Reports & Scorecards 2017
Frogs vs Cross Arrows CC
Venue: Lords Cricket Ground, St. Johns Wood.
Date: 2nd October 2017
Result: Frogs win by 4 wickets.
Reporting: Andrew Carson.
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The Frogs arrived at the Nursery Ground at Lord’s on a bright and mild October morning for their fixture against the Cross Arrows. Skippered by Marc Williams the Frogs put out a strong side hoping for another victory as per two years earlier when an 8-wicket victory was marshalled by Callum Carson (93*) and Marc Williams (71*). It was unfortunate that Tom Marshall and Rob Shenkman turned up late (just about making it for the start) and JOG was demanding a bacon sandwich and a coffee!
The Cross Arrows won the toss and chose to bowl first with Tom Marshall and Shenkman opening up for the Frogs, in a 50 over a side (10 overs per bowler) contest. There was early success as Akram was caught by O’Gorman off Marshall in the 3rd over but TMars pulled up with an back injury with 4-0-17-1 a few overs later and was replaced by Chris “Posh” Lawton. At the other end Shenkman was his usual tenacious self and ran in for an economical opening of 7-0-19-0. Posh also bowled well and won an LBW decision to leave the Cross Arrows 45-2 from 15 as spin from Andrew Marshall was introduced and then JOG at the other end. The Cross Arrows weren’t getting away from the Frogs and Andrew “Malc” Marshall picked up two wickets in two overs to leave the score 84-4 at the halfway stage.
After drinks Chris James who had reached his 50 tried to accelerate the scoring but saw his partner Andy Stokes at the other end stumped by Williams off O’Gorman for 6 from 19 deliveries, which included a solitary scoring shot! James (89) found support in Ross Clarke (17) but both were dismissed within an over of each other leaving the score 148-6 from 40. James was caught by Owen Marshall off O’Gorman and Clarke by Andy Carson off Owen, who was now bowling from the Groundsman’s hut end. This brought Nick Schlid to the crease who after seeing out a maiden from O’Gorman’s last over took a liking to Slabbert, who had to fill in an over, 44.441 was the result as Slabs bowled faster, grunted deeper and the ball went further! JOG had bowled some absolute rippers in an excellent spell of 10-2-33-2., Slabbert’s 1-0-17-0 was a stark contrast! Schlid continued on his merry way but some good death bowling from Lawton and Shenkman saw the last 5 overs only go for 25 as the Cross Arrows closed on 208-7 from their allotted 50.
After lunch, the Frogs set about scoring 209 to finish the season in style as the Carson Brothers walked out to the crease. It appeared though that Andy’s footwork had been put to bed at the end of the league season, bowled for 7, and Slabbert was trapped LBW soon after for 5. The Frogs 23-2 from 8. Things didn’t get much better for the Frogs as Owen fell for 15 and Tom Marshall and Williams both trapped in front for 5 and 2 respectively. The Frogs were in trouble at 75-5 from 21 overs as Shenkman walked out to join Callum, who had progressed to 37*.
From here though the two batsmen took control of the game, rebuilding the innings in positive fashion, bringing up their 50 partnership in 51 balls. Shenkman manoeuvred the spinners excellently and blasted a six down the ground. At the other end, Carson had reached his 50 from 67 balls and was also being positive against the spinners. The two batsmen batted absolutely superbly and continued to accumulate 5 or so an over quite comfortably, though did slow a fraction. Shenk was still finding a single to the cover sweeper with ease and Callum was also rotating singles well in a partnership with some excellent running between the wickets. They reached their 100 partnership from 116 balls, with contributions of 48 from Cal and 47 from Shenk in a well-paced run chase. The score at 175-5 from 40, with just 34 required from the last 10.
Shenk reached a very mature 50 from 60 balls with six 4s and a 6 in a fantastic knock on debut at the Nursery Ground, definitely devising his next Instagram post at the non-striker’s end. Cal at the other end was nearing the hundred that had alluded him two years previously and hit a large six over mid-on to get to 95 and then miscued, though away from the fielder, for a single to take him to 96. However, with 15 to get from 8 overs Cal was adjudged LBW and was denied a much-deserved ton! It was another great innings and earnt him Man of the Match, he had put on 116 with Shenk in 126 balls - a match winning partnership.
The game was finished as Shenk hit consecutive boundaries to finish with 61 from 66 balls, Chalky had joined him for the winning moment with 4* from 13. All in all an excellent victory for the Frogs thanks to two excellent displays with the bat from Callum and Robert.
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Frogs vs Amersham CC
Venue: Shardeloes, Amersham
Date: 10 September 2017
Result: Frogs win by 154 runs. Frogs 264-6 55 overs. Amersham 110-9 (ao) 33.3 overs
Reporting: James Mason
I'm sure when the various Frogs players signed up for this game, the eternal hope of an Indian Summer conjured up thoughts of bright and warm September days where you could get a few more runs / wickets before the season ebbs away.
Unfortunately, with news of Hurricanes battering the US East Coast, this September day was never going to live up to this vision and after a week of scanning the forecasts, a hardened group of Frogs players came together on what was a grey and cold morning, with the likely threat of rain setting in during the late afternoon.
The skipper duly won the toss and given this forecast, elected to bat, to try and benefit from the dry, if not, overcast conditions. Always liking a right / left hand combination - Ian Rolland and Chris "Posh" Lawton strode out to bat and set about the Amersham opening attack with care and precision. A hundred run opening stand set the tone and the platform for the Frogs innings, with Rolland's dabs and Posh's dismissive square cuts a feature of a high-class opening. Just before the lunch break both openers fell to a tiring attack that meant it fell to T. Marshall and the ever-consistent N. Fairbain to take the team onto a decent total.
A fine lunch followed, with Chilli on the menu, which only seemed to fitting given the weather conditions. Post lunch the runs flowed with a quick 50 partnership and Fairbain dominating the attack. Tom Marshall perished which meant Ed "Duck" Maidment joined the fray. Again, runs flowed aplenty with some punishing drives and lofts down the ground. Neil Fairbain finally succumbed for a fine innings of 76 and Maidment followed having dominated the attack with a quick-fire 37. A couple of short cameos from Gorton, Walsh and Showell led the Frogs to the very respectable total of 264 at the half way stage with the skipper declaring.
As if by magic and as the two sides left the field, the drizzle started. It was agreed that tea would be delayed to after the game and after a quick turnaround, Tom Marshall and Steve Walsh opened the bowling for the Frogs. Both immediately hit nagging lines and lengths and put the pressure on the Amersham batsmen. With the drizzle continuing to fall, both openers fell to Walsh and Marshall respectively. Steve Walsh, remembering those wet wickets in the Bolton league, then set about running through the Amersham top and middle order. None of the batsmen ever looked in and with a consistent line and length, wickets fell at regular intervals and he finished up with the fine figures of 6 for 38 off 13 overs (I think these might be his best figures for the Frogs?). Some good catching in some tricky slippery conditions backed up the bowling. Alex Gorton and David Showell both taking good catches at cover and mid-on respectively. One memorable wicket was an edge, which was induced by Tom Marshall, which flew on a perfect arc to, his father, Andy Marshall who stood at first slip. Nothing could be better than a father and son coming together to take an important top-order wicket. This perfect image was slightly distorted as the ball went through Andy’s hands hitting him firmly in the chest, at which point he shouts “catch-it” and Ed Maidment swooped to take the re-bound!
With one more wicket required, a stubborn last stand threatened to take the game deep into the “last” hour and with rain continuing to pour, there was an increasing threat that the umpires might see sense and take the players off. The skipper turned to the lucky arm of David Showell who with his third ball bowled a loopy full-toss which deceived the Amersham No.10 and hit him on the full and in line with the stumps. Following a vociferous appeal, the umpire had no hesitation in raising his finger and bringing the game to an end and a Frogs Win. As we walked off the field, the soggy umpire was pleased to tell those that could hear, “that final ball, well, it was straight enough”
Another good win for Frogs, though we definitely had the better of the conditions. Onto the Cross Arrows for the final game of the season…
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Frogs vs Maidenhead & Bray CC
Venue: Maidenhead & Bray
Date: 20 August 2017
Result:
Reporting: Alex Sykes
Match report to follow...
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Frogs vs Devon Dumplings
Venue: Queen's College, Oxford
Date: 9 August 2017
Result: Match abandoned due to rain
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Frogs vs Knebworth Park CC
Venue: Knebworth Park
Date: 6 August 2017
Result: Frogs win by 31 runs. Frogs 133 ao (34 overs), KPCC 102 ao.
Reporting: Tom Marshall
This year’s visit to Knebworth saw a game of two halves. After a negotiated toss, the Frogs were out to bat on a green wicket, with Ogden and Chalk to open. Mr Chalk’s promotion to the top of the order seemed to do the trick as he raced quickly to 11 against the new ball before dragging on, with Ogden doing the same for just 1. This paved the way for our reliable run scorers T Marshall and Sykes to get us along. Unfortunately, neither managed to dig in and both of them were out chipping to cover, triggering the collapse to 63 for 7. A first-class cameo from O’Gorman (22), along with an elegant and experienced finish from A Marshall (16*) and Ellis (21) took us through to 133 all out from 34 overs.
After what always is an excellent tea, the Frogs took the field, hoping to right the wrongs that we had done with the bat. Following some strong resistance from the Knebworth top order and some family squabbling between Marshalls Maximus and Medius, drinks were taken at 83-3. With just 51 to win from the last 20 overs, the situation looked bleak. The return of Marshall Minimus following his mid-season hiatus saw the breakthrough, with figures of 3-12 whilst Sykes, at the other end cleaned up with 3-9, leaving Knebworth 102-9. At this point one would think that no bowling change was necessary, but of course captain T Marshall thought otherwise, returning to take the final wicket to bolster his ego, finishing with career best figures of 4 for 3, a feat that he will look back upon in many years as the peak of his cricketing career.
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Frogs vs South Oxford Amateurs
Venue: University College, Oxford
Date: 27 July 2017
Result: Match abandoned due to rain
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Frogs vs Old Cranleighans
Venue: Cranleigh School
Date: 23 July 2017
Result: Match abandoned due to rain
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Frogs vs Esher CC (T20)
Venue: Esher CC
Date: 19 July 2017
Result: Frogs win by 22 runs. Frogs 279-8 (40 overs), Hurlingham 257-9 (40 overs)
Reporting: James Mason
Having had a slightly chaotic run-up to this game with it being called "off" and then back "on" when another opposition threatened to step in to Esher's place. A "youthful" Frogs side arrived for one of our first evening T20s. There was a sense of anticipation within the match-day squad with conversations revolving around "ramp" shots and "range hitting".
Despite the rain of the previous couple of days, the outfield was dry and lightning quick whilst the pitch had a green tinge with a putty feel to the surface. Frogs won the toss and decided to put the opposition into bat and from there assess what a good total would be.
Opening the bowling for the Frogs, Tom Marshall and Matt Donaldson set the tone for initial part of the innings with some tight aggressive bowling backed up by some sharp fielding. Experience took over, with Howard Chick bowling a tidy set of 4 which included a couple of key top order wickets. The Esher innings then stumbled as JO'G's combination of big leg breaks and googlies bamboozled their middle order so that he ended up with the excellent figures of 4 overs 2 wickets for 8 runs with a maiden as well. Figures more accustomed to Test cricket rather than the shortest form of the game. The final overs of the Esher innings saw the normal "throwing" of the bat with a number of lucky boundaries which meant that Esher in the end posted a reasonable total of 155 of their 20 overs.
After a short turn-around Frogs opened up with their own "Hales and Roy" in the form of Joe McCarthy and Tom W-J. Esher's youthful opening attack bowled well and stemmed the early runs though Tom W-J threatened to break out with three thumping boundaries which meant there was little need for any quick singles. Esher through some good tight bowling and using the pitch's tackiness well, turned the screw on the Frogs batsmen with nobody really getting any momentum. Matt Donaldson looked threatening with some lusty blows but when he was caught, the Frog's chances looked slim. The skipper was then joined by Tom Marshall and with some generous bowling changes managed to get the Frogs into contention. With two overs to go and 20 needed and unlikely win looked a possibility but despite a towering six into the pavilion from the skipper, his subsequent dismissal just left too many runs needed off too many balls. A very enjoyable game but a rare defeat for Frogs during the successful 2017 campaign.
A big thank-you to Richard Chalk, Andy Marshall and Mike Chetwode for helping with the pre-match admin, match transport and umpiring. Following the game the Frogs then ventured to Hampton Court for a very enjoyable curry at Chalky's local! A great evening and one that we should try and repeat next year though we may need to practise our "range hitting" a little more!
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Frogs vs Hurlingham
Venue: The Hurlingham Club
Date: 9 July 2017
Result: Frogs win by 22 runs. Frogs 279-8 (40 overs), Hurlingham 257-9 (40 overs)
Reporting: James Mason
On a glorious midsummer's day, a strong Frog's squad assembled for the annual Hurlingham Fixture. Stories of an unbeaten season and an injection of new youthful recruits meant that everyone was in good spirits though the skipper was slightly feeling the pressure of keeping up this winning run!
Hurlingham won the toss and elected to field with Ian Rolland 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 the 2017 run machine, which is Alex Sykes (73) who together Eytan (59) put on 92 for the second wicket and then a partnership of 50 with Adam Sergeant (31). Adam then batted well with Joe McCarthy (48) and this further partnership of 73 meant with the score at 234 with 10 overs to go a formidable total was in sight. What followed was a slightly frustrating last 10 over with some lovely leaves from Chalky and too many batsmen giving their wickets away after one or two lusty blows. A final score of 279 off the allotted 40 overs seemed respectable, if not, spectacular.
Following what is always a good tea, the Frogs took the field with energy and optimism. This was then tested with some strong top order batting from the Hurlingham, partnerships of 100 and 55 respectively meant that the game appeared to be slipping away at just beyond the half way mark. Jonathan Wright, Charlie Forbes and Matt Donaldson all bowled well with little reward. For the Hurlingham, Nick Defty an ex rugby player punished anything which was off line or too full. His fifty came off just 23 balls and his final score of 77 included 6 x 4s and 7 x 6s. However, once he was removed by Alex Sykes, LBW, the opportunity was there to expose the Hurlingham middle and lower order. This opportunity was fully taken with a very tidy spell by Andy Marshall - 3 for 51 off 8 overs combining well with Charlie Forbes - 3 for 43 and Alex Sykes who showed he was as capable with the ball as the bat with a quick spell of 2 for 43. This reduced the Hurlingham to 251 for 8 off 36 overs and with a final run out (Eytan Epstein), Frogs had their win by 22 runs against as always a strong opposition.
As ever, a really enjoyable day with some excellent cricket and notable contributions from throughout the team.
The 2017 winning run continues....
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Frogs vs Ashtead CC
Venue: Ashtead CC
Date: 2 July 2017
Result: Frogs win by 8 wickets. Ashtead 140-9 (33.1 overs), Frogs 143-2 (23.5 overs)
Reporting: Ian Rolland
The Ashtead ground, as usual, was a picture. It was a warm, sunny day with a light breeze. Perfect for cricket. The Frogs were at the ground early – to try out Ashtead’s new nets and to make sure Chalky’s new lid had a proper work-out. Mission accomplished.
Unfortunately, I called incorrectly and Ashtead won the toss. Their skipper, Rob Mumford indicated that they had some trouble getting a team together and at that stage, still only had 10 men, two of whom were juniors - so they would bat.
The lively Mark Parker, playing his second game for the Frogs, chose to come down the slope. From the start he had both openers on their toes. However, in his opening 4 overs (which went for 28), he found it difficult to get into a rhythm. Dixon took full advantage of anything short outside off stump and was steadily building his score.
Meanwhile, the metronomic Walsh, with a slight breeze behind him made the pavilion end his own. He had both openers completely tied down for several overs. Eventually the frustrated Gallagher, who could find no answer to Walsh’s guile, lofted a drive which was swallowed by Sykes moving swiftly to his right from mid-off.
Trevedi replaced Parker and after a wayward first over bowled a penetrating spell in which he had the increasingly confident Dixon (36) caught behind off an inside edge and the new batsman, Latham snapped up sharply by Parker at backward point. Trevedi finished with 2 for 16 from 5 and had done his job well by opening up the middle order.
Back at the pavilion end, Walsh completed his 8 over spell with figures of 1 for 10 with 5 maidens. We had seen the “Bolton miser" at his best. Malcolm - or should we say - "Morris Minor" Marshall took over, and relishing the challenge of bowling to some very front-on batters started to accelerate the over rate. His keenness was rewarded when he went right through Amer - who MM conceded was desperately unlucky because the ball actually spun. Hard to believe, but it’s true!
By this stage both of Ashtead’s promising juniors (Hutter and Conlan) were at the crease. The tidy, probing (Posh) Lawton came down the slope and predictably, got one through the plucky Conlan - who at thirteen would have to be one of our youngest opponents for a while. Hutter was joined by Mumford who seemed determined to take the fight back to the Frogs. With careful shot selection resulting in a flurry of boundaries the pair quickly looked capable of building a match-turning partnership (a la Posh and JOG at Warnford this year).
The skipper turned to the big guns and bought O’Gorman and Parker on. JOG bowling into the breeze had Hutter (31) caught by “the magnet” Sykes at mid-off and then cleaned up Salam’s stumps with the perfect “wrong-un”. An absolute delight to behold from behind the stumps. Parker - at pace - went straight through Ashtead’s skipper - who had quickly progressed to 33. He did for Blundell in the same manner to wrap up the innings for 140.
All 6 bowlers had contributed. All had 1 or 2 wickets to their name. The only question hanging over the bowlers (apart from the usual; why does JOG bowl so many full tosses? Although to be fair to JOG, he often takes a wicket with a full toss), is why had the seamers coming down the slope bowled so many wides? Responses to experienced ex-seamer MM.
After tea, Ashtead took the field with a full complement as Lawton and Sykes commenced the chase. It immediately became apparent that “Psycho” was going to take full advantage of anything loose (or indeed hittable). His first 4 scoring shots were boundaries. Posh started cautiously. The rest of the Frogs were basking in the sun and delighting in the stroke-play. Numbers 3 to 5 were probably wondering if they would be called on to bat.
By the 8th over Psycho was approaching his half century. There was some interest (at least in the Frogs ranks) as to whether the difference in running speed between the wickets would cause trouble in the centre as Psycho pushed for his 50.
The first ball of the 10th over was despatched for 4, bringing the team’s score to 70 and Psycho’s to 53. At this point, quite graciously, if unexpectedly, Psycho marched decisively towards the pavilion. It had been a cameo performance the like of which hasn’t been seen by this Frog since the departure of the late, beloved, Harry Rawlinson.
It took Hughes, our number 3, a few moments to realise what was happening - by which time he was half way to the crease – or was he? It was a hard act to follow. Unfortunately, he shouldered arms to the first delivery, which shattered his stumps. A golden duck.
We have all been there. Cricket is sometimes cruel. (I still cringe when recalling when it happened to me in an important match – about 35 years ago!). Context is important though. In this match, it was clear that Matt’s premature exit was not going to have any impact on the outcome of the game. With 71 runs required and 30 overs still to be bowled on a benign track, there was only one result possible.
Or was there? Would Chalk be able to steady the ship? Why did that question even enter my head? Cometh the hour! Posh departed (for 14) a few overs later – having enjoyed a ring-side seat at all the action, and Dom Peter took guard for the Frogs for the first time.
While Chalky defended solidly and guided the occasional delivery over second slip for 4, Dom played fluently, taking full advantage of anything loose – playing shots to all parts of the ground. By the time we reached 143, Dom had struck 7 fours in his innings of 38 not out. He will be a welcome addition to future Frogs teams if match managers can secure his services. Chalky ended up on 18 not out. Together they had put on over 50 to steer us home by the 24th over.
Lazing afterwards in the early evening sunshine on the outfield in front of the pavilion, it was tempting to think that this season could mark a change in the Frogs’ trajectory. Our 4th win in a row provokes the obvious trivia question; when did this last happen?
Thanks to experienced umpire Mick Martin, who stood at both ends and did a great job. Thanks also to Ashtead for their hospitality, the preparation of a superb playing surface and for putting a side out when the club had two other games on the day. Much appreciated.
Thanks to all players for your contributions and particularly to new player Dom for stepping into the breach this week, and to Mark Parker "the outstandin' stand-in" who filled in late for Tom Marshall. I hope to see you both playing again for the Frogs.
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Frogs vs John Lyon School 1st XI
Venue: John Lyon School
Date: 26 June 2017
Result: Frogs win by 154 runs. Frogs 250-6 dec (49.3 overs), JLS 96 ao (25.4 overs)
Reporting: Tom Marshall
The Frogs arrived on Sudbury hill on Monday 26th June in a good mood. The sun was shining and the skipper had won the toss. The Frogs were batting. The skipper Tom Marshall had carried out some outstanding recruitment with 2 men coming down from Cheshire and one man who had won man of the match for Wiltshire the previous weekend.
The innings began and opening batsmen Shenkman and Vib Yadhav put on a strong 93 for the opening wicket before lunch. Shenkman getting 28 and Vib flying past 50. The early frogs assault onto the inexperienced schoolboys proved to be one of the key moments of the day. Before lunch Vib raced into the 90’s and was given out caught behind on 99. Matt Hughes came to the crease and struggled to bat with the fluency that Yadhav showed. The pitch was turning and bouncing as O. Marshall was growing into his spell. Finally, a ball turned and bounced too much and Hughes ran past the ball and was stumped. With only a few minutes to bat, Ickenham CC’s 2nd team overseas came to the crease. Parameet survived and kept batting after lunch with Cheshire import Josh Dooler. The Frogs continued batting positively and Parameet was finally caught in the ring for 17 (31). This brought the skipper to the crease to face his brother for 3 balls before the end of the over…2 of which were long hops and were both smashed for 4 through the mid-wicket and square leg regions. Dooler and Marshall T then put on 53 in less than 10 overs as the Frogs raced past 200. On 220 the skipper was bowled (slog sweeping) by his younger brother on 31. Donaldson came to the crease with the order of quick runs. He smashed 24 off 14 to get the Frogs to 250 off 49.3 overs and the skipper brought them in. A very strong first inning score on a tough deck which was turning and bouncing.
The Frogs then entered the field and Neerav Trivedi and Matt Donaldson opening the bowling. Matt hit some probing areas and beat the edge on multiple occasions. He was unlucky not to pick up one or two wickets. However, at the other end, Neerav picked a wicket up with his first ball. An off-stump Yorker proving that the “death early” bowling plan really is an effective one. Maybe the Frogs should use this ploy more often…After tea, leg spinner Dooler and Marshall T opened and wickets began to tumble. Dooler picked up 2 quick wickets and Marshall 1, the score going from 65-1 to 67-4. An excellent start. Marshall then picked up another, after having to clean bowl the batsman due to the slips being unable to catch the ball (for not the first time this season). Maybe at pre-season nets there should be a form of slip catching practice…Dooler then began to settle into his spell and he caused more wickets to tumble on his way to a maiden Frogs 5 wicket haul on debut. Impressive stuff. The senior Marshall then picked up the final wicket to secure a Frogs win and our first ever win vs the school. John Lyon bowled out for 96. A fantastic win and well done to all involved. For a more detailed account of the match, please view the Frogs twitter page @FrogsCricket.
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Frogs vs Sussex Martlets
Venue: Seaford College
Date: 18 June 2017
Result: Frogs win by 75 runs. Frogs 191-8 dec (45 overs), Martlets 116 ao (34.1 overs)
Reporting: Jono Wright
Sunday saw the Frogs travel south to Seaford College after a midweek panic after The Pres noticed the fixture card had us going to the wrong ground to face the Sussex Martlets on a day that can only be described as too hot.
With at least half of the Frogs sat on a very slow moving A3 it became clear early on that the start time of 13:00 would not be standing. A quick phone call to the opposition skipper meant the start was pushed back. The same conversation also led to the opposition suggesting that maybe we would like to bat first, an offer which I was quick to accept to prevent me inevitably losing the toss.
Once everyone got over the excitement of the first Frogs helmet in existence, under the ownership of one R. Chalk (more on this later) we quickly discovered that we didn’t have access to the scoreboard. Not letting that stop us a whiteboard and markers were procured from somewhere in the pavilion and we were underway. Ian Rolland and Tom Walden-Jones got us to a steady start before TWJ succumbed caught behind to the useful opening bowler, Rebbetts for 3. Ian was then joined by Alex “Syko” Sykes who set about picking up the run rate with a series of strong drives and an altogether more aggressive approach. A useful partnership of 53 came to an end when Syko became the second victim caught behind. With Ian still chipping away at the other end the Frogs carried on the steady start with some useful partnerships following. Ian was the next man to go for 31 valuable runs off 81 balls and it then looked like there might be a classic Frogs collapse, with Chalky departing without troubling the scorer. Wearing a helmet for the first time ever in a match having never practiced with it on seems to have been Chalky’s downfall, and upon his return, he muttered something about the grill and went off to the nets to have people bowl at him, an activity which we commented was normally only observed in test cricketers…
What had the potential for a bit of a collapse was dispelled when debutant James Mabbett joined Tom Marshall at the crease. The pair negotiated some useful bowling sensibly; picking off the bad balls and playing plenty of CTB approved shots. Tom Marshall eventually fell LBW, looking very much like he had started walking before actually being given out. Poshy then went in under orders to try and hurry the scoreboard along a bit, and duly obliged playing some big shots before being bowled going for one hoik too many. Jog then went in with the instructions that the declaration coming at 16:30 irrespective of the score (tea was beckoning). James Mabbett was back in the pavilion not long after, having scored 39 runs on a successful Frogs debut. A final push got us to a respectable 191-8 declared from 45 overs.
A quick tea and the Frogs were out promptly; ready to get stuck into defending our total. T. Marsh told the skipper which end to bowl from and the field was set. No one was prepared for what followed. A juicy half volley first ball loosener was spooned straight to extra cover where Alex took one of the easiest catches he will ever have taken, despite having hands still covered in sun cream. A useful tight opening spell between Wright and Marshall then followed, with Tom picking up a second well-deserved wicket and finishing with figures of 7-3-8-2. At the other end skipper Wright hadn’t bothered to mark out a run-up (his downfall against the Hogs) and picked a pre-existing mark, which turned out to be perfect. A wicket with what can only be described as one of the best Yorkers ever bowled, doing everything and completely beating the opposition captain for pace (it was more of a low full toss really) was the reward for a tight spell. Poshy then took over, from the golf course end, probably being the first person ever to replace the captain having misfielded off him the ball before… The debutant Mabbett replaced Marshall at the Mansion end and carried on his impressive debut with some excellent lines, being robbed of a first wicket after Andy Marshall put down his first slip catch of the season… At the opposite end Poshy (now dubbed Jasprit Bumrah) was struggling and after his second over took himself off. The tight bowling at the start had done the job of taking away much chance for the Martlets to get to the total; it now became a matter of taking the wickets to ensure the victory.
Mabbett ended a tidy spell of 5-1-22-0 (unlucky not to pick up a wicket) and Jog replaced him meaning the spin twins were on. Resistance in the shape of a useful innings of 61 by A Magerson kept the Martlets interested and kept them in the game. Magerson had bowled superbly earlier for the Martlets as well. With Andy and Jog finding their rhythm the runs all but dried up to a trickle. Duncan had his hands full behind the stumps with Jog turning the ball nicely. Using all parts of the body he produced a stumping off Marhsalll senior the likes of which I have certainly never seen before. With the batsman dancing down the wicket Duncan seemingly didn’t move to take the ball, instead being hit on the helmet for the ball to then bounce back and stump the batsman. A more conventional stumping followed later and the Frogs were well on their way. With the Martlets looking to set up shop with 3 overs to go, Jog took the final wicket with the first ball of the penultimate over and the Martlets were bowled out for 116 in 34.1 overs.
A few mentions in dispatches. Jog missed a few horrible run-out attempts, gradually getting further away from the stumps with his throws from point… A lot of batsmen all contributed useful runs in accumulating a decent total and the bowling unit all bowled tightly. A thoroughly enjoyable game, and one that I am thankful to everyone for making such a success.
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Frogs vs OU Authentics CC
Venue: Marston, Oxford
Date: 11 June 2017
Result: Frogs win by 4 wickets. Tics 175-9 dec (44 overs), Frogs 176-6 (43.5 overs)
Reporting: Joe O'Gorman
A strong Frogs' side descended on Marston focused on correcting a poor recent record against the Tics. Injuries to Slabbert and Chalk in the days leading up to the match had allowed the skipper to strengthen the side and the Frogs' XI included 3 debutants: Rich Rawlings, Mark Parker and Matt Donaldson. Other than veteran Walsh (complaining of stiffness after bowling the previous day) an unusually chipper bunch of cricketers arrived, lacking the usual selection of hangovers, knocks and other gripes. Naturally the toss was lost and the Frogs began in the field, not the worst result with a side stacked with bowling options.
After some cajoling Walshy shared the new ball with Tom Marshall and both settled into an early rhythm. They drew a number of plays-and-misses from the openers, Rogers and Mandanhara, who were looking to impose themselves but found it tough on a pitch offering some movement. As Marshall began to puff down the odd half-volley, Walsh stuck to his line and length and was rewarded with the wickets of both openers before retiring to the outfield for a graze, finishing with 2-13 from six probing overs. Unusually for the Frogs two more strong seam options were available to keep up the early pressure - change bowler Donaldson removed the Tics' number three in the course of a wicket maiden in his first Frogs over - and when Mark "Sparky" Parker began his spell with three bouncers/looseners, the third of which caught the glove of Pranav, the Tics were in trouble at 51-4 off 19 overs. Parker's unintentially aggressive start drew the ire of one of the umpires, making him the first Frogs' bowler to be warned for intimidiating bowling in living memory. After stern words words from a slightly bemused captain Parker settled into a friendlier length. Tics' captain Clements found a willing partner and the students survived to lunch with no further damage.
After a further burst post-lunch with the seamers, captain O'Gorman turned to spin. The late call-up, young left-arm spinner Aaryan Sen, began with great control and started to frustrate the batsman. Looking to break the shackles soon after reaching 50, Clement charged without getting to the pitch and his outside edge was pouched by Andrew Marshall at slip, who was only too happy to remind the celebrating Frogs that this was not his first catch of the year. At the other end O'Gorman was unable to match Sen's control (shock), but gradually worked his way into the spell, turning a few past the edge and even managing two maidens on the bounce.
The story now became the Frogs' fielding. No really.
A spectacular slow-motion camera-catch at backward point from Sykes removed Elias for 38, the England futsal keeper putting those skills to full use with a full length dive and two-handed take. Not resting on his laurels after his earlier grab, Marshall snaffled another at slip, catching a late cut from Diwakar off the middle of the bat, to the consternation and delight of bowler O'Gorman. Smiles turned to groans however when it became clear we would be hearing about this catch for some time. Brock, batting rather low at number 8, worked the ball around smartly; playing cat and mouse with ball-magnet Walsh and the selection of slips, leg-slips and 45s stationed with the intention of cutting off his variety of sweeps and deflections. Brock's 32* lead the Tics to a below-par 175-9 as Sen (3-28) picked up a couple more tail-end wickets before the declaration came.
The story of the run chase is very simple. A solid start was made by the newly promoted Tom "Dom" Marshall and Alex "Psycho" Sykes after the loss of the unlucky Rawlings, who picked out the fielder from a rank full toss. Both played sensibly, biding their time and picking off the poor deliveries. Tea came and went without further alarm - the required run rate never rising above 6 an over. A relaxed Frogs lower order partook of a game of flags around the outfield, resulting in a comprehensive and rather stylish victory for O'Gorman. After the loss of Marshall, 3 short of a deserved 50, Sykes found another gear and accelerated past his half-century and towards the total. Despite the regular fall of wickets at the other end the chase never looked in doubt; the only two moments of excitement coming when Owen Marshall attempted a (CTB* unapproved) ramp shot; and when the skipper was later cleaned up first ball (much to the amusement of his teammates) by the impressive Diwakar (11-2-30-4). Walsh began the day as he started it, showing a cool and experienced head as he accompanied Sykes to the finish line, Psycho (81*) ending a cold-blooded run chase in the penulitmate over with four Frogs wickets remaining.
A fantastic win was celebrated with a cold beer (for the over-18s) at a local pub with a very strict entrance policy. A fine all-round display with bat, ball and in the field making this one of the more complete Frogs' performances of recent times. Special mention to Walsh, Sen and Sykes for the stand-out displays, but every Frog can be very happy with their efforts. Each of the debutants greatly impressed and are encouraged to come again! Perhaps not the excitement and drama of the recent win against the Hogs, but a very satisfying day's work nonetheless.
*Campaign for Traditional Batting. CEO Andrew Marshall.
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Frogs vs Hampstead CC
Venue: Hampstead CC
Date: 4 June 2017
Result: Hampstead win by 15 runs. Hampstead 182-8 (40 overs), Frogs 167 ao (39.3 overs)
Reporting: Chris Lawton
The Frogs arrived at Hampstead with the sun out, and everyone feeling positive, Andy Marshall even had time to regale the team with some cricket poetry. Except that is for JOG, who was discovered lying prone on the boundary less than 20 minutes before the match start still feeling the effects of the previous night’s drinking and praying for the Frogs to be batting. So of course the captain lost the toss, and the Frogs were invited to field.
Tom Marshall and Alex Sykes opened up the bowling, and Tom soon settled into a consistent line and length, to the point where by his third over the Frogs field consisted of 3 slips and a gully. The batsman duly obliged, and a thin edge was comfortably taken by Duncan Ellis behind the stumps. Despite good bowling, the Hampstead opening batsman and number 3 began to look comfortable, until the spin twins of JOG and Malc were brought into the attack, and in his second over JOG struck with a classic leg spinner’s delivery, bowling the left hander through the gate. Unfortunately this only brought Fernando to the crease and he set about the Frogs bowling with some powerful striking of the ball. However he soon tried one big shot too many and was bowled by Marshall Senior, leaving Hampstead 124-3. The Frogs stuck to their task well, and restricted the lower half of Hampstead’s order and they finished on 182-8.
The Frogs innings started poorly, with Tom Marshall trying to attach the proud Frogs flag to a nearby industrial roller, only to find his toggle get wedged inside and he couldn’t get it out (not a euphemism). It’s a shame that the spectre of controversial LBW’s once again hangs over a Frogs vs Hampstead match, but Adam ended up one of three LBW victims in the Frogs innings, all of which it could be argued were missing leg stump. Unfortunately, his innings was missed by his wife, who had spent the afternoon in Ikea debating which shade of grey curtains would match their grey bed sheets, a concept that gave much amusement to Duncan, who was chortling about “50 shades of grey” for the rest of the afternoon.
In a similar vein to the Hampshire Hogs last week, Frogs wickets were thrown away quicker than an election leaflet that comes through the door, with Andrew Lawton the only Frogs batsman to really establish himself at the crease, with a fantastic knock of 56. His partnership with Tom Marshall looked to be the one that would get the Frogs over the line, but both fell in quick succession, Tom caught at mid-wicket the ball after hitting a majestic boundary, and Andrew being adjudged LBW to one that looked to be spinning down the leg side. Despite needing only 36 runs from the final 6 overs, the tumbling of wickets meant that Frogs fell 16 short of their target, wondering what might have been.
Work to be done for the Frogs in the batting department going forward, but an enjoyable game played in a good spirit.
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Frogs vs Hampshire Hogs
Venue: Warnford
Date: 28 May 2017
Result: Frogs win by 62 runs. Frogs 226-9 dec (62 overs), Hogs 164 ao (37.5 overs)
Reporting: Richard Chalk
Never let it be said that this game of ours doesn’t throw up a few surprises!
In typical fashion, the Frogs’ preparation for their annual visit to Warnford took many forms. A dearth of runs from the top order bats the preceding day was, apparently, matched by a lack of wickets from all our frontline bowlers. Added to which, some judicious re-sculpting of his bowling shoes was accompanied by a Saturday afternoon spent by one of our openers measuring out his run-up in the back garden!
On our arrival at Warnford, Mr Marshall senior announced that ‘red’ rain was expected at some time after lunch, and the entire squad remained adamant that, should he win the toss, the skipper should elect to bat. This he managed to do, and so the match commenced pretty much on time, with the Frogs’ opening partnership of ‘gym-rat’ Rolland and ‘honest’ Joe McCarthy striding to the wicket.
A not unreasonable, if slightly slowish, start was ended 10 overs later with Joe being bowled by the Hogs’ accurate late-swing opening bowler from the bottom end. Over the course of the next 16.3 overs, the Frogs’ top-order, through a series of slightly questionable dismissals, as well as a couple of injudicious strokes, contrived to plummet to a spectacularly inept 52-7 from 26.3 overs.
At this point all sensible money was on a swift and humiliating Frogs’ defeat, probably sometime either side of lunch, though there was whisper that ‘honest’ Joe was tempted to lay money at long odds on a Frogs’ win, if he could only find a local bookmaker. Inevitably, this was matched by much gnashing of teeth in the pavilion, various calls to sack the skipper, and speculation as to whether matches elsewhere that afternoon might be looking for extra players!
Another half an hour though, and Chris ‘Poshy’ Lawton and le Jogger had begun to form a partnership which, while still nascent, was looking a whole lot more secure than those that had gone before. Lunch duly arrived at 1pm with the score on 79 and still the hot money was on a pre-teatime finish.
Within 30 minutes of lunch, however, the Marshall senior weather forecasting service came good, and near to an hour was lost as rain swept in from the South West. To their credit however, and probably expecting to finish off the Frogs in very short order, the Hogs were bouncing back out on the field as soon as the skies cleared and the covers were removed.
But someone hadn’t read our script for the day, as Poshy and le Jogger continued to accumulate runs at a reasonable canter, dispatching the bad or over pitched ball with disdain. The score gradually crept up, and both batsmen passed their 50 in some style. Poshy noticeably lengthened his stride when on 48, even overtaking le Jogger on the first run to secure his highly deserved 50, before then turning down a third run!
With the score now touching 200, and tea looming at 4pm, the captain had the previously highly unlikely task of having to judge the declaration. With years of ‘previous’ experience to call on, and with Poshy punishing everything wide of the wicket, he decided to bat on for an extra 15mins, thus delaying tea, which seemed to confuse some of the younger members of the opposition. A final score of 226 was achieved, the declaration made, and tea was taken.
With enthusiasm oozing out of every pore, the Frogs beat the umpires out to the middle after the break, and the Hogs’ response began with the Frogs positively snapping at their heels. With Marshall junior producing one of his best displays of controlled rhythm bowling from the top end, Jono Wright struggled manfully to tame his newly aerated boots and select a suitable run-up that suited his bowling up the hill [from seemingly five or six alternatives!].
Some quite excellent balls from Tom eventually put paid to the dangerous-looking Hogs’ openers, and it was only their No.3 who managed to dig in and establish a bridge-head. From the start, the Hogs needed something around 5.5 an over and this barely changed throughout their innings. Indeed throughout the initial ten overs of the final twenty, 6-6.5 runs an over remained their target and all three results remained firmly on the table. At 142-3 the Hogs certainly looked the more in control and had their top scorer remained at the crease, the game would have surely gone away from us.
However, bowling first change from the bottom end, le Jogger began to weave some magic. His first three overs, though, mixed half volleys, full tosses, and a couple with more than a hint of spin. Keeping his nerve the skipper persisted, Brearleyesque, with le Jogger, who repaid him royally, starting to exert ever greater control and producing several beauties which confused and confounded the opposition batsmen. By this time the Hogs’ best batsman, uncertain how best to play le Jogger, tried the most injudicious of sweeps. This resulted in his playing the ball onto the wicket, and the tide, by now, certainly appeared to be turning.
With Marshall senior replacing the indefatigable Marshall junior at the top end, the Frogs continued to exert control, with a fine display of supportive fielding, and wickets began to fall at satisfyingly regular intervals. A truly plumb lbw, and a fine catch in the deep by le Jogger, ensured Mr Marshall’s cumulative wicket tally continued to tick upwards.
With 10 overs remaining, the Hogs were on 156-6, and still it only required a couple of lusty blows to tip the scales in their favour. But, by now, le Jogger was well into a well-honed rhythm, and together with attacking support from his fielders, managed to wrap up the Hogs’ tail with just 2 overs remaining.
An excellent day’s cricket to be sure, and given where we were at c12.30 that morning, not the expected outcome. Nevertheless, a highly satisfying finish, and very pleasing to have turned the tables on our hosts for a change.
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Frogs vs Grasshoppers
Venue: Horsley & Send CC
Date: 14 May 2017
Result: Grasshoppers win by 3 wickets. Frogs 227-4 ao (44 overs), Grasshoppers 228-7 (43.1 overs)
Reporting: Steve Walsh
There are two aspects to being a Frogs captain. There's getting a team together which, in my case, usually takes forever and involves endless pleading emails and phone calls, last minute drop-outs and last minute rescues as various team members whistle up ringers from their club sides. And then there's the captaincy on the day which is a relaxing pleasure. But not this year.
Maybe it was early season enthusiasm or perhaps confidence based on Chalky’s superbly organised nets but several people volunteered to play without even being asked. With three weeks to go before the game I was turning players away. Richard Lawrence even did us the favour of strengthening the side by crying off injured and enabling Ross Courtney to play - for which I will always be grateful. The one small last minute fly in the ointment was that we didn't have an umpire but I arrived at Horsley & Send to find that Sarge had driven to the game bringing not only his wife and Ross but also the immensely amiable Graham who is a good umpire and was very happy to stand for the whole game. My cup overflowed. What could possibly go wrong now, I might have asked myself.
The sun was out as we tossed up and I wandered back and told the team we were in the field. Ian Rolland gave up his hope of a quick net to shake off the rust from his month down under and took his pads off; Joe McCarthy donned the keeping pads. And then, a few minutes before the start, the ‘hoppers skipper wandered over and gently asked whether I had forgotten he had won the toss and put us in! So Joe’s pads came off, Ian’s went back on – no time for a net now – and Sarge and Ian set off to open the batting. As it happened, Ian didn’t bat much like someone who needed a net. He and Sarge set off confidently and put together a brisk 66 at 4 an over until Sarge, rather surprisingly, was bowled by Lewis. Ian’s scoring slowed down after drinks and he departed sadly one short of his fifty (or did he? – see my comments on scoring below). Andrew Lawton started very brightly, his first scoring shot a big 6 but, like Ian, he was caught off Ali – for 15. Alex Sykes had meanwhile been serenely proceeding towards his 50 and looked set for a big score when he was out to an astonishing catch off Tom Walden-Jones. That was followed by the most entertaining partnership of the innings as New Model Chalky and Posh laid about the bowling with gusto. Neither of them managed to replicate Chalky’s feat of yore and hit the ball into the nearby swimming pool but the last 60-odd runs of the innings came in 7 overs and I was able to declare with the score on 227 for 4 off 44 overs. At least that’s the score in the scorebook. But the scorebook turned out not to be a model of accuracy when I put the numbers into this spreadsheet. Although the running total was 227, there are 15 runs missing from the batting analysis and 6 from the bowling. Anyone who would like to carry out a forensic exercise on the scoresheet to work out where the runs went missing is welcome to do so – Ian, this may be your chance to claim a 50 and buy a jug!
Ross opened the bowling and, despite having bowled a long hard spell in his Saturday game, immediately bowled well with good control and movement. His captain, by contrast, did not and removed himself from the fray after 4 erratic overs before Crew could inflict more damage. As if Crew realised there were no more easy runs on offer, he immediately succumbed to a lovely slower ball from Ross, completing his shot quite some time before the ball went past and bowled him. Alex now bowled very well up the hill and into the wind. He bowled the ‘hoppers other opener in his second over and so, after Ross had taken another wicket with an identical slower ball, you might have thought the Frogs were in the driving seat. After 19 overs, the score was 63-3. Unfortunately, that was the point at which the game started to run away from us. I gave Alex a rest thinking that he could come back and bowl down the hill and with the wind when Ross finished his spell, putting Jogger on to bowl up the hill. But, though he did pick up an early wicket, Joe struggled to find his rhythm and Rooney and Lewis started to score freely. They took a few chances and rode their luck as they built up momentum. Alex found it hard to adjust to the completely different bowling conditions when he came downhill with the wind and was not as economical in his second spell as his first. When Andy Marshall replaced Joe with around 18 overs to go the required rate was below a run a ball. Possibly my only sound captaincy decision in the field was to bring on Sarge who took a wicket with his first ball as Chalky snaffled his first catch of the season. When Joe came back on to replace Andy and put Tom Walden-Jones out of his misery by bowling him, we felt we might have a chance but Jamie Strachan played very sensibly and, even though Sarge removed Lewis, we simply couldn’t exert enough pressure in the field to stop the runs and the Grasshoppers overhauled our total with four balls of the final (43rd) over to spare.
There were plenty of positives: it was a nice day, the pitch was very good for this time of year, we put in a good batting performance as a team, there were some good individual bowling performances and the game went to the final over of the day. On the negative side, for too much of the opposition innings we let them score too freely.
Thank you very much to everyone for your availability and your company. I apologise one final time for my captaincy. I shall try to do better next year. Despite that, I had a very enjoyable day and hope you did too.
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