LODSWORTH CRICKET CLUB

LIKE A CLOSE SHAVE BUT NOT THAT CLOSE!!!!!

2008-08-24T11:14:00.003+01:00

LODSWORTH LAST SUNDA PLAYED AGAINST A VILLAGE LEAGUE SIDE IN WEST CHILTINGTON AND KNEW THAT THEY WERE IN FOR A STERN TEST. HOWEVER WITH THE SIDE BEING ONLY BEATEN ONCE ALL SEASON THEY WERE BRIMIN WITH CONFIDENCE AND KNEW THAT IT WOULD BE A CLOSE AFFAIR.

CAPT HALL AS EVER WON THE TOSS AND AS EVER ELECTED TO BOWL FIRST ON WOT LOOKED A GD PITCH TO BAT ON AND FAST OUTFIELD. AS PER USUAL LONG OPENED UP WITH THE NEW BALL WITH NEWBY MATT AND AS PER USUAL( LIKE OLLY BEIN LATE) MADE IN ROADS INTO THE TOP ORDER.

WITH GD FIELDIN AND TIGHT BOWLING RESTRICTED WEST CHILT TO 35-3. ON CAME HALL GB AND JH WITH THE BALL TO DEMOLISH THE MIDDLE ORDER. BUT A FIGHT BACK FROM THE RABBITS AT 9 10 AND 11 AND SOME SLOPPY OVERTHROWS (HALL THATS U M8!!!) GOT THE VISITORS UP TO 141 ALL OUT.

LODDY BOWLED THE MOST THEY HAVE ALL SEASON IN 42 OVERS HENCE PARTLY TO PP 65 YARD RUN UP DOWN HILL DOWN WIND!!! LOL....

LONG 12 -5 25-2 MATT 6-1-24-0 GB 7-3-13-3 HALL 9-2-27-4 JH 8-2-20-0

CATCHES FROM YOUNG SAM, LONG, GB2, JH PUT A SUPERB RUN OUT FROM GB IN THE COVERS...

WITH A LOVELY TEA AS EVER MADE FROM THE GIRLS SHEILA JILL MARIA AND CO... LODDY THEN WENT OUT TO CHASE THE TARGET DOWN. HALL THOU SPRUNG A BIT OF A SURPRISE TO MOST AND REARRANGED THE BATTING ORDER A BIT TO GIVE PEOPLE A CHANCE.

HOMER SIMPSOM ONCE SAID 'DOH!!!!' AND THIS WAS THE CASE AS HALL LOOKED LIKE MAKIN A RARE TACTICAL MISTAKE AS LODDY LOST WICKETS QUICKLY. CARNEY WAS OUT SLASHING TO POINT, JC MISSED A STRAIGHT 1, HICKEY JUST LIKE BOB NUDD HUNG OUT A ROD AND KNICKED 1 TO THE KEEPER.

LODDY IN TRUBLE AT 30-3. LONG THEN HIT A CAMEO QUIK FIRE 18 IN 9 BALLS B4 GOIN TO A CATCH AT COVER AND GB PUT 1 DOWN GULLYS THROAT. NOW IT WAS 45-5 AND LODDY LOOKING AT THEIR 2ND LOSS OF THE SEASON...... HOWEVER A TWIST IN THE TALE WAS TO HAPPEN TO SAVE HALLS BACON.

YOUNG SAM HUNG AROUND FOR A WHILE WITH THE DEPENDABLE JH UNTIL BEING BOWLED, HUNTERS M8 WENT WITHOUT TRUBLING THE SCORERS FOR 0. 58-7. COMETH THE HOUR COMETH THE 2 OLD BOYS WHO HAVE MADE 100 PARTNERSHIPS B4 HAND BUT WHEN IT MATTERED MOST CUD THEY DO IT NOW.

HOUGHTON AND KING TURNED THE GAME AROUND WITH FANCI FOOTWORK, DEFT TOUCHES AND DAMN RIGHT SLOGGING TO BE UNTRUBLED AND SEE THE BOYS HOME. WITH 7 OVERS TO SPARE AND SPARE CAPT HALLS BLUSHES. A GREAT EFFORT FROM THE GRUESOME 2SOME!! WELL DONE LADS.

CARNEY 1 CLIFFORD 1 LONG 18 HICKEY 1 GB 18 SAM 7 HUNTERS M8 0 KING 27NO HOUGHTON 59NO.

WITH ANOTHER WIN UNDER OUR BELTS THATS 9 NOW.... SURLEY WE WILL GET TO DOUBLE FIGURES BY THE END OF THE SEASON.

MEN OF THE MATCH KING AND HOUGHTON FOR A PARTNERSHIP OF 86 UNBEATEN TO WIN THE GAME .

LONGY.............

A Fitting Finale

2008-08-14T13:07:00.000+01:00

WITH LODSWORTH BACK AT HOME, 1 OF OUR CORE PLAYERS IN ROD TAYLOR HAD ANNONCED IT WAS HIS FINAL APPEARENCE IN A LCC SHIRT 2DAY AS HE WAS GOING TO SPEND 3 YEARS SUNNING HIMSELF IN DUBAI. ROD HAD BEEN A LOYAL SERVANT TO THE CLUB FOR THE PAST 3-4 SEASONS SO WILL BE SORELY MISSED!!!!

ON WHAT LOOKED A DECENT TRACK AND SUPERB OUTFIELD, LODDY WERE PUT INTO BAT 1ST SO HICKEY AND GB WENT OUT TO NULLIFY THE NEW BALL. ER HOW WRONG CAN I BE AS BOTH BATSMEN PUT THE SWORD TO THE BOWLERS UNTIL HICKEY FISHED OUTSIDE OFF STUMP AND NIKED 1 TO THE KEEPER. IN CAME JH WHO PLAYED A SUPPORTIN ROLE AS GB HIT 6 AFTER 6 . AT 1 POINT GB SCORED 35 RUNS TO JH 2... JON THEN TRIED TO HIT OUT BUT WAS CAUGHT AT POINT WHILST GB MADE AN EXCELLENT KNOCK OF 75 WHICH INC.. 6 6'S....
THEN CAME THE MOMENT PEOPLE FOR MILES HAD COME TO WITNESS, TAYLORS FINAL KNOCK. COULD HE SIGN OFF IN STYLE OR WAS IT A WIMPER!!!! WELL HE DIDNT DISAPOINT AS 6 AFTER 4 AFTER 6 CAME OFF HIS BAT AT A RATE OF KNOTS..... WHEN HALL WENT FOR 1 IN CAME YOUNG JAKEY TAYLOR( RODS SON) WHOGOT A GREAT OVATION BUT SADLY GOT A BEAUTY OF A BALL AND WAS OUT FOR NOT ALOT. THIS PUT FIRE INTO TAYLOR SNRS BELLY SO WITH SUPPORT AT THE OTHER END FROM JC,PP AND JOSH WENT ON INOT THE 90'S. WITH 1 OVER TO GO ROD WAS ON 91. COULD HE GET IT.... BY ECK HE BLOODY WELL CUD. 4 0 0 2 2 AND WITH THE LAST BALL OF THE INNINGS HIT A HUGE 6 OVER THE PAVILLION TO MAKE A MARVELLOUS 105 NO... ARGUABLEY BEST KNOCK SEEN AT THE REC FOR YEARS.....
LODSWORTH TOTAL 241-8 OFF 36 OVERS....
TAYLOR 105NO GB 75 JOSH 15 JH 12 HICKEY 10 OTHERS NOT ALOT.......... APPROX SCORES..

WAS THIS SCORE 2 MUCH 4 THE AWAY SIDE........

IN 1 WORD ABSOLUTELY!!!!!

WITH LONG AND PHILLIPS IN GD FORM WITH THE BALL AGCC WERE REDUCED TO 25-5. ON THEN CAME HALL, JH AND JOSH TO WRAP UP THE INNINGS TO MAKE IT A MISS MATCH 1 SIDED AFFAIR.
LONG 5-3-6-2 PHILLIPS 7-2-10-2 HALL 6-1-11-1 JH 8-3 -13-1 GB 4-1-6-2 JOSH 2-1-0-2

CATCHES FROM JH LONG GB RODS MATE AND HALL........

AGREAT WIN FROM THE BOYS AND THEN TO CAP A GD DAY ALL ROUND ROD CAME DOWN THE PUB 4 THE 1ST TIME EVR TO BUY A FEW ROUNDS OF BEERS AND CHIPS!!!!!!
TOP MAN , GREAT BLOKE AND WILL BE MISSED AS OUR PINCH HITTING NO 5!!!! GD LUK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LONGY.

Same Old Story

2008-08-09T13:07:00.004+01:00

SAME OLD STORY

LODSWORTH THIS WEEK WERE PLAYING DOWN IN THE LOVELY VILLAGE OF TANGMERE WITH THE DOUGLAS BADER ARMS ON SHOW NR THE GROUND....? FOR ALL U RAF FANS OUT THERE, THIS GAME WAS LIKE THE NEW AIRBUS A380. GRAND, GREAT, AWESOME AND DEFINATELY 1 FOR ALL TO SEE.

WELL SOME THINGS DONT CHANGE AND MR HALL YET AGAIN LOST THE TOSS (MORE LOSSES THAN DERBY LAST YEAR) AND SO WE WERE BOWLING FIRST AGAIN.?? ON A FLAT BATTING TRACK IT WAS UP TO LONG AND PHILLIPS TO OPEN UP THE ATTACK. TANGMERES OPENERS PLAYED WELL WITH LITTLE TO WORRY THEM IN THE 1ST 10 OVERS UNTIL HALL INTRODUCED HIMSELF AND IMMEDIATELY MADE THE BREAK THRU.? HOUGHTON THEN WITH HIS MILITARY MEDUIUM TIED UP 1 END AND THE SCORIN RATE SLOWED. 15 YR OLD BROWN THEN HIT A BRISK 37 AND WITH CAMEOS FROM THE MIDDLE ORDER TANGMERE FINISHED ON 135- 5 OFF 39 OVERS...

LONG? 13-4-30-1?????? PHILLIPS? 12-1-53-1?? HALL 6-1-20-1??
HOUGHTON? 8-1-27-2???????? APPROX FIGURES.....

WITH A DODGY BACK AND A MAN IN FORM IT WAS UP TO ANDY WS AND HOUGHTON TO OPEN THE BATTING.? REMEMBER LODDY HAD 8 MEN WITH FILLINS FROM BEN, TOM AND HUNTER TO MAKE UP NUMBERS SO? SOME BATSMEN HAD TO PRODUCE AGAINST A SOLID TANGMERE QUARTET SEAM ATTACK.

AWS AND JH OPENED VERY WELL WITH AN ARRAY OF SHOTS FROM BOTH PLAYERS? AND SAW LODDY GET TO 40-0 OFF 9 OVERS UNTILL THE FAMOUS LCC COLLAPSE!!!!

AWS FELL TO A BEAUTY OF A BALL, JH LIKE ALAISTAIR COOK NICKED 1 DOWN LEG TO THE KEEPER, CLIFFORD HAD A SLOG BUT GOT BOWLED AND HICKEY FELL HITTING THE BALL FOR 6 BOWLED.... FROM 40-0 TO 55-4 LODSWORTH WERE IN TROUBLE.?? THE ENIGMAS OF KING AND LONG HAD TO THRWART THE DECLINE OF WICKETS ?OTHERWISE LODSWORTH WERE STARING AT ONLY THERE 2ND DEFEAT OF THE SEASON.

THEY PUT ON 15 OR SO UNTIL KING HOOKED A BOUNCER INTO SHORT LEGS MITTS. IN STRODE PHILLIPS, ?ALL CHAT, ?BUT COULD HE BACK THIS UP WITH RUNS.....THIS WAS THE PIVITAL POINT IN THE GAME AND THE 2 OPENIN BOWLERS DIDNT DISAPOINT.?? THEY PUT ON NEARLY 40 RUNS WITH AN ARRAY OF EDGY 4'S LEG SIDE GLANCES AND EXTRAS UNTIL LONG GOT A DUBIOUS LBW DECISION!!!???

IN CAME TOM WHO HAD NEVER PLAYED B4 TO HIT 5 AND THEN WITH ONLY 7 NEEDED HALL WITH PHILLIPS WRAPPED??UP THE GAME WITH 3 OVERS LEFT....

A SUPER?GAME THAT WENT DOWN TO THE WIRE AGAINST A TANGMERE SIDE WHO LIK OURSELVES HAD ONLY LOST ONCE.

AWS 23? JH 20?? HICKEY 19? CLIFFORD 0?? KING? 7? LONG 15? PHILLIPS 19? TOM? 5? HALL 4??????? APPROX FIGURES.........

TANGMERE 135-5??? LODSWORTH?? 136-7?????????? LODSWORTH WIN BY 3 WICKETS!!!!!!!!

DONE BY REPORTER LONG????? MEN OF THE MATCH?? LONG AND PHILLIPS

Lodsworth v Bury and West Burton

2008-07-13T13:11:00.002+01:00

Sunday 13^th July at Lodsworth

Match Drawn

Bury and West Burton CC 210 for 6 (M Barson 72, N Lewis 60, M Blackwood 48: Andy Long 12 overs 2 for 55)

Lodsworth CC 129 for 6 (G Braithwaite 54, J Houghton 20 not out: T Dockerill 5 overs 3 for 15, M Blackwood 5 overs 2 for 19)

A splendid buffet lunch with wine was perhaps not the best of preparation for a game against one of the strongest opponents on the Lodsworth CC fixture list. And so it proved to be – Lodsworth took to the field in high spirits but were quickly brought down to earth as the first two overs were thrashed for 20 runs. But it got better and the flow of runs was gradually brought under control.

Bury and West Burton went on to score 210 for 6 with some extraordinarily good batting from Sussex Academy player M Barson (72). The Lodsworth bowlers toiled but the pickings were lean. Skipper Matt Hall tried every combination and Andy Long picked up two wickets for 55 while other wickets were spread thinly between Paul Phillips, Matt Hall and John Houghton.

Faced with a huge total to chase after tea Lodsworth went off at a smart pace. Graham Braithwaite hit a superb 54 and for a time the home team matched the visitors run rate but it soon became evident that the best recourse was to play for a draw. Jon Houghton stuck around to end on 20 not out and with Rod Taylor still at the crease Lodsworth ended on 129 for 6. It was not a vintage performance from the village team but a nonetheless it was determined defensive effort to record a well earned draw.

Lodsworth Crash to first defeat of the season

2008-07-08T13:21:00.000+01:00

Lodsworth CC v Loxwood CC

Lodsworth
Sunday 8th June 2008

Loxwood CC: 184 for 6 (A Jefferies 71 not out, T Holmes 45, A Dudman 23; Matt Hall 8 overs 3 for 41, Andy Long 8 overs 2 for 24)
Lodsworth CC: 172 all out (Jon Houghton 61 not out, Richard Gough 45; A Dudman 10 overs 4 for 52, A Jefferies 10 overs 2 for 29)
Loxwood won

Lodsworth were by no means disgraced as they fell just short of the visitors total in a close fought encounter at the recreation ground. In fact although played under Sussex rules the game resembled a 20/20 match as both teams teams fought hard for a victory.

Loxwood batted first and although kept on a tight rein in the early overs they eventually cut loose and finished on 184 for 6 with their top scoring batsman A Jefferies carrying his bat with 71 not out. Andy Long worked hard bowling up the hill to take 2 for 24 off 8 overs and Matt Hall garnered 3 for 41. Lodsworth's fielding was not at its best.

Three or four years ago a score of 184 at tea would have demoralized Lodsworth but no longer. From the outset they chased the runs. Richard Gough imparted a touch of class into the batting and he was rarely troubled as he advanced to 45 before being caught at third man. Jon Houghton eventually found his form and confidently smote the ball around the ground to record 61 not out. There were valuable contributions by Rod Taylor, Andy Long and Matt Hall but unfortunately Jon ran out of partners. In his eagerness to get to the batting end he ran out Bob Powell with just three balls to go - just 12 runs short of the Loxwood total.

Upon reflection we could probably have shut up shop in the last over and achieved a draw - but what the heck- this was fighting stuff from Lodsworth and it was much more exhilarating. The victories will come if we play cricket to win.

Man of the match Jon Houghton

Lodsworth vs Fernhurst

2008-07-08T09:08:00.000+01:00

Two Games rolled into One

LODSWORTH PLAYED THE VISITORS OF FERNHURST ON SUNDA AT A VERY BLUSTERY REC. IN PREVIOUS YEARS THE TEAMS HAVE BEEN VERY CLOSE IN TERMS OF TALENT BUT IT WASNT THE CASE THIS YEAR THOU. THE VISITORS HAD A YOUTHFUL OUTLOOK WITH 8 OF THE PLAYERS ALL UNDER 18.
LODDY HAD ONLY 1 GUY OVER 40 IN PP PAUL PHILLIPS.....LOL

LODSWORTH WON THE TOSS AND ELECTED TO BOWL FIRST YET AGAIN!!! SO CAPT HALL AS USUAL STARTED WITH LONG UP THE HILL INTO A 40MPH WIND AND PHILLIPS DOWN BREEZE WITH HIS SWING AND MOVEMENT.

AS NORMAL SOME TIGHT BOWLING FROM THE FRONT 2 MADE RUNS HARD TO COME BY, THEN WICKETS TUMBLED AT REGULAR INTERVALS WHEN CLIFFORD HICKEY AND AWS CAME ON FOR CAMEO ROLES. AT 1 POINT THEY WERE 21-7 AND IT WAS UP TO HOUGHTON AND HALL TO WRAP THINGS UP BY TAKEN THE LAST FEW. ALL OUT 48!!!!!

LONG 8-4-10-3 PP 8-3-11-0 CLIFFORD 3-0-6-3 AWS 2-0-6-1 HICKEY 4-0-10-1 HALL 2-0-5-1 JH 4-1-6-1

A NICE TEA FROM THE LOVELY TEGGY (NICE BLUE RIBANDS) THEN IT WAS UP TO PINCHHITTERS AWS AND LONG TO SEE IF THEY COULD WRAP THE VICTORY UP IN QUICK TIME. 30 RUNS CAME OFF THE FIRST 3 OVERS UNTILL LONG HOLED OUT AT COVER, KING CAME IN FOR A KNOCK OF 6 THEN A BIG BIG COLLAPSE WITH BEN RIX AND AWS GOIN AS THE BOWLER TOOK A HAT TRICK.. IT WAS LEFT TO CARNEY AND HICKEY TO SEE LODSWORTH HOME BY 5 WICKETS AND ALL OVER AT 530PM IN 9 OVERS....

CAPT HALL THEN AGREED WITH FERNHURST FOR A BEER MATCH WHICH WAS MORE ENTERTAINING AND COMPETITIVE..

LODSWORTH SCORE OF 83 IN 10 OVERS. GD BATTING BY CLIFFORD CARNEY PP HALL AND JH
FERNHURST SCORE OF 60 IN 10 OVERS. GD BOWLING AND FIELDING BY KING RIX BEN PP AND LONG.

ANDY..... PS. IF FIGURES ARE SLIGHTY OUT SOZ, THERE FROM MEMORY.

Rod knocks the opposition for six

2008-06-06T09:11:00.000+01:00

Lodsworth CC v Westbourne CC
Played at Lodsworth
Sunday 6th June 2008

Westbourne 205 for 6 (G Haines 60, P Dickin 66, R Dickin 38; M Hall 10 overs 2 for 33, J Houghton 10 overs 2 for 48)
Lodsworth: 179 for 7 (Rod Taylor 96, Oliver King 46; R Patel 15 overs 4 for 62, S Desai 11 overs 2 for 8)
Match drawn

Lodsworth CC maintained their unbeaten record with a hard fought draw against Westbourne CC. Westbourne won the toss and elected to bat on a very damp though immaculate wicket. Opener G Haines laid a firm foundation with 60 and the father and son combination of P and R Dickin scored 66 and 38 respectively. The Lodsworth bowlers struggled to assert their authority as Westbourne amassed 205 for 6 in two and a half hours before tea. Captain Matt Hall with 2 for 33 and Jon Houghton with 2 for 48 were the pick of the Lodsworth bowlers.

In reply Lodsworth’s batsmen looked decidedly shaky as four wickets fell for just 9 runs to the combined skills of Westbourne’s Indian bowlers Patel and S Desai. But a fifth wicket partnership of 144 put the home team back on track.

The star of the Lodsworth innings was Rod Taylor who remarkably hit nine 6’s in his exhilarating knock of 96. His inning ended just short of a ton with a catch on the long-on boundary. Ollie King meanwhile batted sensibly with occasional flourishes to amass 46 runs. For a few overs it looked as if the Westbourne score might even be surpassed but eventually Lodsworth finished on 179 for 7 and a draw was a fair result.

There was a good deal of satisfaction in the Lodsworth ranks. The loss of our big hitting Mumbai batsman Alfred De Souza in mid May was expected to reduce the team’s capacity to compile big scores but Rod and Ollie stepped up to the mark and it is will hopefully inspire others to go for the runs.

Man of the Match Rod Taylor

Alfred De Souza departs on a high note

2008-05-18T09:16:00.000+01:00

Milland CC v Lodsworth CC

Played at Milland
Sunday 18th May 2008

Milland: 152 all out (R Glasher 90, Alfred de Souza 4 for 21, Paul Phillips 4 for 37, Paresh 2 for 49)
Lodsworth: 156 for 2 (Alfred de Souza 110 not out, James Hickey 25; G Stopher 1 for 39)
Lodsworth won by 8 wickets

Prior to the game Alfie de Souza announced to his shocked Lodsworth teammates that, having failed to secure a renewal of his Visa, he will be returning to India on 20th May. Determined to give the club something to remember him by he produced a near chanceless innings of 110 not out and took 4 wickets for 21 runs in his final game.

Captain Bob Powell lost the toss and Milland elected to bat on a hard wicket with a fast outfield. The home team looked on track to score a huge number of runs as they sped to 120 for the loss of just two wickets, with R Glasher contributing 90. But then the wheels came off and wickets tumbled as the score moved to 136 for 8. P Strike led a late flourish before the Milland inning closed at 152 all out in 32 overs. Paul Phillips bowled well and finished with 4 for 34, Alfred de Souza took 4 for 21 and Paresh gleaned 2 for 49. Rob Hall took two excellent catches while Rod Taylor and John Clifford scooped up one each.

With a devastating knock of 110 not out from Alfred de Souza led the Lodsworth reply. He gave one chance when on 20 but thereafter did not look back. James Hickey weighed in with 25 runs and the visitors required just 21 overs to pass the Milland total with the loss of just two wickets.

Three Victories to start the Season

2008-04-26T09:18:00.000+01:00

A great start to the 2008 season

Lodsworth v Ebernoe
Played at Lodsworth
Saturday 26th April 2008

Lodsworth: 77 (James Hickey 26 not out. Alfred De Souza; Reid 4-15)
Ebernoe: 43 (Gibbs 12, Evans 11; Matt Hall 4-8 & Jon Houghton 3-6, Andy Long 2 for 12)
Lodsworth won

With the Indian Premier League in full swing, it was time for Lodsworth to put on their whites and see if they could emulate the world stars. As in previous seasons, Lodsworth’s first opponents of the season were the strong local rivals Ebernoe. In previous seasons Ebernoe held the upper hand, but with Lodsworth’s work ethic and team morale the tide has turned.

Captain Hall started as usual by losing the toss and Ebernoe placing Lodsworth into bat. Alfred De Souza and Rod Taylor opened the batting on a very slow and low wicket. Ebernoe’s bowlers opened with a tidy spell especially Read (4-15) who at times was unplayable. With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, 50 looked out of the question as Lodsworth were 31-5. James Hickey & Matt Hall put on a partnership of 31 before Hall was bowled. It was only De Souza and James Hickey who got in double figures with James reaching a commendable 26 not out. Lodsworth finished 77 all out.

At tea, there was plenty of discussion whether the total was 30 runs short. It was agreed if we could put the ball in the right areas then we would have a game on our hands. The Ebernoe innings started off unbelievably, as Richard Stemp was caught first ball off bowler Andy Long. This was backed up by the ever-reliable Paul Phillips who was unlucky not to take more than the 1 wicket. The pair bowled 17 overs for only 25 runs for 3 wickets. With the game on a knife-edge, Captain Hall brought himself on with Jon Houghton, which proved to be a great double substitution. Both Hall (4-8) and Houghton (3-6) bowled stump to stump and caused problems. Only Gibbs (12) and Evans (11) offered any resistances before Ebernoe were 43 all out.

Overall it was a great team effort and signs that this season may be more fruitful than last year. It was a real team effort but individually, we have to say Matt Hall got Man of Match with some good very good bowling and some good tactical captaincy.

Man of the match Matt Hall

Easeborne v Lodsworth
Played at Easebourne
Sunday 4th May 2008

Easebourne: 80 (P Riding 23. Matt Hall 3 for 6, Graham Braithwaite 3 for 4 and Andy Long 2 for 18)
Lodsworth 87 for 5 (James Hickey 27 not out, Jon Houghton 22 not out Alfred de Souza 17; Paul White 4 for 23).
Lodsworth won

Lodsworth bowled tightly to contain the experienced Easebourne team to just 80 runs. Andy Long and Harvinder Singh were rarely off target as Easebourne struggled to amass 38 runs off the first 21 overs. Jon Houghton kept on the pressure surrendering just 16 runs in an eight over spell. Matt Hall and Graham Braithwaite then swept through the middle order, Braithwaite capturing 3 for 4 and Matt Hall 3 for 6 as Easeborne garnered just 80 runs.

Alfred de Souza started of like a rocket with 17 off the first over but met his nemesis two overs later as he strove for another six. Lodsworth stuttered briefly with the loss of Graham Braithwaite and Ollie King both for ducks before Hickey (27 not out) and Houghton (22 not out) carried Lodsworth to 87 for 5 and a comfortable victory.

Man of the match: Graham Braithwaite.

Kirdford v Lodsworth
Kirdford
Sunday 11th May 2008

Kirdford: 80 (J Lehan 21, B Jeffery 11; Graham Braithwaite 4 for 14, Jon Houghton 2 for 6, John Clifford 2 for 12)
Lodsworth: 82 for 1 (Andy Wilson Smith 61 not out, James Hickey 11 not out; J Upton 1 for 13)
Lodsworth won

In their third game of the season Lodsworth demolished a Kirdford team who are not currently the force that they were two or three seasons ago. It happens to all village teams of course – a cycle that sees one village dominate for a few years and then fade away as older players retire or youngsters go off to University and the team has to build again from the foundations.

Winning the toss captain Jon Houghton standing in for Matt Hall decided to field. Kirdford started cautiously and survived without loss for the first ten overs with Andy Long bowling very well to record 6 maidens. But when Graham Braithwaite and Jon Houghton came on to bowl Kirdford’s innings disintegrated. Braithwaite with 4 for 14 and Houghton with 2 for 6 demolished the middle order. John Clifford made a cameo appearance taking two wickets in his first over and finishing with 2 for 12. Only J Lehan put up any resistance, scoring 21 with extras being the main contributor to the Kirdford total of 80 all out.

Lodsworth reached 82 in just 12 overs with Andy Wilson Smith scoring 61 not out and James Hickey 11 not out. This was James’s third unbeaten innings. The pick of the Kirdford bowling was J Upton with 1 for 13.

Man of the match was a close run thing – Graham Braithwaite again caught the eye after his winter playing in Australia but Andy Wilson Smith deserved the award for his swashbuckling batting on hos first appearance of the season. Overall a good team effort.

Man of the Match Andy Wilson Smith

Midhurst 6-a-side

2008-01-13T09:20:00.001Z

Sunday saw the return of the Midhurst Six a Side Competition at the Grange.

Unfortunately for us, our first game was at 9:30 against the favourites Elstead! Needless to say, with 4 of our players nursing sore heads from the night before, a loss was always on the cards.

Andy Long started well, only for the first ball mind you before getting hit for 24 off the other 5!

Elstead set a reasonable benchmark total of 71. Lodsworth started well with openers Rix and Houghton before the inevitable happened, the famous Lodsworth collapse. The collapse was fuelled by the introduction of Andy Long who proceeded to run 2 of his team mates out and got stumped whilst wondering down the wicket.

Lodsworth finished with the total of 21 all out, not the start we had in mind! Well done to Al Rix for top scoring with 14. Elstead Won

The next game saw the young guns of Petersfield pit their wit’s against the hung-over team of Lodsworth. Harry Diamond opened the bowling creditably, before a back strain caused him to retire for the day. Lodsworth held Petersfield comfortably in the field with 4 wickets down and only 24 on the board. Al Rix was introduced into the play, as in practice he had been displaying a return to form with the ball! The result Petersfield all out for 52! With Matt Hall and Andy Long opening the batting, Lodsworth’s position was never in doubt. Matt Hall retiring on 28 and Andy Long bowled on 15. Al Rix and Martin Howard put the winning runs on with 10 balls to spare.

Lodsworth Won.

The third game of the day was against Midhurst who fielded a strong side. Lodsworth were bolstered by the introduction of Paul Phillips & Oliver King. Lodsworth bowled very tightly, with Jon Houghton taking two wickets and restricting Midhurst to 57 all out. With the hang-overs wearing off, an improved effort was displayed by all as we looked a much more accomplished side. Oliver King & Jon Houghton batted very well with Jon retiring on 26. Lodsworth were always on the pace and Paul Phillips & Andy Long helped achieve the total with an over to spare.

Lodsworth Won

The fourth game was against our local rivals Tillington. Lodsworth started very well with Paul Phillips, Andy Long & Jon Houghton achieving wickets. Not doubting Al Rix’s ability, the captain decided to give him another go. The result, a 15 ball over and nearly 30 runs coming off of it! To stop the run rate out of control, Matt Hall was introduced along with Jon Houghton who finished Tillington off for 47. With Rod Taylor playing his first game of the day, he was paired with Andy Long to get us off to a quick flyer. All was well before Tillington took 3 wickets in 3 balls but the Jon Houghton & Paul Phillips partnership guided us home to win with 13 balls to spare. Lodsworth Won

All in all a good day’s play was had with Lodsworth finishing runners up to Elstead. It may have been a different story if there were no hang overs, but then an enjoyable awards night would have been missed! Well done Lodsworth, a good start to the year.

A Final Flourish

2007-10-20T12:49:00.000+01:00

Sunday 16th September 2007

Lodsworth CC v Matt Hall Xl at Lodsworth

The George Clifford Trophy Game

Lodsworth CC 232 for 6 off 30 overs (Alfred de Souza 50 not out, Paul Phillips 50 not out, Jon Houghton 47: Matt Hall 4 overs 2 for 15, Alistair Rix 3 overs 2 for 13)

Matt Hall Xl 161 all out (Johan Fourie 52, D Swain 34, S Tanginelu 23: Jon Houghton 3 overs 3 for 14, Rod Taylor 3 overs 2 for 16, Alfred de Souza 2 overs 2 for 4)

Lodsworth won

Lodsworth CC ended their season on a high note with a victory over the Matt Hall Xl in the annual George Clifford Trophy game. Extending Lodsworth’s run of victories to five this concluded their most successful season for a decade.

Winning the toss Lodsworth elected to bat in a 30-over game, where in the sprit of this game, bowlers were restricted to four overs and batsmen required to retire at 50. Lodsworth duly amassed 232 runs for the loss of 6 wickets with Alfred de Souza retiring on 50, Paul Phillips also hitting a chanceless 50 and Jon Houghton falling just short with 47. The leading wicket takers were Matt Hall with 4 overs 2 for 15 and Al Rix with 3 overs 2 for 13.

The Matt Hall Xl courageously chased the target from the outset. Johan Fourie hit a sparkling 52, S Swain knocked 34 and S Tanginelu 23. Ahead of the run rate until the halfway mark, the wheels came off with the introduction of Jon Houghton who bowled 3 overs 3 for 14. Rod Taylor got in on the action with 3 overs 2 for 16 and Alfred De Souza capped a successful day with 2 overs 2 for 4. There were excellent catches from Sandeep, Rod Taylor and Jon Houghton (2) as The Matt Hall Xl finished on a commendable 161 all out.

It was a far more competitive game than in previous years and much closer than the score line suggest. Lodsworth took the George CliffordTrophy with Best Batsman Award going to Alfred de Souza and Best Bowler to Jon Houghton

And so the curtain comes down on a successful season. Although five games were cancelled as a result of rain the team played 16, won 9, drew four and lost only 3. It was the best record in recent years so congratulations to skipper Matt Hall.

Three years ago I wrote of the changing nature of village cricket. Where once the team would be composed of the local vicar, publican and farmers we now rely heavily on ‘incomers’. We regularly field a team containing two South Africans and occasionally two or three Indians. Some regret this changing scene but it seems inevitable, indeed if a quota were to be set on the number of overseas players in the Lodsworth team it would probably collapse. And undoubtedly the overseas players raise the standard of our cricket. That said many of our talented young local players prefer to hone their skills at Midhurst or further afield at Arundel. It is an exodus we have to address and ways have to be found of attracting them to play regularly for the village.

Indian Summer

2007-09-25T12:50:00.000+01:00

Sunday 23rd September 2007

Bosham CC v Lodsworth CC at West Itchenor

Lodsworth CC 211 for 9 off 35 overs (Alfred de Souza 109 not out, Paul Phillips 16, Jon Houghton13: Sam Evans 6 overs 3 for 54, G Farrell 6 overs 2 for 20)

Plaistow CC 33 all out in 19 overs (M Farrell 11, Sandeep 4 overs 3 for 7)

Lodsworth won by 158 runs

Bosham CC’s temporary home is a delightful oval set in the grounds of a large country mansion at West Itchenor with an artificial turf wicket. After an hour of searching the narrow lanes and byways of the Selsay Peninsular the team finally located the pitch to find that the opposition were three men short and had forgotten to bring one set of stumps!

In village cricket this is a minor problem. It was agreed that Lodsworth would bat first, a spectator was dispatched to locate the missing stumps and the game commenced with three stumps and a traffic cone (The remaining stumps arrived in the sixth over). And so the game alternated between some very competitive cricket and comedy, ending in the total annihilation of the home team.

Alfred de Souza has been threatening a big score all season and inspired by India’s victory over Australia and anticipating another win over Pakistan, he finally came good with a chanceless 109 not out including 11 sixes and eight 4’s. Lodsworth concluded their innings on 209 for 9 with other contributions by Paul Phillips (16) and Jon Houghton (13).

Bosham began confidently enough but all the luck and much of the skill was with the visitors and the home team was scythed down in just 19 overs, Sandeep led the blitz with 4 overs 3 for 7 making this a true Indian summer. There were a number of decent catches from Jon Houghton, Alfred de Souza and Bob Powell (2).

And so the curtain comes down on a successful season. Although five games were cancelled as a result of heavy rain the team played 15, won 8, drew four and lost only 3. It is the best record in recent years and congratulations to skipper Matt Hall. To round off the year Matt Hall’s XI will play the village team led by the Vice-Captain Bob Powell on Sunday 30th September in a friendly post-season limited-overs game for the Joe Clifford trophy

Three years ago I wrote of the changing nature of village cricket. Where once the team would be composed of the local vicar, publican and farmers we now rely heavily on ‘incomers’. We regularly field a team containing two South Africans and occasionally two or three Indians. With the changes in the village demography it seems inevitable indeed if a quota were to be set on the number of overseas players in the Lodsworth team it would probably collapse. And undoubtedly the overseas players raise the standard of our cricket. That said many of our talented young local players prefer to hone their skills at Midhurst or further afield at Arundel. It is an exodus we have to address and ways have to be found of attracting them to play regularly for the village.

Village Cricket at its best

2007-09-17T12:50:00.000+01:00

Sunday 16th September 2007

Plaistow CC v Lodsworth CC at Plaistow

35 overs game

Lodsworth CC 167 for 8 off 29.4 overs (Oliver King 59, Amol Somwanshi 57, Alfred de Souza 16 ; S Chapman 4 overs 2 for 39)

Plaistow CC 163 for 8 off 35 overs ( A Wheelson 42, K Walker 41, M Beach 15, P Hazelwood 14 not out : Amol Somwanshi 10 overs 4 for 39, Vikram 11 overs 2 for 43).

Lodsworth won by four runs

We are 15 minutes from Plaistow, with 30 minutes to go before the start of the game, and Andy calls on the mobile. “Bob, we have only got eight players – Paul’s gone grouse shooting, Rod’s flown to Paris to watch South Africa play England, Jon’s sunning himself on a beach in Cyprus, Martin’s in Manchester and Al’s defected to Tillington. What do you think?”

I put the situation to the guys in the car with me – Alfred de Souza, Vikram and Amol Somwanshi – and as one they respond, “We’re playing, there is no way we are calling the game off.” Andy confirms this is also the opinion of the skipper, Matt Hall.

You would think that arriving with just eight players would enough of a problem but village cricket was never so simple. On reaching the ground we find that another team, Wisborough Green CC, have also turned up to play Plaistow – they are a week early! There is some talk of making the game a three-way 20/20 but the Wisborough team decide to push off and play golf, leaving the field to us. Despite mumblings about a double hernia and a ‘dickey’ heart we press our scorer/umpire Hunter Graham into service as number 9 batsman.

The strategy is simple – Lodsworth’s opening pair Alfred de Souza and Vikram are instructed to play defensively and build a firm foundation for the depleted team. The strategy goes straight out of the window as Vikram is bowled in the second over and Alfred hits three 4’s before being caught behind in the fifth over. The comedy develops as the next batsman, skipper Matt Hall, promptly hits his wicket for the first time in his career.

Then surprise! surprise! Ollie King who has struggled to lay bat on ball all season recovers all his latent skills to knock 59, and with Amol Somwanshi (57) take the score to 133 for 4. With 10 from Andy Long and a few from the tail end (including a single from the septuagenarian scorer) Lodsworth eventually compile a very respectable 167 for 8 off 29.4 overs.

After tea taken in the local pub the game resumes. The result seemed inevitable as Plaistow creep towards 100 with the loss of just one wicket. Then in quick succession A Wheelson (42) is bowled by Vikram, K Walker (41) is bowled by Amol, Amol takes a stupendous ct-and-bwld to remove B Moser on 6, and a bullet-like return to the keeper from Alfred de Souza dismisses M Beach for 15. Schoolboy Ben Oakley is prominent as he dives to stop a number of certain fours. The skids are suddenly under Plaistow.

And so to the final over with Plaistow on 157, needing 11 for victory. Dot ball, dot ball, dot ball, dot ball and then a towering six over the bowlers head from P Hazelwood. Last ball … and a four will tie the game. But it is not to be as the batsman swings, misses and the ball goes through to the keeper as Lodsworth savour a famous victory. Village cricket at its best!

The Cavalry Arrives

2007-09-10T12:51:00.000+01:00

Sunday 9th September 2007

Lodsworth CC v Parham Park CC at Lodsworth

Lodsworth CC 141 all out (Alfred de Souza 25, Josh Cowell 25, Paul Phillips 15, Al Rix 12, Andy Long 12 not out: J Huffer 7 overs 4 for 27)

Parham Park 107 for 9 (J Trott 63, A Wales 13: Matt Hall 11 overs 3 for 23, Andy Long 13 overs 3 for 37, Paul Phillips 7 overs 2 for 28, Harry Dimond 3 overs 1 for 9).

Lodsworth won by 38 runs in a limited overs game of 35 overs.

Knowing that Lodsworth’s star bowler Andy Long would be late, skipper Matt Hall elected to bat first on a hard wicket that showed a wicked bounce. Alfred de Souza (25) and Paul Phillips (15) got off to a lively start before Alfred fell to a well-taken catch at mid-wicket. The Lodsworth middle order picked up the pace, Al Rix knocking a commendable 12 and Josh Cowell displayed superb timing with a stylish 25 before being caught on the boundary.

Ollie Cowell added another 8 but with 9 wickets down and just 122 on the board Lodsworth looked a little shaky. Then the cavalry arrived! Andy Long’s car could be heard coming up the hill from the village and minutes later the man himself sprinted to the crease to knock a brisk 12 not out (three 4’s) while Bob Powell contributed 7 to bring the home team score to 141 all out.

Parham openers J Trott (63) and Andy Wales (13) started confidently putting on 73 for their opening partnership but once they had departed the Lodsworth bowlers took control. Paul Phillips opened with 7 overs 2 for 28, Matt Hall was aggressive with 11 overs 3 for 23 and Andy Long looked like the Andy of old with 13 overs 3 for 37. Harry Dimond contributed a very lively spell of 3 overs 1 for 9 as Parham Park collapsed to 107 for 9. Rod Taylor took two excellent catches, Alfred scoped up two more and Paul Phillips took one more dropping out of the sun.

Thanks to Tim and Gillian Johnson for a superb tea and to Hunter Graham for manning the scorebook and the scoreboard.

Bob Powell

Vice Captain

Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory

2007-09-06T12:52:00.001+01:00

Sunday 26th August 2007

Walberton CC v Lodsworth CC at Walberton

Walberton CC 99 all out (P Harbird 53: Matt Hall 4 overs 3 for 19, Vipol 3 overs 3 for 13, Vikram 5 overs 2 for 10))

Lodsworth CC 90 all out (James Hickey 23 Andy Long 13, Vikram 13 not out; N Jackson 11 overs 3 for 51, R Lockwood 9 overs 4 for 7, L Venter 8.1 overs 3 for 17)

Lodsworth lost by 9 runs

Why the heck do we play this beautiful but utterly frustrating game?

Lodsworth performed brilliantly when fielding, restricting Walberton to 99 all out. The bowling was accurate with Andy Long (7 overs 1 for 26), Matt Hall (4 overs 3 for 19), Vipol (3 overs 3 for 13) and Vikram (3 overs 2 for 10) keeping the Walberton batsmen on a tight rein. Superb catches by Jon Houghton (3) fielding close in, Andy Long, Matt Hall and Paul Phillips kept the pressure on and only opener P Harbird (53) was able to make headway. Even Bob Powell got in on the act with a lightning stumping (his description). A great team effort.

Then Lodsworth batted and contrived to loose a match they should have won easily. James Hickey (35) hung around for a decent period but all the other top order batsmen – Alfred de Souza, Jon Houghton, Ollie King, John Clifford and Rod Taylor - trooped back to the pavilion like lemmings heading for a cliff. The middle order fared little better against the bowling of R Lockwood (overs 4 for 7) and L Venter (8 overs 3 for 17). It was left to the tail enders Matt Hall, Andy Long (13) and Vikram (13 not out) to muster some resistance and it briefly looked as if Lodsworth might pull off a late coup. But no – a dubious LBW decision left the victors looking slightly embarrassed and Lodsworth 9 runs short.

Anyway – that’s cricket and all will be back next week.

Bob Powell

Vice Captain

Lose some - Win Some

2007-08-14T12:55:00.000+01:00

Lodsworth CC v Arundel Castle Estate CC at Lodsworth

Arundel Castle Estate CC 104 all out (C Ashworth 41, C Budd 14; Martin Howard 5 overs 3 for 9, Andy Long 10 overs 2 for 16, Matt Hall 7 overs 2 for 22)

Lodsworth CC 106 for none (Alfred de Souza 85 not out, Ollie King 19 not out)

Lodsworth won

After two disappointing losses Lodsworth bounced back with a vengeance and severely trounced a respectable Arundel Castle Estate CC. Put in to bat, with the exception of C Ashworth (41) the Arundel XI were pinned down by some accurate bowling from Andy Long (10.2 overs 2 for 16) and Matt Hall (7 overs 2 for 22) before Martin Howard tore apart the visitors middle order with 5 overs 3 for 9.

There were six brilliant catches from Alfred de Souza (2), Ben Randell, Martin Howard, Andy Long and Matt Hall, and a great run out by James Hickey as the visitors struggled to 104 all out.

Lodsworth replied with a devastating innings by Alfred de Souza of 85 not out, (including seven 4’s and five 6’s), while Ollie King won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor with 19 not out. The winning total of 106 was achieved in just 15 overs. This was the first ten-wicket victory by a Lodsworth team for several years and all the more satisfying as we have been on the receiving end of some big hitters in recent games.

Lodsworth Lose Momentum.

2007-08-05T12:57:00.000+01:00

Sunday 5th August 2007

Lodsworth CC v Fittleworth CC at Lodsworth

Filttleworth CC 184 for 4 (I Homeward 102, P Kitchener 36; Paul Phillips 12 overs 1 for 44, Matt Hall 11 overs 1 for 41)

Lodsworth CC 130 all out (Jon Houghton 43, Mall Hall 23, Alfred de Souza 19, Graham Braithwaite 16: A Wall 7 overs 4 for 34, A Kitchener 8 overs 3 for 21)

Fittleworth won

On paper Lodsworth had a strong batting lineup. Rod Taylor and Andy Long (both injured) were missing, but with Graham Braithwaite, Alfred de Souza and Jon Houghton in the team it seemed there was the necessary firepower to reverse a string of defeats by Fittleworth CC over the last five years … but it was not to be.

The toss was lost and Lodsworth were put in to field. Fittleworth steadily notched up 184 for 4 off 40 overs with I Homeward hitting 102 before falling to Paul Phillips. Lodsworth bowled accurately on the hottest day of the year but although containing the run rate to 4.6 per over could not remove the batsmen.

In reply to Fittleworth’s total the home team were dismissed for 130 in 31 overs. There were some determined individual performances with resilience being shown by Jon Houghton (43) supported by Matt Hall (23). Alfred De Souza (19) and Graham Braithwaite (16) briefly sparked but both were dismissed just as they began to get into their stride. It was an excellent game of cricket played in a friendly spirit but Lodsworth slipped to their second defeat of the season bringing their record to W3,D4,L2.

Lodsworth man of the match - Jon Houghton

A Game of Two Halves

2007-07-22T12:58:00.000+01:00

Sunday 22nd July 2007

Lodsworth CC v Tangmere CC at Lodsworth

Tangmere CC 58 all out (J Murray 12: Paul Phillips 7 overs 6 for 14, Amol 3 overs 2 for 8)

Lodsworth CC 46 all out (Amol 8: A Steward 10 overs 5 for 6, M Parris 8 overs 3 for 10)

Tangmere won

This was, to quote the old football adage ‘a game of two halves’. In the first half Lodsworth gave possibly their best bowling and fielding performance of the season while the Tangmere batting collapsed to 58 all out. In the second half the position was reversed and the Tangmere bowlers mauled the Lodsworth batsman who reached just 46 all out.

Tangmere started confidently enough but Paul Phillips was in devastating form and in 7 overs claimed 6 wickets for just 14 runs – possibly his lifetime best figures - while Amol took 2 wickets for 8 runs off 3 overs. Both bowlers achieved remarkable turn off a hard but green wicket. There were excellent catches from Amol, Andy Long (2) and Matt Hall. The Tangmere batsmen had no answer and only J Murray reached double figures.

Lodsworth started their innings with a mixture of confidence, perhaps tinged with apprehension, for if Tangmere had been unable to master the bowling on the lively wicket, did it hold similar perils for the home team? The answer was swiftly forthcoming as two wickets fell in the second over and Tangmere surged to a comprehensive victory with A Steward taking 5 wickets for 6 runs off 10 overs and M Parris claiming 3 victims for 10 runs off 8 overs. Jon Houghton attempted to hold the batting together but not one player on the Lodsworth team reached double figures and five fell to LBW.

In the short bruising encounter Lodsworth’s unbeaten run of seven games came to an abrupt halt. The team has two weeks to regroup and recover the winning formula before the August fixtures.

Lodsworth man of the match - Paul Phillips

Loxwood CC vs Lodsworth CC

2007-07-10T13:02:00.000+01:00

Sunday 10th June 2007

Loxwood CC v Lodsworth CC

Loxwood CC 246 for 4 off 37 overs (M Jones 88, T Holmes 56, O Meltio 30 not out, A Dudman 26 not out; Paul Phillips 13 overs 3 for 66).

Lodsworth CC 178 for 7 off 39 overs (James Hickey 53, Oliver King 26, Jon Houghton 19, John Clifford 19 not out, Andy Long 16 not out; A Dudman 13 overs 5 for 49)

Match Drawn

Lodsworth CC have now gone five games without defeat and Matt Hall’s team showed considerable character in securing a draw against a very strong Loxwood CC, who displayed batting in depth. The result was even more commendable as Lodsworth were weakened by the late withdrawal of Rod Taylor, with back spasms, and played with 10 men.

For Loxwood, M Jones (88) and T Holmes (56) were the pick of the home batsmen and found the boundary on numerous occasions. Aided by O Meltio (30 not out) and A Dudman (26 not out) the home team amassed a daunting total of 246 in 37 overs. Paul Phillips bowled with controlled aggression to take 3 for 66 off 13 overs.

Lodsworth refused to be overawed by the task and set off on the offensive. James Hickey (53) and Oliver King (26) pushed the score towards the century and Jon Houghton (19) helped to maintain the momentum. But as the match entered its final phase it became clear a draw was the best result Lodsworth could hope to achieve and John Clifford (19 not out) and Andy Long (16 not out) resolutely denied Loxwood a victory. Lodsworth finished on 178 for 7 at the close of a well-fought game played in “the right spirit”!

Man-of-the-match for Lodsworth; James Hickey

Tillington CC vs Lodsworth CC

2007-07-08T12:59:00.000+01:00

Sunday 8th July 2007

Tillington CC v Lodsworth CC

Lodsworth CC 120 for 9 (Martin Howard 29 not out, Ed Atkins 27; M Hill 10 overs 4 for 13)

Tillington CC 66 for 8 (D Clark 18, T Germany 14 not out; Andy Long 11 overs 3 for 5, Matt Hall 7 overs 2 for 12)

Match Drawn

Three weeks of incessant rainfall having caused the cancellation of games against Graffham and Smithbrook, Fernhurst and the Matt Hall XI, it came as a relief to wake to clear skies and the opportunity to play near neighbours and close rivals Tillington CC. Work commitments and injury forced a number of late changes and Lodsworth welcomed Ed Atkins for his debut game with the team and Harry Dimond another of the very talented young players in the village.

Lodsworth batted first and were quickly in trouble. It could be blamed on three weeks of inaction but James Hickey, Rod Taylor, Jon Houghton and Ollie King were all back in the pavilion with only 24 runs on the scoreboard. M Hill caused most of the damage with 10 overs 4 for 13. It fell to skipper Matt Hall to stabilise the team with a resilient 19 and Ed Atkins to show what a great talent he is with a sparkling 27. Martin Howard was equally impressive with 29 not out and Lodsworth went in for tea with a defendable 120 for 9.

Tillington were in all sorts of trouble after the restart, loosing R Noakes, B Whickham and G Westmore for ducks, while D Clarke (18) staved off a complete the collapse. Lodsworth looked for a swift victory but the last two Tillington batsmen, T Germany (14 not out) and L Spice (3 not out), defied the bowlers and held on for a draw. Andy Long was the best of the Lodsworth seamers with 11 overs, 8 maidens 3 for 5.

Lodsworth Man of the match – Ed Atkins

Milland CC vs Lodsworth CC

2007-05-20T13:02:00.000+01:00

Sunday 20th May 2007

Milland CC 64 all out (G Stopher 37: Martin Howard 6 overs 3 wickets for 17 runs, Jon Houghton 6 overs 2 for 13 runs).
Lodsworth CC 66 for 6 (Oliver King 28 not out: G Stopher 10.3 overs 5 for 32)
Lodsworth won by 4 wickets

The Lodsworth cricket team have yet to be truly tested, nevertheless three wins in three games is a brilliant start to the 2007 season under new captain Matt Hall.

For the third game in a row the Lodsworth bowlers were dominant. Paul Phillips (7 overs 1 for 13) and Andy Long (7 overs 1 for 9) laid a firm foundation so that with 14 overs bowled Milland had just 22 runs on the board. Martin Howard (3 for 17) and Jon Houghton (2 for 13) scythed through the middle order aided by catches from Long, Hall and Amol, and the depleted visitors were back in the pavilion with just 64 runs to defend. G Stopher provided the only real resistance with an individual contribution of 37 runs.

But the Lodsworth batting looks fragile and has yet to consistently produce the big individual innings’ that characterised the team’s performances in 2005 and 2006. James Hickey and John Houghton were out for 1 and 5 respectively and the 20-year-old Indian batsman Alfred de Souza was brilliantly caught when on just 5 runs. Martin Howard went for a duck and Paul Phillips was run out on 6. Indeed a shock defeat looked possible as wickets tumbled. Milland’s G Stopher took five wickets for 32 runs in 10 overs but Oliver King (28 not out) and Andy Long (8 not out) ushered the home team to victory by 4 wickets.

Man-of-the-match Martin Howard

Thanks to …
Jill King, Zena Davies and Sheila Houghton for tea, Hunter Graham for umpiring and George Bristow at the Hollist Arms for after-match hospitality. Thanks also to the Recreation Hall Committee – we recognise it is difficult to produce a quality cricket ground when the community field has to serve a multitude of purposes, from football to fetes and stoolball to Guy Fawkes night. But three weeks into the cricket season the outfield is showing considerable improvement. Thanks guys!

Lodsworth CC vs Easebourne CC

2007-05-06T13:03:00.001+01:00

Sunday 6th May 2007 at Lodsworth
Easebourne 84 all out (I Fumagall 33: Jon Houghton 8 overs 4 wickets for 21 runs, Matt Hall 5 overs 2 for 4, Paul Phillips 8 overs 2 for 16).
Lodsworth 88 for 4 (Rod Taylor 49 not out, Alfred de Souza 27: Paul White 7 overs 3 for 48)
Lodsworth won by 6 wickets

This was a resounding win for Lodsworth against an admittedly under strength Easeborne team. The key to the success was once again the tight opening attack of Paul Phillips (8 overs 2 for 16) and Andy Long (8 overs 1 for 18) who restricted the visitors to just 48 runs, with the loss of three wickets, off the first 16 overs. One of Easebourne’s youngest players, I Fumagall, was the only batsman to emerge with credibility as other wickets fell to Jon Houghton (4 for 21), Matt Hall (2 for 4) and Martin Howard (1 for 7). Matt Hall and Alfred de Souza took two difficult catches and Easebourne were back in the pavilion after 32 overs with just 84 runs on the board.

Lodsworth had a minor fright as Ollie King and Jon Houghton both went for ducks off the bowling of Easebourne stalwart Paul White. But some scintillating batting by Rod Taylor who finished on 49 not out (three 6’s and four 4’s), and some massive shots by newcomer Alfred de Souza who scored 27 (one 6 and four 4’s) quickly put the result beyond doubt. Lodsworth took less than an hour to score 88 runs off 13 overs and record their second six-wicket win of the season.

Man-of-the-match Rod Taylor

Ebernoe CC vs Lodsworth CC

2007-04-28T13:04:00.000+01:00

Saturday 28th April 2007.
Ebernoe CC v Lodsworth CC at Ebernoe

Ebernoe 81 all out (M West 23, N Price 21 not out: Paul Phillips 9.4 overs 4 wickets for 17 runs, Jon Houghton 8 overs 3 for 29, Matt Hall 6 overs 2 for 18, Andy Long 9 overs 1 for 10)
Lodsworth 82 for 4 (Jon Houghton 24 not out, Rod Taylor 18, James Hickey 15).
Lodsworth won by 6 wickets

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What a difference a year makes! Humiliated in the 2006 fixture on this same ground, Lodsworth came back with a positive attitude and overwhelmed Ebernoe with a six-wicket victory. Paul Phillips and Andy Long established a firm foundation - their first 18 overs yielded just 27 runs and in the process Ebernoe lost four wickets including their usually prolific skipper R Stemp.

Jon Houghton and Lodsworth’s new skipper Matt Hall took up the attack and despite a rearguard action by Ebernoe’s N Price, the home team were dismissed for 81 in 35 overs. The Lodsworth fielding was exceptional and Martin Howard, Matt Hall, Bob Powell and newcomer Richard Chase held difficult catches.

In reply Lodsworth started shakily, loosing Phillips in the second over, but Jon Houghton (24 not out), James Hickey (15) and Rod Taylor (18) carried the team to a comfortable victory with 82 for 4 in 28 overs. Ebernoe bowlers A Read, N Price, M West and D Turner shared the spoils. This was above all a great team effort by Lodsworth and bodes well for the 2007 season.

Man-of-the-match Paul Phillips

Fighting Finish

2006-09-24T13:14:00.000+01:00

Sunday 24th September 2006

Lodsworth CC v Bosham CC

Bosham CC 185 for 5 (M Allen 119, D Holden 30;Christian Budd 3 overs 2 for 25, Andy Long 8 overs 1for 20)

Lodsworth CC 163 for 9 (Sean Chivers 47, Matt Hall 30,Oliver King 27; D Holden 8 overs 3 for 23, M Farrell 6overs 3 for 27, M Allen 4 overs 2 for 15)

Bosham won a limited-over game by 22 runs.

Lodsworth won the toss and elected to field but barely five minutes had elapsed when they were reduced to 10 men when their talisman all-rounder Jon Houghton was hit above the eye by a full blooded drive that pierced his helmet visor and necessitated 22 stitches.

Bosham were unrecognisable from the team that last visited Lodsworth in 2004. They have evidently recruited a number of accomplished batsmen who piled on the pressure. The Lodsworth bowlers responded well with Andy Long bowling an impressive 8 overs 1 for 20, but Bosham began to hit freely in the last ten overs and finished on 185 for 5. Opener M Allen hit 119, supported by D Holden (30) and M Farrell (20).Christian Budd came on for a cameo last over where he bowled out two batsmen and ran out a third.

With Jon Houghton, still in A&E at Chichester hospital, Lodsworth reshuffled their batting order. Matt Hall, at No.1, hit a determined 30 and Ollie King grafted for 27 but the major contributor was Sean Chivers whose rapid-fire 47 threatened to swing the game in the home team’s favour. But it was not to be. Andy Long (17) anchored a tail-end flourish but Lodsworth finished short of the required total with 163 for 9 as the sun sank over the western end of the recreation ground, bringing the 2006 season to a literal and metaphoric conclusion.

It was a pretty good season. Played 18, Won 8, Drawn 4, Lost 6 with three games cancelled as a result of heavy rain.

Man of the Match: Sean Chivers

Nine Ducks

2006-09-17T13:14:00.000+01:00

Sunday 17th September 2006

Lodsworth CC v Plaistow CC at Lodsworth

Lodsworth CC 145 all out (Jon Houghton 52, Rod Taylor 43, B Powell 15: S Woods 6 overs 5 for 25, M Bench 8overs 2 for 27, S Gilley 12 overs 2 for 35)

Plaistow CC 92 for 7 (S Woods 37, M Bench 26, S Chapman 23: Matt Hall 9 overs 4 for 21, Jon Houghton 11.3 overs 3 for 35)

Lodsworth won a limited 35-overs game

Plaistow arrived without two players who had beeninjured playing rugby the previous day; Andy Long volunteered to field for the visitors and sustained a back injury that would later prevent him bowling and Paul Phillips was carrying a calf injury that later restricted him to two overs. The slip cordon looked like a hospital queue.

Lodsworth batted first and although five batsmen recorded ducks the innings was cemented by a fine fourth wicket partnership between Jon Houghton (53) and Rod Taylor (43) and a final wicket partnership between Paul Phillips and Bob Powell (15) that took the home team to 145 all out at tea. S Woods was the pick of the Plaistow bowlers with figures of 6 overs, five wickets for 25 runs.

Plaistow put up a brave fight led by skipper Woods (37), but Matt Hall showed a great late-season return to form with 9 overs 4 for 21 and Jon Houghton bowled very economically to record 11.3 overs 3 for 35. Plaistow lost their last four batsmen for ducks.

Nine ducks in a game! Surely some sort of record?

Man of the match Jon Houghton

An Honourable Draw

2006-09-10T13:15:00.000+01:00

Sunday 10th September 2006

Parham Park CC v Lodsworth CC at Parham House

Parham Park CC 141 for 8 (J Nettleton 61, S Trott 20: Matt Hall 9 overs 4 for 29, Paul Phillips 9 overs 3 for 39, Amol 9 overs 1 for 20)

Lodsworth CC 112 for 8 (Oliver King 33, Sean Chivers 22, Matt Hall 14: S Forest 11 overs 3 for 23, JNettleton 5 overs 2 for 9, M Richmond 8 overs 2 for 22)

Match Drawn.

There are few more idyllic village cricket grounds than the lakeside pitch at Parham House, with the west façade of the Victorian mansion as a backdrop and deer roaming the fringes. Parham batted first and, despite a forceful innings of 7 by their young Australian batsman J Nettleton, were restricted to 141 for 8 off 36 overs. Lodsworth fielded energetically while Matt Hall (9 overs 3 for 29) and Paul Phillips (9 overs 3 for 39) restricted the run rate, aided by Lodsworth’s Indian bowler Amol (9 overs 1 for 20). Two brilliant catches by Christian Budd and Paul Phillips dismissed Parham’s most threatening batsmen.

With a reasonably strong batting line-up Lodsworth were confident of eclipsing the Parham total but the normally reliable Christian Budd, Andy Wilson-Smith and Richard Ashcroft were quickly back in the pavilion. It was left to Ollie King (33) to shore up the innings assisted by a flamboyant 22 from Sean Chivers. With eight overs to go and seven wickets down Lodsworth looked decidedly vulnerable but Paul Phillips and Alistair Rix shut up shop and achieved an honourable draw with 112 for 8 at close of play. S Forest was the pick of the Parham bowlers with 11 overs, 5 maidens 3 for 23).

Man of the Match Matt Hall

Lodsworth Crash to Earth

2006-09-03T13:15:00.000+01:00

Sunday 3rd September 2006

Lodsworth CC v Crawley CC 2nd Xl

Lodsworth CC 73 all out (Rod Taylor 20, Andy Long 17: C Clifford 10 overs 6 for 18, W Warren 8 overs 2 for 29)

Crawley CC 2nd Xl 76 for 4 (T Wilde 29, I Dando 22 not out: Paul Phillips 7 overs 1 for 12, Andy Long 8 overs1 for 16, J Houghton 5 overs 1 for 15)

Crawley won by 6 wickets.

What a difference a month makes! In July Lodsworth rattled up 212 for 3 against Crawley 2nd Xl but on this occasion quickly came unstuck against a Crawley bowling line-up reinforced by the addition of several first team players including C Clifford. The right-arm fast bowler took six wickets in his ten-over spell and Lodsworth never recovered. Rod Taylor (20) displayed defiance and the tail wagged energetically with Andy Long adding 17 but the home team were back in the pavilion after one and a half hours with just 73 runs to show for their efforts.

On the resumption Lodsworth battled doggedly with tight bowling from Paul Phillips (7 overs 1 for 12), Andy Long (8 overs 1 for 16), and Jon Houghton (5 overs 1 for 15) backed up by some energetic fielding from Harry Dimond and Sean Chivers. Crawley were kept on a tight rein but eventually passed the Lodsworth total for the loss of four wickets. T Wilde was top scorer for the visitors with 29 and I Dando carried his bat with 22 not out.

Bob Powell

Skipper

Lodsworth CC

Three in a Row

2006-08-27T13:16:00.000+01:00

Sunday 27th August 2006

Walberton CC v Lodsworth CC

Lodsworth CC 179 for 7 (Jon Houghton 52 not out, Andy Wilson-Smith 51: N Jackson 12 overs 4 for 59, A Bist 10 overs 3 for 28)

Walberton 141 all out (C Jackson 54, P Harboard 27: Andy Long 8 overs 4 for 16, Jon Houghton 6 overs 2 for 28, Paul Phillips 7 overs 2 for 46)

Lodsworth Won

Put into bat Lodsworth quickly lost both their opening batsmen. Walberton’s left-arm fast bowler A Bist (10 overs 3 for 28) and N Jackson (12 overs 4 for 59) severely restricted the visitor’s progress and with five wickets down for 45 runs Lodsworth looked to being in for an uncomfortable afternoon. But a sixth wicket partnership by Andy Wilson-Smith (51) and Jon Houghton (52 not out) turned the tide and Lodsworth eventually went in for tea on 179 for 7.

On the resumption of play Walberton lost their two openers to Paul Phillips (7 overs 2 for 46) but looked dangerous when P Harboard (27) and C Jackson (59) came together for a third wicket partnership. The introduction of Andy Long (8 overs 4 for 16) and Jon Houghton (6 overs 2 for 28) nullified the threat and the two medium-pace bowlers mopped up the middle and lower order.

Jon Houghton took three extraordinary catches to bring his total for the season to 17, and Rod Taylor, James Hickey and Andy Long held others. The Walberton innings closed at 141 all out as Lodsworth recorded their third victory in a row accomplished by an excellent team performance.

Man of the Match Jon Houghton

Hot Rod

2006-08-20T13:16:00.000+01:00

Sunday 20th August 2006

Lodsworth CC v West Sussex Wanderers CC at Lodsworth

Lodsworth CC 264 for 3 (Rod Taylor 108 not out, Oliver King 69, Alistair Rix 23, Jack Diamond 28 not out: B Butterfield 5 overs 2 for 45)

West Sussex Wanderers CC 156 for 7 (M Hall 86, A Wilson-Smith 20: Andy Long 4.4 overs 2 for 22, Harry Dimond 6 overs 1 for 16).

Lodsworth Won

West Sussex Wanderers arrived short of players which Lodsworth obligingly supplied Matt Hall and Andy Wilson-Smith shoring up the visitor's frail line-up and subsequently contributing handsomely with bat and ball.

But the man-of-the match was undoubtedly Lodsworth's Rod Taylor, who has been threatening a big innings all season. His 108 not out is the highest score by a Lodsworth batsman in recent years. It was an innings of unremitting ferocity and composure with sixes and fours dispatched to all sectors of the ground. The WSW bowling was punished mercilessly as Oliver King (69), Alistair Rix (23) and Jack Dimond (28 not out) pushed the home team's total to 264 for 3 declared at tea.

West Sussex Wanderers replied with 156 for 7, most of their runs coming from the Lodsworth on-loan players. Matt Hall hit a season best 86 until caught on the boundary by Jon Houghton, and Andy Wilson-Smith bowed out with 20.

Andy Long was the pick of the Lodsworth bowler with 4.4 overs 2 for 22 and Harry Dimond bowled a commendable 6 overs 1 for 16. Lodsworth's fielders were inspired with excellent catches by James Hickey, Rod Taylor and Jon Houghton (2).

Man of the Match Rod Taylor

Dimonds Sparkle

2006-08-13T13:17:00.000+01:00

Sunday 13th August 2006.

The George Clifford Memorial Trophy Game

Lodsworth CC v The Matt Hall XI at Lodsworth

Lodsworth CC 146 for 7 (Oliver King 36, Richard Ashcroft 33, Alistair Rix 31, Jack Dimond 26 not out; K Bills 4 overs 3 for 18)

Matt Hall Xl 132 all out (Matt Hall 49, Jon Houghton 33; Nijesh 9 overs 3 for 35, Harry Dimond 7 overs 2 for 27, Navaron 6 overs 2 for 20)

Dark clouds scurried in from the northeast and thunder rolled over the distant hills. A heavy shower delayed the start until 3.00 pm when it was decided to reduce the game to 30 overs. The match was played in overcast conditions with the occasional sunny spell and ominous flashes of thunder in the early evening. In short, perfect conditions for cricket in England in August.

Lodsworth batted first and there were solid performances from Ollie King (36), Richard Ashcroft (33) and the ever improving Alistair Rix (31), but it was teenager Jack Dimond who took the eye with a sparkling 26 not out. Lodsworth went in for tea with 146 for 7. Kevin Bills was the best of the Matt Hall Xl bowlers.

When the Matt Hall Xl took the field it was another Dimond who glittered, this time younger brother Harry, who took the first two wickets and finished with figures of 7 overs 2 for 27. Matt Hall led his team from the front with a magnificent 49, ably supported by Jon Houghton (33) who had defected to the opposition. Stripped of all their usual bowlers Lodsworth introduced Indian player Nijash from Gujarat who bowled with great pace and accuracy to record 9 overs 3 for 35, and Bengali medium pacer Navaran, who finished on 6 overs 2 for 20.

The result of the game hung in the balance with the final wicket falling at 132 with just six balls to go. The legendary Lodsworth player Joe Clifford presented the trophy, commemorating his father, to the winning skipper Bob Powell. Black clouds enveloped the ground but the gloom could not diminish the sparkling performance of the two Dimonds.

Man of the Match Matt Hall

A Close Run Thing

2006-08-06T13:18:00.000+01:00

Sunday 6th August 2006

Fittleworth CC v Lodsworth CC at Fittleworth

Lodsworth 188 for 9 ( Christian Budd 52, Jon Houghton 24, Rod Taylor 21, Alistair Rix 18no, Matt Hall 16, Sean Chivers 16: R Dunstan 10 overs 4 for 50, M Demitriou 11 overs2 for 29)

Fittleworth 191 for 2 (M Demetriou 87 not out, P Kitchener 77 not out: Matt Hall 12 overs 2 for 63).

[[image:villagecricketscene.jpg::right:0]]Batting first, an exemplary innings by opener Christian Budd anchored the Lodsworth innings.Christian’s 52 included an astonishing five 6’s and when joined by Jon Houghton the score moved steadily to 97 for 2. Matt Hall (16) and Rod Taylor (21) maintained the momentum and the tail wagged furiously with Alistair Rix hitting three 4’s in his quickfire 18 not out, and Sean Chivers smote one mighty 6 in his 16 as Lodsworth complied a creditable 188 for 9.

Fittleworth lost two early wickets to Matt Hall but M Demittriou and P Kitchener gradually took control. With few bowling options Lodsworth tried every combination but were unable to dislodge the increasingly confident pair and Fittleworth reached 191 for 2 with three overs to spare.

Despite the result this was one of Lodsworth’s best performances of the season. Without their full bowling lineup the team fought tenaciously showing immense resilience and chasing every ball. The game was finely balanced until the last 15 minutes and the deciding factor was probably Lodsworth’s inability to hold onto three very difficult catches in what was otherwise a strong fielding display.

Bob Powell

Skipper

Lodsworth CC

Long inspires Lodsworth to show the William Wallace Spirit

2006-07-30T13:19:00.000+01:00

Lodsworth vs Crawley II

30th July at Lodsworth

Lodsworth played host to Crawley 2nd's from the Sussex Invitation League on Sunday. Crawley earlier in the season recorded 350 runs in a league match, the biggest total ever recorded in the Sussex Inviatation League.

Andy 'Braveheart' Long paraded the boundary and told his men ''fight and you may die, run, and you'll live... at least for a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade all the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM! ''

Long had chosen a great moment in cinematic history to inspire Loddie, even if he would never be a convincing Mel Gibson with those looks. Lodsworth lost an early wicket with Martin Howard departing with the score on 11. Matt Hall came in at no 3 for a surprise appearance at the top of the order. He took no time in ripping apart the Crawley attack before being caught on 59.

Ollie King scored another half century but took time to get into gear. But King retired hurt (!!!!) on 53 under suspicious circumstances which Long later described as a act of team spirit. Paul Phillips carried on his fine recent form with the bat with 33. Al Rix (8 no) and James Hickey (14 no) played cameo roles. The score finished on 212-3.

The visitors went into bat showing little intention to win the match. Sadly Crawley had chosen to play for a draw from the start, sensing 200+ was out of their reach. Captain Long continually changed the bowling attack to keep the batsmen and himself confused.

Performance of the day came from 15 year old debutant Ben Randle. The youngster ending up with figures of 1 for 14 off 5 overs and perhaps unlucky not to have taken more wickets with catches going to ground off his bowling.

Asked to name man of the match Captain Long fittingly said ''this was a team performance and the honours go to the whole team.''

Ollie King

The Lodsworth Six-a-Side Tournament

2006-07-29T13:19:00.000+01:00

Saturday 29th July at Lodsworth

The Lodsworth Six-a-Side Tournament on Saturday 29th July was a huge success and most players in the Lodsworth Squad played for one, and in some cases two, of the teams in the tournament. Matt Hall, Ollie King, Kyle Chadwick, Graham Braithwaite, Ben Randall and Martin Howard turned out for the Lodsworth Six, with James Hickey, Alistair Rix and Sean Chivers in the Lickfold team. Bob Powell donned the gloves for the Singapore Cricket VI while Edward Gore-Browne, Chris Scott, Russell Mayne, Nick Broom and Giles Pearman strutted their stuff with the Holist Arms or the No-Hopers. Add Matts cousin Lee and that adds up to 16 current players who were actively engaged on the day, which is something of a record.

Thanks to John King and Tim Johnson for effectively organising the programme, to Tim and Gillian for scoring, to Jill King, Victoria Braithwaite and Zena Davies for providing the teas, to Paul Phillips and Paul Lawson for preparing the wicket and to James Hickey for the excellent barbecue and band in the evening and to a host of volunteer umpires including President Don Ford.

The winner of the tournament were the Singapore Cricket Club with the Lickfold Arms worthy runners up. (Ed: Unknown to many, SCC were spurred on by the fact that if they didn't win they'd have to admit they've lost the coveted tropy which was in their possession!)

Nick Holloway (45av) (Lickfold Arms) won the award for best batsman of the day and (wait for it) Al Rix took the most wickets (6 for 34) winning the Best Bowler Award. (Note: Al took a random blood test after the game and there was found to be an excess of alcohol in his A sample. The results of his B sample are awaited before this last award can be confirmed! Al of course denied knowingly to have drunk any beer during the tournament and said his lemonade must have been spiked!) (Ed: This is of course completely subjective by Bob who probably still can't believe I can bowl in a straight line...)

Opening Loddie Air Offensive not enough to shoot down Tangmere defences

2006-07-22T13:20:00.000+01:00

A short history lesson about our opponents....

Tangmere is a small village in West Sussex, proud of an assocaition with RAF fighter pilot hero Sir Douglas Bader, stationed at Tangmere during the second world war. From Tangmere Bader led his wing of Spitfires in raids over northwestern Europe gunning down the might of the german Luftwaffe.

Lodsworth launched their own air offensive yesterday sending out two fighters in Phillips and King, an agressive air assalut started the innings, the ball being launched to all areas of the boundary. Not a hint of Tangmere resistance as Lodsworth cruised to 93 without loss. However the fall of both openers Phillips a magnificent 44 and King 55 surely ment the Lodsworth big guns could come out firing - ''plenty of rabbits in the hutch'' as captain Long said at the drinks break.

However Tangmere had a few rabbit catching ideas and our rabbits never got going.Unfortunately Lodsworth failed to build on such a promising start although Houghton hit an unbeaten 24. Lodsworth finished on 175-6.

The Tangmere innings got off to a bad start with an early wicket to Man of Match Paul Phillips. However poor fielding and dropped catches allowed a home side recovery. Catches win matches and unfortunately Lodsworth dropped eight chances. At the run rate down to less than 6 an over with 7 wickets remaining there looked only one winner. But Captain Andy Long bought himself on to try and turn the game and that proved to be a wise move with tight bowling at the death and returning figures of 2 wickets for 8 runs.

The game fizzled out into a draw in what looked the fair result. There was no victory flypast through Tangmere and the Loddie squadron made their way home after an enjoyable but unsuccessful mission.

Lodsworth draw but nearly dead and Bury'ed

2006-07-16T13:21:00.000+01:00

Lodsworth v Bury & West Burton
16th July

Lodsworth were looking to put in a big performance against West Sussex league team Bury with the Rec packed to the rafters. The Vice President's had just seen Andy Long, captain, deliver a rousing speech but was he about to choke on his fine words after 14 runs were knocked of the first over.

It looked as though the young Bury team were in no mood to stretch this game out beyond their bed time..... Lodsworth looked ready to capitulate in the heat with the Bury batsman led by B Elliot ( Billy Elliot!!) who smashed 53 supported by a quickfire 23 from N Lewis.

However eager to impress the crowd Lodsworth showed spirit in the searing heat. A great spell from messrs Braithwaite with some tight bowling from John Houghton. Father and Son looked ominous with G Braithawaite finishing with figures of 3 overs 3 for 5 and J Braithwaite 8 overs 2 for 19. Houghton made full use of the pitch, finishing with 10 overs 3 for 25. From cruising on 102-3 the Bury innings collapsed to 140 all out.

Bury's bowling attack was stunned by the home team reply. Graham Braithwaite exploded with a rapid 33, perhaps fitting that Lodsworth showed the youthful Bury outfit that our openers could match them both in batting and youthful good looks!! Mat Hall made a quickfire 20 with a full repertiore of his strokeplay, the late cut!! Perhaps he sensed that he was always going to lose out on the youthful good looks.

The opening stand raced through 50 however a fightback from an impressive Bury bowling attack saw off both openers and Lodsworth strarted to wobble on 75-3. John Houghton and Andy Wilson Smith took on the young guns of Bury and looked to be winning the battle but Houghton was caught on the boundary going for the big six when looking comfortable on 22 and Wilson-Smith was clean bowled by the impressive Blackwood on 36.

With the score on 123-6, 4 overs remaining, it was down to Lodsworth captain Andy Long to bury the opposition. Surely Long would deliver after that Churhillian speech at the VP's lunch. Full toss on middle stump, out for a duck!! Long had failed to live up to his own words and waddled back to the pavillion.

Bury were desperate to make Lodsworth pay and at 129-8 the crowd sensed dissapointment. However Al Rix showed some grit and was determined Lodsworth were to get something from the game.

The match ended in a draw, dissapointing - Lodsworth have yet to destroy the nearly men tag. Next week is a match against Tangmere. Andy Long will captain the side (even after his duck!!) so please let Andy know if you are available by Monday night.

Man of the match: Graham Braithwaite

Ollie King
Wicket Keeper

Lodsworth generous in defeat!!

2006-07-09T13:21:00.000+01:00

Lodsworth v Tillington
9th July

England crash out on penalties in Germany through their inability to cope with the pressure against the weaker side. Sport can be cruel and people only look at results. Although Lodsworth looked to dominate against the weaker opposition in Tillington some generous bowling in the second half of the Tillington innings made sure of a victory for David over Goliath. The visitors clawed their way back from 52-5 to win with 3 wickets to spare. Lodsworth were left with egg on their sunburnt faces.

Lodsworth set a target of 148. An aggressive 68 from opener Graham Braithwaite was the story of the lodsworth innings(the presence of young love on the sidelines made sure that Braithawaite was out to impress others rather than his team mates).The rest of the Lodsworth batting stars failed to get going - the team slipped from a strong position at 104-3 to 148 All Out. Lord Lucan would have been proud the way the rest of the batsman had gone missing on this track.

Lodsworth cut through Tillington at ease with a good opening spell from Paul Phillips with figures of 10 overs 3 for 30 and Mat Hall figures of 8 overs 3 for 33. However a change of the bowling attack proved disastorous and the Tillington lower order took apart some poor bowling with M Hill scoring 42 and D Francis scoring 19 off 5 balls at the death to rub salt into the gaping wound.

A valuable lesson for Lodswoth. It seems complacency got the better of Lodsworth in a game they should have dominated, but then again it is only a game!!

Ollie King
Wicket Keeper

Fernhurst CC vs Lodsworth CC

2006-06-25T13:21:00.000+01:00

A Game of Two Halves

Saturday 25th June 2006.

Fernhurst CC v Lodsworth CC at Fernhurst.

Lodsworth CC 214 for 5 (Christian Budd 65, James Hickey 59, Rod Taylor 34: J Bristowe 12 overs 2 for 45).

Fernhurst CC 132 all out (S Melrose 31, J Bristowe 26: Martin Howard 1.3 overs 3 for 1, Jon Houghton 10 overs 2 for 17, Paul Phillips 11 overs 2 for 37, Matt Hall 7 overs 2 for 30)

Lodsworth won by 82 runs

In a game of two halves, starting at 1.30pm Lodsworth faced 40 overs, before taking an extended tea break to watch the England v Equador game, returning to complete the cricket match with 40 overs from 6.00 pm. Lodsworth played possibly their best cricket of the season to produce a good all-round team performance. Christian Budd (65) and James Hickey (59) both returned their best score of the season, as did Rod Taylor with a swashbuckling 34. The young Fernhurst bowler J Bristowe gave a spirited display of pace bowling to return figures of 12 overs 2 for 45.

With Beckham's free kick safely tucked away (along with several pints of beer) the two teams returned to the field. Fernhurst were contained by some fierce bowling from Paul Phillips (11 overs 2 for 37) and Matt Hall (7 overs 2 for 30). S Melrose (31) and J Bristowe (26) put up some stout resistance but Jon Houghton applied the brakes with a spell of 10 overs 2 for 17 and then just as it seemed the home team would survive for 40 overs, Martin Howard came on to bowl 1.3 overs and take 3 wickets for 1 run.

Man of the Match: Christian Budd

Tillington CC vs Lodsworth CC

2006-06-18T13:22:00.000+01:00

Lodsworth Back On Song

Sunday 18th June 2006

Tillington CC v Lodsworth CC at Tillington

Lodsworth CC 139 for 9 ( Jon Houghton 35, Andy Long 23, Sean Chivers 15 not out: D Clarke 12 overs 4 for 33)

Tillington CC 110 for 10 (S Hodd 47, M Hill 23, D Clarke 19: Andy Long 9 overs 6 for 29, Jon Houghton 18 overs 4 for 41)

This was a much-improved performance from Lodsworth with a spirited batting display from Jon Houghton (35), and another from Andy Long (23). Sean Chivers hit an unbeaten 15 and there were supporting cameos from Paul Phillips (13) and Alistair Rix (13). But M Hill and D Clarke bowled tightly for Tillington and 139 for 9 looked at first to be a low score to defend.

Set a target of 140 Tillington were initially held on a tight rein by Paul Phillips and Jon Houghton until the 18th over, whereupon Andy Long took over and produced his best form of the season with three wickets in his first over. Long finished with figures of 9 overs 6 for 29, with Jon Houghton sharing the bowling honours with 18 overs 4 for 41. Houghton took three catches and Bob Powell two as Tillington hung on grimly to finish with 110 for 10 at the conclusion of play. Tillington's best batsmen were S Hodd with 47 and M Hill with 23. Lodsworth welcomed Jack Dimond to the team in what it is hoped will be the first of his many games this season.

A victory for Lodsworth? Well not quite the result was declared a draw as in the spirit of Village Cricket it had been agreed at the outset that Tillington could field 12 players and schoolboys A and D Groves held out in the very last over. But Lodsworth can claim a moral victory.

Man-of-the-match Andy Long.

Lodsworth CC v Westbourne CC at Lodsworth

2006-06-04T13:23:00.000+01:00

Lodsworth Collapse

Saturday 4th June 2006.

Lodsworth CC v Westbourne CC at Lodsworth.

Westbourne CC 210 for 9 (Butt 87, Taylor 33: Paul Phillips 8 overs 3 for 45, Matt Hall 10 overs 3 for 50, Jon Houghton 7 overs 2 for 41)
Lodsworth CC 61 all out (Oliver King 19, James Hickey 17: Rayham 8 overs 5 for 18, Haynes 10 overs 2 for 27).
Westbourne won by 140 runs

Chasing a score of 210, Lodsworth collapsed against visitors Westbourne. The team is struggling to capture the sparkling batting form of last season although some consolation can be taken from the fact that this is only the second defeat of the current campaign.Lodsworth Collapse.

Westbourne won the toss and elected to bat on a blistering hot day. Following the loss of one opener in the first over, a second wicket stand of 121 ensued, in which Butt was outstanding with an innings of 87 including three 6's and eleven 4's. Lodsworth's bowlers laboured in the heat. Paul Phillips claimed 3 wickets for 45 runs from 8 overs and Matt Hall 3 for 50 off 10 overs but hopes of containing the visitors evaporated when no.8 batsman Taylor smashed a rampaging 33.

Lodsworth's response was laboured and all their batsmen struggled to master Westbourne's accurate spin bowlers. Oliver King (19) and James Hickey (17) enjoyed a brief period of ascendancy but with their departure the batting collapsed to end on 61 all out. The Westbourne bowlers Rayham and Haynes finished with 5 for 18 of 8 overs and 2 for 27 off 10 overs respectively.

Lodsworth Turn Around

2006-05-14T13:24:00.000+01:00

Lodsworth CC v Kirdford CC

14th May 2006 at Lodsworth

Kirdford CC 67 all out (T Ryder 24; Paul Phillips 9 overs 3 for 9, Matt Hall 10 overs 4 for 18, Jon Houghton 6 overs 1 for 9).
Lodsworth CC 69 for (I Lusted 5 overs 3 for 32) Oliver King 19, James Hickey 18 not out, Rod Taylor 13).
Lodsworth won by 5 wickets

Opinions differed on Lodsworth CC's decision to turn their wicket through 90 degrees in the close season. Kirdford CC the first visiting team of the 2006 season collapsed to 67 all out in 31 overs and would doubtless allege the surface was 'somewhat lively'. Lodsworth, on the other hand, could claim with equal justification that it was the venom of their opening bowlers, Matt Hall with 10 overs 4 for 18 and Paul Phillips with 9 overs 3 for 9, that inflicted the damage. Only Kirdford skipper Tim Ryder had an answer to the Lodsworth pair and scored 24 before being caught behind leg by Jon Houghton. The dramatic implosion of the visitors batting might have been worse if Lodsworth had held all the catches that were on offer - seven went to ground and only a brilliant diving catch by James Hickey at square leg halted the anguish.

Lodsworth were swiftly put on the back foot when Christian Budd was dismissed in the second over with zero runs on the board, But Jon Houghton and Oliver King steadied the innings and with the departure of these two batsmen James Hickey and Rod Taylor turned the innings around with a burst of big hitting. Kirdford's leg break specialist I Lusted gave the home team a bit of a scare taking 3 for 32 in a 5 over spell but Lodsworth scrambled home with 69 for 5 and five wickets to spare. Last year's hat-trick hero J Upton did not get an opportunity to show his skills.

Meanwhile the verdict is out on the new pitch which will next be put to the test when Westbourne CC are the visitors on June 4th.

Man of the match Paul Phillips

Bob Powell
Skipper
Lodsworth CC

Lodsworth snatch Victory

2006-05-07T13:25:00.000+01:00

Sunday 7th May 2006.

Easebourne CC v Lodsworth CC at Easebourne.

Easebourne CC 112 all out (A Smith 50, Nutting 23: Jon Houghton 9 overs 4 for 30, Matt Hall 8 overs 2 for 21, Paul Phillips 8 overs 2 for 25, John Braithwaite 10 overs 2 for 33).

Lodsworth CC 114 for 9 (Rod Taylor 32, Christian Budd 13: D Smith 11 overs 6 for 36, Fourie 13 overs 2 for 34).

Lodsworth won by 1 wicket.

Upon winning the toss, Easebourne elected to bat on a wicket that proved to be temperamental, creating problems for the batsmen on both teams and ultimately leading to a low scoring game. Lodsworth bowled efficiently and kept the batsmen on a short rein. Jon Houghton returned the best figures with 10 overs 4 wickets for 30 runs, ably assisted by John Braithwaite (10 overs 2 for 35), Matt Hall (8 overs 2 for 21) and Paul Phillips (8 overs 2 for 25). Zimbabwean all-rounder A Smith mastered the bowling and the vicissitudes of the wicket, contributing 50 for Easebourne who finished on 112 all out.

Lodsworth were similarly affected by the unpredictable nature of the wicket and struggled initially. A Smith led the Easebourne attack returning 11 overs 6 for 36 while his compatriot Fourie bowled 13 overs 2 for 24. It seemed that the home team would triumph until Lodsworth's Rod Taylor arrived at the crease and struck a flamboyant 32 including two mighty 6's and three 4's. This, and a high total of byes, effectively swung the game in Lodsworth's favour though the result went right down to the wire with the last two batsmen at the crease and eight runs required. Miraculously both skipper Bob Powell and John Braithwaite struck 4's and snatched the game from the predatory ring of fielders.

Lodsworth Man of the Match Rod Taylor

Bob Powell

Skipper

Lodsworth CC

Shaky Start For Lodsworth

2006-04-29T13:25:00.000+01:00

Saturday 29th April 2006.

Ebernoe CC v Lodsworth CC at Ebernoe.

Ebernoe CC 198 for 6 (M Scaife 90, D Whittington 36 not out, C Rose 28: Jon Houghton 7 overs 4 for 28).
Lodsworth CC 140 for 8 (Jon Houghton 58, Matt Hall 11 not out: C Clark 6 overs 5 for 35, M Scaife 5 overs 2 for 10).

Ebernoe won by 58 runs.

Put in to bat Ebernoe went off at a cracking pace. Lodsworth's lack-lustre fielding indicated they were only slowly emerging from their winter hibernation. Several 4's, that should have been intercepted, carried to the boundary and the bowling lacked penetration. Only Jon Houghton with 7 overs 4 wickets for 28 runs troubled the batsmen.

Ebernoe's M Scaife, just back from Australia where he has been playing a good standard of cricket, smashed 90 runs supported by D Whittington (36 not out). The home team ended with 198 for 6. Lodsworth's response was laboured and the team struggled to 140 for 8. Jon Houghton cemented the innings with a determined 58.

In 2005 a total of 143 was sufficient to seal the equivalent game for Lodsworth but this year Ebernoe were the deserving victors by 58 runs. C Clarke bowled accurately for the home team with figures of 6 overs 5 for 34.

Bob Powell
Skipper
Lodsworth CC

Lodsworth CC Annual Dinner

2005-12-10T13:41:00.000Z

The Lodsworth Cricket Club rounded off a successful 2005 season with their annual dinner and awards evening held in the upper room at the Lickfold Inn on Saturday 10th December. The guests-of-honour were the club president Don Ford OBE and his wife Mary. Thirty-three players, wives, partners and guests sat down for dinner.

In his after dinner speech the club captain Bob Powell remarked that the 2005 season was the most successful of recent years. The village team played 17 games of which they won 8, drew 4 and lost 5. In all the drawn games the team were well on top and counted them as "winning draws". But the real success of the 2005 season was undoubtedly the fact that the cricket was enjoyable, several individuals played well above their performance in the previous years and team spirit was high.

The captain went on to thank the Hon Secretary and Fixture Secretary John King and committee member Tim Johnson - the two senior members of the committee - who generated sponsorship to fund the work on improving the cricket square, to purchase a new mower and the construction of a practice wicket. John and Tim did great work bringing on board a number of Vice Presidents of the club. Bob thanked Tim and Gillian Johnson for organising the VP's lunch at the Hollist Arms in June.

Bob also thanked Paul Phillips the Club Treasurer and the main force behind the improvement of the wicket at the recreation ground. Andy Long the club's Vice Captain was thanked for his support throughout the year and tactical placing of fielders! The club members gave a round of applause to Matt Hall another member of the committee who persuaded his company to sponsor the club for 2,500 to purchase the practice nets. Matt Hall's parents sponsored the annual Awards trophies. Alistair Rix was thanked for setting up a Lodsworth Cricket Club website and organised a team in the Midhurst CC winter indoor league.

Last but not least the ladies behind the successful exploits on the field were thanked particularly those who at various times provided the traditional teas that make Lodsworth CC a venue that teams wish to revisit. The captain thanked Jill King, Vicki Braithwaite, Teggy Phillips, Sheila Houghton, Gillian Johnson, Shantheni Powell and Zena Davies.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Awards. The Award for Batsman of the Year went to Jon Houghton. Jon was the backbone of the batting with four innings in excess of 50, a top score of 101 not out and an 87 and a 72. He finished with a total of 561 runs at an average of 37.40. The runner up was James Hickey. James was a class act with three innings in excess of 50 and an 81 and a 104 not out to his credit. That is the highest score by a Lodsworth batsman for many years. James pushed Jon all season and beat off a late challenge from Ollie King and he is the runner up for Batsman of the Year with a total of 389 runs at an average of 35.40.

The Award for Bowler of the Year was closely contested. The early leader was Matt Hall who took 5 wickets against Easeborne and 4 against Fernhurst to end the season with 27 wickets. Andy Long started slowly but picked up later in the season with 4 wickets against West Sussex Wanderers and 4 against Petworth Park to take a total of 25. Martin Howard was the bowling 'find' of the season and his 7 wickets against the Matt Hall XI brought his total to 22 wickets for the year. It was a close call but Andy Long's 25 wickets were taken at an average of 10.45 while Matt Hall's 27 were slightly more expensive with an average of 11.74. So the trophy for Bowler of the Year went to Andy Long and the trophy for runner up to Matt Hall.

The Award for Best Fielder of the Year was based on the commitment in the field but ultimately on the number of catches taken - Andy Long took 4, Rod Taylor took 4, Paul Phillips took 4, Martin Howard took 4 and Jon Houghton took 5. But the trophy went to a newcomer to the team who fielded close in on the leg side most of the year and took 6 catches - Alistair Rix.

The Trophy for The Most Improved Player of the year was a two horse race. Martin Howard scored 138 runs in 2004 and took 8 wickets. In 2005 he topped that with 148 and 22 wickets. Matt Hall scored just 93 runs in 2004 and took 12 wickets. In 2005 year he doubled his batting total to 187 and also doubled the number of wickets to take 27. By a narrow margin the trophy for most improved player went to Matt Hall.

The trophy for The Best All-Rounder of the Year also went to Jon Houghton. In addition to his 541 runs from 15 completed innings, he took 14 wickets and he claimed 5 catches. His batting early on in the season assured us of victory on several occasions.

The last trophy to be awarded was The Duck Trophy. The trophy went missing in 1995 but it came to light this year. The trophy is awarded to the player who distinguishes himself by getting the most ducks in a season. James Hickey got 2 ducks, Paul Phillips got 2 ducks and Rod Taylor got 2 ducks. But the winner with 3 ducks was Alistair Rix.

The awards ceremony was completed with a presentation to Oliver King, a former skipper of the club who will be emigrating to Australia in 2006. The club wished him and his wife Becky a successful life 'down under'. Another player Wes Stander who joined LCC only this year will be leaving for Mozambique on December 16th. The club wish him well. The club will need to find replacements for these players and for Martin Howard who is studying full time at Exeter University in 2005-2006 and will only be available during vacation time.

Bob Powell mentioned that one of the successes of 2005 was that a number of young players from the village had played for the club. Edward Bristow, Alfie Baldwin, Harry Diamond and Richard Chase have all played at least one game and it is hoped we will see more of them in the 2006 season.

The new concrete practice wicket has been completed at the recreation ground and an outdoor carpet will be laid over the concrete by February. Not only will this give the Lodsworth team an opportunity to start practicing in March but its purpose is to attract youngsters from the village to nets sessions where they can be coached by senior players. Next on the agenda for John King and Tim Johnson is sightscreens, but more of that in a future report.

Bob Powell

Captain

Lodsworth CC 2005.

Parham Park CC v Lodsworth CC

2005-09-25T13:28:00.000+01:00

Parham Park CC v Lodsworth CC

Sunday 11th September.

Parham Park CC 104 for 8 off 34 overs (T Brand 40; A Long 11 overs 1 for 20, M Hall 11 overs 1 for 27, M Howard 5 overs 2 for 5)

Lodsworth cc 105 for 7 off 32.5 overs (C Budd 36, P Phillips 14 not out, M Hall 12 not out; D Richmond 11.5 overs 4 for 11, J Coleman 9 overs 2 for 22)

The Victorian mansion at Parham Park flanked by a lake and with deer running free was the classic backdrop to a closely contested game between Lodsworth CC and the home team Parham Park CC.

Put into bat Parham were kept on a very tight rein by a sustained Lodsworth attack with Andy Long recording 11 overs 1 for 20, Matt Hall 11 overs 1 for 27 and Martin Howard 5 overs 2 for 5. The result was Parham were contained to a miserly score of 104 for 8 of which T Brand contributed 40.

Parham were equally parsimonious with D Richmond bowling a brilliantly controlled 11.5 overs and taking 4 for 11. J Colemen supported him with 9 overs 2 for 22. But Christian Budd (36) and Paul Phillips (14 not out) fashioned a 7th wicket stand of 41 that gradually swung the game in Lodsworth's favour. When Matt Hall (12 not out) joined Paul Phillips the pair took the Lodsworth total to 105 with just 7 balls remaining.

Zambuca Tigers CC v Lodsworth CC at Braypool, Brighton

2005-09-04T13:28:00.000+01:00

Sunday 4th September

Zambuca Tigers CC v Lodsworth CC at Braypool, Brighton

Zambuca Tigers CC 137 for 8 in 30 overs (Nick Straiton 66, Ashley Crossthwaite 22: Martin Howard 5 overs 2 for 24, Paul Phillips 7 overs 2 for 28, Matt Hall 8 overs 2 for 36).

Lodsworth CC 139 for 3 (Oliver King 42 not out, Matt Hall 32, Andy Long 18 not out)

Lodsworth won

For a Lodsworth team accustomed to playing in idyllic country settings the Braypool ground in Brighton was a revelation. The ground is located alongside the carbon-monoxide belching traffic on the A23 and the pavilion, a vandalised shack with a concrete floor is decorated in a delightful blend of matt black and silver spray paint. In what can only be described as the front-line of cricket, the village team ventured into the lair of the Tigers.

Both teams were under-strength and a formula was agreed whereby the first and second batsmen of each team would be permitted to bat again at the end of the innings - only in village cricket could this happen.

Due to the protracted pre-match negotiations, a late start ensued and the contest was reduced to 30 overs.

Zambuca Tigers were propped up by a meticulous performance by skipper Nick Straiton (71) backed by Ashley Crossthwaite (22). All the Lodsworth bowlers got into the frame with Paul Phillips 7 overs 2 for 28, Matt Hall 8 overs 2 for 36 and Martin Howard 5 overs 2 for 24 prevailing as the Zambucans struggled to 137 for 8.

In reply Lodsworth quickly lost the wickets of openers Martin Howard (3) who played on to his wicket and Jon Houghton (14) who went to a disputed LBW decision, but Oliver King (42 not out) and Matt Hall (32) steadied the innings with a third wicket stand of 80. Then Andy Long (18 not out) joined Oliver King to take the score to 139 for 3, and record three wins in a row for the Lodsworth team.

Petworth Park CC v Lodsworth CC at Petworth Park

2005-08-28T13:29:00.000+01:00

Sunday 28th August

Petworth Park CC v Lodsworth CC at Petworth Park

Lodsworth CC 178 all out in 36 overs ( Andy Long 48, Matt Hall 47, Martin Howard 24; Jerry Wakeford 8 over 6 for 24).

Petworth Park CC 52 all out (C Charlesworth 24 not out: Andy Long 10 overs 4 for 9, Gregg Ryan 3 overs 3 for 1)

Lodsworth won

The annual game between Petworth and Lodsworth was reinstated on August Bank Holiday Sunday after a lapse of two years. Put in to bat Lodsworth began confidently with an opening stand by Rob Hall (18) and Martin Howard (24) but then tumbled disastrously to 59 for 7. The damage was caused by Petworth Park skipper Jerry Wakefield who recorded 8 overs 6 for 24.

But then the Lodsworth tail wagged! Matt Hall (47) and Andy Long (48) came together in a 8th wicket partnership of 96 to help Lodsworth recover to 155 for 8.

And then the tail wagged again! Veterans Bob Powell and John King (combined age 128) put on a 10th wicket stand of 20 and Lodsworth ended at tea on 178 all out.

Tea was taken, crowded around the TV, watching the test match at Trent Bridge draw to a tense conclusion. It was all too much for Petworth Park who after tea collapsed to 52 all out with only C Charlesworth (27 not out) offering resistance. The pick of the Lodsworth bowlers were Andy Long with 10 overs 4 for 9 and a notable first appearance of Gregg Ryan with 3 overs 3 wickets for 1 run.

Lodsworth CC v Matt Hall Invitation XI at Lodsworth

2005-08-21T13:30:00.000+01:00

Sunday 21st August

Lodsworth CC v Matt Hall Invitation XI at Lodsworth

Lodsworth CC 251 for 9 in 40 overs (Oliver King 67, Jon Houghton 40, Andy Long 39 not out: Johan Fourie 9 overs 3 for 30).

Matt Hall Invitation XI 121 all out in 32 overs ( Matt Hall 38, C Hall 33: Martin Howard 11 overs 7 for 18, Andy Long 7 overs 2 for 19)

Lodsworth won

Visitors to Lodsworth Cricket Club are often bemused by a framed score sheet on the wall of the dining room, showing the result of a game in 1976 when one Joe Clifford took 11 wickets for 21 runs for Lodsworth. Apparently the opposition arrived with 12 players and the home team agreed that their scorer would even up the numbers. Joe then proceeded to demolish their entire team. It must be a record that has been unequalled anywhere.

On Sunday Joe returned to the scene of his triumph and, almost three decades on, played against Lodsworth for his nephew's team, the Matt Hall Invitation XI. Fortunately he was not in quite such devastating form but did bowl four overs and took the wicket of Lodsworth's top scoring batsman.

Lodsworth CC batted first and amassed 251 runs for 9 wickets. Leading the charge was Oliver King with 67 and Jon Houghton with 40. Andy Long added 39 not out in a last wicket partnership with Bob Powell. Best of the opposition bowlers was South African Johan Fourie with 9 overs 3 for 30.

The Matt Hall XI were bravely led by their skipper Matt Hall with 38 and his cousin C Hall contributed 33, but Martin Howard led a blistering attack with a career best performance of 11 overs 7 for 18. Not quite in the class of the Lodsworth legend but not bad.

Lodsworth CC v Salthill CC at Lodsworth

2005-07-17T13:31:00.000+01:00

Sunday July 17th

Lodsworth CC v Salthill CC at Lodsworth

Salthill CC 159 for 8 declared (J Arnold 54, S King 30; Paul Phillips 6 overs 4 for 19)

Lodsworth CC 141 all out (Martin Howard 40, James Hickey 32; A Elsbury 7 overs 5 for 33, S King 8 overs 2 for 22)

Salthill won

Lodsworth fielded an exceptionally young team with three 13/14-year-old colts and in the circumstances did well against a very experienced XI from Salthill (Fishbourne).

Salthill won the toss and batted resolutely. J Arnold (54) and S King (30) were the pick of the Salthill batsmen while Paul Phillips took the bowling honours for Lodsworth with 6 overs 4 for 19, three of the wickets coming in one over. Fourteen-year-old Harry Diamond making his debut for Lodsworth took one wicket with an incredibly athletic caught and bowled effort. Salthill declared at 159 for 8.

In reply Lodsworth never achieved any momentum, with the exception of Martin Howard who hit a career best 40 and James Hickey who knocked 32 in typically aggressive fashion. But the home team ran out of steam and finished 19 runs short of the target at 141 all out, with five wickets falling to Salthill's 17-year-old fast bowler A Elsbury.

Man-of-the-match Paul Phillips

Fernhurst CC v Lodsworth CC at Fernhurst

2005-07-03T13:32:00.000+01:00

Sunday July 3rd 2005.

Fernhurst CC v Lodsworth CC at Fernhurst

Fernhurst CC 154 for 9 (G Melrose 36, S William 29; Matt Hall 16 overs 4 for 38, Jon Houghton 16 overs 3 for 41, Edward Bristow 4 overs 1 for 14)

Lodsworth CC 157 for 6 ( Jon Houghton 38, James Hickey 37, Edwin Dickinson 24, Martin Howard 1; S Melrose 13 overs 3 for 34, J Bristow 8 overs 2 for 22)

Lodsworth Won

Two weddings in the space of eight days had depleted the Lodsworth team, but proved to be a blessing in disguise as one wedding guest from Australia and another from Guernsey were supplied with whites and pressed into service on the morning of the game. In all four new players made their Lodsworth debut!

Fernhurst CC were put into bat and their young team, bolstered by two or three experienced league players batted gamely to reach 154 for 9 in 47 overs. The best of the batsmen was G Melrose who knocked 36. The pick of the Lodsworth bowlers was Matt Hall who took 4 wickets for 38 in 16 overs.

In reply the Lodsworth batsmen went off at a fair gallop and the first wicket partnership of Jon Houghton (38) and Martin Howard (17) passed 50 in just 30 minutes. James Hickey (37) and Edwin Dickinson (24) kept up the pace and Lodsworth reached 157 for 6 in

just 35.4 overs. The youngest of the Lodsworth debutants, Edward Bristow, made timely contributions with both ball and bat. The best of the Fernhurst bowlers was S Melrose with 13 overs 3 for 34,

Having lost the equivalent encounter with Fernhurst in 2004 by just one run, this victory was sweet revenge for Lodsworth who clinched the game with three overs remaining.

Man-of-the-match Edward Bristow

Bob Powell

Captain Lodsworth CC

Another Game: Another Draw

2005-06-26T13:33:00.000+01:00

Another Game: Another Draw

Sunday June 26th

Lodsworth CC v West Sussex Wanderers CC at Lodsworth

Lodsworth CC 223 for 5 (Rod Taylor 62 not out, James Hickey 55, Jon Houghton 33, Oliver King 29; G Staight 19 overs 4 for 89))

West Sussex Wanderers CC 61 for 8 (G Staight 18; Andy Long 12 overs 10 maidens 4 wickets for 3 runs, Rod Taylor 5 overs 3 maidens 2 for 2)

Match Drawn

Yet another game where Lodsworth batted brilliantly and then bowled tightly but were unable to clinch a victory as West Sussex Wanderers defended stoutly in the fading light.

Lodsworth batting lineup goes from strength to strength. James Hickey, Jon Houghton and Oliver King pushed the score along steadily but it was Rod Taylor who provided the spark on this occasion. His 62 not out, including 10 fours and 2 sixes was a delight to watch. Lodsworth recorded 223 off 43 overs for the loss of 5 wickets.

West Sussex Wanderers had apparently decided from the outset to shut up shop and deny Lodsworth a victory. Andy Long was the pick of the Lodsworth bowlers with an amazing 12 overs10 maidens 4 wickets for 3 runs. Rod Taylor followed up his batting performance with 5 overs 3 maidens 2 for 2. But all to no avail and Lodsworth recorded their fourth draw of the season.

Frustrating! But another decisive Lodsworth victory is in the offing.

Man-of-the-match Rod Taylor

Bob Powell

Captain Lodsworth CC

Lodsworth CC v Zambuca Tigers CC at Lodsworth

2005-06-19T13:34:00.000+01:00

Sunday June 19th

Lodsworth CC v Zambuca Tigers CC at Lodsworth

Lodsworth CC 263 for 2 (Jon Houghton 101 not out, James Hickey 104 not out)

Zambuca Tigers CC 146 for 4 (Paul Hess 83 not out, Nick Straiton 38; Wes Stander 7 overs 2 for 19)

Match Drawn

This was a result with both elation and disappointment for Lodsworth. The elation came from an historic innings by Lodsworth that saw two players scoring a century. Jon Houghton (101 not out) and James Hickey (104 not out) came together in a wonderful display of powerful hitting. Houghton's innings included 14 fours and three sixes while Hickey's contained 13 fours and 6 sixes. This was the first double century on record for the Lodsworth club as they amassed 263 for 2.

The disappointment came when the Zambuca Tigers from Brighton could not be bowled out and hung on by their claws to secure a draw with 146 for 4. The key figure in the Zambucan innings was Hurstpierpoint College schoolmaster Paul Hess who scored 83 not out backed by skipper Nick Straiton (38). The best of the Lodsworth bowlers was South African medium pacer Wes Sanders with 7 overs 2 for 12).

Man-of-the-match John Houghton

Lodsworth CC v Havant "A" CC at Lodsworth

2005-06-10T13:35:00.000+01:00

Saturday June 10th

Lodsworth CC v Havant "A" CC at Lodsworth

Havant "A" CC 105 all out (W Hindley 27, N Morgan 26; Matt Hall 9.2 overs 3 for 11, Andy Long 9 overs 2 for 10, Jon Houghton 5 overs 2 for 12, Martin Howard 7 overs 2 for 23)

Lodsworth CC 106 for 3 (Jon Houghton 33, Chris Duncton 30, James Hickey 24 not out, Matt Hall 11 not out; A Boniface 5 overs 2 for 9)

Lodsworth won by 7 wickets

After last weeks mauling at the hands of Graffham CC, Lodsworth bounced back with a 7 wickets victory over the Portsmouth based team Havant A. For the first time this season Lodsworth won the toss and elected to field. With the benefit of the new ball the Lodsworth bowlers steadily accounted for the Havant team who were restricted to 105 all out. Once again Matt Hall returned the best bowling figures for Lodsworth with 9.2 overs 3 for 11 backed by Martin Howard, Jon Houghton and Andy Long who each claimed two wickets.

Lodsworth's openers Jon Houghton (33) and Chris Duncton (30) provided a strong platform before falling in successive overs to the spin bowling of A Boniface (5 overs 2 for 9). James Hickey (24 not out) then came together with Matt Hall (11 not out). The pair brought the Lodsworth innings to a close in a decisive manner with Hickey smashing four 4's off the last seven balls.

Man-of-the-match Matt Hall.

Match Report - Lodsworth CC v Graffham CC

2005-06-05T13:36:00.000+01:00

5th June 2005 at Lodsworth

Lodsworth CC 77 all out. (Matt Hall 19, James Hickey 18, Jon Houghton17: Q Murray 12 overs 6 for 15, M Quinnell 9 overs 2 for 32, M Dally 3.5 overs 2 for 20).

Graffham CC 78 for 5 ( A Smith 61; Matt Hall 5 overs 2 for 19, Martin Howard 2.2 overs 2 for 6)

Lodsworth went into this game with a batting line up that on paper was its strongest of the season. But any complacency was soon shattered by a Graffham attack that, aided by a lively wicket and some incredible catches, quickly had the Lodsworth team in disarray.

The major damage was inflicted by Q Murray with 12 overs 6 for 15.

All out for 77 runs Lodsworth drew on all their bowling skills but to no avail and Graffham knocked off the total for the loss of 5 wickets by the tea interval. Graffham's Zimbawean batsman A Smith contributed 61. What is to be learned from the debacle? Firstly Lodsworth have to learn to be patient. We fell into an old habit of trying to hit out at very good bowling when the required approach was to dig in and wear down the opposition with tenacity.

That said the game was played in a good spirit with none of the acrimony that accompanied the previous years encounter. Village cricket has changed dramatically of late. Witness the fact that the Lodsworth team contained two of their three South African born players while Graffham had two Zimbabwe born players. It was noted, with a little humour that we will soon have to put a limit on our quota of overseas players!

Bob Powell

Lodsworth CC

Match Report - Graffham and Smithbrook CC v Lodsworth CC

2005-05-28T13:37:00.000+01:00

Lodsworth 208-5. Hickey 86 King 51 Howard 14.
G and S 122ao. Rowland 43 Reid B 21. Hall 3-20 Howard 2-26 Taylor 1-9 Houghton 1-7.

Lodsworth on sunday continued their success this season with a good quality win against the friendly side of graffham and smithbrook. After winning the toss Lodsworth soon found themselves in trouble at 17-2 after some very good tight bowling. However when Hickey and King saw off the opening pair they produced a wide aray of shots with both making solid 50's. They took the bowling on with Hickey just short of a ton(86) and King making another 51. In total they scored 208-5 which is their best total scored for many a year. The reply was a good one due to sloppy bowling and brisk strokeplay but once Hall 3-20 and Howard 2-26 bowled tight the pressure then told with wickets taken on regular intervals. In all graffham made a creditable 122 with lodsworth winning by 86 runs.

Man of the match James Hickey.

Milland CC v Lodsworth CC at Milland Sports Club.

2005-05-22T13:37:00.000+01:00

Sunday 22nd May 2005.

Milland CC v Lodsworth CC at Milland Sports Club.

Lodsworth CC 186 for 6 (Jon Houghton 72, Oliver King 51, Matt Hall 21; G Stopher 6 overs 2 for 45).

Milland CC 103 for 7 (D Barford 30, R Glaysher 20, D Allen 22; Andy Long 12 overs 2 for 16, Matt Hall 11 overs 2 for 7)

Match Drawn.

As one wag remarked, if this had been a boxing match, Lodsworth were so far ahead on points that the referee would have stopped the contest. Cricket, of course is played by different laws and the Milland middle order stubbornly resisted efforts to dislodge them thus the game ended in a draw.

Put in to bat, Lodsworth went off a cracking pace. Jon Houghton was again to the fore and included three 6's in his score of 72. Oliver King found the form that deserted him last year and resolutely hit 51. Matt Hall came good with a sparkling 21 and Lodsworth finished on 186 for 6 in 39 overs. G Stopher was the pick of the Milland bowler with 6 overs 2 for 45.

Milland were soon in trouble from a concerted Lodsworth attack spearheaded by Andy Long (12 over 2 for 16) and Matt Hall (11 overs 2 for 17). Lodsworth's fielding was exemplary with three run-outs and a sharp catch at silly- mid-on by Jon Houghton. But the Milland middle order dug in and resisted efforts to dislodge them. By the close of play the home team had scored 103 for 7 off 40 overs

Man-of-the-Match Jon Houghton (Lodsworth CC)

Kirdford CC v Lodsworth CC at Kirdford

2005-05-15T13:38:00.000+01:00

Sunday 15th May 2005.

Kirdford CC v Lodsworth CC at Kirdford.

Lodsworth CC 86 all out (Jon Houghton 11; J Upton 6 overs 4 for 23, A Clarke 10 overs 2 for 7, I Lusted 4 overs 2 for 11).

Kirdford CC 88 for 8 (G Short 23, A Clarke 14;Martin Howard 9.5 overs 3 for 19, Paul Phillips 2 for 20, Andy Long 10 overs 2 for 20)

Kirdford won by 2 wickets.

An exceptionally slow outfield ensured that the annual encounter between Kirdford CC and rivals Lodsworth CC was low scoring game, although it lacked nothing in skills and excitement. Lodsworth won the toss and with their confidence high they elected to bat. But the

Kirdford opening bowlers, R Brookes and C Roberts, conceded just 22 runs in the first 16 overs. Only Jon Houghton, Martin Howard and John Braithwaite managed to get into double figures and Lodsworth finished on 86 all out, with the principle damage being done by J Upton with 6 overs 4 for 23.

It was obvious that 86 would be difficult to defend, yet the outfield proved to be a great leveller. Kirdford opener G Short scored 23 but at the other end wickets fell regularly. Martin Howard (9.5 overs 3 for 19) did most of the damage with forceful contributions by Paul Phillips (8 overs 2 for 20) and Andy Long (10 overs 2 for 20). The finish went down to the wire with Kirdford emerging victorious with 88 for 8 with two overs to go, in a reversal of the 2004 result.

Man-of-the-Match Martin Howard

Easebourne CC v Lodsworth CC at Easebourne

2005-05-08T13:39:00.000+01:00

Sunday 8th May 2005.

Easebourne CC v Lodsworth CC at Easebourne.

Lodsworth CC 153 all out (Jon Houghton 65, Alistair Rix 19, Rod Taylor 15; T Dixon 9 overs 4 for 38, C Dixon 8 overs 3 for 32).

Easebourne CC 82 for 9 (T Dixon 28, Paul White 26; Matt Hall 17 overs 5 for 40, Andy Long 14 overs 2 for 34)

Match Drawn

Easebourne won the toss and Lodsworth were put in to bat. The visitors lost two early wickets to aggressive bowling by T Dixon but Jon Houghton (65) gradually steered Lodsworth into a commanding position assisted by Alistair Rix (19), Rod Taylor (15) and Oliver King (12). Aided by some wayward Easebourne bowling that contributed 28 extras, Lodsworth eventually finished on 153 off 33 overs.

In reply, Easebourne, faced by tight bowling from Matt Hall (17 overs 5 for 40), and Andy Long (14 overs 2 for 34) failed to achieve any momentum. Only T Dixon with 28 runs and Paul White with 26 runs put up any resistance. With the departure of White, Easebourne

were on the ropes and went into the last over with just 77 runs on the board and 9 wickets down. The Lodsworth players crowded around the bat, but the final Easebourne pair of R Hyde and P Prudente managed to cling on and were relieved to secure a draw.

Bob Powell

Captain Lodsworth CC.

Lodsworth CC v Ebernoe CC at Lodsworth.

2005-04-30T13:40:00.000+01:00

Saturday 30th April 2005

Lodsworth CC v Ebernoe CC at Lodsworth.

Lodsworth CC 143 for 8 (Jon Houghton 87, Graham Braithwaite 30 not out, D Whittington 7 overs 3 for 14).

Ebernoe CC 124 for 9 (D Whittington 37, C Stemp 21, A Read 18, Andy Long 7 overs 3 for 14, Martin Howard 4 overs 2 for 15, Paul Phillips 7 overs 2 for 18, Matt Hall 7 overs 2 for 29)

Lodsworth won by 19 runs.

Lodsworth's extensive pre-season preparation paid dividends in the first game of the 2005 season - a limited overs friendly fixture against the nearby village of Ebernoe. On winning the toss Lodsworth elected to bat on a soft but true surface and opening batsman Jon Houghton amassed 87 runs in almost 2 hours at the crease. Oxfordshire County Schoolboy Graham Braithwaite ably supported him with 30 not out. The Lodsworth team ended on 143 for 8 off 35 overs.

In reply, Ebernoe lost opener C Rose in the first over but R Stemp and D Whittington established a partnership of 54 to put Ebernoe briefly in the driving seat. Then as the pitch began to cut up they lost three wickets in 15 minutes to put them on the back foot. Lodsworth bowlers Andy Long with 7 overs 3 for 14, Martin Howard with 4 overs 2 for 15 and Paul Phillips 7 with overs 2 for 18 kept up sustained pressure and Ebernoe finished on 124 for 9 off 35 overs, 19 runs short of their target.

Man of the Match Jon Houghton

Bob Powell

Captain Lodsworth CC.