Here are my cricket reports, in reverse chronological order.
21st and 22nd May 2016
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury 103 (2 points), Sudbury 107-4 (25 points). Sudbury won by 6 wickets. Mike Comber’s team failed to trouble the tea ladies for the fourth week in a row, a “worrying trend,” as John Williams put it. Mike won the toss and batted first, with Callum Taylor returning to the team and Chintan Pashankar making his first team debut, opening the innings with Ben Curran. It was Sudbury’s James Poulson, however, who dominated proceedings, dismissing the top four batsmen with just 28 on the board, on his way to a five-wicket haul. Mark Nunn top-scored before being dismissed by former Bury player Tom Huggins.
Bury have grown used to defending low totals, but couldn’t do anything to stop Sudbury reaching their target inside 20 overs, although Mark Nunn continued his good run of form taking three of the four wickets to fall.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 4: Needham Market 183-9 (7 points), Bury 2nd XI 184-7 (19 points). Bury 2nd XI won by 3 wickets. The 2nd XI remain unbeaten this season under Adam Kizis’ skilful captaincy. Winning the toss, Bury fielded, and Adam Kizis made an early break through on his way to a personal best of 7 for 63, his first 5 wicket haul for the club on a Saturday. He was assisted by some superb catching from Chris Smith at Gully. Bury started the chase a little tentatively, losing a few early wickets before Josh Toon and James Lofts established themselves. Adam Kizis and Hassam Dahar then put on 89 for the 7th wicket, and Hassam saw Bury home with a quite brilliant 59 not out.
Division 5: Eight Ash Green 263-7 (20 points), Bury 3rd XI 96 (3 points). Eight Ash Green won by 167 runs. Winning the toss and finding that the bowling at his disposal was more powerful than the batting, Kevin Dobson invited Eight Ash Green to bat and at one point held them at 140-4. Ollie Riddick and Charlie Cook bowled well, especially at the death when Charlie took 3 wickets. Bury struggled in reply.
Division 8 West: Bury 4th XI 146 (6 points), Stowmarket 2nd XI 150-8 (20 points). Stowmarket 2nd won by 2 wickets. A great game played in a sporting spirit. Bury batted first, Sam Pennell (25) and Sam Aldous (27) the top scorers. Stowmarket’s Junior Trye bowled quickly and got 6 wickets. In reply Nick Mayhew batted solidly but was dismissed by Connor Roberts, who bowled a long spell, improving all the while and finishing with 2 for 28. However, Junior Trye made a quick 31 which turned the game.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Stowupland 165-9 (6 points), Bury Sunday 2nd XI -6 (20 points). Bury won by 4 wickets. Saurabh Gupta won the toss and fielded, restricting Stowupland to a reasonable total, Janek Raj taking 3 wickets. Bury made the target inside 30 overs, helped by 50 from Dinesh Yadav.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Felixstowe 96-7 (18pts), Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 49-6 (3 points). Felixstowe won by 47 runs.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mark Nunn, top scoring and three wickets in a losing cause; Adam Kizis, career best 7 wickets for 63; Hassam Dahar, unbeaten 59 to win the game.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 28th May, the EAPCL XI play Woolpit, away, at 11am. The 2nd XI host Elmstead Grasshoppers 2nd XI, the 3rd XI also play at the Victory Ground against Great Bromley, and the 4th XI complete the card travelling to Stradbrooke, all at 1pm. On Sunday, 29th May, the Sunday 1st XI are at home against Walsham le Willows, at 1:30pm.
Bury have grown used to defending low totals, but couldn’t do anything to stop Sudbury reaching their target inside 20 overs, although Mark Nunn continued his good run of form taking three of the four wickets to fall.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 4: Needham Market 183-9 (7 points), Bury 2nd XI 184-7 (19 points). Bury 2nd XI won by 3 wickets. The 2nd XI remain unbeaten this season under Adam Kizis’ skilful captaincy. Winning the toss, Bury fielded, and Adam Kizis made an early break through on his way to a personal best of 7 for 63, his first 5 wicket haul for the club on a Saturday. He was assisted by some superb catching from Chris Smith at Gully. Bury started the chase a little tentatively, losing a few early wickets before Josh Toon and James Lofts established themselves. Adam Kizis and Hassam Dahar then put on 89 for the 7th wicket, and Hassam saw Bury home with a quite brilliant 59 not out.
Division 5: Eight Ash Green 263-7 (20 points), Bury 3rd XI 96 (3 points). Eight Ash Green won by 167 runs. Winning the toss and finding that the bowling at his disposal was more powerful than the batting, Kevin Dobson invited Eight Ash Green to bat and at one point held them at 140-4. Ollie Riddick and Charlie Cook bowled well, especially at the death when Charlie took 3 wickets. Bury struggled in reply.
Division 8 West: Bury 4th XI 146 (6 points), Stowmarket 2nd XI 150-8 (20 points). Stowmarket 2nd won by 2 wickets. A great game played in a sporting spirit. Bury batted first, Sam Pennell (25) and Sam Aldous (27) the top scorers. Stowmarket’s Junior Trye bowled quickly and got 6 wickets. In reply Nick Mayhew batted solidly but was dismissed by Connor Roberts, who bowled a long spell, improving all the while and finishing with 2 for 28. However, Junior Trye made a quick 31 which turned the game.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Stowupland 165-9 (6 points), Bury Sunday 2nd XI -6 (20 points). Bury won by 4 wickets. Saurabh Gupta won the toss and fielded, restricting Stowupland to a reasonable total, Janek Raj taking 3 wickets. Bury made the target inside 30 overs, helped by 50 from Dinesh Yadav.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Felixstowe 96-7 (18pts), Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 49-6 (3 points). Felixstowe won by 47 runs.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mark Nunn, top scoring and three wickets in a losing cause; Adam Kizis, career best 7 wickets for 63; Hassam Dahar, unbeaten 59 to win the game.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 28th May, the EAPCL XI play Woolpit, away, at 11am. The 2nd XI host Elmstead Grasshoppers 2nd XI, the 3rd XI also play at the Victory Ground against Great Bromley, and the 4th XI complete the card travelling to Stradbrooke, all at 1pm. On Sunday, 29th May, the Sunday 1st XI are at home against Walsham le Willows, at 1:30pm.
14th and 15th May 2016
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds 93 (2 points), Swardeston 94-4 (25 points). Swardeston won by 6 wickets. There was a welcome return to the team for Simon Rees for the journey to Swardeston. For the fourth week in a row, Mike Comber lost the toss and was invited to bat first on a cool morning. Swardeston youngster Thomas Oxley dominated the match, taking 8 Bury wickets. David Coyle top scored with 30, and later took a high catch at slip. Despite keen fielding, notably with Sean park taking a diving catch, also at slip, Swardeston reached their target comfortably. With Sudbury and Woolpit also losing, Bury are in second place in the Premier League, 10 points below Cambridge Granta.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 4: Yoxford 71 (0 points), Bury 2nd XI 73-1 (20 points). Bury won by 9 wickets. Adam Kizis’ team enjoyed another terrific win and remain unbeaten, 10 competition points short of the top. The win was set up by Vivek Rajagopal taking 5 for just 13 runs, utterly dominating the Yoxford batting. Bury almost reached the total without losing a wicket, Smith being out for 47 just 4 runs short, but together with Josh Toon, the game was well won by the opening pair.
Division 5: Bury 3rd XI 126 (3 points), Harwich & Dovercourt 130-3 (20 points). Harwich & D. won by 7 wickets. Losing the toss, Bury batted and were quickly 4 down, despite Simon Aldous playing confidently for 56, aided by John Hayes with 26. Bury dropped both H&D openers and, but for that, it might have been different; however, H&D reached the target with some ease.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Bury Sunday 1st XI 184 (6 points), Battisford 186-4 (20 points). Battisford won by 6 wickets. The team travelled to Battisford with just 9 players and were put in, with Adam Kizis making 40. They defended the total well, with wickets for Neil Jefferies, Ben Whittaker and Ollie Riddick. Battisford only reached their target in the last over.
Division 3: Long Melford 2nd XI 176-5 (7 points), Bury Sunday 2nd XI 177-6 (20 points). Bury won by 4 wickets. Saurabh Gupta won the toss and restricted Long Melford to a competitive total. Ali Asfar opened and made a quick 44, but the captain’s undefeated 64 saw Bury home.
Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 120-2 (18 points), Battisford 59-6 (1 point). Bury won by 61 runs. Batting first, Sophie Utteridge scored 25 not out and Ellie Costin 20. In response Bury restricted Battisford to a modest total. This is a young team, most are under 18, and with a couple of experienced heads have played fantastically and are producing some great cricket.
Greene King Players of the Week: Vivek Rajagopal, 5 for 13; Saurabh Gupta, captain’s 64.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 21st May the EAPCL XI play newly-promoted Sudbury, away, at 11am. The 2nd XI are also away from home, at Needham Market, and the 3rd XI play Eight Ash Green, also away; the 4th XI have the only home fixture, against Stowmarket 2nd XI. These three matches are at 1pm. On Sunday, 22nd May, the Sunday 2nd XI travel to Stowupland for 1:30pm. The Ladies’ XI travel to Felixstowe for 10am.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 4: Yoxford 71 (0 points), Bury 2nd XI 73-1 (20 points). Bury won by 9 wickets. Adam Kizis’ team enjoyed another terrific win and remain unbeaten, 10 competition points short of the top. The win was set up by Vivek Rajagopal taking 5 for just 13 runs, utterly dominating the Yoxford batting. Bury almost reached the total without losing a wicket, Smith being out for 47 just 4 runs short, but together with Josh Toon, the game was well won by the opening pair.
Division 5: Bury 3rd XI 126 (3 points), Harwich & Dovercourt 130-3 (20 points). Harwich & D. won by 7 wickets. Losing the toss, Bury batted and were quickly 4 down, despite Simon Aldous playing confidently for 56, aided by John Hayes with 26. Bury dropped both H&D openers and, but for that, it might have been different; however, H&D reached the target with some ease.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Bury Sunday 1st XI 184 (6 points), Battisford 186-4 (20 points). Battisford won by 6 wickets. The team travelled to Battisford with just 9 players and were put in, with Adam Kizis making 40. They defended the total well, with wickets for Neil Jefferies, Ben Whittaker and Ollie Riddick. Battisford only reached their target in the last over.
Division 3: Long Melford 2nd XI 176-5 (7 points), Bury Sunday 2nd XI 177-6 (20 points). Bury won by 4 wickets. Saurabh Gupta won the toss and restricted Long Melford to a competitive total. Ali Asfar opened and made a quick 44, but the captain’s undefeated 64 saw Bury home.
Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 120-2 (18 points), Battisford 59-6 (1 point). Bury won by 61 runs. Batting first, Sophie Utteridge scored 25 not out and Ellie Costin 20. In response Bury restricted Battisford to a modest total. This is a young team, most are under 18, and with a couple of experienced heads have played fantastically and are producing some great cricket.
Greene King Players of the Week: Vivek Rajagopal, 5 for 13; Saurabh Gupta, captain’s 64.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 21st May the EAPCL XI play newly-promoted Sudbury, away, at 11am. The 2nd XI are also away from home, at Needham Market, and the 3rd XI play Eight Ash Green, also away; the 4th XI have the only home fixture, against Stowmarket 2nd XI. These three matches are at 1pm. On Sunday, 22nd May, the Sunday 2nd XI travel to Stowupland for 1:30pm. The Ladies’ XI travel to Felixstowe for 10am.
7th and 8th May 2016
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds 1st XI 179 (5 points), Frinton on Sea 180-3 (25 points). Frinton on Sea won by 7 wickets.
Bury introduced two new players in the game against Frinton. Glenford Boyce has come to Bury from Henley, bringing West Indian bowling, and David Coyle, previously of Clacton, who offers off spin and middle-order batting.
Bury introduced two new players in the game against Frinton. Glenford Boyce has come to Bury from Henley, bringing West Indian bowling, and David Coyle, previously of Clacton, who offers off spin and middle-order batting.
Glenford Boyce, exuding Caribbean charm Photo: April Urquhart
Losing the toss, Bury were invited to bat on a firm wicket under cloudless skies. Ben Curran and Dom Manthorpe, a right- and left-hand combination, opened in assured fashion against some aggressive short-pitched bowling, with Dom taking one delivery on the head necessitating a change of helmet.
Ben Curran batted with maturity but will be disappointed not to have gone on to a bigger score after establishing himself Photo: April Urquhart
He then played the inevitable short-pitched deliveries that followed with courage and skill, drawing admiration from the reasonable-sized crowd that was in attendance to see the Victory Ground in its sunniest glory.
Dominic Manthorpe played the short-pitched bowling courageously Photo: April Urquhart
When Ben was out, caught behind off opening bowler Daniel Carter, the opening pair had put on 57 for the first wicket, the best start anyone on the balcony could recall. Loud cheers then accompanied the first six of the day, when Dom Manthorpe, top scorer for 59, hit the Frinton spinner, Anthony Stubbs, into the sight screens at the Town End.
The middle order were unable to emulate the openers and Frinton’s Daniel Carter took 8 for 51, dominating the innings and the match. Bury were dismissed for 179 in 54 overs.
The middle order were unable to emulate the openers and Frinton’s Daniel Carter took 8 for 51, dominating the innings and the match. Bury were dismissed for 179 in 54 overs.
That’s how you hold the seam: Tom Robotham Photo: April Urquhart
Although Frinton made the runs with a degree of comfort, there were some redeeming features in Bury’s defence of a modest total. Foremost was the dismissal of opener Murray Commins, who was quite brilliantly stumped by James Sturgeon from the bowling of Glenford Boyce. Considering the pace that Boyce was producing, standing up to the wicket was a brave thing for James to do; and the bails were off faster than the eye could follow. An outstanding piece of cricket.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 4: St Margaret’s 91 (1 point), Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 92-2 (20 points). Bury St. Edmunds 2nd XI won by 8 wickets.
Adam Kizis lost the toss away to St Margaret’s who decided to bat, which Adam was content with as he would have chosen to bowl. The captain opened the bowling with Billy Riddick, who took an early wicket. Charlie Cook came on first change and took three quick wickets including a brilliant caught and bowled, finishing on 3 for 20 off 6 overs. Vivek then swept his way through the tail picking up four wickets (including his 150th wicket for the club), and St Margaret’s were bowled out for a meagre 91.
In reply Chris Smith smashed a quick 32 with the assistance of Ian Plumb who hit 23 not out. Owen Grisby was undefeated on 22, and Bury chased down the runs in just 16 overs. A fine win, and the 2nd XI remain unbeaten for the season.
Division 5: 2nd May: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 180-8 (20 points), Eight Ash Green 149 (7 points). Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI won by 31 runs.
On Bank Holiday Monday, Chris Honeyball led the 3rd XI in Kevin Dobson’s absence and, batting first, posted a total of 180 with a commanding, unbeaten innings of 79 from David Coyle holding the innings together. Mark Nunn’s 4 wickets restrained the Eight Ash reply and they were all out within their 40 overs.
Earl Stonham 337 (20pts), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 177 (9 points). Earl Stonham won by 160 runs.
Winning the toss and bowling, Kevin Dobson invited Earl Stonham to bat first on a flat batting paradise on a perfect cricket day. The versatile Chris Honeyball’s commitment to the Club was demonstrated by him keeping wicket, which I haven’t witnessed before; Chris took a caught behind and a stumping, both from Kevin’s bowling. Earl Stonham smashed it from the start, and after 22 overs they were on 200 runs and Kevin thought he would be chasing 400. With Tom Curry picking up three wickets and the captain two, a couple of run outs and some good catches, Bury managed to drag it back and bowled Earl Stonham out for 337.
Bury were never going to trouble the total so it was a chance for some young players to get a bat. Ellis Edwards took his chance and got 30, Tom Curry hit 39 and Stu Nunn 40. Bury were bowled out for 177 so were well beaten but picked up a big nine competition points - not bad for a 160 run defeat!
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 4: St Margaret’s 91 (1 point), Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 92-2 (20 points). Bury St. Edmunds 2nd XI won by 8 wickets.
Adam Kizis lost the toss away to St Margaret’s who decided to bat, which Adam was content with as he would have chosen to bowl. The captain opened the bowling with Billy Riddick, who took an early wicket. Charlie Cook came on first change and took three quick wickets including a brilliant caught and bowled, finishing on 3 for 20 off 6 overs. Vivek then swept his way through the tail picking up four wickets (including his 150th wicket for the club), and St Margaret’s were bowled out for a meagre 91.
In reply Chris Smith smashed a quick 32 with the assistance of Ian Plumb who hit 23 not out. Owen Grisby was undefeated on 22, and Bury chased down the runs in just 16 overs. A fine win, and the 2nd XI remain unbeaten for the season.
Division 5: 2nd May: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 180-8 (20 points), Eight Ash Green 149 (7 points). Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI won by 31 runs.
On Bank Holiday Monday, Chris Honeyball led the 3rd XI in Kevin Dobson’s absence and, batting first, posted a total of 180 with a commanding, unbeaten innings of 79 from David Coyle holding the innings together. Mark Nunn’s 4 wickets restrained the Eight Ash reply and they were all out within their 40 overs.
Earl Stonham 337 (20pts), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 177 (9 points). Earl Stonham won by 160 runs.
Winning the toss and bowling, Kevin Dobson invited Earl Stonham to bat first on a flat batting paradise on a perfect cricket day. The versatile Chris Honeyball’s commitment to the Club was demonstrated by him keeping wicket, which I haven’t witnessed before; Chris took a caught behind and a stumping, both from Kevin’s bowling. Earl Stonham smashed it from the start, and after 22 overs they were on 200 runs and Kevin thought he would be chasing 400. With Tom Curry picking up three wickets and the captain two, a couple of run outs and some good catches, Bury managed to drag it back and bowled Earl Stonham out for 337.
Bury were never going to trouble the total so it was a chance for some young players to get a bat. Ellis Edwards took his chance and got 30, Tom Curry hit 39 and Stu Nunn 40. Bury were bowled out for 177 so were well beaten but picked up a big nine competition points - not bad for a 160 run defeat!
Kevin Dobson, prowling the outfield in predatory fashion Photo: John Urquhart
Division 8 West: Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 164-7 (3 points) Lakenheath 2nd XI 165-1 (18 points). Lakenheath II won by 9 wickets.
Simon Aldous took a very young team to Lakenheath, with 6 players under 14. Winning the toss and batting, Bury made a good start from Alex Sujith and Rob Johnson (29) in an opening stand of 70. Sujith’s 44 was a crucial knock against their best bowlers. Keith Starr bowled well and got better through his spell, and made inroads into Bury’s batting. Towards the end the skipper, Aldous (49) helped by Kirk Bonas and Simon Loughe got Bury up to 164 for 6.
Lakenheath chased down the score quickly with Frank Gammon getting an excellent 128, well supported by Sean Palmer (22). Sam Aldous was the only bowler with success, 1 for 31 off his 5, but Lakenheath won the day.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Bardwell 192-8 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 193-7 (20 points). Bury won by 3 wickets.
Mark Nunn’s team continued in their winning ways in the game against Bardwell, who won the toss and batted first on a hot day, finishing on 192-8 from 40 overs with Vivek Rajagopal claiming 2-23 from 9 overs.
In reply, Bury started briskly and were 70-0 at the 15 over point. Chris Smith hit a fluent 39 and Josh Toon 26 but then the batting collapsed to 86-6. However Vivek stepped up and batted beautifully for 44 and the captain hit an unbeaten 53 to guide Bury home with 5 overs to spare, winning by 3 wickets.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Lakenheath 2nd XI 168-7 (5 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 169-5 (20 points). Bury won by 5 wickets.
Saurabh Gupta lost the toss and found himself fielding. Janak Raj took three wickets, and Sandeep Singh two, as Lakenheath were restricted to 168-7. Bury won making 169-5 within 29 overs, Sandeep making 50.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Maldon 159-1 (16 points), Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 83-2 (3 points). Maldon Ladies won by 76 runs.
Greene King Players of the Week: Dominic Manthorpe, courageous innings of 59; David Coyle, unbeaten 79; Vivek Rajagopal, 4 wickets on Saturday, including his 150th wicket for the club, then 2 wickets and 44 crucial runs on Sunday; Mark Nunn, another captain’s innings, continuing a terrific season; Sandeep Singh, 50 runs and 2 wickets.
Next weekend: The EAPCL XI are on the road for the next three weeks, and face a real challenge on Saturday, 14th May when they travel to Swardeston, league champions for the last four years. Match starts at 11am. The 2nd XI play at the Victory Ground against Yoxford, the 3rd XI are also at home, playing Harwich and Dovercourt, both games at 1pm. On Sunday, 15th May the Sunday 1st XI travel to Battisford and the 2nd XI play Long Melford 2nd XI at the Victory Ground, both at 1:30pm. The Ladies’ XI are at home to Battisford at 10am.
Simon Aldous took a very young team to Lakenheath, with 6 players under 14. Winning the toss and batting, Bury made a good start from Alex Sujith and Rob Johnson (29) in an opening stand of 70. Sujith’s 44 was a crucial knock against their best bowlers. Keith Starr bowled well and got better through his spell, and made inroads into Bury’s batting. Towards the end the skipper, Aldous (49) helped by Kirk Bonas and Simon Loughe got Bury up to 164 for 6.
Lakenheath chased down the score quickly with Frank Gammon getting an excellent 128, well supported by Sean Palmer (22). Sam Aldous was the only bowler with success, 1 for 31 off his 5, but Lakenheath won the day.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Bardwell 192-8 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 193-7 (20 points). Bury won by 3 wickets.
Mark Nunn’s team continued in their winning ways in the game against Bardwell, who won the toss and batted first on a hot day, finishing on 192-8 from 40 overs with Vivek Rajagopal claiming 2-23 from 9 overs.
In reply, Bury started briskly and were 70-0 at the 15 over point. Chris Smith hit a fluent 39 and Josh Toon 26 but then the batting collapsed to 86-6. However Vivek stepped up and batted beautifully for 44 and the captain hit an unbeaten 53 to guide Bury home with 5 overs to spare, winning by 3 wickets.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Lakenheath 2nd XI 168-7 (5 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 169-5 (20 points). Bury won by 5 wickets.
Saurabh Gupta lost the toss and found himself fielding. Janak Raj took three wickets, and Sandeep Singh two, as Lakenheath were restricted to 168-7. Bury won making 169-5 within 29 overs, Sandeep making 50.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Maldon 159-1 (16 points), Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 83-2 (3 points). Maldon Ladies won by 76 runs.
Greene King Players of the Week: Dominic Manthorpe, courageous innings of 59; David Coyle, unbeaten 79; Vivek Rajagopal, 4 wickets on Saturday, including his 150th wicket for the club, then 2 wickets and 44 crucial runs on Sunday; Mark Nunn, another captain’s innings, continuing a terrific season; Sandeep Singh, 50 runs and 2 wickets.
Next weekend: The EAPCL XI are on the road for the next three weeks, and face a real challenge on Saturday, 14th May when they travel to Swardeston, league champions for the last four years. Match starts at 11am. The 2nd XI play at the Victory Ground against Yoxford, the 3rd XI are also at home, playing Harwich and Dovercourt, both games at 1pm. On Sunday, 15th May the Sunday 1st XI travel to Battisford and the 2nd XI play Long Melford 2nd XI at the Victory Ground, both at 1:30pm. The Ladies’ XI are at home to Battisford at 10am.
30th April and 1st May 2016
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds 1st XI 117 (30 points) Norwich 89 (5 points).
Mike Comber’s team remained league leaders after an extraordinary, low scoring match. Bury were inserted by Norwich, who took early wickets leaving Bury 111 for 7 at lunch. Only Dom Manthorpe (37) and Callum Taylor (32) put up any resistance. With five batsmen dismissed lbw, Bury were dismissed cheaply shortly after the interval. You can’t judge a pitch until both teams have used it, and Bury were able to take wickets just as Norwich had done, and quickly had Norwich 3 down for 19 runs, Mark Nunn taking two in two balls. Norwich’s Ashley Watson and Oliver Higenbottam put on 39 for the fourth wicket but when Watson was out, lbw, his was the first of four wickets for Callum Taylor who tore out Norwich’s middle order. However, for as long as opener Higenbottam remained at the crease Norwich were in with a chance of getting the runs. When he was out, the ninth wicket, stumped by James Sturgeon off Callum Taylor’s bowling, it was over and Norwich were dismissed 28 runs short. Bury are now clear at the top of the league on 67 competition points, 10 clear of Cambridge Granta and Vauxhall Mallards.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 4: Walsham le Willows 167 (7pts) lost to Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 168-9 (20 points) by 1 wicket. In a low-scoring encounter Adam Kizis’ team bowled first and contained Walsham to a modest score.
Mike Comber’s team remained league leaders after an extraordinary, low scoring match. Bury were inserted by Norwich, who took early wickets leaving Bury 111 for 7 at lunch. Only Dom Manthorpe (37) and Callum Taylor (32) put up any resistance. With five batsmen dismissed lbw, Bury were dismissed cheaply shortly after the interval. You can’t judge a pitch until both teams have used it, and Bury were able to take wickets just as Norwich had done, and quickly had Norwich 3 down for 19 runs, Mark Nunn taking two in two balls. Norwich’s Ashley Watson and Oliver Higenbottam put on 39 for the fourth wicket but when Watson was out, lbw, his was the first of four wickets for Callum Taylor who tore out Norwich’s middle order. However, for as long as opener Higenbottam remained at the crease Norwich were in with a chance of getting the runs. When he was out, the ninth wicket, stumped by James Sturgeon off Callum Taylor’s bowling, it was over and Norwich were dismissed 28 runs short. Bury are now clear at the top of the league on 67 competition points, 10 clear of Cambridge Granta and Vauxhall Mallards.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 4: Walsham le Willows 167 (7pts) lost to Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 168-9 (20 points) by 1 wicket. In a low-scoring encounter Adam Kizis’ team bowled first and contained Walsham to a modest score.
Billy Riddick bowled with determination. Photo: April Urquhart
Mike Skelton kept wicket tidily, as ever Photo: April Urquhart
In reply, the opening pair of Vivek Rajagopal (57) and Max Whittaker (66) excelled, putting on 124 for the first wicket, and seemed to have the match won. However Walsham’s Campbell took 6 wickets and it was left to the last pair, Javed Imam and Billy Riddick, to get Bury over the line to win by a single wicket. In Division 5, Ipswich 2nd XI 273-2 (20pts) beat Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 132 (3 points). Kevin fielded a team short of experience and Ipswich batted commandingly for a competitive total, although Bury’s Sam Pennell bowled well on debut. Ollie Self made 46 not out batting at 9 and bowled well. Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Sudbury 210-9 (points) lost to Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI (20 points). Sudbury batted first and made 210-9 from 40 overs, with Mike Comber taking 2 wickets. Bury were in trouble at 90-7 from 20 overs, despite opener Alfie Marston making an impressive 63. Mark Nunn then came in at 9, and played a captain’s innings, smashing an unbeaten 85 from 50 balls to win with 6 overs to spare.
Mark Nunn: a captain’s innings if ever there was one Photo: April Urquhart
In Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 164-8 (6 points) Edwardstone 165-7 (20 points). Losing the toss, Bury were inserted and made a reasonable score, Sandeep Singh top scoring with 42 and the skipper 37. However Edwardstone reached their target in the 30th over.
Greene King Players of the Week: Vivek Rajagopal, opening and making 57, with Max Whittaker, 66. Alfie Marston, an impressive 63. Mark Nunn, a captain’s innings an unbeaten 85 from 50 balls.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 7th May, the EAPCL XI are at home to League newcomers Frinton, at 11:00. The 2nd XI travel to St Margaret’s, the 3rd XI play two fixtures at the Victory Ground, against Eight Ash Green on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May and against Earl Stonham on Saturday 7th May. The 4th XI travel to Lakenheath. On Sunday, 8th May, the Sunday 1st XI play at home against Bardwell and the Sunday 2nd XI complete the card with an away game against Lakenheath 2nd XI.
Greene King Players of the Week: Vivek Rajagopal, opening and making 57, with Max Whittaker, 66. Alfie Marston, an impressive 63. Mark Nunn, a captain’s innings an unbeaten 85 from 50 balls.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 7th May, the EAPCL XI are at home to League newcomers Frinton, at 11:00. The 2nd XI travel to St Margaret’s, the 3rd XI play two fixtures at the Victory Ground, against Eight Ash Green on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May and against Earl Stonham on Saturday 7th May. The 4th XI travel to Lakenheath. On Sunday, 8th May, the Sunday 1st XI play at home against Bardwell and the Sunday 2nd XI complete the card with an away game against Lakenheath 2nd XI.
23rd and 24th April 2016
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 254 for 4 dec (51.0 overs, 30 points), Horsford EAPCL XI 197 all out (43.0 overs, 4 points). Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI won By 57 runs.
The season was under way at last, the first weekend having been forfeited to the weather. The Club welcomed Dominic Manthorpe, left hand opening bat with Essex 2nd XI experience, and Calum Taylor, an all-rounder who played for Swardeston last year and who has represented England at U19 level.
The season was under way at last, the first weekend having been forfeited to the weather. The Club welcomed Dominic Manthorpe, left hand opening bat with Essex 2nd XI experience, and Calum Taylor, an all-rounder who played for Swardeston last year and who has represented England at U19 level.
Spring sunshine on the pavilion Photo: April Urquhart
Horsford EAPCL XI won toss and decided to field under a scattering of rain clouds and the threat of showers, which materialised after a delayed start. Dominic Manthorpe opened with Ben Curran, and it was when Mike Comber, reappointed 1st Team Captain for the new season, joined Calum Taylor that Bury truly took control of the game. Mike played in the style we have grown to admire while Calum demonstrated what a class player he is, playing fluently all around the pitch; high elbow and straight bat on the drive, but unafraid to play the reverse sweep when the time suited. He is undoubtedly a major asset to the club. Mike (104*) and Calum (129) put on 224 for the 4th wicket and Bury were in command.
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Calum Taylor: demonstrated the full gamut of strokes, straight drive to reverse sweep. Photos: April Urquhart
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The players have put in a lot of work through the winter, making good use of the indoor nets at the South Lee School sports hall under Bobby Flack’s patient supervision, and looked like a team in mid-season rather than playing their first game. Mark Nunn took early wickets and ended up with a well-deserved 5 wicket haul for just 33 runs from 12 overs. None of the Horsford batsmen were able to establish themselves and were dismissed for 197 all out in 43.0 overs, Bury winning by 57 runs for maximum competition points.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 124-6 (5 points) Witham 2nd XI 173-7 (18 points). Witham 2nd XI won by 49 runs.
Kevin Dobson watched Witham’s opener, Godwin, accumulate 119 unbeaten runs in a total of 173 and dominate the match, only one other player making double figures. In reply, Sam Aldous made 40 opening with Chris Honeyball, the elder Aldous and the captain sharing a partnership but falling short of the target.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Haverhill 293-6 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 170-8 (6 points). Haverhill won by 123 runs.
The Sunday 1st XI under new captain Mark Nunn played Haverhill at the Victory Ground. Batting first, Haverhill made a commanding 239-6, with Bury’s cause not being advanced by dropping 5 catches, including 2 off Billy Riddick, who bowled far better than his figures suggest.
In reply, James McKinney made 64, Mark Nunn 27 and Chris Honeyball 22, but they were not supported by the other batsmen and ended up 123 runs short of their target.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, unbeaten 104; Calum Taylor, 129 on debut and 3 wickets; Mark Nunn, 5 for 33.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 30th April, the EAPCL XI travel to Ingham to play Norwich, the 2nd XI play Walsham le Willows at the Victory Ground, and the 3rd XI travel to Ipswich. The 4th XI open their season with a home fixture against Exning 2nd XI. On Sunday 1st May, the 1st XI travel to Sudbury while the 2nd XI start their season with a home game against Edwardstone.
29th, 30th and 31st August 2015
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Burwell EAPCL 280 for 9 (14 points), Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 283 for 8 (25 points). Bury St Edmunds won by 2 wickets.
Bury Captain Mike Comber won toss and decided to field first, and was rewarded with two wickets in his second over, reducing Burwell to 16 for 2. Mike was the dominant bowler, taking 6 wickets for 62.
Bury’s batting could hardly have started any worse than to lose both openers, James Sturgeon and Phil Godden, and then Max Whittaker, before any runs were scored. So Tyler Lortan and Sean Park were at the crease in the second over, effectively playing as openers. They put on 83 together before Tyler was bowled by Josh Arksey, who was the best of the Burwell bowlers with 4 for 44. When Mike Comber then came to the middle, the momentum of the game shifted emphatically towards Bury, as Mike was again in poweful form, making an undefeated 124 at better tha a run a ball and winning the game for Bury.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 62 (0 points), Little Bardfield Village 65-1 (20pts). Little Bardfield won by 9 wickets.
Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 233-9 (19 points), Braintree 2nd XI 138-8 (6pts). Bury won by 95 runs.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, another Herculean effort with both bat and ball, taking Bury to a crucial victory.
Next weekend: Saturday, 5th September. It’s going to be in the maths. Recent events have proved Mike Comber’s assertion that Bury are capable of beating any of the teams in the Premiership.
A thirty-one point cushion separates Bury and Horsford, who are level on points, from Saffron Walden and Woolpit who are also level. A batting-first win for Bury against Frinton, at the Victory Ground at 11am, would preserve the 31 point cushion going into the final weekend and make relegation impossible. If Saffron lose to top-placed Cambridge Granta and Woolpit lose to Horsford, then as long as Bury can collect a handful of bonus points against Frinton, the 31 point cushion would still be more or less intact going into the final weekend, again making Bury safe. However, wins for Woolpit and Saffron next weekend in a scenario where Bury fail to get points against Frinton, would erode the cushion to the extent that Bury would need a win against Cambridge Granta away from home on the last weekend – a real challenge – to be safe, in the event of Woolpit beating Horsford and Saffron beating Horsford on that final day of the season.
In short – a win in either of the last two games of the season would make Bury safe from relegation. A handful of batting bonus points might do it.
The 2nd XI travel to Ipswich and East Suffolk,
The 3rd XI travel to Earl Stonham and the 4th XI entertain Yoxford 2nd XI.
On Sunday, 6th September, the Sunday 1st XI play Hadleigh at the Victory Ground while the Sunday 2nd XI travel to Horringer.
Bury Captain Mike Comber won toss and decided to field first, and was rewarded with two wickets in his second over, reducing Burwell to 16 for 2. Mike was the dominant bowler, taking 6 wickets for 62.
Bury’s batting could hardly have started any worse than to lose both openers, James Sturgeon and Phil Godden, and then Max Whittaker, before any runs were scored. So Tyler Lortan and Sean Park were at the crease in the second over, effectively playing as openers. They put on 83 together before Tyler was bowled by Josh Arksey, who was the best of the Burwell bowlers with 4 for 44. When Mike Comber then came to the middle, the momentum of the game shifted emphatically towards Bury, as Mike was again in poweful form, making an undefeated 124 at better tha a run a ball and winning the game for Bury.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 62 (0 points), Little Bardfield Village 65-1 (20pts). Little Bardfield won by 9 wickets.
Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 233-9 (19 points), Braintree 2nd XI 138-8 (6pts). Bury won by 95 runs.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, another Herculean effort with both bat and ball, taking Bury to a crucial victory.
Next weekend: Saturday, 5th September. It’s going to be in the maths. Recent events have proved Mike Comber’s assertion that Bury are capable of beating any of the teams in the Premiership.
A thirty-one point cushion separates Bury and Horsford, who are level on points, from Saffron Walden and Woolpit who are also level. A batting-first win for Bury against Frinton, at the Victory Ground at 11am, would preserve the 31 point cushion going into the final weekend and make relegation impossible. If Saffron lose to top-placed Cambridge Granta and Woolpit lose to Horsford, then as long as Bury can collect a handful of bonus points against Frinton, the 31 point cushion would still be more or less intact going into the final weekend, again making Bury safe. However, wins for Woolpit and Saffron next weekend in a scenario where Bury fail to get points against Frinton, would erode the cushion to the extent that Bury would need a win against Cambridge Granta away from home on the last weekend – a real challenge – to be safe, in the event of Woolpit beating Horsford and Saffron beating Horsford on that final day of the season.
In short – a win in either of the last two games of the season would make Bury safe from relegation. A handful of batting bonus points might do it.
The 2nd XI travel to Ipswich and East Suffolk,
The 3rd XI travel to Earl Stonham and the 4th XI entertain Yoxford 2nd XI.
On Sunday, 6th September, the Sunday 1st XI play Hadleigh at the Victory Ground while the Sunday 2nd XI travel to Horringer.
22nd and 23rd August 2015
James Sturgeon works the ball into the leg side Photo: April Urquhart
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 225-7 (30 points), Swardeston EAPCL XI 186 (5 points), Bury St Edmunds won by 39 runs.
On another gloriously hot summer day at the Victory Ground, league leaders Swardeston visited and, winning the toss, invited Mike Comber to bat first. Ben Curran looked assured at the wicket, playing a particularly well-timed drive from the bowling of George Walker through the covers for 4, but was out shortly after, caught off the same bowler; Walker’s innocuous-looking action also accounted for James Sturgeon.
After Tyler Lortan was out playing a loose shot to cover, Sean Park joined his captain at the crease to renew a partnership that has become a familiar sight in recent weeks. Another sight, which is becoming familiar, is that of my wife, April, at fine leg or midwicket with long lens and tripod, while I am in the pavilion. At this point in the match I sent April a message, reading: “This partnership may determine the whole season,” and I may have been right.
On another gloriously hot summer day at the Victory Ground, league leaders Swardeston visited and, winning the toss, invited Mike Comber to bat first. Ben Curran looked assured at the wicket, playing a particularly well-timed drive from the bowling of George Walker through the covers for 4, but was out shortly after, caught off the same bowler; Walker’s innocuous-looking action also accounted for James Sturgeon.
After Tyler Lortan was out playing a loose shot to cover, Sean Park joined his captain at the crease to renew a partnership that has become a familiar sight in recent weeks. Another sight, which is becoming familiar, is that of my wife, April, at fine leg or midwicket with long lens and tripod, while I am in the pavilion. At this point in the match I sent April a message, reading: “This partnership may determine the whole season,” and I may have been right.
Sean Park frustrates the ‘keeper by digging out a yorker Photo: April Urquhart
Sean continued his good form and hit a full toss over midwicket for six, and, not to be outdone, Mike put one over the sightscreen; the next ball he hit onto the clubhouse roof, bouncing onto the sports hall roof, where it remains. The two looked completely at home at the crease, running with understanding and bossing the Swardeston bowling. Watching Mike hitting to all corners, I was reminded of Simon Hughes’ description of bowling at Mohammed Azarhuddin: “like throwing a sock at a rotating ceiling fan,” and that’s how it must have felt for the Swardeston bowlers.
“Like throwing a sock at a ceiling fan”: bowling at Mike Comber Photo: April Urquhart
They had put on 124 together when Sean lost his off stump to Mark Thomas, which brought James Over to join Mike and play a careful and useful innings of 17 and allowing Mike to score another 23 before he, too, was bowled by Thomas for 85. James and Mark Nunn put on 15 and with James McKinney coming in at the end, pushed Bury up to 225 at the 64 over point.
Mark Nunn took two early wickets but then Richard Sims with 43, and Lewis Denmark, 42, in a partnership of 72 appeared to be taking the game away from Bury. However, Mike Comber had Sims caught by Sean Park and it precipitated a turnaround of fortune which was as significant in the context of the game as Sean and Mike’s partnership had been in Bury’s innings. Tom Robotham tore into the Swardeston middle order, taking three wickets quickly and reducing them to 155-8 and turning the game on its head. James Sturgeon put the disappointment of the week before firmly behind him and had a terrific game behind the stumps, taking four catches. Swardeston were all out shortly after, and Bury took maximum points batting first and moved ahead of Saffron and Woolpit in the EAPCL. Not safe yet by any means, but nobody could have asked the team for more than to beat the league leaders.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Woodbridge & O.W. 88 (1pt), Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 89-2 (20 points). Bury won by 8 wickets.
Woodbridge won the toss and decided to bat on a hot afternoon. Bury’s openers bowled a superb line and length which built up pressure on the batsmen very quickly, and as a result they made mistake after mistake and rewarded Bury's patience with a number of early wickets. Dan Hill bowled his best spell of the season based on unerring control and finished with 4-14 off 7 overs. He was well supported by captain Kizis, Ben Whittaker and an excellent fielding display in which Ben Whittaker and Tom Curry each took two excellent catches and Stuart Nunn cleaned up the tail leaving Bury needing just 89 to win.
In reply, Josh Toon was steering Bury to victory when he was joined at the crease by Ian Plumb with the score on 32 following the fall of the second wicket. Ian then smashed 41 not out off just 24 balls and with Josh finishing on an unbeaten 27, saw the team to victory.
Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 140 (3 points), Elmstead Grasshoppers 2nd XI 142-3 (20pts). Elmstead won by 7 wickets.
Losing some key personnel on the eve of the game threatened the 3rd XI’s recent form. Kevin Dobson lost the toss and was invited to bat, which was just as well as Jon Hayes and Ali Asfar were stuck on the A14 and didn’t arrive until almost an hour after the start. Mike Ginn and Chris Honeyball got Bury off to a great start, almost putting on 50 for the first wicket. Unfortunately once Chris was out for a decent 28 the wickets started to fall at regular intervals, but the captain (37) dug deep and tried to hang around as long as possible but once he was out the end came pretty quickly, having only 10 players didn’t help. All out 140.
However, despite being one short in the field all the lads bowled and fielded brilliantly. Tom Curry was unlucky with a couple of missed caught and bowled chances ending on the floor but Elmstead got the runs in less than 30 overs.
Division 8 West: Eye & District 241-6 (20 points), Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI 127 (4 points). Eye & District won by 114 runs.
Simon Aldous led a very young 4th XI in their match against Eye, whose experience was abundantly evident as they made 241 for 6 batting first. Nevertheless, Taylor Edwards took two wickets and Ollie Selfe and Samuel Aldous took a wicket each proving that they could perform at this level. Saurabh Gupta and Janek Raj opened the batting and although Samuel Aldous was 40 not out at the end, a terrific knock for a 12 year old, Bury were dismissed for 127.
Ladies’ T20 Competition: Mistley 46 (1 point), Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI 47-2 (20 points). Bury Ladies won by 8 wickets.
Sunday saw Bury Ladies travel to Mistley for a crucial game. Mistley batted, and started well until Captain Esme Covington-Cross bowled the very threatening opener at the end of the 3rd over. Wickets continued to tumble for Mistley, with good fielding producing 2 run outs in 2 balls. Lottie Kent took 4 wickets in 5 balls ending the innings with Mistley on just 46. Bury easily reached this target in just over 7 overs, losing 2 wickets; a great team effort, the win moving Bury to the top of the league.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Bury travelled to Sudbury to play their old rivals in the Sunday league hoping the weather would not interfere with the game. Bury won the toss and decided to bat, opening with father and son Nick and Tom Curran. When Dad was out in the 7th over the score was already on 49. Tom went on to score 52 but the forecast rain soon set in causing the game to be abandoned with Bury on 115-3 with only 19 overs bowled.
Greene King Players of the Week: Sean Park, determined batting performance; Mike Comber, amazing display of batting, putting a ball onto the gym roof; Tom Robotham, tearing out Swardeston’s middle order and James Sturgeon, confident ‘keeping, taking four catches. Ian Plumb, 41 runs from just 24 deliveries; Tom Curran, 52 in a cause lost to the weather. Samuel Aldous, 40 not out. Lottie Kent, 4 wickets in 5 balls.
Next weekend: on Saturday, 29th August, Bury EAPCL XI travel to Burwell. The 2nd XI play a home game against Little Bardfield, and the 3rd XI play Braintree 2nd XI, also at the Victory Ground at 1pm.
There is no Sunday Cricket, but the 4th XI play on Bank Holiday Monday, 31st August, away to Battisford.
Mark Nunn took two early wickets but then Richard Sims with 43, and Lewis Denmark, 42, in a partnership of 72 appeared to be taking the game away from Bury. However, Mike Comber had Sims caught by Sean Park and it precipitated a turnaround of fortune which was as significant in the context of the game as Sean and Mike’s partnership had been in Bury’s innings. Tom Robotham tore into the Swardeston middle order, taking three wickets quickly and reducing them to 155-8 and turning the game on its head. James Sturgeon put the disappointment of the week before firmly behind him and had a terrific game behind the stumps, taking four catches. Swardeston were all out shortly after, and Bury took maximum points batting first and moved ahead of Saffron and Woolpit in the EAPCL. Not safe yet by any means, but nobody could have asked the team for more than to beat the league leaders.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Woodbridge & O.W. 88 (1pt), Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 89-2 (20 points). Bury won by 8 wickets.
Woodbridge won the toss and decided to bat on a hot afternoon. Bury’s openers bowled a superb line and length which built up pressure on the batsmen very quickly, and as a result they made mistake after mistake and rewarded Bury's patience with a number of early wickets. Dan Hill bowled his best spell of the season based on unerring control and finished with 4-14 off 7 overs. He was well supported by captain Kizis, Ben Whittaker and an excellent fielding display in which Ben Whittaker and Tom Curry each took two excellent catches and Stuart Nunn cleaned up the tail leaving Bury needing just 89 to win.
In reply, Josh Toon was steering Bury to victory when he was joined at the crease by Ian Plumb with the score on 32 following the fall of the second wicket. Ian then smashed 41 not out off just 24 balls and with Josh finishing on an unbeaten 27, saw the team to victory.
Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 140 (3 points), Elmstead Grasshoppers 2nd XI 142-3 (20pts). Elmstead won by 7 wickets.
Losing some key personnel on the eve of the game threatened the 3rd XI’s recent form. Kevin Dobson lost the toss and was invited to bat, which was just as well as Jon Hayes and Ali Asfar were stuck on the A14 and didn’t arrive until almost an hour after the start. Mike Ginn and Chris Honeyball got Bury off to a great start, almost putting on 50 for the first wicket. Unfortunately once Chris was out for a decent 28 the wickets started to fall at regular intervals, but the captain (37) dug deep and tried to hang around as long as possible but once he was out the end came pretty quickly, having only 10 players didn’t help. All out 140.
However, despite being one short in the field all the lads bowled and fielded brilliantly. Tom Curry was unlucky with a couple of missed caught and bowled chances ending on the floor but Elmstead got the runs in less than 30 overs.
Division 8 West: Eye & District 241-6 (20 points), Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI 127 (4 points). Eye & District won by 114 runs.
Simon Aldous led a very young 4th XI in their match against Eye, whose experience was abundantly evident as they made 241 for 6 batting first. Nevertheless, Taylor Edwards took two wickets and Ollie Selfe and Samuel Aldous took a wicket each proving that they could perform at this level. Saurabh Gupta and Janek Raj opened the batting and although Samuel Aldous was 40 not out at the end, a terrific knock for a 12 year old, Bury were dismissed for 127.
Ladies’ T20 Competition: Mistley 46 (1 point), Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI 47-2 (20 points). Bury Ladies won by 8 wickets.
Sunday saw Bury Ladies travel to Mistley for a crucial game. Mistley batted, and started well until Captain Esme Covington-Cross bowled the very threatening opener at the end of the 3rd over. Wickets continued to tumble for Mistley, with good fielding producing 2 run outs in 2 balls. Lottie Kent took 4 wickets in 5 balls ending the innings with Mistley on just 46. Bury easily reached this target in just over 7 overs, losing 2 wickets; a great team effort, the win moving Bury to the top of the league.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Bury travelled to Sudbury to play their old rivals in the Sunday league hoping the weather would not interfere with the game. Bury won the toss and decided to bat, opening with father and son Nick and Tom Curran. When Dad was out in the 7th over the score was already on 49. Tom went on to score 52 but the forecast rain soon set in causing the game to be abandoned with Bury on 115-3 with only 19 overs bowled.
Greene King Players of the Week: Sean Park, determined batting performance; Mike Comber, amazing display of batting, putting a ball onto the gym roof; Tom Robotham, tearing out Swardeston’s middle order and James Sturgeon, confident ‘keeping, taking four catches. Ian Plumb, 41 runs from just 24 deliveries; Tom Curran, 52 in a cause lost to the weather. Samuel Aldous, 40 not out. Lottie Kent, 4 wickets in 5 balls.
Next weekend: on Saturday, 29th August, Bury EAPCL XI travel to Burwell. The 2nd XI play a home game against Little Bardfield, and the 3rd XI play Braintree 2nd XI, also at the Victory Ground at 1pm.
There is no Sunday Cricket, but the 4th XI play on Bank Holiday Monday, 31st August, away to Battisford.
15th and 16th August 2015
On Sunday, 16th August, Bury 1st XI played Ealing in the ECB National T20 Semi-final, at the Victory Ground. Glorious sunshine greeted a busy Victory Ground, music, BBQ and bars creating a carnival atmosphere and enticing people to watch cricket who might not have previously had an interest.
Mike Comber won the toss and decided to bat first, opening with Justin Bishop Photo: April Urquhart
Ealing started with spin, Mike getting off the mark with a single to cover and Justin with a leg glance for four. Ben Curran replaced Mike in the fourth over and Ealing put the brakes on Bury but a well-taken second run off the bowling of Oliver Wilkin restored some confidence.
Ben Curran came in first wicket down Photo: April Urquhart
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Justin Bishop played some lusty shots but Mike Comber was bowled early Photos: April Urquhart
Justin picked out the fielder on the midwicket boundary and once again the scoring rate slowed but when Sean Park and James Sturgeon came together they played with great understanding, stealing singles where other batsmen might not have seen opportunities. Sean employed the reverse sweep to good effect and hit the first six of the game, a full toss from Derek Lane landing in the crowd in front of the scoreboard, but was out, caught by the ‘keeper, a few balls after reaching his half-century. Phil Godden and James Sturgeon scored quickly in the last overs and Bury reached a competitive 141-5.
Sean Park frustrated the bowlers with the reverse sweep Photo: April Urquhart
Mike Comber opened from the Nowton End and conceded two boundaries in his first over. Mark Nunn bowled with control from the Town End, getting the batsmen to play and miss. The Ealing openers, Oliver Wilkin and Luke Stoughton, looked comfortable and were scoring freely until Mark Nunn induced Wilkin to loft one off a top edge to the third man boundary where Adam Kizis held onto a difficult catch.
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Mike Comber’s second spell was hostile and he extracted bounce from the pitch
Photo: April Urquhart
Next over, Mark trapped Chris Wakefield leg before, putting Bury back in the game that had been getting away from them. He was unlucky not to get a third wicket, a catch going to ground at midwicket. Ben Curran took a good catch, low as the ball was dying on him, to dismiss Stoughton for 22 but the momentum was still with Ealing. James McKinney bowled his dependable slow right arm, frustrated the batsmen and took a wicket. When Mike Comber brought himself back on at the Nowton End he produced a delivery which got big on David Holt giving a catch to James Sturgeon behind the stumps. There was frenetic activity in the last overs, a skyer was grassed but Tom Robotham took a difficult boundary catch, and with Ealing needing just 5 to win, Justin Bishop – who better? - came on to bowl the final over. A dot ball, and then another, and a third gave a glimmer of hope but Ealing won with just one ball to spare. There were tears shed on the balcony. The umpires, from their impartial position, had the task of awarding the player of the match, and to their credit, gave it to Sean Park for taking 2 wickets and making a half-century, bucking the traditional practice of making the award to a player from the winning team. Gracious in acceptance, Sean was clearly disappointed, and admitted that the extras conceded were significant. Nick Curran put it just as well over a bottle of wine – possibly not the first of the evening – when he said, “The team did the Club proud; the Club did the Town of Bury St Edmunds proud.”
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Great Witchingham EAPCL XI 348-9 declared, 63.4 overs (12 points), Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 228-8, 67 overs (11 points). Match drawn.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: East Bergholt 232-7 (20 points) Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 119 (4 points), East Bergholt won by 113 runs.
Batting first, East Bergholt put on 56 for the first wicket when Adam Kizis had Foster caught by Sam Bishop for 16. East bergholt’s other opener, Pickford, went on to make a decisive 119 which dominated the match. Ben Whittaker batted with determination after his brother, Max, had been taken to A&E after taking a blow to the hand, for an unbeaten 37 but ran out of partners, as Bury slumped to a meagre 119, losing by 112 runs.
Division 5: Maldon 2nd XI 131 (4 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 134-5 (20 points). Bury won by 5 wickets.
The 3rd XI are on a bit of a roll at the moment and Saturday bought yet another win. Kevin Dobson won the toss and put Maldon into bat and once again the opening bowling partnership of Alex Malcolm and Johnny Hayes applied early pressure, bowling accurately and picking up wickets. Maldon never really got going until lower order batsman Breed decided that attack was the best form of defence and went on to score a quick 50 before running himself out. After that Bury quickly cleaned up the tail and Maldon finished on 131 all out. Bury didn’t get off to a great start, and at one point were 4 down with only 40 on the board but experienced players Owen Grisby, Kevin Dobson and Mike Skelton saw Bury safely home for the loss of only 5 wickets.
Ladies’ T20 Competition: Felixstowe 103-3 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI 106-4 (16 points). Bury won by 6 wickets.
Bury travelled to league leaders Felixstowe and after winning the toss chose to field. They kept a strong Felixstowe side to a total of 103 for 3 with some tight bowling and keen attitude in the field. After a shaky start, when Bury lost both openers for 13 off just 4 overs, Helen Atkinson stepped in and played a magnificent 50 assisted by Kim Hancock with 19 and Bury went on to win the game in the 19th over taking them to second place in the table, with just one to play.
Greene King Players of the Week: on an emotional rollercoaster of a weekend, with terrific highs and tearful lows, it seems invidious to pick out any individual. So, for this week, the Greene King award goes to everyone who was part of it all; the players throughout the club, not just the 1st XI, the people who came along to support, the volunteers who made it all happen, the BBQ chefs, the ladies who baked and cooked, the scorers, the umpires, DJ, bar staff, ground staff. If you were there, it’s for you.
Next weekend: on Saturday, 22nd August, Bury EAPCL XI play league leacders Swardeston at the Victory Ground, at 11am. The team could really do with support to pick them up and help them in what has become a relegation battle. The 2nd XI travel to Woodbridge, and the 3rd XI to Elmstead,with the 4th XI completing the card with a home game against Eye, all at 1pm. On Sunday, 23rd August, the Sunday 1st XI, second in Division 1, travel to second from bottom Sudbury and the Sunday 2nd XI host Stowupland, both at 1:30pm. The Ladies’ XI complete their season with an away game at Mistley, at 10am.
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Great Witchingham EAPCL XI 348-9 declared, 63.4 overs (12 points), Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 228-8, 67 overs (11 points). Match drawn.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: East Bergholt 232-7 (20 points) Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 119 (4 points), East Bergholt won by 113 runs.
Batting first, East Bergholt put on 56 for the first wicket when Adam Kizis had Foster caught by Sam Bishop for 16. East bergholt’s other opener, Pickford, went on to make a decisive 119 which dominated the match. Ben Whittaker batted with determination after his brother, Max, had been taken to A&E after taking a blow to the hand, for an unbeaten 37 but ran out of partners, as Bury slumped to a meagre 119, losing by 112 runs.
Division 5: Maldon 2nd XI 131 (4 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 134-5 (20 points). Bury won by 5 wickets.
The 3rd XI are on a bit of a roll at the moment and Saturday bought yet another win. Kevin Dobson won the toss and put Maldon into bat and once again the opening bowling partnership of Alex Malcolm and Johnny Hayes applied early pressure, bowling accurately and picking up wickets. Maldon never really got going until lower order batsman Breed decided that attack was the best form of defence and went on to score a quick 50 before running himself out. After that Bury quickly cleaned up the tail and Maldon finished on 131 all out. Bury didn’t get off to a great start, and at one point were 4 down with only 40 on the board but experienced players Owen Grisby, Kevin Dobson and Mike Skelton saw Bury safely home for the loss of only 5 wickets.
Ladies’ T20 Competition: Felixstowe 103-3 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI 106-4 (16 points). Bury won by 6 wickets.
Bury travelled to league leaders Felixstowe and after winning the toss chose to field. They kept a strong Felixstowe side to a total of 103 for 3 with some tight bowling and keen attitude in the field. After a shaky start, when Bury lost both openers for 13 off just 4 overs, Helen Atkinson stepped in and played a magnificent 50 assisted by Kim Hancock with 19 and Bury went on to win the game in the 19th over taking them to second place in the table, with just one to play.
Greene King Players of the Week: on an emotional rollercoaster of a weekend, with terrific highs and tearful lows, it seems invidious to pick out any individual. So, for this week, the Greene King award goes to everyone who was part of it all; the players throughout the club, not just the 1st XI, the people who came along to support, the volunteers who made it all happen, the BBQ chefs, the ladies who baked and cooked, the scorers, the umpires, DJ, bar staff, ground staff. If you were there, it’s for you.
Next weekend: on Saturday, 22nd August, Bury EAPCL XI play league leacders Swardeston at the Victory Ground, at 11am. The team could really do with support to pick them up and help them in what has become a relegation battle. The 2nd XI travel to Woodbridge, and the 3rd XI to Elmstead,with the 4th XI completing the card with a home game against Eye, all at 1pm. On Sunday, 23rd August, the Sunday 1st XI, second in Division 1, travel to second from bottom Sudbury and the Sunday 2nd XI host Stowupland, both at 1:30pm. The Ladies’ XI complete their season with an away game at Mistley, at 10am.
8th and 9th August 2015
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 221 (8 points), Vauxhall Mallards EAPCL 228-8 (30 points). Vauxhall Mallards won by 7 runs.
Mike Comber won the toss and inserted Mallards on a dry pitch under thin cloud cover. Opening the bowling from the Country end as usual, he struck Mallards’ opener on the hand with his third delivery but, bowling a short delivery next, was hit to the boundary. Mark Nunn had immediate success opening from the Town end, trapping captain Matt Plater leg before.
Mike Comber won the toss and inserted Mallards on a dry pitch under thin cloud cover. Opening the bowling from the Country end as usual, he struck Mallards’ opener on the hand with his third delivery but, bowling a short delivery next, was hit to the boundary. Mark Nunn had immediate success opening from the Town end, trapping captain Matt Plater leg before.
‘Keeper and slip, Tyler Lortan and Mike Comber, appeal successfully Photo: April Urquhart
Mike then produced a snorter of a delivery which struck Mitchell Todd, Mallards’ other opener, on the hand for Phil Godden to take a stunning catch high to his right at third slip.
Sean Park bowled frugally in tandem with James McKinney Photo: April Urquhart
Seizing the advantage, Mike brought James McKinney in to fourth slip, setting a really aggressive field. However it was with ball in hand that James really made an impact, replacing Mike at the Country end, and breaking a 50-run fourth wicket partnership when Mike Comber took a sharp catch at slip off James’ slow right arm bowling. In his next over he removed Sam Plater leg before, taking three wickets in the match, the best bowling of the innings.
Despite Ben Curran taking a late wicket with his occasional leg spin, Mallards finished on 228 for 8 at the compulsory declaration.
Ben Curran opened steadily but lost his partner, Ben Whittaker, early, Mallards’ Paul Bradshaw taking the first of his seven wickets. Bradshaw’s bowling dominated the match. Tom Curran, Phil Godden and Tyler Lortan were all victims of Bradshaw’s bowling and when Ben was out for a gritty 43 with the score on 81 for 5, Bury faced a steep challenge. Nevertheless they came very close indeed, Mike Comber making 83, Sean Park 29 and Mark Nunn 24. But when James McKinney became Bradshaw’s seventh victim, Bury were all out, agonisingly just 7 runs short.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 273-9 (18 points), Mistley 2nd XI 263-7 (9 points). Bury won by 10 runs.
Mistley won the toss and invited Adam Kizis to bat first on their compact ground which, with the hot weather and dry outfield, meant that anything that passed the ring was a boundary. Opening, Max Whittaker lost his wicket to a short pitched delivery which he gloved to the ‘keeper; the Umpire didn’t raise his finger, but to his enormous credit Max thought that he had made contact, and walked. James Over then put on over a hundred with Vivek Rajagopal, who was out just short of his century. When Ian Plumb came to the crease, he kept up the pace with a quick-fire half century, supported by Sam Bishop; Nick Curran steadied things as wickets fell and Bury closed on 273 for 9.
Mistley set about their target and found themselves in a commanding position but still needed to score at nine an over towards the end. Javed Imam and Vivek Rajagopal bowled with accuracy and made things hard, and combined with good fielding, Mistley ended up short by 10 runs.
Division 5: Stowmarket 222-7, (8 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 224-7 (18 points). Bury won by 3 wickets.
Kevin Dobson the toss and Stowmarket elected to bat. Alex Malcolm and Johnny Hayes bowled with their usual control and with the occasional ball staying low they managed to pick up a couple of early wickets. One of Stowmarket’s middle order hit 92 after being dropped on 0. Sandeep Singh bowled a tidy spell and took 4 wickets. Stowmarket finished on 223 for 7; s Kevin said afterwards, “A few more that we would have liked but certainly not too many for us to chase down if we batted sensibly.”
Bury lost Chris Honeyball early but then Mike Ginn and Chris Smith moved the score along nicely and Bury never fell behind the required run rate throughout their innings. All the batsman contributed, Chris Smith top scoring with 63, and Bury reached the target relatively comfortably despite a couple of careless run outs.
The win puts Bury 3rd XI well clear of the bottom and one more win from the last five games should ensure safety and a place in Division 5 again next season.
Division 8 West: Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 228-7 (18 points), Stowmarket 2nd XI 127-7 (5 points). Bury won by 101 runs.
Bury batted first and started badly, but when Nik Mayhew and Simon Aldous came together at the crease on 43-4, they put on 158 for the sixth wicket. Although Nik was out in the last over for 92, Simon’s innings of 72 in a total of 228 for 7 put Bury in control. Both Stowmarket’s opening bowlers bowled well, Driver taking 5 for 77 off 15 and Harry Tilbrook 2 for 45. In reply, Stowmarket were restricted to 127 for 7 thanks to tight bowling by all the Bury bowlers, but in particular Janek Raj, who took 3 for 24, and Leigh Mayhew, 2 for 44.
Ladies’ T20 Competition: Battisford Ladies’ XI 41 (0 points), Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI 45-0 (20 points). Bury won by 10 wickets.
Ben Curran opened steadily but lost his partner, Ben Whittaker, early, Mallards’ Paul Bradshaw taking the first of his seven wickets. Bradshaw’s bowling dominated the match. Tom Curran, Phil Godden and Tyler Lortan were all victims of Bradshaw’s bowling and when Ben was out for a gritty 43 with the score on 81 for 5, Bury faced a steep challenge. Nevertheless they came very close indeed, Mike Comber making 83, Sean Park 29 and Mark Nunn 24. But when James McKinney became Bradshaw’s seventh victim, Bury were all out, agonisingly just 7 runs short.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 273-9 (18 points), Mistley 2nd XI 263-7 (9 points). Bury won by 10 runs.
Mistley won the toss and invited Adam Kizis to bat first on their compact ground which, with the hot weather and dry outfield, meant that anything that passed the ring was a boundary. Opening, Max Whittaker lost his wicket to a short pitched delivery which he gloved to the ‘keeper; the Umpire didn’t raise his finger, but to his enormous credit Max thought that he had made contact, and walked. James Over then put on over a hundred with Vivek Rajagopal, who was out just short of his century. When Ian Plumb came to the crease, he kept up the pace with a quick-fire half century, supported by Sam Bishop; Nick Curran steadied things as wickets fell and Bury closed on 273 for 9.
Mistley set about their target and found themselves in a commanding position but still needed to score at nine an over towards the end. Javed Imam and Vivek Rajagopal bowled with accuracy and made things hard, and combined with good fielding, Mistley ended up short by 10 runs.
Division 5: Stowmarket 222-7, (8 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 224-7 (18 points). Bury won by 3 wickets.
Kevin Dobson the toss and Stowmarket elected to bat. Alex Malcolm and Johnny Hayes bowled with their usual control and with the occasional ball staying low they managed to pick up a couple of early wickets. One of Stowmarket’s middle order hit 92 after being dropped on 0. Sandeep Singh bowled a tidy spell and took 4 wickets. Stowmarket finished on 223 for 7; s Kevin said afterwards, “A few more that we would have liked but certainly not too many for us to chase down if we batted sensibly.”
Bury lost Chris Honeyball early but then Mike Ginn and Chris Smith moved the score along nicely and Bury never fell behind the required run rate throughout their innings. All the batsman contributed, Chris Smith top scoring with 63, and Bury reached the target relatively comfortably despite a couple of careless run outs.
The win puts Bury 3rd XI well clear of the bottom and one more win from the last five games should ensure safety and a place in Division 5 again next season.
Division 8 West: Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 228-7 (18 points), Stowmarket 2nd XI 127-7 (5 points). Bury won by 101 runs.
Bury batted first and started badly, but when Nik Mayhew and Simon Aldous came together at the crease on 43-4, they put on 158 for the sixth wicket. Although Nik was out in the last over for 92, Simon’s innings of 72 in a total of 228 for 7 put Bury in control. Both Stowmarket’s opening bowlers bowled well, Driver taking 5 for 77 off 15 and Harry Tilbrook 2 for 45. In reply, Stowmarket were restricted to 127 for 7 thanks to tight bowling by all the Bury bowlers, but in particular Janek Raj, who took 3 for 24, and Leigh Mayhew, 2 for 44.
Ladies’ T20 Competition: Battisford Ladies’ XI 41 (0 points), Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI 45-0 (20 points). Bury won by 10 wickets.
Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI 9th August 2015: Standing, left to right: Kayleigh Francis, Emma Ellis, Lauren Swinburne, Angela Jiggins, Helen Atkinson, Helen Coe. Seated, left to right: Alex Pierce-Saunderson, Kat Kitching, Esme Covington-Cross (Captain), Annie Page (Vice-Captain), Alex Stamford, Tooba Ahmed. Photo: April Urquhart
On a glorious Sunday morning, Bury Ladies captain, Esme Covington-Cross, won the toss and put Battisford in to bat. Emma Ellis opened the bowling from the Country End and, after a loosener which was sent over the fine leg boundary on one bounce, found the line and had Holly Ferney-Houghley bowled for 4. At the Town End, Alex Pierce-Saunderson quickly established the length to bowl and took two wickets, bowled and leg before, but also watched her skipper drop a catch at mid-on that looped up off a leading edge. When Esme Covington-Cross came on herself to bowl she was at least a yard faster than her team-mates, and with Alex Stamford bowling the most accurately of all, a nagging line on off-stump, Battisford struggled to establish themselves and were restricted to just 41 from 15 overs. Kathyrn Kitching, debutant Helen Atkinson and Alex Pierce-Saunderson each took 2 wickets.
Angela Jiggins opened the Bury innings with three fours off the first three balls she faced and, with an undefeated 28 and partnered well by Alex Stanford, steered Bury to victory in just three overs and five balls.
Angela Jiggins opened the Bury innings with three fours off the first three balls she faced and, with an undefeated 28 and partnered well by Alex Stanford, steered Bury to victory in just three overs and five balls.
Emma Ellis dislodged just the leg stump bail, leaving off in place Photo: April Urquhart
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Exning had relinquished their place in the League but played Bury Sunday 1st XI in a friendly fixture in place of the scheduled match. Simon Aldous led the team, and in the spirit of things, almost every team member bowled an over or two. Kevin Dobson scored mightily and everyone had a game of cricket when they might not have done. The result is immaterial.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Risby 256-4 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 230-9 (8 points). Risby won by 26 runs.
Risby won the toss and batted, posting a big total despite some accurate bowling. Bury could only make 230 in reply, but there were half centuries for Charlie Johnson and Yogesh Kumar.
Greene King Players of the Week: Phil Godden, stunning catch at slip equal to Ben Stokes’ effort; Max Whittaker, for walking, and upholding the finest spirit of the game; Nik Mayhew, rapid 92, setting up the win for the 4th XI.
Next weekend: Look no further than Sunday, 16th August, when Bury 1st XI play Ealing in the ECB T20 Semi-final, at the Victory Ground at 2pm. Phone a friend. Bring a friend. Elsewhere, on Saturday 15th August, the EAPCL XI play Great Witchingham away, at 11am. Both the 2nd XI and the 3rd XI are at home, playing East Bergholt and Maldon 2nd XI, respectively, at 1pm. Also on Sunday, the Sunday 1st XI play Battisford at the Victory Ground and the 2nd XI travel to Tuddenham, at 1:30pm. The Ladies’ XI have their penultimate match away to Felixstowe at 10am.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Risby 256-4 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 230-9 (8 points). Risby won by 26 runs.
Risby won the toss and batted, posting a big total despite some accurate bowling. Bury could only make 230 in reply, but there were half centuries for Charlie Johnson and Yogesh Kumar.
Greene King Players of the Week: Phil Godden, stunning catch at slip equal to Ben Stokes’ effort; Max Whittaker, for walking, and upholding the finest spirit of the game; Nik Mayhew, rapid 92, setting up the win for the 4th XI.
Next weekend: Look no further than Sunday, 16th August, when Bury 1st XI play Ealing in the ECB T20 Semi-final, at the Victory Ground at 2pm. Phone a friend. Bring a friend. Elsewhere, on Saturday 15th August, the EAPCL XI play Great Witchingham away, at 11am. Both the 2nd XI and the 3rd XI are at home, playing East Bergholt and Maldon 2nd XI, respectively, at 1pm. Also on Sunday, the Sunday 1st XI play Battisford at the Victory Ground and the 2nd XI travel to Tuddenham, at 1:30pm. The Ladies’ XI have their penultimate match away to Felixstowe at 10am.
1st and 2nd August 2015
On Sunday, 2nd August, the highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the 1st XI triumphing in the regional finals of the national T20 competition. The regional winners of the four Premier Cricket Leagues travelled to Finedon Dolben Cricket Club who are in the Northants Premier League. The ground is very picturesque, surrounded by houses set low with big banks close to the parish church.
Bury St Edmunds ECB T20 XI. Standing, left to right: Tyler Lorton, Adam Kizis, James McKinney, Tom Robotham, Phil Godden, Tom Curran, Ben Whittaker. Seated, left to right: Justin Bishop, Mark Nunn, Mike Comber (Captain), Sean Cooper, Sean Park, James Sturgeon (wicketkeeper). Photo: Mike Sturgeon.
The first match was won by Oundle Town of the Northants Premier League who beat Loughborough Town of the Leicestershire and Rutland Premier League, then Bury played Kimberley Institute. Mike Comber won the toss and batted, opening the batting with Justin Bishop. The pair set about Kimberley’s bowlers with a vengeance, and put on 80 at almost 2 runs a ball before Justin was out. Sean Park came in and showed his experience by taking a look at the bowling, making just 2 runs off his first 9 deliveries faced, then proceeded to score even faster than the openers, making 54 off his next 20 deliveries. A canny display from a very wise cricketer. When he was out for 56 Bury were on 160 with four overs and eight wickets in hand. Mike finished on an unbeaten 83 as Bury closed on a massive 218 for 4.
Kimberley were utterly intimidated by the task they faced and Bury were able to capitalise on the situation, taking wickets from the start and skittling them out for 97 in the twelfth over.
The final was then between Bury and Oundle town. Mike again won the toss and batted, but he was out, caught by the ‘keeper in the first over, much to Oundle’s relief, as they had been watching Mike’s demolition of Kimberley Institute with some trepidation. Justin Bishop, first with Phil Godden and then with Sean Park, took the initiative. Justin and Sean put on 63 and when James Sturgeon replaced Justin, he and Sean made 54 together; Sean Park was the glue that held the middle order together, displaying the full gamut of shots. When he was dismissed, James rallied the lower middle order and maintained the scoring momentum making 30 from the last four overs, including a splendid six into the pavilion.
Kimberley were utterly intimidated by the task they faced and Bury were able to capitalise on the situation, taking wickets from the start and skittling them out for 97 in the twelfth over.
The final was then between Bury and Oundle town. Mike again won the toss and batted, but he was out, caught by the ‘keeper in the first over, much to Oundle’s relief, as they had been watching Mike’s demolition of Kimberley Institute with some trepidation. Justin Bishop, first with Phil Godden and then with Sean Park, took the initiative. Justin and Sean put on 63 and when James Sturgeon replaced Justin, he and Sean made 54 together; Sean Park was the glue that held the middle order together, displaying the full gamut of shots. When he was dismissed, James rallied the lower middle order and maintained the scoring momentum making 30 from the last four overs, including a splendid six into the pavilion.
The second match Photo: Mike Sturgeon
A total of 159-6 was good without being commanding, and good discipline and keen fielding were going to be required to defend it. The bowlers did bowl accurately, and the catches were held; James McKinney’s off-spin frustrated the Oundle batsmen, and he took 3 wickets in his 4 overs, conceding just 26 runs. One of his dismissals involved a spectacular diving catch on the boundary by Tom Robotham. The pivotal moment, however, was undoubtedly when Oundle’s Cameron Wake, easily their best batsman, was scoring well when he hit Sean Cooper high and hard for Justin Bishop to take a catch on the boundary; a yard higher, or a yard to either side, and it would have been a six, and the direction of the game might have been quite different. As it was, Justin’s well-timed catch turned the game. Oundle’s tail were unable to make the runs, and they were all out six runs short of their target, with two balls left. The celebrations were deserved.
Bury are now in the last eight teams in England and Wales, and Champions of the East Midlands area. At the time of writing, a home fixture against Ealing, Champions of the Middlesex area, on 16th August seems likely, with a win putting the Club into Finals Day at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff. Wonderfully exciting times for the Club.
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Copdock and Old Ipswichians EAPCL XI 141 (2 points), Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 142-4 (25 points). Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI Won by 6 wickets.
The day was sponsored by Castons, the quantity surveyors, and the Solicitors Greene & Greene, whose cricket enthusiast, Mark Daly, spoke briefly to me about his firm’s involvement with the sport and with Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club, now in the second year of sponsorship.
Bury are now in the last eight teams in England and Wales, and Champions of the East Midlands area. At the time of writing, a home fixture against Ealing, Champions of the Middlesex area, on 16th August seems likely, with a win putting the Club into Finals Day at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff. Wonderfully exciting times for the Club.
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Copdock and Old Ipswichians EAPCL XI 141 (2 points), Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 142-4 (25 points). Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI Won by 6 wickets.
The day was sponsored by Castons, the quantity surveyors, and the Solicitors Greene & Greene, whose cricket enthusiast, Mark Daly, spoke briefly to me about his firm’s involvement with the sport and with Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club, now in the second year of sponsorship.
C&OI included Essex CCC’s Jaik Mickleburgh and, winning the toss, C&OI elected to bat on a firm wicket under cloudless skies. Bury opened the bowling with Mike Comber from the Country end, and he bowled his former Essex teammate Mickleburgh in his first over. Mark Nunn opened from the Town end and had Hugh Thomas caught behind from his third delivery, reducing C&OI to two wickets down without a run on the board. Mike then deepened C&OI’s misery, bowling Jed Cawkwell and having Martyn Cull caught by ‘keeper James Sturgeon, putting C&OI on 4 for 4 wickets.
Mike Comber bowled a long spell unchanged from the Country end Photo: April Urquhart
Sean Park came on first change and took two quick wickets, with former Bury player Tom Rash the only C&OI batsman to offer any resistance. When the players took drinks for the first time, Bury had reduced C&OI to 46-6. Justin Bishop replaced Sean Park and bowled left arm spin instead of his usual medium pace, and got turn and bounce out of the pitch from his first delivery. Meanwhile Tyler Lortan replaced Mike at the Country end with his leg spin, and the spinners bowling in tandem made it difficult for C&OI to score. The dismissal of James East brought sixteen year-old Fergus Atkins to the crease for his Premiership debut, and he immediately survived a sharp chance at slip off Justin’s spin, the ball not quite going to hand. Tom Robotham came on at the Country end straight after the lunch interval and had immediate success, bowling left arm fast to four slips to dismiss the persistent Tom Rash for 68, caught by James Sturgeon, who had a good game behind the stumps. Copdock were all out shortly after, leaving Bury a target of 142 to win.
Mark Nunn bowled economically Photo: April Urquhart
Bury opened their innings with Mike Comber and Ben Curran, who had been selected to play for Suffolk in a three-day Minor Counties game starting the next day. Mike was greeted with a beamer from James East, which he steered to leg for a single to get off the mark, going on to hit the hostile Matt Wareing back over his head for 4, followed by another boundary driven through mid on.
Ben Curran played some good shots but persistently found a fielder Photo: April Urquhart
Wareing then bowled Mike a short delivery, which he pulled in front of square for 4. An interesting duel was now developing between the two Suffolk players. Mike Comber and Ben Curran put on 41 for the first wicket when two wickets fell in rapid succession, Phil Godden’s run of bad luck continuing when he was given out leg before to a delivery which he felt he had hit.
It fell to Sean Park and Justin Bishop to see Bury home, which they did with a partnership of 92, winning the game by 6 wickets.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 175-7 (6 points), Brockley 176-4 (18 points). Brockley won by 6 wickets
Brockley won the toss and elected to field. Bury started strongly with Vivek and Tom Evans building a good partnership before Vivek lost his wicket. This bought Josh Toon to the crease. He started very slowly, scoring just 2 runs off 80 balls. When Tom Evans fell lbw it brought Ben Whittaker to the middle and he quickly hit 33, then Adam Kizis came in to assist Toon as he started to score runs easily. It allowed Kizis to score freely at the other end and he quickly got 28 off 17 balls before being bowled. Toon finished on 42 not out with Bury posting 175-7.
Brockley started quickly before Stuart Fisher was spectacularly run out by Ben Whittaker at mid wicket. Ben ran and swooped on the ball and with an under arm throw made a direct hit. Mark Geeves, a former Bury player, came to the crease and took the game away from Bury scoring an excellent 71 not out. Brockley ran out winners by six wickets.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Kesgrave 49 (0 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 52-0 (20 points). Bury St. Edmunds 3rd XI won by 10 wickets.
In another outstanding outcome in a terrific weekend, Kevin Dobson’s team overturned the result of the corresponding fixture earlier in the season when Kesgrave, seeking promotion from Division 5, made 382-2. Kevin won the toss and fielded first, and was soon among the wickets , Alex Malcolm again bowling with aggression, taking 2-22 and Jon Hayes a terrific 5 wickets for 21. Guy Robins cleaned up the tail with 3 for 2. Kesgrave were all out for 49.
After tea, Bury’s openers, Johnny Nicol (13 not out) and James Over (35 not out) made light work of the target and made the runs inside 13 overs, winning by the biggest possible margin, denting Kesgrave’s ambitions and moving towards safety in the league table.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Stradbrooke 161 (points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 147 (points). Stradbrooke won by 14 runs.
Stradbroke won the toss and batted. Ollie Self and Taylor Edwards bowled steadily, and towards the end of his spell got two wickets, both bowled. There was then a flurry of wickets for Janek Raj and Simon Aldous. Stradbroke were in a lot of trouble but their skipper Wise was batting very sensibly and scoring freely. Saurabh bowled well at the end to get 3 for 13. Generally, Bury’s fielding was poor, except for another good keeping display from Ellis Edwards, and some acrobatic stops from Tom Mann. Wise ended up with 77 not out in Stradbrooke’s total of 161, which included a lot of wides among the 34 extras.
Rob Johnson and Saurabh Gupta got Bury off to a reasonable start, but then Owen Morgan, head and shoulders the best bowler of the day, bowled both openers, and the scoreboard ground to a halt. When the skipper came in it was 31 for 4 off 21 overs. With Raj playing his own, inimitable way, things started to move forward, and he scored a magnificent straight six. Morgan showed his quality, bowling Raj at the end of his spell for 26. The onus was now on Captain Aldous, but the grizzled veteran just could not find the boundary, although Ellis Edwards offered good support. There was even a run of 8 successive 2s, but it was all in vain, Bury were all out for 147 in the last over, with the very tired Aldous finishing on an unbeaten 59.
In the Ladies’ T20 Competition, Copdock were unable to field a team and forfeited the match, and in the Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1, Brockley likewise conceded the match.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Nowton 2nd XI 233-4 (6 points), Bury Sunday 2nd XI 235-1 (20 points).
Nowton batted first and made 233-4. Taylor Edwards, Sandeep Singh, Tom Brame, and Charlie Cook all took wickets, with Tom the best conceding only 24 runs in 8 overs. The highlight, however, was Taylor who was on a hat-trick from the last match and took a wicket with his first delivery, completing his hat-trick, only the second of the season for the Club.
In reply, opening pair Saurabh Gupta and Charlie Johnson put on 174, after which Charlie went on to make exactly 100 with Saurabh not out at the close for 72. Ian plumb was not interested in singles and hit only fours and sixes making 42 to take Bury to victory in 32 overs.
Greene King Players of the Week:
It fell to Sean Park and Justin Bishop to see Bury home, which they did with a partnership of 92, winning the game by 6 wickets.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 175-7 (6 points), Brockley 176-4 (18 points). Brockley won by 6 wickets
Brockley won the toss and elected to field. Bury started strongly with Vivek and Tom Evans building a good partnership before Vivek lost his wicket. This bought Josh Toon to the crease. He started very slowly, scoring just 2 runs off 80 balls. When Tom Evans fell lbw it brought Ben Whittaker to the middle and he quickly hit 33, then Adam Kizis came in to assist Toon as he started to score runs easily. It allowed Kizis to score freely at the other end and he quickly got 28 off 17 balls before being bowled. Toon finished on 42 not out with Bury posting 175-7.
Brockley started quickly before Stuart Fisher was spectacularly run out by Ben Whittaker at mid wicket. Ben ran and swooped on the ball and with an under arm throw made a direct hit. Mark Geeves, a former Bury player, came to the crease and took the game away from Bury scoring an excellent 71 not out. Brockley ran out winners by six wickets.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Kesgrave 49 (0 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 52-0 (20 points). Bury St. Edmunds 3rd XI won by 10 wickets.
In another outstanding outcome in a terrific weekend, Kevin Dobson’s team overturned the result of the corresponding fixture earlier in the season when Kesgrave, seeking promotion from Division 5, made 382-2. Kevin won the toss and fielded first, and was soon among the wickets , Alex Malcolm again bowling with aggression, taking 2-22 and Jon Hayes a terrific 5 wickets for 21. Guy Robins cleaned up the tail with 3 for 2. Kesgrave were all out for 49.
After tea, Bury’s openers, Johnny Nicol (13 not out) and James Over (35 not out) made light work of the target and made the runs inside 13 overs, winning by the biggest possible margin, denting Kesgrave’s ambitions and moving towards safety in the league table.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Stradbrooke 161 (points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 147 (points). Stradbrooke won by 14 runs.
Stradbroke won the toss and batted. Ollie Self and Taylor Edwards bowled steadily, and towards the end of his spell got two wickets, both bowled. There was then a flurry of wickets for Janek Raj and Simon Aldous. Stradbroke were in a lot of trouble but their skipper Wise was batting very sensibly and scoring freely. Saurabh bowled well at the end to get 3 for 13. Generally, Bury’s fielding was poor, except for another good keeping display from Ellis Edwards, and some acrobatic stops from Tom Mann. Wise ended up with 77 not out in Stradbrooke’s total of 161, which included a lot of wides among the 34 extras.
Rob Johnson and Saurabh Gupta got Bury off to a reasonable start, but then Owen Morgan, head and shoulders the best bowler of the day, bowled both openers, and the scoreboard ground to a halt. When the skipper came in it was 31 for 4 off 21 overs. With Raj playing his own, inimitable way, things started to move forward, and he scored a magnificent straight six. Morgan showed his quality, bowling Raj at the end of his spell for 26. The onus was now on Captain Aldous, but the grizzled veteran just could not find the boundary, although Ellis Edwards offered good support. There was even a run of 8 successive 2s, but it was all in vain, Bury were all out for 147 in the last over, with the very tired Aldous finishing on an unbeaten 59.
In the Ladies’ T20 Competition, Copdock were unable to field a team and forfeited the match, and in the Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1, Brockley likewise conceded the match.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Nowton 2nd XI 233-4 (6 points), Bury Sunday 2nd XI 235-1 (20 points).
Nowton batted first and made 233-4. Taylor Edwards, Sandeep Singh, Tom Brame, and Charlie Cook all took wickets, with Tom the best conceding only 24 runs in 8 overs. The highlight, however, was Taylor who was on a hat-trick from the last match and took a wicket with his first delivery, completing his hat-trick, only the second of the season for the Club.
In reply, opening pair Saurabh Gupta and Charlie Johnson put on 174, after which Charlie went on to make exactly 100 with Saurabh not out at the close for 72. Ian plumb was not interested in singles and hit only fours and sixes making 42 to take Bury to victory in 32 overs.
Greene King Players of the Week:
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Mike Comber, leading from the front, commanding innings of 80 to set up the win in the T20 semi-final; Sean Park, experienced display throughout the weekend. Justin Bishop, crucial boundary catch and powerful batting. Jon Hayes, more aggressive fast bowling to destroy Kesgrave’s batting, and taking 5 for 21. Taylor Edwards, ever-improving bowling, taking a hat-trick; only the second for the Club this season. Charlie Johnson, first century for the Club; may you make many more.
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Next weekend: On Saturday, 8st August, the resurgent EAPCL XI play Vauxhall Mallards at the Victory Ground, at 11am, surely seeking a win to move above Norwich and Horsford, just 2 points bracketing the three teams at the foot of the league table. The 2nd XI face Mistley 2nd XI in an away game, the 3rd XI travel to Stowmarket and the 4th XI play Stowmarket 2nd XI at home, all at 1pm.
On Sunday, 9th August, the Ladies’ XI play Battisford at the Victory Ground at 10am, in their last home fixture of the season. A team photo will be taken to commemorate the occasion. In the afternoon, the Sunday 1st XI play Exning, away, and the Sunday 2nd XI also have an away match, at Risby, both at 1:30pm.
On Sunday, 9th August, the Ladies’ XI play Battisford at the Victory Ground at 10am, in their last home fixture of the season. A team photo will be taken to commemorate the occasion. In the afternoon, the Sunday 1st XI play Exning, away, and the Sunday 2nd XI also have an away match, at Risby, both at 1:30pm.
25th and 26th July 2015
On Saturday 25th July The Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League game against Saffron Walden, the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3 match against Copdock and Old Ipswichians 2nd XI, and the Division 8 West match against Stowupland all fell victims to the weather, as did the Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1 match against Haverhill and the Division 3 game against Mildenhall on Sunday.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Great Bromley 235-9 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 178 (8 points). Great Bromley won by 57 runs.
Despite the heavy overnight rain, the 3rd XI travelled to Great Bromley, who deserve great credit for managing to prepare a pitch in the conditions and without the benefit of covers. John Nicoll led the team in Kevin Dobson’s absence and, losing the toss, Bury were asked to bowl first on an unsurprisingly green wicket. Alex Malcolm and Billy Riddick opened the bowling with very tight lines, giving Bromley’s opening pair little opportunity to score. Billy Riddick took the first wicket in the third over, caught behind by stand-in ‘keeper Chris Honeyball, the first of his three excellent catches. The first change brought on young spinners Joel Meredith and Ollie Riddick who both bowled well on a wicket that didn't offer them much. Bromley’s opener, Hennessy, put on 100 runs with the number 5, Pine, before Alex Malcolm returned to the attack and broke the partnership, having Pine caught by Billy Riddick at square leg for 52. Alex Malcolm effected an elegant run-out with the use of his foot off his own bowling and after dismissing Hennessy for 130, he rattled through the remaining wickets to finish with 6 for 51 from 11 overs, an excellent bowling performance.
In reply, Bury opened with Pete Thearle and Chris Honeyball and quickly put on 40 before Honeyball was caught behind, bringing Joe Nicoll to the crease, playing his first and probably only game of the season due to university commitments. After Pete Thearle was out for 29, Joe Nicoll was joined by Tony Riddick and the pair took the game to Great Bromley, putting on a partnership of 97 before Tony was bowled for 36. The game was finely balanced and Joe Nicoll put Bury in range of chasing down the score until he was caught on the boundary for 72, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes on the way. The spectators enjoyed watching Neil Jefferies hit a classy sweep to the boundary but the tail failed to add much to the score with Bromley’s opening bowler Warring taking 7 wickets, and Bury finished 178 all out.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 132-3 (13 points), Ipswich and East Suffolk 39-5 (7 points). Match abandoned.
The Ladies’ team played I&ES at the Victory Ground with the threat of rain ever present. Bury lost the toss and were put into bat. Angela Jiggins made a quick 31 supported by Lauren Swinburne with an undefeated 23, and set I&ES the target of 132.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Great Bromley 235-9 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 178 (8 points). Great Bromley won by 57 runs.
Despite the heavy overnight rain, the 3rd XI travelled to Great Bromley, who deserve great credit for managing to prepare a pitch in the conditions and without the benefit of covers. John Nicoll led the team in Kevin Dobson’s absence and, losing the toss, Bury were asked to bowl first on an unsurprisingly green wicket. Alex Malcolm and Billy Riddick opened the bowling with very tight lines, giving Bromley’s opening pair little opportunity to score. Billy Riddick took the first wicket in the third over, caught behind by stand-in ‘keeper Chris Honeyball, the first of his three excellent catches. The first change brought on young spinners Joel Meredith and Ollie Riddick who both bowled well on a wicket that didn't offer them much. Bromley’s opener, Hennessy, put on 100 runs with the number 5, Pine, before Alex Malcolm returned to the attack and broke the partnership, having Pine caught by Billy Riddick at square leg for 52. Alex Malcolm effected an elegant run-out with the use of his foot off his own bowling and after dismissing Hennessy for 130, he rattled through the remaining wickets to finish with 6 for 51 from 11 overs, an excellent bowling performance.
In reply, Bury opened with Pete Thearle and Chris Honeyball and quickly put on 40 before Honeyball was caught behind, bringing Joe Nicoll to the crease, playing his first and probably only game of the season due to university commitments. After Pete Thearle was out for 29, Joe Nicoll was joined by Tony Riddick and the pair took the game to Great Bromley, putting on a partnership of 97 before Tony was bowled for 36. The game was finely balanced and Joe Nicoll put Bury in range of chasing down the score until he was caught on the boundary for 72, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes on the way. The spectators enjoyed watching Neil Jefferies hit a classy sweep to the boundary but the tail failed to add much to the score with Bromley’s opening bowler Warring taking 7 wickets, and Bury finished 178 all out.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 132-3 (13 points), Ipswich and East Suffolk 39-5 (7 points). Match abandoned.
The Ladies’ team played I&ES at the Victory Ground with the threat of rain ever present. Bury lost the toss and were put into bat. Angela Jiggins made a quick 31 supported by Lauren Swinburne with an undefeated 23, and set I&ES the target of 132.
Angela Jiggins opened the innings with a quick 31 Photo: April Urquhart
Alex Pierce-Saunderson’s improving bowling took 4 wickets Photo: April Urquhart
Bury had a very strong bowling line up with 8 regular bowlers and I&ES struggled against Bury’s disciplined performance. Four wickets from Alex Pierce-Saunderson backed up by Esme Covington-Cross meant that after 16 overs I&ES were had reached only 39-5, at which point the weather intervened, as it had threatened to do all morning. Deprived of taking winning points, Bury had to settle for the bonus points so far earned, frustrating a very good team effort.
Greene King Players of the Week: Alex Malcolm, outstanding display of bowling, taking 6 for 51; Joe Nicoll, dominating innings of 72 with 9 fours and 3 sixes.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 1st August, the EAPCL XI play Copdock and Old Ipswichians at the Victory Ground, at 11am. They played out a draw in the corresponding match in May. The 2nd XI face mid-table Brockley in an away game, the 3rd XI have a home fixture against Kesgrave and the 4th XI travel to Stradbrooke, all at 1pm.
On Sunday, 2nd August, a big day for the Club as the 1st XI play in the regional finals of the national T20 competition. Meanwhile, the Ladies’ XI travel to Copdock for 10am. In the afternoon, the Sunday 1st XI play Brockley, who they beat in May, at the Victory Ground and the Sunday 2nd XI travel up the road to play Nowton 2nd XI, both at 1:30pm.
Greene King Players of the Week: Alex Malcolm, outstanding display of bowling, taking 6 for 51; Joe Nicoll, dominating innings of 72 with 9 fours and 3 sixes.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 1st August, the EAPCL XI play Copdock and Old Ipswichians at the Victory Ground, at 11am. They played out a draw in the corresponding match in May. The 2nd XI face mid-table Brockley in an away game, the 3rd XI have a home fixture against Kesgrave and the 4th XI travel to Stradbrooke, all at 1pm.
On Sunday, 2nd August, a big day for the Club as the 1st XI play in the regional finals of the national T20 competition. Meanwhile, the Ladies’ XI travel to Copdock for 10am. In the afternoon, the Sunday 1st XI play Brockley, who they beat in May, at the Victory Ground and the Sunday 2nd XI travel up the road to play Nowton 2nd XI, both at 1:30pm.
18th and 19th July 2015
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 286-6 (30 points) Woolpit EAPCL 173 (4 points). Bury St Edmunds EAPCL won by 113 runs.
The twice yearly contest between Bury and our close neighbours, Woolpit, took place at the Victory Ground. Mike Comber won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first under perfect blue skies. In a change to the usual order, James Sturgeon opened the batting with Phil Godden, who has faced some very good deliveries first up this season and is a much better player than his recent scores would indicate, being dismissed without scoring in his last two innings. Hitting two from the first delivery he faced, Phil had to endure ironic cheers from his team-mates on the balcony. James survived a couple of chances but the pair otherwise looked comfortable at the crease and ran with understanding, seeing off Woolpit’s dangerous opening bowler, Will Parker, and putting on 72 for the first wicket when James was out, caught in the gulley for 38. The cricketing gods then displayed the full extent of their cruelty as, becalmed on 49 for three overs, Phil was caught by the ‘keeper off the thinnest of edges. Only the hardest of souls could fail to feel his pain as he left the field to the now sincere applause of his friends.
With the change of bowling Sean Park and Mike Comber looked to plunder runs and, although Mike was out, caught behind, shortly after lunch, Justin Bishop then joined Sean at the crease and the pair put on 135 together and took control of the game from early afternoon. Sean hit what must have been the shot of the day, a reverse sweep for 6 over backward point. Their batting allowed Mike to declare at 62 overs at 286-6, optimising the time available to dismiss Woolpit. It turned out to be a remarkably well-judged declaration.
The Woolpit reply started for Bury in the best possible way, with both Woolpit openers, Fran Bester and Andy Northcote, back in the pavilion with no runs on the board after just the equivalent of one old-fashioned Australian over. Once again it was the ever-maturing bowling of Mark Nunn that did the damage, taking 4 wickets in his 16 overs. He had a hand in the dismissal of both openers, one bowled and one caught on the deep fine leg boundary. Only veteran Craig Estlea offered any real resistance, scoring 107 before being trapped leg-before by Tyler Lortan’s leg spin, but Woolpit very nearly got out of jail with the last two batsmen hanging on into the evening. Mark Nunn had the Woolpit number 11 caught by Tyler Lortan to win the match, totally vindicating Mike Comber’s decision to declare at 62, rather than the more usual 64 overs.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 239-9 (17 points), Woolpit 204-5 (9 points). Bury St. Edmunds 2nd XI won by 35 runs.
Tom and the 2nd XI were hoping to repeat the corresponding fixture back in early May when they skittled Woolpit out inside 44 overs. Henry Colburn and Vivek Rajagopal put on 81 for the first wicket, Vivek going on to make a dominant 81 and sharing a second important partnership of 58 with Ian Plumb who made 53. The team, and the club, will miss Henry when he leaves the area.
Woolpit started well with their openers making 62 before the spin of Vivek had Oxley caught by that man Henry Colburn. Vivek dominated the bowling, conceding just three and a half runs from each of his 15 overs, and frustrating Woolpit who fell behind the asking rate and were 35 runs short at stumps. A very satisfying win with a totally dominating all-round performance by Vivek Rajagopal.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 129 (2 points), Wivenhoe 2nd XI 130-1 (20 points). Wivenhoe 2nd won by 9 wickets.
The 3rd XI were at home to league leaders, Wivenhoe 2nd XI, who they played in Arctic conditions in May. Kevin Dobson won the toss and batted first. None of Bury’s batsmen were able to get established, Mike Ginn surviving a couple of chances before being dismissed by Wivenhoe’s Tomkinson, who went on to take 5 wickets for 33. Mike Skelton offered some resistance, as did the dependable Jon Hayes, but Bury were dismissed for 129.
Wivenhoe set off at a pace, and lost only one wicket in reaching their target in 31 overs, with a margin of 9 wickets.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 149-2 (20 points) Nowton 2nd XI 146 (3 points). Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI won by 8 wickets.
The 4th XI, placed mid-table, travelled up the road to Nowton, to play their 2nd XI, hoping to repeat the outcome of the corresponding fixture, which they won comfortably. Simon Aldous decided to bowl first on one of the hottest days of the year on a pitch that for the first part of the game assisted the seamers greatly. Alex Malcolm produced a great spell, and got three important wickets, the second with a ball that moved away for a catch behind. Tom Curry was very unlucky not to get a wicket, mainly due to a rare error by the ‘keeper. After 15 overs, the two young bowlers, Samuel Aldous and Toby Johnson came in, and proceeded to get two wickets each. Nowton were all out for 141 in little more than 30 overs.
Facing a tricky chase, the momentum swung to Bury as Chris Honeyball and Rob Johnson put together an opening stand of 75. Chris was very much the dominant partner, eventually out for a very good 49 shortly after drinks, when Rob took up matters with good support from Ollie Riddick to see Bury home very easily with 72 not out.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 263 (20 points) Risby 262-9 (12 points).
A terrific contest took place between Bury and Risby, who won the toss and chose to bowl. Bury made a magnificent 263, dismissed in the 40th over. Mark Nunn played the dominant innings down the order, hitting 98, with Saurabh Gupta contributing 39. Risby made 262 for 9 in their 40 overs, losing by a single run. Sandeep Singh took 5 wickets, and the improving Ollie Riddick bowled the last over and kept his nerve, demonstrating maturity beyond his years, also taking 2 wickets.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 89-4 (5 points), Maldon 93-4 (17 points). Maldon won by 6 wickets.
Bury faced a long journey and a very green wicket in Maldon. Esme Covington-Cross lost the toss and Bury were put into bat. Bury lost 3 very quick wickets but there was then a strong partnership between Alex Stanford (24 not out) and Lauren Swinburne (12), which gave Bury some hope.
Setting Maldon a modest target of 90, Bury knew this would be an uphill battle. Wickets by Tooba Ahmed, Kayleigh Francis and Esme Covington-Cross were not enough as Maldon reached their target in 17 overs. A disappointing morning for the Ladies.
Greene King Players of the Week: Sean Park, 96, and Justin Bishop, 63, sharing a middle order partnership of 135 and taking control of the game for the 1st XI, and Mark Nunn, incisive bowling at the beginning and end of the Woolpit innings, and a terrific innings of 98 on Sunday. Vivek Rajagopal, continuing a terrific run of form with an utterly dominant performance with bat and ball, 81 runs and 15 miserly overs of spin winning the game for the 2nd XI; Ian Plumb, able assistance for Vivek and making 53 himself. Alex Malcolm for his 3 important wickets; Ollie Riddick, bowling the last over in a very tight finish, holding his nerve as the Sunday 2nd XI won by a single run.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 25th July, the 1st XI meet Saffron Walden away from home, with a bit of unfinished business following the rain-affected T20 Final. Mike Comber, Sean Park and James Sturgeon especially had a point to make after their excellent batting which was forfeited by the intervention of the rain. The match is at 11am. The 2nd XI are at home to Copdock 2nd XI, with the 3rd XI travelling to Great Bromley and the 4th XI entertaining Stowupland, hoping to improve on the corresponding fixture in May when they fell just 19 runs short in the run chase. These three matches start at 1pm.
On Sunday, 26th July, the Sunday 1st XI are at home to Haverhill, who they beat in a thrilling encounter in May, Tyler Lortan memorably putting the ball into the car park, twice. The Sunday 2nd XI travel to play Mildenhall 2nd XI, both games at 1:30.pm.
The twice yearly contest between Bury and our close neighbours, Woolpit, took place at the Victory Ground. Mike Comber won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first under perfect blue skies. In a change to the usual order, James Sturgeon opened the batting with Phil Godden, who has faced some very good deliveries first up this season and is a much better player than his recent scores would indicate, being dismissed without scoring in his last two innings. Hitting two from the first delivery he faced, Phil had to endure ironic cheers from his team-mates on the balcony. James survived a couple of chances but the pair otherwise looked comfortable at the crease and ran with understanding, seeing off Woolpit’s dangerous opening bowler, Will Parker, and putting on 72 for the first wicket when James was out, caught in the gulley for 38. The cricketing gods then displayed the full extent of their cruelty as, becalmed on 49 for three overs, Phil was caught by the ‘keeper off the thinnest of edges. Only the hardest of souls could fail to feel his pain as he left the field to the now sincere applause of his friends.
With the change of bowling Sean Park and Mike Comber looked to plunder runs and, although Mike was out, caught behind, shortly after lunch, Justin Bishop then joined Sean at the crease and the pair put on 135 together and took control of the game from early afternoon. Sean hit what must have been the shot of the day, a reverse sweep for 6 over backward point. Their batting allowed Mike to declare at 62 overs at 286-6, optimising the time available to dismiss Woolpit. It turned out to be a remarkably well-judged declaration.
The Woolpit reply started for Bury in the best possible way, with both Woolpit openers, Fran Bester and Andy Northcote, back in the pavilion with no runs on the board after just the equivalent of one old-fashioned Australian over. Once again it was the ever-maturing bowling of Mark Nunn that did the damage, taking 4 wickets in his 16 overs. He had a hand in the dismissal of both openers, one bowled and one caught on the deep fine leg boundary. Only veteran Craig Estlea offered any real resistance, scoring 107 before being trapped leg-before by Tyler Lortan’s leg spin, but Woolpit very nearly got out of jail with the last two batsmen hanging on into the evening. Mark Nunn had the Woolpit number 11 caught by Tyler Lortan to win the match, totally vindicating Mike Comber’s decision to declare at 62, rather than the more usual 64 overs.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 239-9 (17 points), Woolpit 204-5 (9 points). Bury St. Edmunds 2nd XI won by 35 runs.
Tom and the 2nd XI were hoping to repeat the corresponding fixture back in early May when they skittled Woolpit out inside 44 overs. Henry Colburn and Vivek Rajagopal put on 81 for the first wicket, Vivek going on to make a dominant 81 and sharing a second important partnership of 58 with Ian Plumb who made 53. The team, and the club, will miss Henry when he leaves the area.
Woolpit started well with their openers making 62 before the spin of Vivek had Oxley caught by that man Henry Colburn. Vivek dominated the bowling, conceding just three and a half runs from each of his 15 overs, and frustrating Woolpit who fell behind the asking rate and were 35 runs short at stumps. A very satisfying win with a totally dominating all-round performance by Vivek Rajagopal.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 129 (2 points), Wivenhoe 2nd XI 130-1 (20 points). Wivenhoe 2nd won by 9 wickets.
The 3rd XI were at home to league leaders, Wivenhoe 2nd XI, who they played in Arctic conditions in May. Kevin Dobson won the toss and batted first. None of Bury’s batsmen were able to get established, Mike Ginn surviving a couple of chances before being dismissed by Wivenhoe’s Tomkinson, who went on to take 5 wickets for 33. Mike Skelton offered some resistance, as did the dependable Jon Hayes, but Bury were dismissed for 129.
Wivenhoe set off at a pace, and lost only one wicket in reaching their target in 31 overs, with a margin of 9 wickets.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 149-2 (20 points) Nowton 2nd XI 146 (3 points). Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI won by 8 wickets.
The 4th XI, placed mid-table, travelled up the road to Nowton, to play their 2nd XI, hoping to repeat the outcome of the corresponding fixture, which they won comfortably. Simon Aldous decided to bowl first on one of the hottest days of the year on a pitch that for the first part of the game assisted the seamers greatly. Alex Malcolm produced a great spell, and got three important wickets, the second with a ball that moved away for a catch behind. Tom Curry was very unlucky not to get a wicket, mainly due to a rare error by the ‘keeper. After 15 overs, the two young bowlers, Samuel Aldous and Toby Johnson came in, and proceeded to get two wickets each. Nowton were all out for 141 in little more than 30 overs.
Facing a tricky chase, the momentum swung to Bury as Chris Honeyball and Rob Johnson put together an opening stand of 75. Chris was very much the dominant partner, eventually out for a very good 49 shortly after drinks, when Rob took up matters with good support from Ollie Riddick to see Bury home very easily with 72 not out.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 263 (20 points) Risby 262-9 (12 points).
A terrific contest took place between Bury and Risby, who won the toss and chose to bowl. Bury made a magnificent 263, dismissed in the 40th over. Mark Nunn played the dominant innings down the order, hitting 98, with Saurabh Gupta contributing 39. Risby made 262 for 9 in their 40 overs, losing by a single run. Sandeep Singh took 5 wickets, and the improving Ollie Riddick bowled the last over and kept his nerve, demonstrating maturity beyond his years, also taking 2 wickets.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 89-4 (5 points), Maldon 93-4 (17 points). Maldon won by 6 wickets.
Bury faced a long journey and a very green wicket in Maldon. Esme Covington-Cross lost the toss and Bury were put into bat. Bury lost 3 very quick wickets but there was then a strong partnership between Alex Stanford (24 not out) and Lauren Swinburne (12), which gave Bury some hope.
Setting Maldon a modest target of 90, Bury knew this would be an uphill battle. Wickets by Tooba Ahmed, Kayleigh Francis and Esme Covington-Cross were not enough as Maldon reached their target in 17 overs. A disappointing morning for the Ladies.
Greene King Players of the Week: Sean Park, 96, and Justin Bishop, 63, sharing a middle order partnership of 135 and taking control of the game for the 1st XI, and Mark Nunn, incisive bowling at the beginning and end of the Woolpit innings, and a terrific innings of 98 on Sunday. Vivek Rajagopal, continuing a terrific run of form with an utterly dominant performance with bat and ball, 81 runs and 15 miserly overs of spin winning the game for the 2nd XI; Ian Plumb, able assistance for Vivek and making 53 himself. Alex Malcolm for his 3 important wickets; Ollie Riddick, bowling the last over in a very tight finish, holding his nerve as the Sunday 2nd XI won by a single run.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 25th July, the 1st XI meet Saffron Walden away from home, with a bit of unfinished business following the rain-affected T20 Final. Mike Comber, Sean Park and James Sturgeon especially had a point to make after their excellent batting which was forfeited by the intervention of the rain. The match is at 11am. The 2nd XI are at home to Copdock 2nd XI, with the 3rd XI travelling to Great Bromley and the 4th XI entertaining Stowupland, hoping to improve on the corresponding fixture in May when they fell just 19 runs short in the run chase. These three matches start at 1pm.
On Sunday, 26th July, the Sunday 1st XI are at home to Haverhill, who they beat in a thrilling encounter in May, Tyler Lortan memorably putting the ball into the car park, twice. The Sunday 2nd XI travel to play Mildenhall 2nd XI, both games at 1:30.pm.
11th and 12th July 2015
On Sunday, 12th July, the highlight of the weekend was the 1st XI competing in the EAPL T20 Finals day, following their terrific performance in the qualifying round on 24th May when they emerged winners of their group. Each finalist had to play every other in the competition format.
Bury first played Vauxhall Mallards, who made 136 for 8 in their 20 overs. Sean Park took 3 wickets for 29 and James McKinney tied down one end with very economical spin bowling, conceding just 16 runs in 4 overs. Bury then produced a good batting performance, James Sturgeon top scoring with 34, Mike Comber 27 and the returning Simon Rees 26, but it was Phil Godden who hit the winning runs with two well-struck boundaries and one ball to spare.
Next up was Saffron Walden. Winning the toss, Mike Comber batted first. Saffron opened the bowling fashionably with off spin at one end, and Andrew Gale had Simon Rees stumped early on. Mike Comber and Sean Park then put the foot to the floor, and put on 57 together at better than a run a ball, and when Sean was out, it brought James Sturgeon to the crease, who then put on 50 for the fourth wicket with Mike Comber and although wickets fell quickly and cheaply at the end, Bury reached a competitive 124 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Heavy rain meant that the Bury v Saffron Walden game was abandoned with a point each to make time for the last game of the day, Saffron Walden against Vauxhall Mallards. The situation was that a win for Saffron would put them level on points with Bury, requiring a bowl-out. In the event this is exactly what happened and Bury faced the cruellest of all methods of deciding a match. Five nominated bowlers from each team bowled two deliveries each at the stumps, and the highest number of hits won. Mercifully, Bury’s bowlers were the most accurate, with Sean Cooper, Sean Park and Mark Nunn hitting once and Adam Kizis striking twice, an aggregate of five to Saffron’s one; and so Bury became East Anglian T20 Champions, and play the other East of England Champions on 2nd August.
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Norwich EAPCL XI 200 (30 points), Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 155 (6 points). Norwich EAPCL won by 45 runs.
Mike Comber and the 1st XI travelled to Postwick to play Norwich, who were also uncomfortably placed at the bottom of the East Anglian Cricket Premier League. Norwich won the toss and decided to bat, to Bury’s dismay, as Mike might have preferred to bat first. Bury bowled with tight discipline and were rewarded with early wickets, and at lunch, on 35 overs, Norwich were 97 for 3. Sean Cooper took two wickets, with Phil Godden taking a brilliant forward diving catch to dismiss Ashley Watson, the Norwich captain. Tyler Lortan was the dominant bowler, taking 4 wickets for 51 and wrapping up the Norwich tail, with Sean Cooper and Sean Park taking two wickets each. Norwich were all out for exactly 200 inside 60 overs.
The target seemed achievable and Mike Comber opened the batting with Ben Curran. When Mike was caught at slip for 11, Tyler Lortan joined Ben at the crease and picked up the pace, scoring at a run a ball. However Ashley Watson came on first change and took two wickets in his first over, Ben Curran for 7 and Phil Godden, uncharacteristically and disappointingly out without scoring for the second week running. Sean Park joined Tyler and they put on 66 together before Sean was bowled by Aaron Watson. Tyler was caught off a wide delivery for 74 and James Sturgeon was left to rally the tail, and ended with 15 not out, but he ran out of partners as Bury were dismissed for 155, losing by 45 runs to a team they really needed to beat.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 116 (4 points), Brightlingsea 117-7 (20 points). Brightlingsea won by 3 wickets.
Adam Kizis captained the 2nd XI as they took on Brightlingsea, fourth from bottom, and who, in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season, won with only 3 balls to spare. Adam won the toss and batted, losing the usually-dependable Vivek Rajagopal early after he had played some expansive shots, followed by Henry Colburn, leg before. It was James McKinney who gave some respectability with a pugnacious innings, reaching 51 before holing out on the long-on boundary. Brightlingsea wrapped up matters shortly afterwards, dismissing Bury for 116 inside 28 overs.
Bury first played Vauxhall Mallards, who made 136 for 8 in their 20 overs. Sean Park took 3 wickets for 29 and James McKinney tied down one end with very economical spin bowling, conceding just 16 runs in 4 overs. Bury then produced a good batting performance, James Sturgeon top scoring with 34, Mike Comber 27 and the returning Simon Rees 26, but it was Phil Godden who hit the winning runs with two well-struck boundaries and one ball to spare.
Next up was Saffron Walden. Winning the toss, Mike Comber batted first. Saffron opened the bowling fashionably with off spin at one end, and Andrew Gale had Simon Rees stumped early on. Mike Comber and Sean Park then put the foot to the floor, and put on 57 together at better than a run a ball, and when Sean was out, it brought James Sturgeon to the crease, who then put on 50 for the fourth wicket with Mike Comber and although wickets fell quickly and cheaply at the end, Bury reached a competitive 124 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Heavy rain meant that the Bury v Saffron Walden game was abandoned with a point each to make time for the last game of the day, Saffron Walden against Vauxhall Mallards. The situation was that a win for Saffron would put them level on points with Bury, requiring a bowl-out. In the event this is exactly what happened and Bury faced the cruellest of all methods of deciding a match. Five nominated bowlers from each team bowled two deliveries each at the stumps, and the highest number of hits won. Mercifully, Bury’s bowlers were the most accurate, with Sean Cooper, Sean Park and Mark Nunn hitting once and Adam Kizis striking twice, an aggregate of five to Saffron’s one; and so Bury became East Anglian T20 Champions, and play the other East of England Champions on 2nd August.
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Norwich EAPCL XI 200 (30 points), Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 155 (6 points). Norwich EAPCL won by 45 runs.
Mike Comber and the 1st XI travelled to Postwick to play Norwich, who were also uncomfortably placed at the bottom of the East Anglian Cricket Premier League. Norwich won the toss and decided to bat, to Bury’s dismay, as Mike might have preferred to bat first. Bury bowled with tight discipline and were rewarded with early wickets, and at lunch, on 35 overs, Norwich were 97 for 3. Sean Cooper took two wickets, with Phil Godden taking a brilliant forward diving catch to dismiss Ashley Watson, the Norwich captain. Tyler Lortan was the dominant bowler, taking 4 wickets for 51 and wrapping up the Norwich tail, with Sean Cooper and Sean Park taking two wickets each. Norwich were all out for exactly 200 inside 60 overs.
The target seemed achievable and Mike Comber opened the batting with Ben Curran. When Mike was caught at slip for 11, Tyler Lortan joined Ben at the crease and picked up the pace, scoring at a run a ball. However Ashley Watson came on first change and took two wickets in his first over, Ben Curran for 7 and Phil Godden, uncharacteristically and disappointingly out without scoring for the second week running. Sean Park joined Tyler and they put on 66 together before Sean was bowled by Aaron Watson. Tyler was caught off a wide delivery for 74 and James Sturgeon was left to rally the tail, and ended with 15 not out, but he ran out of partners as Bury were dismissed for 155, losing by 45 runs to a team they really needed to beat.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 116 (4 points), Brightlingsea 117-7 (20 points). Brightlingsea won by 3 wickets.
Adam Kizis captained the 2nd XI as they took on Brightlingsea, fourth from bottom, and who, in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season, won with only 3 balls to spare. Adam won the toss and batted, losing the usually-dependable Vivek Rajagopal early after he had played some expansive shots, followed by Henry Colburn, leg before. It was James McKinney who gave some respectability with a pugnacious innings, reaching 51 before holing out on the long-on boundary. Brightlingsea wrapped up matters shortly afterwards, dismissing Bury for 116 inside 28 overs.
Javed Imam just made his ground Photo: April Urquhart
Ian Plumb watches the ball, and Henry Colburn stands tall, as he plays square of the wicket Photographs: April Urquhart
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James McKinney played a combative innings of 51 Photo: April Urquhart
Bury were going to have to work hard to defend the low total they had posted, but Brightlingsea’s openers got off to a flyer and put on 63 before Javed Imam had MacDonald caught by the excellent wicketkeeper, Max Whittaker. Despite Vivek taking 5 for 47, Brightlingsea reached their target.
Max Whittaker kept wicket well; Chris Thomas returns the ball to Adam Kizis Photos: April Urquhart
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Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Harwich and Dovercourt 281 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 124 (6 points). Harwich & D. won by 157 runs.
The 3rd XI travelled to Harwich and Dovercourt to find the ground bathed in glorious sun and surprisingly without the usual North Sea gales coming off the beach. Kevin Dobson won the toss, but had to put Harwich and Dovercourt in to bat as a tactical ploy towards picking up a few points. Alex Malcolm got an early breakthrough but after that Harwich took control and set a target that was always going to be well out of reach. Young off spin bowler Joel Meredith again showed promise as did Hassam Dahar. Newcomer Conner Roberts picked up a couple of wickets, his figures being ruined by one over where a 4 was edged through the slip area, there were 5 over throws and a top edged 6 dropped over the third man boundary. He looks a decent acquisition. Billy Riddick bowled very well, probably the best he has bowled this season again picking up 2 wickets and the ever dependable Johnny Hayes finished off one end at the death taking 2 for 12. Alex Malcolm picked up 4 wickets including one the last over of the innings, which gave Bury the desired 5 bowling points.
Bury lacked any regular openers so Mike Skelton and Owen Grisby stood in. Mike hit a very useful 50 and the rest all made little contributions but still ended up 124 all out, losing by 157 runs.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Brockley 2nd XI 245-9 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 246-4 (19 points). Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI won by 6 wickets.
The 3rd XI travelled to Harwich and Dovercourt to find the ground bathed in glorious sun and surprisingly without the usual North Sea gales coming off the beach. Kevin Dobson won the toss, but had to put Harwich and Dovercourt in to bat as a tactical ploy towards picking up a few points. Alex Malcolm got an early breakthrough but after that Harwich took control and set a target that was always going to be well out of reach. Young off spin bowler Joel Meredith again showed promise as did Hassam Dahar. Newcomer Conner Roberts picked up a couple of wickets, his figures being ruined by one over where a 4 was edged through the slip area, there were 5 over throws and a top edged 6 dropped over the third man boundary. He looks a decent acquisition. Billy Riddick bowled very well, probably the best he has bowled this season again picking up 2 wickets and the ever dependable Johnny Hayes finished off one end at the death taking 2 for 12. Alex Malcolm picked up 4 wickets including one the last over of the innings, which gave Bury the desired 5 bowling points.
Bury lacked any regular openers so Mike Skelton and Owen Grisby stood in. Mike hit a very useful 50 and the rest all made little contributions but still ended up 124 all out, losing by 157 runs.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Brockley 2nd XI 245-9 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 246-4 (19 points). Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI won by 6 wickets.
4th XI developing players who contributed mightily to their team’s win: left to right, Ellis Edwards, Toby Johnson, Will Green, Oliver Riddick and Oliver Selfe. Photograph: April Urquhart
On another warm Saturday, stand-in Captain Tony Riddick lost the toss and Brockley chose to bat. The Bury 4th XI took to the field with 5 under-15 players including the debutant Olli Selfe. It was Olli who opened the bowling and he impressed with economical quick bowling and a wicket in his first spell, his first wicket in adult cricket. Alex Sudjith bowled well with little luck as did Taylor Edwards. Ollie Riddick bowled some excellent leg spin ending with 3-56 off ten overs, clean bowling the opening batsman, Brockley’s captain, for nought. Toby Johnson bowled tightly before Olli Selfe came back and took 2 wickets ending with 3 for 35 off 8 overs.
Faced with a target of 245, Bury started well with Saurabh Gupta scoring a rapid 43; then Janek Raj helped the score on with a quick 15. Ollie Selfe came in at five and scored an excellent 12, ably supporting Rob Johnson who by this time was gathering runs. Captain Tony Riddick came in with the score on 123-4 and helped see Bury reach their target with 10 overs to spare, scoring 68 not out, with 12 fours and a six, with Rob Johnson, who hit a match-winning 96 not out.
Faced with a target of 245, Bury started well with Saurabh Gupta scoring a rapid 43; then Janek Raj helped the score on with a quick 15. Ollie Selfe came in at five and scored an excellent 12, ably supporting Rob Johnson who by this time was gathering runs. Captain Tony Riddick came in with the score on 123-4 and helped see Bury reach their target with 10 overs to spare, scoring 68 not out, with 12 fours and a six, with Rob Johnson, who hit a match-winning 96 not out.
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Olly Riddick bowled accurate right arm wrist spin, and Ellis Edwards again kept wicket tidily
Photos: April Urquhart
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Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Mildenhall 242-5 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 148-6 (4 points). Mildenhall won by 94 runs.
Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI are now second in the table despite losing to Mildenhall. Neil Jefferies fielded a depleted team as the fixture clashed with the EAPCL T20 at Horsford. Having lost the toss, Neil fielded. The Mildenhall openers took to Bury’s young seam attack with Joe Reed hitting the ball to the short boundary at regular intervals. Things may have been different had a catch been taken in the second over when Reed was on two as, after a break for rain, he went on to score 79. He was finally removed by the ever improving leg spin of Hassam Dahar. There then followed a period where Bury applied pressure with Hassam and Tyler Lortan bowling in tandem. Neil Jefferies then replaced Hassam and the spin attack continued to exert pressure with Neil finishing on 2 for 21. However, this then brought Suffolk player Ben Shepperson to the crease and he plundered 59 from the last five overs to help Mildenhall reach 242 for five.
In reply, Bury opened with Sam Bishop and Tyler Lortan. Sam failed to pick Reed’s wrong’un and he was bowled for five. Tyler then set about the Mildenhall attack specifically targeting the short boundary which Mildenhall loaded with fielders once they had cottoned on to his tactics. Tyler was out to a very good catch that would otherwise have resulted in a flat six. Josh Toon (23) and Henry Colburn then started to right the ship with Henry going on to score an undefeated 77. Unfortunately, the target was always too much for Bury and they finished on 148 for six.
Whilst it was disappointing to suffer such a heavy defeat, the young players did very well, particularly Charlie Cook and Connor Roberts for their bowling and Max Whittaker who kept extremely well. Henry Colburn had one of his last matches for Bury before moving away from the area. He scored an unbeaten 77 and took two catches off the bowling of Neil Jefferies.
The Sunday 2nd XI reached 135 for 7 against Brettenham before rain ended the day. Charlie Johnson batted well for 43.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 113-3 (18 points), Frinton 60-7 (2 points). Bury St. Edmunds Ladies won by 53 runs.
Esme Covington-Cross took the Ladies’ team to Frinton knowing strong team work would have to see them through travelling with only 9 players. Losing the toss Bury were put into bat. With her usual dominance at the crease, Angela Jiggins was made to work for her 52 not out. She was supported by Fliss Cleverley with 12 and Helen Coe with 12 not out, as Bury set Frinton the target of 113.
Bury worked hard in the field supporting each bowler, the pick was player of the match Esme Covington-Cross who completed a hat trick and finished with 4 wickets for just 9 runs. Frinton could only reach 60, completing Bury Ladies’ win.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, captain’s performance in the T20 Finals day, 27 and 64 in the two matches; James Sturgeon, good weekend with the bat and top scoring in the T20 win over Vauxhall Mallards; Adam Kizis, coolest and most accurate in a white-knuckle conclusion to the T20 final. Tyler Lortan, all round performance in the EAPCL match, 4 for 51 and 74 with the bat. Vivek Rajagopal, 5 for 47; Mike Skelton, standing in as opener and making a useful 50. Olli Selfe, first wicket in adult cricket; well done. Tony Riddick, standing in for Simon Aldous taking the 4th XI to a terrific win with a run chase of 246, contributing an unbeaten 68; Rob Johnson, magnificent 96 not out. Henry Colburn, undefeated 77 for the Sunday 1st XI. Making the Club’s first hat-trick of the season, Esme Covington-Cross.
Next weekend: Saturday, 18th July and It’s that time again, the local Derby against Woolpit for the EAPCL XI, at the Victory Ground, at 11am. The 2nd XI take on Woolpit away, hoping to repeat the corresponding fixture when Tom’s team skittled Woolpit out inside 44 overs. The 3rd XI are at home to Wivenhoe 2nd XI, who they played in Arctic conditions in May, and lost. The 4th XI travel up the road to Nowton, to play their 2nd XI, hoping to repeat the outcome of the corresponding fixture, which was won comfortably due to Rob Johnson and Saurabh Gupta.
On Sunday, 19th July, the 2nd XI travel to Risby. The Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI have an away game at Maldon, who forfeited the corresponding fixture earlier in the season.
Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI are now second in the table despite losing to Mildenhall. Neil Jefferies fielded a depleted team as the fixture clashed with the EAPCL T20 at Horsford. Having lost the toss, Neil fielded. The Mildenhall openers took to Bury’s young seam attack with Joe Reed hitting the ball to the short boundary at regular intervals. Things may have been different had a catch been taken in the second over when Reed was on two as, after a break for rain, he went on to score 79. He was finally removed by the ever improving leg spin of Hassam Dahar. There then followed a period where Bury applied pressure with Hassam and Tyler Lortan bowling in tandem. Neil Jefferies then replaced Hassam and the spin attack continued to exert pressure with Neil finishing on 2 for 21. However, this then brought Suffolk player Ben Shepperson to the crease and he plundered 59 from the last five overs to help Mildenhall reach 242 for five.
In reply, Bury opened with Sam Bishop and Tyler Lortan. Sam failed to pick Reed’s wrong’un and he was bowled for five. Tyler then set about the Mildenhall attack specifically targeting the short boundary which Mildenhall loaded with fielders once they had cottoned on to his tactics. Tyler was out to a very good catch that would otherwise have resulted in a flat six. Josh Toon (23) and Henry Colburn then started to right the ship with Henry going on to score an undefeated 77. Unfortunately, the target was always too much for Bury and they finished on 148 for six.
Whilst it was disappointing to suffer such a heavy defeat, the young players did very well, particularly Charlie Cook and Connor Roberts for their bowling and Max Whittaker who kept extremely well. Henry Colburn had one of his last matches for Bury before moving away from the area. He scored an unbeaten 77 and took two catches off the bowling of Neil Jefferies.
The Sunday 2nd XI reached 135 for 7 against Brettenham before rain ended the day. Charlie Johnson batted well for 43.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 113-3 (18 points), Frinton 60-7 (2 points). Bury St. Edmunds Ladies won by 53 runs.
Esme Covington-Cross took the Ladies’ team to Frinton knowing strong team work would have to see them through travelling with only 9 players. Losing the toss Bury were put into bat. With her usual dominance at the crease, Angela Jiggins was made to work for her 52 not out. She was supported by Fliss Cleverley with 12 and Helen Coe with 12 not out, as Bury set Frinton the target of 113.
Bury worked hard in the field supporting each bowler, the pick was player of the match Esme Covington-Cross who completed a hat trick and finished with 4 wickets for just 9 runs. Frinton could only reach 60, completing Bury Ladies’ win.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, captain’s performance in the T20 Finals day, 27 and 64 in the two matches; James Sturgeon, good weekend with the bat and top scoring in the T20 win over Vauxhall Mallards; Adam Kizis, coolest and most accurate in a white-knuckle conclusion to the T20 final. Tyler Lortan, all round performance in the EAPCL match, 4 for 51 and 74 with the bat. Vivek Rajagopal, 5 for 47; Mike Skelton, standing in as opener and making a useful 50. Olli Selfe, first wicket in adult cricket; well done. Tony Riddick, standing in for Simon Aldous taking the 4th XI to a terrific win with a run chase of 246, contributing an unbeaten 68; Rob Johnson, magnificent 96 not out. Henry Colburn, undefeated 77 for the Sunday 1st XI. Making the Club’s first hat-trick of the season, Esme Covington-Cross.
Next weekend: Saturday, 18th July and It’s that time again, the local Derby against Woolpit for the EAPCL XI, at the Victory Ground, at 11am. The 2nd XI take on Woolpit away, hoping to repeat the corresponding fixture when Tom’s team skittled Woolpit out inside 44 overs. The 3rd XI are at home to Wivenhoe 2nd XI, who they played in Arctic conditions in May, and lost. The 4th XI travel up the road to Nowton, to play their 2nd XI, hoping to repeat the outcome of the corresponding fixture, which was won comfortably due to Rob Johnson and Saurabh Gupta.
On Sunday, 19th July, the 2nd XI travel to Risby. The Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI have an away game at Maldon, who forfeited the corresponding fixture earlier in the season.
4th and 5th July 2015
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Horsford EAPCL XI 147 (2 points), Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 148-4 (25 points). Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI won by 6 wickets.
The thermometer had already reached 28⁰c when the toss was won by Horsford, who decided to bat on a day that was always going to be hard work for fast bowlers. Before the start of the match, umpire Roy Fountain called the teams together and asked that all observe a minutes’ silence to honour the memory of Philip Heathcote, an East Anglian Umpire who lost his life in the Tunisian atrocity, and to hold in our thoughts his widow, Allison, who remains in a life threatening condition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
The thermometer had already reached 28⁰c when the toss was won by Horsford, who decided to bat on a day that was always going to be hard work for fast bowlers. Before the start of the match, umpire Roy Fountain called the teams together and asked that all observe a minutes’ silence to honour the memory of Philip Heathcote, an East Anglian Umpire who lost his life in the Tunisian atrocity, and to hold in our thoughts his widow, Allison, who remains in a life threatening condition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
Umpire Roy Fountain calls the teams together at the Victory Ground on Saturday, 4th July to honour the memory of umpire Philip Heathcote, killed in the Tunisia atrocity. Photograph: April Urquhart
Bury St Edmunds 1st XI 4 July 2015
Standing, left to right: Tyler Lortan, Mark Nunn, Tom Curran, Phil Godden, Ben Curran, Ben Whittaker, and John Williams (Scorer)
Seated, left to right: Sean Park, Sean Cooper, Mike Comber (Captain), Justin Bishop, James Sturgeon (Wicketkeeper). Photograph: April Urquhart
At the start of the day, Horsford sat just two places above Bury in the Premier League and it was going to be a tense day for both clubs. Mike Comber came steaming in from the Country End, full of menace and intent, but it was Mark Nunn who had Ben France caught by Justin Bishop at first slip, followed quickly by Nathan Perry-Warnes, bowled for 17. Bury were able to set aggressive fields and runs to third man were conceded in the interests of having four, sometimes five, slips in place, particularly for the threatening Mark Nunn. Wickets fell regularly for the opening bowlers, toiling in the sun, and at the first change of bowling, after 22 overs, Horsford had been reduced to 74 for 6. Sean Cooper came on and could have had a wicket straight away, a sharp chance at third slip going to ground. Sean Park replaced Mark Nunn at the Town End and took a wicket with his first delivery, sending Robbie Bridgstock’s middle stump cartwheeling out of the ground, and then had Elliott Doyle leg-before. Horsford’s captain Darren Smith offered some resistance and reached 50 just before lunch, but was bowled by Mark Nunn immediately after for 69, ending the Horsford innings on 147. Mark Nunn finished with 5 wickets for 65.
Four slips and a short fine leg, and a purposeful Mike Comber Photos: April Urquhart
Darren Smith was made to duck by Sean Park Photo: April Urquhart
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Runs went to third man but it allowed Mike to keep an aggressive slip cordon in place Photo: April Urquhart
Ben Curran and Mike Comber opened the batting for Bury, but lost Ben with just 2 runs on the board, and Phil Godden immediately after, without scoring. Tyler Lortan got off the mark with an elegant cover drive and then, with his captain, set about rebuilding the Bury innings.
Tyler Lortan had to rebuild Photograph: April Urquhart
However he was shortly out, leg before to Ben France, and Sean Park followed first ball, putting France on a hat-trick. On 42-4, the game appeared to be shifting towards Horsford, but Mike Comber and former captain and wise head Justin Bishop dug in. Mike Comber played some magnificent strokes and dominated the bowling, standing tall at the crease and using his long reach to score all around the ground.
Mike Comber played a commanding innings and won the game for Bury Photograph: April Urquhart
Alex Malcolm bowled right arm, seam up, fast medium Photo: April Urquhart
A full gallery of supporters endured a sometimes nervous passage of play as the pair built a partnership. As the target grew closer, so the confidence grew, and shortly after passing the hundred, for the second consecutive Saturday, Mike Comber together with Justin Bishop won the game by 6 wickets. The lights were on in the pavilion late into the night.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Coggeshall 2nd XI 193-5 (19 points) Bury St -Edmunds 2nd XI 191-9 (6 points). Coggeshall 2nd XI won by 5 wickets.
Bury 2nd XI travelled to Coggeshall, hoping to avenge their home defeat on the first weekend of the season. The team’s scorer, Janet Steward, was taken ill in the heat; we all wish her well for her recovery. Bury won the toss, elected to bat and Vivek Rajagopal and Henry Colburn built an opening partnership of 65 before Vivek lost his wicket for 42. Bury then lost 4 quick wickets which bought the arrival of the young promising Max Whittaker to the crease. He wasted no time in getting off the mark and gradually began to build a partnership with Colburn after bringing up his 50. When Henry was out for 65, Adam Kizis came to crease and added a quick fire 20. Finally, Max was out for a magnificent 32, and Bury posted a respectable 191 for 9.
In reply, Coggeshall came out of the blocks fast and quickly started to whittle the runs away, but the captain brought on Vivek Rajagopal who bowled an almost unplayable spell of bowling of 15 overs, taking 3 for 28. Despite Vivek, Coggeshall needed just 6 in the last over to win. They got the runs comfortably, resulting in a 5 wicket defeat for Bury 2nd XI.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Nacton 256 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 206 (10 points) Nacton won by 50 runs.
Bury 3rd XI played Nacton at the Victory Ground on the hottest day of the year so far. Kevin Dobson managed to lose the toss and it was no surprise that Nacton chose to bat first in bright sunshine. The Bury bowlers had to work hard in the heat. Alex Malcolm opened from the Town End and, taking an early wicket, continued his business-like brand of fast medium bowling, while Tom Robotham took the other end and bowled with pace and aggression, taking three wickets. Joel Meredith, making his debut, took a couple of wickets and looks a good prospect. Unfortunately for the third Saturday in the last four Bury lost a top order batsman, injured in the field. Sandeep Singh managed to reduce his own dislocated finger after it was put out by a wild throw in. Nacton built a commanding total, eventually dismissed for 256.
The Bury reply started badly, with Nacton’s opening bowler, Bush, proving a challenge, bowling 15 overs in two spells and taking 5 for 41. It was the captain, Kevin Dobson, who with Tom Robotham coming in at number eight, restored some respectability and when Kevin Dobson was out, Jon Hayes came to the crease and took over seamlessly from where his captain had left off.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Coggeshall 2nd XI 193-5 (19 points) Bury St -Edmunds 2nd XI 191-9 (6 points). Coggeshall 2nd XI won by 5 wickets.
Bury 2nd XI travelled to Coggeshall, hoping to avenge their home defeat on the first weekend of the season. The team’s scorer, Janet Steward, was taken ill in the heat; we all wish her well for her recovery. Bury won the toss, elected to bat and Vivek Rajagopal and Henry Colburn built an opening partnership of 65 before Vivek lost his wicket for 42. Bury then lost 4 quick wickets which bought the arrival of the young promising Max Whittaker to the crease. He wasted no time in getting off the mark and gradually began to build a partnership with Colburn after bringing up his 50. When Henry was out for 65, Adam Kizis came to crease and added a quick fire 20. Finally, Max was out for a magnificent 32, and Bury posted a respectable 191 for 9.
In reply, Coggeshall came out of the blocks fast and quickly started to whittle the runs away, but the captain brought on Vivek Rajagopal who bowled an almost unplayable spell of bowling of 15 overs, taking 3 for 28. Despite Vivek, Coggeshall needed just 6 in the last over to win. They got the runs comfortably, resulting in a 5 wicket defeat for Bury 2nd XI.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Nacton 256 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 206 (10 points) Nacton won by 50 runs.
Bury 3rd XI played Nacton at the Victory Ground on the hottest day of the year so far. Kevin Dobson managed to lose the toss and it was no surprise that Nacton chose to bat first in bright sunshine. The Bury bowlers had to work hard in the heat. Alex Malcolm opened from the Town End and, taking an early wicket, continued his business-like brand of fast medium bowling, while Tom Robotham took the other end and bowled with pace and aggression, taking three wickets. Joel Meredith, making his debut, took a couple of wickets and looks a good prospect. Unfortunately for the third Saturday in the last four Bury lost a top order batsman, injured in the field. Sandeep Singh managed to reduce his own dislocated finger after it was put out by a wild throw in. Nacton built a commanding total, eventually dismissed for 256.
The Bury reply started badly, with Nacton’s opening bowler, Bush, proving a challenge, bowling 15 overs in two spells and taking 5 for 41. It was the captain, Kevin Dobson, who with Tom Robotham coming in at number eight, restored some respectability and when Kevin Dobson was out, Jon Hayes came to the crease and took over seamlessly from where his captain had left off.
Jon Hayes made the ‘keeper duck and hit some mighty shots Photos: John Urquhart
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Bury even looked for a while as if they might reach the target set by Nacton, but came up short by 46 runs despite some excellent lusty blows from Tom Robotham who finished unbeaten, just short of what would have been a thoroughly deserved century. The Champagne moment of the day, bringing the spectators to their feet, was Tom Robotham’s brilliant ‘ramp’ over the wicketkeeper’s head for 4.
But it was the batting of Tom Robotham that defined the Bury innings Photos: John Urquhart
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A terrific performance from a player who was until recently regarded as a bowler, but who has worked hard on his batting with great results.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Lakenheath 2nd XI 207-5 (19 points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 161-8 (6 points). Lakenheath 2nd XI won by 44 runs.
Bury 4th XI had an Independence Day welcome at Lakenheath, who won the toss and batted first in blazing sunshine. Simon Aldous rotated his young bowlers in the heat and was rewarded by Billy Riddick taking 2 for 24 from 9 overs, and Samuel Aldous who took the wicket of the Lakenheath veteran Dick Bond for the second time in the season. The Lakenheath total of 205 was a commanding one in the circumstances and Bury made a determined chase, with Janek Raj hitting a typically combative 55 and the captain 39. Although they were supported by the younger players, notably Billy Riddick with 20 and Samuel Aldous with 16, Bury didn’t really get close and were dismissed for 173, losing by 44 runs.
Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI match against Woolpit fell victim to the weather, as did the Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI game against Battisford.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Edwardstone 227 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 77 (6 points). Edwardstone won by 150 runs.
The Bury Sunday 2nd XI travelled to Edwardstone, who batted first and made 227 all out in 39 overs. Bury failed to bat with discipline and were skittled out in 26 overs for a mere 77 runs. Only Rob Johnson and Josh Toon made it into double figures, hitting 27 and 20, respectively. A disappointing result for a team which has played much better in recent weeks.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mark Nunn, another aggressive display of fast bowling, making early inroads into the Hosford batting and taking 5 for 65; Mike Comber, a real captain’s performance, bowling 11 overs unchanged in 28⁰C heat, then opening the batting and winning the match with an undefeated 104. Max Whittaker, impressing his captain with an important knock for the 2nd XI, and Vivek Rajagopal, emphasising his importance for the 2nd XI making 42 out of an opening partnership of 65, then producing an almost unplayable spell of bowling to put the brakes on Coggeshall. Tom Robotham, playing a commanding innings of 96, coming in at number 8 and bringing the 3rd XI to within a tantalising glimpse of victory. Billy Riddick, settling into the team with an all-round performance, 2 wickets and 20 runs.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 11th July, Bury 1st XI travel to Postwick to play Norwich, who are also uncomfortably placed at the bottom of the East Anglian Cricket Premier League, at 11am. The 2nd XI are at home to Brightlingsea, fourth from bottom, and who, in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season, won with only 3 balls to spare, at 1pm. The 3rd XI travel to Harwich and Dovercourt, with the 4th XI playing Brockley at the Victory Ground.
On Sunday, 12th July, the Bury Ladies’ XI have an away fixture at Frinton at 10am.Bury Sunday 1st XI travel to Mildenhall, with the Sunday 2nd XI travelling to Brettenham, both games at 1:30pm. Neither of the corresponding fixtures were fulfilled earlier in the season because of the weather.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Lakenheath 2nd XI 207-5 (19 points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 161-8 (6 points). Lakenheath 2nd XI won by 44 runs.
Bury 4th XI had an Independence Day welcome at Lakenheath, who won the toss and batted first in blazing sunshine. Simon Aldous rotated his young bowlers in the heat and was rewarded by Billy Riddick taking 2 for 24 from 9 overs, and Samuel Aldous who took the wicket of the Lakenheath veteran Dick Bond for the second time in the season. The Lakenheath total of 205 was a commanding one in the circumstances and Bury made a determined chase, with Janek Raj hitting a typically combative 55 and the captain 39. Although they were supported by the younger players, notably Billy Riddick with 20 and Samuel Aldous with 16, Bury didn’t really get close and were dismissed for 173, losing by 44 runs.
Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI match against Woolpit fell victim to the weather, as did the Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI game against Battisford.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Edwardstone 227 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 77 (6 points). Edwardstone won by 150 runs.
The Bury Sunday 2nd XI travelled to Edwardstone, who batted first and made 227 all out in 39 overs. Bury failed to bat with discipline and were skittled out in 26 overs for a mere 77 runs. Only Rob Johnson and Josh Toon made it into double figures, hitting 27 and 20, respectively. A disappointing result for a team which has played much better in recent weeks.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mark Nunn, another aggressive display of fast bowling, making early inroads into the Hosford batting and taking 5 for 65; Mike Comber, a real captain’s performance, bowling 11 overs unchanged in 28⁰C heat, then opening the batting and winning the match with an undefeated 104. Max Whittaker, impressing his captain with an important knock for the 2nd XI, and Vivek Rajagopal, emphasising his importance for the 2nd XI making 42 out of an opening partnership of 65, then producing an almost unplayable spell of bowling to put the brakes on Coggeshall. Tom Robotham, playing a commanding innings of 96, coming in at number 8 and bringing the 3rd XI to within a tantalising glimpse of victory. Billy Riddick, settling into the team with an all-round performance, 2 wickets and 20 runs.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 11th July, Bury 1st XI travel to Postwick to play Norwich, who are also uncomfortably placed at the bottom of the East Anglian Cricket Premier League, at 11am. The 2nd XI are at home to Brightlingsea, fourth from bottom, and who, in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season, won with only 3 balls to spare, at 1pm. The 3rd XI travel to Harwich and Dovercourt, with the 4th XI playing Brockley at the Victory Ground.
On Sunday, 12th July, the Bury Ladies’ XI have an away fixture at Frinton at 10am.Bury Sunday 1st XI travel to Mildenhall, with the Sunday 2nd XI travelling to Brettenham, both games at 1:30pm. Neither of the corresponding fixtures were fulfilled earlier in the season because of the weather.
27th and 28th June 2015
The hottest weather of the Summer so far. My thanks go to team captains and to David Barker for their match reports in my absence.
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 312-6 (12 points), Cambridge Granta EAPCL XI 315 for 4 (25 points). Cambridge Granta EAPCL XI won by 6 wickets.
Bury St Edmunds’ captain Mike Comber won the toss and decided to bat. Sixteen year old Ben Curran batted well with Mike Comber before he was out for 24. Phil Godden took his time getting established but batted well for 39 being out to the last ball before lunch with the score on 195. Mike Comber batted superbly, getting a century, his first for the club, and after lunch took his score to 150. Pushing to maximise the total, Bury lost a further 3 wickets finishing on 312 for 6 at the compulsory declaration at 64 overs. In doing so, Bury collected maximum, well-earned, batting points. Who knows, they might turn out to be precious come the end of the season.
In reply Cambridge Granta started well with 104 for the 1st wicket. Atkinson was out for 38 with the score on 104 to a superb catch by Tyler Lortan off James McKinney. Max Holden soon followed lbw to Sean Cooper and when McKinney took the third wicket with a great catch from Justin Bishop, with the score on 115, Bury were in with a chance. The turning point was Granta's overseas pro Copperfield being caught on the boundary, but off a no ball. Despite every possible effort from the bowlers, Bury could not make the breakthrough, although Justin Bishop took another wicket as Granta reached their target in the 52nd over.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 117 (2 points), Clacton 122-3 (20 points). Clacton won by 7 wickets.
On by far the nicest day of the year for cricket, Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI made the long trip to sunny Clacton. Tom Fairweather won the toss and elected to bat on a very firm pitch that looked to offer assistance to the batsmen. Unfortunately things didn't quite go to plan; Bury started very slowly, finding it very hard to get Clacton's opening bowlers away. Vivek Rajagopal opened the innings and was last out, lbw, for 65 in Bury’s innings of 117 all out.
In reply, Clacton started the run chase slowly, due to some tight bowling at the start by Adam Kizis and Dan Hill. Bury managed to get an early breakthrough with Adam Kizis taking the wicket of Imran Sheikh, caught and bowled for 14. Clacton then began to whittle the runs away rather briskly and at drinks they needed just 25 to win. However, with the the second ball after the drinks interval the improving Hassam Dahar claimed his first wicket of the match, a real leg-spinner’s dismissal, caught with great style by Adam Kizis at short fine leg. Clacton then won the game by 7 wickets inside 28 overs. All in all a very disappointing day at the office for Bury 2nd XI especially after the previous weeks’ heroics.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Walsham le Willows 207-9 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 214-4 (19 points).Bury St. Edmunds 3rd XI won by 6 wickets
Kevin Dobson’s 3rd XI paid a visit to Walsham le Willows on Saturday, the first visit to Walsham by a Bury team for many years.
Walsham won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. Bury opened up with Tom Curry and Javed Imam and put the squeeze on straight away. The Walsham openers found it difficult to get going and this resulted in Bury picking up a few early wickets. Walsham had only lost one previous game and their depth of batting showed why; their batsmen all hit the ball sweetly and eventually they reached a respectable total of 207-9, with Sandeep Singh picking up another 3 wickets.
Pete Thearle and Sam Harrison got Bury off to a flyer, Pete Thearle doing what he does best, hitting opening bowlers to all points of the compass and giving respect to none of them. Sam Harrison also joined in with some cracking shots. After their opening start Bury always looked to be the likely winners. Charlie Johnson scored an excellent 70, finishing the game with 2 straight sixes, winning the game with 13 overs to spare.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Exning 2nd XI 59 (3 points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 60-6 (20 points). Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI won by 4 wickets.
Exning won the toss and batted. In hindsight, Simon Aldous considered it a good toss to lose. Wickets started to fall regularly to Alex Malcolm, while Billy Riddick bowled well at the Nowton end but with little luck. Alex Malcolm finished with 6 for 20 off 7 overs, regularly hitting the seam and proved to be very hard to play. The fielding was typified by two good catches, one each from Alex Sujith and Chris Honeyball. The Exning innings then finished inside 17 overs with Oli Riddick taking a wicket and Samuel Aldous taking 3 for 3. Ellis Edwards continues to impress and again kept wicket tidily.
In reply, Bury 4th XI suddenly found themselves reduced to 10 for 4, with the Exning bowlers Judge and Colby showing that the wicket still had something in it for the seamers. Tony Riddick and Simon Aldous then put together a partnership of 30, including the trademark Riddick pump over mid on, but it was otherwise very watchful. There were still scares, notably when Tony Riddick was brilliantly caught, when Oli Riddick then scored what was a vital 4 in the circumstances. With the 12 year old Samuel Aldous joining father Simon, 12 runs were still needed. Nervously, Bury won by 4 wickets, with Simon undefeated on 19 and Samuel, likewise not out on 8; although the younger Aldous outscored his father in the partnership. Is there any other game than cricket where father and son can play together on the same level?
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 336-5 (20 points), Rougham 86 (2 points). Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st won by 250 runs.
Despite a 45 minutes rain delay, it was agreed to play a full 40 over match. Bury won the toss and elected to bat on a very flat wicket which had seen over 600 runs scored on it the previous day. James McKinney got the home team off to a good start with 45 before being caught. Phil Godden came to the crease and scored steadily despite losing partners at regular intervals. Tom Curran came in at five and immediately set about the Rougham attack. It has to be said that he did ride his luck and was dropped three times, but he persevered to make his way to his first ever century for the Club, finishing on 121 not out. Phil Godden also played an outstanding innings, scoring 106 before being caught. Bury punished what was, unfortunately, a much weakened Rougham side (who fielded four juniors) eventually finishing on 336 for 5.
In reply, Rougham were soon 7 for 1 as Tom Robotham steamed in from the Nowton Park end. Tom Robotham took 2 for 26 from his six overs. James McKinney, in his alter ego, bowled 2.3 overs of off spin taking 2 for 7 from 2.3 overs. Rougham didn’t help their cause with two avoidable run outs. However, M Barrat, who opened for Rougham, carried his bat for a respectable 47. Nevertheless, the away team could only muster a total of 86 all out in less than 30 overs, and Bury 1st XI took the game by 250 runs.
Bury Captain Neil Jefferies was keen to acknowledge the contribution of the four juniors from Rougham who played gamely.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: British Sugar Sports and Social Club 226-5 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 202 (7 points). British Sugar Sports and Social Club won by 24 runs.
The Sunday 2nd XI played British Sugar Sports and Social Club at Culford. Saurabh Gupta, captaining the Bury 2nd XI, won the toss and chose to bowl. BSSSC made 226-5 in 40 overs, Charlie Cook taking 3 wickets.
In reply BSE could only reach 202 in 38 overs, although Sandeep Singh scored 50.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI match against Maldon Ladies was forfeited by Maldon. Bury Ladies now sit second in the table behind Felixstowe.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, maiden century for Bury. Congratulations.Vivek Rajagopal, opening the innings and last dismissed for the 2nd XI, making 65 in a losing cause. Pete Thearle, treating bowlers with utter contempt, in a manner we have come to expect, and to admire. Charlie Johnson, excellent 70, winning the game for the 3rd XI with 2 straight sixes. Ellis Edwards, continuing his tidy wicket keeping, showing great promise for the future.Alex Malcolm, continuing impressive bowling, taking 6 for 20. Tom Curran, maiden, unbeaten century for the Club; may you make many more. Phil Godden, usual dependable performance with the bat, 39 and 106. Neil Jefferies, upholding the spirit of the game in respecting the performances of a beaten opposition.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 4th July, Bury 1st XI entertain Horsford, who sit just two places above Bury, at 11am. Bury 2nd XI travel to Coggeshall, and will be hoping to avenge their home defeat on the first weekend of the season. Bury 3rd XI play Nacton at the Victory Ground at 1pm, while Bury 4th XI will expect an Independence Day welcome at Lakenheath.
On Sunday, 5th July the Bury Ladies’ XI travel to Battisford for a 10am match, meeting for the first time this season the team sitting second from bottom of their league. Bury Sunday 1stXI play Woolpit at the Victory Ground and will hope to reverse the outcome of the corresponding fixture in April, when Woolpit won by 2 runs on the final ball of the final over. The Bury Sunday 2nd XI travel to Edwardstone, both mens’ games starting at 1:30pm.
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 312-6 (12 points), Cambridge Granta EAPCL XI 315 for 4 (25 points). Cambridge Granta EAPCL XI won by 6 wickets.
Bury St Edmunds’ captain Mike Comber won the toss and decided to bat. Sixteen year old Ben Curran batted well with Mike Comber before he was out for 24. Phil Godden took his time getting established but batted well for 39 being out to the last ball before lunch with the score on 195. Mike Comber batted superbly, getting a century, his first for the club, and after lunch took his score to 150. Pushing to maximise the total, Bury lost a further 3 wickets finishing on 312 for 6 at the compulsory declaration at 64 overs. In doing so, Bury collected maximum, well-earned, batting points. Who knows, they might turn out to be precious come the end of the season.
In reply Cambridge Granta started well with 104 for the 1st wicket. Atkinson was out for 38 with the score on 104 to a superb catch by Tyler Lortan off James McKinney. Max Holden soon followed lbw to Sean Cooper and when McKinney took the third wicket with a great catch from Justin Bishop, with the score on 115, Bury were in with a chance. The turning point was Granta's overseas pro Copperfield being caught on the boundary, but off a no ball. Despite every possible effort from the bowlers, Bury could not make the breakthrough, although Justin Bishop took another wicket as Granta reached their target in the 52nd over.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 117 (2 points), Clacton 122-3 (20 points). Clacton won by 7 wickets.
On by far the nicest day of the year for cricket, Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI made the long trip to sunny Clacton. Tom Fairweather won the toss and elected to bat on a very firm pitch that looked to offer assistance to the batsmen. Unfortunately things didn't quite go to plan; Bury started very slowly, finding it very hard to get Clacton's opening bowlers away. Vivek Rajagopal opened the innings and was last out, lbw, for 65 in Bury’s innings of 117 all out.
In reply, Clacton started the run chase slowly, due to some tight bowling at the start by Adam Kizis and Dan Hill. Bury managed to get an early breakthrough with Adam Kizis taking the wicket of Imran Sheikh, caught and bowled for 14. Clacton then began to whittle the runs away rather briskly and at drinks they needed just 25 to win. However, with the the second ball after the drinks interval the improving Hassam Dahar claimed his first wicket of the match, a real leg-spinner’s dismissal, caught with great style by Adam Kizis at short fine leg. Clacton then won the game by 7 wickets inside 28 overs. All in all a very disappointing day at the office for Bury 2nd XI especially after the previous weeks’ heroics.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Walsham le Willows 207-9 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 214-4 (19 points).Bury St. Edmunds 3rd XI won by 6 wickets
Kevin Dobson’s 3rd XI paid a visit to Walsham le Willows on Saturday, the first visit to Walsham by a Bury team for many years.
Walsham won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. Bury opened up with Tom Curry and Javed Imam and put the squeeze on straight away. The Walsham openers found it difficult to get going and this resulted in Bury picking up a few early wickets. Walsham had only lost one previous game and their depth of batting showed why; their batsmen all hit the ball sweetly and eventually they reached a respectable total of 207-9, with Sandeep Singh picking up another 3 wickets.
Pete Thearle and Sam Harrison got Bury off to a flyer, Pete Thearle doing what he does best, hitting opening bowlers to all points of the compass and giving respect to none of them. Sam Harrison also joined in with some cracking shots. After their opening start Bury always looked to be the likely winners. Charlie Johnson scored an excellent 70, finishing the game with 2 straight sixes, winning the game with 13 overs to spare.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Exning 2nd XI 59 (3 points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 60-6 (20 points). Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI won by 4 wickets.
Exning won the toss and batted. In hindsight, Simon Aldous considered it a good toss to lose. Wickets started to fall regularly to Alex Malcolm, while Billy Riddick bowled well at the Nowton end but with little luck. Alex Malcolm finished with 6 for 20 off 7 overs, regularly hitting the seam and proved to be very hard to play. The fielding was typified by two good catches, one each from Alex Sujith and Chris Honeyball. The Exning innings then finished inside 17 overs with Oli Riddick taking a wicket and Samuel Aldous taking 3 for 3. Ellis Edwards continues to impress and again kept wicket tidily.
In reply, Bury 4th XI suddenly found themselves reduced to 10 for 4, with the Exning bowlers Judge and Colby showing that the wicket still had something in it for the seamers. Tony Riddick and Simon Aldous then put together a partnership of 30, including the trademark Riddick pump over mid on, but it was otherwise very watchful. There were still scares, notably when Tony Riddick was brilliantly caught, when Oli Riddick then scored what was a vital 4 in the circumstances. With the 12 year old Samuel Aldous joining father Simon, 12 runs were still needed. Nervously, Bury won by 4 wickets, with Simon undefeated on 19 and Samuel, likewise not out on 8; although the younger Aldous outscored his father in the partnership. Is there any other game than cricket where father and son can play together on the same level?
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 336-5 (20 points), Rougham 86 (2 points). Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st won by 250 runs.
Despite a 45 minutes rain delay, it was agreed to play a full 40 over match. Bury won the toss and elected to bat on a very flat wicket which had seen over 600 runs scored on it the previous day. James McKinney got the home team off to a good start with 45 before being caught. Phil Godden came to the crease and scored steadily despite losing partners at regular intervals. Tom Curran came in at five and immediately set about the Rougham attack. It has to be said that he did ride his luck and was dropped three times, but he persevered to make his way to his first ever century for the Club, finishing on 121 not out. Phil Godden also played an outstanding innings, scoring 106 before being caught. Bury punished what was, unfortunately, a much weakened Rougham side (who fielded four juniors) eventually finishing on 336 for 5.
In reply, Rougham were soon 7 for 1 as Tom Robotham steamed in from the Nowton Park end. Tom Robotham took 2 for 26 from his six overs. James McKinney, in his alter ego, bowled 2.3 overs of off spin taking 2 for 7 from 2.3 overs. Rougham didn’t help their cause with two avoidable run outs. However, M Barrat, who opened for Rougham, carried his bat for a respectable 47. Nevertheless, the away team could only muster a total of 86 all out in less than 30 overs, and Bury 1st XI took the game by 250 runs.
Bury Captain Neil Jefferies was keen to acknowledge the contribution of the four juniors from Rougham who played gamely.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: British Sugar Sports and Social Club 226-5 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 202 (7 points). British Sugar Sports and Social Club won by 24 runs.
The Sunday 2nd XI played British Sugar Sports and Social Club at Culford. Saurabh Gupta, captaining the Bury 2nd XI, won the toss and chose to bowl. BSSSC made 226-5 in 40 overs, Charlie Cook taking 3 wickets.
In reply BSE could only reach 202 in 38 overs, although Sandeep Singh scored 50.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI match against Maldon Ladies was forfeited by Maldon. Bury Ladies now sit second in the table behind Felixstowe.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, maiden century for Bury. Congratulations.Vivek Rajagopal, opening the innings and last dismissed for the 2nd XI, making 65 in a losing cause. Pete Thearle, treating bowlers with utter contempt, in a manner we have come to expect, and to admire. Charlie Johnson, excellent 70, winning the game for the 3rd XI with 2 straight sixes. Ellis Edwards, continuing his tidy wicket keeping, showing great promise for the future.Alex Malcolm, continuing impressive bowling, taking 6 for 20. Tom Curran, maiden, unbeaten century for the Club; may you make many more. Phil Godden, usual dependable performance with the bat, 39 and 106. Neil Jefferies, upholding the spirit of the game in respecting the performances of a beaten opposition.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 4th July, Bury 1st XI entertain Horsford, who sit just two places above Bury, at 11am. Bury 2nd XI travel to Coggeshall, and will be hoping to avenge their home defeat on the first weekend of the season. Bury 3rd XI play Nacton at the Victory Ground at 1pm, while Bury 4th XI will expect an Independence Day welcome at Lakenheath.
On Sunday, 5th July the Bury Ladies’ XI travel to Battisford for a 10am match, meeting for the first time this season the team sitting second from bottom of their league. Bury Sunday 1stXI play Woolpit at the Victory Ground and will hope to reverse the outcome of the corresponding fixture in April, when Woolpit won by 2 runs on the final ball of the final over. The Bury Sunday 2nd XI travel to Edwardstone, both mens’ games starting at 1:30pm.
20th and 21st June 2015
The weekend of midsummer’s day saw days of starkly contrasting fortune for Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club.
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds 1st XI (10 points) v Frinton (7 points). Match drawn, rain.
The season reached the mid-way point and Mike Comber’s 1st XI travelled to Frinton, first going to Clacton where they had a morale-lifting full English cooked breakfast on the seafront. Back at the ground, Frinton’s captain won the toss and put Mike Comber in to bat. Former Essex player Mervyn Westfield bowled the second over and had Ben Curran caught by the ‘keeper, and, with his next delivery, bowled Phil Godden so that Bury were 2 wickets down without a single run off the bat. Mike Comber and Tyler Lortan then had to dig deep and use their collective wisdom and experience to rebuild the Bury innings, which they then did, putting on a century together before lunch, at which point Bury were a very respectable 129 for 2 wickets with Mike on 62 and Tyler on 50. When Mike was out, again to Mervyn Westfield, for 74, they had put on 160 for the third wicket and Bury were well placed. However after Tyler was out lbw to Gihan Dilruk for a magnificent 82, none of the lower order were able to contribute, not even the reliable Mark Nunn, and Bury closed with the compulsory declaration at 64 overs on 225 for 9 wickets.
Mike Comber trapped the Frinton opener, Michael Griggs, leg before for a duck and Justin Bishop had Craig Perrin caught by Phil Godden, leaving Frinton 22 for 2. Trevor Moulton and that man Mervyn Westfield then took it on but at 41-2 the rain came down and the players were forced off the field, not to return. Frustrating for Bury 1st XI who surely entertained hopes of their first win of the season after a good batting performance.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 142 (20 points), Ipswich and East Suffolk 138 (7 points). Bury St. Edmunds 2nd XI won by 4 runs.
The 2nd XI played at the Victory Ground against Ipswich and East Suffolk. With Tom Fairweather unavailable Adam Kizis once again led the side and, on winning the toss, decided to bat first. Vivek Rajagopal and Henry Colburn opened the innings and Vivek was uncharacteristically dismissed early in the piece, leg-before, for 6. Ian Plumb took up the challenge and top-scored with 56. Owen Grisby and Sam Bishop were out cheaply and Charlie Johnson survived a dropped catch in the slips but was out shortly after for 5. The innings was delivered some respectability by Mike Skelton, who also survived a dropped catch at mid-on, and went on to make a rapid 40. Ipswich and East Suffolk’s Karl Mildenhall took 6 wickets for 36, and Bury closed on 142.
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds 1st XI (10 points) v Frinton (7 points). Match drawn, rain.
The season reached the mid-way point and Mike Comber’s 1st XI travelled to Frinton, first going to Clacton where they had a morale-lifting full English cooked breakfast on the seafront. Back at the ground, Frinton’s captain won the toss and put Mike Comber in to bat. Former Essex player Mervyn Westfield bowled the second over and had Ben Curran caught by the ‘keeper, and, with his next delivery, bowled Phil Godden so that Bury were 2 wickets down without a single run off the bat. Mike Comber and Tyler Lortan then had to dig deep and use their collective wisdom and experience to rebuild the Bury innings, which they then did, putting on a century together before lunch, at which point Bury were a very respectable 129 for 2 wickets with Mike on 62 and Tyler on 50. When Mike was out, again to Mervyn Westfield, for 74, they had put on 160 for the third wicket and Bury were well placed. However after Tyler was out lbw to Gihan Dilruk for a magnificent 82, none of the lower order were able to contribute, not even the reliable Mark Nunn, and Bury closed with the compulsory declaration at 64 overs on 225 for 9 wickets.
Mike Comber trapped the Frinton opener, Michael Griggs, leg before for a duck and Justin Bishop had Craig Perrin caught by Phil Godden, leaving Frinton 22 for 2. Trevor Moulton and that man Mervyn Westfield then took it on but at 41-2 the rain came down and the players were forced off the field, not to return. Frustrating for Bury 1st XI who surely entertained hopes of their first win of the season after a good batting performance.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 142 (20 points), Ipswich and East Suffolk 138 (7 points). Bury St. Edmunds 2nd XI won by 4 runs.
The 2nd XI played at the Victory Ground against Ipswich and East Suffolk. With Tom Fairweather unavailable Adam Kizis once again led the side and, on winning the toss, decided to bat first. Vivek Rajagopal and Henry Colburn opened the innings and Vivek was uncharacteristically dismissed early in the piece, leg-before, for 6. Ian Plumb took up the challenge and top-scored with 56. Owen Grisby and Sam Bishop were out cheaply and Charlie Johnson survived a dropped catch in the slips but was out shortly after for 5. The innings was delivered some respectability by Mike Skelton, who also survived a dropped catch at mid-on, and went on to make a rapid 40. Ipswich and East Suffolk’s Karl Mildenhall took 6 wickets for 36, and Bury closed on 142.
Stuart Nunn couldn’t quite dig out an off-stump yorker, but Ian Plumb dug in and made 56
Photographs: April Urquhart
Sam Bishop played very correctly and Mike Skelton made the tail wag Photographs: April Urquhart
The weather conditions were at best marginal and during tea there was a deluge of biblical proportions. Nevertheless the teams removed the covers and resumed the match. I&ES started briskly but it was Vivek Rajagopal who influenced the game with his crafty left arm spin, breaking the opening partnership on his way to taking 5 wickets for 37. When Vivek had I&ES’s tail-ender Shahid trapped leg-before in the 39th over, I&ES were all out for 136, just 6 runs short of the target.
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Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Earl Stonham 223-6 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 50 (3 points). Earl Stonham won by 173 runs.
The 3rd XI also played at home against mid-table Earl Stonham. Kevin Dobson won the toss and invited Earl Stonham to bat first on a green-tinged wicket under leaden June skies, intending to get some bowling points in the conditions. The Earl Stonham openers played with confidence, Charlie Tunstall racing to a fairly quick 50. Sandeep Singh and Javed Imam, bowling in tandem, then put the brakes on. It was Sandeep who took the first wicket, bowling quite beautifully with loop and flight. Sandeep tempted Charlie Tunstall into the drive and and clipped the top of his off stump. Sandeep was the outstanding bowler, finishing with 4 wickets for 73. The rain started to fall and despite a stubborn determination the players were eventually forced off the field. The stubbornness allowed Earl Stonham to complete their innings, closing on 223-6, but would have an influence on the rest of the game.
The 3rd XI also played at home against mid-table Earl Stonham. Kevin Dobson won the toss and invited Earl Stonham to bat first on a green-tinged wicket under leaden June skies, intending to get some bowling points in the conditions. The Earl Stonham openers played with confidence, Charlie Tunstall racing to a fairly quick 50. Sandeep Singh and Javed Imam, bowling in tandem, then put the brakes on. It was Sandeep who took the first wicket, bowling quite beautifully with loop and flight. Sandeep tempted Charlie Tunstall into the drive and and clipped the top of his off stump. Sandeep was the outstanding bowler, finishing with 4 wickets for 73. The rain started to fall and despite a stubborn determination the players were eventually forced off the field. The stubbornness allowed Earl Stonham to complete their innings, closing on 223-6, but would have an influence on the rest of the game.
Sandeep Singh broke Earl Stonham’s opening partnership and took 4 wickets Photo: John Urquhart
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After tea, which was accompanied by more heavy rainfall, the covers came off. Before tea the ball had swung very little and not really moved about off the seam but after the rain delayed re-start it was a completely different game. Charlie Tunstall, who is one of the best left armers in the league, was virtually unplayable as the ball swung and seamed around with brisk pace. Bury were demolished, well and truly outplayed, and dismissed for 50, only Sandeep Gupta (again) getting into double figures. Ali Asfar could not bat after breaking his finger while fielding. Charlie Tunstall picked up 7 wickets for 11 runs.
As Kevin Dobson concluded, we must move on to the next game.
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Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 223-5 (17 points) Yoxford 222-4 (7 points). Bury St. Edmunds IV won by 5 wickets
A fantastic match took place on the summer Solstice at Yoxford, a picturesque ground, one of the prettiest in the county, where Bury St Edmunds 4th XI played their 2nd XI. Simon Aldous lost the toss and found himself fielding under heavy skies with the ever-present threat of rain. Taylor Edwards and Samuel Aldous opened the bowling, and both bowled very economically, and both got important wickets. Taylor took the very important wicket of Trimby, bowled around his legs, and Samuel got their captain Button, with a balletic slip catch from Don Logan. There was then a very long third wicket partnership from Goddard and Blades (74 and 77 respectively). Raj bowled brilliantly to keep them in check, conceding just 26 runs in his 11 overs, and Johnny Fuller on debut bowled 5 overs quite quickly for 16. Yoxford closed on 222 for 4.
When it was Bury’s turn to bat they once again made a good start with Alex Sujith and Rob Johnson. Runs were coming easily and 50 came up quickly, although Rob took one on the nose. With Don Logan batting well (a six off his first ball) and after him a good 25 from Ellis Taylor, Bury were always up with the asking rate. The loss of 2 quick wickets brought the Aldous boys together and it was seen home comfortably.
Simon was keen to praise Yoxford, saying that they were great to play against, and that it made for a good match played in the best spirit of the game.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Hadleigh 157-6 (6 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 159-6 (20 points).
With Neil Jefferies still to recover from injury it fell to the experienced Mark Nunn to lead Sunday 1st XI who travelled to Hadleigh with a strong side and a determination to beat the team one place above them in the league. Hadleigh won the toss and elected to bat. Bury bowled with control and discipline, notably by Tyler Lortan, who bowled his 10 overs conceding just 36 runs and Ben Curran, who took 2 wickets and conceded only 14 runs in 5 overs. Hadleigh were restricted to 157 for 6 off their 40 overs.
The Bury reply got off to a stuttering start with the away side reducing Bury to 40 for 4 and in a bit of trouble. However Mark Nunn came to the rescue hitting 51 not out, ably assisted by Ben Curran, who made 37. Bury reached 159 for 6 in the 34th over and won by 4 wickets.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 134-3 (18 points), Mistley 84-7 (4 points). Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI won by 50 runs.
Mid-summers day saw Bury Ladies host Mistley Ladies in the T20 league. Mistley won the toss and put Bury in to bat, and brisk start was made by Bury openers Angela Jiggins and Alex Stanford. Angela Jiggins played with confidence and found the boundary comfortably, and shortly after being dropped at long off was bowled by a looping slower delivery. This brought Alex Stamford to the crease, to be greeted by the second beamer of the innings. Pippa Palmer and Helen Coe set up a partnership and their running between the wickets was exemplary. Helen holed out at point for 19 trying to move the score along, bringing Esme Covington-Cross to join Pippa Palmer, whose elegant style of batting continues to impress. Pippa played a steady innings and finished on 34 not out, her fourth innings this year without losing her wicket with a season aggregate of 126. Bury finished on 134 for 3.
A fantastic match took place on the summer Solstice at Yoxford, a picturesque ground, one of the prettiest in the county, where Bury St Edmunds 4th XI played their 2nd XI. Simon Aldous lost the toss and found himself fielding under heavy skies with the ever-present threat of rain. Taylor Edwards and Samuel Aldous opened the bowling, and both bowled very economically, and both got important wickets. Taylor took the very important wicket of Trimby, bowled around his legs, and Samuel got their captain Button, with a balletic slip catch from Don Logan. There was then a very long third wicket partnership from Goddard and Blades (74 and 77 respectively). Raj bowled brilliantly to keep them in check, conceding just 26 runs in his 11 overs, and Johnny Fuller on debut bowled 5 overs quite quickly for 16. Yoxford closed on 222 for 4.
When it was Bury’s turn to bat they once again made a good start with Alex Sujith and Rob Johnson. Runs were coming easily and 50 came up quickly, although Rob took one on the nose. With Don Logan batting well (a six off his first ball) and after him a good 25 from Ellis Taylor, Bury were always up with the asking rate. The loss of 2 quick wickets brought the Aldous boys together and it was seen home comfortably.
Simon was keen to praise Yoxford, saying that they were great to play against, and that it made for a good match played in the best spirit of the game.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Hadleigh 157-6 (6 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 159-6 (20 points).
With Neil Jefferies still to recover from injury it fell to the experienced Mark Nunn to lead Sunday 1st XI who travelled to Hadleigh with a strong side and a determination to beat the team one place above them in the league. Hadleigh won the toss and elected to bat. Bury bowled with control and discipline, notably by Tyler Lortan, who bowled his 10 overs conceding just 36 runs and Ben Curran, who took 2 wickets and conceded only 14 runs in 5 overs. Hadleigh were restricted to 157 for 6 off their 40 overs.
The Bury reply got off to a stuttering start with the away side reducing Bury to 40 for 4 and in a bit of trouble. However Mark Nunn came to the rescue hitting 51 not out, ably assisted by Ben Curran, who made 37. Bury reached 159 for 6 in the 34th over and won by 4 wickets.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 134-3 (18 points), Mistley 84-7 (4 points). Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI won by 50 runs.
Mid-summers day saw Bury Ladies host Mistley Ladies in the T20 league. Mistley won the toss and put Bury in to bat, and brisk start was made by Bury openers Angela Jiggins and Alex Stanford. Angela Jiggins played with confidence and found the boundary comfortably, and shortly after being dropped at long off was bowled by a looping slower delivery. This brought Alex Stamford to the crease, to be greeted by the second beamer of the innings. Pippa Palmer and Helen Coe set up a partnership and their running between the wickets was exemplary. Helen holed out at point for 19 trying to move the score along, bringing Esme Covington-Cross to join Pippa Palmer, whose elegant style of batting continues to impress. Pippa played a steady innings and finished on 34 not out, her fourth innings this year without losing her wicket with a season aggregate of 126. Bury finished on 134 for 3.
Helen Coe moved the scoreboard along when the innings had slowed down, and Alex Pierce-Saunderson bowled with control Photos: Nik Mayhew
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Pippa Palmer played confidently and with style (Photo: April Urquhart) while Esme Covington-Cross played a full array of strokes (Photo: Nik Mayhew)
Some tight bowling and good work in the field kept Mistley to 84 for 7. The pick of the bowling was from player of the match Alex Pierce-Saunderson, whose tight and controlled bowling frustrated the Mistley batting, taking 3 wickets for only 13 runs. Angela Jiggins polished her all-rounder credentials by taking 2 wickets for 19 to add to her 31 runs opening the batting. A very satisfying win for Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI by 50 runs.
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Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, determined 74, in partnership with Tyler Lortan, equally determined 82. Ian Plumb, top scoring with 56, and Mike Skelton, making the tail wag with a crucial 40. Sandeep Gupta, elegant demonstration of spin bowling. Alex Pierce-Saunderson, controlled bowling, taking 3 wickets and conceding only 13 runs. Simon Aldous, upholding the finest traditions of the game in captaincy and respect for the opposition. Vivek Rajagopal, crafty left-arm spin, taking 5 for 37. Mark Nunn, playing his now familiar role of salvaging a struggling innings and setting up the win. Ben Curran, for his all round performance.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 27th June, the 1st XI complete the first half of the league season by playing Cambridge Granta at the Victory Ground, starting at 11:00am. The 2nd XI face a real challenge when they travel to Clacton, who lead the table with 8 wins from 9 games, at 1:00pm. The 3rd XI have an away game at mid-table Walsham-le-Willows, while the 4th XI are at home to Exning 2nd XI, both also at 1:00pm.
On Sunday, 28th June, the Bury Ladies’ XI have a match at the Victory Ground against Maldon, who sit one place and two points below Bury in the table, at 10:00am. Meanwhile the Sunday 1st XI, currently in fourth place, face bottom-placed Rougham at the Victory Ground with the Sunday 2nd XI travel across town to BSSSC, both games at 1:30pm.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 27th June, the 1st XI complete the first half of the league season by playing Cambridge Granta at the Victory Ground, starting at 11:00am. The 2nd XI face a real challenge when they travel to Clacton, who lead the table with 8 wins from 9 games, at 1:00pm. The 3rd XI have an away game at mid-table Walsham-le-Willows, while the 4th XI are at home to Exning 2nd XI, both also at 1:00pm.
On Sunday, 28th June, the Bury Ladies’ XI have a match at the Victory Ground against Maldon, who sit one place and two points below Bury in the table, at 10:00am. Meanwhile the Sunday 1st XI, currently in fourth place, face bottom-placed Rougham at the Victory Ground with the Sunday 2nd XI travel across town to BSSSC, both games at 1:30pm.
13th and 14th June 2015
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds 1st XI v Burwell. Match abandoned, rain. 7 points each.
When Burwell visited the Victory Ground for the Premier League match it was hard to see it as anything other than a “must win” game. At the Victory Ground we all endured a nervous wait to see whether the weather would relent and allow even a reduced match to take place. The league playing conditions stipulate that a minimum of 70 overs, instead of the usual 120, are required to constitute a match. At this level, teams are obliged by the playing regulations to bowl 17 overs an hour, so the minimum match will take a fraction over 4 hours. A point approaches where insufficient time remains in the day for this to be accomplished. Interestingly, while waiting, I had a conversation with the match umpires on the subject of bowling overs at the required rate, and the frustrations for the spectators when this does not happen. There are 42 Laws in the official laws of the game of cricket, and one umpire, in deliberating on how long we could play for, invoked the mythical “Law 43” – Common Sense!
Law 43 applied and play started at 2pm with revised conditions, 80 overs instead of the usual 120, with the team batting first allowed 43 overs before compulsory declaration. After losing the toss Mike Comber found himself opening the batting with Ben Curran in very marginal playing conditions, with the ball moving in the damp air and quantities of sawdust colouring muddy areas of the square. Mike found the boundary from the beginning, usually square of the wicket, with Ben playing the anchor role at the other end. The pair had put on 43 in 8 overs when the rain came down again.
When Burwell visited the Victory Ground for the Premier League match it was hard to see it as anything other than a “must win” game. At the Victory Ground we all endured a nervous wait to see whether the weather would relent and allow even a reduced match to take place. The league playing conditions stipulate that a minimum of 70 overs, instead of the usual 120, are required to constitute a match. At this level, teams are obliged by the playing regulations to bowl 17 overs an hour, so the minimum match will take a fraction over 4 hours. A point approaches where insufficient time remains in the day for this to be accomplished. Interestingly, while waiting, I had a conversation with the match umpires on the subject of bowling overs at the required rate, and the frustrations for the spectators when this does not happen. There are 42 Laws in the official laws of the game of cricket, and one umpire, in deliberating on how long we could play for, invoked the mythical “Law 43” – Common Sense!
Law 43 applied and play started at 2pm with revised conditions, 80 overs instead of the usual 120, with the team batting first allowed 43 overs before compulsory declaration. After losing the toss Mike Comber found himself opening the batting with Ben Curran in very marginal playing conditions, with the ball moving in the damp air and quantities of sawdust colouring muddy areas of the square. Mike found the boundary from the beginning, usually square of the wicket, with Ben playing the anchor role at the other end. The pair had put on 43 in 8 overs when the rain came down again.
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Mike Comber and Ben Curran put on 84 for the first wicket
Photos: April Urquhart
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Following resumption, Mike reached his half-century with another strong shot square but Ben was out, caught by the ‘keeper, for 23 shortly after. When Mike was out on 55, a top edge carrying to mid-on, it brought Tyler Lortan to the crease for an atypically short stay, given lbw to Alistair Allchin. Phil Godden and James Sturgeon then started to rebuild. However the rain started again, and with insufficient time to complete a game, the captains shook hands and the game was abandoned with Bury on 96-4. Both teams and the umpires, Nigel Crickmore and Mike Spenceley, deserve credit for getting on the field of play at all.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI v Little Bardfield: Match abandoned, rain. 6 points each.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Braintree 2nd XI 227-3 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 228-5 (16 points). Bury St. Edmunds 3rd XI won by 5 wickets.
Kevin Dobson’s 3rd XI, still smarting from their narrow defeat the week before, travelled to Braintree, where the wicket is always a good one and free scoring the norm. The weather reduced the match to a 35 over game, and, winning the toss, Kevin sent Braintree in to bat. Braintree made 228 in their 35 overs.
Bury set off in pursuit of 229 to win. Ali Asfar found the boundary regularly and made a brisk 51, with Josh Toon pushing it along too. Pete Thearle also joined in, playing in his own inimitable style, eventually being dismissed for 70. The Champagne moment was when Ali was out, caught on the boundary at long on. The fielder was so pleased he caught it, he did the celebration throwing the ball in the air, but got it slightly wrong. He threw it back over his head, over the boundary fence, over the footpath and over a brick wall. The ball was lost. Making 229 in 33 overs represents a very satisfying win for the 3rd XI, and puts them one place ahead of Braintree in the league table.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Bury St Edmunds 4th XI v Battisford. Match abandoned, rain. 6 points each.
Simon Aldous and the 4th XI faced a stern test at the Victory Ground against Battisford who, on the morning of the game, had 6 wins from 7 league games so far this season. The weather relented just in time to allow a start but with duration reduced to 40 overs each. Bury won the toss and asked Battisford to bat.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI v Little Bardfield: Match abandoned, rain. 6 points each.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Braintree 2nd XI 227-3 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 228-5 (16 points). Bury St. Edmunds 3rd XI won by 5 wickets.
Kevin Dobson’s 3rd XI, still smarting from their narrow defeat the week before, travelled to Braintree, where the wicket is always a good one and free scoring the norm. The weather reduced the match to a 35 over game, and, winning the toss, Kevin sent Braintree in to bat. Braintree made 228 in their 35 overs.
Bury set off in pursuit of 229 to win. Ali Asfar found the boundary regularly and made a brisk 51, with Josh Toon pushing it along too. Pete Thearle also joined in, playing in his own inimitable style, eventually being dismissed for 70. The Champagne moment was when Ali was out, caught on the boundary at long on. The fielder was so pleased he caught it, he did the celebration throwing the ball in the air, but got it slightly wrong. He threw it back over his head, over the boundary fence, over the footpath and over a brick wall. The ball was lost. Making 229 in 33 overs represents a very satisfying win for the 3rd XI, and puts them one place ahead of Braintree in the league table.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Bury St Edmunds 4th XI v Battisford. Match abandoned, rain. 6 points each.
Simon Aldous and the 4th XI faced a stern test at the Victory Ground against Battisford who, on the morning of the game, had 6 wins from 7 league games so far this season. The weather relented just in time to allow a start but with duration reduced to 40 overs each. Bury won the toss and asked Battisford to bat.
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Veteran Simon Aldous bowled crafty left arm slow from the town end while Taylor Edwards bowled improving right arm medium at the other end. Photographs: John Urquhart
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However, the rain was the winner here as well, and the match was abandoned.
Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI game against Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI fixture against Felixstowe fell victims of the weather. In both cases it was a great shame because the 1st XI had confidence going into their game and the ladies would have established just how good their season was by playing the league leaders.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 96 (2 points) Stowupland 97-4 (20 points).
Following their terrific 6 wicket victory the week before, the Sunday 2nd XI faced a tougher test against second placed Stowupland. Bury batted first and made 95 all out in 36 overs, only Raj making any sort of impression with 30 not out. With no magical performance from bowlers, Stowupland won comfortably in 25th over by 6 wickets.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, 55 tenacious runs opening in adverse playing conditions. Ali Asfar, combative 51 with a comical conclusion. Pete Thearle, welcome return to the club with a typically well struck 70.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 20th June, the season reaches the mid-way point and the 1st XI travel to Frinton, starting at 11am. The 2nd XI play at the Victory Ground against Ipswich and East Suffolk, with the 3rd XI also at home against mid-table Earl Stonham, both matches starting at 1pm. The 4th XI complete the card with an away fixture at Yoxford, playing their 2nd XI, also at 1pm.
On Sunday, 21st June, the Sunday 1st XI travel to Hadleigh, with the Sunday 2nd XI are at home to Horringer. Both matches start at 1:30pm. The Bury Ladies’ XI have a match at the Victory Ground against Mistley, at 10am.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 96 (2 points) Stowupland 97-4 (20 points).
Following their terrific 6 wicket victory the week before, the Sunday 2nd XI faced a tougher test against second placed Stowupland. Bury batted first and made 95 all out in 36 overs, only Raj making any sort of impression with 30 not out. With no magical performance from bowlers, Stowupland won comfortably in 25th over by 6 wickets.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, 55 tenacious runs opening in adverse playing conditions. Ali Asfar, combative 51 with a comical conclusion. Pete Thearle, welcome return to the club with a typically well struck 70.
Next weekend: On Saturday, 20th June, the season reaches the mid-way point and the 1st XI travel to Frinton, starting at 11am. The 2nd XI play at the Victory Ground against Ipswich and East Suffolk, with the 3rd XI also at home against mid-table Earl Stonham, both matches starting at 1pm. The 4th XI complete the card with an away fixture at Yoxford, playing their 2nd XI, also at 1pm.
On Sunday, 21st June, the Sunday 1st XI travel to Hadleigh, with the Sunday 2nd XI are at home to Horringer. Both matches start at 1:30pm. The Bury Ladies’ XI have a match at the Victory Ground against Mistley, at 10am.
6th and 7th June 2015
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds 1st XI 252-8 (10 points) Swardeston 256-4 (25 points). Swardeston won by 6 wickets.
Still seeking the first league win of the season, Mike Comber faced a stern challenge when he took the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League XI to League Champions Swardeston. Mike lost the toss and found himself batting on a pitch that was dry but with a green tinge, at a ground with short boundaries and a reputation for entertaining, high scoring games. Bury started well, to widespread relief, and Mike and Justin Bishop put on 52 for the first wicket, when Mike was out for 42 scored at better than a run a ball. When Sean Park was given out lbw for 77, he and Tyler Lortan had put on 112 for the third wicket and given Bury a really solid foundation with 15 overs to bat. However Tyler was out shortly after and when Simon Rees was out Bury found themselves in the situation of having two batsmen at the crease who had yet to face a delivery. Two more wickets fell quickly and Mark Nunn found himself in the now familiar situation of having to hold the innings together, finishing not out on 17 out of a total of 252-8.
Swardeston are known as a batting side and they set about the target like they meant business, scoring at ten runs an over, Mark Nunn’s bowling being treated particularly harshly. Tyler Lortan broke the opening partnership, having the dangerous Peter Lambert caught and bowled after he had scored 63 off just 27 deliveries. Bury were never going to contain them after the start Swardeston made and it became a matter of taking wickets. Justin Bishop, Ben Curran, and Tom Robotham each took wickets but could not stop Swardeston’s progress towards the target which they met, with 6 wickets in hand, Jordan Taylor finishing on 100 not out.
Next week’s game now adopts huge significance - see “Next week,” below.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 180 (8 points) Elmstead Grasshoppers 2nd XI 182-8 (20 points). Elmstead G. 2nd XI won by 2 wickets
In the only home fixture of the weekend, Kevin Dobson’s 3rd XI played second from the top Elmstead Grasshoppers 2nd XI at the Victory Ground. On a day of glorious sunshine, Bury batted first and Vivek Rajagopal and Josh Toon set off at a brisk pace.
Still seeking the first league win of the season, Mike Comber faced a stern challenge when he took the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League XI to League Champions Swardeston. Mike lost the toss and found himself batting on a pitch that was dry but with a green tinge, at a ground with short boundaries and a reputation for entertaining, high scoring games. Bury started well, to widespread relief, and Mike and Justin Bishop put on 52 for the first wicket, when Mike was out for 42 scored at better than a run a ball. When Sean Park was given out lbw for 77, he and Tyler Lortan had put on 112 for the third wicket and given Bury a really solid foundation with 15 overs to bat. However Tyler was out shortly after and when Simon Rees was out Bury found themselves in the situation of having two batsmen at the crease who had yet to face a delivery. Two more wickets fell quickly and Mark Nunn found himself in the now familiar situation of having to hold the innings together, finishing not out on 17 out of a total of 252-8.
Swardeston are known as a batting side and they set about the target like they meant business, scoring at ten runs an over, Mark Nunn’s bowling being treated particularly harshly. Tyler Lortan broke the opening partnership, having the dangerous Peter Lambert caught and bowled after he had scored 63 off just 27 deliveries. Bury were never going to contain them after the start Swardeston made and it became a matter of taking wickets. Justin Bishop, Ben Curran, and Tom Robotham each took wickets but could not stop Swardeston’s progress towards the target which they met, with 6 wickets in hand, Jordan Taylor finishing on 100 not out.
Next week’s game now adopts huge significance - see “Next week,” below.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 180 (8 points) Elmstead Grasshoppers 2nd XI 182-8 (20 points). Elmstead G. 2nd XI won by 2 wickets
In the only home fixture of the weekend, Kevin Dobson’s 3rd XI played second from the top Elmstead Grasshoppers 2nd XI at the Victory Ground. On a day of glorious sunshine, Bury batted first and Vivek Rajagopal and Josh Toon set off at a brisk pace.
Josh Toon hit a magnificent six Photograph: April Urquhart
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Vivek Rajagopal was not afraid to go aerial Photograph: April Urquhart
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Vivek particularly was unafraid to go aerial and was dropped at midwicket on 29, going on to make a total of 74, putting on 108 with Josh for the first wicket. The middle order did not match the efforts of the openers and they finished on 180 all out. Nigel Denis bowled superbly and all the Bury batsmen found him a handful.
Elmstead started well and were scoring freely until Kevin brought on Vivek Rajagopal, who turned the ball from his first delivery. Kevin then brought on Andrew Green at the country end, who once again, as the week before, bowled with pace and aggression, extracting bounce from the pitch where others had struggled.
Elmstead started well and were scoring freely until Kevin brought on Vivek Rajagopal, who turned the ball from his first delivery. Kevin then brought on Andrew Green at the country end, who once again, as the week before, bowled with pace and aggression, extracting bounce from the pitch where others had struggled.
Andrew Green extracted bounce from the pitch
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Kevin Dobson was caught behind Photographs: April Urquhart
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With Vivek bowling his left arm spin from the town end, the pair put the brakes on Elmstead for a while. Andrew then produced a delivery that reared off a length to take an edge to Mike Skelton behind the stumps, and followed it with a straight one which carried to slip. On a hat trick, he roared in again and although denied, he could have had another wicket off the last ball of the over, a leading edge which didn’t carry to mid-off, much to Andrew’s dismay. Nevertheless it was a powerful display of bowling which kept Bury in the game. Bury were unlucky with a run out decision but Elmstead’s batsmen applied themselves tenaciously and won by 2 wickets. The return fixture will be eagerly anticipated.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 218-4 (8 points) Eye and District 220-6 (17 points). Eye & District won by 2 runs
Simon Aldous took the Bury 4th XI to Eye, sitting five places above them in the Division 8 West table. On a very windy day, Eye won the toss and bowled. Bury bowled pretty well, although the fielding was a little disappointing except for an excellent keeping performance from Ellis Taylor, and a good run out from Charlie Johnson. Alex Malcolm, Billy Riddick, and Will Green all bowled well.
Chasing 220, Bury started really well, with an excellent opening stand from Rob Johnson and Chris Honeyball. (The skipper made a comparison between Johnson and Honeyball, and Greenidge and Haynes. Compared to Greenidge and Haynes, they’re…). Charlie Johnson carried on with the good work, there was a steady contribution from Don Logan, and with Simon Aldous providing a bit of impetus Bury were within striking distance but then disaster struck: with 35 needed off 5 overs Charlie was stumped. The skipper was left needing 14 off the last over, and Bury finished 2 runs short of what would have been a remarkable victory.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 124-6 (19 points), Ipswich and East Suffolk 31-9 (2 points). Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI won by 93 runs.
Bury got their second win of the season away at Ipswich and East Suffolk, who had yet to win a game from 3 starts so far. In Esme Covington-Cross’ absence, Annie Page captained the side, won the toss and confidently decided to bat first. The opening pair of Lauren Swinburne (16) and Angela Jiggins (41) got Bury off to a strong start and were backed up by a quick 19 from Alex Stanford. Bury finished on 124 for 6.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 218-4 (8 points) Eye and District 220-6 (17 points). Eye & District won by 2 runs
Simon Aldous took the Bury 4th XI to Eye, sitting five places above them in the Division 8 West table. On a very windy day, Eye won the toss and bowled. Bury bowled pretty well, although the fielding was a little disappointing except for an excellent keeping performance from Ellis Taylor, and a good run out from Charlie Johnson. Alex Malcolm, Billy Riddick, and Will Green all bowled well.
Chasing 220, Bury started really well, with an excellent opening stand from Rob Johnson and Chris Honeyball. (The skipper made a comparison between Johnson and Honeyball, and Greenidge and Haynes. Compared to Greenidge and Haynes, they’re…). Charlie Johnson carried on with the good work, there was a steady contribution from Don Logan, and with Simon Aldous providing a bit of impetus Bury were within striking distance but then disaster struck: with 35 needed off 5 overs Charlie was stumped. The skipper was left needing 14 off the last over, and Bury finished 2 runs short of what would have been a remarkable victory.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Ladies’ T20 Competition: Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI 124-6 (19 points), Ipswich and East Suffolk 31-9 (2 points). Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI won by 93 runs.
Bury got their second win of the season away at Ipswich and East Suffolk, who had yet to win a game from 3 starts so far. In Esme Covington-Cross’ absence, Annie Page captained the side, won the toss and confidently decided to bat first. The opening pair of Lauren Swinburne (16) and Angela Jiggins (41) got Bury off to a strong start and were backed up by a quick 19 from Alex Stanford. Bury finished on 124 for 6.
Angela Jiggins made 41 to set up the Ladies’ XI win while Alex Stanford made a brisk 19
Photos: Helen Coe
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Some accurate bowling and tight fielding saw Bury hold IES to 31 for 9 off their 20 overs. The pick of the bowlers was Kathryn Kitching, whose 4 overs conceded just 5 runs for 3 wickets, and Alex Pierce-Sanderson, who took 2 for 8. The win moves Bury Ladies’ XI into third place.
Kat Kitching had a good game with ball and bat Photo: Helen Coe
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Battisford 112 (3 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 115-4 (20 points). Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st won by 6 wickets.
Neil Jefferies’ Sunday 1st XI, sitting mid-table with 2 wins from their 4 matches, travelled to Battisford. Neil was able to put together a strong team for the match against a team who were without a win from their 6 games so far, although a broken finger prevented Neil from playing. Mark Nunn was captain for the day and he carried on the fine tradition of losing the toss. Battisford elected to bat and were soon 11 for 1 courtesy of Tom Curry who bowled economically ending up with 2 wickets for 10 runs. Wickets fell steadily although the Battisford captain, C Nijhawan, steadied the ship with 29. Pick of the Bury bowlers was the rapidly improving and very promising Hassan Dahar, making his debut for the Sunday 1st XI. Hassan took 4 wickets for 23 and sent down 4 precious maiden overs. Tyler Lortan took 3 for 36. Tom Curry continued to impress and Charlie Cook (also on debut and an U15 player) also showed great promise, bowling six overs for an economical 14 runs. Battisford were all out for 112 off 37 overs. The Tuesday night training is definitely paying off as the fielding was of the highest standard.
The Bury reply started well with James McKinney, happily returned from injury, making 32 and Tom Curran (31) getting Bury off to a steady start. Tom Curran was bowled playing across the line and James holed out shortly afterwards. Phil Godden and James Sturgeon then took Bury to within four runs of victory when they both rather unexpectedly fell. Following a short scramble in the dressing room, Tyler Lortan and Sam Bishop saw Bury home with Sam hitting a six to win the game by six wickets. This was Bury's third victory of the season from the four games played thus far, and moves them into the top half of the table.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 194 (20 points) Tuddenham 193.
Saurabh Gupta’s Sunday 2nd XI visited Tuddenham, who were without a win from their 5 league matches so far this season. Saurabh took the field with only 9 players and lost the toss, and then had to watch Tuddenham run up 194-7
It was very satisfying, then, having been given the run-around in the field, Bury successfully chased down 194 to win in only 35 overs, Ali Asfar hitting 5 sixes in his 50.
Greene King Players of the Week: Sean Park (77) and Tyler Lortan (73), forming a crucial third wicket partnership of 112 and giving the 1st XI a foundation. Andrew Green, yet another display of aggressive fast-medium bowling, extracting bounce from the pitch and taking two wickets in two balls and just denied the hat-trick. Angela Jiggins, opening innings of 41, setting up the Ladies’ XI win, and Kat Kitching, whose 4 overs conceded just 5 runs for 3 wickets. Hassan Dahar, 4 wickets for 23 and 4 precious maiden overs for the Sunday 1st XI.
Next weekend: On Saturday 13th June, Bury 1st XI have a home fixture against fellow strugglers Burwell. With the Bury Free Press using the “R” word (not in my column, I would like to emphasise) it is hard to see this as anything other than a “must win” game. A good turnout of supporters would help them enormously. The 2nd XI travel to Little Bardfield, also mid-table. The 3rd XI travel to Braintree for their match against Braintree 2nd XI, while the 4th XI also face a stern test at the Victory Ground against Battisford, who have 6 wins from 7 games.
On Sunday, 14th June, anniversary of the Liberation of the Falkland Islands in 1982, the Sunday 1st XI play at home against Sudbury, who have just 1 win from 5 matches, while the Sunday 2nd XI travel to Stowupland who are second placed. The Ladies’ XI, after their emphatic win against Ipswich and East Suffolk, have a fixture at the Victory Ground against Felixstowe, who have 3 wins from 3 league games and are at the top of the table.
Neil Jefferies’ Sunday 1st XI, sitting mid-table with 2 wins from their 4 matches, travelled to Battisford. Neil was able to put together a strong team for the match against a team who were without a win from their 6 games so far, although a broken finger prevented Neil from playing. Mark Nunn was captain for the day and he carried on the fine tradition of losing the toss. Battisford elected to bat and were soon 11 for 1 courtesy of Tom Curry who bowled economically ending up with 2 wickets for 10 runs. Wickets fell steadily although the Battisford captain, C Nijhawan, steadied the ship with 29. Pick of the Bury bowlers was the rapidly improving and very promising Hassan Dahar, making his debut for the Sunday 1st XI. Hassan took 4 wickets for 23 and sent down 4 precious maiden overs. Tyler Lortan took 3 for 36. Tom Curry continued to impress and Charlie Cook (also on debut and an U15 player) also showed great promise, bowling six overs for an economical 14 runs. Battisford were all out for 112 off 37 overs. The Tuesday night training is definitely paying off as the fielding was of the highest standard.
The Bury reply started well with James McKinney, happily returned from injury, making 32 and Tom Curran (31) getting Bury off to a steady start. Tom Curran was bowled playing across the line and James holed out shortly afterwards. Phil Godden and James Sturgeon then took Bury to within four runs of victory when they both rather unexpectedly fell. Following a short scramble in the dressing room, Tyler Lortan and Sam Bishop saw Bury home with Sam hitting a six to win the game by six wickets. This was Bury's third victory of the season from the four games played thus far, and moves them into the top half of the table.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 194 (20 points) Tuddenham 193.
Saurabh Gupta’s Sunday 2nd XI visited Tuddenham, who were without a win from their 5 league matches so far this season. Saurabh took the field with only 9 players and lost the toss, and then had to watch Tuddenham run up 194-7
It was very satisfying, then, having been given the run-around in the field, Bury successfully chased down 194 to win in only 35 overs, Ali Asfar hitting 5 sixes in his 50.
Greene King Players of the Week: Sean Park (77) and Tyler Lortan (73), forming a crucial third wicket partnership of 112 and giving the 1st XI a foundation. Andrew Green, yet another display of aggressive fast-medium bowling, extracting bounce from the pitch and taking two wickets in two balls and just denied the hat-trick. Angela Jiggins, opening innings of 41, setting up the Ladies’ XI win, and Kat Kitching, whose 4 overs conceded just 5 runs for 3 wickets. Hassan Dahar, 4 wickets for 23 and 4 precious maiden overs for the Sunday 1st XI.
Next weekend: On Saturday 13th June, Bury 1st XI have a home fixture against fellow strugglers Burwell. With the Bury Free Press using the “R” word (not in my column, I would like to emphasise) it is hard to see this as anything other than a “must win” game. A good turnout of supporters would help them enormously. The 2nd XI travel to Little Bardfield, also mid-table. The 3rd XI travel to Braintree for their match against Braintree 2nd XI, while the 4th XI also face a stern test at the Victory Ground against Battisford, who have 6 wins from 7 games.
On Sunday, 14th June, anniversary of the Liberation of the Falkland Islands in 1982, the Sunday 1st XI play at home against Sudbury, who have just 1 win from 5 matches, while the Sunday 2nd XI travel to Stowupland who are second placed. The Ladies’ XI, after their emphatic win against Ipswich and East Suffolk, have a fixture at the Victory Ground against Felixstowe, who have 3 wins from 3 league games and are at the top of the table.
30th and 31st May 2015
Tyler Lortan plays the forward defensive Photo: John Urquhart
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Bury St Edmunds 1st XI 122 (1 point) Great Witchingham (25 points).
Bury 1st XI played Great Witchingham at the victory Ground. Witchingham won the toss and invited Mike Comber to bat first under a sunny sky with the very occasional dark cloud. Ben Whittaker replaced Ben Curran in the selected XI after Ben had an unfortunate training injury late in the week and Tom Curran came in for Ben Tippett. Bury lost both openers in the space of three deliveries with 26 on the board, Sean Cooper visibly disappointed when out, caught behind, for 2. Bury’s overseas player, Tyler Lortan, top scored with 25 forming a decent partnership of 39 with Phil Godden. A middle order collapse then saw 5 wickets fall for just 11 runs, and the game turned decisively in Witchingham’s favour.
Mark Nunn played well in the lower order, marshalling the tail and getting some important runs, putting on 32 for the last 2 wickets and finishing on 22 out of Bury’s total of 122, which was a far more competitive total than it looked to be earlier in the afternoon.
Bury 1st XI played Great Witchingham at the victory Ground. Witchingham won the toss and invited Mike Comber to bat first under a sunny sky with the very occasional dark cloud. Ben Whittaker replaced Ben Curran in the selected XI after Ben had an unfortunate training injury late in the week and Tom Curran came in for Ben Tippett. Bury lost both openers in the space of three deliveries with 26 on the board, Sean Cooper visibly disappointed when out, caught behind, for 2. Bury’s overseas player, Tyler Lortan, top scored with 25 forming a decent partnership of 39 with Phil Godden. A middle order collapse then saw 5 wickets fall for just 11 runs, and the game turned decisively in Witchingham’s favour.
Mark Nunn played well in the lower order, marshalling the tail and getting some important runs, putting on 32 for the last 2 wickets and finishing on 22 out of Bury’s total of 122, which was a far more competitive total than it looked to be earlier in the afternoon.
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Bury opened their bowling with Mike Comber and Justin Bishop and had to work hard to convince the umpires, eventually having success when Sean Cooper had Witchingham’s opener, James Spelman, leg before for 25. Phil Godden took a brilliant catch at square leg, over his shoulder, off Mark Nunn’s bowling to dismiss William Rogers. Witchingham never faltered and chased down the target with 7 wickets and an abundance of overs to spare.
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Phil Godden looks to be enjoying himself playing the drive Photo: John Urquhart
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Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: East Bergholt 166-8 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 91 (4 points). East Bergholt won by 75 runs.
Tom Fairweather missed the match through injury. I’m sure that everyone in the club wishes Tom a quick recovery and return to action. Adam Kizis led the team in their match against East Bergholt, won the toss, and elected to bowl on a pitch that seemed to have good covering of grass, hoping that it would offer assistance to Bury’s bowlers. East Bergholt posted a reasonable 167-8 with 23 runs coming off the last over. Andrew Green took 3 for 51 off 12 overs of aggressive right arm fast-medium bowling. Adam Kizis produced a stunning run out with a direct hit from cover after first fumbling the ball, then recovering quickly to run the batsman out at the wicket keepers end. Then, craftily placing himself at short extra cover, Adam took a catch off the very next ball from Andrew Green’s bowling. In reply, Bury started slowly with the usually reliable Vivek Rajagopal losing his wicket in the first over. Josh Toon and Ian Plumb pulled Bury back into the game but East Bergholt’s bowler, Chenery, ran through the middle order taking 7 wickets for 38 which swung the game decisively their way. Adam Kizis batted well for 20 but was bowled by a ball that kept low. A disappointing day at the office especially after a pleasing fielding display. |
Andrew Green took 3 wickets for 51
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Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Maldon 2nd XI 242-3 (17 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 154-4 (4 points). Maldon 2nd XI won by 88 runs.
Kevin Dobson took the 3rd XI to Maldon, on an auspicious day for that club as home grown player Alistair Cook passed Graham Gooch’s run record for England. Maldon batted first on what looked to be a pretty flat track and so it proved. Alex Malcom and Billy Riddick both bowled well but wickets were always going to be hard to come by, matters not helped by 3 dropped chances in the first 20 overs which, on another day, might all have stuck, in which case this would be a different story. But it was not to be and despite valiant efforts from all the bowlers, Maldon finished on 242-3.
Bury started well in reply and were up with the run rate early on as Simon Aldous and Tony Riddick both had good starts. Tony was dismissed, shortly followed by Saurabh, but with Maldon then going on the defensive they were never likely to bowl a team out on a track as flat as this. Simon was bowled for 53 and Bury then fell behind the asking rate, and never really threatened Maldon’s total. Twelve year old Samuel Aldous again showed promise with the bat, never looking in trouble against any of Maldon’s bowlers and was going well on 14 whereupon his skipper ran him out… sorry Samuel!
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Exning forfeited the game, the Sunday 1st XI benefitting to the tune of 20 competition points without getting out of bed.
Greene King Players of the Week: Andrew Green, 3 wickets for the 2nd XI with aggressive fast-medium bowling. Simon Aldous, immaculate 54, opening for the 3rd XI.
Next weekend: on Saturday, 6th June, Bury St Edmunds Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League XI face a real test when they travel to 2014 Champions and currently third placed Swardeston at 11am. The 2nd Team don’t have a fixture but Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI have a home game against second placed Elmstead Grasshoppers starting at 1pm, while Bury St Edmunds 4th XI travel to Eye and District, also at 1pm. On Sunday, 7th June, Bury Sunday 1st XI, currently sitting in 4th place, travel to Battisford and District, who are three from bottom, starting at 1:30pm. The Sunday 2nd XI, sitting mid-table, play at the Victory Ground at 1:30pm against second-from-bottom Tuddenham, although the fixture was still to be confirmed at the time of going to press.
Kevin Dobson took the 3rd XI to Maldon, on an auspicious day for that club as home grown player Alistair Cook passed Graham Gooch’s run record for England. Maldon batted first on what looked to be a pretty flat track and so it proved. Alex Malcom and Billy Riddick both bowled well but wickets were always going to be hard to come by, matters not helped by 3 dropped chances in the first 20 overs which, on another day, might all have stuck, in which case this would be a different story. But it was not to be and despite valiant efforts from all the bowlers, Maldon finished on 242-3.
Bury started well in reply and were up with the run rate early on as Simon Aldous and Tony Riddick both had good starts. Tony was dismissed, shortly followed by Saurabh, but with Maldon then going on the defensive they were never likely to bowl a team out on a track as flat as this. Simon was bowled for 53 and Bury then fell behind the asking rate, and never really threatened Maldon’s total. Twelve year old Samuel Aldous again showed promise with the bat, never looking in trouble against any of Maldon’s bowlers and was going well on 14 whereupon his skipper ran him out… sorry Samuel!
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Exning forfeited the game, the Sunday 1st XI benefitting to the tune of 20 competition points without getting out of bed.
Greene King Players of the Week: Andrew Green, 3 wickets for the 2nd XI with aggressive fast-medium bowling. Simon Aldous, immaculate 54, opening for the 3rd XI.
Next weekend: on Saturday, 6th June, Bury St Edmunds Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League XI face a real test when they travel to 2014 Champions and currently third placed Swardeston at 11am. The 2nd Team don’t have a fixture but Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI have a home game against second placed Elmstead Grasshoppers starting at 1pm, while Bury St Edmunds 4th XI travel to Eye and District, also at 1pm. On Sunday, 7th June, Bury Sunday 1st XI, currently sitting in 4th place, travel to Battisford and District, who are three from bottom, starting at 1:30pm. The Sunday 2nd XI, sitting mid-table, play at the Victory Ground at 1:30pm against second-from-bottom Tuddenham, although the fixture was still to be confirmed at the time of going to press.
23rd, 24th and 25th May 2015
Regular readers of my reports on the website will have realised that they do not match exactly the column which appears in the Bury Free Press. The paper has to be even-handed in the coverage given to teams throughout the region and is also constrained by available space. The original and unabridged version will always appear on the Club’s website, and before the BFP comes out on Friday. I intend to publish photographs alongside the reports as the summer progresses, which should make for a more interesting read. So, for the full account of events, look at your Club’s website!
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Vauxhall Mallards 92 (30 points), Bury St Edmunds 1st XI 75 (5 points). Vauxhall Mallards won by 17 runs.
The 1st XI under Mike Comber travelled east to play Vauxhall Mallards. Winning the toss Mike put Mallards in on a green-tinged wicket under a cloudy sky and opened the bowling with Mark Nunn. He was immediately rewarded with a wicket with his very first delivery, bowling the Mallards captain, Matt Plater. Mike took his second wicket with his sixth ball, having Todd caught by James Sturgeon, brilliantly one-handed down the leg side. Mike and Mark had a stranglehold on Mallards and had them 5 down for just 7 runs in the eighth over. Mallards’ pair of Arshad and Bradshaw offered some resistance with a partnership of 43 until Mike had Arshad trapped leg before, claiming his fifth wicket. Bury wrapped up matters for 92 shortly after lunch when Mike Comber took his seventh wicket, for a frugal 36 runs. Mark Nunn finished took the remaining three wickets for 17. Once again, Bury bowled with great discipline, conceding neither wides nor no-balls.
Ben Curran and Sean Park set off in pursuit of the modest target of 93 for the first win of the season. Mallards’ bowler Paul Bradshaw was treated with circumspection, and he was allowed to put down 3 consecutive maiden overs, frustrating the openers. It was Mallards’ other opening bowler Addison, however, who had Sean Park caught behind for 16. Wickets then fell regularly with no batsman getting established, and when Adam Todd took 4 wickets for 5 runs he turned the game for the Mallards. Mike Comber and Tom Robotham came together at 57-9 and offered some hope, but Mike was caught behind for Adam Todd’s fifth wicket with the score on 75, and Bury were left to ponder how they had lost having had Mallards on the ropes early on. Heads were down, and many players had no enthusiasm for the Sunday T20 but veterans John Williams and Nick Curran together with the captain, Mike Comber, used their collective experience and wisdom to restore the team’s morale.
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Vauxhall Mallards 92 (30 points), Bury St Edmunds 1st XI 75 (5 points). Vauxhall Mallards won by 17 runs.
The 1st XI under Mike Comber travelled east to play Vauxhall Mallards. Winning the toss Mike put Mallards in on a green-tinged wicket under a cloudy sky and opened the bowling with Mark Nunn. He was immediately rewarded with a wicket with his very first delivery, bowling the Mallards captain, Matt Plater. Mike took his second wicket with his sixth ball, having Todd caught by James Sturgeon, brilliantly one-handed down the leg side. Mike and Mark had a stranglehold on Mallards and had them 5 down for just 7 runs in the eighth over. Mallards’ pair of Arshad and Bradshaw offered some resistance with a partnership of 43 until Mike had Arshad trapped leg before, claiming his fifth wicket. Bury wrapped up matters for 92 shortly after lunch when Mike Comber took his seventh wicket, for a frugal 36 runs. Mark Nunn finished took the remaining three wickets for 17. Once again, Bury bowled with great discipline, conceding neither wides nor no-balls.
Ben Curran and Sean Park set off in pursuit of the modest target of 93 for the first win of the season. Mallards’ bowler Paul Bradshaw was treated with circumspection, and he was allowed to put down 3 consecutive maiden overs, frustrating the openers. It was Mallards’ other opening bowler Addison, however, who had Sean Park caught behind for 16. Wickets then fell regularly with no batsman getting established, and when Adam Todd took 4 wickets for 5 runs he turned the game for the Mallards. Mike Comber and Tom Robotham came together at 57-9 and offered some hope, but Mike was caught behind for Adam Todd’s fifth wicket with the score on 75, and Bury were left to ponder how they had lost having had Mallards on the ropes early on. Heads were down, and many players had no enthusiasm for the Sunday T20 but veterans John Williams and Nick Curran together with the captain, Mike Comber, used their collective experience and wisdom to restore the team’s morale.
Stuart Nunn and the on drive Photograph: April Urquhart
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Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St. Edmunds 2nd XI 146-5 (4pts), Mistley 2nd XI 147-4 (17pts). Mistley 2nd XI won by 6 wickets.
Tom Fairweather’s 2nd XI played the second of three consecutive home fixtures, entertaining Mistley 2nd XI. After the disappointing result the week before, Tom was determined to get something from the game against Mistley who were without a win after 5 weekends of league cricket. He lost the toss and found himself batting. Josh Toon and Sam Bishop opened the Bury Innings with a steady partnership of 29. After their 45 overs Bury were 146-5 with contributions from Henry Colburn (43) and Stuart Nunn (42). Mistley lost Stevens to the bowling of Tom Curry for 8 in an opening partnership of 27 but thereafter the middle order settled in and although Hassan Dahar, Sam Bishop and Adam Kizis each took wickets late on Mistley reached their target with overs to spare. |
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Bury St. Edmunds 3rd XI 211-8 (6pts), Stowmarket 212-3 (19pts). Stowmarket won by 7 wickets.
The 3rd XI were at home to Stowmarket, seeking to build on the gutsy performance of the week before against a team who were without a win from their 5 league matches so far this season. Kevin Dobson was pleased to welcome Darrin Steward, who had returned to Bury from Woolpit, and Andy Kizis, who had been living and working in Holland. Kevin won the toss and decided to bat under a cloudy sky, which soon cleared to reveal welcome bright sunshine. Despite losing Darrin early, Mike Ginn and Ian Plumb put on 37 for the second wicket. It was the batting of Sandeep, however, which took Bury to a competitive total; he hit 79 and was not out at the close of the innings. Kevin declared himself satisfied with the total.
Stowmarket began well and the opener, Ives, remained not out at the end for 115 and took the match away from Bury.
The 3rd XI were at home to Stowmarket, seeking to build on the gutsy performance of the week before against a team who were without a win from their 5 league matches so far this season. Kevin Dobson was pleased to welcome Darrin Steward, who had returned to Bury from Woolpit, and Andy Kizis, who had been living and working in Holland. Kevin won the toss and decided to bat under a cloudy sky, which soon cleared to reveal welcome bright sunshine. Despite losing Darrin early, Mike Ginn and Ian Plumb put on 37 for the second wicket. It was the batting of Sandeep, however, which took Bury to a competitive total; he hit 79 and was not out at the close of the innings. Kevin declared himself satisfied with the total.
Stowmarket began well and the opener, Ives, remained not out at the end for 115 and took the match away from Bury.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI 199-9 (18pts), Stowmarket 2nd XI 150-6 (7pts). Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI won by 45 runs.
Simon Aldous took the 4th XI to play Stowmarket 2nd XI who had lost all 4 of their league games so far this summer. Batting first, the Bury innings was dominated from the start by Rob Johnson who hit a magnificent 117 including sixteen fours and two sixes and who watched his teammates come to the crease and leave in succession, only 3 batsmen getting into double figures, although Oli Riddick hit a tenacious 17. Bury used their full allocation of overs to make 199-9.
Stowmarket’s innings was likewise dominated by one batsman, Baxter, who carried his bat for 68. The young cricketers in the team are developing their game well under the tutelage of Simon Aldous. Taylor Edwards took 2 wickets as did Samuel Aldous, who was also very economical conceding just 2 runs an over from his 8 overs. Bury bowled with control, conceding no wides or no-balls, and never allowed Stowmarket to develop any momentum, finishing on 150-6 after 45 overs, Bury winning by 45 runs.
On Sunday 24th May, the Bury St Edmunds 1st XI played a T20 contest at Frinton in the National Club T20 competition, which is open to all the clubs in England playing ECB Premier League cricket. Drawn in a group with Woolpit, Frinton and Copdock, Frinton beat Copdock in the first game.
Bury were deprived of the services of Tyler Lortan due to the competition’s playing regulations but the Club still fielded a strong team. Given the nature of the defeat the day before, the resolve shown by the team was worthy of the highest possible praise.
Bury first played Woolpit, who batted first, making 150-5 from their 20 overs. Sean Park took two wickets bowling off spin, demonstrating his talent and versatility when he proceeded to bowl fast medium in the second match. James Sturgeon made two stumpings.
Bury set off in pursuit of the target with Ben Curran and Sean park opening. They put on 31 together and when Sean was out Mark Nunn came to the crease and maintained the momentum until he was out, caught. James Sturgeon then made a brisk 22 from 23 deliveries before suffering the ignominy, as a ‘keeper, of being stumped. A solid partnership between Tom Curran and Mike Comber then saw Bury home, Tom falling just before then end for 21, Mike making 41, and Bury won by 5 wickets.
Bury then played the winner of the first match, Frinton. Mike Comber lost the toss and was invited to bat. Opening with Sean Park, the pair put on 59 for the first wicket before Mike was bowled by Frinton’s Anthony Stubbs. A run out was exactly what the team didn’t need so when Ben Curran was run out without scoring, heads might have gone down but the team’s collective determination returned and a sequence of decent partnerships saw the score progress satisfactorily. Mark Nunn made a useful 20 while Nick Curran was out in the same manner as his younger son. 125 represented a defendable total.
Frinton made a brisk start with an opening partnership of 32, broken by Sean Cooper, who had Joe Fowler caught by Mark Nunn who was fielding at long off, but ran 20 yards to extra cover and caught the ball low down on the run. Frinton were simply not allowed to build any partnerships of substance and when Tom Curran ran out Jay Bowman, Bury had won the game, by 4 runs with just a single ball to spare.
Bury now progress to the regional finals day, to be played on Sunday 12th July at Horsford. They will play Saffron Walden and the winner of the Norfolk group.
Simon Aldous took the 4th XI to play Stowmarket 2nd XI who had lost all 4 of their league games so far this summer. Batting first, the Bury innings was dominated from the start by Rob Johnson who hit a magnificent 117 including sixteen fours and two sixes and who watched his teammates come to the crease and leave in succession, only 3 batsmen getting into double figures, although Oli Riddick hit a tenacious 17. Bury used their full allocation of overs to make 199-9.
Stowmarket’s innings was likewise dominated by one batsman, Baxter, who carried his bat for 68. The young cricketers in the team are developing their game well under the tutelage of Simon Aldous. Taylor Edwards took 2 wickets as did Samuel Aldous, who was also very economical conceding just 2 runs an over from his 8 overs. Bury bowled with control, conceding no wides or no-balls, and never allowed Stowmarket to develop any momentum, finishing on 150-6 after 45 overs, Bury winning by 45 runs.
On Sunday 24th May, the Bury St Edmunds 1st XI played a T20 contest at Frinton in the National Club T20 competition, which is open to all the clubs in England playing ECB Premier League cricket. Drawn in a group with Woolpit, Frinton and Copdock, Frinton beat Copdock in the first game.
Bury were deprived of the services of Tyler Lortan due to the competition’s playing regulations but the Club still fielded a strong team. Given the nature of the defeat the day before, the resolve shown by the team was worthy of the highest possible praise.
Bury first played Woolpit, who batted first, making 150-5 from their 20 overs. Sean Park took two wickets bowling off spin, demonstrating his talent and versatility when he proceeded to bowl fast medium in the second match. James Sturgeon made two stumpings.
Bury set off in pursuit of the target with Ben Curran and Sean park opening. They put on 31 together and when Sean was out Mark Nunn came to the crease and maintained the momentum until he was out, caught. James Sturgeon then made a brisk 22 from 23 deliveries before suffering the ignominy, as a ‘keeper, of being stumped. A solid partnership between Tom Curran and Mike Comber then saw Bury home, Tom falling just before then end for 21, Mike making 41, and Bury won by 5 wickets.
Bury then played the winner of the first match, Frinton. Mike Comber lost the toss and was invited to bat. Opening with Sean Park, the pair put on 59 for the first wicket before Mike was bowled by Frinton’s Anthony Stubbs. A run out was exactly what the team didn’t need so when Ben Curran was run out without scoring, heads might have gone down but the team’s collective determination returned and a sequence of decent partnerships saw the score progress satisfactorily. Mark Nunn made a useful 20 while Nick Curran was out in the same manner as his younger son. 125 represented a defendable total.
Frinton made a brisk start with an opening partnership of 32, broken by Sean Cooper, who had Joe Fowler caught by Mark Nunn who was fielding at long off, but ran 20 yards to extra cover and caught the ball low down on the run. Frinton were simply not allowed to build any partnerships of substance and when Tom Curran ran out Jay Bowman, Bury had won the game, by 4 runs with just a single ball to spare.
Bury now progress to the regional finals day, to be played on Sunday 12th July at Horsford. They will play Saffron Walden and the winner of the Norfolk group.
Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI 24th May 2015 Photograph: John Urquhart
Standing, left to right: Lucy Fraser, Anne Twigg, Megan Arnold, Kayleigh Francis, Pippa Palmer Seated, left to right: Lauren Swinburne, Alex Stanford, Esme Covington-Cross (Captain), Annie Page (Vice-Captain), Alex Pierce-Sanderson, Emma Ellis.
Pippa Palmer played a match winning innings Photograph: John Urquhart
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, dominating performance with the ball, taking 7 for 36, and showing great leadership after Saturday’s defeat, getting the team back to winning on Sunday. James Sturgeon, gymnastic leg side catch which had John Williams in raptures. Sandeep, 79 not out, giving the 3rd XI a decent start. Rob Johnson, dominating innings of 117 taking the 4th XI to victory. Pippa Palmer, undefeated match-winning innings of 43. All the XI who took the field on Sunday and beat both Woolpit and Frinton, having been badly beaten the day before deserve credit, but perhaps the younger players who stood up to be counted earn it most: Mark Nunn, Adam Kizis, James Sturgeon, Tom Curran and Ben Curran. Phil Godden, playing a decisive innings of 64 not out in the 2nd XI’s return to winning ways on Monday.
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Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI played Frinton at the Victory Ground. Frinton 100-3, (5pts) Bury St. Edmunds 101-1 (16pts). Bury St. Edmunds won by 9 wickets.
Esme Covington-Cross lost the toss and found herself fielding on a bright sunny morning. Lauren Swinburne was the pick of the bowlers, conceding only 11 runs from her 4 overs and taking the wicket of Williams. Tidy fielding then restricted Frinton to exactly 100. Anything over 100 is a decent score in this format in the Ladies’ game so Esme and Annie were content at the interval. Kayleigh Francis and Pippa Palmer opened the batting for Bury and made a decisive partnership of 61, without any assistance from the extras column. If Kayleigh had connected with the full toss that cleaned her up, it might have travelled a very long way but she could hardly be criticised for trying to accelerate the innings. Alex Stanford then came to the crease and with her very correct upright stance hit a series of 3 boundaries in a row to cross the line, although it was Pippa’s undefeated innings of 43 which undoubtedly won the game. On Monday, 25th May, Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI played a match in Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3. Woodbridge & O.W. 140-7 (4pts), Bury St. Edmunds 2nd XI 146-5 (18pts). Bury St. Edmunds 2nd XI won by 5 wickets.
Tom Fairweather won the toss and had no hesitation in asking Woodbridge to bat under leaden skies. Tom Robotham opened from the country end, bowling left arm fast to an aggressive 6-3 field with three slips and a gulley. However it was Adam Kizis who took the first wicket bowling from the town end, a leading edge looping up to Phil Godden who took a tidy catch at extra cover. In the cold conditions there were several dropped catches which allowed Woodbridge to recover from the loss of two early wickets, eventually closing on 140-7. Bury’s openers, Ben Curran and Sam Bishop, set about the target with confidence, Ben having a welcome innings of 27. However it was Phil Godden who played the decisive innings, making an undefeated 64 and hitting a triumphant six to win the game from the last ball of the innings. 
Henry Colborne plays the cut Photograph: April Urquhart
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Next weekend: On Saturday 30th May the 1st XI play in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League against Great Witchingham, currently mid-table, at the Victory Ground at 11:00am. The 2nd XI travel to East Bergholt and the 3rd XI are away to Maldon 2nd XI, both playing at 1pm.
On Sunday 31st May, the Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI have a game at the Victory Ground against Exning, at 1:30pm.
On Sunday 31st May, the Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI have a game at the Victory Ground against Exning, at 1:30pm.
16th and 17th May 2015
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Copdock and Old Ipswichians 222 (12 points), Bury St Edmunds 1st XI 192-6 (10 points). Match drawn.
Mike Comber took the 1st XI to Ipswich to play the team currently sitting third in the EAPCL table. Winning the toss and with rain possible Mike put Copdock in but then had to watch their opening pair put on 42 before Mark Nunn broke the partnership, bowling Copdock’s Cull for 29. Mark made another vital contribution when he juggled and caught Copdock’s overseas player, Chetty, off an unlikely long hop from Tyler Lortan. At lunch Copdock were 116-4 with honours even. Bury bowled tidily in the afternoon session, six bowlers sharing the wickets and dismissing Copdock for the double Nelson inside 63 overs. Ben Tippett, making his first team debut, took 2-25.
The reply started indifferently with openers Ben Curran and Sean Cooper dismissed with just 5 runs on the board. After Phil Godden was dismissed, Tyler Lortan and Mike Comber had to dig in to restore order, Mike taking 25 carefully-considered deliveries to get off the mark. They put on 55 together before Mike was out for 23. Tyler then took over, and with Justin Bishop batting further down the order than usual, put together a solid partnership of 53. When the sixth wicket fell on 154 – Tyler’s, for a purposeful 69 - the draw looked to be the likely outcome. James Sturgeon and Mark Nunn found themselves within striking distance of the target, and although both finished unbeaten, James on 34 and Mark on 13, they had to settle for the draw, 30 runs short of the target.
Mike Comber took the 1st XI to Ipswich to play the team currently sitting third in the EAPCL table. Winning the toss and with rain possible Mike put Copdock in but then had to watch their opening pair put on 42 before Mark Nunn broke the partnership, bowling Copdock’s Cull for 29. Mark made another vital contribution when he juggled and caught Copdock’s overseas player, Chetty, off an unlikely long hop from Tyler Lortan. At lunch Copdock were 116-4 with honours even. Bury bowled tidily in the afternoon session, six bowlers sharing the wickets and dismissing Copdock for the double Nelson inside 63 overs. Ben Tippett, making his first team debut, took 2-25.
The reply started indifferently with openers Ben Curran and Sean Cooper dismissed with just 5 runs on the board. After Phil Godden was dismissed, Tyler Lortan and Mike Comber had to dig in to restore order, Mike taking 25 carefully-considered deliveries to get off the mark. They put on 55 together before Mike was out for 23. Tyler then took over, and with Justin Bishop batting further down the order than usual, put together a solid partnership of 53. When the sixth wicket fell on 154 – Tyler’s, for a purposeful 69 - the draw looked to be the likely outcome. James Sturgeon and Mark Nunn found themselves within striking distance of the target, and although both finished unbeaten, James on 34 and Mark on 13, they had to settle for the draw, 30 runs short of the target.
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Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Brockley 284-4 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 47 (2 points). Brockley won by 237 runs.
The 2nd XI played Brockley at the Victory Ground. Tom Fairweather lost the toss and found himself fielding first, with just ten players, under perfectly clear blue skies. How weather influences cricket; how the toss can be pivotal. Brockley made a brisk start and put on 126 for the first wicket before Josh Toon dismissed the Brockley opener Jeffries for 65 with a ball that trimmed his leg stump. Brockley’s middle order capitalised and, fielding with a man short, Bury found it hard to fill the gaps although matters were not helped by a cluster of dropped catches when Brockley were hitting out at the death, closing their innings on 284-4. The Bury response was a thoroughly forgettable one. Brockley’s Isaac Reed, already their leading wicket taker with 17 wickets for the season, ran through Bury’s batting like a knife through butter, taking 5 wickets. No Bury batsman reached double figures, and Brockley won with an abundance of overs to spare. |
Tom Curry was unlucky to have three catches dropped off his bowling Photo: John Urquhart
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Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Kesgrave 351-2 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 160 (4 points). Kesgrave won by 191 runs.
Kevin Dobson and the 3rd XI travelled with only nine men and so were always going to struggle against third-placed Kesgrave, whose openers, arguably the best in the division, exploited the vacant areas of the pitch until Alex Malcolm had Kesgrave’s Gallant caught and bowled for 26. Kesgrave’s Mike Worne then joined the party and struck an undefeated 182. Not the sort of record that is particularly welcome, Kesgrave’s second wicket partnership of 281 established a new division record.
In their reply, Simon Aldous and Chris Honeyball opened for Bury, losing Chris for 5 with the score on 12. When Kevin Dobson came to the wicket he forged a partnership of 68 with Simon offering just a glimmer of hope, but when Simon was bowled for 38 and Kevin caught for a determined 50, only Guy Robins with 24 offered any resistance, and the innings ended with Bury 3rd XI on 161-8. Nevertheless, this was a great all round team effort on a difficult afternoon.
The 4th XI were due to play Stradbrooke, so far winless and propping up the bottom of the Division 8 West. Unfortunately poor availability throughout the club meant that, with a number of players being required by the 3rd XI, Simon Aldous, himself playing for Kevin Dobson, was unable to put out a team. The Club is not alone in this regard, as a total of 16 Two Counties fixtures have already been conceded so far this season.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 180-7 (20 points) Brockley 150 (6 points). Bury won by 35 runs.
It was Neil Jefferies’ Sunday 1st XI who salvaged some pride for the Club playing Brockley for the second time in the weekend, and avenging the defeat of the Saturday 2nd XI by Brockley the day before. Neil lost the toss - this was the third time in a row - and Brockley elected to bowl. The Bury openers struggled initially on a slow, low wicket and lost Tom Curran early. However, Tyler Lortan dug in and batted superbly but was eventually caught for 101. He was supported by Mark Nunn who continued his good form of the weekend scoring 45, and the innings closed on 180 for 7.
Tom Robotham opened the bowling for Bury and was soon among the wickets when the Brockley opener advanced down the track and was completely beaten by pace, losing his off stump. Once the broken bale had been replaced, Tom continued and, in a devastating spell of classy left arm over fast bowling, took 4 for 17 in just 4 overs. Neil Jefferies was the next best bowler taking 2 for 36 from 9 overs. Meanwhile Tyler Lortan tied down the other end with 7 overs of leg spin, wicketless but miserly, conceding only 11 runs. The highlight of the fielding was surely a superb flat throw from the boundary by Sam Harrison to run out the Brockley captain with a direct hit. Peter Webb scored 77 for Brockley but they fell short with 150 runs from their 40 overs. A very satisfying win for Bury Sunday 1st XI, by 35 runs, their second away win in consecutive weeks.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 228-7 (20 points), Nowton 2nd XI 178-4 (7 points). Bury Sunday 2nd XI won by 50 runs.
Saurabh Gupta’s Sunday 2nd XI played Nowton 2nd XI at the Victory Ground. Bury won the toss and chose to bat. The openers made a solid start with Rob Johnson making 82. Yogesh Kumar followed up with 31 and towards the end of the innings Ali Asfar hit a quick-fire 43, closing the innings on 228-7.
In reply Nowton were unable to dominate Bury’s bowling and when Taylor Edwards took 2 wickets in consecutive deliveries, the momentum moved firmly to Bury, restricting Nowton to 178-4 in their 40 overs.
Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI: Copdock & O.I. (17pts) 140-3, Bury St. Edmunds (4pts) 115-4. Copdock & O.I. won by 25 runs.
Esme Covington-Cross led Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI in their first match of the 2015 season when they entertained Copdock Ladies at the Victory Ground in T20 format. Copdock batted first and made a competitive total which Bury ladies struggled to reach, falling 25 runs short.
Greene King Players of the Week: Tyler Lortan, solid batting, holding the middle order together in an innings of 39.3 overs for 69 on Saturday, and a classy match-winning 101 on Sunday. Mark Nunn, terrific all-round performance, partnership breaking wicket, important catch on Saturday, and gritty performances with the bat both Saturday and Sunday. Kevin Dobson, hitting a determined 50 in difficult circumstances, allowing the 3rd XI to get some batting points out of their defeat. Tom Robotham, devastating spell of classy left arm over fast bowling, 4 for 17 in just 4 overs. Rob Johnson, opening the Sunday 2nd XI innings with 82, laying the foundations for the win.
Next weekend: On Saturday 23rd May Bury St Edmunds Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League XI travel to mid-table Vauxhall Mallards, while the 2nd XI have the second of three consecutive home fixtures, playing Mistley 2nd XI, currently winless at the bottom of the division, at 1pm. The 3rd XI also have a 1pm home fixture, against Stowmarket, who are also winless at the foot of their division, with the 4th XI completing the card with an away game against the same opposition.
On Sunday 24th May, the 1st XI have a T20 fixture against Woolpit at Frinton. Neither of the men’s Sunday XIs have a fixture, but the Bury St Edmunds ladies’ XI play Frinton Ladies at the Victory Ground, starting at 10:00.
On Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May, Bury 2nd XI are at home to Woodbridge and OW.
Kevin Dobson and the 3rd XI travelled with only nine men and so were always going to struggle against third-placed Kesgrave, whose openers, arguably the best in the division, exploited the vacant areas of the pitch until Alex Malcolm had Kesgrave’s Gallant caught and bowled for 26. Kesgrave’s Mike Worne then joined the party and struck an undefeated 182. Not the sort of record that is particularly welcome, Kesgrave’s second wicket partnership of 281 established a new division record.
In their reply, Simon Aldous and Chris Honeyball opened for Bury, losing Chris for 5 with the score on 12. When Kevin Dobson came to the wicket he forged a partnership of 68 with Simon offering just a glimmer of hope, but when Simon was bowled for 38 and Kevin caught for a determined 50, only Guy Robins with 24 offered any resistance, and the innings ended with Bury 3rd XI on 161-8. Nevertheless, this was a great all round team effort on a difficult afternoon.
The 4th XI were due to play Stradbrooke, so far winless and propping up the bottom of the Division 8 West. Unfortunately poor availability throughout the club meant that, with a number of players being required by the 3rd XI, Simon Aldous, himself playing for Kevin Dobson, was unable to put out a team. The Club is not alone in this regard, as a total of 16 Two Counties fixtures have already been conceded so far this season.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 180-7 (20 points) Brockley 150 (6 points). Bury won by 35 runs.
It was Neil Jefferies’ Sunday 1st XI who salvaged some pride for the Club playing Brockley for the second time in the weekend, and avenging the defeat of the Saturday 2nd XI by Brockley the day before. Neil lost the toss - this was the third time in a row - and Brockley elected to bowl. The Bury openers struggled initially on a slow, low wicket and lost Tom Curran early. However, Tyler Lortan dug in and batted superbly but was eventually caught for 101. He was supported by Mark Nunn who continued his good form of the weekend scoring 45, and the innings closed on 180 for 7.
Tom Robotham opened the bowling for Bury and was soon among the wickets when the Brockley opener advanced down the track and was completely beaten by pace, losing his off stump. Once the broken bale had been replaced, Tom continued and, in a devastating spell of classy left arm over fast bowling, took 4 for 17 in just 4 overs. Neil Jefferies was the next best bowler taking 2 for 36 from 9 overs. Meanwhile Tyler Lortan tied down the other end with 7 overs of leg spin, wicketless but miserly, conceding only 11 runs. The highlight of the fielding was surely a superb flat throw from the boundary by Sam Harrison to run out the Brockley captain with a direct hit. Peter Webb scored 77 for Brockley but they fell short with 150 runs from their 40 overs. A very satisfying win for Bury Sunday 1st XI, by 35 runs, their second away win in consecutive weeks.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 228-7 (20 points), Nowton 2nd XI 178-4 (7 points). Bury Sunday 2nd XI won by 50 runs.
Saurabh Gupta’s Sunday 2nd XI played Nowton 2nd XI at the Victory Ground. Bury won the toss and chose to bat. The openers made a solid start with Rob Johnson making 82. Yogesh Kumar followed up with 31 and towards the end of the innings Ali Asfar hit a quick-fire 43, closing the innings on 228-7.
In reply Nowton were unable to dominate Bury’s bowling and when Taylor Edwards took 2 wickets in consecutive deliveries, the momentum moved firmly to Bury, restricting Nowton to 178-4 in their 40 overs.
Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI: Copdock & O.I. (17pts) 140-3, Bury St. Edmunds (4pts) 115-4. Copdock & O.I. won by 25 runs.
Esme Covington-Cross led Bury St Edmunds Ladies’ XI in their first match of the 2015 season when they entertained Copdock Ladies at the Victory Ground in T20 format. Copdock batted first and made a competitive total which Bury ladies struggled to reach, falling 25 runs short.
Greene King Players of the Week: Tyler Lortan, solid batting, holding the middle order together in an innings of 39.3 overs for 69 on Saturday, and a classy match-winning 101 on Sunday. Mark Nunn, terrific all-round performance, partnership breaking wicket, important catch on Saturday, and gritty performances with the bat both Saturday and Sunday. Kevin Dobson, hitting a determined 50 in difficult circumstances, allowing the 3rd XI to get some batting points out of their defeat. Tom Robotham, devastating spell of classy left arm over fast bowling, 4 for 17 in just 4 overs. Rob Johnson, opening the Sunday 2nd XI innings with 82, laying the foundations for the win.
Next weekend: On Saturday 23rd May Bury St Edmunds Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League XI travel to mid-table Vauxhall Mallards, while the 2nd XI have the second of three consecutive home fixtures, playing Mistley 2nd XI, currently winless at the bottom of the division, at 1pm. The 3rd XI also have a 1pm home fixture, against Stowmarket, who are also winless at the foot of their division, with the 4th XI completing the card with an away game against the same opposition.
On Sunday 24th May, the 1st XI have a T20 fixture against Woolpit at Frinton. Neither of the men’s Sunday XIs have a fixture, but the Bury St Edmunds ladies’ XI play Frinton Ladies at the Victory Ground, starting at 10:00.
On Bank Holiday Monday, 25th May, Bury 2nd XI are at home to Woodbridge and OW.
9th and 10th May 2015
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Saffron Walden 193-7 (11 points), Bury St Edmunds 1st XI 176-9 (8 points). Match drawn.
Mike Comber again won the toss and, with rain in the air, asked Saffron Walden to bat first. Bury bowled and fielded with discipline, conceding only 2 boundaries in the first session of play. Mike Comber appeared to take a catch from a thin edge, but sportingly indicated straight away that it had not carried. At lunch Bury had restricted Saffron Walden to 53-5, with an accurate long throw by Phil Godden running out Jack Sneath. However a partnership developed between Saffron’s Joe Barrs and Matthew Gouldstone who then put on 86 runs for the 7th wicket to set Bury a reasonable target.
Bury were in a strong position of 49-1 at tea with Ben Curran batting very well for 38. However Bury lost Phil Godden and Tyler Lortan in the first over after tea without adding to the score. When Mike Comber was caught off his pads for 49 the initiative went back to Saffron, although Tom Robotham claimed the second batting point with a boundary. Tom could only watch from the other end as 4 wickets fell for just 10 runs, but with Tom Curran the last pair were able to hang on for the draw.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Copdock and Old Ipswichians 2nd XI 237-5 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 144-9 (4 points). Copdock & OI 2nd XI won by 90 runs.
Tom Fairweather won the toss and invited Copdock & OI to bat first. Copdock then put on 42 for the first wicket, which fell to Tom Curry. 88 more runs were scored before Ben Tippett had the other Copdock opener caught. With considerable momentum behind them, Copdock capitalised on their good start and closed on 237-5.
The Bury openers, Josh Toon and Vivek Rajagopal, made a brisk start which was continued by Owen Grisby who put on 59 before being caught. None of the remaining batsmen were able to establish themselves, none getting into double figures and the target slipped away, Bury ending on a disappointing 144.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Stowupland 130 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 111 (6 points). Stowupland won by 19 runs.
Stowupland batted first and Alex Malcolm had a second consecutive good game with the ball, taking 3-18 from his full allocation of 10 overs, including Stowupland’s top 3 batsmen. Oli Riddick also took 2 wickets as did Samuel Aldous, who effected a tidy run out. Bury were then pleased to restrict Stowupland to 131 all out in 44.4 overs.
In reply, Bury had a poor chase, being 5 for 4 wickets at one point. Sandeep Singh (50) and the captain (36) tried to get Bury back in the game but the team fell short of what was an achievable target, being dismissed for the Nelson, 111.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Haverhill 255-1 (10 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 257-6 (20 points). Bury Sunday 1st XI won by 4 wickets.
A very exciting game took place at Haverhill. Neil Jefferies lost the toss for the third time in a row and Haverhill elected to bat. Despite Billy Riddick taking an early wicket, Haverhill bedded in and finished on 255-1 after their 40 overs.
Chasing down 255 was always going to be a tough ask, more so when Mark Nunn was out for 17 but his opening partner, Tyler Lortan, gave a great display of powerful hitting, including two consecutive sixes into the car park. He almost carried his bat but was bowled in the 36th over for 166. He was ably assisted for a long period by Tom Curran (44) who also found the boundary consistently. When Tom went, Ben Whittaker came in and despite not scoring, ran superbly between the wickets to keep the run rate up and support Tyler, who, when he was out, left only 3 to win. Chris Honeyball levelled the scores before Josh Toon scored two off the penultimate delivery to get to 257-6, and the team’s first victory of the season, by four wickets.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, upholding the finest traditions of cricketing sportsmanship; Alex Malcolm, 3-18 conceding a miserly 1.8 runs per over; Tyler Lortan, 166 runs and shaping victory for the Sunday 1st XI.
Next weekend: The 1st XI travel to play Copdock and Old Ipswichians in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League, while the 2nd XI have a home fixture against Brockley in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3. The 3rd XI travel to Kesgrave in the Two Counties Division 5, with the 4th XI playing at the Victory Ground against Stradbrooke, in Division 8 West.
On Sunday 17th May, Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI will play their first match of the season against Copdock Ladies at the Victory Ground, starting at 10am. The Sunday 2nd XI will be playing Nowton 2nd XI at the Victory Ground as well, so come down and support both teams. The Sunday 1st XI travel to Brockley.
Mike Comber again won the toss and, with rain in the air, asked Saffron Walden to bat first. Bury bowled and fielded with discipline, conceding only 2 boundaries in the first session of play. Mike Comber appeared to take a catch from a thin edge, but sportingly indicated straight away that it had not carried. At lunch Bury had restricted Saffron Walden to 53-5, with an accurate long throw by Phil Godden running out Jack Sneath. However a partnership developed between Saffron’s Joe Barrs and Matthew Gouldstone who then put on 86 runs for the 7th wicket to set Bury a reasonable target.
Bury were in a strong position of 49-1 at tea with Ben Curran batting very well for 38. However Bury lost Phil Godden and Tyler Lortan in the first over after tea without adding to the score. When Mike Comber was caught off his pads for 49 the initiative went back to Saffron, although Tom Robotham claimed the second batting point with a boundary. Tom could only watch from the other end as 4 wickets fell for just 10 runs, but with Tom Curran the last pair were able to hang on for the draw.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Copdock and Old Ipswichians 2nd XI 237-5 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 144-9 (4 points). Copdock & OI 2nd XI won by 90 runs.
Tom Fairweather won the toss and invited Copdock & OI to bat first. Copdock then put on 42 for the first wicket, which fell to Tom Curry. 88 more runs were scored before Ben Tippett had the other Copdock opener caught. With considerable momentum behind them, Copdock capitalised on their good start and closed on 237-5.
The Bury openers, Josh Toon and Vivek Rajagopal, made a brisk start which was continued by Owen Grisby who put on 59 before being caught. None of the remaining batsmen were able to establish themselves, none getting into double figures and the target slipped away, Bury ending on a disappointing 144.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Stowupland 130 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 111 (6 points). Stowupland won by 19 runs.
Stowupland batted first and Alex Malcolm had a second consecutive good game with the ball, taking 3-18 from his full allocation of 10 overs, including Stowupland’s top 3 batsmen. Oli Riddick also took 2 wickets as did Samuel Aldous, who effected a tidy run out. Bury were then pleased to restrict Stowupland to 131 all out in 44.4 overs.
In reply, Bury had a poor chase, being 5 for 4 wickets at one point. Sandeep Singh (50) and the captain (36) tried to get Bury back in the game but the team fell short of what was an achievable target, being dismissed for the Nelson, 111.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Haverhill 255-1 (10 points), Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 257-6 (20 points). Bury Sunday 1st XI won by 4 wickets.
A very exciting game took place at Haverhill. Neil Jefferies lost the toss for the third time in a row and Haverhill elected to bat. Despite Billy Riddick taking an early wicket, Haverhill bedded in and finished on 255-1 after their 40 overs.
Chasing down 255 was always going to be a tough ask, more so when Mark Nunn was out for 17 but his opening partner, Tyler Lortan, gave a great display of powerful hitting, including two consecutive sixes into the car park. He almost carried his bat but was bowled in the 36th over for 166. He was ably assisted for a long period by Tom Curran (44) who also found the boundary consistently. When Tom went, Ben Whittaker came in and despite not scoring, ran superbly between the wickets to keep the run rate up and support Tyler, who, when he was out, left only 3 to win. Chris Honeyball levelled the scores before Josh Toon scored two off the penultimate delivery to get to 257-6, and the team’s first victory of the season, by four wickets.
Greene King Players of the Week: Mike Comber, upholding the finest traditions of cricketing sportsmanship; Alex Malcolm, 3-18 conceding a miserly 1.8 runs per over; Tyler Lortan, 166 runs and shaping victory for the Sunday 1st XI.
Next weekend: The 1st XI travel to play Copdock and Old Ipswichians in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League, while the 2nd XI have a home fixture against Brockley in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3. The 3rd XI travel to Kesgrave in the Two Counties Division 5, with the 4th XI playing at the Victory Ground against Stradbrooke, in Division 8 West.
On Sunday 17th May, Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club Ladies’ XI will play their first match of the season against Copdock Ladies at the Victory Ground, starting at 10am. The Sunday 2nd XI will be playing Nowton 2nd XI at the Victory Ground as well, so come down and support both teams. The Sunday 1st XI travel to Brockley.
2nd May 2015
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Woolpit EAPCL XI 221 all out (30 points), Bury St Edmunds EAPCL XI 200 all out (8 points). Woolpit EAPCL XI won by 21 runs.
For the second week, Bury 1st XI were proud to field a team, eight of whom were home-grown products of the club, in their match against Woolpit. Winning the toss, Mike invited Woolpit to bat first under leaden skies and, bowling the first over himself, had Woolpit’s opener Webb-Snowling caught by Tyler Lortan at slip off his fourth delivery, the first of Tyler’s two very tidy slip catches. One over after lunch Bury had Woolpit 126-6 and must have entertained hopes of bowling them out cheaply, however Woolpit then put on 58 for the 8th wicket. Justin Bishop continued his accurate bowling from the week before, rattling through Woolpit’s lower order and taking 4 for 54, all bowled or leg-before.
Bury faltered in their reply, losing Ben Curran, Sean Cooper and Phil Godden with only 9 runs on the board. Tyler Lortan and Simon Rees then dug in and restored some respectability with a partnership of 49 before Tyler was out, caught off the bowling of Woolpit’s Sean Dickson. At 18 overs, Bury found themselves ahead of Woolpit at the same stage, on 72 compared to Woolpit’s 59, but for the loss of three more wickets. Simon Rees was holding it together and on 36 at tea was the crucial player, going on to make a century partnership with Justin Bishop and eventually posting a combative score of 116 from just 124 deliveries, at a terrific strike rate of 93.55. Justin was run out when he called for a single with the ball nudged to short fine leg, but realised too late that there was a different fielder there from the previous over and was beaten by the throw, despite a desperate dive to find his ground. With the score then on 179-6, Bury still looked good for the first win of the season. At that stage Simon Rees could have played for a draw, but that it is not his game and he was finally out caught on the boundary striving for another massive 6. Woolpit’s Michael Rippon then took 3 quick wickets, Bury lost their last 4 wickets for 20 runs and were disappointingly bowled out 21 runs short of their target.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Woolpit 2nd XI 160 all out (5 points), Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 163-5 (20 points). Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI won by 5 wickets.
Tom Fairweather’s team produced the first victory of the summer for the club when they played Woolpit 2nd XI at the Victory Ground. Tom won the toss and put Woolpit in to bat first and was completely vindicated, dismissing Woolpit inside 44 overs for 163. Hassan Dahar continued his good form from the week before, taking 5 for 47 from 11 overs of leg spin, with Mike Skelton taking two stumpings. At just 18 years old, Hassan plays with a maturity beyond his years and surely has a terrific cricket career in front of him, especially with his style of bowling which is a very valuable commodity at any level. His 41 against Nacton two weeks ago would suggest that he can bat, too. Ben Tippett also bowled well, taking 3 wickets.
Bury set about their target briskly, opener Vivek Rajagopal surviving a dropped catch in the gulley on 10. Vivek then capitalised, eventually carrying his bat for 76 and taking the team to victory. A shame then, that he did not have the opportunity to continue to a century, as he surely would have done chasing a higher target.
For the second week, Bury 1st XI were proud to field a team, eight of whom were home-grown products of the club, in their match against Woolpit. Winning the toss, Mike invited Woolpit to bat first under leaden skies and, bowling the first over himself, had Woolpit’s opener Webb-Snowling caught by Tyler Lortan at slip off his fourth delivery, the first of Tyler’s two very tidy slip catches. One over after lunch Bury had Woolpit 126-6 and must have entertained hopes of bowling them out cheaply, however Woolpit then put on 58 for the 8th wicket. Justin Bishop continued his accurate bowling from the week before, rattling through Woolpit’s lower order and taking 4 for 54, all bowled or leg-before.
Bury faltered in their reply, losing Ben Curran, Sean Cooper and Phil Godden with only 9 runs on the board. Tyler Lortan and Simon Rees then dug in and restored some respectability with a partnership of 49 before Tyler was out, caught off the bowling of Woolpit’s Sean Dickson. At 18 overs, Bury found themselves ahead of Woolpit at the same stage, on 72 compared to Woolpit’s 59, but for the loss of three more wickets. Simon Rees was holding it together and on 36 at tea was the crucial player, going on to make a century partnership with Justin Bishop and eventually posting a combative score of 116 from just 124 deliveries, at a terrific strike rate of 93.55. Justin was run out when he called for a single with the ball nudged to short fine leg, but realised too late that there was a different fielder there from the previous over and was beaten by the throw, despite a desperate dive to find his ground. With the score then on 179-6, Bury still looked good for the first win of the season. At that stage Simon Rees could have played for a draw, but that it is not his game and he was finally out caught on the boundary striving for another massive 6. Woolpit’s Michael Rippon then took 3 quick wickets, Bury lost their last 4 wickets for 20 runs and were disappointingly bowled out 21 runs short of their target.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Woolpit 2nd XI 160 all out (5 points), Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 163-5 (20 points). Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI won by 5 wickets.
Tom Fairweather’s team produced the first victory of the summer for the club when they played Woolpit 2nd XI at the Victory Ground. Tom won the toss and put Woolpit in to bat first and was completely vindicated, dismissing Woolpit inside 44 overs for 163. Hassan Dahar continued his good form from the week before, taking 5 for 47 from 11 overs of leg spin, with Mike Skelton taking two stumpings. At just 18 years old, Hassan plays with a maturity beyond his years and surely has a terrific cricket career in front of him, especially with his style of bowling which is a very valuable commodity at any level. His 41 against Nacton two weeks ago would suggest that he can bat, too. Ben Tippett also bowled well, taking 3 wickets.
Bury set about their target briskly, opener Vivek Rajagopal surviving a dropped catch in the gulley on 10. Vivek then capitalised, eventually carrying his bat for 76 and taking the team to victory. A shame then, that he did not have the opportunity to continue to a century, as he surely would have done chasing a higher target.
Bury 2nd XI’s opener Josh Toon was bowled through the gate Photograph: Tom Slater
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Wivenhoe 2nd XI 237-6 (20 points), Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 193 all out (7 points). Wivenhoe 2nd XI won by 44 runs.
Kevin Dobson lost the toss and Wivenhoe elected to bat. Tom Curry got a couple of early wickets but after that the Wivenhoe batsman settled in well and started to build a reasonable score, finishing on 236-6. The fielding was very tidy, the Captain leading by example when a Wivenhoe batsman tried to take a quick single to him at point, and, rolling back the years - 25 at least – Kevin ran in, picked up one handed, and with just one stump to aim at, got a direct hit from about 12 yards, running him out by a yard! Brufen and a Radox bath needed after that one.
In reply, Bury opened with Ali Asfar and Nick Mayhew, who made a decent start and were followed by Pete Thearle and Ian Plumb who put Bury right back in the game with a great partnership. Unfortunately, not only was it one of the coldest days in cricketing history but it was also getting very dark, and once they were out, all the new batsman had trouble picking up the ball in the gloom and Bury fell 44 runs short.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Nowton 2nd XI 237-5 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 238-4 (17 points). Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI won by 6 wickets.
Simon Aldous won the toss in the 4th XI’s fixture against Nowton 2nd XI and put the opposition in to bat. Bury’s younger bowlers all played well, with Will Green taking 1 for 19, Taylor Edwards 1 for 25 and Samuel Aldous backing them up, wicketless but economical, conceding just 12 runs from his 4 overs.
The 4th XI then delivered the second win of the summer for the club with an outstanding run chase. Rob Johnson (52) and Saurabh Gupta (35) shared an opening partnership of exactly 100 and laid the foundations for the middle order to reach the total, with contributions of 30 from Sandeep Singh, 34 from Janek Raj and 42 not out from the Captain.
The weather put paid to both Sunday fixtures.
Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May:
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 214-7 (20 points), Great Bromley 133 (5 points) Bury St. Edmunds III won by 81 runs.
With only one game on the Monday Bury 3rd XI were able to field a stronger side, including Jon Hayes and Guy Robins, both of whom missed the Saturday game. Winning the toss, Kevin Dobson decided to bat first. Ian Plumb and Sam Bishop made a great start with an 80 run opening partnership. When they were out, Adam Kizis and Phil Godden maintained the momentum up to the 200 mark and Bury finished on 214 for 7.
Great Bromley started well, and at 62-0 looked to be well placed to make a game of it. However, once Jon Hayes and Guy Robins came together to bowl in tandem the Great Bromley batsmen found it hard going. Jon took 4 for 13 in only 5 overs, and Guy took 5 for 52 in his 14.2 overs, winning the game for Bury.
Greene King Players of the Week: Simon Rees, combative innings of 116, very nearly taking Bury to victory. Hassan Dahar, a winning contribution, taking 5 for 47 from 11 overs of wrist spin. Vivek Rajagopal, carrying his bat for 76 and taking the team to victory. Rob Johnson, 52 runs in an opening partnership of 100, paving the way for the middle order to win the game. Jon Hayes, 4 for 13, and Guy Robins, 5 for 52, bowling in tandem to win the Monday game.
Next weekend 9th and 10th May, the 1st XI are at home to Saffron Walden in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League, starting at 11:00. On Sunday, the Club hosts Suffolk v Cambridgeshire in the Unicorns One Day Minor Counties Trophy, also at 11:00.
Kevin Dobson lost the toss and Wivenhoe elected to bat. Tom Curry got a couple of early wickets but after that the Wivenhoe batsman settled in well and started to build a reasonable score, finishing on 236-6. The fielding was very tidy, the Captain leading by example when a Wivenhoe batsman tried to take a quick single to him at point, and, rolling back the years - 25 at least – Kevin ran in, picked up one handed, and with just one stump to aim at, got a direct hit from about 12 yards, running him out by a yard! Brufen and a Radox bath needed after that one.
In reply, Bury opened with Ali Asfar and Nick Mayhew, who made a decent start and were followed by Pete Thearle and Ian Plumb who put Bury right back in the game with a great partnership. Unfortunately, not only was it one of the coldest days in cricketing history but it was also getting very dark, and once they were out, all the new batsman had trouble picking up the ball in the gloom and Bury fell 44 runs short.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Nowton 2nd XI 237-5 (7 points), Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 238-4 (17 points). Bury St. Edmunds 4th XI won by 6 wickets.
Simon Aldous won the toss in the 4th XI’s fixture against Nowton 2nd XI and put the opposition in to bat. Bury’s younger bowlers all played well, with Will Green taking 1 for 19, Taylor Edwards 1 for 25 and Samuel Aldous backing them up, wicketless but economical, conceding just 12 runs from his 4 overs.
The 4th XI then delivered the second win of the summer for the club with an outstanding run chase. Rob Johnson (52) and Saurabh Gupta (35) shared an opening partnership of exactly 100 and laid the foundations for the middle order to reach the total, with contributions of 30 from Sandeep Singh, 34 from Janek Raj and 42 not out from the Captain.
The weather put paid to both Sunday fixtures.
Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May:
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 214-7 (20 points), Great Bromley 133 (5 points) Bury St. Edmunds III won by 81 runs.
With only one game on the Monday Bury 3rd XI were able to field a stronger side, including Jon Hayes and Guy Robins, both of whom missed the Saturday game. Winning the toss, Kevin Dobson decided to bat first. Ian Plumb and Sam Bishop made a great start with an 80 run opening partnership. When they were out, Adam Kizis and Phil Godden maintained the momentum up to the 200 mark and Bury finished on 214 for 7.
Great Bromley started well, and at 62-0 looked to be well placed to make a game of it. However, once Jon Hayes and Guy Robins came together to bowl in tandem the Great Bromley batsmen found it hard going. Jon took 4 for 13 in only 5 overs, and Guy took 5 for 52 in his 14.2 overs, winning the game for Bury.
Greene King Players of the Week: Simon Rees, combative innings of 116, very nearly taking Bury to victory. Hassan Dahar, a winning contribution, taking 5 for 47 from 11 overs of wrist spin. Vivek Rajagopal, carrying his bat for 76 and taking the team to victory. Rob Johnson, 52 runs in an opening partnership of 100, paving the way for the middle order to win the game. Jon Hayes, 4 for 13, and Guy Robins, 5 for 52, bowling in tandem to win the Monday game.
Next weekend 9th and 10th May, the 1st XI are at home to Saffron Walden in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League, starting at 11:00. On Sunday, the Club hosts Suffolk v Cambridgeshire in the Unicorns One Day Minor Counties Trophy, also at 11:00.
25th and 26th April 2015
Justin Bishop took an outstanding 7 wickets in Norwich’s innings. Photograph: John Urquhart
Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League: Norwich 236-9, Bury St Edmunds 1st XI 165 all out. Norwich won by 71 runs. Bury 5 points, Norwich 30 points.
The sun burst through the rain clouds at 11am on the second Saturday of the season, in time for the fixture against Norwich, but not in time for a full day’s play.
Mike Comber won the toss and did not hesitate to insert Norwich in damp overcast conditions and was rewarded with a wicket in the first over from Justin Bishop, dismissing Norwich’s opening batsman, Higenbottam, without a run on the board. Continuing the disciplined bowling of the season’s first game, Bury restricted Norwich to 69-3 at lunch, including their captain, Ashley Watson, caught by Tom Robotham at cover off Sean Cooper for 21.
The afternoon session saw Norwich seize the initiative, as conditions for the batsmen improved. Justin Bishop persevered from the Country End and took a remarkable 7 wickets for 64 from his 16 overs. Norwich reached 236-9 off their reduced allocation of 57 overs.
Cricket showed what a great leveller of a sport it can be, with Justin Bishop dismissed without scoring in the first over of Bury’s reply. A solid partnership of 58 between Tyler Lortan and James Sturgeon, who hit one magnificent six, offered some hope but when James was out for 34 in the 31st over and Tyler out shortly afterwards, it became a matter of trying to salvage a draw. Bury very nearly got there, and with the score on 165-8 in the last over Bury supporters were hopeful. However Aaron Watson took the last 2 Bury wickets in consecutive deliveries, ending up with figures of 5-23, and it was not to be.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 155, Brightlingsea 156-8. Brightlingsea won by 2 wickets. Bury 7 points, Brightlingsea 20 points.
Tom Fairweather lost the toss and Bury 2nd XI were invited to bat first in damp conditions. Vivek Rajagopal and Josh Toon laid a solid foundation, which James Lofts and Adam Kizis built upon, but were all out for a slightly below-par 155. Adam Kizis then opened the bowling and did well, taking 3 wickets in his 15 overs of right arm fast-medium bowling. Young bowler Hassan showed promise. In a very close finish, Brightlingsea got the winning runs with only 3 balls to spare.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 181-9, Harwich and Dovercourt 183-1. Harwich & D. won by 9 wickets. Bury 3rd XI 4 points, Harwich and Dovercourt 19 points.
Kevin Dobson’s team took on Harwich and Dovercourt at the Victory Ground. Losing the toss, they found themselves batting first. Although their openers were out early, the middle order recovered well and with knocks of 35 from both Stuart Nunn and Tony Riddick and 29 from Kevin Dobson, a total of 181-9 was a satisfactory situation at the tea interval.
However, the Harwich and Dovercourt openers then put on 71 for the first wicket. Bury fielded very tidily, but had one of those “What happened next” moments when they conceded 5 penalty runs when the ball struck a helmet on the ground. The Harwich and Dovercourt opener Arron Bilton then took the game away from Bury, finishing the game with 123 not out. Afterwards, Kevin was very magnanimous, reflecting the spirit of the game, when he said, “It was Arron Bilton’s day, he batted very well and found the gaps.”
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Brockley 2nd XI 323-7, Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 161 all out. Brockley won by 162 runs. Bury 4th XI 6 points, Brockley 20 points.
Bury took the field with just 8 men, and had to labour hard. Under the playing conditions, failure to put up a side results in the forfeiture of 20 competition points, so the team deserve credit for taking the field at all. Sometimes the performance of one player so dominates a match that the other players cannot bring anything to the party; the dominance is so complete that all you can do is watch, and admire. So it was at Brockley, whose opener Sam Hawley carried his bat with 206 not out, just one short of the League’s record for an individual score of 207. Brockley made 323-7, which was always going to be beyond Bury, and a total many better teams would have had the greatest difficulty chasing down. And so it was, with Bury dismissed for 161, Simon Aldous making 86 opening to add to 4 wickets in the Brockley innings, stepping out from his usual place behind the stumps and reminding us what a versatile cricketer he is. There will be better days.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Woolpit 195-8, Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 193-8. Woolpit won by 2 runs.
Despite fielding a strong side, Bury lost to Woolpit in an exciting game which went to the last ball of the final over. Bowling first, Tom Curry was the pick of the bowlers with his left arm over in-swingers, taking 3 for 38. He did especially well in his second session bowling at the death, and despite being hit for a number of boundaries kept going well to take his third wicket.
Chasing, Mark Nunn top scored with 45 with Tyler Lortan next with 43. Unfortunately, wickets fell steadily and Adam Kizis batting at 9 could not get the 4 required off the very last delivery for victory, Bury finishing on 193-8.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 158, Edwardstone 161-4. Edwardstone won by 6 wickets.
Playing at the Victory Ground, Edwardstone won the toss and invited Bury to bat. Disappointingly, Bury did not use their allocation of overs and were dismissed for 158 in 38 overs. Saurabh top scored with 41. Edwardstone were never really under pressure and reached their target for the loss of just 4 wickets in the 39th over.
Greene King Players of the Weeks: Justin Bishop, remarkable seven wicket haul. Well played. Kevin Dobson, good sportsmanship. Adam Kizis, 3 wickets. Simon Aldous, leading from the front with an all-round performance.
The sun burst through the rain clouds at 11am on the second Saturday of the season, in time for the fixture against Norwich, but not in time for a full day’s play.
Mike Comber won the toss and did not hesitate to insert Norwich in damp overcast conditions and was rewarded with a wicket in the first over from Justin Bishop, dismissing Norwich’s opening batsman, Higenbottam, without a run on the board. Continuing the disciplined bowling of the season’s first game, Bury restricted Norwich to 69-3 at lunch, including their captain, Ashley Watson, caught by Tom Robotham at cover off Sean Cooper for 21.
The afternoon session saw Norwich seize the initiative, as conditions for the batsmen improved. Justin Bishop persevered from the Country End and took a remarkable 7 wickets for 64 from his 16 overs. Norwich reached 236-9 off their reduced allocation of 57 overs.
Cricket showed what a great leveller of a sport it can be, with Justin Bishop dismissed without scoring in the first over of Bury’s reply. A solid partnership of 58 between Tyler Lortan and James Sturgeon, who hit one magnificent six, offered some hope but when James was out for 34 in the 31st over and Tyler out shortly afterwards, it became a matter of trying to salvage a draw. Bury very nearly got there, and with the score on 165-8 in the last over Bury supporters were hopeful. However Aaron Watson took the last 2 Bury wickets in consecutive deliveries, ending up with figures of 5-23, and it was not to be.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3: Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI 155, Brightlingsea 156-8. Brightlingsea won by 2 wickets. Bury 7 points, Brightlingsea 20 points.
Tom Fairweather lost the toss and Bury 2nd XI were invited to bat first in damp conditions. Vivek Rajagopal and Josh Toon laid a solid foundation, which James Lofts and Adam Kizis built upon, but were all out for a slightly below-par 155. Adam Kizis then opened the bowling and did well, taking 3 wickets in his 15 overs of right arm fast-medium bowling. Young bowler Hassan showed promise. In a very close finish, Brightlingsea got the winning runs with only 3 balls to spare.
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 5: Bury St Edmunds 3rd XI 181-9, Harwich and Dovercourt 183-1. Harwich & D. won by 9 wickets. Bury 3rd XI 4 points, Harwich and Dovercourt 19 points.
Kevin Dobson’s team took on Harwich and Dovercourt at the Victory Ground. Losing the toss, they found themselves batting first. Although their openers were out early, the middle order recovered well and with knocks of 35 from both Stuart Nunn and Tony Riddick and 29 from Kevin Dobson, a total of 181-9 was a satisfactory situation at the tea interval.
However, the Harwich and Dovercourt openers then put on 71 for the first wicket. Bury fielded very tidily, but had one of those “What happened next” moments when they conceded 5 penalty runs when the ball struck a helmet on the ground. The Harwich and Dovercourt opener Arron Bilton then took the game away from Bury, finishing the game with 123 not out. Afterwards, Kevin was very magnanimous, reflecting the spirit of the game, when he said, “It was Arron Bilton’s day, he batted very well and found the gaps.”
Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 8 West: Brockley 2nd XI 323-7, Bury St Edmunds 4th XI 161 all out. Brockley won by 162 runs. Bury 4th XI 6 points, Brockley 20 points.
Bury took the field with just 8 men, and had to labour hard. Under the playing conditions, failure to put up a side results in the forfeiture of 20 competition points, so the team deserve credit for taking the field at all. Sometimes the performance of one player so dominates a match that the other players cannot bring anything to the party; the dominance is so complete that all you can do is watch, and admire. So it was at Brockley, whose opener Sam Hawley carried his bat with 206 not out, just one short of the League’s record for an individual score of 207. Brockley made 323-7, which was always going to be beyond Bury, and a total many better teams would have had the greatest difficulty chasing down. And so it was, with Bury dismissed for 161, Simon Aldous making 86 opening to add to 4 wickets in the Brockley innings, stepping out from his usual place behind the stumps and reminding us what a versatile cricketer he is. There will be better days.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 1: Woolpit 195-8, Bury St Edmunds Sunday 1st XI 193-8. Woolpit won by 2 runs.
Despite fielding a strong side, Bury lost to Woolpit in an exciting game which went to the last ball of the final over. Bowling first, Tom Curry was the pick of the bowlers with his left arm over in-swingers, taking 3 for 38. He did especially well in his second session bowling at the death, and despite being hit for a number of boundaries kept going well to take his third wicket.
Chasing, Mark Nunn top scored with 45 with Tyler Lortan next with 43. Unfortunately, wickets fell steadily and Adam Kizis batting at 9 could not get the 4 required off the very last delivery for victory, Bury finishing on 193-8.
Hunts County Bats Suffolk League Division 3: Bury St Edmunds Sunday 2nd XI 158, Edwardstone 161-4. Edwardstone won by 6 wickets.
Playing at the Victory Ground, Edwardstone won the toss and invited Bury to bat. Disappointingly, Bury did not use their allocation of overs and were dismissed for 158 in 38 overs. Saurabh top scored with 41. Edwardstone were never really under pressure and reached their target for the loss of just 4 wickets in the 39th over.
Greene King Players of the Weeks: Justin Bishop, remarkable seven wicket haul. Well played. Kevin Dobson, good sportsmanship. Adam Kizis, 3 wickets. Simon Aldous, leading from the front with an all-round performance.
18th and 19th April 2015
Vivek Rajagopal took 2 wickets for the 2nd XI with his left-arm spin. Photo: John Urquhart
Bright sunshine with a chill north wind opened the season with the Bury St Edmunds Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier Cricket League XI under Mike Comber travelling to Horsford. Mike won the toss, inserted Horsford, and then caught the Horsford opener and former Bury player Ben France, off Justin Bishop’s bowling with just 5 runs on the board. Having been reduced to 97-6, Horsford's middle order in the shape of Brown and Birks put on 73 for the seventh wicket before Mike Comber had Brown leg before for 29. Horsford were restricted to 2 batting points at the 60th over, doubled to 4 points under the EAPCL playing conditions, and were bowled out for 211 at 63.4 overs. Justin Bishop was the pick of the bowling with 3 for 36 from his fifteen overs. Sean Cooper, Tom Robotham, and Tyler Lortan, Bury’s new overseas player, all took two wickets. Bury bowled with considerable discipline conceding only one no-ball and no wides.
In Bury's reply the top order set about chasing down the runs but after losing 4 wickets for 39 runs, they found themselves on the defensive and the fact that they escaped with the draw was due in no small part to James Sturgeon and Tom Curran, who shared a partnership of 45 runs but more importantly, of 12 overs' duration, leaving where possible but still putting bad balls away. Bury reached close of play on 169-9 and took 9 competition points, 3 for the draw plus 5 bowling and 1 batting bonus points. Horsford took 11 points.
The 2nd XI, playing in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3, played at the Victory Ground against Coggeshall 2nd XI. Tom Fairweather won the toss and invited Coggeshall to bat first. Mark Nunn excelled, taking three wickets in the final over of the Coggeshall innings and 5-23 from his eight overs of fast-medium bowling. Coggeshall made 177-9 in their 45 overs. In reply, Bury were dismissed for 114. Coggeshall II won by 63 runs taking 20 points, Bury taking 5 fielding points.
Kevin Dobson’s 3rd XI, captained for the day by Guy Robins, were away to Nacton in Two Counties Division 5. Batting first, Nacton reached 218-9, with Guy taking 3-20. In reply, Bury could only make 156 despite Hasan Dahar top-scoring with 41 before being last man out, run out. Nacton won by 62 runs, taking 20 competition points, Bury taking 7 points.
Meanwhile Simon Aldous led the 4th XI in their game against Lakenheath 2nd XI in the Two Counties Division 8 West. Winning the toss, they restricted Lakenheath to 201-4 with a powerful bowling spell from Charlie Wood, who took his first wicket in adult cricket, as did Samuel Aldous. They were disappointed then to be all out for 99, despite a defensive batting master class from Simon Loughe. Afterwards, Simon Aldous was keen to congratulate Lakenheath for the excellent spirit they brought to the game. Bury ended up taking just 2 fielding points, Lakenheath winning by 102 runs with 20 competition points.
The Ladies' team did not have a fixture and there was no Sunday cricket.
Greene King players of the week: Mark Nunn, five-fer, including three in one over; Justin Bishop, three-wicket haul, Guy Robins, likewise; and two youngsters who took their first wickets in adult cricket, Charlie Wood and Samuel Aldous. Well done, and may you take many, many more.
In Bury's reply the top order set about chasing down the runs but after losing 4 wickets for 39 runs, they found themselves on the defensive and the fact that they escaped with the draw was due in no small part to James Sturgeon and Tom Curran, who shared a partnership of 45 runs but more importantly, of 12 overs' duration, leaving where possible but still putting bad balls away. Bury reached close of play on 169-9 and took 9 competition points, 3 for the draw plus 5 bowling and 1 batting bonus points. Horsford took 11 points.
The 2nd XI, playing in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship Division 3, played at the Victory Ground against Coggeshall 2nd XI. Tom Fairweather won the toss and invited Coggeshall to bat first. Mark Nunn excelled, taking three wickets in the final over of the Coggeshall innings and 5-23 from his eight overs of fast-medium bowling. Coggeshall made 177-9 in their 45 overs. In reply, Bury were dismissed for 114. Coggeshall II won by 63 runs taking 20 points, Bury taking 5 fielding points.
Kevin Dobson’s 3rd XI, captained for the day by Guy Robins, were away to Nacton in Two Counties Division 5. Batting first, Nacton reached 218-9, with Guy taking 3-20. In reply, Bury could only make 156 despite Hasan Dahar top-scoring with 41 before being last man out, run out. Nacton won by 62 runs, taking 20 competition points, Bury taking 7 points.
Meanwhile Simon Aldous led the 4th XI in their game against Lakenheath 2nd XI in the Two Counties Division 8 West. Winning the toss, they restricted Lakenheath to 201-4 with a powerful bowling spell from Charlie Wood, who took his first wicket in adult cricket, as did Samuel Aldous. They were disappointed then to be all out for 99, despite a defensive batting master class from Simon Loughe. Afterwards, Simon Aldous was keen to congratulate Lakenheath for the excellent spirit they brought to the game. Bury ended up taking just 2 fielding points, Lakenheath winning by 102 runs with 20 competition points.
The Ladies' team did not have a fixture and there was no Sunday cricket.
Greene King players of the week: Mark Nunn, five-fer, including three in one over; Justin Bishop, three-wicket haul, Guy Robins, likewise; and two youngsters who took their first wickets in adult cricket, Charlie Wood and Samuel Aldous. Well done, and may you take many, many more.
Bury St Edmunds 2nd XI on Saturday, 18th April 2015. Photo: John Urquhart
Standing: Owen Grisby, Adam Kizis (Vice Captain), James Lofts, Josh Toon, Mark Nunn.
Seated: Javed Imam, Stuart Nunn, Tom Fairweather (Captain), Mike Skelton (Wicketkeeper), Vivek Rajagopal, Ben Tippett.
Standing: Owen Grisby, Adam Kizis (Vice Captain), James Lofts, Josh Toon, Mark Nunn.
Seated: Javed Imam, Stuart Nunn, Tom Fairweather (Captain), Mike Skelton (Wicketkeeper), Vivek Rajagopal, Ben Tippett.
Bury St Edmunds 4th XI on Saturday, 18th April 2015.
Standing: Simon Thearle, Ellis Edwards, Will Green, Taylor Edwards, Ollie Green, Charlie Wood.
Seated: Samuel Aldous, Simon Loughe, Simon Aldous (Captain), Chris Honeyball, Sandeep Singh.
Standing: Simon Thearle, Ellis Edwards, Will Green, Taylor Edwards, Ollie Green, Charlie Wood.
Seated: Samuel Aldous, Simon Loughe, Simon Aldous (Captain), Chris Honeyball, Sandeep Singh.
