to the bowling instead – racing to 45-0 after just 8 overs including 2 all run (when I say run, I really mean waddled) fours. Josh fell for a valiant quarter century (that's 25 for all on-mathematicians), going to a great catch after creaming the ball to mid-off. What then followed (00,4,4,5,2…) wasn't the start of the international dialing code Tim was using to get real time updates of the game, but the pathetic effort of Springfield's much vaunted middle order, Ash Smith the only one to have any real quibbles after being run out by Solomon, who eventually fell himself for 31.

At 84-7 with over 20 overs left the game looked over, but playing against a load of cocky kids and being dropped first ball always seems to best in Russ Jones, and today was no different. Ably supported in the middle by Blundell, and less so by Cooky on the boundary's edge who seemed more interested in wrestling with Josh, the score steadily crept up, and up, and up… With 45 required off the last 10, it was anyone's game, and with dark clouds and the opposition's bed-time looming the joyous prospect of a Sunday draw reappeared. However Russ and Andy were on a roll, and mixing some vivacious cuts and drives with powerful pull shots and fleet of foot running they took the score to 160 before Andy went stumped for 26. 22 required off 4 became 9 required off 2 thanks to some lusty blows from McDermott who was bowled for 8 trying one big shot too many. Enter James Gooday, who kept his head under immense pressure to turn the strike over to Russ who reduced the equation to 4 off the last over. Russ duly finished the job, confirming his promise and future potential, ending on 57 not out, and securing a fine one wicket win for his team.

Despite defeat, there was some excellent cricket played by the Hornchurch boys, many of whom will undoubtedly become fantastic cricketers with bat and ball (though may need a bit more exercise eating that much tea every week).

Sunday 29th July vs. Willingale

Confusion reigned this Sunday morning, as both sides believed they were playing away. It soon emerged that it was indeed meant to be a home fixture for Willingale and away for Springfield, but Willingale had lent their ground out to Chelmsford Football Club (who were playing at home) so they had to play their home fixture away whilst Springfield’s away day was played at home. The away side would provide the teas, as they were meant to be at home, and the home side took care of boundary markers and so forth, because although they should be playing away, the game was being played at home. Someone then won the toss, whether it was the home captain or the away captain calling, no one is sure, and the end result is Springfield went out to bat at the Corra on a sunny summer’s day.

Green and Clancy opened the batting. If someone not familiar with cricket would have witnessed the first 10 overs, they would have thought that some kind of fishing competition was taking place in the middle of a field, as neither batsman managed to look convincing until Green smote two lofted drives over mid off for boundaries. Soon after Green chipped a sharp catch to the bowler and departed for 15, bringing Willingale ‘Judas’ Troy Nice to the crease. ‘Judas’ (as both sides called him) and Clancy built a steady partnership despite scoring at a slow rate on a low and sticky track. Clancy was eventually bowled to a ball that kept very, very low for 65, leaving ‘Judas’ to bring up his 50 then perish in a similar way, trying to force the pace. This bought the youthful exuberance of Durrant to the crease, who pushed the score up with a quick fire 28 not out. Springers closed on 206 for 4.

Willingale’s reply was dealt a blow as early as the third over, when Cook, steaming in from the club house end, knocked over the Willingale opener. This was followed up by Clancy, bowling his medium pace swingers, yorking Willingale’s other opener before having the number 4 batsman caught. Clancy finish with figures of 2 for 11 off his 4 overs. Cook continued his terrifying spell as Clancy senior came into the attack and picked up a wicket for 24 runs off 6. Despite being four down, Willingale started to run away with the match until the introduction of Paul McDermott, taking 4 for 23 including two wickets in two balls, displaying his genius with a match winning spell of ‘line and length’ seam bowling. The victory was wrapped up by R.K Jones, bringing himself on with the number 9 at the crease and taking 2 for 7, again hinting at a promising all round future. Practice hard lad, and you might even make it someday.

And such was the story of another victory for the most successful eleven in the club. Next week we’re back on the round, Great Canfield away. If anyone has a spare couple of hours, come down and watch the SSIIs spread good will and cricket through the country. Or you could come along and watch us loose and go home in a sulk. You’ll just have to come and find out for yourselves…

Great Canfield proved to be another hidden gem in the Uttlesford cricket community, even beating Coronation Park for picturesque beauty. On the hottest of August days Canfield chose to bat first and subject Springfieldto the hot burn of the sun in the outfield. Welshman, returning from various showbiz commitments with Chelmsford City FC, opened the bowling and took a wicket in his second over before bowling the second opener through the gate soon after. With Solomon charging his way to figures of 0 for 21 off 5, Welshman induced thick edges twice more in his seven over spell, but both regulation chances were parried away by wicket keeper ‘cymbals made out of Teflon’ Clancy. Welshman ended with commendable figures of 20 for 2, with some glaring looks directed at the arch villain of the scene. After both being given their lives back, Sloman and Emery continued to both acknowledge half centuries, the bowling of Gooday, Clancy Snr, Mcdermott and Nick Taylor (on his Springfield come back) doing well to restrict the scoring to just over five an over on a flat pitch with a fast outfield. With both batsmen looking well set and in their seventies (score wise, not age), skipper Rusty decided he’d had enough. In the first leg of a good all-round performance, RKJ broke the partnership, dismissing Emery, Sloman and Preist in his 5 overs.

With the scoreboard turning over to show 40 overs bowled, the agreed allotted batting allocation for Great Canfield was up and a sweaty and thirsty Springfield side turned with relieved faces toward the pavilion. Approaching the boundary edge, there was a cry from the scorer claiming that only 39 overs had been bowled and one more remained. Exasperating negotiations then took place to decide whether one, two or zero overs had to be bowled to complete Great Canfield’s innings. Eventually, the bails were replaced and two more overs were bowled, in which Canfield progressed the score to 220 for 5, and the Springfield fielders hurried off into the shade before they were told to bowl any more.

After dropping two batsmen before they scored, Clancy walked out to open the batting with Solomon with a 151 deficit to his name. The pair got Springfield off to a rollicking start, the score 81 before Solomon’s became too tempted by the legside boundary, hitting a ball straight up in the air to be caught at midwicket. Solomon departed, on his birthday, for 42. This brought Troy Nice to the crease, but not for very long, as he departed, caught first ball. Walking back, Nice succumbed to the August heat, obviously so keen to cool off he rid himself of most of his kit whilst still travelling over the outfield. One bringing two, it was up to Durrant to stem the fast flow of Springfield batsman going back and forth. He and Clancy shared a stand of 65 in which time Clancy continued his hitting streak bringing up his 50 then smiting a mammoth six. Soon after though a mix up saw Clancy run out by one of those extra long miles they have in the country, scoring 58. Although Durrant had been looking comfortable, the introduction of Canfield’s ten year old to the attack cleaned him up with the first ball of the young man’s spell. Justice had been done, as Durrant previously had upset said ten year old by slogging him in the nets at lunch. He who laughs last, laughs longest Paul. Once again this put Springfield in a bit of a squeeze, with too new batmen at the crease. Jones and Green had looked comfortable, until temptation got the better of Green, dancing down the wicket to Preacher and missing it. With the game in the balance, it was up to the evergreen skipper Jones to pilot Springfield to victory, ably accompanied by the straight batted James Gooday. Jones ended not out on 55 off just 32 balls, including 9 fours and a six, as Springfield completed the win by 5 wickets.

Another win for the SS2 steamroller (both are slow and heavy) and with any luck Great Canfield will remain on the fixture card for many years. Next week is Rayleigh away. Hopefully we can take the weather with us too…

11th August vs. Rayleigh

The Springfield Springs took on an effervescent Rayleigh, on a gloomy Sunday. After being the big man the night before saying he would win the toss and bat, Russ bottled out at crunch time and chose to field. The first shots were fired by Clancy Jnr and Welshman with the new ball, James showing his class with 2 for 31 and Clancy also showing his lack of class with a nought-fer. After Welshman, another James, Gooday, continued to restrict the Rs with his own 2 wicket haul for 26 runs. The Rayleigh innings only started to gain momentum when White and Baird came to the crease, until Martin Solomon took possibly the most astoundingly impossible catch ever taken. Standing in the batsman’s back pocket, way, way too close, he latched on to a creamed pull shot from White after Rusty sent down a rank long hop. Clinging on with his weaker, right hand Psycho Solomon completed the remarkable move, before dropping a much simpler chance overs later. Meanwhile, McDermott had taken 1 for 32 and two more nought-fers were chalked up for Clancy Snr and Pattani Cantab. However, most of the damage was done by Tyro Russell, notching up 4 for 43, reducing Rayleigh to 212 for 9 before the declaration. 

Rowdy Rayleigh started well in the field, bowling tight lines to openers Clancy and Solomon. The pressure eventually told and Solomon departed for 23, the ball after smashing scintillating fours through the covers. This bought in Nice, who scored 7 before Attwell fell for 2. Clancy and ‘Fenners’ Pattani then put on 24 runs, Pattani smashing a huge six over the clubhouse before getting out. With Gooday Snr out for 4, the Springs’ position was looking shaky at 125 for 5, with murmurings of batting out for the draw creeping round the boundary. This is until Clancy and Welshman were able to add 58 in good time, Clancy in the process bringing up his 50 before holing out for 63 off 88. With the run rate brought down from 10 an over to around a run a ball for the last 5, skipper Russell strode out to take it home and Welshman was promptly run out. McDermott came and went for two and with 10 off 12, Rusty hit a steep catch straight down mid off’s throat, meaning one wicket could win the game for Rayleigh. However, first Gooday Jnr then Clancy Snr held their nerves with eleven men round the bat to complete a classic Sunday II draw. Bore draw? No such thing!

Sunday IIs v. Terling                                Sunday 19 August

Despite a morning fit only for staying in bed, the Sunday Evergreens dutifully turned up at the Clubhouse at 1.30, looking forward to an afternoon of sky gazing and plenty of Mucky Browns (or lager for the under-20s). Then Terling arrived, keen as mustard and determined to play despite the inclement weather.

All eyes followed Rusty and the visiting skipper to the square for the pitch inspection. A short period of confusion resulted in the inspection turning into a toss despite the continuing drizzle. To the amazement of all, Jonesy cheerfully announced ‘well they wanted to play, so I have put them out in the rain to get the worst of it. I thought I’d be able to watch Chelsea on the box!’.

So our openers padded up and trotted out to face the Terling Youth 11. Surprisingly, the persistent drizzle relented, proving that us towny’s know zilch about the weather, and despite the continuing gloom, we had very playable conditions.

In Clancy junior’s absence (off at a nearby pop concert), opening honours fell to Soloman and Blundell both of whom were given a warm reception by the opposition to say the least. First to go was Mr S (for 16) falling to (what will probably be) the catch of the season, the fielder ending up sliding on his back and grasping the ball single handed. There then followed a crop of cheapish dismissals (none cheaper than your’s truly), with the notable exception of a patient 32 by Paul Durrant. The first innings petered out (get it?) to a disappointing 152 all out.

A ‘Nice’ tea preluded the Terling innings. With a low total to defend, the Springfield bowling needed to be tight. Cookie bowled 9 economical overs (9-3-30-3) and Soloman returned figures of 4-1-7-3. This kept the Terling total down, but they managed to retain one wicket with young Dyke playing sensibly to see off the skipper’s last over.

SUNDAY II'S

The Sunday Twos travelled away to a long standing fixture in the village of Willingale. Springfield batted first, Clancy and Green striding out to open the batting. Good opening spells from the Gales’ opening bowlers saw Springfield reduced to 16 for 1 off 10 overs, with Green departed and Clancy yet to hit the ball off the square. Twenty two painfully slow overs later Clancy departed for a pedestrian 45. This brought Cook out of his boundary side slumber, wielding his willow to the tune of 17 in just 12 balls before falling, going for another big shot. At the other end, Nice, who represents Willingale on Saturdays, continued to work his way past 50, enjoying notably more long hops and half volleys than could normally be expected, finally being bowled by one of his friends for 62. To take the innings home, McDermott and Gooday provided some lusty blows, proving a point to the more speculative Clancy and Nice. McDermott finished on 25 and Gooday on 23, Rusty declaring the innings on 184 for 6.

After enjoying some fantastic scones at tea, Welshman (who had seven of the strawberry and cream topped cakes) opened the bowling removing Willingales’ opener and number three batsman. Welshman’s spell ended after he took 2 for 16 off 7. His opening partner, Blundell, concluded his initial blast for his standard economical nought-fer. With only Robinson and Torble able to come to terms with some tight bowling, Rusty Jones and Ash Pattani both took wickets. A fantastic piece of fielding from the later also secured a run out, his rocket throw flattening the wicket at the bowlers end with the batsman stranded. However, most of the damage was done by Sunday newbie Clancy Senior, to whom the Willingale batsman could provide no answer. Clancy Senior finished with figures of 5 for 46, bowling Willingale out for 99 runs. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but you can teach them to chuck pies.

2nd September vs. Eastons

With the league season concluded, the Springfield cricket addicts programme continued to go from strength to strength, this week travelling out to Eastons. After a very friendly welcome, it was decided that Springfield were “just too weak”, and will have to bowl first. This would prove to be bad news for wicket keeper Neil Carr. Feeling unusually sprightly, Ash Pattani had decided to venture into unknown territories and bowl his opening spell off his long run up, trying to bring some heat to the Eastons openers. His first ball flew past the batsman and crashed into Mr Carr’s forehead. Although the blow was chilling, he was able to resume his duties after sitting out just a few overs on the boundary. Almost immediately after his return, he was clattered into by the batman running through for a quick single. Not a good day at the office. Back to the cricket, and wickets were shared around the Springfield attack, with the exception of the economical Andy ’Nought-fer’ Blundell. Speedster Pattani took 2 wickets, Jimmy Gooday took 2 wickets also, McDermott took a single wicket and lob bowler Clancy Senior took another 3 wickets, taking his figures to 8 for 118 runs over the last two matches. Clancy Senior also pouched two smart catches at backward point, reminding everyone that he shares his birthday with Jonty Rhodes (just a few decades earlier). Easton’s innings was concluded on 201 for 8.

Springfield’s reply got off to a rollicking start courtesy of Cantab Pattani’s quick fire 32. The Springfield middle order scratched around, the mainstay being Welshman, scoring 38 resolute runs. Durrant and McDermott came and went due to some tight Eastons bowling. With time running out, Green and Carr added a few quick runs until the equation required an unlikely 10 runs an over with vice president Jonesy walking out to the crease. Whether it was that Rusty had been pouring over the team averages all weekend, or if the closing gloom and returning opening bowlers made chasing down such a target a tough as 202 next to impossible, the draw was elected as the only possible outcome. At the game’s end, both teams went off to one of the Eastons players very own pubs, where, as a thank you for dropping him twice and gifting him 19 runs, that afternoon’s Sunday roast leftovers were shared out. I’m coming back here again…

9th September vs. Pleshey

“Tarkers, there is no way on earth we are playing a timed game today”. These were the first words that welcome Springfield to Pleshey by ex-Springfielder and now Plesh skipper Mark Hudson. Twenty minutes later it emerged that Springfield were fielding first and the format of the game, was indeed, timed. Pleshey got off to a flying start, thanks to Springfield firstie Latimer, scoring 44 before being dismissed with the score on 55. Opening bowlers Mahmood F and Welshman unable to keep the lid on the run rate, despite picking up a wicket each. ‘Nought-fer’ Blundell was being sorely missed. The introducing of Gooday and Cook bought four wickets between them, lowering the run rate in due course. Another brace for Clancy Senior put Pleshey in a mire, until Dan Fell smashed 50 runs from number 9 taking the total up to 252 when a slightly conservative declaration was tendered by Hudson.

After a slap dash tea, the stage was occupied by Martin Solomon, scoring his first century for Springfield. A wide array of back foot cuts and front foot drives put Pleshey to the sword, and until his dismissal, they appeared to have no answer to him. However, whilst he was amassing his 111 runs, wickets tumbled at the other end, Springfield Colt’s top order of Clancy, Mahmood, Mahmood, Green and Attwell contributing just 25 runs between them. The procession was stopped when Welshman came to the crease. Between them, Solomon and Welshman added 140 runs and had Springfield on the brink of victory before Solomon departed. With little other support, Welshman continued to scored 68 not out, needing to hit 12 off the last over for a sensation victory. Alas, a good last over from Williams saw Springfield fall 8 runs short, and a second consecutive draw was a fair result.

With big cheese Russell away, the task of keeping the Sunday mavericks under control fell to Martin ‘Psycho’ Solomon. His first gaff of the day was arriving 15 minutes before the start of the match. Sorry, make that 45 minutes. So after waiting for the opposition to arrive, Springfield dutifully helped to prepare the ground for play by taking down the rope that guarded the square. One think that was painfully apparent to all 22 was the state of the pitch. The Takely grounds man had obviously been enjoying a late summer holiday, and the strip that had been painted was greener than the square it sat upon. The first three batsmens’ faces turned green in reflection, praying Martin won his debut toss and inserted them. He didn’t, and the day went downhill from there on really. Springfield got off to a good start, aided by copious extras until the first wicket fell, in the thirties. This sparked a major collapse, Solomon (24) the only member of the top 6 to reach double figures. The other five “batsmen” added just 19 between them. Springfield were in real disarray until Gooday and Arain came together down the order. Gooday batted for time, scoring 10, whilst Arain proved that the pitch wasn’t as bat as suggested, scoring a brilliant 35, including some big hits over long on and long off. His reputation as club number 11 may be doing him an injustice. However, these heroics aside, Springfield were finally bowled out for a pitiful 124, and whilst Essex capitulated at Northampton, it look like there might be an unlikely juxtaposition in Takely.

Takley provided a good tea and a nice atmosphere, and shortly after 4 o’clock play restarted. Arain was unable to recreate his success with the ball in his hand, him and Blundell unfortunate to concede many runs off thick edges through third man. An injury to Blundell called Gooday Junior into the attack, who went wicketless, as did Welshman, and Gooday Senior. The lone wicket went to Clancy Senior, the unfortunate soul being out Caught Clancy, Bowled Clancy, as father and son combined for the first time. Apart from this, Takley walked through to 126 for 1, a deflated Springfield leaving the field with heads bowed, conceding their first loss since June.

Sunday II

23^rd September 2007 vs. STEBBING

            Jones, Solomon, McDermott, Blundell, Doody, Carr, Attwell, Cook, Nice, Pattani. An imposing line up. Unfortunately, these names populated the ‘Unavailable’ list, forcing stand in skipper Clancy to look further a field for players this week. Dramatically, this heralded the return of former ‘second Nightingale, for what would either prove to be his farewell jaunt or triumphant comeback. At the toss, it was decided that 10 man Springfield would field first for 40 overs.

            Opening the bowling for Springfield was Welshman along with Rob Holmes, and runs flowed freely. Welshman’s stats after six overs were 0-38, Holmes taking one wicket for 59 in eight. Inspired by Messrs. Collingwood and Mortimers’ ‘lead from the front’ approach, Clancy took the ball himself and received a good flogging from the Stebbing top order himself, turning in figures of one for 67. The calm amongst the storm however was Mr Gooday Senior, taking two for 66 in a spell of straight, full pitched bowling, teaching the sprogs a thing or two. After some more unsavoury bowling from Clancy Senior, Springfield took tea after Stebbing amassed 294 runs on a flat pitch with small boundaries.

            Springfield ’s reply was dealt a brace of early blows with the dismissals of Gooday Junior and Durrant for two and nine respectively. Whilst Welshman began to quietly  amass, the whole ground rose as Nightingale made his way to the crease. In what was a splendid exhibition of air shots, Garry scored a confident and composed two runs before being dismissed. Maybe next week Gaz… When Welshman departed for 24, Springfield were woefully behind the run rate, meaning that the draw was now the most positive/realistic option (I don’t care if was an overs game, a draw is a draw is a draw on a Sunday). Green and Holmes Senior hung around, before Green was dismissed and Clancy took his place. In response to some positive cricket from Stebbing, the pair took to the sword for the final ten overs of the game, with only pride to play for. Mr Holmes eventually holed out for 33 in 45, leaving Clancy Junior to partner Holmes Junior, Gooday Senior and Clancy Senior until the bitter end. Ten man Springfield ended 175 for 8, Clancy Junior not out for 60 off 55 balls and Clancy Senior four not out, those four runs being of the highest quality, swept over square leg. Shot of the day from the perennial number 11!

            So, although technically we lost, to all intents, constructions, and purposes this was another fine draw for the Sunday Twos. With two games left on the Sunday calendar, extending beyond Player’s Supper, I’m off to University. With any luck someone else will volunteer a match report – I’d certainly read it – but realistically…

Finally, a plug for Players Supper and the Race Night, they will be great fun for young and old alike, and I’ve found a Springfield jumper, so if your missing one… Anyway, good night, and good luck!

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