EMCC, 192 – 3

Griffiths 95, Johnson 58*

Cuddington Casuals CC, 117 – 4

Report:

Put into bat on a wicket which looked more like a mine field than batting surface EMCC started surprisingly well, with 32 runs scored before the fall of the first wicket. What followed was the Stuart "ave it" Griffiths show, as for the second time in three weeks he plundered the opposition attack. The trademark pull shot was the main feature of his innings, which included 16 fours and left his batting partners watching in admiration at the other end of the wicket. Falling 5 short of his first hundred was the only mistake he made and EMCC scored a very creditable 192 for three.

In reply Cuddington never kept up with the required scoring rate to challenge the EMCC total. New ball pairing Snelson and King swung the ball both ways in challenging spells, each taking a wicket before a solid partnership stopped the rot for Cuddington. Six bowlers were used with out luck, until Snelson returned to take two late wickets as Cuddington resolutely batted for the draw. On a luckier day EMCC would have won this game, but time will come in the future. Seven of Saturday’s players were 25 or under, and with more experience the club will move forward, and returning to winning ways.

Fez Award:

EMCC, 204 – 5

Johnson 100 not out, Cawthorn 38

Bec Old Boys CC, 205 - 7

Report:

EMCC were unable to give "Sir" Geoff Cawthorn the send off he deserved, and lost for the 4^th time this season in the final over. Losing the toss and being put into bat it was the worst of all possible starts and EMCC ended the first over 1-1. The recovery started there and "Sir" Geoff batted solidly for 38 runs, before being caught in the deep trying to accelerate the scoring. Snelson, Darke and Grant followed and batted with aggressive intent, while Mark "sicknote" Johnson accumulated quietly at the other end. "Sicknote’s" maiden hundred came off the third ball of the last over of the Epsom innings, thanks to selfless play by his colleagues.

The 204 runs posted by EMCC was a competitive but gettable total on a fast scoring ground. A captain’s innings of 81 quick runs from Muhammad broke the back of the total for Becs and EMCC were never in control of the game. Tim "no luck" Snelson bowled tirelessly in two spells, which included 19 overs, 5 maidens, 62 runs and 3 wickets, without getting his due rewards. Geoff "the cat" Morris toiled away and even "Sir" Geoff could not repeat his heroics of last week to rescue the match for EMCC. A scrambled two off the last ball of game summed up the day as EMCC fell short once again.

Fez Award:

EMCC, 219 – 5

Griffiths 75, Cawthorn 62

Woodcote CC, 91 All Out

Report:

After losing the toss (yet again) EMCC did not look back, scoring heavily against an inexperienced Woodcote attack. The dynamic duo of Stuart "ave it" Griffiths and "Sir" Geoff Cawthorn had an impressive opening partnership of 143 runs before Griff (75) holed out to a stunning catch at long off. Geoff continued to bat in his usual unflapable way, accumulating 62 runs, while EMCCs reversed batting order made light of the wet wicket.

EMCC could not have asked for a better start when bowling, as Gary "angry" Knapper bowled three maidens in his first four overs and Richard "the arm" Darke took two early wickets. A solid partnership then followed as Woodcote bats Musgrave and Llewelyn hinted at the potential within the side. A draw was looking a distinct possibility until "Sir" Geoff entered the attack and recorded season best figures of 9-23-5. The temptation to pull across the line was too much for the inexperienced batsmen, who all seemed mystified as to how they missed the ball. EMCCs victory was crowned by the bowling debut of Tim Pitt, who showed much promise in his two overs, and will undoubtedly bowl many more for the club in the future.

Fezz Award:

Kingston Methodist, 222 – 5

Morris 8-18-0, Cawthorn 8-27-3, Harry D 109

EMCC, 143 – 6

Report:

This match followed the formbook, with EMCC comfortably beaten by a very strong Kingston side. Winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, it was Kingston who grabbed the initiative helped by some lapses in the field. Only senior pro’s Geoff "the cat" Morris and Geoff Cawthorn bowled to their potential, achieving figures of 8-18-0 and 8-27-3 respectively. Kingston opener Cutts and then Harry notched up fifties, but it was Harry who went on to score 109 while only one other batsman made double figures. Other highlights in the EMCC cause included Gary "angry" Knapper’s run out and a wonder catch from Jim "Celebrations" Yelland. EMCC left the field feeling fortunate to only concede 220 runs in forty overs.

The difference between the two sides was clear for all to see, when class bowling by Kingston restricted EMCC and included 5 maidens in the first eight overs. A couple of unfortunate umpiring decisions and EMCC were 26 for 3 and staring at an embarrassing reply in the face. However a pugnacious 26 from Ash and the skippers contribution ensured 143 runs were accumulated before the close of play.

Fezz Award:

Bletchingley, 198 – 5

Knapper 3–6-2; Morris 16-60-1

EMCC, 130 – 6

Report:

On a pitch which offered variable bounce and lateral movement, EMCC put the home side into bat with high hopes. Opening bowlers Richard "the arm" Darke and Tony "one more over" Blakeburn bowled with considerable skill but no luck, and only one wicket fell in the opening burst. Geoff "the cat" Morris then bowled 16 overs unchanged while EMCC sort to control the scoring rate, which seemed to be boosted by a high proportion of edges going for four and class batting from Cowie (76*). The highlight for EMCC was Gary "the ghost" Knappers three overs, bowled from his sick bed, with more high-low fade and a bit of draw, than Malcolm Seary in his prime. His figures of 3 overs. 6 runs, 2 wickets were exemplary.

With Bletchingley scoring 50 more runs they should have been able to, EMCC were never really in the hunt and settled for a draw early in the chase. Considerable credit must go to "chuckle brothers" Mike and Steve Darke, who saw off the dangerous opening spell from Bletchingley’s South African speedster. It was Mike (52) who went on a scored his maiden fifty for EMCC, with an innings characterised by his trade make on drives and advancing down the wicket to the spinners. Able support came from all the EMCC batsmen and the draw was comfortably secured.

Fezz Award:

EMCC, 129 – 3

Rivenall 71 Not Out

North Curry, 131 – 3

Report:

Following the directions to Taunton School most EMCC players expected to play at the Taunton equivalent of Grange Hill. Instead a ground Eton would have been proud of greeted us, where even the crowd were wearing ball gowns and evening dress. Feeling slightly under dressed for the occasion EMCC batted first and Simon "use the force" King rose to the occasion, taking the aerial route to score a quick fire 10 runs, despite being caught out twice off no-balls. At the other end John "the bookies favourite" Rivenall built a sublime innings of 71 chanceless runs and EMCC scored a very respectable total of 129 for 3 in twenty overs.

Chasing a good total North Curry went for their runs in steady and controlled fashion. An early wicket for Gary "angry" Knapper failed to stop the scoring runs and even John Rivenalls economic figures of 4 overs, 1 wicket, for 11 runs, couldn’t check North Curry’s progress. Dropped catches again hurt the EMCC cause, but somehow a late innings wobble from the batsmen afforded EMCC a sniff of victory with 5 runs needed off the last over. Despite some quality leg spin from Mike "it’s getting" Darke, a single and four came from balls 4 and 5 of the over and North Curry won with one ball to spare.

Fez Moment:

Bob "Marley" Prescott was awarded the fezz for his turtle impersonation while missing a catch, just because it was dark. (Malc has promised to put a bell in the ball to help us next year!!)

West Chinnock, 203 – 4

Eckland 74 not out, Trott 65

EMCC 194 – 9

Report:

As true professionals EMCC warmed up for this game with an enormous fried breakfast, hangover cure and 10-pin bowling. A pint in the Muddled Man seemed to lift the spirits of the side, and bowling first in stifling conditions EMCC restricted West Chinnock to just 49 runs off the first 20 overs. However this proved to be the calm before the storm which saw 154 runs flow from the next 20 overs with 74 from Chinnock skipper Eckland who changed the game. Geoff "the cat" Morris’ bowling figures stood out with 6 overs, four maidens, 17 runs and 1 wicket, but all the EMCC bowlers performed well under extreme pressure from the assault.

Chasing the mammoth total EMCC made a solid start before a one handed wonder catch dismissed "Sir" Geoffrey Cawthorn for 15 runs. A further wicket fell before an 84 run partnership steadied the ship. Even the demise of yesterdays hero (Rivenall) in the 27^th over left EMCC with a real chance of winning the game, requiring 4runs per over for the rest of the game. Unfortunately quality bowling by Chinnock's senior pros ensured that EMCC finished 7 runs short in a game that Eckland seemed to control throughout.

Fez Award:

To surpass the Prescott example Malcolm "quick silver" Seary managed not see a whole car when leaving the pub post game, mistaking a red metro for a blue Jaguar. (Should we put a bell in this too?)

EMCC 152 – 8

Derrett 62, Johnson 30

Upper Clapford 138 – All Out

Report:

A swim, sauna and jacuzzi on Sunday morning proved to be the perfect tonic for EMCC’s tired muscles, and doggy paddle champion Simon King deserves a special mention for his efforts. However the mornings exertions looked to have backfired after EMCC lost the toss and were put into bat. With the score on 0 runs for 1 wicket after two overs, and only 46 runs scored after the first twenty overs the situation looked particularly dire. However keeping wickets in hand allowed EMCC to launch a counter attack with 62 runs from Jay "beer barrel" Derrett and 30 runs from wicket keeper Mark "sicknote" Johnson. The eventual total of 152 gave EMCC a chance at only their second win of the season if they bowled very well.

Initially EMCC only bowled well from one end and a succession of long hops fed the hook shot of Clatford opener Nicel. Two wickets in the 8^th over for Derrett and the introduction of spin twins Mike "its not so" Darke and Geoff "the cat" Morris kept EMCC in the game taking two further wickets. It wasn’t until skipper for the day Richard "the arm" Darke introduced himself to the attack that the game turned on its head with six wickets falling for only 26 runs. Richard’s final spell of 4 overs included four wickets for only three runs and saw the stumps splayed for each wicket. EMCCs second win of the season was capped by a good one handed catch by Mike "it’s not so" Darke in the gully, which made the journey home a more pleasant experience.

Fez:

EMCC 214 – 4 Declared

Cawthorn 85, Grant 39, Ash 32

Ambassadors, 139 – 6

Report:

After a late start and once the skipper had overcome his shock at winning the toss (first in 8 attempts), EMCC opted to bat in stifling conditions. Extras initially the led the way for EMCC keeping the run rate up, but this was only a prelude to a return to form for Derbyshire lad "Sir" Geoffrey Cawthorn. Geoff cut and drove his way to a seasons best 85 runs, receiving exceptional support from Andy "winter nets" Grant (39) and Chris "Fag" Ash (32). Despite the slow over rate EMCC eventually powered their way past 200 runs for the highest score of the season.

In the unusual position of having a useful target to work with, EMCC’s bowlers set about the task of bowling out the Ambassadors with admirable control. Both opening bowlers found their rhythm early on and Richard "the arm" Darkes figures of 1 for 48 do not tell the full story of what might have been. After the opening burst of pace, spin twins Geoff "the cat" Morris and Mike "Warny" Darke entered the attack and were again unlucky, with the edge being beaten on many occasions. Despite a seasons best performance from the team the Ambassadors salvaged a draw, but as they did spoil us with their Ferraro Roche we won’t complain too much.

Fez Moment:

Croydon Spinners, 152 – 9

Darke R 5-17-2, Darke M 7-33-2

EMCC, 140 – 6

Report:

An improved performance by EMCC in all areas of the game (except catching) saw a tight finish and valuable contributions from all. Gary "Agia" Knappers opening spell included a mix of good control and aggression, which prevented any ambition Croydon had of a mammoth score. Mike "shane" Darke spun the ball sideways on his return to the side and was rewarded with two wickets, but could have had more on a pitch that offered plenty of bounce. All the bowlers contributed to a solid performance and even golden arm Chris "accuracy" Ash made an excellent job of bowling the final over.

After the debacle of last weeks run chase EMCC made a much better fist of it this week. The tone of the innings was set by openers Stuart "have it" Griffiths and Colin "the crab" Smith, who ran excellently between the wickets, putting the Croydon field under pressure from the very first ball. Singles flowed through out the innings with useful contributions being made by all EMCC batsmen. However EMCC never quite broke the shackles of the canny Croydon bowlers who bowled very few bad balls. In the end their experience in this form of the game whom the day by 12 runs, as EMCC couldn’t find the winning boundaries.

Fez Moment:

Epsom Liberals, 105 – All Out

Yelland 7-23-4, Morris 1-0-2

EMCC, 51 – All Out

Report:

All season EMCC’s cricket has been a mix of the sublime and the ridiculous, but Saturday reached a new level. The Liberals are traditionally a very strong side packed with attacking batting, so restricting them to just over 100 runs was superb. Jim "Celebrations" Yelland’s control of line and length was exemplary, and the pressure he generated gave him 4 wickets in his spell of 7 overs. Also Gary "Agia" Knapper carried on from where he left off last week, bowling with control and the extra yard of pace he has been looking for all season (5-20-1). Some patchy fielding included one marvellous catch (5 dropped catches), a run out by Gary "Agia" Knapper and some much improved ground fielding (Simon "Use the Force" King).

The hard work in the field was all in vain as EMCC collapsed in embarrassing fashion. Only one player reached double figures, and sensible bowling, poor short selection, and the bounce of the Gibraltar Rec pitch left EMCC high and dry. Defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory in stunning fashion.

Fez Moment:

Kingston, 173 – 5

Blakeburn 18-42-2, Morris 12-61-3

EMCC, 97 – 7

Report:

The tone of the EMCC performance was set in the first over of the game when Tony "one more over" Blakeburn, clean bowled the Kingston batsman, who did not offer a shot. Against one of the strongest sides we play, EMCC fielded with purpose, and Tom "chops" Hill gave an exemplary display of catching and ground fielding. Gary "Agia" Knapper found his bowling rhythm and for the first time this season pressure was applied at both ends by the EMCC attack. Gary conceded less than two runs an over in his opening spell, and the good work was continued by Geoff "the cat" Morris who used his guile and top spinner to great effect. Kingston eventually reached 173 for 5 in 45 overs.

The EMCC reply did not start well with Griffiths being caught and bowled by Griffiths (or was it the other way round), in only the second over. Despite the efforts of D Haydon to hit EMCC batsmen with lots and lots of short pitched bowling, 35 runs flowed in the first 8 overs. The barrage of bouncers eventually took their toll with six more wickets falling before 60 runs had been scored. However, in keeping with the earlier fielding performance EMCC stuck to their guns and mixed defence with attack, as Richard "the arm" Darke and Geoff "the cat" Morris, saw us home for a hard earnd draw.

Fez Moment:

Geoff "the cat" Morris using up one of his 9 lives when slipping and falling at the first fence in the EMCC batting derby. (The next time someone takes your barstool away like that Geoff we’ll get em for you!)

EMCC, 149 – 8

Grant 29, Cawthorn 29

Badgers, 151 – 4

Report:

Put in to bat on a shocking Reigate Priory wicket, EMCC were put under pressure from the off by steady Badgers bowling. Gordons opening spell of 7 overs for 9 runs and only 25 runs conceded from the first 15 overs left a mountain to climb for the lower order. However a spirited 29 from Andy "winter nets" Grant, and 16 from Clive "3 wood" Calvert, edged EMCC to the minimum target of 150 runs.

In reply to the EMCC total Badgers were also put under pressure early in their innings with only 17 runs coming from the first 9 overs. However the shackles were broken by opener Alan Tickner, who scored a chanceless 64 not out to add to his superb 100 not out against EMCC last year. Badgers didn’t have it all their own way and were 33 for 3 at one stage, but the fourth wicket proved elusive in a vital 70 run partnership, which took the game beyond our control.

Fez Moment:

Awarded to Mike "Warny" Darke for his "So why aren’t you playing?" line to an attractive young lady watching the game, with her broken leg in plaster. (Malcolm can rest assured that when he retires from delivering lines like that, his young apprentice will carry on the tradition!)

Morden, 249 – 5

Gilley 88, Morris 16-67-2

EMCC, 92 – 5

Report:

Some aggressive and inspired Morden Parish batting took a much-weakened EMCC attack to the cleaners. Useful opening spells from Gary "Agia" Knapper (8-34-1) and Geoff "The Cat" Morris (16-67-2), contained the Morden stroke play but this was not built on later in the innings as Morden cut loose. All the bowlers felt the force of the dashing Morden blades, which included 88 by Gilley, his highest personal score, and compound by some brutal hitting by Louis (38) in the last 5 overs.

In reply EMCC were saved by the rain, obstinate batting and a late declaration by Morden, who carried on collecting runs long after the game was beyond us. The new opening partnership averaged 50+ (years anyway), failed to trouble the scorer, Roy "hamstrings" Haughton, but Andy "winter nets" Grant (12) carried on his early season form before falling to a freak catch. Two quick wickets followed Andy’s demise, before rain drowned the Morden momentum. After the rain break the game drifted inexorably towards a draw with no further wickets falling.

Fez Moment:

Awarded to Chris "Accuracy Ash" for his hookey cookey performance (in / out shake it all about), while trying to complete a run. (A note for all EMCC players, please don’t forget to hold onto the ball when running a batsman out!!)

Morden Corinthians 248 All Out

Rafique 80

Blakeburn 20-70-5, Darke M 11-49-3

EMCC 154-5

Report:

"Never was so much owed by EMCC to so few" – in fact one man kept us in the game on Saturday and that was Tony "one more over" Blakeburn. Tony bowled throughout the innings, taking 5 wickets in a fantastic performance. His only real support came from spin twins Mike "bowling Warny" Darke and his young apprentice, Geoff "the cat" Morris. However a Jekyll and Hyde performance by EMCC fielders allowed Morden to reach the total of 248 all out. This was best exemplified best by Simon "use the force" King, whose ground fielding was only saved by the best one handed catch this news hound has ever seen. (Rumours of Simons retirement on the grounds he will never take a better catch were hastily denied by his agent, 007.)

The batting was solid if not spectacular, and after seeing off a dangerous open spelling of left arm inswing bowling from Sharling (6-15-0), EMCC played out the draw comfortably. A brief twitch was felt in the camp after the loss of four wickets in a ten over spell, but Simon "use the force" King played fluently to prevent any further risk of damage. A special mention here for Andy "winter nets" Grant who has now scored 10 more runs in 3 games this season than he managed in the whole of last year!! Further evidence that fine wines mature with age.

Fez Moment: EMCC fielders contributed a number of fielding nominations this week but Mike "bowling Warny" Darke’s drop was top of a substantial pile. (His claim that "the voices" put him off will only lead to further medical examinations.)

EMCC 100 All Out

Johnson 29*,

Rowan 102 for 3

Blakeburn 14–19–1

Report:

EMCC lost the toss again and were put into bat on a soggy Old School Lane wicket by league side Rowan CC. Despite the conditions we started well with a brisk 13 from Stuart "needs a nick name" Griffiths that included 3 searing pulled 4s. Despite a premature end to the Griffiths innings, Andy "winter nets" Grant continued in the form of last week with 16 classy runs. Once Andy’s wicket fell to an outstanding catch the regular loss of wickets ensured EMCC never got any momentum and were reduced to grinding out 100 runs in 38 overs.

With only 100 runs to defend EMCC needed to take early wickets to generate pressure for the incoming batsmen. Unfortunately despite some high-class bowling from Tony "one more over" Blakeburn it never really happened for us. Richard Darke grabbed 2 wickets, including a catch at first slip by Griffiths, which he nearly swallowed. Much improved ground fielding was in evidence this week; as Mat "the boy’s got talent" Grant showed a number of his elders how to back up the bowlers with an athletic display.

Fez Moment: