Welcome to Sandy Cricket Club

UNDER 12 COUNTY LEAGUE NORTH (10th July 2011)
Biggleswade CC U12 v Sandy CC U12
Sandy once again travelled with a man short, and how costly would this be by the end of the match?
Sandy asked Biggleswade to bat first, and soon had the home side in trouble. After 6 overs the score was 24 for 5, with wickets going to Dom H (2), Matt F, Tom W and Sam N. An excellent 6th wicket partnership took the score to 56 after 12 overs, but Sandy then put the batsmen under pressure again, conceding just 22 runs from the last 7 overs. Biggleswade finished on 80 for 8 from 20 overs, highlights for Sandy: Dom 3-5, Sam 2-15, Tom W 2-18, and Ben F-W's 2 overs without conceding a run.
Sandy lost early wickets again, which was then followed by a middle order collapse against spin (again), and after 10 overs the score was 26 for 6. Opener Sam then formed a great 7th wicket partnership with Tom W, and they added 25 runs in 4 over, giving Sandy a possible winning position. Sam was finally out for 14, and when Tom G was 9th man out at the end of the 18th over, Sandy's innings had fallen 12 runs short with 2 overs still remaining. Tom W finished on 13*, and who knows what might have been, had Sandy managed to field a full team of 11 players? The 33 run, sixth wicket partnership for Biggleswade, was certainly the turning point of the game.

UNDER 12 COUNTY LEAGUE NORTH (2nd July 2011)
Harrold CC U12 v Sandy CC U12
Sandy U12s travelled to Harrold for the second time this year with a player short, due to a late withdrawl. Harry won the toss and asked Harrold to bat first. Sandy got off to a great start, Dom taking a wicket in the first over, and Sam following up with a maiden in the second over. Unfortunately from then on most of the highlights belonged to Harrold. Sandy fought hard to contain the Harrold batting, and after 10 overs the score was 47 for 2. Harrold sent in their more attacking batsmen, and the score rattled along for the last 10 overs. Although further wickets were claimed by Tom G, Luke and Sam; there were also missed catches and runout opportunities. Harrold's innings finished on 127 for 4, but disappointingly 39 runs were given away with wides.
Sandy, like Harrold, made a poor start to their innings, with both Sam and Dom being bowled in the first over. Harry (13) played a captain's innings and supported by Tom G (12) they started to rebuild for Sandy. By the time they were both out, the score had reached 34 for 4 from 11 overs. Sandy were unable to make any progress against Harrold's spin bowler, and wickets fell on a regular basis as the pressure was applied by the bowlers. The scoring rate came to a virtual stop, and Sandy were eventually dismissed by the end of the 18th over for 59 runs, of which only 37 had been scored off the bat.
Harrold appear to be the strongest team in the division, and Sandy now need to reflect on the game, and assess which areas they need to develop for the future.

 

UNDER 12 COUNTY LEAGUE NORTH (19th June 2011)
Sandy CC U12 v Bedford CC U12
Bedford won the toss and asked Sandy to bat first. Edward and Sam got them off to a good start, with the run rate at a steady 5-an-over. Edward was out first, scoring 19, and unfortunately Sam went five balls later, for 7. Although Sandy now had two new batsmen at the crease, the scoring rate actually increased. Dom and Tom stayed together until the 16th over, when Dom was bowled for 23. Whilst Bedford's quicker bowlers were all conceding runs, it was the slower bowlers who caused Sandy the most problems. This was confirmed by 3 wickets falling in the last over, meaning that Sandy finished on 108 for 6 from their 20 overs.
Bedford's openers soon got into their stride, and combined with some irratic early bowling, had soon raced along to 52 from just 5 overs. Hitting any loose ball to the boundary, and having the confidence to take quick singles at will, the run-rate never lessened. Sandy rotated their bowlers, to ensure that everyone had a chance to contribute to the game, but the runs kept mounting up. Both openers went on to retire, having reach 30. Only Harry C and Tom W looked like stemming the flow of runs, but the two new batsmen also showed good technique. The winnings runs came off the first two balls of the 14th over, and Bedford had completed a comprehensive 10 wicket win, with 6 overs to spare.
Sandy can take heart from a sound batting performance, scoring their highest total of the season so far. Now we must look to bowl a better length, which will help challenge and pressurise the better batsmen we play against. The Sandy wicket is too good a batting surface on which to bowl short deliveries on, a lesson Bedford's bowlers may well also have learned today.
 

UNDER 12 COUNTY LEAGUE NORTH (5th June 2011)
Bedford CC U12 v Sandy CC U12
Sandy batted first against Bedford, with Edward and Sam opening the innings. Edward got off to a flying start, before being bowled in the 4th over for 18. Tom then joined Sam, and they took the score onto 41, when Sam was stumped for 17. Tom G was given out LBW, taking a pain blow on the toes; Dom top scored with 25 (including a six), but a flurry of quick wickets slowed Sandy's momentum. Tight bowling meant that only 12 runs were scored off the last 5 overs, and Sandy's innings finished on 97 for 7 from 20 overs.
Bedford's opening pair made a steady start, and then started to accelerate with some positive batting. Sandy's bowlers struggled to contain the scoring, and the opening stand of 47 was eventually broken by Tom G. Bedford's other opener then retired (not out) on 31, at which point Sandy's bowlers then gained some measure of control, with Tom W bowling well to concede only 3 runs from his 2 overs. But Bedford regained some momentum, as Sandy rotated 9 bowlers in total, and won in the 16th over. Bedford scored 99 for 1 off 15.5 overs, for a well deserved victory.
Sandy can take much heart from a good team display, with a number of batsmen reaching double figures, and a good fielding display.

 

Sandy vs Dunstable 3rds – 29/5/2011
Despite torrential rain in the days preceding the game the square was still pretty dry, as was the outfield. Having won the toss Chester opted to bat first and opened with Kev. Right from the start the bowling was pretty wayward from Dunstable though the pitch did its best to assist them with indifferent bounce and the ball sticking in the wicket; at least for the first few overs. The familiar gale force breeze hammering across the ground soon removed any residual moisture and the pitch played pretty well after the first 5-10 overs. Unfortunately, before then, Chester pulled one that stuck a bit and managed to top edge it – out for 4 and much muttering could be heard as he returned to the pavilion. Paul Daniels joined Kev and together they put on 183 runs for the third wicket. Kev was understandably unamused to be given out LBW on 92 but Eplett the umpire had the reassurance of hawkeye backing his decision. Well, not so much hawkeye, more the non striking batsman and the square leg umpire who confirmed it had been plumb in front and back in the crease respectively. Looking to put the game beyond reach Dazzler was sent in to wield the silver arrow to devastating effect. Unfortunately the ploy did not pay off - out for 0. Unabashed Chester sent in Baker with the same instruction – swing from the hip and put the bowlers under pressure. Baker started with a watchful block and then smacked a lovely four. In normal fashion he then tried to play the same shot to a full, straight ball and watched as the bails flew. At the non strikers end Paul D put his head in his hands and wept (metaphorically, obviously). Not to worry, a proper batsman was in next, Jon Clulow would support Paul in getting the score to 300+. Unfortunately, in trying to push the score on he also fell for a single figure score, possibly surprised by a rare straight ball as the extras continued to mount. Dan Price got out but the author was in the changing room so has no idea how. Paul Daniels fell trying to push on and Lloydie was looking good until he advanced down the pitch, missed it and was stumped. His defence? He had forgotten the wicket keeper was standing up… James Kier played a lovely cameo though he was unimpressed with Eplett who refused to run at one point on the basis that ‘that bloke hasn’t stopped one all day’ though in Eplett’s defence the ball did go for four. Eplett added a few and Rob Tant hit a nice 4 and protected his wicket to prevent Dunstable claiming all ten points.
The Sandy dressing room resounded with jokes about Dave Bakers bowling and how many extras he would leak given that he hadn’t bowled yet this year. Did I say jokes? Mean prophecies… To be fair to Mr Baker none of the sandy bowlers could get it right to start with, with the exception of Dazzler who was unlucky not to pick up wickets in his first spell. Given the unreliability of his bowlers Chester was left with little choice but to take a defensive approach and try and cut off the boundaries as Dunstable got off to a flyer. Eplett and Daniels exercised a degree of control though Eplett was lucky to be given more than one over given his first 6 balls went for 12 runs. There was an almighty shout for a caught behind against the one of the openers but it was not given – even though the Dunstable umpire at square leg admitted he heard the knick… The same opener then got another let off when Dazzler lost sight of the ball as it flew towards him at mid off. At least the bowler had the malicious pleasure of seeing the ball smash into Dazzlers chest; it takes more than that to fell the mighty scaffolder though and despite having a glorious red, seam marked lump in the middle of his chest Dazzler returned to bowl a good second spell. As the game appeared to slip away from Sandy Lloydie uttered his rallying call ‘ for F##ks sake! We’re playing like we’ve already lost!’ The field came up and Baker made amends running in and bowling with real pace and venom. With Darren and James bowling tightly from the other end Dunstable inched towards the total. It all came down to the last over, some excellent out fielding meant fours were turned into twos and it came down to the last ball. 1 run would be a draw, 2 a win for Dunstable. Dave B held his nerve and sent down an unplayable delivery, Jon collected it and ran in to run out the Dunstable batsman – no run and Sandy had won! Far too close for comfort but the points were in the bag. After a couple of disappointments over the last couple of weeks Sandy are back on track. Or are they???


UNDER 12s COUNTY LEAGUE (29th May 2011)
Sandy v Blunham
Sandy struggled to fulfil the fixture, but eventually with two U10's (Harry V & Connor H) helping out, and the last minute recruitment of a friend-of-a-player (Harry C), the team was cobbled together.
Sandy won the toss, and elected to bat first with Edward & Sam. They made a good start until Sam was bowled for 8 in the seventh over. Edward continued his good form from the previous match, batting on to retire for 33*. Sandy were unable to really build on the good start, losing wickets on a regular basis during the second half of the innings. After 20 overs, Sandy's innings finished on 87 for 6.
Blunham's innings started poorly, and after 5 overs their score was 15 for 3. The highlight being a brilliant catch by Cybil, to dismiss one of the Blunham openers in the 2nd over. Although Sandy kept taking wickets, Blunham kept up with the run rate to stay in the match. Merrick came on and took two wickets in one over, and after 12 overs, Blunham were 53 for 5. Sandy continued to rotate their bowlers, giving everyone a chance to stay involved in the game; and although Sam and Matthew M each took wickets, Blunham remained in the match. Harry C bowled with good pace in his first match to slow the scoring, but Blunham went into the last over needing only 2 runs to win. As the tension grew, even the passing adult football players stopped to watch the proceedings. Blunham held their nerve to seal victory, finishing on 88 for 7 off 19.2 overs.
Sandy can be pleased with a good team performance, especially as there were a number of less experienced players in the team. Everyone contributed to a great match, and although Sandy need to work on conceding fewer runs through extras, there were many positives to take from the performance.

 

UNDER 12s COUNTY LEAGUE (15th May 2011)
Sandy v Biggleswade
Sandy hosted Biggleswade for their first home league match this season. Biggleswade won the toss, and asked Sandy to bat first. Sandy lost their first wicket in the 2nd over, Dom caught for 0. Edward and Tom G then started to sensibly build their innings. Pushing singles and hitting the odd poor ball to the boundary, they kept scoring at a steady rate until Edward was eventually out for 25, when the total was on 89. Tom G carried his bat through the innings to finish on 23no, whilst Sandy's final total was 102 for 2. Rogers and Boyd were the wicket-takers for Biggleswade.
Biggleswade's innings started similarly to Sandy's, when 'keeper Connor K took a good catch behind the stumps off Matt's bowling. Sandy rotated their bowlers to keep everyone involved, and Biggleswade struggled maintain the run rate required. Further wickets fell, Ben took a caught & bowled, and good fielding resulted in Biggleswade's top scorer (Boyd) being run out with a direct hit. Another wicket fell as Luke took a good catch off Edward's bowling, whilst the score was on 68. Biggleswade scored 78 for 4 off their 20 overs, meaning Sandy won by 24 runs. Good all round team effort from both teams, and played in a really good spirit.

 

UNDER 12s COUNTY LEAGUE (8th May 2011)
Harrold v Sandy
Sandy travelled to Harrold for their first County League match, and faced a strong Harrold line-up that included a number of County squad players. Harrold elected to bat first, with both openers going on to retire having each scored 30 runs. The bowler who caused them the most problems was Sam, bowling spin on a damp wicket. He was unlucky not to get one of the openers out, the ball just dropping short of Matt, and was definitely Sandy's most threatening bowler. Harrold finished on 128 for 1 off their full 20 overs.
The Sandy reply did not start well, Edward out LBW in the first over, to a ball that kept low. Dom briefly went onto the attack, but departed shortly afterwards. Sandy then lost wickets regularly to some very accurate bowling, with only Tom W being able to bat for any length of time, and eventually top scoring with 10. Sandy were dismissed in the 17th over for 55, losing by 73 runs.
 

Leighton Buzzard Away 8 May 2011
With the skipper away sunning himself the team he had pulled together before leaving met in the Bell car park for the hour long trek to Leighton B, only to discover there were only 9 players. No one had Depaqs number and reserves had already been bought in to cover for a mysterious injury to Lloydie. Despite much frantic ringing round of mates, mates of mates and even people that no one was mates with, no more players could be found.
Leading from the front Chester decided we should go anyway, at which point Eddy Collins - a heroic stand in for Lloydie - and Coops decided they would go, to the petrol station; and promptly disappeared for half an hour.
The drive over was unremarkable apart from the fact that a chink in Coopers armour was found with his little car proving incapable of coping with anything more hill like than a speed bump. At last, something that Cooper cannot do, get there quicker than anyone else?
Chester continued the good run by promptly losing the toss and despite having laid it on thick with the oppo captain was unsuccessful in getting us first bowl.
Batting line up worked out Chester and Eddy strode out to open the batting. The pitch, which had been under covers until immediately before the game, misbehaved wonderfully. The bounce was either low or extravagent (ok, low with one ball spitting in the entire innings) with the LB bowlers bowling either brilliantly (one bowled 5 overs, all of which were maidens with one wicket) or with liqourice allsorts. Chester, looking to stamp his authority on the bowling, managed to lay bat to ball for an aggressive stroke up and over point. Only problem was it didnt quite get up and over and an easy catch ensued. Az tried an aggressive third run only to see a great return arrive straight over the stumps so he kept on going, straight back to the pavillion. Lee then aided the cause by adjudging Coops to have been LBW, only for Dazzler Wheatley to wander over from square leg to mention that he thought it had been a bit high, and for a bit high he meant that it probably wouldn't have hit if the stumps had been another 6 inches taller...
Tareeq and Eddy tried their best to anchor the innings but with the ball nipping round all over the place they soon perished. Dazzler played his own game but being the best part of 8 foot tall is a distinct disadvantage when a ball that pitches mid track hits the stumps 3 inches off the ground. He played the right line just swung straight the top of the ball, an outcome that resulted in a stream of language only a scaffolder could come out with as he wandered back to the pavillion.
The end result? top scorer was extras, with only Lee and Eddy getting into double figures. All out for 60 and a decision made to have tea after the game had concluded...
It was agreed during the interval that we were going to go down fighting. So 9 players? no worries, a slip, a gully and silly mid off - that'll intimidate them!
It worked, one opener thought he would pull the ball for 4, after all there were only 2 players on the leg side and one of those was at mid on. Unfortunately for him, one of those players was super Coop. Batsman middles the ball, everyone looks to the boundary but no, as calm as you like cooper snaffles it! 1 down, 9 to go.
On the basis that nothing ventured = nothing gained Chester threw the ball to Eddie, pointing out that not having played for 8 years was no excuse for not bowling. This cycle continued with pretty much everyone getting an over or 2. Rob picked up another wicket thanks to Simon plucking another catch out of the air. 2 down.
Darren got frustrated bowling good balls and threw down a wide, wide ball outside off. The batsman nearly gave himself a hernia reaching it and played on. A bail shoots up in the air, laughs and lands back on the stumps. Not out? indeed!
Riding their luck the LB batsman see their team home comfortably.
So a tale of 4 hours, 1 to get there, 2 to play an entire match and 1 to get back again.
Wait 'til they get to Sandy, with the 9 first team players that were missing back (hopefully) it should be a different kettle of fish.
 

Sandy travelled to Harrold expecting a challenging match against a very experienced Harrold side.

Jack L won the toss and asked Harrold to bat first. Edward L and Dominic H opened the bowling for Sandy and Harrold got off to a flying start with three boundaries in the first over. However Dominic got a wicket in his first over to holt the flow of runs. After the first 4 overs Harrold's score was 130.

Harrold's fluent batting kept the score ticking over and to try and combat this Sandy made constant bowling changes, however the bowlers were unable to make further breakthroughs and by the end of the 12th over the score was 197 for the loss of 2 wickets. The fourth Harrold pair accelerated the scoring, adding 47 runs in their four overs, and by the end of the twentieth over the score finished on 265 for the loss of 3 wickets.

Sandy's reply began promisingly with Harrison Y and Jack L opening, and Jack showed good intent by scoring boundaries of the first and second overs. Harrold then bowled a tighter line and by the end of the fourth over the Sandy score was 118 for 1 wicket. Edward L and Dominic H batted next and began to attack any loose bowling, scoring runs consistently in their four over, taking the score up to 144 by the 8th over without losing a wicket. Ryan T and Ben H (both playing their first competitive game) found the Harrold bowling difficult to score from, but stuck to their task and should be pleased with their efforts.

Ben F-W and Jonathan H (also playing his 1st match) came to the crease with Sandy well behind the Harrold score. Ben attacked immediately with two boundaries, but a wicket next ball pegged Sandy back again and Harrold's experienced bowlers soon found a good line and length once again.

Ben and Jack batted again, but with 5 wickets being taken in the last four overs Harrold cruised to a comfortable win. Sandy's final score being 139.

This proved to be as challenging a game for an inexperienced Sandy side as was expected. Harrold played some excellent cricket, but Sandy showed signs of good attacking cricket and should look back on this game as a learning experience to see the levels of consistency they need to/want to achieve.

Thanks also to Harrold for offering to make up the number of fielders to an under-strength Sandy side, which was very much appreciated.

Bedford B Under 10 v Sandy Under 10 (21st June 2009)

Bedford B won the toss and asked Sandy to bat first. Matthew F and Jack C opened cautiously until the fourth over when Matthew hit three boundaries to take the total to 122. Harrison Y and Edward L then edged the score forward to 130 after eight over for the loss of only two wickets. The momentum swung Sandy's way with attacking batting and positive running from Dominc H and Sam N. They scored seven boundaries between them and after 12 over Sandy had raced to 170. Charlotte E and Max Levy batted sensibly next, until they lost three wickets in the last seven balls of their four overs, including a run out from a rather hopeful quick single. After 16 overs the score was 164 for the loss of 7 wickets. Ben F-W batted out the last two over, and a number of very attacking shots produced 28 runs and took Sandy's final total to 192.

Edward and Dominic opened the bowling when Bedford B replied, and some accurate bowling saw Bedford at just 103 for the loss of two wickets after the first 4 overs. The next Bedford pair took the score to 131 after 8 overs. Sandy came back with two more wickets in the next four over spell and after 12 overs the Bedford score stood at 152. Two more wickets helped to slow the scoring and after 16 overs Bedford's total was 160, just 4 runs short of Sandy's score after the same number of overs. The next two overs produced 15 runs for Bedford, meaning they required 18 runs from the last two over to win. However those last two over produced only one scoring shot (a boundary), the last over from Matthew F being a maiden. Sandy won by 13 runs

An good all round performance from Sandy, some very positive batting and running between the wicket. An excellent fielding display produced run outs, stumpings and many runs saved in the field. With some added accuracy to their bowling, the team have the potential to produce even better displays in the future. Much credit also to Bedford B, who were within reach of a win right up to the last over (well bowled Matthew), and played the match in an excellent spirit.

NB: Each team starts their innings with 100 runs.


Sandy Sunday XI v Blunham 2nd XI 21st June 2009

Sandy won by 7 wickets

Despite a few rumours to the contrary Blunham turned out with a very similar side to the one faced for the 274 run thriller over at their place. Sandy promptly won another toss and grabbed an early wicket with only 35 on the board, things were looking quite promising.

With the score moving on to 151 before the next wicket fell, things were getting a little bit testy for the Sandy boys but we held our nerve admirably with a concerted effort from the bowlers and helped out massively by the fielding, Steve Nicholson in particular showing up his lad on more than one occasion with his turn of pace in the field.

Thankfully after Mr Eplett disposed of the big hitting Ackroyd, with the help of a well pouched catch from Bambi things really looked up with the final wicket falling just over 40 runs later. A great turn around and a testament to the tenacity shown by Sandy in the field. Kev picked up 4/33, with one each to Az, Matthew, Daz, Lee and Simon.

Next came the batting, a slow start by KP's standards only 10 of the first 2 overs but with 69 for Kev and 82 for Dave Carr victory was within our grasp, dan Lloyd decided to keep us going in that vein with a quick fire 25 before Az eventually knocked off the final runs of the 199 required in just 25 overs. Batting first would have been quite interesting with the boys in such good we looked on for about 400.

A great team effort lads, let's keep it up.

Sandy v New City Millman Division 1 Saturday 13th June 2009

Sandy won by 8 wickets

Last season's league champions New City won the toss and elected to bat on a very fast track which was full of runs.  Paul Welch, playing his first game of the season, opened the bowling with Az Nawaz and managed to keep the the scoring in check.  The first wicket fell at 37 Paul having an opener caught at cover by Shilton. Az got in on the act soon after, taking 2 quick wickets both at the same score 37. New City began to creak and were soon 77 for 8 wickets.  A late flurry of runs from both tail enders saw them reach 136 all out, in 39 overs.  Wickets were well shared about with Az Nawaz taking 3 for 28, Ben Welch 2 for 16 runs, Paul Partridge 2 for 45 runs, Dan Hall 1 for 0 runs, Paul Welch 1 for 20 runs and Dave Shilton 1 for 25 runs.

Opening for Sandy again were the Welch brothers who completely dominated the attack scoring 50 before Jason fell for 26.  John Ambrose came to the wicket and scored 12 with 3 shots before being given out lbw off his hip!  Ben continued his on slaught of the bowling reaching his 50 and the total of 100 with a characteristic boundary.  No more wickets fell and in 27 overs Sandy were worthy winners by 8 wickets. Ben Welch was undefeated on 73 and Paul Partridge on 18.  Sandy now move into 4th place and have the top three to play.

Sandy Sunday XI v Harrold 14th June 2009

Sandy Lost by 6 Runs

Having been put in the field on a baking hot day Sandy set about their task admirably with a clutch of early wickets. a choice Simon would have picked anyway as it was important to secure 10 points in the field. With Harrold on the ropes and the selection problems of the week seeming a distant memory the heat eventually took its toll as the 'tail' began to wag for Harrold with great knocks from their 6 and 8.

Eventually being set 207 to win having secured the last 2 wickets in the final over with a stoic performance from Christopher Bollig (5 fer), and despite Simon putting a few hearts in mouths by almost dropping what turned in to an easy chance.

The Sandy innings started with its usual flurryof activity in the shape of Kev Morrallee (KP) getting us off to great start with a rapid 52 before holing out to the fielder who departed about 2 minutes later to go to work, talk about bad timing. A few ill chosen shot spelled the end for some of our batsmen including an almighty swipe across the line to the straight one from the skipper and it all looked out of reach.

Then in marched Darren Wheatley (Bambi) with a bat with a middle on it for a change (Kev's). Having smashed 2 massive 6's off the spinner Sandy were in for a tense finish needing only a handful with plenty of time to get them.

Unfortunately it was all too much and Sandy eventually fell 6 runs short, a crying shame given the efforts and our first loss of the season.

Sandy Sunday XI v Eggington Foresters 6th June - Match Cancelled

Sandy 1st XI v Luton Cricketers 7th June - Match Cancelled

Sandy Sunday 1st X1 v Dunstable Town 3rd X1  31st May 2009

Sandy won by 7 wkts

Batting first, Dunstable found runs hard to come by on their home track, against Sandy's opening attack of Dave Baker and Az Narwaz. Wickets began to fall regularly and soon Dunstable were in trouble at 100 - 6wkts. A late flurry of runs by the tail, from L.Copcutt 27 and C.Newton 32, plus high extas of 34, mainly wides, saw Dunstable to 184 all out in 40 overs.  Dave Baker took 3 wkts for 49, Kevin Morrallee took 2 wkts for 15 and Dan Lloyd took 2 wkts for 22 with Dan Price catching 3 behind the stumps.
Sandy opened the batting with Kevin Morrallee and Dave Carr  who moved the score along quite briskly particularly Kevin who smashed 98 runs before falling to a catch.  Dave Carr weighed in with a stylish 26 runs and Dan Lloyd 11 runs; these being the only wickets to fall as Sandy reached their target in half the allotted overs, Az Narwaz 17 not out and Dan Price 7 not out at the end.


Sandy v Pilgrims Oakley Millman Div 1 Saturday 30th May 2009

Sandy won by 85 runs

Sandy won the toss and elected to bat on a plumb track. Jason and Ben Welch opened and after a steady start, accelerated the rate appreciably. The first wicket fell with the score at 73 when Ben top mis timed a pull and was caught at mid on for 43. Dan Hall joined Jason and they continued to plunder runs with Dan scoring a quick 38 before holing out on the long on boundary. Enter Paul Partridge and he joined in the run spree in support of Jason who eventually fell caught on 78. Paul continued to ‘milk’ the bowling until he eventually fell, also caught, with his score on 67. Az Nawaz had already joined ‘Bungy’ at the wicket and had begun to build a respectable score, as the innings drew to a close at tea of 291- 6. He finished on 33 not out.

Chasing a formidable total for victory, Pilgrims struggled to achieve the required rate and although they had two 50 run partnerships they could not master the Sandy attack finishing on 206 – 9. D.Simms 60 and C.Frost 43 batted well for Pilgrims. Sandy bowlers Ben Welch 2-32, Az Nawaz 2-37, and Matt Nicholson 2-15 were the main wicket takers.


Match Report 23/5/2009 Pavenham & Felmersham v Sandy First XI

Sandy won by 18 runs

Sandy won the toss and elected to bat on a very fast track. Ben Welch and Kevin Morrallee opened but found early runs hard to come by and were soon in trouble at 32-3 after 7 overs. Enter Paul ‘ Bungy’ Partridge who with Ben Welch put on an over 150 run partnership guiding Sandy through the 200 land mark. Ben Welch deserves much credit for some powerful and elegant stroke play and reached 77 before being bowled. Paul Partridge carried on and he too was bowled, but off this pads, when he reached 84. Captain Colin Finding was now at the wicket and with good middle order support Sandy mustered 266-7 at tea.

Pavenham started brightly but soon fell behind the clock due mainly to some steady bowling from Dan Hall and Kevin Morrallee and as Sandy started to claim wickets with Ben Welch and Ollie Dalrymple claiming scalps. With the score at 166-6 and not many overs and wickets left, the game seemed to be heading emphatically in Sandy’s favour. However, the tail began to wag and Pavenham edged rapidly towards their target. It went to the wire and Sandy kept their nerve claiming their last wicket off a run out, winning by 18 runs. It was pleasing to see the debut of two new players Ollie Dalrymple a quality player and Matt Nicholson who at 15 yrs old shows great promise as an all-rounder.



Sandy Sunday XI vs Potton Town 17th May 2009

Sandy won by 161 runs

Sandy elected to bat in very blustery conditions and set about the Potton attack with conviction. The score simply raced along and the hundred went up in 14 overs mainly attributed to Kevin Morrallee and who went on to score his second ton in a week. He was the first wicket to fall on 194 have savaged 145. Not to be out done Daniel Lloyd moved on to his century carrying his bat for a well earned 119 not out and with support from Az Nawaz Sandy reached tea on 323 for the loss of 4 wickets. For Potton Town only Steve Highland had any real success taking 3 – 48.

Potton opened with T.Clarke and the hard hitting P.Stevenson. T.Clarke went cheaply and this brought in Chris Gale to join P.Stevenson and for a brief while they hit their way and were up with the clock. Enter Kevin Morrallee, again, and soon Potton were struggling as they lost quick wickets and were all out for 161. Kevin returned the excellent figures of 7 overs 2 maidens 6 wickets for 25 runs. Other wicket takers were Darren Wheatley 2-31, Az Nawaz 1-53 and Dave Baker 1-51.


Sandy Sunday XI vs Blunham 10th May 2009

Sandy won by 4 wkts

Blunham 2nd X1 were our hosts on Sunday and having won the toss elected to bat. Scoring steadily they soon reached 62 before losing their first wicket when Kevin Morrallee had their opener caught at the wicket by Dan Price. Blunham continued to pile on the runs and amassed 273 - 6 wkts at the end of their alloted 50 overs, when tea was taken. Kevin Morrallee and Dave Carr opened the innings for Sandy and they struck the ball to all parts of the ground reaching 100 in just over 12 overs. Kevin Morrallee was in particular, in a savage mood as he launched boundary after boundary as the Blunham bowlers toiled for their first scalp. He completed his century and eventually fell with the score at 187 he having contributed 123. Not to be outshone, Dave Carr took up the mantle and stroked the ball around graciously edging towards his century, but concerned that Sandy were steadily losing wickets at the other end, as the Blunham bowlers clawed their way back in to the game. Dan Price contributed a brief but effective knock, as Sandy moved toward their target. The winning runs came with a boundary and Dave's stylish innings of 103 not out. Credit to Blunham who never gave up and were rewarded with 6 wickets.