Weds 8th May The Tony Wright XI Riverside Park

Team - Jon, Toby, Will, Pete H, Daz P, Daz B, Mark Ath, Dave Perks, Ed, Phil Moulin, Simon 

In keeping with tradition the first game of the season was called off due to rain. 

Sat 18th May Cavaliers Riverside Park 

Team - Jon, Toby, Will, Pete H, Daz P, Dave Perks, Simon, AJ Morris, Martin Kelly, Mike, Mole (absent due to unforeseeable circumstances)

So, the new season begins. It's May, and Riverside Park is as chilly as ever, with the pitch and outfield as slow as our bowling.

Cavaliers bat first. This may in part be to ensure that two of their players who 'need' to go and play football are able to swing the bat before departing. Several BP players mutter under their breath about 'standards', and not understanding where young people these days get their priorities from, whilst secretly being pleased they are no longer scoring runs against us.

In keeping with tradition Cavaliers field an overseas player with no previous knowledge of the game (Remy from Belgium), who promptly smacks one of our bowlers away, but sadly straight to a fielder.

For BP, AJ picks up a wicket, whilst new guy Mike shows his performances in the nets over the winter were no fluke. The twin spin attack of Toby (3) and Martin (1) pick up useful wickets, and Cavaliers set a target of 130.

In reply BP promote Pete H up the order, and he promptly gets 17, which would look like beginner's luck if he wasn't so old. Both Will and Simon keep us on track, but as wickets fell it started to look like we may fall short. Will was particularly unlucky to be out treading on his own wicket.

Daz Phillips steadied our nerves scoring two twos and a single off of the first three balls he faced. A couple of big blows from Mike left three needed off of the final over, and victory followed with one ball to spare.

As we have come to expect from a Cavaliers, a well fought game. Awards followed, with Will and Martin Kelly being recognized by the Cavs. Today also saw the introduction of the Belgian of the Match award, which unsurprisingly Remy managed to claim.

Sat 25th May West End Riverside Park 

Team - Jon, Toby, Will, Pete H, Daz P, Dave Perks, Simon, Mark Ath, Pete T, Ed, Mole

After last week’s tight victory BP return to Riverside Park expecting a tough game against a worryingly young and fit looking West End. BP lose the toss and are asked to field.

West End start very well, and quickly get to 50 after the first ten overs, without looking in any trouble. They lose their first wicket to one of those run outs where the batsmen meet at one end and look at each other as if to say "Well I didn't call Yes". Simon calmly sent the ball to the other end and Daz P flipped off the bail.

Sadly this did not noticeably slow West End down. Pete T nibbled one out, and a fine piece of field placement by the skipper lead to Daz P taking a good catch in the deep. Another run out added to the wickets down, and finally the run rate was slowed.

West End finished on 166, which was going to be a challenge, but did not look out of sight. (For a later example of a target of 166 being not out of sight see BP Vs Cavaliers 13/7/13)

In reply Toby and Mark Ath stood strong against some very quick bowling, and kept the scoreboard ticking over. Mark fell to a beautiful delivery, right arm round and just clipping the top of off stump. Toby then pulled a short one and was very well taken low down at square leg.

Once Ed went caught and bowled things did not look good for BP. Pete T and Will both got in, and then out, and no one sadly was able to play that big innings we needed.

As the game slipped away BP did at least have the pleasure of an all too rare cameo from Dave Perks, who cracked a rapid twelve with timing that most players can only dream of.

Wed 29th May St Cross House Sports Centre

Team - Jon, Pete H, Pete T, Daz P, Mark Ath, Dave Perks, Martin Kelly, Paul Neal, Callum Chalkley, Mole 

Perfect timing by the British weather, with the rain starting at about 5.40pm, and getting heavy just before 6pm. Both teams seemed happy to call it a day then, rather than try and force in a few overs before the inevitable.

Game 2 of the season rained off and we were starting to feel hunted.

Sat 1st June PilOccs Pilgrims School

Team - Jon, Pete H, Toby, Will, Daz P, Mark Ath, Dave Perks, Phil Moulin, Mike, Pill Mills, Mole

The sun comes out for BPs first game of the season against Pilgrims. BP are grateful to Phil Mills for filling a gap in the side at short notice, and are confident given the strength of the side. How young, naive, how foolish!

Pilgrims batted first, and get off to a steady start. Ed, batting for the Pilgrims, had to face an attack featuring his good friend Mr Moulin, but was unfazed in reaching the 25 required before retiring.

At the halfway stage Pilgrims reached 75 for the loss of only one wicket. This was partly due to BP struggling to take catches, with several both difficult and more routine going to ground. Toby took a catch, as did Will, sort of. Sadly what Will didn't realize, and everyone else did, was that 'no ball' had been called.

BP were further hampered by an injury to the skipper that prevented him bowling. Luckily the remaining bowlers did enough, with Jon (3 overs for 7 runs) probably being the pick in terms of restricting the run rate.

With the skipper having to leave the field briefly BP were superbly marshalled by Mole for the final overs, leaving some to mutter darkly as to whether this was a not so subtle coup-d'etat a la mode egyptienne. Pilgrims were restricted to 156 with only the occasional ball disappearing over the ancient walls. Given the size of the pitch, this looked on.

Toby opened with Mark Ath, and kept up with the run rate by punishing anything loose. Toby fell to Matt Shroff for eleven, and sadly the middle order could not maintain the run rate once Mark Ath retired, having got his twenty-five. Pilgrims seemed to have none of the problems catching the ball that BP had suffered. Could there have been some reason for this? Were they doping or were we just dopes?

With the game all but over Dave Perks extremely reluctantly went out to bat, and with his customary approach hit a speedy sixteen. When he fell Mark Ath came back in, and managed to race onto his fifty. Sadly this was nowhere near enough, with wides being the only other 'player' to reach 25 runs, and Toby and Perks the only others to get into double figures.

Whilst this was not BPs greatest day on the pitch nothing should be taken away from the Pilgrims, who performed excellently with bat and ball. As is tradition we then retired to The Black Boy for refreshments.

Thurs 13th June The Vine Burseldon Rec

Team - Jon, Toby, Pete H, Simon, Daz B, Daz P, Tony, Mike, Paul N, Mole

And it's time once again to see if we can register our first victory against The Vine. We came close last year, but two of the key players from that game (Will and Murali) are unavailable tonight. Indeed, with several injuries BP are only able to field ten players.

Opting to bat first, Toby opens with Tony. Tony goes cheaply, trying to go over the tight ring of Vine fielders. Both Simon and Toby get into double figures, but perish soon after. Mike is unluckily run out without facing a ball, and Jon is superbly caught by first slip diving to his right.

Daz P however continues his fine run of form, top scoring with sixteen, and, with blast-from-the-past Paul Neal, enabled us to use up all our overs in getting to seventy. This didn't look enough, but we were determined to give it a go.

Traditionally at least one of the Vine openers would get after our opening bowlers and take the game away from us before we had got started. Today however was not a normal day. After three overs The Vine were eleven for three. Tony bowled two with full, straight deliveries, and Mike picking up the other one thanks to a great catch at point by Pete H.

Sadly Mike had to leave the field for medical reasons soon after his spell, leaving BP with only nine. Daz P bowled well in tandem with Jon, and both were rewarded with wickets, one due to a magnificent catch by Simon. A run-out by Toby, our wickie for the evening, further reduced The Vine. There were never enough fielders, and never enough mobile fielders, after the effects of injuries and Anno Domini were taken into account.

The run rate for The Vine had got to five an over, and stayed there, with wickets being lost at a steady rate. Not a high rate in these days of the IPL, but then Chris Gayle and his mates do not have the distant boundaries and long grass of Bursledon Rec to contend with. (Editor's Note: I'm not positive that Mr Gayle & Co would actually be discommoded greatly by the size of the Bursledon Rec pitch)

BP took the ninth Vine wicket, and at that point all three results seemed possible. We were battling in the field, with Paul Neal responding well to being that fielder that the ball seems to chase wherever you get put.

The Vine went all out attack, trying to smash their way to victory before BP could take that last wicket. Sadly once again BP could not finish them off, with The Vine getting home in the last over. A truly exciting game that could have gone either way right up until the last ball.

We then picked up with the second tradition when playing The Vine, and went to the pub for many, many sandwiches and cakes. So much more enjoyable than the ‘losing‘ tradition.

We will be back next year, providing the pub stays open, and one year might even overcome that losing tradition. Don't bet on it though.

Sat 15th June Cavaliers Sports Centre

Team - Jon, Toby, Pete H, Simon, Daz P, Mark A, Dave Perks, Ed, Martin Kelly, Phil Mills, Mole

Well, it wouldn't be a proper season if we didn't have at least one game against the Cavaliers called off due to that cricketing anomaly known as 'overnight rain'.

A shame given we had a fantastic batting lineup (but not much bowling). Could have been a high scoring game.

Wed 26th June OMCC Sports Centre

Team - Jon, Will, Toby, Ed, Phil Moulin, Simon, Daz B, Daz P, Dave P, Arvind, Mole

Back at the Sports Centre, and we notice that OMCC seem to have added a couple of younger players to their squad.

BP win the toss and elect to bat first, wanting to make the most of the light in this twenty overs a side game.

As is traditional, OMCC ring the boundary with players, with just one in on either side for the single. We are on pitch four, which is relatively small. Given its size, and the fielding positions taken by OMCC, it looks like a 'one' or a 'four' pitch. BP go on to back this up superbly up by only scoring in ones and fours.

Toby opens with Phil, who falls early on, whilst going aerial. Simon is then run out having hit what looked like a four, but in fact was brilliantly fielded. Ed comes in, hits his first ball for four, and the adds a further fourteen singles in a well controlled innings. Toby meanwhile combines ones and fours on his way to retiring out on twenty-eight.

Arvind shows class with some great shots, but most of which result in just a single, as OMCC continue to field well. The only failing for the opposition was some lack of accuracy in their bowling which resulted in eighteen wides.

Needing to defend one hundred and seven BP opted for a similar field placing to that used by the opponents. Under the leadership of Mole, filling in for the injured Pete H, we open the bowling with Will and Phil. Ed takes a nice low catch off of Phil's bowling, only seconds after Phil had started his appeal.

OMCC managed to find the gaps more easily than BP had. This, combined with a few very well placed twos, meant they remained above the run rate as their innings progressed. Daz P offered some hope with two wickets in his final over, one a lovely ball to hit the top of middle and off, and the second a caught and bowled.

Jon and Arvind where now on, but sadly the game had slipped away from us. Jon showed his passion, fizzing the ball to Perks at the end of his final over, and OMCC wrapped up victory with several overs to spare.

Hence to the pub, and its beer and crisps all round. Phil continued his days exploration of delightful British snacks, following up the 'Chicken-in-a-bag' and Scotch Egg he had pre-match with Quavers and real ale.

Tues 2nd July Mark Tong XI Sports Centre

Team - Daz P, Dave Perks, Simon, Phil Moulin, Phil Mills, Martin Kelly, Andy Day, Arvind, Mike, Paul Neal, Mole

After a day spent clicking refresh on various weather websites the proper rain holds off, and we are able to get underway in very light drizzle.

BP win the toss and elect to bat, trying to make the most of what light is available. Having never played this team before we were unsure of what they were capable of, and indeed things did not look good when the first eight balls were all dots. However, Phil Moulin and Arvind soon settled down, and it was not long before Phil got his twenty-five and retired.

Simon then joined Arvind, and with eight of the sixteen overs gone we looked well placed to reach three figures. Arvind was the first wicket to fall, feathering one behind and walking, as we have come to expect from a gentleman cricketer. Andy Day hit a quick fire seventeen before being bowled, whilst Simon retired once reaching twenty five.

In total BP scored 96 of sixteen overs, and the game seemed well balanced.

In reply, the Mark Tong XI went along at five an over, slightly behind the run rate. Daz P bowled four decent overs straight. After Phil Moulin had kept things tight Mike came on for three rather unlucky overs. A couple of mis-fields went for four, and he nearly got a wicket with a close shout for LBW.

Chances for a wicket were hard to come by, with two good run-out attempts by Arvind, and one even better effort by Phil Mills, worthy of note.

With the light fading Mike's pace was necessarily replaced with Arvind's cunning; Andy Day bowling at the other end. Both bowled well, but with the scores getting close, and the field up, a six won it for our opponents.

Not too disappointing as they were a decent and friendly team, so hopefully we will get a chance to play Mark's XI again.

Sat 6th July Eastleigh BC Riverside Park

Team - Toby, Daz P, Dave Perks, Simon, Ed, AJ Morris, Martin Kelly, Arvind, Richard Aldous, Adam Chapman

BP batted first, having won the toss, and posted 120. Sadly not enough, with Eastleigh winning easily. Arvind top scored for BP with 29, before falling to one of those 'old v young' run outs with AJ. Others to get into double figures included Toby, Ed, and AJ. 

Daz Phillips took an early wicket, before Martin Peagram and Mr Wildgoose put on a big stand. AJ managed to take two late wickets, but Eastleigh finished the match with six overs to spare.

Sat 13th July Cavaliers Riverside Park

Team - Toby, Simon, Will Whale, Will Morris, Martin Kelly, Martin Sanders, Matt Shroff, Ed Whale, Mole

After many weeks of dodging the showers summer arrives with a vengeance. BP line up with an unusual line up, having suffered several absences due to injuries and holidays. BP win the toss and opt to bat, so most of the team can shelter under the shade of a clump of nearby trees.

Toby and Martin Sanders got us off to a great start, with a stand of over eighty. Due to the heat drinks were taken every ten overs, it being so hot that we have the rare privilege of having Riverside Park pretty much to ourselves.

Martin fell for thirty-five, with Toby being joined by Simon. Toby retired on fifty four, and after a brief cameo from Matt Shroff, Simon was joined by his son William. Despite not having played for several years William hit a rapid fifteen. Will was joined by our other Will for the final few overs, and helped by two threes in the final over, got BP to an imposing one hundred and sixty six. ( See earlier )

BP were again lacking in bowlers today and fielding with only nine, but started very well with Will Whale and Martin Sanders. After ten overs Cavaliers were twenty nine for three, with Matt Shroff taking two wickets. All looked rosy in the BP garden. However, Arvind remained strong at one end, and cameos of twenty one from Tom and twenty five from Nick were keeping them in touch.

Arvind was joined by Sam K, and for a while the runs slowed initially whilst Sam found his feet. A highlight at this point was seeing Ed Whale bowl whilst his father Toby kept wicket.

It looked all over for BP with these two at the crease, but Arvind fell in unfortunate circumstances, standing on his wicket whilst his mobility was restricted due to a hamstring injury. 

Entering the last over BP put the field up, with Cavaliers only needing three for victory. Two dot balls gave us hope, but Sam G hit the third for a straight four, and it was Cavaliers match.

A great game, and a tribute to both sides determination given the blazing heat.

Ashes awards to Sam K, Ed Whale, with Arvind taking man of the match. Praise should also go to Toby, getting fifty four not out, keeping wicket, and then coming on to bowl a couple of overs, incidentally getting exactly the same set of bowling figures as his son.

Thurs 18th July Museums Sports Centre (A)

Team - Toby,Simon, Will Whale,Martin Kelly,Dave Perks, Phil Moulin, Tony,Daz Phillips, Adam Chapman, Paul Neal, Matt Shroff

Back at the Sports Centre, and after another hot day both teams are pleased to find a cooling breeze up on pitch four. Martin Kelly was appointed captain for the evening, and BP batted first.

After Toby fell cheaply both Simon and Phil Moulin reached twenty-five and retired. Adam fell to a rare held catch by Museums, in an innings littered with dropped catches; both difficult and regulation.BP fell just short of three figures, scoring ninety-eight.

In reply Museums started well, and then accelerated. None of the BP bowlers could fully contain them, and a couple of dropped catches of our own did not help the cause.

Museums scoring rate slowed in the second half of their innings, but by this point they were very well placed, and finished comfortable winners. Time to head to the pub.

Thurs 1st August OPCS Burridge Rec (A)

Team: Andy Day, Will, Simon, Pete T, Martin Sanders,Jono, Tony W. Phil Mills, Martin Kelly, Paul Neal, Pete H.

The demon sun blazed from a cloudless watery blue sky as the brave lads from BP (and PilOccs) (and Buckland Brewer)) ventured to face a new and unknown opponent in the new and unknown hinterland of Burridge.

Were they really Australia in disguise? Did C.Parker really play the saxophone? And what was that strange acronym?

It seems to be not an infrequent occurrence in our games that whenever a real set of changing rooms is involved, the action of getting said changing rooms and the key to those rooms into the same location at the same time appears to be beyond our opponents, so their earlier appeals that we should attempt to arrive early for a prompt start began to take on a hollow ring as the lack of stumps, secure in their vandal-resistant dungeon, held up play. (Editor's Note; Are all rings not hollow?)

Eventually, however, after repeated shouts for something called a “stump marker” the game could get under way, BP's returning skipper showing how out of practice he was by losing the toss and consigning us to bat first as OPCS preferred to stand in the broiling heat for the first 20 overs, still without first telling us what that acronym was all about. (N.B. It was quite a pleasant temperature when we fielded)

BP fielded our strongest side for quite a while, even allowing for the loss of Dave P to hospital with a case of kidney stones which is, as your correspondent was informed by a usually reliable witness, “Even more painful than childbirth.”

Our new Police-Issue openers swished enthusiastically before both Andy & Will cunningly got themselves dismissed to avoid the opponents' inevitable quick bowler, who was, not to put too fine a point on it, quick. At one point Simon mentioned that he'd never seen Pete T play out a maiden over, but this is indeed what happened.

However, fine batting in the middle order from Pete T, Martin S (newly on loan from PilOccs) and Jon saw us past 100, and some very quick running from Phil Mills added enough for a surprising total of 137 off 20 overs, even though it seemed to have taken an age with several lost balls.

On taking the field, imagine our surprise when it was the quick bowler who opened the batting. Imagine our further surprise when they were on 23 after 2 overs from our opening bowlers (co-incidentally but completely by accident, also Police-Issue).

Imagine our even further surprise when self destruct button was pressed. A crazy short single attempted by only one batsman, the highest skyer ever seen and a dismissal which led to an amazing scene of petulance as the batsman walked off. Had he been given out LBW off a wide without the chance of appeal to the DRS it might have understandable, but clean bowled by Andy's gentle off-spin when taking a wild swish?

The remaining batsmen were far more of the calibre of our usual opponents (and ourselves, come to think of it), and steadily we dismissed them within the 20 overs, including a remarkably casual one handed caught-and-bowled by the ever accurate Tony.

Thus BP achieved only our second victory of the year as OPCS fell for 95, still without telling us what that acronym stood for.

Wed 14th August OMCC Sports Centre (A)

Team - Jon Whale, Toby Whale, Pete H, Pete E, Pete T, Daz B, Daz P, Phil Moulin, Phil Mills, Dave Perks, Tony

After finally getting our first win since May BP arrive at a rather gloomy and overcast Sports Centre full of hope. The team welcome back Pete Ethers for his first game of the season, and thus manage to field a team of three Petes, two Phils, two Dazs, and two Whales. Even if we don’t win we should at least be able to confuse the opponents scorers.

Having lost the toss we take to the field. Sixteen overs a side.

With Dave Perks stuck in traffic Mr Mills keeps wicket for the first few overs, whilst Pete T and Daz P keep a tight grip on the runs. Perks then arrives, and at the halfway stage OMCC are 45 without loss, with the bowlers unlucky that a couple of aerial shots just evaded grasping fielders.

Tony and Jon then came on to bowl, and continued to keep things as tight as possible, given we were on the smallest pitch at the Sports Centre. A heavy shower threatened proceedings, but it cleared up just as it looked like we may be in trouble.

Despite a few close LBW appeals from Jon BP could still not take a wicket, when suddenly loads fell all at once. Jon bowled one with his final ball, and then Tony also bowled one in his final over. An unfortunate run-out (first ball at the non strikers end, is that technically a golden duck?), and three wickets went down in seven balls.

Set ninety-nine to win Toby and Phil Mills were kept pinned down initially. Phil fell trying to relieve the pressure, with Daz Phillips coming in at number three. Daz would usually come in lower down the order but justified his promotion superbly with a range of fine shots. BP don't do man-of-the-match awards outside of the test matches, but combined with his bowling and fielding Mr Phillips would have been a shoe-in.

Toby with a Flurry of Fours™ , and then Daz retired with their 25s in the book, bringing together Phil Moulin and Pete T. Usually you would expect Mr Thompson to be the slightly more dominant of these two. Phil innings however stuck in the mind, combining powerfully struck boundaries with screams of self condemnation if he didn't time the shot perfectly despite the ball sailing over the boundary. Having castigated himself to 25, he then retired to more good humoured castigation from his team mates.

With the game pretty much won Pete T was out stumped, although there was some doubt as to whether the keeper's foot, rather than gloves, had dislodged the bails. Daz B and Jon were thus left to see us home with three overs to spare.

Wed 21st August St Cross House Sports Centre (A)

Team - Jon, Toby, Will, Phil Moulin, Phil Mills, Dave Perks, Daz B, Robin, Mole, Arvind, Matthew Brown

With the skipper suffering an injury on the day of the match, Jon takes over as captain and promptly looses the toss. Our opponents elect to bat, and graciously provide us with four fielders, as four of our team are held up in traffic.

BP start with some tight overs considering we are again on the top pitch at the Sports Centre (often referred to as 'the postage stamp'). St Cross thus decide to go aerial, and it pays off for them. Runs are added whilst the ball refuses to fall anywhere near our fielders. Daz B and Matthew Brown both make great efforts but without any luck.

As the remaining BP players reach the ground, and make it into the pitch, one shot finally goes to hand. Phil Moulin is the lucky man, taking a real stinger at mid off, and doing the dance of a man both happy and in some pain.

BPs fielding in the deep is excellent, with Phil Mills and Robin both excelling. Several of the St Cross batsmen retire at twenty five, but sadly the runs keep coming, and they finish up with one hundred and thirty-three off of sixteen overs. This is looking tough.

Toby and Phil Mills open the batting. Toby cracks a great two, and then promptly gets bowled by one that refused to bounce. Most unlucky given it was the only ball to really keep low all match. Arvind is equally unlucky, run out At the non strikers end off a dropped catch.

The twin Phil's of Mills and Moulin continued their good form, with Mr Moulin also maintaining his now traditional level of self criticism, even as the ball sails over the boundary for six. Despite their efforts, fine bowling and fielding by St Cross takes the game out of our reach.

The twin Phil's of Mills and Moulin continued their good form, with Mr Moulin also maintaining his now traditional level of self criticism, even as the ball sails over the boundary for six. Despite their efforts, fine bowling and fielding by St Cross takes the game out of our reach.

The Phil’s are replaced by Matthew Brown and Daz, who maintain a very decent scoring rate in what is now a rather dark and gloomy Sports Centre. Daz being particularly dismissive of anything short.

With the match lost there is just time to present club badges to Phil Mills and Arvind, both having played enough matches to qualify for this most prestigious of items.

Off then to the pub for beer, peanuts, and what could have beens.

Sat 24th August Cavaliers Riverside Park

Team - Jon, Toby, Pete H, Martin Kelly, Andy Day, AJ, Will Morris, Robin, Dave Perks, Mole, Ostin (Will Whale playing for Cavaliers)

With the Ashes evenly poised at one all both teams are up for the fight today. With the Cavaliers only having ten Will Whale volunteers to play for them. Ostin makes his BP debut, having impressed when playing against us earlier in the season.

Not a great start, as Jon plays on first ball to a delivery from Matthew Brown. Things don't improve, with Ostin having to go LBW despite the umpire (Mole) checking every possible option before having to give him out.

Pete H then joins Toby, and things improve. Toby, who is having a very good season, top scores with 41, before being caught. Andy Day and Pete keep things ticking along, although Will’s spell of six overs for thirteen runs does slow progress. Will also manages to claim the scalp of Andy when he forgets which side of the wicket to run down, and discovers that Andy isn't so hot with bowling coming round the wicket.

A cameo from Will Morris is followed by a number of quick wickets. Pete retires as well, to ensure everyone gets a bat, but has to then go back in, and finishes on 36 not out. BP set a rather low target of 127 for the Cavs, but on a wicket that is not easy to score on.

BP bowl and field well, but the Cavs keep in touch with the run-rate. We do manage to take wickets, with the prize one of Arvind going to Ostin. Just shows that if you bowl to hit the top of off stump you can get even the best players out.

Will Whale and Tony K are well known to the BP team, and fields are set accordingly. A bloke on the forty-five for Tony's pull round the corner, and slow bowlers for Will. Such attention to detail cannot save us though, as Cavs get on top of the run rate and finish the match with a couple of overs to spare.

Sadly this was probably Tom's final game for the Cavaliers, as he is moving up north. He will be missed by both the Cavaliers and Bitterne Park, although perhaps less by our bowlers whom he has put back over their heads on a number of occasions.

Sat 7th Sept PilOccs Pilgrims School

Team -Jon, Toby, Pete H, Pete E, Daz P, Simon, AJ, Andy Day, Tony, Mark Ath, Dave Perks

Heavy rain during the run up to the match led to the cancellation of the traditional post game BBQ, and a midday pitch inspection for the actual game. When the pitch declared playable the captains opted for a twenty20 match to start with, with the option of a 10 over game to follow if the forecast rain does not materialise.

BP win the toss and opt to bat against a very youthful looking Pilgrims XI. 

Mark pulls a muscle early on, and is then out trying to pull a four to avoid having to run. Toby gets to twenty quickly, but the gets caught at the other end, whilst others take the strike. First Simon, and then Andy Day.

Simon was obviously a bit bored with trying to hit a six into the castle, and instead went the other way, cracking one just past the changing room and right through a window of the small hut next door.

Scoring becomes more difficult as the game progresses, and is the interrupted by a heavy downpour on eighteen overs. When Daz and AJ go back out they make great use of the final two overs, with Daz hitting a six so big it almost clears the castle wall. We finish on 118, which looks a bit short given previous thirty over scores at Pilgrims.

The Pilgrims get off to a flier, and get to over forty off of the first five overs. The run rate is slowed by some good boundary fielding across the team, with AJ and Toby proving particularly effective. BP also fall back on their tried tactic of getting the good batsmen to 25 as soon as possible, so weaker batsmen come to the crease. Pilgrims however bat fairly deep today.

We do take some wickets, with AJ and Jon taking catches off of each others bowling. Daz also clean bowls one, but Pilgrims creep closer to their target. 

With the game slipping away BPs only hope was for the weather to intervene. Heavy clouds abound, and there is thunder and lightening, but somehow the worst of the weather avoids us. There is some rain, but with the end approaching we play through for a Pilgrims victory.

We decide not to chance our luck any further with the rain, and retire to The Black Boy to refuel.

Sat 14th Sept TBC Cheritons

Team - Jon, Toby, Pete H, Simon, Daz P, Daz B, Andy Day, Martin Kelly, Mike, John Legg, Jon Galpin

With BP unable to secure an opponent, and the weather forecast looking bad, this game was cancelled.

2013 Season Summary

Won 3

Lost 11

Tied 0

Rain 3

Cancelled 1

Weds 2nd May St. Cross House Sports Centre (A)

No play - waterlogged pitch

Team selected - Jon, Will, Toby, Pete H, Mark A, AJ Morris, Daz P, Daz B, Tony, Andy, Mole

Sat 12th May Cavaliers Riverside Pk (H) 

No play - waterlogged pitch

Team selected - Jon, Will, Toby, Pete H, AJ Morris, Daz P, Tony, Andy, Martin Kelly, Mole

Wed 16th May Coastguards Riverside Pk (H) 

Team selected - Jon, Will, Pete H, AJ Morris, Daz P, Daz B, Tony, Andy, Phil Moulin, Pete T, Martin Smith 

And at the third time of asking we finally managed to get a game in. Still rather chilly, but the BP boys were raring to go against a team we had never played before.

Daz P and Tony got us off to a great start with some early wickets and tight bowling. Also worthy of note was AJ's debut as keeper, who kept 'very tidily' as they say.

Coastguards consolidated, and thanks in part to a few dropped catches from BP in the field posted a score of 80. This looked reasonable, but given the depth of batting in the BP side well within our reach, atleast until Coastguards started bowling.

Our reply started slowly, and sadly wickets started to fall whilst we remained behind the run rate. Phil hit a composed 25 and retired, but we could not up the rate. A fine cameo from Martin (12) was good to see, but sadly Coastguards won fairly easily in the end.

BP retired to The Hop Inn for post match drinks, with all agreeing that we would definitely like to play Coastguards again.

Sat 26th May C.A.N. Sports Centre (A)

Team selected – Jon, Toby, Will, Pete H, Daz P, Pete T, Martin Kelly, Ed, Tony, Adam (Cavaliers), Mole

This was more like it. I hot day without a cloud in the sky, and we seem to have the Sports Centre largely to ourselves.

CAN win the toss, elect to bat, and then change their minds when they realise their best fielder has to go early. One of many reasons why captaining at this level is so much more challenging that international cricket.

We get off to a good start going at 5 per over, only blighted by Toby falling to a juggled catch at slip. Jon and Ed tick things over, before Pete T then comes in at number four, replacing Ed.

Couple more wickets fall and at 60 odd for 4 we are still going at 5 runs per over, but are in danger of running out of wickets. Pete T and Will however put together a great stand, and when Pete is out he has got himself 72 runs against his name, and we are approaching 170 on the board. A really class innings.

Will, a traditionalist at heart, tries to replicate his previous 'run out' skills, calling Mole (Chairman of Selectors) for an impossible third run. Surviving due to a fumble Mole is then given LBW by Ed two balls later. Rarely have two players managed to get themselves dropped from a team in such quick succession.

Not to be outdone Will does manage to run out Adam, and BP finished on 197, which looks pretty good on a reasonably large Sports Centre pitch.

In reply CAN start at five runs per over, but this is not enough, and after a couple of wickets fall the run rate drops. Bowling by Tony and Daz P was as good as usual.

CAN's main batsman however was looking in good form when Adam came on to bowl. Charging down the wicket he is hit on the pads, but is a third of the way down the track. There's a half hearted appeal (it did look like it was in line), and the umpire gives it out.

Now, whilst BP are all for tradition, we are also keen to keep up with future developments. As the batsman walked off, clearly not happy but accepting the decision, BP decided to instigate the 'Reverse Decision Review System'. A brief chat amongst BP players, instigated by Toby in his new role as wicket-keeper, and we call him back. A just decision, although we still have not worked out if technically we won or lost this Review.

Martin took a couple of fine catches, the best being one of those ones that is always dying on you. He then decided to have a bowl and promptly picked up two wickets, with Pete T taking a fine catch above his head, and Toby executing a stumping.

CAN hung on, and managed to bat out the full 30 overs, but finished 90 behind after a great all round performance by BP.

Sat 9th June Pilgrim’s Occs Pilgrims’ School (A)

No play - waterlogged pitch

Team selected - Will, Toby, Pete H, AJ Morris, Daz P, Daz B, Andy, Mark Ath, Rich, Mole

Thurs 14th June The Vine Bursledon Rec (A)

Team selected - Jon, Toby, Pete H, AJ Morris, Daz P, Daz B, Andy, Mark Ath, Rich, Ed, Phil Moulin

With three matches already lost to rain Bitterne Park we desperate to get a game in, and both sides ignored both the conditions and the forecast for imminent heavy rain and got underway.

The Vine batted first, and with a couple of players getting to 25 and retiring posted a score of 79. Credit to Pete H (3 for 9 off of 3) and Rich (2 overs for 2 runs), and to everyone else for sticking at it in the rain.

In reply Mark Ath had to retire due to an injury sustained whilst taking an earlier catch, and Toby fell cheaply. We splashed on, but after 5 overs it really was not fun any more, with the rain getting heavier. Pete H quite correctly then decided that now was the time to go to the pub, and declared.

A creditable draw, and atleast we got to play some cricket. If this continues we will give serious consideration to getting some team kit umbrellas. 

Sat 23rd June Cavaliers Riverside Pk (H)

Team selected - Jon, Toby, Will, Pete H, Daz P, Andy, Rich, Pete Ethers, Dave Perks, Scott, Mole

On a rather gloomy Saturday Bitterne Park won the toss, and decided to field first. It looks like an excellent decision, with the pitch still holding moisture and showing some uneven bounce. Daz P and Andy both struck early on, and BP then removed Arvind with a caught behind off of Rich. Arvind, ever the gentleman, walked before BP could even decide if we were going to appeal.

At 50 odd for 5 a score of 80 or 90 looked a long way away for the Cavs, but some fine lower order batting, including one excellent 6 in the last over meant Cavs posted a final score of 105 off of 30 overs. Their cause was helped by three dropped catches from BP. 

In reply BP made steady progress before both Toby and Jon departed. Ethers and Andy looked well set, but then a flurry of wickets removed the BP middle order. Strangely this was not down to BP playing poor shots, as would usually be the case, but rather fine bowling and fielding by the Cavaliers. Particularly unluckly was Scott, being run out going for a forth run that did look on, but then suddenly wasn't.

Cavs then polished of the remaining batsmen for a quite comfortable win.

Will won BP man of the match due to some fine bowling, whilst Ben for the Cavs picked up there award for an excellent all round performance.

We then retired to The Hop Inn for beer and pizza (thanks to Rachel Whale).

Weds 27th June OMCC Sports Centre (A) 

Team selected - Jon, Toby, Pete H, Daz P, Rich, Phil Moulin, Ed, AJ Morris, Dave Perks, Adam Chapman, Mole

For the second time this season Bitterne Park gave a late call up to Adam from the Cavaliers, fielding a side slightly short of batting, but full of bowling and fielding.

Batting first BP got off to a slow start, and lost Toby early when he tried to push the score on. Phil started to find his range, but then chased a wide one and could only toe end the ball to cover. Much now rested on Ed and Jon's shoulders. Ed, batting in a fetching back brace / girdle soon got to his twenty five and retired. Adam and then Mole helped Jon push the score upto a defendable but hardly intimidating 84 off of 18 overs.

To win BP needed to get rid of one of the openers early, and indeed one left in the second over. Unfortunately this was because he had reached twenty-five. At 29 - 0 off of the first two overs, and then 60 - 0 off of the first five things were not looking good for BP.

The bowlers stuck to the task, and AJ was rewarded for bravely coming back on after taking some early stick to claim a wicket. Sadly that was a good as it got and OMCC won with several overs and nine wickets to spare. 

Thurs 12th July Museums Sports Centre (A)

No play - rain

Team selected - Jon, Toby, Pete H, Pete E, Ed, Phil Moulin, Dave Perks, Daz B, Daz P, Martin Kelly, Andy Day, Mole

Sat 14th July West End Riverside Pk (A)

No play - rain

Team selected - Jon, Toby, Daz P, Pete E, Rich, Dave Perks, Scott, Tony, Mole, Arvind, Adam Chapman

Weds 18th July St. Cross Ho. Sports Centre (A)

No play - rain

Team selected - Jon, Toby, Will, Pete H, Daz P, Daz B, Ed, Dave Perks, Tony, AJ Morris, Martin Smith 

Sat 28th July Cavaliers Cheriton CC (H)

Team selected - Jon, Toby, Pete H, Daz P, Andy Day, Dave Perks, Tony, Murali, Mole, Robin

Having enjoyed the match at this venue last year both teams were happy to be back at Cheriton. A similar format to last years game was agreed, with a T20 match being followed by a ten overs a side game. Total scores across both matches to be used to decide the overall winner.

BP batted first, opening with Tony and Ethers. Both survived early chances, Ethers to two close LBW appeals, and Tony being dropped. Tony's luck however did not last, and he was soon out, followed closely by Jon and Toby. At 9 for 3 things were not looking great for BP. Enter our new player Murali.

Having blocked the first ball his second sailed away for six, and things started to look better. Ethers and Murali put together a good stand, and when Ethers was out to an excellent catch by the Cavs keeper Andy Day came in and kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Murali was eventually out for 27 attempting BPs first ever 'dilscoop' shot. BP ended up all out of the last ball for 87. 

In reply the Cavs got of to a similarly slow start. Wickets started to fall thanks to a tight all round bowling effort, although mention should go out to Darren who picked up three wickets for virtually nothing, and took a fine catch running back. Murali also proved that he could bowl as well as bat.

In the end the Cavs managed a total of 42, and tea was then taken.

Over tea it was agreed that given the lead BP had, the game was theirs, and the ten overs a side game would be played just for fun, with reversed batting orders.

The lower order got us off to a better start than we had in the first innings, with Hutch hitting a quick 14. Andy Day then came in and tried to hit every ball out of the ground. Towards the end a flurry of wickets fell, but BP set an imposing 55 from their ten overs.

BP continued to bowl and field well in the second innings, with Robin taking a wicket, and Tony getting a run-out with a direct hit. Darren was also back in the wickets, and the Cavs finished short all out in the last over. 

Weds 1st Aug The Vine Bursledon Rec

Team selected - Will, Jon, Toby, Pete H, Daz P, Dave Perks, Tony, Ethers, Murali, Arvind, Mole

BP returned to Bursledon Rec for the second time this season and were glad to see the weather was much improved this time. Play was slightly delayed due to no-one being able to open the padlocks on the pavilion.

When play began BP batted with aggression, but also lost a couple of wickets. Sadly The Vine's bowling attack was as usual fast and accurate. Toby hit a couple of big fours, and with Ethers hitting a few as well BP managed to post a reasonable 72 off of 18 overs.

In reply The Vine's opening batsmen accumulated steadily, and proceeded at above the run rate whilst not really looking in any danger. A couple of wickets fell, but with 10 overs gone The Vine needed less than 15 runs with plenty of wickets in hand. Will and Murali then came on to bowl.

Will took a couple of wickets thanks to catches by Toby and Daz P's. Daz's a candidate for catch of the season running round in the deep, whilst Toby's was good given how much Will was trying to put him off. Murali took two wickets in his first over, and a third in his second. When the remaining Vine opener had to 'retire' having got 25 the game was in the balance.

The Vine's lower order dug in, and managed to steal a couple of runs in the penultimate over. With scores even BP pushed the field right up, in the hope of taking the final wickets. Sadly it was not to be, but it made for an entertaining game, and the closest BP had come to beating the Vine.

As usual it was then back to The Vine public house for fresh sandwiches and beer.

Sat 11th Aug Eastleigh Baptist Sports Centre (A)

Team selected - Jon, Toby, Pete H, Daz P, Dave Perks, Ed, Murali, Mark Ath, Andy Day, Robin, Mole

With Eastleigh being short of players BP gave then Pete Ethers, but still fielded a strong eleven. Fielding first Daz P and Andy Day kept things tight in the opening overs, with Daz finally getting reward for a good spell by picking up a wicket in his sixth over.

Drinks were taken at 15 overs, with Eastleigh on 55 for 1. At this stage the Eastleigh captain Toby decided to retire to give others a go, and given that, BP were optimistic of keeping Eastleigh to under 120.

In the second half of Eastleigh's innings Robin took one for the team, stopping a powerful shot with his chest, and had to briefly go off the pitch. Eastleigh continued to score steadily, but wickets also fell, with fine catches by Perks off of Toby, and by Murali.

Pete H and Murali bowled the final few overs with Eastleigh looking to push on having got slightly bogged down. Ed took a great catch over his head as sometime BP player Martin Peagram put one back over Murali's head, and they finished on 124 off of the 30 overs.

In reply Toby and Jon were watchful at first. When Jon fell Ed came in and hit the ball hard for several fours before playing on. Murali hit 30 in an innings that combined sensible batting with moments of invention. When he and Andy Day fell in quick succession things did not look good for BP, with Mark Ath the last recognised batsman, and over 50 still needed.

Jon tried to help out BP whilst fielding for Eastleigh by crashing one of there players into the fence surrounding the pitch. Ethers also managed to drop two difficult catches for Eastleigh, but it still looked a big ask for BP. 

When Mark was joined by Daz P a partnership started to develop. Whilst Daz P is seen as a bowler primarily his batting has developed in recent years, and with Mark got us to over 100 with several overs still to go. We were back in it.

Both Mark and Daz looked increasingly comfortable as they kept the scoreboard ticking over, often turning ones into twos with positive running between the wickets. With two overs to go the scores were tied, and when Eastleigh brought the field up Mark was able to hit the winning runs. A great partnership seeing us over the line.

Weds 15th Aug OMCC Sports Centre (A)

No play - waterlogged pitch

Team selected - Jon, Will, Pete H, Daz P, Daz B, Ed, Dave Perks, Phil Moulin, Rich, Pete T, Martin Kelly 

Mon 20th Aug Museums Sports Centre (H)

Team selected - Jon, Will, Pete H, Daz P, Daz B, Ed, Phil Moulin, Rich, Pete T, Martin Kelly, Murali

Following the previous weeks wash-out, BP selected the same eleven again. When Dave Perks was unable to make it on the day, Murali stepped in. With our first five wicket keepers not available (Perks, Ethers, Simon, Toby & AJ), Jon took Perks' place behind the stumps. 

A perfect evening for cricket, and as the only game that evening we were on pitch one at the Sports Centre. A few spectators turned up, including several generations of Pete T's family. Mole took the game off to focus on taking some team photos, but still found the time to get bowled by an eight year old (something he has managed to do consistently thoughout his cricket career).

Bowling first Murali and Pete T kept it very tight. Wickets however were not coming, and gradually Museums upped the scoring rate. Eventually Will got one through the batsman's defences, and then Pete H found the edge of the bat, with Jon taking the catch.

As Museums looked to push up the scoring rate BP turned to Martin for a couple of overs of controlling spin. There followed a masterclass in the art of one day bowling. With no pace on the ball Museums tried to hit the ball too hard. Luckily for them a number of deliveries were too far away from them to make contact. When they did hit the the ball it invariably found a fielder, occasionally in the air. Martin finished with three wickets, with Jon taking another good catch behind the stumps for one of these.

Museums ended on 79 from 16 overs, leaving BP chasing at about 5 runs an over.

Will and Phil started slowly, facing decent bowling from both ends. To relieve the pressure, and save him from having to run, Phil then launched a ball for six. After this it all started to look a bit easier.

Will fell cheaply, but Phil finished on 22, and then Ed was joined by Pete T. There followed some lovely controlled batting. Pete T was eventually retired out on 24, thus maintaining the BP tradition of always calling Pete in slightly below the agreed 'retire at' figure (25 in this instance). This helps to keep Pete's batting average down, although it still looks like he is on about 100 this season, as the things stand.

Murali joined Ed, but didn't face a ball as Ed knocked off the required runs with nearly two overs to spare.

Another victory for BP based upon good solid performances across the team.

Sat 25th Aug Cavaliers Sports Centre (H) 

No play - waterlogged pitch

Team selected - Jon, Will, Toby, Pete H, Mark A, Daz P, Perks, Ed, Andy, Murali, Mole

Weds 29th Aug OPCS Titchfield Burridge Rec Ground
(New opponent)

No play - waterlogged pitch

Team selected - Will, Toby, Pete H, Pete T, Mark A, Perks, Rich, Ed, Daz P, Tony, Mole

Sat 8th Sept Pilgrim’s Occs Pilgrims’ School (A)

Team selected - Jon, Toby, Pete H, Pete E, Mark A, Perks, Rich, Daz P, Tony, Murali, Adam Chapman, James Baillie, Robin

Normal services was resumed at Pilgrims, with the bright sunshine and clear skies. Martin had managed to secure the services of one of his South African oversees players for the Pilgrims, and had as usual drafted in Phil Moulin to his team.

BP responded with a call-up for Jamie Baillie and another run out for Adam from the Cavaliers.Any more and the Cavs will start to question which team he is in.

Batting first both Toby and Murali hit the required thirty run mark before retiring. Murali impressing by taking eighteen off of one over. Ethers and Tony also chipped in with BP ending up on over 130. 

In reply The Pilgrims hit the ground running, and were 88 off of the first 11 overs.

Fine contributions from Phil Moulin and their overseas player to name but two meant they wrapped up victory early, with the ball sailing over various walls at regular intervals. With the game over we could then get on the more important business of tucking into the barbeque and beer on offer.

Sat 15th Sept Cavaliers Cheriton CC (H) 

Team selected - Will, Jon, Pete H, Daz P, Tony, Murali, Martin Smith, Martin Kelly (BP/Piloccs), Matt Shroff(Piloccs), Martin Peagram(Just about everyone), James Baillie

After a season half of which had been rained off one would have thought that the opportunity for an extra fixture tacked on the season's end when the fine back-to-school weather coincides with the closure of the council's cricket pitches for the 'winter' would have been met with an avalanche of eager players begging the Chairman of Selectors to be admitted to this final chance for a game before winter holds us once more in its icy grip. The more so as this putative fixture was to be in the setting of Cheriton Cricket Club's delightful ground.

One would have thought.

With Saturday nearing our team numbers fluctuated wildly (actually they tended more in the downward direction) and thus it was that BP turned up on a beautifully sunny-but-not-too-hot day with 3 less-regular players in our 11 in addition to BP debutant Matt from the PilOccs looking resplendent in his white ball gown (No, No, No. Not that sort of debutante ). The Cavaliers sought to clinch the final Test in the rubber and thus the Ashes with a mere 8. A bit of player trading ensued and the game commenced with the extremely unusual sight of Jon & Pete H walking out to open the batting for BP together – Pete demonstrating his vast experience as a batsman by neglecting to realise until halfway across the pitch that he had two right handed gloves. Fortunately he remembered to take a bat.

The Cavs opened the bowling with Matthew B. who found extravagant in-swing which caused consternation, particularly on the occasional ball which didn't. Swing that is.

A typically swashbuckling innings of 24 from Murali on his last appearance for BP was ended as James J caught a red rocket one handed which I suspect he is still feeling as you read this.

A mini collapse ensued with Martyn Peagram, playing a rare game for BP, falling to Matthew's massively swinging ( or possibly not swinging at all ) delivery, and Pete H playing on with a traditional circular saw shot. At this point the score was 51-4 in the 10^th over and some sensible consolidation ensued from Tony & the second of our Martins, Kelly of that ilk. When Martin was bowled by James B who was on loan to the Cavs, Tony W ( 26) and Matt (36 no) pressed on, ably assisted by a typical Smitty cameo and a coolly taken leg-bye by Will. (Bye Bye Will)

Our total of 157 looked to be a very good one, particularly after a cup of tea from the excellent clubhouse kitchen.

Upon the restart a brief look round the field showed that this was one of those rare occasions when each of the BP players could bowl if asked to do so, including Jon who was wicket-keeping, but with 30 overs that shouldn't be too much of a problem for Skippy should it? 3 overs each, No problem. Perhaps extra for Will & Daz because they'd only batted 1 ball between them. Naturally they opened the bowling, and put the carefully laid bowling plan to bed by removing the first 5 Cavalier batsmen. For only a few of whom that adjective applied in both senses as the bowling looked from where your correspondent was cowering fierce and difficult to play.

A mini revival was effected by Tony K & Adam ( who has played so much for BP this year that it's a moot point as to whether they lend him to us or vice versa), but this was cut short by Tony's ever accurate spin, which then accounted for Sam K first ball setting up a potential hat trick. But wait! It was the end of his third over, surely the end of the spell, and his bowling for the year? But no, an extra over was tried, but fortunately for Tony's wallet there was no hat trick, and James J & Tony batted on, ensuring that they passed 36 (the lowest Cavalier total ever) before the innings ended with Tom coming out to bat a second time.

In the first innings Tom had faced only a wide before being bowled next ball, and when his first ball was wide second time round he joked that he might be bowled next ball just like in the first innings.

How we laughed.

When the second ball did indeed bowl him, the Cavaliers' innings ended on 54 and the season ended if not with a bang, (or even a banger as unlike last week there was no barbie) at least not with a rained-off fixture.

The trophy remains with BP, but there is an ugly rumour that the Cavs only let us win because they're too stingy to pay for the engraving...

2012 Season Summary

Won 5

Lost 5

Tied 0

Rain 9

Rain induced draw 1 

Cancelled 0

7^th May – Cavaliers, Sports Centre

No Play – waterlogged pitch

Team selected for this fixture was – Will, Toby, Jon, Pete E, Ed, Rich, Dave P, Simon, Daz B, Scott, Andy Day

12th May – The Vine, Bursledon Rec

Team – Toby, Jon, Pete E, Ed, Phil, Rich, Dave P, Simon, Daz P, Mole, Robin

After a traditional start to the season at the Sports Centre, with no play due to rain, tradition was further upheld with defeat to The Vine.

BP batted first, and Toby offered some hope with three 4’s off one over. Jon provided a solid platform, but unfortunately after Toby was out the run rate slowed, and BP finished with 85. Unlikely to be enough.

Sure enough The Vine chased the total sensibly. Rich took two wickets but The Vine ploughed on, and secured victory with more than five overs left.

The only moment of high interest was when Jon, fielding at deep midwicket was almost decapitated. In usual circumstances a batsman would not want to leather the ball in the air to Jon in the deep. This is a good way of getting yourself out. However, this does not take into consideration the rather odd layout of The Vine’s pitch.

The Vine's pitch has a serious slope. So much so that if you stand at deep midwicket you are lucky if you can make out the heads of the batsman at the wicket, and can see no-one at all if Ethers is batting. When the sun is dropping on the other side of the pitch you basically have a nice view of a huge ball of fire sitting on top of the wicket. Catching a ball in this situation is impossible, although Jon did get very close to being hit in the face by it.

This match also involved the first sighting of Andy Day by Bitterne Park. Due to play for us against the Cavaliers the previous Saturday, he now turned up for the opposition today. Having batted and bowled well, Jon and Mole stepped in to secure contact details. The groanings of the ghost of last season's tapping up scandal was ignored

21st May – Cheriton Cricket Club

Cavaliers All Stars v Bitterne Park Team of the decade

To celebrate twenty five years of matches between Bitterne Park and The Cavaliers a special game was arranged at Cheriton Cricket Club's ground. Easily the nicest venue ever for this fixture.

The match was an ‘invite to all’ event, with the call going out to players past and present to turn up and play, or just catch up with each other. Bitterne Park pulled in a long list of players

Team – Will, Toby, Jon, Pete H, Pete E, Pete T, Ed, Rich, Dave P, Simon, Daz P, Martin, Mole, Scott, AJ, Andy Day and Tony Wright.

The Cavaliers also managed to get together thirteen players, including Donald who has dismissed many a BP player in the past, and also hammered a few runs. Nice to see Donald after all these years, shame he was fit enough to play.

The game format was a first for BP v Cavaliers. Two innings each, with different team sheets for each innings (with some duplication allowed). Fielding sides would consist of thirteen players, with BP rotating fielders from there rather impressive squad of seventeen until the inevitable rush to go home and we ended up with somewhat fewer players than that. The first innings would be of 18 overs, and the second of 15.

A few old faces popped in to watch (had they learned nothing over the last 25 years), and it was particularly pleasant to see Martin Smith and family.

The Game (the boring bit)

BP got off to an excellent start batting, and posted 120 runs. In first innings reply The Cavaliers could only manage eighty odd runs, conceding a sizable first inning deficit. After tea ( itself very unusual) BP set off again, and looked to have put the game beyond Cavaliers reach. However, fine batting in Cavaliers second innings got them very close, and only ended up losing by a dozen runs.

Highlights were many. Fine BP debuts by Andy Day and Tony Wright. A first BP wicket by Martin. Simon taking a catch off of his son AJs bowling and losing a contact lens in the process. Rich proving a fine opening bat and hitting his top score, and Will also proving that he can bat without having to charge at every single ball.

Awards were as follows:-

BP Man of the Match – Will

Cavaliers Man of the Match – Duncan

Champagne moment – A first wicket for – Sam kushner

Player of the Match – winning the newly unveiled ‘John McGavin Award ’

Special thanks to Cheriton Cricket Club, and Andrew and his helpers particularly, who made the day one to remember.

The game was a fitting tribute to twenty five years of very friendly cricket. What we also learnt was that if you offer a plenty of food at the tea interval BP can muster seventeen players, rather than scratching around for eleven.

25th May – St Cross House, Hoglands Park

Team – Jon, Pete H, Pete E, Phil, Rich, Dave P, Simon, Daz B, Daz P, Mole

On a pleasant midweek summers evening Hoglands Park was busy with the usual array of footballers, skateboarders, students and alcoholics. The groundsman cleared the pitch, and play started slightly after six, with BP opening the batting with Jon and Phil.

Over recent years BP have played St Cross at the Sports Centre, and to be honest have usually lost. However, the change of scenery seemed to have done BP a favour. Both Phil and Jon progressed to the required 25 runs, before retiring, and from there Simon and Pete Ethers took over. BP set an imposing 120 off of 18 overs without losing a wicket. Mr Extras as usual chipped in with a few.

In reply St Cross struggled to keep up with the run rate, and regularly lost wickets through players being bowled. One batsman also walked after clearly, and instinctively, handling the ball as it moved towards the stumps after hitting it. However, St Cross recovered towards the end of the innings, and needed less than 20 off the last two overs. BP dug in, and with Pete H bowling a clearly disinterested St Cross batsman (coming out with neither gloves nor pads)first ball , BP secured victory by seven runs.

A win against a side we usually struggle against, and with only 10 men.

4th June – Pilgrims, Pilgrims School

Team – Jon, Pete Ethers, Will, Daz P, Daz B, Dave Perks, Rich, Mark Ath, Pete T, Mole, Andy Day, Tony Wright

There is something about games between BP and Pilgrims that means a tight finish is guaranteed, and this game was no exception.

Twelve a side was agreed at the start of play, with Pilgrims featuring several friendly faces in Ed, Phil and Martin who usually feature for BP, as well as James from the Cavaliers. Pilgrims also had several strong regulars of their own, and two South Africans. This was allowed as one was a UK passport holder (I checked – Mole).

BP knew they were in a game from the first delivery, which whistled past Jon's nose thanks to the bowling of one of the South Africans. As usual Jon and Pete E stuck to the task, and weathered the initial onslaught, building a platform for others to exploit later.

Pilgrims fielded superbly, with particular mention to Ed, who flung himself about all over the place turning 4s into singles. Thankfully BP even without its usual middle order was able to accumulate runs. There was even the rare sight of a BP batsman playing a proper drive.

Several players contributed in a good all round batting display. Pete T was probably (??? we're not a one-man team but...) the stand out player, being 'retired' on 46 rather than the traditional 50 due to a complete lack of ability in BP to add up. If only we had had the private education that Pilgrims School offers.

BP ended up posting 167, which whilst not beyond reach was going to take some getting.

Pilgrims started well, with Phil hitting one rather large 6, but then lost a few wickets. Game on. Pilgrims consolidated and then started to take the game away from BP. Seemingly coasting to victory.

BP dug in, helped by a couple of retirements, and slowed the run rate down. The game went to the last over, but Pilgrims had done enough earlier on, and were able to secure victory with a couple of balls to spare.

As is usual several players then recovered vital lost fluids in the Black Boy public house.

18th June - Cavaliers, Sports Centre

With the news bulletins full of drought warnings it was inevitable that this game was going to be called off due to quite torrential rain.

An early call off by the Sports Centre give the opportunity for an indoor net at Riverside in Winchester, keenly taken up by Mole, Pete Hutch, Ed, Simon, Jon and Toby. This consisted of the usual one hour session, with each player having ten minutes 'batting', and fifty minutes of 'bowling'.

There are many uses of a net, and England players are often heard discussing how they have ironed out that issue outside of off stump with focused sessions in the nets. This is not for Bitterne Park.

When 'batting' the sole objective is to hit the ball as hard as possible, as often as possible. No matter that this would result in numerous dismissals caught at cover, mid off or behind. The occasional defensive stroke has been seen, but this is usually because the batsman has changed his mind several times over which massive shot he is going to play, and has had to jab the bat down at the last second to avoid the ball hitting the stumps.

Some would argue that Bitterne Park would do better to have a longer net, and thus encourage the practising of a fuller range of stokes. However, these people clearly do not realise that the pub is open.

Incidentally this was nearly the first time an indoor net was called off due to rain as someone left the sports hall door open and the heavy rain caused a small lake to form at the place a very silly point would stand. It was also the first time we've had to dry the ball during indoor nets

25th June - West End, Riverside Park

Team – Jon, Toby, Pete Hutch, Ed, Phil, Dave Perks, Simon, AJ, Daz P, Martin, Andy Day

This was a game BP should have won fairly comfortably, but didn't.

The start was pretty much perfect. A second over wicket by AJ got the ball rolling ,and with him and Daz P firing West End were reduced to 17 for five. In the bag you would think. However, BP are a generous bunch, and allowed West end to reach 109 in the end. Not a big total by any means at Riverside, but enough to make BP work for it.

In reply BP reached 50 for one, and victory was ours for the taking once more. Unfortunately a flock of ducks then arrived slap bang in the middle of the BP innings, and we did not manage to reach three figures.

Moments of interest in the game included a heated appeal against Toby for hitting the ball twice (correctly given not out, as he was only defending his wicket). It was also good to see new guy Andy Day integrating nicely into the side, by getting involved in a run-out.

30th June - OMCC, Sports Centre

Team – Jon, Pete Hutch, Ed, Phil, Dave Perks, Simon, Daz B, Andy Day, Will, Martin smith, Mole

Bitterne Park rarely beat OMCC. They are a decent team, with a good captain who has a knack of putting fielders in all the right places. They also seem to have a good understanding of how to play on the smaller pitches at the Sports Centre. After Saturdays defeat therefore BP were not confident, but were determined to fight for a result (quite literally in Ed's case).

Batting first Will set a good platform, with a composed 25 not out (usual retire on 25 rules applying) . He was given solid support from Ed, the returning Martin Smith (10), and Phil, whose innings of 30 included a six of the final ball. Extras also contributed well, and a total of 125 off of 18 overs was set.

In reply OMCC started well, but lost a wicket in the second over. OMCC kept up with the run rate, but wickets continued to fall, largely to great catches by Simon, Daz B and Andy 'Maverick'** Day. With wickets down BP were able to put a bit of pressure on, and the run rate increased, particularly after OMCCs best batsman had to retire after getting his 25.

Will concluded a fine spell with a couple of clean bowled, and then Phil also chipped in with a couple. In fact, BP were doing too well, and having gone through the available OMCC players the 'retired' batsman came back in.

Luckily by this stage the run rate was beyond them, and BP took the final wicket off the last ball, with Dave Perks slide tackling the ball onto the stumps from halfway down the wicket.

A very good performance from BP all round. Daz B particularly stood out, with a fine catch, one great attempt at a catch, and a fully committed dive running to the boundary leaving him in the drainage ditch, a move not seen since the days of Rocket Ron Perry.

**Editors Note – This the the first and only time Andy Day will be referred to as 'Maverick', and is only used here to highlight the sense of irony such a title would bestow.

2nd July - Eastleigh Baptist Church, Riverside Park

Team – Jon, Pete Hutch, Toby, Pete E, Pete T, Scott, Dave Perks, Simon, Andy Day, Will, Mole

Boosted by the midweek victory BP went in to bat full of confidence. A traditional start, with 30 odd coming off the first 10 or so overs, but then a few wickets fell.

At this stage a score of 110 to 120 seemed possible, with less an option. Luckily Simon felt this was not enough, and accelerated to hit sixty, selflessly running himself out in the final over looking for a second run. Will provided excellent support to Simon, and a late cameo by Andy Day resulted in a score of 146, which looked a sizeable target on a wicket with some rather odd bounce in it. ( Skippy's note: This is an understatement, the ball bounced outrageously sometimes, and the next ball ran along the ground.)

In reply Eastleigh initially matched BP's scoring rate, but when wickets fell could not accelerate as BP had done, and in the end this was a comfortable victory. Drinks and crisps in the Hop Inn to finish a good week for Bitterne Park.

7th July - Museums, Sports Centre

No play due to waterlogged pitch.

Team selected - Jon, Will, Toby, Pete H, Pete E, Dave P, Simon, Daz B, Daz P, Mole, Andy Day

14th July - West End, Sports Centre

Team – Pete H, Toby, Mark Ath, Simon, Daz P, Dave P, AJ Morris, Phil Mills, Arvind, Mole

BP arrived with only ten players, Will having to pull out due to family reasons, and were therefore pleased to see West End only had eight. As a cricketer, its pretty easy to see when the summer holidays start. To fill in gaps BP had managed to poach Phil Mills from Buckland Brewer and Arvind from the Cavaliers / India.

West End batted first, and made good progress, reaching 70 without loss after 10 overs. BP were slightly light in terms of bowling, but Arvind stepped up and bowled a tidy spell. Toby as usual confused batsmen with his flighted deliveries, and picked up a couple of wickets.

With no overs limit agreed West End batted until 7.15, getting 122 off of 19 overs. A good recovery for BP, but still a sizeable target.

BP lent West End two more than capable fielders in Daz P and Phil Mills to ensure they were not disadvantaged in the field, and got under-way with chasing the target down.

Toby opened with Mark Atherton, and together they took the game away from West End. Clearly short of front line bowlers West End rotated their attack, but both openers punished anything short or wide. Toby retired on 50, in an opening stand of 104. Joined by Simon, Mark continued his good work, and together they saw us home with several overs to spare.

Whilst West End were clearly short of some regulars this was still a very impressive BP display.

16th July - C.A.N. Fleming Park

Game cancelled due to rain.

Team selected Pete H.Toby, Jon, Will, Pete E. Simon, AJ, Dave P. Daz P, Ed, Robin

This is the 4th game out of the last 5 which we have had rained off against these particular opponents. Perhaps we're missing something.

Weds 20th July Hedgeside CC Sports Centre

Game cancelled due to rain.

Team selected Pete H.Toby, Jon, Will,. Simon, Dave P. Daz B, Pete T. Daz P, Mole, Mark A.

And with this stunning result, the rain gods pull level with the doughty ( doughy?) players of BPCC, however, with 7 games still to play there's plenty of time for a late rally. Ties do look completely out of the running at this point it has to be said.

27th July - St Cross, Sports Centre

Team – Jon, Toby, Will, Pete H, Simon, AJ Morris, Daz B, Daz P, Dave Perks, Andy Day, Tony Wright

A sunny evening at the Sports Centre, and 20 overs per side was agreed, with the usual 'retire at 25' rule for an evening game.

BP batted and got off to a steady start, reaching fifty off of the first ten overs. With wickets in hand BP were able to accelerate during the second half and finished on 151 – 2. Good all round batting, with undefeated 25s from Jon, Will, Simon and Andy Day, as well as a more than useful 21 from Daz B.

This was a big target but St Cross set about it in the correct fashion, knowing that 6 an over would be enough providing they could find a couple of big overs from somewhere. They duly progressed to 36 off the first 6 overs, before the game really took off.

St Cross found their big overs, AJ being the unlucky bowler but also lost wickets. They also lost a player. The batsman in question had just reached the 25 run limit in lightning time, but was hit on the head by the ball being returned to the wicket-keeper as he dived to make his ground. A lengthy delay followed, after which the patched up player was sent off to hospital for stitches.

Despite this, St Cross were now right back in the match. After 11 overs they were on 89 runs and looking well set. Back came BP with tight bowling by Tony in particular, who picked up two wickets.

Three overs left, and St Cross required 30 runs but were running out of batsman. When the last man went out to bat St Cross just had one man left to come in (him having previously retired earlier). However, despite being into the 'tail' runs continued to come for St Cross, and BP put down a couple of difficult catches as the pressure mounted and the light faded.

Last over, and Pete H backed himself to see BP home. A early four gave St Cross hope, but a couple of dot balls gave BP victory by just one run.

A great game, and you can only feel sorry for St Cross to lose such a tight game.

30th July - Buckland Brewer, Buckland Brewer

Team – Will, Toby, Jon, Pete T, Pete E, Ed, Simon, AJ Morris, Daz P, Mole

For the second year running BP headed off on tour to Devon to play Buckland Brewer. With a 1pm start most of the team arrived in Devon on Friday, with Mole and the two Pete's coming down on Saturday just in time for start of play.

Buckland batted first, and made steady progress. At the 20 over mark, this being a 40 over game, they were on 122 for 1 and looking well set for a sizeable total. BP had fielded well, but only had the wicket of Phil Mills for there effort, and that courtesy of Phil unfortunately top edging a ball he could have left to Simon at point off of AJ. To avoid chasing 250 plus BP needed to take wickets.

The second half got off to a much better start for BP. Pete T took a great running catch on the boundary and Daz P held a skier.

Buckland had also made the schoolboy error of lending BP a fielder as we only had 10 players. Whilst this is the sporting thing to do the inevitable happened when the sub fielder pulled a a great running catch in the covers. This will happen pretty much whenever a member of one team fields for another. Never lend a side a fielder, you are just giving wickets away.

With a few wickets down BP felt they could atleast contain Bucklands scoring rate, despite a couple of dropped catches. However, we actually managed to locate the Buckland tail this year, and whilst it was only a short tail we pushed on to bowl out Buckland. Pete T picked up four in total, with Jon holding the final catch in the 38^th over. All out for less than 200.

Credit should also go to Pete E who kept wicket well on a pitch offering some unusual bounce.

At the interval BP were treated to another fine tea from Buckland, and having been well fed entered the field confidently, and were then reduced to 15 for 3.

At this stage all BP regulars set a revised target of 46, just so we can avoid our lowest ever score. Ed dug in, and then Will and Pete T replicated their performance of last year with a fine stand. We got to 46, and then to 50, and then to 100.

BP were always behind the run rate, but we were showing we could hold our own against what is the best attack we face. Wickets continued to fall, but with Simon able to go back in (another benefit of turning up with only 10 players) BP were able to pass 160 runs, and finish not out as well.

Whilst again we had lost our tour match, we could leave with our heads held high.

Buckland as per last year proved great hosts and laid on a BBQ at a local pub, to finish a great day all round.

6th August - Eastleigh Baptist Church, Riverside Park

Team – Jon, Will Toby, Simon, Pete H, Dave P, Daz P, Andy Day, Robin, Mole

A combination of summer holidays and injuries meant that BP again could only field 10 players, but the team were confident after last weeks fine effort, and having won the toss elected to field.

A great start, with Eastleigh 10 for 2. From there they consolidated, and at the half way mark were on 48 for 2 off of 15 overs.

Eastleigh then had their best spell with the bat, and pushed on past 100 fairly quickly, aided in no small measure by some good batting from Marytn Peagram - an occasional BP player. BP fought back however, and taking wickets towards the end restricted Eastleigh to 138. this seems a reasonable total but well within grasp.

BP's reply started in the worst way, with Jon gone for a diamond duck to an in-swinging yorker. Simon also went early to a similar delivery, having fended the previous delivery into his face. Toby and Will dug in, helped in part by Eastleigh dropping some regulation catches.

At halfway BP were in a similar position to that Eastleigh had been in at the same stage, but were unable to accelerate in the same way. Andy Day came in and hit his first 50 for BP, but it was not quite enough and we finished a handful of runs short.

A good game however against a strong Eastleigh side, and we had the good fortune to finish minutes before heavy rain arrived.Bring on the Cavaliers for the next game!

13th August Cavaliers Riverside Park

The Rain Gods, smug in their pluvial heaven failed to notice until it was too late, and the dampening flurries of Friday could not to prevent the rearranged 2nd Test between BP & the Cavaliers.

As is often the way with our Summer Game the juxtaposition of the holiday season left fewer willing to play, * and thus two teams of 10 took to the field, the Cavaliers sporting some new signings including one, who despite extensive disguise still caused several dog walkers to make a wide detour around the ground.

A call of “heads” and BP were batting, Jon choosing this time not to emulate Indian batsman Virender Sehwag’s achievement in the 3rd Test , and he kept the aureate water fowl firmly in the bathtub where it belonged.
A second over wicket brought Phil M to the crease to share a long partnership (Jon 40 Phil 44) including a mighty blow clearing the sight screen at the pavilion end causing the judges to solemnly raise their score cards each proclaiming 6.

Twenty overs gleaned 92 runs which seemed slight to the cognoscenti ** but a rally led by the erstwhile maverick Andy Day (44) ably supported by Ed Pil-Occ, Daz the Swaythling Express and Robin of the Wingéd Heels brought the score to a respectable 154.

This total would, in the normal way of things, have inspired cheer over the between-innings tea and cakes. The fact that it did not was entirely due to the absence of the said examples of the bakers’ art. (or tea for that matter)

As an aside at this point, it has never been understood by this correspondent why the Radio 4 Test Match Special team receive donations of so many more cakes than do BPCC. Surely it cannot be craven pandering to celebrity?

The Cavaliers' innings started, and tight bowling by the BP openers caused Skippy (not the bush kangaroo of that ilk) a headache. How was the excitement to be maintained if BP won too easily? The possible lucrative TV rights contract was slipping through our grasp into the undeserving mitts of the IPL. Something had to be done. There was only one thing - to bowl himself to ensure some easy runs for the Cavalier (sic) batsmen. This was done and soon normal service was resumed.

The efficacy of this strategy was proven by only one batsman scoring less than 17, and with 5 overs remaining and 40 runs to get some might have feared that the plan was too effective.

However, a few cheap overs put the game beyond doubt and enabled Jon to leave early to stake his claim for the Rocket Ron Memorial BBQ Prize. Interestingly there were no carpet slippers left behind at the end.

* Any right minded cricketer when faced with the choice between an afternoon on a damp Riverside Park and a week in the south of France would obviously make the right choice.

** Those who don’t know one end of a cricket bat from the other

17th August OMCC, Sports Centre

Team – Pete H, Dave P, Daz P, Ed, Phil Moulin, Mark Ath, Daz B, AJ Morris, Tony Wright, Martin Smith, Mole

An overcast evening, and sixteen overs per side was agreed, with a maximum three overs per bowler.

Ed gets us off to a great start, retiring on 25 with the score on 29 for nought. Other batsman fare less well, and good catches cause a few wickets to fall. Phil however remains undisturbed on his way to a 25. Tony similarly focuses on hitting the bad ball and Martin puts in a typical cameo knock. After early good progress the BP innings stalls in the nineties as the tail arrives at the crease. Quick runs however are added in the final few balls thanks to Pete H and Dave Perks (two fours off the only two balls he faced).

A total of 110 looked slightly short of the required score, without being easy for OMCC.

OMCC 's reply got off to a good start, with fifteen off of the first over, and twenty-nine in total off of the first three. AJ in particular was punished for bowling too full. We were going to need wickets to win this one.

'HOWZAT!! HOWZAT!!'. AJ was clearly pleased to hold an excellent caught and bowled chance during his final over, and celebrated like a county pro. Not to be outdone Daz P held another c & b, and we were back in the game.

BP continued to hold everything in the field as wickets were taken regularly. With only five obvious first choice bowlers we still had to find from somewhere an extra over. The skipper turned to Ed, and whilst not one for the cricket purist Ed held his nerve superbly, and finished his over with us still in a good position.

The OMCC tail was now in to bat. They were behind the run rate but still less than thirty off of the target. Daz P bowled a tight 14^th over, and Pete H repeated the trick in the 15^th. OMCC now needed 19 of the final over, and with the light fading Daz bowled us to a victory that will look more comfortable in the score book than it actually was.

20th August Matt Legatt X1 Sports Centre

Revenge of the Rain Gods: Heavy rain on the preceding Thursday left a waterlogged pitch and no play was possible on a beautiful sunny afternoon. Could it have been because of the prepondrance of Cavalier ringers in the team?

Team selected: Jon, Pete H, Dave P, Tony, Robin, Andy Day, James (Cavs), Matthew (Cavs)
Adam (Cavs) Ed, Mole

3rd September, Pilgrims' Occasionals, Pilgrims' School

Team – Pete H, Dave P, Daz P, Mark Ath, Pete T, Simon, Rich, Daz B, Tony Wright, Andy Day, Mole

And so we reach the end of the season with what fast becoming a Bitterne Park tradition. A game against Pilgrims followed by a barbecue.

The Pilgrims side as usual featured familiar faces in BP players Ed, Phil, Scott and Martin, as well as James from Cavaliers. A 'retire on 35' rules was put in place to ensure everyone got a game, and we got underway with Pilgrims batting first.

Not a great start for BP, as Pilgrims raced to 100. During the middle overs BP slowed the rate, but Pilgrims made use of the short boundaries hit plenty of 6's on their way to 221. Credit should go to Rich, who bowled well after several months out with injury and picked up a couple of wickets.

BP needed to bat well to reach the target, but were pinned down by Pilgrims fine bowling and fielding. When wickets fell the game really slipped out of BPs reach, and other factors took over.

BP are naturally a quite competitive bunch, and with the game fizzling out decided to stage an adhoc game of 'worst run-out'. This is a popular game that has often been played by BP over the years, sometimes even when the actual match was still in the balance. Four run-outs were managed, with several vying for the honoured status of 'suicidal'.

Whilst this was going on BP also set themselves a more sensible target of batting until the barbecue was ready. Mark Ath fought desperately with paper and charcoal that for some reason did not want to burn, whilst Rich, and Daz P held back Pilgrims.

Pete T went back in to bat, having retired on 35, to see us safely through til the food was ready. He then got stumped off of Martin in the final of the 30 overs, with BP finishing on over 150, but well short of the target. We can take heart from the fact that 4 BP players were on the winning side.

Our slightly humbled players welcomed Martin poring them a pint from the keg he had provided, before tucking into the barbecue.

Thus ended another season. It featured another lovely venue in Cheriton CC, and the most number of matches ever organised by BP in a single season, and probably the most number of games rained off as well. Welcome additions were Andy Day, Tony Wright, and the return of Martin Smith. All hope to return next season, but next up is the annual Dinner Dance.

Won 9

Lost 5

Tied 0

Rained 6

Last updated - 16th September 2011