Norfolk 60s Second XI (126 all out) lost to Yorkshire 60s Second XI (231-5)

by 105 runs

As Nigel Ling, the Yorkshire captain, said: “We love coming here to North Runcton.  I have no difficulties getting a team for this fixture.”

Some of our visitors have fond memories of the ground as Sheffield Squirrels’ tourists, as well as from their comprehensive victory last year. Certainly, both teams were well-looked after by North Runcton CC. Our thanks to Peter Coote; Mrs Skipper, who provided a lovely tea; and Stuart Bunting behind the bar, who all contributed to the enjoyment of the day

And, of course, it’s a lot nearer Yorkshire than Chigwell, where our visitors had recently played Essex, giving some players a 480 mile round trip. All of which meant that the visitors brought a strong team, on a day when Norfolk was missing skipper Ruddick, vice captain Yallop and ace gloveman Broughton. Lake came back into the team, as wicket-keeper, together with Richard Norman and Over 70s all-rounder in form, Derek Dewson.

Noticing a hint of green in the wicket, stand-in skipper Taylor won the toss and inserted Yorkshire. A glance at the Yorkshire batting order revealed that D Allen, who opened at Fishlakes, and was part of a century partnership, was down to bat at 9. The equivalent of ‘bad-boy nets’ for him or a sign of Yorkshire’s batting strength?

Sadly the latter. Which is not to say that Norfolk were poor in the field. The experiment of opening with Ashdown and Hunt (left-arm round to tuck batsmen up) was fairly successful in keeping scoring down. Both bowled well: Hunt’s 9 overs for 25 remarkable since 10 came in one over. He also later learned that, had he appealed, the umpire would have raised a finger.

Eventually, Ireland broke through. His figures of 2-43 in 9 overs don’t really do him justice. He had to split his overs and bowl uphill at the death when, with wickets in hand, Yorkshire and particularly Mitchell cut loose. Le Moir, who bowled his usual intriguing variety of deliveries, stood hands on hips at one point, when a perfectly good length ball on off stump was despatched one bounce through mid on with a flick of the wrists. At least he had the later satisfaction of a wicket with a perfectly executed leg-break.

Dewson shared overs with Banham, whose overs for the first team meant he could only bowl 5 overs in this game. Both had their moments, beating the bat.

Yorkshire also provided an object lesson in running quick singles, despite a generally spirited performance in the field by Norfolk. The greyhounds, Ashdown and Ireland, were magnificent as boundary runners, but everybody put in a shift.

When Norfolk batted, chasing a challenging 231, Lake and Pulsford made a composed start, till the latter middled a fairly rare loose ball hard to short extra cover and was caught. Lake, with 31 in 74 balls, was one of few Norfolk batsman to stay long. Taylor played himself in, began to find the boundary, then perished when a double change saw two slow left armers exert something of a stranglehold on the Norfolk innings. Two wickets fell cheaply and then it was matter of Norfolk using up the overs and aiming for some batting points at least.  Dewson (21) and Banham (14) used their experience to inch the score closer to 125 and, though both fell, Norfolk managed to reach 126.

Yorkshire were worthy winners of the game and the North division. The smart money has long been on them for the Championship. We always enjoy our matches with them and wish them well for the next round.

Our thanks, too, to Mervyn Mann, for his patient umpiring, and Sue Palmer, whose detailed, multi-coloured scorebook provides a probably undeserved hint of professionalism to the team’s efforts.

23/7: NORFOLK OVER 60’s 2nd. XI v SUFFOLK OVER 60’s 2nd. X Iat SPROWSTON.

The day started well for our visit to the capital. Not a cloud in the sky and seemingly not a thing stop another fine victory by the home side. The Suffolk team had obviously received my script for the day, but adopted their own outrageous and cavalier approach to the match.

Our man “with his nose to the ground”, Master Yallop, reported that the ground and track had recovered well from the “biblical” downpour, that had blown through the area on Sunday afternoon. He was indeed right as the track looked in very good order.

The first part of the script was adhered to by Suffolk, as Ray Black their skipper called incorrectly, at the toss, and Norfolk, greedily snapped at the chance to bat.

The tried, tested and reasonably successful pairing of Ruddick and Pulsford strode out with an air of supreme confidence. Well, once Pulsford had returned to the changing room to salvage his box and his bag of chocolate éclairs! A box still dented from the week before.

The opening over from Tompkins was safely negotiated by Ruddick (8), although there was considerable away-swing gained by this much experienced bowler. His opening partner was the unknown Webb, who bowling right-arm, around the wicket, caused Pulsford (7) considerable difficulty, as he was unable to decide where the sight-screen should be situated! Finally, after a couple of attempts Pulsford settled to receive his first ball!!! Webb’s style of bowling was slightly different from what the average opening bat would expect to face, even in Seniors cricket. Donkey drops, flighted filth, pies, rubbish or well flighted spin could all be used to describe his deliveries, but after an opening over the went for 6, he settled into a devastating spell of 9 overs, 26-4. Ruddick stumped, missing a donkey!! Lake (0) paddled a full bunger to short fine-leg. Taylor (3) chopped to backward cover! Pulsford stumped. Norfolk 21-4. Struggling, with 4 of their finest, most talented, players back in the hutch!?!

There followed a short period of rebuilding where the “irresistible” Ireland (17) and “petulant” Perry (33) steady the innings and the score had reached 55 before Ireland was out to the third over of O’Sullivan. The “adventurous” Ashdown (4) joined Perry, adding another 14 before being bowled by O’Sullivan. Broughton (5*) then partnered Perry, who was now batting with some authority, until he was caught behind with the score at 87-7!! “Run-hungry” Hunt (0) came and departed, making us 89-8!

Bruce Tompkins, who had bowled superbly, without success, returned and soon had Yallop (3) trapped in front. Fortunately, he was wearing his new purchase, super aerodynamic, lightweight pads, so firstly he suffered no pain and secondly, he was able to remove himself from the outfield and climb the pavilion’s tricky spiral staircase, unaided!!

Meanwhile, the “languid” LeMoir (0) had joined Broughton and despite the latter’s advice, could only slice Tompkins to backward-point. 100 ALL OUT!!!!

Webb 26-4. O’Sullivan 9 overs, 3 maidens, 12 runs, 4 wkts. Tomkins 8-6-5-2.  You can’t really argue with bowling figures like that!! Can you??

So, by this point, dear reader, you can see that things were not really going to plan. However, tea was taken, thoroughly enjoyed and thanks must go to Sylvia for doing a right grand job.

After a few, well-crafted words of abuse from the skipper, the new ball was eagerly grabbed by Yallop, who bowled tidily, on his home turf!! LeMoir was left to bowl with the wind, certainly an unpleasant experience from where I was fielding, at mid-off!

Opener Andrews (2) and Black (47*) were pegged back by some half-decent bowling and when Andrews was caught by Pulsford, off Yallop, Suffolk were 6 for 1. Marks (41) joined Black and they set about chasing down our modest, much under par total.

The skipper, striving for wickets, rang the changes early, introducing Ashdown and Ireland into the attack, but both bats were now showing just how easy the wicket really was.

LeMoir soon lost his “languidity” and became the “limping” LeMoir when hit crisply on the inside of the knee, whilst fielding.

With the introduction of Hunt into the attack, Marks was cunningly bowled by a straight one. This left Suffolk teetering at 75 for 2. 26 to win!!!

The gloveless Ratford (10*) joined Black and between them they knocked off the required runs.

We were completely outplayed by Suffolk, who have really struggled to perform this season in the Championship. So well done to them!!

As I write, we are still lying second in our Division, with 82 points.  So we mustn’t get too hard on ourselves as we’ve had a pretty reasonable season, up to this point. Okay!! Our batting was very poor, but we shall return better and stronger to whip them Yorkies!!!!

Thanks again to Merv for putting up with us!! It must make a refreshing break for him to get away from all those talented players he see every weekend!!!

John Ruddick






MATCH REPORT:  17/7. Essex Over 60’s 2nd.XI v Norfolk Over 60’s 2nd.XI.

 A few days before the fixture Andrew Jenner contacted me to say that we would not be enjoying the glorious facilities at Halstead. Instead we would be playing, deep in “injun” country. Harold Wood CC was to be our destination; 10 miles or so inside the M25.

The rural boys of Norfolk left their hovels nice and early to avoid any problems with traffic, border control, or language issues and arrived in good time. I know that vice-skipper Yallop was relieved to see that the many vehicles were still driving on the left!!

The ground, part of a much larger municipal leisure area, boasted a rather impersonal sprawling pavilion, large outfield, and a very tired looking square.

The Tossing formalities were duly carried out, under the watchful eyes of umpires Mann & Southward, with the visiting skipper calling incorrectly. However, Essex skipper, Cobill decided that Norfolk could enjoy first use of the strip. The successful pairing of Ruddick (33) and Pulsford (26) set themselves against the bowling attack of Morgan and Anderson. After a couple of overs each they realised that by dropping their length back a bit, the wicket was much more helpful. From that point on, scoring runs became a much trickier task!

At the first drinks break, after 15, Norfolk had crawled to 39-0. With the introduction of Evans and Orbourne, their “spin-twins” the run rate did increase. But scoring freely was never an option as the wicket became more challenging and the ball softened.

Pulsford fell, chopping on, to Osbourne, trying to force the pace. The score 57-1, from 21.This brought Lake (6) in to the fray, keen to avoid another LBW dismissal!! Ruddick fell 10 runs later tying to attack Evans. A sharp catch by Cobill at mid-on.

Taylor (33), offering the lefthander option, seemed to score slightly more freely, adding 27 before Lake

unfortunately fell to a sharp catch by Morgan, off the bowling of the towering Jenner!

Carter replaced Osbourne, at the pavilion end, and after a poor first over settled down into a very tidy spell. Taylor was his first wicket, stumped by keeper Stuck. Ireland (8) fell to a good catch by O’Dell, at 119-5, Elliff (9), Ashdown (9) and Hunt (1) all fell to Carter, leaving the visitors at a tricky 137-8 with 4 over left. Broughton (12*) and Yallop (5*) added very usual runs at the end, leaving Norfolk with 155-8.

At tea, the Norfolk skipper was denied his inspirational team-talk, as Chairman Taylor insisted on the photo session. Presumably, in case of any fatalities before next week!!

Essex openers “run-machine” Stuck (12) and O’Dell (2) strode out to face Norfolk’s formidable pace duo, Yallop and LeMoir. Yallop started expensively with 9 from his first over, but learnt quickly to pull back his length!! This alteration brought immediate success with O’Dell being adjudged LBW. 13-1! Carter (13) joined Stuck, only to watch him go far too hard at his well proven pull shot and to be caught by keeper Broughton, off LeMoir. Bottomley (4) came and went, caught by Taylor, again off LeMoir, who by now had dropped into a brilliant spell that saw him complete his 9 overs for 11.

Carter was unluckily run-out when his partner, Rotsey (35), drove the ball back at Yallop, who managed to get a finger on the ball. Essex were now 36-4 from 15.

The introduction of the first change pairing of Ashdown and Ireland gave the batsmen no rest bite, as the wicket continued to frustrate. Rotsey played some attacking shots, but his partner Osbourne (12) found the going very difficult. The pair added 44 before Rotsey push into the covers, only to be well run-out by a direct throw from ,the normally dormant, Pulsford!! 80-5 from 31. The aggressive Morgan (29) joined the struggling Osbourne, who feeling the pressure mounting, ran himself out taking a suicidal single to Elliff at Cover-point. 82-6 from 32. Jenner (22*) joined Morgan and for the first time in their innings Essex began to threaten. However, they were falling forever behind their desired run-rate and with 10 over to go, needed over 5 an over. A rate not achieved throughout the match!! They continued to struggle on the difficult track, but when Morgan was bowled by Hunt, Essex were left needing 26 to win from 2 overs!! Norfolk held their nerve, despite a cock-up by the skipper, who screwed up on his bowlers and their overs. He in turn blamed his Vice for not keeping him better informed!!! Taylor, brought into the attack with 10 seconds notice, bowled a very tidy, 44th, over conceding only 5.

11 runs were need from the last over!! Hunt kept his cool, conceded only 5. His figures were brilliant, 8-0-26-1!!!!! Quite remarkable for a spinner, bowling at the end of a run-chase!!

A very impressive performance by the team, as batting proved so difficult on a very testing track. It goes to show the value, however slow, of a good opening partnership. (But I would say that, wouldn't I??) Looking back, Essex were effectively out of the running from about the 30th over, with only Morgan offering them a sniff!!!

Well played boys!!! A great birthday pressie for the skipper.

JR.





26/6 Norfolk Over 60’s 2nd.XI v Cambs at Old Buckenham CC.

For our return match against Cambs our Fixture Sec. took us to the blissful paradise that is Old Buckenham. The glorious day started well as the skipper won the toss and decided, without hesitation to bat first, a decision that he immediately regretted as Norfolk slumped to 8-2.

Ruddick (0) was dismissed in the opening over by left-armer Gale, smartly caught at short mid-wicket. Lake (0) followed 4 overs later, LBW, also by Gale. This brought the successful pairing of the “previously pensive” Pulsford (85) and the “rampant” Roper (124*) together. After a long period of rebuilding they began to set about the Cambs attack. Their superb partnership of 176 displayed some fine stroke-play from both batsmen. The “previously pensive” Pulsford pulled up with a nagging Hamstring and was eventually bowled in the 36th. over, by Saltmarsh, with the score at 182-3. “Blade runner” Perry (12) joined Roper and they pushed on to 208-4, when Perry was LBW off the bowling of Brown.

In the absence of the “naturally aggressive” Elliff, holidaying somewhere in the Louisiana swamps, the skipper promoted “young” Hunt (11) to do the blasting. He and Roper carried on smacking the ball to all parts, with a handy 42 run partnership, enabling Norfolk to reach a very presentable 245-5. Geoff and Alan batted beautifully and must have though their efforts would be sufficient to secure another Norfolk victory.

The skipper would have loved 250+, but after the poor start was well pleased.

Afternoon tea was now taken and both teams were exposed to the delights of Mike Banham’s efforts. And what a delight they were.

Norfolk opened up with the usual pairing of Yallop and LeMoir, but were countered well by the Cambs openers Hudson (59) and Cutmore (9) who added 27 before Cutmore was adjudged LBW to LeMoir, in a flurry of £5 notes!! Furnell (43) joined Hudson and they took the total along to 97 before Ashdown bowled Hudson. Ashdown continued to bowl tightly, but runs were being taken at the other end. King (56) joined Furnell, but Furnell fell shortly afterwards, off the bowling of Ashdown, leaving the visitors on 123-3, from 23 overs.

Skipper Brown (16) showed his intent, but fell LBW to spinner Hunt, and when Saltmarsh (5) went cheaply it left Cambs on a tricky 156-5. Joining King, Unwin (39*) steadied the ship, adding 77 before King was dismissed by “new boy” Ranger. The total 233-6!!

The Norfolk skipper turned to his faithful, but curry avoiding, opener, LeMoir, to try to exert some serious pressure coming into the last over!!

As the 45 over began 5 runs were need for Cambs to secure victory. Gale (2) was brilliantly run out by the skipper, off the 1st. ball. Ross (0) was bowled off the 2nd. New batsman Hulley (5*) blocked his first ball, and then drove his next through the covers for 4!! 1 to win from 2!!!! The 5th. ball of the over Cambs scrambled a single to secure victory!!

A marvellous match played in the usual best of spirit. Well done to the Cambs lads.

Glenn Hulley their match winning hitter was playing his last ever match, having being diagnosed with Osteoporosis of the spine. So well done to him and I’m sure you’ll all wish him well??

Finally, I come on to the issue of Arthur Lake and his pads!! 5 games…….5 LBW’s!!! I’ve kindly suggested that he attempts to somehow levitate above the crease!! That way avoiding any contact with the leg protectors. I believe that Proff.Perry is the man for this task, as he is constantly battling with the abnormal!! However your collective thought would be appreciated.

A well-deserved break now, so keep fresh and I’ll be in touch about the 10th. @ Runcton.





19/6 Cambs v Norfolk Over 60’s 2nd.XI at Wisbech CC.

The “new boys on the block” Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, elected to play us at Wisbech CC. Indeed, a very considerate venue , as the ground is positioned approx.2 mile outside of the Norfolk border, so no passports were required. The track looked hard and dry, but rumours were already afoot that it was going to play slow and low.

Cambs were successful at the Toss and immediately chose to bat. A decision I would have enforced, if I had won.

The rumours regarding the track were soon proved correct, as the benign surface managed to negate the usual raw pace of both the Norfolk Openers “Firery” Yallop and the “volatile” LeMoir. Keeper Broughton gave up his usual position, 25 yards back, to nestle in right behind the stumps. The Cambs openers Hudson (37) and Cutmore (21) started briskly, running smartly between the wickets and taking advantage of any poor deliveries. The first bowling change brought instant success with Hudson holding out to Hunt, from only Ireland’s third ball, with the score on 63. Cutmore was joined by Sainsbury (53*), who started well. Cutmore was unluckily run out, slipping over, attempting another quick single. Ashdown replaced Lemoir and immediately dropped into a nagging line and length. King (1) came and went to a fine stumping by Broughton, off the bowling of Ashdown. Skipper Brown (13) played some attacking shot before being bowled by spinner Hunt. Sainsbury began to lose his way against accurate bowling, while Russell (19) chipped in. Ross (6) flayed away, making little impression. After their 45 over Cambs had made 162 for 6. 20/30 odd below par!!

The Norfolk openers Ruddick (46) and the “pensive” Pulford (13) set off steadily, taking no chances against the left-arm Gale and the more agreeable Ross. The 50 opening partnership was achieved in the 16th. over. With the introduction of Hulley both openers succumbed to “rank” long-hops. Leaving the visitors at 67-2. Lake (7) fell LBW to the tidy spinner Walkley.

Taylor (25), fresh from this run-fest at Woolpit, set about the Cambs bowling, while Ireland (0) came and went bowled by Walkley, with the score on 85-4. This minor setback paved the way for the “rampant” Elliff (34) to plunder, at will, the weakening opposition. Taylor fell to the Cambs skipper, another long-hop gratefully caught, and Broughton (20) joined Elliff in a brisk partnership before Elliff ran himself out, turning for a second!! By this stage Elliff’s thoughts were plainly on his plane to the States!! Ashdown (6*) took up the challenge, and was joined by Hunt (2), when Broughton injudiciously swept at Sainsbury, only to be adjudged LBW. Hunt, taking his time to settle in, smartly slapped his second ball through the covers for 2, thus bringing the day’s proceedings to a conclusion. Norfolk had seen off the host by 3 wickets.

Another great game of cricket played in the finest of spirit and we all look forward to the return match, next week, at Old Buckenham.

John Ruddick.








Sufolk Over 60 second XI vrs Norfolk Over 60 second XI at Woolpit. Thursday 12th June 2014

Suffolk choose to entertain us at Woolpit CC, and what an absolutely fabulous facility it turned out to be. As I inspected the track, which was a belter, I noticed that the whole square was nothing short of immaculate!!

I tossed up with the Suffolk skipper, Ray Black, in the company of umpires Mann and Chambers on the boundary edge. To everyone's amazement, Black, having won the toss, asked Norfolk to take first use of the wicket.

Well the track certainly played as well as it looked, and very soon Norfolk were rattling along at 5 an over. Bowlers Bruce Tompkins and Dave Hinchcliffe toiling against some aggressive stroke play and the benign conditions. Ruddick (32) was this first to go with the score on 41, falling to a sharp catch in the gulley, off the bowling of Hinchcliffe. Pulsford (5) followed shortly afterwards, LBW to Tompkins, failing to get forward. With the two openers gone, the stage was set for Lake (42) and Taylor (100) to take full advantage of the wicket, the lightening fast outfield and the quickly tiring fielders. The pair put on a splendid 102 partnership, displaying glorious shots, all round the ground, before Lake fell LBW to Perrett. Taylor continued on his way, partnered first by Ireland (11), bowled Perrett, then by the naturally aggressive Elliff (15*), before he finally was bowled by Perrett, for a well deserved 100 from only 92 deliveries. Perry (2*) and Elliff  push our total passed the 200 mark, and we finished on 217-5 off our 45. We all agreed that perhaps we were 20 or 30 short considering the playing conditions!!

Yet another splendid tea was offered by the Woolpit catering crew, which was consumed with relish. Or in my case Mayonnaise!!

Norfolk opened up with their usual miserly pair of Vice-Captain Yallop and LeMoir. Suffolk openers Morgan (19) and Andrews (4) got away to aggressive start, with Morgan taking 13 from Yallop's opening over. However, Yallop got his revenge having, Morgan caught by Lemoir.

Andrews fell to a smart catch by Ruddick, again off the bowling of Yallop. Black (10) struggled against the accuracy of LeMoir and eventually "chopped" one on. Marks (50) and Ratford (15) took the score to 87, before Ratford was superbly caught by the athletic Ireland, off the bowling of Hunt. Marks continue to score freely, benefiting from a dropped chance at mid-on.

By now Norfolk were beginning to turn up the pressure! Ireland trapped Hinchcliffe (2) in front, and with the introduction of Taylor, Marks was smartly stumped by Broughton. Suffolk were now struggling at 104-6.  Messent (8) came and went, bring Bob Perrett (55*) limping to the wicket. Perrett and Barnes (29) added 83 to give the Suffolk innings some additional credibility, with their innings finishing on 195-8. Norfolk coming out winners by 22 runs.

Credit must go firstly to the Woolpit CC ground-staff. Secondly, to Richard Taylor for his superb century and his 2-49. Lastly, credit and admiration MUST go to Bob Perrett who at 70+ scored 55 not out (on one leg), plus a very presentable 9-2-29-2, in the latter part of our innings. Thanks also to Mann and Norman who took care of the official side of the proceedings!!

Really great to get our first win under our collective belts and we're now looking forward to back-to-back wins against Cambs. 

John Ruddick






Norfolk Over60/70 vrs Worcester Over 60/70 touring team at Hockwold - 3rd June 2014

It was raining at Hockwold at 1200 as the various players arrived for this friendly fixture. However, the forecast was fair and J.P, resplendent in shorts and hoody, assured all concerned that not only would we play cricket, but would have both a BBQ and loads to drink after the game.

A mixture of over 60 & 70 year old players from both Norfolk and Worcester (including a very capable lady) exchanged pleasantries before getting down to to the serious stuff.The game would be of 40 overs duration,both sides using 12 players with only 11 players being able to bat. Fielder's would be 're-cycled' at the captains discretion.

 Worcester won the toss and elected to bat first and struggled against both tight bowling and a wicket that lacked real pace and bounce. The odd ball kept low but JP blamed that on the bowlers for being too tired to put in the necessary effort to get the ball up .Mick Smith had his fielders in the right places and runs were hard to come by and was rewarded as four fine catches were taken by the senior players (over 70's) whilst A.Broughton had a run out to his name with a direct hit at the bowlers end as the Worcester batsman attempted a leg bye. D Lemoir (having 'curried' favour with the skipper prior to the game) bowled his full stint, ending up with 3-30 and was well supported by the other bowlers, who shared the other 6 wickets between them.
Worcester's innings ending in the 40th over with a score of 145-10

A first class tea provided by the tea ladies of Hockwold who ensured that all the savoury items were eaten by not putting out the cakes until all the sandwiches had gone. They were also awarded third place on the over 70 list of quality of egg sandwiches with a score of 9.2. A little more cress would have given them top spot.

Norfolk's reply was equally difficult with runs hard to come by and this led to batsmen getting themselves out as they tried to force the pace. Kingsley Elliff came to the crease and was advised to have a look at a couple just to get a feel for the wicket. He promptly despatched the first ball to the fence.He continued in this manner and he almost pulled off the victory with 3 boundaries in the penultimate over. Alas it was not the case and the home team were left 8 runs short. Kingsley finished not out with 61 to his name. Norfolk ending on 138-6 after 40 overs

As the game ended the rain came but JP, true to his promise', got the BBQ going and instructed one of the club members not to leave until all the burgers were sold. JP then moved into the bar and became head barman until the draught beer ran out early in the proceedings.

JP had been at the ground in excess of 12 hours putting in a tremendous amount of work to get the game on.The fact that the day was such a success can only be put down to this man. Thanks John. You are a STAR.
N.Cobb


Match Report for 22/5. Norfolk Over 60’s 2nd.XI v Essex.

On an overcast morning, with rain forecast, Norfolk again won the Toss and again elected to bat on an absolutely perfect track, at Garboldisham.

The Essex opening attack showed good pace and extracted bounce from a hard wicket. Both openers struggled against fast, accurate, bowling, Ruddick (2) being bowled by Morgan with the score on 14, in the 9th. over. “Ringer” Roper (58) joined Pulsford (45) and much need runs started to come. Essex continued to bowl tidily and with the score on 100, the by now injured Pulsford was bowled playing an extravagant “mow”. But not before the Skipper had had to reapply his, virtually unused batting equipment, and return to the field of play as a runner. Fortunately, 3 runs were successfully negotiated before Pulsford departure. Roper continued on to a well-deserved 50, before being bowled by returning opener Anderson. Elliff (17*) and Ireland (38*) took Norfolk up to 172-3, with a partnership of 50. We all agreed that we about 30 short of a competitive total.

A sumptuous tea was then enjoyed, for which many thanks must go to Mike Banham, ably assisted by Mrs. Ireland and Mrs Yallop. With the veritable feast on offer, cricket was momentarily erased from our minds. The field was retaken with heavy heart, knowing that the Essex lads were still munching away on the “Hogwortian” feast.

With our minds firmly back on the cricket, Norfolk opened their bowling attack with Messrs. Yallop and LeMoir. LeMoir managing to “curry” favour with the captain!! Whilst certainly lacking the raw pace that had been shown by the Essex opening bowlers, the Norfolk duo showing early accuracy. The Essex openers, the “evergreen” Stuck (49) and the ever reliable Curtis (24) started solidly before Curtis fell to Yallop, thanks to a catch by Ashdown, with the score on 55. Carter (6) fell shortly afterwards to Ireland, with a fine catch by Lemoir. Stuck went with the score on 83, fell again to the bowling of Ireland, with a running catch by Elliff, who in the absence of the mighty Joe Perry, took over the job of the team “bladerunner”. This being the blades of grass, as opposed to the ice version!! O’Dell (35*) and C. Anderson (39) then set about the Norfolk attack, until Anderson was smartly stumped by Broughton, off the bowling of Hunt. By then the Essex side were 153-3 and Morgan (10*) saw them home in the 42nd. over.

A good match, played in the usual great spirit and thanks must got to all at Garboldish CC for hosting a marvellous day. The day made all the sweeter in the knowledge that my magnificent dive at mid-wicket stopped Stucky getting yet another 50 against us. Shame that I am still unable to raise my arm above chest high, or turn my neck more than 30 degrees each way.

But hey ho!!! 
John Ruddick   





Over 60’s 2nd.XI away to Yorkshire at Fishlake.

 

A fine afternoon welcomed us upon arrival at Fishlake, just north of Doncaster.

There’d been a “fair bit ‘o rin aboot” over the proceeding days. But the track was fairly firm, with the odd patch of damp.

The skipper, having secured the Toss, decided to have a bat, amid some consternation from the “ranks.” Ruddick (16) and Pulsford (18) started steadily against some tight bowling from Wood (33-1) and Davies (18-3). Davies was replaced by the “evergreen” Chapman (9-6-10-2) who bowled a fabulous spell of left-arm round, spin. Not too bad at 74!!!!!!

Lake (5) and Taylor (0) went quickly, but a recovering partnership of 44 from Ireland (22) and Perry (16) steadied the ship. With a few healthy blows from Messrs. Banham(8), Broughton (6*) and Hunt (7*) we managed a below par 128-7 from our 45.

At this point a word must be mentioned about the great Yorkshire tea!! By ‘eck they did us proud. Well worth the trip alone!!

The Home side started very slowly against some miserly bowling from Yallop (9-1-26-1) and Lemoir (9-5-14-0) and lost Allan (2) with the score at 6. Skipper Ling (1) managed to run himself out in odd fashion, leaving them at 11-2. Opener Robinson (47*) continued to struggle, while Mitchell (71*) survived a vigorous “shout” for a catch behind the wicket, whist still in single figures.

However, the best of Norfolk’s attack could not remove this pair and Yorkshire ran out comfortable winners, by 8 wickets, with 7 overs to spare.

Young Joe Perry caught the skippers’ eye with some magnificent ground coverage, leaving no blade of the Fishlake turf untrodden.

Also thanks must go to Mervyn for his umpiring skills and to Richard Norman for taking over the scorebook.

We in Norfolk will have to await the Home clash in order to avenge our defeat!!
John Ruddick

 



Norfolk Over 60’s 2nd.XI v 2 Counties at Mundford. Tues. 29th.April.
Friendly Fixture

After losing the Toss, Norfolk were ask to bat on a good, firm track, that was a little green. The two 2 counties opening bowlers, Russ Abbott and Bruce Tomkins, made good use of the movement offered by the conditions. Norfolk started slowly and lost opener Bob Eagleton (4) with the score on 18. John Ruddick (52) broke the “shackles” with some solid batting, taking the score along to 69, along with Arthur Lake (13), before falling to first change Hinchcliffe, who was generating good pace and bounce.

Chris Palmer, who announced his immediate retirement from all cricket, upon his arrival at the ground, added some much needed entertainment with a quick-fire 17, including two towering 6’s. The middle order all fell cheaply; leaving the home side slumped at 89-6.

However, the two late call-ups, Richie Davies (48*) and Mike Banham (13) added much needed runs in a late flurry, leaving Norfolk with an under par 166-9.

To emphasise the quality of the 2 Counties attack, they bowled a total of 16 maidens.

Unfortunately, the Norfolk bowlers did not have a particularly good afternoon, and after only 20 over the 2 Counties openers, Curtis (74*) and Dunkley (42), had passed a hundred partnership. With Dunkley removed by Eagleton, Ball (20) carried on, finally being removed by Mike Banham’s final delivery. Skipper Graham Penny (10) fell cheaply to Bob Hunt, but by then the match was well and truly lost. The 2 Counties team finishing on 169-3. A well deserved win!!

So, not the best of afternoons for the Norfolk boys (?), but a great afternoon spent in the company of some good, old, friends from both teams.

The loss of Chris Palmer will be felt throughout the Norfolk Seniors, but we are pleased that he will be carrying on his umpiring duties.   
John Ruddick