Welcome to Wizzy News for this week – our weekly roundup of news and events at Wisborough Green Cricket Club.

Friday evening training

All the age groups have finished training for the season except for the Under 10’s, and the Under 11 and 12 age groups who will be training at their usual times.

Parking

Just a quick reminder to park away from the village playground, Wyatt Close and Butts Meadow . Car parking spaces are available at the Village Hall car park where there are 10 spaces and Songhurst Meadow car park where there are 14 spaces.

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

Memorial Sunday

This Sunday is a very special day in our cricketing calendar – a day we fondly remember all those who are sadly no longer with us but whose memories we cherish.

Those who are new to the club may not be aware that surrounding the green are over 30 benches, many of which have plaques with names of the people who were closely associated with the village and the club for many years. Many names may be familiar – some less so.

Please click here for more background information of some of the people who will be fondly remembered on Sunday.

Message from Dan Vickery – Club Captain regarding Memorial day

As I have said in the past – the Memorial match is always bitter sweet. But it is such a great day where we all come together and enjoy a game of cricket whilst remembering some of the legends of our great village. All whilst we raise some money to help a great charity that helps provide support and care for loved ones in their final weeks and days. MacMillan really were amazing for our family – helping keep dad in the house and village he loved all the way to the end.

As I reflect back over the last year since the last match, I always hope to have made Kenny proud. For me, scoring a century on the green will always be a special moment. Unfortunately, Dad wasn’t there to witness it, but it was a promise I made to him in his final days and to have finally achieved it – smashing one to the boundary batting at the Ken Vickery End – was a great feeling. And I know for sure he was cheering me on throughout. Also seeing both Alice and Henry playing their first cricket matches on the green is something that really warms my heart – making sure the next generation enjoy cricket was something Kenny was so good at.

Kenny was a legend on and off the field – he still has more WG league runs on Playcricket than me (which is saying something as wasn’t about for 90% of his career). He also gave everything for Wisborough Green, not just cricket but other sports and village events. Big shoes to fill, and now everything I do I hope honours his memory in a small part.

This will be the third Vickery XI vs Spiers XI match and hopefully we can do Kenny and Malc proud again. Vickery XI have won the last two but Spiersy has put together a good side this year so should be a great spectacle played in great spirit!!

Congratulations

Congratulations to all those who have made it onto the club’s Honours Boards this week

Summer camps

The final sessions of the very popular Mavrix Summer camps for children age 4-12 will be taking place at West Chiltington Cricket Club on Tuesday 26th August – Thursday 28th August. Please click here for booking information

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

Upcoming fixtures this week :

• First X1 are away to Aldwick at 1pm on Saturday
• Second X1 are at home to Crawley Eagles at 1 pm on Saturday
• Memorial X1 match – Vickery X1 vs Spiers X1 at 12:30 pm on Sunday
• Women’s hardball team vs Southwater at 6pm on Thursday evening
• Under 16’s have their final Festival match against Pagham away on Friday at 1pm
• Under 10’s are at home to Petworth on Saturday morning at 9:15

Please come along and support our players if you can – they really do appreciate seeing familiar faces

Team selections

Team selections for this week:

Match reports

First X1 vs Bognor

What was supposed to be a day basking in glorious sunshine turned out to be gloomy and muggy on the Green – but the cricket was golden.

Captain Farmer was stepping in for Vickery, who was off on his third break of the season. Having lost the toss, he was pleased to hear that the Bognor skipper fancied a bat. Unfortunately for said skipper, he didn’t last very long as Dave “The Yorkshire Nipper” Griffiths pinned him in front. The away umpire took his time before raising that finger of doom. Jnr quickly followed, cleaning up his fellow opener, who looked to launch into a ball on middle and leg only to miss it completely.

2/2 – the dream start. Numbers 3 and 4 had first-team experience and were no mugs with the bat, but DG struck again with one that moved and the Green had another breakthrough. 53/3.

Jnr was given a rest and Willbo came on, finding his line straight away. His very first ball was a perfect yorker, far too good for the number 5. He followed it up by removing Mr Anderson for a golden duck.

56/5. Dave bowled out his full allocation of 8 overs, finishing with a well-earned 4 wickets, including the dangerous Adams, who charged and missed.

The tail tried to wag, but Dixon and “Goldenballs” Finger were too good. Bingham, the number 3, ran out of partners after a few lusty blows for a well-made 56, cleaned up by Willbo. Wolfie then removed the ever-chatty Wimslow – some thought it was prime Jonty Rhodes in the slips, others a spawny Farmer – with another one-handed grab to add to his collection (and talk about for the rest of the season).

Tea was taken. Bognor seemed strangely focused on their First Team game, and sometimes low totals can be tricky to chase. So Steve Calder-Smith and Kleiny went out to do battle. Nick’s first few overs looked rusty, as if he hadn’t played much cricket – or had been watching the Hundred and its spoon-fed “cut shot” tutorials. Mr Anderson was turning red in the face, but then the switch flicked. Kleiny went full Beast Mode, launching the ball to all parts, while Steve played the perfect supporting role with some wonderful strokes. Great to see him back to his best after a year’s break from scoring runs.

Kleiny fell for a well-made 57 off 32 balls, with the score at 74/1 after just 10 overs. Tommy joined Steve and built another calm innings, with back-to-back boundaries (to everyone’s surprise). Bognor were beaten both mentally and physically – some players sprinted off mid-game to check their first-team score, which was just not cricket.

The game was wrapped up in the 18th over: 118/1. Steve finished unbeaten on 34 and Tommy on 27. Thank goodness for Joey Essex smashing some runs for Arundel – let’s hope he’s still feeling it this weekend as the Firsts travel to face him.

With safety looking closer you’ve got to remember, Cricket, like farming, is all about patience, timing, and knowing when to plough one through the covers

S.W.S.W.

Please click here for the full scorecard

Jonny Farmer – Captain

Second X1 vs Littlehampton

Another painful result against Littlehampton away

On an overcast afternoon in Goring it looked like it was a good afternoon to bowl first and although we did not get the opportunity to make that decision it was noted that their Captain was very happy and quick to decide to bat on winning the toss.

Harry Maggs and Ran Dawson opened the bowling and both were looking threatening on a pitch which had a few surprises. They were both extremely economical and were deserving of a wicket each in their early spells. Harry Hunter and Josh Dixon then continued with Harry bowling some exceptional deliveries without much luck but was finally rewarded with the wicket of their Captain. Josh bowled their No. 3 & No. 5 in consecutive balls. Their No. 4 batted very patiently on a challenging wicket and built a well crafted innings by waiting for any bowl that was slightly astray. Phil Maggs then took over from Harry down the hill and bowled an absolute pearler to remove their No. 7. He then went on to get their No. 4 out on 60 with a great catch behind the stumps from Buddy Edwards. Unfortunately were not able to contain the tail at the end of the innings and their No.8 & No.9 both struck the ball well to nudge the score to 162 for 8 after 40 overs. We bowled well, beating the bat on numerous occasions with several shots landing between fielders.

During the break the message communicated to the team was that if we bat the 40 overs we will win the match. Tarni and Ran opened the batting and unfortunately Ran spooned up a catch to point in the first over. Harry Hunter followed soon afterwards after playing on to the same opening bowler so the Green were 2 wickets for 6 runs after 3 overs. Juan Vorster came in and played some beautifully timed shots to the bad balls and started to build a partnership with Tarni. After 9 overs we cruised to 44 runs and then Juan was bowled by an in swinging yorker. Tarni followed soon afterwards with another ball spooned to point. At this stage Mark Brown and Harry Maggs were brought to the crease and Mark played some lovely shots to continue on the required run rate. Harry was bowled by the opening bowler and we were 55 runs for 5 wickets off 12 overs. Josh Braddock came in and built an important partnership with Mark with Josh keeping the good balls out and Mark striking some mightly blows to the boundary. The chase was on and sadly Mark was caught on the 26th over on 45 runs – he deserved a 50 and we were 103 for 6 after 27 overs and still in a position to win the match. Thereafter the wickets of Phil Maggs, Dave McCullagh and Josh Dixon fell quickly with Buddy Edwards left without a partner and we ended up 119 all out after 32 overs – if we batted the 40 overs we could have won the match!

Please click here for the full scorecard

Tarnie Dixon- Captain

Sunday X1 vs Josh Dixon’s Sussex X1

The Green was bathed in sunshine on Sunday for the now regular fixture against the Sussex Disability XI . Essentially “Josh Dixon Day”. Wisborough’s favourite son would be once again on the opposition, and had spent much of the last few weeks winding up his WGCC team mates about how he’s going to get them out. The man himself was on the Green in full Sussex kit at 9:30am for a 1pm start. Joshy meant business.

Wisborough won the toss and elected to bowl. A strong Sunday line up included Tarni and Will Dixon, eager to keep the youngest Dixon in his box. Dave McCullagh, Chris Marshall and Wolfie Finger brought maturity, Harry Hunter and Nick Reed in their middle order prime, while Buddy Edwardes, Hector Dawson and debutant Liam Hamon balanced with youth. Tim Palmer was a welcome last-minute selection, resplendent in a large brimmed WGCC sunhat. He always looks the part.

We opened with Will and Harry who both bowled a great line and length and with good wheels. Sussex’s opening bats were strong and punished the bad ball, but there weren’t many. Nick Reed, recently back from holiday with a sun-kissed new haircut (think 2005 Pietersen), was exemplary with the gloves. Will and Harry teased and tempted but without reward as Sussex steadily built to 30. Just as their openers were beginning to look set, they set off for an unwise single to Wolfie Finger’s right hand. He swooped and propelled the ball to Nick Reed’s waiting gloves, who comfortably ran the non-striker out.

A bowling change brought Captain Marshall into action. Two loose full tosses that flew to the boundary, were the perfect foil for the third ball, which pitched on leg stump and straighten to hit middle. All part of the plan. A slightly bewildered batman trudged off, fearing he had missed the opportunity of a lifetime, if the dross served to him earlier in the over was anything to go by.

A steady partnership of nearly 50 for the third wicket was halted by Wolfie Finger who clean bowled Sussex’s number 3, and removed his batting partner a few balls later thanks to a fine Harry Hunter catch.

Buddy Edwardes is one of the finds of the season. Along with his two other musketeers (Harry M and Josh B), they must have squatters’ rights in the nets on the green by now. His loopy off spin is accurate and potent. He will be pushing for a regular league spot next year. Two wickets from him before Liam Hanon (in his first game of senior cricket) entered the attack. Most of his cricket has been in the nets, so nobody knew quite what to expect from him. He trundled in and showed remarkable composure, a nice action and good line and length. In his second over he moved one away just enough to catch the outside edge. Nick Reed did the rest and Liam had his first wicket for the club.

And so, the main even. There is nothing more terrifying for a fielding Wisborough side, than the sight of Josh Dixon walking to the crease. With the swagger of a man with 10,000 first class runs and a grin like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Josh walked out like a gladiator. Time for a bowling change. Tarni Dixon the only choice. Steely eyed, he marked his run up and steamed in, ready to ruin his son’s dream. Josh was not to be intimidated by his father. Solid forward defensives and the odd creative leave frustrated Wisborough, until Joshy decided to unleash. A Swashbuckling drive lofted tantalisingly above the head of Josh’s younger, taller brother. The Green stood still. The ball nestled securely in Will Dixon’s hands and made for an unrivalled scorecard entry of:

Dixon bowled Dixon caught Dixon.

A few overs from Tim Palmer (after a masterful display in the field!), was followed by a single over from Dave McCullaugh which brought 2 wickets for 9 runs. His job was done and didn’t fancy a second over. Sussex made 202. Time for Tea.

Wisborough opened the batting with Chris Marshall and Will Dixon. The theory was that Marshall wouldn’t be there long, and we could give some of the others a chance down the order. This didn’t quite materialise, as the opening pair put on 81 before Will retired on 50. An early LBW appeal against Marshall was met by umpire Klein telling me “not out – but it would have been out on a Saturday”. This is why I only play Sunday cricket these days.

Will navigated facing his younger brother sensibly, and took his runs from the other bowlers. He is a remarkable cricketer who is a pleasure to watch. I was very happy with my view from the non-striker’s end. Harry Hunter also came in and crashed an unbeaten 54. These boys make it look easy. It wasn’t. Sussex bowled with great skill and aggression. They were unlucky not to take more wickets and the Josh Dixon XI were a tough outfit. When Marshall’s 2 hour Boycott-like innings ended on 28, Buddy Edwardes and debutant Liam Hamon were left to bring home the bacon. Both batted with confidence far surpassing their years. Buddy’s (who’s smile is nearly as big as Joshy’s), made 22 not out, while Liam showed what a huge potential he has with some lovely looking shots. He made 8 including hitting the winning runs, in front of his slightly bewildered looking parents. The victory Wisborough’s but cricket the real winner.

Josh Dixon Day was another resounding success.

Please click here for the full scorecard

Chris Marshall – Sunday X1 Captain

Under 16

vs Barns Green – Please click here for the full scorecard

vs Pagham – Please click here for the full scorecard

Under 14 vs West Chiltington

Please click here for the full scorecard

Under 12

End of season intraclub match

Please click here for the full scorecard

Under 10 friendly vs Lindfield

Match report by Seth Butcher-Collier (with some help from dad Simon) – Captain

Saturday 16th of August – a gloomy start to the day. Arriving at the ground, all we could see was Peter.

Not too much of an issue, he does like an early start so we started to warm up, 9:15 AM and still no sign of the other team ,a call was made – the opposition had sent us to the wrong ground. A quick trip down through Lindfield Town and we had arrived at the correct ground with a team waiting for us.

We chose to field first, A solid effort of fielding and bowling was displayed by all. Charlie took a wicket from his first ball and Asher bowled and caught his own ball.

I should also take this opportunity to welcome our newest member to the team, Asher- Isaac !

Lindfield were hitting a good amount of fours and we were struggling to reach them in time, although Finlay and Seth dipping some overly rolls to save 2xfours from being scored.Leo, Thomas and Isaac put in good, consistent fielding, with Lindfield finishing on 336 and six wickets.

After squash and biscuits we went into bat.

Cooper and Finlay opened – a good pairing. Finlay scored two fours. Then from nowhere, Peter calls a short run. Finlay responds to this with another 4. Cooper takes advantage of an overthrow to take three runs, but Peter calls another short run. The cheeky 3 becomes a 2 (I now know why Wisborough were chanting ‘easy in’ whilst they were fielding)

Leo and Thomas take to the green with Leo hitting our first six followed by a four and you can see that Thomas is really thinking where he’s going to send the ball with his precision batting. Seth and Asher put in a solid display of batting. After three pairs our score stands at 297 with three wickets. (As we only had eight in our team this week, each pair had five overs). Charlie and Isaac are up our final pair. They’re batting well.

Peter then shows some tough love, calling a wicket for being outside the crease. Lindfield put on a good display of fielding. Charlie and Isaac are notching up the runs, taking the score to 312 with two overs to go. Charlie hits a 6, a 4 and a 6 with the last clearing the ground and the road. Isaac takes some runs and as we enter the last over, just five runs are needed for the win. The tension is mounting on all sides. Wisborough opt for the silent. No pressure support to their batting team mates. As the last few bowls were taken, fate took a cruel twist and Lindfield took a catch or two, leaving Wisborough unable to clinch the win.

What was lovely to witness in this moment was that the team spirit displayed by the boys was that of true sportsmen. Nothing but support for each other celebrating the game,  each other and their opposing team truly showing that win or lose, they had had a great Saturday morning of cricket.

A well deserved player of the match going to Charlie Baxter

Seth Butcher-Collier – Captain

And finally

For all the longsuffering partners, family members and colleagues of cricketers …(posted in the Seniors WhatsApp Group by Steve Calder Smith)

Click on the video link below

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