Saturday Second XI Results 2007 Date TW Score Opposition Score Venue Result Team 01/09/07 149 all out Hartley 149 all out The Nevill Tied Match TWCC II XI In the final league match of the season, TWCC needed 7 points to be sure of claiming the title, whilst Hartley were in danger of relegation. After some hesitation, Hartley chose to bat on winning the toss. Seam bowling ruled the roost, and run-scoring proved difficult. Rob Sharma (4-22) and Caspian Paget (4-21) each claimed four victims, all being clean-bowled. Once again, the TWCC fielding performance left much to be desired. The TWCC reply rarely looked secure. Early wickets fell to some extravagant and inappropriate shots, and, despite a couple of attempts to regain stability, little air of permanence was established. Will Stickler (41) scored fluently, adding 34 with Richard Cutts in the only partnership of note, but the run-chase always seemed likely to go to the wire. Last pairing of Skipper Nigel Keess (16*), in company with James Nethercott, edged the innings ever closer until the latter was dismissed with the scores level in a true tie. The 10 points thus gleaned achieved the required objective without reliance on results elsewhere, whilst Hartley happily escaped relegation. A nail-biting conclusion to an unbeaten league season, and a Championship Title to go with promotion. 25/08/07 n/a n/a n/a Abandoned TWCC II XI Floods hit Whitstable during the week to such an extent that pictures made the national press. Sewers overflowed and in addition to being knee deep in water the Whitstable CC ground was contaminated with human excrement and similar material. Attempts were made to find a suitable alternative venue in a similar part of the county without success. 8 points. Top of the league by 14 points from nearest challengers Bexley CC. 18/08/07 271 for 5 wkts Bickley Park 125 for 2 wkts The Nevill Incomplete Match TWCC II XI On another damp day always likely to result in an incomplete match, TWCC 2nd XI clinched a promotion place, but saw their challenger for the title gain ground - the lead is now just 11 points with two more matches to play. In a dominant batting display against a strangely ineffective Bickley Park attack, two innings stood out in a team performance which comprised seven schoolboys (2 Under 14s, 2 Under 15s, 1 Under 16 and 2 Under 19s), one student and three very much older statesmen. Richard Cutts showed his undoubted ability with a welcome return to significant run-scoring (93 from 108 balls), and Chris Williams (Under 14), took his last-minute opportunity to open the batting and scored 54 - possibly the youngest ever to reach a half-century for TWCC in a match at or near this level. This pair posted 132 runs for the second wicket, then Rob Sharma (29), Tom Elliott (45*) and Caspian Paget (14*) added icing to the cake with well-timed and powerful shots all around the wicket. The BPCC innings was largely shrouded by drizzle but saw the TWCC bowlers have to contend with aggressive batsmen who played shots freely when given a chance to swing through the line. Once again, chances - some very difficult - were dropped, and when the conclusion came after 23 overs, BPCC were in a strong position. Successful debuts were made by Will Soutar and Tom Dowding. 11/08/07 198 for 8 wkts Canterbury 148 for 9 wkts The Nevill TWCC Winning Draw TWCC II XI A TWCC XI full of the injured (Mark Alexander and Sunny Mohammed), almost retired (Paddy Phelan) and debutants/one match veterans (Emmerson Wood and Chris Williams) finally outplayed a mature Canterbury side but, was unable to capture the last wicket to seal victory in the face of dogged resistance from the Canterbury No. 11. Alex Williams (89) and Rob Sharma (40) provided the necessary stability after the loss of two early wickets with a third wicket stand of 100 in 30 overs. Some acceleration in the later overs from a resurgent Theo Burley (22) and the experienced Nigel Keess (17*) almost achieved the 4th batting bonus point. The Canterbury reply was on course for much of its duration, but lacked a major innings to pilot its route. In the face of quality slow bowling from the ever dependable Phelan (15-3-40-3) and youthful Tom Elliott (13-0-46-1), and some wicket-taking from the captain, the innings declined rapidly as the pressure mounted, finally ending on 148-9. Incredibly, from 127-2, the final ten overs produced seven wickets for just 21 runs. Another winning draw was thereby secured, 13 points were taken, and the XI are closing in on a promotion spot. The second- and third-placed sides are respectively 16 and 42 points behind with three matches left to play. 04/08/07 205 for 3 wkts Bexley 202 for 9 wkts Manor Way TWCC Winning Draw TWCC II XI In the most closely contested and highest standard match of the season, on the hottest day of the summer, the 2nd XI emerged with a winning draw (14 points) and edged ever closer to a promotion place. TWCC won the toss and chose to bat on a wicket that proved to allow movement and lacked great bounce. Mark Alexander (46 in 37 overs) showed great application despite lacking his normal free-scoring domination of opposition bowlers. However, the highlight of the batting was the manner in which Under 17 Will Stickler (71*) and Under 15 Tom Elliott (40*) capitalised on the firm foundation in an unbroken partnership of 82 in the final 12 overs. Bexley consolidated well after losing their prime adult scorers early in their chase, one to debutant Chris Williams. An impressive 4th wicket partnership between two youngsters put TWCC under pressure. A worrying number of chances were spurned throughout the innings, and especially during this partnership and 'at the death'. Peter Ford's immaculate spells, in total 15-3-33-2, provided the necessary control for wickets to be claimed elsewhere, resulting in a last-over equation of 12 runs needed with 3 wickets in hand. After a run-out, by the last ball it was 4 runs with 2 wickets in hand. A wicket at that point secured maximum bonus points for TWCC. The Second XI thus remain top of the league by 17 points, and 49 points clear of the third placed side, Canterbury, who provide next week's opposition at The Nevill. 28/07/07 162 for 5 wkts The Mote 160 all out The Nevill TWCC won by 5 wkts TWCC II XI The Mote won the toss and decided to bat on a low, slow wicket. With the exception of their captain, Ed de Lucy, who scored 81 out of 101 whilst he was at the crease, run-making proved difficult, especially against the frugal Peter Ford (4-29). Two expensive overs (12 and 16), together with some juvenile fielding and a couple of dropped catches, conspired to turn a par score of 125 into a potential banana-skin total of 160. Mark Alexander (32) began in typically belligerent style, and created an excellent platform for Richard Cutts (39) to pace much of the remainder of the innings. A small middle order wobble was stabilised by a swashbuckling innings from 15-year-old Caspian Paget (32* from 33 balls on debut), supported by the mature head of Ford. A very close finish was thus averted when victory was secured with 14 balls to spare. Wells took 16 points from the encounter to remain top of the league - 8 points ahead of Bexley (who they will meet next week) and 40 clear of third placed Canterbury. 21/07/07 231 for 2 declared Hayes 172 all out Barnet Wood Road TWCC won by 59 runs TWCC II XI Winning the toss, and batting very well on a holding wicket, provided the route to another 20 point win. Mark Alexander played fluently and struck powerful trademark drives from the start of the innings to dominate the opposition. Alex Williams provided good support in an opening stand of 83, and Harry Florry continued his form of the previous week with a fine 59* in a second-wicket partnership of 124. These performances allowed an early declaration after 47 overs. Alexander's second century of the campaign contained 12 fours and one six. The Hayes response began with a flourish, 58 coming from the first ten overs before spin twins Peter Ford (2-23) and Fred Florry (5-48) stemmed the flow, and, in combination with Nigel Keess (2-29), picked up the wickets to claim a victory after 48.4 overs. Many chances were created, but at least six were spurned - on this occasion it did not prove critical, although it highlights the scope for improvement even in a comprehensive win. Another 20 points were gathered in, and the XI still tops the league, with an increased margin. 14/07/07 265 for 8 wkts Tenterden 182 for 9 wkts Morghew park TWCC Winning Draw TWCC II XI On the day that summer returned, the TWCC 2nd XI produced its best all-round performance of the league season, but ironically failed to claim a victory. After winning the toss and choosing to bat on what turned out to be a less than true wicket, a substantial total was compiled on a fast-scoring ground largely in the prescribed manner, though not without a paltry contribution from the very capable middle order. Mark Alexander (75) drove powerfully, and Harry Florry (68) accumulated well, and each took full toll of anything loose. The total was boosted by some weak fielding and 44 from 'extras'. In reply, the Tenterden innings was still-born as a result of tight and disciplined opening spells from Rob Sharma and Graeme Corbishley. The mean 'spin twins', Peter Ford (2-34) and Fred Florry (2-46), bowled a combined spell of approximately twenty overs for 25 runs from the bat. Much of Florry's first spell, 11 overs for 13 runs, turned and bounced viciously. The captaincy showed less imagination than usual, and, together with three dropped catches, allowed the the last two wickets to swish merrily for bonus points and ultimate escape from defeat. 14 points were nevertheless gathered in, and the XI still tops the league, with a new chaser at second spot. 07/07/07 198 for 8 wkts Sibton park 192 all out The Nevill TWCC won by 6 runs TWCC II XI Having been asked to bat, the 2nd XI achieved a respectable total, but once again not in the prescribed fashion. Alex Williams and Harry Florry laid solid foundations on which the remainder of the line-up failed to capitalise, despite the attack being less than venomous. The notable exception was Rob Sharma (29 at a run-per-ball) who returned to the dominant, clean-hitting style which he has demonstrated in previous years. In reply, Sibton Park pursued their target throughout their innings, and only narrowly failed to gain victory. Fred Florry and Nigel Keess found the right style to make scoring difficult, and to tease for wickets, whilst Sunny Mohammed bowled two short testing and containing spells in mid-innings. With the exceptions of Mark Alexander and Keess, the average age of the side was 19, but performance improvement will be needed to secure promotion, and then to maintain top division status. 20 points were gained, and the top-of-the-league lead was stretched to 10 points. 30/06/07 1 for 0 wkts Hartley dnb Hartley Country Club Match abandoned TWCC II XI A prompt start was almost made but a short shower caused the overs to be limited to 94. Almost immediately heavy rain intervened and used wickets became squelchy and slippery. The home side were disinclined to await weather developments and at 1500 the umpires determined that the ground would be unsafe for the rest of the day. This slightly perplexing decision therefore meant that neither side was able to compete for bonus points in what would undoubtedly have been an incomplete fixture. 8 more points and still top of the league. 23/06/07 27 for 2 wkts Whitstable dnb The Nevill Match abandoned TWCC II XI Despite a wet week and torrential rain less than two hours before the scheduled start time, a standard 100-over match began at 1330. Two wickets fell during almost nine overs play before more torrential rain returned. The match was abandoned at 1450. Further rain during the afternoon vindicated the decision. 8 points each, and TWCC remain top of the league, though the chasing pack took advantage of some less inclement weather to gain ground. 16/06/07 173 for 8 wkts Bickley Park 157 for 6 wkts Bickley Park Incomplete Match TWCC II XI On a day always likely to be interrupted by rain an 'incomplete match' was played at Bickley Park. TWCC was inserted and proceeded sedately against disciplined, nagging medium pace. A short break was negotiated safely, and, at 1530 after 33 overs on 114-2, TWCC was well placed. On the resumption at 1805, the batsmen underperformed, and failed to gain the full complement of anticipated batting bonus points, finishing on 173-8. Alex Williams top-scored with 62. The BPCC innings commenced at 1910, and they hastened in Twenty/20 mode towards their target. Apart from a spell of 9 balls which were despatched for 34 runs, Paddy Phelan (persuaded out of retirement) provided the required control whilst still giving encouragement to the batsmen. 'Sunny' Mohammed bowled a good spell, and Graeme Corbishley grabbed some late wickets through good bowling to claim an extra bowling point. Some good catches were held, and the fielding was generally of a solid standard. There are still plenty of areas requiring improvement before the side can claim to be playing to its potential. 9 points and still top of the league. 09/06/07 217 for 7 wkts Canterbury 179 for 7 wkts Polo Farm TWCC Winning Draw TWCC II XI On winning the toss once again on a hot and sunny day, TWCC chose to bat on a large field that was likely to be difficult to defend against promotion-contenders Canterbury in a 'top of the table clash'. A par score of 217-7 was reached in a slightly unorthodox manner, with no batsman reaching 40, yet five men passed twenty runs in the course of the innings. All of the TWCC bowlers stuck to their tasks manfully when confronted by the absence of Peter Ford through injury, and the consequent need to field with 10 men for more than half of the Canterbury innings was met stoically. Despite a couple of dropped chances, the fielding was solid and impressive and supported a depleted bowling attack admirably. Wicket-taking remains a challenge despite skipper Nigel Keess picking up 4-45 in 15 overs, though the 'Champagne Moment' was undoubtedly provided by Brough Cooper (0.1-1-0-1), who, whilst completing an over on behalf of the injured Ford, bowled the Canterbury No. 3 who chose to shoulder arms! 13 points were gained in a winning draw, and TW II are now top of the table. Cooper thus joins an elite band of players who have taken a wicket with their first League ball, indeed the only League ball he has bowled, and the sequel is now eagerly awaited. 02/06/07 189 all out Bexley 91 all out Hawkenbury TWCC won by 98 runs TWCC II XI Despite a wet week, the fixture was able to proceed at Hawkenbury on a soft but very playable wicket. Bexley chose to field, and, without a disciplined innings from Mark Alexander (89), using all of his experience and considerable skill, supported by some late runs from Nigel Keess (28), may have restricted TWCC to a gettable total. Seam movement allied to good control, supplemented by some outstanding fielding, led to the downfall of many of the TW batsmen who failed to adapt to the demands of the wicket. Indeed, throughout the match only five players made it to double figures. A total of 185 was likely to prove difficult to chase if the TW bowling was of the right length. Despite some early experiments with short balls, the correct length was found, and the seam bowlers, together with the miserly Peter Ford (2-19), worked their way through a Bexley order who also struggled with the conditions. Graeme Corbishley took two excellent catches to back up his opening spell (2-20). A further 20 points was thus gained in the quest for promotion. 26/05/07 239 for 7 wkts The Mote 179 all out Mote Park TWCC won by 60 runs TWCC II XI TWCC won the toss and elected to bat. At 0-2 (Mark Alexander and Nigel Keess) at the end of the first over, and a further chance spurned immediately thereafter, the start could not be regarded as ideal! Alex Williams (45) and Rob Sharma (44) then repaired the damage, and laid the foundations for a sizeable total by compiling 91 in 26 overs. Theo Burley (46) and 'BJ' Allatt (38) stroked and ran 76 in only 10 overs to take the heart out of the bowling and fielding, allowing a further 60 to be gleaned from the final 9 overs. In reply, The Mote started steadily, and, at the drinks break (25 overs), the scores were remarkably similar. Allatt then took a fine diving catch, and Williams scored a direct-hit run-out which gave an opening for Peter Ford (4-25), with control, and Williams (1-67) with encouragement, to exploit. Keess (2-12) and Sharma (1-17) both in multiple spells, then wrapped up the tail with an over to spare. A much improved all round performance. The promotion campaign is rejoined. 20 points. 19/05/07 178 for 9 wkts Hayes 193 for 6 wkts The Nevill TWCC Losing Draw TWCC II XI A chilly but dry day at The Nevill saw Hayes cement a top league position with a winning draw. Another disappointing fielding display, a spell of seven overs costing 45 runs (overs 9-15) and another of 5 overs costing 42 (overs 46-50), in both cases without wickets, together with 5 no balls, 3 wides and 9 byes transformed a 3 run per over par score into a 4 run per over challenge despite the best efforts of veterans Ford (15-2-39-1) and Keess (15-1-48-4). The youthful batting line-up was therefore always likely to be under pressure on a low bouncing wicket and so it proved. A mature league debut from Mike Barber who bludgeoned 58 and a supportive innings of 33 from Keess almost retrieved the situation with a partnership of 93 from 28 overs but the tail was left with an unequal battle in the bid for victory. A third batting point was secured but a bowling point was conceded to the opposition unnecessarily - a sad repeat of an incident in 2006. The learning curve continues - an injection of pace is needed!!! (Hayes 13 points, TWCC 5 points) 05/05/07 260 for 1 wkt Sibton Pk II 259 for 6 wkts Longage Hill TWCC won by 9 wkts TWCC II XI At the small bowl that is Sibton Park's home ground, TWCC won the toss and elected to field on a pleasant but chilly day. James Hughes and Kevin Coogan made their league debuts and Andrew Townsend was welcomed back for a guest appearance (KCL Young Player of the Year 1986). The early part of the SPCC innings was dominated by a cultured and mature innings from veteran Purcell (76), and Rajput (82*) took advantage of the short boundaries in the closing overs with some clean and effective 'in to out' hitting. The TWCC bowling was steady, though a little prone to the 'four ball'. 143 runs were garnered in the last 20 overs. In reply, two outstanding innings by the youthful Will Stickler (115*) and the mature Mark Alexander (124*) saw TWCC to victory with 8 overs to spare. The unbroken partnership for the second wicket was 247, certainly a latter-day club record in 2nd XI league cricket (correct, Ed. !). The entertainment was outstanding, cultured shots through 'the V' and on the up from Stickler, and power and timing through the offside from Alexander, with some trademark shots, and he concluded the game with two large sixes. A winning start in the campaign for promotion - 16 points. 21/04/07 266 fro 3 dec. Hastings 215 for 7 wkts The Priory TWCC drew with Hastings CC TWCC II XI A glorious early summer day by the Sussex seaside saw TWCC win the toss and, aided by some early extras, were quickly into their stride. A needless run-out brought Nick Chambers to the crease in the 9th over. He quickly asserted dominance, and played quality offside shots to reach 131 by the 33rd over. Nigel Keess (82*) played a supporting role until setting up an early declaration with 35 from four overs. The TWCC fielding was outstanding and put pressure on the opposition throughout, Will Stickler taking an outstanding slip catch. Debutants Barber and Hughes fitted in smoothly, and made strong impressions. All the bowlers settled in to good rhythm quickly and bowled consistent lines and length. Although the final wickets were not captured the day was a great success with all the players making a good contribution in a disciplined and organised atmosphere.