🧢 Captain's Log

Sat 26 Sep 1970 🧢 1st XIv SC St Lukes Maidstone CC · HomeformLWDWW

As Mike Iliffe, I called it right and never doubted the decision to bat first on Saturday — you don't turn down a good toss on a good pitch, even at my age. The lads made the most of it, cruising to 227 for 3 off our 46 overs. Basil Sears led the charge with a fine 54, John Ames wasn't far behind with 52 of his own, and David Lowen rounded things off in style with an unbeaten fifty. Three half-centuries in an innings isn't something that happens every week at Linton Park, and I'll happily take the credit for winning the toss and none whatsoever for the batting.

If the bat had done the talking, the ball made sure St Lukes couldn't get a word in. I'll admit to chipping in with a few overs myself, but this was Ron Hickman's afternoon through and through — 4 for 7 off a spell that included five maidens, the kind of figures that make the rest of us look ordinary by comparison. Graham Mountford weighed in with 4 for 45 and Mike Stephens picked up a couple for 18, while E. Aiston's 29 and B. Pearce's 22 were about the only resistance St Lukes could offer before folding for 95 in 39.2 overs.

A 132-run win and two points banked — thoroughly deserved, and precisely the sort of afternoon that makes the tea taste that little bit sweeter.

Sun 20 Sep 1970 🧢 1st XIv HC Harrietsham CC · HomeformLLWDW

Under a sky that had clearly consulted the fixture list, we welcomed Harrietsham CC to Linton Park on Sunday, and the coin – for once – smiled kindly on me. I had no hesitation in putting the visitors into the field, a decision that looked rather better once Paul Bowles set about compiling a handsome half-century. I chipped in with 45 myself, and Dick Langridge steered us home unbeaten with a tidy 22, as we posted 163 for 6 from our fifty overs. Not every name troubles the scorebook favourably, mind – Brian Humphries and Jon Harris will be keener to bat again after their respective ducks.

Defending 163 always promises an afternoon of nerves, but the lads were magnificent with the ball. Paul Bowles, evidently not content with his runs, ran through Harrietsham with 4 for 12, while David T Lowen (3 for 10) and Dick Langridge (2 for 51) mopped up the rest. Tony Gauna bowled with the miserly discipline of a man who simply refuses to be hit, four maidens to his name. Michael Lidstone and Edward Smith departed without troubling the scorers, and the innings folded for 104 in 33 overs. Poor Nigel O'Toole had a torrid time behind the stumps, 9 byes his one blot on an otherwise cheerful day.

A 59-run victory, then, and a thoroughly satisfying one at that. Onwards we go, buoyed and rather pleased with ourselves.

Sat 19 Sep 1970 🧢 1st XIv West Farleigh CC · HomeformWLLWD

I called correctly and, on a bright September morning against West Farleigh, there was never really a decision to make — up went the bat, and in we went.

It wasn't our finest hour with the willow. 127 all out from 51.3 overs tells its own story of graft rather than glory, with Graham Mountford's 25 the backbone of the innings and Basil Sears chipping in a handy 23 around him. Less said the better about the three ducks on the card — Paul Bowles, Tim Thirkell and Jim Hall all back in the pavilion without troubling the scorer, which is the sort of thing that makes a captain stare rather hard into his tea.

Happily, 127 proved just enough, because what followed was as fine an afternoon's bowling as Linton Park could wish for. West Farleigh were bundled out for 95 in a brisk 21.4 overs, undone above all by Graham Mountford, who turned the ball square for a magnificent 7-40 — no higher praise than to say he was simply unplayable. Mike Stephens backed him up admirably with 3-18, including two miserly maidens, and en route reached the landmark of 50 career wickets, a fine achievement quietly earned. I chipped in with the bat earlier and was glad enough just to have contributed. Don Fermor's gutsy 52 for the visitors, well supported by Simon Day's 23, was the only real resistance, but three more West Farleigh ducks showed just how relentless our attack was.

Two points, 32 runs to the good, and a thoroughly deserved win: we batted like village cricketers and bowled like champions, and on the day that's a trade well worth making.

Sun 13 Sep 1970 🧢 1st XIv Mersham Le Hatch CC · HomeformWWLLW

Here's the match report:

The toss fell my way for once, and with the pitch looking true and the sky obliging, there was never really a decision to make — we batted. Brian Humphries set about proving the point in some style, anchoring the innings with a composed, unbeaten 22 as we motored along to 47 for the loss of just the one wicket in eight overs. Brisk, businesslike, and rather easier on the captain's nerves than usual.

Then came the small matter of bowling out Mersham Le Hatch, and here the lads rather excelled themselves — the visitors were dismissed for nought, all out, without so much as troubling the scorer. Quite how one explains a scoreline like that in the club gazette without sounding immodest, I do not know, so I shall simply report it and let the numbers do the boasting.

And yet, for all that dominance, the heavens or the clock or some other unseen hand denied us the finish our efforts deserved, and honours were shared — a draw when neither side could force matters to a conclusion. Elsewhere in the season's ledger, David T Lowen continues his quietly excellent campaign, sitting third in the 1970 first XI run charts with 397 to his name.

A funny old game, cricket — we bowled like champions, batted like gentlemen, and still walked off with nothing but a handshake to show for it. Verdict: a match won in all but name, and a draw we shall wear with quiet pride.

Sun 06 Sep 1970 🧢 1st XIv AC Anchorians CC · HomeformWWWLL

Another Sunday, another visit from Anchorians CC, and for once the toss went against us without doing us any harm at all - losing it and being asked to chase suited the lads down to the ground, since it meant taking the new ball first and getting stuck in.

Anchorians never really got going. Les Neate's 37 was the innings' backbone, with P- McBean chipping in 20, but wickets tumbled at the other end with alarming regularity - F- Harris, John Prodger and a- Harris all trooped back without troubling the scorers. David T Lowen span his way through the middle order for a magnificent 5-20, while Brian Fuller, miserly as ever with five maidens to his name, picked up 2-21, matched by Mike Stephens with 2-21 of his own. All out for 98 in 39.2 overs - a total that never looked like testing us.

And so it proved. Andrew Moss led the chase with a composed 30, Brian Humphries kept things ticking with 26, and I was happy to see us home unbeaten on 26 as we reached 99-3 in 31.1 overs. A word too for Brian Fuller, who reached the milestone of 50 career wickets today - a fine achievement. Moss continues to top our run charts for the season with 649, and Lowen's five-for sees him sitting third in the wicket-takers' list with 36.

Seven wickets in hand, spirits high, and Anchorians sent home wondering what happened. I'll take that every Sunday.

Sat 05 Sep 1970 🧢 1st XIv A A.Trembeths · HomeformLWWWL

Beaten but unbowed, that's how we'll file it. Winning the toss on a fine Saturday, I fancied runs on the board and had no second thoughts about batting first — though quite how we contrived to be bowled out for 99 in 41.3 overs is a question the tea urn may yet answer. Tim Thirkell stood firm for an unbeaten 30, David Piper chipped in nicely with 24, and somewhere in the middle order David T Lowen's duck will haunt his dreams rather more than mine, bless him.

Defending such a modest total always felt like asking the lads to bail out a rowing boat with a teaspoon, but credit where it's due — we made a proper fist of it. Graham Mountford was superb, his 3-46 built on the sort of miserly control that yielded six maidens and very little else for the batsmen to enjoy, while David T Lowen atoned handsomely with the ball, snaring 2-32, and Tony Gauna weighed in with 1-16. Still, their middle order had other ideas: B- Lewis's 27, backed up by L- Hart's 23 and P- Hardman's 22, ground us down until they reached home at 100/6 in 32.3 overs.

Four wickets the margin, and no arguing with the arithmetic. Andrew Moss continues to lead our run charts with 619 for the season, and Mountford's wickets column, now at 53, remains the one bright, unbending pillar in an otherwise wobbly Saturday. We'll dust ourselves off, have a stern word with the top order, and go again next week — chins up, sleeves rolled.

Mon 31 Aug 1970 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · AwayformWLWWW

We travelled down to Bearsted on the last Monday of August with high hopes and, as ever, lost the toss — so out we trooped into the field while they made themselves comfortable. Their openers put on a maddening 78 before we prised the first one out, and from there Richard Tree (63 not out) and Ian Lambert (54) settled in as though the ground were theirs, with Dave Bromley chipping in 33 more. A pesky last-wicket stand of 37 runs we could all have done without rounded off a total of 248 for 7 from their 62 overs. Alan Wilkes toiled manfully for 3 for 78, Paul Bowles chipped in 2 for 49, Dick Langridge picked up one, and Tony Gauna bowled with such miserly discipline — six maidens — that the tea urn nearly ran dry waiting for a boundary.

Chasing 249, we made a fair fist of it. Our own openers matched theirs stroke for stroke, adding 64 before the first wicket fell, and Paul Bowles batted beautifully for 91, well supported by Andrew Moss (34) and Alan Wilkes (20). Poor Nigel O'Toole, alas, departed for a golden duck, and Benny Bell had a torrid time behind the stumps, gifting 21 byes. We folded for 202 in the 50th over.

Some cheer amid the gloom: Bowles's 91 lifts him to 12th on the club's all-time run list, past George Champion. But a 46-run defeat is a 46-run defeat — back to the nets, lads.

Sun 30 Aug 1970 🧢 1st XIv Staplehurst CC · AwayformDWLWW

As it stood at the toss, I confess I had a good feeling about it — put Staplehurst in the field on a Sunday and see how they liked it. We did like it, mustering 203/7 from our 47 overs, with Paul Bowles the architect of the innings — 89 of the finest, falling agonisingly short of what would have been a thoroughly deserved century. David T Lowen chipped in with a tidy 26 and Stan Wratten saw us home unbeaten on 26, the sort of contribution that never quite makes the highlights reel but wins matches all the same.

Then, ball in hand, Bowles simply wouldn't stop. Having done the damage with the bat, he did it all over again with figures of 5-28 and four maidens — miserly doesn't begin to cover it — and in doing so eased past Michael Morton into 14th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list, which is the sort of thing a man is allowed to mention in the bar afterwards. Ron Hickman (3-44) and David T Lowen (1-38) tidied up the rest, and Staplehurst were bowled out for 120 in 33.4 overs, J- Bathurst's 24 and John Munn's 23 the only real resistance. Three of their number departed without troubling the scorers at all.

Poor Cliff Anscombe had a trying afternoon behind the stumps, 8 byes going begging, but no matter — a win by 83 runs is a win by 83 runs. Andrew Moss continues to lead the run charts this season and Hickman sits third among the wicket-takers. A thoroughly satisfactory Sunday. Onwards.

Sat 29 Aug 1970 🧢 1st XIv Whitstable CC · AwayformLDWLW

Here is the match report.

Saturday 29 August 1970, and off we went to Whitstable in reasonably good heart, though heaven knows I've had worse feelings about a toss than the one I won that day. I elected to bat — the right call, I'm delighted to report, and for once nobody in the pavilion had to remind me of it afterwards. We built steadily to 182/6 from our 48 overs, and I'll allow myself just the one mention that I made 67 of them, past my fifty and rather pleased with myself for it. Paul Bowles chipped in nicely with 43, and David T Lowen added a tidy 20 to round things out into a total that felt, even at tea, like it might just be enough.

And so it proved. Whitstable were bowled out for 127 in 43 overs, with only Mike Tritton offering any real resistance for 31. Paul Bowles ran quite riot with the ball — 8 for 51, moving him past Ray Howard and up to 15th on the club's all-time wicket-taking list, which is no small thing and deserves a pint or two in his honour. I chipped in with 2 for 16 and six maidens for good measure, while poor Jim Hall behind the stumps endured a torrid afternoon, 25 byes serving as testament to a pitch that clearly had ideas of its own. P Waters and R Hassall departed without troubling the scorers.

We got home by 55 runs. A thoroughly good day for the club, and one I'll be dining out on for weeks.

Wed 26 Aug 1970 🧢 Midweek XIv Gravesend CC · AwayformLLDWD

As my captain, I made no runs today but the pen writes swiftly enough on a Wednesday evening.

Wednesday 26th August, and off to Gravesend we trundled, the coin doing us no favours as ever — they won the toss and took first knock, leaving us to graft away in the field. Gaynor Kingston played the innings of the day, a fine 57, with Ian Farthing (38) and Mukul Lall (33) chipping in nicely to see them to 170 for 6 off their 55 overs. Credit to A Morgan for the sporting gesture of a duck at our hands. With the ball, Dick Langridge was the pick of us with 2 for 32 — and in doing so crept past Tony Snell into 7th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list, which is the sort of thing that makes the long walk back to the boundary feel worthwhile. Paul Bowles took 2 for 63, I helped myself to a tidy 1 for 28, and Jon Harris bowled with the miserliness of a man counting his own pennies — nine maidens, not a run given away lightly.

Chasing 171, it was Robert Chance who did the business, 95 not out and full value for every one of them, ably assisted by Mike Iliffe's 41; between them they saw off the golden ducks of Bowles and Gower to get us home by four wickets. Chance's innings also nudged him past Roy Clarke into 19th on the run-scorers' list — not a bad afternoon's work. Ten byes had poor Cliff Anscombe muttering into his tea, but no matter.

A good day at the office, and a thoroughly deserved win on the road.

Sun 23 Aug 1970 🧢 1st XIv MH Mersham Hatch · AwayformWLDWL

I put us in to bat at Mersham Hatch, and for once the toss actually paid off. We made a scrappy 130 all out in 51.3 overs, held together by a well-made fifty from yours truly, 63 in the end, with Brian Humphries chipping in a handy 21. It has to be said the middle order rather let the side down, Robert Chance, John Ames and Nigel O'Toole all departing for golden ducks, so 130 felt like scant reward for the effort put in at the top.

Happily, with ball in hand we were a different proposition entirely. Mersham Hatch were bowled out for 111 in 40.2 overs, C. Young's 32 the only real resistance. Alan Wilkes was quite magnificent, six for 56 and a five-for thoroughly earned, while I was pleased to chip in with 2 for 12 and four maidens to keep things tight at the other end. Tony Gauna took 2 for 31 for good measure. Ten byes did rather give the game away for poor Percy Brattle behind the stumps, and he will not thank me for mentioning it, but the rest of us were only too glad of the extras.

A 19-run win, then, and a deserved one. With Andrew Moss still striding out in front on 563 runs for the season and Alan Wilkes now up to 34 wickets, the old firm continues to do the damage. Onwards to the next one.

Sat 22 Aug 1970 🧢 1st XIv AC Aylesford Paper Mills CC · HomeformDWLDW

Beaten by six runs at home to Aylesford Paper Mills — and I'll admit, when we lost the toss and were sent out to field on a warm Saturday, I had a quiet feeling this one might go to the wire.

Aylesford posted 129 all out in 37.1 overs, and full credit to Colin Cheeseman for his 31, with Alan Perriman (23) and J. Perrin (22) chipping in to keep the total respectable. But it was Mike Stephens who did the real damage, tearing through their order with a magnificent 6 for 33 — the sort of spell that has the tea urn buzzing with talk before you've even sat down. Jon Harris (2-48) and Andrew Moss (1-22) mopped up admirably in support.

Chasing 130, we never quite found our rhythm, bowled out for 123 in 44.4 overs. Mike Stephens, not content with his heroics in the field, top-scored again with 30, and I managed a workmanlike 19 myself. Less happily, poor Tim Thirkell endured the walk of shame for a golden duck — these things happen to the best of us, Tim, and I dare say the lads will let you forget it by, oh, Christmas.

Andrew Moss continues to lead our 1970 run charts with 553, a fine effort that at least gives us something to toast. As for the match itself — six runs is nothing, a dropped catch, a mistimed single, the width of a bail. We were the better side for large stretches and simply couldn't finish the job. Chins up, lads — we'll be better for it next week.

Sun 16 Aug 1970 🧢 1st XIv MA Mote A · HomeformLDWLD

Sunday brought Mote A to our ground, and having won the toss I chose to bowl first, a call that looked rather shrewd by teatime. Alan Wilkes was in irresistible form, running through their order for 6-65 with six of those overs maidens, figures that will take some beating this season. Jon Harris chipped in with 3-63, and I managed to sneak into the wickets column myself with 1-7. Reader and Prince departed without troubling the scorers, though B. Shaw's defiant 68 dragged Mote A up to 148 all out in 44.4 overs, a total that felt more threatening than it proved.

Chasing it down, we were solid rather than spectacular, reaching 153-4 in 39.4 overs for a six-wicket win. Cliff Anscombe anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 46, well supported by John Ames's unbeaten 41, the pair seeing us home in some comfort. Eight byes rather gave the game away behind the stumps, a testing afternoon for Cliff with the gloves on, though nobody held it against him after that innings.

Off the field, cause for real celebration: Jon Harris reached 50 career wickets, a landmark thoroughly earned. Andrew Moss continues to lead our season run charts with 536, while Alan Wilkes now sits third in the wicket charts with 28.

A good day's work all round, professional with the ball, patient with the bat, and a fine entry on the honours board for Jon. We'll take that every Sunday.

Sat 15 Aug 1970 🧢 1st XIv BC Bowaters CC · AwayformDLDWL

No luck with the coin on Saturday, and we were put into the field at Bowaters — never my favourite way to spend an August afternoon, but there are worse fates than a long bowl under a decent sky. Their innings ground its way to 174/6 from 49.1 overs, with Graham Piesley compiling a handsome 51 and Alf Jewiss chipping in 48, while Geoff Spreadborough saw them home unbeaten on 40. Amid all that, Nick Nicholls departed without troubling the scorers. Graham Mountford was the pick of our attack by some distance, hauling in 4-81 with four maidens to show for his afternoon's graft, well supported by Brian Fuller and Jon Harris, who took a wicket apiece.

Chasing 175, we never quite got the innings purring. Jim Hall played the innings of the day with a well-crafted 52, and Jon Harris added a useful 20, but wickets tumbled around them and we subsided to 136/8 from our forty overs. I contributed nothing of note myself — out for a duck, and the less said about that the better — and Tim Thirkell fared no better alongside me.

One note to end on a proper high: Graham Mountford reached his 50th career wicket, a landmark thoroughly deserved given his afternoon's work, and fitting given he now leads our 1970 wicket charts, with Andrew Moss still setting the pace with the bat.

So, a draw it was — honours shared, neither side quite able to force it home. On a day when the ball did rather more for us than the bat, I'll happily settle for that.

Wed 12 Aug 1970 🧢 Midweek XIv Gravesend CC · HomeformDLLDW

Wednesday the twelfth, and Gravesend rolled up to Linton Park on a day that felt built for cricket. I called correctly at the toss and, with barely a flicker of self-doubt, chose to bat first — a decision I shall now claim full credit for.

We stuttered along to 160 for 9 off 41.4 overs, which rather flatters the effort. Brian Aiston played the innings of the day, an excellent 88 that carried us almost single-handedly, and I chipped in with 26 to keep him company at the other end for a while. Beyond that, it must be said, the middle order rather fell on its sword — Mike Iliffe, Jon Harris and Tony Gauna all departed for ducks, three golden eggs in one basket, though Mike's day was redeemed handsomely by bringing up his 100th appearance in Linton colours. A landmark worth more than any half-century.

Defending 160 always felt a stretch, and so it proved. Kevin Wilson made merry with 89, well supported by Brian Hodgson's unbeaten 30, and Gravesend closed on 152 for 7 off their 49. Only Tony Gauna's superb spell of 4 for 41, five of those overs maidens, kept us in the contest at all, with Brian Aiston (2 for 5) and Nigel Thirkell (1 for 8) chipping away too. J Piper fell to us without troubling the scorers.

In the end honours were shared, a draw that flattered neither side but satisfied both. A fair result, all things considered — and a fine afternoon to see Mike Iliffe's century of appearances marked in style.

Sun 09 Aug 1970 🧢 1st XIv Sibton Park CC · HomeformDDLDW

Sibton Park CC came to Linton Park on Sunday, the coin fell their way, and they had no hesitation in padding up first — which, with hindsight, was rather sporting of them to let us watch. They compiled a workmanlike 141 for 9 off their 51 overs, Geoffrey Kirk top-scoring with 27 and G. Willis chipping in a useful 24, but the day belonged squarely to Tony Gauna. Seven for 49, three of those overs maidens, is the sort of spell you dream about over your porridge and rarely wake up to actually bowl — a thoroughly deserved five-for and then some. Ron Hickman lent excellent support with 2 for 63, and in doing so quietly nudged past Jack Fryer into 20th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list, which is the kind of thing that ought to earn a man a pint regardless of the result.

Alas, our reply told a sorrier tale. Ninety-six all out in 40.1 overs is not the stuff of legend, and Richard Ashby's gutsy 47 stood rather lonely amid the wreckage, with D. Manktelow, Paul Brattle and Ron Hickman all departing for ducks. I currently sit second in the 1970 first-team run charts on 400, though nothing in my locker did much to trouble the scorers on this particular Sunday.

Beaten by 45 runs, then, and no arguing with the arithmetic. Gauna's seven-for will live long in the memory even if the rest of the afternoon would rather be forgotten — we'll regroup, dust off the pads, and fancy our chances better next week.

Sun 02 Aug 1970 🧢 1st XIv Staplehurst CC · HomeformLDDLD

Lost the toss on Sunday and invited to have a bowl first — not the worst outcome when the pitch has a bit of tinge in it, though I'll admit I'd rather have won the toss and taken the credit for the decision myself. Staplehurst never really got going: we had B Thurlow and Bev Taylor back in the pavilion without so much as a run to their names, and from there it was really a case of containing the write-off. Chris Rogers held things together with a battling 27, well supported by J- Bathurst's 21, but 73 all out in 31.1 overs was never going to trouble us. Dick Langridge was quite simply magnificent, tearing through with 5-10 including three maidens that had their middle order playing for survival rather than runs — I chipped in with 2-12, and David T Lowen picked up a well-earned 1-14.

With the bat, we made hard work of what should have been a formality, crawling to 74/2 in 24.5 overs — Stan Wratten's watchful 30 the anchor, Brian Humphries seeing us home unbeaten on 22. Eight wickets in hand at the finish, though you wouldn't have guessed it from some of the fretting on the boundary. Elsewhere in the season, Andrew Moss continues to lead the run charts with 511, and David T Lowen sits second among the wicket-takers with 28 — a fine campaign taking further shape. A thoroughly good day for the club, even if we did our best to make it look harder than it was.

Sat 01 Aug 1970 🧢 1st XIv MC Maidstone YMCA CC · AwayformDLDDL

We won the toss at Maidstone – a rare enough event to note in itself – and with barely a flicker of hesitation I stuck us in to bat. It proved the right call. Basil Sears set about proceedings with a fine, well-constructed sixty-two, and Jim Hall stayed serenely unbeaten on fifty-one, the pair steering us to a handsome 207 for 5 from our 44 overs. I chipped in with 31 down the order, which I shall take without complaint.

Defending that total on a ground that never quite yields easily, the lads set about their work with proper intent. Maidstone's M Tester played the innings that mattered, a stubborn 27, while at the other end we picked off wickets with the sort of relish that makes club cricket worth turning up for – S Williams and A Spice both back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers. But the day belonged, unarguably, to Graham Mountford, whose 7 for 38 – six of those overs maidens, if you please – was as fine and miserly a spell as you'll see on a Saturday afternoon. David T Lowen chipped in with 1 for 19 for good measure. Maidstone finished stranded on 104 for 9, honours shared, the draw a fair if slightly frustrating reflection of two sides who couldn't quite finish the job.

With 502 runs I'm proud to say I lead our 1970 run charts, while Graham, on 46 wickets, sits proudly atop the bowling. A afternoon of fine individual craft, then, if not quite a result – and in club cricket, that's very much par for the course.

Sun 26 Jul 1970 🧢 1st XIv PC Paddock Wood CC · HomeformLDLDD

I won the toss on a Sunday that promised more than it delivered, and with home advantage and a green tinge to the square, batting first seemed the sensible call. It was not vindicated. We were bowled out for a modest 61 in 27.1 overs, with only Mick Filmer showing any real defiance for his 21, while Richard Ashby, Alan Cradduck and Percy Brattle all trooped back for ducks — three blobs on the card that no captain enjoys entering in his own hand.

Sixty-one was never going to trouble anyone, but we set about defending it as if it were two hundred. Dick Langridge was the pick of the attack with 2-16, and Jon Harris bowled beautifully for 2-24, five of his overs going for nothing at all — the sort of miserly spell that keeps a captain sane. I chipped in with 1-6 myself, and rather quietly notched up my 600th career wicket along the way, which felt like scant consolation given the context. Paddock Wood's Reed anchored the chase with an unbeaten 22 and got them home at 64/5 in 27.5 overs.

Elsewhere in the club, Andrew Moss continues to top the 1st XI run charts with 471 for the season — a rare bright spot to reflect on. As for us, this was a chastening afternoon with the bat that no amount of tidy bowling could paper over. Back to the nets, heads up, and onward.

Sat 25 Jul 1970 🧢 1st XIv Sibton Park CC · AwayformDLDLD

Saturday 25 July 1970 saw us make the trip to Sibton Park, and the coin toss was about as kind to me as ever — down it went against us, and Sibton chose to bat, leaving us to toil away with the ball on what turned into a long afternoon in the field.

Toil we did, too, as E- Impett settled in for a fine 89 and J- Law chipped in with 68, the pair steering the hosts to a healthy 201/4 from their 51 overs. I can't claim we didn't have our moments, mind — I picked up 2-50 for the best figures of the day, with Tony Gauna offering fine support (1-21), and Graham Mountford positively miserly with four maidens, not a run given away lightly.

Chasing 202, we never quite got out of second gear. Brian Humphries top-scored with a battling 40, well supported by Mountford's 23 with the bat to add to his bowling, but wickets fell steadily around them and we stumbled to 114/7 from our 46 overs. Poor David Piper will want to forget his afternoon entirely, undone for a duck.

So a draw it was — honours shared, as the scorebook likes to say, though in truth neither side could quite land the killer blow. Not a classic for the ages, but a fair result on the day, and with 388 runs to my name this season I'll happily take a share of the spoils and the long drive home in good company.

Sun 19 Jul 1970 🧢 1st XIv SC Sevenoaks Vine CC · HomeformLDLDL

Called it right at the toss on a fine Sunday and never seriously considered doing anything but batting first — Sevenoaks Vine had made the journey to Linton Park, and I wasn't about to hand them a bowl on what looked a decent surface. We ground our way to 197 for 7 from our 49 overs, built chiefly on Cliff Anscombe's excellent 59, a proper old-fashioned fifty struck with more composure than the rest of us could muster. I chipped in with 53 of my own from the middle order, glad for once to have something to show for my captaincy beyond the toss call, while Clive Smith's unbeaten 28 gave the innings a tidy finish.

Sevenoaks's reply never quite got away from us, though they made us work for every wicket. They closed on 118 for 8, Rodney Crang carrying his bat superbly for an unbeaten 57 while wickets fell steadily around him — P Ellison chipping in with 24, and three of their number, East, Mudie and Verry, sent back without so much as troubling the scorers. David Lowen was magnificent, 4 for 32, with Dick Langridge (2 for 31) and Jon Harris (1 for 1) squeezing hard, and Alan Wilkes bowling three tidy maidens for good measure.

In the end neither side could quite force the door, and honours were shared. A draw, then — but a thoroughly honourable one, and Cliff's fifty deserves a special mention, having eased him past Tony Levick into 15th on the club's all-time run list. Not a bad afternoon's work at all.

Sat 18 Jul 1970 🧢 1st XIv TS Tilling Steven · AwayformWLDLD

Put us in first, and by close of Tilling Steven's innings I was already totting up the arithmetic and not much liking the answer. Seager gave us the full village-green treatment — 62 of real substance — with Palmer (49) and Mitchell (33) offering sturdy support while three of their number, Cutbush, Judge and Wilson, trudged off for ducks at our hands. Still, 173 for 9 off 48 overs could have been considerably worse without Brian Relf, whose 3 for 50 did the heavy lifting, backed up nicely by Graham Mountford — three for 56 and three tidy maidens, not a run given away lightly — and Brian Fuller's 3 for 63. A fair shift with the ball, all told.

Chasing it, we never quite got out of second gear. Richard Ashby's 33 was the one innings with any real substance, and David Piper's golden duck rather summed up the collective mood. All out for 120 in 35.3 overs — beaten by 53 runs, and no way of dressing that up as anything but a batting failure.

Small consolations amid the gloom: Relf's three wickets nudge him past Don Hartridge into 24th on the club's all-time list, a fine bit of history-making on an otherwise chastening afternoon. For my own part, I sit fourth in this season's run charts with 271, while Mountford leads the wicket-takers with 39 — proof there's genuine class in this side, even when, as today, it refuses to show up all at once. We'll be better for it next week.

Sun 12 Jul 1970 🧢 1st XIv CX Colin Eldred's XI · HomeformWWLDL

Sunday 12 July, and Colin Eldred's XI came calling. Winning the toss and choosing to field is meant to build character, and by the time B Formoy and G Cant had put on 85 for the first wicket, mine had built rather a lot. Formoy's 55 and Cant's 53 were the sort of half-centuries that make a captain wish he'd stayed in the pub, with D Poulton chipping in 25 more before they declared themselves finished at 183 all out. Credit where due, though — Alan Wilkes was magnificent, ripping through with 5-76, I managed 3-27 with three maidens for good measure, and Jon Harris took one. M Wood departed for a duck, which was some small consolation.

Our reply was, in the finest Linton Park tradition, a rollercoaster nobody had asked to ride. One down for none felt ominous, and when 94-4 crumbled to 96-7 in a matter of overs, several of us were quietly rehearsing our excuses. David T Lowen, Terry Groves and Jon Harris all made ducks, which is not the kind of hat-trick anyone puts on the mantelpiece. But Richard Ashby's unbeaten 47 and Frank Brattle's 43 dragged us to a respectable-ish 136-9, with my own 18 barely worth a mention.

In the end, honours were shared — a draw when neither side could land the killer blow. Not a classic, but an honest afternoon's cricket, and I'll take that.

Sat 11 Jul 1970 🧢 1st XIv BK Beverley CC, Kent · AwayformLWWLD

Beverley CC, and I'll confess I fancied our chances the moment I called correctly and stuck us in. Eighty-three all out from 37.4 overs wasn't quite the platform I'd envisioned mind you — rather a case of building the house and forgetting the roof. Poor Brian Fuller will want this one struck quietly from the record, a golden duck to open proceedings, though he'd more than make amends before the day was done.

Out we came with the ball, buoyed by nothing much beyond Kentish optimism, and for a spell it looked promising — John Stickells back in the pavilion without so much as a single to his name, and Fuller steaming in for a thoroughly redemptive 2-40. But Ralph Carter had other ideas, farming the strike to an unbeaten 54 and dragging Beverley home with R Long's useful 25 in support. They wrapped it up in just 15.3 overs, which tells its own story. I chipped in a battling 19 with the bat, for what little comfort that provides the scorebook.

Andrew Moss continues to purr along at the top of our 1970 run charts with 442, and Fuller's 24 wickets keep him third in the bowling — small consolations on an afternoon that got away from us. Beaten by eight wickets, no dressing it up. We were second best from the toss onwards, but there's cricket in this side yet, and we'll be better for it next week.

Sun 05 Jul 1970 🧢 1st XIv AC Aylesford Paper Mills CC · AwayformWLWWL

I lost the toss and Aylesford Paper Mills CC chose to bat first – no surprise, on a Sunday, given the choice, everyone bats first. What followed was a fairly comprehensive tour of our bowling figures. Alfie Pullen and Cliff Anscombe put on half-centuries apiece (68 and 52) while we toiled away for our 183/8 off 40.3 overs, John Atkins at least offering the mercy of a golden duck at the other end. David T Lowen was the pick of the attack by some distance – 4-61 with three tidy maidens thrown in for good measure – ably backed up by Ron Hickman's 3-64. I chipped in with 1-20, which I mention once and shall not mention again.

Chasing 184, we set about it in the manner of men who had left their car keys in the pavilion and weren't in any great hurry to leave. David T Lowen backed up his bowling with 36 to top-score, Brian Humphries added 28 and Andrew Moss 22, but 151/7 from our 52 overs left us short, poor Mick Filmer contributing nothing but a walk back to the pavilion for his nought.

A nod to the record books: Robert Chance's 20 runs eased him past Len Conway into 21st on the club's all-time run-scorers list, while Andrew Moss continues to lead our 1970 run charts on 432, with Ron Hickman second in the wickets column on 24.

In the end, honours were shared – a draw that flattered nobody and offended nobody, which, on reflection, is about as English an outcome as this fixture could possibly have produced.

Sat 04 Jul 1970 🧢 1st XIv CA Charles Arkcoll · AwayformLWLWW

It was one of those tosses you lose before you've even shaken hands properly, and Charles Arkcoll made us pay for calling it wrong by sticking us straight in the field. John Ames gave us a long afternoon of it, motoring to 56, with Brian Aiston keeping him honest on 24, and between them they dragged the total to 140 all out in 41.5 overs. But if their top order enjoyed themselves, the tail found no such comfort — John Abnett and John Mighall both walked back without troubling the scorer, and Graham Mountford was in a mood all of his own, spinning it prodigiously for 6-40 with eight maidens that strangled the innings from the other end. Brian Fuller and Mike Stephens tidied up the rest with two apiece, and for a while it looked like honest toil might be rewarded.

Then we batted, and batted like men who'd left their form in the clubhouse. I got us up and running with 22, and Terry Groves matched me stroke for stroke with 22 of his own, but around us the innings simply fell away — Andrew Moss, Jim Hall and Alan Cradduck all departed for ducks, and 67 all out in 21.3 overs was a wretched return for a target that never should have troubled us.

Seventy-three runs the wrong side of the ledger, then, and no dressing it up. Mountford's spell will live long in the memory of anyone who watched it, but bowling like that deserves a total to defend, not a collapse to apologise for. Back to the nets, heads up, and no repeat of this next week.

Wed 01 Jul 1970 🧢 Midweek XIv NS Northend Sunday · HomeformDDLLD

Skipper's Log — Wednesday 01 July 1970

Northend Sunday at home, and a rare thing occurred: everything went roughly to plan. Winning the toss and electing to bowl, I watched Northend post a healthy 172 for 3 off their 43 overs, built chiefly around T Smith's fine 82 and a watchful unbeaten 66 from C Myers, the pair looking rather too pleased with themselves at tea. Credit where it's due though — Alan Cradduck did the real damage with 1-18, and I managed to chip in with 1-32 myself, alongside John Carter's 1-40, while Ron Hickman bowled with such miserly discipline, six maidens, that Northend's middle order must have wondered whether the ball had been confiscated altogether.

Chasing 173 always looked a tall order on paper, but Graham Abel had other ideas, striking a superb 71 to set the platform, well supported by Cliff Anscombe's unbeaten 41 and Robert Chance's watchful 28. We got there in 37.3 overs with six wickets and, more importantly, several overs to spare for a leisurely pint.

Cliff continues to lead the way in this year's Midweek XI run charts with 115, and I find myself, somewhat to my own surprise, sitting second in the wicket standings with three scalps to my name.

A thoroughly good day for the club, and one I shall enjoy writing up rather more than some.

Sun 28 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv SC Sevenoaks Vine CC · AwayformLLWLW

Sunday 28 June saw us head to Sevenoaks Vine, and losing the toss meant an afternoon in the field to start – never my favourite way to spend a Sunday, but there it is. They batted through to 199 all out in 49.3 overs, B. Todd top-scoring with a tidy fifty (53), well backed by George Downton (32) and W. Notley (25). Rodney Crang and B. Verry both went for ducks, which at least kept the scorers busy. The real story was Jon Harris, relentless with the ball – 4-54 and five maidens, not a run given away lightly – with Alan Wilkes chipping in handsomely at 4-66 and David T. Lowen picking up one for 76.

Chasing 200, we got there in some style: 202/5 from 50.3 overs for a five-wicket win. Cliff Anscombe anchored things beautifully with an unbeaten 55, Robert Chance played a fine hand of 54, and Andrew Moss weighed in with 41 to see us home in good order.

A word of note on the mantelpiece front: Cliff's 55 took him past 2,000 career runs for the club, and also saw him leapfrog Frank Taylor into 16th on the all-time run-scorers list – a landmark day for a man who just quietly gets on with it. Andrew Moss continues to lead the 1970 charts with 410 runs, and David Lowen sits a healthy 5th in the wicket-takers with 18. A fine win, thoroughly deserved, and onwards we go.

Sat 27 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv TS Tilling Steven · HomeformWLLWL

Saturday last, we welcomed Tilling Steven to the ground with the bat tucked under my arm and the ball, for once, ours to give first. It proved a wise toss to win. The visitors never quite got going, subsiding to 94 all out in 39.1 overs, T. Maskell's 25 the only knock of real substance while B. Woodcock and M. Sykes departed without troubling the scorers. Brian Fuller was magnificent, 6-42 with seven miserly maidens thrown in for good measure, ably backed by Brian Relf's 3-33 and a tidy 1-4 from Nigel Thirkell. Not a run was given away lightly, and by the close of their innings the writing was very much on the pavilion wall.

Chasing 94 with wickets in hand ought to be a formality, and so it largely proved, though we made rather more of a meal of it than the target demanded, reaching 95/4 in 26.1 overs. I'm pleased to say I found some form, going on past fifty to 67, which felt a satisfying way to spend an afternoon. Poor Percy Brattle had a torrid time behind the stumps, eight byes escaping his gloves, though nobody begrudges a keeper the odd afternoon like that.

There was extra cause for celebration too, with 15,000 career runs for the club now banked, and the season charts showing me second among the 1st XI runscorers and Brian Fuller third among the wicket-takers. A six-wicket win, two points banked, and thoroughly deserved.

Mon 22 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv AC Aylesford Paper Mills CC · AwayformWWLLW

Monday 22 June found us on the road to Aylesford Paper Mills, sun out and hopes high, though I confess my luck at the coin held true to form and promptly deserted us. Aylesford elected to bat, and there was nothing for it but to trudge into the field and hope for the best.

The best, it must be said, was a shade too good for us. Ian Milner played a proper captain's innings of his own, 54 well-made runs that set the tone, with Brian Fitch's 35 and an unbeaten 27 from John Atkins padding things out nicely for them. They closed on 132/4 from their sixteen overs, which felt about ten runs too many even as David T Lowen toiled honestly for his 2-36 and Ron Hickman chipped away for 1-43.

Chasing 133 was always going to want a touch of daring, and Benny Bell did his best to supply it, batting sensibly for an unbeaten 29, with Andrew Moss keeping him company for a handy 27. But wickets fell at the other end with the regularity of church bells, and 92/7 from our sixteen overs left us twenty runs light and forty short by the close.

Not our day, then, and the nets beckon this week. Still, Andrew Moss continues to top our season's run charts with 369, and Ron Hickman sits second in the wickets column with 21 — reminders that the summer is long, and that this was merely one damp entry in an otherwise promising ledger.

Sun 21 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv HC Hartley Country Club CC · HomeformWWWLL

Sunday last, Hartley Country Club made the trip out to us, and for once the coin obliged before the weather could — heads it was, and I had no hesitation in taking first knock on a pitch that looked worth backing ourselves on.

We were duly rewarded. David T Lowen batted with the sort of serene disregard for the scoreboard pressure that a captain dreams of, ending unbeaten on a chanceless 105, while Graham Abel's fifty and Andrew Moss's 34 gave the innings real backbone. 199 for 6 from our 47.5 overs was a total to be proud of — though poor Mike Iliffe will be nursing a golden duck rather than a golden memory from the day. He has my sympathy, and my assurance that nobody remembers these things. Much.

With runs on the board, it fell to the bowlers to finish the job, and finish it they did in style. Alan Wilkes was superb, tearing through with 4 for 36, well backed by Lowen — not content with his century, he added 3 for 28 and six maidens for good measure — and Mike Stephens chipping in with 1 for 12. Hartley subsided to 101 all out, P Higgins's battling 45 and R Stubbs's 22 the only real resistance, with two more ducks falling our way. Richard Ashby had a torrid time behind the stumps, nine byes leaking through, but no matter.

Ninety-eight runs the margin, two points banked, and Andrew Moss and Mike Stephens both climbing the season's charts. A thoroughly satisfactory Sunday.

Sat 20 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv HC Hythe CC · HomeformTWWWL

Saturday, and I lost the toss again — Hythe took one look at the pitch and elected to bat, which by now feels like a formality. Paul Goddard led their charge with a well-made 40, G Willsher chipping in 39 and Bob Chappell 22, and between them they nudged Hythe up to a testing 179 for 9 off 48.3 overs. Credit where it's due: Graham Mountford was a man possessed, tearing through their order for 5 for 68 with five maidens thrown in for good measure, ably backed up by Brian Fuller (2-44) and Mike Stephens (2-53). B. Dowle at least had the decency to depart without troubling the scorers.

Chasing 180 was always going to ask questions of our top order, and we didn't answer many of them. Basil Sears played the innings of the day with a fine 40, and in doing so brought up 7,000 career runs for the club — a landmark worth raising a glass to, whatever the scoreboard said. Sadly Benny Bell and Keith Walker both took the long walk back for nought, and the rest of us shuffled along behind Basil rather than beside him, all out for 115 in 31.2 overs.

I sit second in the 1970 run charts with 239 to my name, and Graham tops the wicket-takers with 30 — small comforts on a day we fell 64 runs short. We'll dust ourselves down, toast Basil's milestone properly, and come back stronger next week.

Thu 18 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv AC Aylesford Paper Mills CC · AwayformWTWWW

Beaten by seven runs at Aylesford Paper Mills, but not for lack of trying, and there's plenty in this one for the scorebook to be proud of. We lost the toss – no change there this season – and were sent out to field, watching the home side rack up 75 all out from their sixteen overs. I can't pretend I wasn't chuffed with the way the ball came out of my hand that afternoon: five for 33, easily the pick of the bowling, with Benny Bell (3-16) and Ron Hickman (1-10) both doing their bit to keep the mill workers pegged back.

Chasing 76 should have been the easy part. It wasn't. We folded to 68 all out in fifteen overs, and there's no dressing up a scorecard with three ducks on it – Benny Bell, Alan Cradduck and Ron Hickman all back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers. I dug in for 32 not out, which kept us in the hunt longer than the card perhaps suggests, but seven runs short is still seven runs short.

A small footnote worth raising a glass to: Ron's solitary wicket nudged him past Robert Wood and into 21st on the club's all-time wicket-takers list – these things matter more than the scoreline on days like this. Andrew Moss continues to lead our 1970 run charts with 308, and Ron himself sits second among the bowlers with 20 wickets this summer.

All told: a fighting five-for wasted by a batting collapse, honest cricket played hard, and beaten by the width of a good tea. We'll be better for it next week.

Wed 17 Jun 1970 🧢 Midweek XIv WC West Kent Wanderers CC · HomeformLDDLL

Wednesday, 17th June, and West Kent Wanderers rolled up to find us in confident mood, though 194/9 from their 45 overs suggested confidence and control aren't always on speaking terms. Easton gave us the runaround with 47, well backed by Grayland's 40 and Hatt's 31, and there were moments in the field when I felt less "captain marshalling his troops" and more "man watching his troops be marshalled." Credit where due, though — Ron Hickman was superb, 3-45 with two maidens thrown in for good measure, proof that patience is still a virtue even on a good batting deck. Barry Sunnucks chipped in with 3-50, and I managed a couple myself, 2-45, which I'm reliably informed nudged me up to 5th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list — a statistic I shall mention only once, and modestly, before someone accuses me of writing my own fan mail.

Chasing 195, we replied with a spirited 172/8 from our 46 overs — close enough to make it interesting, not quite close enough to make it a story with a different ending. Basil Sears (31) and Cliff Anscombe (30) laid the foundations, poor Jim Hall departed for a duck (we shall say no more), and I was happy to see us home to 39 not out, doing my best impression of a man in no particular hurry.

So: honours shared, a draw when neither side could quite land the killer blow. Not the stuff of legend, but a thoroughly decent afternoon's cricket — and with Anscombe and Hickman leading our season's run and wicket charts respectively, there's rather more to look forward to yet.

Tue 16 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv O Ozonair · HomeformDWTWW

Here is the report.

Tuesday saw Ozonair make the trip to Linton Park, and having called correctly at the toss I had no hesitation in batting first on a day that would prove thoroughly our own. The openers gave us exactly the platform a captain dreams of, 82 for the first wicket before either fell, and from there Andrew Moss set about compiling a fine 47, well supported by David T Lowen's 32 and a contribution of 26 from myself. We closed on a formidable 164/5 from our fourteen overs, the only blemish on an otherwise handsome scorecard being poor Cliff Anscombe, whose duck I shall put down to the sacrifices captains must occasionally accept for the greater good.

If our batting had been brisk, our bowling was positively ruthless. Ozonair stumbled to 6-1 early and never found their feet, our attack tightening the screws from 16-2 to 17-5 with alarming speed. David T Lowen was the chief tormentor, 2-5 with two miserly maidens, ably assisted by Ron Hickman's 2-8 and Keith Walker's solitary but welcome wicket. The visitors were bowled out for a paltry 27 in 12.1 overs, three of their number departing without troubling the scorers.

Personal milestones added extra warmth to the afternoon, with Andrew Moss reaching 1,000 career runs for the club and myself passing 6,000, landmarks that felt entirely fitting on such a day. We ran out winners by 137 runs, a result as emphatic as it was enjoyable, and one that leaves the whole club rather pleased with itself.

Sun 14 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv BC Bobbing Court CC · HomeformWDWTW

As it stood in the pavilion beforehand, I had rather fancied our chances on winning the toss, and calling correctly on that Sunday in June I never once considered the alternative — we would bat, and let Bobbing Court chase leather in the sunshine.

Chase leather they duly did, though not without incident, as 200 all out from 46.5 overs is a total we'll happily sign for. Brian Humphries set the tone with a splendid 66, Andrew Moss followed him in with an equally handsome 63, and Mike Stephens chipped in a brisk 39 to give the innings its backbone. Mick Filmer and Alan Wilkes, it must be said, contributed nothing of note whatsoever — golden ducks both, and I shall say no more about it out of Christian charity.

With 200 on the board, our attack set about its work with real purpose. Bobbing Court battled to 156 all out in 47.2 overs, John McLeod alone giving them any real hope with a fine 71, ably supported by C Robinson's 26 and T Gabbadon's 21 — but support is all it was. Poor Paul Bedelle departed for a golden duck of his own. The bowling honours belonged to Mike Stephens, quite unplayable with 5 for 33, backed superbly by David T Lowen's 4 for 68 — four maidens among them, not a run given away lightly — and Alan Wilkes's 1 for 33.

A 44-run victory, two points banked, and thoroughly deserved. With Moss now topping the season's run charts and Stephens third among the wickets, this was Linton Park cricket at its most complete — bat, ball, and the odd humbling duck all playing their part.

Sat 13 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv T Tovil · HomeformWWDWT

John Thirkell's cricket report, keeping every fact intact and voice as the captain.

We hosted Tovil on a Saturday that had all the ingredients of a proper club afternoon, and I'm pleased to say we came out the right side of it. Put into the field first, we chipped away nicely — L. White's 48 was the only real resistance Tovil could muster as they folded for 106 in 33.5 overs, with R. Wickens, D. White and John Archer all trudging off for ducks. The bowling honours belonged emphatically to Graham Mountford, who ran absolutely riot with figures of 7-51, while Brian Fuller bowled with the parsimony of a man counting every penny, seven maidens and 1-34 to show for it, and I chipped in with 2-1, which I shall allow myself one mention of and no more.

Chasing 107, we made harder work of it than the target deserved, scraping to 109/6 from 29.3 overs. Keith Walker's 30 was the backbone, with Basil Sears (22) and an unbeaten 20 from Alan Cradduck steadying things when it mattered. I fell for nought myself, and we shall draw a veil over it. Richard Ashby had a torrid time behind the stumps, 17 byes escaping his gloves like they'd somewhere better to be.

Still, four wickets and two points is two points, and Graham Mountford's 25 for the season now makes him a man thoroughly worth having on your side. A scrappy win, but a win nonetheless.

Mon 08 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv BC Boughton Monchelsea CC · HomeformWWWDW

Boughton Monchelsea CC came to Linton Park on Monday and, having called correctly, wasted no time in putting us into the field — which suited nobody's plans but our own, so we can't say we minded terribly. They laboured to 76/6 from their sixteen overs, with Mike Sendles the one man to really get hold of things, top-scoring with a stubborn 32. The rest found Ron Hickman in irresistible mood — 3-15, including the wickets of both J Kember and Trevor Back, the latter departing without troubling the scorers, poor fellow. Alan Wilkes chipped in loyally at the other end with 1-39, doing the unglamorous work that never makes the highlights but always makes the difference.

Requiring 77 to win, we somehow contrived to make precisely 76 all out from our sixteen overs — a masterclass in getting agonisingly, almost artistically close. Benny Bell was the mainstay with 22, batting with the quiet dignity of a man who knew someone had to. Ron Hickman, so magnificent with the ball, returned the favour with the bat by bagging a duck of his own — the walk of shame indeed, and a fine illustration of cricket's gift for humbling a man twice in one afternoon.

So it finished level, dead level, not a run between the sides after a full day's honest toil — as fair a result as the game can offer, even if it satisfies absolutely no one. Mike Iliffe continues to lead our run charts on 212 for the season, and Hickman's day with the ball nudges him up to second in the wicket-takers with 17. A tie, then: cricket's way of telling both captains to stop squabbling and go home for their tea.

Sun 07 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv HC Harrietsham CC · AwayformDWWWD

Sunday 7 June saw us head to Harrietsham with the sun out and, for once, my coin call going the right way — I had no hesitation in batting first. What followed was as fine an afternoon at the crease as I can remember. Graham Abel set the tone with a beautifully composed 74 not out, Robert Chance chipped in with a fine 59, and I was able to add a well-made 61 not out of my own — a personal contribution that felt thoroughly satisfying, and one I shan't mention twice. Between us we hauled the total to a formidable 223/4 from our 41 overs, the sort of score that lets a captain enjoy his tea rather than chew through it.

Defending it, the lads were magnificent. Jon Harris led the attack beautifully with 3-17, well supported by David Lowen's 3-33 and Brian Humphries' miserly 2-0, while Dick Langridge bowled five maidens of the sort that test a batsman's patience to breaking point. Only Anthony Moss, with a battling 60, and Ray Tong's useful 22 offered any real resistance — Micky Tong, Laurie Holloway and T Moses all departing without troubling the scorers. Poor Fred Greenfield had a torrid time behind the stumps, ten byes slipping through his gloves, though nobody held it against him given the scoreboard. Harrietsham were bowled out for 124 in 49.4 overs.

Ninety-nine runs the margin, two points safely banked, and a very cheerful drive home — this was Linton Park cricket at its most gratifying.

Sat 06 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv RC Rumwood CC · HomeformLDWWW

Saturday 6th June saw Rumwood CC pay us a visit, and having called correctly at the toss I had few qualms about batting first — the right call, I felt, and I'm not just saying that with the benefit of hindsight.

Mike Stephens set about proving me right with a well-crafted 73, the innings' cornerstone, while Andrew Moss chipped in handsomely with 49 and Alan Cradduck saw us home unbeaten on 24 to leave us a very respectable 220 for 8 from our 47 overs. Less gloriously, the Duck Club welcomed three new members on the day — Frank Brattle, Benny Bell and David Piper all completed that lonely walk back for nought, a trio of ducks that will no doubt be mentioned in the bar for weeks to come.

With the ball, Mike Stephens continued his fine afternoon's work, following his runs with 3 for 66, and found willing support from Gordon Fenner and Brian Fuller with a wicket apiece. Rumwood battled hard through T Stevens' 39, R Galgey's 35 and D Burrows' 29 to close on 184 for 6 — close enough to deny us, not quite close enough to beat us. Poor Jim Hall had a torrid time behind the stumps, nine byes escaping his grasp, though I shan't hold it against him.

So honours were shared, a draw when neither side could quite force the issue. Mike Stephens was undoubtedly our man of the match, and with Andrew Moss and Brian Fuller both prospering in the season's charts, there's plenty for us to build on. A fair result, all told, and the tea was better than the batting.

Thu 04 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv West Farleigh CC · HomeformDLDWW

Batting first, they made 81 all out — Roger Gedney's 25 the only real resistance — before John Underdown departed without so much as a nibble at the strike bowler. Ron Hickman was the story of the innings, spinning his way to 5-20 and leaving West Farleigh's middle order thoroughly bamboozled, with Alan Wilkes chipping in 3-15 and I picked up 1-13 for good measure. A proper team effort in the field, if I say so myself.

Chasing 82, we made hard work of what should have been a formality — 84/6 from 14.1 overs told its own story of nervy running and looser strokes than the situation demanded — but Andrew Moss held firm at the other end for an unbeaten 31 and saw us home with wickets, if not composure, to spare. Thursday evenings have a way of turning simple sums into arithmetic under duress, and this was no exception.

Still, four wickets is four wickets, and a win is a win, however inelegantly achieved. Ron Hickman's spell keeps him second in the season's wicket charts on 14, while I find myself leading the run charts with 180 for the summer — modest company for such a number, but I shan't be the one arguing with it. All told, a fine evening's work: we bowled and fielded like a side that meant business, then batted like one that had somewhere else to be. Onwards to the next one.

Mon 01 Jun 1970 🧢 1st XIv TN Tovil Nomads · HomeformDDLDW

John Thirkell's Skipper's Log — 01 June 1970 v Tovil Nomads

Won the toss, took first knock — the right call, I felt, and I'll stand by it in print as I did on the day. We posted 102/4 from our 16 overs, with Graham Abel unbeaten on 30 the pick of the order and I was glad to chip in alongside him with 30 of my own. Andrew Moss, less fortunately, departed for a duck, though I daresay he'll have his day.

Defending 102 was never going to be a stroll, and Tovil Nomads made us work for every run, closing on 88/8 from their 16. B Aiston's 34 was the innings that threatened to undo us, with T- Stevens unbeaten on 22 offering stern support, but D- Gale and R- Simmonds both went for ducks and the middle order never quite found its rhythm against us.

The story of the day, though, belonged entirely to Ron Hickman, whose 5-18 was as fine a spell as you'll see on a village green, and which — rather splendidly — brought up his 100th career wicket in the process. Jon Harris backed him up admirably with 2-24. Between the two of them the Nomads were strangled rather than blown away, and we held on for a 14-run win. Two points, thoroughly earned, and a round of drinks for Hickman are very much in order.

Sun 31 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv HC Hythe CC · AwayformWDDLD

Sunday saw us head to Hythe with the sun out and, for once, my toss call actually paying off — I put us in to bat, and 147 for 9 off our 52 overs was a decent platform, even if it came together in fits and starts. Dick Langridge led from the front with a well-made 36, and I was glad to chip in alongside him with 35 of my own, the pair of us doing our best to paper over the middle order's generosity — Frank Brattle and Percy Brattle both departed for ducks, contributions best described as golden in colour only.

Any thoughts that 147 might be light were banished the moment we took the field. Hythe simply had no answer to Mike Stephens, who bowled beautifully for 4 for 28 including a miserly eleven maidens — the sort of spell that has opposing batsmen playing for the close rather than the runs. Alan Wilkes backed him up nicely with 3 for 39, and Dick Langridge, not content with his runs, popped up with 1 for 0. M Jackson and B Blackman both fell without scoring, and Hythe were bowled out for 73 off 46 overs, leaving us victors by a handsome 74 runs.

A thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work, and one that keeps me handily placed atop the season's run charts with 143, Dick not far behind in the wickets column with 9. Long may it continue.

Sat 30 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv T Tovil · HomeformWWDDL

Skipper's Log — Saturday 30 May 1970. We hosted Tovil, and I'd like to report a famous victory, but honesty, and the scorebook, say otherwise.

Put in first with the ball, we watched Tovil settle in for the long haul. J. Branchett went past his fifty and on to 52, with Jim Archer chipping in a handy 43 and L. White adding 31, and by the time they declared their innings closed at 190/8 off 46 overs my bowling arm had gone the way of most things by that stage of an afternoon — tired. Small mercies came in the shape of D. White, back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers, and in Graham Mountford, who bowled beautifully for 4-27. Jon Harris and Benny Bell picked up a wicket apiece, and Brian Fuller, five maidens to his name, was about as generous as a Yorkshireman with a bar tab.

Chasing 191, we never quite got the legs under us, closing on 132/8 from our 43 overs. I made 33 of the runs myself, with Jon Harris unbeaten on 24 and Graham Mountford adding 23 — Graham clearly in irrepressible form with bat and ball alike. Tim Thirkell's duck was the low point of an otherwise honest effort, while poor Jim Hall had a torrid time behind the stumps, nine byes escaping his gloves like they had trains to catch.

So: honours shared, a draw when neither side could force the issue. Not the stuff of legend, but on a warm May afternoon with tea to follow, nobody in whites was complaining.

Wed 27 May 1970 🧢 Midweek XIv SC Sennocke CC · HomeformWLDDL

Behind the ducks and a bit of top-order carelessness, we came off second best on Wednesday.

I won the toss and, with a decent-looking pitch under grey Sennocke skies, fancied our chances putting them in the field first. Terry Whittaker played the innings of the day, carrying his bat to an unbeaten fifty, and found good support from Cliff Anscombe with a tidy 44. I chipped in with 25 myself, which felt respectable at the time, though 165/7 from our 52 overs always looked a touch light on a good surface. Spare a thought for poor Mike Stephens, back in the pavilion for a golden duck before he'd had time to take guard — these things happen to the best of us, and today it happened to him.

Defending it was always going to be a stretch, and so it proved. Peter Tapper simply took the game away from us with a commanding 87, well backed up by R Johnson's unbeaten 47, and Sennocke cantered home in 38.4 overs for the loss of just three wickets. Ron Hickman toiled manfully with the ball — 2 for 58 and three tight maidens, not a run given away lightly — but it wasn't enough. Cliff Anscombe had a torrid time behind the stumps too, with eight byes telling their own tale of a testing afternoon. We did at least send R Howgill packing without so much as a run to his name.

There was one shaft of sunshine amid the gloom: Frank Brattle brought up 5,000 career runs for the club, a landmark to be properly toasted at the bar. As for the rest of us, it's back to the nets and a long hard look at our fielding.

Mon 25 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · HomeformLWWDD

Won the toss on Monday and, ever the optimist, I stuck us in — a decision I stand by, even if the scorebook makes for slightly wincing reading. We were bowled out for 157 in 53.1 overs, a total that owed almost everything to Terry Whittaker's excellent 45, with Brian Humphries (39) and Dick Langridge (22) chipping in gamely. Less gamely, Frank Brattle and Richard Ashby both took the long walk back for ducks — the Duck Club ledger groans under the weight of new members this season.

Defending 157 was always going to ask a lot, and Bearsted set about answering the question with some style. Colin Fleetwood played a lovely, chanceless 77, well backed by Gordon A Hawkins (29) and Richard Tree (28), and they eased home to 158 for 4 in 49.1 overs. Paul Bowles worked hardest for his 2 for 54, with Dick Langridge and Terry Whittaker chipping in a wicket apiece — Whittaker particularly mean with three maidens, though the runs still trickled through elsewhere.

I'll admit a quiet satisfaction at still leading the 1st XI run charts this season with 108, and Dick Langridge continues to bowl beautifully, third in the wicket standings on 8. But charts don't win matches. Beaten by six wickets, fair and square — we'll regroup, lick our wounds, and come back stronger next week.

Sun 24 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv MA Mote A · AwayformLLWWD

Sunday the 24th of May took us down to Mote A, and with first use of the ball in my hands I can't say I was sorry to see us bowling first on what looked a good, true pitch. Mote batted with a sort of unhurried confidence that suggested they knew exactly how long the day was. B. Shaw anchored the innings with a well-made 78 not out, K. Talbot chipped in a fine fifty of his own, and Ron McCormick's 39 kept the scoreboard ticking along nicely before they declared their innings closed at 224/5 from 53.3 overs. I managed to prise out a couple for 32, with Paul Bowles and Jon Harris a wicket apiece — Harris in particular bowling a tight, miserly line for his two maidens, not a run given away lightly.

Chasing 224 was always going to ask questions of us, and Paul Bowles answered most of them himself with a fine half-century, 56 well-constructed runs that carried the innings almost single-handedly; I added a supporting 22. Poor Nigel O'Toole endured a day to forget, out for a golden duck and then shipping 22 byes behind the stumps — the sort of afternoon best laughed off over tea. We closed on 156/9 from our 49 overs.

One bright note: Bowles's 56 nudges him past Gordon Fenner into 13th on the club's all-time run-scorers list. Honours shared in the end — a draw that flattered neither side, but denied us nothing either.

Sat 23 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv MC Maidstone YMCA CC · HomeformDLLWW

I called correctly at the toss on Saturday and had no hesitation reaching for the bat first — a wicket like that doesn't come round twice a season, and I wasn't about to waste it.

The lads made a fair fist of it, closing on 211/6 from our 47 overs. Mike Stephens played the innings of the day, a well-crafted 55, with Graham Abel chipping in a handy 37 and I added 32 of my own — though the day's real headline was reaching 1,000 career runs for the club, which I'm rather chuffed about, even if I say so myself. Spare a thought for poor Jim Hall, who bagged a duck with the bat; he'd make amends of sorts later, though his gloves let in 13 byes behind the stumps.

Defending 211 against Maidstone YMCA is never a formality, and so it proved as they battled to 188/8 from their 47, J. Gunn top-scoring with 47 and Pete Worsnop and John Golding lending good support. But the bowlers kept squeezing: Graham Mountford was superb, 4-74 with six miserly maidens, well backed by Brian Fuller's 3-63 and a wicket apiece for Paul Bowles, with A. Spice departing without troubling the scorers.

In the end neither side could quite land the killer blow, and honours were shared. A draw isn't always a satisfying result, but on a good pitch with runs and wickets shared fairly, I'll take it — and pocketing a personal milestone along the way made it a Saturday to remember regardless.

Tue 19 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv LC Loose CC · AwayformDDLLW

Tuesday 19 May 1970 saw us on the road to Loose CC, and the coin, as ever, took no notice of my captaincy credentials — they called it right and stuck us in the field.

No complaints, though, because the lads made a real fist of it. Loose lost a wicket with just 8 on the board, and from there we simply wouldn't let them settle — 18-4 arrived before anyone had really got comfortable, G- Crouch trudging off for a duck along the way. They eventually scraped together 46/8 from their fourteen overs, which on a day like this always felt like a total we could chase down over tea rather than fret about. David T Lowen was magnificent with the ball, 3-21 and full value for it, with Ron Hickman (2-8) and Benny Bell (1-2) tidying up the rest between them.

Chasing 47, we made a mockery of it — 50/1 in 12.3 overs, job done well before the urn had gone cold. Andrew Moss played the anchor role to perfection, 23 not out, with David T Lowen giving him fine support on 21 not out. Only Benny Bell's afternoon went slightly awry, out for a duck with the bat to match his earlier struggles — though with 4 wickets to his name this season he can console himself he's contributing plenty elsewhere, even if David T Lowen's 86 runs still lead the way for us in 1970.

Nine wickets, two points, and a thoroughly satisfying day's work — the sort of result that makes the drive home feel a good deal shorter.

Sat 16 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv Headcorn CC · HomeformLDDLL

Saturday, 16 May 1970, and Headcorn CC came calling. Won the toss, elected to bat — the right call, I felt, though 130/9 from our 47 overs was more grind than glory. Andrew Moss led the way with a tidy 34, but the rest of us rather queued up to disappoint him, none more so than yours truly and Jim Hall, both back in the pavilion for a duck apiece. Not our finest hour with the willow.

Still, 130 proved plenty. We turned to the ball with something to prove, and Graham Mountford simply took the afternoon apart — 5-39 of spin bowling that Headcorn had no answer for, ably backed by Brian Fuller's 4-19, seven of those overs maidens, not a run given away lightly. I chipped in with 1-5, which I mention once and shall not mention again. J. Vant's 22 was the only real resistance, R. Chapman departed without troubling the scorers, and the visitors were skittled for 67 in just 33.1 overs.

As for the skipper's day with the bat — a golden blob. A captain ought to lead by example; today I led, instead, by cautionary tale.

Mike Iliffe sits third in the season's run charts, Graham Mountford now tops the wickets table with ten — and rightly so after that spell.

A fine win by 63 runs. The bat let us down, the ball rescued us entirely. Onwards.

Sat 09 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv RC Rumwood CC · AwayformLLDDL

Beaten by 26 runs at Rumwood, and if I'm honest, the coin toss set the tone before a ball was bowled — they had first use of a docile pitch and made hay, reaching 151 all out. Full credit to Graham Mountford, whose 5-45 was a spell of real menace and richly earned his five-for, with Benny Bell (3-36) and the ever-frugal Brian Fuller (2-36, four maidens) squeezing the runs out at the other end. T Stevens (32) and R Venner (29) did the early damage, but 151 in 44 overs always felt gettable.

Sadly we didn't get it. Basil Sears played the innings of the day for 41, well supported by Benny Bell's 33, but around them the card told a sorrier tale — David Piper, Richard Ashby and Graham Mountford all back in the hutch without troubling the scorers, and the whole side bowled out for 125 in 33.4 overs. Eighteen byes crept through as well, which won't have done much for Jim Hall's afternoon behind the stumps.

There were individual crumbs of comfort — Basil now sits third in the season's run charts with 55, and Graham second among the wicket-takers with 5 — but crumbs don't win matches. Beaten by 26 runs, fair and square. We'll dust ourselves down, have a word about those byes, and go again next week.

Tue 05 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv MP Maidstone Police · HomeformDLLDD

Tuesday last saw Maidstone Police roll up to Linton Park, and having called correctly at the toss, I elected to bat — the right call, I still maintain, whatever the scorebook might suggest afterwards. Runs proved harder to come by than I'd hoped, and we limped to 86 for 9 off our sixteen overs. Mike Iliffe and Alan Cradduck both endured that most public of humiliations, the duck, and I dare say neither will thank me for putting it in print, but the ledger must be kept honest.

Defending such a modest total was always going to ask a great deal of the bowlers, and Maidstone Police set about the chase with real purpose. Winchester made the 30 that mattered most, well supported by Maxted's 20, and by the time the dust settled they'd cantered home at 87 for 3 in just thirteen overs. Ron Hickman was easily our pick with the ball, snaring 1 for 15 with genuine hostility, and Alan Wilkes chipped in with 1 for 21 for his troubles — small mercies on an afternoon short of them.

I'll confess my own runs have been arriving steadily enough this season to head the 1st XI charts, though Tuesday did precious little to advance that cause. Beaten by seven wickets, then, and fairly so. We were undercooked with the bat and, in truth, outplayed. Onwards to next week, chastened but unbowed.

Sun 03 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv BC Bobbing Court CC · AwayformWDLLD

Sunday the 3rd of May found us on the road to Bobbing Court, where the toss went against us and we were shown straight into the field — never the sunniest of starts to a skipper's day, but the lads set about it with good cheer regardless. Bobbing Court ground their way to 160 for 5 off their fifty-five, D Hookway the chief architect with a well-made 55 not out, T Ades and A Wallace lending a hand with 27 and 20. It was Graham Abel who did the real damage, tearing through with 2 for 9, while Dick Langridge bowled with the miserly discipline of a man guarding the family silver — 2 for 70 but five maidens to show for it — and Alan Cradduck chipped in with 1 for 14.

Our reply of 134 for 5 from forty-three overs never quite had chasing written all over it, but David T Lowen batted with real substance for his 65, well supported by Dick Langridge's unbeaten 20. Poor Andrew Moss will not thank me for mentioning his golden duck, though mention it I must, and Jim Hall had an afternoon of it behind the stumps, twelve byes going begging.

So honours were shared, neither side quite able to land the killer blow — David T Lowen now tops our run charts for the season and Dick Langridge our wickets, which is more than can be said for my captaincy, but a draw earned in good company is no bad way to spend a Sunday.

Sat 02 May 1970 🧢 1st XIv FC Folkestone CC · AwayformDWDLL

The toss went against us — Folkestone had first knock and made hay of it, posting 161/7 from their 46 overs. Peter Godden led the charge with a fluent 46, well supported by Roy Downey's 38 and an unbeaten 23 from Keith Riddalls. Poor David Bourne departed for a duck, but the real story with ball in hand was Dick Langridge, who bowled beautifully to return 5-48 — a five-for that had been coming and was thoroughly deserved. Mike Stephens did his bit too, miserly as you like with four maidens on his way to 2-44.

Chasing 161 from 42 overs, we set about the task in businesslike fashion. I found some form of my own, batting through for 64 — always satisfying to get among the runs, though I'll admit the shine was rather taken off by the number of team-mates ringing to remind me. Brian Humphries chipped in nicely with 38 and Mike Iliffe added a tidy 24, but with the equation tightening we settled, sensibly or otherwise, for closing on 161/5 rather than risk it all for the extra handful of runs.

A word for Dick Langridge, whose five-for sees him leapfrog Frank Taylor into 9th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list — not bad for an afternoon's work, and richly earned. It also puts him top of our 1970 wicket charts, with me leading the run-scoring column, for whatever that's worth in July.

In the end honours were shared, a draw when neither side could quite force the issue — and on a road trip to Folkestone, with the sun out and the tea reportedly decent, I'll happily settle for that.