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Ploughmans – Won by 3 wickets

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Season ends on a high

Ploughmans 161 for 9 in 35 overs; Grace’s 165 for 7 in 34.2 overs.

Congrats to Nick for passing 2,000 runs for the club and Noddy for getting 300 wickets! – Pat kindly wrote the report:

On a rather autumnal afternoon Graces travelled to Gunnersbury Park in west London to renew their acquaintance with old adversary Ploughmans CC for the last game of the season. After rain the previous day, a heavy shower delayed the start and it was agreed by stand in skipper Nadeem to limit the game to a 35 over match. Having won the toss and elected to field Graces opening attack of Richard and Newton were steady on a slow pitch with some alarming variation in bounce. With the score on 27 Newton achieved the breakthrough having Britto caught behind by Jonathan. There followed a stand of 104 between Parks and Hamer despite the efforts of five bowlers until Manish tempted Hamer into a drive that produced a good catch by Richard at deep mid-off. Hamer having made 58. Skipper Nadeem then brought himself on, albeit a little belatedly and the game changed dramatically. In his first over he had new batsman Ashijm well caught by Newton for a duck and next ball bowled Bell for a similar amount. In his next over he had Parks well caught by Kalyan for a well played 58 and in the next over again had two wickets in two balls both clean bowled. In all he had figures of 5 wickets for 4 runs with 2 maidens. It was left for the returning Nick Swinburne to bowl the final over taking one wicket and Ploughmans to finish on 161 for 9. In taking his five wicket haul, Nadeem passed 300 wickets for Graces having earlier in the season passed 5,000 runs for the club since its first game in 1996

 During the tea interval a further heavy shower caused more delay but at the restart Graces welcomed back Nick Swinburne to form a new opening partnership with Simon Meadocroft. Unfortunately their radar appeared to be on different wavelengths only for Simon to be run out without facing a ball. Joined by Abhi, showing his usual aggression the score moved along at about 5 an over and with Nick’s 4th run he passed 2000 runs for the club. With the score on 41 however Nick was bowled for 11 and in the next over Abhi was adjudged lbw for 26. Newton batting at number four started cautiously but Niroshan was bowled for 3 with the score on 46. A stand of 75 in just over 15 overs between Newton and Jonathan kept Graces up with the required scoring rate before the latter was bowled for 16. Newton and Nadeem took the score to 140 when a further mix up saw the skipper run out for 11 (Noddy had a strop!) Manish was bowled for three with 10 runs still required but any nerves were quieted as Newton and Richard calmly passed  Ploughmans total Newton finshing the game with his 9th four to add to his one 6 and his highest score for Graces of 71 not out.
As the team celebrated in the bar after the game, all agreed it had been a good season and looked forward to the end of season dinner, to nets at Lords a further tour and most of all to next season.   

 

 

 

 

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North Harrow – Lost by 1 wicket

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Grace's lose in tight finish

In what was scheduled to be the last game of the season Graces welcomed North Harrow Cricket Club, in what was expected to be a close encounter following Graces ten run win last season. A lot of rain had fallen on the Saturday and overnight but the wicket was deemed playable and the sun and a good breeze meant that it would improve as the game progressed. A good toss to win which North Harrow managed.
 
Jonathan and Domimic opened for Graces and found scoring difficult on a sticky wicket and in the fourth over, in trying to pull a short ball to mid-wicket Jonathan only succeeded in chopping the ball onto his stumps. Enter Gordon and with typical aplomb decided upon a more aggressive approach, one thundering straight drive saw Khan the bowler almost take a tremendous catch, in truth he couldn’t  get out of the way. Dominic’s patient innings came to an end in the sixteenth over when he was caught at the wicket for four. Nadeem joined Gordon who in trying to repeat his straight drive off Khan was caught and bowled for 29 by a remarkable catch as if to show that his first attempt was no fluke. A stand of 33 followed between Nadeem and Niroshan before the latter was caught behind for 5. Roop guesting for Graces showed positive intent with some lusty blows to the leg side whilst adding a further 24 with Nadeem whose innings came to an end with a mistimed drive which saw him caught at deep mid-on for 35.   Roop and Abhi took the score to 143 before trying one more swing to leg Roop was bowled for 30 leaving Richard with one ball to face,  Unfortunately in going for the maximum he missed and was bowled leaving Abhi not out on 18.
 
For the visitors PK was the most successful bowler with figures of 3 for 16.  On a dryer wicket and outfield Graces score of 143 was probably worth another 25 or 30 runs.
 
North Harrow began their innings steadily against Richard and the leg spin of Gordon, until a good bit of fielding by Nadeem saw their opener Matt run out for 6 with the score on 22.  Newton then had the other opener lbw for 10. A stand of 44 between Deepak and Zain took the score to 75 but the return of Gordon saw the fall of three quick wickets during an excellent but all to brief a spell. 
 
Nadeem bowled an economic spell of 8 overs for 16 but failed to take a wicket. With the scores level and eight wickets down,  Abhi bowled Remid for 6 but last man Irfan saw North Harrow home by one wicket. Newton and Abhi both ending up with two wickets apiece with figures of 2 for 44 and 2 for 43 respectively.
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Bridestowe – Won by 1 run

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Grace's win in thrilling finish

Grace’s CC 172 for 9 in 40 overs; Bridestowe CC 171 all out in 39.3 overs. 

Match report courtesy of Pat

 

Graces Cricket Club enjoyed a very successful tour to Devon despite a rather wet Saturday. The party of 13 players was matched by a similar number of supporters. Arriving during Friday and Saturday morning the whole group made their way via what must be one of the most attractive approaches to any cricket ground. Lustleigh is situated in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park in a steep wooded valley with a picturesque 15th century pub alongside the ground and wild orchids growing in the margins.  Between the showers the two skippers agreed that the best chance of achieving a meaningful game was to play a T20 game followed by tea and then take a further rain check. Following the two limited over games and a pleasant hour or two at the pub the group made their way to various locations for an evening meal and no doubt an early night in preparation for the big match against Bridestowe the following day.   Sunday saw a change in the weather for the better, when, after a brief shower the sun appeared to be followed by a lovely day. The group gathered for a morning coffee at Little Bidlake Farm to clear a few heads and gird their loins for the game ahead. All agreed that it would make a wonderful base from which to tour for next season.  
The game with Bridestowe, at an equally delightful setting began with Graces batting first but all did not go according to plan, with Graces losing Dominic and Stuart for 2 apiece and Abhi for a belligerent if all too brief 28.  With Graces on 33 for 3 Mendis and Nadeem set about restoring the situation only for the former to fall lbw for 9 with the score on 57. Mahender took eleven balls to get off the mark but did so impressively with a 4 followed by a 6 only to be bowled next ball. Anosh failed to trouble the scorer and hopes were high that Gordon would continue his form of the previous day; sadly he flattered to deceive, pulling a ball from Joplin to mid-wicket for 9. Leo looked in good form only to be unfortunately run out for 5 having taken part in the best stand of the innings of 44 with Nadeem who was by now in full flow, startling the tea ladies with a six that landed on the roof of the pavilion. Joined by Richard the pair added a further 43 with Richard being run out of the last ball of the innings for 14 leaving Nadeem not out on 80 and a total of 172 for 9.  Jonathan being the unfortunate team member not to get a bat.
Mention here must be made of the tea with Devon Pasties and Cornish Pasties (do you know the difference?) sandwiches, cream teas and a selection of home-made cakes to die for, the latter for which a very special thank you to Georg.
Bridestowe’s innings began badly for the home team with Mendis picking up the wickets of both openers cheaply.  Then came some determined resistance from the middle order with P Ewen, J Ewen, F Batstone and P Hatton all got starts and Graces score began to look rather inadequate,    despite the steady bowling of Anosh who took one wicket and Leo who accounted for three of the opposition. Still Bridestowe inched towards their target. Nadeem returned to the attack and slowed their progress with a maiden but 9 off an over from Anosh made things very tight but in Nadeem’s penultimate over he bowled Hatton for 33. However 9 off the next over from Richard brought Bridestowe within one run of Graces score with two wickets standing and one over to go. The first ball was a dot, the second bowled Joplin. Enter last man, our own Mamun villain or hero but the next ball from Nadeem trapped him lbw and Graces had won by one run. A truly memorable game.

 

Afterwards the local hostelry laid on a sausage and chip supper which was much appreciated as was the local brew. A number of the party had to make their way home as the evening drew to a close, but a number of stragglers could be heard singing their hearts out until well into the early hours.
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Lustleigh – Won by 8 wickets

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Great start to the tour!

Lustleigh CC 113 for 8 in 20 overs; Grace’s 116 for 2 in 14.2 overs.

After months of anticipation the day of our first tour match finally came around at the home of Lustleigh CC in deepest Devon.

After a glorious summer of course the weather chose to close in over the tour weekend and as we drove to the ground under grey skies our hearts were sinking at the prospect of watching the rain coming down from the pavilion.

However our spirits rose at the sight of the stumps going up as we drove into the unbelievably picturesque setting of what is Peter O’Toole’s (Google him if you don’t know !) favourite cricket venue. 

A 20 over format was chosen as the weather showed no signs of improving with the hosts batting first in steady drizzle. After 5 overs 34 had been added quicktime before Stuart “Hoover” (check with any tourists for his new nickname!) ran around from long on to hold onto the unbelievable catch of the tour. Then the new stars of Grace’s bowling – namely Dom , Jonners and Leo showed the rest of the team how there’s nothing to getting wickets as they all took 2 apiece – Dom & Jonners with their first deliveries! With Hoover showing considerable grace sliding in the damp outfield Lustleigh were retricted to 113 for 8 – a highlight being 11 year old Oliver hitting 20 not out.

The teams then retired to the pavilion for a marvelous tea during which sunshine was seen! Gordie & Mahender then started our challenge with the former retiring after a 19 ball 33. After Mahender was caught for 13 Abhi kept the momentum going with a quick 19. Mendis also retired after a 15 ball 30 leaving Noddy and Hoover to bring us home for an 8 wicket win. Oliver showed himself to be a promising allrounder with a good spell of bowling.

The game was played in a very relaxed atmosphere with plenty of teasing – the hosts were very hospitable and went the extra mile to accommodate us. So a great day was had by all as we walked over to the stunning 15th century Cleave pub for a drink with our gracious opposition. 

A great start to the tour!
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Hampton Wick Royal – Won by 43 runs

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Bowlers produce the goods!

Yet another lovely Sunday afternoon saw Grace’s travel to Bushey Park near Kingston to play new opposition – Hampton Wick Royal Cricket club. This was a conference fixture and it proved to be a venue we would like to return to next season.


Hampton Wick are celebrating their 150th anniversary this season and have a lovely set up on the edge of Bushey park – apparently the deer from the park make an appearance on the ground in the evenings.

The toss was won and Dom chose to bat on what looked like a flat true surface. Due to late injuries Grace’s had only 10. The very youthful home team took to the pitch and immediately had us in trouble with both openers back in the pavilion – this brought Mendis and Ragan together. They both took advantage of any lose deliveries with a partnership of 72 in quick time before Ragan was bowled for a fine 50. Mendis was caught in the deep for a classy 38. After 2 quick wickets Abhi and Mahender steadied the ship batting well with 31 and 25 respectively. A late flurry saw us to a total of 190 – it’s a large ground and the home team fielded very well taking some good catches.

After a lovely tea we took to the field unsure whether our total would be enough. Ragan then proceeded to blast their top order out with some great fast bowling – at one point they were 4 wickets down for 8 runs. Dom then had the luxury of rotating the bowling (with Anosh holding down one end) to make a game of it.
Hampton Wick’s number 4 , Charlton , took the challenge up and had a very enjoyable afternoon proving he possesses a good eye in keeping their batting going almost single handed. With a combination of nice drives and improvisation he compiled an entertaining 93 before being bowled. The next highest score was 9!   

So a good win against nice opposition in a lovely venue. Hopefully we can have a return fixture in 2014.

A notable first was Stuart getting his first wicket in his first over!
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Beddington – Drawn

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Beddington dig deep for draw

Thanks to skipper Gordie for this write up

After winning the toss our opposition chose to put us in to bat after I let the cat out of the bag that we had a pretty good bowling attack today.Dominic Scott and Gordon Benjamin Shorrocks got off to a flyer with Gordon not showing a great deal of respect to any ball short of a width and outside the line of off. As usual Beddington Cricket Club’s outfield was lightning quick and provided our hosts the opportunity to chase the ball to all areas of the ground. The first wicket fell at the score of 63 when Dominic got caught behind for 11 runs. Then entered Mendis and Gordon and he provided 31 runs before Gordon played it onto his stumps on a ball that should have been hit to the boundary. Nadeem then entered and provided a wonderful fourth wicket stand with Mendis of 86 runs before Nadeem hit one back sharply to the bowler who dropped it but then played it onto the stumps to run Mendis out for 64 runs. Our middle order provided good knocks with Mahindra making 31 and Nadeem finishing with 36.


At the end of 42 overs (timed game) Gordon declared Graces innings over at 234/6.

After a nice afternoon tea we resumed the game and Graces opening bowlers provided steady line and length and good pace to completely destroy Beddington CC batsman. That was until Page came in who had other ideas. When he came into bat Beddington CC were in big trouble at 46/7. Both Page (21 no) and Sone (09 no) did not give their wickets away and at the end of the day’s cricket Beddington were 89/8. A knock that at times frustrated Graces bowlers and fielders alike.

A big congratulations to Newton on his 5/17 off 13 overs and all other bowlers supported really well and bowled a tidy line and length.

Great job Graces !!!!!

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Highgate Irregulars – Won by 134 runs

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Noddy takes five as Grace's win comfortably

Grace’s 199 for 10 declared (sic); Highgate Irregulars 65 all out.

A new ground and new opposition saw Grace’s travel to north London once more. A few firsts as the home team chose a time game and also to have 12 players! So Noddy was roused from his gardening duties to take us to a dozen.


Highgate are a very relaxed ,friendly and mature team making us look very young! – Grace’s were invited to bat first – Dom & Simon opened with steady progress on a very green slow and low strip. Simon was soon caught mistiming a pull shot , bringing in a circumspect Mendis. Dom’s wicket saw Niroshan join him before being run out (again!) attempting a quick single. Stuart then made an entertaining 32 before spooning a catch to mid on – a fifty was surely there for him!

Leo then joined Mendis who was then bowled for 27. Ragan then proceeded to carry on from last week hitting a quick fire 46 before being stumped wandering down the pitch. A highlight (for everyone else!) of the end of our innings was Noddy being run out at the non-striker’s end without facing a ball!

So with Anosh hitting a few lusty blows our final total was 199 for 10. The innings had been rain interrupted and the pitch got even slower.

After a fine tea the 12 men of Grace’s took to the field as the sun returned. Highgate were soon in trouble after their opener was caught behind down the leg side off Newton’s first legitimate delivery. Grace’s bowling was proving too strong for home team as their innings became one of survival. Anosh was particularly happy as fielders unusually held on to catches as he pinned one end down finishing with 3 for 30 – that’s thirty wickets for Grace’s now.

Wickets fell regularly with Noddy steaming in (reminding us of his glory days) proving to hot to handle claiming 5 wickets for 17 off 13 overs. So Highgate’s hope of holding out for a draw were snuffed out as they finished on 65 all out (11!)

So Grace’s good run continued against friendly opposition on a nice ground with last week’s tea now a distant memory!   
  
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Belmont & Edgware – Won by 8 wickets

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Sri Lankan contingent shine!

Another absolutely glorious afternoon saw Grace’s travel to Harrow for a return game against Belmont & Edgware CC who had beaten us in an earlier fixture this season.


Dom lost the toss and the oppo unsurprisingly opted to bat first – the first game had seen us bat badly chasing a modest total. Late stand in Ragan – one of 5 Sri Lankans playing – opened the bowling, promptly seeing both openers back in the pavilion bowled all ends up.

Jacobs , the left handed number 3 , applied himself well for a well crafted 21 before being bowled by Newton’s best delivery of the day. The number 4 , Tuhrim , played a good anchor role – there is hope for all of us as he is 72 years old! Newton eventually had him caught at slip by Dom – a bit of a juggle kept us entertained. Dom also took a great running catch later in the innings. 

Anosh bowled well keeping the run rate down with Mamun looping it up at the other end with Richard and Nihara also bowling tightly. A late flurry by the 10 man home team saw them all out for 129. Anosh’s final figures were 3 wickets for 20 runs.

After a weight watcher’s tea – email for further details! – Grace’s openers , Dom and Niroshan , took to the field aware that the total needed was almost identical to the last game. The first wicket fell at 17 when Niroshan was caught behind – walking in contrast to a certain England player! Mendis played a sweet cameo before being stumped with the total at 36. Belmont must have fancied their chances but number 4 Ragan immediately signalled his intent with some big hits including taking their spinner,  Jeffries , out of the attack after hitting him for 23 in one over.

The carnage continued and Belmont’s heads were dropping as Ragan hit his way to an undefeated 79 including 9 fours and 6 sixes! The winning runs came up rapidly in the 23 over. Dom provided able support finishing on 22 not out. So a fine win by 8 wickets and revenge for our earlier defeat.

Scott made his debut including a catch – regarding debuts , Ian made his last week.   
So hopefully we can keep the winning run going!    
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Hobgoblin Nomads – Won by 7 wickets

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What a scorcher!

Hobgoblin Nomads 83 all out. Grace’s CC 85 for 3. 

Another lovely Sunday afternoon saw Grace’s head south of the river to leafy Brockley


The opposition , Hobgoblin Nomads , play on a council pitch in a nice setting but with a dodgy looking surface and a bit sparse regarding facilities.

After winning the toss and inspecting the strip Gordie invited the home team to have first bat , opening the bowling with Newton and Anosh. Hobgoblin’s innings really didn’t get going with Grace’s bowling a good line and length – with a top score of 19 and extras second top scoring with 13 the home team were not going to set a challenging total. They were finally all out for 83 with Richard being the pick of the bowlers with 7.2 overs , 4 maidens , 7 runs for 6 wickets!

Grace’s fielded well , the pick of the catches being Noddy’s at square leg rising like a (dozing!) salmon to take a one handed peach.   

After a quick changeover Gordie took the attack to the bowlers hitting a quick 32 with 7 fours. After his departure Noddy continued his good form with a rapid 33 n.o. again with 7 boundaries. Grace’s reached the total with 3 wickets down so a relatively easy win against friendly opposition. A quick beer match was organised afterwards.
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Pacific – Lost by 8 wickets

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Pacific batting too strong for Grace's

This time last season saw the corresponding weekend's fixture as the 6th to be rained off so it was with joy that the Grace's team , toss won , batted first on the hottest day of the year so far.

The opposition were one of our most established , Pacific CC , who were looking to do the double over us after a close win at their ground in the first game of the season.

After skipper Dom was given LBW , Naroshan joined Stuart and an entertaining 2nd wicket partnership of 50 ensued - Stuart was eventually caught for a breezy 23 and Naroshan went on to make a quick fire 40 - with a bit more application a 50 was there for him!

After Mendis and Simon departed the score stood in the balance at 117 for 5 - Manish joined Noddy and proceeded to accumulate a partnership of 87 from 12 overs - Noddy proceeded to dominate the bowling with some imperious drives and majestic pulls. Manish supported ably finally out for a valuable 27.

Noddy continued his onslaught bringing up a wonderful century - the last over was dispatched for 23! He finished on 117 not out - our total 265 - 7

After a tea break where we saw Andy break his Wimbledon duck at last Grace's took the field looking to avenge our first game defeat.

Pacific had other ideas with their skipper Ben Boorman supported by Ravi Patel immediately taking the attack to our bowling - the first wicket fell at 56 when Ben was caught , this brought their keeper , Sam Gilliat , to the crease and after a cautious start then copied Noddy in showing a range of aggressive shots - anything loose went to the boundary. We had a glimmer of hope when Stuart took a good catch at long off to see Patel back to the pavilion. However , the number 4 bat , Simon Lawrence , showed the same attacking attitude and Pacific were up with the required run rate.

Skipper Dom rotated the bowling but with the wicket playing well and no chances given Gilliat continued to dominate the bowling and brought Pacific home with 3 overs to spare finishing on 112 not out. So we lost by 8 wickets.

Both teams then retired to the bar for some much needed post match refreshment with the friendly Pacific boys

A lot of positives to take from the game - our batting showed some spirit and we didn't give up - credit to Sam Gilliat who batted well for Pacific. 

Congratulations to Anosh who now has 25 wickets for the club.