SATURDAY 23 AND SUNDAY 24 APRIL 2005

1stXI - WICKHAM, HOME
RESULT: RAINED OFF

SUNDAY XI - MERLIN
RESULT: NO RESULT, RAIN
A GAME OF ONE HALF
And so it begins. Sunday cricket returned to Albany Road in earnest on an overcast afternoon as new BWCC Sunday captain "Laura" Ashley Mills met his opponents with a steely determination and a welcoming, but uncompromising handshake.

A team compromising of a mixture of youthful exuberance and wily old heads were asked to field by the opposition and were immediately on the front foot due to the opening partnership of Phil "The New Enners (minus the ginge)" Dalton and Tom "Warp 9 Mr." Scott, pegged the openers to just 10 runs in the first 12 overs, Scotty trapping opener Jones, clean bowled for a duck. With the skipper trying his best to remove the pre-season rust from his team, each of the bowlers had a decent work out, Mitchell and Mills unlucky not to pick up any victims in their spells. With the spin triumvirate of Farley, Livermore and Wymbs bowling 17 overs between them and picking up a wicket each, the watching crowd could faintly hear the mesmerising strains of Cher and her haunting ballad "If I Could Turn Back Time". Mills even had the audacity to throw the ball to his Saturday counterpart Simon "Bowling Machine" Jones, soon to be knee deep in vomit and faeces (and not his own!). With a twinkle in the eye and a twirl of those supple wrists, he soon found himself 2 wickets up and on a hat-trick, only to be denied by putting too many revs on the ball which spun viciously past the outside edge of Emm's bat. With significant contributions from Morrison (26) and Phillips (46), supported by Hatley (16) at the end, Merlin posted a gettable target of 112 for 7.

Unfortunately the weather gods did not smile on Waltham, and with rain constant from tea, Mills was denied an opening victory to his tenure.

SATURDAY 30 APRIL AND SUNDAY 1 MAY 2005

1stXI - HURSLEY PARK (FRIENDLY), HOME
RESULT: BWCC LOST
NO MATCH REPORT

2ndXI - ALTON II, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC WON
ALTON HELP WALTHAM TO FRIENDLY WIN

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A green and damp Jubilee ground played host to a high scoring, good-spirited pre-season encounter in which Bishop's Waltham II's sealed an 8 wicket win.

Alton had cause to rue lending batsmen Scott Myers and Dane Sherbourne to Waltham, the youngster striking seven boundaries despite the slow outfield in a knock of 83 to overhaul the home team's 40-over total of 197 for 9. Trim (1 for 13 in 8 overs) and slow left armer Sampson restricted the visitors' reply to just 9 from the first 7 overs, and Trim returned in the 29th over to end the opening stand of 136 between Myers and Waltham skipper Simon Jones, whose 52 included six boundaries and one maximum.

Dane Sherborne (28*), another Alton guest, was accompanied in the gloom by veteran Ian Tromans (4*), and delivered the coup de grace with 5 balls to spare. Earlier, Artley (41) and Willman (36) had added 87 for Alton's third wicket, with twenties from Rob Crook and home captain Martin Green setting a competitive total.

Jon Cooper (2 for 21) enjoyed success against his own team, while young seamer James Ashton (2 for 19) and Jones' leg spin (3 for 33) also kept Alton in check.

SUNDAY XI - SWANMORE
RESULT: BWCC WON
MR SCOTT HELPS WALTHAM "KLINGON"
The onset of a glorious Bank Holiday week-end saw the Waltham bandwagon roll a few miles down the road to Swanmore to contest a tight local derby at the municipal ground. With last minute call offs and Bank Holiday malaise, skipper Mills was only able to muster 9 hands to the pump. Swannore graciously allowed young Alex Mills of the under 11 set up to guest, and he came complete with dad who patrolled the gulley for most of the Swanmore innings.

Swanmore elected to bat, and made a steady start despite the early loss of Knight to the hostile bowling of Phil "your boots" Dalton. Mills and Funky Gibson provided steady back up claiming a wicket each, with Funky taking a splendid catch for Mills and vice versa. Craig Jenkins found some good pace and length, claiming Matthews (14) caught behind despite Campbell having gloves sponsored by Teflon non-stick! Scouse terrier Andy Robbo claimed a millenium first wicket with his tweakers, and young on-loan Alex Ball forcing Burford (18) to spoon a catch to Dalton, and was unlucky not to have had his dad caught off the next ball. Bowler of the day was young Tom "I thought we had some pies, have you seen the pies?" Scott claiming 3 for 25, Jackson (19) well caught by a juggling Wymbs, Gemmell (0) and Varcoe (5) both clean bowled. Rowe (46) provided the backbone of a testing target of 152 for 9. Mills seems to be an icy character in the field, placing of fielders being calculated with the precision thought of a Stephen Hawking, it's just a shame that some of the fielders also displyed Hawking-esque characteristics, and I'm not implying mental gymnastics!

Waltham's innings got off to a superb start, with Wymbs and Mills enjoying slices of excellent play and good luck in equal measure. An opening partnership of 38 came to an end when the icy cool Mills played down the wrong line and was bowled by Varcoe for 7. Campbell joined Wymbs & proceeded to watch him set about the Swanmore attack. With a couple of sixes, one helped over the line by the outfielder, Wymbs raced to 83, but didn't have the patience to see the game out, and perished lbw to Burford trying to sweep slog. Obviously annoyed with himself at missing out on a hundred, Wymbs left the game with 54 needed off 10 overs. Robinson set the game alight with 2 cracking boundaries off his first 3 balls, only be trapped lbw for 9. With overs ticking away, and the run rate creeping up towards 6, Craig Jenkins was cruelly stumped for 0 by Ball. Young Scotty (17 n.o.) (who, incidentally isn't Scottish) joined the sluggish Campbell with the score on 119 for 4. With a cool head and a flashing blade he saw the game home with Campbell (36 n.o.), scoring a brace of excellent boundaries and well run 2s, giving Waltham a closely fought victory. Shot of the day had to be the 6 over cow corner from Campbell, showing Wymbs that he doesn't hold the monopoly on agricultural shots.

Comment of the day, came from umpire Funky Gibson: "The bowler's action is right hand over, but he's coming round!"

SATURDAY 7 MAY 2005

1stXI - ROPLEY, HOME
RESULT: BWCC WON
HARVEY & DALTON SHINE

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Veteran Ron Harvey and 1st XI debutant Phil Dalton provided two of the three talking points in a somewhat one-sided affair at Albany.

Winning the toss, skipper Dave Oddie elected to bat on what looked like a belter of a track. Harvey and Rob Bailey opened up against a Ropley attack bolstered by Antiguan import Kevin Archibald. Archibald looked pacy and dangerous, getting lateral movement and bounce against the two left-handers and was unlucky not to pick up a wicket with the Waltham openers failing to time pulls and hooks and paying the price in bruises.

After an opening stand of 98, first change bowler Green; clean bowled Rob Bailey for 34. Barrett soon followed for a paltry 8 bowled by Mundy. Skipper Oddie provided the stability for Harvey to blast three massive sixes, one of which was scored as a four. Apparently on 98, Harvey took one run too many for his tiring limbs and he was run out. However, scorers and umpires consulted and he was awarded the additional two runs to take his score to 100. Ron Harvey, rarely seen at nets these days quotes "form is temporary, class is permanent" as his excuse. Today, it certainly was true!

Waltham closed on 212-5 with Archibald picking up 2-57 in his first taste of Hampshire league cricket and with extras totalling a massive 47 Ropley will need to tighten up their bowling in future weeks.

Waltham's opening attack of Steve Enfield and Jonathan Dunlea set the scene for the Ropley innings. Dunlea was unlucky not to pick up Hazelzine third ball when Oddie dropped him behind. Dunlea was justly further aggrieved when Hazelzine refused to walk following a cast-iron appeal. Matters were not improved when the batsman apologised to Dunlea two overs later admitting he had nicked the ball. Nonetheless, Waltham stuck to their task and Enfield removed both Wood (10) and Graham (2) LBW in one over. Dunlea completed an exciting and unlucky 12 over spell wicketless conceding 30 runs. Enfield picked up 2-46 in a somewhat wayward spell. Enter Peter Boston and debutante Phil Dalton who between them put the game beyond Ropley. Boston bowled well, picking up 4-39 in 11 overs, including a wicket off the last ball of the match to secure and additional point, but it was Dalton who stole the limelight. His easy on the eye left-arm action was steady and accurate, conceding only 22 off his ten-overs; he looked a more assured and mature bowler than in previous seasons.

Waltham closed out the Ropley innings at 148 for 8 winning by 64 runs, with, as one of the Ropley contingent put it, Hazelzine finishing on 81-1.

Bishop's Waltham 22 points
Ropley 5 points

2ndXI - GOSPORT BOROUGH III, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC WON
DEBUTANT PARKER BOWLS OVER BOROUGH

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Brisk medium pacer Duncan Parker made an immediate impact at a breezy Privett Park, claiming 4 for 40 in 11 overs, as well as striking a boundary from the first ball he faced in Waltham colours.

The former Netley Sports man claimed the vital wicket of Ford (58) caught behind by Campbell in his second spell, with extras (30) and Nigel Gravells (18) the only other meaningful contributions as the home side fell 11 run short of Waltham's 155-6.

Ex-Antelope, Trojans and Portsmouth swing bowler Marawat Hussein (1 for 32) also impressed on debut reeling off 12 overs and applying the breaks mid-innings, while leg spinner Simon Jones (3 for 15) nearly cleaned up at the death as the home side closed on 144-9.

Jones (37) and Livermore (34) were the mainstays of the visitors' total with boundaries hard to come by due to the slow track and grassy, massive outfield.

Veteran skipper Chris Giles (1 for 26 with his canny left arm medium) and young awayswing bowler Alex Elsbury (1 for 37) sent down tight 12 over stints for Borough, but Andy Robinson (16*), Parker and Dawkins plundered 58 from the final 9 overs to put the match beyond their reach.

Gosport Borough III 144-9 (42 overs) 9 points
Bishop's Waltham II 155-9 (42 overs) 21 points

SATURDAY 14 AND SUNDAY 15 MAY 2005

1stXI - MIDHURST, HOME
RESULT: BWCC LOST
MIDHURST LUSH OUT

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Simon Lush produced a superb display of batting as Midhurst comprehensively beat Waltham in County 3.

Invited to bat first, Waltham's opening pair of Harvey and Richard Hughes looked comfortable against Midhurst's opening attack of Kearney and Goodale, putting on 20 in five overs when Hughes miscalculated a turn to leg and lost his off stump to Kearney for 8. Barrett and Harvey took the score along to 49 before Barrett mis-timed a drive and spooned the ball up to mid-off where DeSchwardt took a superb catch diving forwards. Dave Oddie and Ron Harvey looked to have the second-string bowlers under control until Harvey tried one shot too many and he was caught in the deep for 42. Oddie and Hogg provided some entertainment for the watching spectators with some brave chip shots over the infield until Hogg becames Jones' second victim trapped in front for 15. Oddie perished for 39 to the catch of the day from Julian Goodale. In what looked like a scene from "Das Boot", Goodale stuck up his left arm, periscope style to field a fierce straight drive from Oddie and came down with the ball and fingers intact. Waltham's Dunlea scored 18 runs late on, but it was Goodale who finished with 10-3-20-3 and Midhurst who cleaned up Waltham in the 44th over all out for 169.

Midhurst's Ben Jones sent the Waltham bowlers a very clear message of intent at the start of his side's innings and he carted Jon Dunlea for 15 in his first over. Lush started slightly more reserved but was soon playing some exquisite drives and powerful cuts as he and Jones hit Dunlea out of the attack taking 50 runs off his 8 overs. Enfield fared slightly better, going for 27 in his spell of 8 overs, but neither of the Waltham overs achieved the vital break-through. Part-time bowler Barrett fared no better as the Waltham players struggled to get the important first wicket. Several chances came and went as Midhurst rode their luck. After completing a century stand, Jones was dismissed caught by Dunlea off the bowling of Pete Boston for 42. Any chance of further wickets for Waltham went out the window as a succession of chances was put down. Oddie, the Waltham skipper turned to Richard Hughes in one last final act of desperation, but it wasn't to be. The scores were level and Simon Lush was looking for a boundary to score a well-deserved ton. He could only watch helplessly as Hughes sent one down to the leg-side boundary for four wides. Midhurst had convincingly beaten Waltham by 9 wickets.

Bishop's Waltham 4 points
Midhurst 24 points

2ndXI - PURBROOK III, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC LOST
FORTUNE FAVOURS BRAVE PURBROOK

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Purbrook took the aerial route and their enterprise was rewarded with a 36 run win at a damp Hayling Park before their imminent move to the St John's College ground.

Morning rain meant a late start in a contest reduced to 37 overs a side, with Colban (38) and home skipper Dave Pugsley (27) somehow staying together to add 70 before counterpart Simon Jones (2 for 41) made the breakthrough having Colban brilliantly caught in the deep by Andy Robinson.

Robinson failed to repeat the feat next ball giving Pugsley a life, but the most vital in a number of missed catches, lobs into space and run out chances in an innings still containing four run outs came when Andy Anand was reprieved by Kev Bowen off the ever-economical Ray Mitchell (1 for 16).

Indian Anand blasted 31 before falling to Pakistani Marawat Hussein (1 for 32) in a matter of national pride, although the latter fell to the former in the Waltham reply to equalise matters, with flurries from Philbin (14) and Tebb (12*) boosting Purbrook's score to 149-9.

Excellent spells from experienced campaigner Andy Cragg (2 for 10) and Philbin (2 for 12) reduced the visitors' reply to 18 for 4, and only Ian Campbell, resplendent in dyed strawberry blond hair following a lost bet, managed to carry the fight to the 'home' side.

The Waltham keeper was last out for 34 with extras (23) the only other double-figure contribution, as Anand and Brett both grabbed a brace with Pugsley and young slow left armer Brett (one wicket each) also combining to wrap up the innings on 113.

Purbrook III 149-9 (37 overs) 21 points
Bishop's Waltham II 113 all out (34.2 overs) 7 points

SATURDAY 21 AND SUNDAY 22 MAY 2005

1stXI - ROWLEDGE II, AWAY
RESULT: NO MATCH, RAIN

2ndXI - PURBROOK III, HOME
RESULT: NO MATCH, RAIN

SUNDAY XI - CURDRIDGE, HOME
RESULT: DRAW
DERBY GOES DOWN TO THE WIRE

Bishop's Waltham II 134-6
Curdridge 132-5
A good-spirited encounter ended with honours even as Curdridge fell just short of their target at a sunny if breezy Albany Road.

Despite Wilson's final over boundary, left armer Phil Dalton sent down four dot balls to leave the visitors three short of the ten needed from the last over.

Skinner (18) and Andy Pearce (29) put on 46 as Waltham kept it in the family with 15 year-old speedster James Mitchell and the military medium of dad Ray taking the new ball. Martin Gibson (3 for 13) removed the openers with his right arm away swing, and while Piers Ockenden (37*) supported by Castlemann (24) kept Curdridge up with the rate, young James Ashton's spell of 2 for 12 at the death kept the match out of reach.

Simon Jones' unbeaten 54 in 100 minutes formed the backbone of the home side's hard earned 134 for 6, with support coming from another Waltham colt Craig Jenkins with a stylish 32 in a fifth wicket stand of 59.

Ockenden and skipper Chris Clode grabbed a brace apiece early on to reduce Waltham to 29 for 4, and Rich Pearce, Wilson and Webster maintained the stranglehold keeping the ball in good areas.

Dave Wymbs blasted a whirlwind 14, although Turner (2 for 33) finally got his man, but it was James Mitchell's scrambled two leg byes including an overthrow from the final ball of the innings which saved the match for the hosts, even though the ball only initially travelled five yards.

SATURDAY 28 AND SUNDAY 29 MAY 2005

1stXI - STEEP, HOME
RESULT: BWCC WON
BARRETT AND HARVEY MAKE IT ALL UPHILL FOR STEEP

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Rejuvinated batsmen Ron Harvey and Mike Barrett gave Waltham the impetus they needed to secure maximum points in their encounter with Steep who remain winless this season.

Waltham openers, Ron Harvey and Rob Bailey quickly got into their stride as they put the Steep opening bowlers to the sword. Taking three an over at leisure, the fifty came up in sixteen overs. Waltham secured their first batting point in the 21st over, but also lost Bailey for 38, who was out LBW to Smith.

This brought in Barrett who with Harvey compiled Waltham's first century stand of the season. Harvey started to open his sizeable shoulders and he secured his 50 with a massive six over long on off fellow old-timer Rudi Antrobus. He and Barrett took runs off all the Steep bowlers putting on 106 for the second wicket when Harvey was bowled by Evans for 88 immediately after despatching him for a six with 186 on the board in the 38th over.

Barrett, finding form for the first time this season, batted sensibly and assuredly as Waltham looked to up the run-rate. However, the Steep bowlers finally found line and length on a cracking batting track, ripped out the Waltham middle order with Mitchell (3-51) and Evans (2-56) doing the damage. Barrett finished unbeaten on 86 and the Waltham innings closed on 240-6.

It was going to be an uphill task for Steep, chasing 241 to win and their cause wasn't helped when Steve Enfield had them reeling at 11-2 in the sixth over. Jonathan Dunlea, bowling with pace and venom once more, saw a succession of balls pass the outside edge and a couple of easy chances spilled and he was left wondering where his first wicket of the season was going to come from. Enfield meanwhile, completed his spell having picked up the wicket of the dangerous Preston caught by Hogg for 27 with figures of 12-6-19-3. Impressive figures indeed considering Preston took him for 11 in a single over.

Phil Dalton, introduced in the 26th over was set an ambitious 9-0 offside field and he didn't disappoint skipper Oddie with his accuracy. He took a splendid 4 for 13 in his five overs, including removing second-top scorer Noble for 25 as Waltham looked to wrap up the game. The previously unlucky Dunlea, reintroduced late on, finally achieved taking a wicket this season as he mopped up the tail removing Curtis and Evans to close out the Steep innings at 108 all out in the 34th over. Waltham won by a margin of 132 runs and picked up maximum 24 points.

Bishop's Waltham 24 points
Steep 5 points.

2ndXI - BURRIDGE III, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC WON

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Burridge III 121 all out (34.4 overs) 4 points
Bishop's Waltham II 125-2 (36.4 overs) 24 points

Ray Mitchell's best ever bowling performance bowled the visitors to victory and a 24-point maximum return on a green-tinged surface at Burridge Recreation Ground.

The 43 year-old seamer, in his eleventh season with Waltham, who had never before taken 5 wickets in an innings, went one better claiming 6 for 28, despite bowling 11.4 overs unchanged, uphill and into the wind.

His son James (1 for 29) put in a fiery opening burst of his own from the other end, and assisted in the coup de grace, making 15 yards to his right, diving full length and holding on to dismiss Roger Attrill, the home side's top scorer, who was last out for an entertaining 58 after striking nine fours and a six.

Waltham were much improved in the field from a disappointing showing at Purbrook a fortnight previously, and Marawat Hussein (2 for 42) and James Ashton (1 for 12) continued their good form to restrict Burridge to just 121, in which extras (29) and Hiscott (18) made the only other double-figure contributions.

Despite the best efforts of Glover (0 for 43) who enjoyed no fortune whatsoever, and veteran swing bowler Burnham (0 for 15 in 9 overs), skipper Simon Jones and Ian Tromans (31) compiled a solid opening stand of 80 in 24 overs.

The return of ex-Waltham youngster Scott Craze to the attack, switching from seam up to leg spin, saw the dismissals of Tromans (caught and bowled) and Andy Robinson (stumped first ball) in successive balls, but Ben Simpson (12*) and Jones, who ended the match with a boundary to bring up his fifty, saw the visitors home by 8 wickets with no further alarms.

SUNDAY XI - NEW ALRESFORD, HOME
RESULT: DRAW
YOU DON'T GET MANY OF THOSE TO THE POUND!

As the philosopher Forrest Gump once said; "Life is like a box of chocolates!", and life at BWCC can often feel like this. There's a fair few nuts, some soft centres, and quite a few crumby ones past their sell by date. But on Sunday, the team that took the pitch against New Arlesford had ages and abilities ranging right across the spectrum, and were more akin to a bag of Woolies Pic 'n' Mix. The selection included Flying Saucers in the shape of Dalton, Scott and Dunlea (full of and fizz), lumps of everyone's favourite fudge (doughty veterans Wymbs and Gibson), Jelly Beans courtesy of Campbell, McGhee and Fletcher (different complementing colours), and the Pink Shrimp that is the skipper Mills (slightly gay looking with no real taste!) Amongst this lot were two real Midget Gems in the form of little Harry McGhee and Dan O'Rourke, two players who will form the basis of the club for years to come, but more of them later.

Winning the toss and electing to field, Waltham started like a rudderless ship, with Mills missing from the starting line up due to having to shop for the teas. New 1st team hero Dalton took the reigns, and oversaw a steady flow of wickets, all clean bowled, with one each for Scott, Kev McGhee and Funky. Scott would have had another had 'keeper Campbell taken a catch, but due to the previous evening's celebrations, he was having difficulty holding on to his breakfast let alone a cricket ball. This led to him being relieved of the gloves by Dave Wymbs, and relieved of last night's kebab next to the bottom sidescreen. Young Martin Fletcher was the only other bowler to take a wicket, bowling Eastell for 7. Arlesford's Candy set about the bowling with gusto, only offering one chance off the bowling of Dunlea, the ball spooning high into the air, watched carefully off the edge by both 'keeper Wymbs and second slip Campbell only for it to land gently at first slip. Dunlea trudged back to the end of his run up with a face like a Wookie who'd lost a game of space-chess. The loss wasn't too great as Candy only managed to scrape his way to 139 n.o. The total was 217 for 4, and tea was taken.

With Mills at the helm, tea is always an adventure. This week he had decided to model it on the good old-fashioned help yourself out of a tin student style, although he did make sure there was plenty of plates of raw onions for any visiting Frenchman, and grapes and oranges for those without their own teeth.

Waltham's batting was definitely out of the cavalier Bangladesh style. Wymbs first to go for 13, which brought Dunlea to the crease. After carefully playing himself for 2 balls, his boundary to shots played ratio was a good 20%, with two fine 4s off only 10 attempted swishes. He was finally out for 9 playing what can only be described as a heave similar to the one that Campbell had behind the sidescreen earlier in the day! Campbell was next to go for 16, and then wickets tumbled regularly, with Gibson getting himself in and then out, Fletcher being run out unluckily for 1, and Mills and Dalton briefly clubbing the attack like Canadian seal hunters. Partnership of the day must have been between Kevin McGhee and his young son Harry, who played the Alresford attack beautifully, with Harry outscoring his dad by 8 runs to 3. Young Danny O'Rourke was unlucky to get a close run out given against him before he could score, but McGhee Jr. managed to thwart the bowling attack to end the day unbeaten.

With the Mr. Sheen of time wiping the sideboard of destiny for some of Waltham's old guard, it's good to see the future looking good.

SATURDAY 4 AND SUNDAY 5 JUNE 2005

1stXI - BEDHAMPTON, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC WON
THE HARVEY BANDWAGON KEEPS A ROLLIN'

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In the absence of Dave Oddie, stand in skipper Ron Harvey led Waltham to their third win of the campaign and inflicted Bedhampton's first reversal of the season at the same time.

In a match reduced to 40 overs a side, winning the toss was always going to be important and it was Ron "Heads" Harvey who chose correctly and inserted Bedhampton on a damp and difficult Bidbury Mead track. Home skipper Chris Grayston looked to be a man on a mission forcing the play early on. Jon Dunlea was unluckly not to dismiss him as Robinson spilled a difficult chance in the covers. Grayston, having hit Pete Boston out of the Waltham attack, looked set for a big score, when on 31, Andy Robinson atoned for his earlier mistake by taking a superb diving catch off Dunlea. The Robinson/Dunlea partnership also accounted for Aussie Fulton for 5. Dunlea's 12 over spell cost only 29 runs and he picked up two valuable wickets. Kev Bowen, replacing Boston, soon got amongst the wickets in his first spell of the season removing opener Clark for 12. He then accounted for three of the middle order batsmen as wickets fell regularly. Bowen completed his 12 over spell with figures of 4-42. Steve Enfield, introduced into the attack in the 25th over, carried on the good work of his team mates with his first ball removing the dangerous Fulton, playing on for 20. South African Layman compiled a patient innings late on, but he became Enfield's last victim, caught behind by Rob Bailey for 27. Enfield finished with figures of 4-20 in 6.5 overs as Bedhampton were bowled out for 133.

Waltham openers Bailey and Harvey played cautiously early on, as the track was still assisting the bowlers. Against accurate bowling from McBride and Storey, they found runs difficult to come by. McBride trapped Bailey LBW for 11 as Waltham lost their first wicket for 20 in the 11th over. Stuart Hogg, promoted up the order, joined Harvey as the pair set about chasing down the Bedhampton total. Hogg, batting in uncharacteristic fashion, got his head down and sensibly rotated the strike to Harvey who was filling his boots, particularly off McCoy. Harvey smashed him out of the attack taking 25 off the hapless Antipodean's four over spell. The pair put on 63 runs with Harvey scoring the lion's share until Hogg was adjudged LBW for 15 off Bedhampton colonial recruit Layman who also accounted for Ben Simpson for a duck. Simpson's dismissal was the last wicket to fall as Adam Wymbs joined Harvey with the score on 87-3 in the 29th over. Wymbs, who came into the match with his form out of sorts, quickly, but sensibly, hit a succession of boundaries including a beatifully timed six over long on to finish unbeaten on 24. But, it was stand-in skipper Harvey who took the accolades, as he finished unbeaten on 73, taking his aggregate runs to 303 in four matches and his average to over 100. Waltham got home in the 38th over winning by seven wickets.

Bedhampton 4 points
Bishop's Waltham 23 points

2ndXI - HAMBLE & ASSOCIATES, HOME
RESULT: NO MATCH, RAIN

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SATURDAY 11 AND SUNDAY 12 JUNE 2005

1stXI - AWE TADLEY, HOME
RESULT: BWCC LOST
NUCLEAR WEAPONS' MEN DISARM WOEFUL WALTHAM - ODDIE GOES BALLISTIC!

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AWE Tadley notched up their first win of the season in a low-scoring affair at Albany.

Waltham, without regular openers Harvey and Bailey and also missing middle-order batsman Hughes were asked to take first knock. Dave Oddie and Mike Barrett returning to the side after holidays opened the Waltham innings. Barrett was the first of three wickets for Rimmer (8-3-18-3) caught behind as was Oddie. At 16 for 2 the Waltham innings needed required some stability, however what took place next could only be described by some as a debacle as a succession Waltham batsmen threw away their wickets. Only Stuart Hogg reached double figures out of the top seven batsmen and at 56 for 7 in the 24th over it didn't look as if the home side would pick up any batting points at all. However, veteran, Steve Enfield and Jonathan Dunlea, provided the application in the Waltham innings lacking previously as they defended sensibly and picked up runs when available. For the away side Burt (28-1) and Kiani (23-2) were bowling accurately, giving nothing away. The Waltham batsmen stuck at their task for 18 overs taking the score up to 93 before Enfield was stumped off Quelch (6-2) top scoring with 24. Dunlea played onto another Quelch delivery, going for 17. The Waltham innings petered out at 107-9 with extras second top scoring with 21.

Any thoughts the weapons' men had of an easy victory went in the third over of their innings when Dunlea removed Lovegrove for 1. Fellow opener Bartlett followed soon after spectacularly caught by Phil Baldock off Enfield for 9. Dunlea and Enfield bowled without further success but enhanced their newly found all-rounder status with miserly run-rates. Quadri and Jethwa then put on what turned out to be the match winning partnership for Tadley as they plundered 46 runs with Quadri in particlar scoring freely. Waltham introduced Baldock into the attack, playing his first match for two years the all-rounder bowled a tight 12 over spell conceding only 15 runs taking three wickets including the all-important partnership breaker, removing Quadri for 33. Tadley then suffered a mini-collapse as two run outs and two more Baldock wickets left them 102 for 7 in the 40th over. However, what hopes Waltham had of victory faded as Burt guided the first ball of the 44th over down to the third man boundaryto secure the win for Tadley.

Waltham face a tricky game away at Liss next week, but skipper Oddie will be heartened by the return of Harvey and Bailey.

Bishop's Waltham 5 points
AWE Tadley 19 points.

2ndXI - PORCHESTER, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC LOST
GALE BLOWS WALTHAM AWAY IN 4TH VERSUS 5TH CLASH

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The unerringly accurate Simon Gale claimed 4 victims clean bowled for no runs in a 13 ball spell to rip the heart out of the visitors' batting and ensured that Portchester, in their agreeable new Cams Hill School surroundings, leapfrogged their opponents into fourth place.

His 12 overs contained 7 maidens and went for just 20 runs with only 7 scoring shots as Waltham failed to up the run rate at the end of their innings of 137 for 8.

Doug Noyce, who sent down 9 tidy overs of left arm costing 24, then struck 6 fours in a knock of 53 to make the match safe for the home side, while the visitors were left to rue 22 extras including 14 wides, in stark contrast to the 7 extras conceded by their hosts.

After 15 year-old James Ashton had bowled Kelly for 21 going for a big shot over mid wicket, leg spinner Simon Jones (3 for 25) induced a slight wobble started by the stumping of Noyce from one that bounced and rebounded off the body of young keeper Mark Burgess, but the home side ran out winners by 4 wickets with 31 balls to spare.

Jones' 68, which included 8 fours and a six, had formed the backbone of the Waltham total. Vice-captain Ray Mitchell (21) shared in a nineteen over opening stand of 62 before falling to off spinner Fackrell (2 for 58) who removed Martin Livermore (11) also caught trying to clear the on-side ring.

Ian Campbell (15) did his best to up the tempo but Gale's ill wind sealed the fate of Waltham, who now look to get back on track next week in their first home game of the season (weather permitting) against Bedhampton seconds.

Bishop's Waltham II 137-8 (42 overs) 7 points
Portchester II 138-6 (36.5 overs) 22 points

SATURDAY 18 AND SUNDAY 19 JUNE 2005

1stXI - LISS, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC LOST

No match report

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2ndXI - BEDHAMPTON II, HOME
RESULT: BWCC LOST
WALTHAM PIPPED

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Bishop's Waltham II were beaten by one wicket in a final over thriller at Albany Road.

It appeared Waltham's 149-7 might have been enough as Bedhampton required 5 runs from the last over with one wicket remaining.

But it was not to be with Bedhampton scrambling the winning runs with just four balls remaining.

Waltham youngster, James Ashton (4-33) returning for a second spell, ploughed through the lower order leaving the visitors wobbling at 145-9.

But VanNiekirk (18 not out) saw Bedhampton home after the opening partnership of Clapp (23) & Hovey (53) appeared to have made the match safe for the visitors.

Ian Tromans (20) & Ben Simpson (22) had provided Waltham with a 52-run start but a double breakthrough by Chase (4-28) pegged back the home side at 71-2 after 22 overs. But with some lusty blows from Ian Campbell (26), Ivor Dawkins (16) & Duncan Parker (20 not out) helped the home side post a total of 149.

Bishop's Waltham II 149-7 (42 overs)
Bedhampton II 150-9 (41.2 overs)

SATURDAY 25 AND SUNDAY 26 JUNE 2005

1stXI - MUDEFORD, HOME
RESULT: BWCC LOST
MUDEFORD PUT WALTHAM ON THE SLIPPERY SLOPE

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Mudeford condemned Bishop’s Waltham to their third successive defeat in a closely fought encounter at Albany. Waltham will look back at the six dropped catches as perhaps the reason for the defeat.

The Mudeford skipper elected to bat first on a drying track and he must have questioned his judgement when his openers G. Tennant and Banfield were back in the pavilion with 25 on the board in the 9 th over.

Wyatt and J. Tennant came together playing cautiously at first, however both batsmen gave chances which weren’t taken and compiled a valuable partnership of 67, the day’s second biggest. Enfield, the pick of the home side’s bowlers, finished his spell with figures of 12-4-27-1. He was unlucky not to pick up more wickets with batsmen playing and missing regularly. Kevin Bowen, replacing Dunlea, finally removed Wyatt for 40 and then Baldock dismissed Tennant for 41 to leave Mudeford 106-4 with 13 overs remaining. Waltham then conspired to allow their visitors off the hook through a catalogue of dropped catches and mis-fields. Malins finished 21 not out and Hassell blasted 22 in six scoring shots until Bailey ran out Assinder for 15 with a direct hit to close out the Mudeford innings at 191-7. Waltham certainly didn’t help their cause conceding 30 runs in extras.

The Mudeford total, respectable though it was, look surmountable on an ever-improving pitch. Waltham’s openers, father and son-in-law, Ron Harvey and Rob Bailey looked set for another fifty run partnership when Hassel caught Bailey off the bowling of Stansfield for 15.

Mike Barrett, looking to make his first decent score since the end of May, joined Harvey at 44-1. Batting with increasing confidence as the pitch settled down, they compiled the day’s highest partnership of 90, with Barrett overtaking Harvey to reach his 50 in even time. Harvey was dismissed three short of his fifty in the 33 rd over, caught behind off J. Tennant for 47.

Waltham were left needing 58 runs in the remaining 12 overs and with eight wickets in hand, looked set for victory. However, tight bowling from Hassell and Tennant combined with nervous batting from the home side increased the pressure. Tennant bowling Mike Barrett for 61 after an entertaining knock proved to be the turning point for Mudeford.

A middle-order collapse left Waltham requiring sixteen off Tennant’s last over and with nine fielders patrolling the boundary, victory looked unlikely. And so it proved to be as Bowen prodded the final ball back to the bowler as Waltham finished on 182-7, ten tantalising runs short 7 of what seemed a certain victory.

With matches against Shrewton (home) and Ryde (away) coming up in the next two weeks, Waltham will need to improve their overall game if they are to pick up their next win.

Bishop’s Waltham 5 points
AWE Tadley 19 points.

2ndXI - HAYLING ISLAND, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC WON
7 UP BOSTON SPARKS EARLY TEA PARTY

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Seamer Pete Boston, still smarting from being dropped from the firsts after taking just one wicket in four games, replied in the best possible fashion to claim a career best 7 for 37 at Hayling Park.

The Islanders’ skipper Keith Shimman had chosen to bat first on their own damp surface and the first ball of the match gave no indication of what was to follow as the prolific Phil Mist despatched Boston, a Waltham player for approaching 20 years since joining as a colt, to the extra cover boundary.

But the home side fell back to earth in dramatic style, finishing just 304 runs short of the divisional record score of 363 they had set against Denmead the previous week.

Boston accounted for last week’s centurions Skeet (caught and bowled to a fierce lifter) and Mist (pouched at mid off by Duncan Parker from a stinging back foot drive).

Backed the wily Marawat Hussein (3 or 22) recruited from Portsmouth at the beginning of the season, it just got better and better for the visitors with the youthful cover pairing of James Mitchell and Ben Simpson sharing four of the eight catches in the innings.

Only MacDowell (26) with five boundaries made any impression with Mist’s 10 and extras (9) the next most significant contributions in a scorecard with more single figures than a Star Trek Convention.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Waltham, with MacDowell and Hallett dismissing openers Simon Jones and Ian Tromans with just three on the board.

Simpson and vice captain Ray Mitchell staunched the flow before also falling to Hallett, who finished with an excellent 3 for 13.

But Dawkins laid in to Cottle until he was trapped in front by a shooter, and it was left to the pugnacious Parker (18*) to take Waltham to the brink.

James Mitchell ended the match as it had begun, hooking Hallett for a boundary, after which both sides took a Boston-inspired post-match tea.

SATURDAY 2 AND SUNDAY 3 JULY 2005

1stXI - SHREWTON, HOME
RESULT: BWCC LOST
WE HAD A NICE TEA ANYWAY

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Didnt get enough runs...

Bishop’s Waltham 1 points
Shrewton 23 points

...nuff said.

2ndXI - FAREHAVEN, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC LOST
CAKES MAKE A MEAL OF WALTHAM AS SELMAN FEASTS

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Fred Selman found the Privett Park boundary sixteen times before falling in the penultimate over five short of a century.

Waltham’s Phil Dalton (12 overs for 25) beat the edge on numerous occasions for no reward before the ageless opener gradually began to take control, sharing an opening stand of 53 with Trevor Cake (15) and adding 80 for the second wicket with Russ Brotherton who made an enterprising 27.

Although Marawat Hussein (2 for 25) returned belatedly to apply the brakes, Farehaven closed on 179 for 5 with extras (31) the second top score.

Once left handers Adam Wymbs and Ian Tromans fell caught and bowled and Simon Jones holed out at midwicket, it was effectively game over as the home side’s father and son Cake duo shared five wickets with their left arm pace and off spin combo.

Brotherton (3 for 22) and Maxwell (2 for 1) wrapped up the visitors’ innings for a wretched 53 with only Duncan Parker (18) offering any resistance as this week Waltham’s scorecard boasted more single figures than a Railway Enthusiasts’ meeting.

Farehaven 179-5 (42 overs) 23 points
Bishop’s Waltham II 53 all out (29.1 overs) 3 points

SATURDAY 9 AND SUNDAY 10 JULY 2005

1stXI - RYDE, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC LOST
WE'VE GOT A TICKET TO RYDE

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It was a balmy summer’s morning when the first team arrived at Albany Road at nine thirty in the morning to catch Rob Bailey’s Sunshine Coach to the Isle of Wight. Of the 11 “fit for the match” players, 67% were accompanied by a mystery bout of severe headaches, none of which could possibly be attributed to a certain school “charidee” meal and drinking competition. As the bus rolled towards downtown Basra (otherwise known as Portsmouth Docks), it was pleasantly filled with gases emanating from chairman Enfield’s various orifices.

With a yo ho ho and a bottle of Becks, the 12 salty seamen boarded Wightlink Ferries and made the epic and dangerous journey across the Solent. On the trip over, new first team recruit and resident marine biologist, Ian Welsh, pointed out species of interest that can be found in these lovely waters at this time of the year, including the albino plastic bagfish (Tesco superstoruim), the winged jammy ragfish (T'ponus bodyformium), and the common filled prophylacticfish (Dure'us toiletflush). Upon arriving at Alcatraz, the team warmed up for the clash with the league leaders by topping up on burgers, chips and liquid relaxants.

Ryde won the toss and elected to bat, and opening pair of Dunlea and Dalton were very unlucky not to have the openers quickly sent back to the pavilion. Dunlea bowled with control and venom, and had all the luck of the Irish, unfortunately that would be the Irish who toured with the Lions. The edge was passed several times, and the massive hands of Ron Harvey failed to grasp on to a stinger. Dunlea, Dalton and Boston remained wicketless, Bowen picked up the wicket of Hillyard (31), and the metronomic Enfield claimed a couple in a tight spell. Ryde played like a top of the table side accelerating at the right time, with Greenfield (70 no) and Tolfrey (65 no) inflicting most of the damage.

Waltham batted bravely in the face of some quick and accurate bowling, but failed to keep up with the required rate. Harvey (28, score not age) continued his good run, and Stuart Bailey earmarked his return with a battling 24. Dave Oddie was the rock of the innings remaining unbeaten on 41 no, with the other batsmen chipping in.

Post match analysis was conducted at the Ryde Tandoori, where Waltham’s beaten players were treated like royalty, as in we were shut away upstairs cut off from the public. Dinner was consumed under many different topics of conversation, including the Brechtian views on Communism as seen through his plays, the pros and cons of popular fiction’s contribution to the literary movement, in depth analysis of England’s Ashes hopes and London’s Olympic bid, and Steve Enfield shouting “compliments” at every Bacardi Breezer filled gap-toothed harridan that stumbled passed the window.

2ndXI - SARISBURY ATHLETIC, HOME
RESULT: BWCC LOST
WALTHAM GIVE SARISBURY EXTRA HELP

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Extras top-scored in both innings in a match Howard from the Halifax would have enjoyed as Sarisbury gained a hard-earned three wicket win at a humid Albany.

Skipper Paul Goodman and off-spinner Brogan remained unbeaten at the finish as the visitors passed Waltham’s below par 113 in the 37 th over, with sundries (34) their largest contributor.

Goodman’s 7-over spell of 3 for 7 had earlier ripped the heart out of the Waltham top order, while veteran Les Orr (1 for 30), youngster Jake Scott (2 for 31) and young keeper Dan Millward who ran out Ian Tromans with a direct hit helped reduce the home side to 68 for 6.

Enterprising strokeplay from James Ashton (21*) and James Mitchell (16) brought about a mini-revival for Waltham before Alex Burrows was tempted to hole out on the deep square leg boundary by Brogan (2 for 22) with extras (22) top-scoring in an otherwise excellent fielding display.

The pace of Mitchell junior (2 for 25) and the guile of his father Ray (1 for 17) had Sarisbury wobbling and things further improved when Hussein yorked the dangerous Tosdevin (16).

Rob Cooper (20) played as if he had an early evening dinner engagement until Ashton produced a beautiful away swinger to have him caught at slip but Goodman and Brogan held firm leaving Waltham not for the first time this season to rue extras conceded.

The match was competitive yet good spirited in nature, the tone set by the minute’s silence observed by both sides in memory of Sarisbury’s Steve Joyce and exemplified by Waltham’s Andy Robinson walking to a single tentative appeal after snicking one down the leg side from the bowling of Joe Curtis.

Bishop’s Waltham II 11 3 all out (35.5 overs) 6 points
Sarisbury Athletic III 115-7 (36.3 overs) 21 points

BWCC vs PRESIDENT'S XI , HOME
RESULT: BWCC WON
PRESIDENT DEFEATED BY FORMER CHARGES

Bishop’s Waltham XI 221 for 7 (49.1 overs)
Club President’s XI 220 for 7 (50 overs)

Two former protégés of club president Rob Helsen put together a match winning 87 run stand at a sun-drenched Albany Road.

Dominic Quincey (63) and Adam Wymbs (51) took on Burridge bowlers Abbott, Martin Bundy and Nigel Thorne, with the latter coming in for some particularly harsh treatment at the hands of the two former Waltham colts as the president’s men wilted in the heat.

It was left to Kev Bowen to push the winning two with five balls remaining from the bowling of Helsen’s skipper Phil Baldock (2 for 19), who had caused a late flutter by clean bowling both chairman and fixtures secretary in the contrasting forms of Steve Enfield and Pete Boston.

Brighton student Stu Bailey (52) shared a brisk partnership of 69 with Belson (23) to get the guests off to a flyer, but evergreen Enfield (5 for 32), assisted by tight spells from Bowen and fellow left armer Phil Dalton, applied the breaks mid-innings.

Portchester’s Paul Hungerford holed out at square leg, before Enfield switched from spin to seam up after lunch to run through the middle order, and despite Bundy’s brisk 30, young speedsters James Ashton and James Mitchell proved difficult to get away late on.

The visitors total of 220 seemed sufficient, especially after the demise of Rob Bailey (45) but the Quincey/Wymbs axis wrestled the David Williams Trophy back into the club trophy cabinet for the first time since 1998.

SATURDAY 16 AND SUNDAY 17 JULY 2005

1stXI - KINGSCLERE, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC LOST

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No Report

2ndXI - US PORTSMOUTH III, HOME
RESULT: BWCC LOST
SAUNDERS THE KERNEL OF U.S. WIN

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US Portsmouth's impressive left handed opener Saunders struck 11 classy boundaries in an undefeated 84 to make light work of the home side's highest total of the season so far at a scorching Albany Road.

After the early loss of veteran Greg Carson bowled on the shuffle off his pads by Pete Boston, Saunders put on 89 at five an over with Tailor (36) in a finger-licking, match-turning stand.

Although Duncan Parker (2 for 13 before succumbing to a calf strain) and Marawat Hussein (2 for 39) then reduced the visitors to 132 for 5, skipper Steve Duke (5 not out) stayed with Saunders to overtake Waltham's 170 for 7 in the 35th over without further alarm.

Simon Fisher (2 for 25 in 12 overs) had reduced Waltham to 28 for 2 accounting for openers Simon Jones and Ray Mitchell with his well-directed awayswing, but Chris Matthews (33) and Duncan Parker (31) counter-attacked with a third wicket partnership of 64.

Both tucked into Clayton Rudder's slow left arm, whose 10 overs cost 53, but then fell clean bowled in successive overs to Edwards. Ivor Dawkins (42) top scored, adding 56 at 7 an over with young debutant Matt Heuze (18) before Edwards removed them both, again clean bowled, to finish with 4 for 41.

Yet again Waltham gifted their opponents 36 extras as the Services lifted themselves off the bottom of the table after suffering a forfeited game, while Waltham face a trip to top six outfit Cowplain needing to tame the talents of all rounder Mike Patey.

Bishop's Waltham II 170-7 (42 overs) 7 points
US Portsmouth III 172-5 (34.2 overs) 22 points

SATURDAY 23 AND SUNDAY 24 JULY 2005

1stXI - SULHAMPSTEAD & UFTON, HOME
RESULT: BWCC WON
DUNLEA PACE SEES WALTHAM HOME

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Waltham got back to winning ways on Saturday with a convincing 75 run victory over mid-tabled Sulhampstead & Ufton, with Jon Dunlea (playing in his final home game before moving to Singapore for 2 years) bowling perhaps his best spell since his debut in 1998.

It started in familiar fashion with Waltham skipper Dave Oddie losing his ninth toss out of nine this season, and being asked to bat on a green but deceptively pacey wicket.

Waltham openers Mike Barrett and Ron Harvey made a brisk start racing to 65 before Harvey fell for 26.  Barrett went on to a top score of 59 before skipper Oddie (41) and Stuart Hogg (28) continued to make the most of the quick outfield with a partnership of 67.  A familiar Waltham collapse followed but not before the home side had posted 205/8 off their 45 overs.

The pace of the pitch was immediately evident as opener Dunlea took a wicket in his first over.  With good support from left armer Steve Enfield (2/21) from the other end, Dunlea continually tested the Sulhampstead batsmen with quick, back of a length deliveries and finished with figures of 4/23 off 12 overs.  Waltham gelled in the field, took their catches and never loosened their grip in the final overs on their way to inevitable victory.

With Dunlea’s final game for the club this Saturday against Mottisfont (away), Waltham will be keen to continue to see themselves out of relegation danger, in a league where no-one is left unbeaten.

2ndXI - COWPLAIN, AWAY
RESULT: BWCC LOST
PORTON DOWNS WALTHAM

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Matt Porton’s devastating 6 for 31 propelled Cowplain towards promotion places while sending Waltham towards the South East 2 drop zone.

Waltham had no answer to his well directed medium paced away swing which started to go through the top of a dry recreation ground track, with only James Mitchell, whose 29 included five boundaries, making any impact.

It had all begun so well for the visitors, who dismissed Cowplain’s star all rounder Mike Patey for a duck, but with the match finely balanced, the home side counter-attacked mid innings with Porton (33) and left hander Neilson Wallis (44) taking advantage of some wayward bowling.

Waltham helped their hosts to 201 for 9 thanks to three dropped catches, the odd misfield and 23 wides (making it 104 extras conceded in three weeks).

Patey (3 for 9) atoned for his duck, giving nothing away with the ball, Cowplain taking seven catches as the visitors subsided to 68 all out.

Waltham have the tough task of entertaining leaders IBM South Hants, and will look to August fixtures against mid-table and bottom four opponents to avoid relegation.

Cowplain 201-9 (42 overs) 24 points
Bishop’s Waltham II 68 (25.2 overs ) 5 points

SATURDAY 30 AND SUNDAY 31 JULY 2005

1stXI - MOTTISFONT, AWAY
RESULT: NO RESULT, RAIN
RAIN DAMPENS DUNLEA GOODBYE

Jon Dunlea's last game for Waltham before a 2 year move to Singapore ended in dissapointment, when the 1st team away fixture to Mottisfont was rained off after an interupted 35 overs.

Waltham got off to a good start holding the opposition back on a green pitch, offering the bowlers assistance. Dunlea and opening partner Steve Enfield kept a tight line before the first rain break came after just 12 overs, with Enfield picking up the sole wicket of the session.

It wasnt until after the break with the introduction of Kev Bowen and Pete Boston that runs started to flow for Mottisfont, but with that the wickets started to tumble and the more expensive Boston picked up 3, including 2 in 1 over. Waltham had held Mottisfont to 90/5 off 34 overs when the rain returned, this time putting an end to the game.

Dunlea will be sorely missed. He’s been an ever present force in Walthams bowling attack since his debut in 1998, with best HCL figures of 6/31 against Rowledge in 2002. 

His best figures for the club were 6/7 in the semi final of the Chronicle Cup in 1998. Jon went on to captain the Winchester Evening League XI in 2003, where Waltham have comfortably held their Division 1 status.

He played for Singapore U23s when he lived there before and hopes to continue his cricket with the historical Singapore Cricket Club. He does intend to be back for Waltham during the 2008 season!

READ ANOTHER MATCH REPORT OF THIS GAME AND VIEW PICTURE OF JON DUNLEA HERE

2ndXI - IBM SOUTHANTS, HOME
RESULT: BWCC LOST
COMPUTERMEN RAM HOME ADVANTAGE

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Craig Ellis’ 4 wickets in the final over of his spell capped a fine all-round display and put the seal on a 63-run win at a dank Albany.

The stocky all rounder switched to slow left arm in the Stygian gloom to remove four Waltham batsmen with the score on 116 ending with figures of 5 for 38, this coming after a whirlwind 31 at the close of second place IBM’s total of 221.

Twenties from Tate and Wood had laid the foundation before Rowson (35) mixed singles and straight hitting to good effect, although Waltham again gave their opponents a little extra help as sundries top scored with 36.

Home skipper Simon Jones sprung a surprise by opening the bowling himself and claiming 2 for 43 in 12 overs of leg spin, and under 15 Alex Burrows (4 for 62) reaped the rewards for bowling straight, all his victims falling clean bowled.

Waltham openers Jones and Ian Tromans then added a brisk 87, but when Van Rooyen took the top of Tromans’ off stump for 41 and visitors’ captain Phil Stride clean bowled Jones for 49, the pursuit of a revised target of 208 in 37 overs was effectively ended.

After Ellis’ intervention, it was left to left hander Dave Wymbs (13*) and Marawat Hussein (10) to play for batting points with Donnelly (2 for 10) buying the programmers a maximum 24-point haul in an action packed over as the home side capitulated 63 runs adrift.

Bishop’s Waltham II 144 (36 overs ) 9 points
IBM South Hants 221 (41.4 overs) 24 points
(revised target 207 in 37 overs)

SATURDAY 6 AND SUNDAY 7 AUGUST 2005

1stXI - OLD BASING, HOME
RESULT: BWCC WON
DALE TON NOT ENOUGH FOR OLD BASING

Bishops Waltham continued their unbeaten run with an 8 wicket win over bottom of the table Old Basing. Basing, who have won just 2 games in 2 seasons, were put in to bat after Waltham skipper Dave Oddie brought to an end his run of 10 lost tosses in a row.

Waltham initially held Old Basing back with some tidy bowling by Pete Boston (2/29) and Kev Bowen (1/26), both bowling their 12 over allocation straight through.