Sheldon Marlborough CC Blog

Latest news from Foliot Fields

Sunday last saw 16 SMCC players gather at Foliot Fields to compete for the Single Wicket trophy, won by Jack Hemming for the last two years running - could anyone stop him from completing the hatrick?

The 16 were split into 4 groups of 4 with each competitor playing the other 3 players in their group, those who were group winners would progress to the semi-finals. Despite some close games, there were no major shocks in the groups with Jack Hemming, Viz Parmar, Martin Weir and Keith Rondeau progressing to the semis, where Jack beat Viz and Ronnie beat Martin to set up an intruiging final.

Jack batted first at the request of Ronnie and scored a handy 25, but this proved too much for Ronnie who was caught in the deep by Rishi Parmar (who won the final for Jack in a similar vein last year) going for a big one. This resulted in Jack winning the competition for the 3rd year running, and he was duly presented with the winners’ trophy. Will anyone challenge him next year? We’ll have to wait and see.

Big thanks to all involved in the day - Jack for organising the day itself, Keith for scoring, Rose and co for organising the tea, Les and Adrian (and Steve Mullard) for umpiring and anyone else who I have carelessly neglected to mention.

The Sunday League concluded last weekend; a summary of the tables is below:

1st XI - Div 1 Champions Coleshill, Relegated Bournville and ourselves.
1st XI - Div 2 Champions Pickwick, also promoted Berkswell.
2nd XI - Div 1 Champions Pickwick, Relegated Alvechurch and Fillongley (SMCC fininshed 3rd.)
2nd XI - Div 2 Champions Bablake OB, also promoted Five Ways OE.

There is still a chance of some silverware for SMCC though as our Over 40’s team are in action in the league 8-a-side tournamet to be held at Solihull Municipal on Sunday 17th September (12pm start)

Sunday 3rd September saw the annual Senior vs Junior match for the Frank Orme Memorial Trophy take place at Foliot Fields. As always the scheduled 11am start came and went before Steve Mullard won the toss for the Seniors and Elected to bat. The senior side encountered some late selection problems, when both Jim Shirley and Steve Reynolds were forced to withdraw, leading to a late call up for Clive Bishop and a transfer for Viz Parmar.

The senior innings started with a bang, as a Tim Westwood full toss was missed by ansel Pottinger, and a seemingly still hung over Rick Singh was ran out as he wandered down the wicket, 0-2 after 1 over. Jim Rasin and Les King consolidated, before Jim played no shot and was bowled by a Pete Westwood off-break. Neal Rughani joined Les and added another 50, before he was caught behind off Keith Rondeau. Skipper Steve Mullard fell soon after looping a catch up off pad and glove and Craig Hands was stumped as the Senior innings threatened to disintegrate. Junior skipper Ben Tarry disturbed Matt Read’s stumps but Bill Pye kept Les company as he completed a patient 50. Both were run out soon after, but Viz Parmar and Clive Bishop saw the overs out and took the score to 161-9.

After tea and cakes the Junior innnings began and was soon in disarray as Jim Rasin picked up 4 wickets in his opening 8 over burst, thanks to goot catches from Ansel Pottinger, Steve Mullard, Neal Rughani and Clive Bishop. With the Junior big guns back in the shed, the run chase looked a tall order, but Keith Rondeau and Adrian Maguire rebuilt and consolidated. Golden Arm Mullard picked up Ronnie, but Ben Tarry grafted it out and got the Junios to within 60 runs at the drinks break. After the drinks break Adrian fell to Steve and Ben was trapped by Viz but still the Juniors edged closer, and with no pressure from the run rate and unlikely victory was still a possibility. Pete Westwood and Luke Froggatt reduced the target to 25 but Steve Mullard returned to get Luke and when Rick Singh bowled Tim Westwood, the Seniors were victorious by 20 runs.

An excellent day, enjoyed by a large crowd. Thanks to all who assisted, in particular Jenny, Marie, Rose and Holly for a fabulous buffet, Kamil Munir for umpiring the first half and to Keith Hemming for scoring (apologies if I’ve missed anyone.) Les King was presented with the loo seat Man of the Match award for his battling 60 that proved the difference between the sides. Comedy highlight of the day for me was a close thing between Rick’s run out and the 4 overthrows that Pikey generously donated to the cause, although Steve Mullard’s catch to dismiss Rishi Parmar deserves an honorable mention.  (I’m sure there were others as teh comments will probably reveal.) In the end, experience shone through - it sounds better than admitting the Juniors bottled it again. Next year it will be ours!!!