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20th July - Dorset Tour 2010
We nearly made it a clean sweep on tour, winning two games and having the opposition nine down in the third.
There were great deeds all round: we successfully chased Bryanston’s 304, Ollie Doward broke a hand in two places on day one yet played on through all three games, and there was a legendary batting performance from Matt Berry.
Many thanks to Ollie for this account of the action:
Bryanston Butterflies 304-7 dec (49 overs)
Jesters 305-8 (46.4 overs)
Jesters won by 2 wkts
On a beautiful Blandford morning, Richard Rostron (pro at Salesbury CC) and Joe Rawlinson both struck early, Rostron extracting considerable life from a bone dry Bryanston pitch. Marshall (51) led a mini Butterflies recovery but three quick wickets just before the interval, including the dangerous Jim Denning (this was the diving catch that broke my hand) meant the Butterflies lunched at 115-5.
After lunch, the other Denning brother (53) and Freddie Strange put on 134 for the sixth wicket. Strange launched an astonishing assault on the bowling, smashing 113* off 58 balls (16 fours, 3 sixes). The declaration was greeted with some relief by a bewildered Jesters - wickets were shared round evenly, two apiece for Rostron, off spinner Stephen Brown and tour skipper Simon 'Highlights' Rawson.
Disastrous start to our reply. 0-2 became 15-4. Any prospect of chasing down 300+ looked dead in the water. However, Ollie Doward and Richard Rostron led the fightback, putting on 165 for the fifth wicket. When Doward was run out for 60, Rawlinson (40) supported Rostron as he powered to a breathtaking century and a scarcely believable victory was suddenly a distinct possibility.
In a frantic finale the final equation was six runs to win off the final over with two wickets in hand. We got there with two balls to spare sparking wild celebrations on the pavilion balcony. A shattered Rostron finished unbeaten on a magnificent 159 (24 fours and a six).
A sensational game of cricket with over 600 runs scored. After we chased down 286 last season, their skipper joked afterwards that he would never declare against us again!
Jesters 133 all out (40 overs)
Canford Cygnets 77 all out (23.1 overs)
Jesters won by 56 runs
Something of a contrast to the previous day's run fest. Blazing sunshine was replaced by dank gloominess and it quickly became apparent that run scoring would be a real challenge. The top order inevitably succumbed to the powers of Canford's pantomime villain Ben 'Ironman' Pearce whose four early wickets helped reduce us to 57-5. Thereafter Rob Long (23), Ian Riley (27) and Rostron (36*) rallied to help us post a less than imposing 133 all out.
There then followed an extraordinary session of cricket. Rostron steamed in for the first over and had an enormous caught behind appeal turned down off his first delivery. Disappointment turned to delight three balls later as the same batsman had his stumps demolished. Wicket maiden. At the other end, in-form Adnan Mohammed pinned the other opener lbw first ball before grabbing a second wicket of the over by beating their number four all ends up with a quicker one to rattle the timbers once again.
With the score at 2-3, Canford's Tom Blackburn then played an extraordinary shot to the first ball of Rostron's second over, launching a fast good length ball into orbit for a mind-boggling garryowen of a six which went as high as it did far. We were later to find out that while we were gorging sandwiches and cakes at tea, gym bunny Blackburn was pumping iron in preparation for his innings!
Adnan followed up his first over with a wicket maiden and Rostron kept his cool to trap the young tyro lbw for 12. 14-5. Canford skipper and occasional Jester George Shepherd steadied the ship along with Marsh (27) but the introduction of Brown nipped any resistance in the bud. His 3-16 included Canford 'teawatchman' and BBC cricket commentator Mark Mitchener for a golden duck, the last of a remarkable eight ducks in the match. Fittingly it was Ironman, having cleared the ropes with his first scoring shot, who holed out to long on to seal a 56 run win and hand Adnan his fifth wicket (5-34).
As usual we enjoyed the Cygnets' generous and at times hilarious hospitality after the game, even managing to hold our own in the various traditional beer challenges.
Jesters 207-8 dec (56 overs)
Hampshire Hogs 168-9 (49 overs)
Match drawn
After a heavy night at Canford and back at base in Bournemouth, it was a ragged looking Jesters who turned up at Warnford on Wednesday morning. Much like last year, overnight rain had turned the wicket into a sticky dog. Not a toss you want to lose, so Simon duly did for the third day in a row.
Once again, we were quickly in a hole at 27-3. It needed someone to drop anchor and that man was Matthew 'Tavare' Berry (28), our injured opening bowler turned opening batsman. Matt's 95 ball epic spanned 35 overs before he was trapped in front attempting to sweep his first ball from wily old fox Chris Bazalgette. Momentum was provided by cameos from Doward and Rawlinson but once again it was left to Rostron to dig us out the mire. His rapid 81 and some classy hitting from Brown enabled us to declare on 207-8.
The Hogs were also in early trouble at 29-3 after early Rostron and Rawson wickets and a brilliant improvised run out by the latter. Relieved at being dropped at second slip, Hogs number three Foot neglected to plant his feet back in the crease and had his wicket thrown down by Simon's bullet throw from first slip. A stand of 84 between Tennant and Aldridge (47) ensured the game was finely poised going into the last hour with 112 needed and seven wickets in hand. However, once the partnership was broken by Rawson (17-2-46-2), wickets tumbled at regular intervals. When Tennant was seventh out, bowled by Brown (4-50) for 84, the Hogs decided to shut up shop. Two more tail-enders were eked out to set up the theatrical ending we'd all hoped for - Hogs legend 'The Gette' was required to block out the final over to save the game.
He did so with aplomb, thus bringing to an end a fantastic tour on and off the field. All three matches ebbed and flowed and we played some exhilarating backs-against-the-wall cricket. The games were played in great spirit and thanks must go to Bryanston, Canford and the Hogs for once again being perfect hosts. Thanks also to former Jesters stalwart Roger House for his unstinting support on all three days.
11th July - Second best against Captain Scott’s XI
Match manager John Murphy produced a near miracle getting eleven players on the pitch in the face of widespread unavailability (it was World Cup final day) and injury.
It wasn’t, however, our strongest ever eleven and we were hammered by a a powerful Captain Scott side. In a 35 over game they smashed 270 - not helped by a uniquely poor fielding performance - and our 182 owed much to late hitting from new Jester Nic Gregori (70-odd from 45 balls). Definitely a day to forget - although a fuller account may appear here in due course.
4th July - Exciting draw with the Gnomes
We had a cracking finish against Lord Gnome’s XI in Oxford on the lovely Queen’s College ground beside the river. Three were needed from the last ball with our last pair at the crease. But with men back on the boundary we could only manage a single finishing on 200 chasing their 201.
At one stage it looked as though we would be chasing many more as their top order laid into our seam attack. Runs flowed. But skipper Matt Williamson was up to the job, turning the tables with his decision to take pace off the ball. Slow men Adnan Mohammed (5-68) and Andrew Short (3-56) bowled through the rest of the innings.
Louis Harris gave us an electrifying start in response, a dazzling array of shots taking him to 63 off only 52 balls. A pretty much flat six pulled through mid-wicket sticks particularly in the memory. After Louis went the pressure of the chase told. Several Jesters got in but no one went on to play the match winning innings. As wickets tumbled we kept going for the runs, even with last pair John Murphy and Ben Sareen at the crease. But in the end victory lay just tantalisingly out of reach.
28th June - Radley Rangers
Radley Rangers: 232-8 declared (44 overs) F. Moynan 68, J. North 34, J. Stanton 34, M. Harris 3 for 60, Hamad-ul-Hasan 2 for 40
Jesters: 161 all out (39.2 overs) A. Mohammed 37, Hamad-ul-Hasan 32, J. Stanton 4 for 44, C. Stoop 2 for 20, J. North 2 for 20
Radley Rangers won by 71 runs
“On a stunning June day, the Jesters played the Radley Rangers on Smithson’s Field. Although this is effectively the College’s third pitch, it is almost certainly one of the best tracks the Jesters will play on this season. The wicket was a batsman’s paradise, with pace and bounce for the quicker bowlers, and the outfield was well-cropped and fast.
“Winning the toss, the Jesters took to the field. Max Harris and Adnan Mohammed bowled sharp opening spells, with the latter trapping the Rangers’ opener leg before. Jesters guest Hamad-ul-Hasan (who debuted for Peshawar over the winter) then commenced a fine spell of off-break bowling, which included two wickets in two balls. The Rangers’captain, Henry Bailey, had started confidently but he was unlucky to play-on against the bowling of John Murphy. A good early performance with the ball left the opposition struggling on 71 for 4.
“Hamad continued to wheel away (he conceded just 40 runs in his 14 overs), but the Rangers batsmen dug in well and after playing themselves in Messrs J. North and Stanton added 91 for the fifth wicket. Moynan went on to hit 68 and his innings included six straight sixes off our other slow bowlers. Harris claimed three quick wickets at the end of the innings and when the declaration came we thought we were in with a good chance.
“Unfortunately we did not bat to our full potential. Wickets fell at a steady rate and with the exception of Hamad (who made 32) our top order struggled, with the other top six batsman scoring just 29 runs between them. We collapsed to 81 for 7.
“Simon Rawson and Mohammed batted together and both were keen to preserve their wickets. Rawson unfortunately fell for 22 and we another quick wicket fell, leaving us 129 for 9 with 10 overs to go before the close. Last man Murphy and Mohammed then dug in to try to save a draw. Both men looked comfortable and the pitch remained an excellent surface on which to bat. Then, in the penultimate over, Mohammed was trapped plumb in front to the only ball of the day to keep low.
“Credit must go to the Radley Rangers for setting us a tempting target and bowling a side out on such a decent track.”
Thanks to match manager John Murphy for this report. And thanks also to John for his untiring efforts to get eleven players when so many regular Jesters were unavailable.
14th June - Victory at Jesus College, Cambridge
We finally recorded our first win of the season in Cambridge yesterday, beating a strong Jesus College side by 7 wickets. Jesus have recently won Cuppers - the inter-college tournament - so this really was a good result
Thanks to match manager Ollie Doward for this match report:
Jesus College: 191 all out (52.2 overs)
Jesters: 194-3 (37.3 overs)
“On paper, this game was one of our tougher assignments of the season. Jesus, fresh from winning Cuppers the previous day, fielded a full strength side including Blues and Nottinghamshire left arm spinner Frankie Brown. However, we had Adnan Mohammed, more of which later...
“After a heavy deluge overnight, Jesters won the toss and elected to field, hoping to make the most of a drying wicket on a hot Cambridge afternoon.
“Max Harris and Ben Sareen bowled exceptionally tight opening spells without luck but were up against the formidable pair of sometime Jester and Mallard Sam Grimshaw and James Waters, our nemesis from this fixture in 2006.
“The unusually subdued duo had reached 61-0 when spin twins Mumby and Mohammed were called upon. Mumbers made the crucial breakthrough, bowling Waters before A-Mo took a vice-like grip on the game. He frustrated and bamboozled a series of talented batsmen as Jesus collapsed to 99-6.
“There was late resistance from Brown (46) and skipper Duncan Allen (43) but the final total of 191 all out had spanned a hefty 52.2 overs. Adnan's fantastic final figures were 7-48 off 17 overs.
“With so few overs available to bat after tea, chasing down their total looked like too tall an order. But Robbie Hudson, having finally dispensed with his decrepit blade from university days, kept his w(h)its about him, thrilling the watching picnickers as he slashed and pulled his way to a swashbuckling 61 off 49 balls.
“He was supported by fluid knocks from Matt Williamson (28), Max Harris (49*) and Adnan (28*, including three sixes). Max finished the game off in some style, flaying a six over extra cover to seal a surprisingly comfortable seven wicket win with six overs of the last hour to spare. Brown finished with figures of 0-32 from 12 overs.”
14th June - Captain Scott’s venue announced
Our game with Captain Scott’s XI on Sunday 11th July will take place at the Christ Church sports ground in Oxford - just over Magdalen Bridge from the city centre. This is an opportunity to play on one of the best grounds in Oxford, one that has regularly hosted minor counties cricket.
John Murphy is our match manager so contact him direct if you’d like to play.
24th May - Carnival in the sun
Our club game at Shenley was played on the hottest day of the year so far. Far too hot for some. A full account of what was a hugely enjoyable day will appear here soon.
Highlights included Robbie Hudson’s century, 50s from Adnan Mohammed and Dave Hancock, tight spells of spin bowling from Adnan and Nick Mumby, and Russell Ewings’ spectacular direct hit from cover to run out Ponniah Vijendran.
The game ended in a draw, so still no Jesters victory this season!
12th May - NPL game cancelled
Unfortunately NPL are unable to raise a side so have called off the game on Sunday 16th. One of their players is getting married “up north” the day before with many of their side attending.
8th May - HAC game rained off
After heavy overnight rain in London our game with HAC was called off in mid-morning.
2nd May - Magdalene College, Cambridge
Rain descended on Cambridge not long after the St John’s game finished, continued all night and into Sunday morning. The game was called off first thing.
1st May - St John’s College, Cambridge
We made it three defeats from three games this season with a tight, one wicket loss to St. John’s. The college put out a slightly stronger side than in recent years while we resembled the Old Crocks XI with several players carrying injuries. Their captain made a point of asking if Jonny Bridcut - our Cambridge destroyer of recent seasons - was playing and was delighted to learn of his absence in Shanghai.
With the bowling attack mostly stuck behind an accident on the M11, we had no option but to bat on winning the toss. Unfortunately our top order then all fell to occasional subterranean bounce at the University Library end - the one that got Louis Harris literally rolling along the ground. Alex Smith led the fightback with a mixture of watchful defence and his usual silky boundaries.
The students bowled very straight and fielded athletically throughout the innings. And with defensive fields scoring was never easy. Nor did a funereal over rate of only 37 overs in more than two and half hours help our cause - and at 168-5 we had little option but to declare to make a game of it. Alex finished on 66 not out and had been well supported by Ollie Doward and Matt Williamson.
Their innings was a curious affair - and probably shows just what you can sometimes achieve if you actually go for the runs. We learned that most of their side were due to attend the Benefactors Dinner in Hall and so were keen to get away early if at all possible, batting much more positively than they might otherwise.
At 105-7 we felt we had the game won. But down the order they had a number of players who clearly weren’t regular cricketers, but were very good sportsmen. They hit cleanly and straight - and under pressure we dropped a number of crucial catches (I think five in all). Their number ten - a hockey player - played a delightful cameo, hitting his first ball over mid on for four, then taking two steps down the wicket and driving through extra cover (possibly the shot of the day), before flicking one off his legs for another four. Number eleven came to the crease with 14 needed - and he looked a genuine cricketer. Under his guidance the approach became a little more conservative, singles and sensible placement taking them to victory with one over remaining.
Our bowling attack held up pretty well under pressure, but we lacked a cutting edge. Ben Sareen was the pick with 3-41 and Adnan Mohammed bowled a long spell of slow left arm, also taking three.
It’s always disappointing to lose. But what more do you want than a really tight game in beautiful Cambridge surroundings? The skipper also realised it was almost exactly 30 years to the day since he first encountered the Jesters, playing for the college. Taking none for plenty and blocking out for a draw - so little change there then.
28th April - Amersham
It can be tricky playing good league sides in April. At that stage of the season they tend to be lean, mean, fighting machines in preparation for the new league campaign. Whereas we, to be frank, aren’t.
And so it proved against Amersham where we came unstuck in a 40 over game, losing by 91 runs. Amersham 202-7. Jesters 111.
We began well with tight opening spells from Tony Duckett and Matt Berry - and after nine overs they were 24 without loss. But after that they eased up smoothly through the gears, culminating in a final over that went for 19. Matt went for only 20 from his eight overs, and Tony took 3-23 from his.
After nine overs we were well placed at 30-1. But we just couldn’t accelerate after that, and although the second wicket didn’t fall until the score had reached 69 we were now in the 20th over. Against a strong bowling attack, our attempts to step up the scoring rate then produced a clatter of wickets, and with one of our players unable to bat with conjunctivitis we fell a long way short.
We’ve had a series of tight, high-scoring games with Amersham in recent years, so perhaps we should look to play the game in September once again.
22nd April - Catchee watchee winee matchee
We began the 2010 season by coming second at Hurlingham. But it could perhaps all have been so very different. Match Manager Simon Cleobury takes up the story:
“It was glorious weather and the magnificent setting of the Hurlingham Club that welcomed in the new Jesters season. The Jesters welcomed back Robbie Hudson from injury and gave debuts to Max Harris and Eddie Binns. Unfortunately the Jesters performance was not as glorious or magnificent as the weather or the setting.
“Hurlingham won the toss and elected to bat. There was still some early morning dew around and the pitch was green although very hard and dry. Tony Duckett bowled beautifully from the top end and was unlucky not to take a couple of early wickets. Hurlingham's left handed opener was dropped off the other opener Max Harris and he gave a very hard chance which was put down behind the wicket off Tony Duckett. Those misses were to prove very costly.
“There was a deserved wicket for Tony Duckett and with the introduction of Eddie Binns some control was exerted. Another chance went begging when a good piece of fielding in the covers from Simon Cleobury should have led to the opener being run out. The two Hurlingham left handers were soon seeing it very well indeed, and began to cash in on the excellent wicket and short leg side boundary, particularly with the introduction of the spinners. Hurlingham's left handed opener marched to a stylish century well before lunch and at lunch the Jesters were on the rack with the score at 181 for 1.
“The skipper switched Adnan Mohammed to the far end following lunch, which bore fruit when he removed both left handers in quick succession. Their opener had scored 50 off 57 balls, 100 off 83 and ended on 140 of 110 balls. There followed a period of consolidation where the run rate was checked. Not for long though as some hefty hitting kept the scoreboard ticking and Hurlingham moving towards the 300 mark. Mention must go to Tony Duckett who bowled for over an hour in the first session and returned for another long spell after lunch - his figures of [1 for 91] did not reflect how well he bowled. Adnan Mohammed also did well to come back after a bad start to end with [4 for 80]. There was also a wicket for Max Harris, who was restricted to only 6 overs due to a dodgy toe, in his second spell. Simon Rawson's five overs were tight in the context of the game. Hurlingham declared their innings on 291 for 6.
“The Jesters' reply was started by Ponniah Vijendran and Louis Harris. Ponniah looked in good touch and it was a big blow when he was run out attempting a second off a misfield. The Jesters were unlucky to lose Eddie Binns soon after. When Paul Durban went soon after that things were not looking good. Louis and Ollie Doward were able to steady things until tea. Hurlingham's opening bowlers were Ben Thompson (ex Warwickshire and Gloucestershire 2nd XI) and George Brooksbank (ex Hertfordshire). They continued after tea as they had done before and scoring was very difficult. Harris and Doward looked to be digging themselves in for a decent partnership before Doward was run out and Harris fell to the off spinner. Simon Cleobury and Robbie Hudson briefly promised a partnership of old, but it was not to be. Adnan Mohammed, Simon Rawson, Max Harris and Tony Duckett had a hit at the end. However, the Jesters ended up on 142 and were well beaten by 149 runs.
“So a lovely day was had, as always, at Hurlingham, but as Confucius would surely have said if he played cricket, "catchee watchee winee matchee". The Jesters were really made to rue those early misses. Early season fielding practice needed next year.”
15th April - Mallards game cancelled
Unfortunately the Mallards have had to cancel their game with us planned for 6th June. We are trying to find an alternative. Please let Simon Cleobury know if you have any ideas.
19th January - Increase in annual subs & match fees
At the 2009 AGM we voted to increase the annual subscription to £20 and match fees to £7.00 per game. Life membership increases to £110. This is the first increase for many years and is necessary to cover the cost of our cricket. We have lost money for the last two seasons.
Would all playing members please alter their standing orders to £20. It would also be a great help if those who haven’t paid by standing order in the past do so now. John Murphy can give you our bank account details.
17th January - Nets at Lord’s
Pre-season nets are booked at Lord’s from early February to mid-April. All sessions are on Tuesdays, 7-8pm, except for the first session on 3rd February, and that on 31st March which are on Wednesdays (again 7-8pm).
Dates are: 3rd & 16th Feb, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 31st March, 6th & 13th April.
Contact Andrew Short to book your place. The cost is £7.00 per person per net. And the usual rule applies: if you drop out too late for us to find a replacement you will be charged.
1st December - Jonny Bridcut joins committee
We are delighted to welcome Jonny Bridcut to the club committee. He came on board at the AGM last month when all the other committee members were re-elected.
30th November - Annual Awards
Thanks to everyone who made the AGM and annual dinner earlier this month such a success. Winners of the three annual awards presented at the dinner are:
Arnold Woods Trophy (best individual performance) to Andrew Short for his century against HAC. The committee also presented Andrew with a framed photograph of the occasion.
Most Jester-like performance - Simon Rawson for last ball “madness” at Radley, charging down the wicket assuming he had hit the ball through the covers, only to discover he’d missed it completely and the keeper had removed the bails.
Michael Meyer trophy for big hitting to Ollie Doward for his last over six over long-off that set up the tied draw at NPL.
1st October - Streatham & Marlborough
We rounded off the season with a convincing victory in this new fixture in Dulwich..
22nd September - Barnes Common
We were back to winning ways at Barnes Common recording a good victory after bowling them out for 160-odd and knocking off the runs with ease. Match manager Jonny Bridcut reports:
Barnes Common 159/9 (35 overs)
Jesters 160/2 (26.4 overs)
“On a late September sunday afternoon, the Jesters overcame a feisty Barnes Common XI due to a ruthless spell of bowling with the new orange ball and an inspired all round performance by Simon Cleobury.
“After losing the toss, the Jesters were happy to find themselves bowling first in a game reduced to 35 overs aside. All the pre-match talk had centred around the dynamic Barnes number three, who had butchered his way to rapid fifties in previous years. However, he arrived and departed from the field of play in the third over, thanks to a tremendous opening burst from James Haggie, ending a promising candidate season for the club. Wickets soon fell at the other end, leaving the hosts 10/4 after 4 overs and facing the prospect of a long afternoon in a local Barnes beer garden.
“As so often happens, that was not to be, as their middle order steadied the ship and, thanks to several lusty blows, lofted the total beyond 150, which they thought was plenty on a pitch offering the occasional surprise. The stand out performance in the field was that of Mr Cleobury behind the stumps, standing up to all comers and snapping two fine catches off Simon Rawson and Adnan Mohammed.
“What Barnes had not considered was the strength of the visitors' batting line up. Simon Butler, playing his first game for the club, and Simon Cleobury shared an opening stand of 100 before the debutant seemed to misjudge the flight and got stumped for a fine 61. Simon remained at the helm until the end, frequently dispatching the tangerine to all parts in a terrific 59 not out. Victory was achieved in style, as Alex Smith cleared his front leg, together with the mid wicket boundary, ensuring an 8 wicket win with more than 8 overs remaining.
14th September - 2009 AGM and Dinner
The AGM and Dinner take place this year on Friday 13th November, as listed in the fixture card. Everyone had such a good time last year that we’re returning to the Northbank Restaurant overlooking Tate Modern on the opposite bank of the Thames. We hope you can come along.
You can read full details of the 2009 event here - and find out how to book your place.
14th September - Ashtead game canceled
The game against Ashtead was canceled because of close season work on their square starting early
10th September - Amersham
Jesters 211 all out (39.5 overs)
Amersham 212-4 (38 overs)
Thanks to match manager Ollie Doward for the following account:
“After two breath-taking chases in recent years, we would have preferred to have bowled first after winning the toss, but with only four Jesters present at the start of play due to a variety of calamities, we had no alternative but to bat.
“A very strong Amersham line-up soon had us in all sorts of trouble. Only Tony Crockert, with a fluent 28, looked comfortable as we slumped to 60-5 with nearly half the 40-over allocation gone.
“Face was saved by Roger Greenslade who, true to character, decided that the only way out of our precarious position was to attack. The Greenslayer was in typically cathartic form, flogging a brutal 78 full of cuts, pulls, hoicks and flicks to the boundary plus one bone-shuddering straight six. That mighty blow came immediately after two swishes and misses against their rapid Aussie import, who unwisely offered Rog some advice about his eyesight. "I saw that one" was the quick-fire response after the next delivery slapped straight into the sight screen!
“Roger was ably supported by debutant Ali Dil, who looked classy for his 30, and then by late arrival Alex Smith (31). Those two crucial partnerships dragged our total up to respectability, but having posted 250+ at Amersham twice in the last three years, we knew we were probably 40 runs light.
“The subsequent chase was something of a non-event. Two quick wickets gave us early hope, including a snorter of a nip-backer from Tony Duckett which ripped out their No.3's off stump as he offered no stroke, but it was downhill from then on. Opener Jackson top scored with 78 as they cruised home on a flat deck without having to take any risks. Special mention must go to Simon Rawson's young nephew Guyam who recovered from a nervy start to bowl absolutely beautifully, taking 2-42 from a full 8 overs.”
1st September - Maidenhead & Bray
We beat Maidenhead & Bray by 6 wickets but so far no details have reached Jesters HQ.
23rd August - Chobham
We recorded a comfortable 160 run victory at Chobham. Our 227-7, in a 40 over game, was built on the great start given us by new Jester Louis Harris whose attacking innings of 77 was full of good shots all round the wicket. Ollie Doward (41) and Julian Powe (47) continued the good work.
In response a young Chobhan side never really came to terms with the demands of the chase, going too often for the big hit rather than pushing singles to keep the scoreboard moving. They were a better side than their 67 all out might suggest. All the Jesters bowlers cashed in with Alan Dodd finishing with the best stats, 3-9 off 5.4 overs.
18th August - Stoney ground for Jesters at Middleton
Having played pretty well all season we saved up a really poor performance for the beautiful ground at Middleton Stoney, losing badly by 56 runs.
We actually bowled rather well, Jonny Bridcut’s 3-30 from 11 overs an especially useful effort. But their 171-9 was most notable for our six dropped catches.
In response the wheels well and truly came off as eight Jesters reached double figures but none made it to 20. In retrospect our use of the self-destruct button against their loopy spinner has its lighter side, but certainly not at the time.
Nonetheless, the Middleton Stoney hospitality was as good as ever - there was the usual post-match barbie - and we’re already looking forward to next year.
10th August - Rickling Ramblers
We beat Rickling Ramblers by 10 runs in a 40 over game. Our 173 was based on a solid 40 from Roger Greenslade and finished off with a brisk 38 from skipper Ollie Doward.
Following a tight spell by Adnan Mohammed (4-32 from 10 overs) we thought we had the game wrapped up before their number 10 steered them worryingly close with a knock of 24. At this point Ollie bravely opted to bowl young Wasif Butt never having seen him perform. It proved a masterstroke as Wasif finished with 2-12 showing impressive pace for a 14 year old.
7th August - Cuckfield
We were very well placed at 109-0 chasing Cuckfield’s 253-6 when it rained with 75 minutes remaining.
The Cuckfield innings involved one of the shots of the season. Chris Mole, our usual nemesis in this fixture and Devon wicket keeper, strode to the wicket to face Billingshurst’s West Indian pro who we had borrowed to strengthen the side - and who was bowling pretty fast. First ball, without a sighter, he launched him straight back over his head, and over the sightscreen for a truly enormous six!
26th July - One victory, one defeat
In the final week of July we beat Roehampton convincingly after losing a high scoring game at Horsham.
Horsham only needed two batsmen, their openers knocking up 248 undeafeated at the declaration. At 150-0 our openers looked to be replying in kind befiore the pressure of the chase proved too great.
Roehampton were unable to match our 204-8 (Christian Judd, a guest player, 98 , Alex Smith 32) replying with only 122.
23rd July - Sandy Ross
It is with huge sadness that we report the death of Sandy Ross on 22nd July while playing cricket for the Sussex Martlets.
Sandy was a long-standing Jester, having played for the club for two decades. We shall all miss his warmth, enthusiasm and friendship.
Our tribute to Sandy is here together with details of his memorial service on 17th August.
19th July - Twin strikes end Jesters Gemini hopes
More last ball drama at Sunningdale School, after a see-saw game which had spectators’ attention drawn improbably away from events at Lord’s to the excitement unfolding under their very noses...
The game featured a highly unusual Jesters side, all 11 of whom have performed admirably over the years with both ball and bat. A quick look at the spongy, sloping two-tone wicket persuaded our skipper to put the oppo into bat and see what they could make of it.
The answer, to our surprise, was 238 all out, a good 60 runs more than the target we’d hoped for, and indeed thought possible to chase. There were no huge scores or partnerships, just steady accumulation of runs with some big hitters making good use of the short boundaries. DJ Chak was the pick of the 8 bowlers used, with 4-31. Bridcut, Palmer, Rawson and debutant Aksay Sarma all chipped in with a wicket apiece.
In reply we were soon in trouble at 25-2, but Mike Palmer (30), Matt Williamson (22), Charlie Wilson (21) and Alex Smith (60) steadied the middle order, and when the final 20 overs arrived with 120 runs needed for victory and 6 wickets remaining the game was very much on. With the run rate never creeping beyond 8 an over, and with Rawson (27), Mohammed and Bridcut all finding the boundary with thrilling ease, the game had everyone transfixed. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any more tense, in the penultimate over the umpires informed the skippers that the scorer had at some point missed 4 runs. Without an obvious solution a 2-run addition was magnanimously agreed.
And so to the final over. With the final two deliveries left, it was looking good: Jesters needed 6 runs for victory, with 2 wickets remaining. It was looking even better when Rawson unleashed a superb straight drive, only for the bowler to take an even better return catch to leave Jesters’ heads in hands. So with skipper’s instructions to “go for glory”, out strode John Murphy, faced with the number 11’s nightmare: 6 needed off the last ball, and only his wicket remaining. Not content with his previous delivery’s heroics, the bowler produced a scorching yorker to demolish John’s leg stump, to cries of anguish from the boundary. We finished on 235 all out (the scorer had indeed made a 4-run error, which was academic in the end).
All in all a superb match, and one we really didn’t mind losing, such was the thrill of the finish. After the similar last-ball drama at NPL, the skipper is seriously contemplating inviting the TV cameras for next year’s fixtures.
Thanks to Alex Smith this account of the drama.
16th July - Dorset tour
It was a run filled tour this year with large totals and precious little respite for the bowlers.
We chased down Bryanston Butterflies’ 286 in the last over, winning by three wickets with two balls to spare. On a perfect placid batting wicket it was almost impossible to bowl at the Denning brothers, sons of former Somerset player “Dasher” Denning. Tony Duckett did his best with a good 15 over spell but everyone else was smashed.
We were left with 45 overs to get the runs which was an entirely fair declaration in the conditions. Joe Phelan’s brisk half century laid the foundations and we always felt we were in with a chance despite the run rate mounting. The crucial partnership was between Lancashire League veteran John Wharton - who pushed the ball into gaps for ones and twos - and Tony Duckett who took a more robust approach. 45 were needed from the last five overs. Somehow the runs kept flowing, including a couple of huge sixes from Tony, and we scrambled home, man of the match TD finishing 45 not out.
Thanks to Bryanston for another day’s marvellous hospitality. We enjoyed the post match barbie and (I think) drew the rugby sevens game that followed.
Against Canford Cygnets our mammoth 295-4 was being chased hard when rained intervened. Canford were 235-6 with ten overs remaining.
Our hero were James Watson who scored a superb 138, starting cautiously before unleashing shots all round the ground. On 97 at lunch, the Canford team fortunately enjoyed their meal as much as we did, and James was dropped twice before reaching his century.
When James was out at 232-2 our other hero strode to the crease. “Cameo” seems an inadequate word to describe Will Bowly’s brief innings, but it did only last 18 balls. His second ball went for six over mid-wicket - off their fast bowler - and five more sixes followed. Including one the Canford players thought was the biggest hit they’d seen on the school ground. It was clean hitting, not slogging, and Will finished with an astonishing 56 not out.
We had very little bowling and Canford moved steadily towards our total, but losing crucial wickets whenever they looked to be on top. The game was perfectly poised when the rain came.
Thanks too to Canford for their hospitality. There was another barbie after this game.
We recovered to 233 after being 130-8 against Hampshire Hogs (Ollie Doward 91*). At the close the Hogs were 147-7.
The groundsman had removed the covers at 8 am and a heavy morning shower turned the wicket into a horrible sticky dog. We lost the toss and were inserted by opposition skipper our own Jonny Bridcut. By lunch we had slumped to 92-5.
After the interval we consolidated to 130-5 when Jonny returned for his second spell of the day on a now drying
wicket and was virtually unplayable. There were gremlins all over the pitch with balls flying up into the gloves off a good length - but the real damage was done by some fearsome inswing bowling. Jonny took a hat-trick reducing us to 130-8 with late in-duckers!
Ollie Doward and Simon Rawson then dug in for what proved to be the crucial partnership of the day, putting on 102 for the 9th wicket. The best moment was Ollie hitting wily old fox Chris Bazalgette into the adjoining cow field for six, prompting the response "I'd like to see you try that again young man". The next ball went even further!
In response, Tony Duckett and James Watson bowled very mean spells before tea, 25-1 off 15 overs. This first wicket was an astonishing one handed diving catch at point by Ollie. After that their batsman couldn’t get going on what remained a tricky track. Our secret weapon was Joe Phelan whose occasional off spin snared the Hogs star batsman Oliver Kelly. At this point we thought we could win, but a couple of late drops in the slips cost us and they played out the draw finishing 147-7 despite Tony Duckett bowling a fantastic second spell. 12th man, nine year old Sachin Rawson, charged in to bowl the final over with every other member of the team round the bat!
5th July - Gnomes squeeze home
The game against Lord Gnome’s XI ended in a frustrating seven run defeat.
Having had the Gnomes 128-7 we were disappointed to let them escape to 182-8 in a 40 over game. New Jester Ben Sareen starred with 4-43 and was ably supported by a tight spell of slow left arm from Adnan Mohammed.
We started brightly in response. But after Ponniah Vijendran went for 51 we gradually fell behind the rate against a tight bowling attack used to limited overs cricket. DJ Chak’s 47 not out kept us in the hunt and we were never completely out of the game. What eluded us was that one big over that would bring us right back into contention. Finally it came down to twelve required from the final over - perhaps not too great a challenge in other circumstances but it seemed far too may at the time. And so it proved.
28th June - Mallards shot down
We beat the Mallards by 40 runs:
Jesters 203-6 DJ Chak 74, Alex Smith 35, Roger Greenslade 33
Mallards 163 DJ Chak 3-15, Shobhu Ahmed 3-53
On a steaming hot day in Cambridge, several Jesters craftily arrived late allowing captain Matt Berry to plead with the opposition that the only option was for us to bat first.
We were faced with a soft green wicket, after storms the previous week, which produced curious tennis ball-like bounce. Bowlers from both sides found it hard to work out the right length to bowl and the batsmen duly took advantage scoring rapidly in both innings.
After we lost an early wicket, Roger Greenslade and DJ Chak set about the Mallards attack with gusto, DJ in particular playing some thrilling aerial shots in his knock of 73. Alex Smith and the middle order took the score to what seemed an unassailable total of 203.
However, after only four overs batting their total stood at 39-0 and we had to think again. Three quick wickets brought us back into the game before our very own Sam Grimshaw, and a partner, began smashing our attack to all parts of the outfield. The situation very quickly seemed hopeless as they raced to 144-3 with plenty of overs remaining.
We were rescued by Shobhu Ahmed’s off-spin, a lighting stumping from Dave Hancock dismissing Sam for a valiant 46. His partner soon followed for 54 and then we quickly worked our way through the tail. A great fight back.
20th June - Royal Household
Our new fixture with Royal Household CC at Windsor resulted in an 81 run victory.
Jesters 186 Tauseef Mehdi 39, Matt Williamson 37
Royal Household 105 Adnan Mohammed 5-40, Tauseef Mehdi 3-16.
Great spells of slow left arm from Adnan and leggies from Tauseef Mehdi saw us home after we’d posted a good total against good bowling on a wicket that was never straightforward for batting. At one stage the Queen even passed by.
31st May - Radley Rangers rollercoaster
Thanks to match manager Jonny Bridcut for this account of another great game.
Radley Rangers 235/9 dec
Jesters 233 all out
“On a glorious summer's day, the Jesters sparred with fresh opponents in the shape of the Radley Rangers, in a thrilling contest which saw all four results probable as Simon Rawson awaited the final ball of a rollercoaster match...
“After losing the toss, and being asked to field in the midday sun, we started brightly with the new cherry, though were unable to pick up a deserved wicket. As time passed, the openers began to look increasingly assured at the crease, and the scoreboard soon ticked over 50. However, the introduction of new Jester Tom Bullock saw the breakthrough as their stylish opener clipped one straight to mid on.
“That was to be the sole success of the morning session, with the home side tucking into their lemon curd tartlets sitting comfortably on 137/1. After lunch the Jesters tightened the screw in the field and, inspired by the aggression of James Haggie and the cunning of Adnan Mohammed, restricted the Rangers to a final total of 235/9, when 250-270 had been comfortably in reach. Adnan's flight and guile guided him to a famous four wicket haul, whilst James deserved more than his two scalps.
“We had a tricky 50 minutes to negotiate before the tea interval but, after the loss of one early wicket, Ponniah Vijendran and Matt Williamson ensured that a solid platform had been built by the time Ollie Doward was tucking into the left over curd tartlets.
“We entered the final hour of the match requiring 124 runs with eight wickets in hand, and therefore the neutrals were calling us favourites. They had clearly never witnessed a Jester middle-order wobble. A gentle meander home became a fraught canter as we soon slipped to 151/6, including the loss of both Ponniah for 55 and Matt for 44 when both seemed well set to lead us to victory. Some brutal hitting over wide mid on from George Shepherd (45) put us within sight once again, though, having lived by the sword, he eventually picked out a willing fieldsman on the rope leaving us still 50 runs shy with three wickets in hand.
“The run rate began to rise as the Rangers' attack bowled well under pressure, often finding the perfect yorker. As the final over began 12 were needed, with one rabbit left in the hutch. After an unfortunate run out, and some smears down the ground, Simon Rawson mopped the sweat from his brow to face up to the game's final delivery with three still needed, but knowing there were no further Jesters to come. Could the man who had rescued the club at Hurlingham repeat his heroics on this foreign field...?
“It was a yorker. Simon thought he had creamed it through the covers, when in fact it had narrowly evaded his leg stump. He charged down the wicket in a Stuart Broad-esque final ball moment of clear thinking, only to discover the young wicketkeeper throwing down his wicket whilst he was left stranded between thrilling glory and a tame draw. His valiant 29 had taken us to the brink, but we finished falling two runs short.
“Many thanks to the Rangers for their superb hospitality. We’re already looking forward to next year.”
17th May - Another tie at NPL!!
Unbelievably, for the second season running the scores finished level in our game with NPL. This year we played a 40 over game: they scored 224-6 and we scored 224-7, Simon Cleobury and Ollie Doward scrambling a leg bye from the last delivery.
The account below is patched together from a few eye-witnesses to the drama.
“It was cold, windy and drizzly for much of their innings. Matt Berry and Adnan Mohammed bowled excellent opening spells and after 15 overs they were only about 45-1. Then their Sri Lankan pro (http://content.cricinfo.com/srilanka/content/player/51062.html) went into overdrive. He cracked a brutal 117 (although he was hilariously dropped off a loopy leading edge on 9). Graham Seed, playing his first Jesters game for many years, took a late wicket to his enormous delight!
“In reply, their opening bowler, also Sri Lankan, was the quickest we've faced in some time. He bowled a series of nasty bouncers, Ponniah Vijendran top edging one of them for six into the sightscreen. Their Sri Lankan pro then came on to bowl some tricky leg spin, and their first change seamer was rather quick as well. At 40-odd for 3 we were struggling.
“Then Charlie Wilson employed the long handle to good effect with Ollie Doward dropping anchor alongside. When Charlie was out they’d done well to take the score to about 120-4. Lots of scurried singles followed in Ollie’s partnerships with Alex Smith and Adnan, with Alex ending up as Adnan's runner which caused a few moments of chaos!
“Eventually we reached the final over with 14 needed for victory. Ollie smacked the first ball over long off for 6 and we were looking good. But he lost the strike and then we lost a wicket. This brought Simon Cleobury - complete with stiff neck - to the crease to face the final delivery. It crashed into his pads and their quick bowler was so busy appealing he overlooked a possible run out as Simon and Ollie made it home for the tieing run. Ollie finished on 68 not out, a great knock under pressure.”
Well done everyone who played!
12th May - High scoring draw with HAC
On a perfect batting strip we drew with the Honourable Artillery Company. Match manager Nick Mumby takes up the story:
"The 2009 season saw the Jesters return to Armoury House for our traditional fixture against the Honourable Artillery Company for the first time since 2005. We lost the toss and were put in on what looked a very fine wicket. It proved to be just that and openers Andrew Short and DJ Chak progressed without trouble putting on 121 for the first wicket. DJ unfurled some lovely strokes during his 58 before a loose cut found its way straight to backward point.
“Andrew timed his innings perfectly, starting slowly and then accelerating as he also passed 50. Paul Durban added a cultured 31 before missing a straight delivery which didn't bounce as much as expected. By this time Andrew was well into his stride and the Jesters motored past 200 with only 2 wickets down. With some particularly fine shots straight and through mid-wicket, he progressed into the 90s, and talk in the dressing room turned to whether he'd ever scored a century for the club. He got there with a push into the off-side, having very calmly picked up singles for his last 4 runs! Andrew's splendid knock allowed the skipper to declare with the score on 252 for 2 from 44 overs at 4:15pm, leaving the HAC an hour and three quarters plus 20 overs to get the runs.
"New ball bowlers Bridcut and Berry started well, but it was the introduction of new boy Alan Edington which precipitated the first wicket: some indecision allowed Charlie Wilson to pounce on the ball at point and effect a run-out. This was not without incident, however, as Matt Williamson, keeping wicket, had managed to dislodge the bails before collecting the ball and had to resort to pulling out a stump with the ball in his hand to complete the wicket! A cracking delivery from Edington accounted for the HAC skipper, and when Tim Harty took a wicket in his first over the Jesters smelled victory. Sadly, it was not to be, as we ran out of time and the HAC batted through 50 overs to collect 198 for 7. The pick of the bowling was Tim Harty who picked up 4 wickets and Alan Edington, who was unlucky to finish with only one."
8th May - Match manager for Maidenhead & Bray
Ponniah Vijendran has agreed to manage this game on Sunday 30th August. Thanks Bob! It’s a lovely place to play and the cricket is always competitive, so get your applications in early...
7th May - Cambridge weekend
We were one delivery away from doing the double in Cambridge, beating Magdalene College with ease on Sunday after failing to dislodge the last St John’s pair the day before.
St John’s won the toss and asked us to bat. They possessed an excellent opening bowler and at 58-4 the game was in the balance. Then Ollie Doward (67*) joined Matt Williamson (46) in a partnership of 98 that turned the match, both stroking the ball effortlessly through the covers and using their feet against the spinners. We declared on 203-5.
Jonny Bridcut and John Murphy worked their way steadily through the college top order and it wasn’t long before a St John’s victory seemed unlikely. Number 4 bat Linney then took root and was undefeated at the close. Our attempts to remove his lower order partners even involved a rare appearance from Matt Williamson’s flighted leggies. Such was the panic they induced that a run-out immediately followed. In the end we had the last over at their number 11 who blocked it out very capably.
Magdalene made only 125 on Sunday, succumbing to Sandy Ross (4-38) and DJ Chak (3-26) who cleaned up after fiery opening spells from James Haggie and Jonny Bridcut. Special thanks to Mike Palmer who took the gloves in the absence of a regular keeper and snaffled a couple of catches.
In response Mike and DJ built a solid opening partnership before Alex Smith (45*) saw us home, sealing victory with a flamboyant wallop over mid-wicket for six.
It was another highly enjoyable Cambridge weekend. The sun shone, spring was in bloom - and we’re pleased to report there are still scones for tea.
26th April - 2009 fixture cards
Apologies for the late arrival of the fixture cards this year. The box containing the cards was wrongly addressed by the printer and went missing for nearly two weeks. It has now turned up and we will send out the cards as soon as we can.
19th April - Hurlingham
We began the 2009 season with a draw at Hurlingham, doing well to dig ourselves out of the huge hole we found ourselves in not long after lunch - 119 for 7. Most batsman got a start but early season movement plus a few rash shots against a loopy spinner proved our undoing.
We eventually even had the luxury of a declaration - at 244 for 9. Simon Rawson (71*) lead the rearguard, ably supported by Jonny Bridcut and Tony Duckett (29). Champagne moment was Jonny Bridcut’s reaction to being clattered on the helmet by their brisk opener - immediately hooking the same bowler for four as he attempted to repeat the dose.
By now the wicket had become very placid, and although we had Hurlingham 45 for 3 and 117 for 5 it was no surprise when we failed to bowl them out. Although dropping their star batsman on nought didn’t help. They finally closed on 221-6.
4th February - Nets at Lord’s
Pre-season nets are booked at Lord’s from early February to mid-April. All sessions are on Wednesdays, 7-8pm, except for the final two which are on Tuesdays (again 7-8pm).
Dates are: 4th & 18th Feb, 4th, 11th, 25th March, 1st, 7th, 14th April.
Contact Andrew Short to book your place. The cost is £7.00 per person per net. And the usual rule applies: if you drop out too late for us to find a replacement you will be charged.
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