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A wicket too far – any resemblance to Hollywood dramatizations of classic British war operations is purely coincidental. The following is based on real life events.

It was dark (ish), overcast and bitterly cold, but something had to be done. Under ominous circumstances the 1st Welford paratroop began their assault to take the Arnhem bridge head and thus end the league by 6 months. It was to be the largest cricket orientated airborne assault in history, pads and all. At approximately 1:10 (1:12 by Pauls watch) operation market garden/ Welford assault on Peppard began. 

While Ruislip Victoria's league season avoided the volcanic ash and safely took-off over the May Day Bank Holiday skies, the friendly sides are still waiting in the hangars with all games so far being victim of the erupting volcano (aka the weather).

Field Marshall Krunic took his 1st XI squadron for an away sortee and took to the skies to start their Divsion 1 BCL campaign over Emmbrook & Bearwood. After a sticky start and some early casualties (10-3), a great partnership between fighter-ace Prashant (97) & Wing-commander Puneet (76) meant that Ilija's pilots navigated their way to 259/7 in the alloted 45 overs. In reply, E&B boys felt the force of a new three-wave attack with "veteran" Carl (3-15) and new Top Guns, Shahid (4-50) & Ravi (3-34) doing the damage in bowling out the oppo for 160 to claim a maximum 35pt win.

Jim's first game leading the 2s was to defend the home skies around Greenford against Welford Park's Magnificant 7 and had to be aware as there a wounded pilot trying to make a maiden umpiring flight. On a day when a game was in doubt, a delayed start and the match switched to the top square, the opposition pulled a sneaky manoeuvre and offered to bowl first and take to the field with only 7. Faced with a barrage of a drying wicket, lush outfield, accurate bowling and inspired fielding which made scoring difficult, Jim's boys still soared their way to 199-4 from the 45 overs. This was built around Bill "B-52" Bailey flying throughout for 81no with a few howitzers being hit from Fu (including 2 sixes) & JJ.

After an improved re-fuelling stop (warm scones anyone, what what!!), despite the lack of numbers, WP started off with nothing to lose with 14 coming off the first over. The heavy scoring continued mainly by "Red Baron" Westbrook but when Shiv's radar homed in on the other opener's stumps, the RVs scored their first hit. With the threat of spin "twins" ChrisG (a welcome return to operations!) and SimonD (2 wickets) slowing the run-rate, WP were 139-3 (effectively for 7) in the 26th over with everything still to play for. However, straight after the 3rd wicket was taken the heavens opened. It was wisely agreed to abandon operations and both sides had to be happy with their work for the day - due to WPs higher run rate, their 7 men claimed 20pts while Jim had to be happy with 10 but at least the dogfight was not lost!

Unfortunately the rain that came (from Spain?) on Saturday night put pay to any rivalries on Sunday (even a planned rendezvous at Lords was aborted) and even flooded our new Monday host's ground so no play would have been possible. This left us grounded with nothing more to do than twiddle our thumbs and polish the propellers.

I'm sure our luck and the weather will improve soon so have a great Star Wars day - May the Fourth be with you!!

Roger & Out!
Andrew [AKA the maiden umpire]

A village, North West of Newbury is periodically raided by cricketers led by many different captains during the summer months.

Desperate, the village team travel to a nearby town (Newbury) to buy bats to defend themselves. They approach a veteran batsman, Slothy (Andrew Barr). He tells them bats alone will not do them any good; they will need pads as well! They ask him to lead them, but Slothy rejects them, telling them a single man is not enough. They keep at him though, and he eventually gives in. He recruits men, though the pay is a pittance (normally a jug of beer if someone takes a few wickets or scores a few runs)....

The first league game of the season saw Crown Wood 1st XI host last years runners up, Mortimer West End 1st XI in the BCL Premier division. The new season saw a change at the helm for Crown Wood as John Cartledge took over the reins, ushering in new beginnings for the team, with the half the side under 20 years old.

The 2010 Captain's meeting will be held at Woodcote Village Hall (Postcode RG80QX) at 7.30pm on Monday 26th April 2010.

As usual, all TEAMS participating in the BCL are required to send a representative. A £50 fine will be levied for non-attendance.

As usual, all clubs must have paid all monies due to the league by this date.

Oliver Nowell, League Secretary.

Many thanks to those clubs who have responded and given their preferred e-mail contact for use in all League communication.

Four clubs have still not responded - these being BCS, Hawley, Grosvenor and Checkendon.

It may be that the person who would normally respond from these clubs is on holiday, or does not check the website regularly.

If you are a member of one of these clubs, please could you 'chivvy' up the person responsible, as it is vital that all clubs receive communication from the league in an effective manner.

If the clubs above have not responded by Wednesday 7th April 2010, they will be fined the sum of £10.

Many thanks,

Oliver Nowell, League Secretary.

 

 

 

Please be informed that Sherry Tariq is banned from participating in the BCL, or any ECB affiliated cricket league, as a player, umpire, or club official for the entire 2010 season.

If Mr Tariq wishes to participate in the BCL at any point once the ban has expired, he must first appear before the BCL Committee to confirm that his conduct and behaviour will be acceptable, and in keeping with 'The Spirit of Cricket'.

Many thanks,

Oliver Nowell, League Secretary.

 

 

The Berkshire Cricket League fixtures have now been updated!

Please click on the Fixtures link on the left hand side to see them.

Thanks

Andy

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