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BETWEEN THE COVERS - WINTER 2002/03THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF DULWICH CRICKET CLUB IN THIS BUMPER, NERVE-ENDINGLY EXCITING ISSUE!!!! 1ST XI WIN PROMOTION (AT LAST!) AGM REPORT DINNER DANCE ROARING SUCCESS (AGAIN!) OVERSEAS TOUR PLANS TAKE SHAPE! CAPTAINS’ LOGS – THE STORIES, THE STATS, THE SUPERSTARS! DENNIS LILLEE COMES TO TOWN TO SALUTE DULWICH CC! FANTASY LEAGUE SHOW-OFFS REVEALED! EDITORIAL With the foul weather and darkness descending seemingly just after lunch (!), you might be forgiven for thinking that DCC players and officials might be tempted to hibernate a tad earlier than first thought. However, through the gloom as we look out of the air-hole (yes, we did say air-hole! – Ed) that passes for our tenement window, we can report that Dulwich CC is one hell of a club to be part of at the moment. Apart from the Ist XI’s obvious delight at securing promotion out of the basement division in the League, things are firing on all cylinders off the pitch too. Not wishing to repeat what you will read in this quarter’s bumper-fun issue of BTC, we can justifiably crow about our club’s standing, not just locally, but throughout South London generally and, in some cases, further beyond that. Just some of things that come to mind, after a bizarre brain-storming session over several flagons of ale in the Pope & Aubergine, include the longest cup run ever undertaken by a Third Division club (not any more, thankfully – Ed), a thriving Colts Section with a growing reputation, financial security (subject to continuing hard work from all of you), prestige events (Sobers in 2002 and Lillee in 2003), overseas tours (South Africa on the way, hopefully), high-level fund-raising events (Summer Ball, Dinner Dance for starters), investment in new equipment and improved facilities. If that isn’t enough to demonstrate what a thriving and forward-thinking club we are, then we’ll eat our proverbial hats! Add to that the fact that other local clubs are struggling big time – sad, but true – we can hopefully and safely say that DCC is going places. However, on a cautionary note, none of these success stories has been or will be possible without the hard work and dedication of everybody, from the dynamic and enthusiastic drive of our beloved President John Smith to all the other committee members and captains, and others working away behind the scenes. This has been brought home particularly by the plight of other clubs in our local area. Without going into detail, the gist of it is that certain clubs now appear to be paying the price of complacency, lack of forward planning and investment (facilities and players) – some through the realisation that their peppercorn-rent honeymoon days are over and they face the cold, harsh reality of commercial rents (something thankfully that we and Dulwich Sports Club saw coming years ago and did something about it!). While it is sad to see such long-standing clubs in trouble, let’s not kid ourselves that we can ever afford to fall into that trap ourselves. The prospects of acquiring new pitches or even grounds for our own use and income-generation may sound like vultures picking off the bones of other unfortunates, but hey, if we don’t grasp whatever opportunities come our way, someone else will! So it is up to all of us to share information, advice, help and hard work, in order to keep our club in the healthy state it is today. We can all do something, without it becoming too much of a burden on our time and energies. Indeed, the more of us who get involved, in whatever way we can, the more the workload is shared and enjoyed, especially seeing the results of our collective labours. OK. Lecture over, but it is important, and something to think about during the cold (and very damp! – Ed) winter months – in fact this is just the time to give these matters some thought. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy reading this issue and we would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all of you who contributed towards it. Past editions have sometimes been ‘ghost-written’ and, as a result, have been transparently written in the same style. For a change, this issue has been compiled on the back of highly individual reports and, while some personal views have been expressed (and why not?! – Ed), it makes for what we hope will be a more enjoyable read. So, thanks again guys, and let’s get on with it…. One last thing, the font size and type of this issue is also a tribute to the sheer amount of material provided by you guys. So, while this issue may not win any design awards, we’re sure you’ll agree that it is probably more important to get across the information to all as simply and effectively as possible. Anyway, we don’t care, and if anyone complains we in BTC Land will just sulk and apply en masse for a job with the Beano – so there! Ner!! See you at Winter Nets! Bye for now!
ERIC RICE The club was very sad indeed to hear that Peter Rice’s father, Eric, had passed away at the age of 89. Eric’s association with the club started in earnest when his son Peter joined the club in 1958, and Eric became a fervent fund-raiser for DCC in a wide variety of ways – a role he continued to fulfil throughout the Sixties. Towards the end of that swinging decade, Eric began his dozen or so year-stint as the Sunday 1st XI’s umpire, retiring finally in 1979. In between all this, Eric was made a Vice-President in 1970 and four years later became the club’s President until 1979. During this time of course, the 1st XI won the Surrey Championship a magnificent three years in succession (1974-76) and it must have made him particularly proud that his son Peter was captain of this amazing side. In 1980 Eric was made a Life Member of the club, and quite right too. Even though he moved down to the South coast not long after this, he maintained contact with the club, through Peter, and was always asking after the players that he had known for so long and was always keen to find out how the club was doing. It is perhaps a particularly fitting legacy that up to this day, thanks also to the work of subsequent Presidents and officials at the club, that DCC continues to thrive and is in the healthy state it find itself in today. Without people like Eric, clubs just can’t function and provide a place for people to enjoy their cricket, whether playing, officiating or simply watching. Our condolences go to Peter and the girls, and the rest of his family. AGM And talking of Presidents, John Smith presided over the Annual General Meeting on 7 November, which was a very positive affair. The first thing though to tell you about is who is on your new committee: President
John Smith The captains, and their vices, will be as follows for the 2003 season: Club Captain
Allen Blackford We in the BTC privy are sure you would all like to thank all the above stalwarts for volunteering their services on your behalf, but with the proviso that they cannot do it all on their own. So if you can help in any way whatsoever, please let them know. The more you put into your club, the more you’ll get out of it. Many thanks. We can also summarise for you the 2002 Awards announced at both the AGM and the Dinner Dance: Life Member
Lloyd Jones SPONSORSHIP As part of the club's need for funds to continue to develop the playing facilities and to support any overseas players or other recruitment needs, we are anxious to attract sponsorship. To encourage people to find sponsors, we are offering anyone who brings in some sponsorship a 20% finder's fee of the net sum provided to DCC. (This is to encourage people to do something about it, rather than just talk about it...) All sponsorship details will be worked out in liaison with Stuart McKee. YOUNG CRICKETERS Andy Rycroft reports... Season 2002 for Dulwich Colts section saw the fulfilment of the original goal of establishing three teams again, by moving into the Under-15s section, as well as continuing with our Under 11 and Under 13 sides. This is the culmination of building a credible coaching structure, co-ordinated by Allen Blackford, a well-organised administration, underpinned by Jill Davidson as the Membership Secretary and the League sides managed by Paul Davidson and myself. The spin-off benefits have been that Dulwich Colts are establishing a reputation as the premier colts set-up in South London (together with Spencer). We are therefore attracting more talented players and expect greater support from parents in 2003. With youngsters representing London Schools and Surrey, the mid-table league positions strangely do not represent the potential to achieve success at youth level. However, expectations for 2003 are very high, as the squads have been bolstered by the addition of some very talented players, notably Tom Rose and Naveem Saleem, who have made a huge impact at senior level too. Many of the U15 squad players were actually U14 and therefore, with an extra year's experience in their age group, we hope for a league or cup win from them in 2003. On a personal note, it is encouraging to see the offspring of club members also moving through the ranks, including sons of Kanak, Beggsie and Glenn Bowley. Although the outlook is very positive, it is important that no one at the club rests on their laurels and involvement from all members is greatly appreciated. The 2003 season is my fifth year involved, and will probably be my last before a break, to allow the momentum achieved so far to be continued by others. It would be great, therefore, to hear from anyone who wants to get involved. DINNER DANCE AND AWARDS From our overseas correspondent (well, he is now….!) Lively
end to the season at the Dulwich Cricket Club Dinner & Dance A misty-eyed Lloyd Leslie Jones acknowledged the cheers and applause of the packed clubhouse as he received the announcement of life membership of Dulwich Cricket Club. Lloyd, who now umpires with the use of a white stick and exceptional hearing, was overwhelmed by the award, as he had just completed umpiring his 900th game for the club. Lloyd plans to read the laws of the game before starting next season, as a thank-you to the boys in white who have had to rely on his interpretation of the lbw law up until now. Clutching his usual half a lager and lime, “Jonesy” said how honoured he was to join a list of luminaries and heroes of the club like John Lawrence, Peter Rice and Terry Carpenter. Lloyd was also surprised to be given the award when he is so young compared to other life members! The reception accorded to Lloyd was matched only by the rapidity of cork popping as the lucky eighty-odd diners opened their bottles of free champagne. Celebrating the promotion of the first team was a serious matter, as a number of players succumbed to early sleep problems and heavy slurring. The event attracted a wide turnout from all parts of the sports club and an early toast was made to the lady members who forewent a renovation of their changing rooms in order that the outfield be repaired after the damage caused by football in previous winters. Later in the evening, Mark Kelly vowed that he would kiss every one of those ladies as a thank you. Allen Blackford, his mentor and one-time manager, is still reviewing this dramatic announcement. Allen claims that Ned and his fellow first teamers became a tad weary during the evening (and early morning) of the Club Dinner and could not remember Mark’s offer! Perhaps this task might be shared between them? Incidentally the “most boisterous table award “ was self-proclaimed from very early on. Raj Tulsiani led by example throughout the evening! Continuing the newly established team player awards, there was a frenzy of tribute-making, as skippers nominated their player of the season. No one was surprised that Stewart Harmer nominated his brother-in-law Tony Cable, but eyebrows were raised when Stuart McKee nominated Mrs Mahey for the Sunday second team as she was responsible for half the team’s membership and therefore most of the runs and wickets. The whole dining area rose to acclaim Noreen for her patience in dealing with the cricketers' thirsts and egos over the summer weekends, and to Jackie for her outstanding teas! The good mood of the club was even more enhanced when the list of nine centurions was read out and each player presented with a replica bat. The first team skipper gathering three for an exceptional season. Richard Farrow was able to pay a fulsome tribute to the fifty league wicket pair of Marks. Kenny shaded the player award and also received a silver salver to commemorate sixteen successive championship wickets. Ned Kelly received a mounted ball for his early-season hat trick. John Lewis drew the plaudits for his press reports in the local media and we look forward to reading more next year. Among the other centurions were Peter Rice who has now scored over 26,000 runs for the club. Just think how many more runs he could have made if he had the opportunity to play against Jimmy Gibson each week! It was noted that the awards included Ian Marshall, “JL” and Richard Purssell all doing well in the playing ranks and contributing heroically in the running of the club. As befits a thriving club, the young player of the season was hotly contested and in the end was rightly awarded to Anil Mahey. Anil has had another good season and we now hope to see the benefit of his newly gained experiences next season. A feature of the evening was the good turnout from all the sides, something that Peter Rochford, the event organiser, attributed to the fact that he had played in all the sides put out by the club. He also commented that he ended the season in the first team, so watch out Crumpy, Eugene and even John Sturges! An interesting innovation about the dinner was the fact that Peter Rochford also offered to take photographs of the special awards but he forgot to bring his camera! (Do you think a jab or pills are more effective? – Ed) A final note should be extended to the caterers who produced some excellent food in difficult catering conditions and we hope that Norman, Gloria their team will return next season! Team player of the season nominated by the skippers Saturday
1st team: Mark Kenlock Special awards Life membership:
Lloyd Leslie Jones Centurions in 2002 Richard
Farrow (three), James Johnson, Lawrence Bernhard, Tony Cable, Hat-tricks Mark Kelly, Stan Woolliscroft, Damian Grossett EVENTS Peter Rochford, our man behind the stumps, has sent us the following opus regarding activities on the entertainments front: Greetings All! We’d like to tell you about some thoughts for the 2003 entertainments programme. I have been running the entertainments at the club for a few years now, and those of you who know me well will be aware that I never miss a trick! We have had the AGM, but James Braim and John Russell had already offered to help. We need lots of offers of help and some new ideas. Some events in train are as follows: The first big event will be our pre-season bash in March 2003, with a live band/singer, plus excellent food in the way of a buffet of succulent traditional roasted English fare plus loads of wine. Ian Marshall has been talking to Dennis Lillee and we are hoping to stage another evening at the Cafe Royal in Regent Street, using the same very successful format as the Garry Sobers dinner. The most likely date for this wonderful event will be Thursday 29 May 2003. Richard Purssell has already started the marketing. If you have any ideas, useful contacts and leads, please talk to Purssey now! Tar ever so! The Summer Ball will be staged on 19 July. I was thinking we would go for a similar format to last year, as it seemed to work so well, with a marquee on the former bowling green, but with the food this time supplied by the same caterers as for our Dinner Dance, as they did such a good job. PLUS an improved sound system for the quartet and announcements.... One subject that has been discussed, and it would be great to have your feedback, is whether the band and/or the DJ could be in the marquee, so we all stay together instead of going off to the bar and dance floor in the main building. Any thoughts on this or other matters??? Let’s hear you!! Then there will be our Annual Cricket Dinner Dance at the end of next season, with a Young Cricketer of the Year award, Team Players of the Year - and of course more celebrating when we win more League titles. These are just a few of the thoughts to be discussed, polished and kicked around by members. Please contact me by e-mail, the phone or via the website. I'm always available to discuss new entertainments or any other fund-raising ideas for the cricket section if anyone wishes to put them forward. During the winter break we will be getting together at the club every other Thursday evening from 14 November, around 9pm for a beer and preparing the new season. And there will be a pre-Christmas drink on 12 December - so come along. The likes of Gibson, Smith, McKee, etc will all be there, and I am sure that there will be some sparkling new ideas to keep the troops on their toes on and off the cricket field. Please do come along, as it’s a good way of keeping in touch until winter nets start! SQUASH CLUB DINNER DANCE Finally, we would also like to draw your attention to the Squash Club’s Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday 7 December at 7.30 p.m. for 8.00 p.m. Tickets are £25 per head and are available from Noreen behind the bar. The other sections have shown great loyalty to our cricket events over the years, so it would be nice to return the compliment by supporting the squash one. See you there! FIXTURES Fixtures Secretary and last year's Sunday 2nd XI captain Stuart McKee offers here some strong opinions on league and friendly cricket alike. If anyone has any similarly strong views, please let us know and get it on the website. Saturday 4th XI Some views have been expressed that we should consider entering a league for the Saturday 4th XI. The options were presented to the last cricket committee meeting. From the research I had undertaken, the only viable option was to enter the 5th Division of the Kookaburra Fordham League. We have had a season in which availability for Saturday cricket has been unprecedented (at least compared with the last five years). The fixtures arranged have also been without exception good. It was agreed to maintain the existing system throughout next season to see if we can maintain the excellent availability of 2002, and review the position then. We would however be welcomed into the Kookaburra Fordham League if people felt they wanted to do that. Do let me know your thoughts. Sunday 2nd XI As has been the case for an increasing number of years, the ability to field two sides on a Sunday has become more difficult for many clubs. There are clubs of supposedly far higher stature than ourselves who manage only one Sunday team and it is a great achievement that we continue to run two. The problem we have is that finding comparable opposition has become a matter of chance. It should also be stressed that were it not for the contribution made by Jay & Jas Mahey and their respective progeny (you look it up! – Ed), it is unlikely that we would have been able to fulfil all our fixtures. This poses a dilemma for myself as Fixtures Sec and as a Sunday 2nd XI regular. Last season contained four "good games of cricket", against Warlingham, Wallington, Morden and Streatham – all of which were in the second half of the season. In other games we have simply played appallingly, the weather has been atrocious or there has been a complete mis-match between ourselves and the opposition. I am not questioning whether Sunday 2nd XI cricket should continue, because I believe it should, in the same way that Saturday 4th XI cricket should and will. I am merely seeking some views and opinions as to the best way to proceed with it. The options as I see it are:- - Enter
a Sunday League which would cover half of the season This amounts to a question of sustainability and what the correct approach is to take. I do understand that most people won't have an opinion on this because they either play only on Saturdays or generally hope to play 1st XI Sunday cricket. The question really is where members think Sunday 2nd XI cricket stands in the priorities of the club, taking into account the burgeoning Colts section etc.... Any views would be gratefully received. Sunday 1st XI - The South London League. I attended the AGM of the South London Sunday League recently and, in my capacity as Fixtures Sec, I have generally supported our participation for the past two seasons now. The hope was that by participating, the League would get stronger. But from attending the AGM, the structure of it seems in fact almost designed to fail. There are 15 clubs in two divisions; of those only five are clubs with their own grounds. The decision to split the League into two divisions has precluded the opportunity of other clubs entering the League. No new clubs have chosen to enter this year and four out of the 15 will possibly not rejoin the League due to ground availability or suitability! Also, the League has decided upon a two-up two-down system which may persuade relegated clubs simply to withdraw from the League. As a statement of fact, five of the 15 sides are competing for space at South Bank University and, in terms of fixture confirmations, this is an impossible or untenable situation because these clubs will not know until March if they can fulfil the fixtures. The fact is that in Kent, Essex, Middlesex and the Home Counties viable leagues exist, whereas in Surrey we have this low key /("mickey mouse") set-up which will surely fail. Some of you may disagree but either way, please let me or any Committee member know what you think we should do. Midweek Cricket Midweek cricket this season was not quite as flamboyant as in the previous season. Entertaining the CCI was a highlight, the antics of Lashings a low light and the amateurism of Banbury a singular disappointment. We had good days at Horsham, the Mote and the ever variable The Stage. Once again, if anyone has any views on what we should do and how we should do it in relation to mid-week games, mini-tours etc I will happily organise it.
While with Stuart… He has handed over the reins of the lettings programme to Andy Niven. We’re sure everyone would like to thank Stuart for his excellent work since he took over from Sean Middleton and if anyone knows of any organisations who are in interested in hiring the ground next summer for evening or afternoon games, please give Andy a call on 020 8244 9495 and he will be glad to follow up any leads for you. WINTER NETS START: SUNDAY 5 JANUARY: 7.30 TO 9.30 P.M. ALLEYNS SCHOOL, TOWNLEY ROAD, SE22 Enough said, we guess. Get yourselves down there. It always pays off to have got some practice under your belt before the new season, so please come along. Do also please bring some money. The bookings are designed to pay for themselves, so a contribution is essential to ensure that your club is not left out of pocket each week. Thanks, and see you there!!! GROUND & WORKS As those of you who were at the AGM will know, the crucial post of Ground & Works Secretary remains unfilled, as Jimmy Gibson decided he could no longer fulfil the role to his full satisfaction. Ideally, the person will be available to come down to the club during the day to liaise with Sportsturf, our contractors, to ensure that they are doing what they should and so guarantee that the square and outfield are in tip-top condition. It would also help if the person concerned played for either the 1st or 2nd XI, and so had regular experience of the wicket. All offers gratefully accepted. Thanks! TOURS OVERSEAS Plans are being drawn up for the club’s next overseas tour in February 2004. South Africa is emerging as the likely destination but further details will follow as they develop. However, wherever we go, you’ll want to start saving up for it now. This may sound odd, but we can assure you from previous experience that the time will tick away more quickly than you think and the countdown has already begun! So stay tuned! If you are interested in coming along, please contact Andy Niven or Ian Marshall; and if you think there is somewhere we are missing out on - let us know! SOUTH WALES 2003 (10-14 AUGUST) Next year’s jaunt to Swansea and the Mumbles will be the 25th consecutive visit to that part of the world. Those stalwart organisers Peter Rice and David Woods have been thinking about the format of the tour, but the main things to get across are that everyone is welcome to celebrate the “Silver Jubilee” of tours and to encourage more of the younger and/or 1st XI contingent to come. Mind you, this may just be a ploy so that old lags such as Messrs Rice, Woods, Niven, et al can spend more time on the golf course and for an afternoon nap before the evening’s activities! (How cynical – surely not! – Ed). LEAGUE NEWS! AND MORE GOSSIP! By Committee Men (never without clipboard….) alias Graeme Hough & John Smith Sad news seems to be coming from Streatham Hollingtonians CC. Sources close to Burbage Road are suggesting that our local friends and rivals in Division Two are in dangerous waters due to their lease being terminated in Burbage Road. Tony Kelly, the Streatham Club President, has been in talks with Honor Oak, Dulwich and Marlborough 1870, as well as the Estates Governors, about their situation. Streatham was a founder member of the Surrey Championship and I am sure that we would all be saddened if they went under! It seems that if their lease is renewed, the Estates Governors may wish to charge more than the existing £900 rent and they would push for a market-based rent. There was an Extraordinary AGM of Streatham CC on 3 October at which options of merger, quitting the League or fighting the rent increase were discussed. As John Smith reported to the Dulwich AGM their favoured option was to merge with Marlborough 1870. John Smith also reported to the AGM that Honor Oak are in financial difficulties, and may need to merge soon. Also Alleyn Old Boys and Old Alleynians have been having merger talks, as old boys' sports clubs are increasingly finding it hard to survive. In partnership with the Development Committee of the Sports Club, John Smith is keeping an eye on any opportunities that might come our way - particularly if Alleyn OBs were to move south of the South Circ, leaving their ground vacant. All these changes in the Dulwich area may take a few years to play out, but the vital thing is that DCC and the Sports Club remain financially healthy and in the best position to take advantage of any changes should any of our local rivals sadly fall by the wayside. On a different theme, the Council of the Surrey Championship met on 28 October to review last season and make preparations for 2003. On the agenda was a proposal from the Executive that the playing conditions be changed to prevent the side batting first batting longer than 55 overs. Please also see Houghie’s report below. It has been suggested that this change be given a one-year trial. What are your views? Can run-makers like Jessie Johnson bat in less than 56 overs? Is it the beginning of limited-overs cricket? What would David Woods look like in pyjama cricket? Do we build floodlights by the railways? At the AGM the proposals received a largely favourable response, but do please contact anyone in the committee with your thoughts before your club places its vote. Fixtures We have obtained a sneak preview of the opening league fixtures for next season, so here they are: Ist XI 2nd XI 3rd XI 3 May
Maori/Oxshott (a) Limpsfield (h) (No game) Playing Conditions As mentioned above, discussions have taken place regarding potential changes, any of which would be on an experimental one-year basis and subject to a two-thirds majority at the AGM. The main changes likely to be put in place are as follows (a straw poll showed a strong majority in favour):- 1. Division 2 First XIs (i.e. ours) will play minimum 100-over games with the first side unable to bat beyond 55 overs. As this league has panel umpires, it is likely to follow the Premier and Div 1 leagues in terms of operating on a minimum over rate of 17 overs per hour (therefore dispensing with the last hour/20 overs rule). Penalties (not sure what these will be, but points presumably) will be enforced for failure to meet the required over-rate target. 2. All the other leagues (including 2nd and 3rd teams) will play minimum 100-over games, also with the side batting first unable to bat beyond 55 overs, but with no over rate imposition, as it will be difficult to enforce this without panel umpires. Also there will be no last hour/last 20 overs rule, although an end time, so if more than 100 overs are bowled, then the game will end. If 100 overs are not bowled, then the game carries on. 3. Likely to be a 1.00pm start for all games. Main changes therefore likely to be the over rates for the first team, not being able to bat longer than 55 overs, and 100 overs minimum for all. In reality, though, most games are around 100 overs anyway, if played properly in my experience. This means that the side batting second is guaranteed a minimum of 45 overs, which has not always been the case. PLAYERS FROM FAR AND WIDE? Dulwich has a long tradition of attracting overseas stars and your committee has been discussing the possibilities for next season with Richard Farrow and Allen Blackford. John Smith and Stuart McKee have been asked to work with the first team head honchos to look at the wealth of talent contacting us via the website! At the same time these four talent scouts are making contact with old friends abroad to see who is available. Who are they after? The committee has suggested that we should be looking to recruit at first and second team level. We hope that our coaching success in recent years will see some local youngsters breaking through. Also, we hope that our playing record might attract one or two local new players as well, especially as so many other local clubs are struggling. However, we do not want to recruit one-season players as we are seeking to continue to build for the longer term. Ideally, we would like to secure another top-order batsman and possibly a match-winning leg spinner. We have a number of internal candidates and the winter nets may do the trick. However, we have a couple of Aussies in the frame and Kevin Lewis who played for the club in the seventies has suggested that his son may come to London. We also have been approached by a Kiwi and a South African both wintering in London who could be regarded as UK players. Involvement with our coaching set-up is going to be integral to the final arrangements. If you have ideas or suggestions please bring them to the committee. If you have friends who want to play cricket, get them involved at Dulwich as we will give them a trial in the 4th XI, where many players young and old starred last season. If you have something to offer please contact jsmith@chks.co.uk Jimmy Gibson, the former 4th team player, has been touting his CV for a number of these opportunities but he has made no impression on the DCC selectors. If you know of some club who would accept him please contact Jimmy directly at the Selhurst Park home for Incurable Spinners (Peter Mandelson prop.) Jimmy’s latest boast is that only John Sturges can read his wrong ‘un. Unfortunately Sturge has recently come home from Japan to fight for a place in the Dulwich Fourths and he denies being able to read, as he was taught by Nick Hammill.
Perhaps we should begin with that young scallywag Farrow and his resumé of the long-awaited success of the 1st XI…. RICHARD FARROW What a great season for Dulwich CC! After laying the foundations in the previous year, we succeeded in matching our ambition with a consistent display of attacking cricket and superb personal achievements throughout the season. The 1st XI can claim their fair share of interesting characters, but, as with any championship-winning side, the team spirit contributed enormously both on and off the pitch. The whole squad, including some superb new recruits to the club, performed when it mattered most and contributed to the ‘getting the job done’ atmosphere within the club. I believe that this focus will enable us to make a big impact on Division 2 in the coming season. It was the season of the ball, together with a ‘fortress Dulwich’ mentality, that enabled us to win matches no matter the toss of the coin - our opening bowlers delivered in every situation. Mark Kenlock produced devastating spells to add to his impeccable line and length, taking 16 wickets on the spin that included the fantastic figures of 9-21 followed by 7-23. Mark Kelly refused to be outdone, and continually questioned the batsman with his vast array of deliveries, and aggressive style. This combination proved far too tasty for most sides and was confirmed by both players reaching 50 wickets for the season. Thank you lads. Others needed to support and this was done ably by the new lads, Stuart Ferguson, Damian Grossett and Richard Whyte, and not forgetting Phil Eldridge’s experience on the field and Shaq’s infectious confidence in the side. Graeme Hough’s return to the side after serious injury was as welcome as his crafty off-spin. Everyone was supported by the man with the gloves, Eugene Strange, who is turning into a class act. I only hope he continues to improve and his stag weekends are kept to a minimum next year! The highlights had to be bowling out our promotion rivals Southern Railway for 46 and Ashford for an incredible 21. The batting generally got the job done, although we know that there is room for improvement on consistent run-making in the engine room. Too often we got to our total the hard way with mini collapses followed by remarkable shot making. Allen Blackford grabbed the elusive opening spot and provided the impetus at the top of the innings with style and allowed his fellow opener, Richard Farrow, to accumulate. Both had good seasons with the latter averaging over 50.
With the addition of a record-breaking (Evening Standard) cup run for a Div 3 side, and some promising youngsters knocking on the door, we can be extremely happy with our season. Finally, the whole team would like to congratulate Lloyd Jones on his life membership and thank him for his sterling service to the 1st team over the years - he will be sorely missed. Thanks must go to our ace scorer John Lewis, who is a big part of the team and whose books remain immaculate.
Following the disappointing season in 2001, the minimum expectation for the 2nd XI in 2002 was that the team would play to its abilities on a more consistent basis, thereby ensuring a higher league placing. Unfortunately neither was achieved, resulting in another disappointing campaign. However, the team showed on occasions that the necessary desire and application were there but these proved to be all too infrequent. There were three main problems. Firstly, lack of availability resulting in about 40 players being used in total (including seven different wicketkeepers!); secondly, inconsistent (and, on occasions, inept) batting; and thirdly, a lack of penetration in the bowling. When batting, the team often got off to a poor start resulting in pressure on incoming batsmen, particularly when chasing gettable totals posted by the opposition. The lack of self-belief, a winning mentality and on occasions just pure common sense, meant potentially winning positions were thrown away recklessly. Of the batsmen captain Graeme Hough top scored with 384 runs @ 35 despite having to play a third of the season in the 1st XI. Richard Purssell was the only other batsman to top 300 runs with 350 @ 29 including the team’s only century (126 at Horsley & Send), but he would be the first to admit that he did not perform to his high abilities on a consistent enough basis. Other good performances came from Andy Rycroft, Tony Cable (two 50s in his only two games played), Sam Taylor, Darren Crump, Russell Clayton, Anil Mahey and James Johnson - but these were all too sporadic. The high points were 190+ scores posted against Egham, Limpsfield, Met Police and Horsley & Send. The lowest points were the abject capitulation to Camberley and, probably more so, the failure to chase a target of 102 against Purley. Other games thrown away due to poor batting included Sanderstead and against Avorians in particular, where the team managed to go from 141 for 6 to 145 all out when chasing just 158. While the batting was inconsistent, the bowling was a model of consistency, though not being the most threatening and penetrative. Although opposition teams did score good totals, this was more often due to a combination of good batting, good wickets and poor fielding than bad bowling. Graeme Hough headed the wicket-takers with 26 @ 15. Of the others the notable contributions came from, firstly, Jason Speer who took 19 wickets @ 9 in only eight games played due to work commitments. This included knocking over the top order of Camberley (6 for 40) and a remarkable spell of 5 for 9 off 15 overs against Sanderstead. It was a shame that in both these games Jason’s efforts were let down by the poor batting displays that followed. The other notable contributor was Ian Marshall whose nagging accuracy resulted in 155 overs being bowled at just two runs an over. His total of 13 wickets did not do his efforts justice. Kanak Patel made a much too belated return in late July, after concerted pressure from all and sundry, to bowl some useful spells. Russell Clayton, Everton Kirkwood and Anil Mahey all made significant contributions at various times. Although only two wins was disappointing, the fact that the team gained eight winning draws indicated that all was not doom and gloom, and the team were able to dominate games without the cutting edge, ability or know-how required to win. The placid Dulwich wicket did not help when bowling second either, as a number of teams found blocking out for a draw quite easy. Improvements definitely need to be made in terms of availability, levels of performance, standards of fielding that were average at best, not to mention a captain with the ability to win the toss! In a thoroughly enjoyable, if disappointing, season all credit goes to Woking & Horsell and Camberley for being promoted - it was probably no coincidence that these teams were the best two bowling attacks we faced. And finally….. many thanks to Matt Johnson for his scrupulous umpiring and to Jackie for the quality teas. What a team! STEVE HALE The Sunday
1st XI had a disjointed but successful season. The team played a
combination of friendlies, Evening Standard Cup matches and Sunday
League games. To a lesser group of men, this might have led to a
lack of focus. But the Sunday first team regulars (SFTRs) dug deep
into their emotional and physical reserves and produced a string
of winning displays. If we measure the season by results alone,
the club had fine Sunday season: a record run in the Evening Standard
Cup, third place in the Sunday League and a 92% winning record in
friendly games. * Omar's
3-9 against Addiscombe; The bookends
of the league fixtures were a series of friendly games, usually
under the captaincy of the team’s player-of-the-season Tom
Russell. AND FINALLY…..? AGAIN? The Editor and his pond-life assistants accept no responsibility whatsoever for the following load of old codswallop from a certain 4th XI “player” whose brain (and ego) are still in the wilds of Uganda after his bare-faced cheek in claiming wickets at the same time as getting hammered to all parts of the Kampala Lugogo Stadium. I’d have a jar of sleeping pills ready or a gun, whichever you feel will do the trick….. Dear Editor of BTC, In the light of the prejudiced and biased reporting I encountered in your last issue by someone calling himself "A.N. Observer", I have decided to enclose the following two match reports, which I hope you will print in full in the next issue of your organ. It is my fervent wish that objectivity and fairness should return to the pages of BTC! Yours
sincerely, Dulwich 4th XI v. Addiscombe 4thXI Meanwhile…. The man on the Clapham Omnibus could be forgiven for thinking that this fixture did not exactly represent the most glittering jewel in the crown of the English cricket calendar, but then, what does the man on the Clapham Omnibus know? Apart from the fact that the 37 bus runs from Peckham to Putney, not a lot it would seem: for here was a match packed with incident, keenly fought, producing some brilliant individual performances and a thrilling climax. Dulwich
4ths contained a team brimful of talented, experienced and charismatic
cricketers. John Smith was also in the side. Under a sky that would
have provided an entire Navy with legwear, Dulwich batted first
but toiled on a puddingy wicket to a total of 160 for 5. Only Saunders
(44) and Tomlinson (47) played with any conviction, although Braim
and Rock managed to introduce some urgency as Dulwich neared a declaration. Using a cunning mixture of full tosses, long hops and his own version of the "Murali" special, the Bamboozler wrought havoc in the "engine room" of the Addiscombe middle order. Having bowled 9 overs, 3 maidens, taken 5 wickets and conceded 20 runs, he was taken off. Along with the mystery of the Marie Celeste and the enigma of the Bermuda Triangle, this will remain one of the great unsolved puzzles of our time. However, it must be said that Ahab's decision can be justified by the final result: a win for Dulwich. After a brief flirtation with the medium pace of Russell, Ahab reintroduced Braim to the attack who proceeded to mop up the tail in an exemplary fashion, bowling a full length with great accuracy. At the other end, the evergreen Lawrence chipped in with three wickets. It is to be hoped, that in future, the man on the Clapham Omnibus might be tempted to alight from his chosen form of transport from time to time, to watch this "team of all the talents": Dulwich 4ths. ANTIPODEAN
GANDALF WEAVES WEB OF INTRIGUE In one of the most remarkable turnarounds, perhaps only surpassed by the Allies' triumph in the Second World War after the dark days of Dunkirk, or the battle of Rorke's Drift, Dulwich prevailed today at Norwood, thanks yet again to a sustained spell of top-class spin bowling by the Bamboozler of Kampala and his new partner-in-crime: Stan "Gandalf" Wooliscroft. A casual glance at the scorebook might suggest Wooliscroft was, by some distance, the more successful bowler. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth, for it was the Bamboozler who made the first and ultimately fatal incision into Norwood's reply to a modest Dulwich score of 142 for 8 declared. The Bamboozler made an unexpected appearance at the top of the Dulwich batting order, due to Blench's dalliance the night before in the flesh pots of Sydenham, but was eclipsed by Saunders and Wilson who scored more than half Dulwich's runs. This was not unlike watching the Walrus and the Carpenter in Lewis Carroll's famous narrative poem. They devoured the oysters of the Norwood bowling with some relish, but both ultimately succumbed to the bowling of Shahai. Dulwich's fielding at the start of the Norwood innings was less than satisfactory. Their bowling was even worse, Bailey, Button and then Niven were summarily despatched to all points of Norwood Park and it seemed only a matter of time before one of them found themselves unceremoniously dumped in the adjacent boating lake. Then a breakthrough: Maqsood (Norwood's samurai warrior of an opening batsman) hit the ball high into the troposphere in the direction of square leg. There Jim (bucket hands) Gibson stood poised for the catch. Unfortunately, a barking dog, a mobile phone and a rather attractive female tennis player had all simultaneously contrived to distract the Bamboozler's attention from the job in hand. The ball continued in its attempt to blast a hole in the ozone layer but finally was forced to resign itself to Isaac Newton's law of gravity. Bucket Hands, at this point, was the one person on the field of play who had no idea where the ball was. His team-mates' exhortations had no effect and despite our hero's efforts to sight the ball, it seemed only a matter of time before the ball would hit him fairly and squarely on the top of his head. The ball narrowly missed but fell with a sickening thud to the ground. At which point, some might say out of sympathy, the hapless Bamboozler, was introduced into the attack. Success was almost instantaneous: a deviously flighted long-hop was dropped by Oliver Bailey on the Cow-shot boundary. But then the Bamboozler sold Maqsood the oldest trick in the book: he bowled a wide full toss. Maqsood was fatally seduced! Iron gloves Rochford whipped the bails off and the breakthrough had been achieved! The Bamboozler then caught a skier off his own bowling and Wooliscroft, with some subtle and delicately flighted leg breaks then proceeded to take the next seven wickets including the hat-trick and Dulwich won by 32 runs. This leaves absentee regular skipper "Ahab" Smith with a ticklish problem. Having pissed off to Lord's on some Walter Mitty-like exploration to watch the one-day international, one wonders whether he will have the temerity to break up a winning team in order to include himself as a late-order batsman/occasional bowler.
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