2004 Season

Rudgwick

Despite the adverse weather the day before, the game went ahead as planned. Waverley fielded a strong team for the last game of the season, and opened with Moxy and Rhino. Just as the former was getting into his stride, MC gave the Sunday skipper out LBW. "I was 6 yards down the wicket!" Moxy said afterwards. "I know," replied MC, "I gave you out for standing on my foot!". So with Moxy ending his season with 11, Scarthy ended up at the crease. The Rhino unleashed, as did Scarthy, hitting three sixes each, with Rhino ending on a career best 64 before a bizare incident saw him go down in the book as caught behind, when even the keeper didn't realise he'd touched the ball. He was followed soon after by Scarthy (who'd mis-counted and inadvertantly scored 62), and the Boy after a hard-hitting cameo of 26. O arrived at the crease, and soon overtook Moggy who was playing "Anchor-man" (with a 'W' as the Guv'nor put it), before he edged one behind for 39. With Mog 13*, Waverley declared on 226-5

Waverley put in one of the best fielding performances of the season. Brother Knox bowled five maidens in his ten overs, picking up two wickets. "Danger Mouse" joined us again from Rowledge, and was also rewarded with two wickets. The Guv'nor rolled back the years with a wicket, and the Rudgwick skipper tended his resignation with the score on 34-5. The middle order gave the home side a brief resurgence, but Waverley were always in control. Rudgwick didn't help themselves with two run outs (although one was a cracking throw from Rhino), when Rhino picked up a wicket, only two remained, and Moggy finished a good season by bagging both of them. Waverley winning by 104 runs.

So, that's it for the season! The Sunday lunches will be starting again soon, and for those who (like AC) are sad to see this season go, remember the good points: MC getting one in the pills at Ebernoe, Knoxy's ton and five-for at Cranbourne, Hoagy's return at Purbrook, Moggy crawling over the barbed wire at Crown Wood, Hoagy's 100th fifty at Pirbright, Jim Jam's hilarious piece of fielding at Rowledge and Moggy discovering his boots filled with talc at Rudgwick....and if that's not enough, there's only four months until the start of winter nets.

Elsted

"A suet pudding" was how Herb described the wicket, and that's exactly what it was. Waverley struggled to score runs on another slow pitch, notching up 131 after 40 overs, with Jerz making 50 in his last game of the season, and Knoxy and Scarthy the only others to make it into double figures (28 and 22). Strike bowlers Knoxy and Simon took three early wickets (two of them to Brother Knox), but the batting side slowly ground out the advantage. Chances went begging, and Elsted eventually ran out winners with four overs to go.

Odiham & Greywell

With rain a constant threat, Knoxy looking for long shadows and Jim Jam AWOL after breaking his ribs assaulting the Mr Kipling delivery man, it was always going to be an interesting afternoon. With only 10 men, Waverley batted first and proceeded to steadily score runs on a slow pitch. Webby was the first man to fall for 11, not quite getting his bat down to a yorker. IP waited and waited and waited and waited, played, missed and was bowled for 7, and when stand in keeper Dave (who was on for three successive ducks at Odiham) went for 4, Waverley needed a few quick runs. The Saturday skipper provided them, with a quick cameo of 21. A superb piece of jug evasion by Moxy (47) was followed by MC attempting to get off the mark by driving the ball back over the bowlers head, but being well caught at mid-off. AC and Knoxy ensured a respectable total of 170 after the alotted 35 overs, with Knoxy also jug evading on 47* and AC batting for his average, scoring 6*.

Loz took over Jim Jam's role in the field for the second innings, but only three overs were possible before a break for rain (and the hilarious sight of Waverley players attempting to put covers on the wicket). But this didn't stop the Master of Disaster (Waverley's very own grumpy opening bowler) from taking a wicket after a good catch from Knoxy. After the break, Bertie again took a wicket after smart stumping from Dave. Knoxy got his long shadows, and this inspired him to take a wicket after the batsman lobbed the ball to Waverley's very own Paul Collingwood, in the shape of IP (who also bowled well for no reward). With the margin for victory narrowing, both the Saturday and Sunday skippers came on to bowl, with the Saturday skipper taking three wickets (and coming very close to a hat-trick), and Moxy taking two (including another stumping for Dave), ensuring that Waverley claimed victory by three runs.

Rowledge

A battling Waverley side were eventually beaten by Rowledge in traditionally exciting game. With Jerzy skippering the side, he rebelled against tradition and elected to bat first. Some may have questioned his wisdom when Mog was caught in gully for 0. However Jerzy and Brother Knox got the wheels in motion, with Knoxy going to a good catch for 22 and Jerzy making 50. Raging came and went for 4, and was followed back to the pavilion by MC. The boy hit a quick fire 40 before he too joined the list of wickets, and Gareth was Hoagy's second LBW victim (the third to get a duck). Rhino blasted 27 in quick time, and Jerzy was caught behind on 87. Jim Jam and AC finished the innings, scoring 30 and 1 to give Waverley a total of 233.

The bowlers were battered all round the park, but with Rowledge cruising there was a brief resurgence by Waverley (with two wickets for Knoxy, including a good one handed catch by Jerzy, one for the Rhino and one for AC) however Rowledge eventually crossed the finishing post with 20 overs to spare.

Aldershot

Waverley were inserted, and guest players Tony (scouting out the side for tomorrow's Rowledge game) and Spence opened the bowling. A good spell of bowling saw Tony pick up a wicket, and have their first XI bat dropped on 40 odd. A succession of Waverley bowlers were then put to the sword, being dispatched to all parts of the ground. Herb eventually saw Knoxy pouch their number 3 on the boundary, but it was the first XI bat that did the damage, breaking the Aldershot club record by scoring 170 not out in their 253-2 declared.

Waverley got off to a shakey start, with Jerzy out caught and bowled for 0. IV was the next to fall (scoring 11) but Miggs and Knoxy turned things around and got Waverley back in the match with a good partnership. Miggs was eventually caught behind for 34, and AC followed for just 5. The Saturday skipper, Spence and Jim Jam then got Waverley within reach of the total (scoring 18, 16 and 22) but with Waverley needing runs, AC wisely gave Knoxy out LBW for a superb 85. Waverley had battled well, taking the game to the last over after Herb was out for 0. The injured Robin came to the crease, but Aldershot eventually won when Tony skied one to mid-off for 10. Man of the Match went to Knoxy for his superb knock...Pink t-shirt to Hoagy for being cowardly in the face of danger.

Eversley

Not being there at the start, I can't give a detailed report on the match. Waverley fielded first, and after a tough start Knoxy picked up a wicket. This was followed by two wickets from Moggy, one from Herb, and two from MC (who also forced a run out from a ball 3 feet down the legside an artful delivery). After 1 wide and 6 no-balls, Jim Jam's first fair delivery took a wicket, and he picked up another for his trouble. Eversley declared on 179-9, and during the tea-interval Professor Jim Jam and AC were presented with cards (Jim Jam's thoughtfully signed by Mr Kipling) for completing their GCSE's.

After Jerzy departed for a duck, Scarthy and Moxy batted well to give Waverley hope, with Scarthy again breaking his jug evading habit to reach 50. However, things went slightly pear-shaped when he departed on 77 and Moxy followed for 21. After a succession of ducks (and a hilarious run out involving Mog and Knoxy) the Pride of Yorkshire came to the crease. After sending the ball all round the park, and with 9 to win, Herb was undone by a straight one and was out after making the Herald (scoring 11). Knoxy finished on 27 not out. Scarthy won man of the match, and Mog was awarded the pink t-shirt on no less than THREE counts of poofery.

Vagabonds

Waverley fielded first and did well to dismiss the opposition for 140-odd. The Rhino bowled well for a long spell combining both control and pace and all round the fielding was good. With the batting the less said the better, if only for legal reasons. Waverley dismissed for 80-odd with 10 of the 20 still to be bowled.

On a positive note, Waverley didn't miss JimJam too much. The Ninja arrived and took on the role of fat bottomed boy with gusto, a role he'd obviously been preparing for since his last visit to the UK 2 years ago. Despite not playing he still tucked into tea and cakes and later downed several pints.

Newdigate

Against a strong Newdigate side (in both the batting and bowling departments), Waverley fielded first and set about restraining the two openers with some accurate bowling and sharp fielding (Mog gets credit for the latter). After seeing a catch put down by IV early on, the thinest of edges was caught behind by the Saturday skipper giving Knoxy a deserved wicket. Moggy bowled well from the other end without reward, but it was Jim Jam who struck next, picking up two wickets when he could have easily had four after a superb spell of bowling. However Newdigate finished the stronger, and a late salvo (with Knoxy and AC on the receiving end) left Waverley with 225 to win.

It was a shakey start to the Waverley innings, with IV the first to go, followed by Moxy (who was second top scorer with 16). Moggy was back in the pavilion for 4, Knoxy, the Boy, and another (who's name eludes me) were out for ducks, and Waverley were in a spot of bother on 26 for 6. However Robin and IP batted well against some hostile bowling, both taking blows on the chest, and IP fending one off with his head. It wasn't until the final over the Robin succumbed, having made a match saving 18. MC was given orders to sit tight and bat out the final four balls....after defending one he planted the other three over the in-field, finishing on a career best 8 not out, with IP finishing level with Robin on 18*. In a break from tradition, Jim Jam was awarded man of the match for his good bowling...Robin was given the pink t-shirt for wearing a gay top...

Record for Hoagy

A strong bowling attack made short work of the Pirbright batting order on Sunday. Knoxy (recalled after being dropped on Saturday) struck first, encouraging the batsman to edge the ball behind to the Boy. The GiMp also got in on the act, clean bowling one man and taking a sharp catch off his own bowling for the third wicket. Master of Disaster Herbie tied up the batsmen at one end, and Moggy was brought into the attack in what proved to be an inspired change. He obtained figures of 3-2-2-3, which put Waverley thoroughly in the driving seat and alerted the ECB to perform a random drugs test on Waverley's Man of the Match. With four wickets still to get, Herb picked up two of them (an LBW and a good catch by Webby), and the Guv'nor displayed to the youths how cricket should be played by also picking up a wicket. With only one wicket to get, Moxy brought himself on and with his fifth ball, he enticed the batsman down the wicket and the Boy whipped off the bails, leaving Waverley with 115 to win.

With plenty of time to get the runs, Waverley got off to a cautious start with Webby and Hoagy at the crease. It was Webby that went first, lobbing the ball back to the bowler for 16. Jim Jam came in at three, and displayed defensive prowess at one end while Hoagy trundled along at the other. Eventually Hoagy reached 49, requiring 1 run for his 100th fifty. He knocked the ball behind square and at the latest possible moment Jim Jam called him through for the single. The rest of Waverley thought he was celebrating his 50 when he cartwheeled through the air, but realised he had probably injured himself again when he began writhing round on the floor in agony. And so, as with most of his other innings, the score book read: N Carmichael 50 Retired Hurt. Scarthy went out to prove that he was still a good bat (despite Jim Jam stealing his place in the order) and scored 14 of about three balls before he holed out to a man positioned on the boundary. With five needed to win, a wide evaded the keeper and went for four, meaning an 8 wicket win for Waverley with Jim Jam and the Boy finishing on 15* and 0*. Hoagy is now only the second Waverley batsman to have made 100 fifties, but the question on everyone's mind is will he attempt to go for Dexy's record of 103 fifties? Not if Mrs Hoagy has anything to do with it...

Good Olde Boys

On a pitch which was a little on the green side, the Saturday skipper elected to bat first and try and get a good score on the board. This plan seemed to stumble when Jerzy shouldered arms to rising delivery, and guided the ball behind to the keeper for only 4. Returning to his old stomping ground, IP played himself in and started to tuck into the bowling (much as Jim Jam would tuck into an eclair). Despite his best efforts, Moxy was unable to get the ball away for more than a few singles at a time, and eventually departed for 24. When IP was run out in unusual circumstances for 39, the skipper came in to try and boost the flagging run-rate. After facing a wide, the Boy clipped one off his legs...only to be brilliantly caught at square leg. O was sent in but could only make 6, MC went for 1 and after being told to "hit out or get out", Jim Jam went for 3. Having mis-understood the earlier instruction (I could have sworn he said hit out AND get out) AC joined the primary club, and the South African quick bowler was rewarded with a hat-trick when PB skied one to mid-wicket (injuring himself in the process). It was left to Bertie and Mog (who had batted well since coming in) to lift the total to exactly 150 of Waverley's thirty five overs, making 6* and 31* respectivly.

Herb and AC opened the bowling attack, and it was Herb who struck first after Raging had scored some quick runs off AC. However, Waverley couldn't seem to get the breakthrough until the skipper elected to bring on the O-bot. After he saw a straight forward catch dropped by AC, IP clung onto one, bringing the hat-trick bowler to the crease. After a good LBW shout was turned down off his next ball, O again had a good shout for LBW with the following ball, with the umpire dispatching the batsman back to the pavilion. With the Good Olde Boys in sight of the total, the Saturday skipper brought himself onto bowl, and took a wicket with his first delivery. However Good Olde Boys were within a few runs of victory, and eventually passed the Waverley total despite a wicket from Jim Jam.

Crown Wood

Another humid day, however it was Waverley who batted first on what was a superb batting track. Jerzy and Scarthy opened, and put on a solid partnership before the former missed a straight one, and departed for 32. MC almost got a nose bleed when he came in at number three, and he was unlucky to go for a duck. O arrived at the crease, and supported Scarthy while he made his 50. Thus far, the bowling attack had been 'youthful' to say the least, but they bowled their overs well. Even the wicket keeper decided to come and have a bowl...unfortunately, his second over saw Scarthy unleashed. After sending the ball all round the ground, he was on 97. The must have gotten to him at that stage. In attempting to chip the ball to mid-on ( thus performing his usual act of jug evasion) he inadvertantly sent the ball to the boundary, bringing up his ton. A few overs later, he went for one big hit too many and was well caught on the boundary, ending his innings on 113 (off 68 balls I was told!). The Boy arrived at the crease, and O was able to play some strokes, also reaching his 50. A mis-timed chip to the bowler saw Simon back in the pavilion for 13, and Moggy was bowled for 5 (after suprising everyone by playing an attacking shot). O made 79*, and Waverley declared on 249-5 at tea.

After tea the GiMp opened the bowling attack, and picked up the first wicket for Waverley. Moggy continued to suprise by actually looking like a strike bowler, and the wobbly egg picked managed to secure a wicket maiden, while also picking up a second wicket. This meant there was another youth at the crease, but he didn't collapse to the pressure of the Waverley attack (hitting AC for four, and being struck in the chest by Jim Jam). AC almost had him caught, but Moggy was slow off the mark (probably because he crawled over some barbed wire). Jim Jam picked up a wicket (a smart catch by Scarthy), and so did AC (dismissing the troublesome youth). AC picked up a second wicket, before skippers pet Knoxy came on and picked up three (including a well taken caught and bowled). With another youth at the crease, and one wicket to win, it looked like Waverley would breeze home...succesive fours, and the youth sweeping Koxy for six soon put paid to that theory. Moxy called on the GiMp, Waverley's specialist at bowling to under 16's, and true to form he clean bowled the other youth (who had made 30 odd) meaning another win for Waverley. Jerzy got the pink t-shirt (just for being Jerzy) and AC picked up the man of the match award.

Normandy IV

On a hot and rather humid day, Waverley fielded first against a Normandy side that always provide a stern test, both batting and bowling. After the two openers battered the ball all round the park, O and Knoxy took two quick wickets, and Waverley suddenly had the edge. PB replaced Knoxy, and (as usual) bowled a good line and length. He was rewarded with three wickets to add to his growing tally this season. However running in to bowl, PB caught his spikes in the turf and pulled his calf muscle, having to leave the field. (This was not classed as a pink t-shirt offence). Meanwhile, Bertie bowled well after a shakey start (the less said the better) and claimed four wickets. Jim Jam replaced PB, and was rewarded for his efforts with a wicket. This left Waverley with about 220 to win.

Jerzy and Moxy got Waverley off to a good start, but Moxy eventually fell for 24. Jerzy was playing a good innings, his early runs coming off some streaky edges through slip opening the face, and guiding the ball down to third man. Mog departed for 11, and Jerz made 39 before he was caught. With Waverley struggling, Knoxy and the Boy attempted to steady the ship, but both were trapped LBW. O and AC didn't stick around long (making 4 and 6 respectivly). Going against his slogging reputation, Jim Jam came out and defended, but was out for a duck. With PB absent injured, it was left to the GiMp and Burlington Bertie to try and salvage some pride. After making 9, the GiMp was also out caught, leaving Hebie with yet another not out. However, Waverley still fell well short of the target.

Epsom Methodists

A good game of cricket, with Epsom getting the winning runs in the final few overs. Waverley were inserted, and got off to a reasonable start thanks to Moxy and IP. After some good strokeplay Moxy eventually fell for 28, and Moggy was at the crease. He made 8 before the bowler had the cheek to deliver a straight one, removing the middle stump from the ground. IV was next in, and supported IP as he reached his first Waverley 50 (obviously proving a point to MC after his comment last week) however his good innings was ended on 54 when he lashed at one outside the off-stump. The Boy was moved up the order in an attempt to get the scoring rate on the move, and made 18 before he departed the scene. MC was next in, and made a new enemy when IV called him through for a single that he had no chance of making, meaning two run outs in consecutive matches. Knoxy departed for a duck (much to everyone's surprise) and when IV fell for about 40, Waverley had lost three wickets in around six balls. AC isn't the most attacking batsman in the world (he sometimes gives Moggy a run for his money), and only made 6. When the GiMp was out soon after, it was left to Dexy and Bertie to bat out the final few balls before Waverley declared on 184-9.

Knoxy and the GiMp opened the bowling, giving the batsmen precious little to score off, before the GiMp took a well earned wicket. An inspired bowling change saw Herb clean bowl Epsom's number three, and IP also picked up a wicket. During this time, however, the wicket of the second opener had eluded the bowlers. He notched up 50, and when he eventually fell to some good glove work by the Boy (off the bowling of Knoxy), Epsom were within a few runs of victory. Golden Arm took over from Dexy, and surprised everyone by looking like a bowler. After his first ball he had the batsman in two minds (whether he should go for a 6 or a 4) and proceeded to bowl him next ball ("that's my boy!" was IV's claim). In his next over the batsman proceeded to confuse themselves, and a good throw by MC resulted in a run out. Moggy was denied a second wicket when AC dropped a "difficult" (there's still some debate about that) chance in gully, but Epsom got the runs with a few overs to spare.

Fleet II

What can you say? A bouyant Waverley team turned up to face Fleet, but there was a small problem (and no, Webby didn't forget the wicket keeping gear again)...Fleet didn't turn up. No apparant explanation as to why, so there was no game. So a well rested Waverley side travel to Epsom Methodists next Sunday.

Ebernoe

Another good game against a good Ebernoe side. After being inserted, the Waverley machine proceeded to put 191 on the board. Webby and Moxy lost their wickets just as they were getting settled down but IP was playing well up the other end, and held the Waverley machine together. Mog arrived and departed for 0 off his third ball, but Brewer steadied the ship with some fine hitting. IP departed for about 30 (sorry, I can't remember his exact score) and with AC at the other end, Chimo pulled his hamstring and requested a runner (with Webby donning the pads). AC was out giving the slip fielder catching practice for 1, and MC (after being struck in the box and falling like a giant Redwood, much to Hoagy's amusement) was run out by Webby. As most of those sat outside the dressing room will tell you, he wasn't happy. Knoxy went in and proceeded to get 48 not out (thanks to some superb jug evasion), supported by PB and Burlington Bertie, but Chimo was the one who stood out, reaching 54(?).

On looking at the scorecard after three overs, you may have thought our bowlers weren't bowling well...this wasn't the case, it was just the openers were hitting everything to the boundary. Knoxy struck first, dismissing one big-hitting opener, and picked up another wicket soon after. Jimbo bowled a good line and length, and was rewarded with a wicket. The combination of PB and Herbie worked best for Waverley. While PB tied the batsmen down at one end, Herb picked up four wickets at the other, with IP taking two great catches down at long on. PB got just reward for his efforts, picking up three wickets and ensuring a Waverley win. The man of the match award could've gone to anyone (had Jerzy remembered it): Chimo and Knoxy for their batting, IP for his batting and fielding, and PB and Herbie for their bowling. The pink t-shirt probably to Jerzy for forgetting the equipment, and for running out MC. All in all, a good all-round performance from Waverley.

Blackheath

Sorry for the delay on this report, I wasn't at the game. It is also worth noting that Milford have cancelled on Sunday, so it's another free weekend. Anyway, here's Moggy's report:

With Blackheath usually offering strong opposition the Sunday skipper packed the side with talent and experience and they don't get much more talented and experienced than the legendary Long Dong Dexter making his first appearance of the season with Moggy's cap on the end of his much discussed tool. Indeed Dexy's old fella was on most of the team's lips that afternoon. With Moxy losing the toss Waverley were inserted, leading off with Hoagy and the boy Webb. A solid start was somewhat jeopardised when Tamp picked up an injury, however this only increased the run rate as he threw the bat around in an effort to get out. He finally achieved this but only after scoring a good 45. Jerzy was batting like a man with talent and two straight sixes in one over had most of the side checking what they were drinking. After a good innings, possibly one of his best, Jerz was dismissed for 81. The Knox and Richie (who also picked up an injury, it's always the highly tuned athletes that pick them up, ask Moxy) saw Waverley home to 220 ish for 2.

Waverley started well after tea, with the Gimp responding well to the unfamiliar challenge of bowling at adults and picking up two wickets with his swinging balls while the Skippers pet kept it tight at the other end, just the way Bob likes it. However it wasn't until the Yorkshire demon, Herb, came on that Waverley picked up the dangerous opener caught and bowled to give us a good chance of a win. Blackheath dug in and consolidated and started to open up on the change bowlers bringing them close to the target. Moxy brought back Knoxy and the Gimp to choke it off and Blackheath fell short in their chase and a good match ended in a draw.

Waverley in well earned draw

It was a tale of comebacks and jug evasion as Waverley battled out a hard earned draw with Purbrook. The game marked the return of Hoagy, who nearly keeled over when (after not facing a ball for two years) he was asked to open by Moxy. From the balcony, it was obvious it was a slow pitch. This was proved when Hoagy played a shot that would normally have raced to the boundry. However, the ball never got there, and he holed out to mid-wicket for only 5. Webby and O put on an impressive partnership, before the former missed a straight one and departed for 25. Well supported by Moggy, O raced to 44 before he also performed a superb piece of jug evasion by missing a straight one. Chimo blasted his way to 22 before he was out, and the two Powells also contributed well to a healthy looking score. All the while, Moggy was defying his critics (namely MC) and finished on 48 not out, that counts as a superb piece of jug evasion. Waverley had made 219-6 off 32 overs, which made the run-rate a fantastic 6.84 an over. The only downside was the tea interval...where there was a furious debate between Jim Jam and Moxy about whether malted loaf counted as a cake. (Herb decided it did).

The GiMp and Rhino opened the bowling and it was the GiMp who struck first, clean bowling teenager (although a good teenager to be fair). Rhino then dismissed his "pal" for 1 (I'm not exactly sure what was said, but the bat wasn't going to argue with Rhino!) before some resistance made it look as if Waverley would be denied a result. Tight bowling secured a draw for Waverley, and victory became a possibility when O picked three wickets near the end. However a draw was a fair result. Moggy was man of the match for his 48 not out, and Hoagy was awarded the pink t-shirt....purely because he'd avoided it for two years.

Waverley lose rain affected game

After 17 overs, with Waverley on 80-1, rain meant only 32 overs per side were possible. Waverley managed to get 170 odd of the remaining overs, with Jerzy reaching 50, Knoxy making 32 and Mog making 39. However, Lurgashall got the runs for the loss of 5 wickets.

It's the Simon Knox show at Cranbourne

In the shadow of Windsor Castle, it was effectively a one-man show against Cranbourne. Waverley batted first, and lost two wickets for not many (IP and Raging not really troubling the scorers). Chimo came and went, the Saturday captain probably still shaken from the bill from the dentist, before Webby (who arrived late after sneaking off to the pub with Moggy) avoided the pink t-shirt by steadying the ship with about 38. During this time, Knoxy (who had opened the batting) had been steadily building an innings for himself, and it was his presence that kept Waverley together. Mog (also late) didn't stick around long, and MC put on 5 before being given out LBW by Hoagy (who slept in the garage that night) before AC made the Hearld for the first time, scoring an unbeaten 14. During this time, Knoxy got his ton before being comprehensivly bowled and Jim Jam (who had found the cakes) was out for a golden duck.

The Waverley bowlers were well on top of things, Herb (2 wickets) and Jim Jam (1 wicket) started the ball rolling, and PB also picked up a wicket. However, Knoxy again stole the show, picking up 5 wickets (after some brief resistance from the middle order). Waverley won the match with 3 balls to spare when Moggy (after bowling what he said were "3 s**t a**e balls") got one to lift slighlty, and Pete took a superb diving catch and spared Moggy the pink t-shirt (which went to Jim Jam for his complaining through-out the afternoon). Un-surprisingly, Knoxy picked up the Man of the Match award AND managed to avoid buying 3 jugs...and at £3 a pint, who can blame him?

Ten wicket win for Wonersh

All the omens for a bad day were there... MC was particularly concerned about the dentists next to the pavilion... however, an opticians would probably have been more fitting. Three run outs was justification for this theory, with Waverley wickets tumbling left, right and centre. A captain's innings of 58 from Chimo saved the team from complete humiliation, with only Webby and Cozy also making it into double figures (17 and 11* respectivly). As Waverley finally collapsed for a mere 127, Wonersh were left with an hour before tea, during which they clocked up 37 without loss. After tea, (and successfully persuading Jim Jam to leave the cakes alone until after eating his sandwiches), Wonersh put Waverley's bowling attack to the sword, knocking off the runs in twenty-two overs. Notable performances in the field were MC, (who broke his mother's heart by diving around the outfield, ruining his whites) and Moxy (much to everyone's surprise). Quite rightly, Chimo won the man of the match award for his innings, and Jim Jam was awarded the pink t-shirt for cowardice off his own bowling. However, this was definitely a game to forget.

Liphook & Ripsley

At 2PM half the team were carrying lunch and beer, in Scarthys case half a cow, in their stomachs. This didn't stop Waverley fielding first on a typically excellent pitch. Rhino climbed straight in with a hostile spell that yielded two clean bowled victims. He returned later and ripped out two more. PB and the Dragon Slayer had less luck with missed chances off both of them. Liphooks progress was steady without being spectacular and due to their number 3's obsession with sweeping Bert got in many LB appeals for no reward.

A solid and occasionally brutal innings from Jerz, probably his best yet for the club and he almost carried his bat in scoring 90 before playing over and around a shooter. Although it went down to the last over Waverley were never really in danger, eventually winning by 5 wickets.

Thursley

The skipper lost the toss but got the result he wanted when we were inserted. He might have been wondering about his 'strong batting side' at 40-4. At this point the publicans dream team of Mog and Chimo dropped the anchor and his guts respectively. With Mog slashing through the slips and some early playing and missing from the boy it didn't look bright, but the nerves settled and a tiring attack offered Brewer some width which he accepted like a free pint. Runs started to come and nerves settled, with both bats starting to look comfortable. Unfortunately the change bowlers slightly slower pace induced Chimo to give a return catch to the bowler after a fine innings of 47. Cozy came out bristling with intent but Mog appeared to have suffered delusions of fitness with several bloody awful singles that saw him an inch from being run out. Waverley eventually recovered well from the early wickets and reached 209-9 at tea with Mog on 62*.

Skippers Pet and Cozy opened up and took early wickets prompting Moxy to switch around a bit. However wickets kept falling a regular rate and despite some hard hitting from their skipper and good resistance from a young lad (bowled eventually by the GiMp with his first ball) we won easily in the end. It would have been easier but Mog contrived to drop 3 out of 4 catches.

Oakley

Another good win against a young side ("I'm only 12", was one quote after number 4 picked a short one from Rhino off his nose, for a 12 year old the sod was still 6ft tall) on a difficult pitch which made run scoring difficult. Waverley bowled with nous and guile and Moxy rotated his bowlers well to defend 150. The GiMp struggled at times with the bounce and let through a number of byes, but this wasn't the easiest of pitches for him.

The GiMp picked up his first stumping for the club (but missed another sitter) and O picked up the Man of the Match award for the second time in a weekend. Mog got the T-Shirt for being late.

Old Wimbledonians

A draw on a huge pitch and the first appearance for Waverley by the Good Old Boys Raging Richard. Old Wimbledoniands batted for 47 overs and got 204ish.

With a slew of early wickets the OW boys must have been dreaming of an early pint. However, they ran into the Comical boys and an 8 and 9 that on other days could have been 1 and 2. O and Knoxy consolidated and after Knoxys dismissal 5 or so overs before the end O began to take the bowling apart. O ended up with 74* and the Man of the Match for an outstanding innings and some good bowling. Both AC and MC batted well showing good defence and maturity in their shot selection.

Medstead

A win as Waverley batted first and with Jerz completing a weekend to forget a fired up (read pi**ed up) Richie Scarth strode to the wicket to join PB. Medstead has always been a good ground for Scarthy and due to the beer he forgot to jug evade at 49 and pushed on. He was ably supported by a solid performance by Pete. Richie was eventually out for 97 belatedly managing the standard jug evasion. Pete put together a fine half century, rolling back the years with fine strokeplay despite picking up several injuries. Several rapid cameos followed as Waverley chased quick runs. A declaration was made at 190 odd.

Despite gritty batting from Medstead they lost regular wickets to Cozy and Dev before the sunday skipper rotated the bowling. A number of 'bowlers' sent down a series of half volleys and full tosses challenging deliveries before Cozy was brought onto mop up, a total of 3 wickets for the big man, and win the game with 9 overs to spare. Mog picked up his 100th wicket for the club in a similar fashion to the other 99, with a full toss.

A double award of T-Shirt and Man of the Match was made to Scarthy. Pictures to follow....

Good Olde Boys

Waverleys 10 men struggled manfully to 151 odd assisted by 44 Extras as the top scorer. Tight bowling, especially by Pete (5 wickets) and regular wickets saw us win against a strong opposition.

Odiham and Greywell

Wasn't there, didn't see it. Waverley lost in a good game i'm told. Waverley reached 150 odd with everyone chipping in. Odiham got it with about 4 overs to go, helped by us dropping about 8 catches.

Chawton

With the weather unusually dry Waverley began the season at Chawton as they mean to go on, losing the toss and the match, with half the side still in the pub at the toss. Against all expectation (and the betting) Moxy and a rampant Jerz put on a 50 opening partnership before Moxy missed a straight one (if it had been bent...). IP strode to the crease in his debut as a full Waverley 'man'. At this point Jerz became bogged down, or he'd been counting and knew he was in the 40's. After a short partnership he also missed a straight one (I think, I'd just been for a slash...). With Mog resplendant in new gay shorts he and IP enjoyed a short partnership ended when IP smacked one to a fielder. The skipper strode out, played himself in for an over and then proceeded to smack the arse out of it for a brutal 66 before playing all round yet another straight one. Three straight balls, what are the odds eh? Knoxy and Mog saw the side home with 19 apiece and tea came at 219 for 4.

Of course for any side to get over 200 in the first game of the season the pitch has to favour batting a little. Although a number of chances fell short of the field off Herb and Moxy dropped one off Pete as usual the wicket played true and the batsmen were able to go for their shots. This free shots did help Herb to remove an opener. In classic Hoagy fashion the batsman top edged a pull straight into his nose and he retired hurt to the nearest hospital. As the temperature dropped and the wind cut in from Siberia the batsmen settled and upped the tempo with fierce drives and good use of the short boundary. By the time the end came most fielders had trouble with cold fingers and the sensible ones didn't want the ball anywhere near them, the batsmen obliged this by peppering the boundary at will. Still, a good game and encouraging early season form by the upper order but not a bowlers wicket. Only 4 players in the showers afterwards, although they were warm which was a distinct bonus.