Match Reports Archive

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=75 BGCOLOR="#006600" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FFFF00" FACE="Castellar" ><B>Reepham & Salle Cricket Club</B></FONT><B> </B><B>   </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reepham Salle Cricket Club"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id55.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Archives"><U>Archives</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="News Archive"><U>News Archive</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id48.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Results Archive"><U>Results Archive</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id50.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="League Tables Archive"><U>League Tables Archive</U></A>   |   <B>Match Reports Archive</B>   |   <A HREF="id49.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Statistics Archive"><U>Statistics Archive</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id47.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gallery Archive"><U>Gallery Archive</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="755d4003.jpg"> <div> <IMG SRC="758455a0.jpg" border=0 width="69" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>MATCH REPORTS</B></div> <div> <B>ARCHIVE</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id51_m.htm#2002" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id51_m.htm#2003_season" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id51_m.htm#2004_match_reports" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id51_m.htm#2005_season" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id51_m.htm#2006_season" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id51_m.htm#2007_season" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id51_m.htm#2008" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>2008</U></A></div> <div> 2009</div> <div> <A HREF="id51_m.htm#2010_reports" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>2010</U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=405 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Castellar" ><B>Match Reports Archive</B></FONT> <A NAME="match_reports_archive"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>2002 SEASON</B></div> <div> <A HREF="#great_witchingham_v_rscc_29th_april" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Great Witchingham Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#rscc_v_hingham_pirates_5th_may_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Hingham Pirates Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#ashmanhaugh_v_rscc_19th_may_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Ashmanhaugh Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#north_elmham_v_rscc_2nd_june_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>North Elmham Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#rscc_v_sheringham_9th_june_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sheringham Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#hingham_pirates_v_rscc_16th_june_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Hingham Pirates Cup</U></A> | <A HREF="#worsted_v_rscc_23rd_june_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Worsted Away</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#rscc_v_great_witchingham_30th_june_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Great Witchingham Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#rscc_v_north_elmham_7th_july_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>North Elmham Cup</U></A> | <A HREF="#hingham_pirates_v_rscc_14th_july_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Hingham Pirates Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#rscc_v_ashmanhaugh_21st_july_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Ashmanhaugh Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#rscc_v_sheringham_28th_july_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sheringham Cup</U></A> | <A HREF="#sheringham_v_rscc_25th_august_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sheringham Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#rscc_v_worsted_1st_september_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Worsted Home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#rscc_v_downham_market_7th_september" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Downham Cup Fina</U></A>l | <A HREF="#bradfield_v_rscc_15th_september_2002" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradfield Away</U></A></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="great_witchingham_v_rscc_29th_april"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Great Witchingham v RSCC, 29th April 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> The season started on a cold and damp day in April and Reepham got off to a similarly disappointing start, losing away to Great Witchingham by seven wickets.   This defeat was primarily due to short bowling on Reepham's part, some excellent batting by Witchingham's overseas player Kevin Murray (Jamaica) and some early season nerves.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="rscc_v_hingham_pirates_5th_may_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>RSCC v Hingham Pirates, 5th May 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Reepham and Salle recovered well to defeat Hingham pirates in very convincing fashion.  Batting first Reepham managed to make 225 for 9, with some stylish stroke play from Ally Bailey (45).  All the other batsmen contributed to some degree and all the 40 overs were used to good effect.  Reepham followed up with an excellent team bowling effort, lead by Martin Hickling (3-16) and quickly had Hingham all out for 29 runs, Hollis bowling particularly well.  This result was the confidence booster the team needed and gave Reepham their first serious points.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="ashmanhaugh_v_rscc_19th_may_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Ashmanhaugh v RSCC, 19th May 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> With the Club Captain unavailable because of the imminent birth of his first child it was left to Marty Jacobs to lead Reepham for the first time.  Away, at Ashmanhaugh was always going to be tough because of the poor pitch and short boundary on one side.  This was bourn out by the fact Asmanhaugh managed to score freely and make full use of their knowledge of the ground making over 245 runs for the loss of just three wickets.  Reepham's fielding was not as sharp as it could be and a number of chances were put down.  Reepham struggled after the failures of most of the top order batsman, although a gallant effort from the tail saved embarrassment with the team using all 40 overs and finishing on 114-9.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="north_elmham_v_rscc_2nd_june_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>North Elmham v RSCC, 2nd June 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Once again failure was followed by success with a crushing defeat of North Elmham away in the first fine weather of the season.  Reepham batted well, with Mark Houldey making a sensible fifty (68) as opener and everyone backing him up well.  Particularly impressive were Jan Salisbury (22) and Martin Hickling (27) in the latter overs.  North Elmham never looked like getting close to the total set and some tight bowling, again from Houldey (3-2) made sure and Elmham fell 134 runs short.  A good win and Reepham were now lying fifth in the RJ Bidewell Division.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="rscc_v_sheringham_9th_june_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>RSCC v Sheringham, 9th June 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> The home match against Sheringham was dogged by dismal weather from start to finish and it was a miracle that it was completed.  Sheringham batted first and quickly lost their openers to some excellent bowling from Houldey (1-13) and Salisbury (4-25).  Their middle order and tail didn't accelerate and they slowly crept to 76 all out.</div> <bR> <div> During the tea interval the heavens opened and there really looked like little chance of further play.  An extra hour was taken and the sun came out briefly enabling Reepham's innings to start.  However it soon began to drizzle and Sheringham with their small total, were keen to come off the field.  The only answer for Reepham was to lash out and try and get the runs quickly before the drizzle turned to rain.  Reepham managed to pull it off and achieved a total of 80 for 2 off and incredible 9 overs, wrapping up the game just as the rain started to pour.  A convincing win made even better by the tactical defeat of the rain.  This match took Reepham to fourth in the table.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="hingham_pirates_v_rscc_16th_june_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Hingham Pirates v RSCC, 16th June 2002 (Broke Cup Round 2)</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Attention now turned to the Broke Cup and a visit to Hingham.  After Reepham's demolition of Hingham a few weeks earlier, expectations were high and the team was perhaps a little over confident.  Reepham went out to bat first, once again without skipper Hollis and things did not go to plan as the upper order batsmen failed yet again.  Only David Henry (28) put a serious innings together and Reepham crept to 80 without using anywhere near the 40 overs.  However some rather defensive batting from the home team and tight bowling by Edwards (3-2) and Houldey (4-5) saved the day.  Hingham limped to just 32 runs, eleven of which were extras.  Not a great performance, but none the less progress was made into the next round of the cup.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="worsted_v_rscc_23rd_june_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Worsted v RSCC, 23rd June 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> The next match away at Worstead was a real classic and the initiative swapped all through the game.  Worstead batted first and got off to a slow start, scoring just 20 runs off the first 10 overs.  Their first wicket fell as a suicidal run was attempted and this seemed to spur them on a little.  However, they still scored slowly right up until the 24<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over and they didn't seem keen to take any singles.  After two more silly run outs the initiative was definitely with Reepham.  Events took a turn when Worstead's number 4 came out to bat and smashed the ball about in an aggressive, but agricultural manner.  His wicket eventually fell to Salisbury, as was expected when he took one swing across the line too many and was clean bowled.  The rest of Wortead's lower middle order hit out hard, helped by some good but expensive bowling from Reepham.  They finished on a commanding 197.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham replied well, with some effective shot play from Bailey (51) and Hollis (26) and dogged determination from Jacobs, scoring 4 runs off 45 balls.  The scoring was a little slow, but always ahead of Worstead's position at the same stage of the game.  The game was soon in Reepham's control.  However, there followed a minor collapse with nearly 80 runs needed.  It looked as if Worstead had got the advantage again.  It didn't last for long though; Shaun Edwards opened out and took the Wortead bowling attack apart with some big hitting.  Things were looking a bit tight as Edwards' partners were disappearing a little too quickly for comfort from the 36<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over.  When Peter Vokes came in at number 9, with only the two young Saunders boys to come in the state of the game hung in the balance with nearly 50 needed off 5 overs.</div> <bR> <div> Thanks to some crafty farming of the strike by Vokes (5no) and Edwards (80no) the necessary runs were obtained.  The tension stayed right to the end though.  Edwards thought he'd hit the winning runs with a straight six, but it was caught at long off and everyone thought that was it.  Very sportingly the Worstead fielder admitted that his foot was over the line and the runs stood with the total at 198.  The match was won with 2 balls, 2 wickets and not a lot of nerves to spare!  This win took Reepham above Worstead into third position in the Bidewell division.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="rscc_v_great_witchingham_30th_june_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>RSCC v Great Witchingham, 30th June 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> It was going to be hard for Reepham to repeat their performance in the last game; especially as it was the current division leaders Great Witchingham they were entertaining.  However, without Murray the West Indian opener in the Witchingham side Reepham probably had the best chance they were going to have of avenging their defeat earlier in the season.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham batted first, and although wickets fell steadily the runs accumulated quickly thanks to some poor fielding by Witchingham and in particular a lot of byes.  The wickets continued to fall and Witchingham bowled well with venom, at one point Martin Hickling (29), batting well was hit in the throat by a rising ball.  The final wicket fell in the 33<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> over with the total standing at 134.  It looked at this point as though Reepham were dead and buried, although there was always hope without Murray opening.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham started well taking wickets straight away thanks to accurate bowling from Houldey (1-19) and Hollis (4-18) and some great catches particularly Vokes' sharp effort at Gulley.  Things looked bad when Houldey had to end his spell because of injury and Edwards proved to be a little expensive.  However, Jan Salisbury rose to the occasion and polished off Witchingham for just 100 runs with 3 quick wickets, finishing with figures of 3-7.  The last wicket to fall was an LBW, disputed in an unsporting fashion by the Witchingham number 10 bat.  Despite this it was a great win for Reepham and narrowed the gap at the top of the table, Reepham remaining in third spot though.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="rscc_v_north_elmham_7th_july_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>RSCC v North Elmham, 7th July 2002 (Broke Cup Quarter-Final)</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Attention once again turned to the Broke Cup, this time the quarterfinals when Reepham entertained North Elmham.  Reepham had clearly learnt from the Hingham match earlier in the season and did not go into this game with an over-confident attitude, despite thrashing Elmham before in the league.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham batted first and despite losing Houldey early for a duck managed to progress well thanks to sensible batting from Henry (46) and the fluid strokes of Bailey (56).  Hollis (42) joined in later and contributed quickly to the score, as did Hickling (26) who played an excellent support role for Edwards who lashed 52 off just 36 balls.  Reepham ended up making their biggest ever total of 237-4.  </div> <bR> <div> The Elmham chase began well with them scoring at only slightly below the required rate.  They lost their first wicket to some excellent left arm bowling by the young Tom Saunders; the batsmen seemed to have no idea where their stumps were with the change of angle.  Elmham's scoring slowed to a trickle thanks to two more wickets by Saunders (3-9) and a lack of desire to run quickly by the Elmham batsmen.  By the time Vokes (2-21) had taken two quick wickets, including the skipper in the 29<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> and 30<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> overs it was clear Elmham would not be able to make it and they capitulated on 168.  Reepham were through to the semi-finals and now had a realistic chance of their first silverware.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="hingham_pirates_v_rscc_14th_july_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Hingham Pirates v RSCC, 14th July 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Reepham returned to Hingham to play the Pirates in the League and won the game in the same unconvincing fashion as in the Broke Cup earlier in the season.  </div> <bR> <div> Batting first Reepham struggled and lost the earlier and middle order batsmen quickly.  Only Bailey, Hollis and Edwards got into double figures and a total of five batsmen failing to trouble the scorers.  It was down, once more to the dogged resistance of the tail to boost the total to reasonable level of respectability.  Danny Tipple, in his first game top scored coming in at number 9 with a carefully judged 36 not out.  Support came from Tom Saunders, who scored just six runs and stayed right till the death.  Reepham were crucially able to use all the overs and set a total of 126, at least something the bowlers could attack.</div> <bR> <div> Hingham, never a strong batting side surprised the Reepham players by getting very close to the mediocre target set.  They were helped along the way by some sloppy Reepham fielding; only Bailey behind the stumps looked on form.  Hingham finished on 112, just 14 runs short.  Hollis (3-20) and Edwards (3-23) bowled accurately and took 3 wickets a piece.  Tipple had a good spell of 10 overs in his first outing, taking 1 wicket and always looking dangerous.  Tom Saunders chipped in well at the end to polish off the tail.</div> <bR> <div> Although it was a poor performance 20 valuable points were earned.  This result also took Reepham and Salle to second in the table courtesy of Witchingham slipping up.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="rscc_v_ashmanhaugh_21st_july_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>RSCC v Ashmanhaugh, 21st July 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Playing Ashmanhaugh at home was always going to be tough particularly as they headed the division with an average over two points better than Reepham.  However, a win by a clear 14 points would take Reepham to the top of the table.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham wan the toss and put the visitors in to bat with the weather causing some concern.  They got off to a slow start with Tipple taking the key wicket of Bernie Everett, after a short break for a heavy shower.  However it proved difficult for the home side to make any further inroads and the number two started to play his shots taking the score to over 100 before the next wicket fell.  Some hard hitting came from the visitors' middle order too, which further accelerated the score.  The wickets slowly fell with Edwards taking two (2-46), Tom Saunders one and Tipple (2-52) a second, but the left-handed opener was still at the crease and reached his hundred in the 37<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over.  Vokes (2-8) came on in the 38<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over and took two quick wickets, including the centurion.  This suddenly gave Reepham the opportunity to bowl Ashmanhaugh out and take maximum bowling points.  This was achieved with an over to spare as Saunders (3-34) mopped up the last two wickets in the 39<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over.  However, Asmanhaugh had posted a very respectable target of 204.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham did not start well in the chase, losing Houldey for one in the fifth over.  Henry (18) batted slowly along with Hollis (25) and pushed the total to 50 off the first 15 overs, which was a similar run rate to that of the visitors.  However, Henry's wicket fell and Hollis followed quickly afterwards putting some pressure on Hickling coming in at four for the first time.  The collapse continued in the next over when Hickling top-edged a short ball to gulley for one.  This left Edwards as the main hope for getting the required runs.  He got off to a good start hitting three straight sixes off his first four balls.  Asmanhaugh changed both bowlers at this point, which proved a good decision.  Edwards slowed markedly and eventually fell to a close stumping for 29, 20 of which had come in the first over he faced.  The rest of the batting failed to make any real impression, but thanks to a four from Collins four batting points were obtained.  Reepham finished on 107, some 97 runs behind the target set.  A disappointing result costing Reepham and Salle second place in the table.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="rscc_v_sheringham_28th_july_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>RSCC v Sheringham, 28th July 2002 (Broke Cup Semi-Final)</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Attention was turned to the Broke Cup next and a semi-final clash with Sheringham at the Salle Church Ground.  After the crushing defeat of Sheringham earlier in the season confidence was high in the Reepham camp, although lessons had been learn from previous over-confidence in the Hingham game in the first round.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham won the toss and elected to bat, which proved a good decision as the home side cruised to their highest ever total of 240 for the loss of six wickets.  Dave Henry put together a well-crafted 135 and almost managed to carry his bat, falling two balls short of the end of the innings.  What made this hundred (the first of the season for Reepham) particularly impressive was the control exerted at the start and the flourish towards the end.  Henry also top edged one on to the bridge of the nose when he was on 80, which resulted in a break and medical attention after the game, however he batted on doggedly with just rewards.  The centurion was helped along with a quick 58 from the skipper Hollis and realistically the match was out of Sheringham's reach at tea.</div> <bR> <div> Sheringham got off to a poor start losing their opening pair for ducks, both caught off the bowling of Hollis (2-9); the first by Bailey and the second a stunning slip catch by Edwards.  Edwards (1-28) and Tipple (1-26) took the next two wickets and Sheringham found themselves 35-4 after 13 overs.  The away side then had their best period of the game and had a useful 5<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> wicket partnership of 45 runs.  Vokes came on in the 23<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> over and first removed the number 4 bat for 34, stumped by Bailey and then the number 6 in his next over ending any hope the visiting side had of winning the game.  Sheringham were momentarily let off the hook as two catches were dropped in the same over off Vokes' bowling.  Salisbury (2-19) came on and trapped the next two batsmen and Vokes (4-27) mopped up the tail with a further two wickets.  Sheringham ended their innings on 134 off 34 overs, a shortfall of 106 runs.  Another convincing win for Reepham and Salle and the prospect of a final against Dereham or Downham waits.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="sheringham_v_rscc_25th_august_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Sheringham v RSCC, 25th August 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Sheringham once again provided the opposition, this time at their home ground in the league.  Expectations were high, as the two previous meetings had been convincing wins for Reepham.</div> <bR> <div> Sheringham won the toss and elected to bat on a good pitch.  Edwards and Houldey opened the bowling and started quite well removing two batsmen by the tenth over with the score just a shade over thirty.  However Sheringham seized the initiative with a partnership of 93 and wickets there after were hard fought, with all the bowlers ending up with one a piece.  The home side finished with a very respectable score of 226 for the loss of just 6 wickets.</div> <bR> <div> A target of over 200 was quite within the capabilities of Reepham who had amassed 240 in the last match against Sheringham.  However it was not to be Reepham and Salle's day as the home side had chosen to play their first team South African bowler, who was quite simply a class above anything Reepham could offer in the batting department.  Only Mark Houldey (22) put up any resistance and was cruelly run out when communications in the middle broke down.  The South African finished with figures of 7overs, 7 runs, 7 wickets, all of which were clean bowled!</div> <bR> <div> This result cost Reepham and Salle a place in the RJ Bidewell division and was perhaps an indication that a rule change on overseas players might be necessary to maintain the credibility of games at this level?</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="rscc_v_worsted_1st_september_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>RSCC v Worsted, 1st September 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Next up were Worstead and everyone in both camps was expecting (and hoping for) a thriller like the last encounter when Reepham won with just four balls to spare.</div> <bR> <div> Worstead won the toss and chose to bat on a dry pitch that looked quite inviting to batsmen, however Worstead proved otherwise.  Wickets fell early on, starting with an exact repeat of the first wicket at Worstead when the openers got in a terrible mess and ended up at the same end whilst going for a suicidal single.  There after wickets fell rapidly due to some good bowling, but some especially good catching behind the wicket.  Edwards bagged a diving catch at slip; Vokes plucked one out of the air at gulley followed by two top-drawer diving efforts from Houldey at first slip.  Pick of the bowlers were Edwards (4-34) and the ever-economical Houldey (2-14). Worstead trundled to halt on 68, a very modest target bearing in mind the conditions.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got off to a bad start, loosing Henry for a duck after just 5 balls.  Houldey followed in the eighth over with the score on 27 and it looked as though it wasn't going to be as easy as it looked with Worstead's attack looking quite sharp.  However Bailey came to the crease and promptly took the bowling apart with some classy stroke-play ably supported by the skipper, Hollis (11no).  Bailey fell for 45 just 6 runs short of the victory target and it was left to Hickling who got the winning runs with a well struck four through mid-wicket.</div> <bR> <div> A convincing win for Reepham, which takes them back into third place in the table and gives them a slight sniff of possible promotion.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="rscc_v_downham_market_7th_september"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>RSCC v Downham Market, 7th September 2002 (Broke Cup Final)</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <I>Reported by Colin King</I></div> <bR> <div> Downham won the Mid-Norfolk Sunday Cricket League's Broke Cup, at Great Witchingham, in one of the highest scoring finals in the competition's history. They beat Reepham & Salle by just 41 runs in a game that saw nearly 540 runs scored.</div> <bR> <div> A feast of attacking stroke play from both sides ensured that this was a memorable final.</div> <bR> <div> Downham won the toss and elected to bat. They were rocked by a couple of quick wickets but man of the match, Alex Stuart (90) took control of the game and assisted by Neil Grommett (51) and Ashley Corbett (66) produced a sparkling display of fine batting that would have had many clubs reeling. However, Reepham & Salle are not a team to give up lightly. Joe Hollis (2 - 46) was the pick of the bowling and caused the batsmen many problems. In the closing stages of the Downham innings, Joss Stuart chipped in with a brisk 38 no. The innings closed on 290 for 6.</div> <bR> <div> Some intelligent bowling by Paul Dungay, for little reward, ensured that Reepham & Salle were not able to get off to the rapid start that they needed to have been able to overhaul the Downham total. In the context of the game his contribution was crucial. However, when he was removed from the attack Reepham & Salle went onto the offensive and there was another glorious display of fine hitting and stroke play. David Henry (91) punched the ball to all corners of the ground. In many matches, he would have easily reached his century but the disciplined and athletic out fielding of Downham cut off numerous boundaries and restricted the scoring. Joe Hollis (43) produced an exciting flurry of runs in the middle of the innings and the target always seemed tantalisingly possible for as long as he was at the crease. However, Peter Vokes and Martin Hickling in the lower order continued to score rapidly but sadly for Reepham & Salle, not rapidly enough and they finished the innings on 249 for 8. </div> <bR> <div> Ashley Corbett (3 - 43) was the pick of the Downham bowling.</div> <bR> <div> After the match, League Chairman Colin King said, "This was a really </div> <div> exciting match and I pay tribute to the work that Simon Southgate, </div> <div> skipper of Downham, has put in to bringing on their youngsters. This was an outstanding display of teamwork. They worked hard; they encouraged each other and thoroughly deserved their victory."</div> <bR> <div> King then added, "Reepham & Salle also played very well and I am particularly delighted that they should have reached the final in this, their first season in the League. Against many sides and with scoring 249 runs, they would have easily won the match but it was their misfortune to encounter a motivated side like Downham who simply rose to the occasion. Joe Hollis and his team have performed very successfully all season and they are a credit to themselves and the League." </div> <bR> <div> Colin King</div> <div> Chairman</div> <div> Mid-Norfolk Sunday Cricket League</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="bradfield_v_rscc_15th_september_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Bradfield v RSCC, 15th September 2002</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Reepham were up against Bradfield, a team they had not played yet, rain had unfortunately wiped out the Salle fixture early in the season.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham won the toss and elected to bat, which seemed the correct choice given a dry hard looking pitch and showers forecast later in the day.  However, batting was not easy as the pitch offered very little bounce and asked questions of the batsmen's ability to decide whether to play back or forward.  Wickets tumbled at a steady rate, with only Hollis (25) and Hickling (15) offering any resistance to the sharp Bradfield bowling.  Reepham limped to a total of 112, which was possibly 20 or 30 runs short of what was needed.  It was not going to be an easy job for the home side to overhaul this score.</div> <bR> <div> As in the first innings the wickets fell steadily and the Reepham bowlers endeavoured to take the game to Bradfield, bowling economically and efficiently with Hollis taking 3-26.  But for a solid eighth wicket partnership of 31, Bradfield wouldn't have made it past the finishing post.  Danny Tipple (1-13) bowled particularly well at the death, but the elusive wicket would not come.</div> <bR> <div> Bradfield came home 3 wicket winners and Reepham will rue the fact they didn't cobble together another 20 runs in the first innings.  However, Reepham acquired the necessary bonus points to guarantee them third place in the RJ Bidewell Division.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="2003_season"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>2003 SEASON</B></div> <div> <A HREF="#league_bungay__away__27th_april_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bungay Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_cup_hardingham__away__4th_may" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Hardingham Cup</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_acle__home__11th_may_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Acle Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_norwich__away__18th_may_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Norwich Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#friendly_ferley_xi__home__25th_may_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Ferley XI Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_kirkley__home__1st_june_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Kirkley Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_bradfield__away__15th_june_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradfield Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#broke_cup_second_round_sheringham" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sheringham Cup</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_worsted__away__29th_june_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Worsted Away</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#league_bungay__home__6th_july_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bungay Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_acle__away__13th_july_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Acle Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_norwich__home__27th_july_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Norwich Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_kirkley__away__3rd_august_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Kirkley Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_sheringham__away__17th_august" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sheringham Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_bradfield__home__24th_august" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradfield Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_worsted__home__31st_august_2003" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Worsted Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#friendly_gressenhall_swan__home__7th" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Gressenhall Swan Home</U></A></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_bungay__away__27th_april_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Bungay (Away) 27th April 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> The opening match of the 2003 season proved to be a close fought battle, although the fact that Reepham could only muster 10 men may have had the final say in the result.  Bungay (who Reepham had beaten in a 2001 friendly) won the toss and put Reepham in to bat on a damp and rather slow looking wicket.</div> <bR> <div> The conditions made run scoring difficult, although there appeared to be nothing really in it for the bowlers.  However, Reepham got off to a solid start with Henry and Houldey accumulating runs at a steady rate.  The first wicket when Houldey was bowled for a creditable 37.  Three balls later Bailey was dismissed for 0, again clean bowled.  Henry capitulated shortly afterwards for 27, miss judging the slow pace of the wicket and subsequently being caught.  Thereafter there was little resistance to the accurate, if unthreatening bowling of the home side.  The only partnership of note was between Hickling and Edwards, who put on 32 for the sixth wicket.  The main plus was that the 40 overs were used for the loss of 8 wickets, Reepham closing on 143.  This total looked likely to be about 20 runs short of par in the steadily improving conditions for batting.</div> <bR> <div> The Bungay innings followed a similar pattern to that of Reepham, with runs initially hard to come-by.  It wasn't until the home sides number 5 bat hit a forceful and quick 38 did the Reepham total look in danger of being overhauled.  By the eighteenth over Bungay were on 99 and looking in a good position until Tipple (3-51) took three quick wickets including their danger man.  Bungay again came back with a useful partnership of 30 for the 8<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> wicket which put them very much in charge, with more than ten overs to get just 13 runs.  Hollis (2-21) and Houldey (2-32) returned to the attack and removed one batsman a piece to put some much needed pressure on the home side.  Needing just 6 to win with one wicket in hand, and the number eleven looking nervous at the crease things were looking better for Reepham than might have been expected.  But the lack of an eleventh man in the field really showed in the latter stages of the game, as Bungay made effective use of the `gap' on the leg side.  Despite a run out attempt by Vokes on the last run, Bungay came home with one wicket to spare.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 143-8 (40), Bungay 144-9 (32.2)</B></div> <div> <I><B>RSCC claimed 9 out of the 11 bonus points available</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 5</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>th</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_cup_hardingham__away__4th_may"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League Cup: Hardingham (Away) 4th May 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> It was always expected that this cup tie would be a challenge for Reepham and Salle, but expectations were high although a few key players were missing.</div> <bR> <div> Hardingham won the toss and elected to bat and quickly accumulated runs.  The Reepham bowlers found the going hard but al chipped in with the odd wicket and prevented the run scoring getting out of control.  Martin Hickling's debut behind the stumps was the main highlight for Reepham in the first innings, although Tom Saunders' miserly bowling figures of 1 for 17 off 8 overs deserve a mention.  Hardingham finished on 202-6, a challenging but attainable target.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got off to a solid start with Henry scoring fluently, aided by the Hollis taking the place of the missing Houldey.  They put on 38 runs before was caught on 14.  This sparked something of a collapse with Henry following shortly afterwards for 30.  There after none of the remaining batsmen got their feet in the door, most getting themselves out through lapses in concentration.  The bowling being steady and straight, but not menacing.  The Reepham innings petered out on 74 off just 26.4 overs a disappointing 128 runs behind Hardingham's score.  </div> <bR> <div> The home side proved to be a better side on the day and were deserving winners of the match.  Reepham must now to look forward to the Broke Cup, in which they reached the final last season.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Hardingham 202-6 (40), Reepham & Salle 74 (26.4)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham & Salle get a bye into the second round of the Broke Cup</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_acle__home__11th_may_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Acle (Home) 11th May 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> After two disappointing results Reepham and Salle were looking to hit some form and get their first win of the season.  The team was back to full strength and the mood at Salle was positive.</div> <bR> <div> Acle won the toss and decided to bat on what looked like an `interesting' wicket.  Inroads were made early with Hollis taking and impressive 4-11, ably back up by Tipple who went for just 3 runs off 6 overs (of which only one was off the bat).  All the other bowlers used contributed; Edwards 2-5, Tom Saunders 2-5 and the two spinners, Matt Saunders and Peter Vokes taking one a piece.  All of which meant that Acle could only set a target of 63.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham replied in devastating fashion with both Houldey (34no) and Henry (22no) on top form hitting fours and sixes all round the ground.  Houldey looked in particularly good touch after a confident start in the opening fixture at Bungay. The target was reached comfortably in just 7.3 overs without the loss of a wicket.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got their first; much needed win under their belt and can look forward to a climb up the RJ Bidewell Division 3.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Acle 63 (24), Reepham & Salle 64-0 (7.3)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham claimed the maximum 21 points</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 3</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>rd</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_norwich__away__18th_may_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Norwich (Away) 18th May 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> This was always expected to be a tough game as Norwich were unbeaten in their previous three games and had crushed to opposition in each case.  Reepham won the toss and elected to field on a hot day, but with showers always a threat.</div> <bR> <div> Norwich got off to a flying start with just short of 104 on the board before the loss of the first wicket in the 15<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over, taken by Tipple.  It wasn't until the 24<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over that Reepham managed to cause any worries to the home batsman when Houldey and Edwards started a mini-collapse of 3 wickets for just 2 runs.  However, Norwich went on and amassed an impressive total of 246-7.  Edwards was the pick of the Reepham bowlers finishing with figures of 4-52.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham and Salle's reply got off to a good start as Henry and Houldey looked confident at the crease in the first few overs.  Houldey rode his luck and hit two fours one over the slips before was first to go for 8. Hollis (10) and Hickling (0) followed in quick succession and Henry was becalmed.  Edwards brought the Ingham ground to life with a short lived cameo of 15 including two sixes of the overseas leg-spinner Joshi.  The only other resistance after Edwards went was put up by Scott (15) and Vokes (7no), who took the total past 100 making sure of the forth batting point.</div> <bR> <div> On the surface this was a disappointing result for Reepham and Salle, but they played well against a far superior team.  Reepham can be happy that of all the teams to play Norwich so far this season they have taken the most bonus points, which could prove crucial, come the end of the season.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Norwich 246-7 (40), Reepham & Salle 106 (35.3)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham claimed 7 out of the 11 bonus points available</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 4</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>th</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="friendly_ferley_xi__home__25th_may_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Friendly: Ferley XI (Home) 25th May 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> This was a friendly fixture that was always going to have a competitive edge as rival brother-in-laws were present on each team.  The Ferley XI, from Kent won the toss and elected to bat first, which may have been a wise choice as rain was sure to spoil things at some point.</div> <bR> <div> The visitors from Kent started slowly and found the going difficult against the Hollis (1-19) and Tipple (2-17), helped by the eccentric Salle pitch.  It wasn't until a partnership of 53 for the 5<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> wicket that the Ferley XI looked like they would post a competitive score.  Vokes ended the danger spell, bowling Brown for 40 on pitch showing signs of considerable turn for the off-spinner.  Collins (2-32) chipped in, bagging a brace of wickets and bowling tidily in his first serious spell for Reepham.  Vokes cleaned up with two wickets in two balls, with both batsmen again succumbing to the turn and being bowled.  Vokes (3-20) was denied his hat trick by the fact the visitors had no number 11!  The Kent team set a possibly tricky target of 129 to win, which considering the Salle pitch in the second innings could be a tough one to achieve.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham started well once again with Houldey and Henry looking good.  Henry was the first to go with the score on 35 in the 11<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over after being caught by of all people, his brother-in-law!  Houldey (15) and Tipple (5) followed shortly and it was left for the skipper on his day off to take the total forward, using the leg side effectively and scoring quickly with a productive pull shot.  However, the middle order collapsed and soon Reepham found themselves 6 down for 52.  In came Salisbury and with Hollis they took the total past 100 and toward the target of 129.  Salisbury was bowled for 16 in the 35<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over with 117 on the board and just 12 runs needed to win the game with 3 wickets remaining.  Collins and skipper for the day, Edwards came and went both falling for ducks.  Vokes came out as the last man in hit two, leaving Hollis on strike for the start of the 37<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over with the expectations high of him getting a fifty and the winning runs.  However, this failed to come to fruition as he pulled one too many and was nut egged by the Salle pitch as one kept low of a length taking middle stump and Reepham's hopes of a `friendly' victory.</div> <bR> <div> A good, competitive game with a close finish and plenty of excitement was provided for the spectators, but the Kent XI just pipped it in the end, winning by 9 runs.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Ferley XI 128 (37.4), Reepham & Salle 119 (37)</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_kirkley__home__1st_june_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Kirkley (Home) 1st June 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Kirkley were another team going into their game with Reepham undefeated and again the expectation was for a hard fought match.  Showers were threatening to interrupt proceedings and with the pitch looking `interesting' it was an essential toss to win.  Reepham lost the toss and were unsurprisingly put into bat.</div> <bR> <div> Right from the word go it was clear that there were not going to be a feast of runs and Henry and Edwards, opening in the absence of Houldey found the going slow.  Wickets fell at a steady rate with the only notable performances coming from Tipple (16), Hickling (18) and Salisbury (18), Hickling playing some particularly nice shots.  Eventually the Reepham innings petered out on 80 after having used just over half the overs available.  The home side however, knew that this total was defendable on the Salle pitch with the aid of tight bowling and imaginative, attacking fielding.</div> <bR> <div> Perhaps going out a little too confident of getting the 81 runs requires Kirkley stuttered through the early part innings after a solid start from the openers.  Four wickets fell for just 2 runs between the 7<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> and 12<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> overs thanks to Tipple (3-17) and Hollis (2-21) bowling briskly and some first class fielding.  After a little left-handed resistance in the middle order Kirkley capitulated on 67 with Edwards (3-12) and Salisbury (2-15) mopping up the tail.</div> <bR> <div> An excellent win for the Reepham and Salle boys despite Kirkley having a weakened team, as the game looked to be over after the first innings.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 80 (24.2), Kirkley 67 (31.5)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham bagged a maximum 21 points</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 3</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>rd</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_sheringham__home__8th_june_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Sheringham (Home) 8th June 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Match called off due to rain.</B></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 3</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>rd</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_bradfield__away__15th_june_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Bradfield (Away) 15th June 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> After defeat in the closing game of last season's campaign by Bradfield, Reepham were looking to turn the tables.  It was a scorching day and the pitch and outfield looked to be in perfect condition for a high scoring match.  Bradfield won the toss and opted to bat first.</div> <bR> <div> Everyone present could see why the home team elected to bat from the very first ball of the match, as their Australian opener clubbed Hollis back over his head for a one-bounce four.  Hollis could do little to reply and at the end of the first over the score was on 14, with clearly more to come.  Houldey (0-41) bowled a maiden from the other end with some menace and found a little extra pace, but still the runs came too quickly for comfort.  Hollis quickly removed himself from the attack after going for 45 runs in four overs, in the hope that the usually economical Tom Saunders could work his magic.  Edwards (0-29) also made a gallant effort to peg back the opener, but to no avail.  The Australian continued in an aggressive manner for the next 20 overs, with only Saunders (1-36) proving hard to get away and forcing a few chances.  Of these chances there were three disappointing drops, but by this time the Aussie, Broad had surpassed the ton mark.  Tipple had to be taken out of the attack after three overs after bruising his hand fielding of his own bowling.  Vokes was brought on at short notice in the hope that something would happen, but was promptly hit for 15 in his first over as the antipodean progressed to 150.  However, in the next over from Vokes (1-40) Broad tried a reverse sweep and came unstuck to a slower ball, with Collins taking a good catch at deep cover off the top edge.  The Bradfield skipper offered more resistance scoring a steady 50, along with a little cameo from the left handed number 7.  Hollis (1-64) and Collins (2-36) between them collected another three wickets to, at least gain three valuable bowling points for Reepham.  The home side's innings finished on a very impressive 292-6, a big target for any team to chase.</div> <bR> <div> The Reepham and Salle innings got off to a good start with Houldey looking particularly good, despite losing Henry early for 6.  Tipple also looked comfortable at the crease, hitting two delightful fours until he lofted one to mid-on for 8.  In came the skipper Hollis who steadied things down and between himself and Houldey put on 54 for the third wicket.  When Houldey went for 55 Hickling stepped into the breach and made an elegant 31 in a partnership with Hollis of 48.  Hollis was caught one short of his 50 shortly after Vokes joined him at the crease, which effectively ended Reepham's outside hopes of a victory.  The lower order batted well, but to no avail and the Reepham innings ended just 5 balls short of the 40 over mark, some 88 runs short.</div> <bR> <div> Despite losing by 88 runs, Reepham and Salle can take heart from the fact that they were beaten only by one professional player and the deficit was considerably less than his score of 155.  Also there was consolation in the fact that nine bonus points were taken from the match.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bradfield 292-6 (40), Reepham & Salle 204 (39.1)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham took 9 of the 11 bonus points on offer</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 4</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>th</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="broke_cup_second_round_sheringham"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Broke Cup Second Round: Sheringham (Away) 22nd June 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> After the previous season's crushing league defeat at Sheringham aided by another professional (that time a bowler), Reepham's players were keen to exact revenge.  The wind was blowing hard and was sure to be a factor in the outcome of the game, along with one or two suspect areas on a pitch being used for the second time inside two days.  Reepham won the toss and elected to bat.</div> <bR> <div> Disaster struck after only the second ball, as Henry was stumped in a bizarre fashion.  He had missed a shot and was contemplating the pros and cons of what had happened and failed to realise he had wondered out of his crease and the alert keeper tossed the ball at the stumps.  With Henry gone so early, so had a lot of confidence from the visiting side.  Tipple (6) fell shortly afterwards to an lbw and Houldey (22) never looked in charge of the bowling despite some well hit fours.  Hollis arrived at the crease only to see Houldey disappear next over, things did not look positive at all.  To add insult to injury Hickling chopped onto his stumps for a duck.  However, Hollis batted sensibly and made the most of the rare loose balls from the seasiders' bowlers, although partners came and went far too often for comfort.  Only Edwards (22) gave any real support to the skipper, with some typically strong hitting.  When the two Sheringham spinners came into the attack Hollis profited well by keeping the strike and taking his score to 69, before being bowled.  At this point Reepham had a creditable 159 on the board, despite the poor start.  Unfortunately the last three wickets fell in successive overs for just 6 runs, leaving a reasonable target of 166 for the home side to chase.  The general consensus around the ground seemed to suggest that 200 was near par on this ground.</div> <bR> <div> Sheringham in reply got off to an equally dodgy start, Tipple taking the early scalp of the number one bat for 5.  Then it was the home teams turn for an unlikely dismissal as Houldey tipped a straight drive onto the stumps fielding his own bowling, thus removing the non-striker who had only just arrived at the crease for 0.  However, the seasiders' skipper batted very well, hitting a powerful and quick 32 and taking the score to 50 off 10 overs.  Another four wickets then fell in quick succession, including an excellent diving caught and bowled by Hollis (2-23) and a tidy run out fielded by Vokes at mid-off.  Tipple (3-16) was causing all sorts of trouble for the batsmen, but had used his six permitted overs by the time the seventh wicket fell.  There ensued a baron, wicketless period where Sheringham managed to put on 73 for the eighth wicket.  Reepham tried everything to get an illusive wicket, with the exception trying one of the slow bowlers.  Eventually the left-handed number 8 fell for 53, caught by Salisbury brilliantly off the bowling of Edwards (1-31).  Unfortunately the number 9 couldn't be dislodged despite an excellent lbw appeal from Tipple, to expose the two youngsters waiting nervously on the boundary.  Sheringham reached their target comfortably in the end, with 16 balls to spare and 2 wickets in hand.</div> <bR> <div> This match had proved to be an exciting and close game and realistically could have gone either way, but Sheringham took the spoils of a semi-final place in the Broke Cup.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 165 (38.1), Sheringham 167-9 (37.2)</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_worsted__away__29th_june_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Worsted (Away) 29th June 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> This fixture, last year proved to be an extremely exciting game of cricket from two closely matched sides and the expectations of a repetition were high.  The weather was excellent, hot and sunny; the wicket looked good it was only the rather meadow-like outfield that looked as though it might take the shine off the game.  Worsted won the toss and elected to bat, as they had done twelve months ago.</div> <bR> <div> The home side got off to a good, if steady start with the opening pair putting on a partnership of 71.  The first wicket was taken Tom Saunders (1-19) coming on as first change bowler for Tipple, who had bowled economically without making the breakthrough.  The next two wickets fell relatively cheaply and both were bagged by Houldey (2-39), replacing the again economical but wicketless Hollis.  There followed a partnership of 30 for the fifth wicket, which was broken by the returning Tipple (1-39) as the batsman offered a catch to Hickling behind the stumps.  The next two wickets fell for just ten runs as first Edwards removed the number six, then Hollis claimed the scalp of the Worsted skipper Eagleton for 60.  By this time the score was on 150, with just three overs remaining.  The home side sent out there usual lower order big hitters, Yaxley and Cushion, but neither came off and were removed by Hollis (2-27) and Edwards (2-33) with just one six having been hit.  The bowling was helped by some excellent fielding by the Reepham side.  The home side completed 40 overs with the score on 168, having lost 8 wickets in total.  Not a particularly large score to chase, but with the quality left-arm bowling of Cushion a total Worsted would be more than happy with.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham's openers Houldey and Henry played very sensibly early-doors and saw off the opening bowlers comfortably, but without really giving the scorers too much trouble.  After the change bowlers came on Henry opened and looked more relaxed at the crease than he had done all season.  Houldey was finding the ball more difficult to time and continually scored twos, which on another day would easily have been fours and of course the outfield didn't help matters.  Between them they managed to put on 82 for the first wicket, with Henry first to go caught behind on 53.  The fall of the first wicket signalled a major collapse with the next six batsmen falling for poultry 15 runs.  Houldey (22), Matt Saunders (0) and Scott (1) falling to the innocuous, but bouncing off-spin of Edge.  Hollis (0) and Tipple (1) were both caught behind in similar fashion to gently rising balls, slightly short of a length.  At this point the score stood at a measly 97 for 7, with just three of the possible six batting points in the bag.  However, vitally for Reepham in terms of points Hickling (who had been watching everyone drop like flies around him) and the incoming Vokes managed to put together an eighth wicket stand of 37 (Hickling 31no, Vokes 12no), which rescued two batting points and robbed Worsted of two crucial bowling points.</div> <bR> <div> Once again two evenly matched sides had a good game, this time Worsted gaining the upper hand and not an overseas player in sight!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Worsted 168-8 (40), Reepham & Salle 134-7 (40)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham & Salle claimed 9 out of the eleven bonus points available</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 5</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>th</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_bungay__home__6th_july_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Bungay (Home) 6th July 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Reepham and Salle were looking to make amends for the match earlier in the season against Bungay which should really have been a 21 point win, rather than a loss.  The wicket was looking decidedly damp and not conducive to free run scoring.  Bungay won the toss and put the home side into bat.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got off to a shaky start with Edwards, standing in for the missing Houldey edging one behind for 6 in the third over.  Tipple then followed 7 overs later after scoring just 4 runs, with the score on 25.  By this point though Henry was starting to look comfortable despite the tricky conditions and with Hollis joining him at the crease hopes of a reasonable score were increasing.  Hollis never looked at ease in the conditions and scratched around for 17 overs for 14 runs before being trapped LBW to the quick off breaks of Mattocks.  During this time Henry had continued to steadily amass runs with quick singles and twos that would otherwise have been fours but for the slow outfield.  This left the score on 78 as Hickling came to the crease in the 28<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over, with around 120 looking like a good score.  Hickling looked supremely confident to start with hitting two lusty fours, one of a high-bouncing no ball to deep backward square leg.  Henry continue to score well given the conditions and surpassed fifty in the 29<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over, with a huge six over mid on.  Hickling unfortunately capitulated in his prime top edging one and being caught for 10.  Vokes came out to join Henry and found it difficult to time anything, but managed to rotate the strike and helped keep the score board moving, if a little slowly.  Vokes (6) went in the 39<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over, bowled after having a go at a straight one in a desperate attempt to push the score close to 125 and another point.  Henry (70) continued to add to his score, though mainly in singles until he also was bowled having a go at a straight and low ball.  Kerry Tipple was the men left on 0 and the target set was a not unreasonable 120, given the difficulty in batting.</div> <bR> <div> Bungay seemed fairly confident that they had done a good job keeping Reepham down to 120, but it would a fool-hardy team that went out to bat at Salle thinking they had wrapped up the game in the first innings.  To a degree Bungay were perhaps a little overconfident as the batsmen found the going a lot harder than they thought, loosing 3 wickets inside the first 7 overs for a poultry 7 runs.  Tipple was once again the man in charge with an opening spell of 3-6 and Hickling looking very sharp behind the stumps, snaffling three catches.  Tom Saunders bowled superbly well going for a miserly 7 runs in his six overs.  Edwards took charge in the middle of the innings, taking 3-23 and by the 30<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over Bungay were on 68 with just two wickets remaining.  A sharp bit of fielding by Vokes at mid-off accounted for the ninth wicket run-out and Tipple polished off the innings by removing the middle stump and finishing with impressive figures of 7 overs, 4 wickets for 8 runs.  Bungay were left some 40 runs short and the home side showed that they have great resolve and determination in the field when the chips are down.</div> <bR> <div> An essential win for Reepham and Salle, which makes up in some way for the unnecessary defeat by Bungay back in April.  The result also propels Reepham up the table back into third spot behind the pace setters Norwich and Kirkley.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 120-6 (40), Bungay 80 (34)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham & Salle claimed a maximum 21 points.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 3</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>rd</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_acle__away__13th_july_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Acle (Away) 13th July 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> With Acle having been defeated at Salle quite convincingly early in the season, having fielded a weakened team there was the expectation that they would put up a fight this time round.  Unfortunately it was Reepham's turn to be weakened by the loss of the holidaying pair, Hollis and Houldey.  The sun was shining, the Acle pitch looked to have plenty of runs in it and a total of around 230 looked very possible.  The home side one the toss and, unsurprisingly decided to bat.</div> <bR> <div> Acle got of to a reasonable start with some strong hitting, but were never really in command as the run-rate rarely exceeded 3 an over due to tight bowling from Tipple and the debutante Alex Clark.  The dangerous looking number one bat of the home side succumbed to the left arm spin of Clark (1-33) as struck a well hit drive just wide of Vokes at mid-off, who took a good catch.  The second and third wickets fell six overs later, both bowled by Tipple (2-49), which left the home side on 78 for 3 in the twentieth over.  Edwards, the stand in skipper for Hollis took up the attack along with Tom Saunders, both of whom kept up the tight rhythm of the opening pair.  The next four batsmen to go each started well, but were never really allowed to get comfortable at the crease.  Saunders (1-49) picked up the number 3 bat's wicket, bowled for 24.  Edwards (3-45) took the next three by forcing false shots and making simple catches in the inner field.  Acle made a fight of it at the end as the eighth wicket pair managed to put on an additional 36 runs seven overs.  The bowling had to be juggled about at this point to accommodate Saunders' age restriction of six overs, which meant Henry (0-6) had to bowl two overs non-consecutively.  The Acle innings closed on 181 for 7, which was possibly less than they would have initially hoped for with a side packed with batsmen.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham and Salle's problem was going to be the lack of recognised batsmen in the side, despite the introduction of Clark at four.  Vokes had to take the role of make-shift opener, moving up from his more usual number eight position along side the in form Henry.  The pairing worked well taking the score to 40 off 10 overs and seeing off the opening bowlers, before Vokes fell to the finest of edges, which the keeper made a meal of catching.  Tipple then joined Henry at the crease and stayed long enough to take the score to 78, before he succumbed to a good lbw shout.  By this time Henry was looking comfortable with his fifty just 3 runs away, as Clark came out to bat.  Clark started sensibly, providing the support for Henry to continue scoring in a stylish manner passing his fifty with well timed cut for four.  Reepham posted the hundred on the board, two down in the 28<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over and from then on Clark opened up a little more, but only ever taking on the bad ball.  The Reepham pair batted tactically, maintaining the required rate through the next eight overs.  A little gentle acceleration came in the 38<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> which left the scores tied with 2 overs remaining.  The first ball of the penultimate over was considerably wide of the mark and the game was one, not in the ideal manner with 12 legitimate balls to go.  Henry finished on an excellent 115 not out and Clark a creditable 43 not out in his first match for Reepham and Salle.</div> <bR> <div> A good win by eight wickets was the result of some excellent bowling and fielding initially keeping Acle to a realistic target to chase, followed up by some high calibre and intelligent batting.  This result should go a long way to consolidating Reepham and Salle's third place in the RJ Bidewell Division.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Acle 181-7 (40), RSCC 182-2 (38)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham & Salle obtained 19 points out of a possible 21</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 3</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>rd</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_norwich__home__27th_july_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Norwich (Home) 27th July 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Hopes were high going into this game that Reepham and Salle could beat Norwich by making the most of the home advantage, particularly as Reepham have only lost once at Salle in the league.  The home side won the toss and Hollis decided to put Norwich into bat on a damp looking pitch with what looked to be a slow outfield.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got off to the best possible start as Hollis (1-25) spectacularly caught the number two bat off his own bowling for a golden duck.  However, Norwich then took control of the game and put together a partnership of 52 for the second wicket.  But the home side managed to keep up some pressure by restricting the scoring to under three an over and by the halfway point the visitors were 60 for the loss of two wickets.  The wickets fell at a fairly steady rate with Edwards (2-18) and Clark (2-24) taking two a piece, although the Norwich opener was proving hard to dislodge and was beginning to play some big shots.  Fortune came Reepham's way though as the ball was driven straight back to Tipple (1-29) who, looking the wrong way managed to tip the ball onto the stumps running out the key man by a good five yards for 72.  Another partnership for the seventh wicket of 25 and some sloppy fielding by the home side allowing ones and twos to be run, where there should have been dot balls threatened to spoil the party.  Edwards stopped the rot though with two sharp run outs from direct hits.  The last wicket was taken by Tom Saunders (1-18) and the Norwich innings closed on 155, possibly 20 or 30 more than they should have had.  This total was the best so far at Salle and would, no doubt be a tough one to beat given Norwich's potent bowling attack.</div> <bR> <div> The home side found scoring very taxing against the supreme pace of Aaron Watson and six overs had passed before the runs reached double figures.  In the seventh over Henry fell, caught behind of Watson's bowling with the score on 17.  Tipple followed shortly afterwards for 1 as the score teetered to 30 of 16 overs.  Houldey looked to be chancing his arm with the quick bowlers, which on the day proved to be an effective policy as he top-scored with 27.  Houldey succumbed to the slow left-arm of Key, as did Clark (10), Hickling (4), Edwards (4) and Matt Saunders (7), despite hitting his first six for the Club.  The tail managed to take the score from 59 to the next batting point shepherded by Vokes, last to go trapped lbw for seven.  Reepham and Salle fell quite a long way short, some 79 runs adrift of Norwich in the finish.</div> <bR> <div> Despite the loss it was generally acclaimed to have been a good performance in the field, particularly as this was the first occasion Norwich have been bowled out all season.  Also Reepham managed to take eight bonus points from the game, more than any other side that has lost to Norwich this season.  It was sadly the batting that let the side down once more with just 25 runs coming after the two openers had gone from the middle order.  The result leaves Reepham and Salle still in third spot, a tad ahead of Worsted in forth.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Norwich 155 (39), RSCC 76 (33)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham & Salle obtained 8 points out of a possible 11 bonus points</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 3</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>rd</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_kirkley__away__3rd_august_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Kirkley (Away) 3rd August 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Having fielded a `weakened' side in the last encounter, Kirkley were likely to be out for revenge this time round so the expectations of a tough game were high.  The pitch looked very good for batting and a decent target to set was predicted to be around the 180 mark.  Reepham and Salle won the toss and elected to bat; forcing the home side to field on what was a scorching hot afternoon.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got off to an extremely slow start with Henry, suffering from a kidney infection and make-shift opener Tipple struggling to keep the score ticking over.  Henry was first to go after scoring 8 in the eleventh over with Tipple following in similar fashion for the same score.  This left Reepham on 29-2 in the seventeenth over, a long way off course for a big score.  There then followed a collapse of biblical proportions with eight of the nine remaining batsmen making just 12 in total, including five ducks.  Only Houldey managed to get into double figures, top-scoring with a poultry 14.  The disastrous Reepham and Salle batting display left Kirkley with the pretty easy target of 55 to win the game.</div> <bR> <div> Kirkley went out with the clear intention of hitting the winning runs as quickly as possible.  Only the opener Ffoukes lost his wicket to Hollis (1-17) after facing three balls, including a four and a six.  By the thirteenth over the game was wrapped up and Kirkley had avenged their defeat earlier in the year in spectacular fashion.</div> <bR> <div> A disappointing performance by a below par Reepham side, partially do to the hangovers from Michael Scott's wedding the night before.  Reepham and Salle can only take from the game the fact that the record had been broken for the lowest ever RSCC score (previously 74 v Hardingham).  Not really something to look back on with fond memories!</div> <bR> <div> <B>RSCC 54 (27), Kirkley 55-1 (13)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham & Salle only managed to get 2 of the 11 bonus points on offer</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 4</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>th</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_sheringham__away__17th_august"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Sheringham (Away) 17th August 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Having lost the only encounter with Sheringham so far this year by 2 wickets in the Broke Cup, Reepham were looking to win and climb back to third in the table.  The home side won the toss and put Reepham into bat on what looked to be a good batting track.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got away to a solid start with fifty coming up in the tenth over, with most of the runs coming in boundaries.  Houldey was the first to go, bowled for 19 with the score on 52.  Tipple came to the crease and provided excellent back-up for Henry as he continued to score freely, making his fifty and taking the score to the hundred.  There followed a minor collapse as first Tipple went for 13 and then Henry followed the next over for 65.  Five more runs were added before Alex Clark was dismissed, leaving Sheringham in a relatively strong position after their mediocre start.  Hollis and Hickling managed to put on 22 runs for the sixth wicket and steadied the ship, before Hickling was bowled for 9.  By this time Hollis was in the groove, timing the ball well and making the most of the quick outfield.  Owen Clarke, playing his first game played an attacking innings along side the skipper and the initiative had swung back Reepham's way as the score progressed passed 200.  Clarke was bowled for 33 with the total on 204 soon after Hollis had made his 50.  Edwards came and went in the last over, being run out off the last ball.  Hollis finished, unbeaten on 53 and the target for the seasiders to chase was set at 206.</div> <bR> <div> With over 200 to chase, Sheringham came out in attacking fashion scoring quickly, aided by some wayward opening overs from Tipple.  However, the home sides heroics were quickly curtailed as Tipple found the right line and soon Sheringham were 36-2.  Hollis then came into the attack and removed the next two batsmen after a short partnership, whilst Tipple 3-26) took the scalp of the Sheringham captain.  This left Reepham and Salle firmly in the driving seat with the score on 56-5.  There followed Sheringham's best partnership, a stand of 25 for the sixth wicket but Reepham maintained the necessary pressure throughout, with some excellent individual fielding performances.  After Alex Clark (1-17) was brought on for three overs the partnership was broken with the score on 81 and the tail exposed.  The home side managed to put on another 40 runs for their last four wickets, with Houldey (1-28), Hollis (3-5) and Edwards (2-9) taking the wickets.  Sheringham fell along way short of the required total having used only three quarters of their overs.</div> <bR> <div> This result restored some confidence in the Reepham and Salle side after the disappointment of Kirkley the week before.  The team can be proud of an excellent performance with both bat and ball.</div> <bR> <div> <B>RSCC 205-7 (40), Sheringham 121 (31.2)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham & Salle took a maximum 21 points</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 3</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>rd</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_bradfield__home__24th_august"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Bradfield (Home) 24th August 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> When Bradfield turned up at Salle everyone was keen to see if the Australian, Ryan Broad was in the party as he alone had influenced the previous game in June.  As it happens he was not in the side for this game and the hope was the Reepham and Salle would be able to compete and prove to themselves that they are good enough to beat Bradfield on an even playing field.  The day was overcast and the pitch was looking `interesting' once more.  Bradfield won the toss and elected to bat.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got away to the worst possible start as the visitors' number one bat attacked from the off, making the most of the shorter boundaries at Salle.  However, the first inroad was made early enough to maintain some confidence in the field as the number two went for 15 caught by Alex Clark off Owen Clarke's bowling.  Clarke though, proved to be expensive and was taken out of the attack after going for 40 off his four overs.  Tipple also had little success and as the Bradfield score moved close to the hundred mark.  Hollis and Houldey entered the breach and Reepham's game turn full circle, first Rose was removed for 49 with the score on 91.  There followed a succession of wickets started by a direct hit run out by Vokes fielding at point, in fact the remaining 8 wickets fell for just 34 runs leaving the visitors stunned after their good start.  A score of 121 off 29 overs could be enough on the unpredictable Salle pitch, but the home side were feeling confident despite the lack of Henry to open the batting.</div> <bR> <div> Sean Edwards was to deputise for the absent Henry and a lot was resting on his shoulders as he has not had the best of seasons with the bat, averaging just a shade over eight.  Edwards started very well indeed taking chances, but remaining in full control of the game.  Houldey (6) perhaps took one risk too many `early-doors' and edged one to the keeper with the score on 30.  Tipple provided the support for Edwards, who by now had gone into full-on attacking mode, hitting 21 off the forth over alone.  When Tipple's wicket fell the score was on 73 and that was only in the ninth over!  Clark came in a batted resiliently scoring 18, while Edwards continued to punish the visiting bowlers.  Hollis (8) hit the winning runs with a pulled four square of the wicket, leaving Edwards unbeaten on 83 having at last found form for Reepham and Salle.  By the end of the match just 18.5 overs had been used to obtain the necessary runs and Reepham had proved to themselves that they were back on song, and Edwards was back with a vengeance.</div> <bR> <div> This win meant a lot in the context of the league standings. Reepham were now in the satisfying position that they can finish no lower than third and a win at Worsted next week would guarantee third spot.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bradfield 125 (29), RSCC 126-3 (18.5)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham received a maximum 21 points</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 3</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>rd</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_worsted__home__31st_august_2003"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>League: Worsted (Home) 31st August 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Reepham and Salle were looking to end the season on a high and confirm a third place finish going into this game.  Worsted had little to play for apart from pride as they could finish nowhere other than fifth.  This fixture always makes for entertaining cricket and Reepham, having lost away were looking to even the score.  Worsted won the toss and elected to field.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham started in a blaze of fire with Sean Edwards, standing in as opener blasting 10 off the first over and 16 off the second.  Henry at the other end was making a cautious start, doing a good job of keeping control of the Worsted bowling.  The pair took the score to 35 before Edwards miss-timed a straightish drive into the hands of mid-on for 27.  Henry continued to score slowly, but kept the score ticking over with Houldey (7) and Tipple (9).  Henry eventually went for 37 in the 29<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over with the score on 92.  Hollis came in, took his time getting going, hit one big six and was subsequently caught for 11.  Alex Clark and Owen Clarke offered some quick-fire resistance with respective scores of 20 and 6, taking the score to 131.  Hickling and Vokes were the two not out batsmen at the end of the innings, having steadily taken the score to 146 with 3 wickets remaining.  Not a great total, but considering the highest this year at Salle was only 155 (set by Norwich) 146 was going to be competitive.</div> <bR> <div> Worsted got off to the worst possible start, loosing 3 wickets for just 15 runs in 8 overs as Hollis and Tipple piled on the pressure.  Little more resistance came form the middle order, with only the West Indian number one dealing with the bowling and the Salle pitch with any confidence.  By the 21<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> over the visitors were languishing on 49 for 5, with little real hope of getting the 98 runs required to win the game.  Sean Edwards (3-25) taking responsibility for dealing with most of the middle order.  However, the visitors' number eight and nine batsmen, who scored heavily at Worsted last season, came into the affray and took the score to 123 with three overs to go.  Tipple then struck removing Yaxley for 16 in the 38<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over, leaving Worsted with 21 runs to get off the last two overs with two wickets in hand.  Up stepped Hollis to bowl the penultimate over to Cushion, the away sides' danger man.  The result was two sixes and a total of 17 runs scored - not ideal from Reepham's point of view.  The pressure was really on now as Tipple came into bowl the last over.  A single was taken which, disappointingly brought Cushion back onto strike with just 4 runs required.  Tipple then bowled possibly the best ball of the day, removing the middle stump in emphatic fashion and reversing much of the pressure.  A more tense finished could not have been constructed.  Worsted still required 4 runs to win, with one wicket intact and 4 balls to spare.  However, the number 11 bat came out with a runner which just cased great confusion to both sides playing.  A single was called by the runner, who set off and made it to the other end, but the non-striker did not move because he saw the crease was still occupied.  This resulted with both batsmen at the same end!  In the mean time Reepham had fielded the ball and this was in the hands of Vokes at the bowler's end.  Suddenly the batsmen realised what had happened and the non-striker set off, Vokes rolled the ball down the wicket and Scott whipped off the bails - game over!</div> <bR> <div> Worsted at the end were three runs short of the Reepham total on 143.  A bizarre end to a truly enthralling game of cricket.  Reepham can be happy in the knowledge that they take maximum points, which guarantees third place in the RJ Bidewell Division.  This equals the achievement of last year, but against far more challenging teams including County and Overseas players.</div> <bR> <div> <B>RSCC 146-7 (40), Worsted 143 (39.3)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Reepham scored a maximum 21 points</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>League position: 3</B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>rd</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="friendly_gressenhall_swan__home__7th"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B><U>Friendly: Gressenhall Swan (Home) 7th September 2003</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Sticking with the four innings concept first tried in last year's match, but with a new captain and home advantage Reepham were looking to go one up in the series, currently standing at one-a-piece.  Michael Scott was the one charged with taking the reigns, despite having no previous experience of captaining a cricket side!  However, he got off to a good start, wining the toss and putting the Swan in to bat.</div> <bR> <div> The pub side got off to a flying start with the Saunders brothers making a stand of 30 for the first wicket, aided by some expensive dolly-drops from Drury going for 22 off two overs.  Nick Saunders was outdone by a perfect ball from the young Matt Saunders (2-10), which gripped and turned dramatically on the dry pitch.  Toby Saunders went on to retire on 28.  Dave Walthew (27ret) and Ed Guymer (26ret) put on more runs for the third wicket.  The remaining Reepham bowlers to be used took control and there was a minor, lower order collapse from the Swan, bringing Toby Saunders back to the crease only to bowled by Hollis first ball back.  The visitors managed to get to 125 with eight wickets lost in the 20<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over.  The pick of the Reepham bowlers were Hollis (3-6) and Tipple (3-4), along with Matt Saunders.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham's first innings was a steady affair, with just about everybody contributing.  Only Collins and Tipple failed to score runs.  Houldey top-scored with 25 retired, followed by Hickling (23) and Henry (20).  However, time was the main issue and it ran out for Reepham with the score on 110, some 15 runs behind the Swan's first innings total.</div> <bR> <div> After tea the Swan batted for the second time in the day, but found the going much tougher this time.  Wickets fell steadily with only Duff (20) and Grimmer (14) putting up any resistance in the top order.  The Gressenhall side managed 82 runs off the first 15 overs for the loss of 7 wickets, with Houldey (1-3) and Vokes (2-7) extracting some good turn from the pitch.  In the last five overs Walthew and Toby Saunders managed to scrape another 26 runs together to take the score to 108, giving an aggregate score of 233.  This left Reepham with 113 required to win the match, a target which seemed about right to provide a close and entertaining finish to this friendly game.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got off to a bad start, loosing Vokes lbw for 1 in the third over.  However, Scott scored quickly when the bowling changed making 20 before being caught lofting one to mid-on.  The two Saunders boys fell cheaply bringing Tipple and Hickling to the crease, who put on a useful 30 for the fifth wicket.  Tipple then put a partnership together with Hollis taking the score to 87, before they both retired on 25 and 28 respectively.  Houldey then went for a duck, soon followed by Drury and Collins whilst Henry hit a quick-fire 18 taking the score to 121, with just 3 required for the win off 4 balls.  Hollis returning to the crease hit the winning runs and Reepham and Salle reached 126 with 2 balls to spare.</div> <bR> <div> A closer finish could not have been hoped for, or even planned in a friendly game such as this and Reepham can take pleasure in going one up in the series.  After the game the `ashes' of Nick Saunders' jock strap and Michael Scott's terry-towelling hat were presented to the victorious captain.  The Swan will have to wait until next year to redress the balance as the fixture returns to the Gressenhall ground.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Gressenhall Swan 125-8 & 108-7 (agg: 233), RSCC 110-6 & 126-9 (agg: 236)</B></div> <div> <I><B>RSCC won by one wicket</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="2004_match_reports"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>2004 SEASON</B></div> <div> <A HREF="#league_worsted__away__25th_april_2004" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Worstead Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_bradfield__home__2nd_may_2004" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradfield Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#friendly_old_owen_s_cc__away__16th_may" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Old Owen's Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_horsford__home__23rd_may_2004" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Horsford Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#challenge_cup_hales__home__30th_may" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Hales Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#friendly_ferley_xi__home__monday_31st" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Strollers Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_sprowston__home__sunday_6th" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sprowston Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_vauxhall_mallards__away__sunday" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Vauxhall Mallards Away</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#challenge_cup_r2_norwich__home__sunday" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Norwich Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_bacton__away__sunday_27th_june" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bacton Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_worstead__home__sunday_4th_july" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Worstead Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_bradfield__away__sunday_11th" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradfield Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_horsford__away__sunday_1st" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Horsford Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_sprowston__away__sunday_8th" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sprowston Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_vauxhall_mallards__home__sunday" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Vauxhall Mallards Home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#friendly_gressenhall_swan__away__1" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Gressenhall Swan Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_bacton__home__sunday_12th" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bacton Home</U></A></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_worsted__away__25th_april_2004"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>League: Worstead (Away) 25th April 2004</U></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>ALEX CLARK SHINES WITH BAT AND BALL </B><I>(Report by Sean Edwards)</I></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="2d378ce0.jpg" border=0 width="120" height="206" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">On a pleasantly warm April day, the first game of a new season for Reepham & Salle got underway with the trip to the friendly but competitive venue of Worstead. Once again, like so many matches before, this game proved to be very tight with not much between both sides. Reepham skipper Joe Hollis won the toss and elected to field. The Reepham bowlers kept a disciplined line and length, and the early season wicket proved hard to score on with main contributions from T. Beeden (30) and R. Eagleton (17). It wasn't a spinners paradise but the wily, orthodox left-arm-around off spin of Alex Clark proved particularly effective, securing the best league figures ever in Reepham & Salle's history with 5 for 31. The other bowlers supported well and restricted Worstead to 133 for 9. In reply Reepham & Salle found the going just as tough early on, with dependable M. Cushion the pick of the Worstead bowlers with 9 - 5 - 7 - 2. Good knocks from Joe Hollis (33) and Mark Houldey (35), with able support from M. Jacobs saw the target ever closer. A flurry of late wickets from Worstead with overs running out paved way for a tense finish. It was left to star performer Alex Clark (26 not out) to show his worth with the bat as he hit the winning runs to take the score to 134 for 7 and give Reepham & Salle a three wicket victory. As always, a friendly and enjoyable game was had by all and it showed what real village cricket is all about.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Worstead 133-9 (40), Reepham & Salle 134-7 (38.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Worstead 8 points, Reepham & Salle 20 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>3rd</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><B>Alex Clark</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_bradfield__home__2nd_may_2004"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>League: Bradfield (Home) 2nd May 2004</U></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>VILLAGE TEAM FIGHTS HARD AGAINST THE PROFESSIONALS </B><I>(Report by Sean Edwards)</I></div> <bR> <div> Bradfield were the visitors to the Salle ground and elected to bat first on a 'new looking' strip on which extensive work had been done over the winter months. The reliable opening bowling pair of Danny Tipple and Joe Hollis once again bowled a disciplined line and length and this provoked false shots from the batsmen. Wickets fell and Bradfield found themselves 9 for 3 in the 8th over. This only brought together the overseas professional Z. Pacey (88) and the experienced D. Yarham (60). The pair rode their luck on a typical early season wicket to put on a stand of 113. They proved to be the main contributors to a final score of 181 -7, with D. Tipple the pick of the bowlers with figures of 10-3-19-4.</div> <bR> <div> In reply to the visitors total, Reepham & Salle started well with openers David Henry and Sean Edwards looking in fine form. S. Edwards looked in a typically aggressive mood. In an opening stand of 53, Edwards contributed 48 in just 19 balls. <IMG SRC="2de6f130.jpg" border=0 width="367" height="275" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5">This type of start enabled Henry to play a measured innings and steadily Reepham approached their target with some solid partnerships. With the Reepham heading for a comfortable win Bradfield decided to tip the scales by bringing on their Australian professional Z. Pacey. He returned figures of 4.5-1-8-3, including the prize wicket of D. Henry for a well crafted 83. This brought a prompt end to the match with Reepham & Salle losing 3 wickets in the 39th over to finish on 169 all out. Reepham & Salle can hold their heads high by the way they fought against a team (and a professional) concerned only with winning the points  on a pleasantly warm, summers day in rural Norfolk.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bradfield 181-7 (40), Reepham & Salle 169-10 (38.5)</B></div> <div> <I>Bradfield 21pts, Reepham & Salle 9 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>4th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><B>Sean Edwards</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="friendly_old_owen_s_cc__away__16th_may"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>Friendly: Old Owen's CC (Away) 16th May 2004</U></B></FONT><I> (Report by Peter Vokes)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>MICHAEL SCARFE HATRICK HELPS REEPHAM TO VICTORY IN POTTERS BAR</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="304e0a80.jpg" border=0 width="224" height="168" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">The Reepham Team arrived at the home of Old Owens Cricket Club in Potters Bar at 1 o'clock, just in time for lunch, kindly provided by <A HREF="id18_tea_lady.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U>Jim Everton</U></A>. (The buffet had been positioned strategically so as everyone who collected an onion bhaji from the table would be faced, full-on by the prominently displayed “Everton Match” scorecard.  This excerpt from a scorebook dating from 1970 seems to suggest that Mr Everton scored 76 with the bat and took 10-27 with the ball?)  Lunch gave some of the players the opportunity to un-wind after the journey, such as Sean who had never driven on a “blue road” before, and Matt and Tom who have rarely ventured out of the Reepham Parish, never mind Norfolk!  The weather was fine, hot and sunny and everyone was raring to go, in what was to be Reepham and Salle's first ever “tour” match…</div> <bR> <div> Old Owens's won the toss and elected to field and then pointed out to the Joe that this was to be a declaration match, which sent the Reepham skipper into a bit of a panic.  After a couple of puffs on the inhaler and some words of explanation and advice from Jim, Hollis seemed to have concept and was beginning to relax.</div> <bR> <div> The tourists started well with Edwards pushing the scoring along at a blistering pace and Henry providing the accompaniment with his typically measured start.  Edwards fell for 36 of just 37 balls after his stumps were taken out by and in-swinging ball of full length from R. Morris.  Danny Tipple joined Henry at the crease and soon the runs were increasing, with Tipple looking relaxed, confident and comfortable.  Tipple was the next to go caught, again off the bowling of Morris for 20 with the score on 127.  Then the Reepham skipper walked out to the square, looking a little jumpy and needing a few calming words from the ever-cool Henry.  After a few deliveries Hollis was beginning to look relaxed and the scoring moved on more rapidly, but he soon fell to another in-swinger from Morris for 11.</div> <bR> <div> With the visitors score on a fairly commanding 141 for 3 off 33 overs, the game looked to be ebbing Reepham's way as the Owens's bowlers, Morris aside had been struggling to regain control after Edwards' opening dash. The debutant, Matt Spencely came in at number 5 and at the age of 13, looked supremely confident and backed Henry up well as he cantered towards his first century of the season.  The stand for the forth wicket between Henry (101no) and Spencely (20) took the score to 212-3, before the declaration came at the end of the 46<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over at quarter to five.  With tea to be taken between innings and the 20 overs after 6.30 rule, it would leave Old Owens a target of 213 to win off around 40 overs.</div> <bR> <div> Owens started off steadily with Hollis (0-10) and particularly Tipple (2-16) bowling very well indeed in their opening spells of 4 and 7 overs respectively.  By the 12<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT>  over the home side were on 26-2 and struggling to get control of the required run rate.  Much of the control being exerted by Reepham could be attributed to the excellent fielding.  The young Spensly replaced Hollis at the Pavilion End and bowled economically without making a breakthrough.  A double bowling change came in the 16<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over with Tipple being replaced by the other young debutant, Michael Scarfe and Tom Saunders came on for Spenceley.</div> <bR> <div> There was a brief increase in run rate as the home sides pairing of Lee and Hattrall had a stand of 48 for the third wicket, before Scarff firmly put Reepham in the driving seat.  The young leg spinner was extracting prodigious amounts of turn out of the very `green' wicket and eventually Hattrall, who had found it hard work scoring against Scarfe finally succumbed as his leg stump was removed.  The next two Owens batsmen fell in exactly the same way off the next two balls, giving Scarff a well deserved hat trick.  In the meantime Lee at the other end had avoided the drama and continued to steadily add to his total, and joined by Southgate put together the best partnership for the home side of 70.  Matt Saunders took two wickets late on in the innings, one off a slightly dubious full-toss, which on another day would have been called a no ball.  But by this stage the game had drifted out of reach of Old Owens with the required rate climbing to ten an over.  The final over was bowled just before 8 o'clock and Owens had amassed 171 of the 213 needed to gain victory, with Lee undefeated on 78.</div> <bR> <div> A good win for Reepham by 42 runs, in a well contested and friendly game.  A lot of positives can be taken from the match such as the debuts of Scarfe and Spencely, the century from Henry and the first class fielding and teamwork on show from Reepham.  Reepham and Salle Cricket Club have made some good friends at Old Owens Cricket Club and the re-match in 2005 will be eagerly awaited. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 212-3 (46), Old Owens 171-7 (41)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><B>Michael Scarff</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_horsford__home__23rd_may_2004"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>League: Horsford (Home) 23rd May 2004</U></B></FONT><I> (Report by Peter Vokes)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>MIGHTY HORSFORD OUTCLASS THE MINNOWS OF REEPHAM AND SALLE</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="3194cba0.jpg" border=0 width="332" height="186" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></I>Reepham won the toss and elected to bat, hoping to accrue a big total on the vastly improved Salle wicket.  However, the initial push for runs proved difficult, with only Henry (33) exerting authority with the bat in the upper order.  The home side soon found themselves on 22-2, losing Edwards for 7 and Houldey for a second consecutive duck.  By this point in the match time had become a key factor and Reepham were running out of it with the score on 64 at the halfway mark.  The middle order redeemed things with Hollis (17), Clark (22), Hickling (20) and Jacobs (20) all battling well against the accurate and penetrating Horsford bowling.  The introduction of spin bowling in the 22nd over proved decisive, as Chris Brown took 3-24 polishing off what was left of the middle order.  Matt Saunders provided some light relief for the home side with a nice little cameo of 10 not out, including one big six into the woods.  However, the total of 138-8 achieved by Reepham and Salle was clearly not going to be enough to present the visitors any real problems, given the quality and depth of their batting.</div> <bR> <div> Horsford started well as expected and were looking comfortable in the tenth over on 34, with opening pair of Ward and Glozier finding the gaps in the field with aplomb.  The first ray of hope for Reepham came in the twelfth over when Tipple forced Ward (19) into a drive straight to Vokes at mid-off.  This proved to be a false dawn as Glozier, now joined by T. Henry opened out and pushed the score rapidly towards the meagre target of 139 for victory.  The partnership was only broken when Clark came into the attack and provided a change of direction with his left-arm spin, removing Henry for 35.  But, by now the game had left Reepham behind with the score on 109-2 in the 25th over and Glozier edging towards his fifty.  Horsford reached 138 in the 30th over, with Glozier making and unbeaten 56.  The way the match ended summed up Reepham and Salle's disappointing day with the winning 'run' coming from 5 wides!  However, Reepham and Salle can rest in the knowledge that they tried hard showing the spirit that they are known for, but were simply beaten by a better side on the day.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 138-8 (40), Horsford 143-2 (29.2)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 6 points, Horsford 20 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>6th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><B>A. Clarke</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="challenge_cup_hales__home__30th_may"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>Challenge Cup: Hales (Home) 30th May 2004</U></B></FONT><I> (Report by Peter Vokes)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>REEPHAM BOUNCE BACK WITH A CRUSHING VICTORY OVER HALES</B></div> <bR> <div> Having been originally scheduled for May 9th but washed out and reorganised, the weather was playing up again with heavy showers forecast for the evening.  However, play got underway on time with Reepham winning the toss and choosing to bat on a slightly damp, but true-looking wicket.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="31e2de20.jpg" border=0 width="301" height="226" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">The home side got off to a measured, but good solid start with Henry and Houldey (after a nervous start) looking good as they teamed up for the first time this season as the opening pair.  Henry (25) was the first to go with the score on a respectable 45 in the 14th over. Houldey continued to attack, backed up by the returning Spensly taking the score to 82 before he bowled by Roseberry for 46.  Spencely (5) soon followed along with Hollis (2) and for the first time Hales looked to have established a little control over the game, with the score on 94.  The biggest problem was once again the slow run rate, with just 13 overs remaining and a score in the expected region of 180 looking like a tough job to achieve.  Again it was the middle order that saved the day, this time Tipple (25) and Hickling (28) putting on 51 for the fifth wicket.  They both lost their wickets in the 39th over and a further 6 runs were added by the injured Edwards batting at 7 and the debuting Mike Steppings.  The final total was 151-7, not ideal but good enough to bowl at given the current form of Tipple with the ball.  But, the visitors seemed happy and confident that they had done enough going in to the tea interval.</div> <bR> <div> With the injured Edwards unable to bowl and Houldey picking up a knock whilst batting, a lot was resting on the shoulders of Tipple and Hollis in the Reepham bowling department.  The pair opened their spells in excellent fashion, with the visitors putting on just 5 runs in the first 4 overs.  Hollis took himself off after just two overs complaining of shoulder trouble, which left the Reepham bowling attack looking decidedly thin.  However, Spenceley stepped into the breach and bowling a tidy line and length immediately gave the Hales batsmen problems, inducing spooned drives to gain two wickets in his second over.  By this time Tipple was on fire too, removing the other opener Hancock for 3.  Between them, Spencely and Tipple ripped through the rest of the Hales batting and left the visitors hanging on desperately on 14-8 in the 12th over.  Hollis brought himself back to replace Spencely just as it began to rain and picked up the last two batsmen's wicket leaving Hales some 123 runs behind the target posted.</div> <bR> <div> A great all-round performance by Reepham and Salle, but particularly by Danny Tipple with ball (as usual) but especially confident with the bat today.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 151-7 (40), Hales 28 (15)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle progress to Round 2, Hales go into the Broke Cup Round 1</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Jim Everton Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_d__tipple.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>D. Tipple</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="friendly_ferley_xi__home__monday_31st"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Friendly: Strollers (Home) Monday 31st May 2004</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I> (Report by Martin Hickling)</I></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="32b80dc0.jpg" border=0 width="384" height="220" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">Report to follow... and we're still waiting!!</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Ferley XI 184-9 (40), Reepham & Salle 140 (40)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Jim Everton Man of the Match - "No one was good enough!"</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_sprowston__home__sunday_6th"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>League: Sprowston (Home) Sunday 6th June 2004</U></B></FONT><I> (Report by Peter Vokes)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>SPROWSTON CAPITALISE ON POOR REEPHAM DISPLAY</B></div> <bR> <div> Once again the visitors won the toss and unsurprisingly elected to bat, due to the very sultry conditions for fielding and the fact the pitch looked to have runs in it. Sprowston didn't fail to make use of the conditions and moved the score along rapidly getting to 100 in the nineteenth over for the loss of just one wicket, taken by Tipple in the tenth over.  The Reepham opening bowlers never managed to gain control and only Henry (2-42), coming on for his first serious spell of the season looked the part with two wickets.  But by this stage Sprowston had really grabbed the initiative with both hands, helped by some very poor fielding by the home side.  Vokes (1-20), Hollis (1-77) and Tipple (3-54) chipped in with a further four wickets but in vain, as the visitors' opening bat, Pearce was cruising to his century with the score passing the two hundred mark.  Sprowston reached 240-7 off their 40 overs, with Pearce unbeaten on 118 after having been dropped on 56.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham opened their account well in response to the daunting target set, with Henry and Houldey looking good at the crease.  However, the way the home side were playing things could only get worse!  Houldey was given out caught at second slip for 9 in dubious circumstances and Tipple followed with a third ball duck.  The Sprowston bowling, although nothing special seemed to be effective despite the incoming batsmen declaring that 'there are runs to be had out there'.  Hollis, Hickling and Jacobs all had a brief look in before they got themselves out playing innocuous shots.  When Henry capitulated on 34, making the best score for the home side the writing looked to be on the wall for Reepham.  In fact, by this time the game was out of reach, 240 runs seeming miles away with the total stood at 73-6.  MacKenzie and meek both collected ducks as four wickets in total were lost with the score on 73.  Vokes and Collins, then Vokes and Edwards added two more vital bonus points for batting with partnerships of 22 and 19 respectively.  But Sprowston had done it, or rather Reepham had lost it with the finishing score of 115 all out way off the mark on a good batting surface.</div> <bR> <div> A poor show by Reepham perhaps flattered the visitors a little, but Sprowston were far better on the day and deserved the full 21 points.  Reepham and Salle need to regroup, sharpen up in the field and bat more intelligently before the next, tough game against Vauxhall Mallards. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sprowston 240-7 (40), Reepham & Salle 115 (30.2)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 7 points, Sprowston 21 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>7th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Jim Everton Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_j__collins.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>J. Collins</B></U></A><B> </B>(Shone out with a fielding performance above the norm)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_vauxhall_mallards__away__sunday"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>League: Vauxhall Mallards (Away) Sunday 13th June 2004</U></B></FONT><I> (Report by Sean Edwards)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>MALLARDS OPENING STAND DRIVES REEPHAM & SALLE QUACKERS</B></div> <bR> <div> Reepham & Salle continued their quest to grace the hallowed turf of Norfolk's finest cricketing venues by visiting Vauxhall Mallards at Brundall. Determined to show that they could compete with the biggest clubs in Norfolk, Reepham & Salle's skipper Joe Hollis won the toss and elected to bat. The theory being, to get runs on the board and to put pressure on the opposition. The plan looked to be going well with openers Dave Henry and the fit again Sean Edwards getting off to a comfortable start. With the outfield lightening fast and with short boundaries full value was gained for good shots. However, a good yorker from Mallards' opening bowler accounted for the dangerous Henry (12). This brought the aggressive Mark Houldey to the wicket to accompany Edwards, who was beginning to unleash some characteristically flamboyant batting crudeness! As Houldey played himself in Edwards' onslaught continued and the scoreboard was whirring at 10 runs an over. When Edwards finally perished to the bowling of Robinson he had contributed 83 runs off just 37 balls. The other Reepham & Salle batsmen also found batting rewarding with Houldey (29), Martin Hickling (27) and 14 year-old Matt Saunders (career best 29) particularly impressing. This improved performance from the tail meant Reepham & Salle had posted a competitive total of 230 all out. Robinson returning great figures for Mallards, with 6.5-1-39-5.</div> <bR> <div> Vauxhall Mallards had other ideas as to what a competitive total was and set to work on Reepham's' bowlers with confident and `correct' cricketing shots. With Reepham struggling to contain the batsmen on such a small ground they began to get more adventurous with more aerial shots, increasing the already rampant run rate. The opening pair of R. Purton (105*) and L. Newton (106*) never looked in trouble as their class shone. They saw Mallards home to a winning total of 231-0 in just 28.3 overs. Danny Tipple was the most economic of the bowlers on a hot and weary day. Reepham & Salle can look back at this experience and learn a great deal from it, many positives to take from the game include; excellent contributions from Matt and Tom Saunders and a gutsy fielding display.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 230 (36.5), Vauxhall Mallards 231-0 (28.3)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 6 points, Vauxhall Mallards 21 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>7th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><B>S. Edwards</B> (For his innings of 83 from just 37 balls)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="challenge_cup_r2_norwich__home__sunday"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>Challenge Cup R2: Norwich (Home) Sunday 20th June 2004</U></B></FONT><I> (Report by Peter Vokes)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>DAMP EXIT IN CHALLENGE CUP FOR REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="34901a60.jpg" border=0 width="257" height="166" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">Reepham & Salle lost their second round Sunday League Challenge Cup tie thanks to a well hit century from Norwich's G. Dawson and a middle order batting collapse in the pouring rain.</div> <bR> <div> Norwich won the toss and elected to bat in the fine weather, knowing that conditions for batting were only going to worsen with heavy showers due.  Reepham made a break through early with skipper, J. Hollis removing Tipping's middle stump for a duck.  Soon Norwich were in the ascendancy though, as Dawson started to amass runs quickly putting Hollis out of the attack.  Dawson's innings continued to blossom as he made the most of the short Salle boundary.  Norwich were finding it difficult to keep someone at the other end for any sustained period, all the other batsman succumbed without really getting going thanks to the leg-spin of M. Scarff (3-41) and the medium pace of A. Boyce (3-28).  Dawson finally fell in the 36 over, caught at deep mid-on off Boyce's bowling for 120.  Without Dawson, Norwich struggled and added just 5 runs to set a target of 197 for the home side to chase.</div> <bR> <div> Just as the visitors lost an early wicket, so did Reepham with S. Edwards bowled by L. Brayfield for 2.  D. Henry (40) and A. Boyce made amends with a good, solid partnership of 69.  Boyce looked in excellent touch hitting the ball cleanly and finding the gaps, but got himself out with an over-exuberant drive which balloon up and was caught at point for 41.  The run rate slowed after Boyce's departure and the game swung Norwich's way as the Reepham middle order failed to make headway and the rain started to fall.  The players soldiered on, but it got too much and play was suspended in the 32nd over, with Norwich eager to wrap things up.  When the game resumed Reepham were in need of 71 off 8 overs, a tough ask.  Wet, bedraggled and with the light failing the tail wagged, but not hard enough as the rain soaked ball proved difficult to get away to the boundary.  With still one wicket in hand Reepham & Salle were 44 runs short of the required 197 giving Norwich the chance to progress in the competition.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Norwich 197(39.4), Reepham & Salle 153-9 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Norwich progress to round 3 and Reepham & Salle must wait till next year to have another go!</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_houldey.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Aubrey Boyce</B></U></A><B> </B>(AKA Mark Houldey, for scoring 41 and taking 3-28)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_bacton__away__sunday_27th_june"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>League: Bacton (Away) Sunday 27th June 2004</U></B></FONT><I> (Report by Sean Edwards)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>HAT-TRICK HOULDEY THE HERO FOR REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="388c8190.jpg" border=0 width="200" height="281" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Reepham & Salle were the visitors to Bacton with both teams in desperate need of a win. On a difficult batting surface, Reepham were given first chance to try and exert pressure on the opposition by building a competitive total. Unfortunately for Reepham both of their openers were back in the pavilion after just seven balls of the match. This gave Bacton the perfect start and was a sign of things to come. Throughout the match batsmen from both teams found it difficult to get a start. Given this fact, it meant that the hard earned innings of Mark Houldey (41) and Matt Spencely (32) were absolutely crucial in giving Reepham & Salle a low but competitive score of 125 - 9 in 40 overs. Other grafting contributions came from Joe Hollis (18) and Peter Vokes (14no), Hollis taking a hit to the face in the process. C. Olley was the pick of the Bacton bowlers, with figures of 10-1-26-4.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Given Reepham & Salle's modest score of 125, Bacton felt confident of getting a much needed win. However, Reepham's trusted opening bowling duo of Joe Hollis and Danny Tipple made scoring runs virtually impossible. With such a good start Reepham's confidence grew and up stepped Mark Houldey to take centre stage. From his very first ball he seemed to have the Bacton bowlers mesmerised and wicket after wicket fell. During this awesome display he picked up a brilliant hat-trick to leave the Bacton reply in tatters. After three action packed overs his incredible bowling figures read 3-3-0-6. However, Mark 'Boycey' Houldey wasn't finished with his days work even if the onset of old age was catching up with him! Finding a new burst of energy he romped home with outstanding bowling figures of 6.3-3-4-8. This ended the Bacton innings on just 48 with C. Olley (13) top scoring and with six other batsmen collecting ducks.</div> <bR> <div> With eight wickets for four runs along with his 41 with the bat, Mark Houldey certainly had a match to remember. Just as memorable was the great spirit in which the game was played, with all 22 players enjoying their recreational cricket (and not an overseas professional in sight!) - Village cricket at its best.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 125-9 (40), Bacton 48 (25.3)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Bacton 5 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>6th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_houldey.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Mark 'Boycey' Houldey</B></U></A> (Taking 8-4 and scoring 41 runs)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_worstead__home__sunday_4th_july"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Worstead (Home) Sunday 4th July 2004</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I> (Report by Peter Vokes)</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>FIVE WICKET HOLLIS GIVES REEPHAM & SALLE THE EDGE</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="38ebbf60.jpg" border=0 width="187" height="246" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">Worstead/Reepham fixtures over the years have always produced close and exciting games of cricket, and this season's clash at Salle lived up to expectations.</div> <bR> <div> Worstead won the toss and elected to field in the hot and sunny conditions and were immediately put under the cosh with some explosive batting from Sean Edwards scoring 33 off 13 balls, including a six off the first ball of Mark Cushion's first over.  Cushion got his reward in his second over as Edwards skied one to mid-wicket.  David Henry (50) and Mark Houldey (26) batted more sedately and the home side had the hundred up in the 20<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over.  The Reepham middle order faltered, thanks in the main to tidy spells of bowling from Yaxley (2-39) and Wanchoo (3-32), and two needless run-outs.  Joe Hollis added 25 quick runs, but the visitors maintained enough of a squeeze to keep the Reepham & Salle total in check, finishing on 170-8 after a break for a heavy shower.</div> <bR> <div> Worstead got off to the worst possible start loosing C. Beedon (7) and J. Edge (0) by the third over to some excellent seam bowling from the Reepham skipper, Hollis.  Browne (11) and T. Beedon (24) regained some control, but their partnership was ended by another needless run out.  Briefly Reepham looked to be galloping to the winning post as Worstead languished on 55 for 6 after the loss of a further two wickets in the 18<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over.  Then the rain started to fall and it looked like it might rescue the situation for the visitors, but the weather changed quickly and so did Worstead's fortunes.  Bob Eagleton, supported by Wanchoo (16) and Cushion (8), played a gritty innings giving the visitors a real chance of victory as the total required fell to 47 with 7 overs in hand.  However, Hollis came back for his second spell and poured water on the Worstead fire with two quick wickets to take his match tally to five, leaving Eagleton stranded on 43 and Worstead 27 runs adrift. </div> <bR> <div> An evenly contested game which ebbed one way and then the other, played in the true spirit of `village cricket' and without an overseas player in sight.  Reepham & Salle were the victors,  being just slightly better on the day and firmly reinforcing Salle as Worstead's `bogey' ground, having been pipped to victory there in the last three seasons.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 170-8 (40), Worstead 143 (37)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Worstead 9 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>6th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_j__hollis.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Joe Hollis</B></U></A> (Taking 5-35, his first five wicket haul for RSCC)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_bradfield__away__sunday_11th"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Bradfield (Away) Sunday 11th July 2004</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I> (Report by Sean Edwards)</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>BRADFIELD BUY ANOTHER VICTORY AGAINST REEPHAM</B></div> <bR> <div> At the mid-way stage of the season, Reepham & Salle found themselves traveling to Bradfield to play, what they hoped would be a more competitive game than last time. One look at the team line-ups showed this wasn't going to be the case, with Bradfield again choosing to play their Australian professional Zac Pacey. Undeterred and confident following recent results, Reepham fielded first and tried to exert some early pressure by bowling a disciplined line and length on a damp wicket. A good spell of out-swing bowling by Joe Hollis accounted for P. Abbs without the batsman troubling the scorers. However, the Reepham bowlers struggled to adjust their line for the other opener, left-handed O. Kimber (28) who latched on to anything slightly wayward. A change of bowling saw another wicket fall, which only brought Pacey to the wicket. He proceeded to drive the ball around the ground and this forced Reepham to use all of their bowling options. One of these options was Reepham's regular wicket keeper Martin Hickling who gave an impeccable master class in how to buy a wicket. After disappearing to the boundary a few times he bowled a perfect ball that did nothing fancy, just kept straight. Pacey missed it and was given out lbw for 138 runs in a partnership of 154. Other batsmen came and tried to continue accumulating runs but only A. Kimber (29) made any real progress. The Bradfield innings finished on 256 - 7 of which Pacey had scored 54% of the total. The pick of the bowlers was Joe Hollis who finished with creditable figures of 10-3-34-3. Another mention must go to the performance of Tom Saunders who bowled very well, especially when Pacey was in full flight.</div> <bR> <div> The Reepham & Salle reply got off to a good start with openers Dave Henry and Sean Edwards playing positive cricket. The scorers had their work cut out trying to keep up with the early flow of runs, with Henry punishing the bad balls and Edwards swinging at anything he could reach. The partnership had produced 81 runs in double quick time before Henry was caught on his crease by a skidding delivery and given out lbw for 14. This brought an unsure Danny Tipple to the crease desperately in search of runs after a spell of poor form. However Edwards soon followed Henry, being bowled by A. Kimber in quickly deteriorating light for 57 runs off 32 balls. Martin Hickling then joined Tipple and they both batted well to steady the ship. Tipple played some sumptuous drives and was looking the batsman everyone knew he was capable of being. Hickling smeared the bad balls for runs and rode his luck with a dropped catch as a good partnership was developing. Unfortunately the drizzle that had been falling turned a bit heavier and play was stopped for a short while. Keen to give everybody a game Reepham agreed to go back out with the light very poor indeed. This may have accounted for a steady fall of Reepham wickets as Hickling (18) and Tipple (a career =best 37) departed soon after the resumption of play. Other batsmen struggled to come to terms with the conditions and the Bradfield heckling, the total of 256 looked a way off. Reepham & Salle were eventually all out for 170. The mouthy, but effective left-armer Robertson returned figures of 9.1-4-18-7.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham & Salle can take positives from this display with good performances from youngsters Tom Saunders, Darren Smith behind the stumps and Danny Tipple's return to form with the bat. The downside being getting beaten by just one man yet again, along with the continued back-chat, sniping, sledging, questioning of umpires decisions and generally unnecessarily bad attitudes of a select few players from Bradfield, who fail to grasp what enjoying a game of cricket is all about.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bradfield 256-7 (40), Reepham & Salle 170 (34.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Bradfield 21 points, Reepham & Salle 9 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>6th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><B>Sean Edwards</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_horsford__away__sunday_1st"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Horsford (Away) Sunday 1st August 2004</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I> (Report by Peter Vokes)</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>REEPHAM LOSE OUT TO THE BIG BOYS IN 431 RUN THRILLER</B></div> <bR> <div> After being outplayed in this fixture earlier in the season Reepham and Salle were hoping to give Horsford more of a fight this time around.  Reepham won the toss and elected to bat first in the very warm and sunny conditions on a flat pitch at Salle.</div> <bR> <div> The Reepham innings got off to an excellent start, with Sean Edwards once again displaying a master-class in destructive batting, scoring 44 off 27 balls.  He was inevitably first to go, caught by Spencely off the bowling of Barber ending a partnership of 70 in just 9 overs.  Edwards' opening partner, the more reserved Henry opened out and went on to score 47.  The progress continued well for Reepham as Horsford abandoned seam-up bowling in favour of the off-spin of Chris Browne and the leg-spin of Michael Scarff.  The change in bowling had little real affect as Houldey (57) made a good half century, supported by Alex Clarke (32) making his long-awaited return from back surgery, the pair adding a further 68 runs for the fourth wicket.  Only Tipple and Hickling failed to trouble the scorers, as Hollis and Darren Smith finished not out on 10 and 9 respectively.  Pick of the Horsford bowlers were Chris Browne (2-38) and Mike Spencely taking 2-32 in the latter stages of the innings.  Reepham and Salle having made their highest score of the season at 215-6 were at last in a position to try and challenge one of the `big teams' in the division.</div> <bR> <div> Horsford got off to a measured start scoring runs just below the required rate of 5.3 an over.  Several chances were offered by Moy and Ward, the best of which fell to Clarke at first slip off the bowling of Hollis.  By the tenth over the Horsford pair found their feet and took control as the Reepham bowlers toiled in the heat.  It wasn't until Clarke (1-50) came on with his left-arm spin that either batsman looked to be in difficulty.  After having cruelly had a ball roll on to Moy's stumps without removing the bail Clarke finally got his man, ending a partnership of 113 by bowling Moy (54) second time around.  A further 33 runs were added for the second wicket and Horsford looked solid, although still behind the run-rate at this point.  Tom Saunders then came into the attack and forced a dolly drive to mid-off, where Jacobs comfortably took the catch offered by Ward (63) who couldn't get accustomed to the “lack of pace” in Saunders' bowling.  The next ball saw the end of C. Spencely (16) brilliantly caught by Vokes at gulley low to his left, opening up the possibility of a Saunders hat-trick.  It didn't happen and it signalled a change in fortunes for Horsford as Glozier (30no) and M. Smith put on a very quick 44 to put them right back in the game and pass the required run-rate.  Hollis picked up the token wicket of Smith (32), but the game ran away from Reepham in the last ten overs with Horsford getting to 216 with 2 overs and 2 balls to spare.</div> <bR> <div> Another win for the `big boys', but Reepham and Salle should their potential and in the first half of the Horsford innings looked to be in charge.  In the end the depth of batting, mixed with well-coached youth and experience in the Horsford side allowed them to prevail as winners in this entertaining game of 431 runs.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 215-6 (40), Horsford 216-4 (37.4)</B></div> <div> <I>Horsford 19 points, Reepham & Salle 8 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>6th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_t__saunders.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Tom Saunders</B></U></A><I> (Most effective bowler on show, nearly had a hat-trick)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> <A NAME="league_sprowston__away__sunday_8th"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></FONT><B><U>League: Sprowston (Away) Sunday 8th August 2004</U></B><I> </I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>(Report by Peter Vokes)</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>SPROWSTON GIVEN A MUCH HARDER TIME ON THEIR OWN PATCH</B></div> <bR> <div> The visitors expected to put on a better show in this return fixture to make amends for their dismal performance at Salle in June.  Reepham and Salle won the toss and elected to bat on the hottest day of the summer so far.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got off to a poor start though, losing Edwards for 4 and Houldey for a duck, after being hit on the knee by the firey Colburn.  However, Henry (34) and Tipple (34) rescued the situation and put the visitors back on track with a partnership of 57.  Both were dismissed by the off spin of Roff, miss-timing shots and being caught in the deep.  Clark added a further 16 taking the total to 92, but the overs were disappearing rapidly in the heat with Sprowston's all spin attack.  Hollis and Hickling (19) added 40 more runs and upped the tempo a little too late in the day.  After Hickling's departure Smith and Hollis slowed down again, with the Reepham skipper running out Smith (4) in the last over leaving himself on 39 not out and the total on 161, about 50 runs short of the ideal.</div> <bR> <div> Sprowston replied confidently with Murrell finding the gaps and dealing well with Tipple's new found aggression and pace.  Clark removed the slow scoring Palmer for 8 in the 14th over, but it wasn't until the 23rd that Edwards finally managed to trap Murrell for 65.  By this time Leverett had come to the crease and was carrying on Murrell's mantle scoring efficiently until stopped by Hollis on 58.  The score by now was edging towards the target with Sprowston on 152.  Clark managed to snare the incoming batsman for 1 but the home side's skipper, Roff (19) saw them home with 6 wickets intact and 5.4 overs to spare.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 161-7 (40), Sprowston 165-4 (34.2)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 8 points, Sprowston 19 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>6th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_d__tipple.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Danny Tipple</B></U></A><I> (Joint top scored, bowled very quick, took a catch)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_vauxhall_mallards__home__sunday"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Vauxhall Mallards (Home) Sunday 22nd August 2004</U></B><I> </I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>(Report by Peter Vokes)</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>REEPHAM DUCK OUT TO MALLARDS IN CLOSE FOUGHT GAME OF FEW RUNS</B></div> <bR> <div> The visitors won the toss and put Reepham in to bat hoping to make early in-roads on a damp Salle wicket and expecting it to dry out in the sunny conditions for their innings.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham momentarily looked to be off to a flier, with Edwards (8) hitting the opening bowler for six. But it all came to an end after just 11 balls as he missed a straight full toss from Straw.  Things just went from bad to worse as Houldey came and went for his second duck in successive games.  Clark (8), Smith (8) and Spencely (7) all found timing the ball off the damp pitch difficult and never really got going.  Only Tipple (10) and Matt Saunders (20) looked to have got to grips with the conditions, but again their wickets came all too soon.  The Reepham tail failed to wag, but the home side did get the benefit of 34 extras courtesy of some wayward bowling from Mallards young attack.  The total set was a mere 99, but there was hope for Reepham in the fact that the track was not drying out and it was clearly going to be hard to get runs with a slow out field.</div> <bR> <div> The visitors got off to a slow start and were behind the required rate of 2.5 for much of the first 15 overs, but had the benefit of having all their wickets intact.  When the wickets did come, they came together as Spencely first bowled Serruys for 10 and Robinson for a golden duck, leaving himself with a hattrick opportunity.  With luck not going Reepham's way, Spencely subsequently bowled a no ball and the pressure was lost.  Two very close direct hit run out appeals were turned down as Mallards increased the rate thanks to Young (18) coming in at number 4 to aid Handley (43).  There then came a flourish of five wickets for 24 runs with Clark (3-37) and Edwards (2-15) brought into the attack, giving Reepham a sniff of victory.  However, it was not to be as the remaining batsmen scrabbled together the necessary runs, aided by 3 wides from the wicketless Tipple to win the match.  Mallards scoring 100-7 with 4.2 overs to spare.</div> <bR> <div> A close game with both sides finding batting hard, and Reepham left kicking themselves that they couldn't scrape together another 20 runs.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 99 (40), Sprowston 100-7 (35.4)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 6 points, Vauxhall Mallards 21 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>6th=</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - Extras </B><I>(Top score in the Reepham innings of 34)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="friendly_gressenhall_swan__away__1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Friendly: Gressenhall Swan (Away) Saturday 4th September 2004</U></B> </div> <bR> <div> <B>ASHES SUCCESSFULLY RETAINED BY REEPHAM & SALLE IN CLOSE-FOUGHT BATTLE</B></div> <bR> <div> With Reepham & Salle leading the Ashes Series 2-1 going into this game the Gressenhall Swan side, this year with home advantage were confident they could draw level fielding some good players including Will Rist of Swardeston.  There was no toss as only five Reepham players were ready to start at 1pm, so Nick Saunders of the Swan gentlemanly allowed the visitors to bat first!  With a dustbin full of cold beer available and excellent, sunny weather the match commenced.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got of to a good start with skipper for the day, Alex Clark scoring quickly and retiring not out on 25, ready to return to the affray if needed.  Danny Tipple also batted well, but succumbed on 19.  Meek and Scott both fell for ducks, whilst the middle order of Hollis (16), Matt Saunders (11) and Mike Seppings (12) all got into double figures without going on to make the magic 25.  The Reepham innings petered out on 107-9 off the allotted 20 overs.  The Gressenhall skipper, Nick Saunders was the pick of the bowlers finishing with figures of 2-3 off his two overs.</div> <bR> <div> The Swan innings went pretty much the same way, with only two batsmen getting to grips with the bowling, Nick Saunders and Ed Guymer both scoring 25 and retiring.  The extra player making 25 made all the difference though and the home side completed their first innings on 123-8, a lead of 21.  The best of the Reepham bowlers was Peter Vokes returning figures of 2-6.</div> <bR> <div> The second time Reepham went out to bat things flowed a little better as the batting order was reversed, with Vokes (12) and Hickling (19) making 29 for the first wicket.  Richard Saunders and Hollis, batting at four and five respectively both got to 25 and retired leaving the visitors in a good position to set a competitive target.  Mike Seppings added 18 whilst Scott collected yet another duck to finish on a pair.  Tipple (9no) and Clark (0no) finished the overs off bringing the total to 125 and setting a target of 110 for the Swan.  Pick of the Swan bowlers was Saunders again with 1-6, finishing the match with figures of 3-9 off 4 overs.</div> <bR> <div> The Swan made a steady start with Guymer (8) and Tony Rist (7) finding it difficult to score off Tipple who removed both of their stumps.  Toby Saunders made a swift, agricultural 20 before being caught at cow corner off the wrist-spin of Matt Saunders.  Vokes and Saunders trapped the next two batsmen for ducks before Nick Saunders came to the crease and blasted 21 runs in just a few blows.  At this point the Swan were in command with just 34 runs needed of the last 36 balls.  Mike Seppings had different ideas though as first he removed Saunders and then the next two batsmen in an inspired spell of bowling to take some of the pressure off Reepham.  However, with just 12 needs of 8 balls and Dave Walthew at the crease the Swan looked to still have the edge.  Clark came back to bowl his slow left arm and Walthew in typical fashion went for big hitting route, rather than the cautious approach to win the match and was caught on the boundary by the slippery-fingered Scott.  The match was saved at the death with 7 balls to spare and Reepham & Salle won by 11 runs.  Mike Seppings returning second innings figures of 3-15 off his 3 overs and Peter Vokes match figures of 3-12 off 4 overs.</div> <bR> <div> A great game was had by all and the ashes were presented in the Swan to Reepham & Salle for the third time in four matches.  Plenty of beer was sunk and talk was a-plenty about the next game in the Ashes Series (the real Ashes) at Salle next year.</div> <bR> <div> <B>RSCC 1st Innings 107-9 (20), Gressenhall Swan 1st Innings 123-8 (20)</B></div> <div> <B>RSCC 2nd Innings 125-6 (20), Gressenhall Swan 2nd Innings 98 (18.5)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>RSCC win by 11 runs, retaining the Ashes and lead the Series 3-1</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_m__seppins.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>M. Seppings</B></U></A> (For saving the game with a spell of 3-0-15-3)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_bacton__home__sunday_12th"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Bacton (Home) Sunday 12th September 2004</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>REEPHAM BOWLERS SHINE AS BACTON ARE DEFEATED BY 42 RUNS</B></div> <bR> <div> After Houldey's amazing bowling performance of 8 wickets for 4 runs earlier in the season hopes were high in the Reepham camp that the season would end on another high.  Reepham won the toss and elected to bat on a cool, overcast day at Salle.</div> <bR> <div> Henry and stand-in opener Hollis made a good, if steady start taking the score to 53 in the seventeenth over.  Both batsmen failed though to adjust to the change to slow bowling when Olley and Dennis came into the attack, taking a wicket a piece.  Houldey (10) and Tipple (4) found the going tough, with the ball not coming on to the bat off the slow pitch.  Edwards in contrast managed to speed things up when he arrived at the crease in the twentieth over with a quick-fire 35 off just 12 balls.  This brought the home side's total to 114 with 13 overs to go.  Clark (10), M. Saunders (4) and Jacobs (5) all found the Bacton attack difficult to score off, but Hickling kept the pace up with a career-best 32 not out.  Pick of the Bacton bowlers was Peter Dennis with figures of 3 for 33 off 10 overs.  The target set for Bacton to chase stood at, what was assumed to be a fairly challenging 163 given the nature of the way the pitch was playing.</div> <bR> <div> Not surprisingly Bacton found it slow going with the bat, taking 6 overs to reach double figures.  The opener, Cobb (2) and Gibson (2) were removed by Hollis and Tipple respectively and the visitors were left on 19 for 2 in the tenth over, 15 of the total coming from extras.  Lawrence (34) and Stringer (17) livened things up and increased the run rate, but both were caught miss-timing drives off Tipple and Saunders.  The rest of the Bacton batting failed to make inroads into the target. The visitors were finished off by Vokes as he came on for an end-of-season cameo over, removing the last man off his first ball with the score on 121, 43 runs short of the Reepham total.  The best bowling came from Tipple 3-17 off 10 overs and Edwards with 2-8 off his 3.</div> <bR> <div> A good win for Reepham, giving them half a chance to overhauling Worstead in Division 3 of the Mid-Norfolk Sunday League.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 163-7 (40), Bacton 121 (39.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Bacton 7 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: 6th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - S. Edwards</B> (Best all-round performance with bat and ball)</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="2005_season"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>2005 SEASON</B></div> <div> <A HREF="#league_bradenham__away__24th_april_2005" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradenham Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_bacton__home__15th_may_2005" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bacton Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_mattishall__away__22nd_may_2005" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Mattishall Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#challenge_cup_worstead__home__23rd_may" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Worstead Home (Cup)</U></A> | <A HREF="#friendly_old_owen_s_cc__home__30th_may" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Old Owen's Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_sheringham__away__5th_june_2005" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sheringham Away</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_bradfield_a__home__19th_june" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradfield A Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_bradenham__home__3rd_july_2005" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradenham Home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#league_old_catton__home__10th_july_2005" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Old Catton Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_mattishall__home__31st_july_2005" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Mattishall Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_sheringham__home__7th_august" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sheringham Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#friendly_newsmen__home__17th_august" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Newsmen Home</U></A> | <A HREF="#league_bradfield_a__away__28th_august" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradfield A Away</U></A> </div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="league_bradenham__away__24th_april_2005"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>League: Bradenham (Away) 24th April 2005</U></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>EARLY SEASON JITTERS PROVE COSTLY ONCE MORE</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="4d1a0e10.jpg" border=0 width="160" height="225" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Reepham and Salle travelled to Bradenham with hopes of making a good start to the new season in the revamped RJ Bidewell Division Three.  The pitch looked good, but there would always be the nagging question of early season low bounce having an influence on proceedings.  Reepham duly won the toss and elected to field in the warm sun, hoping the surface would become drier in the second innings.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> The visitors got of to a solid start without reward, pegging Bradenham back to fairly slow rate of 24 off the first 10 overs.  The opening bowling combination of Tipple and Hollis was replaced by Tom Saunders and Alex Clark, who immediately influenced the game.  The slow left-arm of Clark proving irresistible to the opening batsmen of Matthews and Gooreg, going for 22 in a 3 over spell.</div> <bR> <div> In contrast Saunders proved trickier, creating some significant late swing resulting in 2 wickets for 26 runs in a spell of 7 overs.  Clark was hastily replaced by Edwards, whose medium pace also proved effective in the conditions, snaring the left-handed number four bat for three.  Edwards shortly removed the increasingly dangerous Matthews for 55.  This left the home side on 114-4 in the thirtieth over.</div> <bR> <div> Bradenham then stage a recovery putting on 97 runs in the last 10 overs with Hunter (69no) at number five optimising the short leg-side boundary.  Two further wickets fell to Houldey and Tipple, but Caffeyn (25) managed to equal Hunter in pulling across the line and peppered the short boundary.  Going at nearly ten an over Bradenham finished up on 211-6, which seemed inconceivable at 30 overs.</div> <bR> <div> Without the injured Henry, last seasons top scorer it was going to be a challenge for Reepham to chase 212 to win.  However, they made a good start with Edwards lofting the ball over the boundary and Tipple looking confident in his new role at number two.</div> <bR> <div> The good times only lasted for three overs as Edwards lofted one to mid-on for 19 and Tipple pulled a hamstring resulting in a runner being sent out.  This introduced Houldey to the crease who seemed to have mastered the home side's ability to pull the ball over the short boundary with aplomb.  Assisted by Tipple the pair put on 50 for the second wicket, taking the score to 73 in the 14<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over, well ahead of the Bradenham rate at the same point.</div> <bR> <div> After Tipple (13) was caught, Hollis joined Houldey for some fun and games with the short boundary, the pair making 30 for the third wicket until Hollis was caught for 18.  Houldey carried on scoring well, putting on another 30 with Clark taking the score to 132 in the 25<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over.</div> <bR> <div> However, the tides changed and things went form bad to worse with Clark (4), Matt Saunders (0) and Houldey (61) going in consecutive overs.  There then followed a collapse of biblical proportions with just 3 being added by the remaining batsmen, leaving Reepham trailing by 66 runs on 145 all out.</div> <bR> <div> Once again a poor start to the season by Reepham and Salle, but history dictates that Reepham do best after a poor start, finishing third in 2002 and 2003 after losing the opening matches.  Bradenham take full points, but they are sure to have a much tougher job at Salle later in the summer.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bradenham  210-6 (40), Reepham & Salle 145 (29.4)</B></div> <div> <I>Bradenham 21 points, Reepham & Salle 8 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: 2nd</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_houldey.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Mark (Boycey) Houldey</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_bacton__home__15th_may_2005"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Bacton (Home) 15th May 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>FORMIDABLE BATTING DISPLAY ENSURES REEPHAM WIN</B></div> <bR> <div> With Mark (Boycey) Houldey's amazing haul of 8 wickets for four runs still firmly in the memory from the last meeting of Bacton and Reepham, the question on everyone's lips was could something as bizarre happen again?  However, with the sun shining for the first time this season and the pitch looking as good as it has done, it was surely going to be a day for the batsmen to take the headlines…</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="4dd2f6f0.jpg" border=0 width="303" height="367" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">Reepham won the toss and put the visitors in the field, with the hope of building a solid innings and setting a respectable target of around 150.  Reepham did just that, with Tipple and Henry pacing themselves to perfection taking 12 overs to reach fifty and 24 to get the hundred up.  The Bacton bowlers struggled to force any errors, despite Howes (10-0-34-0) offering plenty of away movement off the seam.</div> <bR> <div> The introduction of Olley into the attack, with his slow right-arm gave Bacton a glimmer of hope.  Initially the batsmen took to his bowling with aplomb, with Henry driving successive sixes and fours.  But soon after passing fifty Henry (56) missed one and his stumps were history.  Houldey came to the crease and again drove Olley back over his head, but disaster struck as the ball stuck in the one damp area of the outfield when it looked like going for a comfortable four.  Tipple and Houldey sauntered about, unable to see where the ball was and Houldey (1) was run out as the pair attempted a single when they realised the ball was two yards short of the boundary.  Tipple soon followed after claiming his maiden fifty for the club, again driving, this time to Pike in the deep with the score on 129.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <div> <I>Danny Tipple batting for his first 50 for RSCC</I></div> <bR> <div> Hollis and Edwards then took control with an explosive 10 over spell of batting taking the score from 129 to 248 for the forth wicket.  Edwards led the way with a superbly aggressive 80 off a just 29 balls.  Edwards eventually succumbed to the ever-present Olley, stumped by Horne.  Matt Saunders joined the party hitting to huge sixes in the last over, as Hollis amassed and unbeaten 41.  The innings closed on 262-4, Reepham's best ever total with Olley taking 3 for 76 for Bacton in his 10 overs.</div> <bR> <div> Bacton clearly had a tough job on to get close to the huge target and the visitors didn't get off to the best of starts.  Tipple opened the bowling with real venom removing Carter for a duck, brilliantly caught at first slip by Edwards and then Cobb by the same method.  This left Bacton reeling on 9-2 in the second over.  At the other end Tom Saunders was finding his rhythm difficult and proved a little expensive as Lawrence and Olley managed to rebuild.  Tipple (6-1-19-3) struck again in the eighth over, removing Lawrence (17) with the score on 44.</div> <bR> <div> There then followed an inspired spell of bowling from young Matt Saunders with his left-arm wrist spin, as he removed Olley (18), Horne (4) and Howes (3).  Martin (28) and Stringer (7) staged a minor comeback taking the score passed the century mark, before the addition of another Reepham youngster, Meek finished off the innings with two wickets in a five over spell.  This left Bacton some 136 short of the home side's total, but ironically posting their highest score of the season.</div> <bR> <div> A well deserved win for Reepham in a well fought match, played in the true spirit of the game.  There were many positives for the home side to provide welcome confidence for the season ahead; Tipple's fifty and three wickets, Matt Saunders' three wickets and Edwards' ridiculous strike rate of 275.86!  No bowling heroics, this time it was the bat that ruled the day.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 262-4 (40), Bacton 128 (28.3)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Bacton 7 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: 3rd</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_d__tipple.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Danny Tipple</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="=Arial" ><B> <A NAME="league_mattishall__away__22nd_may_2005"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></FONT><B><U>League: Mattishall (Away) 22nd May 2005</U></B><I>  </I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>Report by Jim Everton</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>AUSSIE STEALS THE SHOW WITH BAT AND PARTICULARLY BALL</B></div> <bR> <div> As soon as the first ball, from Mattishall's Australian, was bowled - it whistled past David Henry at 70-80mph - there was confusion among the RSCC squad. Admiral Hollis immediately delegated Marty Jacobs to bat next - whether he thought that Jacobs would be able to play the fast bowler or he wanted a pointless sacrifice was not clear.  Mark (Boycey) Houldey, whose place had been taken by Jacobs, immediately volunteered to drop further down the order and even to help others to put on their pads. However, once Jacobs had run out Boycey, who obviously hadn't dropped down far enough, and had then been bowled for a duck himself, normality resumed. The middle order scored a few runs and Sean was looking increasingly threatening until the Australian came back and bowled him with his first ball.</div> <bR> <div> Facing a total of 115, Mattishall were 35 for 3. Then the Australian came in and scored 55 not out to win the game.</div> <bR> <div> Who said cricket is a team game?</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 115 (34.1), Mattishall 116-3 (27.3)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 5 points, Mattishall 21 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: 4th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - D. Tipple</B><I> (For the way he played the Aussie's bowling)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="=Arial" ><B> <A NAME="challenge_cup_worstead__home__23rd_may"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></FONT><B><U>Challenge Cup Round 1: Worstead (Home) 23rd May 2005</U></B><I>  </I><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>Report by Jim Everton</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>REEPHAM WIN 20 OVER THRASH TO SECURE PLACE IN ROUND TWO</B></div> <bR> <div> RSCC batted first and an opening stand of 52 in 62 balls by David Henry and Danny Tipple paved the way for a characteristic 50 in 23 balls by Sean Edwards.  129 for 6 seemed a good total and this was confirmed when Worstead were bowled out  for 96 in 17.3 overs. Joe Hollis enjoyed himself the easy life among the rabbits turning in figures of 3 for 9.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 129-6 (20), Worstead 96 (18.3)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle progress to round 2 of the Challenge Cup</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><B>S. Edwards</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="friendly_old_owen_s_cc__home__30th_may"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>Friendly: Old Owen's CC (Home) 30th May 2005</U></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>OLD OWEN'S GET THEIR REVENGE AS REEPHAM BATTING FAILS TO MAKE A MARK</B></div> <bR> <div> In stark contrast to the previous year's fixture in sunny Hertfordshire, the weather in Salle for the return match was appalling.  At one o'clock it was still raining and the chances of play looked minimal.  By two the rain had abated, the stumps were hastily transferred to the practice pitch and the match reduced to 32 overs.</div> <bR> <div> Owen's won the toss and prudently put Reepham & Salle in to bat in the damp, overcast conditions.  The innings started steadily with Hollis (11) and Tipple (9) making 21 for the first wicket.  By the tenth over progress had ground to a halt as Houldey (1), Edwards (0) and Saunders (0) all came and went in rapid succession with Morris taking 3 for 7 in 2 overs doing the damage.  Only Tom Saunders, batting at four for the first time held things together during this period with a gutsy personal best of 13, before succumbing to the accurate Lee with the score on 37.  The tail, led by ex-Owen Andrew Dunkin (22) made a better job of it, more than doubling the score.  However, the innings petered out, just like the rain in the 26th over on miserly 96.</div> <bR> <div> Owen's came out after tea with substantially better conditions for batting, with the sun starting to shine and the pitch drying out steadily.  With a relatively easy job ahead, they got off to a decidedly dodgy start loosing Moody and Emington for ducks with the score on 7 in the 5th over.  Danny Tipple and Tom Saunders (2-18) bowled aggressively, with Tipple finishing on 1 wicket for just 3 runs off his four overs.  Lee, batting at one watched all the commotion and remained calm, batting superbly with Gordon (12) and Allan (18no) for the rest of the innings, making an unbeaten 58.  The target was reached with 14 overs to spare and Owen's had avenged their defeat by in 2004.  Lee, just like in 2004 got the majority of Owen's runs, but this time the difference was no Scarfe or Henry to save the day for Reepham.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 96 (25.2), Old Owen's 98-3 (18.3)</B></div> <div> <I>Series is tied at one match a piece</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_t__saunders.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>T. Saunders</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_sheringham__away__5th_june_2005"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Sheringham (Away) 5th June 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>CARIBBEAN COSHING FOR REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <bR> <div> With a cold wind blowing off the North Sea and a night of rain the Sheringham pitch looked more like a farm track than a batting track, thus unsurprisingly, Reepham after winning the toss elected to bat. This seemed to be a good decision as the ball rarely left the square in the first ten overs as Sheringham tottered along to a score of 18.  Tom Saunders bowled exceptionally well into the wind, opening his account with 3 consecutive maidens.  Tipple struggled from his un-favoured end and was replaced by the skipper after one over, with Hollis then joining the party also with a hatrick of maidens.</div> <bR> <div> The match turned with the fall of the first wicket, to Hollis with the score on 22, because out walked Carl Tuckett of the Leeward Islands and the West Indies.  However, before he faced a ball Adam Meek, on for Saunders took out his partner leaving Sheringham on just 23-2 in the twelfth over - what most people would call a good start for a fielding side.  This was the cue for Tuckett to let loose putting on 58 for the third wicket with Sizeland, his partner scratching together just 7 runs out of the 58.  Tuckett put on 88 runs with his next accomplice and another 58, this time unbeaten for the fifth wicket, amazingly with Baloza batting at 6 making just 2 runs out of the 58.  In all Tuckett made a brutal 160 not out in a Sheringham total of 247-4.</div> <bR> <div> By the time play resumed after tea it was quarter to six and getting decidedly dark and cold.  With Reepham and Salle feeling rather dejected, it was not surprise that Sheringham made early inroads with Henry (4) and Hollis (0) falling to Sizeland's medium pace.  Tipple and Houldey made 18 and 14 respectively, but never looked to be relishing the task of chasing nearly 250 in the conditions.  Edwards made a quick 30 before holing out at long on, after being distracted during the bowler's delivery by an over-exuberant Sheringham youngster.  Pick of the batsmen for the visitors wad Adam Meek chipping in with a confident looking 15 not out at the end.  Reepham ended up with 118 easily surpassing the runs scored by the non-West Indian ranks of the home side, however no where near enough to win the game.</div> <bR> <div> A disappointing performance from Reepham and Salle, not helped by Tuckett's confidence zapping 160.  For the second time in as many league matches Reepham have had to suffer defeat at the hands of a professional player.  One wonders how beneficial Tuckett's participation in the game actually was, with few Sheringham youngsters contributing their massive total other than their chirping from the boundary.  Tuckett's innings was nice to watch - or would have been, if from the boundary dressed in warm clothes with a pint in hand!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sheringham 247-4 (40), Reepham & Salle 118 (26.4)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 6 points, Sheringham 21 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: 5th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_meek.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>A. Meek</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_bradfield_a__home__19th_june"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Bradfield A (Home) 19th June 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>COMFORTABLE NINE WICKET WIN IN THE BLISTERING HEAT</B></div> <bR> <div> The hottest day of the summer at Salle greeted the Bradfield `A' side, which looked very different from the Aussie dominated outfit of last season.  The visitors won the toss and unsurprisingly elected to bat, given that the temperature was in the early thirties and fielding in the midday heat was going to be wearing.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham got off to a dream start with Tipple (1-11) and Tom Saunders (1-8) bowling excellently, with some real pace and venom.  Hollis replaced Saunders in the sixth over and quickly grabbed two wickets in his first over.  The incoming Minns spoilt Hollis' figures a bit in his second (and last) over hitting 10 runs through mid off.  Hollis (2-10) replaced himself with Meek, who bowled at his best achieving 2 for 14 in his spell of six overs.  Houldey was having a good day at the other end too, with 2 for 12 off his two overs.  All this action left Bradfield reeling on 56 for 7 in the fifteenth over.  The left-handed Worrell was the only batsman to make any real headway, as he accumulated 27 not out.  He had his fair share of luck though as Vokes was denied wickets on a half-dozen occasions, the only recompense being a run out.  His innings, plus the extras provided by Michael Scott taking a club record 16 balls to complete an over, helped Bradfield to a total of 105 off 28.1 overs.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham and Salle made easy work of the total despite the heat causing problems for the batsmen.  Henry (45) was the only wicket to fall as he lost his concentration for an over and was clean bowled.  Tipple made a very steady 30 not out and Houldey a typically hasty 23 not out.  Reepham ended with 109 for 1 off 23 overs, winning by a comfortable 9 wickets and as a result moving above closest rivals Worstead in the table.  Harder challenges lie ahead, but this result provides a positive footnote to the end to the first half of the season.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bradfield A 105 (27.1), Reepham & Salle 109 (23)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Bradfield A 4 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>4th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_j__hollis.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>J. Hollis</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="challenge_cup_round_3_anglians__away_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Challenge Cup Round 3: Anglians (Away) 26th June 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>PREMIER DIVISION SIDE WIN BY  COMFORTABLE SIX WICKETS</B></div> <bR> <div> No report available.</div> <bR> <div> <B>RSCC 148 (33.1), Anglians 149-4 (30)</B></div> <div> <I>Anglians progress to Challenge Cup Quarter Final</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_henry.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>D. Henry</B></U></A><I> (Top scored, top run out and, err... bowling!)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_bradenham__home__3rd_july_2005"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Bradenham (Home) 3rd July 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>REEPHAM FAIL TO CAPITALISE ON A GOOD START</B></div> <bR> <div> The omens looked good with the rare occurrence of Reepham and Salle winning the toss and electing to bat first in the overcast conditions.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="4f5baf20.jpg" border=0 width="186" height="242" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">The home side got off to a steady start as Henry and Tipple got to grips with the conditions which were providing some encouragement for the bowlers.  Once in their stride Henry and Tipple began to amass runs, never at a lightening pace, but well enough to bring up the hundred for Reepham without loss.  However, it was the 28th over and acceleration in the scoring rate was necessary if a par total of about 200 were to be achieved.  Henry (74) managed to add another 20 runs quickly, as Tipple (59) struggled to raise the stakes, perhaps fool-hardily refusing to change a broken bat.  Henry went in the 34<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over with the score on 143; Houldey, Hollis and Dunkin followed in quick succession, the latter two being suicidally run out.  Tipple was the last to go with the score on 169 in the 39<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over and only 4 further runs were added, Reepham finishing up on a slightly meagre 173, considering the start.  With hindsight, it was easy to see that not enough was made of the last 10 overs, initially with 10 wickets in hand.</div> <bR> <div> <I>Dave Henry  scored 74 </I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>(archive photograph)</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Bradenham immediately took off with Goodge taking control and coaxing the score along at a tad more than four an over.  However, Reepham struck with three quick wickets, staring with Goodge (30) with score on 38.  The second two of the three wickets fell with just six runs added, Hollis taking two and Tipple the other.  The home side looked to be back in control with the visitors on 44-3 in 11th over, but the Bradenham skipper, Leggett (27) added a brisk 53 with Caffyn (22).  A further two wickets then fell to Tipple and then Houldey (1-36), bringing two new batsmen to the crease with Bradenham needing 61 for victory with 18 overs in hand.  Reepham brought tried hard to make a breakthrough in the last overs available from Hollis (2-44) and Tipple (2-26), knowing full well that with the absence of Saunders' left arm back was thin on the ground.  The Bradenham batsmen has worked this one out too, and sat out the four overs from the danger men.  Seppings and Meek bore the brunt of what followed, as Bradenham cruised in with 9 overs to spare.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham will regret not adding another 30 in the first innings and clearly missed the added variation that Tom Saunders provides with his left-arm seam, the problems also exacerbated by the 30 bowling extras conceded.  These three issues were the difference between winning and loosing on the day.</div> <bR> <div> <B>RSCC 173-5 (40), Bradenham 174-5 (31.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 8 points, Bradenham 18 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: 4th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_d__tipple.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>D. Tipple</B></U></A><B> </B><I>(Good performance with both bat and ball)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_old_catton__home__10th_july_2005"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Old Catton (Home) 10th July 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>BATTING WOES CONTINUE FOR REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <bR> <div> Old Catton won the toss and unsurprisingly elected to bat as the pitch looked good and the sun was beating down.  The visitors got off to a poor start losing both openers with just 4 on the scoreboard.  Tipple and Hollis, standing in for the absent Tom Saunders bagged the wickets as secure catches were taken in the field.  The tides turned quickly though as Jackson and Smith put on 79 for the third wicket with Smith riding his luck at times, but scoring rapidly.  Smith eventually fell to Meek (2-32) for 56.  The next two wickets fell relatively quickly with Cook and D. Prime being clean bowled by Seppings and Meek respectively.  At this point things were starting to swing the way of Reepham with the visitors on 118-5 in the thirtieth over.  Reepham should have restricted Catton to around 160 and hammered home the advantage, but P. Prime (22) and Jackson (76) put on a further 74 runs to take the score to 192-5.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham's reply started badly with Tipple (1) going in the sixth over with the score on 6.  Henry batted well for 33 and Houldey and Briggs chipped in with scores of 16 and 25 respectively, taking the score to 76-4 in the twenty-forth over.  The target of 193 looked at this point a long way off and Reepham were cursing the fact they let Catton get 40 odd more than they should.  This put a lot of pressure on the middle order, and the pressure was too much Hollis (2), Harwood (4), Seppings (4) and Scott (0) all fell quickly leaving the score on 90-7, with D. Prime (3-14) doing the damage.  Rowe and Vokes looked like the part initially with the boundary being hit three times in an over, but Rowe (7) soon holed out to mid-on.  Meek (0) came and went third ball, leaving Vokes stranded on 8 not out 78 runs shy of the target.</div> <bR> <div> Not one of Reepham & Salle's best performances, but the game was played in good spirit with Old Catton simply the better team on the day.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Old Catton 192-5 (40), RSCC 114 (31)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 6 points, Old Catton 21 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: 6th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_meek.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>A. Meek</B></U></A><B> </B><I>(Best performance with ball and under pressure)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_mattishall__home__31st_july_2005"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Mattishall (Home) 31st July 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>REEPHAM LOSE OUT IN CLOSE FOUGHT MATCH</B></div> <bR> <div> How different could the weather be from just two weeks before?  It was freezing cold and overcast, with the pitch looking in need of at least another day to dry out after the previous day's rain.  Needless to say, the toss needed to be one and luck went Reepham's way and Mattishall padded up as soon as they saw the coin land in the wet grass.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham started well and Mattishall struggled to time the ball and soon found themselves 26-2 in the sixteenth over, scoring at less than 2 an over.  However, Bingham (65) and Beaumont (37) found their rhythm and made a sedately paced 78 for the third wicket with Henry surprisingly making the breakthrough.  The next three wickets fell with addition on just 1 run to the score, leaving the visitors on a lowly 105-6 in the thirty-second over.  Reepham looked to be in total control at this point, but looks are deceiving as was found out against Old Catton.  Once more Reepham let the visitors get away with it at the end, Mattishall putting on another 40 in 8 overs.  Mattishall finished on a creditable 145-9, given the conditions with Henry the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets for 19 in his 4 over stint.</div> <div> Reepham lost Tipple second ball for 0 and things looked bad, however Henry (33) looked in touch and so did Harwood (28) and Hollis (21).  All the aforementioned batsmen played well but got themselves out miss-timing the ball coming off the damp surface.  At 92-4 in the twenty-ninth the home side looked to be in charge, needing 53 off the last eleven overs.  The runs dried up though as the middle order, once again struggled with just 96 being achieved by the thirty-forth over.  Requiring 50 to win off 6 overs at a rate of 8.5 an over a lot rested on some strong hitting by the tail.  Vokes obliged with a six and a four in consecutive balls, but was bowled for 11 by a ball of no bounce. With the fall of the eighth wicket the game was effectively over as the last three added 4 runs.  The innings petered out on 119, some 26 runs short of the Mattishall total.</div> <bR> <div> Without their Aussie, Mattishall are a different proposition and Reepham and Salle failed to capitalise.  The lack of the spirited left-arm seam of holidaying Tom Saunders proved to be the difference between winning and losing on this occasion.  Once again the match was played in good spirit and was closely and competitively fought on equal terms.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Mattishall 145-9 (40), RSCC 119 (36.4)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 8 points, Mattishall 21 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: 6th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_harwood.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>P. Harwood</B></U></A><B> </B><I>(Performed well with bat and keeper's gloves)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_sheringham__home__7th_august"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Sheringham (Home) 7th August 2005</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B> - Reported by Jim Everton</B></I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>TOP NOTCH RSCC DISPLAY SINKS TUCKETT & Co.</B></div> <bR> <div> At 1.45pm the rumour that Carl Tuckett played only in home games for Sheringham was disproved and a mood pf pessimism took over RSCC.  Once Reepham had won the toss and batted however, David Henry and Danny Tiplle put on 97 for the first wicket and the home side knew that they were not going to be slaughtered for a second time.  With a little luck, several catches not going to hand, Reepham continued to prosper with Henry scoring 54, Tipple 91 and Houldey 40 in a final total of 256-6.  It was interesting to hear that Sheringham complained that Reepham had scored "too many runs" when it was almost exactly the same total that they had posted in the first game between the sides.</div> <bR> <div> Carl Tuckett opened the batting for the visitors and after twenty overs they had scored 104 for 4.  A perfect opportunity for Tuckett to open his shoulders on behalf of his team one might think, but instead he seemed more bothered about Reepham placing fielders on the boundary and slowly inched his way to what seemed to be an inevitable hundred.  Except that on 99 he chopped a ball from 17 year-old Tom Saunders onto his stumps.  Their innings closed quite quickly after that at a total of 162.</div> <bR> <div> After the match Sheringham seemed quite concerned that Reepham and Salle had fewer colts than they had, but on the other hand Reepham had fewer Tucketts than they had.</div> <bR> <div> <B>RSCC 256-6 (40), Sheringham 162 (39.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Sheringham 9 points</I></div> <div> <I>RSCC League Position: </I><I>5th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_j__hollis.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>J. Hollis</B></U></A><B> </B><I>(For his astute captaincy)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="friendly_newsmen__home__17th_august"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Friendly: Newsmen (Home) 17th August 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>HENRY HACKS NEWSMEN ABOUT AFTER BIZARRE RULE INTRODUCED</B></div> <bR> <div> The Newsmen won the toss and elected to bat, knowing full well that it would be pretty dark in the second innings.  They got off to a good start with Houldey and Lindsay taking the score to 57 without loss by the halfway mark.  The scorers called Houldey in to retire when he was 25, but decided that players should stay to the end over the over.  Houldey (27no) didn't really profit by adding 2 to his score off the remaining 5 balls.  Lindsay followed soon after, also 27 not out.  There followed a minor collapse as just 33 more runs were added for the loss of 4 wickets in the remaining overs, with Vokes (2-15) taking two of the scalps.  The visitors finished up on 93-4 off their 16 eight ball overs.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham and Salle got off to a terrible start with 3 wickets falling for just 17 runs in the first 3 overs, with Willner (2-18) doing the damage.  At this point the game turned with a bizarre twist of fate, with Henry making the most of the “wait till the end of the over” retirement rule.  He scored 26 off 12 balls, but then added another 14 off the remaining 5 balls in the over, including two huge sixes over deep mid-wicket.  Tipple aided the cause with a steady 25 not out, and the game sewn up by Drury and Meek who added 13.</div> <bR> <div> A win for Reepham and Salle by 7 wickets, thanks in part to a miss-guided rule alteration by the visiting skipper.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Newsmen 93-4 (15), RSCC 96-3 (12.5)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_henry.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>D. Henry</B></U></A><B> </B><I>(For his excellent interpretation of the "retire at 25" rule)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="league_bradfield_a__away__28th_august"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>League: Bradfield A (Away) 28th August 2005</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>BOYCEY TON SECURES VICTORY</B></div> <bR> <div> Bradfield A won the toss and elected to bat on a hard looking pitch.  This proved to be a good decision as they rattled along to 88 without loss in the 18<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over, helped by some wayward bowling by Reepham.  The tides began to chance as Houldey eventually found the right line, trapping Kimber lbw for 34.  The introduction of the part time bowling duo of Briggs and Hickling started to bring some control back Reepham's way.  After Briggs forced the wicket of Allen for 68, Bradfield only managed to score 35 off the last 10 overs.  Bradfield finished with a creditable 183-8, with Briggs finishing with the season's best figures of 4-36.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham didn't start too well with Tipple (9) falling in the fifth over with the score on 17.  However, Houldey aided by a steady scoring Briggs took control of the game adding another 60 for the second wicket.  Harwood (7), Saunders (5) and Meek (0) fell by the wayside, but Houldey was well in the grove by this point peppering the boundary at every opportunity as the score reached the 100 mark.  When stand in skipper, Hickling came to the crease there was a lot to do with 84 required off 12 overs.  Houldey and Hickling managed to keep at the required rate through the overs and as Houldey reached the ton things were in a balance still. But Hickling turned from support act to headliner as he played a captain's innings of 29 not out to take victory for Reepham.  Houldey finished with the Club's top score of the season with 103 not out and a personal best score to boot.</div> <bR> <div> The season finished with the closest game of the year, with the best bowling and batting figures being chalked up by Reepham players.  Let us hope that this is a sign of a good season ahead in 2006.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bradfield A 183-8 (40), RSCC 186-5 (39)</B></div> <div> <I>RSCC 20 points, Bradfield A 8 points</I></div> <div> <I>Final RSCC League Position: 4th</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Frank Parkinson Man of the Match - </B><A HREF="id18_houldey.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>M. Houldey</B></U></A><B> </B><I>(102no) </I><B>& </B><A HREF="id18_hickling.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>M. Hickling</B></U></A><B> </B><I>(captain's innings)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I> <A NAME="2006_season"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <B>2006 SEASON</B></div> <div> <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_worstead__league_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Worsted (Home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_hellesdon__challenge" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Hellesdon (Home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#belton_v_reepham___salle__league_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Belton (Away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_old_owens__friendly_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Old Owens (Home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_narborough__challenge" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Narborough (Home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_hardingham__league_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Hardingham (Home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#bacton_v_reepham___salle__league_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bacton (Away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_halvergate__league_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Halvergate (Home)</U></A> <A HREF="#worstead_v_reepham___salle__league_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Worstead (Away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#old_catton_v_reepham___salle__league_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Old Catton (Away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_bacton__league_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bacton (Home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#gressenhall_swan_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Gressenhall Swan</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_cringleford__league_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Cringleford (Home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#halvergate_v_reepham___salle__league_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Halvergate (Away)</U></A></div> <div> <I> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_worstead__league_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I></div> <div> <B><U>Reepham & Salle v Worstead (League)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 30th April 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>CLOSE ENCOUNTERS IX: WORSTEAD EDGE IT IN LOW SCORING MATCH</B></div> <bR> <div> As with almost all Reepham & Salle and Worstead matches, they are close and this was no exception.  Reepham won the toss and understandably elected to bat in the sun on what looked like a decent wicket, but looks are deceiving...</div> <bR> <div> The home side didn't start well with new skipper, Henry being bowled by the ever-effective Cushion for 5 runs.  However, Tipple's new lease of life continued and he started to pepper the boundary with some regularity, but partners never seemed to stick around.  Tipple eventually was caught off the slow bowling of Vall for 61 off just 62 balls, a very good show considering the slow nature of the pitch.  Hollis (25) and debutant Austin (15) managed to hang around till the 33rd over adding the best partnership of 38 before both were dispatched by Bullimore (2-19) and Cushion (4-29) returning to the attack.  There the runs dried up, with the only boundary coming from Vokes in the last over taking the score to 135-7.  A below par performance which can be attributed to rustiness in part and the awkward bounce and pace of a typical April wicket.</div> <bR> <div> With 150 looking like a winning score, 135 never really looked enough and Worstead new it.  But they soon found out that the pitch was not going to allow and easy victory with the visitors loosing numbers one, two and three to the bowling of Tipple (1-23) and the danger man Saunders (3-16) .  The next three fared a bit better and adapted to the conditions, rather than mastering them scoring 26, 29 and 25 respectively.  Hollis kept things in order for Reepham though with figures of 3-23, taking a blinding catch and generally looking back to his best after relinquishing the captaincy.  However, Reepham lacking a fifth bowler struggled to keep enough pressure on at the other end allowing the score to creep along.  Worstead required 36 off the last ten overs and were steady about the task, until Hollis' last over haemorrhaged 12 runs, not through any fault of his bowling, but two lucky edges and over-throws.  This lowered the pressure on the visitors and the slipped home with 11 balls to spare.</div> <bR> <div> Not a bad show by Reepham; the fielding was good, the bowling was good, the team spirit was there, it was the runs that were short in number - about 15 short to be precise.  However, as a moral booster, it leaves Reepham & Salle 7-2 up in match victories since the two teams first crossed paths in 2002.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 135-8 (40), Worstead 137-7 (38.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 8 points, Worstead 20 points</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: n/a</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_d__tipple.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Danny Tipple</B></U></A><B> </B>(By far and away the best betting performance from either side)</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_hellesdon__challenge"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B><U>Reepham & Salle v Hellesdon (Challenge Cup Round 1)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 14th May 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>HELLESDON CRUSHED AS REEPHAM BOWLERS SHINE</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I> by Danny Tipple</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> In previous years Reepham and Salle have had little success in the Challenge Cup.  On a cloudy and humid day it looked like the overcast conditions may favour the bowlers.  However the Hellesdon captain saw the conditions differently and elected to bat first. </div> <bR> <div> This proved to be a costly misjudgement as the Reepham and Salle opening pair of Tom Saunders and Danny Tipple bowled a tight line and gave the Hellesdon batsmen no width to play their shots.  It didnt take long before the first wicket fell to the bowling of Tipple confidently caught by Harwood behind the stumps.  The pressure on the batsmen continued to mount as Saunders found the edge and Harwood took a athletic catch diving to his right.  Wickets continued to fall as Hollis's energetic and persistent accurate bowling was too much for the hellesdon middle order.  The Ex Reepham & Salle captain finishing with figures of 4.3-1-20-4.  Good support was given by Briggs and Raj, picking up 2 wickets each.  Raj looking particularly lively on his first outing for RSCC.  Hellesdon were eventually all out for 87 with only the captain Stuart Alexander offering any resistance with 25 runs.  The home team went into the tea break with the heads held high after thoroughly professional performance.</div> <bR> <div> After the break Reepham got off to the worst possible start losing Tipple bowled attempting a rash adventurous shot.  Houldey went soon after for a score of five.  With the innings barely underway it was becoming increaslingly clear that it needed a couple of cool and mature heads to steady the innings.  This proved to be the case as Harwood (30no) and Henry (25) put on a valuable partnership against a fired up Hellesdon bowling attack. The Reepham and Salle captain eventually going for 25, but by this point Reepham were on the home straight.  Hollis replaced Henry at the crease and knocked two elegant boundaries and, along with Harwood ensured the team passed the finish line.</div> <bR> <div> With regards to the bowling Reepham were somewhere near their best today and got all the breaks they deserved.  Harwood looked sharp behind the stumps, Hollis back to his madman best and the debutant Raj looking like a good addition to the bowling line up.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 88-3 (25), Hellesdon 87-10 (33)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle progress to Round 2 with a tie against Narborough at Salle</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: n/a</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_harwood.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Paul Harwood</B></U></A> (Made the job of bowling that much easier with the support he gave from behind the stumps, played a gritty determined innings to see RSCC through to the Challenge cup round 2)</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="belton_v_reepham___salle__league_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Belton v Reepham & Salle (League)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 28th May 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>DOUBLE DELIGHT FOR SAUNDERS AS WICKETS AND KNICKERS FALL</B></div> <div> <I>by David Henry</I></div> <bR> <div> Reepham and Salle's young strike bowler Tom Saunders was last night celebrating a great double and a weekend he would never forget. Hours after popping his cherry against the bins at the rear of one of Norwich's premier night spots he was returning career best figures of 5-3-8-6 as RSCC overpowered Belton at Southtown Common, Yarmouth.</div> <bR> <div> After the RSCC team eventually found the Belton ground, confused that it was nowhere near Belton, they found a typically wet early season wicket that was to receive its first game of the season. Unsurprisingly Belton's skipper winning the toss asked RSCC to bat.</div> <bR> <div> Henry and Houldey, who deputised for the foolishly Tipple who accepted a lift from the Club President Jim Everton and was still nearer Reepham than Yarmouth as the game commenced <I>(“I don't like to drive alone, I tend to fall asleep you see”- Everton)</I> started briskly scoring 32 from the first 6 overs however Henry, Houldey and later Tipple all fell quickly showing a lack of patients in the wet conditions. Cool heads were required with Hollis and Austin steadying the ship. As Austin fell with the score at 69 RSCC felt comfortable as Briggs walked to the crease as his mature head and nurdling style was well suited to the conditions. As Hollis promptly ran Briggs out for 1 and Doctor Raj batting for the first time in an English summer fell first ball RSCC were starting to be concerned that a competitive total was some way away. Hollis, fighting the mental torture of running out Briggs, continued to bat well and was ably assisted by Hickling, Jacobs and Saunders. Hollis finally fell for a dogged 60 which was a crucial innings given the wet track and the failing of the top order. RSCC posted 148 off 39 overs which was considered a par score given the conditions however they were left wondering what might have been if players had adapted to the wicket and shown a little patience.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC were going to have to field like tigers if they were going to take the spoils. The opening spell was to be critical, if Belton got of to a good start the required rate of 3.6 per over could be easily achieved. Lucky for the RSCC skipper he has at his disposal the most potent opening bowling attack in the league in the shape of Saunders and Tipple. Saunders, who had a maturity, swagger and a new inner calm following the events of the previous night produced the perfect start removing the Belton skippers middle stump with the 3<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >rd</FONT> ball of the innings. Tipple never one to be outdone removed the other opener with his first ball leaving Belton reeling on 0 for 2. The flood gates opened, after 8 overs Belton were 19 for 5. Saunders then produced one of the best overs ever to be seen on Southtown Common removing 3 wickets for 0 runs leaving Belton stranded on 19 for 8. Credit needs to go to all the RSCC fielders who have raised their standard this season. All chances were taken with the slightly disabled wicket keeper Hickling and Mike “Steve” Austin both taking excellent catches. Saunders (5-3-8-6) and Tipple (4-2-2-2) had produced a devastating opening burst and put the game out of reach. RSCC turned to Meek and Doctor Raj to conclude matters with Meek removing the final 2 wickets with Belton finishing all out for 42. </div> <bR> <div> A great result for RSCC and their first league win of the season however many lessons could be learnt. Find out where the ground is before the game, don't accept lifts from strange old men, bat to suit the conditions and the best pre-match preparation can often be found in the strangest places.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 148 (40), Belton 42 (17.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Belton 6 points</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: 4th</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_old_owens__friendly_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Reepham & Salle v Old Owens (Friendly)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 29th May 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>FOOLISH...</B></div> <div> <I>Words by Jim Everton</I></div> <bR> <div> We made ourselves look foolish. Having bowled out the visitors for 111 here was the perfect opportunity to gain our first win against them. Instead, we gave the impression that it was all too easy by fiddling around with the batting order and paid the price when we lost eight quick wickets. It was difficult for Joe and Dave to make all the runs needed for victory knowing that if either was out that was the end. Joe was and it was. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Old Owens 111-8 (40), Reepham & Salle 78 (34)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: None</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_narborough__challenge"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Reepham & Salle v Narborough (Challenge Cup Round 2)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 4th June 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>CUP RUN ENDED BY NARBOROUGH</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I> by Martin Hickling</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> After their giant killing exploits against Alliance side Hellesdon in the previous round, RSCC welcomed Narborough to a sunny Salle for the second round of the Challenge Cup. </div> <bR> <div> No doubt with the sensational recent bowling performances of Saunders and Tipple in mind, Captain Henry won the toss and elected to field. </div> <bR> <div> Weather conditions fluctuated between sunshine and showers, with Tipple at times struggling with his footing on what was becoming a slightly greasy surface, but despite this the opening pair bowled fairly well, although no wickets came from their opening spells. Narborough's opener Arndt soon settled and started to score 4's freely with his favourite pull shot. Hansell at the other end played a supporting role but was run out by the sprightly Jacobs, who used his Kenny Everett hands to snaffle the ball and knock down the wickets from close range.</div> <bR> <div> Hollis entered the fray, and bowled consistent stuff early on to take the wicket of Narborough's No 3 Coe. At the other end Dr Raj bowled well disciplined, good length balls which Narborough struggled to score from, and took the wicket of King. The Doctor finished with excellent figures of 8-2-18-1. Hollis and Raj could have had more wickets; however the Narborough umpires were obviously under strict instructions to keep their hands in their pockets. Despite this, RSCC battled on. </div> <bR> <div> Arndt rode his luck, but continued to score freely and was joined at the crease by Green who also scored well. It was not until the RSCC pace man Briggs entered the arena that the wicket of Arndt fell, bowled by a wrong `un, for 85. RSCC struggled with the lack of a 5th bowler (Meek was having a sewing machine test), and Hickling's cameo appearance only reinforced that fact. Narborough finished with Green undefeated on 58, and a total of 195-4, a good but not unachievable total, on what had been described by ex-skip-cum-groundsman Hollis as a 200+ wicket.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC started their innings with high hopes, and Tipple started like a man possessed with some magnificent shots and RSCC raced ahead of the run rate. Unfortunately, Tipple was soon caught on 27, with Henry following soon after in the same manner. Houldey and Austin steadied the ship, although it soon appeared to run aground. Overs 10 through to 20 produced a mere 11 runs and RSCC were falling seriously behind the run rate. Narborough bowled steady, good length balls with Fox the pick of the bowlers with 8 overs for just 7 runs. Houldey eventually fell for 25 and the dogged Austin for 1. RSCC still had a faint chance when Hollis came to the crease; however he soon fell for 10. Briggs and Harwood continued to plug away, but RSCC had too much to do and at end of play RSCC were 70 runs short and out of the competition. It was a disappointing result, as Narborough did not seem as good a side as Hellesdon in the previous round. However, our bowlers and batsman can all learn something from the game, and RSCC must pick themselves up and look forward to the next league game against Hardingham.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Narborough 195-4 (40), Reepham & Salle 125-6 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Narborough progress to Round 3</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: n/a</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_raj.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Dr Raj</B></U></A> (fine bowling display and passionate appealing!)</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_hardingham__league_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Reepham & Salle v Hardingham (League)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 11th June 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>BATTLING WIN FOR REEPHAM IN SALLE SCORCHER</B></FONT> <I>by David Henry</I></div> <bR> <div> With the temperature gauge reaching 29<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >o</FONT>C, the wicket looking like something found at Heathrow and players feeling the effects of England's first game win in the World Cup both side eagerly awaited the toss with neither side looking forward to a stint in the field on such a scorching day. Fortunately, the visiting skipper called incorrectly and RSCC had no doubt but to bat first.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC started brightly scoring at around 5 run per over but lost both Tipple and Houldey before the score reached 30. Henry and Briggs looked comfortable and continued the scoring rate but when Henry's wicket fell at 53, RSCC were in danger of not making the most of an exceptional batting wicket. Hollis and Briggs dug in but the runs continued to flow with both batsman showing patience but punishing the bad ball. Assisted by some poor bowling RSCC started to amass a competitive score assisted by the extra's total reaching 47. The pair batted for 20 overs and put on 111 runs before Hollis finally fell for 46. Briggs, regretting his pre-match pavlova was struggling in the heat but continued to a fine half century before finally falling for 62, a critical innings that was the glue to RSCC's score. A brisk 21no by Harwood took the final score to 213, which although a good score would take some defending on such a good wicket.</div> <bR> <div> Hardingham started strongly with both openers looking comfortable and very few chances being created by RSCC. The pair took the score to 50 by the 13<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over when the RSCC skipper turned to Doctor Raj. This was rewarded by the Doctor bowling a tight line and length and capturing the first wicket LBW. This had the reverse effect as this caused the remaining opener Daynes, to open his shoulders and accelerate the scoring rate. The scoring continued with Hardingham reaching 150 in the 30<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over and looking as if the game was theirs. The RSCC skip had no option but to return to his opening bowlers to try and get an all important wicket. With the scoring rate being slowed by Tipple and Saunders, Saunders tempted Daynes to pull a good length ball which has skied to the ever dependable Harwood. RSCC were back in the game with Daynes falling for an impressive 83. RSCC were then able to slow the scoring rate and with the run rate rising wickets started to fall with a cool run out by Tipple and two further wickets for Saunders both caught by Harwood. Hardingham had left themselves too much to do needing 17 from the final over. Tipple took the responsibility and bowled a tidy over to bring RSCC home for a 12 run victory.</div> <bR> <div> A great result for RSCC against one of the league favourites and a great game for the RSCC and Hardingham supporters on a perfect summer's day. RSCC never gave up, fielded excellently and in the end deserved the victory.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 213-5 (40), Hardingham 202-6 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 19 points, Hardingham 8 points</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: 3rd</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_t__briggs.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Timmy Briggs</B></U></A> (An excellent innings that was the backbone of the RSCC score)</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="bacton_v_reepham___salle__league_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Bacton v Reepham & Salle (League)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 18th June 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>GRUMPY OLD MEN WOULD SAY...</B></div> <div> <I>Words by Jim Everton</I></div> <bR> <div> RSCC coasted home eventually despite heckling from a couple of grumpy old men in front of the pavilion. </div> <div> Our opening bowlers, who are rapidly eatablishing a reputation throughout North Norfolk, began by conceding eleven runs in the first eleven overs. The captain then brought on his predecessor to make some sort of game of it and this worked well. In fact, had not Tim Briggs, by bowling very slowly, very straight and somewhere near a length, taken four quick wickets we might have been in trouble. Tom and Danny then cleared away the tail without any trouble. The one major criticism was that eighteen wides were bowled, not only eighteen extra runs automatically but eighteen extra bowls (balls?) as well.</div> <bR> <div> In response David and Danny opened as well as could be expected against bowling which, rather like ours, seemed to move sideways uncontrollably both in the air and off the seam. Our skipper, who has not yet produced his best batting this season, hopefully not because of the added responsibility, was out relatively quickly but Danny and Boycey played sensibly, too sensibly according to the grumpy old men who wanted a few more short singles, to take us through to victory. Danny, wioth the help of two late sixes, got to fifty but the two innings were of equal worth. We await the 'fifty' jug.</div> <bR> <div> The grumpy old men would say that against stronger opposition the wides and missed singles coul prove the difference between victory and defeat.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bacton 107-9 (39.3), Reepham & Salle 108-1 (29.4)</B></div> <div> <I>Bacton 4 points, Reepham & Salle 21 points</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: 2nd</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_t__briggs.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Timmy Briggs</B></U></A> (Slow, straight and on somewhere near a length)</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_halvergate__league_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Reepham & Salle v Halvergate (League)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 3rd July 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>RUNS DRY UP IN THE SUN</B></div> <bR> <div> After the last two outings and lying second in the table, Reepham and Salle looked in good shape and could have reasonably be expected to put up a good fight and defeat third place Halvergate.  However, the old problem of falling fifty or so runs short of setting a competitive target reared its ugly head once more.</div> <bR> <div> David Henry (12) fighting against poor form with the bat since assuming the captaincy, failed to capitalise on a solid start. Tipple in contrast in a rich vein of form made an attractive forty-five, but again didn't quite make the most of his start.  Looking confident a big score should have been a matter of course, but a loss of concentration allowed Carter to splay the stumps just as he done with Henry.  Hollis (21) contributed, but as was the pattern for the day missed out on building on a good start, caught off the slow right-arm of the innocuous looking Brook.  Things looked dire at 123 for 7 in the thirty-second over, with Austin looking solid but scoring very slowly.  Vokes entered the fray with a couple of lusty blows and injected a bit of urgency which seemed to rub off on the rest of the tail.  Austin took up the challenge and became a man possessed scoring 32 of his 39 runs in less than half the time it took to get the first 7.  The total positively raced to 186, with the last wicket falling with four balls to spare.  Clearly 225 plus would have been the ideal, but Reepham were going to have to make the most of it, worryingly without their premier bowler Tom Saunders.</div> <bR> <div> The home side managed to just about maintain control for the first fifteen overs, with the visitors reaching 73-3, with Meek taking all three wickets.  The tide turned as Vokes miss-judged Cook's cut into gulley and had to leave the field with a broken finger.  Cook went on to score 53 before being removed by Meek (4-52), who was stepping into Saunders' shoes quite nicely.  The remaining Halvergate batsmen, plucked out of their Saturday first team rode their luck successfully and the total of 186 began to look woeful.  Eventually the visitors reached 189 for the loss of five wickets with a plentiful 9 overs to spare, leaving the Reepham batsmen (not for the first time) regretting not getting the extra runs in the first innings.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham finished up dropping two places in the table as their other close rivals Hardingham recorded a win.  With Worstead, at the mid-point of the season starting to run away with it, next week's match at Worstead will be crucial to Reepham and Salle's hopes for glory in 2006.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 186 (39.2), Halvergate 189-5 (30.4)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 8 points, Hardingham 21 points</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: 4th</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_meek.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Adam Meek</B></U></A> (Four out of the five Reepham wickets taken and under pressure)</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="worstead_v_reepham___salle__league_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Worstead v Reepham & Salle (League)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 9th July 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>CLOSE BATTLE TIPS WORSTEAD WAY DESPITE HENRY TON</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I> By D. Tipple</I></FONT></div> <bR> <div> After a good start to the season Reepham & Salle were ready as always to tackle there old foes in the usual manner.</div> <div> After winning the toss and electing to bat Reepham got off to a flying start with Henry and Tipple playing the Worstead bowlers confidently resulting in 67 being made for the first wicket. After the loss of Tipple being bowled for 21 Houldey joined Henry at the crease and the pair continued the good start, both playing aggressively and finding the boundary regularly. Houldey was the next to go via a Hemp caught and bowled effort for 15. Hollis now joined the hungry for runs Henry and the pair put on a partnership of 107 for the third wicket of which Hollis made a tidy 28 and gave Henry as much strike as possible. The Reepham innings closed on 231 for 3. Harwood and Henry being the not out batsmen, Harwood with 5 and Henry with a colossal new club individual record score of 138.</div> <div> The Worstead innings started well with Stebbings cracking a few boundarys and his partner Toll holding up the other end well. Toll was the first to go smartly run out for 4. Beeden was the incoming batsmen and with Stebbings took the score past 100 until Stebbings egded a delivery from Saunders and was caught neatly for 57. At this point Reepham looked the more likely to win with the necessary run rate now at 7.5 per over. However Norton and Beeden blasted 90 off the next 8 overs to make Worstead the new favourites. Reepham struggled from there onwards as Worstead reached the target with 3 overs remaining. Craig Beeden being Worstead's top scorer and indeed hero with 76.</div> <div> Worstead showed today that they were real competitors although Reepham had themselves to blame for the period in which they let the hosts back into the game in the second innings. Still though some positives can be taken note of. Henry's 138 being the main one.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 231-3 (40), Worstead 232-4 (37)</B></div> <div> <I>Worstead 17 points, Reepham & Salle 8 points</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: 4th</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_henry.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>D. Henry</B></U></A> (138 not out...)</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="old_catton_v_reepham___salle__league_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Old Catton v Reepham & Salle (League)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 30th July 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>RECUMBANT REEPHAM STRUGGLE</B></div> <bR> <div> A tired looking display by Reepham & Salle in all departments allows an average looking Old Catton side victory in a match, on paper Reepham could and should have won.</div> <bR> <div> After winning the toss and opting to bat on a dusty, dry pitch things looked promising, especially with Tipple (24) playing some nice shot in his opening gambit.  However, Tipple along with all other Reepham batsmen never really managed to build on good starts with Austin top-scoring with 36.  The outfield didn't help either, which was deceptively slow as boundary were few and far between.  The highlight of the batting performances was Raj's last ball slog for 3 runs, which says a lot...</div> <bR> <div> The target of 153 look a little short, but not a complete disaster, but Catton proved otherwise with their number one bat Boulton staying at the crease and riding his luck.  Reepham struggled to get the field right to his ungainly batting style and the opening bowlers, Tipple (1-34) and Saunders (1-27) never really got into the groove despite taking a wicket a piece.  Catches were dropped in all quarters and no-end of chances just missed fielders and the stand-in keeper, Hickling.  Hollis extracted some control in the middle overs, as did Raj (1-31) with his slower than usual off-breaks, but it was sadly not enough as the home side cruised on despite Boulton, now passed fifty continuing to offer chances.  By the drinks break it Reepham heads had dropped, the atmosphere had gone cold and some players had fallen asleep on their feet.  Old Catton finished the job with 7 wickets and 7 overs to spare with Boulton on an unbeaten 75.</div> <bR> <div> After this performance Reepham will have to spend some time thinking about why every season they have a game like this one when the team looks tired, un-motivated and just does not to deliver the goods?</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 152-8 (40), Old Catton 153-3 (33.3)</B></div> <div> <I>Old Catton 20 points, Reepham & Salle 7 points</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: </B><B>4th</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_raj.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Raj</B></U></A><B> </B>(Most entertaining batting and his first six overs were outstanding)</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_bacton__league_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Reepham & Salle v Bacton (League)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 27th August 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>REEPHAM FINISH A WET AUGUST ON A HIGH</B></div> <bR> <div> With a serious lack of Cricket in August due to clubs calling off matches and the inclement weather the visit of Bacton to Salle was to provide the first competitive challenge for Reepham for a month.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham elected to bat after winning the toss and started about amassing a good total with a revised batting order.  New opener Mike Austin succumbed early though and took the field as Bacton were two short and then promptly caught Henry (18), which surely must be one of the most bizarre starts to a Reepham innings ever.  Hollis and Harwood set about the Bacton attack scoring freely in what were quite difficult batting conditions, with a wicket that was slow and low, compounded by the visitors' slow bowling line-up.  Hollis fell on 59 caught, again bizarrely by Henry who had taken the field for Bacton. Tipple blasted a quick 21, whilst Harwood (39no) plodded on aided by a feisty 16 not out by Hickling.  The total set of 180 looked good given the way the pitch was playing and for once gave the home bowlers something to have a go at.</div> <bR> <div> Bacton got off to the worst possible start loosing opener Cobb without a run on the board, brilliantly bowled by Saunders. Carter succumbed to Saunders a dew balls later, which opened the flood gates.  Wickets fell rhythmically, with only Gale (21) and a cameo at the end by Searby (29) getting into double figures.  The wickets were evenly shared out between the other bowlers used, with only Tipple and Hollis missing on a strike.  Bacton finished some 77 runs behind allowing Reepham and Sale to take a much needed maximum 21 points.</div> <bR> <div> A better batting and fielding performance was evident by Reepham in this match and clearly showed what had been lacking in their last outing against Old Catton way back in July.  Hope resounds for the final two matches this season with a top three finish in the division not out of the question.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 180-5 (40), Bacton 103 (39)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Bacton 6 points</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: </B><B>4th</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_j__hollis.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>J. Hollis</B></U></A><B> </B>(Well engineered fifty in difficult batting conditions)</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="gressenhall_swan_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Gressenhall Swan v Reepham & Salle</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Saturday 2nd September 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>COMFORTABLE ASHES WIN SECURES 4-2 SERIES LEAD FOR REEPHAM</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="60644f30.jpg" border=0 width="324" height="243" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">The sixth match in the now infamous “Ashes” series took place at Salle and was probably the only game played in Norfolk that day, due to torrential rain.  However, the micro-climate in Salle allowed the game to go ahead even if condition were a little moist!</div> <bR> <div> The Swan fielding a weaker than normal side, went out in their first innings and found the going tough with a total of 6 players bagging ducks.  Tiny (31*), Toby (22) and Nick (19) managed to add an air of respectability, taking the score to 87.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham replied with 137-3, with Hickling (25*), Hollis (29*) and Harwood (25*) all retiring in convincing form.  The highlight of the home side's first batting venture was undoubtedly Doctor Raj's blistering 21 including four boundaries, a rare occurrence this season for Reepham's full time number eleven!</div> <bR> <div> The Swan's second out proved to be more profitable, with Will Rist leading the charge with an unbeaten 46 from his two visits to the crease.  The visitors would have piled on a very competitive total had Nick and Toby not committed suicide with their first shots, the brothers each having the honour of golden ducks.  As it was 210, of which 123 was scored in the second innings, was the total Reepham & Salle had to chase.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham lost Collis early doors, but Vokes made a lightening quick 29 before retiring, 26 of the runs coming in boundaries.  Henry added 20 before being bowled, which left Harwood and Tipple to bring the side home with 5 overs to spare.</div> <bR> <div> In the end a comfortable win for Reepham, but they must expect a tougher fight next year as the Swan are sure to want to claw their way back in the series, now in it's sixth year.  Dr Raj collected the Ashes back at the Swan Pub in Gressenhall, but to everyone's disappointment didn't make a speech.  However, he made up for that by getting drunk and falling out of the car when he got back to Norwich!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Swan 87 & 123, Reepham & Salle 137-2 & 74-3</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle win 2006 Ashes by 7 wickets</I></div> <div> <B>Ashes Series Standings: RSCC (4), Swan (2) </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_vokes.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>P. Vokes</B></U></A><B> </B>(Mouth-watering 29no in second innings to secure the Ashes)</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_cringleford__league_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Reepham & Salle v Cringleford (League)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 10th September 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>SUNSHINE BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <bR> <div> After missing out on a trip to Cringleford earlier in the season due to inclement weather, Reepham were looking forward to hosting the team lying one place below in the division.  For once the sun was shining and as has been the case this year, Reepham & Salle play better in good weather…</div> <bR> <div> Wit the toss won and Henry, with new opening partner Mike Austin at the crease all was set for a promising innings.  However, Austin fell to a debatable lbw in the seventh over and conditions looked less than favourable to bat in, with the ball playing low and slow off the pitch.  The scoring remained a slow with 50 coming in the seventeenth over, as Hollis knurdled away for 40 balls before reaching a score of 10.  No one is sure what happened in the eighteenth over, but both Henry and Hollis found their touch and score bounced along at eight to ten an over?  Henry made an excellent 103, before being bowled and Hollis and unbeaten 69, leaving Cringle ford a target of 230 to chase.</div> <bR> <div> When the visitors came out they found it similarly difficult to score early doors, but unlike Reepham lost wickets as the batsmen toiled away.  Only Palser offered higher order resistance before being caught behind off Vokes' off spin for 26.  After that Cringleford almost ground to a halt, with 30 overs only seeing 75 on the board.  A nice little cameo of 30 not out from Thompson brightened things up a little, but by this time the game was already lost. The visitors crept to 110-9, with the final wicket (and point) eluding the Reepham bowlers.</div> <bR> <div> A good win, giving Reepham & Salle sniff of snatching third place in the division if a win over Halvergate materialises next Sunday.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 230-5 (40), Cringleford 110-9 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 20 points, Cringleford 6 points</I></div> <div> <B>League Position: </B><B>4th</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_henry.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>D. Henry</B></U></A><B> </B>(Solid 103 in unfavourable batting conditions)</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="halvergate_v_reepham___salle__league_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B><U>Halvergate v Reepham & Salle (League)</U></B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 17th September 2006</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>POOR BATTING COSTS THIRD PLACE IN DIVISION THREE</B></div> <bR> <div> RSCC travelled to Halvergate in the last game of the season with the possibility of sneaking third place in the league if a convincing victory could be gained.</div> <bR> <div> The task would be difficult. RSCC needed a minimum of 20 points from a maximum of 21 from a strong Halvergate team who had already secured the runners up spot in the league.</div> <bR> <div> Although late September, it was a hot and overcast day. The wicket looked flat and dry but neither skipper were to sure what to do. Halvergate won the toss and decided to bat.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC opening bowlers had been in fine form and nearly got of to the best of starts as the Halvergate skipper was inches away from played on to the first ball of the innings. Halvergate found it difficult to score and Reepham were up beat. Wickets started to fall with excellent contributions from all RSCC bowlers with the veteran Hollis bowling a tight 10 over spell and the young Jake Sutch and David Boycott both bowling tightly and confidently against strong opposition. The main stay of the Halvergate innings was their Skipper who so nearly fell first ball. He battled for 32 overs to reach 65 before being bowled by Tipple who produced an excellent spell of fast bowling.</div> <bR> <div> Halvergate concluded their innings on 148 for 8 and RSCC had taken the 8 wickets they needed to make the 20 points required possible. Reepham had put in an excellent performance and the controlled bowling of all bowlers and the tight fielding had put them in an excellent position.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC were to be positive on what appeared to be a good wicket but got off to a terrible start. The Reepham skipper who scored a 100 the week before edged a short wide delivery to the wicket keeper with the score on 0. This put Reepham on the back foot but Joe Hollis and Mike Austin had time on their side and dug in slowly progressing the score. Reepham started to loose wickets with batsman struggling against a tight bowling attack. Only Hollis with eventually fell for 54 put any sort of score together. With the fall of Hollis wicket went Reepham's chances with the remaining batsmen all falling cheaply with RSCC concluding on 91 all out.</div> <bR> <div> A disappointing end to the game with RSCC having to be content with forth spot in the league. However, positives can always be taken. The opening bowling partnership of Saunders and Tipple have ended the season on excellent form. If that form can be continued and the luck missing on so many occasions this season can be found they can trouble any team. Also the development of young players like Jake Sutch and David Boycott is great to see and great for the club. I'm sure these players will have a positive influence on the results next season.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Halvergate 146-8 (40), Reepham & Salle 94 (35.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Halvergate 21 points, Reepham & Salle 7 points</I></div> <div> <B>Final League Position: </B><B>4th</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_j__hollis.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>J. Hollis</B></U></A><B> </B>(Stood out like a shining light with the bat, scoring more than the rest of the team put together - but he got out, and hense lost the game! )</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="2007_season"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>2007 SEASON</B></div> <div> <A HREF="#hardingham_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Hardingham (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#ashmanhaugh_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Asmanhaugh (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#aldborough_v_reepham___salle__1_" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Aldborough (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#sheringham_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sheringham (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#bradenham_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradenham (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_u11_v_horsford_u11" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Horsford u11 (home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_bradfield" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradfield (home)</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#happisburgh_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Happisburgh (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#cringleford_lodge_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Cringleford (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_beeston" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Beeston (home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_sheringham" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Sheringham (home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_bradenham" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradenham (home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_bacton" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bacton (home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_cringleford_lodge" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Cringleford (home)</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#gressenhall_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Gressenhall (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_aldborough" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Aldborough (home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_old_catton" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Old Catton (home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_the_lenches" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Lenches (home)</U></A></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="hardingham_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>Hardingham v Reepham & Salle</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 22nd April </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>WHAT FUN!</B></div> <bR> <div> The day after England scraped home against the West Indies by one wicket off the penultimate ball RSCC did the same against Hardingham, but this time off the last ball.  It was a great afternoon's cricket for each member of our team, ranging in age from Paul Harwood to Simon Harwood, played his part.  Not that it started particularly well…</div> <bR> <div> Our bowling and ball stopping were initially a little creaky although some of the misjudgements could be blamed on a wicket of variable bounce and a rutted outfield.  However, the surface could not be blamed for our dropping a number of catches of varying degrees of difficulty.  Despite our errors everyone tried, which is the main thing, particularly the younger members.  The total of 202 against us seemed difficult, but not impossible.</div> <bR> <div> The batting order began with our more experienced players.  While Joe and Danny established themselves and then chipped easy catches, David took the opportunity for some sensible batting practice until he had sorted the pace of the pitch.  He then took thirty in an over from their leg spinner, who kindly gave the ball so much air that it didn't have a chance to spin before David hit it, and retired.  After that nearly (no names) everyone made a contribution, young and old, and it was fitting that Joe Wright should hit the winning two off the last ball.</div> <bR> <div> The highlight of the day had to be the batting of Raj, my Man of the Match, who treated the opposition bowling with contempt as he smashed it to the (mainly mid-wicket) boundary.  Finally he deliberately attempted to spoon the ball over both his and the wicket keeper's heads while standing as if playing “French cricket”.  Even though he was caught and bowled it was a hysterical moment.</div> <bR> <div> All this, a friendly opposition and super tea.  Who wants League Cricket?</div> <bR> <div> <B>Hardingham 202-6, Reepham & Salle 203-9</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 1 wicket</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_raj_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Doctor Raj</B></U></A> (His batting was the highlight of the day)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="ashmanhaugh_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>Ashmanhaugh v Reepham & Salle</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 29th April </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by David Henry</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>ASHMANHAUGH REDUCED TO ASHES</B></div> <bR> <div> RSCC travelled to Ashmanhaugh for the first league game of the season expecting a stern test against one of the leagues strongest clubs. Unfortunately Ashmanhaugh had forgotten that April games started at 1pm (awaiting apology) which gave RSCC an opportunity to carryout some fielding practice prior to the start of the game. As the league rules state the late team forfeit the toss so on a hard but uneven surface RSCC asked Ashmanhaugh to bat.</div> <bR> <div> Reephams opening bowlers of Saunders and Hollis bowled tightly and restricted the home team to 33 for 1 from the first 12 overs. Tipple supported by Dr Raj entered the battle and in the next 12 overs took the score to 55 for 7. Tipple bowled excellently and showed great controlled and critically bowled the Ashmanhaugh Aussie pro for 2 and removed the experienced opener Everet for 22. Tipple finished with the excellent figures of 6-1-6-2. Raj ably supported Tipple and profited from the batsman's inability to score and finished with excellent figures of 7-0-18-3. Adam Meek bowling for the first time this season following his unexpected return from Tractor College looked rusty to begin with but was too good for the lower order batmen and removed 2 wickets for 8 runs in 3 overs with all the runs coming in his first over.  Ashmanhaugh were struggling but a final wicket partnership of 20 added some respectability to the score before the Skipper turned to Saunders who polished off the innings for a score of 86.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC had bowled well but with 3 catches put down the fielding still needs improvement. The job was only half done and with the Aussie pro in the side RSCC still had some hard work to do to bring home the points.</div> <bR> <div> As expected, Ashmanhaugh opened the Reepham innings with the experienced Footer and the Aussie pro Inglais. Tipple back at the top of the order fell to the Aussies first ball of the second over for a duck and RSCC were in danger of an early collapse. With Henry and Hollis at the crease, Reephams most experienced batsmen, the next few overs would be critical to the outcome of the match. Both batsmen dug in and battled against some excellent bowling. Keeping calm was critical and both batsmen forgot the scoring rate and strived to see off the opening pair. Slowly runs started to come and in the 12<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over Henry hit Footer for and 6 and a 4 and the score moved on to 41 to 1. With the opening pair replaced scoring became easier and the total was reached in the 21<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >st</FONT> over with Henry unbeaten on 47 and Hollis 29 with the pair putting on a stand of 90.</div> <bR> <div> An excellent start to the league for RSCC against one of the fancied teams. RSCC are looking good this year. With some of the younger players a year older, stronger and experienced they look able to cause many teams problems this year.</div> <bR> <div> The Skip has criticised the team for wilting in the face of strong teams with overseas players and to put this right in the first league game of the season is an excellent result and should give the team great confidence for the rest of the season.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Ashmanhaugh 86 (33), Reepham & Salle 90-1 (20.2)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 9 wickets</I></div> <div> <I>Ashmanhaugh 3 points, Reepham & Salle 21 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 1st</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><B>Danny Tipple</B> - Despite dogged efforts with the bat to see the team home, he bowled two balls that won the game.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="aldborough_v_reepham___salle__1_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>Aldborough v Reepham & Salle (1)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 6th May </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Waffle by Joe Hollis</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>NO MORE SPROUTS</B></div> <bR> <div> Post Christmas lunch year after year I find myself flopping down into an armchair in a state of dribble and torpor where upon I enter a magical world of excitement, fantasy and intrigue, no more am I a fat overindulged whoopee cushion in the mould of J. Everton esquire but a sex god sporting hero, out for a good time. You might find me frequenting the bars and clubs of old Soho with a plethora of babes on each arm? A short hop across London you'll find me scoring the winner in the FA Cup final for the Joe Hollis appreciation 11. Then the icing on the cake, I'm back in the Norfolk mother land, Aldborough common to be exact, it's 1950 and I'm slapped in brillcream struggling to fight off the local broads, finally after years of wanting to play on this magical field of dreams I get the chance, I settle for a century, 7 wickets, 3 shags and 12 pints of your strongest beer landlord and please, no more sprouts!</div> <div>  </div> <div> Ah well, maybe it didn't quite live up to expectations but none the less playing on Aldborough common was a fantastic experience for me, as a passionate enthusiast of local club cricket, people and places. It really is a wonderful ground nearly as splendid as the church ground Salle.</div> <div>  </div> <div> In the field we put in a pretty impressive display with another young team out. Aldborough started well enough though, the opening pair a 14 year old Norfolk cap and the dark and mysterious force of Mr. Fisher taking them to 45 for no wicket early on in proceedings. Then the increasingly impressive Danny making his bow as R.S.C.C friendlies skipper brought himself on to bowl whereupon it became apparent that he was far too good for the opposition. It looked like men versus boys even though the stubborn Aldborough opener, the aloof Mr Fisher must have been at least 60yrs old.</div> <bR> <div> Danny having taken the lead with 2 quick wickets, bowling balls that looked like they belonged on the professional circuit and backed up by his calm, assured captaincy found his young litter together with one or two parasitic old liggers (Dave and Paul not me) eager to join in the feast, when it came it was savage. Young Hollis taking 3 victims to his dreaded lair, worn down by the incessant pressure and his refusal to bowl a wayward delivery. The Bard was ferocious in defence of anyone who dared to even think about writing a different script to the one he'd penned in his heart and soul, destroying stumps as well as lives in an all out attack on the indigenous folk. The fielding was inspired the Bard once more entering the fray throwing himself in line of rocket propelled balls in the deep with gay abandon. Matty Saunders in his long awaited come back game took two testing catches with aplomb with catch of the day reserved for Joe Wright showing brilliant judgement and reactions to remove a dangerous opponent. Aldborough were eventually bowled out for 90 after losing their last few wickets to the bowling of Wright and Sutch who gained vital match experience. </div> <div>  </div> <div> With long barriers and tidy throws all round the team looks like it has set out its stall on a programme of improvement and good cricketing practise; let's hope we can keep it up over the coming weeks?   </div> <div>  </div> <div> With 91 needed for victory and Danny feeling confident enough to experiment with the batting line up, opening himself with Paul Harwood they raced along towards the 40 mark Danny (25) unleashing his full repertoire of shots all around the ground and looking like his batting was ready to join his bowling in it's quality, before he replaced guile with unbalanced swagger having his middle stump removed after wafting uncontrollably, a shame as it was a mightily impressive start to an innings.</div> <bR> <div> Harwood was joined at the crease by the returning Matty Saunders who got off the mark with a tidy cut for 2 before unfortunately being bowled off the best delivery bowled by an Aldborough player all day.( not to worry Matty boy welcome back to the fold). Next up was the older but not wiser Saunders sibling Tom who after trying but failing to test the local 6 and out rule played across the line to a dolly bowled by a knowing Mr A. Sledger who knew of Tom only to well. Time to panic? Well certain ex skip was seen racing from square leg umpire and disappearing into the black boys to pad up chuntering to himself. He needn't have worried cometh the hour cometh the Harwood, not Paul he was by now on 3 not out with Mrs Harwood pleading for mercy, so it was left to young Simon who enjoyed his finest hour with R.S.C.C to date, at first battling against some fierce fast bowling before unleashing cover drives and deft cuts to take us over the line finishing 18 not out.</div> <bR> <div> PS: It was so nice to see our old gerries getting along with each other so well this week, long may it continue. I vote they have a bowl off or play a game of bouncers in the dark.</div> <div>  </div> <div> PPS: Come back soon Spider.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Aldborough 90 (30), Reepham & Salle 91-3 (27.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 7 wickets</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><B>Danny Tipple</B> <B>& </B><B>Simon Harwood</B> - I Couldn't split them</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="aldborough_v_reepham___salle__2_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Aldborough v Reepham & Salle (2)</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 6th May </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Danny Tipple</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>WINNING RUN CONTINUES</B></div> <bR> <div> With two good wins already behind them the Reepham posse approached the third match of a so far highly enjoyable season with great anticipation and were confident of a good result.</div> <bR> <div> On his first appearence as an RSCC captain Danny Tipple lost the toss and t=he opposition captain elected to bat on what seemed a fine batting surface.</div> <bR> <div> Aldborough began steadily with Ben Flanagan looking well set to build a good score as the openers made an opening partnership of 45.  Both opening bowlers did a sound job in restricting the runs but Tipple brought himself and Hollis on in search of a breakthrough.  They did just that.  Tipple removed flanagan and two others for figures of 6-4-7-3, and Hollis being just as destructive with 8-2-27-3.  Aldborough ended up all out for a pocket-sized =score of 90.  David Boycott also with hardworking figures of 4-1-12-2.  Other noticeable performances in the field were the well judged catch of Joe Wright, the safe hands of Matt Saunders (2 catches), and in his own mind David Henry for a catch made to look good due to his own poor sense of direction, i.e. running forwards rather than backwards.</div> <bR> <div> Tipple and Paul Harwood opened the batting for Reepham.  Tipple looked good for a short while hitting some nice boundries but was bowled via a Botwright yorker for 17.  Matt and Tom Saunders followed soon after both scoring two.  It was left to Paul and son Simon Harwood to bring the side home comfortably with a faultless partnership of 62, Paul with 44 not out and Simon with 17 not out</div> <bR> <div> Another top display by RSCC especially by the bowlers once again and particular good efforts from the younger team members again today.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Aldborough 90 (30), Reepham & Salle 91-3 (27.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 7 wickets</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>My Man of The Match:  </B><B>Simon Harwood</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="sheringham_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>Sheringham v Reepham & Salle</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 20th May </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Anon</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>A half-day in the life of a cricketer...</B></div> <div> <I>(Any connection with a normal living person is purely coincidental)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>1.50pm:</B>  Oops, late again. Just because the skipper wants us there half an hour early doesn't mean that we thrusting businessmen have to give up some of our valuable time to throw a ball around.</div> <bR> <div> <B>2.45pm:</B> A good start in spite of the fact that our star left arm bowler looks as if he was out “Clubbing” until dawn, which he was. Fortunately young Adam at the other end produces his best bowling since joining the Club and the Sheringham innings, despite the presence of two Saturday First Eleven players, stalls. I prepare myself to be called into action.</div> <bR> <div> <B>3.15pm:</B> There seems to be a slight problem. Either I am bowling mostly down the leg side or the opposition all want to hit me to leg. For some reason Paul, hampered by a bad back, seems to have to try to take nearly every ball at ankle height or below down the leg side. This means it usually hits him and rolls three metres forward so that he has to walk to pick it up.</div> <bR> <div> <B>3.45pm:</B> I'm taken off by the skipper with the comment that I look as if I was “Clubbing” until dawn. Clearly he doesn't appreciate my subtle changes of length and line.</div> <bR> <div> <B>4.15pm:</B> I want to know what Doctor Raj has got that I haven't, except for his being able to bowl straight and on a length. He wouldn't have got his first wicket if the skipper hadn't run fifty yards to take a “skyer” in the outfield. He wouldn't have done that for me. These professional men stick together. After that it was just a boring succession of straight balls. At least I shall be batting soon.</div> <bR> <div> <B>5.15pm:</B> We lose Danny early but, with some help from the skipper, I soon start to get us out of trouble.  It's actually quite good fun pushing the ball to cover and running up the wicket, only to shout “Waiting” after a few strides. It's even better when I don't shout at all. The skipper claims to have a pulled leg muscle as well.</div> <bR> <div> <B>7.00pm:</B> We've won but it got a bit farcical at the end. First the skipper tried to get the last six needed to win with one shot and was caught. Then I pushed the next ball to cover and ran, not noticing that I'd missed the ball and was about to be stumped by several yards. We lost three more wickets before we scraped the winning single.</div> <bR> <div> <B>7.30pm:</B> Now for more fun. How can I try to get the two old bores who follow us around at each others throats. It's great fun but might not last much longer.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sheringham 116 (38.1), Reepham & Salle 117-6 (33)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 4 wickets</I></div> <div> <I>Sheringham 7 points, Reepham & Salle 21 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 1st</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><B>Adam Meek</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="bradenham_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>Bradenham v Reepham & Salle</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 3rd June </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by David "The Bard" Boycott</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>SWEATING IT OUT FOR ANOTHER WIN</B></div> <bR> <div> It was a fine Sunday morning when eleven young(ish) men left the lush pastures of the Reepham in search of a cricketing challenge and win. Despite some minor hitches in getting to Bradenham the motley crew arrived in one piece and were promptly put in to field under the blazing sun.</div> <bR> <div> Bradenham's opening partnership seemed to be doing well on what must be the least helpful pitch all season and with Adam and Tom toiling away the rewards were slow in coming until Tommy bowled Stolworthy round his legs. Adam gave one of his most consistent spells all season and Tom yet again delivered the goods and, apparently unimpaired by the previous night's excesses, managed to jeopardise the fertility of one of the opening bats with a vicious ball which surprised the batsman by not bouncing. Danny was brought on to tear the batting order to shreds and his pace ensured that the runs were slow in coming, bowling in tandem with Joe “The Demon” Hollis the batting runs became harder and harder to come by. The Doctor not content with standing in the wings of this bowling performance soon leapt into action, taking two wickets in his 10 over spell and bowling very well at the death.</div> <bR> <div> Despite heat intense enough to burn the skin off a donkey's rump the team fielded well, a special mention to Mr Hickling who may well need several trips to the hospital to ensure the use of his fingers is preserved after taking the gloves last minute and employing the “human shield” approach to wicket keeping with impressive results. Astute captaincy and a heroic bowling performance meant that Reepham had the target of 171 runs in order to maintain their 100% record so far this season.</div> <bR> <div> After sweating out what appeared to be enough to fill a swimming pool Reepham went out to bat with their hearts emboldened and their souls enlightened. Tipple was unlucky to be out early and the Captain and Joe settled in. Crisis struck when Joe was bowled on 11 almost immediately followed by Matty Saunders with Tom risking his rise home giving him out lbw.</div> <bR> <div> Hearts in their mouths fearing another infamous batting collapse the rest of the team watched Harwood Senior stride out to bat with violence in mind. Blades a-flashing in the blood red evening sun Henry and Harwood, the batting partnership from a bowler's darkest nightmares, put the Bradenham bowling attack the sword. After nearly putting a hole in one of the more junior members of the fielding side the Captain followed it up middling the ball over the stream into the woods. He was out shortly afterwards. Two more wickets would fall before Reepham made the total with entertaining, if somewhat brief, cameos from Dr Raj and Martin Hickling (who would no doubt blame his keeping injuries) before Vokes made the total with a coruscating four off what appeared to be a prepubescent bowler, still they all count.</div> <bR> <div> A brilliant team effort preserved the winning streak with what would appear to be the supreme team of the league. Only time will tell, how far they will go?</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bradenham 170-5 (40), Reepham & Salle 173-6 (36.2)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 4 wickets</I></div> <div> <I>Sheringham 9 points, Reepham & Salle 18 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 2nd</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_hickling_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Martin Hickling</B></U></A> (For a wicket keeping performance worthy of a knighthood)</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_u11_v_horsford_u11"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle U11 v Horsford U11</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 10th June</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Paul Harwood</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>FIRST EVER YOUTH MATCH</B></div> <bR> <div> This day was a very special occasion for R&SCC as it saw our first ever junior match played at the ground.  The Sunday morning may have started off damp and muggy but it didn't seem to worry either team and the colts were eager join in battle. </div> <bR> <div> The Reepham and Salle skipper, Jack Parker, won the toss and, without a moments hesitation, stuck the opposition in.  He had obviously decided his pace attack could make use of the early damp and overcast conditions to extract some extra bounce and swing to worry the Horsford openers.</div> <bR> <div> However, it was the Horsford batting which was soon firing on all cylinders as the Reepham & Salle bowlers found the wet ball hard to control. Wides and No balls kept the scoreboard ticking along.  The bowlers stuck valiantly to their task against the more experienced opposition and Horsford posted a hefty 326 from their allotted 20 overs. By way of explanation for those new to U11 cricket, each team starts with 200 runs and loses 5 runs every time they lose a wicket.  No Balls and Wides count as 2 runs but the extra deliveries are not bowled.</div> <bR> <div> When Reepham and Salle came to bat they found the seasoned Horsford bowlers were quickly into their stride and finding a good line and length.  Runs off the bat were proving hard to come by and the tight and disciplined bowling ensured wickets fell steadily.  From their 20 overs, Reepham & Salle's score eventually amounted to 157 runs.</div> <bR> <div> Against a vastly more practiced side, Reepham & Salle gave an excellent account of themselves and the experienced gained will prove invaluable for future matches.  </div> <bR> <div> The game was played in a competitive and very friendly spirit and Joe and myself would like to extend our thanks to the Horsford coaches, Lester and Dave and to the Horsford Colts for making this historic day a hugely memorable and enjoyable one.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Horsford 326, Reepham & Salle 159</B></div> <div> <I>Horsford won by 167 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>The Reepham & Salle U11 team was...</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Jack Parker <I>(Captain/Wicket Keeper)</I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Theo Durban</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Imogen Guymer</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Stuart Miller</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Aaron Kidd</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Sam Crafer</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Stuart Brown</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Matty Kennedy</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Ben Ferenczy</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_bradfield"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle v Bradfield</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 10th June </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by David Henry</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>LONG AWAITED HOME WIN</B></div> <bR> <div> RSCC finally got to play their first home league game of the season when they entertained Bradfield.</div> <bR> <div> On a green, wet wicket it was no surprise on winning the toss that the Bradfield skipper asked Reepham to bat.</div> <bR> <div> It soon became clear that batting would be difficult in the conditions with Bradfield's bowling well assisted by the swinging new ball. Henry and Tipple dug in and slowly accumulated runs putting on 71 for the first wicket. Hollis continued the stubborn defence until both he and Tipple fell in the 33 over with the score at 122. RSCC were still short of the par score, but 20 in 20 balls from Matt Saunders and a more sedate 7 in 18 balls by Paul Harwood developed the position. The highlight of the innings was to come with the last ball. Saunders fell leaving Doctor Raj to face the last ball of the innings. Something always happens when the Doctor bats and this was to be no exception as he smashed the last ball for six over extra cover leaving him with the perfect strike rate of 600.</div> <div> RSCC's innings concluded on 164 for 5 which was considered par but not great given the conditions.</div> <bR> <div> The Bradfield innings started brightly with the visitors racing to 50 for 0 after 10 overs. The Reepham skippers persisted with the opening bowler Tom Saunders who rewarded this decision by taking the first three Bradfield wickets and bowling a 10 over spell of 10-1-25-3. Bradfield were still in the driving seat as they reached 92 for 3 in the 26<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over but 2 wickets to the Doctor and the critical wicket of Wiseman for 0 ( thanks to an excellent catch by Matt Saunders) swung the game back to RSCC. Tipple returned to the attack and removed 3 quick wickets giving excellent figures of 8-4-18-3. David Boycott took the final wicket leaving Bradfield all out for 125 in the 36<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over.</div> <bR> <div> The winning margin of 39 runs didn't reflect the close nature of the game and Bradfield were left reflecting on some impatient batting in the top order that could easily has reversed the result, however RSCC were grateful for the maximum 21 points that would keep them top of the league.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 164-5 (40), Bradfield 125 (36)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 39 runs</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Bradfield 7 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 1st</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_raj_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Rajiv Choudhary</B></U></A> (Tidy bowling, nice catch, and a tasty straight six of the last ball)</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="happisburgh_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Happisburgh v Reepham & Salle</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 17th June </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Danny Tipple</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>TURKEY KNOCKS STUFFING OUT OF HAPPY BURGERS</B></div> <bR> <div> Sometimes in life you know whether a friendly game of cricket will be a good spirited outing before the match has begun.  Indeed I certainly felt this as I watched and chuckled as the Saunders brothers argued whether to turn left or right at a junction on our way to Happisburgh.</div> <bR> <div> We started well having lost the toss.  I felt in good touch during my short time at the crease but succumb to a mind boggling and unplayable delivery from Catchpole.  Matt Saunders and Joe Hollis thereafter knocked the ball around well with Matt playing with a whole new level of concentration that we never used to associate with his style of batting.  Joe eventually spooned a catch and went for 23.  Matt continued well before getting out in a similar fashion for 53.  From there on it was all about David Henry smashing the ball all over the field and neighbouring fields with even some fielders walking away from the possibility of attempting a catch from his mighty blade?  Able assistance was also given from Joe Wright (12), Simon Harwood (7) and Tom Saunders (7*).</div> <bR> <div> For not the first time this season RSCC then went on to bowl a side out for 100 or less.  This time it being Happisburgh bowled out for 94.  Jack Sutch and Tom Saunders opened the bowling well.  Both picking up a deserved wicket each until Tom came off feeling tired, giving George Wright his first chance to shine as an RSCC member.  I replaced the exhausted Saunders and removed the 3 batsmen that appeared to offer a threat to the RSCC target finishing with 3 wickets off 2 overs.  Afterwards the match slew down and became a true friendly which was enjoyable for all present to see with older members u=sing every part of the body to gather in catches, Liam Kelly with three.  And also Gerald Rowe after a top effort behind the stumps bowled an economical spell with the reward of the final wicket.  Joe Wright Also bowled well grabbing three wickets, and his brother George with one.  Also a good debut for Cameron Clapton who bowled 6 hardworking overs without reward due to the competitive RSCC skipper dropping a regulation catch at mid-wicket.</div> <bR> <div> To summarise it was another good team effort from the Reepham posse with everyone contributing in their own charismatic way.  And therefore was a great game for me to skipper and at times observe.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Happisburgh 94 (34.4), Reepham & Salle 191-5 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 97 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><B>Matt Saunders</B> (Showed great batting maturity in building a solid foundation for the Reepham & Salle innings)</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="cringleford_lodge_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Cringleford Lodge v Reepham & Salle</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 24th June </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by The Bard</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>GLOOM TURNS TO JOY</B></div> <bR> <div> It was a gloomy day when Reepham and Salle set of in search of another consecutive league victory and little did they know it then but they were not to be disappointed. Despite some navigational complications arising between some of the team members whilst trying to find Cringleford the team arrived physically unscathed at the club. Reepham were put in to bat on what appeared to be a somewhat soggy pitch they looked to make a good start.</div> <bR> <div> Despite an impressive opening spells from Cringleford's bowlers Reepham survived with the loss of only one wicket, Danny Tipple pinned leg before by a jaffer. With Joe and David at the crease Reepham began to forge ahead with the pitch playing much better than any expected. With some blistering shots being played by both players the runs were soon piling on top of a team already demoralised by the weather.</div> <bR> <div> After making an expertly paced 77 the skipper ran out of steam and was caught out trying to take the leather off of the ball with a huge shot. Soon after he had returned to the pavilion Joe surpassed his score with 78 and Matt set about adding insult to injury with some massive sixes and making a scorching 30 including a final six which seemed to defy the laws of physics.</div> <bR> <div> So after one of the best batting performances of the season the team now set their sights on bowling Cringleford out before the weather ruined all of the team's efforts. With this thought in mind Tom promptly uprooted Cringleford's opening bat's stump with his first ball and Salle smelt blood. Wickets fell with almost doom-laden inevitability as Reepham's bowlers inexorably tore the heart out of Cringleford's batting line-up. Disciplined bowling from all of Salle's bowlers was the key to the victory, though this was well backed up by professional fielding with few chances wasted. Danny Tipple bowled particularly well though missed out on that elusive five-for which seems set to evade him.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 212-2 (40), Cringleford Lodge 56 (36)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 156 runs</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Cringleford Lodge 3 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 1st</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: ?</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_beeston"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle v Beeston</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 15th July </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Reported by Danny Tipple</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>ON A TYPICAL SUMMER DAY...</B></div> <bR> <div> Danny Tipple took charge of his third RSCC match and for the third time lost the toss and was asked to field by the Beeston skipper.  It had been agreed before the match that Beeston would play with 12 players and that RSCC could do the same if they wished to do so.  They didn't.</div> <bR> <div> David Boycott opened the bowling with Jack Such as his partner at the other= end, both bowling well with good pace.  Suchy struck first and indeed second for that matter both with the assistance of Adam Meek's safe hands. David Boycott blasted the stumps in devastating fashion to run out the number three batsmen.  And Beeston soon found themselves 40 for 4.  Joe Wright and Ben Briggs ensured the wickets kept coming with 5 between them.  This left the score at 101 for 8.  Eager to make a game of it Danny turned to Martin with the hope he would even the playing field- not that martin knew this at the time! He did exactly the opposite of the skippers expectations and got the wicket of Beeston skipper with his very first ball and bowled economically for the remainder of his two over spell.  Beeston were soon all out for 127.</div> <bR> <div> After the tea break RSCC opened their innings with Ben Briggs and Adam Meek.  Both looked good until Adam atempted one too many straight drives and was out for 4.  Briggs (15) and Tipple played nicely for the next 10 overs.  Tipple went next for 21 being judged lbw by David boycott.  After the game David said, 'it probably wasn't out but I  didn't want you to get all the runs'.  Much appreciated David and i assure you it won't be forgotten.  B******D!! Tom Saunders went soon after for a golden duck.  Mike Austin (16), and Martin Hickling (36*) then batted very well for the next 30 mins in positively awful light.  Mike's wicket and Martin retiring meant the lower order could then come in and hit some heavy blows.  This is after RSCC had passed the opposition score and had previously agreed to bat out their overs in everyone's interest.  Joe Wright hit a short sweet 11, Jack Such similarly got 8, and much too the disappointment of his fan club David Boycott hit 17.  It also has to be said that Danny had the chance to give David out stumped but didn't because he wasn't… Ironic that!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 171-9 (40), Cringleford Lodge 127 (35.5)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 44 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><A HREF="id18_hickling_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Players"><U><B>Martin Hickling</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_sheringham"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle v Sheringham</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 29th July </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by David Henry</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>UNBEATEN RUN ENDS AS BATTING FADES</B></div> <bR> <div> With over a month since their last league game RSCC were pleased to be back in action but cautious that they couldn't take their previous good form for granted.</div> <bR> <div> Sheringham chose to bat after winning the toss and steadily scored but also lost wicket. At 90 for 3 after 27 overs they were well placed to post a competitive score but a devastating spell by Jack Such, who took 4 quick wickets and assisted by Tipple finished of the innings for 107 runs. All RSCC bowlers bowled well, but the pick of them was Such with 4-1-9-4.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC's response started slowly and when Henry was run out and quickly followed by Hollis Sheringham felt they were in the game. Reepham continued to loose wickets as players struggled with the off spin of King who bowled excellently (10-6-13-4) and caused problems throughout the innings. Tipple, Hickling, T Saunders and Meek all showed promise but lost patient and got out playing big shots. When RSCC lost their 9<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> wicket with the score at 91 Reepham's hope rested with Jack Such and Simon Harwood who batted excellently for six overs taking the score to 101 but fell with only six needed when Harwood was run out.</div> <bR> <div> A disappointing first loss of the season for RSCC and they will need to show much more fight with the bat if the season is to be a success.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sheringham 107 (37), Reepham & Salle 101 (37)</B></div> <div> <I>Sheringham won by 6 runs</I></div> <div> <I>Sheringham 21 points, Reepham & Salle 9 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 1st</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><B>Jack Such</B> (Excellent bowling and stubborn resistance with the bat)</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_bradenham"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle v Bradenham</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 5th August </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by David Henry</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>REEPHAM BOUNCE BACK</B></div> <bR> <div> Summer finally arrived at Salle as on the hottest day of the year so far RSCC welcomed Bradenham CC to Salle.</div> <bR> <div> Reepham were desperate to bounce back from the previous week's loss and winning the toss chose to bat on what looked a hard dry wicket.</div> <bR> <div> Henry and Tipple started strongly and raced to 47 off the first 10 overs before Henry fell LBW. Hollis continued the scoring and Tipple reached his fifty inside 20 overs. Hollis fell and was soon followed by Tipple for 67 but runs from Matt Saunders and Adam Meek continued the scoring. RSCC then lost their last 5 wickets for only 20 runs and the innings concluded on 187 in the 37<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over on what looked a 200+ wicket.</div> <bR> <div> The RSCC skipper rallied the troops as a loss would end Reepham's title dreams and the bowlers responded firing into Bradenham's openers reducing the visitors to 9 for 2. Bradenham fought back with Dewing and Whyte scoring consistently. Tom Saunders kept steaming-in in the heat and was rewarded by taking Dewing's wicket for 47 in his last over (10-0-36-3). The Bradenham batsmen then dug in around Whyte who continued to punish any loose deliveries. With the score at 167 for 5 with 6 overs remaining Bradenham were in touching distance of victory but Whyte crashed a ball from Tipple into the covers and was excellently caught by Doctor Raj for 80. Reepham were back in the game and the RSCC skipper turned to Tipple and the Doctor to attack the remaining batsmen. Both bowled accurately and the batsmen struggled to score. Raj struck followed by 2 wickets from Tipple and the remaining 2 Bradenham youngsters couldn't quite get the winning runs and RSCC won by 7 runs.</div> <bR> <div> An excellent game of cricket played in a great spirit by two competitive but sporting teams. Bradenham should be congratulated on getting the spirit and blend of Sunday cricket just right and we look forward playing them in the future.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 187 (37), Bradenham 180-9 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 7 runs</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 20 points, Bradenham 11 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 1st</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><B>Danny Tipple</B> (Solid 67 runs and excellent second spell of bowling - just drink some water next time!)</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_bacton"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle v Bacton</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 12th August </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>OLD TIMERS COME OUT ON TOP</B></div> <bR> <div> For the Bacton match a much younger team had been selected with the aim being to give a relatively inexperienced side a chance to make a name for themselves against the old-timers from Bacton.  </div> <bR> <div> Having lost the toss and being asked to field RSCC opened the bowling with Joe Wright and Jack Such who both bowled a disciplined straight line beating the edge regularly without reward.  The breakthrough came with the score at 21 with Nobby Cobb being bowled by Wright for 12.  David Boycott then peppered the batsmen with some short deliveries and the run rate was kept low during his opening spell.  Meek joined the attack and claimed the wickets of Stringer and Martin for 27 and 31.  Looking to take control of the match captain Tipple brought himself on from the less preferable Forge End, and for the first time this season looked well below par.  After claiming the wicket of Underwood Tipple withdrew from the attack and replaced himself with Boycott.  Boycott was rewarded for his perspiration and aggression with 3 wickets in the space of four overs and ended with figures of 10-3-26-3.  Bacton ultimately made 195 from their 40 overs.  35 of those being extras and was probably RSCC's worst fielding display this season.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC opened their innings with the reliable Austin and the ever-improving Meek.  Both looked in good touch as they built a first wicket partnership of 70.  Meek was the first to go for tidy 29.  Austin followed soon after for 39, with Boycott swiftly joining him in the pavilion out LBW for 2.  James Collis looked good for a time until he was bowled by Page for 12.  Such, Tipple, and Johnson all got out without troubling the scorers, scoring 6 between them.  The returning Paul Harwood smashed a mildly quick 28 with some Caribbean calypso- like shots. Debutant Ivan Moy played a few nice shots in his innings of nine, but Reepham 's batsmen never looked like making the required total and unsurprisingly were all out 148.  Simon Harwood being the not out batsmen with 6.</div> <bR> <div> An enjoyable game against, as always a good spirited opposition in the form of Bacton.  Despite the loss there were many positives to take from the match.  Adam Meek's progress with the bat continues to look very promising, and there was good Bowling efforts from Wright, Such, Boycott and debutant Dean Johnson.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Bacton 195-8 (40), Reepham & Salle 148 (37.4)</B></div> <div> <I>Bacton won by 47 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><B>Adam Meek</B><B> </B>(Personal best 29 and 3 wickets too)</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_cringleford_lodge"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle v Cringleford Lodge</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 26th August </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Full report to follow shortly...</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Crigleford 63 (25), Reepham & Salle 67-2 (14.5)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 8 wickets</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Cringleford 3 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Poition:</B> 1st</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: TBC</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="gressenhall_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Gressenhall v Reepham & Salle</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 2nd September </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>RSCC SEASON ENDS UNBEATEN</B></div> <bR> <div> In the end it was a doddle and showed the huge gulf between the top and bottom sides in Division Three but we approached the game with some trepidation regarding our ability to maintain our 100% record, particularly as Gressenhall possess, in Nick Saunders, one of the best batsmen in Norfolk cricket.</div> <bR> <div> Gressenhall batted first and, possibly helped by the absence of two RSCC players for the first over, set the trend for the day by mostly scoring in boundaries.  Tom, seeming to have conquered his “no ball” problem, plugged away however, and the first to Gressenhall wickets fell at 26, one to an excellent catch, diving forward, by Joe.  He then trumped this by bowling Nick Saunders with a ball that they agreed (well, they would, wouldn't they?) moved enough to defeat any batsman.  Although there was spirited resistance from some of their latter batsmen, Reepham were always in control and the only person we seemed unlikely to get out was Simon Harwood who looked a different class.  He was helped by some indulgent fielding by one of the Reepham players but eventually (the sucker!) tried to prove that his father was a rubbish bowler and was caught by Joe.  The innings ended at 123-9.</div> <bR> <div> David and Danny opened for Reepham and Salle and seemed untroubled until Danny tried to pull a ball that would have been better played with an ice hockey stick and was bowled.  Joe then stood around at the other end while David amused himself, scoring 78 not out and finishing the game off with a six in the direction of Gressenhall's infant population.  At least this provided some excitement in what had for sometime seemed a forgone conclusion.</div> <bR> <div> Man of the Match:  Strictly it should be David but for a man approaching pensionable age Joe made the game easy to win by his two catches (one is a bonus for normally), his bowling of Nick Saunders and his leaning on his bat while David finished the game.  So I would award it jointly.</div> <bR> <div> <I>PS: It was a pleasure to see Frank umpiring a League match again since it not only kept him away from your correspondent but also lifted the standard of League umpiring by several notches.  Thanks, Frank!</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Gressenhall 123-8 (40), Reepham & Salle 124-1 (19.3)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 9 wickets</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 20 points, Gressenhall 4 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Final 2007 League Position:</B> Champions</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><B>David Henry</B><B> & </B><B>Joe Hollis</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_aldborough"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle v Aldborough</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 9th September </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Full report to follow shortly...</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Aldborough 199-8 (40), Reepham & Salle 199-9 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Match Tied</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: TBC</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_old_catton"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle v Old Catton</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 16th September </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by David "The Bard" Boycott</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>SLOW PACED DEFEAT</B></div> <bR> <div> T'was bright, breezy days at the fair ground of Salle and perfect weather for a cricket match. Despite losing his 7th toss in-a-row the host were put in to bat on what appeared to be a good if somewhat slow wicket.</div> <bR> <div> Wickets were quick to fall with the Captain misjudging the pace of the pitch and looping an attempted tickle to fine leg straight down the fielder's throat. Adam soon followed him back to the pavilion and Joe and Matt looked to steady the ship. After only scoring 20 runs from the first 10 overs Joe set about rectifying the run rate. With Matt playing second fiddle Joe reached a very good fifty before being given out LBW. With this the Bard strolled nonchalantly to the middle. Matt began to throw off his shackles and after scoring only 5 off 46 balls in partnership with Joe began to up his game. With some tidy bowling from Old Catton's left-arm bowler runs were slow in coming. The batsmen prospered better against the leg spinner, David eventually getting off the mark with a straight driven 6 and Matty playing some nice shots. The batsmen mixing solid defence with some good aggressive shots off both bowlers the scoreboard began to tick over again. However, with an impromptu drinks break called by the batsmen and a new bowler on the Bard's concentration was broken and he was soon out; this ended the crucial partnership of 75 between the batsmen. As is so often the case when a partnership is broken the second batsman soon followed, after 3 big 4s Matt ended on 52. Salle's tail tried valiantly to wag but unfortunately struggled somewhat Reepham ended on 175 for 9.</div> <bR> <div> Old Catton's reply was slowed immediately with Tommy taking a wicket nearly immediately. However, the batsmen to come soon started racking up the runs as Salle's bowlers began to lose some of their control through the mid part of the innings. However, Jack and Tom bowled some absolutely superb balls and were unlucky not to be rewarded more than they were. All the bowlers put in a lot of hard work and what could be an unforgiving wicket. With the last ten over looming and the run rate decreasing the Captain turned to his death bowlers looking for an impact. With Joe keeping one end quiet the Bard quickly struck in his second over and soon followed with a third wicket. However, despite all the bowlers' valiant efforts Old Catton won by 6 wickets.</div> <bR> <div> This was a disappointing performance for Reepham and Salle given their form throughout the year. The fielding in particular lacked the dynamism, enthusiasm and aggression it needed to both support the bowlers giving their all and keep the batsmen under constant pressure. With some catches going down at vital times, some balls beating the fielders and what appeared to be lethargy within the team; we will need to radically change their attitude to fielding if they are to succeed in the higher division next season.</div> <bR> <div> Also a special mention must go to Simon Harwood who kept brilliantly against the quickest bowler in the division, going at it hammer and tongs. I think all the bowlers felt comfortable bowling with Simon behind the stumps.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 175-9 (40), Old Catton 176-4 (37)</B></div> <div> <I>Old Catton won by 6 wickets</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><B>Joe Hollis</B><I> - a wonderful half century to steady the boat</I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_the_lenches"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle v The Lenches</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 23rd September </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Mike Austin</B></I></div> <bR> <div> The last game of the season brought tourists from Worcestershire to Salle which was once again bathed in sunshine. The visitors eventually arrived somewhat late having suffered navigation problems which resulted them passing their hotel in Dereham half an hour after departing. Danny won the toss for the first time, I think, and elected to bat. Danny was quickly dispatched for LBW and the stuttering start to the innings continued when Mike's cousin took the family bragging rights having him caught behind for 11. RSCC built a very competitive total of 220 for 8 around a very fluent innings of from Dave, 102no, and a far less fluent 50  from Joe. </div> <div> In reply the Lenches lost wickets steadily throughout their innings and were finally dismissed for 154. Notable bowling performances came from Matt Saunders 3-44 and a devastating spell of 2-10 from Martin Hickling. Everyone was very grateful for the refreshments provided by the sponsor for the game, Woodforde's.</div> <div> In the end a comfortable 66 run victory for RSCC and a winning end to a memorable season.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 220-8 (40), Lenches 154 (35.5)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 66 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B><B>David Henry</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>2008 SEASON</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> <A NAME="2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#denver_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Denver (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#cringleford_lodge_v_reepham___salle_2008" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Cringleford Lodge (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#stealers_v_elsing" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Elsing (home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#hellesdon_hospital_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Hellesdon Hospital (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#mundford_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Mundford (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_aldborough_2008" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Aldborough (home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_thetford" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Thetford (home)</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#norwich_city_council_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Norwich City Counci (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_cringleford_lodge_2008" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Cringleford Lodge (home)</U></A> | Elsing (away) | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_bradenham_2008" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Bradenham (home)</U></A> | Old Buckenham (home) | <A HREF="#stealers_v_jezuits" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Jezuits (home)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_denver" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Denver (home)</U></A></div> <div> Beeston (home) | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_hethersett___tv" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Hethersett & TV (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#north_runcton_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>North Runcton (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#reepham___salle_v_mundford" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Mundford (home)</U></A> | Thetford (away) | <A HREF="#aldborough_v_reepham___salle" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Aldborough (away)</U></A> | <A HREF="#stealers_v_gressenhall_swan" TITLE="Match Reports Archive"><U>Gressenhall Swan (home)</U></A></div> <div> Bacton (away) | North Elmham (home)</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="denver_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>DENVER v REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 27th April </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by David Henry</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>DISAPPOINTING START </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="187" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 211 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="877b4cd0.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="205" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 28 WIDTH="181"><div> Joe Hollis provided the only resistance with the bat</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> RSCC started the 2008 campaign in Division 2 with a some what damp trip to Denver.</div> <bR> <div> Following a delayed start due to persistent rain Denver's make shift covers (a plastic sheet) served its purpose and unsurprisingly the Reepham skip elected to bowl after winning the toss.</div> <bR> <div> Batting proved difficult and RSCC steadily took wickets as all bowlers performed well in bowler friendly conditions. Whilst wickets fell regularly at the other end the Denver skipper Morton batted steadily respecting the conditions and carried his bat for a well played 70no. No other batsman mastered the conditions with extras the next top scorer in a total of 141. Pick of the bowlers were Doctor Raj (8-2-17-2), Danny Tipple (10-1-22-2) and David Boycott (3-0-13-2).</div> <bR> <div> RSCC started their reply slowly scoring only 19 from the first 10 overs. With the fall of both Henry and Tipple, Hollis came to the grease and batted well in the conditions but wickets continued to fall. Only a brief cameo from the Doctor gave RSCC any hope but following his demise Hollis soon followed for 38 and Reepham were all out for 106.</div> <bR> <div> A disappointing start to the season with RSCC under cooked following the winter break however the team spirit was first class and the team couldn't wait to play Mundford to put the record straight.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Denver 141 (40), Reepham & Salle 106 (38)</B></div> <div> <I>Denver won by 35 runs</I></div> <div> <I>Denver 21 points, Reepham & Salle 9 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 5th</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Joe Hollis<I> (Provided the only resistence with the bat)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="cringleford_lodge_v_reepham___salle_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>CRINGLEFORD LODGE v REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 4th May</B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by David "The Bard" Boycott</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>NARROW VICTORY</B></I></div> <bR> <div> After the defeat of the previous week, against a team which we all felt we could have beaten Reepham and Salle were keen to rectify their mistakes in this friendly against Cringleford. With a young development team being fielded hopes were high for some of the younger players to show how far they had progressed from last year.  Meanwhile the STEALERS entertained Elsing at Salle, a first for Reepham and Salle playing two matches on the same day.</div> <bR> <div> With Danny unsurprisingly losing the toss, he was put into bat on what looked like a rather patchy wicket. Matt Saunders and David Boycott walked out to open the batting under the blazing sun. The opening bowlers kept things very tight with singles hard to come by, both batsmen struggled to find the gaps though Boycott managed to clear the infield a few times to keep the pressure off. However, the Bard was soon out mistiming a drive taken well at cover. Meek didn't last long at the crease before getting out to an excellent delivery by Thompson. Tipple and Matt managed to put together a small partnership before Danny skewed a straight drive to mid on. Neither Tommy nor Simon managed to get beyond one run before getting out, but this brought Dave Henry to the crease. He began to hit the ball around the park with his customary aplomb before his partner was out, bringing in Such (to the cheers of his fan club). Both batsmen played some nice strokes, with Dave making 45 not out, whilst Jack made nine before getting out to the opening bowler with Raj replacing him and hitting out with his inimitable style. Reepham managed a par score of 133 for 8 on what was a difficult pitch to bat on, largely thanks to Dave's excellent striking of the ball as well as Matty's strong defence. With the weather cooling down nicely Salle took to the field full of optimism.</div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="185" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 141 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="81eb4870.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="135" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 27 ><NOBR><div> Simon Harwood</div> <div> Top work behind the stumps</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> With everyone keenly aware of the apparent lack or energy demonstrated by the team's fielding last week it was important to keep the pressure on the batsmen. Jack and the Doctor opened the bowling for Salle, both bowling excellent lines and with good pace. The pitch offered some help to the bowler and both bowlers generated a good deal of swing to trouble the batsmen. Orlando Williams, sporting a bat unusually completely covered in duct tape, and a Mr Gregory remained staunchly defiant in the face of some excellent bowling. Adam was brought on to liven up the proceedings and after an expensive first over he regained control with a maiden and bowled some very good deliveries.</div> <bR> <div> With the bowlers being unlucky as chances were just out of reach Danny turned to himself and Tommy to really apply some pressure. The fielding remained excellent throughout the innings with everybody contributing, Meek's fielding in particular was athletic and precise offering an example to younger team members. Finally after a partnership of 62 Tommy made the breakthrough by bowling Williams with an excellent delivery. The pressure was maintained but Danny mixed the bowling changes up nicely and gave the ball to the Bard to see what would happen. As the Club captain said “something often happens when you give him the ball, not always good”, something did happen; with 3 wickets and a run out later (courtesy of an excellent throw by Adam) and the pressure was really on Cringleford. With the run chase becoming increasingly tense Danny turned to the two most economical bowlers, the Doctor and Tommy, to put the squeeze on. In spite of some last minute lapses in concentration, Cringleford were three runs adrift after the final ball had been bowled and Reepham and Salle had their first win of the season.</div> <bR> <div> This was a real team effort in which no one player stood out any more than the rest. However, Simon's wicketkeeping against hostile bowling of good pace was such that the bowlers could concentrate on their own game to keep the pressure on the batsmen. There were many positives to take from the game, not least the discovery of a dynamite slip catcher in the blond-haired shape of Jack Such; taking a blinder to remove Taylor for a duck at first slip (“left handed and diving full length” apparently).</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 133 (40), Cringleford Lodge 130 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 3 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match:  </B>Simon Harwood<I> (Top class wicket keeping)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="stealers_v_elsing"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>STEALERS v ELSING</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 4th May </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>VETERANS SHOW THE YOUNGSTERS HOW TO DO IT</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="136" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 179 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="86882ad0.jpg" border=0 width="130" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 27 ><NOBR><div> Gerald "Pimple" Rowe</div> <div> Pick of the bowlers</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> The first, eagerly awaited outing for the Stealers was a home match against Elsing on a bright sunny day at Salle packed to the rafters with spectators.  This was a historic day for Reepham and Salle Cricket Club, as in addition to the Stealers playing their inaugural match, a friendly XI was travelling to Cringleford simultaneously; the first time the Club has ever put two sides out on the same day.</div> <bR> <div> Elsing won the toss and put the Stealers into bat, in what looked like perfect conditions on a pristine looking pitch.  The home side stuttered, as the old -timers creaked back into action with Drury (0), Boycey (7) and Waters (0) failing to shake off the cobwebs.  Hollis, the only regular first team player managed to keep plugging away and when joined by Vokes (22) put on a stand of 50 for the fourth wicket.  Hollis, at this point declaring that he would graciously fall on his sword and retire when he got to fifty. However, Hollis went on to make his fifty, supported by Seppings (27) and then changed his mind and stating he would go at a hundred.  Aided by Butterbean Collins (29) and Scotty Dog (30), reminding the spectators how much they had missed the cross-batted slappers in recent times, Hollis reached his maiden century and did retire!  The Stealers innings closed on a very creditable score of 244-7, just 18 short of the Club record at Salle set by the first team in 2005.</div> <bR> <div> Elsing got off to the worst possible start, struggling to get to grips with the accuracy of Gerald Pimple Rowe and Liam Kelly.  Pimple (3-17) causing three batsmen to play on to there stumps off various body parts and Kelly (1-3) removing the visiting skipper's middle stump.  Dolly drop Drury came into the attack alongside Whirlwind Waters, who in tandem restricted the visitors scoring rate to a mere dribble.  Only Clarke and Croft, in a late cameo made any impact with the Elsing innings fizzling out on 58.</div> <bR> <div> A fantastic day for Reepham and Salle; two teams playing in one day, a maiden century and the Stealers opening their account with a handsome victory.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Stealers 244-7 (40), Elsing 58 (23.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 186 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match:  </B>Joe Hollis<I> (Who said before the match he'd retire at fifty, then went on to get his maiden century!)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="hellesdon_hospital_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>HELLESDON HOSPITAL v REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Tuesday 6h May </B></I><I>(20 Over Wensum Cup Round 1 Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by David Henry</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>CUP RUN STARTS WITH EMPHATIC VICTORY</B></I></div> <bR> <div> RSCC started the 20Twenty season with an emphatic victory over Hellesdon Hospital at the UEA.</div> <bR> <div> In this exciting form of the game each team has to nominate 5 batsmen who bat 1 to 5 and 6 bowlers batting 6 to 11 making all players contribute to the game.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC won the toss and chose to bat. With an exciting blend so experience and old age RSCC tactics were simple “get on or get out”. Following the loss of 2 early wickets Mike Austin (retired 31) and the evergreen Michael “I smashed it over the top…. for one” Scott (27) batted excellently setting the perfect foundation for Henry (retired 47), Hollis (22), Tipple and Doctor Raj to smash the ball to all corners, setting a challenging total of 157. Champagne moment goes to the running between the wicket of the Doctor. Correctly at the death he runs for everything the only thing to work on would be to give the other batsman a chance by calling.</div> <bR> <div> With the light failing Hellesdon struggled to keep up with the rate especially with Hickling opening the bowling for a miserly 4.0.13.2. Wickets fell steadily and towards the end of the innings with the light failing to darkness batting and fielding became very difficult so difficult that the Skip deciding it was dark enough to bowl and following an excellent catch by Matt Saunders returned figures of 2.0.12.2. Hellesdon stumbled to 106 all out and Reepham and Salle were in the quarter final.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 157-4 (20), Hellesdon Hospital 118 (20)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 39 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match:  </B>Mike Austin<I> (Perfect batting and great wicket keeping in the dark!)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="mundford_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>MUNDFORD v REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 11th May </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by Jim Everton</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>MUNDFORD TAKEN BY SUPRISE</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="308" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 231 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="86f2ce10.jpg" border=0 width="300" height="225" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 27 ><NOBR><div> Matt Saunders at the crease on his way to a</div> <div> score of 45 at Mundford</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> On what looked an easy-paced “250” wicket and in near perfect (perhaps a little too hot) weather, David Henry and Danny Tipple opened the batting for RSCC. They looked to be in no trouble until David went to pull a short ball that kept a little low and was given out LBW. Danny and Joe Hollis then batted sensibly until the pair of them debated the possibility of a single for far too long and Danny was run out. However Joe, joined by Matt Saunders was unworried by this and it came as some surprise when he failed to apply the full face of the bat to a straight ball and was also given out LBW. Both the LBW decisions were, to a greater or lesser extent, questioned by the recipients. Personally I felt pleased that the umpires gave their decisions as they saw the incidents without being influenced by which side they represented as we have seen with a number of our opponents.</div> <div> Matt and Mike Austin set about rebuilding the innings and put on well over fifty before Matt was out for an excellent 46. Mike continued and reached an splendid 50 with some powerful driving off the front foot. He was ably supported by our younger members and we finally reached 211 which seemed to me about 30 runs too few.</div> <div> Mundford had three Saturday first team batsmen in their first four but they were tied down by fine opening spells by Tom Saunders and Adam Meek who restricted them to around thirty runs in the first twelve overs. We continued to bowl well and they were forced to take chances against the metronomic Raj Chaudhury and Jack Such who took the wickets that the opening bowlers deserved. There was some good fielding and catching, particularly by Matt and David Boycott and it gradually became obvious that they could not approach our total. They ended their forty overs on 144 for 7.</div> <bR> <div> This was the second breakthrough for the Club in eight days. On the  previous Sunday we had put out two teams on the same day for the first time, both of them victorious, and this time we gained our first victory at 2nd Division level. The really great pleasure for me at Mundford was that this was literally a team effort. The usual stars made a relatively small contribution but everyone else played above themselves, particularly Michael Scott whose fielding, until muscles little used in the last few years protested vigorously, was exceptional.</div> <div> The two champagne moments for me were Joe's quiet acceptance of being given out  and the beautiful choreography of David Boycott's attempt to save four overthrows.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 209-8 (40), Mundford 144-7 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 65 runs</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 19 points, Mundford 9 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 3rd</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Everyone really!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_aldborough_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>REEPHAM & SALLE v ALDBOROUGH</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 18th May </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by Danny Tipple</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>YOUNGSTERS CHALK UP FIRST WIN</B></I></div> <bR> <div> On a typically breezy spring day David Boycott took charge of his first RSCC match as captain.  The side were without there charismatic leaders Danny Tipple and Joe Hollis due to coaching course commitments.  Therefore RSCC were fielding another young side with the aim of developing some new stars of the future.  </div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="187" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 144 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="871b48a0.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="138" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 28 WIDTH="181"><div> David Boycott - First match in charge of Reepham & Salle</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> Boycs lost the toss and was asked to field by the Aldborough skipper.  The skipper and Raj opened the bowling in a variable fashion - raj bowling a maiden and david conceding 8.  Boycs picked up a wicket in his final over that of Perry Warnes.  Meek and Tom Saunders came into the attack with the later bowling a tight line and keeping the score down.  Whereas Adam bowled a much more wayward line with the reward of two wickets - its just not fair some times!  The experienced Paul Reeve was Aldboroughs top scorer with an impressive 64 not out.  Jack Such got the only other wicket that of Fisher for 13.  Special mention for Cameron Clapton who bowled very economically without reward.</div> <bR> <div> The RSCC innings began positively with Such opening the batting and playing shots all round the wicket.  Matt Saunders made sure of keeping his wicket being whilst Suchy went on the rampage.  59 being put on for the first wicket.  Such was out unluckily via a ball he chopped on to his stumps for 35.  Boycott stayed at the crease for a short while with 10, out off the bowling of Cook.  Meek then joined Saunders and played some nice straight drives as the pair put on a solid 70 partnership, Saunders bringing up his well earned fifty with a six.  Meek was then out caught for 36 off the bowling of Sayers.  Matty departed soon after for a personal best of 65.  This meant Tom 26* and Ahsam 8* brought the side past the winning post in the 37th over.  Tom playing like we all knew he was capable of - at last!</div> <bR> <div> A great result for the young development team with contributions all round.  Notably there were batting personal bests for Matt, Jack, Adam, and Tom with all four looking like top order batsmen.  It should also be mentioned that it was the first time that RSCC had scored 200+ without Henry, Hollis or Tipple having to bat.  Progression? Very much so.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Aldborough 201-5 (40), Reepham & Salle 204-4 (37)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 6 wickets</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Matt Saunders</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_thetford"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>REEPHAM & SALLE v THETFORD</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 1st June </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by David Henry</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>SAUNDERS ROCKS THETFORD</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Following their first victory of the season against Mundford,  RSCC looked forward to entertaining Thetford in their first home game of the year. </div> <bR> <div> With the conditions warm but overcast RSCC's Skip on winning the toss (again) chose to bowl.</div> <bR> <div> Tom Saunders for once not visiting a Norwich nightclub till dawn was feeling the benefit and bowled excellently. Thetford were struggling to score and Saunders thanks to two brilliant catches by younger brother Matt took the first four wickets of the innings (Saunders 10-3-23-4). Only Brynton offered any resistance particularly taking a liking to the bowling of Hollis and finshed 35no. Thetford concluded their innings on 124 for 8. A good performance by RSCC especially Saunders and Tipple (6-2-11-2) with the only disappointment being that extras joint top scored with 35, 18 of which were wides.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC started the chase positively. Waiting for the bad ball both Henry and Tipple (16) scored briskly adding 45 before Tipple fell in the 10<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >th</FONT> over. Hollis arrived at the wicket as the opening bowlers were changed. Thetford's spinner, Shek entered the game but struggled to find the right length bowling a number of full tosses which Henry latched onto. With his 3 overs going for 45 the game was all but won. There was just enough time for Hollis (6) to miss-time a drive with RSCC to reach their target off 22 overs with Henry not out 85.</div> <bR> <div> A strong team performance and a great start to the home season for Reepham and Salle.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Thetford 124-8 (40), Reepham & Salle 127-2 (22)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 8 wickets</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 20 points, Thetford 5 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 3rd</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Tom Saunders<I> (Great bowling setting the tone for the game)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="norwich_city_council_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>NORWICH CITY COUNCIL v REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Tuesday 3rd June </B></I><I>(20 Over Wensum Cup)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by David Henry</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>CUP RUN CONTINUES UNABAITED</B></I></div> <bR> <div> RSCC's 20Twenty band wagon rolled to Eaton Park for the quarter final of the Wensum Cup. With a few forced selections changes the team was more age balanced with the youth addition of Cameron (Wolf, Leg, Cammy Baby) Clapton and Simon Harwood but this was more that off set by the return of the Paul “the spine” Harwood.</div> <bR> <div> On a wet overcast evening and with NCC arriving 20 minutes late the toss could be critical as the game was to start in the dark and it was only going to get darker. However the RSCC skip made it five from five for the season and chose to bat.</div> <bR> <div> Get on or get out remained the game plan. Matt Saunders and Paul the Spine (21) started brightly before Matt (14) fell when concentration was lost when his adopted dog child was attacked by a far larger dog. Ashan (10) hit some good strokes but the dog (Scott) fell first ball. This brought Henry (34no) and Tipple (33no) to the crease with both scoring quickly. Hollis hobbled to 13 but when out, this only gave the crowd what they wanted as the Doctor's (5) party piece this week was to attempt the worst disguised reverse sweep ever, twice.  RSCC finished with a total of 143.</div> <bR> <div> NCC struggled in the fading light against the potent bowling of Tipple and Clapton. Cameron bowled exceptionally well opening the bowling for the first time and rewarding the Skippers trust with excellent figures of 4-0-17-2 taking 2 wickets in 2 balls helped by a wonder catch by Paul the spine. RSCC were always on top with all bowlers performing well. NCC ended their 20 overs on 67 for 7 and RSCC were in the hat for the semi final.</div> <bR> <div> An excellent performance by all as Reepham is gripped by cup fever.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 143-5 (20), Norwich City Council 67-7 (20)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 76 runs</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle progress to the semi-finals</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Cameron Clapton<I> (Put the game beyond doubt with his excellent opening spell)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_cringleford_lodge_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>REEPHAM & SALLE v CRINGLEFORD LODGE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 15th June </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by Danny Tipple</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>DEVELOPMENT XI CONTINUE UNBEATEN RUN</B></I></div> <bR> <div> On what began a sunny day Danny Tipple won his first ever toss of the coin as RSCC skipper after nine or so attempts, and decided too bat first against a weak Cringleford side.</div> <bR> <div> The Reepham and Salle innings began well with Boycott playing some lofted on-drives (cricket term for sloggy shots - much luv David!).  At the other end Tipple was scratching around and looked like a man out of form. The pair grew in confidence and saw off both opening bowlers.  Boycott (27) was out first with the score on 68.  Such joined Tipple and they took the score passed 100.  Such was next to go however for a typically hasty 17.  Tipple went shortly afterwards having already made his first fifty of the season.  This brought the two Saunders brothers together who did very well on an even but slow pitch and pushed the scoring along nicely towards 200 on what looked like a 160/170 wicket.  The Reepham innings closed on 198 for 3.  Tom finishing on 27 not out (personal best), and Matt 48 not out.</div> <bR> <div> After a superb tea prepared by the Harwood family, RSCC took to the field.  Meek opened the bowling with Clapton.  Both bowling well without reward.  Danny turned to Joe Wright and Jack Such in search of a breakthrough.  Joe did just that getting Gregory caught behind for 25.  Jack broke through too albeit it was the batsmen breaking through the tree branches with a six off Suchy's bowling but a breakthrough of some kind nonetheless.  Cringleford kept up with the required run rate until they lost R. Lee-Wordly for a pull shot filled 64.  From there on Cringleford were always struggling to get near 199 although there were some nice knocks from M Taylor (11) and J Merzer (22).  Dave Henry finished the innings off for Reepham by bowling the final over and also finishing with some good figures (3 for 7 off 3 overs) - one would almost believe this chap could bowl...  But not this one!</div> <bR> <div> Anyhow, Cringleford finished on 162 for 8 off there 40 overs meaning the RSCC development team had kept there 100% winning record for the season.  Lots of big performances as always.  Danny's return to form with the bat (58), Boycs (27), Matt (48*) and another mildly faultless innings from Tom (27*).  Special mention for Toby Armijer (Armchair) who on his debut fielded fantastically and was a wall in the field, taking two catches, a run-out and a wicket - good start the armchair!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 198-3 (40), Cringleford 162-8 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 36 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Tom Saunders <I>(A personal best 27 not out)</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_bradenham_2008"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>REEPHAM & SALLE v BRADENHAM</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 22nd June </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by Jim Everton</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Grumpy Old Man Returns...</B></div> <bR> <div> This was a good game of cricket, the result of which depended on two crucial umpiring decisions and some rather wayward bowling by us in the last few overs.</div> <bR> <div> RSCC batted first and quickly lost Danny Tipple but David Henry batted classically until he took a new slow bowler too lightly and departed for 91 which should have been a century. At last Paul Harwood had time and opportunity to demonstrate the elegance of a bygone age and he dominated the rest of the innings before he was overcome by exhaustion for 57. Raj Chaudhury breezed his way to 20 and our total seemed about right although another fifteen or so would have been useful.</div> <bR> <div> Our opening bowlers kept the Bradenham scoring rate below what was required until the last ten overs and then two of the younger and less effective Bradenham batsmen were given out LBW in quick succession leaving the rest to score 93 in 10 overs but bringing two hard hitting and genuine batsmen to the crease. We seemed to be able to do nothing to stop them scoring and they reached their target with an over to spare.</div> <bR> <div> As a bowler myself I feel that our medium pace bowlers need to pay great attention to the basics of their craft. Trying to bowl quickly is a waste of time unless it is preceded by control of length and direction accompanied by planning the nature of each ball. Glenn McGrath wasn't  the quickest of bowlers but he was mightily effective. We need a bowling net, no more than a metre wide with the length position marked. No batsman is necessary - all the bowler needs to be able to do is hit the top of the off stump two or three times an over. I know that it is easy to say it and, even worse, that I sound like Boycott (G. not D.) but skills have to be worked at. Here endeth the diatribe.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 234-8 (40), Bradenham 237-6 (39)</B></div> <div> <I>Bradenham won by 4 wickets</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 9 points, Bradenham 20 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 4th</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Paul Harwood</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="stealers_v_jezuits"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>STEALERS v JEZUITS</B></div> <div> <I><B>Friday 4th July </B></I><I>(20 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Dodgy Dismissal and Ducks Dominate Defeat</B></div> <bR> <div> The Jezuits rocked up at Salle in a confident, perhaps even cocky mood despite being a man down and won the toss.  Electing to bat, they quickly made the most of the “ringers” shipped in for the game and made a reasonable 128-7, with the highlight being Jezuit skipper Collins' golden duck.</div> <bR> <div> The Stealers started brightly with all the top six making runs and things looked as though they would fall into place nicely.  However, after a bizarre appeal-less lbw decision and two consecutive golden ducks from Scott and Seppings rather too much was left to do in the last over.  Painfully the Stealers had to concede their first defeat by a meagre two runs, finishing on 126-6.</div> <bR> <div> A good match, played in the style of a comic tradgedy was had by all.   The most notable performance of the day was Pops Saunders scoring 27 not out and taking 2-16 with the ball.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Winning Isn't Everything!</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Muddy Waters</B></I></div> <bR> <div> On a fine sunny evening, the Jezuits arrived in town.</div> <bR> <div> Billed as the cricketing rat pack due to their mix of good looks and cracking cricket, they did not disappoint. A large crowd (mainly female) had come to watch and admire.  The previously unbeaten Stealers were feeling confident, especially, as due to a miscalculation, the Jezuits were one short.</div> <bR> <div> Jezuits won the toss and elected to bat. Rob Purton ( a promising young Norfolk cricketer) and Phil Banyard (who isn’t) opened the batting. Purton powered his way to an unbeaten 25 whereupon he was forced to retire by the increasingly worried Stealers skipper.   Banyard was apparently also batting?  Pick of the batting was defiantly Collins who was out first ball to what he claimed was “The best ball ever bowled” but in truth it was a dolly dew drop.</div> <bR> <div> At tea, the barbeques were fired up………and promptly went out again as we forgot to put the meat on.</div> <bR> <div> The Stealers took to the crease with more of a stumble than a swagger, and they were promptly ripped apart by the Jezuits fearsome bowling. Pick of the bunch was Paul Dunham, whose hop, skip and chuck approach was paying dividends.  Highlight of the Stealers innings was seeing the Dog go for a duck. We await his excuse.</div> <bR> <div> A good night was had by all, and as the saying goes, its not the winning but the taking part thet counts…….Stuff that, we loved the victory!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Jezuits 128-9 (20), Reepham & Salle 126-6 (20)</B></div> <div> <I>Jezuits won by 2 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Richard Saunders (for the Stealers) & Paul Dunham (for the Jezuits)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_denver"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>REEPHAM & SALLE v DENVER</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 6th July </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by Jim Everton</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Grumpy Old Man says, "Extremely Favourable"</B></div> <bR> <div> This was a comfortable win against opponents who offered little resistance. Our batting total, a Club record, provided some, but not much, incentive for our bowlers and at least it gave the Davids, Henry and Boycott, opportunities to develop their bowling skills. For David Henry it was a great opportunity to show that he must be considered (by himself, I suppose) as a viable bowler when the medium pace alternative is getting some stick. His results were promising but we need to test him against stronger opponents.</div> <div> We batted first and, unusually, David Henry was out quite early. This enabled Danny Tipple and Joe Hollis, in their contrasting styles - one statuesque, the other more down to earth - to establish complete mastery over the Denver bowlers and it soon became obvious that only bad luck or their own errors would prevent them each making a century. Danny on 86 had the bad luck  when he tried to pull a ball which kept low and eventually reached the stumps via his bat and various parts of his anatomy. Joe, having reached the nineties (runs not years), decided to attempt extremely dubious second runs when only singles were sensible. Twice he got away with it but the third time he was run out for 96. Both he and Danny deserved hundreds.</div> <div> There was still time for Matt Saunders to hammer a brisk forty odd in a few balls before we had to stop.</div> <bR> <div> The Denver innings was pretty much a formality but it was distinguished by three amazing catches, one by Raj Chaudhury running from fine leg to third man, one by the elastic Paul Harwood at slip and one, probably the best, a reaction caught and bowled by Jack Such which I certainly didn't believe until I saw the ball in his hand.</div> <bR> <div> There were one or two things to criticise but the overall impression was extremely favourable. </div> <bR> <div> Perhaps our success made us forget the post-match clearing up but the Captain was quite rightly critical of the failure of some of the team to do the necessary work to put the ground to bed. Your correspondent accepts some of the blame for this since he was insisting on receiving match fees pronto but</div> <div> we all need to bear the tidying up in mind.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 277-4 (40), Denver 136 (30)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 141 runs</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 21 points, Denver 7 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 2nd</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Everyone!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_hethersett___tv"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>REEPHAM & SALLE v HETHERSETT & TV</B></div> <div> <I><B>Tuesday 15th July </B></I><I>(20 Over Wensum Cup Final)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by Jim Everton</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Grumpy Old Man says, "Disappointing"</B></div> <bR> <div> Disappointing, very disappointing, but not, I hope, disheartening. Even from the ashes of this disaster we were able to rake out a few embers which glowed brightly if only briefly.  We could not have expected to be faced at this junior level by a team all of whom were capable cricketers. What could go wrong in our innings did go wrong with some quick wickets, a couple of ludicrous run-outs and David Henry's inability to get and keep the strike at the end when he a looked to be the master of the opposition bowling.</div> <bR> <div> With the exception of Danny Tipple we could have bowled better but Hethersett's total of 161 was two runs fewer than we successfully chased in the semi-final. David bowled one batsman with a fizzing off break and Joe claimed afterwards that the two balls from him that hit the stumps were two of the best he has ever bowled. I hate to inflate his ego but one piece of fielding on the bounce at deep mid wicket followed by a return over the top of the stumps would have looked superb by any standard.</div> <bR> <div> Paul Harwood and Matt Saunders opened and Paul hit a square cut too well and neither up nor down and was caught at point. Mike Austin edged the next ball to the wicket keeper and we went downhill from there. A farcical run out confusion between Matt, who had just hit probably the best of many sixes in the match, and Peter Vokes resulted in Matt's departure and by then it was all over bar the shouting.</div> <bR> <div> We had a scratch team out, we were playing a good side and we didn't play as well as we could have done. That's life. For the next two League games we shall be without David, Joe and possibly Danny. This is when we need to show our true character and fight to the end bearing in mind that every twenty five runs we score and every two wickets we take will mean an extra point. </div> <bR> <div> We have far more collective ability than we showed in this game.</div> <bR> <div> Hethersett & TV<B> 161-5 (20), Reepham & Salle 31 (12.5)</B></div> <div> <I>Hethersett & TV won by 130 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Anyone of the opposition would qualify</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="north_runcton_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>NORTH RUNCTON v REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 20th July </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by Jim Everton</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Stuffed!</B></div> <div> We were stuffed by a much better team. It's always a problem when we come up against clubs with a pool of players, including imports from overseas, three or four times the size of ours. If they choose to, they can produce teams with specialists in every position. Not that the opposition needed to be too strong on this day. We just didn't do ourselves justice.</div> <div> We didn't bowl too badly but on a large ground we needed to field excellently to keep the runs down and we didn't always do this. Only one piece of athletic fielding, a pas de deux by the Saunders brothers, sticks in the mind. Still, we kept them to under 250 so it wasn't too bad.</div> <bR> <div> Unfortunately our batting started disastrously, when our Captain was given out LBW for a duck, and went downhill from there. Our total of 50 included only one boundary, a clip off his legs by Simon Harwood, and we looked out of our depth.</div> <bR> <div> Never mind, there is always next week.</div> <bR> <div> <B>North Runcton 237-6 (40), Reepham & Salle 50 (30)</B></div> <div> <I>Denver won by 187 runs</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 5 points, Denver 21 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 3rd</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Pass!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="reepham___salle_v_mundford"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>REEPHAM & SALLE v MUNDFORD</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 27th July </B></I><I>(40 Over League Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by Jim Everton</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Jolly Good Game</B></div> <bR> <div> This was a jolly good game of cricket with added piquancy because Mundford had a young lady in their team. She didn't do much, just having Tom Saunders caught at cover when she bowled, taking a high swirling catch to dismiss Raj Chaudhury and finally staying in for the last few overs to give Mundford the win. Has anyone got any sisters, wives or mothers who are free on Sundays? </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="176" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 125 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="87fa9770.jpg" border=0 width="169" height="119" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 28 ><NOBR><div> Paul Harwood top scored with fifty</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> We batted first and, thanks to a fifty from stand-in skipper Paul Harwood (a man who always buys a jug when he makes fifty - hint, hint (although I appreciate that this isn't too often) and further useful contributions from Mike Austin, Matt Saunders and Simon Harwood, whose superbly timed clip to leg is becoming a trademark shot, we moved to 195 for 6 in thirty eight overs. Unfortunately our last four wickets then fell for one run when another ten runs could well have been decisive. The wicket was perfect (well done, Frank!) and we really needed to make more than 230.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> As usual, our opening bowlers, Adam Meek and Tom Saunders, bowled economically and we kept the scoring rate down for the first twenty overs, helped by one particularly god catch by Simon Harwood. Don't get too overcome by all this praise though, Simon, we all saw the one that went for four soon after. One of our late Saturday night revellers helped to increase the scoring rate by adding a few wides but we kept chipping away and Raj bowled an extremely tight spell of nine overs for thirty one runs and three wickets right at the end. Unfortunately his and the game's last over (to be precise, four balls), with Mundford needing ten to win, resulted in one of the biggest sixes I have ever seen  and some good running between the wickets (that young lady again!) to give Mundford the win.</div> <bR> <div> After last week it was good to se that we can compete at this level in the absence of some of our better players.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 196 (39.5), Mundford 197-7 (39.4)</B></div> <div> <I>Mundford won by 2 wickets</I></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle 9 points, Mundford 21 points</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>League Position:</B> 3rd</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> Paul Harwood</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="aldborough_v_reepham___salle"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>ALDBOROUGH v REEPHAM & SALLE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 10th August </B></I><I>(40 Over Friendly Match)</I></div> <div> <I>Words by Jim Everton</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>L'important n'est pas de gagner, mais de participer</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="145" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 171 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="8817da50.jpg" border=0 width="125" height="165" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> From the outset it was obvious that Aldborough were keen to play counter to the dictum of Baron de Coubertin and preferred to win rather than take part. Their best player batted at four and bowled his maximum overs; our best batsman batted at eleven. That basically says it all. Without the ego trip it could have been a good game of cricket.</div> <bR> <div> Embryo skipper David Boycott opened the bowling with Cameron Clapton and Joe Wright and neither disgraced himself. They both bowled quite accurately in a considerable wind but at this level any loose ball is punished. Nevertheless they will not improve unless they bowl against good batsmen in a competitive situation and this was an opportunity. The same applies to Jack Such and, but to a lesser extent, Adam Meek, who were the first change bowlers. It didn't matter that Aldborough reached over a hundred without losing a wicket and I very much approved of David's policy in a friendly game.</div> <bR> <div> Once Tom Saunders and Rajiv came on to bowl the whole character of the game changed and the next twelve overs produced three wickets and about thirty runs. Their leading batsman was determined not to get out but could do nothing but defend against Tom who finished with 1 for 8 in his eight overs. All in all it was pleasing to restrict them to 176-4.</div> <bR> <div> We opened with Matt Saunders and skipper David who, sadly, followed his golden duck of the previous week with the disaster of being run out without facing a ball. Don't worry, David, there will be far worse events in real life! Matt and Jack Such then batted excellently to put on sixty and only the arrival of Aldborough's fast bowler and his off-spinning partner slowed down and eventually won them the game. We lost some quick wickets in the middle order and when our last men - Paul Harwood and David Henry - came together we needed about eighty in eight overs. Paul abandoned elegance with a slap to cover and we all went off to change except the two scorers who tidied up and then got soaked to the skin walking from the score bench to the pub.</div> <bR> <div> I can't see the point of friendlies when one team is determined to win and the other is trying to give the youngsters some practice.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Aldborough 176-4, Reepham & Salle 101</B></div> <div> <I>Aldborough won by 75 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B> The opposition "star" would clearly like that honour...</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>_____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="stealers_v_gressenhall_swan"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B>STEALERS V GRESSENHALL SWAN</B></div> <div> <I><B>Sunday 10th August </B></I><I>(Friendly Ashes Test Match)</I></div> <bR> <div> It was the turn of Salle to be the venue for the eighth Ashes tussle between the Gressenhall Swan and The Stealers, with the old guard of Reepham and Salle just ahead in the series 4-3.</div> <bR> <div> Despite good weather to start with and copious amounts of Wherry being consumed, the rain came and the beer ran out.  However three interesting innings were completed, with the Swan posting 96 and Reepham 119 in their first outings with the bat.  Gressenhall added a further140 in their second innings, leaving the Stealers 117 to win.</div> <bR> <div> The chase was going well, despite two interruptions for heavy showers with Reepham scoring at slightly above the required rate.  However, a third downpour proved too much for the pitch to take and the match was abandoned with the home side needing 54 off 10 overs to take the Ashes.</div> <bR> <div> As is customary in abandoned Ashes matches the winner is decided by another method; last year the Swan won after a darts match and this year it was to be a bowl-off.  The two most wayward bowlers were selected, one from each side, Dunny for the Stealers and Woody for the Swan and they went out to the soggy wicket.  Things went well for the Swan with their man hitting the mark twice in quick succession, leaving the Stealers wondering how Dunny would hit the pitch never mind the stumps.  However, Dunny came up with a brilliant master stroke and decided to bowl under arm resulting in two quick wickets.  Protests from the visitors about Dunny's quite legal action resulted in the sudden death section of the battle having to be contested over arm, giving the Swan a big advantage; which they took winning their fourth Ashes and squaring the series 4-4.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="752" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 45 WIDTH="746"><div> <I><B>2010 MATCH REPORTS</B></I><I><B> <A NAME="2010_reports"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="752" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 8761 WIDTH="746"><div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>THE DREAM IS STILL ALIVE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Paul Harwood</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Saturday 21st August</U></B></div> <div> <B>NCL Division 8</B></div> <div> <B>RSCC 202-6 (45), Bunwell 102 (34)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 100 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> This was a must win match against the top placed team, Bunwell and a loss would have ended our promotion hopes.</div> <bR> <div> We won the toss and batted but, for once, our usually reliable openers went cheaply against some tight bowling. We really needed 200 on this wicket and Joe batted superbly to get us there against the best bowling attack in the league. Adam weighed in with a few hefty 6's and 4's but, more importantly, stayed in with Joe as we had looked like crawling to only 140 or 150 at one stage.  In the end we were happy with 202 and felt this was enough.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Danny and Adam opened the bowling and soon reduced Bunwell to 26 - 3. Joe took a really good catch to dismiss their opener, Aston, who had scored 70 odd against us in the season's earlier fixture. This brought in their number four, Pitcher, who took a liking to Danny and Adam's pace and dealt almost exclusively in boundaries. Pitcher scored 42 and one amazing shot saw him smashing Danny back over his head onto the Forge roof! Another few overs of this and he would have taken the game away.</div> <div>  </div> <div> However, Raj was brought into the attack and in his first over had Pitcher well caught on the long on boundary by Simon. Bunwell were then 80 - 4 in the 17th over but we knew from experience that they batted all the way down so we couldn't be complacent, especially as they still had plenty of overs left.</div> <bR> <div> It was a surprise then that the opposition only scored 22 more runs in another 17 overs but this showed how well Joe and Raj bowled. Well supported by his slip cordon (if I say so myself), Joe took 3 wickets from his 9 overs and, in the process, gave away only 5 runs. Raj only gave away 24 runs from his 10 overs and took 4 wickets.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Raj was really fired up, nay angry, especially as their umpire had called him for a wide ball which just missed the off stump! In failing light, Raj duly wrapped up the game by clean bowling the opposition skipper and then their last man. This was our queue for much air punching and  high five's. Sorry Jim but a simple handshake doesn't seem to be enough these days.</div> <bR> <div> With dark clouds looming we needed to wrap up this game as soon as possible and I'm happy to say that this was a professional and ruthless performance from RSCC (sorry to those who didn't get a bowl or a bat) but we now go into the final game of the season with the chance of promotion (and an outside chance of winning the division) in our own hands.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match:</B> A team effort</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>LIVING IN DREAMLAND</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Saturday 24th July</U></B></div> <div> <B>NCL Division 8</B></div> <div> <B>Gillingham 110 (40), RSCC 111-3 (19.1)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 7 wickets</I></div> <bR> <div> It was like living in dreamland.  I have missed three matches this year but of those I have seen this was by far the best in terms of our performance.  On a wicket which looked and played like the African veldt (look it up, Simon - as an intellectual you must know how to use a dictionary!) we played with calm intelligence and thoroughly deserved to beat one of the leading teams in the Division.  Even those who didn't get a bat or a bowl fielded with determination and often the opposition batsmen opted not to take extra runs when the fielders had the ball in hand.</div> <bR> <div> Danny Tipple and Tomas Ward opened the bowling and the Gillingham opening batsmen, who had put on around 180 in the first game against us, started cautiously until Simon took a good catch at third slip.  After this Tomas was replaced by Raj who transformed the game.  In his 12 overs he took 5 wickets for 22 and at times was almost unplayable.  Their best batsman was bowled by George Wright with a ball that ran along the ground after pitching, although, to be fair, George insists that he could see daylight between ball and ground.  Danny took only one wicket but deserved more and conceded only 21 runs.  Perhaps more positive running between the wickets could have increased the Gillingham total by around 30.</div> <bR> <div> When we batted we lost Simon early but Paul Minns and Danny batted with safe assurance to get us close to their total.  What a pair of old pros!  Paul Harwood played good shots before giving way to Raj who, having just told me that he hasn't got the patience to play himself in, smashed his first ball for six to end the game.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match:</B> It was a great team effort but Raj bought two jugs afterwards so it has to be him</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>JUST LOOK IN THE BOOK!</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Saturday 17th July</U></B></div> <div> <B>NCL Division 8</B></div> <div> <B>RSCC 283-7 (45), Hingham A 95 (19.4)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 188 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> This game perfectly illustrated the disparities in our Division of the League.  We won hands down and yet there are two or three other clubs in the Division who are of the same standard as us.  Any two of four teams could be promoted but the two who aren't could find playing in the same Division again thoroughly boring next year.  Silly losses haven't helped our cause and yet I am sure that we could more than hold our own in a higher Division next year.</div> <bR> <div> We batted first and lost Simon Harwood early to yet another of those doubtful decisions that he alone feels that he alone gets.  Just look in the book, Simon.  You'll get your chance to say the same later in this report.  Paul Minns batted chancelessly, except for a few false shots on a slow wicket, and didn't really look like getting out until he spent an age in the nineties before slogging a four to reach his maiden hundred.  Most of the rest contributed a few runs and George swears that he would have got fifty if he had been allowed a few more overs.  Two exquisite cover/off drives by Paul Harwood stick in the memory - and he didn't moan about his LBW!  Paul Minns was out eventually for a hundred and thirty odd.</div> <bR> <div> Our bowling was opened by speedy Tomas Ward and wily Raj Choudhary.  Tomas took the first wicket, breaking a stump in the process and Raj then took three including their best batsman who had just hit him for six.  Our first change bowlers, George Wright and Simon Harwood then mowed through the rest.  Two outstanding events were a fine caught and bowled by George when the spectators were all looking towards the boundary and an amazing gentle, slow (that it why it was legal) full toss from Simon which should have finished on the Church roof but instead hit the stumps.  So now you have your chance, Simon.  All together now - “Just look in the book”.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B>What match?</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>RATHER DEPRESSING</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Saturday 3rd July</U></B></div> <div> <B>NCL Division 8</B></div> <div> <B>Martham A 236-7 (45), RSCC 237-4 (38)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 6 wickets</I></div> <bR> <div> This was a very strange and rather depressing game. Martham had a much changed and much stronger team than on the last occasion that we played against them and one got the impression that they expected to do well. This may explain why their behaviour on the field when their total was being approached was so appalling.</div> <bR> <div> The two Martham opening batsmen looked extremely comfortable against our opening attack and the absence of Raj was obvious. Then Paul Harwood waved his magic wand and produced an exciting rabbit, in the shape of his offspring, out of his hat. Simon bowled an excellent twelve overs and took 2 wickets for 54, including a fine caught and bowled. At the other end Joe, furious at the damage done to his wicket by a batsman marking his guard, was his usual parsimonious and silent (it's irony, Joe) self. Harry Leggoe completed a double of a good diving catch at cover and a wicket from a ball that bounced twice and rolled. The skipper, most unusually, put down three chances in three different positions but to be fair, and I hate to be fair, they were all very difficult. Their other opening bat scored a very good hundred and we were quite pleased to restrict them to 236 for 7.</div> <bR> <div> When we batted, Paul Minns, for once, failed and Simon played with his usual elegant flourish until he once again demonstrated the impetuosity of youth and holed out at mid-off. Tamas went quickly and we were 41 for 3.</div> <div> Joe should have been caught early on but the two old hands, he and Paul Harwood, then carefully put on around a hundred and fifty to put us within reach of our target before Joe was LBW. Peter Gowton then came in and played an innings which was a revelation, mixing careful defence with well judged and powerful hitting. Paul was able to relax and allow Peter to take us to the target.</div> <bR> <div> About the behaviour of the Martham team, particularly after the drinks interval in our innings, I will say nothing except that had any of our players acted in the way that Martham did I would have demanded, as President of the Club, that he never play for us again.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Men of the Match: </B>Tamas and Simon for keeping calm and ignoring the insults being thrown at them while they were umpiring.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>HALF A LOAF IS BETTER THAN NONE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Saturday 26th June</U></B></div> <div> <B>NCL Division 8</B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 359-8 (40), Hemsby A 241-8 (45)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by  118 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> I was there for only half the game but I suppose that half a loaf is better than none. When I arrived we were already on ninety odd without loss after twelve overs but we soon  lost the wickets of Paul Minns and Simon Harwood (a knee high full toss slapped to long off after which he blamed the umpire - a very close relative of his - for not calling it a no-ball). This was the perfect occasion for Joe to shine and he took full advantage. After a chanceless eighty, which could easily have become a chanceless hundred and fifty, he forgot his age and ran himself out. Both Raj and Tomas scored sprightly thirties and, once Paul Harwood realised that he was allowed to score more than one at a time, he thrived. It was a great team batting performance, another record on a perfect wicket.</div> <bR> <div> The tea, prepared by Kerry Tipple and his partner Sue, was superb. Raj asks me to say that it was the best cricket tea that he has ever had and I felt that the carrot cake was the sort of moist delight that one so rarely sees these days. What's more it was donated. </div> <bR> <div> I had to go when the Hemsby innings had reached about fifty for no wicket, helped by some some unusually wayward bowling by our openers. Paul tells me that all of our bowlers improved later however and Tomas worked up a good pace. We didn't bowl Hemsby out but our young spinners, Harry and Tom, got a bowl and, as a spinner myself, I know that plenty of bowling over the next few (five to ten) years will be needed for them to finally mature.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man (and woman) of the Match: </B>Kerry Tipple & Sue</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>DREAM INNINGS FROM HENRY SECURES SUPERB WIN</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Sunday 20th June</U></B></div> <div> <B>MNSCL Division 2</B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 284-3 (40), Swanton Morley 172 (39)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by  112 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> The afternoon was a joy both on and off the field. On the field it was a day of records led by a magnificent 172 by David Henry. So far this has been an up-and-down season for him but here he was in his pomp. I can remember only a couple of false shots, otherwise it was a dream innings. He had offered to drop down the order but in fact came in after four balls (I won't say any more, Simon) and proceeded to put on 202 with Paul Minns, another record. Finally, our total of 284 was the highest in our history. It was rotten for Paul, having scored over a hundred and fifty in the weekend, to have to play second fiddle but I'm sure he didn't mind.</div> <bR> <div> The bowlers shared the wickets apart from that of one of the opposition openers who batted through their innings and was unlucky that the innings ended before he could reach his hundred. There was a superb catch at the wicket by Paul Minns and one or two other good ones including an apparently nerveless take by Tom Harris off a high ball.</div> <bR> <div> Off the field it was sad, but very funny, to see an aging club `birthday  boy' being taunted by a pack of teenage `young guns' about matters which should properly be kept in the bedroom. Don't worry too much, Paul, it'll be a lot worse next year when you're fifty. I would start on the herbal pills as soon as possible if I were you!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B>David Henry</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>FINE WIN</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Saturday 5th June</U></B></div> <div> <B>NCL Division 8</B></div> <div> <B>Hardingham B 155 (36), Reepham & Salle 156-1 (25)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 9 wickets</I></div> <bR> <div> We struggled to break through early on but "Pimple" then entered the game and took three quick wickets. This left a clear field for Joe Hollis, a man never keen to give a sucker an even break, who mopped up an almost non-existent tail.  Simon Harwood and Paul Minns then made it all look too easy as they put on 142 while Joe fumed on the boundary with his pads on.</div> <bR> <div> Sensibly, Paul Harwood promoted Harry Leggoe above Joe when Paul Minns was eventually out and Harry finished the game with a lovely wristy square cut. There's not any more to say really, other than the two Pauls took five catches between them.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B>Paul Minns</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>DAMP BUT ENJOYABLE</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Monday 31st May</U></B></div> <div> <B>Friendly</B></div> <div> <B>Old Owens 240-8 (40), Reepham & Salle 144-8 (40)</B></div> <div> <I>Old Owens won by 96 runs</I></div> <bR> <div> The wicket was damp but the two sides tried not to field on the square or take quick singles. This resulted in a game enjoyed by all.</div> <bR> <div> Old Owens batted first, sensibly and without taking risks, against Joe Wright and Adam Meek. They were both a little unlucky particularly when Joe had one of the openers dropped by a member of his (Joe's) family. Their best batsman was struck twice in the cojones (look it up in an Anglo-Spanish dictionary) but his stumps remained intact. Mention must be made of a senior figure hurtling along the boundary and diving, resulting in a missed catch and a bruised finger. For some reason our captain then brought on David Henry. His first over went true to form and increased the opposition's total by 23 runs. After that however he was remarkably steady, both slowing the scoring rate and taking wickets. Finally mention must be made of two catches by Tomas Ward, one of them,over his head as he ran towards the boundary in a swirling wind and definitely a candidate for catch of the season.</div> <bR> <div> When we batted, it looked as if David Henry and Simon Harwood would give us a good start but sadly both were given out LBW when some way down the wicket. It was a Hertfordshire League umpire and clearly he had appreciated how true is our wicket these days. From this point we declined. Paul Minns, fresh from his honeymoon, scored a few and Tomas flat batted a remarkable six over mid-off. We were 98 odd for 8 when Cameron Clapton joined a 15 year old loaned to us by Old Owens and they put on over sixty being unbeaten at the end. Cameron played the minor part but batted very sensibly. Yet another champagne moment came when Joe Wright sent back an elder member of his family who had called for a single, resulting in a headlong dive to safety by the elder member, a damaged back and a few choice words to his wife when he subsequently out about <U>her</U> son. Oh and their wicket keeper got a third one where it hurts.</div> <bR> <div> Considering the conditions it was a good game and the limitless free drink in the Kings Arms afterwards made it all the better.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B>Ralph Lane</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>WAS IT A MATCH?</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Saturday 29th May</U></B></div> <div> <B>NCL Division 8</B></div> <div> <B>Hales Colts 40 (19.4), Reepham & Salle 41-1 (3.2)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 9 wickets (26 points)</I></div> <bR> <div> It was a ghastly afternoon with continuous rain and trying to score from inside the Captain's car was not easy.  I don't think that any of our side wanted to play but the opposition captain was keen to give his lads a game so out we went</div> <bR> <div> They weren't a very good team and our bowlers shared the wickets.  Kerry Tipple took the honours with 3 wickets for 4 runs including a caught and bowled for which he made an electrifying (or electrified) three yard sprint.  Joe would be disappointed if I omitted to mention a rather good catch over his head at cover.  Tomas Ward made a very promising debut too.</div> <bR> <div> It served their captain right (although that's a bit unfair) when the rain intensified during our innings.  Fortunately this lasted only three overs and a bit, during which Simon Harwood got 23 not out.  We set off home, most of us relatively dry but Tomas, who had travelled in his cricket clothes, quite the opposite!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B>What match?</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>LAST YEAR'S DUCK BECOMES THIS YEAR'S SWAN</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Sunday 23rd May</U></B></div> <div> <B>MNSCL Division 2</B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle164 (38), Mundford 167-1 (21)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle lost by 9 wickets (6 points)</I></div> <bR> <div> Once David Henry had been cracked on the elbow early on and taken, by himself, to hospital, there were very few highlights, so I won't bother to go through the match in detail. Our Man of the Match had to be Jack Such who, on his seasonal debut, thrashed the opposition bowling to all parts of the field and put the wind up one or two of his own side. His batting was Bothamian while his calling was Comptonian. It was an amazing performance from someone who won the “duck prize” last year.</div> <bR> <div> Apart from that, the junior Wrights and Adam Meek bowled bowled well and stand-in wicket keeper “Pimple” took a brilliant catch down the leg side but by then it meant nothing. Two accomplished and clearly Saturday 1st eleven batsman knocked off the runs with ease.</div> <bR> <div> Our one consolation was that David hadn't broken anything.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B>Jack Such</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>BRUTALITY PAYS OFF</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Saturday 15th May</U></B></div> <div> <B>NCL Division 8</B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 204-5 (45), Hingham 136 (36.3)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 69 runs (26 points)</I></div> <bR> <div> My chauffeur delivered me to the venue over an hour beforehand, thus enabling me to take pleasure from the build-up of atmosphere before the start. The wicket was fairly true except for a patch on a length just outside the off stump at one end (yes, I know that it would be just outside the leg stump to a left hander) but generally the ball came off slowly and this, allied to an uncut outfield, made scoring difficult. Brutalism paid off, rather than style but good manners prevents me saying whose brutalism was most successful.</div> <bR> <div> The Harwood brothers opened the RSCC innings and, while never looking like getting out, they made no more than pedestrian progress. With the ball not coming on to the bat their most elegant strokes either went straight to fielders or stopped half way to the boundary. Nevertheless they laid a firm foundation, with 39 each, until both they (and, probably, the spectators) succumbed to boredom and gave away their wickets. In came Joe Hollis, a man whose appetite for runs resembles Mike Gatting's appetite, insatiable.</div> <div> He proceeded to put the Hingham bowling to the sword, or perhaps more accurately “to the bludgeon” and it was a little disappointing that he was only 5 runs short of his hundred when our innings ended.</div> <bR> <div> Our bowling looked first class. Raj took the new ball and looked like Kapil Dev. George Wright at the other end also bowled very well and gave every impression of looking like Kapil Dev one day (no, George, find out for yourself who Kapil Dev was). Tom Harris in his debut game showed the most important attribute of a promising bowler in that he kept the ball up to the batsman and could have had at least one wicket. The old and gnarled  hands of Gerald Rowe (aka “Pimple”) and Joe then mopped up the tail.</div> <bR> <div> The Captain (the older Harwood brother) moaned a bit afterwards about the catches we had dropped (he caught two himself) but I felt that most of them, and a stumping chance, were not easy.</div> <bR> <div> A final word of thanks to Trevor Harris and Guy Hewson both of whom came in at the last minute and whose absence would have made our situation ten times more difficult.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match:</B> Joe Hollis</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>STRANGE BATTING?</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Sunday 2nd May</U></B></div> <div> <B>MNSCL Division 2</B></div> <div> <B>Reepham & Salle 155-9 (40), Thetford 157-5 (39)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle lost by 5 wickets (8 points)</I></div> <bR> <div> When I arrived at the ground we were comfortably in control having scored 124 for 2 wickets in about 25 overs. Things then started to go wrong. Some strange batting, thoughtless rather than bad, presented the opposition with a number of gift wickets and only a last wicket stand between Nick Wright and Harry Leggeo gave our score any respectability. They both watched the ball onto the bat and didn't career down the wicket, flail at the ball and allow themselves to be stumped. A score of 200 could have achieved but, sadly, it wasn't.</div> <bR> <div> Our bowlers did their best and took four early wickets but a pair of Thetford brothers gradually took them to our total. Frequent appeals were met with frequent negative responses from the umpires. Eventually Danny bowled one of them but the other saw them home in the last over.</div> <bR> <div> It was a game we probably should have won and I hope that we learnt something from it.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B>Adam Meek (for batting and bowling well)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> ___________________________________________________________________________________</div> <bR> <div> <B>A LOT TO APPLAUD</B></div> <div> <I><B>Words by Jim Everton</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Sunday 25th April</U></B></div> <div> <B>MNSCL Division 2</B></div> <div> <B>Terrington 165 (38), Reepham & Salle 196 (38)</B></div> <div> <I>Reepham & Salle won by 31 runs (21 points)</I></div> <bR> <div> There was a lot to applaud in this, our first serious game of the season. For Paul Minns his first game as Captain  resulted in a win; our opening attack, aided by the welcome return of Danny Tipple, looked menacing, with Joe Wright deserving his four wickets and Adam Meek moving the ball to the bewilderment of the opposition; and all our new regulars making their marks, either in the field or with the bat.</div> <bR> <div> Paul and David Henry opened the batting on a slow wicket and looked in no trouble until David picked out the only fielder on the leg side for catching practice. Joe Hollis came in and played exactly the right innings for the wicket, an example to us all, and despite losing Paul to a debatable (to Paul!) decision, stroked his way to a lovely fifty. Most of the rest made runs but the pick has to be two shots off successive balls by George Wright, ona a punch for four through extra cover and the next a straight six. The senior member (sorry Sue, “the senior male member”) of the Wright family, having been dragged in at extremely short notice looked very fetching in black trousers and showed the youngsters how to play straight and take catches.</div> <bR> <div> In no time we had the opposition at 10 for 3, partly thanks to a brilliant catch at first slip by Kerry Tipple, one of which any top class cricketer would have been proud. On an easier wicket than when we had batted, only a couple of their batsmen were able to look in command. Danny also took wickets and Joe “call me Paul Collingwood” came on and bowled a few donkeydrops at the end.</div> <bR> <div> It was an encouraging beginning to the Sunday season...</div> <bR> <div> <B>Man of the Match: </B>Joe Hollis</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>____________________________________________________________________________________</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="752" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 50 WIDTH="746"><div> <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U><IMG SRC="1191e1e0.gif" border=0 width="30" height="30" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> © RSCC 2011</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>