Tour Reports

Day 1: Wiltshire Queries CC vs Frogs CC (Timed)

2016 marked a new era for the Frogs with the “northern contingent” comprising the Carson brothers taking on organisational duties for the first time.

The Frogs arrived in Wiltshire for the commencement of the 2016 Western Tour, but were greeted with typical start-of-tour weather! With showers persistently blowing through, and murky skies, a delayed start was inevitable. Play eventually got underway at 2.30 pm and an agreed toss saw the Frogs skipper make the bold call to bat first under those murky skies. The slow pitch didn’t prove too tricky, but an inept batting performance from the Frogs saw them bundled out for just 120. Only a partnership of 48 between Chalk and Slabbert, contributing were 4 and 42 respectively, boosted the Frogs. 

This was the first tour for Chalky’s new bat, which has its own dedicated page on social media. Chalky had enjoyed a positive start with his new stick - managing to accumulate a number of fifties thoughout the 2016 season. However, neither Chalky nor his bat stole the show, but his car alarm certainly did. Having left the window open in the rain the alarm could be heard reverberating around the ground throughout the day's play. Despite the window being closed, it continued to beep at random intervals, much to the frustration of Chalky, whose bewilderment provided much entertainment for his team mates!

When Slabbert was dismissed trying to hoik the left arm spinner towards his favoured midwicket boundary and missed, being lbw, the Frogs collapsed from 90-3 to 120 all out. Slabbert was one of only 3 players to have made double figures. A.Carson, bowled by a nip-backer for 15, and Lawrence, LBW for 14, the only other two to score more than 8. Both debutants Andrew Lawton and Eytan Epstein made 4 as the South Wiltshire left-arm spinner picked up 4 wickets. 

A solid evening bowling performance from the Frogs saw the Queries close on 88-5. After a very probing opening spell by Chris Lawton, who was unlucky only to pick up one wicket, supported well by Jono Wright, who also picked up an early wicket, the Frogs turned to spin. Slabbert, who played his only day’s cricket of the tour on the Sunday due to piloting commitments, produced a couple of wickets with his effective non-turning leg spin. At the other end Jog struggled for consistency in line and length but found great consistency in his customary economy of 6 an over, both of which were to become a themes of the tour. 

Elgar that evening was unfairly awarded to a bold captain ( A Carson, author of this self-congratulatory report - ed.), who took heed of the old cliché “9 times out of 10 you bat, and on the 10th think about bowling and then bat”. In addition to nearly pulling off a blinder at mid-off before taking one two overs later, the young skipper did also manage the not insignificant achievement of getting a full tour side out on the first day with no Marshalls - Tom and Owen deciding that the T20 club format was more important than the opening day! However, Elgar was awarded unanimously to the skipper who wore him proudly to breakfast in Andover the next day. 

A note on Elgar - Elgar is the tour mascot. A beautiful green frog who doubles up as a delightful hat. This Frogs stalwart has been given a new lease of life by Mrs Alison Marshall who gave him some new eyes over the winter. At the end of each day the Frog who has a shocker (or more realistically the Frog whose shocker proved the worst) is award Elgar as a “prize” by popular vote. This shaming and humiliation of teammates - usually Richard Lawrence - is as much a part of tour tradition as batting collapses, part-time bowling and nutritionally unbalanced breakfasts.

Day 2: Wiltshire Queries CC vs Frogs CC (Timed). Match Drawn.

With the bulk of the bowling attack (Marshalls) arriving on the Sunday night, the Frogs’ hopes were bolstered for day 2. However it was not to be, as the Frogs were flogged round the park for the first hour and 20 minutes of the second day. The highlight of the morning was an early wicket for O’Gorman, but this was as good as it got for the OUCC leg spinner. A rather unfortunate dropped catch off his own bowling, when a dolly went up in the air and was somehow spilled, rather summed up the Frogs' morning. 

The Queries declared on 228-6, leaving the Frogs in an awkward position. With the slowish nature of the pitch the Frogs could not progress at a fast pace and had to be careful not to be bundled out after their pitiful first innings' display. In a situation which required patience and time to be spent at the wicket there is only ever one man for the job: Richard Lawrence. To the captain’s delight, Richard did exactly what was required of him and built a painstaking, but crucial, 111 in the 53 overs that the Frogs batted. Those who know Rich will be able to picture an innings full of marvellous forward defences, the odd nurdle off the legs and the occasional extra-cover drive into the ring for a single.  He was well supported by 20 from C.Carson, 30 from T.Marshall and an excellent first Frogs fifty for A. Lawton who ended 63*. Andrew’s innings was vocally cheered on by brother Chris from the sidelines. Lawrence and Lawton did well to negotiate a testing spell from Ninian MacGregor, who has got the better of Lawrence numerous times in previous years. Solid calls of “NOOOOO” from Rich were watched by the Frogs in glorious Wiltshire sunshine, on one of the warmest days on tour in living memory. Although some memoriesCHALKY do extendPRAIN longer than others.

The Frogs faced a difficult decision after tea as the last hour approached: when to declare? The pitch had flattened out considerably and, as only 4 wickets had fallen in the day's first 80 overs, it was unlikely the Frogs were going to pick up 10 in the last hour. A sporting declaration gave the Queries a chance to chase and they were set 153 in 21 overs. The Queries got close but some good death bowling by A.Marshall and T.Marshall which followed another good opening spell from Jono Wright saw the Frogs achieve a draw, with the Queries closing on 141-3. Jono bowled very well in the game but unfortunately had to return to work commitments after the Bank Holiday leg of the tour.

The first innings declaration from the Queries had made it slightly difficult to keep all results possible in the last hour, but in true Frogs spirit the captain was happy to open the game up for some entertainment for the sprinkling of spectators who were in attendance. 

Elgar was awarded to Mr O’Gorman for the aforementioned dropped catch, a real clanger. The Frogs made the long two-hour trip down to Bampton accompanied by the tones of The 12th Man. On arrival the Frogs enjoyed ample liquid refreshment and an excellent meal to prepare everyone for the following day. 

Day 3: Devon Dumplings CC vs Frogs CC (Timed). Match Drawn.

On day 3 of tour the Frogs arrived at Exeter in glorious sunshine on the hottest day of the year. There was also a first glimpse at the new pavilion which had been erected over the winter, replacing the old one which had been knocked down to make way for university accommodation. The modern changing rooms featured USB plugs and charging points, although a slight design flaw meant that charging cables couldn’t reach the benches, leaving phones dangling a few inches above in mid-air. The Frogs achieved a very creditable draw after a long stint in the field before and after lunch. The day was mostly enjoyed by all except poor old Rich whose tour ended in pain when he was LBW for 61, a very literal toe-crushing yorker breaking his big toe. This left him hobbling round for the rest of the week and in the capable hands of tour “doctor” Mrs Alison "Nursey" Marshall.

The Dumplings won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. The Frogs had a successful start, which saw the Dumplings 19-1 after 3 overs, as Tom Marshall found the edge and in a tour rarity, saw a slip catch taken well by Richard Lawrence. However, the scoring rate was 6 an over from the get-go and this continued throughout the innings. Tom Marshall picked up a second wicket with another excellent catch in the cordon, this time from Tom Wilding. Marshall’s opening partner Jack Stanier, on debut for the Frogs, bowled an excellent opening spell but alas a first Frogs wicket was not forthcoming for the young Brummie left-armer. However, his parents did enjoy a lovely day in the sunshine! 

Unfortunately the Dumplings opener took a liking to the Frogs attack and plundered boundaries at will. The Marshall spin twins tried to stem the flow but the Dumplings reached lunch on 182-4 off 32 with a timely wicket from Andrew Marshall. Owen Marshall bowled a good spell with flight and guile, whilst at the other end Andrew stuck to the darts to try and limit scoring, however, the flat pitch and hot day made it easy for the Dumplings as they cruised up towards 300. 

It was when the Dumplings reached 300 and continued to bat that captain Carson believed it really was time for some declaration bowling and brought himself on. This was his first Frogs bowl in three years and his first time bowling off spin for the Frogs. What could go wrong? The first ball was a short, flat delivery (a freebie), which was somehow missed by the well-set batsman. The second ball proved to be the the last of the innings as a big off-spinner dipped and turned on the batsman who was lured out of his crease. Callum Carson completed the stumping to give Andrew his first Frogs wicket after 7 years and complete a Carson double. The Dumplings closed on an impressive 311-7 in 50.2 overs. The Frogs left the field in shock and disbelief, not at the score, but at the obvious and frankly unwelcome joy shown by A.Carson at having perpetrated this cricketing abomination.

The Frogs' opener pair of Andrew Carson and Richard Lawrence set about getting close to the target with a steady partnership before the tea break of 65-0 in 13 overs during which a number of boundaries were scored off the mouthy enthusiastic young overseas quick bowler. The evergreen Bernie Wilson tied Richard Lawrence down with a typically well-delivered and thought-out maiden, and very nearly found the edge. After tea the opening stand was taken to 95 before Carson was adjudged LBW for 63, shortly after pulling a large six towards Exeter town centre. Wilding came out at three and made 14 before he too was adjudged LBW. 

Williams came out to join Lawrence and again was given LBW despite the ball hitting the middle of the bat - so we are told. Very quickly Williams protested and rather than taking the umpires word as final (and walking off the field as in the previous year), which most good-spirited Frogs cricketers would do, decided to enforce PRS – Protest Review System. However, on this occasion it proved justified and the opposition were very forthcoming in agreeing with Williams and the batsman was reinstated. Williams re-gathered the toys he had thrown from his pram and took guard once more.

Lawrence and Williams took the score to 186 off 3, leaving 126 required from the final 18 until Lawrence was dismissed by the aforementioned toe-crushing yorker, having received a very quick bouncer the ball before, and was carried from the field. A barrage of short pitched bowling continued from the pavilion end and Williams was caught behind in the following over for a brisk and entertaining 41 off 31 balls. When T.Marshall was dismissed for 8 the Frogs needed 80 off the final 8 and despite some excellent placement behind square on the offside from C. Lawton (23) who managed to continually frustrate the bowling - supported by some strong striking from C.Carson who ended on 54* off 48 - the Frogs ended 22 runs short on 289-6 off only 49 overs. 

A high scoring game ended in a good draw for the Frogs who were always struggling to get up and beyond the 311 set by the Dumplings. The day was ended by another very good meal at the Swan in Bampton. Richard managed to find a chair on the opposite side of the table to rest his poor toe, the bloodied stump not doing a huge amount for the team’s appetite. However little sympathy was forthcoming and was awarded the honour of Elgar for his ill-judged attempt at football.  

Day 4: North Devon CC v Frogs CC (40 overs per side). Frogs win.

An open invitation toss saw the Frogs elect to bat on a sunny but blustery day on the north Devon coast. The Frogs were in high spirits after an ice cream in the gorgeous sun rain on the front at Instow, which was followed by the customary Instow warm-up of one-hand one-bounce. 

Openers C.Carson and Wilding set a solid foundation for the Frogs and played a good opening spell with aplomb. As per usual the North Devon pitch produced excellent bounce and carry, which encouraged the young opening seamer to try and bounce out Carson. It seemed short balls from opposition bowlers were a theme of the week! Wilding managed not to face him as he sat on his bat watching at the other end, and stroked a number of early boundaries through the offside. Both batsman enjoyed the extra pace on the ball and lightning fast outfield as the score progressed to a steady 76-0 off 16 overs before Wilding was trapped LBW for 31. Richard Chalk came out to join Callum, and it was the latter that did the bulk of the scoring in their partnership of 39. NDCC must have been sick of the sight of C.Carson after he had compiled an excellent 143 in the same game the year before. Alas, it wasn’t to be on this occasion and having already been given a life through a missed stumping, he tried and failed once more to hit one over the pavilion and was dismissed for 62. C.Lawton (9) and Chalk (18) nurdled the score along well but an injection of quick runs was required by the Frogs. O.Marshall pulled off a couple of reserve sweeps to start the acceleration before foolishly trying a third and was LBW for 14, leaving the Frogs 155-5 with 6 overs to go. This left T.Marshall and A. Lawton a tricky task of getting the Frogs to a competetive total. A partnership of 54 in 36 balls saw the Frogs finish on 209 in their 40 overs with T.Marshall and A.Lawton ending on 20* and 29*.

The wisdom in the dressing room suggested that the Frogs were 30 short of a par score at North Devon and that a strong start with the ball would be a necessity. T.Marshall huffed and puffed, and J.Stanier continued to search for his first Frogs wicket but neither had any luck. T.Marshall was nicked through the slips and behind square on multiple occasions but nothing went to hand. With seam bowling unrewarded the skipper turned to spin, but at 78-0 off 16 NDCC were cruising. The ever-dependable A.Marshall produced the goods and picked up the first wicket, but at 92-1 at drinks requiring 118 off 20 with 9 wickets in hand, NDCC were still definite favourites. The following 10 overs were to be the defining spell of the game and a period of success for the Frogs as NDCC lost 3-23, including two in an over for O’Gorman and another for Malc. After this the Frogs cruised to victory, winning by 57 runs. Excellent spells from Malc and Jog were followed by a token over for the skipper - which was not quite as successful as the previous day! There was time for one over for Andrew "Ijaz" Lawton which brought his first Frogs wicket and ended the NDCC chase.

Elgar was awarded to Owen after the Campaign for Traditional Batting (CTB, chaired by Andrew Marshall) ruled that three consecutive reverse sweeps very nearly brought the game into disrepute. The customary post match meal followed at the Boathouse which once again served up fantastic food. The meal was attended by thought to be a record 20 Frogs who all enjoyed the victory in high spirits and made the late wind along the Devon roads to Bampton most enjoyable (for those not driving at least).

Day 5: Frogs CC vs Somerset Stragglers (Timed). Frogs loss.

The final day of the tour saw the Frogs play at the beautiful Valley of the Rocks on the North Devon coast. Although slightly weary, the Frogs arrived in time for the 11:30 start and skipper A.Carson won the toss and chose to bat. The ground is by far the smallest the Frogs play at on tour and with 30 yard straight boundaries fielders can often be found collecting balls amongst the heath on the hills. Skipper Carson managed to find the heath early on, but that was the highlight of his day as he chunked a full toss straight to extra cover 3 balls later, out for 13. Tom Wilding managed to compile his first 50 of the tour before being caught for 56. His knock included 11 4s, which does show the size of the ground and does not in any way reflect the batting style of Mr Wilding. However, it was a nicely compiled innings. T.Marshall made a slow and measured 20 but both batsman were dismissed without a run being added, the score becoming 99-3. From here A.Lawton made another excellent 63, a second Frogs 50, but at the other end wickets fell around him as J.Stanier, C.Lawton and J.O’Gorman were all dismissed for single figures. M.Williams gave some late life to the Frogs innings with a quick-fire 23 and the Frogs declared on 212-9 after 40 overs.

It is always difficult to know what a good score is at Valley of the Rocks - if one batsman gets in any score can look small. Unfortunately this was to be the case for the Frogs as the Stragglers captain made an excellent and rather brutal 121. He was aided though by some lacklustre and tired fielding from the Frogs, there was a rather "end of tour" feel to proceedings. The innings had started with a blast from the past, as Andrew "Malcolm" Marshall steamed in off his long run for one over. The fluid action was a joy to watch for the few spectators walking past on the coast road or walking up on the rocks but, despite an excellent maiden, one over of seam was enough for Andrew's creaking body. T.Marshall did take two early wickets as the Stragglers were reduced to 28-2 but the unfortunate Stanier managed to go wicketless once again despite some more excellent bowling. Happily his lack of returns does bode well for recruitment for next year's tour, as we look forward to seeing Jack continue his search for that illusive first Frogs wicket!

O’Gorman unfortunately deservedly went for 23 in one over before tea which shifted the momentum of the game, but it was a treatment that the rest of the bowlers were to suffer as well, including young Owen who went for 26 off an over. C.Lawton bowled an excellent spell, causing many problems for the well-in batsmen, but was frustrated by his lack of wickets and poor support from tired fielders. The pitch certainly suited his nagging line and length - Mark Ealham and Ian Austin would be proud. Unfortunately, the Straggler’s managed to reach the target in a mere 33 overs with 6 wickets in hand as the Frogs wilted on the final afternoon under the assault from the opposition skipper.

Nonetheless an excellent tour was enjoyed by all who attended. Winning one, drawing two and losing just the once on the final day, the Frogs retired to the Crown in Lynton to reflect on a fantastic week. Many thanks to all that attended, especially those that came for the first time. Even greater thanks to the fine clubs that hosted us, the scorers, umpires, tea ladies and all those who continue to make the Western Tour such a wonderful experience, we look forward to seeing you all next year!

A.C.