🦆 The Duck Pond

Five fixtures, four ducks, and one properly historic afternoon at Cudham for a certain father-and-son combination. Let's get into it. 🏏 2nd XI — away to Town Malling CC William Gray dug in for nine deliveries before being bowled by Daniel Clark, falling at first drop for his third duck of the season and fifth of his LPCC career. That tally puts him level with David T Lowen, who played 1970-2023 across 75 innings for the same five — William's getting there rather more efficiently. Little wonder the ducking gene runs deep: brother James Gray already sits on 7 career noughts of his own. Trevor Back followed, caught Kemsley bowled Tunnicliff after a watchful 30 balls. Just his first duck of this campaign, but a staggering 93rd for the club, keeping him lodged at #4 on the all-time list — a fixture of the Ducks on the Road, Homebody Duck and Lone Duck top tens, and a proud co-owner of Quacking Together (with Jon Harris) and Only Two Quacks (with Allan Cooper). Spookily, on this very day back in 2008 Matthew Carter also made a duck, against Sidcup CC. 🍩 Friendly XI — home to Cudham Wyse CC Now for the main event. In walked Stuart Beardwell at 8, first ball, bowled Moazzam Sultan — a golden duck, and on his actual senior debut too, a genuine Debutante Duck the moment the bails went. One place later, in walked his father Euan Beardwell at 9... and departed the very same way, first ball, same bowler, same golden ignominy. A proper Duck and Ducklings double — parent and child both back-to-back golden ducks off Moazzam Sultan, the rarest ceremony the club has to offer, and one for the honours board in its own right. Stuart's is his maiden club duck, joining fellow one-and-doner "- Howard" (2006) on a tally of exactly 1. Euan meanwhile picks up his second of the season and third for his career from 19 innings, drawing level with 2025 new boy Alexander Daniels on 3. 📋 The week in brief Four ducks from five matches, two of them golden and both belonging to the same household — Linton Park truly is a family club. Elsewhere the veterans quietly extended their records: Trevor Back's 93rd remains a monument nobody is threatening any time soon. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - John Karassellos — 25 inns, 7 ducks (28.0%) - Tobey Castle — 25 inns, 6 ducks (24.0%) - Praveen Tunga — 11 inns, 5 ducks (45.45%) - Toby Joseph — 27 inns, 5 ducks (18.52%) - Richard Piper — 28 inns, 5 ducks (17.86%) Praveen's percentage remains genuinely alarming. Next weekend brings fresh opportunity for glory-through-failure — who fancies joining the Beardwells in the family album? 🦆0️⃣

Saturday 1s No Ducks Saturday 2s Altus Diener collects his first duck of the season and 4th overall in 3 seasons at the club. Will Hughes adds another to his tally but his efforts are in vain after JKs duck dominance. This is Wills 5th for the season and 5th overall. A great debut season which showed great promise for getting ducks. Ian Bruce records his 3rd in his debut season for Linton. Saturday 3s Richard Piper records his 5th duck for the season and 96th Overall, will we see 100 ducks next season?! Josh Gurney records his 4th for the season and 7th overall surpassing last years 3 ducks. Will Gray scores his second duck of the season and 4th overall matching last years 2 ducks. Sam King moves to 3 ducks for the season and 9 overall. John Karassellos moves to 6 for the season to draw level with Tobey Castle, who was too scared to bat on Sunday. Saturday 4s Christian Eloff failed to score in the game against new ash green and increasing his duck count to 3 for the season and 3rd overall. Jacob Landman achieves Debutante duck status in his first Adult Game. Sunday 1s Mardey Castle falls first ball of the innings for a duck, failing to use up the overs and securing his second duck of the season. Mardey moves to 9 ducks overall Sunday 2s John Karassellos accelerates past Tobey Castle with 7 for the season and pulls up alongside me on 49 senior ducks, HOWEVER, the website records john actually having 50 ducks with one coming in a 'junior' game (https://lintonpark.play-cricket.com/website/results/4077885), I have consulted with Duck Club President (Luke Welsman) and Duck Club Elder 100+ Ducks (Tim Thirkell) on whether this should be included/excluded. The verdict is that it should be included as there were several adults on both sides. With this in mind we welcome the lastest FULL member of the Duck Club, Second Inducktee of the 2025 Season - JK! With only three fixtures left to play there is still scope for further ducks, and it could still change at the top again as its a tightly fought contest for duck of the year.

Toby Hughes makes a late surge in an effort to catch the other two Tob(e)ys. He now has 2 ducks this year going inot the final month of the season. Still a long way to go to best the 1st XI Skipper who currently leads on 6 ducks. Saturday 2s v Cobham Three ducks in this match - Anthony Karaselloss, Martin Harris and Christian Eloff. I have added Christian to The Debutante Duck List as his first game this season was against Rolvenden where he attained the accolade. This was Christians Second duck of the year and second in the all time stats also. Anthony records his 4th Duck of the season and 21st overall. Now trailing his dad by 1 in the season. Time will tell who will win this father-son battle. One of our own - Martin Harris records his first duck of the season, he's been hiding down at 10 & 11 refusing to bat and for good reason! Martin moves to 44 overall level pegging with Mark Christmas. Saturday 3s v Old Williamsonians A duck of Theo Clements his 4th of the season, proving that Theo and Ant have to do everything together. This is only his 10th Duck in the overall stats. Sunday 4s v Sherwood Euan Beardwell records his first duck of the year (its never to late in the season to get in on the action). This is Euan's Second Duck for Linton Senior Sides. No Ducks recorded in the Sunday 1s or 2s - but (un)interestingly 5 players scored 7 in this game.

Saturday 23rd August 1s - A new leader emerged in the current duck hunting season, Tobey Castle ascends to the top spot with 6 ducks while Toby Joseph is enjoying his holiday in Thailand. Tobey's back to back quacks elevates him in the current duck hunting season as we head into the final month of the season, time will tell whether anyone is able to surpass him. Tobey is now in prestigious Linton company on 35 ducks alongside Gordon Fenner. Toby Hughes also succumbed to the dreaded duck, moving to 12 ducks overall and claiming his first of the season. A presidential duck was also recorded in this game as Lukey failed to score. this is the long awaited 52nd duck from Lukey, his first of the season. Luke now eyes Paul Bowles who achieved 54 ducks in his playing career at Linton. Time will tell when this milestone is reached. 2s - In this modest run chase two ducks were recorded by promoted opener Anthony Karassellos and Josh Gurney. Anthony achieved fame last season topping the Duck of the year category with 7 ducks recorded for the season, and moves to 20 ducks overall and a poultry 3 for the season. (pun intended) Also moving to 3 for the season is Josh Gurney, Josh equals his PB from last season of three ducks and moves to 6 senior ducks overall. 3s - A nervy small total chase resulted in a win for threes but at the expense of Reuben Mundell who failed to contribute to his teams total. The 3rd XI lost 5 wickets chasing 86, Reubens duck is his second of the season and 4th overall. Sunday 24th August 1s - A friendly game on Bearsted green saw all 11 players bat and succeed in getting off the mark despite some dubious umpiring. 2s - The second XI stepped up to make up the shortfall however recording 4 ducks in the game against Egerton Development XI. Ducks for Johan Eloff, Alexander Daniels, JK and Alex Nunn. Johan now has 4 ducks this season and 11 overall joining Sam Boyns. Alexander Daniels newest Hot Pick records his 3rd of the season from 4 innings, Alex Nunn also has a high percentage of ducks in adult cricket this year, with 3 from 7 innings. 7 from 22 innings in the all time stats. JK edges closer to full Duck Club Membership with 47 Ducks his 5th of the season. John hasn't been Duck of the Year since 2020, but with 5 ducks this season there's still time for a late surge! Monday 26th August 22 Linton Players in a single match lots of scope for Linton Ducks and it didn't disappoint. We welcome Duck Clubs newest Full Member with 50 ducks - Jordan Austin Jordan beats me to the milestone, becoming the 14th Member of Linton Duck Club (5th in Active Players). The current Standings are as follows: Tim Thirkell 103 Richard Piper 95 Trevor Back 92 Luke Welsman 52 Jordan Austin 50 Thomas Beeney 49 John Karassellos 47 Mark Christmas 44 Martin Harris 43 Active Players on the brink of associate membership to this group: Will Thew 38 Matt Carter 38 Josh Knowler 37 (breaking any part of his body to avoid membership) DHJ 36 (avoiding any form of cricket to ensure he doesn't join) Tobey Castle 35 Ian Hollingworth 34 Alongside Jordy from the English side, Theo Clements secures his 9th Duck for Linton, his third of the season. On the SA team Ian Bruce records his second duck of the season and second in his Linton playing career from 13 innings. Near misses for both Hughes brothers who scored 1 a piece!

Saturday 16th August No Game for the 1s. 2s - you already had the live update on this game with Jordan being the only duck. Jordan moved to 49 Ducks in the all time stats joining me 1 away from the 50! 3s - Ducks for Nolan Wilde and Nikesh, Nolan moves to 21 ducks in the all time stats joining club stalwart Dave Todd. Dave's 21 ducks came in 236 innings, while Nolan needed only 149 innings to match this. Nikesh moves to 4 ducks, 2 of which have come this season out of his 50 innings across 5 seasons at Linton. 4s - this match was conceded by Hunton so all ducks avoided! Sunday 17th August 1s - Tobey Castle collects his 5th duck of the season and 34th duck overall. 2s - Two narrow escapes in the 2s with Will Gray and Nick Pennefather both falling for 1. Wednesday 20th August Midweek XI - No Ducks.

Saturday 1s v Sibton Park Ben Austin - Overall: 29 Ducks, 2025: 3 Ducks Alex Keeler - Overall: 15 Ducks, 2025: 2 Ducks Saturday 2s v Holcombe and Blue Bell Hill. No Ducks. Saturday 3s - No Game Saturday 4s v Orpington Ocelots. Andrew Joseph - Overall: 3 Ducks, 2025: 1 Duck Sunday 1s v knockers. Praveen Tunga - Overall: 6 Ducks, 2025: 5 Ducks Ian Hollingworth - Overall: 34 Ducks, 2025: 3 Ducks Sunday 2s v Marden. Theo Clemets - Overall: 8 Ducks, 2025: 2 Ducks Zach Wilde - Overall:12 Ducks, 2025: 2 Ducks Lots of Cricket being played this week for more duck additions. Games on Tuesday and Friday, and the weekend games. Some movement in the race for duck of the season, Praveen Tunga now joint leads with Toby Joseph (misses next couple of weeks due to holiday) with 5 ducks.

7 Games were played across Saturday and Sunday this week, and with a number of key players missing this enabled old and new faces to re-join the duck hunt. in the 1st XI game against Bapchild, Dan Thirkell made a guest appearance but did not succumb to the duck on this occasion, of the 9 1st XI players who batted none recorded the dreaded duck. The 2nd XI took on Dartford 4's, and a return to Saturday cricket for Ian Hollingworth saw him record a second duck for the season. Ian now moves closer to duck club on 33 ducks in his 126 innings for Linton. Ian is in prestigious company alongside current and previous club captains Tobey Castle and Dan Thirkell. The 3rd XI game against Bredgar recorded a duck for a man who recently achieved 1000th Game for the club (Junior and Senior), just proving no matter how many you play you can always fall foul of the duck! This is Richards 4th for the season moving him into tied second place for Duck of the year. Richard equals Jon Harris on 95 ducks taking him into joint second place in the all time stats behind Tim Thirkell. Jon narrowly missed out on 100 ducks before a hundred which could have been a new category for us. Of the active players who could still reach this feat (albeit a long way off - Myself 49 Ducks and a high of 77 for the club. JK 46 ducks and a high of 50 for the club. Martin 43 Ducks and a high of 43 for the club) Only time will tell if this record can be achieved. Richard your next game will be your 1000th Senior Game for Linton. No Ducks in the 4th XI fixture against Egerton. Moving onto Sunday 1st XI - as previously mentioned Toby Joseph racked up his 5th Ducks of the season and moved top of the Duck of the Year category. Toby now has 17 ducks for Linton across 5 playing seasons, his 5th duck in this game against Harbledown matches his previous high of 5 ducks in a season in 2022. Toby moves to 17 Ducks in the all-time standings alongside Some prestigious names. Darren Styles, Roly Edwards and Clive Newman to name a few. In the Sunday 2nd XI fixture away at Pembury, Richard avoided a double duck scenario scoring 4. However, Frank Harbord recorded his first duck of the current season to join in the duck race. This was Franks 9th adult Duck for the club in his 4th Season of playing. He joins fan favourite Jon Sisley on 9 Ducks. Other players include Keith Miller who played 4 seasons in the 1970's, John Crellin who played 4 seasons in the 1960's and Gerald Wright who played 4 seasons in the 1950's. Finally in the Sunday 3rd XI fixture at Faversham there were two ducks, Alex Wade and Sam King both failed to trouble the scorers. Alex notches up a second for the season, his 14th Overall. Alex joins the Taylor brothers, the Chairman and Alex Keeler, fine company to keep on 14 Ducks. Sam king moves to 8 ducks overall joining rising star Thomas Mundell - whose fate has been changing and now has 8 ducks from 14 innings - 4 in a row without a duck. This was Sam's second duck of the season.

From the Top: Saturday 1s - Tom Campbell records his third adult duck, taking his tally for the season to two. Tom joins esteemed Linton alumni Ken Webb who scored 1210 runs for the club at an average of 20.51 across the 79 games he played throughout the 1970's, and current players, Altus Diener and Blair Mundell. Saturday 2s recorded two ducks both Brandon Eloff and Praveen Tunga added to their season tallies. Taking them to 3 and 4 respectively. Brandon now has 8 ducks in his Linton Career pulling alongside Mardey Castle and Martin Rivers. Ron McCormick records the lowest percentage ducks having batted 152 times for his 8. Ron escaped the dreaded duck for 10 seasons before finally falling for a nought against Headcorn in 2001. Praveen is now tied first on 4 ducks for the 'Duck of the Year' award alongside fellow candidates, Tobey Castle, Toby Joseph, Will Hughes and John Karassellos. 3 of the 4 Saturday captains are in contention for this prestigious award! This is Praveen's 5th Adult duck and brings him in line with Bob Lines, who played from 1983 to 1991, and batted 122 times for his 5 ducks. No Ducks recorded in the Saturday 3s, but the Saturday 4s saw Reuben Mundell open his account this season, which brings him level with his dad on 3 ducks. Sunday 1s chased down a low total with several casualties including Ben Austin who records his 28th Duck for Linton, Ben joins Chris Thirkell on 28 only his second duck of the season, the other being a first ball of the game duck in the national village game against Leeds and Broomfield. In the Sunday 2s - Alex Daniels recorded his second duck of the season for Linton, (6th of the season across all games he has played; junior cricket and games for other clubs don't count) this is his second adult duck in 3 innings so watch this space! Sunday 3s no ducks were recorded.

A single fixture on the books this week, and — brace yourselves — not a single nought to show for it. The Duck Club's nets came back empty. Somewhere out there, eleven Linton batters (at least) got off the mark, ran quick singles, middled a few, and generally behaved like the ducks had never existed. A quiet weekend for the exclusive zero club, and for once we're not celebrating. 0️⃣ The Lament It happens. Even the most reliable suppliers of scoreless ignominy have their off days — or rather, their on days, which is rather the point. The art of not scoring took a rest this week, and the honours boards stay untouched, the tallies unmoved, the Duck of the Year race frozen exactly where it stood. Whether this is a blip or the start of an unwelcome trend of competence remains to be seen. We watch. We wait. We wait, mostly, for someone to nick one behind first ball. 🏏 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard — Top 5 1. John Karassellos — 4 ducks from 16 innings (25%) 2. Tobey Castle — 4 ducks from 16 innings (25%) 3. Will Hughes — 4 ducks from 17 innings (23.53%) 4. Toby Joseph — 4 ducks from 18 innings (22.22%) 5. Praveen Tunga — 3 ducks from 6 innings (a positively alarming 50%) A genuinely tight scrap at the top — Karassellos and Castle locked together on 25%, with Hughes and Joseph breathing down their necks. Praveen Tunga, meanwhile, continues to operate at a duck rate that would make actuaries wince, and remains one poor shot away from overtaking the lot of them. 🥇 Looking Ahead Normal service will surely resume. The next fixture awaits, the bowlers are sharpening up, and somewhere out there a fresh victim is already shouldering arms to one they should have left. Get your names in, gentlemen — the honours board doesn't fill itself. 🦆

Starting at the top with the most important ducks of the weekend, I secured my 49th Duck against Mersham Sports on Saturday, now dangerously close to the 50 Ducks milestone, moving to the most likely candidate to reach this milestone this season! Tobey Castle also records a duck in this game, his 4th for the season and 33rd duck for Linton. He joins previous 1st XI captain Dan Thirkell on 33, now only 7 ducks away from joining this chat! Returning fan favourite Jonathan Sisely picked up a duck on Saturday in the 4s, moving to 9 ducks out of 26 innings. He joins John Bloomfield who played his games during the late 70's and early 80's racking up 9 ducks in 46 innings. No ducks in the T20 on Friday, the Saturday 2s, 3s or on Sunday! We have a lot more cricket happening this week, with matches tomorrow, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So plenty of scope for those ducks to rack up.

In the Saturday 1st XI Alex keeler recorded his first duck of the season in 11 innings, and brings his Linton record up to 14 ducks across 148 innings operating at a 10% duck ratio. Alex joins the chairman Laurie Probert and Brothers Fred and George Taylor on 14 Ducks in the all time Stats. Saturday 2s opened with Johan Eloff who recorded another duck to his linton Career making 10 Ducks in the all time stats, Johans 10 have come off 36 innings operating at 27% duck ratio. Johan joins jack jenner and Jamie Ratcliffe on 10 ducks and has the highest duck ratio of the players on 10. Saturday 3's cant escape the ducks with another 3 being recorded. Will Hughes adds another duck to his season joining Toby Joseph and our very own JK as leaders in duck accumulation for 2025 on 4 ducks. This is Wills first season playing senior cricket so his total is also on 4 out of 14 innings making a ratio of 28% ducks per innings. Henry Campbell adds another duck to his season, second in a row, 4 innings in a row without scoring a single run. (0, 0, 0, 0). this duck moves him to 8 in the all time stats off 31 innings at a ratio of 25%. Henry joins JOnathan Sisley (32%) and Thomas Mundell (61%) (our hot pick for next president of duck club). Furthermore Praveen Tunga secured his 3rd duck of the season, 4th duck in the all time stats, with a ratio of 40%. Many players to choose from on 4 ducks such as active players - Alex Holt (20%), Harvey Lowe (21%). Only one team batted on sunday with the 2s match at linton being abandoned before the innings could start. At Borstal the sunday 1s managed a slow start falling to 58-5 before the rain came, within that period however Jordan Austin managed to survive 8 balls before nicking off and faling for his 3rd Duck of the season. Jordan (13%) is forging ahead towards 50 ducks and has become our favourite to reach the milestone next, having drawn level with me (15%). This is jordans second duck in a row but with penshurst unable to find a team for wednesday we will need to wait until the weekend to find out if Jordan will make it three in a row!

Leading by example Saturday 1s Skipper - Tobey Castle notched up his 3rd Duck of the season to edge closer to Toby Joseph who topped the duck Tallies after last weekend. Tobey moves to #41 in the all time rankings, approaching former skipper Dan Thirkell who has 33 ducks. Tobey on 32 ducks Sits alongside Ian Hollingworth. The Saturday 2's was disappointing for this group and had no ducks. The Saturday 3's however made up for this recording 4 ducks out of the 11 players who batted. C Liebenburg - possibly Kenny? as I couldn't find a C. Followed by Will Hughes, JK and Henry Campbell. Will secures his 3rd duck from 12 innings all accomplished this season, in the all time stats, Will Joins Des High on 3 ducks, Des by contrast played 5 games and had 5 innings. Henry Campbell celebrated his 7th Duck for Linton on Saturday, opening his account for the season. Others in his age group happily surround him on 7 ducks including Theo Clements, and Sam King. JK Adorned both the Saturday and Sunday Duck Honours rolls this weekend notching up the coveted King Pair for the weekend achiving first ballers in both Saturday and Sunday Games, JK was so pleased with his achievement he messaged me personally to come clean! JK Looms dangerously close to the 50 Ducks Club now pulling up beside Jordan on 46 Ducks. Jordan however was in fine form again this weekend adding valuable runs on both Saturday and Sunday. JK seems to be the duck omen at the minute with 4 in his Saturday Side and 3 in the Sunday Side - alongside JK on sunday Alex Nunn and Ian Lowe both failed to trouble the scorers, Alex joins Ryan Silk on 6 ducks in the all time stats which is his second for the season. Ian Lowe had another poor weekend with the bat moving to 3 for the season, and rapidly advancing in the all time stats, Ian joins teenage delinquent Harry Bee, and Gentleman cricketer David Lowen on 5 ducks. With a midweek friendly scheduled for Wednesday this week can JK make it three in a row? <This message was edited> ——— 🦆🦆Midweek duck update! 🦆🦆 Jk avoided three in a row and REBOUNDED in style making 45 off 43 against Warlingham yesterday. Unfortunately for Jordan it was his turn for a first baller, his second duck of the season and 47th for linton. Jordan equals Bob Arnold's duck tally and is closing in on me!

An important weekend of Cricket has just been played with two of our members adding to their Tally and edging closer to their respective milestones, On Saturday Jordan recorded his first duck of the season, moving to 46 in the all time duck stats. Jordan pulls up alongside Mike Elworthy better known for adding some spice to the beginning of Linton innings with his fiery stroke making. Jordan is now just 4 ducks away from joining Lukey, Tim and Rich P as the active players in the 50 ducks Club. Sunday saw Rich P inch closer to an impressive milestone, now just one behind Jon Harris Rich sits alone on 94 Ducks - 6 away from joining Tim in the 100-club. Other ducks across the matches saw both Kenny Liebenberg and Ian Bruce open their duck accounts at Linton, people are clearly desperate to join the ranks of the duck club and get their name etched in history on the Duck Club Honours board. Sundays game alongside Rich, Zach Wilde notched up his 11th Senior Duck - first for the season. Zach joins Harrison Fermor and Sam Boyns from current players and Linton's Kabaddi World Cup representative Tom Murphy, who claims Joe Denly is in. A further duck in this game was collected by Ian Lowe - Ian moves to 4 in the all time stats joining the infamous Fraggle (Will Bramley-Harker) who almost took a hat-trick in 2011 at knockholt, this would have been an extraordinary feat in itself - but was overshadowed on the day by Dom Dixon's cradle antics, who took a ball to the dome then came back to play again with his dads lid on.

There was an abundance of category ducks in action across the weekend with potentials for brother ducks, Jordan Austin & Ben Austin (Sat and Sun), George & Fred Taylor (Sat), Toby Joseph & Andrew Joseph (Sun), , Christian Eloff & Johan Eloff (Sun). And father and son duck combinations; Brandon Elof & Johan Elof (Sat), Blair Mundell & Reuben Mundell (Sat), Ian Lowe & Harvey Lowe (Sun), Nick Tromp & Divan Tromp (Sun), Nolan Wilde & Zach Wilde. Finally, Family of ducks contenders in Brandon Eloff and his two boys (Sun), Johan and Christian, Spencer Gray and his two boys, William & James Gray (Sun). This shows a testament to a family club where everyone is getting involved. Saturday saw 4 teams venture out: 1st XI Tonbridge – No Ducks recorded, all 11 players batted, #11 coming in with 12 to win off 2 balls, high percentage chance of a duck but avoided. 2nd XI Snodland Community – Martin Rivers didn’t like Brandon equalling his Duck Tally on Thursday and moves one duck ahead again. James Gray Recorded his First Duck of the season and 6th overall – a position he will not hold for long… 3rd XI Orpington Ocelots – No Ducks Recorded. 4th XI Hunton Wanderers – Will Hughes increases his Tally moving to 2 for the season 2 overall. Sunday 15 June 1st XI Beckenham Wizards - A narrow escape for Duck Brothers Toby and Andrew Joseph who would have made their inaugural appearance on the Duck Honours Board – Two of a Quack. Andrew was called back by Beckenham after he was given out LBW on a duck – Andrew eventually managed to get off the mark, despite a few more LBW shouts and near misses! Toby however, succumbed to another duck for the season taking his duck Tally to 4 and is now the front runner in the Duck of the year awards category. Toby moves to 15 ducks overall, challenging ex-chairman Richard Knowler for his spot at #94 in the all-time records. Harvey Lowe recorded his 1st Duck of the season in his second game of the year, Harvey pulls level with Ian both on 1 ducks for the year, and moves to 4 ducks in the overall stats. Harvey joins Linton Alumni Alastair Allsworth, and Will Roxburgh on 4 ducks Will averages 88 for Linton in the all-time stats, but all those runs are meaningless here! 2nd XI Fixture v’s Southborough – One run stopped Spencer Gray joining his son James on the honours board as Father and Son Ducks, James fell victim and recorded a 2nd duck for the season (the eagle eyed will spot that James recorded his second duck in a row and a pair for the weekend). He moves to 7 ducks joining Ollie Howarth Tennis Coach and owner of a vulgar Orange Fiat Punto. Tim Thirkell Extended his lead in the all time stats notching up another Duck at Southborough, moving to 103 overall, Tim is the only player to breach the 100 Ducks Mark for the club a feat which is celebrated here. Alex Nunn records a duck in this game also, bringing the duck tally to three in the game, this opens Alex’s account for the season and takes him to 5 alongside active players Josh Gurney, and David Lowen. Looking back Alex joins Matt Gladwell who last played in 2020, and Bob Lines whose last game was in 1991. 3rd XI fixture at Rumwood v’s Rolvenden, Farhan Malik (Mo) and Alexander Daniels both fell for a duck, Mo moves to 2 for the season and overall joining Ex-Rumwood Refugee David Day, and Phillip Morrison brother of Stewart, who as brothers escaped the Two of a Quack Honours reel. Alexander Daniels notched up his first duck of the season and all-time in senior cricket in his 3rd outing. Finally Christian Eloff, fell victim to the Duck, the only Elof not to trouble the scorer. A weekend full of potential for high profile – Honour worthy ducks fell short. A total of 11 ducks were seen moving the Linton Duck Tally for the season to 65.

Breaking this down per game: 1st XI – Away @ Sibton Park – 2 ducks Fred Taylor fell for his 3rd consecutive duck of the season, he moves onto 14 ducks joining his brother (George). Tom Campbell records his second adult duck after opening his account last season at harbledown – both his ducks have been part of a 5-for for the bowlers, B.Allon @ Sibton & Jan Maroofkhail @ Harbledown. 4th XI – Away @ Orpington Ocelots – 3 ducks Toby Joseph receives another bagel, his second for the season, and 13th for Linton (we aren’t finished with Toby!) Johan Eloff secured himself another duck to add to his season tally, moving to 2 ducks for the season – Johan moves to 9 senior ducks for Linton, the previously reported 14 ducks included junior games which will now be excluded from the stats. Johan joins historical figures such as Keith Miller who appears on our Father and Son ‘Duck and Duckling’ Honours board, and more recent player, Jack Gwynn who played between 2009 and 2017. Srikrishna Challa (Nikhil) succumbed to a duck, his first of the season, moving to 3 overall, a relatively recent addition to Linton joining during Covid in 2021. Nikhil shares his glory with Pete ‘Peanut’ Davies the Sky man, and Marks Second Best Friend after Miles Walker – Dan McCarthy who played for 2 seasons (06 and 07) and never got asked to play again (there’s more to this story, I just can’t remember it!). Another player on 3 ducks around this time was ‘legally blind’ Paul Webber, who also came on tour to Cleethorpes with us in 2007. This has led me to think of a new category for the duck club ‘ducks on tour’ for those who rack them up while travelling. Sunday 1st XI @ home to Willesborough Toby Joseph doubled up for his second duck of the weekend, which moved him swiftly on from 13 to 14 for Linton. His 3rd for the season, moving him joint top of the current duck hunting season with Fred Taylor. Toby joins C- HAYLOR, who in 1963 played 3 matches for Linton and recorded 3 successive ducks. Possible new category of ‘A season of Ducks’ Ethan Joubert became inducted into the duck club receiving his first adult duck for Linton Ethan held out 8 innings before reaching the milestone. Picking out some historical figures also sharing the accolade: Jack Knowler, Mark Austin, Father and Son John and Nick Coles, and Ivan Diprose who played between 1982 to 1985 and later umpired for Linton, Ivan has a commemorative bench at the ground. Sunday Second XI, away to Holcombe and Blue Bell Hill. Alex Holt and Josh Gurney Quacked up for their 4th and 5th ducks respectively. Alex opened his account for the season with his first duck, having escaped with a 0* against Cowdrey earlier in April. Alex joins Salix Bat maker Andrew Kember on 4 ducks. Andy played 1 season for Linton in 1985 scoring 51 runs at an average of 5.10. Josh Gurney joins David Lowen on 5 ducks, David can still be seen turning out for Linton and may yet add to his tally. Other 5 duck careers at Linton include the notorious Harry Bee, whose first Adult game for Linton snagged him his premier duck. After leaving Linton Harry has played for a number of other clubs around the Kent league circuit most recently Sandwich Town. Given we are only in June and have already smashed the highest Duck tally for any historical season, I may need to do some more analysis. We are fielding more teams this year than ever before and that is obviously resulting in more ducks. May need to work out the Ducks v’s Players in a season to give a ratio figure in which to compare it against to previous seasons. ——— Cheeky update after last night's t20. Brandon skied his first ball to deep mid on and recorded his second duck of the season, moving to 7 for.linton, joining local weather enthusiast Martin Rivers and absentee teen Theo 'peanut' Clements. There are lots more players on 7 ducks, including 90s and noughties, legendary figures, Mike Caddick, and John Taylor. Recent tree abuser and now permanently excluded from the green party; Tom Roxburgh.

Nick Tromp fell for his second duck this season on saturday against Bredgar. This is Nicks 13th Duck for Linton. He's in good company as he joins other active players such as Alex Wade and Alex Keeler. Brandon bagged himself his 6th Duck on Saturday, joining some well known and some infamous players from past and present, other players accruing 6 ducks in their Linton career; the notorious Adam Wright, and Abishek Pushpavinothan who is yet to play again this season. Other notable's include the only man i know to wear a box while in the outfield Iain Cardew, and a couple of current players, Ryan Silk and Henry Campbell. This could also be a hall of fame moment in duck history! as Both father and son, Brandon and Johan failed to score in the same game. (I will fact check this, as other likely candidates include myself and Martin) Wildcard duck may be 3 in a game @Jordan Austin can you confirm from the Rumwood records whether you ben and Mark all recorded a duck in the same game? Johan secured his first duck of the season and moves to 14 Ducks in total, a grand achievement drawing level with our current chairman Laurie Probert. The fourth Duck of this game was awarded to Praveen Tunga, second duck for the season for Praveen and 3 overall out of 14 innings -lots of ducks in the pond to choose from on 3 ducks, a recent ducklings to arrive includes Altus Diener, more seasoned duck hunters will also know Joel Atwood though, and father and son combo Iain and Harvey Lowe all on 3 ducks. 5th Duck of the Game went to Sam King, his first duck of the year adding to his previous 9 bringing him to a total of ten ducks for the mathematically challenged. Sam joins a regiment of ducks who failed to keep their tally in single digits. Highlights in this category include Abisheks' dad, Thuraiappah Pushpavinothan, who was mentioned earlier, Jamie Ratcliffe and Jack Jenner and Zach Wilde (another possible candidate for the duck and duckling hall of fame moment discussed earlier). seemingly unlikely but this may be one of the highest concentration of ducks in a game. Can anyone remember a 6 or more duck game? From the 1st XI game against Bapchild a lesser spotted double duck was seen in Freddie Taylor who recorded his second consecutive duck in as many weeks. Fred hurries onto 13 ducks, joining Nick Tromp. rolling back the years we see Joe Martin and Ryan Boyns on 13 Ducks rolling back further Rob Jackson who played the bulk of his games between 2001 and 2006 then to one which even Tim possibly doesn't know.. Frank Sutton who played between 1925 and 1950. Although Freddie was the only Linton Duck to fall against Bapchild it would be remiss of me not to mention another duck on the day, Christopher Knope, affectionally known during his playing career at Linton as Matt Knope for reasons which escape me. Chris Knope played 25 games for Linton between 2005 and 2010, but never opened his account. Since then Chris has accrued 20 ducks across his playing career which has included outings for Detling Snodland and Bapchild. that's a wrap for Saturday Ducks. Sundays ducks were fewer (thankfully) - No ducks were hunted in the 2nd XI game against New Ifield, but an old duck emerged at Stone, Ian Hollingworth recorded his first duck of the season and now stands alone in the Linton park duck archives on 32 ducks.

Fred taylor earned his first duck of the season in the 1st XI game against Addington. Fred moves to 12 ducks alongside Toby Joseph and Nick Tromp. Richard Piper and.Aaron Hughes both secured their second ducks for the season yesterday in the second XI game against bapchild. Moving to 93 and 20 respectively in the all.time stats. Richard moves past Trevor Back (92) and is alone on 93. Aaron keeps good company with James Piper and Nolan, who scored 70, opening the batting in the 4s yesterday. El presidente will be back in action today, after narrowly escaping another duck yesterday falling on 2, fingers crossed for #52 lukey! ——— As you may have inferred from JKs message yesterday, there was 1 duck from this group against the dissidents. @Jannie Karasellos moves to 44 ducks, bringing him level with @Mark Christmas. John had survived a couple of attempts of Dan Baker trying to run him out but resolutely stood his ground before nudging one back to Dave Charlton in a caught and bowled. Extra bit of duck trivia, Dave used to play for linton and accrued 25 ducks in 224 innings during his playing career. One other duck yesterday for Dr Farhan Malik (Mo) his first duck for Linton from 6 innings. Other frugal notables on 1 duck throughout their playing career include Maurice Fenner who played from 1940 to 1963 for the club. Maurice's duck came in 1958 in a friendly against Folkestone.

Toby Joseph recorded his 12th duck moving level with nick tromp in active players. Blast from the past on 12 ducks include: Gareth Davies Adrian caddick Lewis Burnham ——— Theo Clements recorded his first duck of the season yesterday at Frindsbury. 10th duck overall in 83 innings. Blast from the past on 10 ducks include: Jamie Ratcliffe and Jack Jenner More duck news to follow! Nolan Wilde recorded his second duck of the season. 55th duck in 435 innings on play cricket. Only linton ducks are counted here, though. Nolan moves past Aaron Hughes to 20 ducks for linton in 132 innings. Only one other player has 20 ducks... James Piper. For the sub category of 50 ducks before a 50, we have 2 inducktees into the hall of fame: Simon Thirkell 60 ducks with a high score of.48 Ian Brattle 51 ducks with a high score of 33

LUKEY THE PRESIDENT 51 DUCKS Tom B - 48 linton ducks Jordan- 45 ducks Mark - 44 ducks Martin and JK - tied on 43 ducks

A vintage early-May haul for the exclusive zero club: seven fixtures, eight ducks, and one unfortunate soul notching a brace across two different formats in as many days. The art of not scoring is alive and thriving at Linton Park. 🏏 1st XI v Tonbridge CC (away, Sat 3rd) Joshua Knowler fell at number 10, c & b Chirag Patel — his 36th career duck, 34th on the all-time list, drawing level with Darrell Houghton-Judge (2012–2025, also on 36). A Duck of the Year 2010 alumnus and Diamond Duck club member, Joshua wasn't quite finished with his weekend... Thomas Beeney followed at 11, bowled Khurram Shehzad, his 48th career duck and season opener — level with the great David Castle (1982–2022, 839 innings, also on 48). A veteran of the Debutante Duck and Diamond Duck honours boards, Thomas remains a fixture of the Ducks on the Road top 10. 🏏 4th XI v Yalding CC (away, Sat 3rd) Daniel Baker chipped a simple catch to Jack Nyren off Edward Mead — his 4th career duck, 2nd of the season, sharing this very calendar date with David Castle's own 1997 blob at Bidborough. Josh Gurney followed at 8, c Daniel Ralph b Jack Nyren, his 4th career duck and 1st of the season from just 22 innings. Thomas Mundell rounded off the top-order collapse at 9, bowled Jonathan Fenn — his 8th career duck, 2nd of the season, matching Carl Davis (1994–2009) tally for tally. A chip off the old block, too, with sibling Reuben and parent Blair both paid-up club members in their own right. 🍩 Friendly XI v Rumwood CC (home, Mon 5th) Nick Tromp departed bowled Sam Boyns, his 12th career duck — level with Alex Wade (2014–2025). Reigning Duck of the Year 2023, Nick knows precisely how this works. 🍩 Sunday 2nd XI v Addington Village CC (home, Sun 4th) John Karassellos was run out for nought, his 44th career duck, matching Mark Christmas (2002–2025) exactly. A four-time Duck of the Year and owner of five Ducks in a Row, John remains a Full House nearly-man — and with son Anthony (19 career ducks) and daughter Michaela (3) also enrolled, the Karassellos name is thoroughly dynastic round these parts. 0️⃣ Twenty20 v Bexleyheath CC (home, Sun 4th) And so to Joshua Knowler's second act. Having survived a ball or two at Tonbridge on Saturday, he offered no such resistance at Bexleyheath — bowled Alex McCann first ball faced, a pure golden duck, his 37th career nought. Two ducks in two days across two different formats seals a proper weekend pair, echoing Stan Wratten's own effort on this same day back in 1969 against Bobbing Court. 📊 Week in Summary Eight ducks fell across seven fixtures, with the 4th XI's middle order doing the heaviest lifting against Yalding. Joshua Knowler's format-hopping pair was easily the standout feat of the weekend. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard 1. Joshua Knowler — 2 inns, 2 ducks (100%) 2. Thomas Mundell — 2 inns, 2 ducks (100%) 3. Daniel Baker — 3 inns, 2 ducks (67%) 4. William Gray — 1 inn, 1 duck (100%) 5. Jonathan Sisley — 2 inns, 1 duck (50%) The season is young and the standings will surely shuffle. See you all at the next fixture — the ducks are, as ever, expecting company. 🦆

A modest harvest across six fixtures this weekend, but the exclusive zero club still found four new members to welcome through its doors. Saturday 3rd XI v Faversham CC - Jonathan Sisley walked in at four and departed bowled by Tom Harris, his first duck of the new season and the 8th of a career now standing at 23 innings, good enough for 158th of 1586 in the all-time order. He arrives level on 8 with Carl Davis, the 1994-2009 stalwart who took 41 innings to get there and signed off with a Retirement Duck to his name - Jonathan's got time yet to beat that pace. 4th XI v Town Malling CC - Thomas Mundell suffered the purest indignity going, caught behind off the very first ball he faced, a proper golden duck. It's his 7th career nought from only 9 innings, vaulting him to 180th all-time and drawing level with Henry Bourdillon (2017-2024, 94 innings) - proof that quality matters more than quantity round here. Thomas is already a paid-up member of the Debutante Duck club from an earlier innings, and with brother Reuben (2 career ducks) and father Blair (3) both fellow travellers, the Mundell name is fast becoming a fixture on the honours board. Sunday 1st XI v Cowdrey CC - Anthony Karassellos fell at six, bowled by Heashan Perera, his first duck of 2025 and the 19th of an already decorated career, now 79th all-time from 136 innings. Anthony carries some serious silverware: Duck of the Year 2024, a Full House (a duck at every position 1 to 11), and Debutante Duck honours besides. On this very day back in 1985, Paul Bowles also strolled back for nought against Penshurst Park CC, en route to a career 54 ducks and 10th place all-time. And with father John sitting on a formidable 43 career ducks and sister Michaela on 3, the ducking gene clearly runs strong in the Karassellos family. 2nd XI v Wickham Park CC - William Gray was bowled, the scorebook simply shrugging "Unsure" as to who actually got him, for his first duck of the season. That's 3 for his young career in just 6 innings, 327th all-time, level with Alex Holt (2022-2025, 19 innings). Brother James, himself sitting on 5 career ducks, will be watching the family tally with interest. Week in brief Four ducks from six matches, and a tidy piece of symmetry: three of the four were season-openers for their collectors, each discovering their 2025 form of not scoring in the very same weekend. Triumph through adversity, as ever. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard - Jonathan Sisley - 1 innings, 1 duck (100%) - Thomas Mundell - 1 innings, 1 duck (100%) - William Gray - 1 innings, 1 duck (100%) - Anthony Karassellos - 2 innings, 1 duck (50%) - Daniel Baker - 2 innings, 1 duck (50%) Four early pacesetters on a perfect record - plenty of season left for someone to spoil it. Next fixture, same invitation as always: pads on, guard taken, and the zero club stands ready to welcome its next inductee. 🦆🏏0️⃣

The 2025 Duck Hunting Season has officially opened its gates, and the exclusive zero club wasted no time welcoming five new inductees across a trio of fixtures. Bats were raised, edges were found, and the art of not scoring was practised with real conviction. 🏏 1st XI at Bearsted CC Three ducks in one innings away at Bearsted marks a rather committed start to the campaign. Tobey Castle fell for nought at first drop, caught Stephen Pearce bowled James West after seeing off a couple of deliveries, enough resistance to avoid the golden variety. It's his first of the season and 30th career duck from 300 innings, sliding him to 49th in the all-time list, level with Paul Gibson, who compiled the same 30 across a mighty 515 innings between 1984 and 2012 and who, for the record, once managed a Platinum Duck out first ball of the game back in 1991. Tobey's own kin have form too: David Castle carries 48 career ducks and Mardey Castle 7, so the not-scoring gene runs strong in that family. George Taylor followed at six, caught and bowled by Lewis Bedwell after three balls. His first duck of 2025 is the 13th of a career that began, as any paid-up member of the Debutante Duck club will tell you, with a nought on debut some seasons back. He moves to 102nd all time and draws level on 13 with Alex Keeler, who racked up the same tally across 138 innings between 2016 and 2025. Fellow duck club member Fred Taylor, on 11 career ducks, will no doubt be keeping score. Mark Christmas rounded things off at seven, trapped lbw by Lewis Bedwell for his first duck of the new season. It's his 44th career nought from 479 innings, 22nd in the all-time standings, from a man who has already tasted Duck of the Year glory back in 2008 and sits agonisingly as the club's Full House nearly-man, having ducked in ten of the eleven batting positions. Number eleven awaits, Mark. 🏏 3rd XI at Brasted Chart and Toys Hill CC Two more fell in Kent's less fashionable corner. Daniel Baker departed at five, caught John Gilder bowled Najib Chaudhry, his first duck of the season and third of a career now 14 innings young. He's a fellow member of the Debutante Duck club from a past debut of his own, and joins Alex Holt, who managed the same three-duck tally across 18 innings between 2022 and 2024, at 266th all time. Praveen Tunga went one better, or worse, falling at nine, caught Andrew Philip bowled James Clifford, for his first duck of the season and second of his career. He remains a paid-up member of the Only Two Quacks club alongside Brandon Eloff from a shared duck in seasons past, and now sits level on two with Alan Probert, whose brief but eventful 2008 to 2009 career yielded a Debutante Duck and a Retirement Duck inside just two innings. 📋 Elsewhere The third fixture of the day stayed strictly poultry-free, a rare weekend where not every XI could be relied upon to deliver. Five ducks, three matches, and a season already up and running. Bearsted proved the more fruitful hunting ground with a trio in one innings, someone ought to check what Lewis Bedwell and James West were putting in the tea urn. 🥇 Duck Hunting Season Leaderboard With everyone starting level, this week's quintet forms the entire early season table: - Daniel Baker – 1 duck / 1 innings (100%) - George Taylor – 1 duck / 1 innings (100%) - Mark Christmas – 1 duck / 1 innings (100%) - Praveen Tunga – 1 duck / 1 innings (100%) - Tobey Castle – 1 duck / 1 innings (100%) A flawless start for all five, a percentage none of them will want to keep, and one with plenty of room to improve. Next weekend brings fresh fixtures and, inevitably, fresh additions to the honours board. The Duck Club will, as ever, be watching. 🦆

A single fixture out there on a chilly February afternoon, and the Duck Club can report… nothing. Not a solitary nought. Not even a golden glimmer of ignominy. Every bat that walked to the crease walked back again having troubled the scorers at least once. The ducks, it seems, have evaded capture this week. 🥇 The whole Linton Park top order strolled off with the great British art of not getting out for nought — which, ironically, is the one thing this club doesn't celebrate. Somewhere out there a spinner will be feeling very hard done by. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard 🏏 The board is currently as quiet as the scoreboard — no ducks logged yet this season, so the podium sits wide open. A blank slate, ripe for the taking. Early doors yet, but someone's name will be etched into 2025's standings soon enough. Rest assured, dear members, this drought cannot last. Cricket has a way of restoring order, and there's always a golden duck lurking round the next fixture. Get your ducks ready for next week — the exclusive zero club always has room for new applicants. 0️⃣🍩🦆

A rare and troubling dispatch from the Duck Club this week: nothing to report. One solitary fixture took place in the period under review, and — almost unthinkably — all involved batsmen found a way to trouble the scorers. Not a single nought was laid down. No golden ducks, no pairs, no king pairs, not so much as a family outing to the crease and back in ignominy. The exclusive zero club, so often bustling, sat entirely empty this week. Whether this is down to uncharacteristic competence, a soft afternoon on a flat track, or simply the ducks taking a well-earned half-term break, the Club Correspondent cannot say. What can be said is that somewhere out there, careers remain unblemished for one more week, and several members will no doubt be quietly relieved. Let it not be mistaken for reform. The art of not scoring is a proud and stubborn tradition at Linton Park, and normal service — a nick down leg, a rash charge, an lbw shout upheld by a suspiciously confident umpire — will surely resume before long. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard The board is, for the moment, entirely bare — no season ducks yet logged for 2025. A blank leaderboard is a dangerous thing: somewhere among the current squad sits the player who will eventually top it, and they don't know it yet. Early days, but the race for Duck of the Year 2025 starts from a standing start for everyone. 🏏 Onwards to the next fixture, where standards will surely be restored. The ducks are only ever one loose shot away — see you all pitchside, and best of luck avoiding the honours board. 0️⃣🦆

A single fixture braved the January chill this week, and — remarkably, infuriatingly — not a single duck was laid to rest across the whole afternoon. Eleven bats went out, eleven bats (presumably) troubled the scorer, and the exclusive zero club was left standing at the gate with nothing to process. 0️⃣ ducks recorded. 1 match played. A perfect, maddening clean sheet. For an institution built on celebrating the art of not scoring, this is — ironically — its own small tragedy. The Duck Club exists to toast failure, and this week failure simply failed to show up. Somewhere out there, a nought went unscored, a golden opportunity for a golden duck slipped by unclaimed, and the honours board gathers not a single new name to its ranks. Early season, mind — the 2025 campaign is barely out of its wrapper, and history tells us the ducks are never far behind. Bats will be found wanting again soon enough; consistency of a very particular kind always reasserts itself eventually. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard The 2025 board sits untouched — a blank page, nobody's name on it yet. Whoever claims the first duck of the season earns the rare distinction of setting the pace from a standing start. Space reserved, pending the inevitable. Roll on the next fixture. The ducks can't hide forever — somebody, somewhere, is due a nick behind, a leave that wasn't, or a full toss straight into the safest hands on the ground. When it happens, the Duck Club will be watching, and this report will not be nearly so short. 🦆 Until then — bat on, and good luck avoiding the club.

A single fixture ventured out into the field this week, and — brace yourselves — not a single quack was heard. Eleven (or however many) batters strode out, and eleven batters, infuriatingly, got off the mark. The zero club's membership committee sat idle all weekend. It happens. Even the most dedicated student of the art of not scoring has an off week where, maddeningly, everyone insists on scoring runs instead. Nature abhors a vacuum, and apparently so does Linton Park's top order this time round. Duck Hunting Season leaderboard The season is freshly underway and the honours board stands, for now, mercifully — or is it tragically — blank. No candidates have yet presented themselves for glory. A duck-shaped hole awaits its first occupant. Rest assured, this drought is a statistical inevitability rather than a permanent condition. Somewhere out there a nervous nine, a rash waft outside off, or a needless run-out is already being plotted by the cricketing gods. The 2025 campaign has barely cleared its throat. Next fixture, the traps go back out. Bring your bat, bring your nerves, and if history is any guide — someone's name will be back on this list before you know it. Until then, the Duck Club rests, watchful and patient. 🦆🍩0️⃣