🧢 Captain's Log

Sat 30 Sep 2000 🧢 1st XIv BC Bidborough CC · HomeformDWLWD

I'm the captain writing the match report — here it is.

Saturday last saw Bidborough CC roll into Linton Park, and true to form I lost the toss, so it was pads off and boots on for the field first. Bidborough compiled a workmanlike 133 all out from their 46 overs — R. Warner top-scoring with 27, Craig Denness and Ian Moore chipping in either side of 20 — but John Taylor was in irresistible touch, ripping through with 4-22, while I managed a tidy 3-10 and Michael Beeney bowled with the miserly discipline of a man counting every penny, 1-15 off six maidens.

With 134 to chase, we set about it steadily rather than spectacularly. I top-scored with 32 before handing the baton to Mike Elworthy (30 not out) and Daniel Thirkell (28 not out), who eased us home in fine style. Poor Stuart Cheesman will not thank me for mentioning his golden duck, but a match report without a little gallows humour isn't a proper one. Spare a thought too for Piers McDonald behind the stumps, who had his hands full to the tune of nine byes — the sort of afternoon that ages a wicketkeeper prematurely.

Four wickets the margin, two points the reward, and thoroughly deserved. A tidy, unspectacular win of the kind that quietly wins seasons — and with the run charts and wicket charts both looking rosy, long may it continue.

Sun 24 Sep 2000 🧢 1st XIv AC Anchorians CC · HomeformWDWLW

Skipper's Log, Sunday 24th September 2000: we welcomed Anchorians CC to Linton Park, and for once I actually got a coin toss right — up it went, down it came in our favour, and I had no hesitation in sending us in to bat. There's a certain pleasure in making that call and then not immediately regretting it, which, for those who've watched me captain before, you'll know is rarer than it ought to be.

What followed was about as untroubled an innings as this diary has had the pleasure of recording. We cruised to 65 without loss in just 15.1 overs, Russell Baldwin batting with the sort of unflappable authority that's become his trademark this summer, finishing unbeaten on 37. I chipped in with 25 not out myself, happy enough to play the supporting role while Russell did the heavy lifting — not that I'll ever turn down a knock like that, mind. It's no shock, either, given the lad currently sits second in the whole 1st XI run charts for the season with 575 to his name; bowlers up and down the league must be heartily sick of the sight of him.

Sadly the cricketing gods, having smiled on the toss and the batting, then declined to produce a result — honours were shared, neither side able to force the win. A draw, then, but a thoroughly pleasant one: unbeaten opening stands, healthy scoreboards, and an afternoon in the Kent sunshine. I'll take that.

Sat 23 Sep 2000 🧢 2nd XIv EC Elliotts CC · AwayformWWWLW

Saturday last saw us venture out to Elliotts CC, and won the toss I duly called correctly for once — elected to bat, and I still maintain it was the right call, whatever the scorebook might suggest otherwise.

Alas, the scorebook is a cruel and honest friend. We were bowled out for 108 in 48.5 overs, a total that flattered to deceive. Richard Piper battled to 35 and John Taylor chipped in a tidy 25, but around them the middle order rather fell apart, with Simon Thirkell, Trevor Back and Dave Todd each contributing that most traditional of club cricket offerings — a golden duck apiece. Three ducks before tea is not, strictly speaking, a recipe for a total to defend.

And so it proved. Elliotts eased to 109 for 4 off 33 overs, Gary Buckle's 33 the backbone of the chase, well supported by Cliff Pegg's 30 and an unbeaten 23 from Mike Ling. We did at least send Dave Gracey packing without so much as a whimper from the scorers. Dave Todd was pick of our attack with 2 for 32, John Taylor picked up a well-earned 1 for 19, and Darren Styles bowled a miserly spell of 1 for 23 including two maidens — proof that not everything about our day was leaking runs.

Elsewhere, the season charts continue to make pleasant reading regardless: Mike Elworthy sits proudly atop the 2nd XI run pile with 604, and John Taylor leads the wickets with 34. As for Saturday, though — beaten by six wickets, heads up, and back to the nets. Not our day.

Sun 17 Sep 2000 🧢 1st XIv NS Northend Sunday · HomeformWWDWL

Lost the toss again on Sunday, which by now feels less like bad luck and more like a personal vendetta from whatever coin gods preside over Linton Park. Northend Sunday elected to bat, and we trooped into the field wondering what the afternoon had in store. Mike Tritton set about making it a long one, top-scoring with a fluent 48, with K Stapley unbeaten on 40 and R Taylor chipping in 22 to push them to 153/8 from their 47 overs. Credit where due, though: Stuart Cheesman was in inspired form, ripping through with 4-38, backed superbly by Nigel Thirkell's 2-18 and Russell Baldwin's 1-32, while Darren Styles strangled the scoring with three maidens. Two of theirs went back without troubling the scorers, which always raises a cheer from the boundary.

Chasing 153, I was fortunate enough to find some form, top-scoring with 45 and doing my bit to steady the ship. Nigel Thirkell then showed why he tops our run charts this season, finishing unbeaten on 36, with Peter Whyte's 27 keeping the innings ticking nicely. We got there on 155/6 with a few balls to spare, 36.5 overs of occasionally nervy but ultimately purposeful cricket.

A thoroughly deserved four-wicket win and two points banked. With Thirkell leading the way with 647 runs and Cheesman third in the wicket-takers on 22, the engine room is purring nicely. A proper club win, all told.

Wed 13 Sep 2000 🧢 Midweek XIv LX Lord Cornwallis XI · HomeformWDDLD

It was my call at the toss on Wednesday, and with Lord Cornwallis XI standing in the field I had no hesitation in sending us in — a decision I stand by, even if a golden duck for poor Russell Baldwin briefly had me wondering. No matter: Mike Elworthy played the innings of the day, 93 full of proper cricket shots, well supported by Stuart Cheesman's brisk 37 and David Castle's unbeaten 30 to see us to a healthy 218/6 from our 41 overs.

Defending that total, I'll confess to rather enjoying myself with the ball, finding some rhythm to finish with 3-22 and lead the attack, with Darren Styles chipping in for 1-38. But Lord Cornwallis XI are not a side to be brushed aside lightly, and C-Griffith-Jones (63) and S-Ives (53) put together the kind of stand that has opposing captains checking their field settings rather too often, with C-Cornwallis unbeaten on 35 seeing them home to 211/5 and a share of the honours.

A nice personal landmark along the way too — I passed 2300 career wickets, which felt rather special even amid the toil. Elworthy now tops our season run charts with 230, and I lead the wickets column with 15. All told, an honest draw, and not a bad way to spend a Wednesday.

Sun 10 Sep 2000 🧢 1st XIv Chelsfield Park CC · HomeformWWWDW

Sunday 10 September saw Chelsfield Park CC roll into Linton Park for what turned into a proper afternoon of cricket. Winning the toss, I fancied a bat first, and it's a call I'd make again given the chance — 171/7 off our 44 overs was a total with some backbone to it. I was pleased to see the innings through unbeaten on 37, though it was Adam Pooley's 30 and Stewart Morrison's 26 that gave the total its shape; between us we dragged the score to something worth defending.

Defending it, alas, proved the harder half of the day. Nick Polkinhorne simply refused to be dislodged, motoring to 77 and giving the innings its spine, with M Weeks (49) and Greg Snape (21) offering just enough support around him. Russell Baldwin was excellent with the ball, 3-21 and easily our pick of the attack, while I managed 1-16 and Michael Beeney chipped in with 1-51 — but Chelsfield Park got home with five wickets and a few overs to spare, at 172/5 in 36.5. Poor Clive Newman had a torrid time behind the stumps, eight byes testament to a pitch that clearly had ideas of its own.

Not all doom, though — Richard Piper brought up 1,000 career runs for the club, a landmark thoroughly deserved and warmly applauded by all. Baldwin continues to sit second in this season's run charts, with Beeney leading the wickets column.

Verdict: outbatted the conditions, outbowled by one very good innings. Heads up, back to the nets.

Sat 09 Sep 2000 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · HomeformDWWWD

Nigel Thirkell's End-of-Season Report, straight from the crease.

We lost the toss on Saturday and were sent in the field first, which after a summer of dodgy hamstrings and Tuesday-night practice I'd more or less come to expect. Still, the lads had their tails up, and Bearsted never really got going against us. Ian Brattle steamed in for a superb 3-21, backed up handsomely by Michael Beeney's 2-8 and Stuart Cheesman's 2-32, while my brother Daniel bowled with a miserliness bordering on the pathological — four maidens, not a run given away lightly. Only Ian Sandwell offered any real resistance with 28, but Bearsted were all out for 106 in 45.5 overs, which felt about right on a morning made for bowling.

Chasing 107 should never be entirely comfortable in this fixture, but David Castle and I set about it with more conviction than usual, putting on 88 for the first wicket before anyone so much as troubled the scorers with a wicket falling. I was pleased to lead from the front with 63, a knock I'll happily admit made the rest of the afternoon rather serene, while David finished unbeaten on 42 to see us home. Daniel, having bowled like a dream, rather generously balanced the ledger with a golden duck — cricket's way of keeping a man humble.

Eight wickets, two points, and a thoroughly pleasant Saturday all round. If only they were all this straightforward.

Sat 09 Sep 2000 🧢 2nd XIv Bearsted CC · AwayformWWWWL

Rain looked threatened all week, but Bearsted's square held firm and so did our resolve, even after Skipper called wrong at the toss for what felt like the ninth time this summer. Put in to bowl, we found the outfield generous and the home side's progress fitful — 36 for 2 crumbled to 42 for 5 in the sort of collapse that makes a captain suddenly very interested in his shoelaces, Mark Mills departing without troubling the scorers. John Taylor was the chief architect of the wobble, snapping up 3 for 13 with the sort of control that had the Bearsted middle order playing him from memory rather than sight, while Alan Boyns chipped in with 2 for 37 and Darren Styles bowled nine overs of maidens so tight you could have used them to seal a jam jar, finishing with 1 for 14. Only a defiant late stand of 51 for the seventh wicket, Rod Maloney unbeaten on 46 and well supported by Robin Cross's 21 and Alistair Mills's 21 not out, rescued the innings and got them to 132 for 7 off their 46 overs.

That total was never going to trouble us on a good day, and this was a good day. Brian Piper batted with the unhurried authority of a man who knows the tea urn isn't going anywhere, finishing 49 not out, Mike Elworthy made a handsome 42 en route to overtaking Paul Brattle into 14th on the club's all-time run charts, and Ron McCormick saw us home unbeaten on 27 as we cruised to 133 for 1 in 35.4 overs.

Nine wickets, two points, and a rather pleasant drive home. If every Saturday could be this obliging, I'd never complain about a lost toss again.

Sun 03 Sep 2000 🧢 Tour XIv BC Beacon CC, Cornwall · AwayformLWLDT

Just after 10 on a Sunday, the road took us down to Beacon CC in Cornwall — always a fixture I look forward to, if only for the drive.

Won the toss, and I had no hesitation sticking us in first; on a day like that, runs on the board felt like the right currency. And so it proved. Nigel Thirkell set the tone with a well-crafted 66, Mike Elworthy played beautifully for an unbeaten 62, and David Castle chipped in with a brisk 36 to help us to a very respectable 235/6 from our forty overs. A total that felt like it had enough in it, though Beacon are never a side you can relax against.

So it proved again with the bat in their hands. Kevin Thomas gave us a proper fright, motoring to 93 and threatening to bat us out of it, with Guy Bennett (24) and Simon Tripconey (23) offering support. But we kept plugging away — Chris Terrill and Craig Thomas both departed without troubling the scorers, which always cheers a captain's afternoon no end. Darren Styles was the pick of the attack by some distance, a superb 3-9 with two miserly maidens, and I was pleased enough to chip in with the ball myself, while Matt Large mopped up a wicket too. With the bat I added a modest 17 to the cause.

In the end, 216/8 wasn't enough, and we came away 19 runs to the good. Two points, thoroughly earned, and a very pleasant drive home indeed.

Sat 02 Sep 2000 🧢 2nd XIv WC Wilmington CC · AwayformWWWWW

The lads and I made the trip down to Wilmington CC on a fine Saturday for what turned into a proper end-to-end thriller. Won the toss and, ever the optimist, I sent us in first - a decision I stood by right up until Stewart Morrison's golden duck, though Brian Piper made handsome amends with a fine 57, well supported by Ron McCormick's 37, as we compiled 165 for 9 off 51.3 overs.

Defending that total looked a tall order once M. Medhurst settled in, and settle in he did, cruising to an unbeaten 80 that anchored their reply. Raj chipped in with 53 of his own, and between them they saw Wilmington home to 168 for 6 in 37.4 overs. It wasn't for want of trying with the ball - Stewart Morrison, atoning nicely for his blob with the bat, took 2 for 25, and Dave Todd chipped in with 2 for 47, while we did at least have the satisfaction of sending N. Grigg back for nought.

Elsewhere, credit where it's due: Ron McCormick continues to purr along nicely, second in the 2nd XI run charts with 317 for the season, and Dave Todd sits fourth in the wicket-taking stakes with 19 scalps to his name.

Four wickets the wrong side of the result, then, and not our day. Heads up, chins out, and back to the nets we go.

Fri 01 Sep 2000 🧢 Tour XIv MC Mullion CC · AwayformLLWLD

Not our lucky toss, but a memorable one all the same.

I won the toss on a bright Friday down at Mullion and, with the sort of confidence that usually precedes disaster, opted to bat. My namesake Simon Thirkell played the innings of the day, 46 not out and calm as you like, while I chipped in with 42 to help us shuffle along to 183/8 from our forty overs. Stuart Cheesman's 25 kept the middle order honest, though the less said about Mike Elworthy and Christopher Thirkell's twin ducks the better — a sorrier sight than a cricket tea rained off.

Defending it, Mullion's J- Sammons gave us a proper fright with a well-crafted 95, ushered along by Nigel Warbis (34) and Christian Bostock (30 not out), and for a while it looked ominous. But Darren Styles was magnificent — four wickets for 46, two of them maidens, not a run given away lightly — with Stuart Cheesman's 2-58 and Daniel Thirkell's solitary strike for 8 doing their bit besides. Paul Warbis, T- Gardner and James Pearson all trooped back without troubling the scorers, and somehow, remarkably, Mullion finished level with us at 183 all out.

A tie. A whole day's cricket and not a run between us at the close — you couldn't write it, and frankly I'm not sure my nerves could take another. With Darren Styles now top of the season's wicket charts and yours truly leading the run column, the Tour XI is shaping up nicely. A fair result, even if it settled absolutely nothing.

Thu 31 Aug 2000 🧢 Tour XIv FC Falmouth CC · AwayformLLLWL

Here's the match report:

It was a Thursday like any other in late August, and we made the pilgrimage down to Falmouth CC with modest hopes and, as ever, a boot full of optimism. I won the toss — my calling arm apparently in finer form than my batting eye — and had no hesitation in electing to bat, reasoning that fifteen overs on their track would sort the men from the boys.

As it turned out, it mostly sorted us. We limped to 32 for 2, a total that will not trouble the record books, nor indeed frighten anyone at Falmouth. Poor Mike Elworthy will want this one struck from his memory entirely, departing for a duck that even the ducks felt sorry for. I did what I could with 15 of my own, chiselled out in the manner of a man building a dry-stone wall rather than playing cricket shots, and it now sees me atop our 2000 Tour XI run charts with 85 for the summer — a statistic I offer with the modesty it deserves, given the company's collective struggles.

In the end neither side could force matters, and honours were shared — a draw that flattered our batting more than it perhaps deserved. Not our finest hour with the willow, but a pleasant enough afternoon in Falmouth all the same, and I'll take a share of the spoils over a share of the blame any day.

Wed 30 Aug 2000 🧢 Tour XIv TC Truro CC · AwayformDLLLW

As it stands, I called it right for once and stuck us in, which felt like the bold captain's move at the time and rather less bold by the 35th over. We limped to 143/7 from our 40, with Stuart Cheesman the model of composure on 29 not out and Mike Elworthy chipping in nicely with 26 — the two of them putting on 53 for the third wicket, which was frankly the innings in miniature. I threw the bat around for 19 and got out looking like a man who'd never held one before.

Truro chased it down with the minimum of fuss, closing on 144/5 with three overs unused, Andrew Heayn seeing them home unbeaten on 33, well backed by Stephen Cockett's 28 and Ryan Thomas's 22. Russell Baldwin was the pick of our attack by some distance, 3-14 and full value for it, while Daniel Thirkell bowled with real discipline — four maidens and 1-47 tells you the boundaries came in clusters either side of some very tidy overs. I took 1-21, which I'll happily claim as my one moment of usefulness with the ball. Mike had a torrid time behind the stumps, 12 byes standing as testament to a wicket that clearly had ideas of its own.

Beaten by five wickets, then, and no arguing with it. Still top of the Tour XI run charts on 70 for the season, for what little comfort that's worth on the coach home. Heads up, back to the nets.

Tue 29 Aug 2000 🧢 Tour XIv HC Helston CC · AwayformDDLLL

Well, Helston CC on a Tuesday always feels like a proper day out, and this one delivered from start to finish. Winning the toss and choosing to bat felt right the moment I made the call, and so it proved. I got us going with 52, and Nigel Thirkell matched me stroke for stroke with an unbeaten 51 — the pair of us doing the early legwork before Simon Thirkell chipped in a tidy 22. Poor Daniel Thirkell will want to forget his golden duck in a hurry, though he more than made amends later with the ball. The extras column weighed in with a generous 26, and we closed on a healthy 192/8 from our 45 overs — a total that felt like it had substance to defend.

And defend it we did, though not without Helston making us work. S Pollard played a lovely knock of 81, well supported by N Dunstan's unbeaten 34, and for a spell it looked like they might chase us down. But Darren Styles was magnificent, ripping through with 3-19 and four maidens to boot, Daniel Thirkell backed him up superbly with 2-19, and Matt Large chipped in with 1-17. T Halladay and S Cullis both fell without troubling the scorers, and Helston's innings folded for 155.

A 37-run win, then, and a thoroughly satisfying one. Runs from the top, wickets shared around, and not a maiden wasted — a proper team effort, and a very good day for the club.

Mon 28 Aug 2000 🧢 Midweek XIv KC Kenn CC · HomeformLWDDL

Skipper's Log, Monday 28th August 2000. Won the toss, and — perhaps rashly, given the state of the outfield — decided to have a bat.

It rather came off. 185 for 8 off our 41 overs was a tidy return, built around Mike Caddick's 39, with Steve Cheesman (30) and Stewart Morrison (26) chipping in nicely. The extras column added a generous 25 of its own, which I'm choosing to call clever running between the wickets rather than wide bowling from the visitors. Worth noting for the record books: those 39 runs eased Mike past Jon Harris into 20th on the club's all-time run-scorers list — the lad's arrow is pointing very much upward.

With the ball, the lads set about it with real purpose. Michael Beeney was superb, 3 for 22 with a couple of maidens thrown in for good measure, and found willing company in Jon Harris (2-15) and Adrian Caddick (1-22), who between them saw off Dave Murfin and Rob Parsons without either troubling the scorers. Alas, Falk Koeller had other ideas, farming the strike beautifully for an unbeaten 66, with useful support from C. Beer (25) and Stuart Wonnacott (20 not out) to see Kenn home to 154 for 6. Steve Cheesman had a torrid afternoon behind the stumps, 14 byes slipping past him like eels.

In the end honours were shared, and on reflection a draw felt about right — a match nobody quite deserved to lose, on a day nobody quite deserved to win either.

Sun 27 Aug 2000 🧢 1st XIv Southfleet CC · HomeformLDWWW

Skipper's Log — Sunday 27 August 2000. A rare treat, this: sunshine, a full complement of lads, and the coin landing my way against Southfleet CC. I had no hesitation in putting us in, and the top order duly obliged. Clive Newman set about the bowling with real purpose for 69, Stewart Morrison kept him honest company with a classy 52, and Russell Baldwin finished unbeaten on 30 to see us to a handsome 189/3 from our thirty overs. Rather fittingly, Clive's innings also brought up 7,000 career runs for the club — a landmark that deserved the pot of tea it got, and then some.

With that total in the bank, defending it should have been the easy part, and for long stretches it was — Adrian Caddick was in irresistible form, plundering 4-29, with Michael Beeney and John Taylor (three miserly maidens to his name) chipping in a wicket apiece. Poor Harfield departed without so much as troubling the scorers. Yet Geoff Lane had other ideas, compiling a fine fifty of his own, and Southfleet dragged themselves to 121/8 from their forty, just enough to deny us.

So honours shared, a draw to file under "should have won it." Still, with Russell now second in our season's run charts and Michael leading the wicket-takers, the engine room is purring nicely. A point banked, a landmark toasted — I'll take that and the tea urn home happy.

Sat 26 Aug 2000 🧢 1st XIv West Farleigh CC · AwayformDLDWW

Saturday found us on the road to West Farleigh, and winning the toss I had no hesitation — the pitch looked made for batting, so in we went. Nigel Thirkell set the tone with a fine 59, well past his fifty, while I chipped in with 46 and Dave Charlton added a brisk 44. Even our extras got in on the act with 31, and we closed on a healthy 218 for 4 from our 40 overs — the sort of total that lets a captain sleep easy at tea.

Defending it, though, is where the afternoon turned into something rather special. West Farleigh never got going against our attack, three of their batsmen — Paul Baines, Matt Smith and E- Lowe — trudging back without troubling the scorers. Simon Phillips and Neil Tillott fought hardest with 36 and 33 respectively, but there was no answer to Daniel Thirkell, who tore through the order for a magnificent 7 for 19. Michael Beeney bowled with real discipline, two maidens among his figures of 1 for 24, and Ian Brattle chipped in with 1 for 34. West Farleigh were bowled out for just 105 in 29.1 overs.

A comfortable win by 113 runs, then, and a timely reminder of the depth in this side — with Nigel Thirkell now top of our season run charts on 548 and Michael Beeney second among the wicket-takers on 22, we look in fine shape as the summer rolls on. A thoroughly satisfying day out.

Sat 26 Aug 2000 🧢 2nd XIv West Farleigh CC · HomeformWWWWW

Saturday 26 August 2000, home to West Farleigh CC, and for once the coin behaved itself in my favour. I had no hesitation sticking us in, and the lads repaid the faith in some style: 262 for 2 off 41.4 overs, built around a magnificent 150 from Mike Elworthy, with Roly Edwards (43 not out) and Richard Piper (36) offering the sort of support that suggested even the extras felt obliged to chip in — 33 of them, no less. It's the kind of total that makes the tea interval considerably more relaxed than usual.

Defending it should have been the easy part, and so it proved. West Farleigh subsided to 95 all out in 29 overs, M Weeden's battling 32 not out and Andy Starr's 27 the only real resistance, while William Norman, Terry Baines and J. Silverthorn all trudged off for ducks. Dave Todd was magnificent, 4 for 20 with three miserly maidens thrown in for good measure, ably backed by Darren Styles (2-11) and Trevor Back (2-15) — not a run given away lightly all afternoon.

Worth a line in the log: Elworthy's 150 nudges him past William Buck into 15th on the club's all-time run charts, and he now leads our 2nd XI scorers for the season with 561, with Styles second in the wickets column on 27.

A win by 167 runs, and not a nervous moment in it. Onwards.

Sun 20 Aug 2000 🧢 1st XIv UC Underriver CC · HomeformWDLDW

Sunday, 20 August, and Underriver rolled up to Linton Park under skies that, for once, allowed cricket rather than merely threatening it. Winning the toss, I did what any sensible captain does when the pitch looks decent and the tea urn is on — stuck us in. We rattled along to 179 for 6 off our forty, with Russell Baldwin the chief architect of the innings, an assured 63 that continued what has been a fine summer for him, and Richard Piper chipping in a handy 33 to keep the scoreboard honest.

Defending it was another matter, as Adrian Barr-Smith set about proving 179 is never quite enough, cruising to 73 and dragging Underriver back into a game they had no right to still be in. B- Piper's 27 and Andy Tong's 22 kept the required rate ticking along nicely for the visitors, and for a few overs there I confess my tea went cold in my hand. But Michael Beeney, quietly amassing one of the club's finer seasons with the ball, snared 2 for 19 to keep the brakes on, while Darren Styles bowled with the miserly discipline of a man who begrudges every run, taking 1 for 18 with two maidens thrown in for good measure.

In the end we held on by 17 runs — narrow enough to keep the nerves jangling, comfortable enough to enjoy the second pint. A proper club cricket afternoon, and a very good day indeed.

Sat 19 Aug 2000 🧢 1st XIv M Mersham · HomeformDWDLD

Lost the toss again, no shock there — my coin-calling record remains a source of constant amusement to the rest of the side — and Mersham had few doubts about batting first on a Saturday that promised runs. They ground their way to 150 for 4 from their 46 overs, C. Meanley anchoring things nicely with an unbeaten 42, K. Brown chipping in with 33 not out and A. Stevens adding 20. Credit to the attack for keeping them to a gettable total: Rob Doick led the way with 2-24, Ian Brattle backed him up with 2-32, and Daniel Thirkell bowled with real discipline, three maidens the mark of a man giving nothing away.

Chasing 151, we got there with something to spare, 151 for 4 in 42.3 overs, and the innings belonged to Nigel Thirkell, whose unbeaten 67 was the class act of the day, well supported by Daniel Thirkell's 32 and Stuart Cheesman's 22. There was extra cause for a raised glass in the bar afterwards too, as Nigel brought up 35,000 career runs for the club along the way — the kind of landmark that reminds you what a privilege it is to captain a side with players like that in it.

He now leads our 2000 first-team run charts with 489, and Ian Brattle sits third in the wicket charts with 18. Two points, thoroughly earned, won by six wickets — a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work all round.

Sat 19 Aug 2000 🧢 2nd XIv Mersham Sports CC · AwayformWWWWW

Lost the toss again — I really must have words with that coin — and found myself leading the lads out into the field on a Saturday that Mersham Sports CC clearly fancied with bat in hand. They needn't have bothered fancying too hard. Their innings folded for 75 in 42 overs, Ollie Austen's gritty 47 propping up an otherwise threadbare total, while the rest of the order came and went with little ceremony — Jim Hodges back in the pavilion, and poor Andy Burwell not troubling the scorers at all. Dave Todd was magnificent with the ball, snapping up 4-24, while John Taylor bowled with the metronomic discipline of a man allergic to boundaries — six maidens and 2-16 — and Trevor Back chipped in with 2-18 for good measure.

Chasing 76 should have been a formality, and in the end it more or less was, though not before we'd made a proper meal of it. Brian Piper anchored things beautifully with an unbeaten 32, well supported by Dave Todd's fluent 20 not out, but Richard Ellis and Richard Piper both departed for ducks, adding a touch of unnecessary drama to proceedings. We got there in 37.3 overs for the loss of four wickets.

I'll confess a quiet pride in still leading our 2000 second-team run charts with 411 for the season, though John Taylor's 30 wickets rather steals my thunder. A comfortable six-wicket win, two points banked, and honestly rather a pleasant afternoon's work.

Fri 18 Aug 2000 🧢 Midweek XIv SC Selsdon CC · HomeformLLWDD

Friday 18 August 2000, and Selsdon CC rolled up to Linton Park on a day that started with a lost toss and, in hindsight, never really recovered from it. Asked to bowl first, we watched Marcus Robertson play a proper captain's innings of 77, with Darren Brame (48) and Adrian Melillo (36 not out) keeping the scoreboard ticking merrily along to 242/7 from their 43 overs. Dave Todd was the pick of our attack with 2-27, and I chipped in with 1-29 alongside Fred Cheesman's 1-33 — honest toil on an afternoon when the bat was on top.

Chasing 243, we made a fair fist of it. Steve Pierce played beautifully for 72, well supported by Mike Elworthy's fifty, and I added 25 down the order as we pushed to 206 all out from 42.3 overs — always giving ourselves a sniff, never quite landing the knockout blow. Spare a thought too for Elworthy, who after his runs had to strap the gloves back on and endure a torrid time of it behind the stumps, nine byes sneaking through on a day when nothing wanted to go our way.

So it's 36 runs short and a beaten side trudging off, though not a disgraced one. Elworthy's runs keep him top of the season's charts on 137, and Jon Harris's 10 wickets still lead the way with the ball — proof there's plenty to build on. Not our day, but heads up, chins out, and back to the nets we go.

Wed 16 Aug 2000 🧢 Midweek XIv The Mote CC · AwayformDLLWD

Wednesday 16 August 2000, and off we trundled to The Mote CC in what I like to think was good spirits rather than blind optimism. Winning the toss, I did what any captain with a functioning brain does on a decent-looking pitch and stuck us in — a decision I was rather pleased with as the runs began to flow.

And flow they did, thanks in the main to Daniel Thirkell, who batted as though he'd read the script and decided to ignore the supporting cast entirely, motoring to a magnificent 104. David Castle chipped in nicely with 33, and even our extras column got in on the act with a generous 30, taking us to a healthy 202/6 from our 44 overs. Whether the extras were down to wayward bowling or canny running I couldn't possibly say, but we'll take them.

In reply, The Mote made a fair fist of it — Chris Back's 46, backed up by Thomas Harvey's 37 and Stephen Back's 27, kept them ticking along nicely. But Jon Harris had other ideas, scything through with 3-45, well supported by Darren Styles (2-54) and a handy contribution with the ball from David Castle (1-4), who'd clearly decided batting alone wasn't enough exercise for one afternoon. Poor Mike Elworthy had a torrid time behind the stumps, 8 byes escaping his clutches, though I shan't hold it against him — the ball was doing plenty.

In the end, honours shared: 202/6 to 178/7, and a draw that satisfied nobody and offended nobody. A fair result, all told, for an afternoon that gave us Thirkell's hundred and Harris's three-fer to savour on the drive home.

Sun 13 Aug 2000 🧢 1st XIv W Westgate · HomeformWDWDL

Stuart Cheesman, captain, Linton Park CC — Sunday 13 August 2000, v Westgate (home)

We lost the toss on Sunday, which these days feels less like bad luck and more like a formality, and duly found ourselves asked to field. Westgate made merry to the tune of 240/3 from their 43 overs, built on the back of a genuinely magnificent hundred from a- Winch, with N- Watford chipping in a classy 77 alongside him — the kind of stand that has fielding captains checking their watch and wondering if tea might be moved forward. To our credit we didn't fold up entirely: Fred Cheesman bowled beautifully for 2-15, and Darren Styles did a fine holding job, tight as you like with two maidens on his way to 1-28.

Chasing 241 was always going to ask a question or two, and we answered most of them without quite finding the last word. Russell Baldwin led the reply superbly with 63, well supported by John Taylor's unbeaten 34 and Stewart Morrison's 30 — the latter, incidentally, enough to nudge him past Peter Whyte into 23rd on the club's all-time run-scorers list, which is the sort of thing that should earn a man a pint regardless of the result. I added a modest 29 down the order. Baldwin also had a torrid time behind the stumps, 22 byes escaping his gloves in what he assures me was a wicket with ideas of its own.

We closed on 214/6, short of the target, and honours were shared. A draw, then — honest, hard-fought, and entirely fitting for a Sunday when nobody quite had the final say.

Sat 12 Aug 2000 🧢 1st XIv Meopham CC · AwayformLWDWD

Beaten by six wickets in the end, but let me start where the day started: I won the toss and put us in to bat, and I still say it was the right call — the pitch had "bowl first" written all over it, but I've never been one to overthink these things when a hunch is available instead.

We didn't exactly cover ourselves in glory with the willow, folding for 132 in 45.3 overs. Daniel Thirkell held things together nicely with 41, batting like a man who'd read the pitch report we hadn't. Special mention, if that's the word, to Ian Brattle, who contributed a duck to the club ledger and trudged off with the walk of shame reserved for such occasions — though he'd more than make amends later, as we'll come to.

Defending 132 against Meopham was always going to be a stern examination, and so it proved. Richard Saunders (39) and M Corden, unbeaten on 33, saw them home with something to spare, Mick Clark chipping in with 22. Credit where it's due: Ian Brattle bowled beautifully to redeem his morning with 2-30, well backed up by Thirkell (1-22) and Matt Large (1-42) — proof, if any were needed, that this club forgives quickly.

Six wickets the final margin, and no arguing with it. Russell Baldwin continues to sit handsomely 2nd in the season's run charts, and Brattle 4th among the wicket-takers, so the furniture of a decent campaign remains in place. We'll be better for it next week.

Sat 12 Aug 2000 🧢 2nd XIv Meopham CC · HomeformWWWWW

Saturday last, Meopham CC rolled up as our visitors, and for once the coin did as it was told — I called correctly and had no hesitation in sending us in.

It was not the smoothest of afternoons at the crease. We were bowled out for 173 in 46 overs, rescued from anything more embarrassing by Jeff Todd's fine 49, with Dave Todd (27) and an unbeaten 21 from Roly Edwards adding the necessary ballast. Poor John Taylor, meanwhile, will want this one struck from the record — a golden duck to his name, though he'd more than make amends before the day was out.

Defending 173 always felt a touch optimistic, but our attack had other ideas. John Taylor bowled like a man with a point to prove, four overs sold for absolutely nothing, and figures of 3-26 that dragged the match back our way. John Coles (2-43) and Jeff Todd (1-25) chipped in dutifully. Roly's afternoon behind the stumps was rather less serene — ten byes is not a number one boasts about — but Meopham's Roddy Campbell (38 not out) and S. Boswell (36 not out) still couldn't quite haul them past the post, closing on 163/7.

Ten runs the margin, and I'll happily take it. It rounds off a tidy season so far for me personally, sitting atop the 2nd XI run charts on 403, with John Taylor's bowling now the stuff of the wicket-takers' honours board. A scratchy day with the bat, a fine one with the ball, and — most importantly — a win. Tea was, as ever, the true man of the match.

Sun 06 Aug 2000 🧢 1st XIv DC Downham & Bellingham CC · HomeformWLWDW

Sunday 6 August 2000, and Downham & Bellingham CC rolled up to Linton Park with the sun out and, as ever, the toss going against us. I called wrong, they chose to bat, and off we trooped into the field to see what forty-nine overs would bring.

What it brought was 199 for 3, largely courtesy of Chris Mendham, who made himself thoroughly at home for an unbeaten 69, with David Powell's 43 and Jeff Barnes's unbeaten 41 doing plenty of the heavy lifting either side of him. I did what I could with the ball, finishing with 2 for 60, Jon Harris chipped in with a wicket, and Darren Styles was tighter than a Sunday collection plate with two maidens — small mercies against a side clearly determined to bat all afternoon.

Chasing 200, we made a fair fist of it without ever quite threatening the target, closing on 157 for 9 from our 42. Stewart Morrison led the way with 43, well supported by Russell Baldwin's 39 and Michael Beeney's 27. I added a workmanlike 15 down the order, while poor Duncan Keene and Ollie Priestly both suffered the walk of shame for ducks — the sort of thing the club gazette exists to gently immortalise.

So honours shared, a draw when neither side could quite force the issue — and frankly, after Mendham's innings, I'll happily take it.

Sat 05 Aug 2000 🧢 1st XIv SC Shipbourne CC · HomeformDWLWD

Saturday last, and the sun deigned to shine on Linton Park as we welcomed Shipbourne CC. I won the toss and, in a rare fit of decisiveness, stuck us in to bat — no clouds to hide behind, so no excuses if it went wrong.

It didn't. We compiled a handsome 223/6 from our 46 overs, built on the sturdy foundations of Daniel Thirkell's 41, Russell Baldwin's 41 and Mike Caddick's 39 — none of them threatening the record books individually, but between them enough to make the tea interval a pleasant one.

Shipbourne came out swinging in reply, and Peter Gray gave us a proper fright with a classy 58, well backed up by Edward Gelling's 34. For a while I feared my declaration-that-wasn't might come back to haunt me. But poor Neil Lee-Amies departed for a golden duck, and Matt Large — miserly as ever with two maidens to go with his 3-43 — did the real damage, with Daniel Thirkell chipping in a second time with 3-50 and Jon Harris picking up 1-42. Shipbourne fell short at 189/8 from their 44.

A 34-run win, then, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work. With Russell Baldwin now second in the season's run charts and Jon Harris leading the wicket-takers, this side is doing rather more than I deserve as captain. Onwards indeed.

Sat 05 Aug 2000 🧢 2nd XIv SC Shipbourne CC · AwayformLWWWW

Down to Shipbourne on Saturday, and for once the coin behaved itself — I called correctly and had no hesitation in sticking us in, more in hope than any great tactical insight.

The lads repaid the faith handsomely. Ron McCormick played the anchor role to perfection, a fifty of real substance, while Brian Piper's 49 kept the scoreboard humming along nicely beside him. Alan Boyns chipped in with a tidy 30, and even our extras column got in on the act with a generous 27. Not everyone had their day — Richard Piper and Richard Ellis both trudged back for ducks — but 187/7 from our 46 overs felt like a total with enough about it to trouble Shipbourne.

So it proved. John Coles was the chief tormentor with a superb 4-36, finding just enough to keep their batsmen honest, while Darren Styles bowled with real discipline — three maidens and 2-18 don't happen by accident. I managed to get in on the fun myself, snaring 2-2, which I shall modestly describe as "economical" and leave it at that. Peter Phillips and Neil Lee-Amies both departed without troubling the scorers, and Shipbourne were bowled out for 77 in 34.1 overs, well short of the target.

A fine win by 110 runs, then, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work all round. Ron McCormick continues to sit handsomely in second place in the 2nd XI run charts with 277 for the season, while John Taylor leads the wicket-takers with 25. Onwards we go.

Sun 30 Jul 2000 🧢 1st XIv Knockers CC · HomeformWDWLW

Lost the toss on a Sunday that promised much and delivered a dead heat, I trotted out to bowl first against Knockers CC and watched them build a total that looked, for long stretches, rather more substantial than we'd have liked. Paul Seldon was the chief architect, motoring to 73, with M. Thomas (34) and E. Irwin (30) chipping in to help them declare — sorry, finish — on 217/7 from their 46 overs. Michael Beeney was the pick of our attack with 3-57, I managed 2-38 to do my bit, Fred Cheesman weighed in with 1-28, and Darren Styles bowled with the kind of miserly discipline that suggests he simply doesn't believe in giving runs away, three maidens to his name.

Chasing 218, we owe an enormous debt to Mike Caddick, who played the innings of the summer — a magnificent 115, three figures and every one of them earned — while I found some form with the bat to add 24 in support. Russell Baldwin had a trickier afternoon behind the stumps, eight byes slipping through, but nobody was counting too closely by the close. We finished on 215/7 from 43 overs, three agonising runs short, honours shared and pride largely intact.

There was cause for a quiet toast regardless: Caddick's ton eased him past Malcolm Pay into 21st on the club's all-time run-scorers list. Add in Baldwin's 254 runs sitting 2nd in this year's charts and Jon Harris still leading the wickets column with 21, and you have a side very much on the up — even when, like today, we can't quite close it out.

Sat 29 Jul 2000 🧢 1st XIv Headcorn CC · AwayformDWDWL

Lost the toss again on Saturday — I'm beginning to think Headcorn's coin has a grudge against me personally — and duly found myself leading the lads into the field. Peter Westrop and Kevin Richardson set about building something respectable, 42 and 28 apiece, before we dragged them back to 135 for 7 off their 46. I'll allow myself one boast for the column: figures of 2 for 16 with three maidens thrown in, which felt rather more like discipline than genius. Michael Beeney bowled beautifully for 2-22, and Rob Doick chipped away for 1-30, the pair of them doing far more to strangle the scoring than my modest maidens ever could.

A target of 136 should never trouble a side of our supposed calibre, and yet we made a proper meal of it, stumbling to 135 for 8 from 44 overs — the sort of run-chase that ages a captain by several years per over. David Castle held the innings together with a fine 42, and I managed 35 alongside him, though there were several moments in the middle where my running between the wickets resembled a man late for a train.

Two points banked, two wickets to spare, and not a run wasted anywhere in the day. On the season charts I'm told I now lead the 1st XI's run-scoring, with Michael Beeney sitting handsomely second among the wicket-takers — proof, if any were needed, that Linton Park's engine room is in rude health. A scrappy win, but a win all the same, and I'll take those over style any day of the week.

Sat 29 Jul 2000 🧢 2nd XIv Headcorn CC · HomeformWLWWW

Saturday last saw Headcorn CC roll up the drive, and having called correctly at the toss I didn't dwell for a second on the decision — batting first, no arguments. The lads set about building something substantial, and 202/9 from our 46 overs was a fine platform, built chiefly on Mike Elworthy's 48, with Ron McCormick's 44 and Trevor Back's 33 keeping the scoreboard honest alongside him.

Defending it was always going to be the story of the day, and Headcorn made us work for every run of it. Nick Sparks played a proper captain's innings of 92, ably backed by Paul Millen's well-made fifty (53) and John Phipps's 22, and for a good while it looked like our total might not be quite enough. Steve Kingsmill and P Hughes, sadly, will remember little of their innings beyond the walk back. It was Dave Todd who turned the screw, 4-51 and worth every run of it, with Darren Styles chipping in for 1-34 — no small effort on the day he brought up his 100th appearance in Linton colours, and Todd's haul nudges him past Terry Donovan to 15th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list. Elworthy continues to lead the 2nd XI run charts this summer, with Styles second among the wicket-takers.

In the end Headcorn fell 19 runs short. A proper team effort, milestones and all — onwards.

Wed 26 Jul 2000 🧢 Midweek XIv IX Ipswich Greyhounds CC - Kent Tour XI · HomeformWDLLW

Wednesday saw the visitors roll up under skies that threatened more than they delivered, and having lost the toss — or won it, depending on how charitably one views chasing leather round the boundary for the best part of two sessions — we were put into the field. Hrowlec set about us with a fine half-century, 56, and found a willing ally in Archibald, who matched him stroke for stroke with 55 of his own, while Manning chipped in a brisk 42 to help the total along to a distinctly hearty 225/5 from their 38 overs. Credit where due: Trevor Back did the damage with 1-21, Stuart Cheesman and Adrian Caddick took a wicket apiece, and Darren Styles bowled with the sort of miserliness normally reserved for church collection plates, sending down two maidens.

Chasing 226 was always going to be a tall order on a ground with no shortage of grass to run through, and so it proved. I chipped in with 34 at the top, Adrian Caddick supported nobly with 22, but wickets fell steadily around us and poor S. Brennan departed for a duck to complete a thoroughly forgettable afternoon with the bat — we closed on 138/9 from our 47.

There was, happily, a bright note amid the gloom: Adrian Caddick brought up his 100th appearance in Linton colours, a landmark he marked by sitting second in both the season's run and wicket charts. A draw, then — honours shared, pride dented, kettle very much on.

Sun 23 Jul 2000 🧢 1st XIv MC Margate CC · HomeformWDWDW

As we won the toss, elect to bat.

We won the toss on a lovely Sunday down at Linton Park, and with the sun out and the outfield running quick, there really was only one decision to make. In I hopped and elected to bat — the right call, I still maintain, whatever the scorebook eventually had to say about it. We ground our way to 146 for 8 off 51.2 overs, a total that felt more like a working platform than a declaration of intent. Stuart Cheesman led the way with a tidy 32, and I chipped in with 30 of my own alongside Stewart Morrison's watchful 23. Nothing fireworks-laden, but honest runs, gathered the hard way.

Defending 146 was always going to ask serious questions of the bowling, and for a good while we asked them well. Cheesman, clearly in the mood, backed up his batting with 3 for 38, Jon Harris chipped away for 1 for 36, and Michael Beeney was miserly in the extreme with two maidens — not a run given away lightly, as the saying goes. But Margate had answers of their own: Perry's 29, an unbeaten 28 from Turner and 25 from Baxter saw them home in 32.5 overs, a canter to 147 for 4.

Beaten by six wickets, then, and no arguing with the arithmetic. Cheesman's efforts keep him fourth in the season's run charts, Harris top of the wicket pile, so there's plenty to be proud of even in defeat. We'll be better for it next week.

Sat 22 Jul 2000 🧢 1st XIv Milstead CC · HomeformWWDWD

Saturday 22 July 2000, and Milstead CC were the visitors as we took to our own turf hoping for a good tea and, ideally, a decent game of cricket to go with it.

With the bat, we made a very tidy fist of things, closing on 232/6 from our 46 overs. Dave Charlton was the architect, striking a fine 80, with David Castle chipping in handsomely with 54 and Clive Newman adding a brisk 33. Not every name will make the highlights reel, mind — young Daniel Thirkell will want to forget his golden duck rather quickly, though I'm sure he'll be reminded of it at every opportunity in the clubhouse.

Milstead gave chase gamely, and J Coupe played a captain's innings of his own, 97 that had us rather nervously eyeing the clock, well supported by Gareth Chick's 41 and N Fisher's 23. But wickets fell at the right moments for us — Richard Moxon and M- Burnop both back in the hutch without scoring, and Ian Brattle leading the line beautifully with 3-57. I managed to chip in with 2-36 myself, with Daniel Thirkell atoning for his batting blip with 2-27 and four maidens of real discipline. Poor Clive Newman had a torrid time behind the stumps, 16 byes escaping his gloves, but nobody's perfect on a warm July afternoon.

A word too for Dave Charlton, who brought up 4,000 career runs for the club — a proper milestone, and thoroughly deserved.

We held on for a 17-run win. A fine day's work, and onwards we go.

Sat 22 Jul 2000 🧢 2nd XIv Milstead CC · AwayformWWLWW

Saturday 22 July saw us make the trip to Milstead, and any hopes of a straightforward afternoon evaporated the moment the coin came down wrong — we were put in to field on what looked a decent batting surface, which is never quite the plan.

Milstead ground their way to 146/6 from their 46 overs, built largely around A Wright's well-made fifty (51) with useful support from Gareth Chick (35). Credit where it's due to the bowlers for keeping them to a total that never quite got away from us — Trevor Back was superb, 3-33 with five overs sent down for nothing, tight enough to make the strokeless S Tyler's early duck feel like the least of Milstead's worries. Darren Styles (2-41) and John Taylor (1-35) chipped in nicely, and Taylor's solitary wicket brought up a rather lovely personal landmark — fifty career scalps, a milestone that deserved more of a fuss than we probably gave it in the field.

Chasing 147, we made rather light work of it in the end. Stewart Morrison anchored things beautifully with an unbeaten 67, ably assisted by Mike Elworthy (32) and Ron McCormick (30), and we cantered home by eight wickets with overs to spare. Elworthy's knock keeps him top of the 2nd XI run charts for the season, while Taylor now leads the wicket-takers — the pair of them quietly doing the heavy lifting all summer.

Two points, thoroughly earned, and a rare afternoon where the toss going against us barely seemed to matter.

Sun 16 Jul 2000 🧢 1st XIv Rainham (Kent) CC · AwayformDWWDW

Sunday the 16th saw us venture down to Rainham, and having won the toss I opted to bowl first — a decision that looked rather shrewd for about an hour before Rainham settled in and ground out 185 for 9 from their 49 overs. Glen Cook led their reply with 37, with Dave Wood unbeaten on 23 at the close, but our attack kept a firm grip throughout: Jon Harris was the pick of us, snaring 3 for 23 with a couple of miserly maidens thrown in for good measure, while Rob Doick (3 for 33) and Fred Cheesman (2 for 22) chipped in handsomely. Nick Plumridge, for the record, departed for a duck at our hands — small mercies.

In reply we made a fair fist of it, 152 for 5 from our 45, anchored by a really well-made fifty from Stuart Cheesman, unbeaten on 59, with Russell Baldwin (35) and Rob Doick (29) lending sturdy support. As for your captain — I trudged off for a golden duck, and the less said about that walk of shame the better.

Russell continues to make his case in the season's run charts, now sitting third with 220 to his name, while Jon Harris strides on at the top of the wicket charts with 19 victims. As for the match itself, honours were shared — a draw when neither side had quite enough left to force the issue. A fair result, if I'm honest, and one we'll happily bank.

Sat 15 Jul 2000 🧢 2nd XIv HK Halstead CC, Kent · AwayformWWWLW

Halstead CC, Kent, Saturday 15 July — the sun out, the ground firm, and me winning a toss I had absolutely no business overthinking: we batted. And how we batted. 270 for 3 off our 45 overs, built on the sort of innings you dream about from Mike Elworthy — 102 not out, three figures with the minimum of fuss — and gallantly supported by Stuart Cheesman's unbeaten 53 and Stewart Morrison's tidy 37. I merely had to stand at the non-striker's end looking captainly.

Defending 270 ought to have been a formality, and so it proved, though not without theatre. Halstead limped to 89 for 9 off 39.2 overs, Ashley Inwood's 40 the only real resistance, while D. Winson and R. Kelly both walked back for ducks. The afternoon, however, belonged entirely to Darren Styles — 5 for 5 off his overs, five maidens among them, bowling of a miserliness bordering on the cruel. Richard Ellis (2-3) and John Taylor (1-5) tidied up the rest.

A day for the club as much as the scoreline: Mike Elworthy reached 6,000 career runs in the same innings he made his hundred, and now leads our 2nd XI run charts for the season with 318, with John Taylor top of the wicket pile on 23.

Won by 181 runs, two points banked, and Darren Styles' figures the kind you frame rather than forget. A thoroughly satisfactory Saturday.

Wed 12 Jul 2000 🧢 Midweek XIv Gravesend CC · AwayformDWDLL

Here's the match report:

I'll be honest — losing the toss at Gravesend and being asked to field first on a warm July afternoon wasn't quite how I'd have scripted it, but the lads knuckled down and made the best of it. Dave Bishop's steady 55 kept the home side ticking along, but we chipped away throughout, and I was fortunate enough to have one of those days where everything nips about just where you want it — five for 30 in the end, which I won't pretend wasn't a nice feeling. Trevor Back and Fred Cheesman did their bit too, with Fred particularly stingy through his two maidens, and between us we restricted Gravesend to 136 for 8 off their 49 overs — a target that felt eminently gettable on the walk back to the pavilion.

So it proved. Adrian Caddick played the anchor role beautifully for 33, with Stuart Cheesman's 30 and Trevor Back's unbeaten 26 doing the heavy lifting either side of him. Spare a thought for poor Richard Ellis, who collected a golden duck for his troubles — these things happen to the best of us, and no doubt he'll make up for it next time. We got there with five wickets in hand and overs to spare.

Two points banked, and a rare afternoon where both bat and ball behaved themselves — I'll take that every week of the season.

Sun 09 Jul 2000 🧢 Sunday NVKCv SC Sparsholt CC · AwayformWWWWW

Sunday the 9th of July found us on the road to Sparsholt, and having called correctly for once in my life, I rather boldly stuck us in. We ambled to 131 for 7 off our forty overs, the innings held together by a fine unbeaten 48 from Clive Newman, with Peter Whyte chipping in a handy 31 alongside him. Less gloriously, young Daniel Thirkell endured the walk of shame for a golden duck — welcome to the club ledger, lad, there's always a next time.

With the ball, we set about defending our total with more hope than certainty. Sparsholt replied with 132 for 6 off 39.5 overs, Jeremy Frith easing to a well-made fifty and A. Hayes standing firm on 36 not out to see them home. It wasn't for want of trying with the ball — Daniel led the attack superbly with 2 for 26, Stuart Cheesman was tidy as ever with 1 for 9, and I managed to prise out one for 33 of my own, for what little consolation that offered.

So it's four wickets and a losing margin to reflect on over the tea urn. As it stands this season I find myself atop both the run charts on 293 and the wicket charts on 7 — small comfort when the team result got away from us. Not our day, gentlemen. Heads up, back to the nets, and on to the next one.

Sat 08 Jul 2000 🧢 1st XIv Leeds & Broomfield CC · AwayformWDWWD

Skipper's Log — Saturday 08 July 2000

Away to Leeds & Broomfield, and I won the toss and had no hesitation in taking first knock — bat first, worry later, that's always been my philosophy, and for once it looked positively shrewd. We ground our way to 152/6 from 46 overs, a total built on a bit of application from yours truly, who managed 79 before finally holing out, well past the fifty and rather pleased with myself for it. Clive Newman chipped in nicely with 28, though poor Stewart Morrison will want this one struck from the record — a duck to nothing, and no doubt a long walk back to the pavilion.

Defending 152 always feels like walking a tightrope in your socks, but the lads set about it with real heart. They fought to 129/7 from their 44, John Hartshorn the chief nuisance with 33, well supported by Alan Nutten's 20, while M. Saul departed for a duck at our hands to even the ornithological score. I had a rare old time with the ball myself, snaring 3-38, and was grateful for sterling support from Ian Brattle (2-27) and Daniel Thirkell (1-25). Michael Beeney bowled with real miserliness — six maidens, not a run given away lightly — while poor Clive Newman's day behind the stumps was rather spoiled by fifteen byes, a figure that tells its own tale.

A satisfying afternoon all told, and with the season's run and wicket charts filling out nicely, this was a fine win by 23 runs. Onwards indeed.

Sat 08 Jul 2000 🧢 2nd XIv Leeds & Broomfield CC · HomeformWWWWL

The toss deserted me again — I really must start practising my coin-flipping technique — and Leeds & Broomfield elected to bat on a Saturday that promised more than it delivered weather-wise. Not that it mattered much in the end: they were bowled out for 144 in 44.2 overs, with Barry Roles top-scoring on 35 and useful contributions from Peter Bowden (28) and John Fletcher (26), but precious little else to trouble the scorers, with David Wratten, J Swindell and M Hughes all back in the pavilion without troubling the umpire's finger for a run. John Taylor was in irresistible form, ripping through the middle order for 5-33, with Darren Styles a fine foil at 3-27 and Trevor Back sending down three maidens that must have felt like interrogation. I managed a tidy 1-2 myself, more by accident than design.

Chasing 145, we made harder work of it than we should have, stumbling to 146/6 from 38.5 overs. Mike Elworthy anchored the innings superbly with 46, I chipped in with 27, and Roly Edwards saw us home with an unbeaten 25 — though his eight byes behind the stumps suggested his gloves had rather more trouble than his bat.

A special mention for Richard Piper, who brought up his 100th appearance in Linton colours — a landmark earned through sheer stickability, on and off the field. Mike Elworthy now leads our 2nd XI run charts for the season with 216, and John Taylor tops the wicket pile with 22.

A scrappy but deserved four-wicket win. We'll take it, and quietly hope for a smoother chase next time out.

Sun 02 Jul 2000 🧢 1st XIv CC Clarion CC · HomeformLWDWW

Skipper's Log, Sunday 2 July 2000

Lost the toss, no great surprise the way this season's gone, and duly found myself leading the lads out into the field against Clarion CC. Richard Hilson had clearly had his Weetabix, cashing in for 78 while we tried everything short of the tea urn to shift him. B Hoffman chipped in with 40 and Andy Driver saw them home unbeaten on 28, and by the time they declared themselves satisfied at 199/6 off 47.5 overs, my bowling arm ached in sympathy. Adrian Caddick was the pick of us, 3-36 and full value for it, with Darren Styles (1-31, two tidy maidens) and Michael Beeney (1-31) rationing the runs as best they could.

Chasing 200, we never really got out of second gear. Richard Ellis top-scored with a battling 26, but wickets fell steadily and we closed on 86/5 from our 26 overs — closing the innings rather than the game, if you follow me. Not our finest afternoon behind the stumps either, with a generous 12 byes gifted through to the boundary; the wicketkeeper will be having quiet words with himself over the tea urn.

Elsewhere, credit where due — Russell Baldwin now sits third in the 1st XI run charts with 182 for the summer, and Michael Beeney second in the wickets with 13, so not all is gloom in the Linton Park camp.

In the end honours were shared, a draw that suited Clarion rather better than it suited us — but a point saved is a point saved, and the teas were, as ever, magnificent.

Sat 01 Jul 2000 🧢 1st XIv HC Horton Kirby CC · HomeformWLWDW

Saturday 1 July saw Horton Kirby CC visit us, and having called correctly at the toss, I had no hesitation in putting us in to bat — a decision I was rather pleased with by close of play.

The lads batted us to 193 all out from our 45 overs, and I'll confess to a quiet satisfaction in contributing 63 of them myself, a knock that felt like it mattered on a used pitch. David Castle chipped in nicely with 34 and Daniel Thirkell added a useful 32, though the scorebook wasn't universally kind — Matt Large and Ian Brattle both departed without troubling the scorers, ducks that no doubt drew the usual sympathetic groans from the boundary rope.

Defending 193 is never a formality, but the bowling attack made sure it never became a nail-biter either. Horton Kirby fought hard through Paul Evans's 39, with J Thomas (30) and M Wray (26) offering support, but they were bowled out for 171 in 42.1 overs. Matt Large was the chief destroyer with a superb 4-36, Ian Brattle backed up his six maidens with 2-30, and Jon Harris weighed in with 2-41 — Ryan Taylor's golden duck a nice bonus along the way.

A 22-run victory, then, and a thoroughly satisfying one. With the season charts showing me leading the run-scoring and Jon Harris topping the wickets, this felt like a proper team effort dressed up as individual glory. A good day for the club, and, dare I say, rather a good day for the captain too.

Sat 01 Jul 2000 🧢 2nd XIv HC Horton Kirby CC · AwayformWWWWW

I lost the toss again, so it was straight into the field at Horton Kirby on a Saturday when the coin, as ever, had other ideas. Horton Kirby ground their way to 123 all out in 44.2 overs, Keith Chaney the chief architect with 41, though it could have been far worse — James Scott and Marc Titler both walked back without troubling the scorers. John Taylor was in inspired form, taking 4-30, with Michael Beeney (2-16, five miserly maidens) and Darren Styles (2-23) squeezing the life out of anything that came their way.

Chasing 124 should have been within our compass, but our reply never got going. We limped to 74/9 from our 45 overs, with only Ron McCormick offering real resistance for 22. Mike Elworthy, Richard Piper and Stewart Morrison all fell for ducks, and between us we simply couldn't build the partnerships needed. Spare a thought too for Roly Edwards behind the stumps, who endured a torrid afternoon with the gloves, twelve byes going begging.

For my part I chipped in as best I could, and I'm pleased to say I remain second in this season's 2nd XI run charts on 145, with John Taylor now out in front with the ball on 17 wickets — small consolation on a day when we finished 49 runs short.

All told, a chastening defeat that owed as much to our own profligacy with the bat as to Horton Kirby's bowling. We'll dust ourselves down and come back stronger next week.

Sun 25 Jun 2000 🧢 Sunday NVKCv SC St Lawrence CC · AwayformWWWWW

On Sunday 25 June we made the trip to St Lawrence CC, and winning the toss I had no hesitation in electing to bat — the sort of decision that looks either shrewd or reckless depending entirely on what follows, and happily this one fell into the former camp. We rattled along to 217 for 6 from our forty overs, built around a fifty that grew into 75 for me, the day's rhythm never quite deserting me once I'd found it. Paul Gibson chipped in a fine 44 and Daniel Thirkell 43, the middle order doing exactly what middle orders are meant to do. Peter Whyte, less fortunately, made his way back to the pavilion for a duck — the walk of shame performed with as much dignity as the situation allows.

With the ball, St Lawrence never looked like troubling us. They folded for 98 in 30.2 overs, D. Ayling's 31 the only real resistance, while C. Leonard joined Peter Whyte in the Duck Club. I managed to find some rhythm here too, 3 for 14 with three maidens thrown in, and got fine support from Stuart Cheesman (3-34) and Matt Large (2-19). Peter Whyte had a wretched afternoon behind the stumps, 8 byes going astray, though nobody begrudged him after his morning.

A win by 119 runs, and a thoroughly satisfying one. Onwards we go.

Sat 24 Jun 2000 🧢 1st XIv HC Hollingbourne CC · AwayformWWLWD

Lost the toss again on Saturday — I'm starting to think Hollingbourne have a two-headed coin — and duly found ourselves in the field first, which on a warm June afternoon is rather like being handed the washing-up before you've even sat down to eat. Their innings crawled to 155 all out from 45 overs, built on a well-made fifty from Steve Wilson (63) and sturdy support from Mike Donald (42) and an unbeaten 23 from Trevor Scrivens. We did our bit to keep the total honest, though: Andy Golding, Andy Griffiths and Alan Ovenden all trooped back without troubling the scorers, three ducks that will not be troubling the club's batting averages either. With the ball, Stuart Cheesman was in majestic form, spinning his way to 5-28 and thoroughly bamboozling their middle order, while Michael Beeney chipped in with 2-33 and I managed 2-44 for my own modest contribution, with Daniel Thirkell characteristically miserly through two maidens.

Chasing 156, we made a formality of it — 158 for the loss of just one wicket in 41.4 overs. Nigel Thirkell batted beautifully for an unbeaten 92, well supported by David Castle's 35 and Daniel Thirkell's unbeaten 24. Special mention, too, for David Castle reaching 17,000 career runs for the club — a landmark that rather puts the rest of us to shame.

Two points, nine wickets, and home in good time for tea. A thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work.

Sat 24 Jun 2000 🧢 2nd XIv HC Hollingbourne CC · HomeformWWWWW

Saturday 24 June, and Hollingbourne CC rolled into Linton Park with the sun more or less behaving itself. I lost the toss — no great surprise given my record on the coin — and we were asked to chase, so out into the field we trooped first, saving everyone the tea-time queue for pads at least.

Hollingbourne ground their way to 154 for 9 off 46 overs, built mainly around Ian Gutteridge's 38 with useful support from Geoff Griffiths (34) and A W Ovenden (20). Keith Weller and Bob Dyer both departed without troubling the scorers, victims of a home attack that never let up. John Taylor was pick of the bowlers with a fine 4 for 31, I chipped in with 3 for 22, and Darren Styles, miserly as ever with two maidens, took 1 for 38 — a wicket that quietly nudged him past Tony Snell and into 20th on the club's all-time list of wicket-takers, a nice footnote to a solid afternoon's toil.

Chasing 155, we made harder work of it than the target perhaps deserved, eventually scrambling home at 155 for 8 in 43.2 overs. Ron McCormick's 46 was the innings that mattered, well supported by Simon Thirkell's 28, though poor Dave Todd fell for a duck to keep the card honest.

Two wickets to spare, then — a scrappy, thoroughly satisfying win to bank. Elsewhere, Mike Elworthy continues to top the 2nd XI run charts this summer with 170, and John Taylor sits second in the wicket charts with 13, form both men will want to carry forward. All told: a proper club win, earned the hard way.

Wed 21 Jun 2000 🧢 Midweek XIv SC Sevenoaks & District Wednesday CC · AwayformWDWDL

I'll confess I was rather hoping the toss would go our way at Sevenoaks & District Wednesday — no such luck, and we found ourselves leather-hunting from the off. They ground their way to 182/9 off 48 overs, with B-v- Williams the chief architect at 45, well supported by Andrew Nutley's 34 and P Reynolds Jnr's unbeaten 31. Credit where it's due: Michael Beeney bowled beautifully for 2-12, six of his overs going for nothing at all, while Phillip Morrison and Adrian Caddick chipped in with 2-25 and 2-32 respectively to keep the total from running away entirely.

Chasing 183, we never quite got the innings moving. Mike Elworthy played the innings of the day with 44, ably backed by Phillip Morrison's 31 and Tim Thirkell's 22, but too many of us went cheaply and three of the side — Richard Piper, Trevor Back and yours truly — departed for ducks. Nine byes rather summed up Elworthy's afternoon behind the stumps, a testing day by any measure. As for the captain's own contribution, the less said the better: a golden blob, out first ball, which is not quite the example one hopes to set.

We fell in the end by 43 runs, no disgrace given the conditions but a defeat all the same. Elworthy leads our season's run charts with 86 and Caddick tops the wickets with 3 — small consolations on a long drive home. We'll dust ourselves down and be better for it next week.

Mon 19 Jun 2000 🧢 Midweek XIv LK Leigh CC, Kent · AwayformDWDWD

Down by 34 runs at Leigh CC on a warm Monday evening in June, and if I'm honest, losing the toss set the tone — nothing quite says "welcome to Kent" like watching the opposition trot out to bat while you're still working out where the sun's going to be at four o'clock.

Leigh made themselves very much at home, racking up 209 for 2 in their forty overs, with James Linstead the chief architect of our discomfort — 67 not out, unhurried and unbothered, with Darren Flint (49) and Jason Lee (40) offering the sort of support that turns a decent score into a daunting one. Darren Styles did what he could with the ball, finishing with 1 for 33 and the wooden spoon of "pick of the bowlers" on a day when the wickets column simply refused to cooperate; Adrian Caddick chipped in alongside him with 1 for 36.

Chasing 210 was always going to want something special, and Mike Elworthy very nearly conjured it, top-scoring with 42 in an innings built on grit rather than fireworks, with Richard Piper's 32 keeping the required rate from running away entirely. In the end we fell away to 175 for 8, thirty-four runs shy and out of overs, out of partners, and rather out of ideas.

Not our day, then, and no use pretending otherwise. Heads up, chins high, and back to the nets — Leigh have the bragging rights this time, but there's cricket yet to be played this season.

Sun 18 Jun 2000 🧢 1st XIv BC Blue Star CC · HomeformLWWLW

Sunday 18 June 2000 dawned fair enough for cricket, and having won the toss I did what any sensible captain does when the sun deigns to show itself — I stuck us in. Blue Star CC were the visitors, and I like to think the pitch knew it too, because Russell Baldwin proceeded to give it a proper working over, carrying his bat for a magnificent 118 not out as we posted 210/6 from our 44 overs. G- Stevens chipped in gamely with 27, and I did my bit with 17 — hardly the stuff of legend, but every run counts when you're captain and can't really complain about your own batting order. Poor Dave Charlton, though, won't want reminding of his duck.

With the ball, Blue Star made a fair fist of the chase, reaching 196/5 from their 43 as Martin Shuttle's fifty (64) did the early damage, with Gavin Hornby (44 not out) and Mike Peters (37) keeping them in it. Jon Harris was our pick with 3-63, Michael Beeney and G- Stevens chipping in a wicket apiece, and Darren Styles bowled with admirable meanness, four maidens to his name. Clive Newman had a torrid time behind the stumps — eleven byes is not a number one forgets in a hurry.

Elsewhere, Beeney's solitary wicket quietly nudged him past Frank Taylor into 22nd on the club's all-time list, while Baldwin sits second in this year's run charts and Harris still leads the wickets. All told, honours even — a draw that flattered no one and disappointed no one either.

Sat 17 Jun 2000 🧢 1st XIv SC Southborough CC · HomeformDLWWL

Saturday last, Southborough came calling at Linton Park, and for once I called correctly at the toss — a rare enough event that I nearly forgot what to do with it. Batting looked the sensible option, and so it proved: we posted a handsome 213 for 5 from our 46 overs, with Piers McDonald unbeaten on 47 and Clive Newman weighing in with 39. I managed 42 myself, more by good fortune than good technique, though the less said about poor Stewart Morrison's golden duck the better — the walk of shame is never a pleasant stroll, even in June sunshine.

Defending a total is always the nervier half of the day, and Southborough made us work for it. Colin Ayres played a fine, well-constructed fifty, ably assisted by Simon Fisher's 46, and for a while the game hung in the balance. It was Michael Beeney who turned the screw, a superb 4 for 54, backed up by tidy support from Ian Brattle — three maidens and the parsimony to match — and Jon Harris. Poor Clive had a torrid time behind the stumps, eight byes leaking away, but held his nerve where it mattered.

We got home by 20 runs in the end. Fitting, too, that Stuart Cheesman marked his 200th appearance in Linton colours on such a day, while Michael Beeney's four-for eases him up to 24th on the club's all-time wicket-takers' list. A thoroughly good day for the club.

Sat 17 Jun 2000 🧢 2nd XIv SC Southborough CC · AwayformLWWWW

Lost the toss at Southborough and found ourselves out in the field, watching Tom Carmichael play the innings of the day — a well-made fifty growing into 86 before we finally shifted him. Southborough could easily have kicked on further, but the middle order fell away rapidly, Jamie Brown, Phil Hobbs and Dave Fuller all walking back without troubling the scorers. John Taylor was superb, five maidens underpinning figures of 4-20, with Dave Todd (3-38) and Trevor Back (2-23) sharing the spoils. All out for 133 in 44.4 overs felt like a job well done.

And so it proved, eventually. We put on 52 for the first wicket, a platform that promised a canter, before the innings wobbled alarmingly — four down between 52 and 56 in the sort of rush that turns a captain's hair grey. I made 28 up top, with Mike Elworthy (23) and Ron McCormick (20) steadying things either side of the collapse. Stewart Roberts and Paul Croucher joined cricket's least wanted club with ducks of their own, but we ground our way home to 137/8 off 43.2 overs, winning by two wickets.

A special mention for Dave Todd, who brought up his 200th appearance in Linton colours — a landmark earned the hard way, on a day when very little came easy. Up the season table, Mike Elworthy now leads our 2nd XI run charts with 168, and Trevor Back tops the wicket pile with 15. Verdict: nervy, occasionally chaotic, but a win is a win, and we'll take two points and a well-earned pint.

Sun 11 Jun 2000 🧢 Sunday NVKCv CC Crockham Hill CC · HomeformWWWWW

Here's the match report:

I called correctly at the toss on Sunday, and against Crockham Hill CC there was really only one decision to make: bat first, ask questions later. As it turned out, questions weren't really necessary — we posted a hearty 279 for 3 off our 40 overs, a total that flatters the modesty of a village side but which we accepted gladly. I found some early rhythm and went on to make a century, 102 in the end, which is the sort of number one tries not to mention twice over tea. Daniel Thirkell provided sturdy support with a fine 53, Paul Gibson finished unbeaten on 45, and even the extras column pitched in with a generous 26 — Crockham Hill's bowlers were nothing if not obliging.

Defending such a total ought to be the easy part, and so it largely proved. Crockham Hill fought gamely, with M Gill reaching a well-made 58 and M Worsley unbeaten on 40, but wickets fell steadily around them — poor Jim Cole departed without troubling the scorers. Matt Large was the pick of our attack with 3 for 23, while Daniel Thirkell and I chipped in a wicket apiece to tidy things up. They closed on 165 for 6, well short of the target.

A win by 114 runs, then, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work all round. Onwards we go.

Sat 10 Jun 2000 🧢 1st XIv M Marden · AwayformWDLWW

The road took us to Marden last Saturday, and for once the coin actually landed the right way up when it mattered — I won the toss and, with the sort of confidence that would later look rather misplaced, put us in.

We were bowled out for 106 in 38 overs, which is the kind of total that makes for a long drive home if you dwell on it. Daniel Thirkell top-scored with a fine 32, well backed up by Stewart Morrison's 25 and Stuart Cheesman's 23, but beyond that the innings rather fell away. David Castle, Russell Baldwin and Piers McDonald all took the long walk back for nought — three ducks for the club ledger, and I daresay they'll not thank me for the reminder in print.

With the ball we made a proper fight of it. Jon Harris was miserly in the extreme, seven maidens on the way to 1-14, while Matt Large led the attack beautifully with 2-33 and Michael Beeney chipped in with 1-15. Nigel Bardsley's 41 and an unbeaten 25 from Steve Sunnucks steadied them, and poor Piers had a torrid time behind the stumps, eight byes leaking away like water through a colander. They got there on 110-4 with over from us to spare — beaten by six wickets. I did, at least, have the quiet satisfaction of bringing up my 1000th appearance in Linton colours, which softened the blow considerably.

A defeat, honestly earned, and we'll be better for it next week.

Sat 10 Jun 2000 🧢 2nd XIv Marden CC, Kent · HomeformLLWWW

From the captain's chair — Saturday 10 June, and a lovely one it turned out to be, Marden CC the visitors and the coin landing kindly enough that I had no hesitation in asking us to bat.

197 for 7 from our 46 overs was a total built almost entirely on the back of Mike Elworthy, whose 85 was the innings of the day and dragged us to something defendable. Ron McCormick chipped in a tidy 27, young Simon Thirkell finished unbeaten on 20, and I can't in good conscience leave out poor Trevor Back, who contributed the most golden of ducks — these things happen to the best of us, Trevor, and no doubt your day will come with the ball. Which, as it happens, it very much did. Twenty-seven extras rounded things out nicely, the sort of contribution nobody claps for but everybody's grateful of.

In the field, Marden made a real fist of it — John Furminger and T Welton both brought up fifties, Simon Day chipping in 20, and 155 for 4 from 44 overs was uncomfortably close for my liking at one stage. But Trevor Back, redemption arc very much intact, ripped through with 2 for 24, backed up nicely by Thomas Beeney's 1 for 7 and Dave Todd's 1 for 28, while Darren Styles kept things admirably quiet with two maidens. I managed to get a few runs of my own in among the middle order, which I'll happily take.

Two proud milestones to toast in the bar afterwards — Ron McCormock and Simon Thirkell both bringing up 1,000 career runs for the club, which rather puts my own contribution in perspective.

A 42-run win, then, and a thoroughly good day for Linton Park.

Sun 04 Jun 2000 🧢 Sunday NVKCv Harvel CC · HomeformWWWWW

Sunday brought Harvel CC to us with the sun rather grudgingly out, and for once the coin did what I asked of it. I won the toss and had few doubts about batting first on a wicket that looked full of runs. It duly proved so: 231 for 8 from our forty overs, built on a fifty from David Castle — a proper, well-constructed 61 — and 42 from Daniel Thirkell. I managed to contribute a little myself, edging past fifty to 63, which felt rather pleasant from the vantage point of the changing room afterwards. Twenty-seven extras rounded things out nicely, proof that Harvel's bowlers were as generous as our tea urn.

Defending it, we never quite had things all our own way. Chris Hunt played a proper captain's innings of his own, 50 that dragged Harvel back into contention, with Philip Darby and Robert Walker chipping in usefully either side of him. But Rob Doick was in irrepressible form, tearing through the middle order for 5 for 38, and I picked up a couple myself along with Daniel's one, while Mark Whatman and Stephen Keast departed without registering a run between them. Harvel folded for 187, 44 runs short.

A word beyond the scorecard: Daniel passed 3,000 career runs for the club, a landmark worth savouring over a pint. A thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work — professional with bat and ball, and a fine advertisement for Sunday cricket at its best.

Sat 03 Jun 2000 🧢 1st XIv SC Sheldwich CC · HomeformLWDLW

Nigel Thirkell's Match Report, 3 June 2000: Linton Park CC v Sheldwich CC

Lost the toss again, which by now I've stopped taking personally — it's simply what happens when Sheldwich CC come calling. Asked to field, we settled into the long afternoon of chasing leather round the boundary, and Sheldwich built a total that never quite ran away from us but demanded respect all the same: 169 for 9 off their 46 overs. Martin Mills top-scored with a well-crafted 43, with James Creed (33) and Jon Shields (31) keeping the scoreboard ticking along nicely. Credit to the bowling unit, though — Ian Brattle was excellent with 3 for 56, Jon Harris chipped in with 2 for 31 and three tidy maidens besides, and Stuart Cheesman took 1 for 25. Poor Ron Brown will not want reminding that he departed for a duck at our hands.

With 170 to chase, I'll confess to rather enjoying myself, top-scoring with a well-made 56 and leading from the front in the manner every captain hopes for and few actually manage. Russell Baldwin's unbeaten 38 and Daniel Thirkell's 35 did the heavy lifting alongside me, steering us home to 173 for 4 with overs to spare — though spare a thought for Stewart Morrison, whose golden duck was the one blemish on an otherwise cheerful chase.

Daniel continues to lead our run charts for the season with 127, and Jon Harris tops the wickets with seven — both men worth watching as the summer rolls on. A fine win by six wickets, and a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday. Onwards.

Sat 03 Jun 2000 🧢 2nd XIv SC Sheldwich CC · AwayformLLLWW

Saturday 3rd June took us to Sheldwich CC, and I sent us out into the field first with the ball - a decision that repaid itself handsomely. Sheldwich never found their feet: three down for one was an ominous opening, and by seventeen for four the innings was already teetering. Tom Janes's twenty was the only real defiance, while Simon Green, I- Peacock and Jon Voller all departed without troubling the scorers. All out for 79 in 34.2 overs was some collapse to witness. The spell of the day, and by some distance, came from Trevor Back - remarkable figures of 8-17 with four maidens thrown in, a five-for and richly deserved; not a run was given away lightly. Simon Thirkell (1-3) and Darren Styles (1-20) mopped up the rest.

Chasing 79 should have been a stroll, but we're not a club to make anything simple. Six for one early on had a few of us reaching for the scorebook in alarm, and it took Ron McCormick's twenty to settle the nerves. Simon Thirkell, for his part, completed the walk of shame with a duck of his own. We scrambled over the line at 81 for 7 from our 34 overs - won by two wickets, and closer than the bowling figures had any right to suggest.

Trevor Back also brought up 8,000 career runs for the club, a landmark reached with barely a flicker of fuss, and with today's haul now leads the seconds' wicket charts with eleven for the season. I'm rather pleased, meanwhile, to find myself at the top of the run charts with those same 81 runs. A nervy, scrappy, proper English away win - and a good day for the club.

Sat 20 May 2000 🧢 1st XIv HC Horsmonden CC · HomeformWLWDL

Saturday 20 May 2000, and we welcomed Horsmonden CC to Linton Park for what turned out to be a rather satisfying afternoon's work. Winning the toss, I had no hesitation in taking first knock — and for once the decision looked shrewd rather than reckless. Daniel Thirkell led the way with a fine 53, well supported by Piers McDonald's 30, as we posted a healthy 187/8 from our 46 overs. I ought to mention my own contribution, purely in the interests of accuracy: nought. A first-ball golden duck of the sort that has the umpire studying his boots rather than meeting your eye. The less said, as they say, the better.

With the ball, we were altogether more clinical. Horsmonden never got going, subsiding to 102 all out in 38.5 overs, D Smith's 21 the only real resistance. Stuart Cheesman was magnificent, snaring 4-30, with Stewart Morrison (2-13) and Michael Beeney (2-16) chipping in handsomely, while Matt Large strangled the life out of the innings with four maidens. Graham Bateup, I note with a twinge of sympathy, joined me in the club's duck column — misery loves company.

A word too for Piers McDonald, whose 30 runs nudged him past Stan Wratten and into 11th on the club's all-time run-scorers list — quietly historic stuff on an afternoon of louder headlines.

An 85-run victory, then, and a thoroughly good day for the club. My own duck aside, I'll happily take that.

Sat 20 May 2000 🧢 2nd XIv HC Horsmonden CC · AwayformLLLLW

The coin gods were not smiling on me at Horsmonden – lost the toss, and in went the opposition to bat first while we settled for a leisurely afternoon in the field. As it turned out, that leisurely afternoon lasted all of 39.2 overs before Horsmonden were skittled for a paltry 47. Matt LeMoine, Mark McCulley and N Caddick all trooped back for ducks, victims of a bowling performance that bordered on the surgical. Jon Harris was quite magnificent, plundering 5-9 for a thoroughly deserved five-for, ably backed up by Darren Styles (2-7) and Trevor Back (1-3), while John Taylor simply refused to let the batsmen breathe, sending down five maidens for good measure. It was the sort of collective throttling that leaves a captain rather short of things to say at the drinks break.

Chasing next to nothing, we cruised to 50/1 from a mere 17 overs, Mike Elworthy leading the way with a composed 39 not out – an innings that also nudged him past Jim Hall and into 16th on the club's all-time run-scoring list, a nice line for the honours board. I've had a modest but tidy season myself, and this one kept me atop the 2nd XI's run charts with 74 for the summer, while Darren Styles continues to lead the wicket-takers with six.

A comprehensive nine-wicket victory, then, and not much more to add except: onwards, and long may the ducks keep coming for the opposition.

Sun 14 May 2000 🧢 Sunday NVKCv Milstead CC · HomeformWWWWW

Losing the toss on a fine Sunday and being asked to field is never quite the tonic one hopes for, but Milstead CC's 167/4 from their forty overs felt like a target we could chase down. Mike Sellar built the innings nicely with 34, and he had good company from N Fisher (31) and Richard Annand (24), but our bowlers kept things honest throughout. Daniel Thirkell did the real damage with a fine 3-36, Matt Large chipped in with 1-35, and I was happy enough to settle into a miserly spell of my own, four maidens and not a run given away cheaply.

Chasing 168, we made a proper meal of it before getting there. Paul Gibson played the innings of the day, a well-crafted fifty that anchored everything, and I found some form alongside him with 52 of my own — a personal landmark that felt rather satisfying from the middle. Elsewhere the card had its blemishes: both Rob Doick and Peter Whyte departed without troubling the scorers, and eleven byes leaked through, a testing afternoon behind the stumps for Peter that he'll not thank me for mentioning.

Paul now leads our Sunday run charts for the season and Daniel tops the wicket-takers, which bodes well for the weeks ahead. We stumbled, scrapped and just about crossed the line by two wickets — not pretty, but a win is a win, and a very good day for the club.

Sat 13 May 2000 🧢 2nd XIv RC Rumwood CC · HomeformLLLLL

I put us in when the coin fell kindly, more out of habit than genius, and for once the top order agreed with me. We limped to 134 for 7 off our 46, workmanlike rather than glorious, and it was left to me to graft through to 61 not out and drag the innings to something defendable — the sort of knock where you're grateful nobody's counting the streaky ones. Spare a thought for poor Richard Ellis, who departed for a golden duck; these things happen to the best of us, usually when we're not looking.

134 always felt tight to defend against a side with any application, but Rumwood never got near it. John Taylor was magnificent, wheeling away for figures of 3 for 2 with nine — nine! — maidens, the sort of spell that makes tea taste sweeter. Trevor Back chipped in with 2 for 1, and I managed 2 for 1 myself with the ball, more out of solidarity than skill. Kevin Mullins, K. Banfield and Lee Marsh all went for ducks without troubling the scorers, and Rumwood folded for 46 in 40 overs — a scoreline that flattered nobody but us.

Two points, 88 runs to the good, and I find myself, rather sheepishly, atop the 2nd XI run charts with 69 for the summer, while Darren Styles leads the wickets. A thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work, and one the tea urn was fully entitled to celebrate.

Sun 07 May 2000 🧢 1st XIv Willesborough CC · AwayformWWLWD

Between the tea urn and the scorebook — Sunday 07 May, away to Willesborough. I lost the toss, they had first use of what looked a decent surface, and 157 all out from 44.5 overs felt about right after D Legget's polished 54 and G White's supporting 44. Credit where it's due: our attack scrapped it back, Adam Pressland and M Green both back in the hutch without scoring, and I was fortunate enough to find some rhythm for 4-37, with Ian Brattle a whippy 3-10 and Darren Styles chipping in 1-16. A tidy morning's work, all told, and one that left the chase eminently gettable.

Eminently gettable, and yet — this is club cricket, and club cricket has a sense of humour. Piers McDonald batted nicely for 30, Stewart Morrison held firm for an unbeaten 20, but the middle order rather fell through a trapdoor: Russell Baldwin, Thomas Beeney and, in the interests of full disclosure, your captain, all contributed ducks to the cause. I shall draw the aforementioned veil over my own dismissal and simply note that 108/9 from 40.2 overs was a good deal shy of what those bowling figures deserved.

So, 49 runs short and a case of the top half of the card not talking to the bottom half. Stewart leads our run charts for the season and I've now got the nose in front with the ball — small mercies. Not our day, but no crisis either: heads up, and back to the nets.

Sat 06 May 2000 🧢 1st XIv Bearsted CC · HomeformDWWLW

Since our last visit, we hosted Bearsted CC in glorious uncertainty, and having called correctly at the toss, I had no hesitation in sticking us in to bat first — a decision I felt rather smug about at the time.

The lads batted with real application, closing on a handsome 203/6 from our 47.4 overs. Stewart Morrison led the charge with a well-crafted 51, finding capable company in Daniel Thirkell (39) and Nigel Thirkell, unbeaten on 35, the pair's second-wicket stand of 59 the platform on which the innings was built. And a word for the mantelpiece: Stewart brought up 4,000 career runs for the club along the way — the sort of milestone that deserves rather more than the tea-interval biscuit it got.

In the field, we scrapped hard but couldn't quite prise the game away from Bearsted, who replied with 152/4 from their 40. An early wobble at 8-1 had us dreaming, but Richard Luxton settled in for an unbeaten 65, well supported by Ian Sandwell (39) and Mick Clifton (24), their fourth-wicket pair adding a stubborn 74 to shut the door on us. Thomas Beeney did the early damage (1-13), with Stuart Cheesman (1-17, and miserly with three maidens) and Daniel Thirkell (1-24) chipping away without quite finishing the job.

So honours shared, a draw when neither side could force it — frustrating in the moment, but with Morrison's runs and Cheesman's control, there's plenty here to build on.

Sat 06 May 2000 🧢 2nd XIv Bearsted CC · AwayformLLLLL

Not our day at Bearsted. Losing the toss, we were put into the field, and it must be said we made a decent fist of the sunshine hours — Bearsted crawling to 115/9 off their 51 overs, with only Mark Mills (25) and Alistair Mills (albeit for nought, poor chap) troubling the scorers either way. Darren Styles bowled with the sort of miserly discipline that suggests he'd have made a fine tax inspector — 2-25 with six maidens — while John Taylor chipped in with one. But it was my brother Simon who did the real damage, ripping through the middle order for 3-26 and rather stealing his captain's thunder.

Chasing 116 should have been a stroll in the Kent sunshine. It was not. We subsided from a nervy 12-1 to a calamitous 23-4 with the sort of speed usually reserved for melting ice creams, and D. Bunch and Paul Croucher both departed without scoring, adding insult to injury. Only Simon, again the man of the match with 23, offered any real resistance — I chipped in myself, but the rest of the order rather lost the plot, and 74/9 off 33.1 overs was a sorry reply to a modest target.

So it's back to the nets, heads bowed, having gone down by 41 runs. Simon now tops both our run and wicket charts for the season, which is either a great advertisement for keeping it in the family or a damning indictment of the rest of us. A day to forget, but never mind — there's always next Saturday.