🧢 Captain's Log

Wed 22 Sep 1999 🧢 Midweek XIv Penshurst Park CC · AwayformDDWDW

I called it right and, for once, took the harder road — bat first on a Wednesday, September the 22nd, out at Penshurst Park. Whether that was captaincy or bloody-mindedness, the lads didn't argue.

We ground our way to 166 for 6 off 43 overs, which felt like a proper score without ever feeling like a big one. Mike Elworthy was immense — 89 of the finest, carrying the innings almost single-handedly and doing his level best to make it three figures before falling agonisingly short. Stuart Cheesman chipped in nicely with 39, the sort of unfussy support act every long innings needs. Elsewhere the Duck Club took its usual toll: Peter Whyte and Trevor Back both trudged off for nought, joining the season's growing and increasingly infamous roll of honour.

With the ball, we set about defending it — and Penshurst simply couldn't be shifted, closing us out unbeaten. A stalemate at the death, honours even, nobody quite able to land the killer blow.

Up on the season's run charts, Elworthy continues to make the rest of us look ordinary, his 89 pushing him to 310 for the summer and keeping him well clear at the top of the Midweek XI.

The verdict, then: a draw that flattered no one and disappointed no one — a fair result on a day when 166 always looked defendable, and very nearly wasn't enough to matter either way.

Sun 19 Sep 1999 🧢 1st XIv AC Anchorians CC · HomeformLDWWL

Sunday 19 September saw the Anchorians roll into Linton Park, and having called correctly at the toss I didn't dither for a second — a good pitch under a decent sky meant only one sensible decision, and we set off to bat. Piers McDonald led the charge with a fine 64, Daniel Thirkell followed suit with a classy 58, and Clive Newman weighed in with a well-crafted fifty of his own, the three of them hauling us to a handsome 261 for 7 from our thirty overs. Spare a sympathetic thought for poor Richard Piper, who contributed nothing but a golden duck to proceedings — these things happen to the best of us, and no doubt he'll dine out on the story rather more than he'd like.

Two hundred and sixty-two to win is no stroll, and the Anchorians gave it a proper go. Gary Myers top-scored with 45, well supported by Eddie Stanford's 37 and a useful 31 from T Appleby, but our attack never let the required rate settle. K. Holmes was the pick of the bowlers with a superb 3 for 36, and I was glad to chip in with 2 for 25 as we squeezed the innings shut at 201 for 9, Stuart Cheesman adding a tidy 1 for 4 for good measure.

Sixty runs the right way, two points banked, and — for the record — I now find myself atop the 1999 run charts with 943, while Jon Harris sits second among the wicket-takers on 29. A thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work, and one the lads can be rightly proud of.

Sat 18 Sep 1999 🧢 2nd XIv EC Elliotts CC · HomeformDLLLL

Saturday 18th September saw Elliotts CC visit, and losing the toss meant we were asked to chase — never the ideal start to a Saturday, but there we are. Put into the field, we watched David Hales and Ian Crickmore both compile well-made fifties, 68 and 57 respectively, with Mike Ling's 43 filling out an innings that closed on a healthy 227/5 from their 44 overs. Dave Todd toiled hardest for his 2-38, my brother Daniel chipped in with 1-27 and two tight maidens besides, and I took 1-30 for my own trouble — competitive figures, if ultimately not enough to stem the tide.

A target of 228 was always going to ask serious questions of our batting, and in truth we never quite found the answers. Mike Elworthy played the innings of the day, striding past his fifty to 59, and I was glad to lend some support with 48 of my own before we subsided to 174 all out in 34 overs. Spare a thought for poor Jon Harris, who walked the walk of shame for a duck and will no doubt be reminded of it at every opportunity between now and Christmas.

So, down by 53 runs, and heads duly hung on the pavilion steps. Mike Elworthy continues to lead our 2nd XI run charts in fine style with 442 for the season, and Dave Todd's 36 wickets keep him top of the pile with ball in hand — small consolations on an afternoon that otherwise belonged to Elliotts. Not our day, then. Back to the nets, and back next week determined to put it right.

Sun 12 Sep 1999 🧢 1st XIv NS Northend Sunday · HomeformDLDWW

Sunday 12th September saw Northend Sunday roll into Linton Park with the sun out and expectations, frankly, modest. I won the toss and had few doubts about what to do with it — batting first, on our own square, felt like the sensible captain's move, whatever the scorebook later had to say about that decision.

We limped to 176 for 9 off our fifty, which read better on paper than it felt in the deckchairs. Stewart Morrison led the way with a well-made 40, and Michael Beeney chipped in an unbeaten 29 to give the total some respectability. Darren Styles, meanwhile, made his contribution with the bat in the traditional style of a village pond — round, wet, and entirely without value. I'll spare him further commentary; cricket has a way of evening things out, as we'll see.

With ball in hand it was a different story on paper but not, alas, on the scoreboard. N Taylor and T Leach put together a stand of real substance — 76 not out and 58 respectively — and simply refused to be parted. Our bowlers toiled honestly: Darren Styles top of the pile with 1 for 24 (redemption, of sorts, for the earlier duck), Stuart Cheesman and Michael Beeney chipping in a wicket apiece, and Matt Large tying an end down with two tidy maidens. I contributed what I could with bat and ball, though not enough to turn the tide.

In the end Northend cantered home by six wickets. Not our day. Heads up, and back to the nets.

Sat 11 Sep 1999 🧢 2nd XIv BC Betsham CC · AwayformLDLLL

Away at Betsham on a fine September Saturday, I lost the toss and we were put into the field — never my favourite start to an afternoon, but there it is. Betsham batted with real purpose, racking up 206 for 7 from their 43 overs, built largely on two well-made fifties: Simon Rasho's fluent 82 and Roy Wilkinson's equally polished 79. Poor K-Martin, on our side, will remember little of his innings beyond the walk back without troubling the scorers. In the field we had our moments — Darren Styles bowled beautifully, miserly enough to send down five maidens on his way to 4 for 80, with good support from Stewart Roberts, who chipped in 3 for 40.

Chasing 207 was always going to ask questions of our top order, and though a few of us found some form, we never built the partnerships needed. I chipped in with 28, and Trevor Back gave fine support with 23, but wickets fell steadily around us and we were bowled out for 102 in the 27th over — Darren Styles, so miserly with the ball, unable to add runs to his afternoon's work and departing for a golden duck.

Beaten by 104 runs in the end, no arguing with that scoreline. Small consolation that Trevor continues to sit handsomely second in our 2nd XI run charts and Darren third among the wicket-takers — proof, if any were needed, that the season's foundations remain sound even when a single Saturday does not go our way. We'll be better for it next week.

Sat 11 Sep 1999 🧢 1st XIv MN macknade 2nd · HomeformLDLDW

The toss went against us, which these days feels less like bad luck and more like a personal vendetta from the cricketing gods — Macknade 2nds had first use of the bat, and we had first use of rather a lot of patience.

They ground their way to 168 for 8 off their 46, P. Thompson unbeaten on 44 the chief architect, with useful support from L. Rigden and J. Heward. A. Corcoran was gone for a duck, which cheered us up no end. With the ball, Dave Todd was superb, 3 for 25, backed up nicely by Jon Harris and Matt Large with two apiece, while Michael Beeney bowled three maidens and generally made their middle order's life a misery.

Chasing 169, I found some rare early rhythm and went on to make 77, which I'll confess I was rather pleased with, and Clive Newman played beautifully for an unbeaten 45, with Stuart Cheesman chipping in 22. Not everyone's day, mind — P. Martin and Richard Piper both trudged off for ducks of their own, joining the club's growing waterfowl collection.

We got there with five wickets in hand and overs to spare, which by our usual jittery standards counts as serene. A thoroughly good day for the club, and with the runs mounting up nicely this season, long may it continue.

Wed 08 Sep 1999 🧢 Midweek XIv LX Lord Cornwallis XI · HomeformDDDWD

I chose to lose the toss on Wednesday and duly did — no complaints, Lord Cornwallis XI's captain called it right and stuck us into the field first. What followed was a proper old-fashioned arm-wrestle, 216/5 from their 53 overs a testament to the patience of P Carroll, unbeaten on 53, and J Cornwallis, who matched him stroke for stroke with a well-made 52 of his own. C Griffith-Jones chipped in a brisk 39 to keep the scoreboard honest. Jon Harris was the pick of our attack with 2-58, Fred Cheesman weighed in with 1-27, and I managed to prise one out myself for 34 runs. Darren Styles, meanwhile, bowled with the miserliness of a man guarding his own allotment, three maidens and not a run given away lightly.

Chasing 217 was never going to be a stroll, but Mike Elworthy set the tone with a classy 54, well supported by Trevor Back's 46 and Piers McDonald's watchful 29. I contributed 27 down the order, happy to do my bit, while poor Roly Edwards will want to forget his golden duck in a hurry — these things happen to the best of us, and he'll get his own back before the season's out.

We got there with four wickets in hand from 41.3 overs, which in truth flattered the ease of it rather less than it suggests. Two points banked, and thoroughly earned against a side who made us work for every one of them.

Sun 05 Sep 1999 🧢 Sunday NVKCv WC Woodhouse Grange CC · AwayformWWWWW

Sunday the 5th of September found us on the road to Woodhouse Grange, a fixture that always demands a decent pot of tea beforehand. The coin obliged me for once, and with a pitch that looked full of runs I had no hesitation in sending us in.

And runs there were. We posted a handsome 195 for 4 from our forty overs, built on a watchful fifty from Daniel, unbeaten on 50 at the close, with Paul Gibson chipping in a fine 35. I managed to get among the runs myself, reaching a well-made half-century, which felt like a proper reward for several seasons of getting out in the twenties.

Defending it was never going to be straightforward against a Woodhouse side who never stopped believing, and Jon Bean's classy 55 kept them in the hunt, ably backed by Mike Burdett's unbeaten 46. But S Young departed without troubling the scorers, and Ian Brattle was magnificent, tearing through with 4 for 33. Matt Large weighed in with 2 for 40, and I managed 1 for 24 to round things off — a satisfying afternoon with bat and ball both.

Special mention, too, for Brian Piper, who brought up his 400th appearance in Linton colours — a landmark that rather puts the rest of our efforts in perspective. Gibson continues to lead our Sunday run charts, Daniel our wicket-takers. A twenty-run victory, two points banked, and tea very much earned.

Sat 04 Sep 1999 🧢 2nd XIv BC Blue Star CC · AwayformWLDLL

Beaten by 62 runs it may say in the book, but let me tell you, it felt worse than that walking back to the pavilion at Blue Star.

We lost the toss, got put in the field, and spent forty overs watching Ron Jerrom bat like he owned the place — 77 of the finest, with K Wilesmith (32) and Mike Peters (24) chipping in to help them to 198/7. Small mercy: Greg Trahar went for a duck against us, so not everything went their way. Trevor Back was the pick of our attack with 3-39, Darren Styles (2-27, and stingy enough to bowl two maidens) and Dave Todd (2-29) doing the honest toil either side of him.

Chasing 199, we never quite got going. Trevor Back top-scored again with a battling 40, and I managed 26 alongside Ron McCormick's 25, but 136/9 from our forty overs tells its own sorry story. Spare a thought too for poor Roly Edwards, who had one of those afternoons behind the stumps — ten byes is the sort of number that keeps a wicketkeeper awake at night.

A nod to the record books amid the gloom: Dave Todd's brace nudged him up to 16th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list, and with 34 wickets he still leads our 1999 2nd XI charts, while I find myself, somewhat improbably, topping the run-scoring table with 383. Small comfort on a day we were well and truly outplayed. We'll be better for it next week — we'll have to be.

Thu 02 Sep 1999 🧢 Tour XIv FC Falmouth CC · AwayformDDDLL

Beaten by seven wickets away at Falmouth, but not before we gave them a proper afternoon's work for it. Winning the toss on a Thursday that felt like it belonged to summer, I had few qualms about batting first — a decision I stand by even now. Stuart Cheesman anchored things nicely with an unbeaten 34, Stewart Morrison chipped in a tidy 29 and Daniel Thirkell added a brisk 24, the middle order doing its quiet, unfussy best to see us to 170 for 5 from our forty overs. Respectable, if not quite the total to keep the tea urn boiling with excitement.

Then Falmouth had other ideas. Keith Meneer, in irritatingly fine form, sailed past his fifty and finished unbeaten on 90 — the sort of innings that makes a fielding captain reach for the sunscreen and philosophy in equal measure. Trevor Angove (27) and Jeremy Gimpson (25) offered support he barely needed. Credit where due: Darren Styles toiled superbly for 2 for 31, Adrian Caddick chipped away with 1 for 29, and Alan Boyns bowled with the miserly discipline of a man guarding the last biscuit, four maidens to his name. I even had a small say myself, contributing 23 with the bat.

174 for 3 in 39 overs told its own story, and seven wickets was the final margin. Still, with Thirkell and Styles both climbing the season charts, there's real substance building in this side. We'll be better for it next week — we usually are.

Wed 01 Sep 1999 🧢 1st XIv TC Truro CC · AwayformWLDLD

Wednesday brought us to Truro, and for once the coin obliged — I called correctly and, with a pitch that looked good for batting, had no hesitation in putting us in. It proved a sound instinct. We compiled a handsome 201 for 6 from our forty overs, and I'm rather chuffed to report I found some form myself, ushering us along with 69. Daniel Thirkell gave sterling support with 41, Mike Caddick chipped in a tidy 27, and a stand of 72 for the fifth wicket was the innings' spine. Even the extras column got in on the act with a generous 25 — Truro's bowlers were evidently as charitable as the village fête raffle.

Defending it, we made early inroads that would have had the tea urn rattling with excitement: the first wicket fell for just a single run, and David Crewdson, Stephen Heayn and David Hill were all sent back without so much as troubling the scorers — three ducks in a row is not for the faint of heart. Stephen Mankee's unbeaten 45 and Adrian Cockett's 34 threatened a rearguard, but Simon Thirkell was in destructive mood, mopping up 4 for 45, with Michael Beeney (1 for 0, and four maidens of positively monastic discipline) and Darren Styles (1 for 11) tightening the noose. Truro subsided to 135 for 8.

There was extra cause for cheer off the field too — Stewart Morrison's 18 nudged him past Dave Charlton and into 24th on the club's all-time run-scorers list. A 66-run victory, then, and a thoroughly good day for Linton Park.

Tue 31 Aug 1999 🧢 Tour XIv HC Helston CC · AwayformLDDDL

Beaten by a coin toss before a ball was even bowled, we knew we were in for an afternoon of chasing when Helston elected to bat. And chase we did — R Kirby's 45 and S Pollard's 43 set the tone, with Mark Thomas unbeaten on 35 dragging them to a stiff 193/7. Credit where due, though: Alan Boyns bowled beautifully for his 3-35, Michael Beeney chipped in with a couple, and Darren Styles was so miserly through his three maidens that the batsmen must have wondered if he'd brought any boundaries with him at all. S O'Byrne and J Ludlam both departed for ducks, which was some small consolation on an otherwise expensive day.

With 194 needed, Mike Caddick played the innings of the day — a proper, old-fashioned half-century, 55 well-earned runs that gave the chase some backbone — and found good company in Daniel Thirkell's 25 and Nigel Thirkell's 21. I added a modest 19 of my own, though my afternoon behind the stumps was rather less distinguished, ten byes going begging past me like the ball had somewhere better to be.

In the end 158/8 wasn't quite enough, and we fell 35 runs short. Not our finest hour, but not our worst either — there was enough application with the bat and enough discipline with the ball to suggest the wheels haven't come off, just wobbled a touch. We'll dust ourselves down, have a word with the coin, and come back stronger next week.

Tue 31 Aug 1999 🧢 Midweek XIv KC Kenn CC · HomeformWDDDW

Called it right at the toss on a fine Tuesday and never seriously considered doing anything but batting first — some decisions make themselves. The lads repaid the faith handsomely, posting 210/6 from our 39.4 overs. Clive Newman was the class of the innings, unbeaten on a composed 57, with Dave Charlton (39) and Trevor Back (37) both playing their part in a total that always looked competitive on a good pitch.

Kenn CC set about the chase with intent and P- Willis, in particular, gave us a torrid time on his way to a well-crafted fifty, supported by Simon Snell (35) and Rob Parsons (34). But we kept chipping away — N- Davey back in the hutch without troubling the scorers 🦆 — and I had the great pleasure of leading the attack with 3-24, Dave Todd weighing in with 3-67 and David Castle bowling beautifully tight for 1-8, including four maidens that never let Kenn settle. They closed on 171/8 from 43, honours shared in a draw that felt, on the day, about right.

A day to remember off the field too — I brought up 11,000 career runs for the club, while Dave Charlton's 39 eased him past Stewart Morrison into 24th on our all-time run-scorers list. Elsewhere, Mike Elworthy continues to lord it over the 1999 Midweek XI charts with 167 runs. All told: no winner, but plenty to raise a pint to.

Sat 28 Aug 1999 🧢 2nd XIv YC Yalding CC · AwayformLWLDL

Saturday last, we ventured to Yalding with hope in our hearts and, frankly, not much else in our legs. Winning the toss, I fancied a bat first — a decision I've had rather more time to reflect on than I'd like, given we were rolled for 124 in 41.1 overs. Mike Elworthy's 34 was the innings' backbone, John Taylor chipping in an unbeaten 22, but too many of us contributed the sort of cameo better suited to a blooper reel than a scorebook.

Defending 124 was always going to require something special, and instead we got Gareth Shelbourne, who ground us into the Kent turf with an unbeaten 80, ably assisted by Craig Sands's unbeaten 41. Yalding cantered home at 129 without loss in just 27.4 overs — a chase so serene they barely had time to finish their tea. I managed 15 with the bat, which felt like scant consolation as I watched our attack search in vain for an answer.

Amid the wreckage, one shaft of sunlight: Tim Thirkell brought up 11,000 career runs for the club, a milestone thoroughly deserved and warmly applauded even as the rest of us slunk about the field. Elworthy, meanwhile, continues to lead our 1999 2nd XI run charts with 357 for the season — a rare beacon of consistency.

Ten wickets down, pride dented, egos humbled. Not our day. Heads up, back to the nets.

Sat 28 Aug 1999 🧢 1st XIv HC Herne Bay CC · HomeformWWLDL

Elected to bat on winning the toss against Herne Bay CC on Saturday, and for once my hunch paid off handsomely. We rattled along to 237/3 from our 46 overs, the innings built around a knock I'm rather proud of — 113 not out, my first century in a good while and one that felt, dare I say, inevitable by the back nine of overs. Daniel Thirkell was a splendid ally, cruising past his own fifty to finish on 51, while Clive Newman chipped in a tidy 21. Tea was taken with broad smiles and aching shoulders.

Defending it proved a sterner examination of the nerves. Herne Bay's Simon Roots batted like a man with a train to catch, carrying his innings to 99 and dragging them to 218/6 from 41 overs with support from Neil Hackshall (45) and Gavin Hall (21). It was our bowlers who kept the game alive: Michael Beeney bowled beautifully for 4-45, Stewart Morrison chipped away with 1-31, and Matt Large, miserly as ever, sent down two maidens without conceding a run cheaply.

In the end honours were shared, neither side able to force the door open — a fair result on the day's toil. Quietly satisfying, too, to learn my runs nudged me past John Thirkell into third on the club's all-time run-charts; not bad for an old dog. A draw it was, but a thoroughly entertaining one, and exactly the kind of afternoon that reminds you why we play this daft, wonderful game.

Sat 21 Aug 1999 🧢 2nd XIv Meopham CC · HomeformLLWLD

Lost the toss again at home to Meopham CC on Saturday, and duly found ourselves asked to bowl first and chase. Andrew Bryant had other ideas about how sharp that chase might need to be, compiling a well-made fifty on his way to 60, ably supported by A Beard's 27 and R Cutts's 20, as the visitors reached 171 all out from 46 overs. Dave Todd was the story of the innings, a superb 6-49, with Trevor Back (1-34) and Jon Harris (1-52) offering support and Darren Styles refusing to be milked, three maidens to his name. Phil Aldred and R Edwards both fell for ducks, while fourteen byes leaking through told of a testing day behind the stumps for Mike Elworthy.

If 171 felt gettable, our reply said otherwise. Mike Elworthy, busy enough already with the gloves, top-scored gamely with 33, but around him the innings collapsed, Jon Harris, Trevor Back and Simon Thirkell all back in the hutch without troubling the scorers, and we were bowled out for a paltry 67 in 27 overs.

Small consolations amid the wreckage. Elworthy's 33 took him past Keith Hatcher into 17th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, and Todd's six-for lifted him past Ron Hickman into 17th among the wicket-takers, and both still lead the 1999 Second XI charts, Elworthy with 323 runs, Todd with 32 wickets.

Beaten by 104 runs in the end, and there is no dressing it up. Not our day. Heads up, and back to the nets.

Sat 21 Aug 1999 🧢 1st XIv Meopham CC · AwayformWWWLD

As we set off for Meopham, I fancied our chances and, winning the toss, never seriously considered doing anything but batting first. It proved harder graft than I'd have liked — 141/8 from our 46 overs was no cause for fireworks, though I was pleased to finish unbeaten on 48, with David Castle a fine ally on 35. Elsewhere the effort was patchier, and poor Piers McDonald will be buying the teas after his duck — the walk of shame indeed, and he knows it.

Defending 141 was always going to ask a lot of our bowling, and so it proved. Andrew Powney played a proper captain's-nightmare of an innings, 59 of pure quality, with James Fotheringham unbeaten on 47 in fine support as Meopham cruised to 143/2 in 34 overs. I did what I could with the ball — 1-0 and three tidy maidens, for what little consolation that offered — while Stuart Cheesman chipped in with 1-7, one of the few bright spots on an otherwise chastening afternoon.

So it's eight wickets to Meopham, and a long drive home to reflect on a total that never looked quite enough. David Castle continues to lead our 1999 run charts with 751 for the season, which is at least something to toast in the bar. As for the rest of us — well, we'll be better for it next week, and there's precious little cricket sense in dwelling on a defeat when there's another match to be won.

Sun 15 Aug 1999 🧢 Sunday NVKCv SW Shipton under Wychwood · HomeformWWWWW

Sunday 15 August saw Shipton under Wychwood roll into Linton Park, and for once the coin behaved itself, so I decided we'd bat first. The lads set about it steadily rather than spectacularly, closing on 181 for 5 from our forty overs. Paul Gibson was the class act, motoring to 61 not out, with Brian Piper's 41 and my own 40 keeping the innings ticking along nicely. Poor David Castle, meanwhile, was undone for a duck, a fate I wouldn't wish on anyone, even in a village newsletter.

Out in the field, Shipton gave it a proper go, reaching 166 for 9 from their forty. C. Panter's 49 and P. Jennings's 32 threatened to make a match of it, with I. Lewis unbeaten on 26, but Daniel Thirkell was in inspired form, ripping through them for 4-27. David Castle atoned with 1-16, and I added 1-22 with three maidens thrown in for good measure, while G. MacClean joined the club's duck club at our hands.

Between overs there was time for a small piece of personal history, as I brought up 34,000 career runs for the club, a number that makes me feel every one of my years. Paul Gibson continues to lead the 1999 Sunday NVKC run charts with 300, and Daniel Thirkell tops the wicket pile with 17.

We got home by 15 runs. A good day for Linton Park, and for these ageing legs, a very satisfying one.

Sat 14 Aug 1999 🧢 2nd XIv Milstead CC · AwayformWLLWL

Saturday 14 August 1999, and the road took us to Milstead — a fixture I always enjoy, if only because it's the one where the tea urn genuinely earns its keep.

We lost the toss, which by now feels less like bad luck and more like a season-long conspiracy, and were sent out to field on a pitch that plainly favoured runs over wickets. The Wright family duly obliged, A. Wright compiling a fine unbeaten 81 while R. Wright chipped in with a stylish 55, the pair putting Milstead in a position of real comfort at 171/2 from their 46 overs. Credit where it's due: Darren Styles bowled beautifully in a losing cause, five overs maidened and figures of 1-9 that flattered nobody but himself, while John Taylor toiled honestly for his 1-46.

Chasing 172 with the light fading and the light already half-gone from our intentions, we managed a solitary 19 without loss from eight overs before honours were called shared — a draw that satisfied nobody but offended nobody either.

A word for the record books: Styles's wicket eased him past Frank Taylor into 21st on the club's all-time list, a quiet milestone amid the run glut. I'm pleased to report my own contribution keeps me third in the 2nd XI's season averages with 252 runs, while Styles sits third among the wicket-takers with 17 — proof, if any were needed, that graft outlasts glamour in this league.

Verdict: a draw that flattered our bowling more than our batting, and a day best remembered for the Wrights' runs and Styles's relentless miserliness with the ball.

Sat 14 Aug 1999 🧢 1st XIv Milstead CC · HomeformLWWWL

Nigel Thirkell's Match Report – Linton Park CC v Milstead CC, 14 August 1999

Won the toss, and with the sun out and the tea urn already rumbling into life, there was really only one decision to make: we batted. It proved a shrewd call, or at least a lucky one, as we racked up a handsome 201 for 2 off our 35 overs. David Castle set about the Milstead attack with real purpose for a well-made 74, and I was fortunate enough to find some form myself, ending unbeaten on 79. Brian Piper chipped in with a brisk 36 lower down, though the day belonged to him for entirely different reasons, of which more shortly.

Defending 201 is never the formality the scoreboard suggests, and Milstead made us work for it, closing on 166 for 7 from their 42 overs. Mike Sellar played the innings of the day for their side with a fine 61, well supported by N Fisher's 37, but our bowlers kept chipping away — Michael Beeney the pick of them with 4 for 48, Ian Brattle and Daniel Thirkell a wicket apiece, the latter maddeningly economical with two maidens, and poor T. West back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers.

The real story of the day, though, was Brian Piper reaching 10,000 career runs for the club — a magnificent, chest-swelling landmark — while Michael Beeney's four wickets nudged him up to 25th on our all-time list. Milestones like that rather dwarf the cricket itself. In the end neither side could force it, and honours were shared. A draw, but a golden afternoon nonetheless.

Fri 13 Aug 1999 🧢 Midweek XIv SC Selsdon CC · HomeformDWDDD

As Linton Park's captain, here's the report for the gazette:

Friday the 13th proved no bogey for us, though Selsdon might tell it differently after being put through the wringer for the best part of fifty overs. The toss went against me, and watching them elect to bat on a ground crying out for a bowl felt like the first slight of the day — but as it turned out, we made rather better use of the ball than they did of theirs.

Marcus Robertson led the resistance with a fighting 46, with Anuj Malhotra (30) and Keith Exton (25) chipping in gamely, but the innings never quite escaped our grip. I found some rhythm from the off, finishing with 4-29 and three maidens for good measure, while Robert Quirk (2-12) and Troy McConnell (2-17) tidied up either end. All out for 166 in 50.4 overs — a total that always felt a wicket or two light of trouble.

Chasing it down, Mike Elworthy played the innings of the day, motoring to 92 not out, ably assisted by Roly Edwards's brisk 48, and we cantered home on 168/4 with overs to spare — six wickets in hand and barely a bead of sweat lost. A word too for Fred Cheesman, who brought up his 200th appearance in Linton colours — a landmark that rather puts the rest of us jobbing amateurs to shame.

Two points, thoroughly earned, and a verdict that writes itself: when the ball behaves and the bat follows suit, Selsdon never stood a chance.

Wed 11 Aug 1999 🧢 Midweek XIv The Mote CC · HomeformDDWDD

Wednesday the 11th of August, and The Mote CC rolled up looking altogether too pleased with themselves after I lost the toss for what felt like the ninth week running. They chose to bat, naturally, and made themselves at home to the tune of 219 for 5 off their 51 overs. Chris Back set about us with a well-made 78, ably supported by Tom Harris's 45 and Michael Warden's unbeaten 38, while poor Thomas Harvey trudged off for a duck at our hands. Darren Styles was the pick of our attack, a tidy 3 for 52 with four miserly maidens thrown in, and Stuart Cheesman and Fred Cheesman chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Chasing 220 was always going to be a stretch on that surface, and so it proved: 152 for 7 from our 48 overs, David Castle unbeaten on 31 the mainstay, Stuart Cheesman's 30 and Trevor Back's 26 lending sturdy support, while Christian Gatehouse's duck was the one blot on an otherwise respectable card.

There was consolation in the margins, mind. Stuart Cheesman brought up 2,000 career runs for the club, a landmark worth rather more than a few pats on the back, and Trevor Back's 26 eased him past Basil Sears into 8th on the all-time run-charts. Daniel Thirkell continues to lead our Midweek run-getters this season with 150, and Fred Cheesman sits third among the wicket-takers with five.

A draw, then — honours shared, pride intact, and the tea urn, as ever, the undisputed winner of the day.

Sat 07 Aug 1999 🧢 2nd XIv SC Shipbourne CC · AwayformWWLLW

Beaten but not bowed at Shipbourne on Saturday, though I'll confess the toss was the highlight of my afternoon's decision-making. I called correctly, chose to bat, and watched us huff and puff our way to 126/9 from 46 overs — a total that owed almost everything to Paul Davey's 48, the rest of us contributing with the enthusiasm of men queuing for a dentist's appointment.

With the ball, though, we had them rattled for a spell. Darren Styles was quite magnificent, 2-22 off a spell containing four maidens that would have had the tea urn boiling in sympathy, and Trevor Back chipped in handsomely with 1-16. But G. Bone had other ideas, compiling a fine 41 with David Bell's 36 in support, and between them they nudged Shipbourne home to 127/6 with three overs to spare — a four-wicket win for the hosts.

Not all gloom, mind. Mike Elworthy's solitary run was enough to see him leapfrog Frank Brattle into 18th on the club's all-time run list, and Darren Styles's brace of wickets took him past Paul Gibson into 23rd among our wicket-takers — both moving quietly up the honours boards while the rest of us make the tea. Trevor Back continues to lead the 1999 2nd XI run charts with 313, and Styles sits third in the wicket table with 16.

A defeat, then, but an instructive one — we'll be better for it next week.

Sat 07 Aug 1999 🧢 1st XIv SC Shipbourne CC · HomeformWLWWW

Losing the toss on a warm 7th of August is never how you want to start the afternoon, and Shipbourne's decision to bat first told us all we needed to know about the state of the pitch. They made themselves thoroughly at home, racking up 181 all out in 42.3 overs, built almost entirely around Andrew Gillam's magnificent century — a genuine three-figure knock, no less — with Mike Cooper chipping in a useful 36 alongside him.

Credit where it's due: we hauled things back well with the ball. Michael Beeney was simply unplayable, running through the order for 5-38, while I managed to keep things tight myself, picking up 3-40 with three maidens to show for the effort, and Daniel weighed in with 2-27. A fine team bowling performance, even if 181 always felt a touch beyond us chasing.

And so it proved. We slipped to 130 all out in 43.3 overs, undone early by three batsmen who departed without so much as a look at the scoreboard. Daniel's 41 was the innings' backbone, well supported by Piers McDonald's 21, though poor David Castle's blob and Piers's eight byes behind the stumps summed up a scratchy day in the field and at the crease alike. I did my bit with 17.

There were bright spots for the history books — I passed 1400 career wickets, Michael Beeney reached 200, and Dave Charlton's 19 nudged him past Stewart Morrison on the all-time list. But medals for the archive won't soften a 51-run defeat. We'll be better for it next week.

Tue 03 Aug 1999 🧢 Midweek XIv BC Bexley CC · HomeformDDDWD

Tuesday the third of August, and Bexley CC rolled into Linton Park for what would prove a proper old-fashioned game of two acts, honours shared at the close. I lost the toss — no great surprise there, my coin-calling remains as unreliable as the Kent weather — and Bexley chose to have first use of a decent-looking track.

They ground their way to 178 for 9 off their fifty, Michael Ladbrook top-scoring with a fine 57, well supported by Stuart Hume's 45 and John Taylor's watchful 20. Poor Christopher Allbut never troubled the scorers, back in the pavilion for a duck. With the ball we were tidy rather than spectacular: Michael Beeney led from the front with 2 for 13 and a couple of maidens to show for his miserliness, while Chris Back and David Castle chipped in with 2 for 19 and 2 for 20 respectively. Not a side that gave much away.

Chasing 179, we replied with 161 for 8 from our own 45 overs — a touch short in the end, but never disgraced. Daniel Thirkell played the innings of the day with 48, ably backed up by Chris Back's 28. Michael Beeney, so miserly with ball in hand, rather generously gifted Bexley his wicket without scoring — cricket's little cruelties.

As the season rolls on, Thirkell continues to lead our run charts with 134, and I'm rather chuffed to say I currently top the wicket-takers with ten. As for Tuesday's effort: honours even, and on the balance of a tight, honest contest, a draw was a fair old verdict.

Sun 01 Aug 1999 🧢 Sunday NVKCv EC Eversholt CC · AwayformWWWWW

Down at Eversholt on Sunday, I called correctly and, with a decent strip and a fair sky, had no hesitation in sending us in first. It proved the right call. Paul Gibson set about the bowling in fine style for 93, David Castle followed him past his own half-century with 51, and Dave Charlton chipped in a brisk 44 — a knock, incidentally, that eases him up to 24th on the club's all-time run-scoring list, past Stewart Morrison, which is the sort of statistic that keeps a scorer warm on a cold evening. Clive Newman and Stuart Cheesman both took the long walk back for nought, ducks I shall tactfully not dwell on, while our extras column did its usual honest shift with 30. All told, 262 for 8 from our forty overs looked a proper total.

Eversholt gave it a good go in reply. David Garratt made a stubborn 69 not out, well supported by Paul Garratt's 53 and Simon Davis's 35, but they never quite got their noses in front, closing on 252 for 8 — Paul Litchfield departing without so much as a nibble. I had one of those days where everything you bowl seems to find the edge or the pad, finishing with 3 for 30 and a tidy 20 with the bat besides, while Matt Large (2-36) and Daniel Thirkell (2-71) kept the squeeze on at the other end.

A ten-run win, then, earned the hard way. I'll take that all season long.

Sat 31 Jul 1999 🧢 2nd XIv Bearsted CC · HomeformWWWLL

Saturday saw Bearsted CC roll up to Linton Park under skies that, for once, behaved themselves, and I won the toss and decided we'd have a bat. Wisdom of that decision rested largely on Mike Elworthy and John Taylor, who put on 69 for the first wicket and gave the innings a platform sturdy enough to build a house on. I chipped in with 29 down the order — more grateful nurdles than fireworks, if I'm honest — while Elworthy's 40 and Taylor's 26 did the heavy lifting. We finished on a healthy 227 for 9 from our 46 overs, the sort of total that lets a captain sleep well at tea.

With the ball, Trevor Back set about the Bearsted top order like a man late for his tea, finishing with a splendid 3 for 9, while John Taylor bowled with the miserly discipline of three maidens and 2 for 26. I managed a wicket for 2 runs myself, more by accident than design. Rod Maloney fought hard for his 33, and Haggart and Mills chipped in, but two ducks — for Marshall and Watts — told their own story, and Bearsted subsided to 107 for 9.

A win by 120 runs, then, and two points banked with room to spare. Trevor Back continues to lead our run charts this season, Dave Todd our wickets — and on this evidence, both are thoroughly deserved. A thumping, satisfying victory.

Sat 31 Jul 1999 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · AwayformLWLWW

Nigel Thirkell's Match Report — Bearsted CC, Saturday 31 July 1999

Winning the toss on a day that felt made for batting, I had no hesitation in taking first knock — the sort of decision that looks either inspired or idiotic by teatime, and I'm delighted to report it fell firmly into the former camp. David Castle played the innings of a lifetime, a magnificent unbeaten century, and found willing lieutenants in Piers McDonald (41) and Stuart Cheesman (35), the pair adding a priceless 78 for the fifth wicket to haul us to a handsome 231 for 5 from our 46 overs. Poor Dave Charlton, meanwhile, will want this one struck from the record — a duck of the most walk-of-shame variety, though I dare say the rest of us have all been there.

Defending 231 is never quite the formality the scorebook suggests, and Bearsted made us work for it. Mick Clifton's well-crafted fifty, backed up by Andrew Dampier and Andy Naish, kept them in the hunt, but a collapse from 162 for 5 to 169 for 8 told the story of the afternoon — Robin Cross departing without so much as a nibble. Ian Brattle was magnificent, 4 for 22 the pick of the bowling, with Matt Large (3-42) and Michael Beeney's two miserly maidens squeezing the life out of them; I chipped in with 1 for 4 and a useful 20 with the bat for good measure, while poor Piers had his hands full behind the stumps, 16 byes the only blemish on an otherwise fine display.

A 39-run win, and a thoroughly satisfying day's cricket — onwards to the next one.

Wed 28 Jul 1999 🧢 Midweek XIv IX Ipswich Greyhounds CC - Kent Tour XI · HomeformLDDDW

Skipper's Log — Wednesday 28 July 1999

Well, in it went and out we walked into the field, and I can't say the openers gave us much cheer. N Parry looked in a different postcode to the rest of us on his way to a fluent 65, with J Davey (38) and K Cook (27 not out) chipping away merrily as they racked up 176/7 from their 47. Credit where it's due, though — Matt Large bowled like a man possessed, 3-11 with three maidens thrown in for good measure, ably backed by Michael Beeney's 2-21. I managed 2-37 myself, which I shall generously describe as "tidy" and leave it there.

Chasing 177, we set about it with more optimism than method. L Healey and I departed without troubling the scorers ourselves at the start — for the ledger, one of two ducks the wicketkeeper's notebook recorded that innings, alongside Piers McDonald and Fred Cheesman's later contributions to the Duck Club. Thankfully Nigel Thirkell (40), David Castle (34 not out) and Clive Newman (30) steadied things nicely, dragging us to 173/9 from our 42 — though Newman had rather a torrid time of it behind the stumps too, nine byes escaping his gloves like they had a train to catch.

Three runs shy at the death, and honours were shared. A draw, then — nobody quite brave enough to win it, nor foolish enough to lose it. Fitting, really, for a Wednesday.

Sun 25 Jul 1999 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv Knockers CC · HomeformWW

As I stood at the toss and heard the dreaded words "we'll have a bowl," I confess my heart sank slightly — chasing at Linton Park is never for the faint-hearted. But the lads had other ideas, and Knockers CC found scoring anything but straightforward as we ran through their order for 162 all told from 42.2 overs. Stuart Seldon's 44 and Gutherie Miller's 37 gave the innings some backbone, with Rawlings chipping in 24, but Darren Styles was in irresistible form, scything through with 3-23, while Fred Cheesman (3-54) and I (2-22) mopped up around him. Michael Beeney bowled three maidens without so much as a murmur of protest, and R Botting and Steven Trounce both trudged off for ducks — the quack echoing round the ground twice before lunch.

Chasing 163 is never the gentle stroll the scoreboard suggests, and so it proved. Piers McDonald played the innings of the day, an unbeaten 63 built with real substance, ably assisted by Clive Newman's 35 and Daniel Thirkell's 30. The rest of us, it must be said, offered rather less resistance — Duncan Keene and Darren Styles both walked the walk of shame for nought, and ten byes flew past poor Piers, who spent as much time chasing leather as making runs. Runs came in fits and starts, wickets tumbled at the other end, and by the time we crept to 163/9 off 39 overs, nerves in the pavilion were fraying nicely.

A win by a single wicket — cricket doing what cricket does best, testing every last nerve before rewarding the faithful. Piers now sits proudly atop our Sunday run charts, Darren our wicket charts, and Linton Park sits rather happily atop the table of good fortune. Onwards indeed.

Sat 24 Jul 1999 🧢 2nd XIv Headcorn CC · AwayformWWWWL

Down to Headcorn on Saturday, and I lost the toss — no surprises there, my coin-calling remains as reliable as the Kent weather forecast. They elected to bat, and truth be told, they made rather a meal of enjoying themselves at our expense.

189/7 from their 46 overs told the story: Nick Sparks unbeaten on a chanceless-looking 80, with Kevin Richardson chipping in a tidy 63 and Steve Kingsmill 32 for good measure. Credit where due — Trevor Back toiled manfully for 3-51, Dave Todd chimed in with 2-49, Darren Styles picked up 1-59, and John Taylor bowled two maidens as tight as his top button. We did at least see off Paul Millen and Robert Hubble for ducks, small mercies in a long afternoon.

Chasing 190, we never remotely threatened it. Dave Todd's 31 was the only innings of substance, and the rest of us rather queued up to get out, Trevor Back, Richard Piper and John Taylor all completing the ignominious hat-trick of noughts — the Duck Club takes some new members today. All out for 95 in 37.3 overs, beaten by 94 runs, and no amount of tea and cake could sweeten that arithmetic.

One crumb of comfort: Trevor's three wickets shuffled him past John Thirkell into 11th on the club's all-time list, so history was made even if the match wasn't won. Heads up, though — it's back to the nets this week, and no arguments.

Sat 24 Jul 1999 🧢 1st XIv Headcorn CC · HomeformWLWLW

Saturday last, and Headcorn CC came to Linton Park under skies that couldn't quite decide what they were doing — much like Headcorn's bowling attack, as it turned out. I won the toss and didn't dither for a second: batting first, no question. It's the kind of decision that looks either shrewd or reckless by close of play, and thankfully it was the former.

We were bowled out for 137 in the 43rd over, which on a slow pitch felt about right rather than alarming. Piers McDonald played the lead role with a fine 44, and Clive Newman gave him sturdy support with 40 of his own — between them they did the heavy lifting while the rest of us admired from the sidelines. Daniel Thirkell and Matt Large both walked back for ducks, proof that this game retains its capacity for cruelty regardless of form or reputation.

Defending 137 always demands discipline with the ball, and we found just enough of it. Jon Harris was magnificent, 3 for 20, while Ian Brattle chipped in with 3 for 37 and Matt Large made amends with the bat by taking a wicket, 1 for 36. Michael Beeney simply refused to be scored off, sending down seven maidens of pure stubbornness. Neil Levett's unbeaten 44 and Alastair Lee's 28 threatened to spoil our afternoon, but Mike Donnelly's duck and nine down for 132 told the real story. It's a pleasant enough season for me personally, sitting second in the run charts with 540, though Jon leads the wickets with 24 and fully deserves it.

A win by five runs — the tightest, most nerve-shredding sort there is. We'll take it, and say very little more about it.

Sun 18 Jul 1999 🧢 Sunday NVKCv HC Hursley Park CC · AwayformLWWWW

Sunday 18 July 1999, and it was off to Hursley Park with the sun on our backs and, for once, my coin-calling arm in good working order. I called it right at the toss and never seriously considered fielding first — this is a batting side, and I wanted runs on the board before tea. We duly posted a handsome 184/6 from our 40 overs, built on David Castle's fine 43, with Paul Gibson (36) and an unbeaten 28 from Peter Whyte adding the polish. Dave Charlton, meanwhile, quietly padded up, walked out, and walked straight back again for nought — the Duck Club welcomes its newest member.

184 always looked competitive, but Hursley Park had other ideas and gave it a proper go, closing on 155 all out from 39.3 overs. C Hall's 39 was the backbone of their reply, with Ross Cambray (25) and S Rothwell (24) chipping in, but our bowling attack simply had too many aces up its sleeve. Matt Large was magnificent, ripping through with 4-23, my son Daniel weighed in with 4-48, and Dave Charlton took 1-24 to go with his golden duck — and, rather splendidly, reached his 50th career wicket in the same afternoon. I contented myself with three tidy maidens and keeping things quiet at the other end.

A fine win by 29 runs, then, and a thoroughly satisfying day's work all round. Onwards.

Sat 17 Jul 1999 🧢 2nd XIv SC Sheldwich CC · HomeformDWWWW

Saturday 17th July, and we welcomed Dummy Site to Linton Park under skies that gave no hint of the 74-run drubbing to come. I lost the toss — no great surprise, my coin-calling record remains a stain on an otherwise blameless captaincy — and they had no hesitation in batting first.

They made themselves thoroughly at home, racking up 212/4 from their 46 overs. D Baxter played the innings of the day, 72 not out and barely troubled throughout, with Ken Hill (42) and Brian Newman (40) offering sturdy support. Dave Todd was our chief tormentor with 2-52, Chris Quirk chipped in with 1-33, and Darren Styles bowled with real discipline, three maidens to his name — proof that not everything went for runs, even if it occasionally felt that way from mid-off.

Chasing 213, we never quite got the platform we needed, undone rather too early by poor Jon Taylor's golden duck. Alan Boyns dug in gamely for 30 not out, but wickets fell around him and we closed on 138/7 from our 44, well short of the target.

Elsewhere, the season ticks on regardless of Saturday's gloom — Trevor Back continues to lead our 2nd XI run charts with 279, and Dave Todd sits second in the wickets with 23.

Beaten by 74 runs, then, and no dressing it up. But there was enough application in there — Styles's maidens, Boyns's obduracy — to suggest we'll be better for it next week.

Sat 17 Jul 1999 🧢 1st XIv SC Sheldwich CC · AwayformDWLWL

Saturday last took us down to Sheldwich CC, and for once the coin actually listened to me — I called it right and elected to bat, which felt like a minor triumph in itself given my record with a fifty pence piece. We settled to 185 for 9 off our 46, built handsomely around Piers McDonald's well-crafted fifty (52) and fine support from Matt Large with 46. I chipped in a workmanlike 31 further down, and if nothing else proved I could still middle one occasionally. Spare a thought for poor Robert Quirk, though, who departed for a duck without troubling the scorers — these things happen to the best of us, usually when we can least afford them.

Out in the field, Sheldwich were never quite allowed to settle. Jon Harris was magnificent, bowling with real discipline for figures of 4 for 19 including four maidens — not a run given away lightly, as they say, and not a boundary given away easily either. Matt Large backed him up nicely with 3 for 30, and I sneaked a wicket of my own for not many. Mark Hammond's unbeaten 27, with David Prior and Steve Blythin chipping in, dragged Sheldwich to 124 for 9, but it was never enough.

A lovely footnote to the afternoon: Piers brought up 7,000 career runs for the club, a landmark thoroughly deserved. We ran out winners by 61 runs — a proper day out, and a thoroughly satisfying drive home.

Sun 11 Jul 1999 🧢 1st XIv Rainham (Kent) CC · HomeformWDWLW

Sunday 11th July saw Rainham (Kent) roll into Linton Park, and for once the coin actually liked me — heads it was, and I had no hesitation in sending us in.

I'm glad I did, for a while at least. Stewart Morrison played the innings of the summer, 84 not out and looking like he'd have batted through Christmas if we'd let him, with Clive Newman (46) and Piers McDonald (35) putting on handsome support acts either side of him. 194/3 off our 35 overs felt like a total with some teeth in it, and I confess I allowed myself a quiet, premature smile at tea.

That smile did not survive the chase. Matthew Goodwin strolled to an imperious 104 not out, with James Austin keeping him company on a classy 72 not out, and between them they simply took our total apart with four and a half overs to spare. 195/0. Not a wicket to our name. There is not much a captain can say to his bowlers after that beyond "thank you for your effort" and "see you at training."

One shaft of light amid the wreckage: Clive Newman's 46 nudged him past William Buck and up to 14th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, and he now sits 4th in this season's 1st XI charts with 474 runs — some consolation on a grim afternoon.

Ten wickets is as chastening a margin as this game offers. Heads up, chins up, and back to the nets — Goodwin and Austin have given us plenty to think about.

Sat 10 Jul 1999 🧢 2nd XIv HC Hollingbourne CC · AwayformDDWWW

Saturday 10th July, and the toss went against us at Hollingbourne — never a great start when you fancy a bowl on a good morning, and so it proved as we were shown out into the field. Hollingbourne ground out 150 all out from their 45.3 overs, built patiently around thirties from Ian Gutteridge and Dave Hales and a handy 23 from Steve Wilson. Dan Pritchard didn't trouble the scorers on our side of the ledger with the bat, though of course that comes later in the tale. With the ball, though, we were rather magnificent. Jon Harris bowled beautifully for a thoroughly deserved 5-39, backed up superbly by Alan Boyns (3-39) and John Taylor, who strangled the middle overs with four maidens on his way to 2-11. A proper bowling performance, that.

Chasing 151, Richard Piper played the innings of the day — 65 not out, calm and correct, exactly the sort of knock captains dream about from the other end. I chipped in with 33 of my own, and Dave Todd saw us home in style with an unbeaten 24. Trevor Back and Stewart Roberts both departed for golden ducks, proof that even a winning day has its small tragedies.

We got there with four overs and four wickets to spare, 151/4 off 42. Two points, thoroughly earned, and a six-wicket win to show for a day where the bowlers set it up and the top order finished the job. Can't ask for much more than that.

Sat 10 Jul 1999 🧢 1st XIv HC Hollingbourne CC · HomeformDWDWL

Won the toss on Saturday and, with Hollingbourne CC newly arrived and the covers rolled away, there was never any doubt in my mind — we were batting. It's the sort of decision a captain likes to be right about, if only so nobody remembers the times he wasn't.

The lads didn't let me down. Clive Newman set about proving that fifty was merely a staging post on his way to 68, while Daniel Thirkell chipped in a thoroughly polished 53 of his own, and David Castle's 34 rounded things out nicely. Forty-six overs later we'd posted 218 for 5 — the sort of total that lets a captain sleep easy over the tea interval.

With ball in hand we set about dismantling the reply. Richard Swaisland played the innings of the day for Hollingbourne with 64, well supported by Andy Golding's 22 and Alan Ovenden's 20, but poor Dave Kay never troubled the scorers. Matt Large was the chief architect of the collapse, tearing through with 4 for 34, Dave Charlton popped up with 1 for 0, and Ian Brattle chipped in 1 for 26, while Michael Beeney bowled three maidens of such miserly precision I half expected him to ask for the batsmen's lunch money back. Hollingbourne folded for 171 in 41.2 overs. Clive Newman had a rather harder afternoon behind the stumps, gifting 21 byes — his keeping gloves owe the rest of us a drink.

A comfortable 47-run win, then, and Daniel Thirkell and Matt Large continue to lead the way in the season's charts. Onwards indeed.

Wed 07 Jul 1999 🧢 Midweek XIv Gravesend CC · AwayformDLDDD

Skipper's Log — Wednesday 07 July 1999. The road took us out to Gravesend, and having lost the toss I found myself doing what captains dread and openers rejoice at: being asked to bowl first. No complaints from me — a green outfield and a new ball are a captain's best friends.

Gravesend ground out 161 all out in 47.1 overs, M Bates the chief architect with a fine 52, well supported by A Cust (36) and Dave Elliott (31). But for every builder there were fallers — Simon Murray, Andy Wood and Tony Calvo all trooped back without so much as a run to their name. Michael Beeney was simply magnificent, ripping through with 6-33, while I chipped in with 3-31 and three maidens for good measure, and Stuart Cheesman tidied up with 1-28. Not a run given away lightly all afternoon.

Chasing 162, Piers McDonald batted beautifully for 48, ably backed by Stuart Cheesman's 32 and Mike Elworthy's 26 — though poor Richard Piper contributed nought but a golden duck to proceedings, bless him. I found some rhythm with the ball earlier and, happily, some nerve with the bat as we crept home 162/8 in 40 overs, winning by two wickets amid the sort of tension that turns a friendly Wednesday fixture into high drama.

With Piers now second in our Midweek XI run charts and yours truly leading the wicket-takers on seven, the season's shaping up nicely. A thoroughly good day for the club — and, dare I say it, for the captain's confidence too.

Sun 04 Jul 1999 🧢 Sunday NVKCv OC Outwood CC · HomeformWLWWW

I opened the veranda gate to Outwood CC on a fine Sunday, won the toss, and — never one to overthink a good pitch — decided we'd bat first without a flicker of hesitation.

It proved the right call. Daniel Thirkell played the innings of the day, motoring past his fifty to 55, while I chipped in with 40 and Dave Charlton weighed in with a tidy 29, the three of us hauling us up to a healthy 196 for 7 from our forty overs. Tea was taken with the quiet satisfaction of men who suspected they'd done enough — though, as ever in this game, suspecting and knowing are two very different teas.

Defending it, Outwood made us work harder than the scoreboard perhaps deserved. Neil Stevens battled to 45, with M. Cass (35) and A. Mackenzie (31) keeping the required rate honest, and for a good while it felt like we might be made to eat our earlier confidence. But Ian Brattle bowled with real venom to finish with 3 for 40, Matt Large chipped away for 2 for 29 with two tight maidens thrown in for good measure, and I managed 1 for 34 to do my bit. D. Indo, for what it's worth, departed without troubling the scorers at all.

In the end Outwood folded for 179 in 39.2 overs, and we got over the line by 17 runs. A proper team performance, a fair contest, and — dare I say it — a very good day for the club.

Sat 03 Jul 1999 🧢 2nd XIv SC Southborough CC · HomeformWDDWW

Lost the toss again — story of my season — and Southborough elected to bat, which on a morning like that felt like their first mistake. We took to the field with a spring in our step that the visitors' innings did little to dampen: 99 all out in 39 overs, with only Chris Dyer's 22 offering any real resistance. Tom Carmichael walked back for a duck, and somewhere a duck quacked in solidarity.

The bowling was the story of the day, and what a story. Dave Todd was simply magnificent — 6 for 34, a thoroughly deserved five-for and then some, and along the way he brought up 300 career wickets, a milestone that deserves rather more than a paragraph in a village gazette. Darren Styles chipped in handsomely with 3 for 28, Ian Brattle picked up 1 for 23, and John Taylor strangled the middle overs with four miserly maidens. Chasing 99 was never going to trouble us unduly, and so it proved: we cantered home at 101 for 3 in 20.5 overs. Mike Elworthy led the way with a fine 39, Trevor Back saw us home unbeaten on 29, and I chipped in with 21 of my own. James Vincent's golden duck was the only blemish on an otherwise cheerful scorecard.

Trevor keeps his nose in front on the season's run charts with 268, and Dave now sits proudly atop the wicket pile with 21. Seven wickets, two points, and a very satisfying Saturday all round.

Sat 03 Jul 1999 🧢 1st XIv SC Southborough CC · AwayformDDWDW

Skipper's log, Southborough away, Saturday the third. I lost the toss — no great surprise there this season — and we were put into the field under a sky that promised more than it delivered. Southborough made themselves thoroughly at home, racking up 222 for 4 from their 46, with Simon Fisher unbeaten on 60 and Ray Grayland ambling to an equally polished 59 not out, David White chipping in with 41 to keep the scoreboard humming along nicely for them. Stuart Cheesman was easily our pick with the ball, 1 for 23 and barely a bad delivery in it, while Jon Harris and Michael Beeney each picked up a wicket apiece, and Matt Large bowled with the sort of miserly discipline — three maidens — that suggests he'd have made a fine tax inspector.

Chasing 223 was always going to ask questions of us, and Clive Newman answered most of them with a really fine 83, well supported by Brian Piper's unbeaten 41. I managed to bank a useful 26 of my own before departing, and between us we hauled the total to 216 for 6 off 44 overs — agonisingly, achingly short. Poor Stewart Morrison will want this one struck from the record, walking back for a duck.

Six runs. Six runs the difference between a satisfying afternoon and this rueful little report. Not our day — heads up, and back to the nets.

Sun 27 Jun 1999 🧢 1st XIv CC Clarion CC · HomeformDDDWD

Winning the toss on a bright Sunday against Clarion CC, I did what any captain does when he can't quite believe his luck – I had a look at the pitch, said something vague about it "coming on nicely," and put us in to bat. Piers McDonald made the decision look rather clever, cruising to 61 in an innings of real substance, while Stuart Cheesman chipped in with a tidy 26 and I managed 27 of my own before doing something needlessly rash. Adam Pooley's contribution was rather more modest – a golden duck that he will, I suspect, hear about in the clubhouse for weeks – but 169/5 from our 30 overs felt like a total with some bite to it.

And bite it duly had. Clarion never really got going, losing E Driver and J Harris both without troubling the scorers, and only Steve Harris's battling 26 offered any real resistance. Fred Cheesman was the chief destroyer with 3-20, backed superbly by Stuart Cheesman's 2-11 and Darren Styles's 2-12, the latter bowling with a miserliness – three maidens – that suggested he'd rather have bowled all 27.5 overs himself. All out for 97, they never laid a glove on the game.

Elsewhere, Daniel Thirkell continues to plunder runs for fun atop the season's charts with 546, and Michael Beeney leads the wicket-takers with 18 – both, mercifully, on our side.

A 72-run victory, then, and a thoroughly good day for the club. Tea was, as ever, the real man of the match.

Sat 26 Jun 1999 🧢 2nd XIv West Farleigh CC · AwayformWWDDW

Saturday last took us down to West Farleigh, and having called correctly for once in my captaincy career, I had no hesitation whatsoever in sticking us in to bat. Trevor Back set about the West Farleigh attack with real intent, cashing in for a handsome 57, while James Vincent (33) and John Taylor (32) chipped in nicely around him. Poor Mike Elworthy will want to forget the day entirely, departing for a duck, but 185/8 off our 46 overs felt like a total with a bit of bite to it.

Whether it had quite enough bite was the question as we took the field to defend it. Paul Edwards played a lovely hand for his fifty, ending on 65, well supported by Paul Newman's 32, and for a while West Farleigh looked ominously set. But Dave Todd had other ideas, running through them for a magnificent 6-42, with Jon Harris (3-32) and James Vincent (1-28) mopping up, and Darren Styles keeping things tight with two maidens. Alan Smith and Gerry Rush went back without scoring, and the innings folded for 146 in 40.5 overs.

Nice to note Trevor's knock nudged him past John Ames into 9th on the all-time run charts, and Dave's six-for pushed him past Dick Langridge into 18th among our wicket-takers — both leading our 1999 2nd XI charts besides. A 39-run win, and a thoroughly good day for the club.

Sat 26 Jun 1999 🧢 1st XIv BC Blue Star CC · HomeformLDDDW

Called it right at the toss on Saturday and never seriously considered doing anything but batting first against Blue Star CC — one of those grounds where you just know 232/1 off 40 overs, when Daniel Thirkell decided to bat like a man twice his experience, striking a magnificent unbeaten 108. I found myself alongside him for a good while and was rather pleased to nurdle my way to 89 not out, with Piers McDonald chipping in a tidy 26 further down. All told, a total that had the tea urn practically boiling with confidence.

Defending it proved rather harder than the scorebook suggests. Blue Star dug in and got to 196/8 from their 41, with Mick McKinnon's 41 the innings' backbone, well supported by Andrew Harper (26) and Gavin Hornby (25). We did at least send poor Alistair Allen back for a duck without so much as a scoring shot to his name. Ian Brattle was superb with the ball, 3-20, while Alan Boyns was tighter than a Yorkshireman's wallet — 2-16 with three maidens — and Stuart Cheesman chipped in 2-43. Behind the stumps I had rather a torrid afternoon, leaking nine byes, which I shall blame entirely on a wayward outfield and nothing whatsoever on my glovework.

With Daniel now sitting proudly atop the season's run charts on 536 and Michael Beeney leading the wickets with 17, the club is in rude health. Honours shared in the end — a draw, and on this evidence, a fair one.

Sun 20 Jun 1999 🧢 Sunday NVKCv Harvel CC · HomeformWWLWW

Just a coin toss and a cup of tea before I found out we'd be leathering it about in the field first — Harvel won the call and had no hesitation in batting.

They ground their way to 162 for 8 off their forty, Nicholas Portman playing the anchor role rather too well for 36, with Philip Darby chipping in 29 alongside him. I'll confess a little pride here: I found some rhythm with the ball and picked up 2 for 26, and had good company in Daniel Thirkell, tidy as ever with 2 for 35 and a couple of maidens to strangle the scoring, while Paul Gibson weighed in with 1 for 29. A fair total, but nothing we couldn't chase on a good pitch and a fair wind.

And chase it we did. David Castle played the innings of the day, striding to a fine 60, well supported by Paul Gibson's busy 38 and Daniel Thirkell's unbeaten 36 to see us home at 165 for 5 with three overs unused. I contributed rather less to proceedings, undone for a duck — the less said the better, and I shall draw the customary veil over it before anyone asks to see the scorebook too closely.

On the season's charts, David Castle continues to lead the way with 135 runs, and Daniel Thirkell tops the wicket-takers with 6 — both very much the men of the moment, and rightly so.

A handsome five-wicket win, then, built on Castle's class and Thirkell's all-round nuisance value. The tea urn can go back on the shelf with a clear conscience. Onwards to the next one.

Sat 19 Jun 1999 🧢 2nd XIv RC Rumwood CC · HomeformWWWDD

I called it right at the toss on a gentle Saturday and never seriously considered doing anything but batting first — sunshine, a good track, and a top order in the mood. Stewart Roberts led the way with a fine 59, Mike Elworthy and Dave Todd both brought up well-made half-centuries with 51 apiece, I chipped in with 46, and a generous 39 extras rounded out a commanding 295/5 from our 46 overs.

Defending that sort of total is the easy part of captaincy, and so it proved. Jon Harris was quite magnificent, ripping through Rumwood with 4-19 and five overs so miserly he barely let them breathe, while James Vincent kept the pressure on with 3-28 and I managed to sneak one for no runs off my own bowling. John Burbridge, S. Light and Mark Roberts departed without so much as troubling the scorers, B. Nicholls's battling 27 the only real resistance, and Rumwood were done for 122 in 44.1 overs.

Behind the stumps it was a trickier afternoon for Mike Elworthy, 25 byes slipping past him, though he'll have gone home happy regardless — his half-century saw him tick over 5,000 career runs for the club, a landmark worth raising a glass to. He now leads our 1999 second-team run charts with 185, with Jon Harris top of the wickets on 15. A thoroughly earned two points, won by 173 runs — the sort of afternoon that makes all the teas and traffic worthwhile.

Sat 19 Jun 1999 🧢 1st XIv RC Rumwood CC · AwayformWLDDD

Saturday 19 June 1999, and the road took us to Rumwood CC in fine spirits, if not entirely fine weather-proofed optimism. I called correctly at the toss – a rare enough event to note in itself – and had no hesitation whatsoever in choosing to bat first, a decision that would look rather clever by close of play.

Clive Newman set about proceedings with real purpose, his 55 the anchor of an innings that swelled to a handsome 184 for 4 from our 46 overs. I was glad to lend a hand with a half-century of my own, 55 in similarly diligent fashion, while young Daniel Thirkell chipped in a tidy 22 to round things off nicely. A total to defend with some confidence, we felt, and so it proved.

Rumwood never really got going. K. Curtis fought a lone rearguard for 42, but around him the innings crumbled to 87 all out in just 28.3 overs, with poor Ray Moon and R. Seath both back in the pavilion without so much as a run to their names – ducks all round, and no sympathy offered from our slip cordon. John Taylor was magnificent with the new ball, 3 for 9, backed up handsomely by Matt Large (2-13), Michael Beeney (2-19), and Stuart Cheesman, who bowled three miserly maidens for good measure.

A personal 55 was satisfying enough, but the day belonged to Clive Newman, who brought up 6,000 career runs for the club – a landmark worth raising a glass to. We ran out winners by 97 runs. A very good day for the club indeed.

Wed 16 Jun 1999 🧢 Midweek XIv SC Sevenoaks & District Wednesday CC · HomeformDDLDD

As the captain, one lively line first: this is a straightforward writing task with everything I need already supplied, so I'll go ahead and produce the report directly.

Well, we lost the toss on a fine Wednesday and were duly sent out to field, which around these parts usually means someone's put a shilling on rain – but the rain stayed away and so, unfortunately, did our early breakthroughs. Sevenoaks & District Wednesday battled to 201 all out from a marathon 49.1 overs, built chiefly around Paul Seldon's watchful 60, with E. Lombard (32) and J. Grindley (21) chipping in around him. I managed to find some rhythm with the new ball and finished with 4-25, while Fred Cheesman (3-39) and Adrian Caddick (1-16) did their bit to keep the scoreboard honest, and Darren Styles bowled two maidens that the batsmen will remember more fondly than we do.

Chasing 202, we made a decent fist of it without quite getting there, closing on 185/6 from our 38 overs. Daniel Thirkell was the innings in microcosm – watchful, then rather magnificent – finishing unbeaten on 86 and, en route, bringing up 2,000 career runs for the club, a landmark that rather put my own bowling figures in the shade. Stuart Cheesman supported nicely with 22. Spare a thought for Piers McDonald behind the stumps, who had one of those afternoons where the ball seemed to have a mind of its own, conceding 9 byes for his trouble.

So it finished all square – honours shared, nobody quite able to land the killer blow. A draw, then, and on this evidence a fair one: chastening with the bat, encouraging with the ball, and one very fine landmark to toast in the bar afterwards.

Sun 13 Jun 1999 🧢 1st XIv BC Blue Star CC · HomeformWWLDD

Sunday 13 June saw Blue Star CC roll into Linton for what turned into a proper old-fashioned tussle, honours finishing all square. Winning the toss, I had no hesitation in batting first — and for once the decision looked a shrewd one rather than the usual coin-flip guesswork. We laboured to 143 all out in 49 overs, Adam Pooley top-scoring with a watchful 25, well supported by Clive Newman and James Vincent, both good for 21 apiece. The extras column, ever the club's most reliable batsman, chipped in 31. Less gloriously, Piers McDonald and Jon Harris both made the long walk back for ducks — the sort of pair that gets you a round of applause and a round at the bar, in that order.

Defending 143 was always going to ask questions of the bowling, and Jon Harris answered them emphatically, making amends for his golden duck with a superb 3 for 34, five of his overs unhurried maidens. Michael Beeney (2-29) and Darren Styles (1-23) squeezed hard at the other end, but Mike Peters played the innings of the day with 46, and Blue Star crawled home to 119 for 6 off their 44 — just short of the finish line, honours shared.

A word too for Stewart Morrison, who brought up his 200th appearance in Linton colours — a landmark achieved with rather more dignity than most of our batting. All told, a draw that flattered no one and disappointed no one: proper cricket, honestly fought, and precisely the sort of afternoon this old game was invented for.

Sat 12 Jun 1999 🧢 2nd XIv HC Horsmonden CC · AwayformWWWWD

Skipper's Log, Saturday 12th June 1999. Away to Horsmonden, and my coin-tossing luck deserted me yet again — we were put in to field beneath what threatened to be a long afternoon in the deep. Horsmonden batted with more patience than flair, grinding to 177/8 from their 46 overs. Chris Bills was the chief architect at 44, with Matt LeMoine chipping in a handy 32, though credit where it's due — we did at least have the satisfaction of sending Martyn Hook back for a duck, his innings over before it began.

The bowling, I'm delighted to report, was the day's real story. Jon Harris was magnificent, scything through with 4-28, while James Vincent toiled honestly for his 2-54 and John Taylor picked up a well-earned 1-20. Darren Styles, meanwhile, bowled two maidens with the sort of miserliness that would make a Yorkshireman proud, keeping the scoreboard honest when it mattered.

Chasing 178 in the time remaining was always going to be a stretch, and so it proved — we reached 34/2 from our 11 overs before bad light or good sense (I forget which) brought proceedings to a close. Honours shared, then, neither side able to force the issue.

A word for the season's form guide: Trevor Back sits second in our 2nd XI run charts with 161 to his name, and Jon Harris now leads the wicket charts with 11 scalps — the same Jon Harris who did the damage here. A draw it was, but one earned with real character, and I'll happily take that on the road.

Sat 12 Jun 1999 🧢 1st XIv HC Horsmonden CC · HomeformWWWLD

Saturday 12 June 1999, and Horsmonden CC rolled up on a day that felt made for batting — so winning the toss and electing to bat was, if I say so myself, the easiest decision I made all season.

The lads didn't waste the invitation. David Castle set the tone with a fine 91, the kind of innings that makes a captain's job look easy, before I chipped in with 86 of my own — thoroughly satisfying, and I shan't pretend otherwise. Dave Charlton finished things off in style with an unbeaten 43, and between us we hauled the total up to a formidable 286/5 from our 46 overs. Not every name went into the book with pride, mind — poor Stewart Morrison endured the walk of shame for a duck, and I've a feeling the tea-time ribbing hadn't quite worn off by the time we took the field.

Horsmonden, sportingly, seemed disinclined to chase the shadows we'd set, and the match petered out to a draw with the visitors having managed 0/0 from a solitary over. Honours shared, then — though on the balance of the afternoon's toil, it rather felt like our draw to be generous with.

Off the field, the milestones did the talking: David Castle brought up 16,000 career runs for the club, a landmark that rather puts my own contribution in perspective, while Dave Charlton's 43 nudged him past Stewart Morrison and up to 24th on the all-time run-scorers list. Castle, meanwhile, sits proudly atop the 1999 run charts with 436 to his name. A grand day for the ledger, if not quite for the result column.

Sun 06 Jun 1999 🧢 Sunday NVKCv UC Underriver CC · AwayformLWWLW

As I ambled to the middle for the toss on that Sunday, I recall a rare spark of confidence — I called correctly and, with the pitch looking true, had no hesitation in sending us in to bat. It proved a scratchy sort of innings truth be told, 105/9 from our forty overs, with three of the lads — Stewart Morrison, Daniel Thirkell and Peter Whyte — departing for ducks in a manner that suggested the Underriver bowlers had rather more say in matters than we'd have liked. Thankfully David Castle stood rather taller than the rest of us, an excellent 52 the innings' backbone, with Stuart Cheesman chipping in a handy 20 to drag us to something defendable, if only just.

Not, on paper, a total to frighten anyone. But cricket, mercifully, isn't played on paper. Ian Brattle set about the Underriver innings like a man with a grudge, finishing with 4-18, while Paul Gibson bowled beautifully for 3-9. I'll allow myself one line about my own afternoon: 1-4 with six maidens from my end, which I'm rather proud of even if the wicket column undersells it. R Scott's 35 and B Kimpton's 20 threatened to see them home, but we sent Purchon, Pendered and Close back without so much as a run to their names, and Underriver folded for 92 in 37.2 overs.

Thirteen runs the margin, two points the reward, and thoroughly earned it was too — the sort of low-scoring scrap that reminds you why this daft old game never loses its grip.

Sat 05 Jun 1999 🧢 2nd XIv Leeds & Broomfield CC · HomeformDWWWW

As the captain, they'd never let me put my feet up on a Sunday — Saturday delivered enough drama for one week.

Saturday 5th June saw Leeds & Broomfield roll into Linton Park, and having won the toss I had no hesitation in taking first strike — the wicket looked a belter, and so it proved. Brian Piper played the innings of the day, an assured 73 that anchored us beautifully, while Dave Todd chipped in with a busy 41 and Mike Elworthy added a tidy 32. Between them they steered us to a thoroughly respectable 203/5 from our 46 overs — the sort of total that lets a captain enjoy his tea rather than gulp it down.

Amid the runs came a moment worth pausing for: Dave Todd brought up 3,000 career runs for the club, a landmark that deserved rather more than the polite ripple of applause it got from the boundary. Mantelpiece material, that.

Out we came to defend it, and the visitors, whether through good sense or simple caution, never troubled the scorers unduly, crawling to 27/0 from their twelve overs before the heavens — or perhaps just common sense — called a halt. Honours shared, then, a draw that satisfied nobody and offended nobody in equal measure.

With Piper now sitting proudly atop the 2nd XI's season run charts on 172, the omens are good. A fair result, all told — though I'll confess I'd rather have had the extra overs to finish the job.

Sat 05 Jun 1999 🧢 1st XIv Leeds & Broomfield CC · AwayformLWWWL

Skipper's Log — Saturday 5th June 1999, away at Leeds & Broomfield CC.

Won the toss, and I had no hesitation in batting first — a decision I stand by, even if the top order needed some persuading. Three ducks in the innings suggested the pitch had a bit to say for itself, and with Stewart Morrison, Daniel Thirkell and David Lines all back in the pavilion without troubling the scorer, we were grateful for some sterner stuff further down. I got in and made a fifty, 57 in the end, which was satisfying enough on a day when runs weren't coming easily, and Michael Beeney's unbeaten 26 alongside Dave Charlton's 22 gave the total some much-needed backbone. All told, 149 for 9 off our 46 overs — not a score to frighten anyone, but one with enough substance to defend.

And defend it we did, for the most part. Leeds & Broomfield never got going, restricted to 32 for 2 from their 13 overs before the players shook hands on a draw. Daniel Thirkell was the chief architect of that squeeze, two wickets for just 11 runs and three maidens to match — miserly barely covers it.

A word too for Clive Newman, who brought up his 200th appearance in Linton colours, a landmark that rather puts my own contributions in perspective. With David Castle second in the season's run charts and Daniel Thirkell leading the wickets, the shape of our year is coming nicely into focus. Honours shared, then — but on the balance of the day's toil, a fair result for us.

Mon 31 May 1999 🧢 1st XIv WC Wadhurst CC · AwayformDLWWW

Down at Wadhurst on Bank Holiday Monday, and I fancied us all the more for the sunshine on our backs. Won the toss, elected to bat — a decision I'll take credit for, thank you very much — and the lads didn't let me down. Daniel Thirkell played a lovely hand for 72, Mike Elworthy chipped in a fine 58, and Stewart Morrison's 32 kept things ticking, the innings rounding out at a handsome 217/3 from our 38 overs. Declarations were never on the agenda; we simply ran out of overs while still purring along nicely.

Defending it should have been the easy part. It wasn't. Geoff Smith gave us a proper going-over with 72, and just when we thought we had the door closed, Brignall and Joe Everdell barricaded it shut with unbeaten 48 and 45 to see Wadhurst home on 220/6 with two overs in hand. Darren Styles toiled manfully for his 4-59, Michael Beeney picked up one, and Stuart Cheesman's three maidens were about the only currency we didn't hand over freely — unlike our eight byes, which poor Peter Whyte will not be reliving fondly over his cornflakes.

One shaft of light amid the gloom: Stewart Morrison's 32 eased him past Dave Charlton into 24th on the club's all-time run list, which is the sort of thing you cling to when the scoreboard's turned against you. Thirkell continues to lead our season's charts handsomely, Beeney sits second among the wicket-takers, and the rest of us slink back to the nets to remember which end of the bat is which. Not our day, beaten by three wickets — but character, if not silverware, was very much on display.

Sat 29 May 1999 🧢 2nd XIv Marden CC, Kent · HomeformLDWWW

Saturday 29 May 1999 — hosted Marden CC, and a rather fine afternoon it turned out to be. Won the toss, elected to bat, and for once my judgement wasn't the source of dressing-room mirth it usually is. Brian Piper played the innings of the day, 87 full of proper strokes, while Trevor Back (37) and Dave Todd (25) chipped in nicely to see us to a healthy 190 for 5 off our 46 overs. A total, I felt, with enough substance to make Marden work for it.

And work for it they did not, in the end. Simon Day fought a lone rearguard with 36, but around him the innings simply came apart — J Manington and Peter Lampard both back in the pavilion without so much as a run to show for their troubles. Dave Todd, having contributed handsomely with the bat, then turned the screw with the ball, 4 for 17 of probing, disciplined stuff, well supported by Jon Harris's 4 for 23 and a tidy 1 for 22 from Darren Styles. Marden were bowled out for 101 in 33 overs, and the game was as good as won long before the last ball.

Trevor Back continues to lead our 2nd XI run-scoring this season with 136, and Darren Styles tops the wicket charts with 8 — both men doing their bit again here. All told, a thoroughly satisfying day's work: two points banked, an 89-run victory, and the tea, I'm reliably informed, went down rather well too.

Sat 29 May 1999 🧢 1st XIv Marden CC, Kent · HomeformDDLWW

Saturday 29 May 1999 saw Marden CC roll into Linton Park, and I won the toss and had no hesitation in taking first strike — the right call, I felt, and one I was rather relieved about by close of play. What followed was as good a batting effort as I can remember: I found some early rhythm and simply kept going, eventually getting to three figures with 120 to my name, while Dave Charlton played a lovely supporting hand of 61 and Stewart Morrison chipped in with 41. Three hundred for six off our 46 overs was a proper score, the sort that lets a captain enjoy his tea rather than gnaw at it.

Marden, to their credit, did not fold quietly. John Paul Sunnucks played a genuinely magnificent innings of 103, and with R- Day's 37 alongside him it briefly looked like we might have a contest on our hands. But three ducks — T Sunnucks, A- Wilkins and I- Scott all back without troubling the scorers — told the real story, and Matt Large ran through the rest with a superb 4-37. Daniel Thirkell weighed in with 3-28 and Michael Beeney, miserly as ever with two maidens, took 2-55. All out for 209 in 39.4 overs.

A 91-run victory, then, and a thoroughly good day for the club. Worth noting too that Dave Charlton's 61 has nudged him up to 24th on our all-time run-scorers list — a lovely bit of history for a Saturday afternoon. Tea, as ever, was the real man of the match.

Sun 23 May 1999 🧢 Sunday NVKCv SL Seal St Lawrence · AwayformWLWWL

Sunday 23 May 1999, away at Seal St Lawrence, and I won the toss with what I still maintain was the correct call — bat first and put the runs on the board before the tea urn even started whistling. The lads didn't let me down. Paul Gibson led the way with a well-crafted 70, I chipped in with 57 of my own past the half-century mark, and Peter Whyte finished unbeaten on 39 to see us home to a handsome 257/8 from our forty overs. A total, I felt, with genuine teeth in it.

And so it proved. Seal St Lawrence never really got the sniff of the game they needed, subsiding to 117/8 from 32.3 overs despite a fine 60 from C Leonard, with M Evans and P Cook offering brief support on 21 and 20. My brother Daniel was the chief architect of the collapse, a superb 3-24 including two miserly maidens, with Jon Harris (2-28) and Paul Gibson (1-2) mopping up the rest. Three of their number departed without troubling the scorers at all.

A landmark day too — Daniel passed a hundred career wickets, while Stewart Morrison's 30 eased him past Dave Charlton and up to 24th on the club's all-time run list. Gibbo and Daniel now sit atop the season's charts for bat and ball alike.

Won by 140 runs, two points banked, and not a soul at Seal St Lawrence left in any doubt about it. A proper day out.

Sat 22 May 1999 🧢 2nd XIv Staplehurst CC · HomeformWLDWW

Skipper's Log — Saturday, 22 May 1999

Winning the toss against Staplehurst, I had no hesitation in taking first knock — home advantage, home tea, home duty to set a total. 141/8 from our 46 overs wasn't exactly a declaration of war, but Trevor Back's 33 gave it some backbone, with Dave Todd's 20 keeping the scoreboard honest. I'll own my part plainly: I contributed nothing but a walk back to the pavilion, joined in that indignity by Jon Harris — two ducks for the ledger, and no prizes for guessing who felt sillier in his blazer at tea. Thankfully the extras column, generous to a fault at 32, did more for us than either of us managed.

With the ball, though, we found our nerve. Staplehurst were bowled out for 140 in 44 overs, D Roots and Q Hayward threatening to make a real fist of it with 28 and 26 respectively, but Jon Harris atoned for his batting sins in style with 3-25, backed superbly by Darren Styles (3-32) and Dave Todd (3-37), while Ian Brattle strangled the middle overs with three maidens. Poor Roly Edwards had one of those afternoons behind the stumps — nine byes is a lot of retrieving.

Darren Styles's afternoon meant more than the figures suggest, easing past Rob Doick into 24th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list.

A one-run win, then — cricket at its most agonising and most glorious. A very good day for the club.

Sat 22 May 1999 🧢 1st XIv Staplehurst CC · AwayformWDDLW

Saturday, 22 May, saw us venture away to Staplehurst CC, and for once I called correctly at the toss — a rare enough event that I didn't dare hesitate, and elected to bat. We compiled a healthy 179 for 8 from our 46 overs, built on a top score of 57 from my own bat, a knock that felt rather more comfortable than it had any right to, well supported by Piers McDonald's 35 and Stuart Cheesman's 33. Not every contribution sparkled, mind — Dave Charlton and Mike Elworthy both departed for ducks, proof that cricket retains its capacity for cruelty even on a good day.

Defending 179 is never a formality, and Staplehurst made us work for it. L Bull's 42 was the innings that threatened to undo us, ably supported by S Hammond's 33 and Tim Watts's 30, but they never quite found the momentum to see it through, closing on 158 for 6 from their 44 overs. Michael Beeney was the chief tormentor with 3 for 42, while David Lines bowled with real discipline — five miserly maidens and 1 for 22 — and I chipped in with 1 for 33. John Robins, for what it's worth, departed without troubling the scorers.

We got home by 21 runs, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon it was. With David Castle still topping the season's run charts and Beeney climbing the wicket table, the side looks in good heart. Staplehurst put up a proper fight, but on this occasion we had the legs, and the luck, to see it out. A good day for the club, and no mistake.

Sun 16 May 1999 🧢 1st XIv BC Brasted & Sundridge CC · HomeformWWDDL

Sunday 16 May, and the sun smiled on us as we welcomed Brasted & Sundridge to Linton Park. I won the toss and, with the pitch looking a belter, had no hesitation in batting first — a decision that needed no defending by the close.

We piled up 281 for 4 off our 36 overs, and I'll allow myself one boast for the mantelpiece: I made 126, my first century in a very long while, and it happened to arrive on my 500th appearance in Linton colours — not a bad way to mark the occasion. Stewart Morrison gave the innings real steel with a fine 78, while Piers McDonald's brisk 41 kept the scoreboard rattling along nicely. Three hundred felt within touching distance, though 281 was plenty as it turned out.

Brasted never got close, bowled out for 141 in 37 overs. Darren Hastain (22) and Dave Bentley (21) offered the only real resistance, and poor X Burton departed without troubling the scorers — the sort of duck nobody enjoys. Michael Beeney was superb with the ball, 3 for 16, well backed by Daniel Thirkell's miserly 2 for 2 and Darren Styles's 2 for 23, the latter including three maidens that strangled any hope of momentum. Piers had a trickier time behind the stumps, 14 byes going begging, but nobody was complaining given the result.

A landmark day all round — Stewart and Darren both climbing the club's all-time lists — and a win by 140 runs that flattered nobody but ourselves. Two points, thoroughly earned, and a very happy drive home.

Sat 15 May 1999 🧢 2nd XIv HC Horton Kirby CC · AwayformWWLDW

15 May 1999, away at Horton Kirby CC, and the coin let us down as usual — put in to field on a day I'd rather have batted, but there we are.

Horton Kirby made their way to 130 all out in 44.1 overs, built mainly around Alastair Scott's 33, with R Green (28 not out) and Geoff Rameaux (21) chipping in besides. David Lines was the chief tormentor with a fine 4-34, Michael Beeney bowled with real discipline for 3-17 including six maidens, and John Taylor picked up 2-42 for good measure. A tidy shift in the field all told, and 130 always looked a target within our compass.

So it proved, though not without the usual palpitations — 133 for 5 in 37.4 overs, Mike Elworthy the pick of our batsmen with a composed 35, well supported by Trevor Back's 31. I contributed a watchful 17, more useful than pretty, and we squeaked home by 5 wickets.

The real story of the day, though, belonged to Darren Styles, who brought up 200 career wickets — a landmark achieved with typically little fuss, and one for the mantelpiece if ever there was one. Elworthy now leads our 2nd XI run charts for the season with 82, and Styles sits second in the wickets column with 4.

Verdict: a good day for the club — professional in the field, nervy but sufficient with the bat, and a slice of history thrown in besides.

Sat 15 May 1999 🧢 1st XIv HC Horton Kirby CC · HomeformWWWDD

Nigel Thirkell reporting from the captain's chair, and I'm afraid it's a case of "so near, yet so far" once again.

Horton Kirby won the toss on a fine Saturday and had no hesitation in batting first, which by close of play looked like the correct call. Ryan Taylor gave us a proper lesson in stroke-making, cruising to a superb 109, while Paul Love (45) and Paul Evans (40) chipped in to help them post a stiff 239 for 8 off their 46 overs. There was at least some cheer in the field – Bradley Bull went for a duck at our hands, and Matt Large toiled manfully for figures of 3-73. I managed to sneak in 1-20 myself, with Ian Brattle picking up 1-47 alongside.

Chasing 240 was always going to test our patience, and so it proved. Dave Charlton played the innings of the day, a well-crafted 79 that kept us in the hunt for long spells, with good support from Daniel Thirkell (40) and Stewart Morrison (33). I contributed a modest 25 down the order. In the end we fell agonisingly short, bowled out for 229 in the 42nd over – ten runs adrift when the last wicket fell.

There were bright spots amid the gloom worth toasting in the bar afterwards: Matt Large brought up 3,000 career runs for the club, and Dave Charlton's 79 saw him leapfrog Cliff Anscombe into 24th on the all-time run-scorers' list. Daniel Thirkell continues to lead our 1999 run charts, with Matt Large third among the wicket-takers.

A brave chase, but ultimately beaten by ten runs. We'll be better for it next week.

Sun 09 May 1999 🧢 1st XIv WK Westgate-On-Sea CC, Kent · HomeformWWWWD

From the captain's chair — Sunday 09 May 1999. We hosted Westgate-On-Sea CC, Kent, and having called correctly for once in my life, I had no hesitation in putting us in. Sometimes a captain's greatest talent is knowing when to let others do the hard work, and so it proved: 231/3 from our 36 overs, built around a magnificent, chanceless-looking hundred from Daniel Thirkell, 117 not out, with Paul Gibson (49) and Clive Newman (28) offering fine support around him. A total to make the tea urn feel important.

Defending it was another matter entirely, and Westgate made us sweat for every run of it, closing on 208/9 from their 44 overs. Ian Sandwell's well-made 65 and Chris Flint's 57 kept them in the hunt long after sensible men would have folded, with Stephen Winch's 37 adding further discomfort to my afternoon by the boundary rope. But the story of the innings belonged to Jon Harris, who span his way to 6-58 with two miserly maidens thrown in for good measure — bowling of the sort that has opposition batsmen muttering to themselves on the walk back. Darren Styles and Michael Beeney chipped in loyally either side of him, and G- Love's golden duck was a small mercy gratefully received.

A landmark day off the field too, with Daniel Thirkell reaching his 100th appearance in Linton colours — fitting that he marked it with a hundred of a different kind. Wickets and runs shared, honours shared, and a draw that flattered no one and disappointed no one. A proper afternoon of cricket, and a very good one to have been part of.

Sat 08 May 1999 🧢 2nd XIv GX Gerri's XI · HomeformWWWLD

Saturday the 8th of May found us hosting Gerri's XI, and when the coin span my way I decided we'd have first knock, on the theory that runs on the board never hurt anyone, least of all a captain hoping to keep his post.

The lads duly obliged, reaching 196 for 7 off our 37 overs. Nigel Thirkell was the class act, sailing past his half-century, with Trevor Back (35) and Ron McCormick (26) chipping in handsomely around him. Less handsomely, poor Roly Edwards trudged back for nought, a walk of shame he will no doubt be reminded of at every subsequent tea interval.

Defending that total, we set about Gerri's XI with real purpose, though one man rather spoiled the party: T Knight ground out a magnificent 114, three figures that very nearly won the match on his own, ably assisted by M Phipps's 20. Everyone else found the going considerably harder, with J Knight, M Norton and N Maitland all back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers. Trevor Back was the chief destroyer with 4 for 21, backed up nicely by Nigel Thirkell (2-21) and Simon Thirkell (2-41), as Gerri's XI folded for 181 in 43.3 overs.

Nigel now tops our 2nd XI's season run charts and Simon leads the wicket-takers, so the Thirkell name is doing rather more work than the captain's this year. Still, a win is a win: fifteen runs the right way, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's cricket.

Sat 08 May 1999 🧢 1st XIv KK Kennington CC, Kent · AwayformWWWWW

The road to Kennington CC on the 8th of May brought with it a lost toss and the not entirely unwelcome invitation to field first — unwelcome only because it meant standing about in Kent wondering whether the tea urn was on. Kennington got off to a nervous start, 6 for the first wicket, before Stuart Lancaster (42) and Andy Young (39) stitched together an 80-run third-wicket stand that threatened to make the afternoon a long one. Credit to the lads for hauling it back: from 115 for 5 to 135 for 8 in a flurry, with poor Ian Hughes despatched without troubling the scorers. Jon Harris was the chief tormentor with 4 for 43, Darren Styles bowled with the miserliness of a man counting pennies (four maidens), and I chipped in with 2 for 35 — enough, as it turned out, to edge me past the 9-wicket mark and top of our 1999 wicket charts, for whatever that's worth on a Saturday in Kent. Kennington closed on 154 for 8.

Chasing was never going to be straightforward with the scoreboard that stubborn, but David Castle (41) and Stewart Morrison (34) gave it a proper go, adding 78 for the third wicket. Piers McDonald, alas, walked the walk of shame for a duck, and poor Clive Newman had a torrid time behind the stumps, leaking ten byes. We finished on 116 for 7 from our 45.

Honours shared, then — a draw that satisfied nobody and offended nobody, which is very much the English way.

Mon 03 May 1999 🧢 1st XIv MC Maidstone Dissidents CC · HomeformWWWWW

We hosted Maidstone Dissidents CC on a bright Bank Holiday Monday, and the toss went against us — they elected to bat, and 48.4 overs later had racked up 170 all out. Mike Redman led the way with 40, Steve Pearce chipped in an unbeaten 31, and A Wyatt made 20, but the real story was our attack, marshalled beautifully by James Vincent, whose 4-36 did most of the damage. Matt Large bowled with real discipline — 2-14 and three maidens, not a run given away without a fight — while Daniel Thirkell picked up 1-22. Steve Heap, for what it's worth, departed for a golden duck; these things happen to the best of us, and no doubt he'll dine out on it less than his teammates will remind him of it.

Chasing 171, we made ourselves thoroughly at home. Paul Gibson played the innings of the day, a classy fifty, well supported by Daniel Thirkell's 42 and Stuart Cheesman's unbeaten 38, and we cantered home on 173/3 in just 26.4 overs — six wickets in hand and time to spare for the tea urn. Thirkell's all-round contribution continues to catch the eye: he now sits second in the season's run charts with 112 and tops the wicket-takers with 7, a man clearly intent on doing the job of two.

All told, a thoroughly earned two points and the sort of afternoon that reminds you why you bother with the early alarm and the dodgy knee. Comprehensive with bat and ball, six wickets to spare — we'll take that every Monday going.

Sat 01 May 1999 🧢 2nd XIv Sherwood CC, Kent · HomeformWWWWL

Skipper's Log — Saturday 1st May 1999. Sherwood CC of Kent came calling, and won the toss's grudging respect by losing it to me — I had no hesitation sticking us in.

We ground out 183/8 from our 47 overs, a total built rather than blazed. Stuart Cheesman anchored things beautifully for 46, and I was glad to chip in with 42 alongside him, while Mike Elworthy's tidy 25 rounded out a innings that owed more to graft than glamour.

In the field, Sherwood replied with 158/8 from 43, and for a while Martin Selves looked set to bat us out of the game entirely with a polished, chanceless 74. Credit where it's due — a proper county-standard knock. But we had our moments: Elliott Melford and Antony Marriott both departed without so much as a single to their name, and Darren Styles was the chief architect of the fightback, snaring 3-40 with four maidens that strangled the scoring when it mattered. Simon Thirkell (3-44) and Paul Croucher, with a miserly 2-4, did their bit to keep the pressure on.

In the end neither side could quite finish the job, and honours were shared. A word for Mike Elworthy too, whose 25 today eased him past Jon Harris into 19th on the club's all-time run-scorers list — a quiet milestone on a quiet, honest draw.

Verdict: no winner, no loser, just good hard cricket in the May sunshine — and frankly, after Selves's 74, a draw felt like a result worth having.

Sat 01 May 1999 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · AwayformLWWWW

There's not much to say about the toss on Saturday except that I lost it, and Bearsted duly took first use of a decent-looking wicket. What followed was a familiar tale of a shaky start papered over by application: an early wicket down at 1 had their dressing room looking twitchy, but Mick Clifton (72) and Andrew Dampier (33) stitched together a stand of 68 for the third wicket that dragged them back to respectability. All out for 176 in 42.1 overs felt about right for the pitch. Credit to Daniel Thirkell, whose 3-44 did the real damage, with Matt Large (2-11, three tidy maidens) and Michael Beeney (2-15) making sure nothing was given away cheaply. Heap, Horrocks and Judges will want their names left out of this paragraph — sent back without troubling the scorers.

With the ball put away, it was our turn to bat, and this is where the afternoon turned thoroughly pleasant. I found some form at just the right moment, finishing 81 not out, and had excellent company from Daniel Thirkell (69 not out) and a brisk 25 from Stewart Morrison as we cantered to 177/1 in 30 overs. A personal contribution of 81 was, I'll admit, rather satisfying.

Season charts now have me leading the 1st XI run tally with 138, and Thirkell topping the wickets with 6 — the sort of early-season form that makes losing tosses feel entirely bearable. A fine win by nine wickets, and one to enjoy on the drive home. Onwards.

Sun 25 Apr 1999 🧢 1st XIv MA Mote A · AwayformDLWWW

Sunday 25 April found us on the road to Mote A, and my coin sense deserted me at the crucial moment: they won the toss and had few doubts about batting first. Runs came steadily rather than in a flood, with Chris Back anchoring things on an unbeaten 43, well supported by T- McKellow's 34 and R- Luscombe's 33, and they closed on a healthy-looking 170 for 4 from their 53 overs. Credit to the bowlers for keeping it that tight. Daniel Thirkell was the pick with 3 for 29, while James Vincent chipped in with 1 for 30 and four maidens that must have tested patience on both sides of the boundary rope.

Chasing 171, we set about the target with real intent. Nigel Thirkell played the innings of the day, striking a fine 72 that put the result beyond doubt, and Clive Newman's 32 kept the scoreboard ticking along nicely. I was fortunate enough to get in on the act myself, finishing unbeaten on 57, a personal contribution that felt every bit as satisfying as it sounds. We got home in just 36.1 overs with eight wickets in hand and plenty of daylight and tea to spare.

A thoroughly good day out for the club, both on the road and in the record books. Nigel now tops our 1999 run charts and Daniel leads the wickets. If we can keep finding form like this, it promises to be quite a season.