🦆 The Duck Pond

Slim pickings this round — only two matches on the books and just the one delivered fowl, but what it lacked in quantity it made up for in ceremony. 🏏 Friendly XI v Town Malling CC (home) Henry Campbell walked out at 8 and departed ct Henry Varley b Finlay Coles — his 5th duck of the season and 6th of an increasingly distinguished career in just 23 innings, good enough for 193rd of 1575 in the all-time reckoning. He joins -Adam Wright on exactly 6 career ducks, a name from 2011–1912... sorry, 2011–2012, who reached the same total in 25 innings before bowing out on a Retirement Duck himself. Campbell also arrives with pedigree — a parent, Stuart, on 4 career ducks, and a sibling, Tom, on 1 — the family evidently believes in getting its eye in before getting off the mark. Not to be outdone, John Karassellos strode out at 11 and, after a defiant 2 balls of resistance, also fell ct Henry Varley b Bill Calvert — remarkably the very same Henry Varley pouching both wickets, a fine afternoon's work behind the stumps at Linton's expense. This is Karassellos's 4th duck of the season and a mighty 43rd for his career from 168 innings, 22nd of 1575 all-time. He's a stalwart of the honours boards too — a three-time Duck of the Year (2018, 2019, 2020), owner of Ducks in a Row (5 consecutive), and forever the nearly-man of the Full House club, dismissed at 10 of 11 possible positions with only one square left to fill. He now sits level with Mark Christmas on 43, who took 478 innings to get there between 2002 and 2024 — Karassellos got there rather more efficiently. Keep it in the family too: son Anthony (18 career ducks, and currently the season's runaway leader — see below) and daughter Michaela (3) are both paid-up members of the club in their own right. 📊 Week in Summary Two matches, two ducks, one long-suffering wicketkeeper. Town Malling CC's Henry Varley did the honours both times — a quietly efficient afternoon's work turning Linton batting into Linton batting-not-very-much. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Anthony Karassellos — 31 inns, 7 ducks (22.6%) - Johan Eloff — 18 inns, 6 ducks (33.3%) - Jordan Austin — 46 inns, 6 ducks (13.0%) - Jonathan Sisley — 11 inns, 5 ducks (45.5%) - Zach Wilde — 13 inns, 5 ducks (38.5%) With Karassellos senior only three behind his son at the top, and the season not done yet, next weekend's fixtures offer plenty of scope for fresh additions to the exclusive zero club. See you at the crease — or, more likely, not far past it 🦆🍩0️⃣

Three fixtures, four visits to the exclusive zero club, and West Farleigh's Alan Smith doing his level best to make it a testimonial. Step forward this week's honourees. Saturday — 2nd XI away at West Farleigh CC - Richard Piper opened and departed early, bowled by Alan Smith — his 3rd duck of the season and a positively vintage 91st for the career, from 921 innings. That's rank 4 of 1575 all-time, a Duck of the Year 2003 winner, and a proud member of the Full House (duck at every position 1-11), Homebody Duck and Lone Duck top-ten honours boards. Not that he's alone in it — kinsmen Brian Piper (24) and James Piper (20) are fellow paid-up club members. On this very day in 1958, Stan Wratten (1943–1984, 35 ducks) also strolled back against Tunbridge Wells CC — good company to keep. - Johan Eloff followed him back not long after, also to Alan Smith — his 6th duck of the season and 7th of a young career already 21 innings deep. Rank 171 of 1575 and climbing fast. A chip off the old block too, with Brandon Eloff (5 career ducks) keeping it in the family. Same 1958 anniversary as Piper above — Stan Wratten would be proud of the company. - Jonathan Sisley, bowled James Feist, brought up his 5th duck of the season and 7th career nought from just 22 innings — rank 173 of 1575. Three from one innings for West Farleigh, a proper cull. He too shares the Wratten anniversary — 1958 really was a vintage year for getting out cheaply. Sunday — 1st XI at home to Teston CC - David Day opened up and lasted 14 balls before being caught Nigel Tyler off Toby Allsworth — his 2nd duck of the season and, remarkably, only his 2nd in a 10-innings career, rank 353 of 1575. A long-standing Debutante Duck club member from his first-ever knock, though this one's a fresh addition. He now sits level on career ducks with Alan Probert, whose brief 2008–2009 stint also yielded exactly two. Week in summary Four ducks, three matches, and West Farleigh's bowlers doing three-quarters of the damage between them in a single innings. The art of not scoring remains alive and well at Linton Park. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 🥇 1. Anthony Karassellos — 7 ducks, 30 innings, 23.33% 2. Johan Eloff — 6 ducks, 17 innings, 35.29% 3. Jordan Austin — 6 ducks, 45 innings, 13.33% 4. Jonathan Sisley — 5 ducks, 11 innings, 45.45% 5. Zach Wilde — 5 ducks, 13 innings, 38.46% Eloff and Sisley both add to their season tallies this very week and remain firmly in touching distance of top spot — the race for Duck of the Year is far from settled. Next fixture, same invitation as ever: bat first, ask questions later. 🏏🍩0️⃣

Three fixtures out on the paddock this weekend, and the Duck Club harvest was a modest but perfectly formed brace — both plucked from the very same innings. Rare is the day the entire weekly quota comes from one team while the rest of the club sails home untroubled by the zero, but here we are. 🏏 3rd XI v Bredgar CC Brandon Eloff departed at number 5, bowled by Matt Louden, for his 4th duck of the season and 5th of an increasingly duck-heavy career in just 29 innings — good enough for 206th on the all-time list of 1575. He sits level on that tally with David T Lowen, who turned out for Linton Park between 1970 and 2023 and took 75 innings to get there. A nod too to his kin — father Johan Eloff already carries 6 career ducks of his own, so the art of not scoring evidently runs in the blood. Two down the order at number 7, Praveen Tunga edged behind, caught Edward Louden off Simon Farrell, for his 1st duck of the season — and his first in senior cricket too, arriving only in his 4th innings, 698th of 1575 on the all-time roll. He joins "- Howard", whose entire Linton career in 2006 amounted to a single innings and a single duck, a founding member of both the One and Done and Retirement Duck honours boards. Praveen has plenty of time yet to avoid that particular fate. Fittingly, Brandon and Praveen each carry an "Only Two Quacks" entry naming the other — and with both falling in the same Bredgar innings, that shared ledger has rather appropriately written itself another line this week. 📅 Elsewhere The other two fixtures kept their noses entirely clean — no fowl play to report from either XI this time round. 📊 Week in Summary Two ducks from three matches, both from the same 3rd XI innings against Bredgar CC — misery, as ever, loving company. Quiet week for the Duck Club, but the season race rolls on regardless. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Anthony Karassellos — 7 ducks / 29 innings (24.14%) 2. Jordan Austin — 6 ducks / 45 innings (13.33%) 3. Zach Wilde — 5 ducks / 13 innings (38.46%) 4. Johan Eloff — 5 ducks / 16 innings (31.25%) 5. Martin Harris — 5 ducks / 19 innings (26.32%) Spare a thought for Zach Wilde, whose 38% duck rate remains the most alarming statistic in the club this season — someone get that man some throwdowns before next weekend. The race for Duck of the Year is far from settled. Same time next week, bats — allegedly — at the ready. 🦆🏏0️⃣

Saturday 31 August 1st XI v Tonbridge CC George Taylor became the weekend's first casualty, caught Wolters bowled Shehzad for nought at number 4 after five balls of token resistance. His 3rd duck of the season and 12th career blob from 70 innings, rank 110 of 1575 — a long-standing Debutante Duck (his very first innings, years back, was also a duck). He draws level with Alex Wade, who took 103 innings between 2014 and 2024 to reach the same dozen. Little brother Fred Taylor isn't far behind either, on 11 career noughts of his own. 2nd XI v Southfleet CC Jordan Austin fell first ball of the innings, caught and bowled Daniel Tomkins — his 6th of the season and a mighty 45th career duck from 342 innings, rank 20 of 1575. A Homebody and Lone Duck top-ten fixture, plus a Diamond Duck (2018, out without facing a ball) and Duck of the Year in 2021, Jordan now sits level with Stewart Morrison, who needed 382 innings for the same 45. Kin in the club too — sibling Benjamin (26) and Mark Austin (1) on the family scoresheet. Martin Harris joined him at 10, caught Collins bowled Mulley-Goodbarne, his 5th of the season and 43rd career duck from 261 innings, rank 23 of 1575. A Duck of the Year in 2011, Martin draws level with Mark Christmas, who took 478 innings to get there. Relative Jon Harris looms large on 94 career ducks — clearly a family trait. 3rd XI v Sherwood CC, Kent Henry Campbell departed for nought at 9, caught Millar bowled Lonie — his 4th of the season, 5th career from just 20 innings, rank 210 of 1575. He joins David T Lowen on the same tally, whose career (1970–2023) took 75 innings to match it. Relatives Stuart (4) and Tom Campbell (1) keep it in the family. John Karassellos followed, caught Vasile bowled Elmore, his 3rd of the season and 42nd career duck from 167 innings, rank 26 of 1575 — a three-time Duck of the Year (2018, 2019, 2020) and Ducks in a Row honouree. On this very day in 1980, Allan Cooper also made a blob against Staplehurst CC on his way to 38. Son Anthony sits on 18 career ducks and currently tops this season's charts. Sunday 1 September Sunday 1st XI v Knockers CC The only golden duck of the week fell to Will Thew, gone first ball, caught Bowen bowled Freddie Young — pure ignominy, and his 3rd of the season, 38th career duck from 333 innings, rank 33 of 1575. A Debutante Duck and Duck of the Year in 2012, Will draws level with Matthew Carter, who reached 38 across 299 innings between 2002 and 2024. Harvey Lowe kept him company, caught Bowen bowled Darry — his 2nd of the season, 3rd career duck from 14 innings, rank 291 of 1575, already a Debutante Duck member. He joins Alex Holt on the same tally. Father Ian Lowe carries 2 career ducks himself. Week in Summary Seven ducks fell across five matches this weekend, one of them the purest kind — a golden. Three clubs contributed, and the Karassellos and Austin surnames both made repeat appearances on the honours front. Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 🏏 1. Anthony Karassellos — 7 ducks, 28 innings, 25.0% 2. Jordan Austin — 6 ducks, 45 innings, 13.33% 3. Zach Wilde — 5 ducks, 13 innings, 38.46% 4. Johan Eloff — 5 ducks, 15 innings, 33.33% 5. Martin Harris — 5 ducks, 18 innings, 27.78% Anthony leads the pack but the field is tightening. Get out there next weekend and add your name to the exclusive zero club — the art of not scoring waits for no one 🦆0️⃣

Two Sunday fixtures, four fresh inductees to the exclusive zero club, and not so much as a whisper of trouble from Saturday's ranks — who escaped entirely unblemished this week. The weekend's failures were, for once, an exclusively Sunday affair. 🏏 Sunday 1st XI — away at Newenden CC Thomas Roxburgh saw off the first ball with admirable caution before falling to the second, bowled by Dan Edwards. It's his 1st duck of the season and 7th of an increasingly distinguished career from 92 innings, good enough for 178th on the all-time list. He now sits shoulder to shoulder with Henry Bourdillon, who also reached 7 from precisely 92 innings across his 2017–2024 stint — kindred spirits, a generation apart. A quiet nod too to sibling William Roxburgh, building his own tally of 4. Alex Wade went one worse — gone first ball, lbw to Richard Craig, the purest ignominy the game has to offer. A golden duck, no less, and his 4th of the season already. It's career duck number 12 from 101 innings, 107th all-time, drawing him level with Gareth Davies (2003–2013), who reached the same total in a brisker 77 innings. Davies, for what it's worth, holds a Diamond Duck from 2010 for departing without facing a ball at all — Alex will have to make do with merely golden this time. 🏏 Sunday 2nd XI — home to Yalding CC Anthony Karassellos was bowled by Samuel Faulkner for his 7th duck of the season, tightening his grip on the 2024 Duck of the Year race in some style — the leaderboard below shows him out in front and pulling away. It's career duck number 18 from 129 innings, 81st all-time, level with Aaron Hughes (2017–2024), who needed 240 innings to get there — consistency of a very particular kind. Anthony is also a Full House member, having ducked at every position from 1 to 11 across his career, and remains a paid-up member of the Debutante Duck club from his first-ever innings. Keeping it in the family, father John Karassellos looms large on 41 career ducks, with sister Michaela chipping in a tidy 3 of her own. Ian Hollingworth was caught and bowled by Davy Matthews for his 2nd of the season, moving to 31 career ducks from 120 innings and 43rd all-time. He joins Craig Sands (2002–2023) on the same total, though Sands took a marathon 498 innings to get there against Ian's comparatively rapid 120 — triumph through adversity, briskly achieved. Ian also remains a card-carrying member of the Diamond Duck fraternity, having departed without facing a ball back in 2023. 📊 Week in Summary 4 ducks from 2 matches, an even 2 apiece between the sides, and one golden duck to headline proceedings. Saturday, suspiciously, offered nothing at all — make of that what you will. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Anthony Karassellos — 26 inn, 7 ducks (27%) - Zach Wilde — 12 inn, 5 ducks (42%) - Johan Eloff — 15 inn, 5 ducks (33%) - Jordan Austin — 44 inn, 5 ducks (11%) - Alexander Nunn — 9 inn, 4 ducks (44%) 🦆 The zero club never sleeps. Next fixture, fresh victims await — see you at the crease.

Six fixtures out on the paddock this week and the Duck Club's nets came back with just the two catches. A quiet weekend by recent standards, but quality over quantity — every entry below earns its place on the honours board. 🏏 Saturday 17 August 1st XI v Ash CC (away) Toby Hughes strode in at first drop and departed bowled by Jordan Lynn, adding a third duck to his season and an eleventh to a career now standing at 130th of 1575 in the all-time charts — a spot he shares almost to the innings with Alex Wade, who compiled his own eleven noughts across 2014–2024 in exactly 100 innings. Toby arrives at 103 career innings for his 11, so the comparison is a close-run thing. Worth noting he comes from proper Duck Club stock — his parent Aaron Hughes sits on 18 career ducks and sibling Will Hughes chips in with one of his own, so the not-scoring gene is well and truly established in the Hughes household. 3rd XI v Hunton Wanderers CC (away) Henry Campbell fell to Alan Snelling for his third duck of the season and fourth of his career, moving to 240th of 1575 all-time from a still-fresh 19 innings — a strike rate for nought that suggests he's rather taken to the art early. He now sits level with -Matthew Ward, whose four ducks came in a brisk ten innings back in 2011–12. Keep it in the family, too — Henry's parent Stuart Campbell has, rather fittingly, also banked exactly four career ducks, so the pair are now level on the family scoreboard, while sibling Tom Campbell trails on one. Something to discuss at the next family gathering, perhaps not too loudly. 📋 Week in Summary Two ducks from six matches is restrained by Duck Club standards — either the bowling attacks were unusually generous or our top order simply couldn't be bothered to oblige this week. Both victims fell on the Saturday, leaving Sunday's fixtures a duck-free zone entirely. No pairs, no golden ducks, no family doubles to report — just two solid, honest additions to the season tally. Steady as she goes. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Anthony Karassellos — 6 ducks / 25 innings (24%) - Zach Wilde — 5 ducks / 12 innings (41.67%) - Johan Eloff — 5 ducks / 14 innings (35.71%) - Jordan Austin — 5 ducks / 43 innings (11.63%) - Alexander Nunn — 4 ducks / 8 innings (50%) Alexander Nunn's 50% strike rate remains the one to watch — one more failure and he's odds-on for every innings he plays. The race for Duck of the Year is very much alive. 🍩 That's the lot for this period — the season presses on, and with it the promise of fresh nought-scoring heroics next time out. Get down to the club, bat first if you dare, and may the ducks find you kindly. 0️⃣🦆

Seventeen ducks landed at Linton Park this week, crowned by a full sibling ceremony and a five-duck stampede at Newenden. The exclusive zero club has had a busy fortnight — triumph through adversity, as ever. 🏏 Saturday 10 August 1st XI v Bapchild CC George Taylor fell to Tyler Wassell, his 2nd duck of the season and 11th of his career (123rd all-time), a paid-up Debutante Duck man from way back. Toby Hughes followed off the same bowler, his 2nd this season and 10th career (138th all-time) — level with Jack Jenner, who reached 10 in 53 innings across 2003–2008 before a Retirement Duck of his own. Then Fred Taylor edged William Cosstick, his own 2nd of the season and 11th career. With brother George also parked on 11, the Taylors complete a proper Two of a Quack — a shared bloodline duck, the rarest ceremony the club has to offer. A good number of Saturday's fallen keep suspiciously fine company: Paul Gibson made his own duck on this very date back in 1991, against Headcorn CC, on his way to 30 and a Platinum Duck plaque. 2nd XI v Holcombe & Blue Bell Hill Will Thew edged behind for his 2nd season duck and 37th career (33rd all-time), a Duck of the Year 2012 grandee. Alfie Reeve was bowled for his 1st career duck from just 5 innings — welcome to the club. 3rd XI v Chelsfield CC Noah Stevens holed out for his 1st career duck — a chip off the old block, father Mark carrying one career nought of his own. Nick Tromp was bowled for his 3rd of the season and 11th career (127th all-time), defending his Duck of the Year 2023 crown. Thomas Mundell was bowled for his 3rd season duck and 6th career, joining brother Reuben and father Blair in the family collection. 🌙 Midweek XI v The Mote CC (13th): Aaron Hughes lasted just 3 balls before holing out, his 3rd of the season and 18th career (80th all-time) — on this day in 1960 Pat Hardwick fell at Bowaters CC en route to Duck of the Year. Nolan Wilde followed two balls later, caught for a duck. v The Dragons CC (16th): Johan Eloff was caught and bowled for his 5th duck of a rampant season, 6th career — on this day in 1953 John Ames also fell, at Mote A. Nolan Wilde returned to complete a grim pair for the week, his 4th season duck and 18th career, drawing level along the way with Anthony Karassellos on 17. 🌤 Sunday 2nd XI v Newenden CC Five ducks in one innings. Zach Wilde was bowled for his 5th of the season and 9th career, level with Charles Curteis. Ian Hollingworth followed lbw, his 1st season duck but 30th career (44th all-time), level with Paul Gibson. James Gray was bowled for his 4th season duck, 5th career, level with David Lowen. Alexander Nunn was caught for his 4th season duck, 4th career, level with Matthew Ward. John Karassellos closed the innings lbw, his 2nd this season and 41st career (26th all-time) — a three-time Duck of the Year (2018–2020) with five in a row to his name. On this day in 2001 Daniel Thirkell also fell, at Shipbourne CC. 📊 A busy fortnight: 17 ducks from 8 matches, headlined by the Taylor siblings' shared ceremony and Nolan Wilde's grim weekly pair. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Anthony Karassellos — 23 inn, 6 ducks, 26.1% 2. Zach Wilde — 11 inn, 5 ducks, 45.5% 3. Johan Eloff — 12 inn, 5 ducks, 41.7% 4. Jordan Austin — 40 inn, 5 ducks, 12.5% 5. Alexander Nunn — 8 inn, 4 ducks, 50.0% 🦆 The season rolls on — plenty of time yet for more names to join the honours board. See you at the next fixture, and may your stumps stay untroubled. Or don't. We're not fussy.

12 ducks fell across 9 fixtures this week, home and away, as the touring side kept the conveyor belt running deep into midweek. Saturday 3rd 1st XI at Ashford Town: Jordan Austin, gone first ball ct Dean Clark b Luke Perkins, a golden duck — his 5th of the season, 44th of a career already boasting a 2021 Duck of the Year crown and top-ten Homebody and Lone Duck standing. He shares this date with Gordon Fenner, also out on 3 August 1952 during his 1941-73 span. 2nd XI at Gravesend: Luke Welsman fell for his 2nd of the season, 51st career duck — a four-time Duck of the Year (2015-17, 2022) still chasing that elusive Full House. He joins Ian Brattle on 51, the 1973-2008 great who got there in just 159 innings. Martin Harris was bowled by Sukhwinder Kumar for his 3rd of the season — only for lightning to strike again two days later at St Chad's Broomfield, edging behind after a couple of balls to complete a grim pair. He moves to 4 for the season, 42 for his career, with kinsman Jon Harris's 94 looming large ahead. 3rd XI at Belvedere: Martin Rivers (lbw, 2nd season / 7th career, level with Henry Bourdillon's 2017-24 haul) and Stuart Campbell (bowled, 4th career, matching Matthew Ward's brief 2011-12 tally) fell in the same innings — a proper Campbell affair, with young Henry and Tom already carrying ducks of their own. On Tour Sunday: Frank Harbord (Friendly XI) bowled by Ross Poole for his 4th season / 8th career duck, level with Carl Davis (1994-2009). Up north, Nolan Wilde fell lbw for 9 balls, his 2nd season / 16th career, matching Iain Rawson (2006-13) — kin duty shared with fellow member Zach Wilde. Tuesday: Anthony Karassellos, this season's runaway leader, added his 6th at Woodhouse Grange, c&b for a 17th career duck, level with Aaron Hughes (2017-24) — a Full House man, having ducked in every position 1 to 11 across his career. Wednesday at Yorkshire Gentlemens: Will Thew (9 balls, 1st season / 36th career, level with Darrell Houghton-Judge) and Toby Joseph (7 balls, 4th season / 12th career, level with Gareth Davies) both went cheaply — Toby's brother Andrew already a club member. Thursday: father followed son into the book. John Karassellos bowled for his 40th career duck, a three-time Duck of the Year (2018-20) with a rare five-in-a-row streak — sharing this date in 1998 with the legendary Richard Piper, 90 ducks and counting. The Numbers 12 ducks, 9 matches, one grim pair for Martin Harris, and the Karassellos household doing more than its share. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Anthony Karassellos — 6 ducks / 20 inns (30.0%) 2. Jordan Austin — 5 ducks / 37 inns (13.51%) 3. Jonathan Sisley — 4 ducks / 9 inns (44.44%) 4. Zach Wilde — 4 ducks / 9 inns (44.44%) 5. Johan Eloff — 4 ducks / 11 inns (36.36%) Next fixtures loom. Bring your bat — or don't bother, the club always has room for one more. 🦆🍩0️⃣

Six matches, six ducks fell to the LPCC card this week — a modest haul, but the art of not scoring is alive and well. 🏏 Saturday — 1st XI v The Mote CC George Taylor opened and departed early, caught Abraham Thomas bowled Daniel Mason. His maiden duck of the season is his 10th career nought from 63 innings, 132nd all-time — level with his own sibling Fred Taylor, also parked on exactly 10. Two Taylors, one shared tally, presumably a frosty car journey home. Both remain paid-up members of the Debutante Duck club from ducks on debut long since consigned to history. 🌱 Sunday — 1st XI v Stone-in-Oxney CC (away) Three ducks fell in one innings. Darrell Houghton-Judge, lbw to Lee Freeman, took his 3rd of the season and 36th career nought from 266 innings — 33rd all-time, still eyeing that elusive Full House with 10 of 11 positions visited. Fittingly, on this very day in 2001 Simon Thirkell also departed for nought against Milstead CC, one stop on a three-time Duck of the Year career. Harvey Lowe followed, caught Ryan Knight off Lee Freeman, his 1st of the season and 2nd career duck from 13 innings — level with Alan Probert, whose entire two-innings Linton career (2008-09) produced the same brace. Harvey's father Ian already carries 2 career ducks himself. Martin Harris completed the collapse, bowled Chris Rana, his 2nd of the season taking him to 40 career ducks from 256 innings — 25th all-time and Duck of the Year in 2011. Like Darrell, his nought shares that 2001 Milstead anniversary. Martin's father Jon sits on a formidable 94. 🏆 Sunday — 2nd XI v Penshurst Park CC (home) Richard Piper opened and lasted three balls before falling lbw to Alex Hanwell, his 2nd of the season and 90th career duck from 909 innings — 5th all-time, with an honours board like a museum wing: Duck of the Year 2003, Full House, Lone Duck and Homebody Duck top 10. A third name to share that 2001 Milstead anniversary. His father Brian and brother James add a further 24 and 20 to the family tally. Down the order, Zach Wilde had no such luck — bowled Christopher Rawlins first ball for a golden duck, his 4th of the season and 8th career duck from 29 innings, level with Carl Davis (1994-2009, 41 innings). Zach's father Nolan carries 15 of his own, and the golden nought keeps Zach joint-second on the season leaderboard. 📊 Summary Six ducks, six matches, no pairs or family affairs this week — but three Linton names sharing an anniversary with Simon Thirkell's 2001 vintage. Milstead CC clearly has an effect on Linton batting. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Anthony Karassellos — 5 ducks, 18 innings (27.78%) 2. Jonathan Sisley — 4 ducks, 9 innings (44.44%) 3. Zach Wilde — 4 ducks, 9 innings (44.44%) 4. Johan Eloff — 4 ducks, 11 innings (36.36%) 5. Jordan Austin — 4 ducks, 33 innings (12.12%) Plenty of season left for the chasing pack. See you all next weekend — bats, hopefully, more reliably employed. 🦆

Six fresh arrivals joined the exclusive zero club this week, harvested across four fixtures in a busy five-day stretch of proper Duck Club industry. 🏏 Saturday 20th — 3rd XI at Orpington Ocelots CC A grim afternoon against the same bowler. Theo Clements, opening the innings, was bowled by Ranjan Kumar Alagirisamy for his 1st duck of the season and 6th of a growing career — rank 198 of 1,573 all-time — drawing level with Adam Wright, who reached the same tally across 25 innings back in 2011-12. Brandon Eloff continued the theme at number five, castled by the same bowler for his 3rd of the season and 4th career nought (rank 227). A card-carrying member of the Only Two Quacks club alongside Praveen Tunga, Brandon now sits with Matthew Ward, who also needed just 10 innings for his 4 in 2011-12. The Eloff name wasn't done with the Duck Club yet this week either… 🌱 Wednesday 24th — Friendly XI v Wasps Johan Eloff, Brandon's kin, walked back at number ten for his 4th of the season and 5th career duck, rank 212 of 1,573 — level with David T Lowen, who needed 75 innings spread across 1970 to 2023 to get there. Father and son both back in the pavilion for nought this week, albeit in separate fixtures — the surname is doing some heavy lifting on the honours board. 🌱 Sunday 21st — Sunday 1st XI v Borstal CC Mohammed Azhar helped himself to a brace at home. Benjamin Austin, bowled for his 2nd of the season, moved to 26 career ducks (rank 57), level with 1969-2008 stalwart Paul Brattle — the pair share Debutante Duck honours too. Benjamin's own line runs deep in the club: brother Jordan carries 43 career ducks, and the family theme was rounded off by Alex Wade, trapped lbw at number seven for his 3rd of the season and 11th overall (rank 117), pulling level with Andrew Moss, a 1968-2008 man and Retirement Duck club member — Alex, happily, has rather more cricket left in him yet. 🎾 Wednesday 24th — Twenty20 v Kings Hill CC Jordan Austin, held by Werner Laubscher off Faraz Qureshi, notched his 4th of the season and a hefty 43rd career duck — rank 21 of 1,573 — drawing level with Mark Christmas, who took 475 innings across 2002-24 to get there. Jordan already carries a Diamond Duck, the Duck of the Year 2021 crown, and top-ten billing on both the Homebody and Lone Duck charts. Brother Benjamin also fell this week, an Austin family double delivered from opposite ends of the fixture card. 📊 Week in Brief Six ducks from four fixtures across five days, with three other matches staying stubbornly duck-free. No pairs and no king pairs to report, and the family honours board keeps its doors shut for another week — though the Eloffs and the Austins both mounted spirited two-man assaults without ever sharing a scorecard. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Anthony Karassellos — 5 ducks, 17 innings, 29.4% - Jonathan Sisley — 4 ducks, 8 innings, 50.0% - Johan Eloff — 4 ducks, 11 innings, 36.4% - Jordan Austin — 4 ducks, 30 innings, 13.3% - Alexander Nunn — 3 ducks, 7 innings, 42.9% Sisley's coin-flip strike rate remains the most alarming figure in the club, and Jordan Austin's latest nought keeps him glued to the podium. Pads on for the next fixture, everyone — the zero club never sleeps. 🦆0️⃣

A quieter week in the exclusive zero club — just four ducks laid across six matches — but quality over quantity, including a golden duck, a family affair, and a fair sprinkling of last-man heroics for all the wrong reasons. 🏏 Saturday 13 July 2nd XI away at Sherwood CC, Kent — Aaron Hughes, promoted to number 2, departed for 2 balls faced, caught Danny Demarzo bowled Ben Maitland. His second duck of the season lifts him to 17 for the career in 228 innings, 84th on the all-time list — level pegging, give or take a place, with Clive Newman, who reached the same 17 back in his 1992-2012 stint, albeit taking 371 innings to get there. Aaron's getting there rather more efficiently. The Hughes name is well represented in the club's poultry section too, with Toby Hughes (9) and Will Hughes (1) both fellow paid-up members of the zero club. 3rd XI at home to New Ash Green CC — Johan Eloff fell at number 11, run out by Luke Shaw. His third duck of the season and fourth of an already eventful career (13 innings, 239th all-time) arrived on the very same calendar date that club great Paul Bowles made a duck against Beverley CC, Kent, back in 1968. Bowles finished with 54 to his name and two Duck of the Year titles, so Johan keeps properly exalted company on his anniversary nought. The Eloff family continues its generous donations to the honours board, with parent-child partner Brandon Eloff already sitting on 3 of his own. 🌞 Sunday 14 July Sunday 2nd XI at home to Chelsfield Park CC — James Gray, batting at 7, was bowled by Dinesh Muduli. His third duck of the season takes him to 4 for the career in just 14 innings, 238th on the all-time list. History obliged nicely: on this very day in 1956, A Hughes also made a duck, against A.Trembeths — a solitary entry on the Debutante Duck board across a career running from 1956 to 1987, in which one nought was evidently deemed quite sufficient. James's sibling William Gray already has 2 of his own, so the family tradition looks assured for a while yet. 📅 Wednesday 17 July Midweek XI at home to Lord Cornwallis XI — Martin Harris, at number 11, was bowled first ball by O Melville-Ross for a fully golden duck, the purest form the art can take. It's his first of the season but his 39th career nought from 253 innings, keeping him 28th on the all-time list and a standing member of the 2011 Duck of the Year honours board. He now sits level on 39 with Chris Newman, who reached the same total in 230 innings between 2002 and 2017. Martin's a chip off a formidably well-stocked block, too — his relative Jon Harris owns a scarcely believable 94 career ducks, second only in Linton history. 📊 Week in Summary Four ducks, six matches, and two of them departing at the last-man berth, number 11 — the traditional home of the tail-ender with nothing left to lose. One golden duck, one run out, two clean bowled. The zero club remains open for business, and admission was refreshingly quick this week. Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - Anthony Karassellos — 5 ducks, 14 innings (36%) - Jonathan Sisley — 4 ducks, 8 innings (50%) - Alexander Nunn — 3 ducks, 6 innings (50%) - Nick Pennefather — 3 ducks, 8 innings (38%) - Zach Wilde — 3 ducks, 8 innings (38%) Karassellos leads the chase, but with Sisley and Nunn both flipping a coin every time they walk out, this season's crown is very much up for grabs. Get down to the next fixture and see who joins the list — the ducks, as ever, are watching. 🦆🍩0️⃣

A quieter week in the exclusive zero club, but quality over quantity — three ducks fell across five fixtures, and each one earned its place in the ledger. 🏏 Saturday — 1st XI v Rainham (Kent) CC Mark Christmas arrived at number 9 and departed on the very first delivery, lbw to Jakir Ahmed — a golden duck, the purest form of the art. It's his 2nd of the season and 43rd for his career, a mighty tally that plants him at 21st in the all-time standings out of 1,572 aspirants. Mark is already a paid-up member of the Duck of the Year club (2008 vintage) and sits agonisingly one position shy of the fabled Full House — duck at every position 1 to 11 — the honours board's most exquisite torment. On this very day back in 2008, Tom Murphy (1966–2010) was doing exactly the same thing against Locksbottom CC, en route to 11 career ducks. History does love to repeat itself. 🌱 Wednesday — Midweek XI v Penshurst Park CC A new name enters the record books. Callum Gannon walked out at number 5, faced Theo Rimmer, and was bowled without so much as a squeak — his very first senior innings, and already a duck. Welcome, Callum, to the Debutante Duck club, that most bittersweet of initiations. His career reads 1 duck from 1 innings — a flawless, if unwanted, 100% start — placing him 513th of 1,572 all-time. He joins the 2024 vintage of the One and Done club, though the committee stresses that this is merely a statistical curiosity for now and no comment is made on the length of his career. He draws level on the career tally with "- Howard", who also opened and closed his Linton account with a single duck back in 2006. 🎉 Thursday — Twenty20 v Kings Hill CC Nick Tromp offered slightly sterner resistance, seeing off one ball before nicking off to A. Paiba on the second — no golden duck this time, just the honest kind. It's his 2nd of the season and 10th of his career from 52 innings, ranking him 135th all-time. A former Duck of the Year (2023), Nick draws level on the career leaderboard with clubman Alex Wade, who reached his own 10th duck across 91 innings between 2014 and 2024. Kindred spirits, sitting exactly level on the naughty-nought scale. 📊 The Week in Brief Three ducks, five matches, one golden duck, and one brand-new Debutante inducted straight into the honours board on his first outing. A tidy week's work for the Duck Club — steady, dignified, and entirely without runs. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Anthony Karassellos — 5 ducks / 11 innings (45.45%) 2. Jonathan Sisley — 4 ducks / 7 innings (57.14%) 3. Alexander Nunn — 3 ducks / 5 innings (60.0%) 4. Nick Pennefather — 3 ducks / 7 innings (42.86%) 5. Zach Wilde — 3 ducks / 7 innings (42.86%) Jonathan Sisley and Alexander Nunn both flirting with a duck-rate north of 50% — the season race remains gloriously wide open. 🍩 Next fixture beckons, and with it, fresh opportunity. Get your bats ready, gentlemen — or don't, and let the Duck Club do the rest. 🦆0️⃣

A full week's shift for the exclusive zero club, with seven names added to the ledger across six fixtures. Let's get into it. 🏏 1st XI — Tonbridge CC (away) Anthony Karassellos departed for a golden duck, run out without so much as a look at the bowling — the purest kind of ignominy, and he wears it well. It's his 5th of the campaign and 16th of a career now standing at 114 innings, good enough for 90th on the all-time list, drawing him level with Aaron Hughes (2017–2024, 223 innings) on that same 16. With the 2024 season still to run, Anthony sits atop the Duck of the Year race, and remains a proud Full House member — a duck at every position 1 to 11, a dubious full set. It runs in the family too: father-figure John Karassellos already carries 39 career ducks of his own, with sister Michaela chipping in 3. 🏏 2nd XI — Southfleet CC (home) Ian Lowe was bowled by William Hawkins for his 2nd duck of the season, level on 2 for his young career and 377th on the all-time roll. A family affair in the Lowe household too, with kin Harvey Lowe already carrying a career duck of his own. On this very day in 2003, club legend Richard Piper (1990–2024, 89 ducks, 5th all-time) also fell against Clarion CC — good company to keep. 🌙 Midweek XI — Warlingham CC (home) Alex Wade was stumped off Esa Mohamad, his 2nd of the season and 10th for his career from 89 innings — 127th on the all-time table, level with Fred Taylor (2017–2024, 32 innings) on that same tally. Efficiency, clearly, is relative. 🌱 Sunday 1st XI — Four Elms CC (away) Dan Corpe fell to Miles Walker for his 1st duck of the season and, remarkably, his 2nd in just 2 senior innings — a Debutante Duck club member from his first-ever knock, now doubling down with immediate consistency. On this day in 1956, R- Robinson also made a duck, against St Lukes Maidstone CC. 🌱 Sunday 2nd XI — New Ifield CC (home) New Ifield's bowlers had a field day, claiming three. Freddie Seymour went first, bowled by Triv Kumar for his 1st of the season and 2nd career duck — a paid-up member of the Retirement Duck club from a past farewell, though very much still turning out. Josh Gurney followed to the same bowler, his 3rd of the season and career, level with Alex Holt (2022–2024, 16 innings) on that tally. Daniel Baker completed the set, bowled by Prem Dhaliwal for his 2nd of the season, another Debutante Duck alumnus. All three share their on-this-day parallel with R- Robinson's 1956 duck against St Lukes Maidstone CC. 📋 Week in Summary Seven ducks, six matches, and New Ifield CC doing the club's dirty work almost single-handedly with three scalps in one innings. Anthony Karassellos's golden duck was the week's premier disaster, but nobody left completely dry. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Anthony Karassellos — 5 ducks / 11 innings (45.5%) 2. Jonathan Sisley — 4 ducks / 7 innings (57.1%) 3. Alexander Nunn — 3 ducks / 5 innings (60.0%) 4. Nick Pennefather — 3 ducks / 7 innings (42.9%) 5. Zach Wilde — 3 ducks / 7 innings (42.9%) Anthony leads the chase, but with bats this shaky across the club, the crown is anyone's. Next fixtures loom — the ducks, no doubt, are already circling. 🦆🍩0️⃣

Seventeen ducks fell in eight matches this week — golden, gritty, and everything between. Something for everyone in the exclusive zero club. 🏏 Saturday 22nd 1st XI v Upchurch CC (away) — Harrison Fermor departed first ball, b Kale Irvine, a proper golden duck — his 2nd of the season, 11th career, and a paid-up Debutante Duck man. Luke Welsman lasted six deliveries before edging behind for his 1st of the season, but the number that matters is career duck 50 — Full Membership of the Duck Club, Luke, to sit beside four Duck of the Year titles (2015, '16, '17, '22). 2nd XI v Upchurch CC (home) — Jordan Austin fell to Harry Murphy, his 3rd of the season and 42nd career, drawing level with Mark Christmas (2002–2024, 472 innings). 3rd XI v Old Williamsonians CC (away) — Paul Belsey did the damage. Glen Rawson (1st season, 22nd career) joins Alan Boyns (1986–2016) on the same tally. Martin Rivers falls 1st/6th. Toby Joseph opens his hat-trick, level with Alex Wade on 9. Altus Diener notches his 2nd of the season, 3rd career. Nolan Wilde reaches 15 career ducks, son Zach already on 7. Henry Campbell begins his weekend pair, level with Alan Probert on 2. A curious echo — five of today's victims share their duck with Dave Charlton, who fell against West Farleigh CC on this exact date in 1991. 4th XI v OD CUACO (home) — Jonathan Sisley leads the season charts already, his 4th duck from just 7 innings. Johan Eloff adds his 2nd of the season; son Brandon owns 3 career ducks himself. 🌱 Sunday 23rd Sunday 1st XI v Mersham Sports CC — Toby Joseph again, three balls faced, his 2nd of the week and 10th career, level with Fred Taylor. Sunday 2nd XI v New Ifield CC — Anthony Karassellos, this season's Duck of the Year, bags his 4th — on this day in 2007 Rob Doick made an identical trip against Sheldwich CC, shared by two more of today's fallen. Frank Harbord falls 3rd/7th, level with Henry Bourdillon. Henry Campbell completes his pair — two sides, two days. Alexander Nunn rounds it off, his 3rd of the season from just 5 innings — the sharpest duck rate of the week. 📅 Midweek 26th Midweek XI v Cudham Wyse CC — Toby Joseph completes his hat-trick, three ducks in five days, 11th career, echoing Andrew Moss's duck against Tilling Steven on this date in 1971. 📊 Week in Summary 17 ducks, 8 matches — Paul Belsey did more damage than most bowlers manage all season. Toby Joseph the week's top non-achiever with three, Henry Campbell close behind with a pair. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Jonathan Sisley — 4 ducks, 7 innings (57%) 2. Anthony Karassellos — 4 ducks, 10 innings (40%) 3. Alexander Nunn — 3 ducks, 5 innings (60%) 4. Frank Harbord — 3 ducks, 7 innings (43%) 5. Nick Pennefather — 3 ducks, 7 innings (43%) The season rolls on. See you at the next fixture, bats primed for further contributions to the cause. 🦆🍩

Three fixtures on the road this week, and the Duck Club's away-day scouts came home with six fresh entries for the ledger. The exclusive zero club welcomes its latest recruits. Sunday 16 June — 2nd XI away at Teston CC Four ducks in a single innings here, proof that Teston's attack found the collective off-button. Josh Gurney fell at 3, caught behind off Seb Jeary, his 2nd of the season and 2nd of an accumulating career (13 innings, 387th of 1566 all-time). Frank Harbord followed at 4, bowled by the same Jeary, his 2nd this season and 6th for the career in 24 innings — a tally that draws him level with Adam Wright, whose own six arrived across 2011–1912, sorry, 2011–2012, before he bowed out with a Retirement Duck to his name. James Gray went at 7, bowled Anil Kumar, his 2nd of the season and 3rd career duck in just 11 innings — level with Alex Holt (2022–2024, 16 innings). A family trait, too: sibling William Gray already carries 2 career noughts of his own. Closing the collapse, Alexander Nunn was bowled by Jacob Driver at 10 — his 2nd of the season and 2nd career duck in 9 innings. Josh and Alexander, as it happens, share more than a scorecard: both duck-anniversaries fall on 16 June, the very date Cliff Anscombe (1957–1975, 25 ducks, Duck of the Year 1957) also strolled back against Ozonair, decades before either was born. Friday 21 June — Twenty20 away at Hadlow CC Nick Pennefather departed at 8, bowled Will Milne, his 3rd duck of the season — enough to draw him into the thick of the Duck of the Year scrap — and 7th for the career in 31 innings, level with Henry Bourdillon (2017–2024, 83 innings). Nick is a paid-up Debutante Duck club member from way back, and keeps it in the family: kin Neill Pennefather is currently blazing an unlikely trail up the season charts himself. Last man Johan Eloff was run out by Matt Dineen, his 1st duck of the season and 2nd career in 10 innings. On this very day in 1987, Stewart Morrison also made nought, against Dimanchians CC, en route to a career 45 ducks, a Duck of the Year 2000 crown, and a place in the Lone Duck top 10. The Eloff surname, meanwhile, keeps building its own quiet legacy — kin Brandon Eloff already sits on 3. Week in summary Six ducks from three matches, four of them arriving in a single Teston innings — the art of not scoring, practised as a team sport. No pairs, no golden ducks, and the family honours board stays untroubled for another week. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Jonathan Sisley — 3 ducks in 6 innings (50%) - Zach Wilde — 3 ducks in 6 innings (50%) - Nick Pennefather — 3 ducks in 7 innings (42.9%) - Anthony Karassellos — 3 ducks in 8 innings (37.5%) - Neill Pennefather — 2 ducks in 2 innings (100%) Sisley and Wilde share the summit, but Pennefather is breathing down their necks. The next fixture waits for nobody — bring your bat, and best of luck keeping it off this list. 🦆0️⃣

Eight fresh signings for cricket's most exclusive zero club this week, harvested across six fixtures. Something for every discipline: bowled, caught, and — for one unlucky soul — gone without facing a second ball. 🏏 Saturday, 8th June The 2nd XI at home to Holcombe & Blue Bell Hill CC opened the account in style. Laurie Probert was bowled by Owen Anderson for his 1st duck of the season, moving to 12 for his career — level with Gareth Davies, who reached the very same total in 77 innings between 2003 and 2013 (Diamond Duck class of 2010, no less). Anthony Karassellos followed, caught Riyas Kandy off Owen Anderson for his 3rd of the season and 14th of an increasingly decorated career — level with Nolan Wilde on 14. Karassellos already carries the Full House board for ducking at every position 1 to 11, plus a Duck of the Year 2024 credit to his name, and the noughts run in the family: father John sits on 39 career ducks, sister Michaela on 3. Across at Hadlow, the 3rd XI's Jonathan Sisley was bowled by Ian Moore for his 3rd of the season, taking him to 5 career ducks from a mere 17 innings — level with the well-travelled David T Lowen, who took 75 innings to get there across five decades (1970–2023). 🌱 Sunday, 9th June A bumper harvest for the 2nd XI against Snodland Community CC. Inus Joubert got things moving, bowled Sukirthan Sellaththurai for his 2nd career duck, and Brandon Eloff followed shortly after, caught Martin Lewis off the same bowler for his 2nd of the season and 3rd overall — level with Alex Holt, and already an Only Two Quacks member alongside Praveen Tunga (a duck-prone household too, with son Johan already on the club rolls). Then came the ceremony of the day: brothers James and William Gray both departed, James caught Tim Merry off Neil Mitchell, William caught Mo Khan off Martin Lewis — each moving to 2 career ducks apiece. A proper shared-bloodline blank, sealed on the honours board as Two of a Quack. Fittingly, all three of this trio share their calendar anniversary with Matt Large's 1992 duck against Hollingbourne CC — 32 years of history repeating itself. 🌙 Thursday, 13th June — Twenty20 Fred Taylor supplied the week's only golden duck, bowled by Oliver Edkins first ball against Rainham (Kent) CC — pure, undiluted ignominy. His 10th career duck from 32 innings draws him level with Harrison Fermor (2016–2024, 53 innings), and keeps him just ahead of sibling George, who sits on 9. 📊 Week in Summary Six matches, eight ducks, one sibling double and one golden duck to headline proceedings. The 2nd XI did the heavy lifting with five of the eight — Snodland Community CC will not remember Linton fondly. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Zach Wilde — 3 ducks, 5 innings (60%) 2. Jonathan Sisley — 3 ducks, 6 innings (50%) 3. Anthony Karassellos — 3 ducks, 7 innings (42.86%) 4. Neill Pennefather — 2 ducks, 2 innings (100%) 5. Thomas Mundell — 2 ducks, 2 innings (100%) The race stays wide open with three players tied on three apiece. Next fixture is sure to shuffle the pack — bring your bats, and your patience. 🦆🍩

Six fixtures, eight ducks — the exclusive zero club welcomed new arrivals and old faithful alike this week, the art of not scoring practised to a high standard throughout. 🏏 Saturday 1st June 1st XI hosted Ashford Town CC and lost two. Opener Harrison Fermor battled through 8 deliveries before falling to Jack Taylor — season's first, career's 10th, rank 128 of 1564, a paid-up Debutante Duck club member. He draws level on 10 with Jack Jenner (2003–2008), who needed 53 innings for the same total before signing off with a duck of his own. Alex Keeler was run out for 2 balls at nine — his 13th career duck from 129 innings, rank 99. He joins Anthony Karassellos (2017–2024) on 13, reached in 109 innings, now Duck of the Year 2024 and a Full House member. 2nd XI travelled to Gravesend CC, where Ian Lowe fell to Sahil Sharma for his maiden career duck — number 1 from 8 innings, rank 586. On this day in 2002, Matthew Carter also perished for nought against Horsmonden CC, en route to 38 career ducks and the 2004 Duck of the Year title. 3rd XI's home date with Belvedere CC, Kent claimed two. Altus Diener was caught behind for season's first, career's 2nd, rank 322 — joining Alan Probert (2008–2009), whose 2 ducks came in just 2 innings. Darrell Houghton-Judge went lbw next, season's 2nd, career's 35th from 258 innings, rank 34 — one short of the Full House. He's level with Joshua Knowler (2008–2024) on 35, once "Quacked by Kin" by Andrew Knowler in 2010. 🌱 Sunday 2nd June The Sunday 2nd XI's trip to Egerton CC, Kent brought two more. Frank Harbord fell for his 5th career duck from 22 innings, rank 203, matching David T Lowen (1970–2023), 75 innings for the same tally. Alexander Nunn recorded his first career duck from 8 innings, rank 469 — on this day in 1995, Paul Gibson also ducked against Rumwood CC, one of 30 en route to a Platinum Duck for a first-baller in 1991. ⚡ Thursday 6th June — Twenty20 Jordan Austin opened against Headcorn CC and went lbw after 5 balls — season's 2nd, career's 41st from 310 innings, rank 24 of 1564. An honours-board stalwart with a Diamond Duck, Duck of the Year 2021 and top-10 spots for Lone and Homebody Ducks, Jordan keeps it in the family with sibling Benjamin on 25 career ducks. On this day in 1967, John Thirkell walked back against Civil Service CC, Kent too, one of 90 in a career with five Duck of the Year titles. 📊 Week in Summary Eight ducks, six matches, lower order doing the heavy lifting, no golden ducks — everyone troubled the scorers before departing. A tidy week's work for the club's least wanted club. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Zach Wilde — 5 innings, 3 ducks (60%) - Neill Pennefather — 2 innings, 2 ducks (100%) - Thomas Mundell — 2 innings, 2 ducks (100%) - Sam King — 3 innings, 2 ducks (66.7%) - Darrell Houghton-Judge — 4 innings, 2 ducks (50%) Roll on the next fixtures — the ducks are never far away, honours boards always have room for one more. 🦆

A Bank Holiday weekend at Linton Park and, right on cue, the zero club opened its books seven times across six fixtures. Grab a nought and pull up a chair. Saturday 25 May 2nd XI away to Holborough Anchorians CC produced an early brace. Nick Tromp fell at 7, ct Akram b Hussain — his 1st duck of the season and 9th of his career 🦆, rank 145 of 1564 and a paid-up member of the Duck of the Year 2023 board. He now sits level with 2014–2024 stalwart Alex Wade, also parked on 9. Sam King followed at 8, ct Khan b Khan, his 2nd of the season and 6th career nought — drawing level with the brief but perfectly formed career of Adam Wright, whose entire 2011–12 stint yielded exactly 6. Sunday 26 May Sunday 1s away to Grenfell CC saw opener Richard Piper depart for a battling 6-ball duck, ct Ware b Stevens — only his 1st this season but a mighty 89th of his career 🥇, all-time rank 5 of 1564. Piper's honours board reads like a trophy cabinet: Duck of the Year 2003, plus top-ten places in Homebody, Lone Duck and Full House. On this very day in 1957, Cliff Anscombe also trudged off scoreless, against Ron Aiston's XI, on his way to 25 career ducks. And it's a family business — brother James (20) and father Brian (24) are both fully signed-up members of the club in their own right. Sunday 2s at home to Capel CC opened Zach Wilde's account, ct Leslie b Jones, his 2nd duck of the season and 6th of his career. One to watch — he wasn't finished yet. Monday 27 May A festival day saw the Chairman's XI and South African XI both take on Linton Park CC. Zach Wilde obliged again, b Brandon Eloff, his 3rd duck of the season inside 24 hours — a proper grim pair to round off the weekend, now up to 7 career ducks and a fully paid Debutante Duck club member. For the SA XI, Anthony Karassellos departed for nought, b Martin Harris, his 2nd of the season and 13th of his career, level with 2004–2016 man Joe Martin. Karassellos currently tops this year's Duck of the Year race and holds the rare Full House — a duck at every position 1 to 11 — with father John (39) and sister Michaela (3) keeping it in the family. Neill Pennefather joined him at 9, ct & b Nolan Wilde — that bowler doubling as father of this weekend's pair-maker — his 2nd duck of the season and career alike, level with Alan Probert's fleeting 2008–09 stint, also on 2. Son of Nick Pennefather (6 career ducks), the tradition rolls on. The Week in Noughts 🍩 7 ducks from 6 matches — Zach Wilde the standout with his weekend pair, and the Monday festival day alone worth three on its own. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 0️⃣ 1. Zach Wilde — 4 inns, 3 ducks (75%) 2. Neill Pennefather — 2 inns, 2 ducks (100%) 3. Sam King — 2 inns, 2 ducks (100%) 4. Thomas Mundell — 2 inns, 2 ducks (100%) 5. Anthony Karassellos — 5 inns, 2 ducks (40%) Next fixture, next nought — the exclusive zero club never closes its doors. See you at the crease 🦆🏏

Six fixtures, two days, and the exclusive zero club welcomed nine new arrivals. A proper harvest for the Hunting Season. Here's how it fell. 4th XI — away at Detling CC - Richard Odling (lbw b Simon Norcott) marked his very first LPCC innings with an instant induction into the Debutante Duck honours — a duck on debut, the club's founding tradition of disappointment. Rank 713 of 1563. Spookily, on this very date in 2002 Richard Piper (88 ducks, 1990-2024, Duck of the Year 2003) was also trudging off for nought, against Bearsted CC. - William Gray (ct Jim Herron b Phil Painter) opened his own account at #765 on the all-time list, joining sibling James in the family collection of noughts. Same day, same 2002 company as Richard Piper. Sunday 1st XI — away at Harbledown CC - Aaron Hughes fell first ball to Jan Maroofkhail — a golden duck, the purest strain of the affliction — his 16th career quack from 211 innings. He draws level with Iain Rawson (2006-2013, 16 from 135). The Hughes name runs deep in these parts too, with Toby (9) and Will (1) already carrying career ducks of their own. - Darrell Houghton-Judge (lbw b Darrell Carter) notched his 34th, rank 37 of 1563 and a Full House nearly-man — every position but one now blotted. Level in spirit, if not in ducks, with Paul Bowles, who quacked on this day in 1974 against Aylesford Paper Mills on his way to 54. - Tom Campbell (ct Finn Carter b Jan Maroofkhail) got off the mark in the worst possible sense — his maiden LPCC duck, 9th innings in, rank 748. Kin Stuart (3) and Henry Campbell (1) keep him honest company. Also sharing the 1974 vintage with Paul Bowles. Sunday 2nd XI — home vs Gills Green CC - Anthony Karassellos (b Alan Herbert) reached his 12th career duck from 107 innings, drawing level with Alex Keeler (2016-2024, 12 from 127). A Full House member and current front-runner in the Duck of the Year 2024 standings — the season's not over yet. Father John (39) and sister Michaela (3) are well represented in the family ledger. - Nick Pennefather (lbw b Alan Herbert) doubled up — his 2nd duck of the season already, 6th career from just 27 innings, level with the sadly retired -Adam Wright (2011-2012, 6 from 25). A paid-up Debutante Duck from his own first-innings days. - Zach Wilde (b Matt McKinnon) reached 5 career ducks from 22 innings, level with David T Lowen (1970-2023, 5 from 75). The Wilde clan is thoroughly represented, with Nolan (14) and Russell (1) also on the books. - Alex Holt (b Matt McKinnon) closed out Gills Green's contribution with his 3rd career duck from 16 innings, level with Archie Fairfax-Ross (2018-2022, 3 from 33). 📋 Week in Summary Nine ducks from six matches — three sides across the weekend all found the zero club irresistible, with Gills Green CC hosting four departures for nought in a single innings. One golden duck, several debuts, and the Duck of the Year 2024 race heating up nicely. 🏆 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Thomas Mundell — 2 ducks/2 innings (100%) 2. Nick Pennefather — 2 ducks/3 innings (66.67%) 3. Jonathan Sisley — 2 ducks/4 innings (50%) 4. Alfie Marples — 1 duck/1 innings (100%) 5. Anton Bourdillon — 1 duck/1 innings (100%) 🍩 The season presses on, and the zero club never turns anyone away. See you at the crease next week — the ducks certainly will be.

🏏 Saturday 11 May 1st XI away at Sibton Park CC Joshua Knowler dug in for 5 balls before falling ct Hollier b Rowe — his 1st duck of the season and 35th of a long and storied career, 34th on the all-time list. He now stands level with Will Thew (2009-2024, 35 ducks in 312 innings) in the upper reaches of the exclusive zero club. Kinsman Richard Knowler, with 15 career noughts of his own, no doubt approves. 3rd XI away at New Ash Green CC Brandon Eloff (b Clark) brought up his 2nd career duck, 1st of the season, joining Alan Probert (2008-09, 2 ducks in 2 innings) on the honours board. Father Johan Eloff already has one duck to his name — the family tradition is under construction. Alex Wade (b Harley) also departed, his 1st of the season and 9th overall, 133rd of 1560 all time. On this very day in 1997, David Castle was doing exactly the same against Chestfield CC en route to 48 career ducks. 4th XI home to East Sutton CC — a bumper harvest of three. Jonathan Sisley (b Thompson) took his 2nd of the season and 4th career duck, level with Matthew Ward (2011-12, 4 in 10 innings). Anton Bourdillon (b Tragett) reached 18 career ducks, 1st this season, matching Russell Baldwin's marathon 18-from-208-innings career. A paid-up Debutante Duck club member himself, and relative Henry Bourdillon carries 7 of his own. Thomas Mundell (b Kingsmill) is off to quite the start — 2nd duck of the season from just 2 innings — now on 5 career ducks alongside David T Lowen (1970-2023). The name runs deep at Linton: parent Blair (3) and sibling Reuben (2) both hold membership. 🌱 Sunday 12 May Sunday NVKC away at Leeds & Broomfield CC — four fell, headlined by a genuine family occasion. Mark Christmas (ct Matthews b Semmens, 3 balls) claimed his 42nd career duck, 1st this season, 23rd of 1560 all time — a Full House nearly-man. On this day in 1906, D H Luck was doing likewise against Town Malling CC. Toby Hughes (ct Czabaniuk b Semmens, 2 balls) fell for his 9th career duck, his sibling Will Hughes carrying one of the family's own. Then the main event: siblings Benjamin and Jordan Austin both fell in the same innings — a proper Two of a Quack. Benjamin (ct McCague b Semmens, 3 balls) moved to 25 career ducks, level with Dave Charlton (1988-2018, 25 in 223 innings), while big brother Jordan (ct McCague b Aitken, 6 balls) reached 40, a Homebody and Lone Duck top-10 regular. A shared-bloodline duck is the rarest ceremony this club offers, and the Austins delivered it in style. 📊 Week in Summary Ten ducks across six matches — a proper cull. Semmens alone accounted for three of Sunday's four, and the Austin boys gave us this season's first family double. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 1. Thomas Mundell — 2 ducks / 2 innings (100%) 2. Jonathan Sisley — 2 ducks / 3 innings (67%) 3. Alfie Marples — 1 duck / 1 innings (100%) 4. Anton Bourdillon — 1 duck / 1 innings (100%) 5. David Day — 1 duck / 1 innings (100%) The crease awaits its next volunteers. Keep the willow straight, or don't — either way, we'll see you in next week's report. 🦆0️⃣

A quieter weekend on the quacking front, but four fixtures still yielded seven noughts for the Honours Board archivists to log. No pairs, no king pairs, no family affairs this time round — just honest, individual toil in the art of not scoring. Saturday — 1st XI v Staplehurst CC (away) Nick Pennefather departed for a duck at number seven, bowled by Sam McConnel. His fifth career duck from 26 innings sees him sit 208th of 1558 all time — a Debutante Duck club member from way back, having opened his account with a nought on debut. Fittingly, on this very day in 1969, Stan Wratten was doing exactly the same thing against Bobbing Court CC, en route to 35 career ducks and a place inside the top 40. Some traditions really do run through the decades. Sunday — 1st XI v Smarden CC (home) Josh Gurney nicked off to James Crannis after facing two balls, a first career duck from five innings that drops him into the exclusive zero club at 629th of 1558. On this day back in 1974, club legend Paul Bowles was also back in the pavilion without scoring against Leeds & Broomfield — Bowles went on to a rather more prolific 54 career ducks and two Duck of the Year titles, so Josh has some catching up, or rather down, to do. Sunday — 2nd XI v Norton Sports CC (away) A proper procession at Norton Sports, with four LPCC batters filing back for nought. Magnus Boxer fell for his second career duck from just two innings — a flawless 100% record so far — landing him level with Alan Probert, who managed the identical feat across 2008 to 2009 before also retiring on a duck himself. Consistency of a very particular kind. Sam King followed, his fifth career duck from 27 innings, ranking 213th of 1558. Like several others this weekend he shares the on-this-day distinction with Paul Bowles's 1974 effort against Leeds & Broomfield. Daniel Baker made his senior debut and promptly joined the Debutante Duck club in the very same innings — a duck on arrival, the purest possible welcome to Linton Park cricket. Alfie Marples also debuted for a duck, and with it collected an instant hat-trick of honours: Debutante Duck, One and Done, and Retirement Duck all in a single, solitary innings. A career opened and closed before the tea interval — efficient, if nothing else. And propping up the order at number ten, none other than Tim Thirkell, the club's all-time record holder, notching his 102nd career duck from 1007 innings. Still miles clear at number one of 1558, still the only Full House member in Linton history, and still, apparently, entirely undeterred. Week in summary Seven ducks across four matches, no pairs and no family duck ceremonies, but a proper spread of the honours board on display — from the seasoned campaigner to two entirely fresh faces who wasted no time joining the club. Norton Sports CC did the bulk of the damage, accounting for four of the week's seven. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Alfie Marples — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% - Daniel Baker — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% - David Day — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% - Josh Gurney — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% - Magnus Boxer — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% Early season, and the leaderboard is a five-way scrap at the top of the table nobody wants to top. Plenty of cricket left for someone to pull clear — or for the rest of the club to come and join the fun. See you all next weekend 🦆🏏

A quiet weekend on the nought front, just the one fixture troubling the scorers, but it delivered a proper slice of Duck Club history all the same. Step forward the 3rd XI, away at Yalding CC. 🏏 3rd XI — Away at Yalding CC Opening the innings, David Day fell caught Unsure off the bowling of Oliver Cust after grinding out 10 balls — no golden duck this, a genuine dig for survival that came up empty. And what a way to arrive: this is David's maiden senior innings, so it's a bona fide Debutante Duck, a duck on debut, sealed and delivered on day one. He's straight onto the honours board with career duck number 1, sitting 525th of 1556 in the all-time reckoning — level with Howard, whose entire Linton career amounted to a single innings and a single duck back in 2006. A "one and done" club of the most exclusive kind, and David's already a paid-up member of it before he's even opened his shoulders. At first drop, Jonathan Sisley didn't hang about — bowled by Alex Mead after just 2 balls. It's his 1st duck of the season but by no means his first rodeo: his 3rd career duck from 13 innings, moving him to 287th of 1556 on the all-time list. He now sits level on 3 career ducks with Archie Fairfax-Ross, who racked his own trio across 33 innings between 2018 and 2022 — Jonathan's getting there rather more efficiently, for what that's worth in this particular club. 📊 Week in Summary One match, two ducks, and a debut sealed in the most fitting way possible. Yalding's bowlers did their bit for the cause — Cust and Mead sharing the spoils — and the 3rd XI's top order provided the sacrifice. Modest numbers, but the season's engine is turning over nicely. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard - David Day — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% - Neill Pennefather — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% - Thomas Mundell — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% - Jonathan Sisley — 2 innings, 1 duck, 50% Three players sat on a perfect record so far this season — the art of not scoring, mastered early. Whether anyone can keep that average intact once the fixtures pile up remains to be seen. Next weekend brings fresh opportunity for glorious failure. Get out there, middle it or don't — either way, the Duck Club is watching. 🦆🍩0️⃣

The 2024 Duck Hunting Season is officially open, and the exclusive zero club wasted no time welcoming its first two subscriptions of the year. 🏏 Saturday 20th April 3rd XI away at Brasted Chart and Toys Hill CC Batting at 8, Thomas Mundell became the first name inked into the 2024 ledger, caught David Hale bowled Pete Smith. It's his 1st duck of the new season and the 4th of his career from just 5 innings — a strike rate for nought that would make most bowlers blush. Thomas is already a paid-up member of the Debutante Duck club, having opened his Linton account with a blob on debut, and he's not carrying the family torch alone — kin Blair Mundell (3 career ducks) and sibling Reuben Mundell (2) keep the Mundell surname well represented in these pages. He now sits 248th of 1555 in the all-time list, level on 4 with Matthew Ward, who reached the same tally in 10 innings back in 2011-2012. Four in five versus four in ten — Thomas got there quicker, for what little that's worth. 🌱 Sunday 21st April Friendly XI away at Addington Village CC A day later and a different sort of milestone, as Neill Pennefather, batting at 4, was caught Ryan Lucas bowled Liam Burnop to record his 1st duck of the season — and, more notably, the very first of his senior career, arriving only in his 10th innings. Patience, it turns out, is no defence. Neill joins the club's ranks alongside kin Nick Pennefather, who already carries 4 career ducks of his own, so the surname now has form on both counts. For company on exactly one career duck, Neill draws level with a player known simply as Howard, whose entire Linton career amounted to a single innings back in 2006 — a duck that earned him spots on both the Debutante Duck and One and Done honours boards in the same, brief afternoon. Neill sits 668th of 1555 all-time; plenty of scope to climb, in either direction. 📋 Week in Summary Two matches, two ducks, two different corners of the club represented — a gentle, orderly start to proceedings as everyone shakes off the winter rust. No pairs, no golden ducks, no family affairs this week, just two honest dismissals to get the season's tally moving. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Neill Pennefather — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% 1. Thomas Mundell — 1 innings, 1 duck, 100% Early days yet, and a leaderboard that's more a queue than a race — plenty of time for the chasing pack to make their case as the season gets into its stride. That's the lot for this period. Next fixture, next weekend, next round of nought-scoring heroics — the ducks never stay away for long. See you at the crease. 🦆🍩0️⃣