🧢 Captain's Log

Sun 19 Sep 1976 🧢 1st XIv AC Anchorians CC · HomeformWWWDW

Wednesday afternoon at the ground, and I'll admit tossing that coin still gives me a flutter after all these years — heads it was, and bat first I said, feeling rather bullish. The lads rewarded that confidence in style: 202 for 5 off our forty overs, built around a knock I'm rather proud of, 101, my first century in more years than I care to count. Nigel Thirkell gave the innings real backbone with a crisp 56, and Paul Brattle chipped in a handy 21 to round things off nicely. Tea never tasted better.

Anchorians came out chasing with intent, but J Coppins' 40 and support from Alan Dixon (38) and S Tapping (28) never quite had the legs against a Linton Park attack that smelled blood. E Cherry went for a duck, which is always a special kind of misery to inflict on a batsman, and from there the innings rather unravelled — all out for 155 in 40.4 overs. I found some rhythm with the ball myself, finishing with 4 for 11, while Trevor Back bowled beautifully for 3 for 9 and Tony Gauna was miserliness personified, 1 for 9 with two maidens to his name.

A word of pride away from the scoreboard too — Nigel's 56 today nudges him past Cliff Anscombe into 8th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, a fine achievement quietly earned.

A 47-run win, then, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work all round. Onwards we go.

Sat 18 Sep 1976 🧢 1st XIv West Farleigh CC · HomeformDWWWD

Saturday 18 September 1976, and West Farleigh CC came calling. I won the toss and, with the sun out and the outfield running true, there was only ever going to be one decision — we batted.

What a decision it proved. Paul Bowles played the innings of the season, a magnificent hundred, 104 no less, and with Paul Brattle chipping in a fine 42 we posted 178 for 3 off our 45 overs — a total with a bit of menace to it. As a nice postscript, that century nudges Paul past Stan Wratten and into 4th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, which is the sort of thing that gets mentioned in the bar for weeks.

Defending it was another matter, and West Farleigh made us work. Don Fermor top-scored with 36, Brian Piper made 31 and Peter Cooper 20, and they battled to 160 all out off their 50 — though Trevor Fermor's duck was some small consolation for us. I managed to find a bit of rhythm with the ball and finished with 4 for 68, while Nigel Thirkell bowled a spell of real discipline, 2 for 15 with five maidens, and Martin Mears chipped in with 2 for 18. Poor Jim Hall had a torrid afternoon behind the stumps, ten byes going begging, but no matter.

Eighteen runs the right side of the ledger at the close. A thoroughly good day for the club, and one Paul Bowles in particular will remember for a long while yet.

Sun 12 Sep 1976 🧢 1st XIv MH Mersham Hatch · HomeformDDWWW

Sunday 12 September, and Mersham Hatch rolled up for a fine late-summer fixture. We lost the toss, were put in the field, and duly did our bit with the ball — Nigel Thirkell bowling like a man possessed, 4-53 off his allocation with five maidens thrown in for good measure, proper miserly stuff. Allan Cooper and Trevor Back chipped in with a wicket apiece, and we even had the satisfaction of seeing B. Moorhead depart without troubling the scorers. Still, King's 41 and Copeland's 32 gave their innings its backbone, with Ames unbeaten on 23 to see them home to 155/7 from their 44 overs — a target that felt entirely gettable on a good pitch.

Chasing it, Paul Bowles played the innings of the day, a classy 71 that kept us in touch throughout, with Nigel Thirkell weighing in again, this time with the bat, for a handy 20. I fell for a duck myself, and the less said about that the better — we shall, as agreed, draw a veil over it. Despite Bowles's heroics we came up just short, finishing on 143/7 from our 43 overs.

So honours shared, a draw when neither side could quite force the issue — and with Bowles and Thirkell continuing to lead our run and wicket charts respectively this season, there's no doubting where the real form lies. A fair result, fairly fought, and a fine afternoon's cricket for all that.

Wed 08 Sep 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv TT Tonbridge Trade · HomeformWWDDW

Wednesday the 8th of September found Tonbridge Trade paying us a visit, and winning the toss I did not linger over the decision for a second — on a day like this, you bat first and ask questions later.

The lads duly obliged. Jim Hall played a proper captain's innings of his own, 59 of the finest, while John Copplestone stayed unbeaten on 47 and David Tolhurst chipped in a tidy 29, the three of them steering us to a handsome 193 for 3 from our forty overs. Not a bad platform to hand the bowlers at all.

And hand it to them I did, for what it was worth — Tonbridge Trade never remotely got going. C. Hull's 31 was the only real resistance, while Addison, Chivers and Manser were all sent packing without so much as troubling the scorers, three ducks to warm the heart of any fielding side. John Thirkell was magnificent with 4 for 19, Ron Hickman bowled with real discipline for 3 for 12 including three maidens, and Tony Gauna weighed in with 3 for 18 — figures that also nudged him past Tony Snell and up to 13th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list, a fine bit of history-making on a Wednesday evening.

We ran out winners by 114 runs. A thoroughly good day for the club, and one the tea urn will be talking about for weeks.

Sun 05 Sep 1976 🧢 1st XIv CC Crowborough CC · HomeformLDDWW

Well, the coin let us down again on Sunday — Crowborough called correctly and took first use of a green-looking track, and off we trooped into the field wondering whether we'd rue it. As it turned out, we needn't have worried. Nigel Thirkell was in irresistible mood, spinning his way to 5-21 and leaving the Crowborough middle order thoroughly bamboozled, while Tony Gauna chipped in with a wicket and I did my bit too, taking 1-21 with six maidens thrown in for good measure — not the most glamorous of figures, but they kept the scoreboard honest. B Cornford and J Collinson departed without troubling the scorers, and though M Hepworth (31) and C Over (29 not out) mounted some resistance, Crowborough were held to 130/8 from their fifty overs. Jim Hall had a tricky afternoon behind the stumps, 11 byes going astray, but nothing that couldn't be laughed off in the tea interval.

Chasing 131, we made an absolute mockery of it. Paul Bowles played beautifully for an unbeaten 89, well supported by Paul Brattle's equally composed 32 not out, and between them they saw us home without so much as a hint of alarm — 131/0 from 30.1 overs, ten wickets in hand and plenty of daylight left for a leisurely pint.

A thoroughly good day for the club: Thirkell's spell was the story of the morning, Bowles the story of the afternoon, and the scoreboard did the rest of the talking.

Sat 04 Sep 1976 🧢 1st XIv OC Old Anchorians CC · HomeformWLDDW

Skipper's Log — Saturday 4th September 1976, Old Anchorians CC visiting

Won the toss, and with the sun doing its best impression of an English summer, there was really only one decision to make: bat first and hope the lads didn't leave too many out there. As is customary at Linton Park, we did rather more perspiring than was strictly necessary before settling to 157/7 off our 47.2 overs. Nigel Thirkell played the innings of the day with a handsome 66, and got fine support from brother Tim with 39 — the Thirkell family clearly having had words about turning up and doing their bit. The rest of us contributed rather more modestly to the cause, which is a polite way of saying we nudged, nurdled and occasionally panicked our way to a total that felt defendable rather than daunting.

And so it proved. Old Anchorians never quite got the ship steady — a- Jones battled to 42, but wickets fell around him at regular intervals, with S- Lee and J- Lycett both back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers. I had one of those afternoons where everything comes out right, spinning my way to 6-47, while Nigel Thirkell chipped in with 2-3 and Jon Harris bowled with real discipline for 2-41 and five maidens — not a run given away lightly. All out for 120, 37 runs short.

A thoroughly good day for the club, and proof once again that village cricket, played properly, still has a bit of magic in it.

Tue 31 Aug 1976 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · AwayformDWLDD

Lost the toss at Bearsted, and predictably enough we were put into the field — no great hardship, since a summer evening with the new ball in hand beats standing about waiting for one's pads. Bearsted ground their way to 168 all out in 57.3 overs, Julian Bond top-scoring with a watchful 49, well supported by Colin Fleetwood's 42 and Mick Filmer's 25. Mike Reed, by contrast, departed for a golden duck, one of five victims to fall to Jon Harris, who span through the innings in thoroughly unplayable fashion to finish with 5-31. Tony Gauna chipped in with 3-64, and Paul Bowles bowled with real discipline for 2-28, five of his overs going entirely unpunished — miserly stuff.

Set 169 to win, we made distinctly light work of it, cruising home on 172/3 from 37.2 overs. Paul Bowles was in irresistible touch, compiling a magnificent 109 not out — three figures and then some — while John Copplestone played the perfect foil with 38. Their third-wicket stand of 113 effectively settled matters before tea had properly gone cold.

A word beyond the scorecard: Paul Bowles brought up 7,000 career runs for the club during that innings, a landmark that speaks for itself. He now leads our 1976 first-team run charts with 1004, with Jon Harris sitting second in the wicket-takers on 73 — between the two of them, rather carrying the rest of us.

A fine win by seven wickets, and a thoroughly satisfying evening's work all round.

Sun 29 Aug 1976 🧢 1st XIv Staplehurst CC · AwayformWDWLD

Sunday saw us take the road to Staplehurst, and winning the toss felt like the first stroke of luck in what turned into a proper old-fashioned tussle. I had no hesitation in electing to bat, and for the most part it repaid the faith — Nigel Thirkell playing the innings of the day with a wonderful 96, well supported by Paul Bowles, who cruised past his own half-century to 78. Between them they gave our 203/7 off 45 overs a real spine, though the middle order rather let the side down, with Brian Piper and Tim Thirkell both back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers.

With the ball in hand it was a rather different story, tighter and more attritional. Tony Gauna bowled beautifully for his 3-24, and I was pleased enough with my own contribution of 2-15, six of my overs going for nothing at all. Nigel Thirkell chipped in again with 2-23, proving there's precious little he can't do in this fixture. Poor N Pullen departed without scoring, though M. Pontin and A. Thirkell both dug in for useful 33s to keep Staplehurst afloat at 137/8. Jim Hall had a torrid time behind the stumps, twenty byes rather spoiling an otherwise disciplined display.

There was a quiet footnote to cheer, too — Nigel's 96 nudges him past Paul Brattle into ninth on the club's all-time run-scorers list, a fitting reward for a fine season's form.

In the end honours were shared, and on a day of good bowling and generous byes, a draw felt like the fairest result cricket could offer.

Wed 25 Aug 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv Gravesend CC · HomeformWWWDD

I calls correctly and, with the sun out over Linton Park, there was only ever going to be one decision at the toss — we batted.

What followed was as good an afternoon as I can remember with the willow. Paul Bowles was simply magnificent, farming the strike and the boundary rope in equal measure on his way to an unbeaten 122, while Jim Hall played the perfect foil with a composed 54 not out. J. Salmon chipped in with a handy 26, and if there was a blemish on an otherwise gleaming scorecard it was poor Brian Piper's duck — these things happen to the best of us, Brian. We closed on a formidable 205/2 from our 37 overs, the sort of total that lets a captain enjoy his tea rather than pace the boundary.

Gravesend made us work for it, mind. Nick Jones led their reply with a well-crafted 51, Colin Myers added 31 and M. Biscombe 24, and for a while it looked as though they might chase us down. But Tony Gauna was in inspired form with the ball, ripping out three for 29, and Francis Manville bowled with real discipline — two for 16 including three maidens — to go with my own two for 25. B. Hiscock and R. Fright both fell for ducks at our hands, and Gravesend were eventually bowled out for 191. Poor Jim had a torrid time behind the stumps, 13 byes going begging, but nobody's perfect.

A tense finish, but a fine win by 14 runs. Onwards indeed.

Sun 22 Aug 1976 🧢 1st XIv HC Hempstead CC · HomeformWWDWL

Sunday last saw Hempstead CC roll up to Linton Park under skies fair enough for a captain's optimism, and the coin obliged too — heads, and I had no hesitation in asking us to bat first, a decision I was rather pleased with by teatime.

We piled up 219 for 2 off our 53.4 overs, which is the sort of scoreline that makes the tea urn taste sweeter. Paul Brattle led the charge with a wonderfully composed 94, and Brian Piper wasn't far behind with 86 of his own — between them they did most of the heavy lifting while the rest of us admired from the boundary. Even the extras got in on the act with a generous 26, proof that Hempstead's line was occasionally as wayward as my own attempts at cover drives.

With the ball, things were tighter. Hempstead reached 192 for 7 from their 50, W Ellis giving us a lesson in patience with an unbeaten 84, ably assisted by Mason and Keen with 31 apiece. D Owen, mercifully, departed without troubling the scorers. Tony Gauna was the pick of the attack with 3 for 37 and five miserly maidens, while I managed to find a bit of rhythm myself, picking up 3 wickets along the way, and Trevor Back chipped in with one. Ten byes told poor Jim Hall's tale behind the stumps — a testing afternoon for him.

A word for Paul Brattle, whose 94 nudges him up to 10th on the club's all-time run charts — a fine achievement on a day when honours finished shared. A draw, then, but a thoroughly good-natured one: neither side could quite land the killer blow, and frankly, after tea like that, nobody much minded.

Sat 21 Aug 1976 🧢 1st XIv SC St Lukes Maidstone CC · HomeformWWWDW

Skipper's Log — Saturday 21 August 1976. St Lukes Maidstone at home, and the coin let us down before a ball was bowled — they chose to bat, and there wasn't a great deal I could do about it but hand over my cap and hope.

They ground out 115 all out from a stern 41.5 overs, M. Beckwith the chief nuisance with 24, B. Mitchell chipping in with 21 alongside him. C. Cross, at least, had the decency to depart for a duck at our hands, and it's fair to say Paul Bowles bowled like a man with a grudge — 3 for 26, six of his overs maidens, not a run given away lightly. Nigel Thirkell chimed in with 3 for 38, and I managed a modest 3 for 40 myself, which I shall claim as a good day at the office and leave it there.

Chasing 116, we never quite found our rhythm and folded for 113 in 43 overs, Nigel Thirkell top-scoring with a gritty 20. Eight byes crept past poor Jim Hall behind the stumps — the sort of statistic that tells its own sorry tale without further comment from me.

So, agonisingly, we fell two runs short. Two runs — the kind of margin that has you replaying every dot ball on the walk home. Still, with Paul Bowles leading our 1976 run charts on 817 and Nigel Thirkell top of the wicket pile with 73, there's no shortage of form in this side. Not our day, lads — heads up, and back to the nets.

Wed 18 Aug 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv Gravesend CC · AwayformDWWWD

Won the toss at Gravesend on a warm Wednesday and, with visions of a green top drying out, I had no hesitation in sending us in first. It proved a shrewd call, or at least Trevor Back made it look that way, ambling to a magnificent 108 while the rest of us hung about admiringly at the other end. Nigel chipped in with a tidy 30, S. Cooper added 27, and we declared our efforts closed at a highly respectable 198 for 6 off 41 overs — enough, we felt, to have Gravesend working for their tea.

And work they did. Biscombe led their reply with 35, Myers close behind on 34 and Kingston a watchful 23, but the boundary never quite ran away from us. Nigel bowled beautifully for 2 for 36, Trevor somehow found time between his century and the tea urn to snaffle a wicket for just 6, and I managed to prise one out myself for 21, which I shall claim as my contribution to the cause. Tony Gauna, meanwhile, bowled with the miserly discipline of a man counting out his own tea money — four maidens, not a run given away lightly. Gravesend closed on 140 for 5, short of the target but well short of collapse too.

So honours shared, and rightly so — a draw that flattered neither side's nerves nor damaged either's pride. On this evidence, and with Nigel's season going from strength to strength, there are worse ways to spend a Wednesday.

Sun 15 Aug 1976 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv HC Hawkhurst CC · Awayform—

Sunday the fifteenth of August found us on the road to Hawkhurst, and winning the toss I did what any captain with half an eye on the deckchairs would do — elected to bat, and for once I shan't be made to eat those words.

Our openers set about laying a platform sturdy enough to build a pavilion on, adding a crucial hundred for the first wicket before the breakthrough finally came. Trevor Back played the innings of the day, a well-made 91, with Stan Wratten chipping in a brisk 43 and young Tim Thirkell seeing us home unbeaten on 20. We closed on a handsome 182 for 5 from our 43 overs — the sort of total that lets a captain enjoy his tea rather than chew through it.

Defending it, Hawkhurst never quite got away from us, undone in no small part by Trevor Back's superb 3-15. I found some rhythm of my own with the ball, finishing with 3-43, while Ron Hickman bowled tidily for 2-23 including two maidens that gave nothing away. Piper's 48 and Saunders' 28 threatened briefly, but we sent Watson back for a duck and wrapped them up for 140 in 38.4 overs. Not a bad afternoon personally either — that spell took me past 400 career wickets, and Ron's brace nudged him above Tony Snell into 12th on the club's all-time list.

Forty-two runs the margin, two points the reward, and thoroughly deserved both.

Sun 15 Aug 1976 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv Lordswood CC · Homeform—

Elected to bat on winning the toss, and for once the decision looked shrewd rather than reckless. We crawled and nudged our way to 158 for 7 off our 47 overs — nothing to frighten anyone, but enough to work with. John Copplestone's 30 held the innings together, with Colin Dicker unbeaten on the same score and Jim Hall chipping in a useful 23. Spare a thought, though, for poor Martin Mears, who contributed nothing but a duck and a long, lonely walk back to the pavilion — the club ledger will remember him fondly, if not the runs.

Defending 158 against Lordswood felt like asking a deckchair to hold back the tide, especially once Neil Fairclough got his eye in and ground out a fine unbeaten 56, well backed by Henderson Carrington's 34. But cricket has a habit of turning on its head, and turn it did. Nigel Thirkell was magnificent, tearing through the middle order for 5 for 33, while I found some rhythm of my own, picking up 5 for 47 with five maidens thrown in for good measure — not a run given away lightly. Beg, Myur and Middleton all fell without scoring, and Lordswood folded for 135 in 41.1 overs.

We got home by 23 runs — narrow enough to keep the heart rate up, comfortable enough to enjoy the tea. A word too for Brian Piper, who brought up 1,000 career runs for the club, a landmark worth raising a glass to. All told, a proper day of village cricket, and a thoroughly good one for Linton Park.

Sat 14 Aug 1976 🧢 1st XIv BC Bobbing Court CC · HomeformWWWWD

Losing the toss on a warm August Saturday is never how I'd choose to start proceedings, but Bobbing Court's decision to bat gave us first use of the ball, and for once that proved no bad thing. They battled to 161 all out in 45.5 overs, Richard Witts easing past his fifty to finish on 59 with John McLeod chipping in a useful 30, but the middle and lower order rather lost their nerve against us. I had one of those afternoons where everything nips about a bit — 3 for 48, with three maidens thrown in for good measure — and Nigel Thirkell was hardly less miserly with 3 for 49, John Copplestone tidying up with 1 for 31. Not a run given away lightly, and Bobbing Court will have gone to tea rather thinner in confidence than in runs.

With 162 to chase, our reply had the unhurried air of a side that fancied its tea rather more than a wobble. Brian Woodcock played the anchor role beautifully for 49, Brian Piper stroked an unbeaten 43, and Paul Brattle's 31 kept the required rate honest, and we cruised home to 164 for 3 in 35.4 overs without ever looking troubled. Two ducks in our own innings barely registered against such comfort.

Seven wickets, two points, and a thoroughly satisfying day all round — bat and ball both doing their bit. Nigel Thirkell continues his quietly magnificent season, sitting second in the run charts and top of the wicket pile, and long may it continue. A proper club cricket victory, no fuss, no drama, just runs and wickets shared about the dressing room.

Wed 11 Aug 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv WC West Kent Wanderers CC · HomeformDDWWW

Wednesday, 11th August 1976, and Dummy Site came calling to Linton Park under skies that, if memory serves, were doing exactly what an English August ought. We lost the toss, were sent out to field, and I confess my heart sank slightly at the prospect of 43 overs in the sun. C. Fry gave us a proper working-over, 66 well-crafted runs, with J. Kerby (35 not out) and A. Williams (26) chipping in as the total crept to 183/6. Small mercy: D. Gower departed for a duck, and young David Buck was in inspired form, 2-6, backed up by Tony Gauna's 2-62 and the ever-parsimonious Nigel Thirkell, 1-35 with two maidens that must have felt like small victories in themselves.

Chasing 184, we made a fair fist of it. Brian Piper played the innings of the day, 78 in fine touch, with Nigel Thirkell weighing in with 28 to keep us in the hunt. Less gloriously, John Thirkell and David Buck both trudged back for ducks — the walk of shame performed twice over — while poor Jim Hall's day behind the stumps is best summed up by ten byes that told their own sorry tale.

We closed on 155/5 from 38, honours shared, neither side able to force the issue. Brian Piper continues to lead our run charts with 309, Nigel Thirkell tops the wickets with 12 — the old firm keeping us respectable. A draw, then: not a win to sing about, but no disgrace either. We'll take it.

Sun 08 Aug 1976 🧢 1st XIv Sibton Park CC · HomeformWWWWW

I won the toss on a Sunday that promised more sunshine than sense, and with Sibton Park visiting Linton Park I fancied our chances with bat in hand. As it turned out, 112 all out in 45.3 overs was a distinctly modest return for the confidence shown at the coin. Brian Piper batted with real substance for his 38, and I chipped in with 30 of my own — quietly pleased to note afterwards that those runs nudged me past Bob Arnold into 24th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, which is either a fine achievement or damning proof of how long I've been doing this. Less said the better about Jim Hall and Allan Cooper, both back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers.

In the field we scrapped for every run, restricting Sibton Park to 106 for 8 from their 47 overs, though Geoff Kirk rather spoiled the afternoon with a fluent 61. Nigel Thirkell was magnificent throughout, snaring 4 for 47 with five maidens of the meanest sort, and Trevor Back backed him up nicely with 1 for 15. We did for Nick Guy and Eric Impett without scores, small mercies in a tight run chase we somehow kept in check.

In the end honours were shared, a draw when neither side had quite enough to finish the job. Frustrating, perhaps, but with Thirkell sitting second in this season's run charts and out on his own at the top of the wickets column, there's plenty to be cheerful about as the summer rolls on.

Sat 07 Aug 1976 🧢 1st XIv Headcorn CC · AwayformWWWWW

Saturday 7th August 1976 took us down to Headcorn, and won the toss I did elect to bat — the right call, I still maintain, whatever the scorebook says about my own contribution to it. We were bowled out for 170 in 42 overs, carried chiefly by Brian Woodcock's fine 40, with Stan Wratten unbeaten on 29 and Nigel Thirkell chipping in 22. Less gloriously, Colin Dicker and I both departed for ducks — mine a golden one, out without troubling the scorers, which for a captain leading by example is rather leading by cautionary tale instead.

Ninety-three all out in 39.2 overs was the reply, John Phipps's 37 the only real resistance, and B. Austin gone for nought at our hands. If the bat had let me down, the ball made handsome amends: six wickets fell to me for 33, six of my overs going for nothing at all, while Nigel Thirkell took three and John Copplestone one. A tidy morning's work, and one that carried me past 400 career wickets and beyond John Thirkell into 6th on the club's all-time list — spinning, it seems, is rather more my department than batting.

Nigel Thirkell's day also nudged him past Paul Brattle into 10th among our run-scorers, and he sits 2nd in this season's charts for both bat and ball — the form horse of 1976, no question.

We got home by 77 runs. A very good day for the club, and, blob notwithstanding, not the worst for its captain either.

Wed 04 Aug 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv SC Sennocke CC · AwayformWDDWW

The road to Sennocke CC on Wednesday found us in fine fettle, and winning the toss I had no hesitation electing to bat — a call I'm rather pleased to say vindicated itself in full. We posted 174 for 6 from our 43 overs, built on the sort of innings a captain dreams about but rarely gets to enjoy from the middle: I found my range early and went on to make 106, the sort of day where the ball simply kept finding the middle of the bat. Jim Hall's unbeaten 27 and Nigel Thirkell's 26 gave the innings real backbone, though poor Robert Chance will remember Sennocke for rather less happy reasons, departing for a golden duck.

Defending the total, we were relentless. Sennocke were bowled out for 94 in 37.3 overs, N. Taylor's gutsy 49 the only real resistance, while G. Sager, I. Storey and K. Storey all trooped back without troubling the scorers. Nigel Thirkell was in unplayable mood, spinning his way to 5 for 22, with Mick Brown miserly and menacing in equal measure — 3 for 19 including five maidens — and Ian Webb chipping in with 1 for 5.

A fine win by 80 runs, then, and a landmark to boot: Thirkell's 26 runs eased him past Paul Brattle into 10th on the club's all-time run-scorers list. With Bowles now on 300 runs for the season and Thirkell striding clear at the top of the wicket charts with 11, this Midweek XI is playing some serious cricket. Onwards indeed.

Sun 01 Aug 1976 🧢 1st XIv Staplehurst CC · HomeformWWWWW

Lost the toss again on Sunday — I really must start practising that coin flip — and Staplehurst duly stuck us in the field. Not that we minded much. They ground their way to 148 for 9 off 57 overs, built mainly around Pullen's patient 32 with Wibberley and Bev Taylor chipping in 25 apiece, while A West and S Howell trudged back for ducks without so much as a whisker of a run. Allan Cooper was magnificent, hustling through four maidens on his way to 4 for 22, and I picked up a couple myself for 29, with Jon Harris weighing in at 2 for 43. A tidy shift all round — nothing given away lightly.

Chasing 149, we made rather light work of it, romping home at 149 for 3 in just 34.4 overs. I found some form with the bat and finished unbeaten on 79, ably backed up by Brian Piper's fine 47 — though poor Tim Thirkell will be buying the teas after his golden duck, the Duck Club ledger growing ever fatter.

A word for Allan, too: those four wickets nudged him past Brian Fuller and into 19th on the club's all-time list — a proper mantelpiece moment. And with the season charts showing me out in front for both runs and wickets, I shall try very hard not to let it go to my head.

Two points, thoroughly earned, seven wickets to spare. A cracking afternoon's cricket, and one to savour with the tea urn.

Sat 31 Jul 1976 🧢 1st XIv BC Bidborough CC · HomeformDWWWW

Lost the toss on Saturday and, as is tradition at Linton Park, promptly found ourselves out in the field wondering why we ever bother calling heads. Bidborough huffed and puffed their way to 89 all out in 28.5 overs, though "puffed" rather undersells J Kerby's 30 and C Sizer's watchful 23 not out. The real story, though, was Paul Bowles, who bowled as if he had a personal grievance with the Bidborough top order and finished with 6-43 — a five-for and then some. Nigel Thirkell chipped in with 4-21 and three miserly maidens, the sort of spell that makes batsmen forget what a boundary looks like.

Chasing 90, we made hard work of easy work, as ever. Dave Crowest, David Tolhurst and T Ham all trooped back without so much as a single to their names, and Colin Dicker joined them for a golden duck of his own — the ducks were very much in season. Bowles, having done the damage with ball, added 28 with the bat, and Paul Brattle's unbeaten 26 saw us home at 93/4 in 29.4 overs. Poor Jim Hall had a torrid afternoon behind the stumps, coughing up 11 byes, but no matter.

Brattle's runs nudge him past Thirkell into 10th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, while Bowles continues his one-man crusade atop both the 1976 run and wicket charts. Six wickets, two points, and a thoroughly deserved pint. A good day at Linton Park.

Fri 30 Jul 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv MC Margate CC · AwayformDWDDW

I won the toss on a fine Friday and, with barely a flicker of hesitation, sent us in to bat first away at Margate. It proved the right call. Nigel Thirkell played the innings of the day, an excellent 84, while Brian Piper chipped in a brisk 41 and John Copplestone added a useful 23 to see us to a healthy 208 for 6 from our 49 overs.

Defending that total, we set about Margate with real purpose. Sandwell top-scored gamely for the home side with 30, well supported by Richard Dale's 25, but beyond that there was little resistance — M. Corden and I. Gosling both trudged back without troubling the scorers. Paul Bowles was the pick of the attack with 3 for 38, Trevor Back chipped away for 2 for 19, and I managed 2 for 29 myself, four of my overs going for nothing at all. Margate were bowled out for a modest 107 in 37.1 overs, and the match, and the two points, were ours by 101 runs.

A tidy footnote for the scorebook: Paul Brattle's 16 runs eased him past Nigel Thirkell into 11th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, while up in the season table Brian Piper continues to lead our 1976 Midweek XI run charts with 229, and I find myself, somewhat to my own surprise, topping the wicket charts with 10.

A thoroughly satisfying day's work — batted well, bowled better, and home in time for tea. We'll take that all season long.

Sun 25 Jul 1976 🧢 1st XIv The Mote CC · AwayformLDWWW

Wet ball, damp outfield, and a toss we duly lost — so out we trooped into the field first, resigned to our fate as ever The Mote's hospitality demands. Ninety-one all out in 45.5 overs was rather more than the pitch promised early on, N Bett's 36 doing most of the damage before Jon Harris decided enough was enough and ran through them like a fox in a henhouse, finishing with a marvellous 5-24. Nigel Thirkell chipped in too, all miserly discipline and four maidens to go with his 3-17, while Trevor Back nabbed one for six. Miner, for what it's worth, departed without troubling the scorers at all — a duck to treasure, or possibly forget.

Chasing 92 should never have felt like a stroll, but with Harris and Thirkell having done the heavy lifting, it very nearly was. I found some rare late-order form myself, finishing 53 not out and easing us home at 93/3 from 29.2 overs — the sort of innings one dines out on for weeks, and I fully intend to. Robert Chance's contribution of two runs may not have shaken the scoreboard, but it nudged him past John Taylor's into 14th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, which is precisely the kind of quietly historic footnote this game specialises in.

A seven-wicket win, then, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work — bowling that throttled them into submission and batting calm enough to see it out without alarm. With the runs still flowing nicely and Thirkell's wickets column looking positively gluttonous, the season charts make pleasant reading indeed. Onwards to the next one.

Sat 24 Jul 1976 🧢 1st XIv Sibton Park CC · AwayformWLDWW

Skipper's Log — 24 July, away at Sibton Park.

No joy with the coin, and Sibton had first use of a decent-looking track. We stuck at it in the field, though, and worked our way through them for exactly 100 in 44.4 overs, David Rawlings the only man to really get his eye in with an unbeaten 35. Three of theirs came and went without so much as a whimper past the bat, which always cheers a captain up no end. But the day belonged, unarguably, to Paul Bowles — 7 for 24, six of his overs maidens, bowling with the sort of relentless miserliness that makes batsmen question their life choices. Nigel Thirkell chipped in with two, and I managed to prise one out myself for 28, which I shall count as a contribution rather than dwell on the economy rate.

Chasing 101, we made handsome work of it — 102 for 3 in only 19 overs and 4 balls, Bowles following his heroics with the ball by top-scoring with 39, Thirkell again useful with an unbeaten 21 to see us home.

Bowles, frankly, is having the sort of season the rest of us can only watch in quiet admiration — 638 runs and 58 wickets for the 1st XI this year, and if he keeps this up we may have to start paying his subs for him.

Two points, comfortably and cheerfully earned — a seven-wicket win, and the tea, I'm told, was rather good too.

Sun 18 Jul 1976 🧢 1st XIv SC Sevenoaks Vine CC · HomeformLWLDW

Lost the toss again — I'm beginning to think the coin has it in for me — and Sevenoaks Vine duly stuck us in. Not that it troubled us unduly. Tony Gauna was in irresistible form, spinning his way to 5 for 21 with five maidens thrown in for good measure, ably backed by Nigel Thirkell's 3 for 42 and a tidy 1 for 17 of my own. Phil Francis and R Raikes both departed without troubling the scorers, and only Phil Barnett's watchful 42 kept Sevenoaks afloat before they folded for 131 in 39.2 overs.

Two milestones worth toasting from that innings: Gauna's five-for eased him past Frank Taylor into 14th on the club's all-time wicket-takers' list, while Thirkell brought up 3,000 career runs for the club, nudging past Terry Whittaker into 12th among our all-time run-scorers. Not a bad afternoon's work for either of them.

With the target modest, I settled in and made 50, with Thirkell unbeaten on 38 and Robert Chance chipping in 30 as we cantered to 134 for 3 in 40.5 overs. Fourteen byes did rather suggest Chance's day behind the stumps was more eventful than his day with the bat, though I shan't dwell on it.

A tidy seven-wicket win, two points thoroughly banked, and with 599 runs and 51 wickets respectively, Thirkell and I remain rather pleased with how this season's shaping up. All in all, a fine day's cricket.

Wed 14 Jul 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv SC Sennocke CC · HomeformLDWDD

Sennocke arrived at Linton Park on Wednesday and duly won us the toss, which by now feels less like bad luck and more like a standing arrangement. They chose to bat, and for a while looked set to make a real afternoon of it, with D. Wheatley cruising to 55 and I. Franks unbeaten on 48 in support, Brian Scragg chipping in with 25. C. Boon, mercifully, departed for a golden duck before he could add to the discomfort. It was Nigel Thirkell who kept us in the contest with the ball, eight miserly maidens and figures of 1-24, while Paul Bowles and Tony Gauna took a wicket apiece to help peg them back to 177/4 off their fifty-three overs.

Chasing 178, we made distinctly harder work of it than the target deserved, needing 40.4 overs to get there, but get there we did on 178/7. Paul Bowles played the fine, patient fifty of the innings with 65, and Nigel Thirkell, clearly not content with his heroics in the field, added a second-half 50 with the bat as well. Fourteen byes, however, told their own quiet story about John Copplestone's afternoon behind the stumps — a day best filed under "character-building."

Brian Piper continues to lead our Midweek run charts with 188 for the season, and Thirkell now sits second in the wicket-takers with five, his double act with bat and ball not going unnoticed. A three-wicket win, scrappy in places but thoroughly deserved. Onwards.

Sat 10 Jul 1976 🧢 1st XIv Snodland Community CC · HomeformWLWLD

Saturday 10 July found us hosting Snodland Community CC, and when the coin fell my way I had no hesitation in asking us to bat first — a shirt-front of a morning if ever I saw one, and I felt certain it was the right call.

We were not exactly buccaneering, but 167 for 9 off our forty overs was a tidy platform, built chiefly on Mike Iliffe's watchful 31, with Nigel Thirkell (26) and Tim Thirkell (24) chipping in handsomely, and I added 21 of my own down the order. Less happily, Ken Webb and Ian Webb both made the long walk back without troubling the scorers — the Duck Club's membership swells again.

With the ball, we were altogether more ruthless. Snodland folded for a paltry 58 in 24.3 overs, their innings a procession of ducks for C Smitherman, Nigel Thirkell and F Waller. Our own Nigel Thirkell was in inspired form with the ball too, returning a remarkable 5 for 1 including five maidens, with Ron Hickman (2-14) and Paul Bowles (1-19) mopping up the rest.

There was extra cheer in the changing room afterwards: Paul Bowles's 16 runs eased him past William Buck into 5th on the club's all-time run-scorers' list, while Tim Thirkell (555 runs) and Bowles himself (50 wickets) continue to top this season's charts. A comfortable win by 109 runs — the sort of afternoon that makes the teas taste all the sweeter.

Wed 07 Jul 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv SC Sevenoaks & District Wednesday CC · AwayformWLDWD

July was hot at the crease. We chased leather for 51 overs against Sevenoaks & District Wednesday, watched S Taylor bat like the pitch owed him money, and still came away with the game unresolved.

We lost the toss and were put in the field first, which on a July afternoon is not everyone's idea of a treat. Sevenoaks made themselves comfortable, posting 205 for 6 from their 51 overs, S Taylor the chief architect with an unbeaten 40, well supported by P Reynolds (32) and K Adams (25). I did my bit with the ball, taking 2 for 68 — wicket-taking if not miserly — while Trevor Back and Jon Harris chipped in with a wicket apiece, and Allan Cooper bowled with the sort of discipline that yields three maidens and precious little else. Twenty-one byes, I should confess, told their own story of a testing afternoon behind the stumps — my glovesman will not thank me for putting that in print.

With the bat we set about the target with rather more assurance. Brian Piper played the innings of the day, a fine 82, while I found some form of my own with 58, sailing past a fifty I'd rather not have to explain twice, and Paul Bowles added a brisk 32. Even so, 197 for 5 from our 44 overs left us short of the finish line as the overs ran out.

Honours shared, then — a draw when neither side could quite force the issue. Not the result the scorebook dreams of, but with Piper now heading our run charts and Harris our wickets, there's plenty to be cheerful about as midweek marches on.

Sun 04 Jul 1976 🧢 1st XIv AC Aylesford Paper Mills CC · AwayformLWLWL

The coin fell kindly for once, and with visions of glory I sent Aylesford Paper Mills out to field first. Nigel Thirkell set about proving why he's the form man of the summer, compiling a handsome 56, and found good company in John Copplestone (35) and Paul Brattle (31), the three of them dragging us to 173 all out from 41 overs. Not everyone shared in the runs — Martin Mears and Tony Gauna both trudged back for ducks, the sort of shared misery that at least halves the embarrassment.

With the ball, Aylesford made us work hard for every run. Fred Baker anchored their reply with an unbeaten 60 and John Atkins chipped in 38, as they crept to 159 for 6 from their 40 overs. Tony Gauna was pick of the attack with 2 for 20, Nigel Thirkell tight as ever with 1 for 15 and three miserly maidens, and I chipped in with 2 for 40, more relief than triumph. Colin Watson fell for a duck to our bowling, small consolation. Poor Robert Chance had an afternoon of it behind the stumps, 12 byes leaking through like the Kent weather threatening overhead.

I'm told I now lead the 1976 first-team's run and wicket charts, which is nice to hear even if it did precious little to settle this one. In the end neither side could force a result, and honours were shared — a draw that, on reflection, felt entirely fair to both.

Sat 03 Jul 1976 🧢 1st XIv MV Medway Valley · HomeformLLWLW

Saturday saw Medway Valley roll into Linton Park, the sun almost cooperating, and my call at the toss meeting its usual fate — lost. Put in first, we set about them with more enthusiasm than the scoreboard initially rewarded, though Medway Valley's top order clearly hadn't read the script: De-Negri, Waters and Crosby all trooped back without so much as a run to show for it, and only M. Barker, digging in for an unbeaten 31, gave their innings any shape at all. Credit where it's due — Paul Bowles was magnificent, ripping through with 4 for 23, Jon Harris chipped in handsomely with 3 for 17, Ian Brattle picked up one, and Nigel Thirkell bowled with the miserly discipline of a man guarding his allotment, sending down two maidens. All out for 80 in 26.3 overs — a total that felt, dare I say it, gettable.

And there lies the rub. Batting is meant to be the simple part, yet 74 all out in 27.2 overs suggests otherwise. Poor Ian Brattle, having toiled so usefully with the ball, was undone for a golden duck — cruel game, cricket. I did what I could from the middle and with a word here and there to the field, but it wasn't enough to drag us over the line, and as captain I'll shoulder that.

Six runs short, then, and a long walk back to the pavilion. Heads up, chins high, and straight back to the nets — Medway Valley have our measure this year, but not, I trust, for long.

Wed 30 Jun 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv NS Northend Sunday · HomeformDWLDW

Wednesday 30th June, and the visitors from Dummy Site rocked up to find your skipper had lost the toss yet again — a run stretching back, well, further than I care to audit. Asked to chase, we took the ball first, and the lads did us proud with it. Tony Gauna was in irresistible mood, prising out three for a miserly 20, with Mick Brown (2-29) and the metronomic Trevor Back (1-18, three maidens — not a run given away lightly) squeezing the innings shut at 163 for 7 from their 45. T Smith's unbeaten 59, well supported by M. Bull's 42, was the difference between a good day and a very good one for the visitors.

Chasing 164, we made a decent fist of it without quite landing the blow. Brian Piper batted beautifully for 81 — the innings of the day by some distance — with Paul Bowles chipping in a tidy 23. Alas, poor Tony Gauna, having done his bit with the ball, marked his return to the pavilion with a duck 🦆 — cricket's way of keeping a man humble. Behind the stumps, William Buck had a torrid afternoon of it, 12 byes going begging past him. We closed on 155 for 7 from 43, agonisingly short.

So honours shared, and on reflection a fair one — neither side could quite force the door open. Brian Piper continues to top the season's run charts on 99, and Tony Gauna sits third among the wicket-takers on 3. A draw to nod at, rather than celebrate, but no complaints from this skipper.

Sun 27 Jun 1976 🧢 1st XIv DC Davington Priory CC · AwayformWLLWL

Sunday last took us to Davington Priory, and winning the toss I had no hesitation in taking first knock — batting first, on that morning at least, felt like the only sensible thing a captain could do. John Copplestone played the innings of the day, a fine 68, while Nigel Thirkell's 24 and an unbeaten 24 from Ken Webb gave the total real substance. We closed on 161 for 6 from our 33 overs — enough, I hoped, to give our bowlers something to bowl at.

As it turned out, I needn't have worried. Davington's top order simply had no answer for whatever I was doing with the ball that afternoon — spin turning square, three maidens in the mix, and figures of 7 for 42 that I still can't quite believe when I look at the scorebook. Allan Cooper and Tony Gauna chipped in either side of me, and three of their batsmen trooped back without so much as a run to their name. David Matthews battled hard for his unbeaten 38, but it was a lone hand. Thirteen byes did rather give the game away about the standard of wicketkeeping on offer, poor John having one of those days standing up.

I added a watchful 16 with the bat for good measure, and with Tim Thirkell now second in the season's run charts and yours truly third among the wicket-takers, the form appears to be holding. Seventy-seven runs the margin, two points safely in the bag — a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work.

Wed 23 Jun 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv MP Medway Police · AwayformLDWLD

I won the toss on a fine Wednesday afternoon against Medway Police and had no hesitation electing to bat — the sort of decision that looks either shrewd or lucky depending entirely on what follows, and for once I'll take the credit.

What followed was rather splendid. We piled up 198 for 4 from our 39 overs, John Copplestone the architect of it all with a really well-made 91, and Paul Bowles chipping in handsomely with 68 of his own past a well-deserved fifty. Two fine, fluent innings that left the rest of us on the boundary rope doing very little but applauding and eating cake.

Defending that sort of total ought to be the easy part, and so it proved. Medway Police were bowled out for a modest 102 in 27 overs, Mayes doing most of the damage for them with 25, while J. Lawrence and Gillett both departed without troubling the scorers. I found some rhythm with the ball myself and finished with 4 for 13, Nigel Thirkell was a picture of miserliness with 2 for 4 and a couple of maidens besides, and Jon Harris chipped in with 2 for 33 — enough between us to have their innings wrapped up long before tea got cold.

A96-run victory and two points banked — thoroughly earned, and about as complete a team performance as this old captain could wish for.

Tue 22 Jun 1976 🧢 1st XIv West Farleigh CC · HomeformWWLLW

Tuesday 22nd June saw West Farleigh CC roll up to Linton Park, and the coin, as it so often does, let us down — they had first use of the bat, and off we trudged to the field like men who'd already sensed how the afternoon might go.

Sixteen overs later they'd posted a brisk 116/7, built chiefly on Simon Day's fine half-century, with Micky Back (31) and Don Fermor (23) chipping in handsomely. Barry Brigden, mercifully for us, departed without troubling the scorers. The bowling honours were Nigel Thirkell's — a superb 4-27 that kept us in the hunt — with Tony Gauna (2-38) and Allan Cooper (1-23) offering solid support.

A target of 117 from sixteen overs is no stroll, and so it proved. Nigel Thirkell, having done his bit with the ball, followed up with a battling 38, well supported by Paul Bowles's 33. Beyond that, alas, the rest of the order rather lost the plot, with Tim Thirkell and Tony Gauna both departing for ducks as we were bowled out for 103.

Thirteen runs short, then, and another one that got away — heads up, and back to the nets it is. On the brighter side, Paul Bowles continues to lead our 1976 run charts with 517, and Nigel Thirkell sits second in the wicket-takers with 42 — proof, if any were needed, that even in defeat there's a season's worth of good work being quietly done. Not our day, but not a bad summer either.

Tue 15 Jun 1976 🧢 1st XIv HC Hollingbourne CC · HomeformDWWLL

Tuesday the 15th of June, and Hollingbourne rolled up to Linton Park with the sun more or less behaving itself. I lost the toss — no great surprise, my coin-spinning has never troubled the scorers — and we were asked to have a bowl before chasing whatever they left us.

To their credit, Hollingbourne battled to 94 for 5 off their 16 overs, Andrew Hales the chief architect with a watchful 33 not out. We chipped away throughout: Allan Cooper was the pick of the attack with 2 for 17, while Nigel Thirkell (2 for 31) and Ron Hickman (1 for 21) kept things honest at the other end.

We replied in some style, racing to 95 for 3 off just 11.5 overs. I found some rare touch with 42 not out, ably backed up by Nigel Thirkell's brisk 27. Spare a thought, though, for poor Tim Thirkell, who contrived a golden duck and duly joins the club's less illustrious ledger — quack.

There was silver lining even in that: Nigel's 27 nudged him past John --'s Taylor into 13th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, and he continues to sit second in this season's wicket charts with 38 to his name, just as I find myself second in the run charts on 484. A fine win by seven wickets, then, and a thoroughly satisfactory evening's work — onwards.

Sun 13 Jun 1976 🧢 1st XIv BC Bobbing Court CC · AwayformWDWWL

Here is the report.

I'll confess the toss did us no favours on Sunday – Bobbing Court called correctly and had no hesitation putting us into the field, which on paper looked the easier half of the day. J Gorf had other ideas, ambling past his fifty and on to a commanding 75 that shaped the whole innings, with Denis Fowle (30) and Roy Weller (25) chipping in to see the hosts to 160 for 7 off their 48 overs. We didn't let it get away from us entirely, mind – Nigel Thirkell bowled beautifully for 4 for 54, three of those overs maidens, and I was glad to lend a hand with 1 for 16, Tony Gauna weighing in with 1 for 23 alongside him.

Chasing 161, we never quite got the innings on terms. Tim Thirkell battled hardest for his top score of 36, with good support from Tony Gauna's unbeaten 26, but three of the lads – Paul Brattle, G Kemsley and Jon Harris – all took that lonely walk back for nought, and we folded for 119 in 31.3 overs. A 41-run defeat, and no way of dressing it up as anything else.

Still, credit where it's due: Tim continues to lead our 1976 run charts with 506 to his name, and Nigel now sits second in the wicket-takers with 36 – proof there's genuine quality in this side even when the results don't follow. Not our day, then, but heads up, back to the nets, and on to the next one.

Sat 12 Jun 1976 🧢 1st XIv YM YMCA Maidstone · AwayformWWDWW

Saturday 12 June 1976, and off we trundled to Ymca Maidstone with the coin toss going against us before a ball had been bowled — chasing it would be, whether we liked it or not.

In the field first, we watched them pile up 160 all out in 49.2 overs, with J. Golding (46) and R. Mercer (36) doing most of the damage and P. Worsnop (23) chipping in for good measure. Credit where it's due, though: I managed to run riot with the ball, finishing with 6-75, while Allan Cooper (2-34) and Nigel Thirkell (2-43) mopped up the rest — Nigel in particular bowling a positively miserly five maidens, not a run given away lightly. Three of theirs departed without troubling the scorers, which was some consolation for the day ahead.

Chasing 160, we never quite got going, folding for 116 in 23.4 overs. Brian Woodcock's unbeaten 39 was the innings' one real bright spot, well supported by Paul Brattle's 27, but too many of us — myself very much included — failed to trouble the scoreboard, joining Stan Wratten on the walk of shame with a duck against my name. The less said about that the better.

So, beaten by 44 runs, and a day that rather summed up our season in miniature — dangerous with the ball, fragile with the bat. We'll be better for it next week.

Sun 06 Jun 1976 🧢 1st XIv SC Sheldwich CC · AwayformWWWDW

Called it right at the toss on a bright Sunday down at Sheldwich, and there was never much doubt in my mind — sun out, pitch dry, we were batting. Paul Brattle set about proving me right with a splendid 48, Tony Gauna anchored things beautifully with 44 not out, and Brian Piper chipped in a useful 27 to see us to 191 all out in 44.4 overs. Not every innings can be a triumph, mind — poor John Copplestone endured the long walk back for a golden duck, and I offer him the club's sympathies along with its ribbing, in roughly equal measure.

With the ball, we were rampant. Nigel Thirkell was in irresistible form, spinning his way to 5 for 49 with three maidens thrown in for good measure, and I was delighted to get among the wickets myself with 4 for 33, while Trevor Back tidied up with 1 for 10. Graham Mountford, Tim George and R Heward all departed without troubling the scorers, and only R- Scott's defiant 40 gave Sheldwich anything to cling to as they folded for 129 in 36.5 overs.

A day for the record books besides the result: Paul Brattle brought up 3,000 career runs, Mike Iliffe's 7 nudged him past Andrew Moss into 17th on the all-time run-scorers' list, and Nigel Thirkell's five-for lifted him past John Taylor into 8th among the club's wicket-takers. Tim Thirkell continues to lead our 1976 run charts with 461, and Nigel sits second in the wickets column with 30. A fine win by 62 runs — the sort of afternoon that makes the drive home feel a good deal shorter than the drive out.

Sat 05 Jun 1976 🧢 1st XIv RC Rumwood CC · HomeformWWWWD

Left arm orthodox, right arm unplayable — I still don't quite know which one turned up on Saturday, but by heavens I'm glad he did.

We had Rumwood at home, I won the toss, and elected to bat — the right call, I felt, though I say that about every toss I win and I'm usually only correct half the time. Brian Woodcock led the charge with a fine 41, Paul Brattle chipped in a tidy 33 of his own — and rather handily moved him past Terry Whittaker into 11th on the club's all-time run charts, which is the sort of thing that gets you a nod of approval at the bar without having to buy a round. I found some form with 39 of my own. Poor Jon Harris, meanwhile, walked back for nought and will be hearing about it for some weeks yet. All told, 164/8 from our 46 overs — respectable, if not one to frighten the neighbours.

Then Rumwood came out to bat, and frankly never got going. S. Simmonds battled to 33, but Bailey, Jones and Boorman all trooped off for ducks, and I found some rhythm I didn't entirely know I still had — 10 for 27 off 3 maidens, which I shall be modest about exactly once and then mention at every opportunity for the rest of the season. All out for 64 in 27.4 overs.

A red-letter day all round: Tim Thirkell brought up his 200th appearance in Linton colours, and leads our run charts for the year with 449. Home by 100 runs. A very good day for the club indeed.

Mon 31 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · HomeformDWWWW

Won the toss on a fine Monday afternoon and, with Bearsted CC visiting, there was never much doubt which way I'd call it — batting first, please. And how it paid off. Paul Bowles played an innings for the ages, 107 not out, the kind of hundred you talk about at the bar for weeks, while Tim Thirkell chipped in a fine 52 and Paul Brattle 40 in support. The openers set the tone with 96 before the first wicket fell, and the second-wicket pair piled on a further crucial 105. We closed on 239/2 from our sixty overs — frankly more runs than most bowling attacks deserve to face.

In the field we set about defending it, and defend it we did. Bearsted never got going, subsiding from 23-1 to 27-4 as the pressure told, with Duncan Andrews, Mike Reed and R. Parsons all back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers. Nigel Thirkell was magnificent, 4-15 with four maidens — not a run given away lightly — and I managed to prise out one for 11 myself. Only Chris Collett, unbeaten on 21, showed any real resistance.

Handshakes all round for a couple of landmarks too — Paul Bowles brought up 6,000 runs for the club, and Nigel Thirkell's runs today nudged him past Maurice Fenner into 14th on the all-time list. In the end neither side could force the win, so honours were shared. A draw, yes, but on this evidence a highly satisfactory one.

Sun 30 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv ME Medway Electricity · HomeformWDWWW

Sunday 30 May 1976, and Medway Electricity rolled up expecting a stroll. I lost the toss, or perhaps won it in the worst sense, and sent us into the field first. It didn't take long to see this was our afternoon. Tony Gauna was a menace all day, seven overs given away for nothing and figures of 4-43, while I chipped in with 3-29 and Nigel Thirkell picked up 2-29 for good measure. G. Brown battled to 47 and G. Phillips made a fist of 25, but J. Phillips and R. Sydenham both trudged off for ducks, and Medway were done for 123 all out in 53.2 overs. A proper collective effort with the ball, and not a run given away lightly.

Chasing 124, we made a rather more comfortable fist of it, getting there for the loss of four wickets in 36.2 overs. Nigel Thirkell was in fine touch again, unbeaten on 46, with John Copplestone a steady 28 alongside him. Poor Jim Hall had a torrid time behind the stumps, ten byes leaking through, which he will no doubt be reminded of in the clubhouse for weeks to come.

Tim Thirkell continues to lead the 1976 run charts with 396, and Nigel sits second in the wicket charts on 21 — the family silverware cabinet is filling up nicely. A fine win by six wickets, then, and a thoroughly satisfying day all round. Onwards.

Sat 29 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv DC Davington Priory CC · HomeformWWDWW

As it stood on Saturday the 29th of May, 1976, we hosted Davington Priory CC on what I'd like to think was a fine afternoon for cricket — and, having won the toss, I had no hesitation electing to bat. The right call, I felt, and not for the last time.

We batted with real intent, racing to 215 for 4 off our 30 overs. Tim Thirkell was in majestic touch for 84, with Nigel Thirkell not far behind on a well-crafted 61, and Brian Woodcock chipping in an unbeaten 25 to round things off nicely. Paul Bowles, it must be recorded, contributed a golden duck to proceedings — these things happen to the best of us, and no doubt he'll have his say with the ball.

And have his say he did. Davington Priory folded for a meagre 55 in 24.1 overs, undone by an attack that simply would not let up. Stan Wratten was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 0, ably backed by Paul Bowles's 3 for 6 and a tidy 1 for 0 from my own hand. Martin Mears bowled with real discipline, sending down four maidens, while Mervyn Halls's 26 was the only real resistance amid a procession of ducks.

Two names for the record books: Nigel Thirkell's 61 sees him climb to 16th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, and Stan Wratten's three wickets lift him to 24th among our leading wicket-takers. A thumping 160-run victory, then, and one to savour. Onwards.

Tue 25 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv AC Aylesford Paper Mills CC · HomeformWWWDW

It was a good win for the lads — let me put it into the captain's voice.

Tuesday, and Aylesford Paper Mills paid us a visit at home. I lost the toss — no great shock, my coin-calling remains about as reliable as an English summer — and we were asked to field first, which on reflection suited us rather nicely.

Tony Gauna was in irresistible form with the ball, finishing with 4-18, and there was fine support from Nigel Thirkell (3-16) and Allan Cooper (1-13) as the visitors were shot out for a modest 71/9 from their sixteen overs. Colin Watson and Arasathan both departed without troubling the scorers, a brace of ducks that rather set the tone for an uncomfortable afternoon in the Aylesford camp.

With such a target, the chase always had the feel of a formality, and so it proved. I settled in and finished unbeaten on 39, while Brian Woodcock played the ideal foil with an equally composed 30 not out, and between us we knocked the runs off for the loss of precisely no wickets, wrapping things up in just 12.1 overs — 72/0.

A fine win by ten wickets, then, and a thoroughly satisfying one to bank. It's pleasing, too, to see the season's figures reading well — second in the 1st XI run charts with 296 to my name, and Nigel sitting second in the wicket-takers' list with 19 — proof, if any were needed, that this is shaping into rather a good summer. Onwards we go.

Sun 23 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv Lordswood CC · HomeformLWWWD

I won the toss on a bright Sunday and, with the pitch looking full of runs, had no hesitation in asking Lordswood to have a bowl first — a decision that occasionally comes back to bite a captain, but not today.

We were bowled out for 193 in 46.1 overs, built around a fine fifty from Nigel Thirkell, who eventually fell for 68 having looked in no mood to give it back. John Copplestone chipped in nicely with 33 and Brian Woodcock added a useful 26, while at the other end of the fortune scale poor John Thirkell trudged off for a golden duck, the sort of dismissal that earns you a pint bought for you rather than by you.

Defending it, we bowled Lordswood out for 102 in 41.2 overs, with A Goodwin's 20 the only real resistance and B Middleton and H Carrington both back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers. I had the rare pleasure of leading the attack with 3-34, well backed up by Allan Cooper (2-12) and Tony Gauna (2-17), while Jon Harris strangled the life out of the middle overs with four maidens. Sixteen byes did rather give the game away about Brian Woodcock's afternoon behind the stumps — a story for another day.

The individual note of the season: Nigel's 68 nudged him past George Champion into 18th on the club's all-time run-scorers' list, a landmark worth raising a glass to. A comfortable, thoroughly deserved win by 91 runs — the sort of afternoon that makes all the nets in April feel worthwhile.

Sat 22 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv YM YMCA Maidstone · HomeformDLWWW

Skipper's Log — Saturday 22nd May 1976, versus Ymca Maidstone at home. Winning the toss on a decent-looking morning left me with one of the easier decisions of my captaincy career, and I had no hesitation whatsoever in sending us in to bat.

What followed was a proper batting effort. Tim Thirkell played the innings of the day, an outstanding 88 that carried the side and, as I later discovered with no small pride on his behalf, nudged him past Tony Levick into 21st on the club's all-time run-scorers list — the sort of statistic that gets murmured about approvingly over a pint. Nigel Thirkell chipped in handsomely with 48, I managed a workmanlike 30 of my own, and we closed on a healthy 202 for 5 from 42.4 overs. Poor Jim Hall will want to forget his duck, though I dare say the tea urn offered some consolation.

In the field we set about defending it with everything we had. Jon Harris led the attack beautifully with 3 for 44, Nigel Thirkell backed him up with 2 for 24, and I was pleased enough with 2 for 25 and five maidens — not a run given away lightly, as I like to think of it. P. Worsnop's unbeaten 43 kept the visitors interested, but 136 for 8 from their 49 overs was never quite enough to trouble us.

So honours were shared, a draw when neither side could force the issue — and with Tim Thirkell now leading our season's run charts on 299 and yours truly topping the wicket count on 26, I'll happily settle for that.

Tue 18 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv YM YMCA Maidstone · HomeformWDLWW

Wednesday. No, Tuesday, 18 May 1976. Ymca Maidstone made the trip to Linton Park, and having lost the toss I found us put in the field first — never my favourite start to a day, but there are worse fates than an early bowl on a decent afternoon.

We restricted them well. Merser top-scored with a watchful 29, Worsnop chipped in with 26, and there was even a duck to enjoy at the other end when Golding departed without troubling the scorers — always a moment of quiet satisfaction for the fielding side, whatever the spirit of the game says about celebrating it. I found some rhythm with the new ball and finished with 3-21, with Ron Hickman and Allan Cooper mopping up a wicket apiece to leave them 88/7 from their sixteen overs — a target that looked chaseable without being straightforward on a ground that can turn tricky under lights.

With the bat we made light work of it. I carried on where I'd left off with the ball, seeing us home with an unbeaten 38, and John Copplestone provided the ideal foil with 28 not out, the pair of us cantering to victory by eight wickets with two overs unused. A word too for Allan Cooper, whose solitary wicket nudged him past Michael Morton and into 20th on the club's all-time list — the sort of statistical footnote that means rather more to the man himself than to anyone watching from the boundary rope.

All told, a thoroughly satisfying day's work: tidy in the field, ruthless with the bat, and precious little for me to grumble about on the walk back to the pavilion.

Sun 16 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv WK Woodlands (Kent) · HomeformWWDLW

Skipper's Log — Sunday 16 May 1976. Woodlands (Kent) at home.

Won the toss, elected to bat — the right call, I felt, though I'll admit that's what I always say when it comes off. And come off it did: 199 for 7 from our 49 overs, built on a really well-made fifty from Brian Piper (59) and handsomely backed up by Tim Thirkell's fine 55, with Robert Chance chipping in a tidy 27. Spare a thought, and perhaps a small round of applause, for Jon Harris, whose duck went straight into the Duck Club ledger — the walk of shame performed, I gather, with his usual dignity.

Woodlands' reply never got going. They were bowled out for 96 in 46.3 overs, R Lane's defiant 29 the only real resistance, while D Bowen and B. Stevens both departed without troubling the scorers. I had one of those days that don't come round often enough — 5 for 22, five of them maidens, the ball turning nicely all afternoon — with Jon Harris making handsome amends for his morning's duck by taking 5 for 53 himself.

Beyond the scoreline, a landmark afternoon: Tim Thirkell brought up 2,000 career runs for the club, his 55 also easing him past Frank Taylor into 22nd on our all-time list — and with 203 runs he now leads the 1976 charts, with my 21 wickets doing likewise on the bowling side.

A fine win, by 103 runs. Onwards.

Sat 15 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv Headcorn CC · HomeformWWWDL

Saturday 15 May 1976 — Headcorn CC visited, the sun (or something like it) shone, and I won the toss. I elected to bat, and for once my judgement wasn't entirely wayward. We posted 152/8 from our 41 overs, John Copplestone the rock of the innings with a splendid unbeaten 42. Not every man had his day out there — Brian Woodcock and Tim Thirkell both trooped back for ducks — but the extras column did us proud with 30, which is either a compliment to our running between the wickets or an indictment of Headcorn's line and length. I'll leave that one open.

Out in the field, we turned distinctly more clinical. Headcorn were bowled out for 95 in 32.3 overs, John Phipps giving them something to cheer with 37, well supported by B. Penney (21) and C. Wickens (20), but three of their number — R. Thomason, K. Couchman and Bryan Whatman — departed without troubling the scorer. Martin Mears was magnificent, ripping through with 4-11, while Allan Cooper (3-19, and four maidens to boot) and Brian Fuller (2-22) tidied up what was left. I contributed a workmanlike 17 with the bat, which I shall count as a good day's work and leave it there.

A fine win by 57 runs, then, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's cricket all round. Onwards we go.

Thu 13 May 1976 🧢 Midweek XIv BD Barclays Bank Norwich District · HomeformDLDWL

The coin, for once, fell kindly, and I had no hesitation in putting Barclays Bank Norwich District in the field first. It proved a shrewd call, or at least a lucky one, as our innings rattled along to 209 for 7 off 34.5 overs. Tim Thirkell was in fine touch for a well-made 72, and Steve Gower stood firm at the other end, unbeaten on 65. I chipped in with 26 down the order, which I shall claim as a captain's innings and say no more about it. Less said, too, about the two ducks on the card — Mike Iliffe and John Copplestone both departed for nought, proof that cricket retains its capacity for cruelty even on a good day.

Defending 209 is never quite as comfortable as it sounds on paper, and so it proved. Barclays fought hard, M Sendell compiling a handsome 51, with T Ferley (37) and B Clarke (22) lending sturdy support. But this was Jon Harris's afternoon — he span a web through their order for 5 for 78, two of his overs maidens, utterly unplayable and the difference between a defeat and what followed. Martin Mears (2 for 29) and John Copplestone, atoning nicely for his duck, (2 for 48) kept the pressure on throughout.

In the end they crept to 182 for 9 off their 53 overs, short of our total but just enough wickets in hand to deny us. Honours shared, then — a draw that felt, from where I was standing, rather more like a heist foiled at the last gate.

Tue 11 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv HC Hunton Wanderers CC · HomeformWWWWD

Lost the toss on a bright Tuesday evening and duly asked to field — not that Hunton Wanderers gave us much choice in the matter. They made themselves at home to the tune of 144 for 5 off their sixteen overs, R Cross the chief architect with a brisk 44, well backed by K Patey's 40 and J Brook's 23. It could have been worse: John Copplestone bowled beautifully for 3-48, with Ron Hickman (1-34) and Allan Cooper (1-43) chipping away at the other end to keep us in some sort of contention.

Some sort of contention, I should stress, is not the same as actual contention. Our reply lasted all of 11.5 overs and yielded a distinctly modest 65 all out. Tim Thirkell held the innings together as best he could with 22, but around him the scorebook rather lost its nerve — Stan Wratten, Allan Cooper and I all contributed golden ducks apiece, and I confess mine was the least golden of the lot. We shall, as agreed, draw a veil over the manner of my dismissal.

Elsewhere there's cheer to be had: Tim sits third in the season's run charts with 148, and John Copplestone fifth among the wickets with three. Small comfort on a night we went down by 79 runs. Not our day, lads — heads up, and back to the nets.

Sun 09 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv CC Chatham Nomads CC · HomeformWWWWW

From the captain's chair — Sunday 09 May 1976. Chatham Nomads CC at home.

I won the toss and, with the sun out and the wicket looking obligingly true, there was never much debate in my mind: we'd bat. And bat we did, ambling to 192 all out off 45.4 overs, the innings built on the sturdy shoulders of Brian Piper's fine half-century — a proper fifty, the kind that gives a captain something to plan around. Trevor Back chipped in with 28, and I found myself unbeaten on 31, more relieved than proud to still be there at the end. Nigel Thirkell and Mike Iliffe, less fortunate souls, were both back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers.

Out in the field, 192 felt gettable for the Nomads, and Barry Martin made sure of it with a magnificent, chanceless century — 112 not out is the sort of innings you applaud through gritted teeth. D Barton and W Balderstone lent useful support, but it wasn't for want of trying at our end: Nigel Thirkell bowled beautifully for 2-35 with three maidens thrown in, and had R Williams and B Barton back in the hutch for ducks, while Tony Gauna and Trevor Back picked up a wicket apiece. Fittingly, Thirkell's afternoon's work also brought up his 300th career wicket — a landmark worth more than a line in the book.

In the end neither side could force it home, and honours were shared. A draw that flattered nobody and disappointed nobody either — which, on a warm Sunday with a milestone in the bag, will do very nicely indeed.

Sat 08 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv RC Rumwood CC · AwayformWWWWW

Saturday 08 May 1976 — away at Rumwood CC, and for once the coin behaved itself. I called correctly and, with the pitch looking full of runs, had no hesitation in putting us in.

Didn't we make hay. 225 for 5 off our 42 overs, built around a wonderful 93 from Paul Bowles that had us purring on the boundary rope, well supported by Tim Thirkell's polished 55 and Paul Brattle's brisk 42. Runs enough, I felt, to make any chase distinctly uncomfortable — though as any captain will tell you, defending a total is where the real nerves live.

Rumwood never got close to it. Bowled out for 104 in 35.3 overs, with only John Pearson (24) and Terry Ketley (20) offering serious resistance, while poor Keith Filmer and S- Simmonds trooped back without so much as a run to their names. The damage was done chiefly by Paul Bowles, spinning it square for a magnificent 5-14 to cap his day with bat and ball, ably backed by Nigel Thirkell's miserly 4-27 (four maidens — not a run given away lightly) and one for Jon Harris (1-30).

A tidy footnote for the scorebook: Tim's 55 eases him past Bob Arnold into 23rd on the club's all-time run list, while Brattle and Bowles continue to lead our 1976 charts with bat and ball respectively.

A fine win by 121 runs, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work. Onwards.

Sun 02 May 1976 🧢 Sunday NVKCv Mersham Le Hatch CC · AwayformWLLWL

As we won the toss and I chose to bat, we knew we'd set the tone from the off — and, all things considered, I'd take 148/9 from 40 overs most Sundays. Paul Brattle led the way with a fine 42, and I was glad to chip in with 32 of my own alongside a tidy 21 from Brian Piper. Poor Nigel Thirkell endured the walk of shame for a duck, though as you'll see, the day held better things in store for him.

With the ball, we scrapped hard. Jon Harris was the pick of the attack with 2-34, Nigel Thirkell weighed in with 2-42, and I managed 1-27 to round things off. Jim Hall had a torrid afternoon behind the stumps, shelling out eight byes — the sort of thing that ages a wicketkeeper before his time — while Mersham Le Hatch's J. Smith made hay with 40, well supported by Bruce Campbell's unbeaten 26 and G. Smith's 23. They got home by five wickets with three overs to spare.

There was, however, a silver lining amid the defeat: Nigel's two wickets nudged him past Terry Donovan and into 9th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list — a small piece of history on an otherwise chastening day. He also tops the season's wicket charts, with Brattle leading the run-scoring.

A loss, then, but not a disgrace — we'll dust ourselves down and come back stronger next week.

Sat 01 May 1976 🧢 1st XIv TL Teynham & Lynsted · HomeformDWWWW

Saturday 1st May, and I lost the toss for what felt like the hundredth time this season, but Teynham & Lynsted's decision to bat suited us rather nicely in the end. We made early inroads, sending T Glover back without so much as a squeak off the bat, and from there the visitors never quite got comfortable. E Lawrence played the anchor role with a top score of 30, well supported by K Furminger's 24, but 108 all out from 47.3 overs was a modest total against an attack in the mood. Paul Bowles was magnificent, ripping through with 4-22 — and, lest it go unmentioned, he also brought up 400 career wickets in the process, a landmark thoroughly deserved. My brother Nigel chipped in with 3-16 and seven miserly maidens, tight enough to strangle the life out of any partnership, while Jon Harris weighed in with 2-31.

Chasing 109, we made hardly a fuss of it. Paul Brattle batted with real authority for his unbeaten 41, and I found some form myself alongside him, finishing 33 not out as we cruised home at 112/1 in 28.5 overs. Brian Woodcock had a trickier afternoon behind the stumps, leaking 8 byes, but nobody was counting too closely by the close.

A comfortable nine-wicket win, two points banked, and Paul Brattle and Paul Bowles both further extending their leads atop the season's run and wicket charts. All told, a thoroughly satisfying Saturday — the kind of afternoon that makes the winter nets feel worthwhile.

Sun 25 Apr 1976 🧢 1st XIv AC Aylesford Paper Mills CC · HomeformWDWWW

A fine spring Sunday for it, Aylesford Paper Mills the visitors, and the coin obliging me kindly — I had no hesitation in sending us in.

Paul Brattle set about proving there's no substitute for staying in, ushering himself past fifty and on to a splendid 75 not out, the innings' undoubted centrepiece. Nigel Thirkell chipped in handsomely with 39, Jon Harris added a brisk 23, and between them we crawled, cajoled and occasionally galloped to 183 for 7 from our 48 overs. Trevor Back and Allan Cooper, meanwhile, discovered that cricket can be a cruel game, both departing for golden ducks — the sort of contribution best forgotten over tea.

With the total looking respectable, it was Jon Harris who did the real damage, bowling with a miserliness that bordered on the ungentlemanly — 3 for 13, including five maidens, hardly a boundary ball in sight. Tony Gauna backed him up with 2 for 19, and I managed to get among the wickets myself, 2 for 22, which I shall mention here only the once before modesty reasserts itself. Aylesford subsided to 79 all out, A Keynes among those who never troubled the scorers.

A word too for Brattle's 75, which nudges him past John Taylor into 12th on the club's all-time run charts — history quietly rewritten between overs. We ran out winners by 104 runs. A thoroughly good day for the club, and one the tea urn thoroughly deserved.

Sat 24 Apr 1976 🧢 1st XIv West Farleigh CC · AwayformLWDWW

As we approached West Farleigh CC last Saturday, the sky was fair and my luck at the coin was not — they won the toss and elected to bat, leaving us to toil first in the field. Toil we did, though not without reward: West Farleigh crept to 164 all out in 38.4 overs, built around a fine half-century from Reg Oldfield (56) and handsome support from Simon Day, who cruised past his own fifty with 50. But the afternoon truly belonged to the spinners. I found some rare rhythm through the air, spinning through their order for 5-24, while Nigel Thirkell bowled with the miserly discipline of a man guarding the family silver — 4-47 and six maidens to boot. Jon Harris chipped in with 1-32 to round things off nicely.

Chasing 165, we stumbled to 166/7 in 37 overs — never entirely serene, but seldom in real danger either. Nigel Thirkell, having already bowled beautifully, showed he could bat a bit too, top-scoring with a well-made 59, with Tim Thirkell (27) offering sturdy support. Poor Jim Hall had a torrid time behind the stumps, shipping 8 byes, though nobody held it against him.

A word for the record books: my five-wicket haul nudged me past John Thirkell into fifth on the club's all-time wicket-takers list — not bad for an old dog. A fine win by three wickets, then, and a thoroughly happy drive home. Onwards.