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