🧢 Captain's Log

Sun 24 Sep 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv TC Tenterden CC · AwayformDWDLL

Sunday 24 September 2006, and the road took us to Tenterden CC with the sun on our backs and, as it turned out, precious little else in our favour when the coin came down wrong. Lost the toss, put in to field — never the news you want to hear on a Sunday, but there we were.

Tenterden built a solid 192 all out in 47.5 overs, Paul Hope top-scoring with 49, well backed by Richard Pearman's 48 and Fred Pearman's 34. Credit to our bowlers for keeping the innings honest: Tom Murphy was pick of the attack with 3-21, Michael Beeney chipped in 3-26 with three maidens of positively miserly intent, and Thomas Beeney took 1-30. Mark Kokkinos and Paul Brabon both departed for ducks at our hands, which I'm reliably informed pleases a bowling side no end.

Chasing 193, we made surprisingly light work of it — 195/5 from 38.2 overs. Mark Christmas played a fine hand of 80, and Richard Piper matched him stroke for stroke with a well-made 67. I'll confess to rather enjoying leading from the front myself with 80, though I'd never say so in front of the lads more than once.

Richard Piper now sits proudly atop the season's run charts with 661, and Michael Beeney leads the wickets with 16 — both fully deserved. Two points, thoroughly earned, a five-wicket win, and a very pleasant drive home. Verdict: a proper team performance, bat and ball both pulling their weight — more of this, please.

Sat 23 Sep 2006 🧢 1st XIv SC Sidcup CC · HomeformLDLLW

Beaten by 68 runs, but nowhere near beaten in spirit, we welcomed Sidcup CC on a fine Saturday and I promptly lost the toss for my trouble. Sidcup batted first and ground their way to 170 all out, Stephen Shanks top-scoring with 37 and getting handy support from Rob Solway (27 not out) and Barry Patey (26). Richard Begg walked back for a duck without so much as scuffing the scoreboard. Tim Wright was the pick of our attack with 3-26, backed up nicely by Jon Harris (2-24) and Rory High (2-41), while James Piper kept things tight with two maidens — not a run given away lightly.

Chasing 170, we made a fair fist of it without ever quite convincing. Kevin Presneill led from the front with a fine 44, well supported by James Piper's 22, and the pair anchored a stand of 50 for the sixth wicket that briefly had me dreaming. But cricket has a cruel sense of humour, and we collapsed from 46-2 to 48-5 in the time it takes to put the kettle on. Tom Murphy, Daniel McCarthy and Ron McCormick all fell without scoring, which rather told the story. I chipped in with 44 of my own, for what it was worth, and we were all out for 102 in 38.9 overs.

Sidcup deserved their 68-run win, and Kevin's knock keeps him fourth in the club's run charts for the season with 264 — a rare bright spot on an otherwise chastening afternoon. We'll dust ourselves down, have a stern word with the middle order, and come back stronger next week.

Wed 20 Sep 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv Penshurst Park CC · AwayformLLLDD

There we were at Penshurst Park, losing the toss and being sent into the field on a Wednesday evening that promised more than it delivered. Batting first is never quite the same as choosing to bat first, but needs must. Ron McCormick played the anchor role beautifully for 47, and Mike Elworthy chipped in handsomely with 43, the pair of them dragging us to a respectable 162/7 from our forty overs. Elsewhere the card made for grimmer reading — Stuart Cheesman and Jim Hall both back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers, ducks that nobody puts in the club history books willingly.

In the field, we gave it everything. Stuart Cheesman atoned handsomely for his golden duck with the ball, ripping through with 3-23, while Darren Styles bowled a tidy 2-20 including two maidens, and Dave Todd picked up 1-31 for good measure. We even had David Smith back in the hutch without scoring. But K- Exton was immovable, unbeaten on 49, ably assisted by Andy Eames' 23, and between them they nudged Penshurst home on 163/7 with three overs and three wickets to spare. Twelve byes down the leg side told its own tale about Ron's day behind the stumps — swings and roundabouts, as ever.

So, beaten by three wickets, agonisingly close and no disgrace in it. Craig Sands and Darren Styles continue to lead our run and wicket charts respectively, which is some consolation. We'll dust ourselves down and be better for it next week.

Sat 16 Sep 2006 🧢 1st XIv HC Holborough Anchorians CC · HomeformWLDLL

I chose to bat first upon winning the toss, and I'd like to say it was inspired captaincy rather than a hunch born of a decent-looking pitch and a fear of chasing — but a captain's entitled to a little myth-making now and then. Graham Walker set about the Anchorians' bowling with real purpose, cashing in for 86, while Craig Sands gave him fine company with a well-made 59. Richard Piper finished unbeaten on 21 to help us to 227/7 from our forty overs — though poor Jim Hall will want to forget his own contribution, out for a golden duck. Still, 227 felt like a total with substance.

Holborough Anchorians never quite got the platform to chase it down. Neville Reeves battled hard for an unbeaten 41, with Peter Blackman (33) and Chris Skilton (31) offering support, but wickets fell at the other end with pleasing regularity — Joe Bowles among those undone for nought. Jon Harris was magnificent, prising out three for a miserly 12 and sending down five maidens that strangled any momentum, while Trevor Back and Kevin Presneill chipped in with a wicket apiece. I even had a modest hand with the ball myself, contributing 21 to the winning cause — though I shan't pretend that was the difference. The visitors were held to 143/7.

An 84-run victory, then, and a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work all round. With Craig Sands now sitting proudly atop our 2006 run charts on 525, the season has a rather pleasant hum about it. Onwards, as they say.

Sun 10 Sep 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv AC Anchorians CC · HomeformDDWDL

Sunday 10th September, and the Anchorians rolled into Linton Park on a fine afternoon for what would prove a chastening reminder that cricket, like life, rarely goes to plan. We lost the toss, were put in the field, and settled for chasing leather rather than runs — never our preferred order of business, but there we are.

Their innings ran on rather longer than we'd have liked, closing at a hefty 273/7 from the full forty. J Thompson (92) and James Hockley (73) both played fine, well-made fifties, with D. Pask unbeaten on 44 to round things off nicely for them. We did have our moments — Thomas Beeney bowled with real purpose for 2-45, backed up admirably by Michael Beeney (2-49) and Gareth Davies (2-56) — and there was a small mercy in seeing off Neil Mobey for a duck. But 273 was always going to be a mountain.

And so it proved. Craig Sands gave it a proper go with a superb 102 — and en route brought up 6,000 career runs for the club, a landmark worth raising a glass to regardless of the result — while Akash Pancholi chipped in with 53. Beyond that, though, the innings folded around them, Mike Elworthy, Howard and Peter Davies all making the sorry walk back for nought, and we were bowled out for 182.

Ninety-one runs the wrong side of the ledger, then. Chins up, boots cleaned, back to the nets — Sands's landmark is the one bright thread to carry into next week.

Sat 09 Sep 2006 🧢 1st XIv BC Betteshanger Colliery Welfare CC · HomeformLWLDL

Down by 4 wickets after Betteshanger Colliery Welfare chased down our 180. Called it right at the toss on Saturday 09 September and, being a captain of unshakeable if occasionally misguided conviction, stuck us in to bat. Craig Sands played the innings of the day, an unbeaten 80 that had all the calm authority of a man who knows exactly where his off stump is, while Brian Piper (46 not out) and Paul Gibson (38) filled in nicely around him. 180/2 off 41 overs felt like a total with a bit of puff in it — respectable enough to have the tea urn discussions leaning cautiously optimistic.

Then Daniel Clark decided to remind us why cricket is a humbling game, striding to a magnificent 106 that took the game clean away from us, with Barry Clark's 37 lending useful support. We did have our moments — Will Thirkell bowled beautifully for 2-10, Paul Gibson chipped in with 2-40, and Kevin Presneill was miserly as ever, 1-15 with two maidens to his name, and had the satisfaction of seeing R Greenhill trudge off for a duck. But 184/6 in 32.2 overs told its own story, and there was precious little we could do to stem the Clark-inspired tide.

Craig Sands' effort keeps him second in the 1st XI run charts with 466 for the season, which is some consolation on an otherwise chastening afternoon. Not our day, all told — beaten by four wickets, heads up, and back to the nets.

Sat 09 Sep 2006 🧢 2nd XIv HC Horton Kirby CC · AwayformWWDLL

Beaten by six runs at Horton Kirby on Saturday, and honestly, I'll take that as a result to build on rather than a result to bury.

Losing the toss on a September afternoon is never the tonic you want, and watching the home side compile 172 all out from 41.4 overs took the best part of the day. Darren Bridges (37) and Paul Evans (36) did the early damage, with Darren Bull (25) chipping in, but credit where it's due — our attack never let them cut loose. Darren Styles was superb, 3-31, with Tim Thirkell matching him wicket for wicket (3-31) and turning positively parsimonious along the way with six maidens. Gareth Davies weighed in with 2-26, and we even claimed three ducks for the collection — Warren Bull, Dane Bull and Gordon Watts all back in the hutch without troubling the scorers.

Chasing 173, we owed everything to James Piper, who played the innings of the season — 101 not out, an absolute gem carrying us from first ball to last. Tim Thirkell supported nicely with 31, I found some form with 31 of my own and three wickets to boot, and between us we dragged the total to 166 for 7 from our 48. Alas, poor Richard Piper endured the walk of shame for a golden duck — the ledger shows no mercy.

Six runs. Six wretched runs. We'll be better for it next week — we usually are.

Sun 03 Sep 2006 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv Cowdrey CC · HomeformWDLWL

From the captain's chair — Sunday 03 September 2006, and Cowdrey CC came calling on our own turf. I lost the toss, they lost nothing else all afternoon: put in to field, we watched Steve Smith and Shayne Redden bat like they owned the place, 71 and 62 respectively, with Sebastian Lewis chipping in 20 more for good measure. By the time they declared themselves finished at 233 all out from their forty overs, the lads' legs were heavier than the tea urn. Credit where due — Jon Harris toiled manfully for 3-47, Thomas Beeney chimed in with 2-45 and Iain Rawson picked up one for 28, but 233 was always going to take some chasing.

Chase it we did not, at least not convincingly. Richard Piper played the innings of the day, a genuinely fine fifty on his way to 57, batting rather like a man who hadn't read the script the rest of us were following. Alas, poor Ian Dipple had already departed without troubling the scorers in the field, and with the bat Paul Webber and Thomas Beeney both contributed golden ducks to the cause. All out for 118 in 29.3 overs — brave, but not nearly enough.

One footnote of cheer amid the wreckage: Piper's 57 nudges him past Stuart Cheesman into 22nd on the club's all-time run charts, which is more than can be said for our fielding figures. Down by 115 runs — not our day. Heads up, chins out, and back to the nets.

Sat 02 Sep 2006 🧢 2nd XIv Bearsted CC · AwayformWWWDL

Bearsted, and the toss went against us before a ball was bowled — some things never change. Put into the field on a Saturday that promised more than it delivered, the lads did the honest thing and worked through their overs, restricting the hosts to 144/8 from their 35. An early wicket with just 2 on the board had us dreaming of a rout, but a stand of 67 for the second wicket dragged Bearsted back into contention, with Matthew Solomon compiling a watchful 58 to anchor the innings. Ian Hollingworth was magnificent, 4-24 and probing all afternoon, with Tim Thirkell and Jon Harris chipping in a wicket apiece, while Darren Styles bowled with the miserly discipline of a man guarding the tea urn — three maidens and barely a run given away.

Chasing 145, we set off steadily enough, and Trevor Back played the innings of the day, 52 not out, calm as you like while all about him lost their heads, ably assisted by Russell Baldwin's 20. But between 125 and 142 the wheels came off in glorious fashion — five wickets for seventeen runs, the sort of collapse that has spectators reaching for their flasks in disbelief. Simon Thirkell's duck will earn him the traditional walk of shame, and poor Jim Hall endured a torrid time behind the stumps, sixteen byes leaking through like a village hall roof in a downpour. Twenty-eight extras kept us respectable, but 142/8 left us two runs short.

Not our day, then — beaten by the barest of margins. Heads up, chins out, and back to the nets.

Sun 27 Aug 2006 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv EC Edenbridge CC · AwayformDWDLW

Sunday last took us down to Edenbridge, and having lost the toss we found ourselves with the ball in hand rather than the bat — not the worst fate on a grey August afternoon, though I confess I'd rather have batted first and put my feet up. Edenbridge ground their way to 160 all out from their forty overs, and credit where it's due: S Thurstan's 68 was a proper captain's-nightmare of an innings, well supported by Seb Goodhew's 31, and their fifth-wicket pair put on a stubborn 82 just when we thought we had them. Small mercies came in the shape of an early wicket for nought, and three of theirs — Ross Baugh, B Johnson and T Cullingham — walking back for ducks of their own. 🦆 Jon Harris was magnificent with the ball, 4-57, backed up nicely by Gareth Davies (3-19) and Matthew White (2-14), while Chris Newman refused to give an inch with two tidy maidens.

Chasing 161, we never quite got there, finishing 140/8. Ollie Howarth's 46 was the innings' backbone, and the opening pair's 58 gave us a platform we sadly failed to build on. Poor Tom Murphy endured the walk of shame for nought. 🦆 Twenty-seven extras, generously donated by the home side, at least kept the scoreboard ticking.

Beaten by 20 runs, then — no disgrace against a side that batted with such patience, and with Howarth and Harris still topping our season's run and wicket charts respectively, the engine room is clearly in good order. We'll dust ourselves down and come back stronger next week.

Wed 23 Aug 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv TC Tunbridge Wells Wednesday CC · HomeformLLLLD

As we lost the toss and were sent into the field, I'd hoped for a bit more sunshine on our fortunes than we got. Tunbridge Wells Wednesday ground their way to 137 all out in 46.3 overs, with Iain Barker (39) the chief architect and D. McClintock (33) his willing accomplice — though D Thompson will not be dining out on his contribution, departing for a golden duck at our hands. Credit to the bowling unit, though: Chris Newman was the pick with 2-13, Darren Styles chipped in with 2-16 (and four maidens of positively monastic discipline), and Michael Beeney weighed in with 2-22. A tidy, patient shift in the field, all told.

With 138 to chase, we made serene if unhurried progress, reaching 60/2 from our 12 overs before rain, light, or simple good sense brought proceedings to a close. Richard Piper led the way unbeaten on 23, quietly continuing his fine season — he now sits second in the Midweek XI run charts with 276 to his name, while Darren Styles, not content with his bowling figures on the day, tops the wicket charts with 16.

So honours shared, and a draw to show for our afternoon's work. Not the stuff of legend, but a fair result on a day when neither side could quite land the killer blow — and there are worse things in this life than tea, sunshine, and a job left unfinished.

Sun 20 Aug 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv CC Chelsfield Park CC · HomeformWDDWD

Here's the report:

Sunday 20 August 2006, and Chelsfield Park CC came calling. The coin did what coins do — landed against my better instincts — and I put us in to field, fancying we'd have the better of a green August wicket. For a while it looked shrewd enough: Darren Styles bowled beautifully, 4 for 36 with four maidens thrown in for good measure, and Mark Christmas chipped away at the other end with 2 for 14. But Stuart Pinchin had other ideas, easing to a fine 60, with Ian Walker keeping him company for a well-made 54 and Peter Black adding 23. By the close of their innings, 195 for 7 from 48.3 overs, we knew we'd have work to do.

And work we did, though the card makes for uneven reading. Craig Sands led from the front with a lovely 47 — enough, incidentally, to nudge him past Jim Hall and into 19th on the club's all-time run charts, which is no small thing on a Sunday afternoon in Kent. Ray Dixon supported nicely with 30, Stuart Cheesman with 23, and I managed to scratch together 23 of my own. But Iain Rawson and Michael Beeney both fell for ducks, poor Mike Elworthy had a torrid time behind the stumps with 14 byes going astray, and for all our 25 extras we subsided to 192 all out in 37.5 overs.

Three runs. Three wretched runs short. Chin up, lads — back to the nets, and next time let's leave the extras to the opposition.

Sun 20 Aug 2006 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv BC Benenden CC · AwayformWDWDL

Skipper's Log — Sunday 20 August 2006, away to Benenden CC.

Won the toss, and with the sun out and the outfield fast, there was really only one decision to make: we batted. Ollie Howarth played the innings of the summer, 101 not out, an absolute gem, with Tom Motum weighing in with a fine 58 alongside him — the two of them putting on 95 for the third wicket and turning a tidy total into a proper one. We closed on 212/5 from our forty, a score that felt like runs enough, if we could just hold our nerve in the field.

Which, it must be said, we didn't quite manage. Benenden battled to 199/6, Jon Message top-scoring with a gutsy 55, well supported by Jonathan Stevenson (28) and Andrew Morrison (23), their second-wicket pair adding 79. Chris Newman was the pick of the attack with 3-55, Jon Harris chipped in 2-36 with a couple of tidy maidens, and Joe Martin took 1-33 — and I managed to find some rhythm myself with three wickets. Less said the better about poor Clive Newman's afternoon behind the stumps (13 byes) and our own generosity — 22 wides gifted away like Christmas presents in August.

Still, we got there — 13 runs to the good. Sloppy in patches, magnificent in others, but a win's a win. Onwards.

Sat 19 Aug 2006 🧢 1st XIv SC Shipbourne CC · HomeformWLWLD

Saturday 19 August 2006, and we welcomed Shipbourne CC in what turned out to be a proper old-fashioned nail-biter. Winning the toss, I put them in — the right call, I still maintain, whatever the scorebook eventually said — and watched Justin Alward bat through to an unbeaten 80, with Edward Gelling's 53 and Barry Hart's 37 filling out a total of 216/4 from their 45 overs that felt just about par, if a touch beyond it. Stuart Cheesman toiled manfully for 2-70, Michael Beeney and Mark Christmas chipped in with a wicket apiece, and Daniel Thirkell bowled two tidy maidens amid the runs.

Chasing 216 is never a stroll, but Craig Sands set about it in style, making 90 of the finest before falling agonisingly short of the century his innings deserved. Paul Gibson's 38 and James Piper's 23 kept the required rate honest, and 215/7 from our 45 overs left us needing just a solitary run more than we managed. Beaten by one run — the kind of margin that has you replaying every dot ball on the walk home.

There was, at least, a silver lining to cling to over the teas: Craig's 90 nudges him past Russell Baldwin and up to 20th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, while Daniel Thirkell continues his fine season sat 2nd in the 1st XI run charts and Mark Christmas leads the wicket-takers with 34 scalps.

One run. We were the better side for large parts of this and will be the better for the experience next week — small consolation now, but that's village cricket for you.

Sat 19 Aug 2006 🧢 2nd XIv M Matfield · HomeformWWWWD

From the captain's chair — Saturday 19 August 2006, and a home fixture against Dummy Site that I'd sooner forget in a hurry, though tradition demands otherwise.

I won the toss and, with the sun out and the outfield inviting, saw no reason not to bat first. In hindsight, the pitch may have had other ideas. We were bowled out for a distinctly modest 73 in 29.3 overs, with only Tim Thirkell showing any real defiance for his 23. Gareth Davies and Iain Rawson both made the long walk back for ducks, and the Duck Club ledger grows heavier still — a fine tradition none of us actually wish to uphold.

Seventy-three was never going to trouble anyone, but the lads had a go at defending it regardless. Ian Hollingworth bowled beautifully for his 1-19, Matthew Carter tied the batsmen down with three maidens, and we did at least have the satisfaction of sending Peter Davies packing without a run to his name — small mercies. The opposition, though, strolled home at 74/1 from 25 overs without ever looking troubled. I chipped in with 23 of my own, for what little that was worth.

Elsewhere, the season ticks on nicely enough — Trevor Back sits 5th in the 2nd XI run charts and Ian Hollingworth 2nd in the wickets — proof there's talent in this side even when the collective effort deserts us.

Beaten by nine wickets, no arguments. We'll be better for it next week.

Wed 16 Aug 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv The Mote CC · AwayformDLLLL

Wednesday 16 August, and the road took us to Dummy Site with the sun out and hopes reasonably high — hopes which took a small dent when the coin came down against us and we were put in the field. Still, no complaints; a captain accepts his lot with good grace, or at least pretends to.

They batted us hard, reaching 178/8 off their 49.2 overs, with R Coles compiling a fine 52 and getting sturdy support from M Bristow (35 not out) and J Crowhurst (29). But credit where it's due — James Piper was simply magnificent, ripping through with 3-1, backed up admirably by Matthew Carter (2-20, and miserly with three maidens to boot) and Darren Styles (2-32). K Corke and R Still both walked back for ducks, which is always a satisfying sight from the fielding side, even if one tries not to gloat.

Chasing 178, we never quite found our rhythm, closing on 117/6 from our 48 overs. James Piper, evidently keen to make it a proper all-round afternoon, top-scored with the bat too on 38. Poor Chris Newman, though, will want to forget his own duck in a hurry.

So honours shared, a draw when neither side could force the issue — and with Craig Sands and Darren Styles both flying at the top of the season's charts, there's plenty still to play for. A fair result, if I'm honest, and one we'll happily take home.

Sat 12 Aug 2006 🧢 2nd XIv Meopham CC · AwayformWWWWW

Saturday 12 August 2006 saw us take the road to Meopham, and I confess I fancied our chances enough to call correctly at the toss and stick us in to bowl first — sorry, in to bat, which in hindsight may say more about the weather than my tactical acumen. What followed was brisk, if not exactly Test-match fare: 9 without loss from 5.1 overs, the kind of innings that has the tea urn barely warm before you're out in the field again. Brief, unbeaten, and entirely to the point.

Then it was our turn with the ball, and here the lads produced something rather more remarkable — Meopham dismissed for precisely nought. All out for none is not a scoreline you see every season, and however it came about, it left the Meopham lads with rather more explaining to do in their own clubhouse than we had in ours.

Two innings, then, that between them barely troubled the scorer, and honours were duly shared — a draw when neither side could quite force the issue, which on a day of such curious arithmetic feels only fitting. Elsewhere in the season, Matthew White continues to lead our 2nd XI run charts with 401 to his name, a reminder that somebody in this club knows how to occupy the crease properly.

Verdict: a peculiar, faintly comic afternoon — no real victor, no real loser, but a scorecard we'll be quoting in the bar for weeks to come.

Sat 12 Aug 2006 🧢 1st XIv SC Sheldwich CC · HomeformLWLWL

Twelve overs, 30 for 2 — not exactly a total to trouble the scoreboard operator's pencil, but on a Saturday like the 12th of August 2006, with Sheldwich CC as our guests, it was runs on the board and that, as any village skipper will tell you, is nine-tenths of the battle.

We turned to defend it with the sort of grim resolve usually reserved for defending a Sunday roast from seagulls, and credit to the lads — they set about Sheldwich's reply with real purpose. So much purpose, in fact, that the visitors never did manage to post a total worth the name, packed in without troubling the scorers, and the match drifted, as these things sometimes do, into stalemate. Honours shared, then — a draw earned as much by mutual stubbornness as by skill, and there's a certain dignity in that.

Elsewhere in the club, the season rolls merrily on regardless of our modest efforts on the day: Nigel Thirkell continues to sit proudly atop the 1st XI run charts with 479 for the year, a tally the rest of us can only doff our caps to from a respectful distance.

As for the verdict on this one — no losers, no heroes, just twenty-two men and a scoreline that pleased nobody and offended nobody. A draw against Sheldwich is hardly the stuff of club legend, but it keeps the ledger tidy and the tea urn busy. We'll take it, and we'll take the sandwiches too.

Tue 08 Aug 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv BC Bexley CC · HomeformLDLLL

Tuesday 8th August, and Bexley CC rolled up to Linton Park under skies that gave nothing away. I called correctly at the toss and didn't hesitate for a second — bowl first, sort out the runs later. That was, in hindsight, the easy part.

Bexley made themselves thoroughly at home, racking up 229/8 from their 47 overs, with Daniel Haley the chief architect on 67, ushered along by Jack Wells (35) and Sandeep Bains (32). Full credit where it's due: Dave Todd was superb with the ball, 3-29, backed up nicely by Darren Styles (2-44) and Matthew Carter (1-30). Behind the stumps, poor Peter Davies had a torrid afternoon of it, 8 byes his reward for standing up to a wayward attack.

Chasing 230, we never quite found our rhythm, bundled out for 117 in 39.4 overs. James Piper batted with real application for 48, Richard Piper chipping in with 32, but around them the card told a sorrier tale — ducks for Daniel McCarthy and Matthew Carter, and, in the interests of full disclosure, your correspondent also contrived a golden one of his own. We shan't dwell on it.

Elsewhere in the season, Craig Sands continues to plunder runs at will (405 and counting) while Darren Styles leads the wickets column with 12. All rather academic on a day we finished 112 runs the wrong side of the result. Not our finest hour — heads up, chins out, back to the nets.

Mon 07 Aug 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv TT The Dutch Uncles Team · HomeformDLDLL

Since we hosted the visitors and elected—well, had the toss go against us—into the field, I can report the day held all the ingredients of proper club cricket, and rather too many of them belonged to the opposition.

B Kuylman gave us a torrid afternoon, compiling a chanceless 104 not out that carried Dummy Site to a commanding 247/4 from their 35 overs. He was handsomely supported by R Weyl, whose 66 sailed past his fifty with room to spare, and B- Winters chipping in a brisk 31. Poor M- Verhdeven was the exception that proved the rule, back in the hutch without troubling the scorers — the first of our two ducks on the day. Brian Piper was the pick of our attack by some distance, snaffling 2-3 in miserly fashion, with Matthew Carter chipping in a wicket of his own, albeit at rather greater expense (1-57).

Chasing 248, we made a fair fist of it without ever quite threatening. Matthew White led the reply with a fine 61, well backed by Trevor Back's unbeaten 47 and Craig Sands' 30, but 190/5 from our 35 overs left us 57 runs shy at the close. Spare a thought for poor Brian Piper, whose golden afternoon with the ball was undone by a golden duck with the bat — the walk of shame indeed.

Not our day, then, and heads are duly hung. But with Craig Sands topping the Midweek XI run charts and Matthew Carter lurking in the wicket standings, there's substance in this side yet. Back to the nets, lads — normal service to resume shortly.

Sun 06 Aug 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv Bearsted CC · HomeformDWDDW

Sunday 6th August saw us welcome Bearsted CC, and having called correctly at the toss – a rare enough event to note in itself – there was never any doubt in my mind: we'd bat. It proved the right call. Glen Rawson set about the bowling with real intent for 86, Richard Piper made a fine 56, and Daniel Thirkell chipped in with 44 to help us to a handsome 230/4 off our 44 overs. A total, I felt, with a bit of everything about it.

Defending it, we made the perfect start when Stephen Pearce departed without so much as a sniff at the scoreboard, leaving Bearsted 5-1 and looking rattled. Stuart Cheesman was excellent up front, 2-7, while Jon Harris bowled with real discipline for 2-18, including three maidens that must have felt like an age at the crease for the batsmen facing him. Gareth Davies added 1-21. Suraj De Silva's 47 kept Bearsted in the hunt, and my own contribution with the bat, 44, felt a distant memory by then. Poor Mark Christmas had a torrid time behind the stumps, 12 byes going begging, which rather took the shine off a fine bowling display. Bearsted closed on 125/7 – short of what was needed, but too many for us to force it home.

A word for Richard Piper, whose 56 nudged him past Keith Hatcher into 23rd on the club's all-time run charts – a mantelpiece moment if ever there was one. Honours, in the end, shared. Not the win we wanted, but on this evidence, a side very much on the right track.

Sat 05 Aug 2006 🧢 2nd XIv West Farleigh CC · HomeformWWWWW

Saturday 05 August 2006, and West Farleigh CC were the visitors as I took the coin toss and, in a rare fit of confidence, decided we'd bat first. I stand by it. What followed was a innings of two conversations — a fluent one from Glen Rawson, whose 38 gave us something to build the report around, nicely backed up by Gareth Davies with 26 — and a rather quieter one from Russell Baldwin and Peter Davies, who between them contributed precisely nothing to the scorebook. All out 133 from 44.4 overs, which felt distinctly average at tea, though not, as it turned out, hopeless.

Defending it required rather more of us than scoring it had. West Farleigh's Chris Mckellow made a fist of it with 36, and Wyn Barnardo chipped in 20, but the middle and lower order — Jamie Webb, Marley Nemane and S Spiers among them — simply never got going. Iain Rawson was the chief architect of the collapse, a superb 4-28, with Ian Hollingworth (3-20) and Tim Thirkell (1-10) doing the mopping up, and Darren Styles bowling three tight maidens that gave nothing away cheaply. All out 105 in 37.5 overs.

A word too for Ian Hollingworth, reaching 50 career wickets — a landmark earned, not gifted. With Matthew White leading our 2nd XI run charts and Darren Styles the wickets, the season ticks along nicely. Twenty-eight runs the margin, two points the reward, and a thoroughly deserved one at that.

Sat 05 Aug 2006 🧢 1st XIv EC Eynsford CC · AwayformTLWLW

Beaten but not bowed, once again, at Eynsford. Winning the toss on a Saturday morning always feels like the easy part of captaincy — the hard part is living with the decision, and I stuck us in the field fancying my chances. For a while it looked shrewd enough, until James Ashdown settled in for a handsome 71 and Howard Collins chipped in a tidy fifty of his own, with Gary Atkins' 36 rounding things out nicely for the home side. A 95-run stand for the second wicket did the real damage, and by the close of their innings 261/8 felt like rather a lot to chase. Mark Christmas toiled manfully for 3-65, with Daniel Thirkell and Stuart Cheesman both picking up a couple apiece to keep us in the contest, at least on paper.

With the bat, we made a fair fist of it without ever quite threatening the improbable. Christmas continued his fine day with an unbeaten 61, Daniel Thirkell and Adam Jackson both weighing in with 28, and a defiant last-wicket stand of 84 gave the scorecard a respectability it scarcely deserved earlier on. Extras chipped in a useful 30 — more than several of us managed. Poor Richard Piper collected a golden duck for his troubles, while I contributed a modest 28 and watched Craig Sands leak 9 byes behind the stumps, presumably wishing he'd worn bigger gloves.

Beaten by 46 in the end — a fair reflection of the gulf on the day. Nigel Thirkell still leads our run charts and Christmas our wickets, so the engine room remains sound. We'll regroup, lick our wounds, and be better for it next week.

Sun 30 Jul 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv DC Downham & Bellingham CC · HomeformWDWDD

Sunday 30 July saw Downham & Bellingham CC roll up to Linton Park, and my luck with the coin was every bit as poor as usual — they had first use of a good-looking track and took it without a second thought. Not that the lads seemed too troubled. We toiled away in the field as Andrew Bruguier compiled a fine 61, well supported by John Sawyer's 30 and Gary Hopper's unbeaten 26, dragging them to 189/7 off 44.5 overs. Michael Beeney did the damage with 3-71, Stuart Cheesman chipped in with 2-74, and Matthew Carter bowled with the meanness of a man who'd had his tea money docked, sending down four maidens for good measure.

Chasing 190, we made rather harder work of it than the scorecard perhaps suggests, though I'll confess my own 77 gave me quiet satisfaction — the sort you try not to grin about too visibly at the tea interval. Richard Piper played a proper captain's-delight of a fifty, 59 well made, with Mark Christmas adding a useful 21. Glen Rawson and Ray Dixon both went for ducks, blots on an otherwise handsome card, but we got there in 37.4 overs for the loss of five, 190/5.

Two points, thoroughly earned, by four wickets. Piper continues to lead our Sunday run charts with 525 for the season, Cheesman tops the wickets with 13 — the sort of form that makes a captain's job dangerously easy. A fine afternoon's cricket, and long may the tea urn keep pace with it.

Sun 30 Jul 2006 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv ? · AwayformWWDWD

Sunday 30 July 2006. The road took us on our travels again, and once more it delivered a lesson in humility.

Put into the field first, we watched the opposition make themselves thoroughly at home, closing on 199/7 from their forty overs. R Rampersad set about us for 47, with E Greenhalgh (45) and T Cotton (29) doing their bit to keep the scoreboard ticking uncomfortably along. It wasn't all one-way traffic, mind — Jon Harris bowled with real discipline, taking 2-24 including two maidens, and got useful support from Lee Fawcett (1-7) and Matthew White (1-18). Credit where it's due: the lads didn't give it away lightly, even if 199 always felt a stretch too far to chase.

And so it proved. We subsided to 111 all out in 27.2 overs, Tom Murphy's battling 24 the highlight of a rather thin batting card. Extras top-scored in all but name with 33 — make of that what you will. Ollie Howarth and Jon Harris both made the long walk back for ducks, joining, I'm mortified to report, your own captain, who contributed precisely nothing with the bat. The less said, the better.

Elsewhere, there's cheer to be found: Tom Murphy sits second in the 2006 Sunday 2nd XI run charts with 173, while Paul Webber leads the wicket-takers with 11. Small mercies. As for Sunday's effort — beaten by 88 runs, and fair to say, not our day. Back to the nets, heads up, onward.

Sat 29 Jul 2006 🧢 1st XIv Mersham Sports CC · HomeformWTLWL

From the captain's chair — Saturday 29 July 2006. We hosted Mersham Sports CC, and if you'd told me at breakfast we'd be walking off winners by 29 runs, I'd have asked what you'd put in my tea.

Batting first, the lads set about building something respectable, and in truth it became rather more than that. Craig Sands led from the front with a splendid 71, well supported by Stuart Cheesman's fine 70, while James Piper chipped in a busy 32 to help us to 237/8 from our 45 overs. Special mention, as ever, must go to Glen Rawson, who contributed what the scorebook politely calls a golden duck — these things happen to the best of us, Glen, and we love you regardless. 🦆

Defending 237 is never a formality, and Mersham made us work for it, reaching 208/9 off their 45 with Rob Wilson (49), Darren Pugh (39) and Ian Fagg (23) all threatening to spoil our afternoon. But the day belonged to Mark Christmas, whose 5-40 — four maidens included — was as miserly as it was match-winning, with Stuart Cheesman (2-67) and Daniel Thirkell (1-15) chipping away at the other end.

A fine win by 29 runs, then, and one that keeps Nigel Thirkell (471 runs) and Mark Christmas (30 wickets) proudly atop the season's charts. Onwards. 🏏

Sat 29 Jul 2006 🧢 2nd XIv Sissinghurst CC · AwayformWWWWW

Saturday 29 July 2006 saw us make the journey to Sissinghurst CC, and after losing the toss — a coin that has developed a rather personal grudge against me this season — we were duly sent out into the field.

It proved a long, warm afternoon for the bowling attack, as Sissinghurst compiled a handsome 251 for 3 off 43.5 overs. Mike Burgess set about us with a superb unbeaten 109, and lest anyone think that a solo effort, Mark Simmons matched him almost stroke for stroke with a magnificent 105 not out. Between them they left our attack looking distinctly ordinary, save for Chris Marriott, whose 2 for 35 stood as the one real bright spot on an otherwise chastening scorecard.

Chasing 252 always promised to be a stern examination, and Ron McCormick had his own trial by fire behind the stumps, 16 byes going begging in what he'll no doubt describe as a tricky afternoon with the gloves. But the lads responded in style. Matthew White, who continues to lead our 2006 2nd XI run charts with 395 for the season, played the anchor's role beautifully for 88, while Chris Marriott — evidently not content with his bowling heroics — added a fine 80 with the bat. Trevor Back chipped in with 34, the extras column threw in a generous 34 of its own, and we cantered home on 252 for 4 with two full overs to spare.

Two centurions against us and still we won by six wickets — I shall take that every week of the season. A very good day for the club.

Wed 26 Jul 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv SC Sidcup CC · AwayformDDLDL

Wednesday 26 July, and the road took us to Sidcup CC — the kind of afternoon that starts with a coin flip and ends with a lesson in humility. I called correctly and, sniffing something in the air, put them in. Whether that was inspiration or folly you can judge for yourselves by the time you reach the bottom of this report.

Sidcup rattled along to 210/7 from their 37.3 overs, and truth be told we had them wobbling early at 4-1 — for about four overs, we looked rather clever. Then Scott Bradshaw (65) and Seetharam Krishnamurthy (34 not out) put on 196 for the seventh wicket and rather spoiled the mood, with Steve James chipping in 28 for good measure. Thomas Beeney was the pick of our attack with 2-27, Darren Styles and Matthew Carter took a couple apiece, and Gareth Davies bowled two miserly maidens while the rest of us watched the total climb like the temperature.

Chasing 211, we mustered 85 all out in 27 overs — Michael Beeney's 22 the solitary bright spot, while Trevor Back and Darren Styles both fell for ducks 🦆. I contributed nought myself, and the less said about that the better. One shaft of sunlight: Richard Piper's 11 runs edged him past Frank Brattle to 24th on the club's all-time run list 📈 — a small mantelpiece trophy amid the wreckage.

Beaten by 125 runs, then. Not our day, lads — back to the nets, and let's leave the ducks at the pond next time.

Sun 23 Jul 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv BC Blue Star CC · HomeformDWDWD

We fielded on a glorious Sunday, having spotted Blue Star at the toss on 23 July and, with barely a flicker of doubt, elected to bat first. It proved the right call, as Daniel Thirkell announced himself in the most emphatic terms, striding to a majestic 132 while the rest of us tried not to look too pedestrian in comparison. Richard Piper ushered his own fifty past the post to finish 66 not out, and James Piper chipped in a tidy unbeaten 26, as we declared ourselves satisfied with 252/2 from our 39 overs.

Defending that mountain, Blue Star set about it with more patience than flair, Martin Shuttle's unbeaten 55 the backbone of their reply, well supported by Colin Freestone (32) and Darren Whybrow (28). Credit to the bowling unit, though — Mark Christmas was miserly and menacing in equal measure, 2-28 with three maidens to show for his afternoon's work, while Rory High (2-40) and Jon Harris (1-15) kept the squeeze on. In the end 167/6 from their 48 overs left them short of the target, and honours were shared.

A quiet word for the history books: Thirkell's ton eased him past Trevor Back into 8th on the club's all-time run list, while Richard Piper continues to lead our 2006 Sunday charts and Jon Harris sits handily second among the wicket-takers. A draw, then — but one where we plainly had the better of the argument, and I'll take that with a smile any Sunday.

Sun 23 Jul 2006 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv HC Harvel CC · AwayformDWWDW

Skipper's Log — Sunday 23 July 2006. Off we trundled to Harvel CC, sun on our backs and only the usual level of dread about my opening pair.

Batting first, we posted a very respectable 216/6 from our 44 overs, built around a lovely, unhurried fifty from Clive Newman, unbeaten on 62, and stout support from Tom Murphy, who made a well-crafted 57 of his own. Ollie Howarth chipped in a breezy 44, and the pair added a crucial 68 for the fifth wicket — the sort of stand that turns a defendable total into a proper one. I even managed to lead from the front with 62, which I shall be mentioning at the bar for some weeks yet.

In the field, Darren Styles was the chief tormentor with 3-34, backed up nicely by Paul Webber's 2-32 and a wicket apiece for Akash Pancholi, while Chris Newman bowled two tidy maidens to keep the shackles on. Geoff Goodwin top-scored gamely for Harvel with 45, with Ralph Petts and James Marrable offering support, but the Vidler brothers, Dave and Joe, both departed without registering — twin ducks to soften the blow. Poor Clive, having batted so beautifully, then had a torrid time behind the stumps, 14 byes escaping his gloves like eels.

They finished on 166/9, and honours were shared. A draw, then — nobody beaten, nobody quite triumphant, and everyone home in time for tea. Can't ask for much more than that.

Sat 22 Jul 2006 🧢 1st XIv SC Staplehurst CC · AwayformLWTLW

From the captain's chair — Saturday 22 July 2006. Down to Staplehurst, and no luck with the coin either; they called it right and had no hesitation sticking us in the field, which on a good batting deck is never quite the tonic you want on a Saturday afternoon.

They made themselves at home, 266/6 off their 45, built chiefly around Tim Watts's superb hundred — 111 of pure quality — with Mark Savage (49 not out) and A Henson (30) filling in the mortar. Adam Jackson was the pick of our attack with 2-37, and honest toil from Matthew Carter (1-25) and Daniel Thirkell (1-33) kept us in the contest, even if Daniel had a wretched time of it behind the stumps too, ten byes going begging.

Chasing 267, Craig Sands (66) and Nigel Thirkell (60) both went past their fifties in a stand that had us dreaming, Kevin Presneill chipping in a handy 35, and I rattled the scoreboard along with 19 of my own. Twenty-six extras did more than their share of the heavy lifting. Alas, James Piper and Adam Jackson both departed for golden ducks, and 248/8 left us eighteen runs shy at the death.

Not without its silver linings, mind — Nigel Thirkell reached 40,000 career runs for the club, a magnificent landmark, while Stuart Cheesman's wicket eased him past Tony Snell to 24th on the all-time list. But records are cold comfort on the coach home. Not our day. Heads up, back to the nets.

Wed 19 Jul 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv LX Lord Cornwallis XI · HomeformLDDLD

Wednesday brought Dummy Site to Linton Park, and I won the toss and, in a fit of optimism, stuck us in. It proved a shrewd call, or at least a lucky one, as we racked up 238/3 from our forty overs. Craig Sands was the story of the innings, farming the strike all the way to an unbeaten 111 - the sort of knock that has opposition fielders quietly checking their return train times - while James Piper (52) and Richard Piper (46) both played their part in handsome support.

Defending it should have been the easy part. It wasn't. Their reply chased us down to 239/4 with two balls of the 40th over unused, O- Clarkson leading the charge with a composed 63 not out, backed by a- Cornwallis (53) and J- D- Jefferson (44). Matthew Carter bowled beautifully for 1-33, with Stuart Cheesman and Darren Styles both chipping in, but the runs kept coming. Poor Jim Hall had one of those afternoons behind the stumps, 12 byes disappearing past him like they had a train to catch.

There was cheer amid the gloom, mind: James Piper brought up 1,000 career runs for the club, and Richard Piper's 46 eased him past Jon Harris into 25th on our all-time run-scorers list. Craig Sands still tops the Midweek run charts, Michael Beeney the wickets.

Not our day, beaten by six wickets. Heads up, and back to the nets.

Sun 16 Jul 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv LK Leigh CC, Kent · AwayformDDWDW

Sunday 16 July 2006, away at Leigh CC, and for once the coin did as it was told. I put us in, more in hope than expectation, and the lads repaid the faith handsomely: 253/3 off 39.4 overs, built around a magnificent unbeaten hundred from Stuart Cheesman (106 not out), with Richard Piper (45 not out) and Craig Sands (43) both playing their part. A total that felt, at tea, rather like a small fortress.

Leigh had other ideas, mind. Ian Bishop played beautifully for his 89, and with Luke Grayland (53) and Anthony Mills (41) chipping in around him, they gave us a proper fright, reaching 223/6 from their 47 overs. Credit where due — Jon Harris toiled hardest for his 2-75, Stuart Cheesman and Iain Rawson picked up a wicket apiece, and Rawson's two maidens were about the only real bargain going all afternoon. David Maslin, for what it's worth, departed for a duck without so much as troubling the scorers — small mercies.

There was more to celebrate than the cricket itself: Richard Piper brought up 5,000 career runs for the club, a landmark worth raising a glass to, while Craig Sands's 43 nudged him past Stuart Cheesman into 21st on the all-time run charts. Piper now leads our 2006 Sunday run-scoring, with Cheesman top of the wicket pile.

In the end, honours shared and nobody quite able to land the killer blow. A draw, then — but on a day of hundreds and milestones, nobody at Linton Park left feeling short-changed.

Sat 15 Jul 2006 🧢 2nd XIv HC Hollingbourne CC · HomeformLWWWW

It was Hollingbourne CC who came calling on Saturday 15th July, and for once the coin obliged me — heads, or tails, or whatever it was that day, but the upshot was I had no hesitation in sticking us in. Two hundred and six for seven from our forty-five overs was a tidy return, built around a thoroughly well-made fifty from Richard Piper (67), with Matthew White (27) and Graham Walker (26) putting bat to ball in support. Even the extras got in on the act with a generous 25 — I like to think of that column as our twelfth man, quietly doing his bit.

Defending it was another matter entirely. Hollingbourne set about us with Philip Morrison unbeaten on 47 and Ian Gutteridge equally immovable on 40 not out, with Steve Wilson chipping in 35 of his own, and for a good while it looked rather like our bowlers were merely there to make up the numbers. But Tim Thirkell held firm for the best figures of the day, 1 for 14, with Darren Styles (1-27) and Gareth Davies (1-34, two maidens and not a run given away lightly) doing just enough to keep the boundary count honest and the required rate climbing.

In the end we squeaked home by 12 runs — the sort of margin that has you checking the scorebook twice and then heading straight to the bar regardless. A fine team effort, a few nerves along the way, and two more points safely banked. A good day for the club.

Sat 15 Jul 2006 🧢 1st XIv Headcorn CC · AwayformLLWTL

Saturday 15 July 2006, and the road took us to Headcorn CC in fine spirits, if not entirely fine form with the bat.

We were put in and stumbled to 154/7 from our 45 overs, a total that flattered to deceive until Nigel Thirkell decided enough was enough and constructed a thoroughly well-made fifty, 55 in the end, the sort of innings that makes a captain's tea taste better. Mark Christmas chipped in unbeaten on 28, and I did my bit with 18, more workmanlike than watchable, but runs is runs.

Out in the field, Michael Beeney was a man transformed, tearing through Headcorn's order for 4-33 and, in doing so, quietly easing past Trevor Back into 9th on the club's all-time wicket-takers list — a milestone earned with the ball still swinging, not sat comfortably from the pavilion. Mark Christmas backed him up superbly, 2-29 with four maidens thrown in for good measure, while Matthew Carter picked up one. Robert Sparks (27) and Ben Daking (25) threatened to drag Headcorn home, and poor Peter Smith departed without troubling the scorers, but they fell 9 runs short at 145/9. Craig Sands had a torrid time behind the stumps, 11 byes rather spoiling an otherwise tidy afternoon.

A tight, nervy, thoroughly enjoyable win. Nigel keeps his name atop the season's run charts and Mark Christmas the wickets — the engine room of our summer. All told: scrappy, occasionally chaotic, but a good day for the club.

Wed 12 Jul 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv Gravesend CC · HomeformDLDDL

Lost the toss again — I'm starting to think that coin has a personal vendetta against me — and Gravesend CC duly took first use of a good-looking Linton Park track. Simran Mahon set about us with real intent, cruising to 70, with L Mann keeping him honourable company on 66 and Stuart Waterton chipping in a tidy 25. By the time they declared themselves satisfied at 209/5 off 44.5 overs, my bowling figures book was looking rather dog-eared. Thomas Beeney was the pick of a willing attack with 2-26, Michael Beeney and Darren Styles a wicket apiece, and Styles in particular bowled with the meanness of a man guarding his allotment, two maidens included.

Chasing 210, we set off with more application than panic. James Piper played the innings of the day, 75 full of the kind of clean hitting that makes captaincy look easy, ably backed up by Richard Piper's fifty-plus knock of 51 and a brisk 23 from Chris Newman. We closed on 194/6 from 41 overs — close enough to taste it, not quite close enough to swallow it.

So honours shared, and on reflection a fair result: two sides that gave as good as they got and neither could land the killer blow. With Craig Sands leading our run charts on 188 and Michael Beeney topping the wickets with 8, the season ticks along nicely. A draw, then — the cricketing equivalent of a firm handshake. No losers here, bar my nerves.

Sun 09 Jul 2006 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv BC Bekesbourne Sports CC · AwayformWDWWD

From the captain's chair — Sunday 09 July 2006. We travelled to Bekesbourne Sports CC, lost the toss, and were invited to bat, which on reflection they may have come to regret.

145 all out from 40 overs was not going to have the neutrals purring, but it had enough substance to work with. Akash Pancholi led the way with a tidy 31, Matthew White chipped in a handy 28, and Tom Motum weighed in with 22 - solid, unspectacular graft, the kind club cricket is built on. Nobody set the gazette alight, but between them they gave the bowlers something to defend, which is really all a captain can ask of a Sunday morning.

And defend it we did, though not without a scare. Bekesbourne looked to have the whip hand at 2-1 before Chris Newman got the bit between his teeth and turned the innings inside out - 12-4 in the blink of an eye, with P Vinton, M Rake and Alex Good all back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers. Newman finished with a splendid 4-16, well supported by Daniel McCarthy (2-16) and Jon Harris (2-28). Only Ben Good, unbeaten on 41, and useful contributions from S Hadlow and M Good (24 apiece) dragged them back into contention, but 135 all out from 37 overs left them ten runs short.

A fine win, then, by the odd ten runs, and Chris Newman continues to lead both the run charts and, on this evidence, the attack. Onwards.

Sun 09 Jul 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv Bearsted CC · HomeformWDDWD

Sunday 9th July, and the coin toss abandoned us to fielding first against Bearsted — never the plan, but never mind, the plan rarely survives contact with the umpire's palm anyway.

The lads batted like they meant it, though. Richard and James Piper set about proving that keeping it in the family is a sound cricketing strategy, putting on 171 for the first wicket before either could be prised apart — Richard cruising to 90, James not far behind on 69, and Peter Davies tidying up with an unbeaten 22 to see us to a handsome 218/3. A rare afternoon where the top order simply refused to give it away.

Then out came the ball, and out came James Piper again, this time with figures of 3-26 to spearhead a collapse that had Bearsted reeling from 88-6 to 103-9 — Michael Beeney (2-15, three maiders of pure stinginess) and Rory High (2-32) doing the tidying. Three ducks fell to us along the way, which always feels a touch unsporting but we'll take it. Only a stubborn last-wicket stand of 56 kept the scoreboard respectable at 159/9, and poor Craig Sands had a torrid time behind the stumps, 21 byes disappearing past him like he wasn't there.

Still, 59 runs to the good at the close, and a thoroughly good day for the club — the sort of Sunday that makes the winter months bearable.

Sat 08 Jul 2006 🧢 2nd XIv SC Staplehurst CC · HomeformLLWWW

Saturday 08 July 2006 saw Staplehurst CC roll up to Linton Park, and I won the toss and elected to bat — a decision I shall now, with all appropriate modesty, claim entirely as my own genius. The lads duly repaid my confidence in style, racing to 228/3 from our 45 overs. James Piper was the architect-in-chief, compiling a magnificent 106 not out that had the teas committee reaching for extra scones, while Matthew White chipped in a fine 71 to make sure the innings never lost its shape. Two-hundred-and-twenty-eight felt like a proper score to defend, and rather more than I deserved credit for.

Defending it, as it turned out, was the easy part. Staplehurst never got comfortable, subsiding to 119 all out in 36.5 overs, G Hubbard's battling 22 the only real resistance offered. Peter Davies was magnificent with the ball, ripping through with 3-25, while Adam Jackson (2-17, including three maidens that must have tested the batsmen's patience as much as their technique) and Ian Hollingworth (2-26) tidied up what was left. Not a run was given away lightly.

A fine win by 109 runs, then, and one that keeps the season ticking along nicely — Matthew White continues to lead our 2006 2nd XI run charts with 280, and Darren Styles the wicket charts with 11. All told, a thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work. Onwards.

Wed 05 Jul 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv ? · HomeformDDLDD

Not a wet Wednesday to remember fondly, but here goes.

We put the visitors in, and for a while it looked a decent shout as Jon Harris steamed through the top order, snaring the openers - Tindall and Richardson both back in the shed without troubling the scorers. But T Bumby had other ideas, compiling a fine 67, and M Welford chipped in with 59 to drag the innings back onto an even keel, W Earle adding a brisk 35 for good measure. Darren Styles (2-31) and Matthew Carter (1-32) mopped up round the edges, but 235/8 from 35 overs always looked a stiff ask on a ground where boundaries don't come cheap.

And so it proved. Craig Sands played the innings of the day, an unbeaten 78 that had the tea urn rattling with every cover drive, with James Piper (37) and Stuart Cheesman (23) offering good support. Trevor Back, bless him, had one of those afternoons behind the stumps - ten byes is the sort of tally that gets mentioned in the bar for weeks - and we simply ran out of overs and wickets in hand, finishing 188/5, 47 runs shy.

Not all doom, mind. Sands's 78 nudged him past Cheesman to 22nd on the all-time run list, and Styles's brace lifted him past Gordon Fenner into 11th among the wicket-takers - and I'll confess a quiet satisfaction at four wickets myself. Beaten, but not disgraced. We'll sharpen up and come again next week.

Sun 02 Jul 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv CC Clarion CC · HomeformWWDDW

From the captain's chair — Sunday 02 July 2006, and a fine one it was to have Clarion CC round for tea and trouble.

Lost the toss, as is traditional in these parts, and found ourselves leathering away in the field while Clarion built a total. They closed on 244/5 from their 46, with Richard Hilson caressing 75 and Andy Driver a stylish 57 doing most of the damage, P Fowler chipping in with 36. Small mercies came in the shape of W Drew, back in the hutch for a duck at our hands. Jon Harris led our attack beautifully with 1-34, Michael Beeney and Matthew Carter both weighed in with 1-37 and 1-39 respectively, and Stuart Cheesman bowled with the meanness of a man guarding his allotment, three maidens to his name.

Chasing 245, we made a fair fist of it — 167/4 from our 40, Craig Sands compiling a lovely unbeaten 76, with Richard Piper's 30 and Mark Christmas's 23 keeping the innings ticking along. I contributed 20 of my own, modest but not entirely shameful. Sands had a mixed afternoon of it, mind — a superb knock rather undone behind the stumps, where 16 byes went scampering through like rabbits at dusk. Still, his 76 nudges him up to 24th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, past Jon Harris, and keeps him top of our 2006 Sunday charts on 305 runs, with Cheesman leading the wickets on 10.

In the end, honours shared and pride largely intact — a draw that flattered neither side, but insulted nobody either.

Sun 02 Jul 2006 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv WC Wateringbury CC · AwayformWWDWW

Skipper's Log, 2 July 2006. Lost the toss at Wateringbury, and lost it in the manner that gives you a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach — they chose to bat, and Martin O'Brien decided he fancied a century. He got one too, a superb 102, with Roly Haley chipping in a tidy 28 and the pair of them stitching together 68 for the fifth wicket while we ran out of ideas. Credit where it's due: Paul Webber kept plugging away for 2-39, Tim Wright toiled hard for 2-62 with four maidens of pure stubbornness, and Chris Newman weighed in with 1-19. They finished on 216/6 from their 38 — a total that felt like a lot more than a number.

Chasing it down, Daniel McCarthy played beautifully for a well-made 53, Thomas Beeney was unbeaten on a composed 30, and Jason Brooks added 27, with the McCarthy-Brooks stand of 74 for the second wicket the innings' backbone. I managed a workmanlike 23 myself, and thirty-two extras arrived like an uninvited but welcome guest. We closed on 190/4 from 39 — short of the target, but never chasing shadows.

Daniel's gloves had a busier day than his bat, mind, with 18 byes escaping his clutches. Still, Chris Newman leads our Sunday run charts and Paul Webber sits second among the wicket-takers, so the season ticks along nicely.

Verdict: honours shared, and frankly a fair result — nobody quite had the legs to force it.

Sat 01 Jul 2006 🧢 2nd XIv CK Cobham CC, Kent · HomeformLLLWW

Saturday 1 July, and Cobham CC came calling with the sun out and the ground in fine fettle — you'd almost call it a good omen. I called correctly at the toss and, with a wicket that looked made for batting, didn't hesitate to have first use of it. Whether that qualifies as tactical genius or simple greed for runs, I'll let the committee decide.

We made hay to the tune of 203 for 4 off our 45 overs, and I'll confess a certain quiet pride in contributing 85 not out myself — leading from the front, as they say, though mostly it was a matter of staying in while the ball kept finding gaps. Graham Walker's 37 and Trevor Back's unbeaten 32 gave the innings real backbone either side of my effort.

Defending it, Cobham gave us a proper fright before falling agonisingly short — 173 all out in 43.1 overs. Martin Corden and Ben Smith both compiled well-made fifties of 62 apiece and dragged the game back towards them, but Darren Styles was magnificent throughout, 4 for 26 with two miserly maidens thrown in for good measure, ably backed by Peter Davies's 3 for 59 and Jon Harris chipping in with one. Lucas Marshall and Michael Foster departed without troubling the scorers, poor souls.

Thirty runs the margin, two points banked, and Graham and Darren both further extending their leads atop the season's charts. A thoroughly satisfying afternoon's work, and I shall enjoy the tea rather more than usual.

Sat 01 Jul 2006 🧢 1st XIv Meopham CC · AwayformWLLWT

Saturday took us down to Meopham, sun out, kit bags heavier than our expectations, and for a while it looked like being one of those days we'd dine out on. Nigel Thirkell simply refused to get out, ambling to a magnificent 144 not out while the rest of us politely admired from the other end. James Piper and Daniel Thirkell chipped in 27 apiece, the extras column added a generous 29 of its own — practically an opening partnership these days — and even your humble skipper managed a workmanlike 27. We declared, if only in spirit, on 250/3 from 45 overs, and there was talk in the tea interval of an early finish and a swift pint.

Cricket, being cricket, had other ideas. James Fotheringham played the innings of the day with a brilliant 96, Andrew Powney matched him nearly run for run with a fine 74, and Gary Howorth's 31 kept the required rate ticking along nicely. Michael Beeney toiled magnificently for 3-49, Matthew Carter chimed in with 2-48, Daniel Thirkell took one, and Mark Christmas bowled with the miserly discipline of a man guarding his allotment — three maidens for his trouble. We did at least send R Cutts back for a duck, small mercies. But Meopham got there with three wickets in hand, 253/7 from 44.4 overs.

Nigel's ton keeps him top of our run charts for the season, and Beeney's spell nudges him into second on the wickets list — silver linings, both. Not our day, though. Heads up, back to the nets.

Tue 27 Jun 2006 🧢 Twenty20v HC Hollingbourne CC · HomeformLLWWL

We drew the short straw on batting order and I chose to field first, which for once looked less like a hunch and more like actual captaincy.

Hollingbourne CC came to Linton Park on Tuesday 27 June and set us 161 to win, finishing on 160/7 from their 20 overs. David Brown gave us a proper working-over with a classy 63, well supported by Mark Styche (35) and Andy Griffiths (22) — the kind of innings that makes you wonder why you elected to field in the first place. Credit where it's due, though: Michael Beeney was outstanding with the ball, 2-12, while Gareth Davies (2-31) and Adam Jackson (2-32) chipped in to keep the total from getting completely out of hand.

Chasing 161 was always going to ask questions of our batting, and we didn't have the answers, limping to 92/6 from our 20. Ray Dixon top-scored with a battling 42, but beyond him the card made for grim reading — ducks for Richard Piper and Craig Sands, and, in the spirit of leading from the front, I contrived to fall for nought myself. We shall, as promised, draw a veil over the captain's contribution.

There were crumbs of comfort in the wider table — Ray Dixon now sits 4th in the season's Twenty20 run charts and Gareth Davies 2nd among the wicket-takers — but they were cold comfort on the night. A 68-run defeat, no arguing with it. Heads up, chins up, and back to the nets.

Sun 25 Jun 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv YC Yalding CC · HomeformWWWDD

Yalding CC came to Linton Park last Sunday and, having called correctly, promptly stuck us in. As is traditional, I resigned myself to a long afternoon watching from mid-off while others did the hard work. Usman Pervaiz had other ideas about our comfort, ghosting to 90 and, together with Shumshair Haider's unbeaten 45, stitching a third-wicket stand of 78 that threatened to bat us clean out of the game. Credit where due — but our attack didn't roll over. Jon Harris was superb with the new ball (3-33), Matthew Carter and Iain Rawson chipped away either end (3-48 and 2-29), and Michael Beeney bowled two maidens as tight as his waistcoat at the club dinner. A trio of ducks along the way kept the mood light in the field. Yalding closed on 192/9 from their 40 — competitive, but not insurmountable.

Chasing 193, it fell to Daniel Thirkell to set the tone with a classy 65, well supported by Craig Sands (34) and Glen Rawson (28). I confess I rather enjoyed leading from the front myself, matching Thirkell run for run with 65 of my own — the sort of afternoon a captain dreams about and rarely gets. We got there with 5 wickets and half a dozen balls to spare, at 198/5.

Thirkell continues to lead our Sunday run charts in fine style, and Carter's wickets keep the bowling honours ticking over nicely. Two points, thoroughly earned, and a result that will taste rather better than the tea did.

Sat 24 Jun 2006 🧢 2nd XIv Marden CC, Kent · AwayformWLLLW

Saturday 24 June 2006, and we rolled up to Marden CC with the sun out and expectations modest, as ever.

Put in the field first, we watched Rupert Humphrey play a proper captain's innings for the opposition — 83 of the finest, with Richard Brewer (31) and Jon Jones (30) chipping in dutifully around him as Marden posted 200/5. Credit where due: Darren Styles was superb with the ball, 3-33 and full value for his growing reputation (he's now second in the club's wicket charts this summer), with Ian Hollingworth chasing hard for 2-62 and Jon Harris tying things down with a couple of maidens. Less creditable was the extras column — 19 wides and 3 no-balls handed over like Christmas presents, and poor Daniel McCarthy had a torrid time behind the stumps, 8 byes going begging. Not our finest hour in the field, if I'm honest.

Chasing 200 looked a tall order until Richard Piper decided otherwise, compiling a magnificent unbeaten century — 102 not out, an innings of real class — with Brian Piper (42) and Graham Walker (24, and now our leading run-scorer for the season) providing sturdy support as we reached 202/4.

Six wickets to the good in the end. Sloppy with bat-pad discipline in the field, perhaps, but when your number three bats like that, you forgive a great deal. A good day for the club, and one Richard Piper can dine out on for weeks.

Sat 24 Jun 2006 🧢 1st XIv HC Hollingbourne CC · HomeformLWLLW

Saturday 24 June 2006, and Hollingbourne came calling — winning the toss and, with a look at the covers I still can't fathom, sending us in.

Not that we minded. Daniel Thirkell played the innings of the day, 83 of the finest, with Nigel Thirkell (32) and James Piper (31) lending sturdy support and the third-wicket pair putting on a priceless 59. We closed on 203/6 from our 45, a total with a bit of front to it.

Defending it proved rather more nerve-shredding than setting it. Andy Griffiths gave us a proper lesson in half-century batting with 51, Tom Osborne chipped in 44 and David Brown 25, and the seventh-wicket pair added a stubborn 53 just when we thought the door was shutting. Credit to Mark Christmas, who bowled beautifully for 4-68 with two maidens thrown in for good measure, backed up by Stuart Cheesman (2-43) and Matthew Carter (1-21) — and we did at least see off poor Colin Gorridge for a duck. Hollingbourne were bowled out for 203 from 44.3 overs — level pegging to the very last run.

A tie, then. A whole day's cricket and not a run between us — you couldn't write it. Amid it all, a personal 83 felt rather satisfying, but the real story was Craig Sands quietly bringing up 5,000 career runs for the club, a landmark worth more than any scoreline. Honours shared, heads held high — you can't ask fairer of a Saturday.

Wed 21 Jun 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv SC Sevenoaks & District Wednesday CC · HomeformLDDLD

Wednesday 21 June saw Sevenoaks & District Wednesday CC roll into Linton Park, and having won the toss I decided we'd bat first — mostly on the grounds that it seemed the captainly thing to do. It proved a shrewd call, or at least a lucky one: Trevor Back set about the bowling with real purpose for a well-made 57, and Craig Sands, unbeaten on 54, matched him stroke for stroke at the other end. Between them they did the heavy lifting as we posted a healthy 162 for 6 from our 40 overs, the rest of us content to potter along in support.

Defending it, though, is always a different proposition, and Sevenoaks made us work for every wicket. S Taylor top-scored with a stubborn 39, well backed by P Styles's 32, and though A Gibson departed for nought, the visitors kept us honest throughout their 41 overs, closing on 130 for 7. Darren Styles was the pick of our attack — 2 for 12 and three maidens, not a run given away lightly — with Jon Harris (2-19) and Michael Beeney (2-27) chipping in handsomely. Poor Mike Elworthy had a torrid afternoon behind the stumps, shipping 8 byes, for which I shall pretend not to remember whose bowling caused most of them.

In the end neither side could force it home, and honours were shared. A draw is rarely the stuff of legend, but with Sands and Beeney both flying high in this season's charts, I'll happily call it a job well done and a point banked.

Mon 19 Jun 2006 🧢 Twenty20v EC East Sutton CC · HomeformWLLWW

Monday 19 June saw East Sutton CC roll up to Linton Park for a Twenty20 fixture, and — for once — I got the big call right at the toss, sending them in under grey club-cricket skies with the sort of confidence that usually deserts me by the second over.

They made a fair fist of it, 138 for 3 off their twenty, built on a brisk 39 from Simon Hammond and 37 from Steve Sunnucks, with Chris Back unbeaten on 27 to give the total some late gloss. Credit where due to the lads with the ball, though — Joe Martin the pick with 1 for 23, while Darren Styles and Gareth Davies chipped in a wicket apiece, Styles' effort keeping him handsomely clear at the top of our 2006 wicket charts with seven for the season.

Chasing 139, we never quite found the rhythm. Adam Jackson batted nicely for 30, Richard Piper — now up to third in the season's run charts with 52 — added a tidy 23, and Matthew White finished unbeaten on 20, but wickets fell around them at the wrong moments. Special mention, if that's the word, for poor Chris Newman, gone without troubling the scorers — these things happen to the best of us, and he'll have chances to make amends.

We closed on 97 for 5, beaten by 41 runs. Not our finest twenty overs, truth be told, but there was enough application in that batting order to suggest better days are close. We'll regroup, have a word about tightening the middle overs, and go again next week.

Sun 18 Jun 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv OC Otford CC · AwayformDWWWD

From the captain's chair — Sunday 18 June 2006, away at Otford CC. The coin fell our way for once, and with more optimism than science I put us in to bat.

It proved a sound punt. Stuart Cheesman set about the Otford bowling with a well-made 55, and Richard Piper played a fine hand of 42 alongside him — between them they did most of the heavy lifting, with extras chipping in a generous 31 besides. We closed on 187/6 from our 41 overs, a total that felt like it had a bit of substance to it, though I confess I'll never quite understand how a side manages 31 extras and still calls it batting.

Out in the field, the lads set about defending it with real purpose. Stuart Cheesman, not content with his runs, took the new ball and ran through with 3-20, well backed up by Michael Beeney's tidy 2-18 (two maidens included — not a run given away lightly) and Matthew Carter's 1-19. Roy Sinar and Piers Woods both departed without troubling the scorers. Otford dug in gamely though, John Boyden anchoring things with an unbeaten 37 and R. Allen chipping in 31, and they crept to 131/8 from their 41 — I even had a bowl myself and scratched together 19.

In the end neither side could quite force it home, and honours were shared. A draw, then — Richard Piper still leads our Sunday run charts on 217, Stuart Cheesman our wickets on 9, and Otford CC live to fight another day. Can't say we're complaining.

Sat 17 Jun 2006 🧢 2nd XIv RC Rumwood CC · HomeformDWLLL

Saturday 17th June saw Rumwood CC roll up to Linton Park, and I'm delighted to report the lads did us proud. Batting first, we posted a hearty 233 for 4, built on the back of a truly magnificent innings from Matthew White, who finished unbeaten on 114 — the sort of knock that has you quietly abandoning your captain's duties to simply admire from the boundary. Graham Walker chipped in handsomely with 53, Richard Piper added a solid 41, and poor Mike Elworthy departed for a golden duck 🦆 — these things happen to the best of us, Mike, and no doubt will again.

With the ball, Rumwood gave it a proper go, reaching 201 for 5 thanks to a well-crafted fifty from C Keithson, ably assisted by Rod Bailey (40) and David Day (35). It was Ian Hollingworth who did the real damage, 3 for 50 with two miserly maidens thrown in, well supported by Jon Harris with 2 for 55. Our keeping, it must be said, was a touch generous — nine byes is not a number we'll be framing for the clubhouse wall.

Special mention must go to two splendid milestones: Richard Piper reaching his 300th appearance in Linton colours, and David Castle his remarkable 700th 🧢 — service of a kind money simply cannot buy. Graham Walker continues to lead our 2006 2nd XI run charts on 194, with Jon Harris topping the wicket pile on 7.

We got home by 32 runs. A thoroughly good day for the club.

Sat 17 Jun 2006 🧢 1st XIv SC Shipbourne CC · AwayformWLWLL

Saturday 17 June 2006, away to Shipbourne CC, and for once the toss actually went our way — I called it correctly and had no hesitation in batting first. It felt like the right call, and so it proved. Daniel Thirkell played the innings of the day, an immaculate 99 that somehow never quite found its century, and he found a willing ally in Kevin Presneill (44), the pair putting on 101 for the fourth wicket to give the innings real backbone. We closed on a handsome 195/8. Not everything in the garden was rosy, mind — Stewart Morrison took the long, lonely walk back for a nought, and the Duck Club ledger duly noted his name.

With the ball, Shipbourne threatened for a while through Simon Price (42), Edward Gelling (31) and George Pollard (28), but Mark Christmas simply ran riot, tearing through them with 6-24 and four maidens of positively miserly quality. Matthew Carter chipped in with 2-45, and I managed a wicket myself with 1-17, as three of their number — Andy Thompson, Ben Pennells and George Willis — joined Morrison in the Duck Club that afternoon. Shipbourne were all out for 165.

A win by 30 runs, then, and a rather satisfying one to lead from the front in with the bat before watching Christmas do the real damage. Onwards indeed.

Sun 11 Jun 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv KC Knockers CC · HomeformLDWWW

Sunday 11th June, and Knockers CC made the trip to Linton Park in what I like to think was hope rather than expectation. I won the toss and had no hesitation in taking first strike — the pitch looked a belter, and for once my judgement wasn't entirely wasted, though we shall draw the aforementioned veil over my own contribution with the bat: nought, and a swift walk back to the pavilion to hide behind the tea urn.

Fortunately others were paying more attention. Clive Newman anchored things beautifully with an unbeaten 53, Stuart Cheesman chipped in a fine 39 — enough, I'm reliably informed, to nudge him past Jon Harris and into 23rd on the all-time run charts, a achievement he will no doubt mention at every opportunity from here to Christmas — and Richard Piper added a brisk 35. Daniel Thirkell's duck was the only blemish on an otherwise handsome 208/4 from our 41 overs, helped along by a generous 45 extras from a wayward Knockers attack.

With the ball, redemption. Thirkell, perhaps keen to make amends, tore in for 3-15, Iain Rawson and Mark Christmas mopped up further wickets, and Michael Beeney bowled two tidy maidens. S. Slater gave us a fright with a fine 96, but between us — myself included, with three wickets to my name — we held Knockers to 186/7.

A draw, then: honours shared, pride mostly intact, and the mantelpiece slightly heavier.

Sat 10 Jun 2006 🧢 2nd XIv Mersham Sports CC · HomeformLDWLL

Beaten by six runs on a Saturday afternoon in June, and I'm still trying to work out where those runs went missing.

Mersham Sports CC came to Linton Park and put together a total that always felt just about one boundary too many — 202 for 5 in the end, built around two fine fifties from Ollie Austen (58) and Garth Jones (58), with J. Sharp's 41 keeping the scoreboard ticking along nicely at the other end. Credit where it's due: our bowling attack didn't roll over. Ian Brattle was the pick of the lot, tidy and probing for 2 for 37 including a couple of maidens, while Jon Harris (2-53) and Tim Thirkell (1-24) chipped in to at least keep the visitors honest.

Chasing 203, we gave it a proper go. Graham Walker led from the front with a well-crafted 46, and found good company in Richard Piper (37) and Matthew White (35), the three of them dragging us within touching distance. But cricket, in its infinite cruelty, has a habit of making six runs feel like sixty when the last over arrives, and so it proved — 196 for 7 and home was agonisingly out of reach.

Walker's innings keeps him top of the 2nd XI run charts for the season with 141, and Harris now leads the wicket-takers with 5 — small consolations, but consolations nonetheless. As for the result, there's no dressing it up: we were beaten fair and square by a better side on the day. We'll be better for it next week.

Sat 10 Jun 2006 🧢 1st XIv SC Sheldwich CC · AwayformWWLWL

Beaten out at Sheldwich last Saturday, and if I'm honest, we did it the hard way. Losing the toss and being asked to bowl first was no great hardship — we had first use of the ball, after all — but Sheldwich's top order had other ideas, racing to 189/9 with Andrew Carr (35), Daniel Ray (34) and Jonathan Heward (30) all getting stuck in. Mark Christmas was magnificent with the ball, 4-53 and never short of a plan, while Michael Beeney bowled with the sort of miserly discipline that gives batsmen sleepless nights — 2-27 and four maidens to his name — and Stuart Cheesman chipped in with 2-34. James McRae, at least, didn't trouble the scorers, sent back for a golden duck.

Chasing 190, we never quite got the platform we needed. Nigel Thirkell (37) and Russell Baldwin (37) both fought hard, James Piper made a spirited 21, but wickets tumbled around them and we folded for 157 — Ray Dixon and Adam Jackson both making that lonely walk back for nought.

There was, though, plenty to raise a glass to. Russell Baldwin brought up his 200th appearance in Linton colours, a landmark achieved in defeat but no less proud for it, and Stuart Cheesman's brace edged him past Paul Gibson into 25th on the all-time wicket-takers list. Nigel Thirkell and Mark Christmas continue to lead our season's run and wicket charts respectively.

Beaten by 32 runs, then, but not disgraced. We'll dust ourselves down and come back stronger next week.

Tue 06 Jun 2006 🧢 Twenty20v DC Detling CC · AwayformWWLLW

Steady heat and a firm hand won the toss — I looked at the strip at Detling and never doubted myself for a moment: we'd bat.

What followed was one of those afternoons that reminds you why you bother with the early alarm and the dodgy hamstring. Russell Baldwin batted like he'd read the script and torn it up, cruising to a magnificent 107 not out, while Craig Sands played the perfect foil with a crisp 74. Daniel Thirkell chipped in with a breezy 22 not out, and by the time the twentieth over was done we'd racked up 211/1 — the sort of total that makes the tea urn taste sweeter.

Defending it, I'll admit, felt almost like a formality, though Detling did their best to make a game of it. Paul Batchelor's 23 was the backbone of their reply, with Dickie Jarrett (20) and D McClean (20 not out) lending support, but N Masters departed for a duck and the writing was on the pavilion wall. Ray Dixon was magnificent with the ball, snaring 3-22, backed superbly by Darren Styles (2-17) and Joe Martin (1-6). I even got my own name on the board with 22 — mustn't grumble.

A word too for Craig Sands, whose 74 nudges him up to 25th on the club's all-time run-scorers list, past Mike Caddick — a fine achievement on a fine day.

Seventy-one runs the margin, and not a flattering one either. A proper win, thoroughly deserved. Onwards.

Sun 04 Jun 2006 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv UC Underriver CC · HomeformWWWDW

From the captain's chair, Sunday 04 June, and a fine one to report. We lost the toss, Underriver elected to field, and off we trooped to bat — only for the openers to conspire at 5 for 1 and remind us why nobody sleeps easy on this ground. Credit to Ian Hollingworth, who steadied the ship with a determined 32, well supported by Clive Newman and Chris Newman, 21 apiece. Not every name troubled the scorebook kindly, mind — Ollie Howarth and Joe Martin both walked back for ducks — but 126 for 9 off our 42 overs felt a defendable total, if not an intimidating one. I chipped in with 21 myself, more through stubbornness than style.

Underriver's reply began in similarly shaky fashion, 6 for 1 early doors, and Ben Richards, R Hay and Matthew Pendered all failed to trouble the scorers — small mercies for a bowling attack that needed them. Paul Garner threatened to spoil the party with a fighting 45, but wickets fell steadily around him: Thomas Beeney the pick with 3 for 20, Ian Hollingworth chipping in 3 for 37, and Joe Martin 2 for 9. All out for 111 in 27.1 overs. Ollie Howarth had a torrid afternoon behind the stumps, conceding 9 byes, but held his nerve where it mattered.

Chris Newman continues to top our Sunday 2nd XI run charts with 138, and Thomas Beeney the wickets with 9 — both men earning their tea and biscuits again. A tight, nervy, thoroughly English affair, won by 15 runs. Two points banked, and thoroughly earned.

Sun 04 Jun 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv WC Wadhurst CC · AwayformWLDWW

Sunday 4th June saw us make the trip to Wadhurst, and for once the toss actually went our way — I had no hesitation putting us in, and the lads made sure I looked like a genius rather than a fool for it.

What followed was as handsome a batting display as we've managed all season. Glen Rawson played the innings of the day, 82 not out and still going strong at the close, while Daniel Thirkell gave him fine company with a classy 77. Stuart Cheesman chipped in an unbeaten 22 at the death to help us to 219/2 off our 38 overs — the sort of total that has opposition openers padding up with a heavy heart.

And so it proved. Wadhurst never got going, bundled out for 108 in barely 20 overs. Mark Christmas was miserly and menacing in equal measure, three wickets for just two runs off three maidens — the kind of spell that makes the tea-time sandwiches taste that much sweeter. Shafto (3-50) and Iain Rawson (2-20) mopped up around him, with only Ross Boorman's 25 offering any real resistance. I managed 77 myself with the ball, which I shall modestly describe as leading from the front, though the real story was Christmas's miserliness.

Two points banked, 111 runs to the good, and Daniel Thirkell now tops our Sunday run charts for the season. A thoroughly satisfactory afternoon's work — Wadhurst will not remember it fondly, and nor should they.

Sat 03 Jun 2006 🧢 2nd XIv SC Shipbourne CC · AwayformWLDWL

Saturday 03 June 2006 saw us pack the whites and head off to Shipbourne CC, ever hopeful and, as it turned out, ever punished for our optimism.

Batting first, we posted 133/7, a total that owed almost everything to Graham Walker's fine half-century of 50, with Matthew White chipping in a handy 25 to keep the innings ticking. Elsewhere the card made grimmer reading, not least poor Ray Dixon, whose afternoon began and ended without troubling the scorers — a duck to file away and never mention again (consider it mentioned).

In the field we huffed and puffed but found no real breakthrough. Gareth Davies was the pick of the attack with 1-10, while Darren Styles (1-23, and three miserly maidens to his name) and Tim Wright (1-29) chipped away without ever prising the game open. Mark Agate, unbeaten on a commanding 56, and Peter Gray, equally serene on 50 not out, simply batted us out of it, guiding Shipbourne home to 134/3. Trevor Back, meanwhile, endured a torrid time behind the stumps, ten byes escaping his gloves like they had trains to catch.

Up the season charts there are crumbs of comfort — Graham Walker now leads our 2nd XI run-scorers with 95, and Darren Styles sits second among the wicket-takers with 3 — but they were cold comfort on the day. Beaten by seven wickets, we trudged off, heads bowed, bound for the nets and a long, hard look at our glovework.

Sat 03 Jun 2006 🧢 1st XIv EC Eynsford CC · HomeformWWWLW

Saturday 3 June 2006, and Eynsford CC roll into Linton Park under a sky that at least looked willing to behave. I called it right at the toss and, with barely a flicker of hesitation, sent the visitors in — one of those decisions that either makes you look shrewd or foolish by teatime, and for a good while it looked very much the former.

Eynsford ground their way to 182/9 off their 45, Ben Wise (43) and Jamie Wise (37) doing the bulk of the damage, though Dominic Syres will want this innings struck from the record after departing for a duck. Mark Christmas was the pick of the attack with 3-57, while Daniel Thirkell (2-15, and two maidens for good measure — not a run given away lightly) and Michael Beeney (2-22) kept things admirably tight around him.

With 183 needed, we made a fine fist of it. The openers put on 68 for the first wicket in the sort of stand that makes a captain feel briefly invincible, and Nigel Thirkell went on to a superb 86, well supported by Russell Baldwin (29) and James Piper (22). But 176 all out from 44.2 overs left us six runs shy at the death — agonisingly, infuriatingly short.

Nigel now leads our 2006 run charts with 129, and Mark tops the wickets with 8, so the individual form is there. The result, though, is the one that stings. Beaten by six runs — we'll be better for it next week.

Sun 28 May 2006 🧢 Sunday NVKCv EC Eynsford CC · AwayformWWLWL

Sunday 28 May 2006 saw us head down to Eynsford CC in fine spirits, and winning the toss I had no hesitation in electing to bat — the right call, I still maintain. Our top order wobbled almost instantly, the first wicket going down with just 2 on the board, but Paul Gibson settled the ship in style with a magnificent 125, finding the perfect foil in Craig Sands, whose own fine 82 helped the pair add 176 for the fourth wicket. I chipped in with a watchful 20 as we posted a handsome 267 for 6 from our 40 overs — a total that felt, at tea, like more than enough.

It very nearly was. Eynsford's Dominic Syres had other ideas, playing the innings of his life with an unbeaten 117, well supported by Jamie Wise (41) and Dan Wise (30). An eighth-wicket stand of 84 kept the game alive for them, and just as we sensed victory, their last pair conjured an entirely unnecessary 60 to see them home by two wickets, at 268 for 8 from 38.4 overs. Michael Beeney bowled his heart out for 3 for 55, with Matthew Carter (1 for 41) and me (2 for 34) chipping in.

Small mercies: Paul Gibson brought up 13,000 career runs for the club, and both he and Michael Beeney now lead this season's Sunday run and wicket charts. A match we really should have won, then lost in the tail — heads up, lads, back to the nets.

Sat 27 May 2006 🧢 2nd XIv SC Sheldwich CC · HomeformLWLDW

Saturday 27th May 2006 and Sheldwich rolled up for what turned into rather a chastening afternoon. We were put in — or rather, we put ourselves in trouble — and folded for 116 all out. James Piper battled hardest for his 20, while Simon Thirkell and Ian Hollingworth both contrived to depart for golden ducks, which is never the sort of double act a captain enjoys watching from the other end.

Still, 116 has been defended before, and for a while it looked like it might be again. But Marcus Hodges had other ideas, striking a fine unbeaten-in-spirit-if-not-in-fact half-century of 51, with Ian Hulks providing sturdy support on 32 not out as Sheldwich cantered to 117 for 3. Darren Styles was the pick of our attack with 1 for 10, tidy and miserly as ever, with James Piper chipping in 1 for 25 for good measure.

There was, at least, plenty to celebrate off the scorecard. Tim Thirkell brought up his 800th appearance in Linton colours — a staggering number by any measure — while Darren Styles passed 500 career wickets, a landmark that rather puts his 1-10 today into proper perspective.

Beaten by seven wickets, then, and no dressing that up. But with milestones like these in the ranks, this side has more behind it than one Saturday's scorecard suggests. We'll be better for it next week.

Wed 17 May 2006 🧢 Midweek XIv TC Tenterden CC · AwayformDLDDL

Wednesday 17 May 2006, and off we trundled to Tenterden CC in what I like to think was a spirit of quiet optimism. I won the toss — a rare enough event to merit its own line in the scorebook — and never seriously considered doing anything but batting first. We were rewarded with 210/7 from our 39 overs, built on a fine 46 from Mike Elworthy, a composed 41 not out from Craig Sands, and 39 from Stuart Cheesman, with the Tenterden bowlers kindly chipping in 35 extras of their own volition.

Defending it, we found Mr S- Balcombe in irritatingly good touch for his 55, well supported by Robert Featherstone (39) and Neil Billing (22), and the total crept to 169/9 from 37 overs before we finally shut the door. The real story, though, was Michael Beeney, who turned his arm over to devastating effect — 5-31 with two maidens thrown in for good measure — leaving Daniel Thirkell (2-27) and Trevor Back (1-4) to mop up what little was left. Poor Trevor had a torrid time behind the stumps too, 10 byes going begging, though nobody's holding it against him.

Two landmarks worth raising a glass to: Stuart Cheesman brought up 5,000 career runs for the club, and Michael Beeney's five-for eased him past Gordon Fenner into 10th on our all-time wicket list. Honours ended up shared, a draw that felt, on the whole, entirely fair — a good day's cricket, even if nobody quite had the final say.

Sun 14 May 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv CC Chevening Amblers CC · AwayformDWLDW

Sunday 14 May 2006, and off we went to Chevening Amblers, where the toss fell kindly and I had no hesitation pointing us towards the bat — a decision I'm rather pleased to take credit for in print, whatever the truth of it. We posted 168/7 from our 41 overs, built handsomely around Daniel Thirkell's 66, with Richard Piper (30) and Craig Sands (23) chipping in nicely. Ian Brattle, in fairness, has had better afternoons — a duck to his name, though he'd more than make amends later.

Defending 168 always feels like a number that could go either way, but the bowlers had other ideas. Chevening were bowled out for 103 in 39.3 overs, David Franklin (26) and Peter Rushbrook (21) offering the only real resistance. Jon Harris was the chief tormentor with 3-27, well supported by Stuart Cheesman (2-8) and Matthew Carter (2-23), while Ian Brattle made full amends for his earlier duck with three tidy maidens. Poor Daniel Thirkell had a torrid time behind the stumps, 8 byes going astray — though nobody begrudged him, given he'd just brought up 10,000 career runs for the club, a landmark worth more than a few overthrows.

A fine win by 65 runs, then, and a day that had a bit of everything — runs, wickets, milestones, and one unfortunate duck redeemed in the field. Onwards.

Sun 14 May 2006 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv CC Cranbrook CC · HomeformLWWWD

Sunday 14 May 2006, and Cranbrook CC were our visitors. I lost the toss — hardly a shock, my coin-calling this season has been about as reliable as an English summer — and we were put in to bat, which suited nobody's nerves.

We were bowled out for 161 in 33.2 overs, a total that felt better than it perhaps sounds. Chris Newman played the innings of the day, a classy 50, and found a willing ally in Tom Murphy with 30 as the pair put on 97 for the third wicket and dragged us to something defendable. At the other end, Paul Webber and Thomas Beeney both departed for golden ducks, proof that even the season's leading wicket-taker has his off days with the bat. A generous 26 extras rounded out the innings — Cranbrook's most consistent bowler, evidently, was themselves.

In reply, Cranbrook made a spirited fist of it. X Haroon's 46 and X McKenzie's unbeaten 35 threatened to make a mockery of our total, but the middle order simply melted away — 1-1 became 19-4 before Cranbrook knew what had hit them, with Watney, Hancock and Donkin all back in the pavilion without scoring. Joe Martin was outstanding, 3-12 with two miserly maidens, well supported by M Townsend's 3-12 and Beeney's 2-34. All out for 138.

Twenty-three runs the margin, two points banked, and thoroughly deserved. A proper team performance, and one to savour on the drive home.

Sat 13 May 2006 🧢 2nd XIv Headcorn CC · AwayformWLWLD

Winning the toss at Headcorn on a fine May Saturday, I didn't dither for a moment — we were batting. And how it paid off. James Piper played the innings of the day, an assured 70, with Tim Thirkell weighing in handsomely alongside him with 49 and Trevor Back chipping in a useful 22. I managed to contribute 49 of my own, more by luck than judgement, while poor Jack Jenner will want this one struck from the record — a golden duck to nurse on the drive home. Even so, 194/8 felt like a total with some substance to it.

Out in the field, the lads set about defending it with real purpose. James Barker's 27 and Paul Millen's 21 were the only real resistance Headcorn could muster, with Aidan Kingsmill departing without so much as a look-in. Jack Jenner, evidently keen to make amends with the ball, ran through them with 3-35, backed up nicely by Trevor Back's 2-6 and Mike Elworthy's 1-5. Darren Styles bowled a positively miserly spell, five maidens and barely a boundary in sight — though poor Jim Hall's twenty byes suggest wicketkeeping wasn't quite so watertight, a small blot on an otherwise tidy afternoon. Headcorn were dismissed for 123.

A seventy-one run victory, then, and a thoroughly satisfying day's work. Onwards.

Sat 13 May 2006 🧢 1st XIv Headcorn CC · HomeformLWWWL

It was a good toss to win, and rarely have I felt so smug making a captain's call as I did putting Headcorn in to have a bowl at us on a fine Saturday, 13th May. We duly cashed in, racing to 61 before the first wicket fell, and from there the innings only got better. Kevin Presneill anchored things beautifully for an unbeaten 71, with Daniel Thirkell (54) and Nigel Thirkell (43) both playing handsomely, their fifth-wicket stand of 102 the real backbone of the innings. Poor Craig Sands was the exception to the good cheer, back in the pavilion for a golden duck, but even the extras column pulled its weight with a generous 28. We closed on 234 for 5 — a total that felt like runs in the bank before a ball had been bowled in reply.

And so it proved. Headcorn made a spirited fist of it, Peter Westrop top-scoring with a fine 53 and useful contributions from Peter Smith (30) and Robert Sparks (26), but 191 all out was never going to be enough. Mark Christmas was superb with the new ball, 4 for 37, backed up nicely by Michael Beeney and Stuart Cheesman with two apiece, while my own 54 in the field felt a satisfying afternoon's work.

Two points, and no argument about them — a 43-run win, thoroughly earned, and Daniel Thirkell and Mark Christmas both climbing the season's charts in the process.

Sun 07 May 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv LC Lenham CC · AwayformDDWLD

Sunday 7 May saw us pitch up at Lenham, and I confess when the coin came down my way I fancied a bat before I'd even glanced at the square. As it turned out, I fancied right. Craig Sands played the innings of the summer so far, 89 not out and barely troubled throughout, with Richard Piper alongside him purring to a well-made 63 and Russell Baldwin chipping in a brisk 29. We declared, if the scorebook is to be believed, on a rather startling 225 for 4, and I allowed myself a small smile at tea.

Whatever confidence Lenham had brought with them evaporated once we took the ball. James Russell, Richard Cuckow and C Sharp were despatched back to the pavilion without so much as a run to their name — three ducks in a row is the sort of thing that tends to concentrate a batting order's mind, and not in a good way. Alan Barr fought a lone rearguard for 33, but there was little anyone could do against Tim Wright, who span a web through the middle order for a wonderful 5 for 17. Stuart Cheesman backed him up superbly with 4 for 7, and Darren Styles bowled two tidy maidens on his way to 1 for 15. Eighty-one all out was the final indignity.

A win by 144 runs, then, and Sands and Wright both sitting handsomely atop this season's run and wicket charts. A fine day out, and one for the scrapbook.

Sun 07 May 2006 🧢 Sunday 2nd XIv NC Norton Sports CC · HomeformLLWWW

Skipper's Log, 7 May 2006. Won the toss, and with a Sunday sky doing very little threatening, I fancied a bowl first. It seemed a fine idea for about two hours.

Norton Sports rattled along nicely to 185/6 off their 42, Chris Gaze the chief architect with a well-made 35, Doug Wood chipping in 25 and Alex Tooke seeing them home unbeaten on 24 — their fourth-wicket pair adding a stubborn 61 that rather took the game away from us. Thomas Beeney kept his end honest and greedy for wickets, finishing with an excellent 3-30, with Joe Martin and Samuel Harris both weighing in. Trouble was, we gifted them 36 in wides and no-balls — the kind of largesse no side can afford to keep dishing out on a Sunday.

With the bat we never quite got the innings moving, subsiding to 118/9 from our 45. Clive Newman held things together with a gritty 29 — enough to top our season's run charts — while Paul Webber and Samuel Harris both departed for ducks. I did what I could with 29 of my own, but it wasn't to be a chase.

In the end neither side could land the killer blow, and honours were shared. A draw feels about right: we bowled well enough to win it, batted only well enough to draw it, and gave away quite enough extras to lose it. All told, a fair result — and tea, as ever, was the highlight.

Sat 06 May 2006 🧢 2nd XIv RC Rumwood CC · HomeformLWLWL

Saturday 6th May, and Rumwood CC rolled up as our visitors under grey club-cricket skies. The coin, as is so often its custom with me, sided against us, and Rumwood elected to bat, leaving us first use of the new ball. They ground their way to 159 for 7 off 47.5 overs, M White compiling a fine 53, well supported by R Feltham's 45 and A Reynolds' 23. Jon Harris was the pick of our attack, prising out three for a miserly 20, with Jack Jenner (2-32) and Ian Brattle (1-27) chipping in, while Darren Styles bowled three maidens that no batsman fancied facing twice.

In reply we made 149 for 6 from 33.2 overs, a chase built almost entirely on one man's shoulders — and, in a rare fit of captain's-log modesty, I confess that man was me, 69 not out and rather pleased to have led from the front. Graham Walker's 31 and Tim Thirkell's 20 gave the innings its backbone, though poor Simon Thirkell endured the walk of shame with a duck to his name, joining G Marsh and R Dixon of Rumwood in the season's growing flock.

So it finished honours even, neither side able to force the issue. A draw is cricket's great leveller, and on a day when the ball did more talking than the bat, I'll happily settle for one — especially with the run and wicket charts both currently wearing Linton Park colours.

Sun 30 Apr 2006 🧢 Sunday 1st XIv ? · HomeformLDDWL

Sunday 30 April 2006 — a fine spring afternoon at home, and the sort of match that reminds you why draws get such a bad press when really they're the beating heart of this game.

Batting first, we posted a very respectable 195/6 off our 45, built on a brisk opening stand of 52 that set the tone nicely. Craig Sands anchored things beautifully for an unbeaten 42, with James Piper (31) and Richard Piper (30) chipping in either side of him — and I can't in good conscience leave out our extras column, a generous 27 that at times looked like our most reliable partnership of the day. I threw in my own modest 24, more workmanlike than watchable.

In the field we were relentless. The openers' dismissal for just 1 set the mood, and it was soon 1-1 as we sent L Hancox and R Hancox back without so much as troubling the scorers — two ducks to treasure. Gareth Davies was magnificent, 4-21 and, more significantly, ticking over his 50th career wicket, a lovely landmark on a lovely day. James Piper (2-19) and Ian Brattle (1-4) mopped up nicely, while Darren Styles bowled with such miserly discipline that six maidens went unrewarded. Poor Daniel Thirkell had a wretched time behind the stumps, 8 byes escaping his grasp, though he'll shrug it off by Tuesday nets.

The opposition, restricted to 69/8, simply couldn't be prised out for the win we craved. Honours shared, then — but with Sands and Davies both topping this year's charts, the season looks in rude health.

Sat 29 Apr 2006 🧢 1st XIv The Mote CC · HomeformDLWWW

Skipper's Log — Saturday 29 April 2006, home to The Mote CC.

Batting first, we crawled to 140/7 from our 45 overs in the sort of innings that gives club cricket its grey hairs. Losing the first wicket for the princely sum of 1 hardly set the pulse racing, but Daniel Thirkell rolled up his sleeves for a fine 48, and Paul Gibson chipped in with 25 to give the innings some backbone — the fifth-wicket pair adding a crucial 50 when it mattered most. Elsewhere Craig Sands walked the loneliest walk in cricket, back to the pavilion with a golden duck to his name. 140/7 felt about ten short of a defendable total, and so it proved.

The Mote made light work of the chase, cruising to 141/2 in 35.2 overs. Glenn Critchley played the innings of the day, an unbeaten 52, well backed by Kraig Corke's 46 and Stephen Back's 20, with an 80-run second-wicket stand doing most of the damage to our afternoon. Stuart Cheesman gave us our one moment of real cheer, prising out a wicket for just 7 runs, and Michael Beeney toiled away manfully — a wicket, four maidens, and precious little luck to show for his miserliness. I did my best to lead from the front with 48 of my own, but eight wickets was the final margin.

Not our finest hour, but there's enough here — Thirkell's form, Beeney's parsimony — to build on. We'll regroup, we'll be better for it next week, and the teas were, as ever, excellent.

Sat 22 Apr 2006 🧢 1st XIv HC Holborough Anchorians CC · HomeformDDLWW

Saturday 22 April 2006, and Holborough Anchorians rolled up to Linton Park under skies that suggested a captain ought to bowl first. I did the opposite. Won the toss, stuck them in, and for once the decision looked halfway clever.

They crawled to 120 all out off 47.2 overs, Chris Skilton digging in for 43 and a second-wicket stand of 56 threatening to bed them in nicely — before we found another gear entirely, ripping through the middle order from 75-2 to 92-5 with barely time to towel down. Jon Harris was the chief tormentor, a magnificent 5-21, with Matthew Carter (3-28) and James Piper (1-5) mopping up the rest, and Ian Brattle bowling like a man with a personal grudge against boundaries — six maidens of pure attrition. Joe Bowles and Dean Heighes both walked back without troubling the scorers, which I'm reliably informed is called a duck, though on this occasion it felt more like target practice.

Chasing 121, we ambled home in 38.4 overs for the loss of five, Craig Sands unbeaten on 45 the anchor, Russell Baldwin's 38 lending fine support. Eight byes did rather give the game away for poor Jim Hall behind the stumps — a testing afternoon, that. I even mustered five wickets myself, more by accident than design.

Five wickets to the good, 121 on the board, and a verdict as tidy as the scorecard: a thoroughly earned five-wicket win, and two points banked without much fuss at all.