🦆 The Duck Pond

🦆 A rich weekend at Linton Park: six ducks across two fixtures, and one genuinely historic landmark reached along the way. 🏏 Saturday — 1st XI vs The Mote CC Nolan Wilde went lbw to Oliver Alexander-Frost at five, his 6th duck of the season and 10th for the club — level with Alex Keeler (2016-2022, 10 from 109), just one place above him at 121st all-time. A family trade too: Zach and Russell Wilde are both already club duck-holders. Theo Clements fell next, bowled by the same Alexander-Frost — more on him below, he wasn't done yet. Sam King followed at seven, also bowled by Alexander-Frost, his 4th duck for club and season. On this very day in 2003, Brian Piper made a duck against Penshurst Park on his way to 24 — fine historical company. And then the big one: at nine, Tim Thirkell was bowled by Matthew White for his 100th career duck — a full century of noughts, extending his lead at the very top of the all-time list (still comfortably 1st of 1531). The honours board already groans under Full House, Duck of the Year 1972, and top-ten spots in the Lone Duck and Homebody Duck charts. It runs in the family — father John on 90, brothers Nigel and Simon on 60 and 59 — a proper duck dynasty. 🌤 Sunday — 1st XI vs Crusaders CC Theo Clements walked out again and was bowled by S Whale — a grim pair for the weekend, Saturday's 3rd of the season followed inside 24 hours by his 4th. He joins Archie Fairfax-Ross (2018-2022, 3 from 33), and on this day in 1960 Len Conway made a duck against Linton Park CC on his way to 12 — scant comfort for a wretched weekend. John Karassellos was run out for his 5th of the season, moving to 35 career ducks — level with Jordan Austin (2008-2022, 35 from 256) — and stretching his own Ducks in a Row honour to five straight. Anthony and Michaela Karassellos keep it a family affair. 📊 Summary: six ducks, two matches, a century for the ages, and Oliver Alexander-Frost doing for three Linton batters single-handedly. Theo Clements will want this weekend back. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Luke Welsman — 8 ducks, 38 innings (21.05%) - Nolan Wilde — 6 ducks, 33 innings (18.18%) - Thomas Beeney — 5 ducks, 14 innings (35.71%) - Toby Joseph — 5 ducks, 22 innings (22.73%) - John Karassellos — 5 ducks, 27 innings (18.52%) 🦆 Same time next week — the ducks never take a weekend off, and neither do we. 0️⃣🏏

Five new entries this weekend across three matches, with Tenterden CC doing the club's dirty work almost single-handedly on Sunday. 🏏 Saturday — 1st XI v Linden Park CC John Karassellos fell at number nine, bowled by Rollo Coombs, for his 4th duck of the season and 34th of his career — good enough for 35th on the all-time list. A three-time Duck of the Year (2018, 2019, 2020) and holder of Ducks in a Row (five on the bounce), John sits level on 34 with Joshua Knowler, who played 2008-2022 and took 281 innings to get there against John's rather more efficient 116. Son Anthony and daughter Michaela are already paid-up Duck Club members in their own right — very much a family trade. 🌱 Sunday — 1st XI v Tenterden CC Tenterden proved unusually generous, prising out four Linton batters for nought in the same innings. Toby Joseph opened the account, bowled by Sammy Le Marechal after seeing off two balls, for his 5th of the season and 7th of his career from 29 innings. He joins a crowded table on exactly 7, level with Harrison Fermor (2016-2021), himself a Debutante Duck club member. Brother Andrew sits on 2 — the sibling rivalry remains comfortably Toby's to lose. Theo Clements followed, caught and bowled by Ruben Coleman for his 2nd duck of both season and career from just 13 innings, joining Alan Probert, whose entire two-innings career (2008-2009) yielded precisely the same return. Thomas Beeney produced the shift's purest specimen — bowled by Mark Kokkinos first ball for a golden duck, his 5th of the season and 43rd of his career, 21st on the all-time list. A Debutante Duck, a 2017 Diamond Duck and 2014's Duck of the Year, Thomas continues a family tradition his father Michael (38 career ducks) knows well. On this day in 1960, Cliff Anscombe did much the same against Tilling Steven, en route to 25 for his career. Completing the collapse, Sam Boyns was also bowled by Mark Kokkinos, his 3rd of the season taking him to 12 career ducks — level with Gareth Davies (2003-2013). Another Duck Club dynasty: father Alan carries 22, brother Ryan 13. 📊 The Week in Brief Five ducks from three matches, four in a single Tenterden innings — Mark Kokkinos clearly fancied his chances against Linton's middle order. No pairs or family doubles this time, but three sets of Duck Club relatives on the sheet keep the bloodline running true. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Luke Welsman — 8 ducks, 38 innings (21.1%) 2. Thomas Beeney — 5 ducks, 14 innings (35.7%) 3. Toby Joseph — 5 ducks, 22 innings (22.7%) 4. Nolan Wilde — 5 ducks, 31 innings (16.1%) 5. Martin Harris — 4 ducks, 21 innings (19.0%) Thomas Beeney's failure rate is the standout number there — over a third of his innings this season have ended for nought, and he's closing on Luke at the top. Next fixture, next set of victims. The Duck Club never rests. 🦆0️⃣

Slim pickings for the club's least wanted club this week, but what the Duck Club lacks in volume it more than makes up for in quality — a golden duck no less, the purest form of the art. 🏏 Saturday — 1st XI v West Farleigh CC Toby Joseph strode out at first wicket down and departed just as briskly, bowled by Marius Van Der Schyff without troubling the scorers — a golden duck, gone first ball, the most efficient way there is to make zero. It's his 4th of the season and 6th of an increasingly distinguished career from just 28 innings, good enough for 188th on the all-time list. That tally puts him level with Adam Wright, who plied his trade for Linton 2011-2013 and eventually bowed out on a duck of his own — Toby will hope his own farewell, whenever it comes, involves rather more runs. A tip of the cap too to sibling Andrew Joseph, quietly sitting on 2 career ducks of his own — the family clearly knows the way back to the pavilion. 🌱 Sunday — Sunday 1st XI v Teston CC Alex Wade fell in near-identical fashion at first drop, bowled by Fin Cook, for his 1st duck of the season and 5th of his career from 45 innings — 192nd in the all-time reckoning. That draws him level with Abishek Pushpavinothan, who racked up his 5th in 54 innings across a 2017-2022 stint that itself ended on a duck. Two batters at number three, two bowled dismissals, two career-tally twins in the space of 24 hours — the Duck Club does enjoy a bit of symmetry. 📊 Week in Summary Two matches, two ducks, both departing from the number three slot without either bowler needing a second attempt — something in the water at three this week. No pairs, no golden doubles, no family affairs to report this time round, just two honest, hard-earned noughts to keep the honours board ticking over. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Luke Welsman — 8 ducks in 38 innings (21.05%) 2. Nolan Wilde — 5 ducks in 29 innings (17.24%) 3. Thomas Beeney — 4 ducks in 13 innings (30.77%) 4. Martin Harris — 4 ducks in 19 innings (21.05%) 5. Toby Joseph — 4 ducks in 21 innings (19.05%) Toby's golden effort keeps him firmly in the mix, and with Thomas Beeney's frankly alarming 30.77% strike rate still out there, the race for Duck of the Year 2022 is far from settled. Next fixture beckons — same square, same stumps, same invitation for someone else to join the club. We'll be watching. 🦆0️⃣

A lean weekend for the Club — four fixtures ventured out, but only two names found their way onto the ledger, both plucked from the same Saturday afternoon on home soil against Locksbottom CC. The other three sides, suspiciously, kept their discipline intact. 🏏 Saturday — 2nd XI v Locksbottom CC (Home) Matthew Carter, promoted to No.6, departed ct Keith Sawyer b Joshua Lott for his 2nd duck of the season and a startling 37th of a career that already includes a place in the Debutante Duck fraternity — his very first Linton innings, years back, was itself a blob — and a Duck of the Year crown from 2004 for good measure. That 37 plants him a lofty 29th of 1530 in the all-time standings. On this very day back in 1972, Benny Bell (1966–1975) was doing much the same against Staplehurst CC, also en route to 30 career ducks — kindred spirits, fifty years apart. In walked No.11 Tim Thirkell, and normal service resumed: ct Ed King b Harry Stachini for his 3rd duck of the season and, more alarmingly, his 99th career duck — one solitary failure short of a century that no other Linton player has ever reached. He sits utterly alone atop the all-time table, 1st of 1530, already garlanded with Duck of the Year 1972, membership of the exalted Full House board — a duck at every position, one through eleven — and a place in both the Ducks on the Road and Homebody Duck top tens, equally hopeless whether travelling or at home. He shares Quacking Together honours with Jim Hall, and the failing clearly runs in the blood — father John on 90, brothers Nigel (60) and Simon (59), cousins Daniel (33), Christopher (28) and Will (27) all fellow members in good standing. Fittingly, his parallel lands on the very same date as Carter's — Benny Bell, 1972, Staplehurst CC — two Linton men fifty years and ten batting positions apart, united in nought. 📋 The Week in Brief Just two ducks from four matches — a rare outbreak of restraint from the membership. All eyes now turn to Tim Thirkell, who arrives at the next fixture one failure away from the ton of ducks. History, of the most inglorious kind, awaits. Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Luke Welsman — 8 ducks, 37 innings (21.6%) - Nolan Wilde — 5 ducks, 27 innings (18.5%) - Thomas Beeney — 4 ducks, 12 innings (33.3%) - Martin Harris — 4 ducks, 18 innings (22.2%) - Tobey Castle — 4 ducks, 36 innings (11.1%) Roll on next weekend — with Tim Thirkell hovering on 99, the Duck Club awaits its centurion with bated breath. See you at the crease, or shortly thereafter. 🦆🍩

A proper harvest this week — seven ducks across three fixtures, headlined by a Bidborough innings that saw the exclusive zero club practically issue membership cards to half the order. 🏏 Saturday 27th August 1st XI v Bidborough CC — five ducks in a single innings, a genuine flock. Alex Keeler opened up and departed for nought, b Dale Hillhouse after 8 balls of honest resistance — his 1st of the season and 10th career duck (107 innings, 121st all-time). He joins Jack Jenner on that tally, who reached 10 in just 53 innings across 1928–1954 1953–1958 wait — across his 2003–2008 spell, before signing off with a Retirement Duck to his name. Toby Hughes barely troubled the umpire's finger before troubling the scorebook — first ball, back in the shed, a golden duck. His 3rd of the season takes him to 7 career, level with Harrison Fermor (2016–2021, 34 innings). Keeping it in the family, brother Will sits on 1 career duck and dad Aaron on 11 — evidently a hereditary condition. Thomas Beeney went first ball too, caught behind for his 4th duck of the season and 42nd of a decorated career — 264 innings, 22nd all-time, and an honours shelf groaning under Debutante Duck, Diamond Duck (2017), Duck of the Year 2014 and a Ducks on the Road top 10 spot. On this very day in 1983, Mike Elworthy was also strolling back for nought, en route to 46 career ducks of his own. Relative Michael Beeney carries 38 career ducks — the art of not scoring, evidently a family trade. Richard Knowler lasted 2 balls before lbw to Archie Wells, his 2nd this season and 15th career (172 innings, 93rd all-time), while relative Joshua Knowler already boasts 34 — the Knowlers are not messing about. Martin Harris rounded off the carnage, caught and bowled by Wells for his 4th duck of the season — joint top of the current charts — and 36th career, level with Matthew Carter's 36 from 282 innings. Martin already has a Duck of the Year 2011 to his name, and relative Jon Harris carries a formidable 94 career ducks. 2nd XI v Sennocke CC (away) — Ian Hollingworth fell lbw for his 2nd duck of the season and 26th career, 55th all-time, drawing level with Paul Brattle's 26 from a marathon 308 innings between 1969 and 2008. 🌱 Sunday 28th August 2nd XI v Battle CC — Wes Fernandez, still finding his feet in senior cricket, was bowled by Jo Carthew for his 2nd duck of the season and 3rd career from just 8 innings, level with Archie Fairfax-Ross on the same tally. 📊 Week in Summary Seven ducks, three matches, and Bidborough very nearly claimed half an XI outright — two of them golden. Consistency of a very particular kind on display up and down the order. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Luke Welsman — 8 ducks, 36 innings, 22.22% - Nolan Wilde — 5 ducks, 26 innings, 19.23% - Thomas Beeney — 4 ducks, 12 innings, 33.33% - Martin Harris — 4 ducks, 18 innings, 22.22% - Tobey Castle — 4 ducks, 34 innings, 11.76% Beeney's strike rate for nought remains the division's most efficient, and the top of the table is far from settled. Next weekend's fixtures await — bring your bats, gentlemen, but perhaps not your confidence. 🦆🍩

Four fixtures out on the paddock this weekend, and the ducks mostly declined to show themselves. Slim pickings for the club, but the one that did land was a proper vintage effort — read on. 🏏 Sunday 1st XI — away at Mersham Le Hatch CC Batting at number 11, where hope traditionally goes to die anyway, Martin Harris was undone caught and bowled by Jordan Godden, unable to trouble the scorers. It's duck number 3 of the season and the 35th of an increasingly distinguished LPCC career spanning 220 innings — good enough for 32nd on the all-time list of 1,530 noughts, a position most players would spend a lifetime avoiding. Martin is a paid-up laureate of the club's honours boards too, having claimed Duck of the Year back in 2011 — old glories, but glories nonetheless. And with a career quite literally in the family, his relative Jon Harris sits on a frankly obscene 94 career ducks of his own, so the aptitude for the art of not scoring runs in the blood. On the tally itself, Martin now draws level on exactly 35 career ducks with Jordan Austin, whose own collection was compiled across 253 innings from 2008 to 2022 — a Homebody and Lone Duck top-10 fixture in his own right. Two very different routes to the same dubious number. 📊 Week in Summary Four matches, one duck, and Martin Harris standing entirely alone as this week's sole inductee into the exclusive zero club. The other three fixtures were, disappointingly, fowl-free — either uncommonly good batting or uncommonly poor bowling luck for the Duck Club faithful, depending on your allegiance. Consistency of a very particular kind was in short supply this week, but rest assured the season is far from over. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 🥇 Luke Welsman — 36 inns, 8 ducks, 22.2% 🥈 Nolan Wilde — 26 inns, 5 ducks, 19.2% 🥉 Tobey Castle — 33 inns, 4 ducks, 12.1% 4️⃣ Davy Matthews — 5 inns, 3 ducks, 60.0% 5️⃣ Sam King — 6 inns, 3 ducks, 50.0% Luke Welsman holds the reins for now, but with Davy Matthews and Sam King quietly posting eye-watering strike rates in the ignominy stakes, this race is far from settled. 🍩 A quiet weekend for the club's least wanted club, but the season carries on — and there'll be more names walking back for nought before long. See you at the next fixture, ducks permitting. 0️⃣🦆

A quieter week for the hunting party — five matches out on the paddock, but only two batters answered the call of the zero. Quality, evidently, over quantity. 1st XI — away to Meopham CC Daniel Thirkell departed for nought at number three, caught Nick Brown, bowled Adam Roxburgh — a tidy dismissal for a man who does this sort of thing rather a lot. It's his 3rd duck of the season and 33rd for his career, hoisting him to a lofty 37th of 1,530 in the all-time standings and keeping his name warm on the Tourist Duck top 10. He arrives on exactly the same career tally as Linton stalwart John Karassellos (2015–2022, 110 innings), a three-time Duck of the Year and a man who once strung five ducks together in a row — welcome to the club, Daniel, table for two. Fittingly, Daniel bats under one of the great duck-laying surnames at Linton — kinsman Tim Thirkell alone sits top of the entire all-time chart on 98 — so nought comes rather naturally round these parts. Sunday 1st XI — home to Over the Moonrakers CC Luke Welsman offered no resistance whatsoever, stumped off the very first ball he faced — a proper, ceremonial golden duck. It's his 8th of the season already, his 44th career quack, and it plants him firmly at 19th of 1,530 all time. With 2022 already stamped on his personal Duck of the Year honours board alongside 2015, 2016 and 2017, Luke isn't just competing for this year's crown — on current form he's wearing it. On this very day back in 1988, Simon Thirkell made a duck of his own against Whitstable CC, en route to 59 career ducks and a place in the exclusive 50 Before a 50 club — good company for a golden one, Luke. Week in summary Two ducks from five matches — the ducks mostly evaded capture this week, content to let two repeat offenders carry the flag. Fitting, too, that both fell to the wicketkeeper's gloves in one form or another. The Duck of the Year race stays exactly where it was — Luke Welsman out in front and showing no signs of slowing his pursuit of ignominy. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 🏆🍩 1. Luke Welsman — 8 ducks in 34 innings (23.5%) 2. Nolan Wilde — 5 ducks in 26 innings (19.2%) 3. Tobey Castle — 4 ducks in 32 innings (12.5%) 4. Davy Matthews — 3 ducks in 5 innings (60.0%) 5. Sam King — 3 ducks in 6 innings (50.0%) Next fixture looms, and with it, fresh candidates for the exclusive zero club. Pad up, middle order — the art of not scoring waits for no one. 🦆0️⃣

Twelve fresh inductees to the exclusive zero club this week, spread across five matches. Consistency of a very particular kind was very much the order of business. Saturday 6 August 1st XI v Cudham Wyse CC (h) — Jordan Austin opened the ceremony with a golden duck first ball, his 2nd of the season and 34th of a decorated career (rank 31 of 1530, a paid-up member of the Diamond Duck, Homebody Duck and Lone Duck top tens). He drew level, in the very same innings, with Joshua Knowler, who fell three balls later for his own 34th and 3rd of the season — level elsewhere with Martin Harris (2009–2022), a Duck of the Year 2010 winner himself. A proper family occasion followed too: Aaron Hughes went golden for his 11th career duck, level with Andrew Moss (1968–2008), before Aaron and Toby Hughes completed a parent and child pairing as Toby fell for his 6th moments later, level with Adam Wright (2011–12) — a Duck and Ducklings, the rarest ceremony the club offers. 2nd XI v Pembury CC (a) — Nick Tromp opened his career account, joining Dave Todd (1978–2014) as a fellow sufferer on this exact date back in 2005. Steve Puxty followed at 11 for his own maiden duck, already a card-carrying Retirement Duck club member from a past farewell. Sunday 7 August Sunday 1st XI v Egerton CC, Kent (h) — Benjamin Austin edged behind for his 2nd of the season and 23rd career duck, level with Adam Jackson (2001–2018) — a chip off the old block, with sibling Jordan Austin busy collecting two of his own this very week. Sunday 2nd XI v Town Malling CC (a) — A bumper away trip. Nick Pennefather fell for his 2nd of the season and 2nd career duck, level with Alan Probert (2008–09). Frank Harbord bagged his maiden duck, joining Colin Dicker (1972–78) on this same calendar date back in 1976. Anton Bourdillon notched his 2nd of the season and 16th overall, level with Iain Rawson (2006–13). And at 11, debutant Russell Wilde marked his very first senior innings with a duck — straight into the Debutante Duck club — sharing his day with the ghost of Colin Dicker too. Wednesday 12 August Midweek XI v The Dragons CC (h) — Jordan Austin was back for more, this time surviving the opening ball before falling anyway — golden on Saturday, gone again on Wednesday, one king pair agonisingly short of true immortality. His 3rd of the season and 35th career duck, level on this very date in 1970 with Mike Iliffe. Twelve ducks, five matches, and a genuine Duck and Ducklings on the honours board — a proper vintage week for the zero club. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Luke Welsman — 7 ducks / 32 innings (21.9%) 2. Nolan Wilde — 5 ducks / 24 innings (20.8%) 3. Tobey Castle — 4 ducks / 29 innings (13.8%) 4. Davy Matthews — 3 ducks / 5 innings (60.0%) 5. Sam King — 3 ducks / 6 innings (50.0%) Roll on the next fixture — the club stands ready to welcome its next members. 🦆

Eight fixtures, five ducks, and Harbledown CC apparently decided one collapse wasn't dramatic enough — they arranged three of them in a single innings. Welcome to the exclusive zero club's latest intake. 1st XI — away to Outwood CC, Saturday Joshua Knowler opened his account for the week the wrong way round, bowled by Matthew Norman off just 3 balls at number 8. It's his 2nd duck of the season but a hefty 33rd for the career across 278 innings, good enough for 37th on the all-time list. A paid-up member of the Diamond Duck board (2015, out without facing a ball), Duck of the Year back in 2010, and even the subject of a "Quacked by Kin" entry that same year courtesy of kinsman Andrew Knowler — noughts clearly run in the Knowler bloodline, with relative Richard Knowler carrying 14 career ducks of his own. On 33 he draws level with John Karassellos, three-time reigning Duck of the Year (2018-2020) and record-holder for five ducks in a row. Sunday 1st XI — away to Harbledown CC A proper harvest here, with the Harbledown attack claiming three Linton scalps for nought. Mark Christmas went lbw to Josh Julian at number 4 — his 1st of the season but 40th of an illustrious career, 23rd on the all-time roll and a Duck of the Year alumnus from 2008. On this very day in 1996, Gareth Thomas was making an identical journey back to the pavilion against the Ipswich Greyhounds Kent Tour XI. Sam King followed, caught and bowled by Henry Roberts at 10 — his 3rd of the season and, remarkably, his 3rd in career too, from just 7 innings. A 43% duck rate this early is either terrible luck or a genuine vocation. He joins Archie Fairfax-Ross on 3 career ducks. Then Martin Harris, bowled by the same relentless Henry Roberts at 11, made it a family-Harbledown special — his 2nd of the season, 34th overall, and another Duck of the Year graduate (2011), sharing the same 1996 echo as Mark Christmas above. Martin also carries fine pedigree, with kinsman Jon Harris sat at a staggering 94 career ducks, 2nd on the all-time list. Tour XI — away to Eaton Socon CC Tobey Castle became the fourth name on the sheet, caught by Luke Ashwell off Hughie Ryan for a brisk 3-ball nought at number 5. It's his 4th duck of the season already, propelling him into the current top five, and his 26th career duck, 57th all-time. He draws level there with Paul Brattle (1969-2008, 308 innings), a Debutante Duck honouree. The Castle name is well represented in these pages — father-figure David Castle sits on 48, sibling Mardey Castle on 7 — a proper family concern. Week in brief Five ducks from eight matches, with Harbledown doing the damage to three Linton batters in one go. No pairs, no king pairs, and the family ducks column stayed empty — the bloodline noughts will have to wait for another week. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Luke Welsman — 30 inns, 7 ducks, 23.3% 2. Nolan Wilde — 22 inns, 5 ducks, 22.7% 3. Tobey Castle — 27 inns, 4 ducks, 14.8% 4. Davy Matthews — 5 inns, 3 ducks, 60.0% 5. Sam King — 6 inns, 3 ducks, 50.0% Sam King and Tobey Castle both add to their tallies this week — the race for Duck of the Year 2022 is heating up nicely. Next fixture awaits, and the ducks are circling. 🦆🏏

A quiet week for the exclusive zero club — just three ducks laid across seven fixtures — but quality over quantity, as ever, in the art of not scoring. 2nd XI — away at Fordcombe CC (23 July) - Ian Hollingworth, batting at 10, was taken ct Jacob Webb b Ashley Worcester for his 1st duck of the season and 25th of an increasingly distinguished career, 102 innings deep. That tally plants him 60th on the all-time list, level with Dave Charlton, who needed 223 innings across 1988-2018 to reach the same grim total — Ian's getting there rather more efficiently. Twenty20 — away at High Halstow CC (28 July) A proper double helping for the badge boys at Halstow. - Henry Bourdillon, at number 4, went lbw b Clarke Dockwray for his 1st duck of the season, moving to 7 career ducks in 53 innings and 161st on the club's all-time roll — drawing level with Harrison Fermor, whose own 7 came in a brisker 34 innings between 2016 and 2021. A chip off an unfortunate block, too — Henry's relative Anton Bourdillon carries 15 career noughts of his own. - Sam King followed him back, bowled by Josh Anderson at number 8, for his 2nd duck of the season and career alike — just 6 innings into life at LPCC. That puts Sam level with Alan Probert, whose entire two-innings career (2008-2009) yielded precisely the same pair of ducks, complete with Debutante Duck and Retirement Duck honours to show for it. Sam has time yet to avoid that particular double. Week in summary Three ducks from seven matches — a restrained week by Duck Club standards, with Halstow doing the heavy lifting. No pairs, no kings, no family affairs this time round — just honest, individual failure, nobly executed. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Luke Welsman — 7 ducks, 25 innings (28%) 2. Nolan Wilde — 5 ducks, 19 innings (26.3%) 3. Davy Matthews — 3 ducks, 5 innings (60%) 4. Thomas Beeney — 3 ducks, 8 innings (37.5%) 5. Martin Rivers — 3 ducks, 10 innings (30%) Davy Matthews still sets the pace on pure percentage — 60% is the kind of consistency the rest of the club can only dream of failing to match. The season rolls on and the ducks always find someone. See you all at the next fixture — bring your bat, or don't bother. 🦆

Six matches, nine ducks, and the exclusive zero club welcomed old faces and one very new one this week. Let's get into it. 🏏 Saturday 1st XI — Speldhurst CC Daniel Thirkell went for 2 balls faced, caught Brandt bowled Jeffreys — his 2nd duck of the season and 32nd of a formidable LPCC career, good enough for 38th all-time and a place on the Tourist Duck top 10. He now sits level on 32 with Joshua Knowler, who played 2008–2022 and himself carries a Diamond Duck and a 2010 Duck of the Year gong. 🏏 Sunday 1st XI — Leeds & Broomfield CC Benjamin Austin nicked off for 3 balls faced, his 1st duck of the season and 22nd overall, 74th on the all-time list — level with Alan Boyns, who reached the same 22 across a 1986–2016 career. Thomas Beeney followed, caught Prime bowled Scrivens without addition to the ball count, his 3rd of the season and 41st career, 22nd all-time and a proud member of the Ducks on the Road top 10 and the 2014 Duck of the Year club. On this very day back in 1993, Nick Froom was doing exactly the same thing against Kennington CC, Kent. And Luke Welsman opened his account for the week, bowled Kember, his 6th duck of the season and 42nd career — matching Nick Froom's date-twin duck of 1993 too. But as regulars will know, Luke was only just getting started. 🏏 Sunday 2nd XI — Norton Sports CC Toby Joseph edged behind for his 3rd duck of the season, 5th overall, level with Abishek Pushpavinothan's 2017–2022 tally. And a debut to remember, if not treasure: Zach Wilde, bowled by Ian Davis in his very first senior innings — a genuine Debutante Duck, 1 and 1 to his name on day one. His father Nolan already carries 9 career ducks, so the apple hasn't fallen far. Welcome to the club, son. 🎯 Twenty20 — Rainham (Kent) CC George Taylor was bowled by Freddie Roper after 7 balls of defiance, his 1st duck of the season and 6th career, level with -Adam Wright's 2011–2012 haul. Then Luke Welsman completed his week's work in style, or lack of it — caught off the very first ball for a golden duck, his 7th of the season and 43rd of his career, matching Martin Thompson's 1980 date-twin duck against West Farleigh CC. A grim pair for the week: three balls' worth of resistance on Sunday, none at all on Thursday. Pieto Swart closed proceedings, bowled by Thomas Burns, his 1st duck of the season and 3rd career, level with Archie Fairfax-Ross's 2018–2021 tally. 📊 Week in Summary Nine ducks in six matches, with Luke Welsman shouldering two of them for a proper pair — a shift even by Duck Club standards. Sunday's sides did most of the damage, five ducks between them, and the club welcomed its newest member in Zach Wilde. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Luke Welsman — 7 ducks, 21 innings (33.3%) 2. Nolan Wilde — 5 ducks, 17 innings (29.4%) 3. Davy Matthews — 3 ducks, 5 innings (60.0%) 4. Thomas Beeney — 3 ducks, 6 innings (50.0%) 5. Martin Rivers — 3 ducks, 8 innings (37.5%) Luke's grip on top spot only tightens. Can anyone catch him before season's end? Same time next week — bring your bats, or don't bother. 🦆🍩0️⃣

Five matches, five ducks bagged this week — a modest but perfectly formed haul for the collectors among us. Saturday — 1st XI v Sissinghurst CC (h) - Tobey Castle departed for nought, caught Nathan Staines bowled Stephen Brown after 14 balls of stubborn resistance before the inevitable. His 3rd duck of the season and 25th of a decorated career (218 innings, 61st all-time) sees him draw level with Dave Charlton, who played 1988–2018 and also settled on 25 from 223 innings. Something of a family trade too — father David Castle carries 48 career ducks, while sibling Mardey has 7 of his own. - Luke Welsman followed him back in for a 7-ball duck, bowled Nathan Staines. His 5th of the season lifts him to 41 career ducks, 21st all-time, and a long-standing member of the Debutante Duck club. Form like this is exactly what earned him the 2022 Duck of the Year crown to sit alongside his 2015, 2016 and 2017 titles. On this very day in 1994, Simon Thirkell — 1980–2012, 59 ducks, 9th all-time — also trudged off against Horton Kirby CC. Midweek XI v Penshurst Park CC (a), 13 July - Toby Joseph lasted precisely one ball, caught James Beeny bowled George Mylod — a proper golden duck, the purest ignominy the game offers. His 2nd of the season and 4th career, level with -Matthew Ward, whose brief 2011–2012 career also produced 4 from 10 innings. Brother Andrew Joseph keeps it in the family with 2 career ducks of his own. Sunday — 2nd XI v New Ifield CC (a) - Wes Fernandez was bowled by Stuart Shulver for his 1st duck of the season and 2nd career, level with Alan Probert, whose fleeting 2008–2009 stint also brought exactly 2 from 2 innings. - Nolan Wilde fell lbw to the same Shulver, his 5th of the season and 9th career, drawing level with active clubman Alex Keeler on 9 from 96 innings. A tidy week by Duck Club standards — no pairs, no family affairs, just five honest noughts spread across the calendar. Fittingly, Luke Welsman and Nolan Wilde now share top spot in this season's charts on 5 apiece. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 🥇 - Nolan Wilde — 5 ducks / 15 inns (33.33%) - Luke Welsman — 5 ducks / 18 inns (27.78%) - Davy Matthews — 3 ducks / 5 inns (60.0%) - Martin Rivers — 3 ducks / 8 inns (37.5%) - John Karassellos — 3 ducks / 16 inns (18.75%) Next fixtures beckon, and the zero club never sleeps. See you at the crease — or shortly thereafter. 🏏0️⃣

Eight new arrivals joined the exclusive zero club this week across seven fixtures — the bowlers on form, the batsmen less so. 🏏 1st XI v Marden CC, Kent (home) Daniel Thirkell lasted 3 balls before falling ct Tomkinson b Payne-Cook — his 1st duck of the season, 31st of a career now 40th all-time, and a Tourist Duck top 10 regular from a family that treats the honours board like a family plot. He draws level with Craig Sands, who reached the same 31 across 2002–2022. Davy Matthews followed for 2 balls, his 3rd of the season and 4th career duck from just 12 innings. Davy's a paid-up Retirement Duck club member from a past farewell, though today was a mid-innings collapse, not a curtain call. On this day in 2005, Simon Thirkell also made a duck, against Leeds & Broomfield CC, en route to 59 for his career. 🏏 2nd XI v Locksbottom CC (away) Martin Rivers fell for his 2nd of the season, b Jim Phillips, to 3 career ducks — level with Archie Fairfax-Ross (2018–2021). Keep an eye on Martin, this wasn't the end of his week. John Karassellos also departed, b Alex Alton, his 3rd of the season and 33rd for the club — 34th all-time, three-time Duck of the Year (2018–2020), a five-strong Ducks in a Row, and a Full House nearly-man. He joins Jordan Austin on 33. Son Anthony and daughter Michaela are also club members — the family that ducks together. 🏏 Midweek XI v Camellia PLC (home) Martin Rivers again, ct Jarvis b Ansari for 3 balls — his 3rd of the season, 4th career, completing a grim pair for the week. No king pair heroics, just honest repeated failure. On this day in 1979, Paul Brattle made a duck against Medway Valley too. 🌱 Sunday 1st XI v Chestfield CC (away) Luke Welsman battled 9 balls before b Sebastian Camp — his 4th of the season, 40th career, 21st all-time. A three-time Duck of the Year already (2015–2017) and firmly in this season's race, he joins Thomas Beeney level on 40. 🌱 Sunday 2nd XI v Bobbing Court and Lower Halstow CC (home) Nolan Wilde, ct Stevens b Davies off 4 balls — his 4th of the season, 8th career, level with Carl Davis (1994–2009). Alex Holt followed two places later, also ct Stevens, this time b Simon Tombs, also 4 balls — his 2nd of the season and career, level with Alan Probert, whose entire two-innings career yielded the same. 📊 Week in Summary Eight ducks in seven fixtures, Bobbing Court claiming two via the same busy fielder, and Martin Rivers landing a genuine pair without ever going first ball. No golden ducks this week — everyone at least troubled the bowler. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Nolan Wilde — 4 in 14 (28.57%) 2. Luke Welsman — 4 in 16 (25.00%) 3. Davy Matthews — 3 in 5 (60.00%) 4. Martin Rivers — 3 in 7 (42.86%) 5. John Karassellos — 3 in 15 (20.00%) The race stays wide open. Next fixture will surely add more names to the roll — the Duck Club will, as ever, be watching. 🦆

A quieter week in the exclusive zero club — only four names added to the ledger across five fixtures — but as ever, quality over quantity in the art of not scoring. Saturday 25th — 1st XI at Bidborough CC Toby Joseph, sent in at seven, was snapped up ct Eli Clarkson b Daniel Page for his first duck of the summer, his third for the club in just 11 innings — number 298 of 1,524 in the all-time reckoning. He joins Archie Fairfax-Ross, who plied his trade 2018–2021, level on exactly three career ducks from 32 innings. A tidy pair of noughts, separated by four years and a Bidborough boundary rope. Worth noting his sibling Andrew Joseph is already a paid-up club member himself with two to his name — clearly a family with an eye for the crease and precious little else. Sunday 26th — Sunday 1st XI vs Borstal CC Srikrishna Challa became acquainted with the LBW law courtesy of Jack Chester, departing for his maiden club duck from nine innings — a season opener and a career opener in one. He slots in at 709 of 1,524, level on one apiece with the long-retired "- Howard", a proud One-and-Done club member and Debutante Duck honouree from a solitary 2006 appearance. Fine company for a first entry on the board. Wednesday 29th — Midweek XI vs Sevenoaks & District Wednesday CC The visiting bowlers clearly fancied their chances at home, helping themselves to a brace. Tobey Castle survived one delivery before nicking off ct Ashwani Arora b Eric Clemming, his second duck of the season and 24th of an increasingly decorated career from 215 innings — 66th on the all-time list. That tally draws him level with Brian Piper, a stalwart of the 1973–2019 era who reached the same mark in 446 innings. Efficiency, of a sort. It also keeps the Castle name well represented — father David sits on a hefty 48 career ducks, with sibling Mardey adding a further seven to the family collection. Thomas Beeney followed him back not long after, ct Andy Rouse b Kai Bennett, his own second of the season and a serious 40th of his career from 255 innings, putting him 22nd all-time. A proud member of the Debutante Duck club from his very first innings, a Diamond Duck honouree from 2017, and Duck of the Year back in 2014 — Thomas is no stranger to this newsletter. On this very day in 2003, club legend Richard Piper — now 5th all-time with 87 ducks — was doing exactly the same thing against Clarion CC. Some traditions endure. The Week in Summary Four ducks from five matches — restrained by Duck Club standards, but Wednesday's Sevenoaks fixture did its bit for the cause almost single-handedly. No pairs, no golden ducks, no family affairs this time round. The quiet ones are always plotting something, though. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Luke Welsman — 3 ducks in 13 innings (23.08%) - Nolan Wilde — 3 ducks in 13 innings (23.08%) - Thomas Beeney — 2 ducks in 3 innings (66.67%) - Davy Matthews — 2 ducks in 4 innings (50%) - Sam Boyns — 2 ducks in 4 innings (50%) Welsman and Wilde share top spot, but with Beeney's strike rate of failure sitting at a frankly alarming 66.67%, the race is far from settled. Fixtures roll on this weekend — plenty of fresh opportunity for the bowlers to do their duty and the batters to do theirs. We watch. We wait. We celebrate. 🦆🍩0️⃣

A quiet week for volume but not for quality — only three ducks laid across four fixtures, and one of them rewrote the record books all over again. 🏏 Saturday 18 June 2nd XI away at Groombridge CC Tim Thirkell departed for nought, bowled by Rajeev Raju after seeing off nine deliveries — no mean feat of patient application before the inevitable arrived. This is Tim's 2nd duck of the season and, more significantly, his 98th career duck, a tally that keeps him exactly where he has long resided: top of the all-time Linton Park charts, a full ten clear of the chasing pack. A paid-up member of the Full House (a duck at every position 1-11), the Homebody, Lone Duck and Ducks on the Road top tens, and half of a Quacking Together pairing with Jim Hall — Tim's honours board reads like a small museum. On this very day back in 1961, Robert Murray (1958–1965, 17 ducks, all-time #86) was also dismissed for nought against Halfway House — history, as ever, rhyming gently in Tim's direction. 🌱 Sunday 19 June Sunday 1st XI away at Tonbridge CC A rare Tonbridge brace. Jordan Austin, promoted to number 8, was trapped lbw by Abdul Raheem for his 1st duck of the season and 33rd of an increasingly decorated career — good enough for 34th on the all-time list. Jordan's board already carries a Diamond Duck (2018, out without facing a ball) and Duck of the Year 2021, and he keeps things in the family too, with sibling Benjamin Austin sitting on 21 career ducks of his own. This week he draws level on 33 with Martin Harris (2009–2022, Duck of the Year 2011) — kindred spirits in the art of not scoring. Moments later Sam King fell caught behind by Paul Smiles off Chris Sargeant, chalking up his maiden career duck from just 3 innings — a debut entry at #706 on the all-time list. He joins a rather more finished body of work: "- Howard", whose sole Linton innings back in 2006 also ended in a duck, earning him permanent membership of the Debutante Duck, One and Done and Retirement Duck clubs in a single stroke. Sam has, one hopes, considerably more innings ahead of him than that. 📊 The Week in Brief Three ducks, four matches, two teams troubled — the 2nd XI once, the Sunday 1st XI twice in the same innings at Tonbridge. Not a vintage week by Duck Club standards, but Tim Thirkell alone was worth the entry fee. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Luke Welsman — 11 inns, 3 ducks (27.3%) - Nolan Wilde — 11 inns, 3 ducks (27.3%) - Davy Matthews — 3 inns, 2 ducks (66.7%) - Sam Boyns — 4 inns, 2 ducks (50.0%) - Laurie Probert — 6 inns, 2 ducks (33.3%) Fixtures resume shortly, and the club's front two remain locked at three apiece — plenty of season left for someone to break clear. See you at the crease. 🦆🍩

Only three ducks fell to the executioner this weekend across four fixtures — a quiet one for the collectors, but quality over quantity, as ever, in this club. 🏏 Saturday — Away at St Lawrence CC (2nd XI) Opening the innings and the scoring column simultaneously, Martin Rivers fell early, bowled by Gregory Shea, for his first duck of the season and just his 2nd career nought from 32 innings — a novice's error rate the club rather approves of. He sits level with Alan Probert, whose entire two-innings Linton career (2008-2009) also yielded exactly two ducks before a swift and presumably relieved retirement — Probert holds both the Debutante Duck and Retirement Duck boards for his trouble, bookends Martin has, mercifully, not yet matched. Further down the order came the more seasoned operator. John Karassellos, bowled by Chris Pedder at number ten, notched his 2nd duck of the season and 32nd of an illustrious career spanning 99 innings — good enough for 36th on the all-time list. JK's honours cabinet already groans under Duck of the Year gongs from 2018, 2019 and 2020, five ducks in a row at one memorable stretch, and a nearly-man Full House needing just one more position to complete the set. He now draws level on 32 with Jordan Austin, who took a rather more leisurely 230 innings between 2008 and 2022 to get there. Efficiency, it seems, runs in the Karassellos family — junior duckers Anthony (6 career ducks) and Michaela (3) are already carrying the torch. 🏏 Sunday — Home to Harrietsham CC (2nd XI) Trevor Back, bowled by Nathan Jones at first drop, brought up his season-opening duck and 91st of a career now standing at a mighty 3rd on the all-time list, trailing only the club's untouchable summit. Trevor's honours include spots on the Ducks on the Road, Homebody Duck and Lone Duck top tens, plus shared billing on the Quacking Together board with Jon Harris. Rather fittingly, on this very day in 2007 Ian Brattle also made a duck, against West Farleigh CC — Brattle's eventual 51 career noughts later earned him the rare 50 Before a 50 board, high score a chastening 33. 📊 The Week in Brief Three ducks from four matches — restrained by Duck Club standards. Two of the weekend's victims were seasoned repeat offenders entirely at home on the walk back to the pavilion; only Martin Rivers can claim any novelty value. Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 🥇 Luke Welsman — 3 ducks in 8 innings (37.5%) 🥈 Nolan Wilde — 3 ducks in 10 innings (30.0%) 🥉 Davy Matthews — 2 ducks in 3 innings (66.67%) - Sam Boyns — 2 ducks in 4 innings (50.0%) - Laurie Probert — 2 ducks in 5 innings (40.0%)

Seven for the taxidermist this weekend as the Duck Club harvested across all four corners of the club. Let's meet the fallen. Saturday — Away Day at Cudham Wyse CC (1st XI) Martin Harris, run out going for a suicidal single, registers his 1st duck of the season and 33rd of an eminent career spanning 210 innings — good enough for 34th on the all-time list of 1524. A paid-up Duck of the Year 2011, Martin now sits shoulder to shoulder with Will Thew, who reached the same lofty 33 across 274 innings between 2009 and 2022. Fitting company too, given Martin's own father-figure in the club's noughts — kin Jon Harris carries 94 of the things. At number 11, Richard Knowler was cleaned up by Kashif Mohammad for his 1st duck of the campaign, moving to 14 career ducks from 169 innings, 95th of 1524. Spookily, on this very day back in 1981, Malcolm Pay also trudged off for nought against YMCA Maidstone — the calendar has long memories. Saturday — Pembury CC (2nd XI, home) Nolan Wilde, promoted to number 2, was bowled by Daniel Niblett — his 3rd duck of the season already, a most industrious rate of failure. Career tally climbs to 7 from 39 innings, 165th all-time, drawing level with Harrison Fermor, who reached the same 7 in just 34 innings between 2016 and 2021 and owns his own Debutante Duck honours. Sunday — Hythe CC (1st XI, away) Sam Boyns, caught behind off a fine one, notches his 2nd duck of the season and 11th of his career from 132 innings — 118th of 1524, level with Andrew Moss (1968-2008, 135 innings, a Retirement Duck club member of old). Ducking clearly runs in the family — father Alan Boyns carries 22 career ducks and brother Ryan a further 13, so Sam is merely upholding tradition. Thomas Beeney was bowled for his 1st duck of the season, but his 39th overall — a genuinely serious career tally from 254 innings, 25th all-time. Thomas already boasts the Debutante Duck, a Diamond Duck from 2017, Duck of the Year 2014, and a place in the Ducks on the Road top 10 — a proper honours-board heavyweight. He draws level with Chris Newman (2002-2017, 230 innings). His father Michael Beeney isn't far behind him on 38 career ducks — a genuine family enterprise. Sunday — Chelsfield Park CC (2nd XI, home) Davy Matthews was caught and bowled for his 2nd duck of the season, taking his fledgling career total to 3 from just 9 innings — 257th of 1524, and already carrying the presumptive Retirement Duck honour from a past farewell. He joins Archie Fairfax-Ross, who reached 3 across 32 innings between 2018 and 2021. Saad Ansari was bowled for his 1st ever duck from only 3 career innings — 705th of 1524 — and, like his teammate, already wears the Retirement Duck badge. He joins the exclusive company of "- Howard", whose entire senior career, back in 2006, consisted of exactly one innings and exactly one duck — the purest possible member of the One and Done club. Week in Summary Seven ducks, four matches, both Saturday and Sunday XIs paying tribute. No pairs and no family doubles this week — the Beeneys and Boyns keeping their duck-laying to separate weekends, for now. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Luke Welsman — 3 ducks / 8 innings (37.5%) - Nolan Wilde — 3 ducks / 8 innings (37.5%) - Davy Matthews — 2 ducks / 2 innings (100.0%) - Sam Boyns — 2 ducks / 4 innings (50.0%) - Laurie Probert — 2 ducks / 5 innings (40.0%) Next fixture looms, and with it more opportunity for the exclusive zero club to welcome new — or returning — members. Pads on, guard taken, quack at the ready. 🏏🍩0️⃣

Four ducks fell to the executioner's blade this weekend across three fixtures, and the honours board creaks under fresh entries. 🏏 Saturday — 1st XI v Outwood CC (Home) Trouble started early for Tobey Castle, castled by Matthew Norman first ball at first drop — a golden duck, out without troubling the scorers, and the season's opening nought. His 1st of 2022 moves him to 23 career ducks in 207 innings, 70th on the all-time list, level on tally with Adam Jackson (2001-2018, 194 innings) - kindred spirits separated by decades and a fair few more balls faced. With kin David Castle sitting on 48 career ducks and sibling Mardey on 7, the quacking clearly runs in the family. Luke Welsman then strolled out at seven and departed after 3 balls, caught Ashley Middleton bowled Matthew Norman. His 3rd duck of the season - and reigning Duck of the Year 2022, having already collected the 2015, 2016 and 2017 vintages too - takes him to 39 career ducks from 264 innings, 23rd all time, level with Chris Newman (2002-2017, 230 innings). A paid-up Debutante Duck club member and perennial Full House nearly-man, Luke isn't just having a season - he's curating a legacy. Completing the Outwood trio, Anthony Karassellos fell at nine, caught Louis Russell-Watts bowled Matthew Norman off 3 balls. His 1st duck of the season lifts him to 6 career from 62 innings, 169th all time, level with -Adam Wright (2011-2012, 25 innings), a Retirement Duck club honouree whose career Anthony's, mercifully, needn't mirror. Karassellos is himself a Full House member, and with father John on 31 career ducks and sister Michaela on 3, the family tree is doing its bit for the cause. Matthew Norman took all three, a one-man cull of the middle order. 🌱 Sunday — 2nd XI v Gravesend CC (Home) Alex Holt fell at eight, caught somewhere unconfirmed off Bhargav Khanna, for his maiden career duck - 1 from just 4 innings, 449th on the all-time list. He joins - Howard (2006, 1 innings), a One and Done and Retirement Duck honouree whose sole appearance yielded exactly the same return. Here's hoping Alex's career runs to rather more chapters. 📊 Weekend in Numbers Three matches, four ducks, one bowler doing the damage to three-elevenths of the 1st XI top order. No pairs and no family doubles this time - the Duck Gods took their four and went home early for tea. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Luke Welsman — 6 innings, 3 ducks, 50% - Laurie Probert — 5 innings, 2 ducks, 40% - Nolan Wilde — 7 innings, 2 ducks, 28.57% - Davy Matthews — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% - Anton Bourdillon — 2 innings, 1 duck, 50% Welsman leads the race for 2022 Duck of the Year honours, but with Probert lurking on 40% and the season young, nothing is safe yet. Next weekend's fixtures await - pads on, guard taken, and surely a few more names bound for the club's most exclusive zero. 🦆🍩

Three matches out on the paddock this weekend and, remarkably, the ducks mostly gave Linton Park a wide berth. Only one soul was drawn into the exclusive zero club — but oh, what a soul. Sunday 2nd XI — away to Wadhurst CC Step forward Anton Bourdillon, who strode to the crease at number six and departed on the very first delivery he faced — bowled James McCollum. A golden duck 0️⃣, no less, the purest and most instantaneous form of the art of not scoring. No time to get comfortable, no time to admire the pavilion — just the long, dignified walk back. This is duck number 1 for Anton this season and his 15th for the club overall from 33 innings, planting him at 90th of 1523 in the all-time standings — respectable company in a very particular kind of hall of fame. Anton is, of course, a paid-up member of the Debutante Duck club, having opened his LPCC account with a nought on debut, and he's even got form for keeping it in the family, having previously been "Quacked by Kin" alongside Henry Bourdillon back in 2020. Speaking of which — young Henry himself already carries 6 career ducks, so the golden-duck gene is clearly alive and well in the Bourdillon bloodline. And in a delightful quirk of the calendar — on this very day back in 1999, Dave Charlton also trudged off for a duck, against Staplehurst CC no less, on his way to a career haul of 25 ducks (1988-2018, 59th of 1523 all-time). Anton and Dave, separated by 23 years but united by the same hopeless Sunday in May. Week in Summary Just the one duck across three fixtures this weekend — a rare moment of restraint from the Duck Hunting season. Whether that's discipline, good bowling elsewhere, or simply the ducks having a lie-in, we can't say. Normal service will presumably resume shortly. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 🏆 - Laurie Probert — 2 ducks from 5 innings (40%) - Luke Welsman — 2 ducks from 5 innings (40%) - Nolan Wilde — 2 ducks from 5 innings (40%) - Anton Bourdillon — 1 duck from 1 innings (100%) - Davy Matthews — 1 duck from 1 innings (100%) A three-way tie at the top and two newcomers already boasting a flawless 100% strike rate in the wrong direction. Early days yet, but the race for Duck of the Year is well and truly on. Next fixture looms, and with it, fresh opportunity for the ducks to find their mark. Pads on, guards taken, fingers crossed — or not, depending on which side of the club you're rooting for. 🦆🏏

Four fixtures across the weekend, four names added to the exclusive zero club — a modest harvest, but every one dripping with character. 🏏 Saturday 1st XI v Speldhurst CC — Toby Hughes departed for a golden duck, gone first ball, ct Ollie Crees b Will Plunkett. His 1st duck of the season and 5th of an LPCC career now 47 innings deep, good for 206th on the all-time list. He draws level on 5 with Abishek Pushpavinothan, who reached the same tally across 2017-2022 before bowing out on a duck of his own. Worth watching the wider Hughes household too — brother Will already has one career duck to his name, and a parent-child pairing with Aaron Hughes adds a further 10 to the family ledger. 2nd XI v Penshurst Park CC (away) — Laurie Probert edged behind, ct Keith Stone b Andrew Tanner, for his 2nd duck of the season. Career duck number 10 from 168 innings, 125th all-time, and he draws level with none other than Aaron Hughes — 10 ducks in 124 innings, 2017-2022 — the very same Aaron quietly propping up Toby Hughes's family tally above. Small club, small pond. 🌱 Sunday 2nd XI v Offham CC (away) — a Kentish double at Offham. Davy Matthews was bowled by Dave Francis at number 6, his 1st duck of the season and 2nd of a career now 8 innings long, 328th all-time. He's already inscribed on the Retirement Duck honours board from a past farewell that ended in a nought — though evidently retirement didn't quite take, since here he is batting again. He joins Alan Probert on 2 career ducks, whose entire senior career ran to just two innings back in 2008-09. Theo Clements was run out by Sam Tucker at number 8 — his 1st duck of the season and the very first of his career, from just two innings, 715th all-time. He joins Howard on exactly 1 career duck, whose lone appearance for the club, and lone duck, came in 2006. 📋 Week in Summary Four matches, four ducks, no pairs and no family affairs this time — a quiet weekend by Duck Club standards, but the honours reel never sleeps. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Laurie Probert — 2 ducks / 4 innings (50%) - Nolan Wilde — 2 ducks / 4 innings (50%) - Luke Welsman — 2 ducks / 5 innings (40%) - Davy Matthews — 1 duck / 1 innings (100%) - Joshua Knowler — 1 duck / 2 innings (50%) Laurie's weekend double keeps him locked at the summit alongside Nolan Wilde — the race for Duck of the Year 2022 is well and truly on. Next fixture beckons, and with it, more candidates for the zero club. Pad up, middle order — the ducks are watching. 🦆🍩0️⃣

Three fixtures out on the park this weekend but the Duck Club's harvest was a modest, if pointed, one — both noughts arriving in the very same innings, off the very same bowler. Tidy work from Jonathan Pennington Legh. 🏏 2nd XI v Shoreham & Otford CC (home) Matthew Carter came in at six and departed caught behind-the-scenes off his own philosophy — ct Nick Pearce b Pennington Legh — for his 1st duck of the season. It's the 36th of a distinguished career spanning 278 innings, good enough for 29th in the all-time charts, and Matthew remains a fully paid-up member of the Debutante Duck club, having opened his Linton account with a nought all those years ago. He also once ruled the roost as Duck of the Year back in 2004 — a crown that, this week at least, stays firmly in the trophy cabinet rather than up for grabs. Fittingly, on this very day in 1978, Malcolm Pay (1965–1992) was also trudging off for a duck, against Biddenden CC no less — kindred spirits, 44 years apart. Then, at the death, Tim Thirkell — Linton's undisputed King of Noughts — fell lbw to the same relentless Pennington Legh for his 1st duck of 2022, his 97th in an extraordinary 977-innings career. That keeps him utterly untouchable at number one in the all-time standings, a man who has now achieved the rare Full House (a duck at every position from 1 to 11), and who counts Ducks on the Road, Homebody Duck and Lone Duck top-ten honours among his ever-expanding cabinet — not to mention Quacking Together status alongside the great Jim Hall. It's practically a Thirkell family business too, with sons, siblings and cousins collectively responsible for well over 250 further career ducks between them, John, Nigel and Simon chief among the guilty parties. And, appropriately, Tim shares Matthew's exact date-twin: on this same 7th of May back in 1978, Malcolm Pay was out for nought as well. 📊 Week in Summary A lean weekend by Duck Club standards — just 2 ducks from 3 matches, both confined to the 2nd XI's tussle with Shoreham & Otford, and both credited to the same weary-armed Pennington Legh. The 1st XI and 3rd XI evaded capture entirely this time round. Quality over quantity, evidently. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season 2022 — Leaderboard 1. Nolan Wilde — 2 ducks in 3 innings (66.67%) 2. Luke Welsman — 2 ducks in 5 innings (40.0%) 3. Joshua Knowler — 1 duck in 2 innings (50.0%) 3. Laurie Probert — 1 duck in 2 innings (50.0%) 3. Mardey Castle — 1 duck in 2 innings (50.0%) Nolan Wilde sets the early pace with a fearsome duck-rate that the chasing pack will need something special to run down. 🦆 Next fixture, fresh victims. The zero club never sleeps — see you at the crease.

Four ducks scattered across three fixtures this weekend as the 2022 season keeps the exclusive zero club nicely topped up. Straight into it. 🏏 1st XI v Meopham CC (h) - Luke Welsman departed for the purest kind of nought, a golden duck, lbw to Ross Tucker without troubling the scorers first ball. His 2nd of the season and 38th of his career lifts him to 26th of 1521 all-time, a paid-up Debutante Duck club member and a three-time Duck of the Year (2015, 2016, 2017) already looking the name to beat for the 2022 crown too. He's also stranded on the Full House nearly-man board, 10 of 11 positions ducked at, one stubborn square still unfilled. He joins Michael Beeney, 1995 to 2015, on exactly 38 career ducks — though Beeney needed 299 innings to get there against Luke's 262. Efficiency, of a sort. 🏏 2nd XI v Tunbridge Wells CC (a) A rare treble for the 2nds, three noughts in a single scorecard. - Nick Pennefather introduced himself to the club in the most Duck Club way imaginable, lbw to Ashraf Chaudhry for his very first senior innings. A genuine Debutante Duck, inducted at the first attempt. He joins Howard, whose entire 2006 career reads one innings, one duck, on a tally of 1 — company Nick will hopefully be trading up from before long. - John Karassellos fell bowled by Harry Youds, his 1st of the season and 31st of his career from 93 innings, 41st of 1521 all-time. A three-time Duck of the Year (2018, 2019, 2020) currently mid-stride through a run of 5 consecutive ducks, and another entry on the Full House nearly-man board. He draws level with Craig Sands, 2002 to 2022 and 486 innings, on 31 — and for the record, this is a family firm, with his own children Anthony (5 career ducks) and Michaela (3) already club members in their own right. - Nolan Wilde was bowled by Ashraf Chaudhry for his 2nd duck of the season already, career number 6 from 33 innings, 181st of 1521. He draws level with Adam Wright, whose Linton career closed out on that very number back in 2011 to 2012. Sunday's fixture, by contrast, kept its ducks firmly in their pen — not a nought to report. 📊 Week in Summary Four ducks from three matches, one golden, one genuine debut, and the 2nds doing the heavy lifting with three in a single innings at Tunbridge Wells. A solid early haul. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Nolan Wilde — 2 innings, 2 ducks (100%) - Luke Welsman — 4 innings, 2 ducks (50%) - Laurie Probert — 1 innings, 1 duck (100%) - Mardey Castle — 1 innings, 1 duck (100%) - Nick Pennefather — 1 innings, 1 duck (100%) Next fixture awaits, and with it, no doubt, further additions to the honours board. See you at the crease — or, more likely, straight back to the pavilion. 🦆0️⃣

The 2022 season is barely a fortnight old and already the exclusive zero club has taken its first four members through the turnstile. Three matches, four ducks, and the honours boards are dusted off for another summer of triumph through adversity. 🏏 Saturday — Headcorn CC (1st XI, home) Laurie Probert got the campaign's duck account open, bowled by Rob Mansell from number four. A tidy opening entry — his first of the new season and the 9th of an increasingly serious career, lifting him to 138th of 1518 in the all-time table. He now sits shoulder to shoulder with Alex Keeler, whose 2016-2022 vintage also stalled at exactly nine. Welcome to the club, Laurie — membership renewed annually, apparently. 🌱 Sunday — Sibton Park CC (1st XI, away) A grim afternoon on the road produced a brace for the away dressing room. Joshua Knowler, promoted to face the poultry at number seven, survived three balls before Harry Wren had the last laugh — his first duck of the season but the 32nd of a long and storied career, good for 36th of 1518 all-time. Joshua's honours board is already groaning under the weight of a Diamond Duck (2015, out without facing a shot), a Duck of the Year in 2010, and the rare indignity of being Quacked by Kin courtesy of Andrew Knowler that same year. His own kin, Richard Knowler, has 13 career ducks of his own — clearly a family that takes its cricket, and its nought-scoring, seriously. Joshua now draws level on 32 with club stalwart Jordan Austin. Moments later Mardey Castle followed him back, caught Hickmott bowled Woodward off just two balls from number ten. A first duck of the season and the 7th of his career, 163rd of 1518 all-time — and he joins Harrison Fermor on that exact tally. The art of not scoring evidently runs in the blood at the Castle household: father David carries 48 career ducks and brother Tobey a further 22, so Mardey arrives as very much the family apprentice. 🦆 Sunday — Chelsfield Park CC (2nd XI, home) Nolan Wilde rounded off the weekend's misery, trapped lbw by Shankar Swaminathan from number five for his first duck of the campaign — the 5th of his career, 200th of 1518 all-time. He joins Abishek Pushpavinothan on that same tally, a name that departed the club's books on a duck of his own to earn Retirement Duck status. 📋 Week in Summary Four ducks from three matches — a fair opening skirmish for a season that has barely begun. Fittingly, every single one of this week's fallen is currently sat on 100% for the campaign, one innings, one duck apiece. Early days, gentlemen — plenty of time to bring that average down, or gloriously, not. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard (2022) - Laurie Probert — 1 inns, 1 duck, 100% - Mardey Castle — 1 inns, 1 duck, 100% - Nolan Wilde — 1 inns, 1 duck, 100% - Joshua Knowler — 2 inns, 1 duck, 50% - Sam Boyns — 2 inns, 1 duck, 50% Next weekend's fixtures await, and with them, no doubt, fresh recruits to the zero club. Pad up, middle stump guard, and may fortune favour absolutely nobody. 🦆🏏0️⃣

The 2022 season has barely got its pads on and already the exclusive zero club has a fresh entry to record. One duck fell this week, but what a name to open the campaign with. Sunday 1st XI Away at Mersham Le Hatch, Linton's number four Luke Welsman strode out with intent and departed rather more quietly, bowled by Jordan Godden. It's Luke's 1st duck of the new season and his 37th for the club overall from 259 innings — a career built on the art of not scoring as much as the art of scoring, and it plants him firmly at 28th in the club's all-time roll of dishonour out of 1,517 names. Luke is no stranger to this stage. He's a paid-up member of the Debutante Duck club, having marked his very first LPCC innings with a blob many years back — proof the affliction was always in him. He's also a three-time Duck of the Year (2015, 2016, 2017), and with this season's tally already open and the year on the board reading 2022, the smart money says he'll be sniffing around that title again before long. Spare a thought too for his pursuit of the "Full House" — ducks recorded in 10 of the 11 batting positions, agonisingly one short of completing the set. Number four duly ticked, whichever slot remains will have to wait. Week in Summary One match, one duck, one legend doing the early lifting. A quiet opening weekend by Duck Club standards, but Luke has form for making noise later in the season — as three Duck of the Year crowns will attest. The rest of the club, for now, has got away with it. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Luke Welsman — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% - Sam Boyns — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% Two names, two perfect records of imperfection. Early days, but the standard has been set — nobody wants to be the one who ruins a 100% average with an actual run. Next fixture, more victims, more ceremony. The Duck Club never sleeps — see you all at the crease. 🦆🏏0️⃣

A quiet one this week, but the Duck Club never truly sleeps. 🏏 Friendly XI v Bearsted CC Only one name troubles the ledger this week, but he's an old hand at it. Sam Boyns, in at first drop, was run out by Christian Roberts without so much as a mark on the scorebook — a sacrifice for the greater good, or at least that's the line he'll be running with in the clubhouse. It's Sam's 1st duck of the new season and his 10th in a Linton career now spanning 129 innings, nudging him to 126th of 1,516 in the all-time standings — respectable company in a very crowded room. He sits exactly level with Aaron Hughes, who reached the same milestone of 10 ducks across 118 innings between 2017 and 2021 — kindred spirits separated only by a handful of games. Worth noting for the genealogists among us: Sam isn't even the family's chief offender. Father Alan Boyns carries 22 career ducks and brother Ryan a further 13 — the Boyns name is, by some distance, a fixture of the honours board. Sam's tenth is merely keeping the family tradition ticking over. 📊 Week in Summary One match, one duck, one Boyns doing his bit for the cause. Efficient, if nothing else — no chains, no pairs, no family doubles this week, just a solitary and dutifully recorded nought. The ducks were evidently keeping their heads down elsewhere on the fixture list. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Sam Boyns — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% Early days yet, and Sam has the season's ledger entirely to himself — a lead that surely won't last with the rest of the club still to trouble the scorers. Roll on the next fixture, when we fully expect the honours board to get considerably busier. 🦆🍩