Past match reports – 2011 season
Sydenham Ashes
Unlike 2011, the sun was shining and continued to put in a good appearance for the second Sydenham Ashes – this year contested between a Captain’s and Vice Captain’s team.
Frank captaining the VC team won the toss and elected to bat. Openers Ed Roe and Paul Reynolds took to the crease and batted strongly. Paul retired on 33 and Ed was then joined by Chris Schurch, who built a strong partnership until Ed was bowled by elder sibling Toby for 25 (caught by Paul Stevenson). Rob Lang then joined Chris, but not for long, departing with a duck, despatched by the wicked spin of Mark. Paul Stevenson partnered Chris scoring a useful 22 before Chris fell for 23 bowled with some archetypal Yorkshire guile by Nigel Brewster. Frank then joined Paul before Paul was bowled by Nic Barker for 22. Frank continued to bat strongly with Lloyd who was also bowled by Nic for a duck. In came Malcolm Barker with Frank being caught by Henry Eaton behind the stumps off the bowling of Toby. Paul Reynolds came out of retirement scoring another 9 runs finishing on 42 not out with the innings coming to a close with Malcolm being bowled by Rory Simpson for 1. A competitive score of 149 off 25 overs had been set.
After a short tea, Matt Reading and Nic Barker opened the inning for the Captain’s team. An early breakthrough was made with Ed bowling Matt for 8. Allan in his first batting outing of the summer upped the scoring rate with several aggressive boundaries. Nic fell for 7 bowled by Chris Schurch, with Nigel then departing for a most un Boycottesque 4, being bowled by Ed. Rory joined Allan in the middle, the latter then retiring on reaching 32. Henry Eaton and Rory then built a very useful partnership with Henry also retiring on 30. Mark then came in but left again after a duck bowled by Roe , with Toby partnering Rory in the middle. Rory was bowled by Chris for a useful 16. Allan came out of retirement with Ed then bowling Toby for 7. Henry left the hog roast for a few minutes to rejoin Allan, but the innings fell short on 126 with Ed collecting his fourth wicket bowling Allan. So the year, the honours went to the Frank and his merry men. A great, closely fought game followed by a marvellous spread courtesy of Henry and Ginette.
Henry Hogmeister
Sydenham CC
Britwell Salome CC v Sydenham CC 13th May 2012
Finally, the eleven men of Sydenham, or in this case, ten and one playing for Britwell Salome (thank you Tim!) got to play some cricket this year. After Brill had cancelled earlier in the week, alternative opposition were sourced by Mr Chairman, John. All was set for a cracking game – a lovely English village setting accompanied by a rare bout of sunshine.
The toss was won by skipper, Toby who elected to bat first due to a very tidy looking wicket and the fact the game was timed, reflecting our traditional, rather than one day attitude to the glorious game.
Openers Paul and Matt started very solidly, with some glorious cover drives from Matt’s new bat and a particularly good six from Paul. Matt then fell to a good ball from former Sydenham player Jonny Kaufman for 8. Paul was then joined by Chris before going LBW to Britwell’s strike bowler, Coates for 12.
Chris quickly upped the scoring rate with partner James but was bowled for 26, followed by new player Dan Bradley who started very well before being caught and bowled for 7 by Coates. James continued to play the shots, joined at the other end by Toby.
After the drinks break, Toby went for 4 bowled by some spin by Griffiths. The score was now 89 for 6. Vice-captain Frank came in and played solidly, supporting James who had now passed 50. Frank then fell for 4 and was replaced by Lloyd, scoring 2 – both bowled by Kaufman. James was then joined by Mark and the game’s most controversial moment occurred, with Mr Kermack being run out by Mr Ward! An enquiry will be held. Malcolm then came in to complete the innings, finishing not out for 0, as James was finally bowled for a very impressive 75.
After a marvellous tea, Britwell commenced their innings. Chris and Dan opened the bowling with both Britwell batsmen looking very solid. Finally a breakthrough was made by Dan bowling Smith for 10. However that was as good as it got and despite the best efforts of all the bowlers and fielders, the two batsmen, Captain Herrington and Luxford finished on 29 and 103 not out respectively, with Britwell winning by 9 wickets.
In summary, a very solid batting performance and a frustrating bowling one, albeit full of effort and perseverance. Above all, it was a very enjoyable game against a sporting side in a beautiful setting.