Another great week of cricket with many of our teams in action this last week.

A fantastic opening game for our First X1 with over 600 runs scored including 101 boundaries. The game will no doubt be remembered for an astonishing 141 off 58 balls by one of our players which included 8 sixes and 18 fours at a strike rate of 243 . More on the game in the match report below ..

Honours Boards

Congratulations to all those who made it on to the Honours Boards this week – great to see a Wisborough Green name on the County Honours Board

Parking on Friday evening

We are receiving an increasing volume of complaints from local residents about parking during Junior training on a Friday evening. These complaints are related to inconsiderate parking where local residents cannot access their homes or where parking causes danger to other motorists due to restricted vision or reduced space for safe passing.

With this in mind we would like to move all parking away from around the village playground, Wyatt Close and Butts Meadow and towards the Village Hall car park where there are 10 spaces and Songhurst Meadow car park where there are 14 spaces. These two additional car parking areas are close to the Green as clearly marked on the map below

If it is possible to walk or share lifts to the Green then please do.

We very much appreciate your help in improving the parking situation on a Friday evening for the benefit of you and the local residents.

Kit

Update on Kit : We are hoping to get deliveries of the junior caps by Friday 30 May

We have lots of information on our ‘Ordering Kit ‘ web page including a link to the Gray Nicholls Store online store where kit can be purchased. The web page includes some useful videos on how to choose the right junior bat , how to choose the right bat size and how much you should spend on a junior bat. We have also included details of helmet sizes and a pads size guide.

We have run out of junior caps and are awaiting on stock. Senior and ladies caps are still available. Junior caps are £10 , ladies caps are £12 and senior men are £15. We would like all players to wear the new Wisborough Green hats which enhances our identity as a team. Hats can be purchased from the BBQ guys on Friday evening.

Upcoming Fixtures

Hard copies of the Fixture Card are available in the Pavilion – please click here for an electronic version of the fixture card

All of our age group fixtures are available on the ECB’s Playcricket website – please click here

Another busy week on fixtures ahead :

• First X1 are away at Horsham Trinity at 1pm on Saturday
• Second X1 are at home to Horsham Trinity at 1pm on Saturday
• Ladies Softball team are away to Petworth on Sunday morning
• Under 14’s are at home to Barns Green on Sunday morning
• Under 13 girls are at home to Haywards Heath on Tuesday evening
• Under 12’s are away to Horsham Trinity on Saturday morning
• Under 10’s are away at Cuckfield on Saturday morning

Team Selection

Date for your diaries

Presidents Day

Plans are well under way for our Presidents Day on 29 June – please do make a note in your diary for our annual event which promises to another great afternoon on the Green.

The day starts with drinks at 12pm followed by lunch at 1pm and the much anticipated Presidents vs Chairman’s 30 over match which starts at 2pm.

More details in next week’s Wizzy news ..

RunWisborough

RunWisborough is returning this year, and we already have a fantastic number of entries! Your support is essential for making this event a success.

Set for Sunday June 8th, 2025, at 9:30am, RunWisborough is an important fundraiser for our village and a great chance to strengthen our community connections.

We need over 60 volunteers, and your assistance on the day would be greatly appreciated. If you’re available to help in the morning, please reach out to Michelle Kilford at kilford@btconnect.com

Community involvement is key to the success of this event and as a thank you, all volunteers will receive a free bacon bap and a drink.

Let’s work together to make this year’s event a tremendous success! Thank you for your support, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Michelle Kilford

Match reports

First X1 vs Chichester Priory Park

With the Green looking resplendent in the May sunshine, a remarkable first game of the season for the First XI ensued.

The visitors won the toss and their decision to field first was almost vindicated by the final ball of the opening over, when Will Crombie, who had scored the first runs with a trademark boundary through the covers, edged a tough chance very low to young ‘keeper Arran Goode, who gave an otherwise faultless display. Reprieved, Will looked in good touch, working the ball around busily and always looking to keep the scoreboard moving. Partner Nick Klein struck his second ball to the boundary, his fourth ball over the boundary and was to continue in a similar vein throughout one of the most extraordinary innings I have witnessed in ten seasons with WG. His first six struck a spectator full on the foot as he dived in front of his young family, positioned somewhat perilously just outside the boundary at a straightish mid-wicket, and further strikes later in his innings also caused some anxious moments for other spectators. A half-century opening partnership was posted on the first ball of the 6th over and three figures were reached on the second ball of the 10th.

Slow bowler James Mayne was taken off after conceding 21 runs in his first over, to be replaced by his leg-spinning son Stanley, whose first over was one run more expensive. Nick rode his luck, being dropped twice in the 30s and once in the 60s, but produced a barrage of glorious hitting on both sides of the wicket, reaching his maiden century for the First XI in the 12th over, a justifiably raucous celebration following the single that took him there.

Chichester finally broke through in the following over, Will steering a routine catch to the aforementioned Goode, from the bowling of skipper Matt Croker. Tarnie Dixon was then dismissed in very unlucky fashion by the following ball, diverting a ball heading well down the leg-side onto the stumps, via his back pad. While Nick continued to blaze away, Croker claimed two more victims, James Rainford offering a simple chance to cover and shuffling stand-in skipper Jonny Farmer lbw. Nick was then run out, in the same over as the second of these dismissals, after Hugo had tried to get off the mark having played one into the covers. Youngster Ewan Edwards produced a direct hit, although the decision looked to be something of a photo finish from the other end. Having looked like he might break every club record going, Nick was dismissed for 141, in only the 19th over. Amazingly, he had struck no fewer than 26 of the 58 balls received for boundaries, including 8 6s. Although this wasn’t one of the stronger bowling attacks we will see at the Green this season, Nick’s display will live long in the memory.

When Hugo was trapped lbw for 0, the innings was in danger of falling well short of what had seemed possible, the score now 185 for 6. However, it was re-built by two sensible, but still fluent, partnerships, regular second-teamers Juan Vorster and Wolfie Finger not looking at all out of place in offering good support to the birthday boy Joey Calder Smith. Both made useful all-round contributions, Juan as usual showing athleticism and enthusiasm in the field and Wolfie offering some steady variety with the ball. Dropped at long-on relatively early in his innings, prompting a loud expletive from the older Mayne, who had an unhappy afternoon (1 for 77 off 8 overs), Joey made the most of this good fortune. Batting characteristically, in a carefree manner with a smile on his face, he sometimes even struck the ball as cleanly as Nick had earlier in the innings. His first six took him to his first half-century for the First XI, having run out of partners just 3 runs shy against Worthing II last year, and he celebrated by clearing the boundary again the following ball. Joey rattled on to 77, before our innings ended when he was bowled by Edwards, the 48th ball he had received. Extraordinarily, Nick and Joey had scored 218 runs between them without batting together. We were all out for an impressive and fairly daunting 311 but, in what was to prove a crucial factor, had been dismissed halfway through the 35th of our 40 overs.

After the teams and officials had enjoyed the tea provided by The Cricketers, the Chichester innings began much more quietly than ours had. However, with some good fortune, without giving any chances, openers Vickers and Barclay took the score to 40, before the former chopped onto his stumps from the final ball of James Rainford’s 4th over. Further wickets followed in the next two overs, Hugo bowling Barclay and James bowling skipper Croker, who had attempted a big drive at a ball that deserved much more respect. At 41 for 3, with 271 needed from 31.3 overs, it looked like the game was almost done and dusted.

14-year-old Ewan Edwards and his more experienced partner Ed McCarthy had other ideas, however. The former’s opening boundary, an elegant push to the cover boundary off James, was arguably the shot of the match and, when he followed it the ball after with a sweetly timed steer behind square, a rare 3 at the Green, his potential was clear. McCarthy began with less certainty, but gradually gained in fluency and confidence although, when drinks were taken at 113 for 3 after 20 overs, it still seemed most likely that this would probably prove to be token resistance. Any hopes that we were to begin our campaign with a victory were, though, to prove unfounded. Remarkably, only two of the remaining overs did not contain a boundary and no fewer than 12 contained at least two boundaries, as the momentum gradually, then more emphatically, steered towards the visitors.

When Jonny broke the partnership, bowling McCarthy for 58 with a slower ball and greeting the dismissal with a visceral roar, Chichester were 163 for 4 in the 26th over, still requiring 149 at a rate a little over 10 an over. Left-hander Ollie Greenlees was immediately assertive, striking a low full toss from Nick for a mighty 6 over mid-wicket which lodged on the roof of one of the neighbouring houses and unfurling a series of ferocious square-drives, one of which I only just managed to avoid. This took the pressure off Edwards, who looked to be tiring slightly although, to be fair, without losing momentum. The target became 113 from the final 10 overs, then 89 from 8, before Nick conceded 21 from his fifth over, including a very high no ball Greenless helped down to long leg for 6. Back for the first over of his second spell, Hugo conceded 15 from the following over, including 3 wides and a boundary to each batsman, and it now looked like the game had probably now turned inexorably in Chichester’s favour.

We were to make only one more breakthrough. Just after completing a splendid century, from only 76 balls, Edwards was run out by a throw from Will Crombie after he and his partner had found themselves at the batting end. By now, only 16 runs were needed at a run a ball, and less than half of these were needed, Finlay Russell completing the victory for his side with three consecutive boundaries (the last of them a 6) off Joey, who until then had been comfortably our most economical bowler.

627 runs scored in only 73 overs, including 101 boundaries. Even at the Green, rarely can there have been such a run fest, especially in a season’s infancy. A frustrating defeat, but a memorable afternoon’s cricket.

Please click here for the full scorecard

Peter Mattock – Umpire

Second X1 vs Findon

When I was offered a family outing to the seaside on Saturday, little did I know what I was getting myself into. Lovely sunny day as we arrived in Goring on Sea to play Division 10 new boys Findon.

Joining me were Harry and Phil Maggs, Dave and Jackson McCullagh, Callum and his mate, Louis, who despite calling each other “bro” all afternoon, aren’t actually brothers. Josh Braddock was there too, his mum was scoring for the firsts, and his dad was debut-ing for the first too. Joshy D, as usual, was first on the team sheet (Dad, Tarni was playing for the firsts this week, Jack and Will taking the week off) and numbers were completed by Mick H and Buddy (we tried to rope in his Dad, Tim, but he was having none of it.) Callum’s mum turned up as well (Thanks Lesley for scoring so well for us at short notice.) And who could forget the great Peter Klein (yes, you’ve guessed it, his son Nick was smashing the ball to all parts of the Green again Chichester.) Told you it was a family outing.

The cricket. Not as successful as the first week, but full of joyful moments. We batted first on the astro track. Mick and I didn’t cover ourselves in glory. Josh looked positive in his senior cricket debut. Callum hit a few, Dave and Jackson batted together adding a magnificent partnership of 40 including some big sixes. Buddy smashed a massive 6 and debutant Louis got off to a flyer with 13. And Joshy D left the best till last hitting PB 19 at the end, including some of the most beautiful cricket shots you will see. Kudos Joshy.

157 all out after 37.

Tea was disappointing. Buddy had eaten all my Haribos

Then we bowled. We bowled nicely, but couldn’t ever really find the wicket-ball. Harry and Phil eventually struck (with help from skipper and great catch from Mick). They got the runs in 26 overs – their young batter reaching his first ever 50 – a nice moment which we all enjoyed at the end.

Lots of fun, great atmosphere, good chat, 9 bonus points – and a family trip to the seaside. Just not my (real) family…

Please click here for the full scorecard

Tim Palmer – Captain

Under 14 vs Slinfold

It was great to get the team together and welcome four debutants in the opening match of the season, Ahaan Thakkar, George Reed, Henry Godfrey and Henry Bruce.

The weather was dry and warm, the outfield was fast, the pitch was dry and unpredictable. We thought this could be a high scoring game because of the fast outfield.

Wisborough batted first. Will Spiers and Josh Braddock opened the batting and created a solid partnership seeing off the opening bowlers. Buddy hit a couple of useful boundaries to create a good platform. With runs needed, Harry hit 30 off 15 balls and retired not out, and George Reed hit a really useful 19 to take the total to 126, great running between the wickets at the tail end of the innings. We thought this was about a par score and we knew we had to bowl and field well.

The opening four bowlers, Hector, Henry Bruce, Henry Godfrey and Harry, kept it tight at the start. After 8 overs Slinfold were under a lot of pressure. Josh Braddock and George Reed were up next. Josh took 3 great wickets which really put us in control of the match, one of Josh’s wickets included a fantastic catch from Henry Bruce at full stretch taking the ball in his fingertips. George Reed also took a wicket at a crucial time. Then Ahaan, Arden, Hector, Bella and Buddy come on to see off the last few Slinfold batters to bowl them all out for 112.

It was a good performance overall, we were happy to win as this was our first match and Slinfold had already played two. We lost concentration in the last ten overs in the field and will have to work hard to not let this happen again.

Thank you to Tom for umpiring and Suzana for scoring, great team effort.

Please click here for the full scorecard

Harry Maggs – Captain

Girls Under 13 vs Haywards Heath

On Tuesday 13 May the U13 WGCC girls team played away against a formidable Haywards Health team. It was our first spin in the village mini bus which 9 girls jumped into for the journey there with match tea provided to enjoy on the journey. 3 further girls met us at the ground, making a full side of 9 players and 3 reserves. A fantastic turnout for our first match of the season, especially given it was away.

Jo Nicolls won the toss as captain and chose to field first. All the girls took to their positions in the field, tight to the boundary in anticipation of some big hitters. Jo bowled first, then Lucy, Anaya and Alice. Each of these extremely strong bowlers bowled 4 overs each of the 20 over game. Molly, Margot, Eva S and Lola also bowled an over each. The team took 3 wickets with Lola, Margot and Anaya hitting the middle stump and Jo taking a wonderful catch in the crease. Molly came into her own at square leg – letting nothing through and of 120 balls bowled, Lola did an absolutely outstanding job stopping 118 balls letting only two through which did not go far thanks to Eva s backing her up. Katie, Eva T and Masie swapped in with the fielders throughout the game and did a fab job, special mention to Eva T for a cracking dive to prevent a 4 on the off side. The teams fielding and bowling were absolutely on par with the oppo and as Coach I was exceptionally proud of each and everyone of them.

Then it was our turn to bat, everyone of there bowlers was on point and fast, leaving a slightly more inexperienced team defending the wicket and hesitating in moments, this did mean we did not see the runs we deserved but for a first game of the season the team did brilliantly. The final score was 25 to Haywards Heath’s 128.

This week we will be getting in front of that bowling machine and practising our batting, calling and finding 2 runs whenever we have the opportunity.

Next Tuesday the team meets Haywards Health again at 6pm, this time at home – it will be a great match and we look forward to seeing all those who can come along and support our brilliant girls team.

Sarah Meurer – coach

Under 12 vs Steyning

Match report by Archie Kain (age 11)

We played our first match of the season on Saturday morning away at Steyning. The sun was shining and everyone was excited to get started. The game began at 9:30am and it was great to be back playing cricket again.

Wisborough Green batted first and worked hard to get a good score. There were some really good shots and lots of running between the wickets. Buddy Runalls was our top scorer with 20 runs, hitting the ball nicely around the ground. We ended our innings with 91 runs, which was a solid effort for our first game.

Steyning were a bit short on players, so they had a few Under 13s playing for them, which made it a bit more of a challenge for us. We bowled and fielded as best as we could, with everyone giving 100%. Even though we had some good moments, Steyning batted strongly and managed to chase down our score.

They won the match, but we were proud of how we played, especially since it was our first match of the season. We learned a lot and had loads of fun, and we’re already looking forward to the next game!

Final Score:
Wisborough Green – 91 runs
Steyning – 92 after 15 overs

It was fun being the Captain for the team, well done boys!

Archie Kain – Captain

Under 10 vs Horsham

Match report by Henry Smith (age 10)

Our second U10’s cricket match was hosted by Horsham on another sunny Saturday morning.

Horsham won the toss and elected to field first. Charlie Brown (who brought some great experience to our team) and I were first into bat against a strong bowling side and scored 17 runs in four overs.

Up next were Alexander and Seth who followed some good runs. Cooper and Charlie Baxter batted well, with George and Barnaby continuing to add to the tally. Last up were Leo and Finlay who put a valient effort in keeping the run rate going. The whole team did brilliantly well with Leo, Barnaby and I scoring fours.

We received a great selection of drinks and biscuits, my Dad sampled the bacon baps and I did manage to have a cornetto ice cream!

Charlie Brown demonstrated some super bowling and we learnt a lot having him with us. Wickets were hard to come by although I did catch my first today. There was some great fielding especially from Charlie Baxter who stopped everything that came his way and was voted Man of the Match by Horsham.

I am really enjoying playing cricket and was very proud to be Captain today. We aim to get stronger every week.

Thank you to all the parents that helped warm us up by bowling and fielding for us today, I’m sure you all slept well!

Henry Smith – Captain

…and finally – spotted out and about …

That’s it for this week.

If there is anything we need to know you know where to find us

Have a great cricketing week 🏏😊

Cheers

Wizzy