Reports & Scorecards 2018
Frogs vs South Oxfordshire Amateurs CC
Venue: Queens College Oxford
Date: 26th July
Result: Frogs lose by 3 wickets.
Reporting: Alex Sykes
Considering the high number of drop outs The Frogs managed to pull together, on paper, a rather strong team. We even managed to pull in a player all the way from Sheffield with just a nights notice. A big thank you to Chris for helping us get to 11.
On a wicket that looked liked it had a little in it for both sides the skipper, as all good skippers do, won the toss and elected to bat. In a team with plenty of high quality top order batsman it might have seemed an odd choice for the skipper to give the opening slot to an agricultural lower order batsman but it turned out to be an inspired choice. An excellent 42 from Jog supported by a calm Josh Sivier guided the team to 56/1 in quick time. The good work at the top soon came undone with a superb triple wicket maiden from A Webb in his first over, tearing through the strong middle order. Joe and Matt on their Frogs debut both nicking off for a duck. At 81/7 things were looking ominous but a strong partnership from the skipper (78) and Chris Stride with some help from James Hamilton and David Brettle (all the way from Hong Kong) at 10 and 11 propelled the team to 173 all out at tea. A competitive total but maybe 10 or 20 under par.
Getting The Frogs underway were James Hamilton and the skipper who both bowled fairly tight early on without success in terms of wickets. Special mention must go to Jog for his fielding at backward point, I'm not sure if he stopped one. Chris and David came on at first change to try and keep it tight but the batsmen weren't having any of it and accelerated the run rate. Drinks came with SOA no wickets down and seemingly cruising towards their target, however a strong bowling partnership between Jog (yes you read that right) and Jules, taking 5 wickets between them, made it mightily tough for the opposition to make it to their target. Jules, rating himself as a fast bowler, was very surprised to gain a wicket through a stumping. Great hands Josh! The sight of Jog bowling 2 bowlers with a googly always sits well in the memory.
Despite a solid team performance in the field and with the ball SOA reached their target with a mere 2 overs remaining. M Jeacock, opening up, must be commended for carrying his bat through the innings for 72 to see his team home.
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Frogs vs Maidenhead and Bray CC
Venue: Maidenhead and Bray Sports Club
Date: 19th August
Result: Frogs win by 4 wickets.
Reporting: Adam Sargeant
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Frogs vs Devon Dumplings CC
Venue: Queens College Oxford
Date: 8th August
Result: Frogs lose by 6 wickets.
Reporting: Duncan Ellis
It is tempting to conclude after Wednesday's cricket that a late night in Oxford's Purple Turtle bar, sleeping under canvas and a recuperative fried breakfast is better preparation for a game of cricket being tucked up early in our Home Counties beds. Devon Dumplings tried the former preparation; we tried the latter. Who prevailed?
It was certainly a good day out in pleasant conditions, and more typically English than we have experienced of late. Frogs batted first to much relief in our Frogs dressing room and much consternation amongst the Dumplings. A promising opening stand of 39 between Richard Lawrence and Josh Drague was broken by a careless run out. A collapse of 3 wickets for 26 runs followed with a combination of poor batting, bad luck and good bowling typical of such collapses. Lunching with a scorecard showing that numbers 3 and 4 had each made nought off 2 balls showed a need for something more effective.
An excellent 73 from Andrew Lawton ensued; showing how to bat on a slow surface: with caution, patience and taking advantage of anything loose. Andrew was ably supported in this rebuilding by Jogger (stand of 33), Ali G (stand of 31) and Walshy (fine stand of 68 for the 7th wicket) before we finally concluded on 207. Defendable for sure, probably under par, but certainly plenty more than we might have got at the perilous 98-5.
Promising opening spells from Big Trev led to a solitary wicket for the former, to a smart catch by Drague at mid-wicket. A similarly promising opening spell from T Mars led to much oo-ing and ah-ing at plays and misses. We took tea with the game in the balance at 50 - 1. Thereafter, Walshy bowled 10 threatening overs without quite getting the luck he deserved and suffering the first of several dropped chances. He eventually picked up the second wicket due to a smart one-handed catch in the gully from Richard Lawrence. The leg spinners Ali G and Jog each bowled with threat at times but leaked too many; their only success being a return catch from a punishing drive held at the second attempt by a juggling Jog. By then the game was pretty much gone. A hostile Dean, and returning T-Mars and Trev had too much to do, although Trev picked up a consolation wicket at the end.
Throughout this, the Brisbane (via Lymington) Aussie, James Grady, had taken a leaf out of Lawton's book, and made for the Dumplings a patient and determined unbeaten 105. The best knock of the day.
So, is the Purple Turtle and tents on the outfield to be our preparation for the return in 2019? I suggest not. We should take the positives of Lawton's excellent knock, his fine partnership with Walshy, Lawrence's two catches (one excellent), fine and energetic ground fielding and an intensity sustained deep into a game where our cricket didn't live up to its potential; and resolve to have more such good cricket to report in 2019. And think "roll on Exeter" for the return with the Dumplings.
P.S. Fans of statistical quirks and co-incidences may wish to note that Frogs two losses to date in 2018 have both been umpired by George Honey giving him a 100% loss rate.
Kind regards and see you soon, Duncan.
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Frogs vs Knebworth Park CC
Venue: Knebworth Park
Date: 5th August
Result: Frogs win by 33 runs.
Reporting: Steve Walsh
After 2017’s rather unconventional victory over Knebworth, I was hoping that we might put in a more consistent performance and was delighted with the way we played.
On a baking hot day, many Frogs were modelling stash (all of which fitted!) from the latest summer collection. The pitch looked like a belter and it was an ideal day to win the toss and bat first in a 40 over game.
TMars blocked out the first over for a maiden. Syko took the second for 8. And away we went. Syko's bludgeon and Tom's rapier put on 121 for the first wicket in 21 overs.
Tom went for 46, replaced by Syko's mate Shak who scored 52 of a stand of 59 with the melting Syko. When he went we were 180 for 3 off 32.
An honourable mention goes to Amelia Kemp who, aged 13, finished her spell of 5-1-35-1 at the business end of the innings with a wicket maiden. As Syko realised he was running out of time to get his ton (and, following the departure of Andy Lawton, running out of partners who were going to run many 2s) he hit the gas again and finally fell for a splendid 110. Chalky and Posh kept things ticking over to the end of the innings and the Frogs finished on 240 for 4, a good total but by no means an invincible one on a good track.
Devan Owen, our debutant from Chalfont St. Giles, and TMars opened up, both beating the bat but also seeing anything full punished. 25 came off the first 4 overs. Then Devan had R Leather comfortably pouched by Malc at first slip. O'Brien and Morley quickly followed, both bowled by TMars and Knebworth were 46 for 3. Soon after, Devan bowled J Leather with a slower ball and it was 50 for 4.
When Posh and Malc took over, Malc took a bit of punishment from Hutchinson who, as usual, was only interested in boundaries. Eventually we put enough men on the edge for him to pick one out and Andy Lawton at long off held on to a catch that came to him more or less flat and travelling like a bullet.
From here on in, the required rate looked just out of reach for Knebworth. Posh eventually finished his controlled 8 over spell with 3 for 39. Shak followed him with some very useful offspin. Our third debutant, Ashley Duke, who was returning to cricket after a few years out, sadly pulled a hamstring and couldn’t finish his fourth over though not before he had distinguished himself by becoming the first Frogs bowler to get an official warning for a waist high full toss. In the meantime, Sarge had mounted a rearguard action for Knebworth and he finished not out on 59 after Andy Lawton and Shak picked up the last two wickets leaving us the winners by 33 runs.
It was a fine win for the Frogs and an excellent day’s cricket. Thank you very much to everyone who played.
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Frogs vs Hurlingham Club
Venue: Hurlingham Club
Date: 8th July
Result: Frogs win by 14 runs
Reporting: James Mason
On a glorious midsummer's day, a strong Frog's squad assembled for the annual Hurlingham Fixture.
The Frog's won the toss and elected to bat with Joe McCarthy and Eytan Epstein opening up. What followed, was a very solid batting performance with all the top and middle order making contributions. Particular mention must go to debutant, Lewis Sharp (51) who together with the skipper, James Mason (40) put on 75 for the sixth wicket. With the wicket doing a bit and the bounce being a little inconsistent, a respectable total of 204 for 8 was set off the allotted 40 overs.
Following what is always a good tea, the Frogs took the field with energy and optimism. The Frogs bowled well and took regular wickets to stall Hurlingham's progress. Lewis Sharp, Neerav Trivedi both bowled well with little reward having opened the bowling. Joe O'Gorman and Alex Sykes continued the squeeze with the 10 to the 20th overs only yielding 41 runs. With the run rate rising, wickets continued to tumble with Sykes and Matt Hughes ending with 3 wickets each. Whilst Hurlingham threatened a comeback with some late lusty blows, The Frogs restricted them to 194 for 8 off their 40 overs and ended victorious.
As ever, a really enjoyable day with some excellent cricket and notable contributions from throughout the team.
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Frogs vs Old Cranleighans CC
Venue: Cranleigh School
Date: 22nd July
Result: Frogs win by 4 wickets
Reporting: Joe McCarthy
Having been rained off 24 hours before the game was even due to start in 2017, the glorious summer of 2018 continued and the Old Cranleighans vs Frogs was on, a great start to the day! For the Frogs, the good start quickly discontinued as the famous pre-game Bacon Sandwiches, used to good effect by Frogs Captain Joe McCarthy to lure players out of bed for a 10:15 meet, seem to have been a thing of the past and were not provided. The reasoning being “school kids don’t eat bacon now, they all want pre-game muesli”. The Frogs in attendance either showed their disgust at the thought of muesli over bacon, or had to be explained what muesli was.
Continuing the disappointment, the toss was incorrectly called and the Frogs were invited to bowl in the sun on a flat hard track. This decision looked to somehow pay off with OCs 0-1 with debutant Munjot bowling an absolute seed to peg back off stump, leaving a cherry mark at the very top of the stump for good measure. Despite accurate bolwing at a good pace with movement, the Frogs struggled to find another wicket OCs batsman settled in, and using the rapid outfield to good effect. With a partnership building, Neerav replaced Lewis and got great movement giving the batsman something to think about, whilst Lewis now coming downhill got Frogs 2nd wicket with their number 3 batsman falling for the trap and hooking to Tom Marshall in the deep.
Frogs then turned to their ever reliable spin in Andy Marshall and JOG. Andy making a vital impact taking the 3rd wicket just before lunch held by Munjot on the quite remarkable 5th attempt! OCs going in at 134/3
Lunch: Chilli con carne followed by strawberries and cream. Lovely.
After lunch the Frogs really stepped up their game, with JOG taking 2 wickets in his first 2 overs after the break. Toiling away, Frogs never let OCs get back on top of their innings and bowled them out for 192. A Marshall finishing on 4-39 and JOG finishing on 4/45.
Frogs got off to a great start with the bat, with Sykes & T.Marshall putting on 61 for the first wicket at 5 and over. The quick wickets of Parker and Sykes left Frogs at 84/3. This brought Poshy to the crease, where he played a composed innings to bring the Frogs into tea at 149/4 watching out many overs of excellent off spin from young Tom Ealham whose Dad, Mark, watched on.
Poshy resumed after tea and made sure he saw Frogs home whilst wickets fell around him, skipper given a fair LBW to a poor shot and the Lewis very unlucky to be given a high LBW. This brought JOG to the crease where proceeded to hit a run a ball 14* with Poshy finishing on an excellent 61* Frogs winning by 4 wickets.
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Frogs vs Hampstead CC
Venue: Lymington Road
Date: 15th July
Result: Frogs win by 9 wickets
Reporting: Richard Chalk
Knowing they were experiencing ‘local’ difficulties, it was with disappointment that the Frogs’ fixture list was compiled in the close season without the usual annual match against Hampstead.
How delighted we therefore were to receive an email from their match organiser advising that these difficulties had been overcome and a fixture was now possible on Sunday 15th July. Good fortune smiled on us, as the Frogs had just that gap in their fixture list, and gratefully accepted this late invitation.
The day arrived, with temperatures climbing well into the 30s, and the Frogs assembled on the ground. Well, most of the team, though with melting roads, Trump related marches and an over-abundance of roadworks, three members of the team and our umpire found their journey times extended well beyond the norm.
With all usual fortitude Tom junior stepped up to both toss with the Hampstead skipper, and to ‘marshall’ the troops. Sadly tossing the coin hasn’t yet featured in the curriculum for his latest university semester, and so on losing it, Frogs were forced to take to the field.
By now Mrs M was ensconced in the score-box, moaning that there was an insufficient supply of bubbles, so several flunkeys were dispatched to make good this unfortunate oversight.
With less than 5 mins to the off the remaining waifs and strays had largely arrived, with Ali G still a couple of boundary throws from the ground. Offered the choice, Jono elected to bowl the first over up the hill, and probably more a result of getting his run-up sorted earlier in the season, removed their opener with a sharp away-swinger in the first over. The captain, steaming in from the Finchley Road end, also managed to generate speed with control and removed the other Hampstead opener with an absolute jaffa which nipped back late, uprooting his off stump.
A series of batsmen then came and went, and it looked like Hampstead were going to struggle to post a decent score, but Ullah dug in, and with seemingly minimal backlift started to accumulate what turned into a very creditable 92. Frogs’ fielding, it must be said oscillated from the ‘very good’, to the ‘must do better’. Three catches were spilled, with excuses ranging from “sorry, it was the wrong height”, to “sorry, I couldn’t see anything since I stamped on my sunglasses three overs ago”. This was balanced, however, by our chief boundary-rider Ali G impressing all with his speed across the ground and excellent throwing arm. It’s with bated anticipation that we await his next Frogs’ appearance and what coloured bottle of goo he will have smothered all over his hair!
Throughout the innings field placings were also subjected to careful scrutiny, not least by the redoubtable Jogger, who on one occasion double-checked with Jono patrolling the boundary “are you straight enough”, to which he received the rapier response “well I DO have a girlfriend”. ‘No further challenges m’lord’, was thus heard muttered by Tom W at cover and Jogger resumed weaving his magic, in a spell with noticeably few full tosses!
Eventually the Hampstead innings closed on 191, with the six wickets taken liberally shared amongst the bowlers. With thoughts turning to hydration, shade, and the imminent World Cup footy final, it wasn’t entirely clear whether we had allowed Hampstead 20-30 too many runs, or whether they ought perhaps to have got nearer to c230-240.
With tea out of the way, the Frogs’ openers Rolland and Wilding strode to the crease, Rolland playing his first match of this season, and Wilding still muttering that he’d perished early again on Saturday, but was “saving his very best for Sunday”!
Straight from the off, Wilding punished pretty much anything which was wayward, and Rolland started scratching along in his wake. After 10 overs the Frogs were a measured 47-0, but by the time we got to the 20 over mark, the score stood at 122-0. Wilding by this time wasn’t bothering much with anything other than boundaries, and most of the running between the wickets was to enhance the Rolland side of the scoresheet.
With the score at 144, Wilding duly passed his three figures [allegedly for the first time in eight years], waving his bat majestically in the air, and kissing anything which moved. This last effort proved too great for him, as he perished shortly afterwards aiming yet another magnificent heave toward the tennis courts.
With le Jogger joining Mr. R at the crease, Ian continued on his way, but now finding the middle of the bat with accustomed ease. Joggsy too got in on the act, hitting some sweet twos and fours, and between them Ian and Jogger knocked off the remaining runs. To the delight of all watchers, and with a series of fours and a couple more sweeps to leg, Ian made it to a very well deserved fifty. Which left the crowd wondering whether an absence of nets and cricket through April, May and June, had been secretly offset by several hours of throw-downs from Rosemary in the backgarden at Barnes!
In hindsight, Hampstead perhaps were a few runs lite at the halfway stage, but no-one expected the Frogs openers to put on such an excellent opening partnership, and the rest of the team were most grateful to remain in the shade of the pavilion for the second half of the match!
Subsequently, and to round an altogether excellent day off, Duncan’s 52nd birthday was celebrated not only by the appearance of Eytan and Mrs. Epstein-to-be shortly before they fly back to Australia, but by no less than two birthday cakes. With one having appeared at Stowe two years ago for his 50th, and two this year, we’re all looking forward to what may become a positive cake-fest in 2020!!!
Thanks again to Hampstead for their excellent hospitality - Hampstead remains a very old and much valued fixture in the Frogs’ calendar, and we hope and look forward to many more splendid matches in future years.
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Frogs vs The John Lyon School
Venue: Sudbury Playing Fields
Date: 25th June
Result: Draw
Reporting: Tom Marshall
The Frogs embarked onto the Sudbury Playing Fields of the John Lyon School on Monday 25th June, a beautiful day reaching temperatures of 30 degrees. What a setting it was. The two captains strolled out to the middle; Marshall Jnr won the toss and stuck the Frogs in.
The wicket was a bit up and down and opening batters Wilding and Gorton struggled through the new ball overs. Gorton punched a lovely straight drive for 4 before being bowled by a Yorker, which brought Marc Williams (yes, Marc Williams the decorator) to the crease. Marc tucked into one of the opening bowlers nicely before departing for 11 thanks to an acrobatic slip catch from O. Marshall. T. Marshall and Wilding dug in for the next few overs before Wilding received a nasty ball that reared off a length, hit the splice of the bat and looped to short cover. 26-3. Slabbert strolled out to the wicket and he and the skipper put on a partnership of 36 before Marshall was bowled. Pre and post lunch, Slabs and Chalky put on a lovely partnership, with Slabs whacking balls into the leg side for 4 almost every over. Eventually Chalky departed for a well-played 17 off 47 balls. This was a vital supporting role in the innings and allowed Slabs to start playing some shots. JOG, Aaryan Sen and Walshy all departed soon after. Slabs passed his 50, which was probably worth double on a very tough batting wicket as the Frogs got to 145-9. Slabs departing for 62 off 105. A well appreciated knock. This left Duncan and Big Trev to try and get us to as close to 200 as we could. Duncan was playing some lovely sweeps against the spin of their leg spinner while Big Trev was knocking ones round at the other end. Duncan’s 12 not out was vital for the Frogs and kept the schoolboys out in the heat for another 5 or 6 overs. The Frogs were eventually 165 all out thanks to a smart catch behind the wicket off O. Marshall to dismiss Neerav. Well batted Slabs, Chalky and Duncan to get us into such a strong position.
The Frogs had a 20-minute session before tea to try and knock out the opening batsmen and Steve Walsh was on the spot from ball one, using the slope to his advantage. In his first over Walshy had JLS’ opener out for 2 with a harsh nip-backer up the slope. JLS were 1 down at tea after a short burst of 2 overs from Walsh and 3 from Big Trevor. Post-tea the Frogs carried on the good work, with economical bowling from Walsh and Trivedi. Trev finishing with 5-2-21-0 and Walsh with 6-1-21-1; both really set the tone for the rest of the innings. Well bowled. The skipper brought himself on for a 5 over spell before looking at the leg spin of JOG and Gorton, and he took the wicket of Hirani (who was looking dangerous) with a pearler. This left JLS 42-3. Young Aryan Sen was turning the ball with the slope and bowling excellent lines, provoking plays and misses by the majority of the JLS batters. Sen ripped through the next 3 batters with ease, one of these was thanks to a screamer of a catch by Chalky low to his right. Sen finished with 14-7-18-4. Incredible figures on a turning wicket. The JLS batsmen had no idea how to play him. JOG got in on the act and bowled Sutaria for naught which put the score at 53-6. At this point the JLS tail began to shut up shop and attempted to negotiate some good bowling from Alex Gorton. However, Gorton managed to remove JLS’ number 9 for naught with a top-spinner that was deemed to hit the batter on the pad adjacent to the stumps. 2 wickets were needed off the final 2 overs, and after Sen dropped a diving catch off his own bowling, the skipper brought himself back to bowl at the tail. When he eventually summoned his ability to bowl straight, he bowled the number 10. This gave Sen an over at number 11 and the final over for the skipper. The game came down to the final ball where a back of a length ball was blocked by JLS’ number 11. The ball bounced ball in slow motion over off stump to the dismay of the packed slip cordon and the bowler. JLS survived on 94-9, by the skin of their teeth.
All in all, it was a lovely day with perfect weather at a lovely setting. Thank you all for playing and I hope to see you all in the next few weeks, or so.
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Frogs vs Invitation XI
Venue: Maidenhead and Bray CC
Date: 17th June
Result: Frogs win by 49 runs
Reporting: Jono Wright
When the email came from the Pres 10 days prior to this fixture bringing news that the Sussex Martlets were unable to raise a side and were pulling out of the fixture it looked very much like we would all have the day off and would have to spend this Sunday with our feet up in the garden… However that is not the Frogs way and the recruitment cogs and co-ordination hub got into gear. To cut a long story short, a few ground changes and some intense recruitment later (hats off to Syko, although lack of Andrew Strauss has been noted) and the Frogs turned up at Bray with eyes on another victory. Teams were negotiated, the toss was won (on the second attempt after Syko forgot to call) and it was game on, with the Frogs batting first. Prior to delving into the ins and outs of the game, I just want to thank everyone who recruited and helped co-ordinate to get this game on, fantastic effort from all Frogs.
As the most reluctant opening pair in cricket went out to bat there was an air of anticipation, as the watching Frogs wandered what Syko’s recruits would be like… Left arm over to start (left-handers ruin the game if you ask me) and 4 balls in Poshy was on his way back to the pavilion having nicked off. All Frogs leant forward as yet another UBCC recruit courtesy of T Marshall strode out to make his debut for the Frogs. After a few overs of the Invitational opening bowlers settling into a rhythm, all Frogs were comfortably sat back as Freddie settled into his stride playing some glorious shots to all corners of the ground taking no prisoners. With Chalky supporting ably from the other end a partnership of 114 came to an end around drinks with Chalky bowled for 28 (absolute seed, totally unplayable). With a UBCC pairing at the crease visions of 200+ started to enter the skippers mind. However with McMillan falling LBW to the young left arm spinner from Bray (J Child) nervous energy started doing the rounds. Gorton and Marshall looked set to start building a partnership before both fell before really getting going properly (15 and 10 respectively). The middle order collapse was well under way, 200+ now looking unlikely and the tail grumblings about batting collapses had begun. Duncan was bowled without troubling the scorer, the skipper looked like an absolute gun for his 3 before returning to the pavilion LBW. Jog returned not long after, playing a fiendish leg stump half volley straight to mid-wicket. Alarm bells had started ringing. They needn’t have done, as Big Trev restored calm and order, playing some classic cricket and bludgeoning an almighty 6 into someone’s back garden. Ably supported by Malc and other Frogs debutant T Allen, Neerav ended on 22*, with the Frogs all out for 193 in 39.1 overs.
With the best bit of cricket over (food) the Frogs took to the field, after an inspirational speech ably assisted by a cup of tea.
What followed was a masterclass in new ball bowling from Big Trev and T Marshall. With the final ball of the first over, (after some local knowledge passed on by skip) Neerav had Richard shouldering arms, only to discover that maybe he shouldn’t have left it, as the ball nipped back beautifully and took the top of middle. Thus began a rout, as the UBCC pair went tit-for-tat in the opening 5 overs, reducing the Invitational to 16-5. Stunned silence had started to grip as there was immense confusion in the Frogs huddle. 5 wickets in the first 5 overs?! A bowling change didn’t immediately provide any respite, as Poshy found useful movement and swing, bowling a probing line and length. However after a crashing 4 from the left handed Creighton forced a spare ball to be taken the movement somewhat lessened. Neerav was replaced at the road end by T Allen. A useful partnership was building, and it was only an intelligent rank full bunger from Allen, combined with an absolutely sublime one handed diving catch by Freddie on the drive that put an end to it. A true spinners wicket. We had a game on our hands, as the 6th and 7th wicket partnerships put on 113. Rotation of spinners kept things interesting but runs were leaking. A return of T Marshall just before drinks and Jog finding his groove led to some enthralling cricket, and not long after drinks the breakthrough came from Tom. Sykes came to the crease amid murmurings of unwritten match reports and something about hiding himself down at 10… trademark punchy shots promised the potential for an interesting finish, until a risky/ suicidal single left Syko run-out for 0. 2 overs later victory was completed, as A Gorton had Barnard caught comfortably at mid-wicket by Poshy, leaving the Invitational 50 runs short of their target and the Frogs winning by 49 runs with 13 overs to spare. Some great performances with bat and ball, an all-round solid fielding performance and some great cricket played by both sides made it a thoroughly enjoyable days cricket.
A final thank you to everyone who played, those who recruited, and those who helped make sure we got a game.
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Frogs vs OU Authentics
Venue: Marston
Date: 10th June
Result: Frogs win by 4 Wickets
Reporting: Joe O'Gorman
The Frogs arrived at Marston unbeaten and in good spirits. A quick look at a used and grassy surface wiped the smiles off the faces of a few batsman, but it was reasoned that should we win the toss we should bat first – the surface was only going to get worse. Naturally the skipper called incorrectly and Tics’ captain Barber chose to have first hit. Happily this proved a stroke of luck for the Frogs, as the opening bowlers Walsh and Wright started in miserly fashion, extracting movement in the air and off the pitch. Wright was the first to strike removing Mohamed, caught behind by a very hungover Joe McCarthy. Walsh then struck two overs later, a vicious nip-backer disturbing the timber, before Wright’s second caught by Chalk at second slip had the Tics in disarray at 24-3 after 7 overs. When Barber came down the track to try to counter the movement of Walsh, but succeeded only in guiding the ball once again to the bucket hands of Chalk the Tics were 4 down within 10 overs with just 37 on the board. Good reward for skillful bowling and attacking fields, but also telling of some careless batting from the hosts.
When Jono Wright came off with a back twinge (more S&C required!) the Tics may have hoped for some respite. Walsh however continued his metronomic stint and was joined by Rob ‘Shenky’ Shenkman who proceeded to bowl a 13 over spell either side of lunch. Both Shenkman and second change bowler Tom Marshall nibbled out two more each as the Tics limped to lunch at 89-8, with the match firmly in the Frogs’ control. Shenkman’s spell in particular unlucky to not reap further rewards, as edges found the gaps between slips and between McCarthy’s gloves.
After tea only 8 more overs were survived by the Tics, captain O’Gorman and Andrew Marshall picking up a wicket each, the only two to fall to spin all day. Despite only bowling a one over spell there was time for a trademark JOG full toss. The Tics score of 114 surely way under par, despite the tricky surface.
Posh and Psycho opened up for the Frogs, but were unable to put a dent in the run chase as the Tics openers, Graff and Pace, put up a rather better showing than the batsmen. Extracting some lift and movement off a length Pace had Lawton caught at gully by one that bounced and left him, while Graff clean bowled Sykes with one that came back. This brought together T Mars and Eytan Epstein who nullified the threat and broke the back of the chase with an increasingly confident stand of 69. Eytan in particular taking a liking to Corbett who was cut for 3 fours in one over. Eyt eventually died by the sword, finding point with yet another cut shot and was swiftly followed back to the pavilion by Marshall, much to his father’s disgust, to leave the Frogs 92-4. Graff returned to the attack, and briefly threatened an unlikely turn around, removing Shenkman and McCarthy with some accurate straight bowling while Chalk observed the carnage calmly from the other end. However, there simply were not enough runs on the board and Chalk knocked off the winning runs with a considered 17* featuring five lung-busting 2s and an emphatic cut shot to bring an end to the match before the start of the final hour.
A second win on the bounce then for the Frogs over the Tics and a good all round display from a team of stalwart Frogs. Special mention to all the seamers, Tom and Eytan for a sizeable partnership and the ageless Richard Chalk for a calm head and two sharp catches! Thanks also to umpires Rob and Anton (who stood in at short notice) and did a fine job; Allison Marshall too for scoring and bringing milk!
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Frogs vs Hampshire Hogs
Venue: Warnford
Date: 27th May
Result: Draw
Reporting: Chris Lawton
Hampshire Hogs vs Frogs saw a match that could be seen as a warming throwback to the traditional values of cricket, or a greater advertisement for the necessity of “The Hundred” than the ECB could ever come up with, depending on your point of view.
It was a hot day in Warnford, with thunderstorms predicted. As the Frogs assembled, Chalky went to raise the Frogs’ flag on the flagpole. When raised, it was noticed that the Frogs’ flag appeared higher on the mast than the Hogs’ flag, despite being a quarter of the size. “Let’s hope that we stay on top of them all day” quipped a voice from the Frogs’ dressing room.
But the day started badly for the Frogs with Chris Lawton failing to call correctly at the toss. The Hogs’ skipper could barely disguise his glee in announcing that his side would bat first, and the delight from the Hogs grew as they saw Tom Marshall’s first 3 balls result in a four smashed through the off side, four overthrows, and then their opener dropped behind the wicket. Eventually Tom was rewarded for his efforts, clean bowling the Hogs opener Gunyon for 4, but the Frogs were made to toil in the heat and only had one wicket to show for their efforts at drinks.
During the drinks break, it was noticed that the position of the flags had changed, such that the Hogs’ flag was now flying above the Frogs’ standard. It remained a mystery as to why the order of the flags was important enough to necessitate taking down both flags, rearranging them, and re-flying them during play!
After lunch, the Frogs’ bowlers worked hard without much luck, some catches were offered that were not quite within reach of fielders, but managed to keep the Hogs batting largely in check. The highlights of the afternoon included Andrew ‘Malcolm’ Marshall’s usual miserly bowling, and a stunning diving catch from Alex ‘Syko’ Sykes from Neerav ‘Big Trev’ Trivedi’s bowling to dismiss opener Kelly for a carefully crafted 100. Eventually the Hampshire Hogs’ skipper declared on a huge 282-5 from 61 overs, despite the Frogs have failed to score more than 200 in seven of their last eight visits to Warnford!
Nevertheless, the Frogs started positively, but were rocked with the unfortunate run out of Sykes for 8, and with Richard Lawrence (8) departing soon after the batting side were 20-2 and with a mountain to climb. The ship was steadied by Andrew Lawton and Tom Walden-Jones who batted well, punishing any loose balls, and put on 68 for the third wicket, unfortunately, just as the Frogs were looking at accelerating, Walden-Jones was dismissed for 35. As the innings progressed it became clear that the Frogs would likely only have 48 overs in their innings to chase down the 283 required, and when the last hour was called with Frogs still needing 170 with only five wickets in hand, the decision was made to accept the draw and block out the remaining time. Andrew eventually reached his 50 from 129 balls, with Tom Marshall (19* from 70) and Chris Lawton (0* from 22) finished the job.
The Frogs finished on 157-6 from 53 overs thanks to the Hogs bowling an additional five overs in the last hour. Despite the somewhat turgid end to the day’s play, it was an enjoyable day overall and the impeccable Warnford ground was a picture in the summer sunshine.
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Frogs vs Grasshoppers CC
Venue: Horsely and Send CC
Date: 13th May
Result: Frogs win by 113 runs.
Reporting: Ian Rolland
After a very wet Saturday, which saw the abandonment of nearly all league matches, I was pleasantly surprised when I rang the Hoppers’ skip Jamie Strachan on Sunday morning to hear that he had just been given the all-clear from the Horsley & Send groundsman.
On arriving at Horsley, we were amazed that the track appeared dry and relatively firm. The groundsman – perhaps hinting that all may not be as it seemed – did suggest that he rarely (if ever) had seen the water table so high at this time of year.
The Frogs welcomed 3 new players (Will, Ross and Ben) into their ranks and were pleased to welcome back Ridders who had been on a long, enforced absence. We agreed to play a 40 over game with a maximum of 10 overs per bowler. The Hoppers had 10 men so we provided an additional fielder. Psycho won the toss and decided to bat.
The break Ridders had from the game seemed to have worked wonders; he was timing the ball superbly and dispatching bad balls effortlessly. Psycho started the season in his usual style, ruthlessly punishing anything short or overpitched. After 9 overs, we were nearly 60.
Having seen nothing untoward in the track to this point, we were astonished when, in the 10th over, a good length ball from Dale volcanically erupted from the pitch towards Ridders’ helmet. He did well to get his gloves in the way. Was this an aberration?
In the 12th over Dale got the breakthrough. Our openers had set the innings up well with a stand of 69. Alex and Slabbers negotiated 3 more very difficult overs from Dale – who found the same spot on several occasions, once nearly decapitating Psycho, who somehow got his head out of the way at the last instant.
On the boundary, the historian (“Malcolm”) asked whether in the thousands of cricket games played over the last half century by the 3 eldest Frogs present, could we remember umpires ever having called off a match because of the conditions being too dangerous. Perhaps surprisingly, none of us could.
This prompted the philosopher (Walshy) to question whether player safety was given high enough priority in cricket generally and, in particular, to our analysis of the unfolding situation in the middle. Should the game continue? Was it right that our batsmen (and possibly theirs) should be put in such danger?
At about this time the umpires and the two skippers (probably all having similar thoughts) had a detailed inspection of the offending spot on the pitch. Jamie, to his great credit decided that he would not use fast bowlers from the northern end for the rest of the innings. The match continued and the concerns we all shared evaporated.
Our skip reached 50 having only scored boundaries – one for the cricket statisticians to ponder. Has it ever been done before?
Slabbers played a fine innings, an anchor when necessary and launching well-timed drives or pulls for 6. He was unfortunate to be sent packing 2 runs short of a half-century.
Ross made his intentions clear from the beginning. Four of his first five scoring shots were 6’s. A quick-fire 43 made us all feel confident that the Frogs would post a competitive target. The two Joes, Ben and Neerav all contributed to a Frogs’ total of 237.
Unfortunately, the Hoppers’ keeper had to leave the ground because of a serious injury to one of his fingers.
We were quietly confident at tea. While the Hoppers needed to score at 6 an over to win they were now two men down. We would only have to take 8 wickets.
After 9.5 overs from our openers (Walsh and Trivedi), the Hoppers were 23 for 4. Two clean bowled. One well taken by Joe behind the stumps and one unbelievably taken high overhead by the skip running backwards at mid off.
Sharpe (36), one of the openers, batting very correctly, survived the opening onslaught, but succumbed to the pressure applied by “Malcolm” who strangled the Hoppers (8-2-18-1). A frustrated “hoick” to cow was superbly taken by Slabbers making 15 yards to his left.
Perhaps our skip took pity on the Hoppers by bringing on Joggers, who conceded 32 runs from 3 overs – quite good figures Joggers contended in the pavilion afterwards. Strachan (40) was in a combative mood and flayed all Joggers’ ordinary deliveries (long hops and full tosses) over the boundary. We wondered why he had not come in earlier.
The skip, wisely, brought Ben back for a second spell. He cleaned up the innings with 3 quick wickets.
A positive start to the season. Let’s hope Posh can bring home the bacon against the Hogs. Unquestionably a more difficult task.
Many thanks to our new players (Will, Ben and Ross). We look forward to you all fronting up again for the Frogs.
*Re player safety: I subsequently remembered a Premiership rugby game at the Stoop (only a year ago) being abandoned because a ferocious wind squall swept across the ground ripping hoardings off the boundary fence sending them flying across the ground. No-one questioned the decision of the ref to abandon the game. Players were clearly in jeopardy.
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