GRASSMOOR SECURE FIRST DIVISION STATUS WITH EIGHT WICKET WIN

GRASSMOOR WORKS 162 FOR 2 THORESBY COLLIERY 2'S 159 FOR 9

THE BASSETLAW AND DISTRICT CRICKET LEAGUE DIVISION ONE AT BARNES PARK

27 AUGUST 2022 --- 1PM

CRAIG DAWES CONGRATULATED BY IAN BRADLEY IN GRASSMOOR V THORESBY

On a lovely sunny afternoon in Barnes Park Grassmoor secured their first division status in The Bassetlaw and District Cricket League with a comfortable eight wicket win over Thoresby Colliery 2's.  Much as the lads have done really well in the challenge of 2022 today during the blog I will also attempt to highlight some of the unsung stars who keep the club on the field so that the players can turn out and the club can continue its proud history in the former north east Derbyshire mining village.

ANDY WOOLVEN AT FULL STRETCH

Once again with a bright afternoon in prospect the chance to finally start the football season was declined as the love of a game of cricket won over, after all there will be plenty of days to stand in the cold, wind and rain on the touchline during the next eight months.  With just three weeks of the season to go and the advance forecast for the next two Saturdays being rain the opportunity today was not to be missed.  The drag up Hagg Hill from the neighbouring village was completed although I'm thinking of putting in a study to finance one of those funicular railway so famous on the cliff side at seaside resorts like Scarborough.   

Visitors Thoresby Colliery were struggling at the wrong end of the table and with Grassmoor generally performing well against clubs outside the top five there was much anticipation with a strong home side declared.  The visitors elected to bat and when the first over contained 2 boundaries they must have been relishing a turn in their form but after a devastating bowling spell from Ian Bradley [4 for 28] ably supported by Craig Dawes [2 for 18] with Malcolm Jelley chipping in by bowling opener Nathan Culkin [8] they were soon reduced to 65/7.

SALLY SPOTS A POUND ON THE FLOOR FOR THE RAFFLE ALL IN THE GRASSMOOR WORKS CC FUND

At this point its time to take a break and as mentioned in the opening take a look at some of the off field characters at the club.  On my first visit here about three years ago the regular point of contact for me was Sally Allsop who popped around the boundary to tempt you into a raffle/scratch card purchase.  The first time I had unfortunately come with no money, a poor effort by me and unusual because I do like to support the clubs I visit.  Needless to say I never forgot again and its on my check list before setting out now 'money for the raffle'.  There is always chance for a pleasant word with Sally and a vital job in raising some extra funds on match days she does. 

Today her usual viewing spot had extended with close family in attendance and the chance to meet her sister Helen up from Kent just to watch Grassmoor, well okay there had been a family wedding this week.  It was interesting to learn, like much of Grassmoor Works CC, how many of the families are inter connected and much as I can't remember the many examples it was good to learn of  her granddad being the park keeper.  The park is a gathering point to the village now with football, cricket, its new pavilion/community space and play and exercise areas but in the days gone by had a bowling green and I believe tennis courts.  I have only seen, I think, one picture of this but it was good to hear Helen recount her younger days playing some tennis in the bowling green area, good job granddad was park keeper.  Thanks Sally always a pleasure to have a go on the scratch card.

SALLY AND TRAVELLING SUPPORTER SISTER HELEN

Although I know the players on the pitch will also undertake roles within the club I wanted to concentrate on off field but excuse me while I mention all rounder David Spendlove who along with Tammie Woolven have developed the clubs social media platform this season.  Its up to date with fixtures including information about any foods on offer for general sale on match day and the ball sponsors and on that front again great work within the club to get local and connected businesses on board a superb effort when so many clubs fail to promote their club.

EARLY REST FOR MARK CRAIN

In the meantime what's happening on the pitch well Rob Walker [26] and Stuart Bullin [40] put on a superb stand for the eighth wicket from the dire place of looking like not reaching double figures to get to 159 for 9 and be able to complete their 40 overs.  The only other player to reach double figures was Ben Broderick [20].  For Grassmoor as aside to the previously mentioned bowlers Spendlove chipped in with a couple of wickets as well.

IAN BRADLEY WITH WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THOUGHTS

At the tea interval there was surprisingly no walk to the country park for those who remain interested.

The chase for Grassmoor started at a pace with Andy Woolven [30] to the fore with his attacking style and Mark Crain [14] giving them a good start but when Woolven went with the score on 54 he was followed soon after by Crain when he top edged.  So maybe a little doubt now and for Thoresby their confidence rose with the chance of an upset.  The two dismissals brought together captain Adam Bedford and Carl Bowling to which we will return shortly.

TAMMIE WOOLVEN AND ALAN WOOLVEN AT PICNIC CORNER

In the mean time my boundary amble had got me to picnic corner were a group of the ladies gather for a chat, eats and a small amount of liquid refreshment.  Within the group was Tammie Woolven who was featured as drinks server in the blog two weeks ago against Harthill CC.  With a selection of roles Tammie shows the enthusiasm that runs through this club while talking about the recent All Stars and Dynamos sessions for the kids of the village to come along and sample cricket during their school holidays, this also requires the support of the players to make it the success it clearly was this season.  Tammie alongside being a first aider is also safeguard and welfare officer so a big part in the club and its activities for the young ones.  The club were also successful in gaining Derbyshire Cricket Foundation grants which plays a tremendous part in funding the children who want to take part, credit to the club and the foundation for coming together.  There is also a selection of  kitchen and bar work undertaken as do a fair few of the ladies around the club.  While we were talking club secretary Alan Woolven joined the group and we had another vital off the field cog in the running of Grassmoor Works CC.  As many will know the running of any sporting organisation in current days is nothing like 'the old days' and the amount of work seems to increase season by season.

The one person everybody mentioned was Andy's mum Christine Woolven who I didn't get chance to catch up with today but I was told by quite a few she undertook many tasks around the club turning her hand to what was required as well as being an allocated first aider.

I don't recall meeting Alan Ward but I'm told he his another vital part of the club caretaking the pavilion and sourcing the clubs kit and equipment so another vital contribution.  

So there is so much going on behind the scenes and over the boundary edge to allow a club like Grassmoor to 'take part' and thanks for all they do that allows the players and spectators to spend an afternoon playing and watching cricket.

[As ever apologies for anybody omitted I probably just haven't met you yet]

ANDY WOOLVEN STRIKING OUT AGAIN

Two down then and Bedford [68*] and Bowling [27] going along steadily until the over before drinks when the former unleashed two big sixes and a top edged four to take Grassmoor to 106 for 2 at the half way stage.  They rolled on at a fair pace from here in and when appropriately captain Bedford struck the fourth ball of the 27th over for a boundary giving Grassmoor an eight wicket victory it secured their first division status for the 2023 season.

CAPTAIN BEDFORD 68 NOT OUT GETS GRASSMOOR HOME

It seemed to be a game played in a nice spirit between the two sides and as ever a pleasant afternoon was spent meandering round Barnes Park learning a bit more about the club and of course seeing Grassmoor win which is ultimately what everybody's efforts are working towards.  The walk back didn't seem to difficult, strangely after a win it never does.

CARL BOWLING IN AT 4 TO SEE GRASSMOOR OVER THE LINE

NINE WICKET WIN AS PILSLEY AND CLAY CROSS GO JUST 7 POINTS BEHIND LEADERS

PILSLEY AND CLAY CROSS 108 FOR 1 AMBERGATE 2'S 105 ALL OUT

DCCL DIVISION 7 NORTH AT RUPERT ST

20 AUGUST 2022 --- 1.30PM

CRICKET THE STUDIOUS GAME IAN WORTHY IN PILSLEY V AMBERGATE

Its been 19 hours and 41 days..........to badly quote a 1990's chart single, but indeed it had been since I had visited Rupert Street for a Pilsley and Clay Cross game and from regular status I had missed 2 home games in that period but today would make up for it.  With the weather set fair and a moderate breeze forecast I was well aware to accept gale force 9 on 'the ridge' as Pislsey went after chasing top spot in Division 7 North against Ambergate 2's.

CAPTAIN BOWERS OPENS THE BOWLING

Along with Grassmoor over in The Bassetlaw League Pilsley have as I mentioned last week been the blessing of keeping sport going as my days become more filled with demands, but with a responsive club to any request I have, thanks Tristan, why would I not pop along.

Today Ambergate won the toss and elected to bat and they reached a methodical 73/4 at the half way stage as drinks were taken but something must have happened to them or of course to Pilsley because by the first ball of over 25 they had collapsed to 82/9.  After captain Tristan Bowers had took two of the top order the wickets in this spell were aided by Ian Worthy 3 for 15 and Gareth Hatton 3 for 12 with Steve Gardiner and Graham Turner taking one apiece.

The last wicket put on twenty three valuable runs as it promised to be the usual problem that Pilsley often have as the three figures came up.  But the total of 105 all out looked way short of a challenging total but as we know cricket is a funny game and very rarely predictable.

NO SLIP UPS FRO THE PILSLEY CLOSE IN 

The first innings had still taken us to just shy of 4pm and the usual pit canteen tour was undertaken and arrival back at the ground was conveniently just right to witness openers Steve Wood and Pete Lacey 

CAMERON LEE HIS BOWLINGS TAKING OFF

Wood [38*] offered up an opportunity mid way through with a skier to mid on but thankfully this was not taken and he put on 75 with Lacey [38] before the latter was run out charging through to the danger end for a quick signal and on his call his fellow opener fancied it not remained solidly in his ground and with Lacey well through the crease the bails were whipped off and he had to keep running back to the pavilion for a frustrating end to his knock that looked like both would see the reply through without loss.

CHIP THE POOCHON IS DOWN FOR HIS CIRCUIT

It had been a cautious approach against some challenging bowling from the visitors young attack and although cautious the target could well be reached without any big hitting.  Somebody didn't tell Turner [27] who came in and despite an early chance, that again was spilled, he hit a blistering knock with boundaries flowing to get Pilsley over the line sooner rather than later.  In fact there were seventeen overs to spare and a finish at 5.45 was I think the earliest this season and a pleasant change from some of the later ones.

LACEY EYES ON THE BALL

The win puts Pilsley into joint second spot just seven points of leaders Whittington Wanderers who they travel to play at Brearly Park next week in a game that will test both sides and with Duffield to come its a tough spell of games for the Rupert Street outfit.  But far better to be in the mix than not at all.

PETE LACEY RUNS THROUGH FOR A QUICK SINGLE

As ever good to spend the afternoon with Pilsley and after a few weeks off from the climb up through the village it was time to return to base after a pleasant afternoon once again.

GRAHAM TURNER NO MESSING ABOUT TO GET PILSLEY TO THE TARGET

GRASSMOOR SHOW HEART, HILL TO BIG TO CLIMB

GRASSMOOR WORKS 214 ALL OUT HARTHILL 273 FOR 3

THE BASSETLAW AND DISTRICT CRICKET LEAGUE DIVISION ONE AT BARNES PARK

13 AUGUST 2022  --- 1PM

ITS A FREQUENT DRINKS AFTERNOON IN GRASSMOOR WORKS V HARTHILL

Despite a defiant attacking innings from John Donaldson [72] Grassmoor came up 59 runs short of a daunting total by Harthill CC who return to the top of the Division One table to share the lead on points with Welbeck 2's

IAN WOOLVEN ACCOMPANIES MALC JELLY BACK TO HIS MARK

This weekend saw another red hot forecast and the day did not disappoint on the weather front with the watching spectators heading for the shielding of the tall trees within Barnes Park which were offering some much appreciated protection, it would certainly prove to be an afternoon requiring the ten over drinks breaks.  Overall there were quite a few incidents from this game more of which later as I had aimed to have a little waffle around the state of some of the professional popular sports currently that have backed up my enjoyment of grass roots cricket and football over the last couple of years.  Its probably a good idea because I have opted to include quite a few more pictures from this weekends encounter to extend the coverage. 

BRADLEY DELIVERS WITH CAPTAIN ADAM BEDFORD ATTENTIVE

On the morning before the game I had a brief opportunity to read an article about how the T20 format was now to be franchised in South Africa and the UAE as well so taking out many players from the, shall we say, more traditional game and making some players potentially unavailable from the national sides.  It would appear a shame that of course the franchisees that are taking over many sports, look at LIV in golf and the battle that is creating, are offering players more riches than the 'real game' can and I guess you cannot blame a player taking this security when injury could end their career at any time.  Its all very interesting when, if you are old enough, you look back to the early franchisee proponent Kerry Packer coloured clothing etc 'it'll never take off' hahaa.

IAN BRADLEY BOWLS WATCHED OVER BY THE NEARBY CROOKED SPIRE

Where this is a shame is that it is divisive there is some bad feeling in golf over their splits and like cricket these franchised tournaments do tend to attract the better experienced and often nearly retired players it is true to say it will pull out current international players too.  As mentioned at the start of this meandering it has made me move away from the top level of my favourite two sports hence the non league football angle to this blog for most of the year and or sports that have a closer connection to their supporters and here I give the example of rugby league which is so community based its almost untrue.

I have watched it at NCL level which is like the non league level and at pro level and their is just a different feel to their connection with the fans.  Its often spoke about in football etc but generally its just not true young fans and old ones find it difficult to get near the stats never mind feel any affinity.  I well remember attending an Everton U18 game a few years ago versus Manchester City at the training ground of the former and you couldn't move and when the players, no top players at the time, came out a row of security guards shielded them onto the pitch and then walked up and down behind the pitch side crowd during the game before escorting them off.  So the families and young fans wanted to maybe even meet their future stars but it was not going to happen.

OPENER PHIL HIGGINSON BUILT A GOOD BASE FOR HARTHILL

As this threatens to go even further off track I have watched the women's game in football develop to what are know extraordinary levels from its infancy I have admired players after games and international games too come straight over at the final whistle to the fans not just to applaud them but chat, sign autographs and take photos.  This has been much admired by new converts to the game especially during the wonderful Euro's win but I foresee the women's game going down the same route as the men's as more money, fairly and sponsors get more heavily involved I desperately hope the real connection with the fans is not lost and it doesn't become one of so many other sports where the clubs and medias belief of connection with supporters is far from the reality.  

So I suppose what I'm trying to saying 'loving my grassroots sport', see I could have said it in one sentence.

UMPIRE DENHAM AWAITS THE NEXT DELIVERY

So having returned to Barnes Park for some more grassroots stuff it would be a visit from Harthill who play within the lovely village sitting on the South Yorkshire Derbyshire border and while talking about sitting are in second spot after being top for much of the season at the start of play.

DOM CUMMING HAVING A MOMENT

The visitors made a cautious start as it proved difficult to get the ball away after good opening bowling from Malcolm Jelly and Ian Bradley the latter who dismissed Andrew Collinson [2] leg before.  A watching approach from Phil Higginson [27] set up a very good base for the visitors to move on from, however after ten over they had just 32 on the board.  

DANIEL WHITEHOUSE 71 NOT OUT FOR HARTHILL

The two left handers of Don Cumming [68] and captain Daniel Whitehouse [71*] did the damage for Harthill with as ever a sensible start but then an explosive spell as the early restrictive bowling of the home side was waved good bye too.  With regular drinks break on this red hot afternoon it must have been pretty hot out their so it was a great effort from all.  

TAMMIE WOOLVEN BRINGS OUT THE DRINKS

When Cumming was out caught Jelly off John Kenward Nash the pair had added 139 for the third wicket and even then Grassmoor could not rest.  Batting at five Bradie Shaw came in and performed the ultimate cameo with 59 off 34 balls to get Harthill to 273/3 off their 40 overs.

TWO BALLS LEFT SIGNAL

The first innings had seen Pete Bedford fielding for the work delayed Sam Smith and more concerning the loss of wicket keeper Mark Crain to A and E.  Standing up to Kenward Nash an edge flew through to connect directly just above his eye and after some first aid while prostrate on the floor the bandaged stumper went off to get the impact checked out.

FOUR MORE SIGNALLED BY UMPIRE DENHAM

Sports is a small world and a nice blast back to my very much younger watching days was umpire Paul Denham recognising me from our Derbyshire County Cricket Club watching days as he walked back to square leg.  He has now taken up standing in Bassetlaw games and along with his fellow official Ron Firth they both looked very well turned out in what was on a few occasions a challenging game.

The usual tea interval walked followed just for those who are concerned.

DOM CUMMING AND DANIEL WHITEHOUSE CENTURY PARTNERSHIP

Nicely back in time for the umpires to return the players to the pitch and what a start Grassmoor made racing away to just over seven an over off the first ten the only problem was the wickets were also falling and they needed them in hand for the final push.  Carl Bowling was out to the first proper ball for a duck after the first ball was signalled a wide down the leg side.

CHRISTOPHER PAGE LOOKING THE BUSINESS 2 FOR 34

But Andy Woolven [33] was in sparkling form when he fell with the score on 74 caught behind by Jack Mason off Christopher Page.  This created somewhat of a fracas as a visiting fielder seemed to take offence at the situation and a small coming together occurred maybe the football season has started here.  It was a hot afternoon and hopefully a cold drink afterwards sorted out any unnecessariness..  As wickets fell away David Spendlove [16] and Smith [20] tried to assist Donaldson 72 from as many balls as he took the fight to Harthill.

BACK IN MY DAY T SHIRT MODELLED BY PETE BEDFORD

The return of Crain [2*] from A and E just in time to return at a lowly number eleven gave some hope but it was now a massive ask at around ten an over.  The inevitable happened with Donaldson having to hit big he holed and Grassmoor despite a spirited effort had come up 59 runs short to Harthill who would know reclaim a joint top spot with Welbeck.

ONCE AGAIN ANDY WOOLVEN FEATURE IN CLASSIC POSE

Its been said in previous blogs that some of the pedigree sides, like Harthill and Welbeck, are always going to be a challenge for a community village side like Grassmoor but its too their credit that they keep on going.

For Harthill they will be happy to back to top spot even though it is shared and try to reclaim its exclusivity for themsleves over the coming weeks. 

A HEAVILY BANDAGED MARK CRAIN RETURNS TO BAT

A further nice touch today was the purchasing of a rather smart looking T shirt with an alleged Geoff Boycott quote for one of the more experienced members of the club Pete Bedford who had a session in the field as sub fielder today.  Thankfully the parading of it later in the afternoon allowed for a photo and it was a nice gesture that was carried off well by its model.

JOHN DONALDSON BIG HITTING FOR GRASSMOOR

FORMER CHESTERFIELD GOALKEEPER GUIDES STAVELEY TO WIN AT 72

CHESTERFIELD 3'S 201 FOR 7 STAVELEY WELFARE 2'S 203 FOR 1

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE DIVISION 9 NORTH AT DEER PARK

6 AUGUST 2022 --- 1.30PM

FORMER SPIREITE PHIL TINGAY AT 72 PLAYING FOR STAVELEY WELFARE V CHESTREFIELD

Former Chesterfield FC goalkeeper Phil Tingay, 72 years young, helped Staveley Welfare to a comprehensive nine wicket victory over Chesterfield at Allenale Road Wingerworth along with fellow opener David May they put on 184 for the first wicket which helped them overhaul the home sides 201/7.

CHARLIE CLAYTON CENTURY FOR CHESTERFIELD

Since coming back to re blog the DCCL over the last few seasons I have on a few occasions tried to get along to a local game to watch The Spireites former number one but something as always got in the way.  This season though Tingay was not visible in the Staveley first team but thankfully I then spotted he was turning out for the seconds and this week he would be quite local at Wingerworth which is a nice village ground that was covered a few weeks ago.  Thankfully arriving as both sides were warming up the first person I spotted was Tingay so the worries of him being on holiday and not playing did not happen.  Two weeks ago he scored his maiden century against Cutthorpe 4's and last week took a 'fifer' for because even though he is now into his 73rd year he is still well and truly an all rounder as we will witness today.

MR B DID SUGGEST OUT FOR A DUCK BUT I THINK ITS THEIR SWANSONG

His Chesterfield career spanned from 1971 to 1981 and I well remember sitting in the centre stand with my dad for CFC games and Tingay would have been between the sticks with his mop of dark hair, green keeper shirt as they should be not the multicolours of today and proper short shorts.  It was a time of battling for the number one spot at Saltergate and he remained loyal to the club while only seeing 181 appearances with the likes of John Turner, Steve Ogrizovic and Steve Hardwick challenging him for the spot.  He was a one club man with just eight games on loan at nearby Barnsley.  After his playing career ended at the professional level he continued in non league and managed Staveley Works and Miners Welfare and Clay Cross Works latterly Biwater.  The latter a place very close to me and on quite a few afternoons a walk to John St to watch a game was a pleasurable afternoon with a bovril trip to the on ground Rainbow Cafe.  On a previous attempt to cover Phil in a game I had spoken to a former Biwater player Dave Martin who had sung his praises and talked about his fitness and always being involved in training and never setting any challenge he would not do himself.  This would be self evident today I was amazed at his fitness and the running between the wickets never mind the eager pushing for quick singles with his opening partner May would have been a credit to a man fifty years younger.  

TINGAY OPENING THE BOWLING FOR STAVELEY

Chesterfield were put into bat and their card was dominated by wicket keeper Charlie Clayton [114] who hit an aggressive century his fellow opener captain Eddie Grant [18] was there until he fell at 25 bowled by Tony Brown.  Alfie Woodhouse [0] was then immediately bowled by Tingay who took his only wicket of the afternoon after a very frugal opening three overs.  There followed two more ducks before late contributions from Jodie Walsh [15], Christian Sullivan [27*] and Chris Briddon [11] saw the home side to 201 after their forty overs.  

Top wicket taker for Staveley was the experienced Tony Brown with 3 for 31.

A MOMENT AT THE NON STRIKERS END FOR TINGAY

Tea interval was a 20 minute walk to the Derbyshire speciality of 'well dressings' at the nearby sheep wash bridge with the village displaying three all at the same site.  It was a very quick visit but I wanted to be back for the Staveley reply and more over take a look at Tingay with the bat, I probaly need not have rushed he spent most of the innings out in the middle.

TINGAY ON HIS WAY TO 80 RUNS

What a start they gave Staveley both May [95*] and Tingay [80] so nearly saw the reply right through to its target.  There was some big hitting to the long Allendale Road boundary from both men but most impressive was the pushing for quick singles the understanding and clear calling was a lesson for all the young players with the running between the wickets admirable.  Sadly Tingay fell with the score on 184 caught by Stephen Dilks off the bowling of Woodhouse who would get some comeback for his earlier dismissal by Tingay.  May just did not have the deliveries left for his century and Andy Hale [10] helped the Welfare over the line.

DAVID MAY TOP SCORE 95 NOT OUT FOR STAVELEY

Division 9 it may have been bit well worth the trip it was great to see Phil still enjoying his sport in an entertaining game that included an impressive century from Chesterfield opener Clayton and a super knock from Staveley opener May that although undefeated at the close it was a shame he didn't get those five runs for a much deserved century also.  Overall the fitness of Tingay was to behold long may he continue enjoying his sport.

TINGAY WITH ANOTHER FREE FLOWING SHOT

WOOLVEN AND SPENDLOVE SET IT UP FOR DAWES AND BRADLEY TO SEE GRASSMOOR BACK TO WINNING WAYS

GRASSMOOR WORKS 236 FOR 6 ANSTON 2'S 164 ALL OUT

BASSETLAW AND DISTRICT LEAGUE DIVISION ONE AT BARNES PARK

30 JULY 2022 --- 1PM

ANDY WOOLVEN GETS GRASSMOOR WORKS OFF TO A GREAT START VERSUS ANSTON

Grassmoor returned to winning ways with a 72 run victory over Anston 2's in this Bassetlaw and District League Division One fixture at Barnes Park.  The home side had a collection of valuable contributions including half centuries from Andy Woolven and David Spendlove with their opening bowlers of Craig Dawes and Ian Bradley Taking three wickets apiece and accounting for the Anston top order.

CRAIG DAWES CELEBRATES HIS SECOND WICKET BOWLING ARCHIE RUCZENCZYN

Last week and for most of the proceeding football season I have expressed a thankfulness for being able to cover local clubs due to my chance of travelling being very limited but the opportunity of Grassmoor Works C C was once again a blessing.  Alongside Pilsley and Clay Cross these two clubs have been a pleasure to cover and both have been very welcoming making it a pleasure to walk the boundary on a Saturday afternoon.

CARL BOWLING OPENING FOR GRASSMOOR WORKS

Today would start in a very light rain but thankfully with credit to the umpires and both clubs they wanted to get on with play and so we started and completed an afternoon of 'village' cricket that was a credit to both sides contributions.

Before the game today it would appear I have not featured the 'wonders' of opening bowler Craig Dawes enough, according to Mr Dawes haha, apparently its always his counterpart Ian Bradley.  Anyway today Mr D I hope to have gone some way to redressing that balance plus there is a few more pictures to view around probably fewer words, but a word of caution there is still one of Mr Bradley.  All part of the good banter that surrounds the club and to be fair cricket in general in this league.

ANDY WOOLVEN LOFTS ANOTHER DELIVERY TOWARDS THE BOUNDARY

Anston won the toss and invited the home side to have a bat and what a start they got off too only losing Carl Bowling [15] when the score was on 80 although when John Donaldson was sent back after three balls for a duck to a sharp catch the score was 95/2.  But the third wicket was vital for Anston that of Woolven [A] [69] he was in destructive mood before being bowled by Jamie Pearson.  To that effect his innings had come from 49 balls including 10 fours and one maximum and he reached his 50 off just 28 balls in 24 minutes a devastating spell that saw all 10 of his fours arrive in the half century.  

ANOTHER GRASSMOOR BOUNDARY SIGNALLED

This brought together Ian Woolven [41] and Spendlove [69] who started carefully but the latter exploded with 7 x4's and 4 x 6's reaching his fifty with a mighty maximum and his whole innings taking just 70 balls.  The partnership put on 124 and helped Grassmoor reach their final total of 236 for 6 from their allotted 40 overs.

ANDY WOOLVEN EYES ON THE BALL

Tea interval would see the obligatory meander around the adjacent country park for a change of scenery but a comfortable return was in plenty of time to see some warming up by the fielding side before umpires John Whitworth and Ian Beaumont took to the field for the Anston reply.

CLASSIC POSE FOR OPENER ANDY WOOLVEN

It had been a hard afternoon for Anston in the field would Grassmoor have the same issues?  Well it appeared very early on that they might as both openers got away well with captain Kaylan Ampolu [15] and Leighton Hill [25] before the former was caught by Woolven [A] off the bowling of Ian Bradley.  Dawes matched his opening bowling partner in the wicket stakes when he sent back Dominic Moyle for a duck caught by Bradley at first slip.  It quickly became 43/3 with Ryan Musgrave [3] fell to a running catch by Donaldson off Bradley, Dawes kept in on the act when he bowled Archie Ruczenczyn [12].

SPENDLOVE LAUNCHES ANOTHER ONE FOR GRASSMOOR

The Grassmoor opening bowlers were working well in tandem and continued to decimate the top order of the Anston card Hill was bowled by Bradley and up stepped Dawes to dismiss Oliver Munday [5] as Woolven [A] took his second catch and the visitors were in trouble at 71/6.

IT GONE HIGH DAVID SPENDLOVE ON HIS WAY TO A BIG SCORE

There were late cameos from Kieran Hawkins [29] and Andy Ruczenczyn [34] who threatened to give Anston a chance of a remarkable come back if they could keep their attacking stroke play going.  But it would be John Kenward Nash who took the wicket of the former caught on the boundary by Bowling and the latter was bowled by Donaldson to signal the end of any hope for the visitors.

THREE WICKETS FOR CRAIG DAWES AND AS MANY PICTURES

Both Bradley and Dawes were bowled right through returning three wickets apiece and as they sent back the visitors top order this proved a correct decision because after this they needed something very special to recover and although the brief threat from the lower middle order put some doubts in the home sides minds they stuck to their task to win comfortably in the end by72 runs. 

CLEAN TAKE FROM MARK CRAIN AS ANSTON CAPTAIN KAYLAN AMPOLU FACES

A much needed return to winning ways for Grassmoor and a game of some big hitting from both sides overall though the home side had some attacking and sturdy batting that got them to an unsurmountable total and then the bowlers more than matched that by taking wickets when they met the challenge of the Anston reply.

CRAIG DAWES REALISES THAT BRADLEY HAS FEATURED AGAIN ON THE BLOG

For the second game running it was great to see the Anston scorer applying the on running card to live scores and making the game easier to follow.  An enjoyable afternoon with the threat of any more of the wet stuff subsiding as the afternoon progressed.

THREE WICKETS FOR GRASSMOOR OPENING BOWLER IAN BRADLEY

Always a pleasure to visit Barnes Park for the cricket now and the only challenge now is the surmounting of Hagg Hill which awaited me in a 25 minute walk back to base.

ANDY RUCZENCZYN THREATENS FOR ANSTON