OASBY CRICKET CLUB.
The Baboon Army.
Indoor Nets now on. St. Georges Acadamy, Sleaford. 8-9pm Thursdays.
Outdoor Training : Ropsley Cricket Ground-![[Untitled]](http://image.wetpaint.com/image/1/PzHHNZq_6s5w__sEbZx06w98786/GW800H476 "[Untitled]")
Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm .Home ground : RopsleyClub house : The Green Man, RopsleyContact : Dick Caley (captain) 01476 563931 richard.caley@live.com
Dave Gilbert ( Vice captain & secretary) 07944 988147
davidgoasby@aol.com
Jon Chandler (fixtures) 07843 376040 jon.chandler@talktalk.netBill Guinness (chairman) 07964 505043 billguinness@hotmail.comMike Tedbury(treasurer) 07946 435696 mike.tedbury@zen.co.uk
FIXTURES 2011 - courtesy of Gilbert, D, BSc.Hons. webmaster extraordinary.APRIL24th Spalding Away29th Nelsons Ashes 6 a sideMAY21st Hougham & Marston AwayJUNE5th G. Ponton Home19th Scopwick HomeJULY3rd Nelsons Ashes Home10th Scopwick Away13th Seas End Hall Away17th G.Ponton Away24th Bricklayers Arms Home31th Ashby Carrington HomeAUG7th Scopwick Away13th Hougham & Marston Away 21st Nelsons Ashes Away27th Ashby Carrington AwaySEPT11th Spalding Home 1pm 18th Ropsley Home Oasby Averages 2011 Batting Innings Not out Runs Average Husemeyer 5 1 29 7.25 Guinness 9 1 119 14.8 Caley 10 1 68 7.5 Booth 6 1 27 5.4 Hyland 8 87 10.8 Gaunt 9 1 325 40.6 Gilbert 9 2 174 24.8 Helliwell J 5 135 26.8 Chandler 6 2 89 22.25 Helliwell W 4 2 1 0.5 Tedbury 4 2 9 2.25 Leader 5 1 276 69 Davidson 3 1 12 6 Enever 1 86 Clamp 1 0 Wilson 1 0 Tedbury D 1 11 Hyland F 1 0 Reider 1 1 Reeves 1 6 Lee 1 36 Bowling Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Avg Runs/wicket Avg Runs/over Chandler 53 9 150 9 16.7 2.8 Gilbert 65 7 234 15 15.6 3.6 Leader 31 5 108 3 36 3.4 Helliwell J 33 3 153 7 21.8 4.6 Helliwell W 29 1 151 5 30.2 5.2 Gaunt 26 3 111 6 18.5 4.2 Caley 9 0 70 1 70 7.7 Tedbury 45 1 220 8 27.5 4.9 Davidson 22 3 62 2 31 2.8 Husemeyer 5 1 26 1 26 Booth 4 0 21 2 10.5 Guinness 2.5 0 12 2 6 Enever 2 0 9 0 Wilson 1 0 20 0 Tedbury D 4 1 5 0 Hyland F 8 0 44 1 Trotter 5 1 15 1 Miles 6 0 24 1 Catches: 1 each to Hyland, F; Hyland, I; Booth; Helliwell, W; Reider; Helliwell, J; 2 each to Tedbury; Davidson; Guinness; 3 to Enever; Gaunt; 4 to Leader; 5 to Gilbert. Anyone who can testify the number of DROPS for each fielder please send info to Tedbury, M.Oasby v Ropsley. Sunday 25th September 2011; Oasby won by 4 runs; Ropsley 179 off 35 overs, Oasby 183 off 35 overs.Oasby took to the field whilst Guinness looked in vain for the kit bag and his wicket keeping kit. Recriminations began early, with Tedbury cited as the culprit until a sheepish Hyland was spotted on the phone to home and the angel that is Julie, to deliver the kit that Hyland left in storage. The Chandler twins opened the bowling for the Baboons. Very strange weather conditions occurred during this spell as both bowlers looked as though they were battling into a force ten gale with their braces caught on the sight screen! One suspects that sports day was not a favourite entry in the Chandler boys calendar. Gilbert and Helliwell took over with better reward. The batter 'S. Troppy' certainly rode his luck and did his best to motivate the opposition players. When he perished, to smiles all around, the game changed.Trotter on his debut for the Baboons bowled with good economy along with William Helliwell and both took a wicket. Gaunt dropped a shameful dolly. Through his hands the ball fell, to be replaced by his now puce face. Shocking. Helliwell then injured himself in the line of duty. His side in agony, Helly had to throw the ball back in as though he was playing 'I'm a little tea pot'. If one imagines John Inman with hand on hip, limp wristing the ball back to the wicket keeper, then we have a fair picture. Gaunt bowled a mixed bag at the death to keep the score to 179, a score the seemed to be heading over 200 at one stage.Tea was splendid. Many thanks to Ropsley.Dickie Booth took the opening slot, vacated by the out of form captain, but as was later shown by Caley, form is temporary, class is permanent. Dickie Booth didn't linger. Hyland and Guinness both batted well and briskly. Run rate was kept to, whilst first Gaunt and then Gilbert amassed runs. Once again Ropsley tried their best to motivate Oasby and succeeded after a full and frank mid crease discussion. Gaunt then launched a missile over the 'motivators' head for six glorious runs. Although Gaunt tried his best to run out Gilbert and/or get himself caught, he got his 50, but was out stumped soon after. Helliwell then joined the party and batted with customary force. Helliwell and Gilbert controlled the pace although never got ahead of the required run rate. When Helliwell perished, it was left to Chandler to see the team home. Over throws helped, but it came down to the last over with Gilbert on strike and three runs to win. He steadied himself. Was Gilbert a man or a mouse. The cheese lover left the field after having glory snatched from his grasp, caught on the boundary (of the square and outfield). Caley entered stage left. single. Chandler likewise. Scores tied, two balls remain. Caley misses. Hush descends. Last ball. Bowler trots in, Caley like a Jedi Knight, eyes closed, scythed the ball away for four and victory. Feel the force. Back in the club house, Craig, looking a million dollars, surprised his loyal Baboons with chip cobs, baps and barm cakes. Very welcome and a kind gesture. Craig is very grateful to our patronage and support over this season and likewise, we are grateful for his. Thankyou.xSee you at the AGM, Green man, Ropsley, 20th October 7.30.pmChandler J 6-2-33-0. Chandler C 6-1-31-0 Gilbert 6-0-42-2 Helliwell J 4-1-23-0 Trotter 5-1-15-1 Helliwell W 4-0-18-1 Gaunt 4-0-15-1Guinness 28. Booth 0. Hyland 23. Gaunt 55. Gilbert 35. Helliwell J 24. Chandler J 5 not out. Caley 5 not out.Oasby v Spalding Sunday 11th september 2011; Oasby won by 110 runs; Oasby 239 for 7 off 40 overs, Spalding 129 all out.Oasby were invited to bat by a 'Youthful' Spalding team. Caley and Guinness opened in the usual manner and unselfishly let others have a go. Hyland, cheered on by his mum, started strongly, until Gaunt entered the game and requested 'his' bat back. Poor Hyland stood no chance as Gaunt wrestled the 'Big Kahuna' out of Hyland's grip and thrust a replacement into his hands. To show that no ill feeling persisted Gaunt then ran out Hyland and dispatched him to the pavilion and the consoling arms of his mother. Dickie Booth found his best form to date whilst Gilbert kept things ticking until the main event of the afternoon saw Enever and Helliwell produce a display of astounding ferocity. Gaunt's hooked six was but a distant memory as Helliwell smote balls onto the road, into fields and into the stratosphere. A splendid partnership was built and Enever ended the innings undefeated. 240 the target.Tea, supplied by Caley, Guinness and Gilbert was a triumph. All agreed that Gilbert's Victoria sponge was a belter, and that one day he would make someone a lovely wife. Gaunt sulked. With weasel like cunning Gilbert had sneaked into the slip cordon and this was the end of Gaunt's world. Nothing could console him. He was a broken man. William Helly was given the honour of opening the attack and did himself great credit with his mature display. Dickie Booth at the other end opened his Oasby bowling career with Tedbury like non spin. They deservedly took a brace each. Caley took over from Helliwell W to give the young worrior a break and found the middle of the bat with flourish and panache. Gilbert started with off spin and finished with seam. The batsmen much preferred his spin. Chandler bored everyone to distraction, Helliwell J was too good and removed from the attack. During all this Dickie Booth pouched a swirling skyer. Take a bow son. Hyland dropped the simplest of chances to Gilbert, which went some way to cheering up Gaunt but left Hyland's mother inconsolable in the pavilion, so embarrassed was she by her son's ineptitude. William continued to bowl well and was let down by Chandler who was not paying attention and missed a chance, for which he was loudly and enthusiastically chastised. Guinness and Enever finished off the game with slow and slower deliveries. Guinness took the final two wickets, much to the annoyance of Chandler who will write a strongly worded email to the captain, explaining that it is 'not fair' if Guinness is considered for the bowling averages. William bagged a catch for Guinness and Enever took his third catch to finish off the innings and see the Baboons victorious. The Green Man beckoned and 6x was splendid but ran out. 8.5/10.Craig looked lovely behind the bar with his new hair cut.All of the Spalding players came for a drink of pop and a packet of crisps. In 5 or 6 years some of them might get away with being served. Caley 6;Guinness 5;Hyland 8;Gaunt 28;Booth 14;Gilbert 27;Enever 86 not out;Helliwell J 41;Chandler 8 not out.Helliwell W 8-1-34-2 Booth 4-0-21-2 Caley 2-0-15-0 Gilbert 8-3-19-2 Chandler 4-2-10-0 Helliwell J 3-1-4-1 Guinness 2.5-0-12-2 Enever 2-0-9-0.Catches Booth 1; Helliwell W 1; Enever 3. Oasby v Ashby Carrington Saturday 27th August 2011; Oasby lost by 28 runs; Ashby 212 for 6 off 40 overs, Oasby 184 all out off 37.5 oversGreat excitement in the Oasby camp- - they were to be augmented by a welsh wizard. Unhappily his sat nav spell did not work and he is somewhere in the ether, looking for Bill’s house. Thus nine eager, non caravan washing, non golf playing, non footballing and non combining members turned up toNo wreakindoor revengenets on Ashby. Sadly Ashby’s team was genuinely augmented by bowlers that could bowl and an uneven pitch that helped them.Oasby bowled first under threatening skies. Chandler returning to the fold could not cope with the bright light and needed his radar adjusting for daytime use. Once this was achieved some balls did go down off side though a wicket was not achieved til his second spell. Leader screamed at the lowering skies and was helpfully advised by Tedbury that the cricket ball was bigger than a football. Oddly incorrect; perhaps it’s all a matter of perspective. Gilbert bowled tidily and occasionally angrily - angry to occasionally offer pies to the team from Melton – silly idea. Regrettably the pie quotient increased with Helliwell and Tedbury – both serving up good balls in between and both rewarded by wickets. Helliwell Jnr showed the senior players how to bowl tidy overs before tiring and being given the long handle. Oasby’s catching was not of the finest – Tedbury leapt like a crippled salmon to miss a straight one, Leader confidently called for a skier which failed to touch his hands and Chandler stepped smartly six inches to his left to fumble a catch off Tedbury (was this retribution for a previously perceived Tedbury error?) On the plus side catches were taken by a shouting Gaunt, silent Tedbury and jubilant Guinness. A splendid tea was consumed as Oasby wondered if they’d been a little too kind to their opponents. A little less pie throwing and a bit more catching could have more seriously dented Ashby’s progress. Still with good technique and several sticks of rhubarb they were confident of victory.Oasby got off to a poor start with the senior openers bamboozled by in-cutting balls from the tall Indian. Caley unlucky to be given lbw to a ball that was hitting middle and leg, having missed everything else. Leader and Gaunt then made good and occasionally exciting progress – Gaunt happy to add to his six-count while performing feats of mental arithmetic. Both undone by balls moving unexpectedly off the pitch. All was not lost however as Helliwell senior showed power enough to add to his six count only to also be undone by the treacherous pitch. But wait – Oasby still had Chandler, the Big Kahuna and “that shot“ while Gilbert went 1-2-1-2-1-2 (it’s his ambition to be the sound-check man at a rock concert)). Will Helliwell became the 7th victim of the pitch and Tedbury strode to the wicket with his stick1/3/12 of rhubarb. This worked well for 3 runs til over enthusiasm allowed Ashby’s debutant wicket-keeper to effect a surprise run out. Will and Captain Caley returned to ensure 11 batsmen until Gilbert was surprisingly given out lbw. He did not complain. A valiant effort by all which would have been more successful with proper technique, the odd grandmother or two and a less Ashby-bowler-friendly pitch.Beer at the Carington Arms: points awarded by guest reviewer Caley – 9 for the Landlord and 8 for the Cumberland Ale. Lovely..Guinness 2, Caley R 0, Leader 33, Gaunt 37, Helliwell J 43, Gilbert 23, Helliwell W 0, Chandler 14, Tedbury 2, W Helliwell 0, Caley D 1Chandler 8-1-26-1, Leader 6-1-31-0, Gilbert 8-0-33-1, Helliwell 7-0-47-2, Tedbury 8-0-44-2, Helliwell W 3-0-20-0Catches:- one each for Tedbury, Guinness, and Gaunt OASBY V SCOPWICK AT RAF DIGBY 7TH AUG 2011. OASBY LOST BY 3 OVERS. OASBY 189 FOR 5. SCOPWICK 190 FOR 4 OFF 37 OVERS.Oasby, eleven strong and keen as mustard, warmed8/3/12. up in the pavilion with a frank and honest discussion of the merits of various red light districts around the world. We are certainly a well travelled team! Gilbert was still befuddled from an incident with tequila from the night before. Everyone knew what was in store when he put his knee support on the wrong joint and had to get changed again to rectify the oversight. Scopwick's astro turf is a track that batsman can book in for bed and breakfast. An uncovered wicket of the best plastic, Tedbury's mother could bat on it with a stick of rhubarb. Hence Caley put us in to bat and took to the field with Leader. Comedy running provoked some rueful head shaking from Keith and a new respect for Guinness who has to cope with it every week. Leader, as always, played with culture. Gaunt and Leader played some aggressive cricket until the latter mistimed a pull and departed for a sound 41. Hyland, his favourite bat in Gaunt's clutches, could do little to contribute. Gaunt was on a mission of destruction with the old 'Big Kahuna'. Gilbert turned the strike over and left it to Gaunt who eventually finished with Nelson.111 a fine knock. During Gaunts onslaught, sixes were dispatched into the trees and needed rescuing. A spaniel was sent to recover any balls lost. A stunned silence hushed the pavilion when Hyland asked the dogs lady owner,'is your dog the ball sniffer then?' Husemeyer played with a straight bat and kept the score ticking while William Helliwell faced Sergeant at the death to keep his cricketing education on the up. At tea we felt satisfied that we had done our best, but worried that we may have been twenty runs short. Terry was voted to keep wicket and the scene was set for both Gaunt and Leader to feature in the attack with the customary chuntering from the centurion. From the off things went Scopwick's way. Justin Helliwell opened the bowling and produced his best cricket in a Baboon shirt. Gilbert bowled like a Mexican. No wonder Mexico are bad at cricket if they drink Tequila! Leader bowled much tidier cherries but still the rub of the green was with Scopwick. Catches looped over heads, fell short, through the slip cordon and balls missed stumps by a coat of vaseline . It was Tedbury who really livened up the game. With 'ball sniffer' at the ready Tedbury bowled his usual no spin 'spin'. However something was badly wrong. Mike didn't know where to aim and kept bowling wides. After a few words of advice from his team mates normal service was resumed. Mike found the middle of Tasker's bat with unerring regularity and 'ball sniffer' was one happy and busy spaniel. Mexicans are also pathetic catchers along with Disney characters. William bowled two overs of real promise, putting the more experienced amongst the throng, to shame.Gaunt chuntered away bowling into a terrible downpour that would have seen lesser men defeated by the weight of the ball, now wet and soaked from rain and 'ball sniffers' saliva. Justin partnered 'nelson' Gaunt and wickets began to fall. Booth fielded with athletic grace, diving onto balls like a tramp onto a dropped kebab. Gaunt took a steepler at the end butalas it was all in vain as Scopwick took the game but Oasby the series 2-1.The Royal Oak was our watering hole with Black sheep, Bombardier, Broadside and apple cider along with pear perry. Tedbury as usual ordered a pint from the bottom of the barrel and moaned. Broadside was excellent. 8/10. Kieth's apple cider was also as described. 9/10.Leader 41.Caley 3.Gaunt 111. Hyland 2. Gilbert 13. Husemeyer 6 no. Helliwell W. 0 no.Helliwell J.8-0-32-1 Gilbert 8-0-37-0 Leader 5-0-14-0 Tedbury 6-0-48-1 Helliwell W. 2-0-11-0 Gaunt 8-0-43-2.Catches.Gaunt-1.Oasby v Ashby Carrington 31st July 2011, lost by 4 wickets; Oasby 146 all out off 37 overs, Ashby 148 for 6 off 28.2 oversA warm, sunny day with, as Ashby’s India supporter pointed out, a cooling breeze. Perfect for cricket. Oasby won the toss and elected to bat, Captain Caley confident his band of merry players could set a total to defend. They started well with fours from Guinness and Caley and several of those lovely extras but both departed to catches while trying to force the pace. Husemeyer then carefully compiled runs before being run out – in his own ironic words “fannying about”. There followed the partnership of the innings: Hyland’s muscular shots peppering the boundary and Gilbert’s bat once again happy that it’s owner knew wherepresume the middlestudents was. The knowledgeable crowd was astounded as several (scoring) shots flashed on the off side. Cruelly Gilbert confessed to the umpire that he could not claim a run when he had not hit the ball – thus when he departed clipping the ball for a catch to mid-on his score was once again 49, not 50. Then it all went wrong. Oasby’s tail did not wag. It scarcely even twitched, though the final partnership was looking good with Tedbury cruising to 3 when he was sacrificed by Clamp’s over-eager calling. Last week Oasby had defended 189; could they defend 146?Much to discuss at tea – and what a tea! Tea has become a competition. Who can produce the most sumptuous looking and tasting fare? On this occasion Husemeyers excelled with a contribution from Gilbert. The grass cuttings tasted excellent.The players dragged themselves from the tea room and Oasby set about claiming the 10 wickets. Davidson bowled like a Chandler but with more whirling. Gilbert bowled like a Gilbert but with less wickets. It was not until the medical men were brought on that wickets started to fall. Davidson earlier unlucky with a caught behind appeal was pleased to see Taylor depart clean bowled by Tedbury, this batsman still unhappy to depart – when the ball has made a nasty mess of your stumps you have to go, sir, however slowly the ball arrived! There followed a splendid stumping by Guinness and a wicket each for Husemeyer and Caley. Husemeyer in particular astounding all with his spin, dip and variation. Oasby battled hard but could not quite prevent the boundaries. No catches were dropped; Rieder happy to contribute more than a bum-tap to the game along with Tedbury, Davidson, and Gilbert demonstrating various catching techniques.Beer 4/10 – there was only 1 pint of it and while it tasted good the follow up Guinness was, well, Guinness, you can't have points for something that isn't real. Some drank fizzy apple juice. No-one knows why.Catches: Gilbert, Tedbury, Rieder, Davidson 1 apieceCaley 8, Guinness 20, Husemeyer 8, Gilbert 49, Hyland 26, Booth 2, Rieder 1, Davidson 1, Wilson 0, Tedbury 3, Clamp 0 n.o. (but guilty).Davidson 5-1-10-1, Gilbert 4 -0-22-0, Caley 5-0-37-1, Tedbury 8-0-31-3, Husemeyer 5-1-26-1, Wilson 1-0-20-0Oasby v Bricklayers Arms, Putney. July 24th 2011. Oasby won by 23 runs.Oasby 189 for 9. BLA 166 for 6. Our Londinium friends arrived for a tour party on Saturday evening at chez Caley, our fine skippers not so humble abode. A most convivial evening was had by all, and many thanks are required to be passed to said captain, said captains lady wife, Cath, the pig man and to Mike and Jon for procuring and purchasing the beer. Also thanks to all club members andhaving their families for making our club have such a friendly atmosphere. The morning of the game heralded clear skies and the out field full of footballers. Start delayed with many apologies and a little more time to clear fuzzy heads.Oasby elected to bat with Hyland I. catching the eye with a brisk cameo of 23, including a fine 6. Leader batted with aplomb, with fine shots pinging off his bat and was the pick of Oasby's line up by far. Everyone contributed to greater or lesser degree. Davidson achieved a career highlight of 10 not out. The best place to experience the Bricklayer's best bowler, Rahul, was at the non strikers end!Tea was again mainly organised by Captain Caley with Lincolnshire cheeses, more pork and other fine tasty treats.tests.
With Bricklayers Arms chasing 190 to win Davidson and Chandler started proceedings. Chandler's radar needed recalibration but worked well again after reset. If Chandler fails to respond simply switchLast himindoor offsession at the mains, wait thirty secondsSt and turn himGeorges backis on again. Parsimonious accuracy was restored. First change saw Gilbert and Tedbury D. to the attack with no luck. Although catches were shelled, non of them were easy and everyone tried their very best. The opposition rode their luck. Tedbury D. bowled like our cyborg Chandler. Mean in the extreme. Fraser Hyland bowled a good spell, again without luck, joined by Gaunt who posed the batsmen questions. Eventually Oasby's luck changed and catches went to hand.With squeaky bum time approaching Dr. Spin was called into the attack and bowled splendidly to a well thought out and organised field. Runs dried up and Oasby won a great game of cricket. Back to the club house to be told that as a thank you for holding up our game, Ropsley F.C. had paid for a round of drinks. Many thanks to them for that kind gesture. Tedbury tested a pint of cats bum IPA and announced a quality index of 8/10. Dave Tedbury talked us through every one of his deliveries, batting and bowling, this season and last, until we could stand it no more and we all went home for supper. Catches. Fraser Hyland-1, Gilbert-1, Davidson-1. Fielding moment, Davidson bagging Rahul.Guinness 5 Caley 8 Hyland 23 Gaunt 15 Leader 80 Husemeyer 3 Tedbury D. 11 Gilbert 1 Chandler 11 Hyland F. 0 Davidson 10 no Tedbury M. 3 no.Chandler 7-1-10-1 Davidson 4-1-20-0 Gilbert 4-0-20-1 D.Tedbury 4-1-5-0 F.Hyland 8-0-44-1 Leader 4-0-22-0 Gaunt 4-0-17-1 M.Tedbury 4-0-20-1Oasby v Seas End Hall, July 6th 2011, Oasby did not win by 25 runs. SEH 140 for 7, Oasby 105 for 4. 20 over matchMoulton Seas End was cold and gloomy. Oasby were depleted in number, they borrowed two teenagers and several Jimmys. He kept up a happy conversation throughout and greatly added to the cheeriness.SEH batted first and set off at high speed. Oasby's bowlers found edges but no catchers. The borrowed Luke who bowled with vim and gusto and got wickets; including Guinness' most nonchalent one-handed catch ever. Gilbert bowled with aggression - his bouncer however being carted for four. Tedbury bowled amazingly. Amazingly badly for 1 over - which brought the first of his wickets off a lovely long hop and then much better to allow Guinness to demonstrate his stumping skills. And one of the Jimmys to demonstrate his running out skills. Did I mention it was cold? Oh and dark, too. It was warmer in Yorkshire.19/4/12.
Oasby batted without a care. They did not care about the run rate. Caley has patented his new calling sytem - "YES!" (I have hit the ball) then "NO!" (I cannot run). Guinness perished attempting to raise the run rate which brought to the wicket Ben Tavare Boycott who scored a splendid series of ones and twos. He was only copying our beloved captain. Gilbert surprised himself by scoring a four then was relieved of his misery by umpire Guinness adjudging him lbw. Then Enever displayed the aggression and skill that had so far been missing - some fearsome shots from "The Beast" including the shot of the day - a six into the open pavilion door. But too late; Oasby ran out of overs. I might just mention here that it was cold. But no longer dark. The clouds had departed, the sun came out, said "sod it" and set.Oasby went to the pub - The Ship at Fosdyke - Bateman's and Adnam's - both received praise and a score of 8.5/10.Statistics are not available for this match as 1) There were too few Oasby players present, 2) some were in a bit of a sulk and 3) it was cold.Oasby v Scopwick, July 10th 2011 Oasby won by 4 wickets. Scopwick 103 for 7 off 30 overs, Oasby 104 for 3 off 18 oversOasby arrived at RAF Digby early, Raspberries ablaze with forecasts of rain and doom. But what did they find? A cricket pitch smothered in youths. Jon's eyes lit up. But the youths were not for him to bowl at, they were there to delay the start by one hour as "The opposition" has misarranged the day. We waited while sundry youths displayed very little cricketing abilty. Husemeyer and Guinness tried to frighten them with flesh. It did not work so it was not til 3pm that Oasby set about heir task of demolishing the opposition. Which they did. Variation from Chandler caused leaking runs, but not many; Davidson showed what practice can achieve, and both took wickets. The wind was cruel , frequently taking the ball to leg and bruised Guinness' foot. Gilbert again demontrated fingers of butter but bowled with guile and surprise. Mostly his own. Hyland astounded us by leaping high in the air to take a catch with both feet firmly planted on terra firma. Helliwell senior alsoit's struggled with the wind but took two wickets while Helliwell junior - from Yorkshire, where they play real cricket - took a wicket with his first ball. Tedbury's contribution was modest. But memorable. Fielding moment of the day was Hyland's diving save to a well struck ball square of the wicket followed by a diving miss to a less well struck ball square of the wicket. The earth is still trembling. Drop of the day was Gilbert completing the catch well before the ball arrived following a splendid dive. The last 10 overs were very slow. Very little happened. This was because of Oasby's excellent bowling. Honest.Tea was delayed til after the match ( is nothing sacrosanct? - though they were lovely chips).Oasby batted with abandon. Caley - 3 balls - 4,4 out. Guinness, survived early lbw appeals only to depart later given not out by the umpire but misunderstanding and leaving anyway. Review by the ICC reveals that the Umpire was an idiot. He should have recalled the batsman. He will no longer be allowed to umpire premier matches.Gilbert got off the mark with a careful edge to third man and Gaunt diplayed intent - mostly intent to break the Big Kahuna but sometimes intent to hit a six. He was offered the luxury of being dropped while shouting imprecations to the sky. Gilbert occasionally used the white bit (middle) of his cricket bat. The bat is surprised. It would like more oil and knocking, though household members may not agree. Oasby cruised to victory and celebrated accordingly. Is there no stopping them?great Probably.Beeroutdoors at the pub ( Royal Oak) 8/10, Black Sheep, Bombadier and another one that ran out. All fine but they kept changing. Chips 9/10 -excellent. Sausage in bun - good; but no cake - where was the cake?Guinness 22 ret puzzled, Caley 8, Hyland 0, Gilbert 26 n.o., Gaunt 26 n.oChandler 6-0-22-1; Davidson 6-0-10-1, Gilbert 5-2-6-2, J Helliwell 5-1-11-2, W Helliwell 4-0-23-1, Tedbury 4-1-7-0Catches - Gilbert - 1; Hyland -1. Fielding moment - Hyland's dive(s)Oasby v Scopwick 19th June 2011. Oasby won by 10 overs with 3 wickets in hand. Scopwick 142 all out. Oasby 143 for 7 off 30 overs.Oasby took to the field with Chandler and Leader in miserly mood. Wickets failed to tumble, but the score only crawled, despite a swing bowling showcase from Leader. First change brought the strike bowlers to the crease with Gilbert and Helliwell J. getting deserved reward. A sharp slip catch saw Gilbert's reputation restored in the field, whilst Gaunt's plumbed new depths. Depleted of their medical contingent, Oasby relied on youth. William Helliwell, Fergus Miles and Dave Reeves all debuted and brought the average age tumbling. Ropsley Primary School was well represented. With his first ball, Fergus bowled the batsman and Tedbury was forgotten. Helliwell W. bowling on a full size pitch for the first time, coped admirably and did himself credit. Amongst it all, Gaunt, hands still sore, bowled a spell of venom.Tea was a treat and all agreed that Sharon is a master chef.Guinness looked lost without his regular opening partner. So surprised that a run was called for, Guinness was flummoxed and departed run out and bewildered. Booth departed soon after, out by bad karma. Leader flashed at his first ball, snicked it and was dropped. 84 runs later he did the same and was caught. In the mean time, reverse sweeps, cuts and drives peppered the boundary. Partners came and went, all playing their part, Helliwell J. and Chandler in particular keeping the board turning.It was left to Helliwell W. to steer the ship to victory. Never before has a Primary School pupil scored the winning runs for the Baboon army. Well done all. We retired to see our smiling club house manager. A flowery summer ale was ordered, attaining a 'Chandler quality index of 7'. Happy Days. Chandler 6-2-10-1 Leader 8-2-27-1 Gilbert 8-0-17-3 Helliwell J 5-0-30-1 Gaunt 4-1-10-0 Miles 6-0-24-1 Helliwell W 3-0-15-0Guinness 5 Booth 4 Leader 84 Gaunt 5 Reeves 6 Helliwell J 11 Chandler 17 Helliwell W 1 not out Gilbert 0 not out.Catches Gilbert 1 Leader 1.Oasby v Great Ponton 5th June 2011. Oasby won by 4 wickets. Great Ponton 148 all out. Oasby 149 for 6 off 27 overs.The scene was set for a gladiatorial encounter on the green sward of Ropsley. Sky lark's song accompanied Caley's call of heads, to see the Baboons take to the field for a bowl. Chandler and debutant Leader opened the attack to resounding satisfaction from all, especially Gaunt who was delighted to be relieved of his bowling duties. Leader bowled with panache, accuracy and guile. Jaffa followed jaffa with no reward. Chandler trapped a victim leg before. First change saw another new boy to the bowling attack. Helliwell bombarding the Ponton batters with enthusiastic abandon and had his reward with a comprehensive clatter of stumps and bails. Gilbert followed suit. Tedbury was mightily unlucky. Gilbert was not at his best in the field. Two chances were shelled, personal injury was sustained and Gilbert was dispatched to the naughty corner to think about what a bad boy he had been and nurse his bruises. Leader's second spell brought more deserved reward for his efforts. Tedbury produced some unique fielding, even by his standards. Why he pirouetted four times and still couldn't find a ball that was three feet in front or indeed behind him, depending on his orientation at that time, shall remain a mystery to all. Hyland however showed agility that even he didn't realise he still possessed. Madam Cricket is a cruel mistress. As is gravity. Hyland hit the deck with a sickening thud and the ball brushed his fingers on the way to the ropes. Harsh.Ponton were all out for 148.Tea was a triumph. Pork products, smoked trout sarnies, chicken and quiche got a resounding thumbs up. It was also heartening to see many of our friends and family supporting us and joining us for the afternoon, before hypothermia saw off the last of the blue lipped spectators.In customary fashion, Dick ducked, whilst Guinness tried but failed to be caught out. Hyland smited a wonderful one, bringing to the wicket the Gaunt. He eyed the bowling with disdain. He launched so hard at one ball that he followed through powerfully and hit himself on the head with his bat. Other balls weren't so lucky. Husemeyer supported well to allow Helliwell to record a maximum six. During all this time Guinness quietly continued. It was left to Leader and Booth to steer the ship home with some classic stroke play from both.A four wicket win was recorded. We reconvened to the club house to be greeted by our smiling landlord. All tastes were catered for. The old men drank weak, pale summer ales. The proper men drank dark, real beer and Bill drank Guinness. Craig's cellar proved a hit, attaining a 'Tedbury quality index' of 9. We like our new club house. Gilbert was relieved that catches hadn't 'lost' matches! Chandler 8-0-25-3 Leader 8-2-14-2 Gilbert 6-1-19-3 Helliwell 6-0-41-1 Tedbury 6-0-36-1.Guinness 32 Caley 0 Hyland 1 Gaunt 34 Husemeyer 2 Helliwell 15 Leader 28 no Booth 7 no.Catches Leader 3 Gaunt 1 Gilbert 1 Helliwell J 1Oasby v Spalding at Spalding 24th April 2011. Oasby won by 10 runs. Oasby 149 for 9 after 40 overs; Spalding 139 for 6 after 40 oversThe new season started with disappointment. For Gaunt, abandoned at The Green Man. For Tedbury abandoned at The Fortescue. For batsmen whose net form had been so brilliant and for Spalding who lent Oasby a batsman of considerable skill who contributed handsomely to the Oasby total.Oasby batted first and held their breath. Was their beloved captain going to follow on with the same disastrous form as last year? No, that would be Guinness giving catching practice to a 13 year old. Caley's new bat inspired some streaky fours off the edge and some well timed strokes to the boundary. Hyland briefly bustled then Gaunt arrived with the new bigger better Big Kahuna. Sadly Gaunt thought he was playing golf but ball kept moving away from his bat. Two convincing shots were spotted then a convincing ball zipped under, round and past his bat to flatten the stumps. Husemeyer laboured (there's a sort of pun there) for what seemed like hours and was disappointed with ten runs while Gilbert forgot that even in friendly cricket you can be out lbw if you move back and stand two legs square in front of the stumps. So we still don't know if his bat is any good or not. He didn't use it. Newbie Booth was defeated by Gaunt's destroyer - first ball - "the only way is up"; while Chandler - displaying that shot - again and again - and one on the off side as well - suggested that last year's good form with the bat may not have been a fluke. Ed the duck did not duck but did not last long leaving Tedbury to serenely do nothing while Spalding's Lee scored 16 at the other end. But how valuable were those 16 to be!Tea was an improvement on last year and Oasby started the task of defending a total with hope in their hearts.Chandler has become meaner than ever and achieved an early breakthrough followed by Oasby's own Angus Fraser grumpily taking two splendid wickets in his first spell. "I don't like bowling" he grumped as he trudged back to his mark. Gaunt and Chandler's first spell was exceedingly mean, followed by more of the same from Gilbert and Tedbury - except theirs was achieved through guile and cunning and Gilbert was rewarded. It was said by some that he was turning it square. This cannot be confirmed. Davidson - fresh from scientific education in Bath - has clearly been using his time wisely - practising cricket - his bowling was much improved on last year and, while wicketless was satisfactorily mean - not up to Chandler standard but mean. Chandler's second spell simply carried on where he left off. More meanness, another wicket. The same cannot be said of Gaunt's second spell. Apparently too much golf gives you a sore shoulder rendering the bowling "hittable". One over was enough. The shoulder not too sore to achieve a splendid two bounce direct hit run out from the boundary - now that's a useful sore shoulder! It also meant we were treated to the spectacle of Captain Caley's off spin. Or was it leg spin? Not sure but it was good enough (with Davidson) to prevent Spalding scoring 26 off the last two overs. Victory and joy all round.Sadly things then went a bit wrong: pub The Fenway - beer 1/10 (it existed); The Fortescue 9/10 (only one tester but his opinion counts).Man of the match Chandler 34 runs and 2-14. Fielding moment - Gaunts direct hit run out. Dropped catches - 0. Actual catches - 1 (Guinness)Batting: Guinness 0, Caley 29, Hyland 4, Gaunt 14, Husemeyer 10, Gilbert 0, Booth 0 (golden), Chandler 34, Davidson 1, Tedbury 1 n.o., Lee 36 n.o.Bowling: Chandler 8-1-14-2, Gaunt 6-1-26-2, Gilbert 8-1-19-1, Tedbury 9-0-34-0, Davidson 7-1-22-0; Caleylovely 2-0-18-0beers.
