Bowlers win tight game at Harptree.

Dick and Lyndon demonstrate how to deal with non-performers.
An evenly contested game at Harptree was won by the Failand 'grandfathers' thanks to some tight bowling, with Steve and Jamie Fear, Phil Dungey and Jordan Bachelor conceding just 85 runs in their combined 31 overs, although Paul Bachelors patient 34 was the most important contribution to this much needed win.
After winning the toss skipper Steve Pursey decided to bat first and hence save his players from fielding in the heat of the day. It was very hot. The wicket was very dry.
Steve Pursey and Lyndon Prendergast got Failand off to an ideal start with 43 off the first 10 overs before both were bowled by Harptree debutant Henry James Gay. None of the Failand batsmen could really get going on a slow and low wicket. As wickets fell all around him Paul Bachelor played a vital anchor role with a patient knock of 34, which helped Failand to a total of 151, which although well below expectations was enough to bowl at.

The home side provided a scrumptious tea with some delicious home made cakes. A tempting tray of cakes were brought to each player in turn, and amazingly virtually everyone took an extra cake.

Jordan and Steve Fear opened the bowling and put pressure on Harptree, and when Jordan had bowled his allotted five overs, Jamie took his turn to apply the pressure. With only 30 runs scored from the first 15 overs, the game was beginning to tilt in favour of the visitors. Phil Dungey entered the attack. The batsmen played and missed and Phil was heard shouting out 'Carbonara' or some similar sounding delicacy, cursing his bad luck. Worse was to follow after the game when Phil confessed that he normally gets stiff after two overs. This made Phils' three wickets all the more admirable, as none of his teammates were aware of his affliction.
The game tilted back and forth, but Failand held their nerve, and Jordan finished the game off by bowling the last two batsmen in consecutive deliveries.
Everyone retired to the Waldegrave Arms and enjoyed a pint or two of 'George Best' to toast a first win in four attempts against this opposition.

Failand Outclassed by Old B.


Failand were outclassed, but there were still plenty of positives. Last weeks' man of the match Bob Andrews would have made it two out of two were it not for a valiant effort by John Parfitt in attempting to rescue Failand from a perilous position of 23 for 3 in the 10th over. Old B's scored 210 for 8 in their alloted overs, which the visitors believed gave them an outside chance of victory on a very fast outfield, but the disastrous start soon snuffed out any hopes.
The prolific Chris Smith was dropped for giving a dodgy LBW the previous week, while leading Italian Wicket-taker Phil Dungey and all-rounder Ross Holbrook were also rested along with Stuart Fowell.
Old B's (referred to as OB from this point on) won the toss and elected to bat, and although Steve Fear bowled with his usual scroogelike mean-ness, OB progressed steadily to 110 without losing a wicket, before Bob Andrews (referred to as BOB from this point on) came on to bowl and captured another four wickets, to go with last weeks four. BOB had OB in all sorts of trouble. Phil Dungey, who was under the impression that he was selected, very kindly offered to umpire. Adam Grey took two vital wickets bowling at the death, and a total of 210 for 8 was always achievable.
During tea, Lyndon Prendergast suggested that he might have a runner, preferably a young man, but skipper Steve Pursey told him that the opposing skipper had already been told that Lyndon wasn't the fastest between wickets these days, and so the request was denied on the grounds that it might not appear genuine. Unfortunately Lyndon, Neil Harrison and Graham Grey all fell cheaply, playing the ball too early on a pitch that was very slow and low, all three wickets falling to the deceptive Spencer. Paul Bachelor, who had volunteered to stand down, turned up to umpire, and made the unusual request for eggs, shouting to the pavilion "Have you got any eggs". No one had a clue what he was talking about, until it was realised he had forgotten to take his trusty six stones with him which he obviously refers to as half a dozen eggs. We learn something everyday!
John Parfitt and Steve Pursey set about trying to restore any chance of victory, and although they put on 94 for the fourth wicket, gradually the run rate became too much and OB were winners by 54 runs. BOB didn't bat.
The copies of the Mail on Sunday were quickly concealed, as in bold letters all over the front page was the word Scapegoat, and everyone was keen to avoid a repeat of last years lynchings. Luckily Chairman Dick Whittington, who was not out 12 at the end of the game, was in good spirits. He announced that despite a first loss of the season everyone would share the man of the match award - with the exception of Neil Harrison who made three appalling overthrows, and had also sloped off early to fiddle his expenses. There was a collective opinion that Linseed Oil was not an appropriate use of taxpayers money.

Bob Andrews knocks out Grendel Top Order

Burly Bob Andrews, who only played a handful of games in 2008, cemented his place in the side with a stunning display of flight and spin to turn the game sharply back in Failands favour after a brutal onslaught by Jhanger Khan.
At one stage Grendel were 64 for 0 in less than six overs before Bob removed the extremely dangerous Khan, who had scored 57. Failands bowlers then took control, as Grendel managed a meagre 69 runs in the remaining overs. Bob Andrews took a further three wickets, accounting for the Grendel top four. Courtney Meacham, who was brutalised by Khan in his first two overs, came back later in the innings and captured a well deserved four key wickets, bowling a tidy line outside off stump.
Failands catching was superb throughout, with virtually all catches being held. Neil Harrison in particular held on to two excellent catches.
Lyndon provided a tasty tea, although he kept the Pork Pies back for after the game, which were appreciated all the more as they absorbed some of the winning ale.
Failand folklore has it that whomever shall supply the tea will be deemed man of the match. (unless anyone else is more deserving - at the chairmans' discretion).
Lyndon, a welcome addition to Failand thirds, batted with responsibility to ensure a moderate target was reached without too many scares. Grendel surprised the home side with the quality of their bowling and fielding, which surpassed the quality of their batting by a long way. Everyone chipped in with minor support roles to Lyndon, especially Neil Harrison who scored a vital contribution of 30, including 17 in one over.
This was a solid display by a Failand side slightly weakened by the loan of several key players to the Club side in the National Village competition. It will be difficult not to keep a winning side next week.
Chairman Dick Whittington, who took three catches behind the stumps, has decided that this year he will be totally positive about club performances, win or lose, and will no longer focus on the negatives. His man of the match award went to the whole team, with the exception of the usually prolific Chris Smith, whom he claimed contributed nothing other than a controversial LBW decision.

Preview of Failand and Portbury v Grendel
This match has been rained off twice out of the last three meetings. The time the sides did meet was in 2007 when Failand & Portbury were victorious skipper Steve Pursey taking 3 for 7 and Jamie Fear 4 for 21. The Grandfathers are not always the best of starters, whilst Grendel will seek to capitalise on their excellent season in 2008 which saw them beat the sides who ended up with medals.
The Gordon Blurr Prediction; Home Win

Prospects for Play- Facing the Future with Failand and Portbury CC

We fly north in the hired gold plated helicopter to the furthest extremity of our region in our pursuit to preview the season for as many of our member clubs this summer. It is to the North West Frontier that we travel.
Club; FAILAND AND PORTBURY CC
Knick Name; "The Grandfathers"
Club's Pre Match Pitch Run On Music; "Grand Dad" by Clive Dunn
Captain's Log; STEVE PURSEY- Steve continues in charge for another season at Horse Race Lane. For recent seasons it has been a case of Steve's side valiantly avoiding relegation from Division 3. Steve has played an influential role for his side over the years with bat and ball. His highest score in the Conferences is 70 not out against Downend in 2004, and there have been four instances in recent years of "four fors" in an Innings. Steve perhaps under bowled himself in 2008. In only his mid 50s he has a task just keeping some of the older bretheren within the side, in order
Wow Factor Provider; The match reports from the club in 2009. Remember last season, the club announcement from one match report, that a player had been summarily executed on the order allegedly of the Club Chairman following a particularly poor performance.
Whats New; Well not alot. The club may soon have to apply to the Conference to amend their knick name to "the Great Grandfathers". There are six members of the squad over the retirement age, but with Age Discrimination Laws now in place- so what. Another four members are as good as retired and another six will be retiring in the next 5 seasons. It is anticipated that the average age of the side this term will be over 60 so there will be plenty of experience. There are some other positives too, quality opening bat, Lyndon Prendergast is likely to be fit for the whole season following a hip injury in 2008. There will also be a return for 60 year old off spinner Bob "Blobby" Andrews. 66 year old Chris Smith, the side's leading run scorer in 2008 and (most seasons before) is also likely to be playing the majority of his cricket for the Grandfathers, whilst the Player of the Year Steve Fear, one year older, will again be asked to lead the bowling attack. The club captain has also promised that he intends to give the youth of the club a chance this summer, so expect to see some players aged in their 40s turning out for Failand in Division 3 this summer.

Tour Photos + photos from Lords 1996

Simon Cox at Lords

Bob Andrews will be pushing for a place in the 1st xi in 2009.

What is happening in the North Somerset League these days??

For your interest here is a brief edit of what happened at the North Somerset AGM - Nov 27th.

Firstly we broke off into divisions to elect our own representative - this year Geoff Saunders of Barrow Gurney volunteered and anyone who volunteers gets the job.

We discussed rules for our own division.
It was decided that teas would remain at £30. I was in favour of an increase, but Geoff in his new role pointed out there was little point increasing this fee as we both charge each other the same rate so why bother changing - and everyone agreed unanimously.
It was decided that two spare balls should be shown to the opposition before the game, and not left to the home captain to delve into his bag and grab what he thinks is the best ball for his own team. I always thought this was a home advantage rule, but this was also unanimously voted in.
Geoff wanted a 2.30 start introduced and fines for slow over rates - both defeated.
Coloured Clothing was defeated with no interest.
There was a discussion about which ball we could use - the existing £6.50 ball or trial a more expensive £8.50 ball. Nine out of Ten of us wanted the more expensive ball, but Cliff Bastin of Bath Exiles stood in the way of this proposal, so it was proposed instead that each home side may decide which ball they want to use - Blagdon went for the cheap ball this time(?) and the whole thing became a mess - but it was finally decided that each home side agrees before the season which ball they will use, and will use this ball all season at home.
All fixtures were agreed except Old B (not present) and Easton who ground share with Frenchay.

As for the main AgM, It was agreed that there would be prompt starts, and that if either side fails to have seven players present at 1.50 then they will be deemed to have lost the toss.

The result must be texted or rung through to the administrator on a Sunday night, and MUST be entered on the website by 7pm Monday as well.
There was nothing but praise for the excellent state of the art facilities at Withywood. Good lighting, long run ups, and coaching using video playback if required.
Foreign players - there was very clear explanation about what a club can and can not do. If you are interested go on the North Somerset Site. Basically you can not even allow a foreign player to be paid in any way, including payment of subs, unless a club is registered.

Blagdons' attempted rule change to allow first teamers (from B&D Div 1 and lower) to play was heavily defeated.

Analysis of Failand 3rd xi season by North Somerset Webmeister.

(This has been adopted as my end of season report)

We move to the slopes of Lower Failand as we continue our mission to survey the season for each of the 94 sides
Club; FAILAND AND PORTBURY
Knick-name; “The Grandfathers”
Finishing Position; 6th in Division 3 of the Sunday Conference
The Best of Times; Recovering from 73 for 6 to successfully chase 197 to win against Blagdon in June
The Worst of Times; Conceding 283 runs to Chew Stoke
Leading Run Scorer in 2008; CHRIS SMITH 218 @ 27
Leading Wicket Taker in 2008; JAMIE FEAR 20 @16.50
Highest Individual Score Adrian Meecham 70 v Whitchurch
Best Individual Bowling; Adrian Meecham 4 for 17 v Blagdon in August
Ebor and Bias Player of the Season; STEVE FEAR
Narrative; It was another year of hovering in and around the relegation area for Failand and Portbury. The club on 'the Western Frontier' ensures that it observes the Age Discrimination Laws to the letter by fielding a side for much of the season which had around half its team over the age of 60. 'The Grandfathers' have never been the best of starters to a season; yet who is, now as quick over 100 meters as they were say 10 years ago? Thankfully for Failand, the Conference Season is a marathon rather than a sprint, which is just as well, for they lost their first two games of the season. Scapegoats and trials ensued as inquests went on long into the night at Racehorse Lane . The first points were gained on the first day of June, Neil Harrison, a popular scapegoat in certain quarters at the club, taking 4 for 24 as Easton Cowboys were dismissed for just 92. An outstanding victory followed two weeks later at home to Blagdon, after another mock trial of Stalinist proportions appeared inevitable as 'the Grandfathers' chasing 197 to win slumped to 73 for 6. “Youngster” Ross Hollbrook with a fine 66 shared a 96 run seventh wicket partnership with Jordan Bachelor to rescue the situation. The Grandfather's form slumped thereafter, with heavy defeats at the hands of Chew Stoke and United Bristol Hospitals, the former hitting 283 off 40 overs. Steve Fear who bowled his first ball in competitive cricket back in 1944, however used all his 60 plus years experience to avoid the onslaughts , taking 2 for 25 in that match with Chew Stoke and 2 for 31 when the Hospitals sent the Grandfathers' bowlers pulses racing further with a score of 207 for 9. Steve followed up with 2 for 12 in an impressive spell to give his side their first victory 'on the road' as Exiles were dismissed for just 94. This match at 'the Reserve' had seen experienced opening batsmen Steve Pursey and Graham Grey put on their second successive first wicket fifty partnership of the season against Exiles, the two having earlier reached personal 'jug raiser' land marks in the earlier match in May. Yet by the end of the season, the Grandfathers were like 'chariots of fire' exploding towards the finishing line gaining two wins in succession to guarantee division 3 cricket for 2009. This included victory over the Divisional Runners Up United Bristol Hospitals, by 45 runs. The last few weeks of the season witnessed the return to action of opening batsman Lyndon Prendergast, following injury and he announced his presence with a fine innings of 66 in a 9 wicket reverse at the hands of Keynsham. The previous week Adrian Meecham had savaged the Whitchurch bowling attack, albeit in another cause losing, with 4 sixes and 9 fours in an innings of 70. Adrian then showed his qualities with the ball in the first of Failand's two end of season triumphs taking 4 for 17 as Blagdon were skittled for 94, the only side that the Grandfathers did the double against in 2008.
Turn on Factor; 4 out of 10
The Future; How many Grandfathers will be for up for it in 2009?

I agree with the player of the year, Steve Fear.

Best individual performance was definitely Ross Holbrook winning the game v Blagdon.

Adrian Meacham made the best all round contribution.

And of course we would have had less success without Dick Whittington behind the stumps.

Steve

Grandfather Steve Fear played an important role for the thirds in 2008.

Failand avoid relegation yet again.


At ten-o-clock in the morning after a particular heavy shower, the good news filtered through from Groundsman Paul Bachelor that the pitch had been covered. By twelve it was decided that a game could go ahead, albeit with a damp outfield. The Failand players were all too aware that should they play and lose, and all the fellow strugglers should have their games cancelled, it could spell relegation. So this became a must win game. It would have helped to win the toss, but Steve Purseys' double headed coin proved ineffective as the UBH skipper called heads.

The new ball fizzed and swung, but pensioners Chris Smith and Lyndon Prendergast played sensibly, keeping their wickets intact, and attacking the loose balls. At the drinks break a score of 59 for 1 was about par. The batting conditions started to improve and the bowling became looser, and with 101 on the board in the 28th over, Chris was adjudged LBW by professional umpire Paul Bachelor for another 45 useful runs. Meanwhile Lyndon, who has never been the most sprightly between the wickets, called for a runner. He was the next to fall, however, having set a club record with 16 consecutive singles, although as he pointed out in the bar afterwards this was to give the attacking batsman the strike. Henry Potter flayed the UBH attack to all corners in his rapid 46, and with Ross Holbrook combined to put together a match winning 51 run partnership. There were a couple moments of controversy which led to apologies at half time, and both captains vowed to play the game in the right spirit in the second half.

A tasty tea was provided by Steve and Jamie Fear.

Entering this game with eight bowlers, six of which wanted to bowl downhill posed a few problems, and resulted in the thrifty Phil Dungey bowling just 4 overs for just 9 runs. Steve Fear bowled with the same economy with which he has bowled all season and the UBH batsmen were up against it. Jordan Bachelor entered the attack and took a wicket with his first ball, a well juggled catch by skipper Steve Pursey. The Neil Harrison/ Steve Fear combination accounted for the next two wickets, and Henry Potters pace proved too much for the next two wickets. At the 20 over mark UBH were 5 wickets down for 76 runs and facing an uphill struggle. Neil Harrison entered the attack, and with the safe hands of Lyndon claimed the next two wickets. Neil, who has been made scapegoat for numerous Failand defeats, and was found still alive in a ditch on the A370 presumed dead, after the Whitchurch game earlier in the season, has also provided many champagne moments. Today was no exception, as a tight run was taken, the Failand team yelled to Steve Fear to throw to the 'Bowler', but unfortunately Steve threw at the bowler, hitting Neil in the midriff. It was quite hilarious, but obviously it was funnier if you were there. Jamie Fear was the next bowler to bowl down the hill, and bowled one of his tightest spells this season, which, with Jordan now bowling up the hill ensured a comprehensive victory for Failand.
This was a good team win when it mattered most, and bowlers Pursey and Holbrook were not required and the economic Dungey still had four overs left. Groundsman Paul Bachelor must be congratulated on providing a pitch to play on, as well as umpiring for the duration.
Yet again Failand escaped finishing in the bottom two, and were it not for the unfortunate loss of two games to the weather against Harptree and an abandoned game against Easton Cowboys that was set up for 4 points they could have finished even higher. The Failand team will never know what the result may have been against Whitchurch earlier in the season, had they not played their first team skipper, who scored so many vital runs and bowled economically also. Although Whitchurch were docked four points, Failand got nothing.
On reflection though, the final league placing was about right. Whitchurch were the best team (even without their first team skipper), UBH at their place were next best, Winscombe and Keynsham proved superior oponents, but although Chew Stoke thrashed us, Luke Shorney was the difference, and the return may have been closer were it not for the weather again. We felt as if we were a slightly better side than the rest. Yet again this has proved to be an enjoyable league to play in, and nothing was for sure until the last game. Failand are stuck with a grandfather tag, and admittedlly throughout the season half the team have been over sixty, yet it is encouraging that the average age for the UBH victory was just 44.5. Despite this, pensioners Chris Smith and Steve Fear seem to get better with age.

This was such a satisfying end to the season, that chairman Dick Whittington forgot to make his scapegoat nomination. In fact, Dick said he was going to retire after this game, although no one believed him, just as no one believed him last year.

With one game to go - what the experts think.

Dennis could be faced with much travel in Division 3 as four sides are at risk of joining Harptree Villages in being relegated. The helicopter will travel to the Chew Valley, and first land at the Hedgehogs for Exiles (Bath) game at Chew Stoke. Defeat for 'Cliff's Boys' and they return to Division 4 after just one season. This is Exiles first visit to the Hedgehogs in many years. They beat Chew Stoke convincingly earlier this season. Blagdon will be anxious not to see the helicopter approach their home ground at The Bartons as this will signify that Exiles are winning their game as are Easton Cowboys at home to third placed Winscombe. The Blades face a tough game against Keynsham 4ths, and only scraped clear of relegation on the last day of the 2007 season. They will want to ensure that they win well, to send Dennis on his way, following the line of the Severn Estuary to attend Failand & Portbury. 'The Grandfathers' have also diced with relegation in recent years and defeat for them at home to promoted United Bristol Hospitals could see the guillotine (which has been stationed at the ground following indifferent performances earlier this season) brought into use for all 11 players, if the three sides below them all win. An Exiles win and Easton Cowboys are most at risk, but they produced one of the results of the season ending Winscombe's long unbeaten home record in June, and look for a double. Could the helicopter be heading east to Frenchay CC before 8pm ?

Failand & Portbury 3rdxi v Chew Stoke 24th August

Game cancelled with even more rain falling - when will it ever stop??

Another Low Scoring Game at Blagdon.

Failand have a habit of winning low scoring games at Blagdon, and the trend continued. Steve Pursey led the way with a disciplined 42* in awkward conditions before Adrian Meacham wiped out the Blagdon middle order with 4 for 17. Failand were indebted to wicketkeeper Dick, who was responsible for six Blagdon wickets, proving himself to still be one of the leading keepers in the league.

Three players turned up late for Failand. All three used the excuse that they believed the game to be cancelled, which was quite extrordinairy and smacked of collusion.

The grass was wet, but full marks to Blagdon for having a wicket prepared and ensuring a game took place. Whichever captain won the toss was going to bowl first to take advantage of the conditions and Blagdon had the early advantage. With the first three overs all maidens and a couple of well struck shots failing to make the boundary it soon became apparent that a score of 145 - 150 could be enough to secure victory. Failand stuttered along at three runs an over throughout the innings with a vital late surge of 40 runs in the last 6 overs. Skipper Steve Pursey batted sensibly for 30 overs and scored 42 valuable runs. The hard hitting Ross Holbrook contributed a useful 20 to the cause. Although the bowling wasn't the best Failand have faced this year, the unpredictable bounce combined with a swinging ball and enthusiastic fielding meant that Failand were the happiest players tucking into their cheese rolls and Viennese Whirls at half time.
The Father/Son Fear combo bowled their combined 16 overs for just 24 runs, which put a lot of pressure on the young Blagdon batsmen. Neil Harrison volunteered to field in the silly mid-on position where he took two catches last year, and hey presto the first catch went straight to him. Adrian Meacham bowled a cunning length and deserved to pick up 4 wickets for just 17 runs in his 8 overs, but keeper Dick Whittington was the real star with three catches and two sharp stumpings as well as a decisive run out. His call of "lets have another one for the vicar" undoubtedly spurred the side on, even though no-one had a clue what he was talking about. Failand stuck to their task, the fielders backed up the bowlers, and overall were the better side on the day.
It was dissapointing that man of the match Dick Whittington didn't have time to get the drinks in to celebrate his six dismissals, but he has promised to compensate his team-mates after the Chew Stoke game. Before he left for his prior engagement he did have time to elect his Scapegoat however, and Lyndon Prendergast took the honours for poor shot selection.
An enjoyable pint or two was enjoyed in the ' Live and let Die', where Sharps Doom Bar was on offer.

And the rain continues to fall.

Failand v Winscombe

Groundsman Paul Bachelor advised calling the game off at 9.45am, but it was decided to give the ground a chance to dry out. Alas it was too wet and the game was eventually called off at 12.00.

Easton skittled out for 127 and then the heavens open.


This was a golden opportunity for Failand to move up the table, and this was one of the target games for maximum points.
Unfortunately after doing all the hard work in restricting the opposition to a mere 127 all out, with fine bowling performances by Neil Harrison and Jamie Fear, the rain came down after tea with no further play possible.

Keynsham win by nine wickets.


Failand notched their highest score of the season after winning the toss on the hottest afternoon of the year so far. Keynsham knocked the runs off in 32 overs for the loss of just one wicket. A score in excess of 300 would have been more challenging.
The home side were severely weakened by the loss of skipper Steve Pursey, who was serving a two match ban for some appalling fielding errors in the previous game. In his abscense Chris Smith took on all captaining responsibities as well as being assistant deputy bar steward and leading run scorer.
Lyndon Prendergast the Failand and Portbury stalwart, who is the Gordon Ramsay of local cricket, opened the innings for his first game this season after a lengthy injury, and plundered the Keynsham attack for 66 runs, sharing useful partnerships with Andrew Trineman and Graham Grey. Chris buckled under the additional demands placed on him, managing a mere 20 runs. Neil Harrison blasted 19 and even Dick Whittington joined the Failand run fest with six over long on, before rushing back to the pavilion to dish up the tea.
In reply, Keynsham wasted no time chasing what proved to be a meagre total. The normally economic Steve Fear suffered a right pasting, going for 38 runs in just 4 overs. Phil Dungey took the only wicket to fall, before Ludkin and Hubbard put on 186 for the second wicket in the remaining 28 overs. Adrian Meacham was the only bowler to emmerge with credit, conceding just 4 runs an over from his spell.
Keynsham proved to be in a different class and worthy of their position in the table.

Whitchurch far too good for Failand
Whitchurch won by 41 runs and look certain to finish in the top two on this showing. In fact it is hard to believe that Failand executed the double over Whitchurch last year. To add to Failands woes they went into this match very short of batting, so to score 203 against a strong table-topping side was a positive for the losing side.

Steve Pursey won the toss, and decided to take a ballot on whether the home side should bat or bowl. That was a complete waste of time as half said bat and half said bowl. Bowl it was to be on the basis of not enough batting stars in the line up.

Steve Fear and Courtney Meacham bowled well to start with and jointly removed both openers within 9 overs. Adam Grey bowled well coming down the hill, and former scapegoat Neil Harrison, recalled to the side after a scapegoat amnesty, took a wicket in his second over. Andrew Trineman was particularly pleased with this and thumped Neil in the eye during the celebrations, causing Neil a nasty looking injury that resulted in a black eye. At the drinks break on a warm yet windy afternoon the visitors were 99 for 3 with the dangerous Craig Cains at the crease.

Immediately after the break Neil took another wicket and Andrew Trineman was restrained from giving Neil another black eye. Neil was unlucky to have the dangerous Cains dropped on the boundary with the score on 137, but he was eventually caught in the deep 40 runs later, well held by Adie Meacham off of Jamie Fear. Jezz Howell batted very well for his 90, before being run out by a Jamie/Dick combination. Whitchurch added 80 runs in the final 10 overs to post a score of 244.

The tea was supplied by Steve and Jane Pursey. In previous years the supplier of the tea was entitled to a man of the match performance, but Steve allowed three simple shots to pass straight through his hands for four, not only proving the theory to be ridiculous, but also prompting whispers of 'if we lose this game we know who to blame'.

Neil and Andy opened the batting, Neil scoring a six over point off of the rapid Ben Jefferies, who was fielding an 8-1 offside field, including three slips, two gulleys, a point and a third man. Neil fell after an entertaining knock, and Andy took 17 off of the next over leaving Failand with 58 off of twelve overs, and surely there couldn't be a shock win!! At the drinks break on a cold and windy evening Failand were 87 for 2, and still in the game. Graham Grey batted well for his 19 runs, but it was Adrian Meacham who knocked an exciting 70 not out including four well struck sixes. The remaining batsmen mustered a meagre 19 between them.

In the bar after the game it was decided that although Failand were soundly beaten, to score over 200 for the first time this year against a table topping team was no mean feat. That said, chairman Dick Whittington announced that scapegoats were a thing of the past, and from now on the player that in his opinion let the side down on the day would be subjected to a two match ban.

He said it was the abysmal fielding by the skipper that cost the game, and hence despite phoning around trying to raise a team, slaving over a hot stove preparing the teas, opening up the pavilion, putting the boundary flags out, cleaning the showers and changing rooms, serving behind the bar, locking up and then rushing home to write a web report it is me that is banned from playing for two weeks.

That can't be right. Surely anyone, but not me. I have been told to accept my punishment without complaint.

Oh well, all the best to stand in skipper Chris Smith.

Scorecard: North Somerset XI v Whitchurch (home) 20th July 2008

Bath Exiles four wickets down for three runs after eight overs


Steve Fear and Phil Dungey provided another fine example of how to bowl on a difficult wicket. Bath Exiles struggled with their consistent line and length. And with the scoreboard reading three runs for four wickets after eight overs there was a sense of disappointment that no one had brought a camera to record this occasion.

Failand lost the toss and were asked to bat on a damp wicket. Steve Pursey and Graham Grey put together another fifty opening partnership, this time in just 10 overs, before Steve fell to Gaisfords' first ball. Graham fell shortly afterwards, caught behind and run machine Chris Smith and Jeff Astle consolidated, both making useful contributions. Ross Holbrook and Henry Potter both failed to trouble the scorers, and the Exiles young leg spinners looked like taking control. Steve Fear promoted up the order to number seven played a useful innings of 22 and chairman Dick Whittington managed to run out two of his fellow team mates, although none of the run outs were his fault - he said. A score of 156 was useful on a wicket that was doing a bit.

Steve and Phil really bowled exceptionally well, and one sensed that the Exiles batsmen were just trying to see them off. This ploy failed as Steve and Phil were replaced by Ross Holbrook and Henry Potter who added pace and jointly accounted for another three hapless victims. The Home side were 43 for 6 in the 24th over, and other than the stubborn Allard they never looked like winning. Jamie Fear and Adam Grey cleaned up the tail, and although the final score was 94, the margin of victory was comprehensive.

The showers were excellent, like standing under warm rain. An enjoyable pint was taken at Lansdown cricket club. Dick (who is metamorphasizing into Father Jack Hackett) wanted Neil Harrison to be made a scapegoat, but it was kindly pointed out to Dick (again) that Neil wasn't playing and we don't need scapegoats when we win, we need a man of the match.

Steve Fear took the honours for taking 2 for 12 in his 8 overs, scoring 22 vital runs and for being remembered by Exiles scorer and president Cliff Bastin as being a hostile fast bowler (before half of the side were even born).

Scorecard: North Somerset XI v Exiles (Bath)(away)13th July 2008

Harptree cancelled twice out of twice!

To only get four points against bottom of the table Harptree is disapointing, but they will probably be equally disapointed as they completed the double over us last year. So four points each is probably about right!

Paul Bachelor drives through the off side v Chew Stoke

Things can only get better
Lowly Failand with several key players missing had little chance against top of the table UBH who were fielding their strongest side of the season.

Losing the toss, and asked to field, Failand seemed to sense what was to come, especially with a 86 yard boundary from the pavilion to the square. (Scott Styris hit a six against England the day before which was described as massive by the commentators. It would have been caught on the boundary if Phil Dungey had been bowling at him at Flax). Old men and long boundaries mean one thing - the younger team members have a lot of running to do. In order to protect this obvious disadvantage it was necessary to field relatively deep fields, which meant for the third consecutive week, Failand took three hours to bowl their alloted overs.

Adrian and Courtney Meacham were the pick of the bowlers, and Steve Fear bowled well early on, picking up the first two wickets. Jordan Bachelor, after conceding 17 in his second over, showed great spirit to come back and concede just three runs in his next two overs. With Sloan and Barstock scoring at almost 8 an over at the top of the innings, and Fradgeley also deciding not hang about, the visitors had to work hard in the field and should have been proud of restricting top of the table UBH to 207 for 9, especially as a score in excess of was on the cards.

Unfortunately as the players left the field for tea there was too much talk of slow over rates and focusing on the negatives, using words like disgraceful and unacceptable, which naturally led those that had worked tirelessly in the field feel their efforts were totally unappreciated. Ironically it was the oldest members of the team that had done the least work in the field that were most critical.

Chris Smith and Andrew Trineman were the two batsmen that Failand rely on, and luckily for Failand they both managed to score, Chris making yet another fifty. Just as well, because the simple facts are that the rest of the side managed just 27 runs between them in the 40 overs of batting at the other end. One must not detract from the fact that UBH bowled well, and Failand, with the exception of Chris, were unable to score from the bad balls that did come their way.

Full scorecard at: North Somerset XI v UBH (away) 29th June 2008

Skipper Steve Pursey and Chairman Dick Whittington locked themselves in the changing room after the game for a crisis meeting, and to plan for the rest of the season. It was decided that there had been enough bloodshed, and a fresh start was required. It is essential that players remain positive (there is no room for negativety) and to remember that the reason we play cricket is to enjoy ourselves - win or lose!!

Failand have been in this situation every season for the last few years, and with the majority of games to follow at home, the usual second half of the season revival is now expected.

Failand mauled by Rampant Chew

After good performances in the preceding two weeks Failand were optimistic of a 'shock' win against Chew Stoke and fielded a 12 year old and a 13 year old as part of the 'new look' team. Luke Shorney came into bat with the score on 29 for 2 in the 9th over and scored a brutal 95 to ensure a comfortable victory fo the home side.

Failand lost the toss on a very blustery afternoon and were asked to field. Things seemed to be going quite well early on with Jordan Bachelor continuing from where he left off last week, and Steve Fear taking the first two wickets. At one point Steve was heard swearing at the man at square leg for making no effort to catch the ball when it came in his direction, before realising that it was the umpire.

From about the twelfth over onward things rapidly deteriorated, as Tom Pugsley and Luke Shorney scored freely, the former being dropped seven times before being run out by an accidental knock on at the bowlers end for 57. Luke Shorney was also dropped on the boundary a few times as well as a missed stumping. At one point three Failand players stood in a line at long off in an attempt to get a catch, but still Shorney found the boundary. The normally safe pair of Jamie Fear hands eventually took the catch off of Justin Notts' bowling to dismiss Shorney - after three previous dropped catches.

It seemed the rest of Chews' batting line up felt inspired by this knock, and runs flowed at a very unhealthy rate. Adam Grey bowled a good second spell, but 283 was two hundred too many!! Failand took another three hours to bowl their alloted overs, although a large proportion of this time was spent looking for the ball. Paul Bachelor spent some time on all fours, trying to attract the attention of a passing dog.

A very tasty tea followed this massacre. The tuna and sweetcorn sandwiches were a delight - very delicately spiced, but the scones with jam and cream were the favourites.

The less said about Failands reply the better. At 26 for 4 in the 13th over there seemed little point carrying on. If Failand could have conceded, now was the time. Little was gained from playing out the overs. Paul Bachelor batted until the end of the innings scoring a consolation 37 not out, ably assisted by young Jordan. On the downside, Paul was involved in two unnecessary run outs. One batsman after another played awful shots to get out. Skipper Steve Pursey asked a spectator in vain if he knew the answer to Failands' woes, and was told that the Butcombe was very nice at the Stoke Inn.

Chew Stoke must be thanked for their hospitality, and the sausage and chips that accompanied the Butcombe was much appreciated. Jamie Fear was telling everyone about his new found interest in fishing when a rather depressed Chairman called all merriment to a halt to have an after match debate about what went wrong.

Who was to be this weeks scapegoat?? Should we all retire??

Chris Smith was clear frontrunner for dropping the easiest catch of the season and the worst shot of the game, Ross Holbrook played the second worse shot, and Paul Bachelor was shaking in his boots after running out two teammates and also being on all fours pretending to be a dog when he should have been fielding.

But in an unusual turn of events, the players led by player-power rebel 'Tsvangarai' Smith turned on their chairman, and told him that he was in fact to blame for the defeat by pouring shame on the good name of Failand after being 'timed out'.

Full scorecard at North Somerset XI v Chew Stoke (away) 22nd June 2008

Ross Holbrook steers Failand to final over victory
Chasing a total of 196, Failand thirds looked dead and buried at 73 for 6 in the 22nd over. Thirteen year old Jordan Bachelor (playing his first North Somerset game) and Ross Holbrook put on 96 crucial runs in the next 14 overs to set up an improbable victory for the home side.

On winning the toss for the second consecutive week, Failand asked the opposition to bat. Blagdon were a youthful bunch with 8 players under 21 years of age. Failand who might one day aspire to such youthfulness, fielded a side with 5 players under 40 and 5 players over 60. In other words only 5 grandfathers remain!! Failand took the field with just 10 men, as the Liberal Democrat Neil Harrison turned up half an hour late, having driven to the Blagdon ground en route.

Cameron Hastie, Rohit Sharma and James Hemming all played solid knocks, but the Failand bowling throughout was disciplined. Debutant Jordan Bachelor bowled extremely well, taking 2 for 25 from his 8 overs. Jamie Fear and Steve Pursey kept the visitors below the magic 200 mark and chipped in with a combined 5 relatively cheap wickets between them in the final 16 overs. Failand took 3 hours to bowl their alloted overs.

Phil Dungey provided the teas. Unfortunately Phil sustained an injury trying to get the jam tarts off the top shelf at Tesco so had to miss the game.

Bob Sheppard fell to the 4th ball of the reply. John Parfitt and Andrew Trineman appeared to get the innings back on track, but both fell with the score on 32, and with Neil Harrison running himself out and skipper Steve Pursey falling for a duck, Failand appeared doomed. Paul Bachelor offered a brief resistance, before his grandson came to the wicket to join man of the match Ross Holbrook. The pair put on 96 for the 7th wicket and swung the game back in Failands direction. Ross hit the ball very hard with John Parfitts' Salix bat. Jamie Fear hit the winning boundary with just one ball remaining.

This victory seemed unlikely at the 20 over drinks break, and it was satisfying to see the two youngest members of the side do the business when it mattered.

The unpredictable chairman, Dick Whittington, was so convinced that Failand were going to lose that he had prematurely named Neil Harrison as the scapegoat for the third time this season. It was pointed out to Dick that we don't need a scapegoat when we win, so he promptly named Neil Harrison man of the match for turning up late, not bowling and running himself out. Ross didn't have enough money on him to buy a jug, so it should be a good night after the Chew Stoke game next week.

Full scorecard at North Somerset XI v Blagdon (home) 14th June 2008

Preview - FAILAND & PORTBURY v BLAGDON
Blagdon victorious in their last three games, to lie in third place, travel to the North West Frontier to play Failand & Portbury. They will hope to be able to repeat their victory of 2007 when they won by 20 runs after Andy Cadman had resuced the Blades from 42 for 4 with 95 including 7 boundaries and 6 sixes. Failand put up a good fight at League leaders Winscombe last week and are rapidly improving following an indifferent start. The Guillotine remains seductively placed on the backward square leg boundary, should it be necessary for 'a Grandfather' or two require a shaking up.


The Skipper surveys the scene

Failand give table-toppers Winscombe a scare
Unbeaten Winscombe were given a tough game by a severely weakened Failand side, missing their two star batsmen. Winning the toss for the first time this year, it was felt that to ask the home side to bat on a glorious afternoon gave the bowlers a slight advantage with the new ball. And so it proved as Winscombe stuttered to 93 for 8 by the 31st over.

Enter Simon Hussey who battered the Failand attack for a few overs with a well deserved 40, and although 146 was not a high score there were enough snakes in the pitch to make it a challenging total.

The bowlers stuck to their task, and generally bowled well. There were two wickets each for Neil Harrison, Steve Pursey and Adrian Meacham on his first game for Failand for three years. Ross Holbrook and Steve Fear picked up one each and captain Steve Pursey ran out his opposite number who failed to ground his bat. Neil Harrison came up with another 'excuse of the century', after bowling a leg side full toss which was duly despatched for four - "Sorry skip, my nuts got caught up in my underwear".

During tea the talk was of the 40 runs too many that Winscombe had scored, but it was pointed out that to have the table toppers 146 all out was no mean feat.

Unfortunately the pace of Luke Cureton and the nagging line and length of Merv Brean were too much for the visitors on a pitch that appeared to deteriorate by the over. The bowling was excellent throughout the innings, and besides a well crafted 21 from both John Skinner and Ross Holbrook, who looked to give the grandfathers an outside chance of victory, the outcome was predictable. John Skinner played a magnificent 'tennis' shot for four, which was the highlight of the innings. M. Davis took four wickets.

In the changing room after the game, it was decided that the Rec had the best showers that the Failand team have had the pleasure to clean up in for many a season. It was about this time that Dic(tator) Whittington called all idle chit-chat to a halt because he had something to say. Neil (squirrel) Harrison, who has been in this situation before, grabbed his bags and made a run for the nearest tree, knowing the fate that was awaiting him.

Full scorecard at North Somerset XI v Winscombe (away) 8th June 2008

Easton Cowboys sent packing
The Failand bowling was too good for an Easton side, who were unable to set a challenging total in very humid conditions.

After losing the toss for the fourth time out of four, Failand were asked to field. Phil Dungey, who was 50 last week, bowled with his normal deception. Phil took sledging to a new level when he asked the batsman if he liked Julio Inglesias. The batsman stood his ground and refused to answer.

Phil took his revenge by getting a fine Whittington stumping in the following over. Paul Bachelor also took a catch. Paul who doesn't have the safest pair of hands these days, hovered below the spiralling ball, and there was a silence never before witnessed at Horserace Lane. Players said they could hear the trees rustling in the wind, and Paul himself said all he could hear were birds singing. As he held onto this important catch, Failand knew this was to be their day.

Steve Fear bowled accurately on his return from Bristol City watching duty. But the middle over bowlers Ross Holbrook and Neil Harrison both put in match turning performances to put Failand firmly in the saddle. Their combined 15 overs produced 6 wickets for just 46 runs. It was hard to believe that the same two bowlers conceded 65 runs in 6 overs in the previous match. They bowled so well that star bowler Jamie Fear was only able to have one over at the end. A total of 92 was never enough, even on a difficult pitch, with a ball that was swinging like a banana.

Newly weds John and Sandy Parfitt supplied a scrumptious tea, with home made cakes and a particularly delicious quiche, which apparently was bought in Budgens, but tasted as good as a home made quiche nevertheless.

A target of 93 in 40 overs needed some sensible no-risk batting, and this was exactly what happened. The Cowboys never gave up hope and Roger Ball in particular bowled superbly, conceding just one run from six overs. Their ground fielding was of high standard. Graham Grey, Steve Pursey, Chris Smith all chipped in with useful scores before chief bread butterer John Parfitt scored a rapid and brutal 25 to finish the game with 8 overs to spare.

Neil Harrison, who disgraced the good name of Failand and Portbury, by turning up in a dirty crumpled pair of whites 15 minutes late (he forgot where he parked his car!!) won the man of the match trophy with a fine bowling display. The award was given on the assumption that he would buy a 'jug' for his four wickets.




Easton Cowboys proved very likeable opposition and we look forward to the return at their place.

For full scorecard visit: North Somerset XI v Easton Cowboys 1st June 2008

FAILAND & PORTBURY v EASTON COWBOYS PREVIEW - June 1st 2008

The invention of Frenchman Joseph Guilottin may be on display by the ground at Race Horse Lane on Sunday. Home players will hope that they can win their first match of the season to ensure that another team member is not as has been reported in previous weeks , sent to the gallows. Maxamillan Robiespierre is not available for the home side, having lost his head in the nets this week, but his remaining colleagues will hope to strike “terror” into the Cowboys. These sides meet for the first time. Neither side has had the best of starts, as they find themselves behind the early season pace-setters
The Gerry Mandering Prediction; Home Win ( prediction given on the basis of no more blood please- he sees enough in his home country)

Who are Keynsham?
Another cancelled game.

The Failand players are left wondering who exactly are Keynsham? Are they any good? And where is Keynsham anyway? The two teams are yet to meet, with all three scheduled games since 2007 falling foul to the weather. What's the chances of a game on July 27th??

Whitchurch wobbles
Chris Smith drops four but catches one.

Full scorecard at North Somerset XI v Whitchurch (away) 18th May 2008

Failand always start slowly, and this season is no exception. Failand went into the match missing three strike bowlers (following the fortunes of Bristol City). Whitchurch could possibly be harbouring a grudge after last seasons humiliation at Failand, depriving them of promotion. All this made for a predictable game with a strong Whitchurch taking on a weakened Failand, and winning by 9 wickets with 9 overs to spare.

For the second successive week chairman Dick Whittington, whose behaviour is becoming increasingly erratic, insisted that a scapegoat should be found. He nominated, seconded and passed the motion that Phil Dungey should be the scapegoat, even though Phil was man of the match in many players eyes. Unfortunately no one was prepared to stick up for Phil, and so yet another 'Grandfather' bites the dust. Phil must be the unluckiest man in BS21. He had five catches dropped off his bowling, although one of the spilled chances was by himself. He also dropped a sitter when the game was almost decided. He will be sadly missed.

Chris Smith, who dropped three chances from Phils' bowling, scored yet another fifty. Steve Pursey and Graham Grey got the innings off to a solid start after losing the toss, but 163 was never enough. Neil Harrison and Ross Holbrook ran three off the last ball, which was worth the entrance fee alone.

The tea offered plenty of variety. Ross managed to get a crisp stuck in his throat, which resulted in him bowling two overs for 24. Justin Nott made a good impression with his left armers after a couple of loose overs. The whitchurch openers, Jamie Gammon and Luke Cooper, compiled a 132 opening stand which was eventually broken when Chris actually held onto one! Even the Whitchurch supporters cheered. Adam Grey and Tom Hill bowled with promise towards the end of the innings, but the result was never really in doubt.

A brief political debate in the bar afterwards was interupted as Dick announced that he was going to give Phil a lift home, and I think we all knew what that meant.

Winning ways must start next week at Keynsham or the Failand season will be about survival again.

Poor start to the season for the thirds - Neil Harrison made the Scapegoat

Full scorecard at North Somerset XI v Exiles (Bath) (home) 11th May 2008

Bath Exiles made easy work of knocking off the vital 181 required runs for victory thanks to some generous full tosses. Club Chairman Dick (Mugabe) Whittington
suggested that someone should be made scapegoat for an abysmal Failand display and nominated Neil Harrison who was duly executed by firing squad at 8.00pm. In fairness to Neil he was unlucky to concede 18 runs in his first over, as 10 of these runs were wides that could have been stopped by the club chairman himself. Although the 10 runs he conceded on his first two balls of his second over were pure rank bad balls. Neil umpired for 30 overs and for that alone he should have been saved, but unfortunately the chairman decided his body should be dumped in a ditch off of the A370, and so it was.
The visitors won the toss and decided to field. Steve Pursey and Graham Grey started in blazing fashion, and with 75 on the board on the board at the first drinks break (15 overs) and no wickets lost, a score of well in excess of 200 looked likely. Somehow the momentum was lost after the 100 came up in the 21st over. Graham fell trying to increase the score rate after scoring a well grafted 59, Steve Pursey fell for 54 a few overs later and the last 10 over onslaught never happened. 180 just didn't look enough, especially as the outfield was speeding up by the minute.


Steve Pursey supplied the tea. The sausage rolls were the most popular selection.


Bath Exiles started cautiously. Phil Dungey bowled immaculately. He bowled four out of only five maiden overs bowled all day. At one point he swore in a foreign language whilst narrowly missing off stump. No one understood a word of what he had uttered, although an interpreter suggested 'Has your mother got double glazing'.
Ross Holbrook bowled well, and Adam Grey caught and bowled the opening batsman. Neil Harrison bowled a load of tosh and was punished accordingly! Ditch - A370

In truth Failand came into this match short of a bowler, and it showed. John Parfitt, who had previously never bowled for the thirds, took two vital wickets and showed how easy it is to take wickets, returning figures of 2 for 8 in his two overs.
Failand looked lacklustre and this was a fair result. Bath Exiles were not a strong side, and their strength lay clearly with their batting, but on the day Failand bowled poorly and didn't score enough runs.

3rd xi End of season report 2007
2007 was an enjoyable season. It proved to be a season of two halves. After 8 games we were yet to win a game and we were languishing at the bottom of the table four points adrift. The wet summer led to an abnormal number of abandoned games, although it seems the sun always shone on F & P as we only lost three games to the weather all season. This was good insomuch as we played more cricket than other clubs. But bad as the other clubs were picking up 2 points each time their game was cancelled. We just kept losing. Heads began to drop and the spirit of the team waned.

Our fortunes changed against top of the table Whitchurch in a rain interrupted match. Whitchurch totally miscalculated their run rate, and assuming that they had won the game blocked out four overs. We recorded our first win due to their misunderstanding of the rules and then proceeded to win three of the next four games.

The league was of a high standard this year. It was probably higher than 2nd team standard some weeks. We were hammered only twice in the season, but generally we had tight exciting games. Ironically we lost twice to relegated Purnells, and yet we beat some top of the table sides. Our final position was probably just about right.

There have been some hard decisions to make – namely who to leave out when there was maximum availability. A rota system was employed early season, but it was not always easy to pick a well balanced side. The rota system, though, did not bring the correct results. It was felt that to get the results to move us from our perch at the bottom of the division we should perhaps select on merit, and some unpopular decisions were made. This seemed to do the trick however, as there became a genuine will to win amongst the players that were selected. The fortunes of the side altered accordingly.

We were lucky to have the services of Austin Norris for a few games and he made an instant impact. Mike Trenouth became a team regular and starred with bat and ball. Graham Grey and Chris Smith both put in several match changing innings. Steve and Jamie Fear and Phil Dungey became the constant nucleus of the bowling attack. Jamie bowled immaculately all season. Besides being economic he also took vital wickets. Dave Sherwin and Matt Hildrew of Wobblescroft made a difference.

There were several memorable moments during the season. John Skinner opened the bowling against Whitchurch in that famous first victory. Andrew Trinemans’ contribution against Saltford will probably become legend. In the same game Jamie took a hat trick. Charlie Walker played two games and finished with an average of 100, including 67 out of a total of 85 against Whitchurch. Bob Sheppard was in explosive form this year, including a rapid 67 against Harptree. Chris Smith was the leading run-scorer yet again. John Meredith wiped out Chew Stokes’ tail with the amazing figures of 4-0-9-6. Dick Whittington managed 4 stumpings and played a pivotal part in the later success of the side. John Parfitt scored 66 against Harptree and bought several jugs to celebrate. They just kept coming.
Mike Trenouth starred with the bat, scoring 64 against Grendels and in his next game starred with the ball, taking 4 for 24. Mark Templer brought a leg spin variation to the attack
Ivor Chivers led the way against Chew Stoke with a spirited 35 when no one else could put bat on ball. Phil Dungey opened the batting against Chew Stoke because he had to leave early. An hour and a half later he was still there with the rest of the side shouting at him to get out and go home! He did score 26 though!

The team low points of the season were a pitiful showing against Purnells where the whole team chased wide balls and got themselves out. There was also an abysmal performance against Limpley Stoke where we managed the paltry total of just 103 for 5 in 40 overs, despite Chris Smith scoring 44 in a late flurry. Against the same team later in the season, they appeared to be cruising at 85 without loss, yet we skittled them all out for 126. Other high points would be our double over promotion hopefuls Whitchurch, two hard fought games against unbeaten top of the table Saltford. After the away game they turned on the music and we left the pitch to the sound of Vindaloo, with their supporters singing ‘thanks for coming’. It was a tough game played in the wrong spirit, but was probably the best game of the season.

Finally I would like to thank everyone that has supported me during the last four years of captaining the thirds, especially Dick Whittington, whose opinion, guidance and inspiration is most sought after. I have decided to take a break from captaining the thirds as my time has become precious. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being third team captain It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been fun.

I wish next years’ captain the best of luck, and will gladly help in any way I can, if required.

Harptree stay up thanks to persistent drizzle
The intervention of rain as Harptree had just passed the magic 20 over mark secured them a win under the Buckworth Bailey method, although in truth they would probably have won the fixture had the rain not come.
This game typified the season in many ways.
John Parfitt top scored with 66 for Failand on a perfect batting strip, and with a lightning fast outfield either side of the wicket, a score of 190 was probably 40 or so runs short of a winning total. Harptree dropped at least 10 catches.
No Failand bowlers took a wicket, but Chris Smiths' golden arm achieved two run outs.
Harptree knew what they had to do with the rain clouds looming on the horizon, and they achieved the target of 96 required from 20 overs quite easily. Only one more over was possible before the drizzle turn to rain, and it was decided there was no point in continuing the game and Harptree were saved to fight another year in division 3.
Failand dropped at least two catches.
John bought a couple of jugs in the Waldegrave Arms and everyone decided he was a nice chap as well as a fine batsman.
Next season looms, and overall Failand have deserved to stay up this season, although things have been mighty hairy at the bottom end of the league. There have been wins over some of the top clubs including a double over Whitchurch, and Purnells and Harptree have both completed the double over Failand. Chew Stoke has always traditionally been a close game but this year they were in an improved class. Undefeated runaway leaders Saltford were given two close games and for that reason alone Failand justified their position in the league. The team played with genuine purpose and wanted to win in the latter part of the season, and some of the most enjoyable games came here.

Harptree report follows:

Sorry Malcolm – But Harptree 2nd XI are staying up again!


Relegation avoided again !!!!

The weekend had started badly for us with both Chief Fire Officers at Chew Magna & Blagdon Fire and Rescue Services refusing our Bonfire Licence to burn a 40 foot effigy of our Leagues Administrator! Seriously though the words of our premature demotion had been used by our Captain to instil the positive thoughts that we could stay up. We had done it before, we could do it again in Dave's last home game as Captain.
Firstly thanks to our opponents for their fine report on the match. The day was very like our Season, with a glorious sunny start, like our first game at Failand, finishing with heavy drizzle, darkness and rain. But Dave must be seriously wondering why we always seem to have a great start to a season, followed by a massive falter, only for us to pull back and win enough games to stay up. Oh for mid table mediocrity, but that's not "The Harptree Way"!
Having won the toss, Failand opted to bat on a fine track with what looked a quick outfield. For one last time at home we had a "Hill Huddle". Did it work, well we did win but then again we dropped ten catches, three of the authors own bowling. Luke struck early, carrying on from last week. Of the six bowlers used, four were spinners with Richard taking 2-28 and Phil 2-29. John Parfitt took the opportunities we gave him and topped scored with 66 – putting on 72 with Paul Bachelor. At 190 for 6 most of us thought it possibly enough for a good run chase, although a few thought Failand at one stage would get around 220 or so – but there had been some fine ground fielding by Harptree.
Teas were taken up The Theatre, another fine spread by Hillary & Gill. With plenty of batting in the side today, the Captain chose to open with George. A great start was only cut short at 53 when Dave ran George out! This brought Mike in who was keeping a close eye on the weather, as the clouds slowly covered up The Mendips. After a chat both batsmen took a more positive and attacking approach, and on 20 overs were well past the accepted "Buckworth Bailey Method". At this point and on107 Mike evened things out, and ran Dave out (on 43!) – George you owe Mike a pint!
The drizzle became quite heavy as Richard strode to the wicket, so both teams decided to come off and see what would happen. As it got darker and the drizzle turned to rain, both Captains decided to end the match and yet again with their last home match HVCC 2's had won and stayed up. Both teams retired to the dry and warm Waldegrave Arms.

Ruthless Failand thrash Whitchurch
This was a crucial game for both sides. Whitchurch needed to win to have a chance of promotion whereas Failand needed to win to dispel any thought of relegation. The league has been so tight at top and bottom that nine clubs out of ten had something to play for on the last Sunday in August.

The Wanderers turned up at Horserace Lane with a couple of bottles of Bubbly to toast a hopeful success, and after winning the toss decided to bat on a perfect batting track, upon which the Failand 1st xi amassed well in excess of 300 the previous day. But Failand were confident of success despite losing the toss, having given a close game to leaders Saltford last week.

Steve Fear and Phil Dungey opened the bowling with their usual combination of variation and deception, and both picked up deserved early wickets. Charlie Walker ran out Brian Eaves with a direct hit and the visitors were not looking like promotion contenders at all. Matt Hildrew bowled with pace and picked up the fourth wicket before Mark Walker bowled three hapless victims, two of them with his faster delivery. As with previous weeks Jamie Fear cleaned up the tail, and returned the figures of 3 for 5 in his short spell. The last 6 wickets fell for just 6 runs. Whitchurch had lasted just 24.3 overs and had fallen to a well disciplined Failand side that have improved week on week. Hard to believe that this side were points adrift at the bottom of the table halfway through the season.

It was decided to take a leisurely tea even though it was barely 4 o'clock. Full marks to Phil and Karen for preparing the tea in lightning speed.

Fifteen year old Charlie Walker set about the visitors' bowling with the same disrespect that his father had shown their batsmen. The omens were not good for Whitchurch when Charlie took 14 runs off of the third over, and facing a certain defeat they tried 8 bowlers, all to no avail. Charlie hit 8 fours and 3 sixes in a commanding knock of 67, supported by Dave Sherwin whose innings will be remembered for an audacious reverse sweep. The target was reached in just 16 overs and proved to be the most convincing victory of the summer.

After a team photo, Charlie spent his hard earned pocket money buying a jug for the elders, who started the end of season analysis on what went wrong and what went right this year. Whitchurch drank their champagne and made a hasty exit.

For full scorecard visit : http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10275857

Saltford maintain their unbeaten record with last over victory
In a tense incident packed game Saltford Fairway finally won in the gloom of an untypical August afternoon, in the last over. With the majority of Saturdays' fixtures abandoned, it was pleasing to be able to actually get a game in. The pitch was wet at one end, but looked quite reasonable considering the non stop showers of the previous 24 hours.

Having given Saltford a close game earlier in the season, Failand were optimistic of pulling off a surprise victory, even though they were put in to bat by home skipper Ted MacKenzie. 'It looks like a 160 wicket' was the considered opinion of several seniors of Failand, who decided to drop the grandfather tag for this game, selecting a more youthful side.

Openers Charlie Walker and Andrew Trineman did well on a pitch with uneven bounce to progress the score to 54 off 13 overs before Charlie was bowled by the economic Steve Magee. Graham Grey, Bob Sheppard and Dave Sherwin all made contributions with the bat, and after an early tea break due to persistent drizzzle, Failand amassed 157 for 7 in their 40 overs.

Apparantly Man City beat Man Utd 1-0.

Failand fought hard throughout the Saltford innings. Steve Fear bowled immaculately, conceding just 18 runs from his 8 overs. Steve Pursey had problems controlling the wet ball from the other end. The home side progressed at a sensible rate, and were well placed at the half way mark at 74 for 1. At the end of the 31st over Saltford were cruising at 129 for 2, although dangerman Wes Taynton was back in the pavillion, bowled by Charlie Walkers' faster ball.

The local police turned up to check that the game was being played in the right spirit, and then out of nowhere Jamie Fear took a hat-trick. The game was turned on its' head and Failand were back in the hunt. Steve Pursey took a couple of wickets and Saltford were teetering at 142 for 7, with only five overs left to score the necessary 16 runs for victory and the tail exposed. Adam Taynton kept a cool head and Saltford scraped home in the last over with just 4 balls remaining.

With Purnells beating Grendels, Blagdon and Harptree both losing, the season isn't over yet. Failand are fighting in every game of late and as they proved today they are no pushovers. Whitchurch will not be relishing the prospect of having to beat Failand next week to secure promotion

Purnells beat Failand for the second time.

Purnells had only won one game this season and that was the visit of Failand a couple of months ago. Today they performed the double in a nailbiting finish - winning by a two run margin. Failand required eight from the final over, but three wickets fell and only five runs were scored. Failand were on top for the majority of the game, and in the post mortem it was very difficult to point the finger of blame at anyone in particular, although skipper Steve Pursey admitted that some dodgy captaining decisions, a dropped catch, twenty seven runs conceded from his first two overs and a second ball duck would not have helped their cause.

Purnells won the toss and decided to bat. Phil Dungey and Steve Fear bowled with their usual economy, and after 24 overs Purnells had scored just 47 runs and had lost two wickets. In an effort to get the 'fifth' bowler into action before the end had mixed fortunes. The next 5 overs conceded 39 runs, although 5 wickets fell, four of them to Mike Trenouth, bowling a mixture of spin and dolly droppers, all to devastating effect. The Norris / Fear combo were reintroduced into the attack, and Purnells did well to progress from a perilous 86 for 7 to 151 for 9 in the last 11 overs, mainly thanks to Dan Prior scoring 34 well struck runs.

After Jamie Fears' excellent tea Failand were relatively confident of achieving victory. The bounce became lower and both openers were surprised by the pace of that man Prior. Other than a period of brief resistance from Bob Sheppard, the middle order were wiped out and the home side were left struggling at 69 for 6. Dick Whittington and Austin Norris compiled a 79 run partnership, taking Failand so close.

As the last over commenced just a further eight runs were required. Dick hit what looked like a flat six, but unfortunately it went straight to the man on the boundary. Two yards either way and the game would have been won. Austin was run out on the penultimate ball and Steve Fear fell on the last ball to complete a memorable over for Hammond and Purnells.

Blagdon outclassed by resurgent Failand
Five weeks ago the Failand dressing rooms were filled with the despondent crys of failure as the thirds were firmly entrenched at the bottom of Sunday division 3.

Five weeks later the consistent losers are now consistent winners.

So what has caused this transformation? Failand skipper Steve Pursey believes that the losing display against unbeaten Saltford was the turning point and the kind words of encouragement from their skipper in the bar afterwards, suggesting that Failand were a lot better than their league position at the time.

Blagdon won the toss on a glorious sunny day and asked Failand to bat. Dave Sherwin and Graham Grey made a solid start with a 45 opening partnership on a strip that was doing a bit, with a few balls keeping low. Very low as Dave Sherwin would probably say. Steve Pursey and Graham added another 55 for the second wicket before another grubber claimed a wicket. Graham batted 32 overs for an extremely solid and hard fought 37, before cameo innings from Bob Sheppard, Matt Hildrew and Dick Whittington. The final total of 164 was the highest Failand have made on this traditionally low scoring track for several years, so hopes were relatively high whilst the players tucked into their sandwiches and hula hoops.

Phil Dungey bowled another immaculate spell, conceding just 19 runs from his eight overs of flight and deception. Matt Hildrew bowled with pace and took a wicket in his first over, before returning to take a further three from the tail. But Jamie Fear, who has bowled well in this resurgent five weeks, wiped out the middle order. Jamie captured the prize scalp of Simon Westbrook with a most magnificent catch by Neil Harrison which was worthy of the champagne moment. Sid Mistry returned to wrap the game up and Failand were deserved winners.

With Grendels beating Harptree, Failand will need to win a couple more games to guarantee safety from the drop.

Failand just overcome Grendel

Sixteen year old left hand bat Ashley Hall made the Failand veterans work hard for their victory at Horserace Lane. He appeared to be in complete command but fortunately for Failand he began to run out of partners before Jamie Fear clean bowled him, knocking the middle stump out of the ground. The age gap was considerable, with the visitors fielding 8 youngsters, whereas Failand had Sid Mistry, which was one youngster more than usual.

The start was mutually delayed until 2.30 to allow the pitch to dry after the overnight downpour. Grendel won the toss and asked Failand to bat. Steve Pursey fell in the second over misjudging the pace of the wicket, before Graham Grey and Chris Smith compiled a useful partnership. Graham ran himself out, the first of three such dismissals. Chris fell lbw in the 22nd over and Mike Trenouth took control of the innings hitting a masterful 64. A target of 179 was likely to be enough as long as the bowlers did their job.

Chris Smith provided the tea. Some of the rolls were filled with finest Wiltshire Ham.

Steve Fear removed both openers, but alarmingly for the thirds, the visitors were keeping up with the run rate, and Ashley Hall in particular had managed to push the field out. With Amar Shah giving good support Grendel had scored half the runs with 8 wickets in hand at the drinks break, and were well on top. Mike Trenouth broke the partnership in his first over. Jamie captured the prize wicket of Hall, and along with Steve Pursey cleaned up the long tail. The game finished at 8.30.

Three wins in their last four games have moved Failand away from the bottom of the table and the long drawn faces of early season have disappeared. Failand will believe they can now beat anyone in the division on their day, starting with a tough visit to Blagdon next week.

Failand topple table toppers
Bottom of the table Failand caused a major upset in division three as they beat table-toppers Limpley Stoke convincingly at Horse Race Lane.

Steve Pursey won a vital toss, and asked the visitors to bat on a soft and drying wicket, despite advice to the contrary from some senior members of the groundstaff. Limpley Stoke set off well, with the prolific Tim Smith and Mark Tyrie adding 85 for the first wicket inside 18 overs. Jamie Fear made the breakthrough thanks to a wonderfully instinctive catch by Paul Bachelor at square leg. Austin Norris, returning after a long period of injury, bowled up the hill with the athleticism of a thirty year old.

With Jamie bowling in tandem down the hill the middle order were wiped out, including the prize wicket of Tim Smith who had made a valuable 66. Steve Pursey, showed his dog handling skills before mopping up the tail (not the dogs!), with the help of a spectacular slip catch from Steve Down. A total of 126 was never going to be enough at Failand, especially as the pitch had dried out considerably.

Wendy Bachelor supplied another high quality tea, with a wide selection of cakes, hot pizza and some delicious slightly spiced warm sausages. The smell of these sausages were of particular interest to black lab, who had previously run amok during the Limp innings. Bob Shep took a guess at who the owners might be and returned the bloated and happy hound to its' abode.

As with previous home games, man of the match awards go to the player supplying the teas. Paul Bachelor did not disapoint with a well grafted 40 not out, which was the backbone of a professional response to a low victory target. Chris Smith fell victim to the worst ball of the day after a very useful 40, and Bob Sheppard hit four sixes and two fours in finishing the game off in style with six overs to spare.

This was a surprisingly easy victory, although the importance of winning the toss can not be under-estimated. Having now beaten top of the table sides Limpley Stoke and Whitchurch and also giving Saltford a good run for their money, Failand can now face the rest of the season with confidence, and should have no difficulty climbing away from the danger zone.

For full scorecard visit: http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10275854

Rain Again

Keynsham 4ths v Failand - July 15th

Cancelled.

Surely one of the worst summers on record.

Something to Chew over `
Failand v Chew Stoke - July 8th

Another defeat for the thirds and captain Steve Pursey wondered if things could get any worse. Judging by the long faces and the dispirited looks in the dressing room they probably can't. It is tough when a team keeps losing.

It is hard to imagine how stand in 2nd team skipper Bob Andrews must be feeling after the mauling the 2nds got on Saturday. With players dropping out of next weeks games with other commitments, players saying that they would rather hang up their boots, players stating they don't care whether they play or not, one might think the future is bleak for Failands' 3rd xi. And it would be, except............the club has been talking about its' youth policy for years, and maybe now is the time to push the younger members forward.

Against Chew Stoke, the players all tried their hardest in the field until about the 30th over, and then heads started to fall as Kyle Bradley (75*) and Daniel Taylor (87*)extended their unbeaten partnership to 144 by the 40th over. Some very sloppy fielding summed up the gulf between the barely adolescent Stoke players and the barely alive Failand pensioners. When opposition can manage to run a three when the ball rolls halfway to the boundary, and yet when Failand are batting the same shot produces a tight run single there is a no contest.

Phil Dungey was the only bowler to show any conviction. Phil took a wicket with the very first ball of the game. 234 for 3 was always going to be too many for Failand.

A great tea with some of the tastiest sandwiches this year was provided by Graham Grey, with able assistance from Jane, Eleanor and Adam.

Opening the batting with Phil Dungey did not turn out to be the masterstroke it was intended. Phil scored 26 useful runs, but when he was out in the 22nd over the required run rate was more than 9 an over. Steve Pursey (51*) and Chris Smith (48*) put on 104 runs at the end, as Chew Stoke gave everyone a bowl, but this was always too high a score for Failand.

The season is not over yet, and a couple of wins could yet see Failand rise up the table. With a few easy games against fellow strugglers coming up, a mid table finish is the most optimistic finish the thirds can expect.

Failand Over 40s v Nailsea Over40s - July 1st 2007

This game was cancelled due to severe weather conditions.

Unfortunately as there was no league fixture for Failand this Sunday, all the other clubs have gained two points, leaving us stranded at the bottom of the table.

North Somerset Team of the Week
The Richard Ebor and Ted Bias Team of the Week is?

Richard Ebor and Ted Bias have this morning announced at the Harrup Flea Market the winner of their Surridge North Somerset Team of the Week. The award goes to a club not so much because they won their first game of the season, but the manner in which they won their Sunday Conference Division 3 match.

Failand and Portbury had posted a decent score of 164 for 5, but Whitchurch were ahead of the clock at 20 overs. With storm clouds brewing, Failand showed considerable poise in their bowling and fielding to the extent that only 9 runs were conceded off the next 5 overs and when the rain clouds opened, their opponents were now behind the clock.

Under the Buckworth Bailey Rain Rule which operates in the two Conferences, it was found after consulting with the latter that Failand were indeed the winners. After six matches without a win, it was a joyous Sunday evening for "The Grandfathers".

HOLD THE FRONT PAGE - FAILAND WIN A GAME

The previously unsuccessful Failand side showed they could be a force to contend with in the second half of the season as they beat high-flyers Whitchurch at Norton Lane, albeit on run rate.
After the pessimistic weather forecasts and a morning of drizzle, most players were surprised and yet grateful to get a game in.
Whitchurch won the toss and inserted the visitors. Failand rolled back the years with openers Meredith and Pursey, hoping to recapture some of their 94/95 glory years. And a first wicket partnership of 96 in 25 overs was just the sound footing that the thirds have been looking for thus far this season. Steve was caught behind for 48, and John, who had Phil Dungey acting as a runner, followed an over later for 33. Chris Smith, John Parfitt and Mike Trenouth all played their part in helping to progress the score to a useful total of 164.
An excellent tea was enjoyed by all, whilst discussing tactics for the second half of the game.
Coming into the game with only four regular bowlers, it was decided to get the 'fifth' bowlers' overs in early. John Skinner rolled back the years opening up the hill. Phil 'Santa Maria' Dungey opened at the other end, bowling his eight overs for just 23 runs. Mike Trenouth, playing in his first game this year proved a relevation with six very tidy overs, and was very unlucky not to get a wicket or two. The dangerous Craig Caines was batting with aggresive intent, and at the 20 over mark Whitchurch were just ahead of the scoring rate, and looking relatively comfortable. As the dark clouds gathered, premier bowlers Jamie Fear and John Meredith were bought into the attack and a tighter field was set. This had the desired effect as Whitchurch started to fall behind the run rate. The big dark ugly black clouds descended quickly upon the ground, almost from nowhere, and guess what, it started to rain on Norton Lane.
The players left the field for twenty minutes or so, and after the rain relented, returned to continue the finely balanced game. Two economic overs sealed a historic first victory for Failands' elderly team as even heavier rain fell. Failand won on faster run-rate by the considerable margin of .36 runs per over.
It would have been more satisfying to have won the game over 40 overs, and with the best bowlers held back, Failand must assume that they would have won had the game gone the distance.
There were suggestions that the game should be settled by a game of spoof, but luckily this was ignored. A few bottles of Sharps Doom Bar were enjoyed after the game, and although still bottom of division 3, Failand will approach the second half of the season with renewed vigour with this historic win under their belts.

For full scorecard of this historic victory visit: http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10275914

Fathers Day present for Saltford

Failand v Saltford. 17th June

Failands' grandfathers came second against Saltford, but this was a more spirited display than in recent weeks. Saltford asked Failand to bat on winning the toss, and the visitors undoubtedly had the best of the conditions. Their openers, Fillingham and Tainton bowled lively opening spells, the latter conceding just 5 runs from his eight overs of left arm round the wicket, including the scalps of Pursey and Chivers. Failand started very slowly, scoring just 8 runs from the first 10 overs. Chris Smith (another fine 60*) and Graham Grey (another fine 40) combined to progress the score from 64 for 3 to 146, and after Chris hit the last ball for six, Failand had a total of 153 to bowl at. Saltford bowled their 40 overs less than two hours, which is the quickest anyone could recount. Amazingly there were only 21 singles scored in the entire innings.

Dick and Margaret Whittington supplied the teas, with the warmed quiche and pizza being especially well recieved. Dick proved yet again that making teas improves ones game, following up this veritable feast with two immaculate stumpings.

Phil Dungey was distinctly off colour, and was soon replaced with the economic and trustworthy Jamie Fear. Meanwhile dad Steve bowled well for little reward at the other end. John Meredith produced his usual cunning and guile and deserved more than the four wickets that he conjured up out of thin air. The old boys fought hard, but ultimately they did not score enough runs.
Captain Ted Billingham and Adam Taynton saw Saltford home with 14 balls to spare.

If Failand want to avoid coming bottom of the table then they must win two or three games. (Grendells beat Purnells to leave Failand well and truly bottom of the table.)
If Failand aspire to a lower-mid table finish (and avoiding relegation) then they will need to win half of their remaining games.
On a positive note, the visiting captain told the Steve Pursey that he thought Failand were too good to go down. Admittedly these words were uttered as a complimentary beer was thrust in his direction, but nevertheless it gives the losers some hope for the second half of the season.

PS. If any ex-profesional cricketers should stumble across this website and fancy a game, we can have you registered to play for us in no time. You could make a lot of old men very happy!
For the full depressing scorecard click here:
http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10275856

Jubilant Failand make it 5 out of 5.

Purnells v 3rd xi (10th June)

After an early finish the Failand veterans retired to the peaceful verrandah to enjoy a few beers and crisps, and have a good old chinwag about this and that. Favourite topics of conversation included the continual failure of the 1sts and 2nds to win a game, the best time to put potatos in, rotas for cleaning the changing rooms, who was the clubs senior umpire, the importance of net practice (again), how women intuitively know if their man is up to no good, how statins reduce cholesteral and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and there was a big cheer when it was announced that alternative Sunday captain Paul Duffy was on the phone. Paul related how the Sunday side were involved in a close game and this was duly passed on to the rest of the thirds, who all marvelled in the tale. Two hours later everyone went home.

The highlights of the game for Purnells was a fine 5 for 16 for Lewis Redwood, who bowled a consistent line in the corridors of uncertainty, and a well struck commanding knock of 56 for Andy Redwood.

Purnells won the toss and decided to field and Failand set off in blistering fashion, scoring 21 off of the first 4 overs. This included an all run 3, which was a first for the thirds. Unfortunately this took its' toll on the batsmen, who decided to settle on twos in future. Or 4's. Or better still 6's.
Graham Grey fought hard for his 27 runs, and is proving to be Failands most versatile and reliable player.

Failand came out after the tea break, and within three overs they were firmly on top, with the home side yet to score a run. After overhearing a remark about their immobility in the field, the Failand fielders showed the cheeky youngsters a thing or two about mobility. In the eighth over Williams hit the ball towards captain Steve Pursey at deep mid off. Steve came charging in like a rhinoceros on speed, swooped like a ravenous eagle, plucked the ball one-handed from the uneven turf like another ravenous eagle, even more ravenous than the first eagle, and threw the ball in one smooth action, hitting the middle stump clean out of the ground with his accurate throw from at least forty yards, leaving the hapless batsman well and truly out of his ground. The Portbury Pensioners fought hard to the end and they can now deservedly boast a record 5 from 5.

For full scorecard details click here: http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10275896

FACT - Making teas improves performance.

Failand v Blagdon June 4th

After scouring the scorebooks for the last few seasons, skipper Steve Pursey has linked performance with buttering bread and making cakes. This as yet unexplainable phenomenon is now proven beyond any doubt. Who could forget Steve Downs flourish last year when he scored 9 consecutive 4s. Who will ever forget Bob Sheppard smashing the Harptree attack to every corner of the ground. They were both on tea duty that day. The captains own highest score in recent times came on guess what day. And there are other examples too numerous to mention. Paul Duffy, specialist fielder and alternative Sunday captain, latched onto this fact by sharing the tea rota for future friendlies amongst all 11 players.
Against Blagdon the tea was supplied by Steve and Jamie Fear. And as if to prove the point, Steve returned figures of 8-1-16-1 and Jamie figures of 8-2-10-2. If just the other bowlers had chopped a few onions or grated a block of cheese, Blagdon would have struggled to make 70.
As it happens Blagdon scored 180 for 9, with Andy Cadman making 95 of those runs from just 77 balls, having only made 1 run from his two pevious innings. Failand decided to field on winning the toss, and with a superlative run out from Duffy and the aforementioned Fear wickets, the visitors were only 56 for 4 at the halfway mark with the home side on top. Once the Fears had bowled their accurate overs they were able to relax and return their attentions to food presentation and making sure the urn was boiling. The other bowlers suffered at the brutal hands of Cadman, Steve Pursey picking up three fortuitous wickets. Nevertheless a score of 180 seemed very attainable.
There has probably been enough mention of the tea already, but there were plenty of cakes, all very tasty as well.
This season Failand are showing that they can't chase. Left arm quickie Tom Coles bowled an impressive opening spell, following his 4 for 16 the day before, but probably found Failands third teamers a tougher proposition than the Carsons first xi. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and other than a spirited 35 from Ivor Chivers, there was little to cheer. Although the final margin of defeat was only 20 runs, Blagdon were easy winners.
Still chasing their first victory, the Failand grandfathers enjoyed their customary beer and tucked into the remaining apple pies, contemplating the remainder of the season. The team earmarked 6 must win games, starting next week at Purnells, if the team is to avoid disgrace. With the secret Cucumber sandwich/ viennese whirl weapon up our sleeves, we would also expect to win the rest of our home games, although it may be messy.

For full scorecard click the link

http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10275849

Grendels Washed Out

Grendels v Failand

May 27th

For the fourth game out of a possible five, the Failand v Grendel fixture was lost to adverse weather. Failand are due to play Grendels at home on July 29th, so don't book your holidays around this date if you want sunshine.

Donald v Atherton

Failand well and truly hammered in limp display.
Limpley Stoke, with 7 regular players missing, trounced a weak Failand side that will struggle to win anything this season. The visitors changing room had a ABC of Fielding on the wall, including A for Accuracy, B for Bowl Straight and I fail to remember what C stood for, but in Failand's case it could have been Collapse, Crawl along at a snails pace, Concede. There were three D's, one of which was Dominate, but at no stage did Failand do that. Other suggestions were Determination and Phil Dungey suggested Diarreah.

Limpley Stoke bowled straight and accurate. The bowlers were well backed up in the field, and a score of just 37 for 2 in the 20th over was testimony to that. The appallingly slow run rate only advanced above two runs an over in the 32nd over. The wicket was slow, but considering that this was one of the largest pitches Failand have played on, a total of at least 200 was required.

Chris Smith stood alone as the only player that made any effort to clobber the opposition. Chris had managed to get lost on the way to the ground, but just as well he made it, because without his effort a score of 80 would have been all Failand could have mustered. Only 5 wickets were lost in a score of 103.!!

Tea was taken, and the Failand players tried to think of a cunning plan.

Alas there was no answer as the prolific T. Smith hit more 4s in Phil Dungeys first over than Failand had managed in 32 overs. Phil was heard to utter in Italian "the jammy, dirty man" - after narrowly missing the stumps, but eventually got his man. The grandfathers looked OLD in the field, and in reality a score of 300 would not have been enough. The only highlights were an amazing catch at point by Chris Smith to dismiss his namesake, and John Skinner taking a wicket with his very first ball.

The Hop Pole opened early to cater for the thirsty cricketers, as everyone was showered and ready to down sorrows by 6.45pm.

For full scorecard click the link : http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10275887

TWO WEBSITES - MORE VALUE

To see our parallel site with all the 3rd XI and Junior XI scorecards and news in this window SIMULTANEOUSLY go to:

http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp

CURRENT LEAGUE TABLE
Go to http://nscl.play-cricket.com/leaguetables/divisionTable.asp?id=2203&seasonID=7

Rain, rain and more rain.

May 13th v Keynsham 4ths

There was lots of rain
at horse race lane
so needless to say
there was no play
today.

Meredith takes 6 wickets for 9 runs.

John Meredith produced amazing figures of six wickets for just 9 runs in four overs. Without his deadly spell Chew Stoke would have fancied themselves to score 230+.
The wicket looked good and the outfield looked superb. After winning the toss Steve Pursey asked Chew Stoke to bat because he felt historic low scores on this wicket would make a low target easy to chase. Wrong!! Chew Stoke amassed 193 runs and this would have been much more without Merediths final flurry. Things started badly as Steve Fear couldn't get a decent line. Followed similarly by Graham Grey, Mark Templer and Steve Pursey. In all they shared combined figures of 0 for 128. Meanwhile at the other end, Phil Dungey, Jamie Fear and John Meredith took all ten wickets for just 55 runs. Admittedly the pitch showed a bit of uneven bounce coming up the hill. Chew Stokes' young batsmen scored with ease though, and with 9 overs remaining they were sitting pretty with 161 runs on the board for just 4 wickets. Enter John Meredith, removing dangermen Taylor and Luke Shorney (well caught by Phil Dungey) and rattling through the tail with surprising haste.
Eleven overs into the reply Failands top order batsmen were all back in the hutch and the visitors were in trouble at 25 for three. Steve Pursey and Graham Grey fought hard in a 83 run partnership that gradually swung things back in Failands favour. The bounce was becoming more and more erratic however, and could be likened to playing cricket on a pebble beach. Some of the wides that were given started off reasonably straight, but once they hit the pitch would veer off wide of the crease. Steve Pursey was bowled for 39, and Graham Grey continued to make a well deserved 58 not out, but tight bowling from Rich Williams and a good final spell from Danny Bryant ensured Failand fell behind the run-rate.
Chew Stoke along with Harptree last week and probably Keynsham next week are fielding young and fit players that can run between the wickets and save runs in the field. To counteract this youthful invasion of our league, if Failand want to win a game the whole team will have to raise their game, as it seems it is no longer possible to rely on one or two good performances.

For full scorecard click th link: http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10275841

Tough start for Failand 3rds


Relegation favourites, Failand and Harptree, shared a run-fest at Horserace Lane, but unfortunately for Failand the larger majority were scored by Harptree, and in particular Rich 'Buddah' Currell. His aggresive 129, consisting of 15 fours and 7 sixes, totally switched the game in the visitors favour. At the halfway stage Failand were reasonably content with their opponents score of 89 for 3. A 189 partnership between skipper Dave Hill and Rich Burrell left Failand an almost impossible task of scoring 277 for victory. Steve Fear was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 43, as all the bowlers felt the full force of Burrells hitting. At one stage the home side fielded a 7-2 legside field, with just a deep point and deep long off, but the runs still flowed, mainly over the square leg boundary.
Bob Sheppard, who supplied a lovely tea, opened the innings in an equally aggressive style, reaching his fifty in just the twelth over. Bob made six singles, and the rest of his 64 runs were in boundaries. It was the perfect platform for Failand. Chris Smith and Steve Down both made telling contributions, and by the 25th over, a shock win was on the cards, as Failand were well in front on comparative scores. Even by the 31st over Failand were still in the hunt - as long as they had a finisher like Burrell - but wickets fell regularly, and the final victory margin of just 45 runs flattered Failand as no real attempt was made to chase the last 100 runs required. On the day the better side won, and Failand will need to field a stronger side in the re-match if they are to beat their relegation co-favourite.
The average age of this side was 53. A debate on the advantages of indoor nets was inconclusive. The batsmen that regularly attended indoor nets averaged 27.2 compared to just 27 for those that didn't attend. All the main bowlers had practised prior to this game, and all suffered.
For full scorecard click the link: http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10275852

Review of 2007

Failand and Portbury 3rd XI probably boast the honour of being the oldest team in the league. The grandfathers of North Somerset boast 14 players over 55 in their squad of 22 players.
Skippering the side for the fourth year running is relative youngster Steve Pursey (53). With a further 3 regulars in their 40's, one would be forgiven for questioning F&P's youth policy. However the U11's and U13's have both enjoyed considerable success in the last few years, and the future looks rosy for the club. The elderly arthritic players may soon be asked to stand aside.
Despite their age, Failand have managed to hold their own in division VA, finishing comfortably mid-table for the last few seasons. With the re-organisation of the leagues, Failand should have easier opposition than the last few years, and a higher finish is expected this year. The 'running' between the wickets can be slow (there is no such thing as a three in Failands' scorebook) and the fielding can be described as comical at times, but in wicket-keeper Dick Whittington they have the leagues leading stumper (2005 and 2006). Failands experienced bowlers know all about line and length, but if one were to be looking for a weakness it is with the batting.
With a picturesque village ground, a well kept square, good facilities, yummy teas and a bunch of players that enjoy their cricket, Failand is an enjoyable away fixture for the teams in sunday league 3. With the prospect of the successful youth policy filtering through to the thirds during the season, a top three finish can be anticipated.

END OF SEASON REPORT

Failand third team started the season with an average age of 55.

In fourteen games, only four players were selected under the age of thirty, and they played a total of just six games between them.

Most weeks there is more grey hair on display at Horserace Lane than a Turkey and Tinsel tour of Torquay. On a positive note, if this trend continues we may attract sponsorship from funeral directors.

Throughout the season availability amongst the grand-dads has been good, and the hardest decision has been who to leave out. With this in mind special thanks go to Phil Dungey, Bob Sheppard and Graham Grey, none of which incidentally are grandfathers, who have volunteered on numerous occasions to step down or play in other games, making life easier for the captain. My original mission as captain, 3 years ago, was to infiltrate youth into this side. This has noy happened as yet. Generally I have taken the easy option of rotating a full squad of oldies.

As with previous years a jolly atmosphere has prevailed most of the season. Bearing in mind that the majority of players can move at a maximum of 4 miles an hour in the field, and 5 miles an hour if they are batting, (and only then if the runs scored are added to their own personal tally) to finish 5th in the table was a remarkable achievement. We won 5 out of 13 played, and were only narrowly beaten by top teams Kilmersdon and Backwell Flax. We also gave table toppers Cleeve Blue Flame a scare in the home fixture. There were a lot of exciting games with close finishes, and we enjoyed playing these games win or lose.

Top performers included the reliable and versatile John Meredith with bat and ball. Chris Smith had a poor season by his own standards, but with a century and two fifties he proved invaluable. The bowling partnership of Phil Dungey, Steve and Jamie Fear, John Meredith and Steve Pursey were able to contain the opposition most of the time. Neil Harrison and Steve Down both made telling all round contributions with Steve capturing a hat-trick against Harptrees. Graham Grey, Bob Sheppard and Charlie Walker all excelled with the bat on one or more occasions. Paul Duffy and John Parfitt played in the right spirit and were helpful in volunteering to drop out. John Skinner had a nightmare season, but helped out by doing more than his share of umpiring. One wag suggested that as umpire he won us the game at Blagdon.

Dick Whittington managed fourteen stumpings, as well a batting average of nearly 50. Dick was the leading stumper in the whole North Somerset league for the third consecutive year, making his name the first name on teamsheet every week. Those fourteen victims were probably the difference between a mid-table finish and a relegation fight. Ivor Chivers deputised for Dick on a couple of occasions and showed the depth behind the stumps within the club.

It was good to see some new blood with both Graham and son Adam Grey making an impact as well as Mike Trenouth and Richard Breen. Hopefully Ian Rex will do the same next year. Even legendary scorer Chalkie Whyte played a couple of games.

Overall our bowling was good. Our fielding against Backwell early in the season was superb, but generally we are slow in the field. Our batting is poor. We were able to bat first in nine games out of thirteen (not always our choice), but only just passed 200 on three occasions. Our best batting performance of the season was against the strong bowling attack of Cleeve. They beat us as we were missing the bowling of John Meredith, Steve Fear and Phil Dungey.

There were many champagne moments. Charlie Walkers' slow ball cleaning up at Harptree, Ivor Chivers spectacular stop mid air at mid on, outstanding catches in the deep by Phil Dungey, Paul Bachelor and Neil Harrison, as well as a Steve Down hat-trick.

There was controversy over an obstructing the field incident which ruined our reputation as a bunch of docile old men. There was an alleged match fixing incident with John Meredith conceding 93 runs from his 8 overs, although this is unproven.

And as for the future? Next year we will be competing in Sunday league division 3 with new teams Whitchurch Wanderers, Keynsham 4ths, Purnells 4ths and Limpley Stoke as well as old favourites Chew Stoke, Grendels, Harptree, Blagdon and Saltford Fairway. The long term future for a group of old men is questionable however. We need to win promotion next year, and in 2008 we will be able to compete at the higher level and without the restrictions of 'no first teamers'. Hopefully next year some under 15's will be able to step up to senior cricket and herald a new beginning for the North Somerset side.

FAILAND IN MATCH FIXING STORM

It was at six minutes past five when the faeceas hit the fan. Failand thirds, generally considered a sporting bunch of gentlemen, were drawn into a bitter match-fixing furore.
How these scandalous allegations came to light is not known. There were rumours flying around, that should Failand LOSE they would be playing in a lower division next year. This would obviously suit the Grandfathers of the North Somerset league as it is widely regarded that running is bad for their health. The sheer mention of fixtures against Hampset, Frome, Downend and Cleeve next year had already prompted six retirement letters with more threatening to follow. But playing to lose would be against the spirit of the game. To make matters worse, someone resembling Neil Harrison with brown hair was overheard trying to obtain odds on a Harptree victory, although Neil strenuously denies it was him.
There were suspicions that something was going on when Richard Breen conceded 17 runs from his first over. Richard would say anyone could bowl a bad over, and to his credit his bowling did improve. If Phil Dungey was involved in match fixing, there were certainly no signs as he bowled another tight 8 over spell for a meagre 19 runs. And Steve Down could hardly be accused of trying to throw a game, taking 6 for 50 including a hat-trick.This incidentally included a boundary catch by Paul Bachelor, which judging by the home side reaction would normally be dropped. Even his son Simon, who was talking to him at the time was astounded. Harptree were 260 all out.
It was at teatime that the allegations were made. It was suggested that John Meredith had deliberatly bowled a series of long hops to give Harptree an unfair advantage. His figures of 8 overs for 93 runs were abnormally expensive, and the finger of suspicion was also pointed at Bob Sheppard for persisting with John up the hill with such a short leg side boundary. John was furious with these spurious allegations and decided to make a protest, supported by John Skinner, by staying in the changing room and refusing to eat their currant buns. As the opposition took the field the whole team became involved in a heated debate. John is a religious and principled man, who said he usually walks for LBWs, even when he is struck on the pads outside leg stump. This was a slur not only on John, but also the entire club. Ivor Chivers, who was making himself Tidy, quipped that John doesn't even walk to post a letter. At one time there was a suggestion that Failand should forfeit the game. This was seen as counter-productive however. Dick Whittington, the self-proclaimed owner of Failand and Portbury Ltd. suggested a vote on the course of action. Jamie Fear, who had hitherto been oblivious to the impending fiasco because he was laughing at his mobile phone, said that we would have to be careful or a radical such as Bob Andrews might blow himself up in the visitors changing room. Ivor offered to fetch his foot pump. Everyone agreed a protest was needed. Paul Bachelor, who had been playing BBQs, said YES. Everyone smiled in agreement, then Paul shouted NO. Phil Dungey, who was feeling hungry by this stage, asked what the most Beefburgers anyone had ever eaten in one session. Chris Smith, forever the voice of reason, suggested that Failand could surely lose the game fair and square, man, without cheating. There was a stunned silence. Bob Shep, incensed at such a suggestion, pointed to the middle 'Skinner, Meredith, will you please open the innings'.
Twenty overs later Failand were 39 for 4. Bob himself made a valiant effort to win the game with a hard fought 84. Failand eventually scored 178 for 6.
Harptree were initially unaware of the accusations, but are unlikely to make a formal complaint as this victory will save them coming bottom of the table!

Paul and Wendy stoked up the BBQ as the wintry afternoon drew to a close, and the F&P players toasted a successful season!!

Fantastic Tea the highlight for Failand.

A tea that was full of delights was the most memorable part of this day out in Cleeve, on a wintery August afternoon.
The home side won the toss and as expected Failand were asked to bat first. Not that there were any snakes in the pitch; in fact this was a good batting strip. Cleeve are top of the table, and their bowling attack showed just why they have the confidence to insert teams on winning the toss. Any one of the five bowlers used would walk into Failands 2nd team, and a few would be pushing for a place in the firsts.
John Meredith opened the innings with Graham Grey. This was a good opening pair, bearing in mind Johns' stubborn reluctance to give his wicket away. He lasted for 29 overs in making his 21 runs, and it was ironic that he should fall one of the rare bad balls that he recieved. Graham looked to get on with things but was bowled by Gary Turnell. Chris Smith struggled to score, taking 14 overs to make 10 runs before he was frustrated into slogging. Steve Down proved to be Failands batting hero. Playing his first game since May, he scored a run a ball 48 not out and showed no signs of lack of practice. No other batsman was able to make any impact, although Dick Whittingtons' innings was memorable insomuch as the game was held up while he had the sightscreen moved, and then got a first ball duck. No player could ever remember Dick getting a duck before. A total of 132 for 7 was never going to be enough.
And so then came that tea. It included sausages wrapped in bacon which were the writers' favourite, although some of the chocolate cake was pretty delicious. There were also prawns in batter and chicken goujons with dipping sauce, as well as a load of warm snacks too numerous to mention. The greedy grandfathers gorged themselves on these delights, and it was with a very slow saunter to the middle to resume affairs.
Matt Budd and Bill Mather almost won the game without losing a wicket, until Neil Harrison produced a 'catch of the season' on the boundary to take what would have been the deciding six. Phil Dungey bowled his best spell of the season, conceding just 15 runs from his 8 overs. Eleven year old Adam Grey showed the adults how to bowl. In his 4 over spell he conceded just 18 runs. His last three balls of his third over included two unsuccessful LBW appeals and a play and miss that was very close. Adam is a real talent for the future, and on this showing some of the elders may be fighting for their places next year. Cleeve are deservedly top of the table, and would probably beat this Failand side ten times out of ten.

IT'S A FAIR WAY TO SALTFORD, BUT WORTH THE JOURNEY

Saltford Fairway v Failand 3rd xi

Failands' veterans guarateed their safety in division 5a with an easy win over Saltford Fairway. Next years revamp of the North Somerset league means that there might not be a division 5a next year, but that is a different story.
Stand in captain Bob Sheppard was surprised to be asked to bat first on losing the toss. But with the score on 24 for 3 in the 14th over perhaps he had an inkling as to why the home side wanted to bowl first with temperatures in the eighties.
The pitch certainly offered plenty of help to the bowlers, although the opening bowlers obtained their wickets with gentle out swing, the top three of Meredith, Skinner and Bachelor all falling to edges behind. Bob Sheppard moved things along nicely before falling LBW yet again,but then Chris Smith and Graham Grey played sensibly, adding 55 runs to consolidate Failands position. Chris completed a much neede fifty. The tail attempted to wag, but a target of 150 looked as if it might just prove just enough on a dodgy pitch.
And so it proved.
The Fears were miserly as normal, and despite getting walloped in his first two overs, Phil Dungey wiped out the middle order, including tempting dangerman Ted McKenzie into playing a rash shot. Neil Harrison kept things tight before John Meredith and Graham Grey cleaned up the tail, but in truth once McKenzie departed there was little doubt over the result. Saltford were all out for 124.
For a full scorecard please click here: http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10129252

RAIN CAN'T SAVE SORRY FAILAND

Failand 3rds v Chew Stoke

After two exciting games against Blagdon and Grendels, Failand were put well and truly in their place by a youthful Chew Stoke, 6 of whom play for Bedminster 2nds and 3rds.
After winning the toss, Chew Stoke elected to bat on a pitch that looked as if it might offer help to the bowlers, although the 2nd xi had no problem scoring runs on this strip the day before.
Steve Pursey and Jamie Fear started off economically, but shock of all shocks - Phil Dungey, coming on as first change bowled an atrocious first over costing 16 runs, and John Meredith was into the attack by the 10th over. Jordan Bryant batted for 35 overs for a hard fought 75, but some very simple chances were put down by a Failand side becoming disheartened by the over. Captain Steve Pursey seemed to have no control over his fielders who appeared to field wherever they thought best. A final score of 221 for 9 was achievable only if the batters put their minds to it.
In the 15th over the batters were 42 for 5, and the only thing that could possibly save the home side from an enormous defeat were the impending rain clouds. Chew Stoke seemed oblivious to this and carried on bowling off of long run ups, but the rain held off long enough for them to complete the necessary 20 overs and Failand were duly beaten. The only bright spot was an entertaining knock of 43 from Steve Fear who was playing as a batsman due to a shoulder injury. Steve Pursey tore the medial head of his gastrocrenius and limped off in agony, passing the captaincy over to Bob Sheppard for the remainder of the season.
For full scorecard click here http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/admin/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10129214&mode=view

NEIL HARRISON SAVES FAILAND BLUSHES

Grendels 2nds v Failand 3rds

A timely and entertaining 64 from Neil Harrison saved Failand, who were struggling at 23 for 3 when he came to the crease.
On a perfect summers afternoon, Failand won the toss and decided to bat - a decision that looked likely to backfire as the Grendel opening bowlers put in a lively opening spell of swing bowling to remove dangerman Chris Smith as well as Paul Duffy and John Skinner, leaving Failand struggling at 23 for 3. But to the rescue came Bob Sheppard and Neil Harrison, both playing their natural game and advancing the score to 82 before Bob Shep fell LBW yet again. Neil and John Meredith steadied the ship after losing Mike Trenouth cheaply, but as Failand approached the 35th over they appeared well short of a decent target at 161 for 9. The Fear father and son combo, usually feared for their bowling exploits, showed that Failand really can bat all the way down to number 11 with another entertaining and yet crucial 39 runs, giving the visitors the psychological total of 200.
Wickets fell regularly, always leaving Failand in command. Jamie bowled well first up, and besides taking two valuable wickets also ran out the dangerous Handoll. Father Fear was still showing signs of jetlag and was replaced by John Meredith. Paul Duffy bowled an interesting first over, scaring the Grendel captain with his appeal for LBW and taking a sharp caught and bowled. His second over was not so interesting and cost 14 runs. Steve Pursey and Neil Harrison bowled a tight line and picked up 2 wickets each as Failand won by 38 runs.
An enjoyable pint or two was downed in the garden of the Prince of Wales in Westbury village discussing the good result and the immaculate reverse sweep by Eden Coventry, which must surely win the champagne moment for its' sheer audacity.

For full scorecard visit : http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/admin/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10129225

EXCITING FINISH ENDS IN FAILANDS FAVOUR

Blagdon Sunday xi v Failand 3rds

John Meredith took the man of the match honours with a beligerent 49 from 39 overs followed with 4 for 19 and some match winning bowling.
Failand were grateful to the Blagdon skipper Roger Hemming for allowing them to bat in soaring temperatures. These temperatures could have had serious repurcussions for some of the Failand grandfathers.
John Meredith and Paul Bachelor gave Failand a solid start, albeit a little on the slow side. After Paul left to put his feet up in the shade, Ivor Chivers clubbed an impressive 28. The outfield was on the slow side, and during the entire innings there were only 7 fours. With only 1 wicket down by the 32nd over Failand really were behind with only 120 on the board, especially considering all the big hitters were padded up and itching to be let loose. John Meredith fell in the penultimate over for a hard fought 49, and although a total of 166 seemed 40 short of expectations, at least John had saved yet another embarressing collapse.
Jamie Fear, Phil Dungey and Neil Harrison all bowled economic opening spells. Wickets fell at regular intervals, but the game swung from one side to the other like an overactive pendulem. In an exciting finish John Meredith saved Failand blushes with a tight spell of 4 for 19 at the death, ably supported by Steve Pursey, who conceded just 5 runs from the last 5 overs from the pavilion end.
This was an excellent performance by the old men in extremely hot conditions against a side with an average age of about 20. Blagdon should also be applauded for the excellent spirit in which they played the game.
Thanks to John Skinner for umpiring throughout the game.

For full scorecard visit: http://www.blagdoncricketclub.com/statistics/seasonreviews/2006/bladesvfailand160706.htm

Heartbreak again for Failand!

Another case of what might have been for Failand & Portbury on Sunday as they just lost an exciting game to a strong Backwell Flax Bourton side, who got home with two balls and three wickets to spare.

Backwell won an important toss and were able to ask Failand to bat on a wicket with damp patches from overnight rain. The home side made a disastrous start, as good bowling by Hill and Lloyd coupled with two dreadful run-outs saw them slump to 18 for 4 in the first eight overs.

Dick Whittington settled in to restore a semblance of order with a patient 52, with support from skipper Bob Sheppard (19) and the bucolic Neil Harrison (26), but Backwell continued to bowl and field well. A few late blows from Phil Dungey saw Failand to tea at 167 for 9, better than it might have been but probably not enough to stretch the strong Backwell top order as the pitch dried out.

Neil Harrison gave Failand a great start by removing the prolific Tim Martin for a duck with an athletic catch off his own bowling, and another accurate and hostile spell from Jamie Fear forced the visitors to proceed with care. However,one or two things went against Failand as Paynes and Hetherington got on top. More good bowling from young Sid Mistry (who deserved better than 2 for 37) and not so young John Merdith (2 for 30) kept Failand in the hunt as wickets fell. Six were wanted from the last over, but after 3 tight singles Lloyd despatched Harrison’s fourth ball to the boundary, leaving Failand to reflect yet again on what might have been.

Next week a “must win” game at Blagdon, so hopefully skipper Steve Pursey’s return will prove to be a timely one.

Kilmersdon killing touch

Lost by 7 wickets, but much closer than that really, not bad given weak side. Report follows:

F&P 146 for 7
J Meredith 0
P Bachelor 28
J Skinner 12
R Whittington 46n.o
N Harrison 4
I Chivers 14
J Fear 6
P Duffy 10
S Fear 3n.o
R Brean, P Whyte dnb
Extras 23
M Batchelor 6-2-18-1
T Wilkinson 8-2-26-2
L Rigby 8-1-27-0
D Gould 8-1-28-1
R Carpenter 5-1-22-2
S Jackson 5-0-18-0

Kilmersdon 150 for 3
S Jackson 74n.o
D Gould c Bachelor b Harrison 9
J Lancaster c S Fear b Meredith 9
L Rigby b J Fear 0
M Batchelor 52n.o
Extras 6

S Fear 5-0-28-0
N Harrison 7-1-35-1
J Fear 8-2-9-1
J Meredith 8-2-17-1
P Duffy 5-0-26-0
R Brean 2-0-23-0
C Whyte 0.3-0-10-0



A weakened F&P put in a good team effort against high-flying Kilmersdon, but in the end lack of cover in the bowling department coupled with a major difference between the teams in age and athleticism in the field saw Kilmersdon win with four overs and seven wickets to spare, and even a passing thunderstorm which delayed the end of the Failand innings by an hour and a half couldn’t save the visitors.

Failand opted to bat in hot conditions on a grassy pitch which turned out slow and low. After the shock of veteran star all-rounder Meredith caught behind in the first over, Paul Bachelor batted steadily with John Skinner against accurate bowling and lively fielding. Stand-in skipper Dick Whittington joined PB but despite the odd sharp single scoring was difficult, and a half way score of 40 for 2 off 20 overs wasn’t enough. PB left for 28, and DW gradually increased the tempo with useful support from Ivor Chivers and Paul Duffy, and after the rain break a late flurry – including an all run four off the final ball – took Failand to 146, at least par for the course in the conditions.

Fortified by an excellent tea, Kilmersdon started confidently, with Failand’s attacj soon depleted when the curse of the calf muscle struck senior seamer Steve Fear. The dangerous Gould was well caught by Bachelor skying Harrison to mid-wicket, and when Jamie Fear (1 for 9 off 8 high class overs of accurate medium pace) and Jon Meredith (1 for 17, slower but almost as accurate) put the squeeze on Kilmersdon were struggling at 47 for 3 at half way, with anchor man Jackson surviving some confident lbw shouts.

However, Carpenter joined Jackson and soon opened out, and with some excellent running between the wickets Kilmersdon gradually got on top. Failand turned to their change bowlers, and Paul Duffy bowled with considerable vocal hostility but no luck as Kilmersdon eased home to a good win.

Second in the table Backwell visit next Sunday, so Failand will be hoping to welcome back some of their absent regulars in search of a much needed win

Enjoy your holiday, hope to see you on Sunday 18th.

Nailsea v Failand over 40s game

This match was cancelled due to commitments by players from both sides, although Nailsea had more problems than Failand with a suspicious number of illnesses, holidays and other plans including a far fetched excuse of watching Eagles in Cardiff.
England meanwhile won their game against Sweden to progress to the next round of the World Cup.
The Nailsea game has been re-arranged for Saturday 2nd September.
Steve Pursey - 28/06/2006

Charlie Walker stars in 7 wicket win over Harptree.

Somerset u14 skipper Charlie Walker starred with bat and ball in this comfortable victory for the 3rd's.
Having elected to bat the Villages struggled to cope with the exaggerated seam movement of Charlie and Steve Fear on a sporting wicket. In his second over Charlie had the opener caught at slip by Chris Smith and then dispatched the nr 3 with the mother of all slower balls. Jamie Fear got into the act by getting a wicket with his 1st ball. A period of consolidation ensued for the home side before spin twins Bob Andrews (2 wickets) and John Meredith (3 for 4) regained control. Charlie was reintroduced to mop up the tail and finished with 3 for 17. During the innings regular skipper Steve Pursey demonstated fine agility, in breaking away from scoring duty, and sprinting out to give stand in skipper Dick Whittington his wicket keeping helmet.
A fine match tea was consumed and after much consideration the batting order decided upon. The Grey family covered themselves in glory during this period. Graham Grey selflessly agreed to drop down the order, to accomodate Charlie at nr 3 - and his son, and F&P u11 star, Adam, went one better by receiving many brownie points, and a mention in this report, for providing, unprompted, the webmaster with a chair to sit on.
Opener John Skinner got a beauty that removed his off stump and the stage was set for Charlie. Solid defence was gradually replaced with a supreme exhibition of batsmanship and timing. Ruthlessly pulling anything short and driving anything pitched up the tempo picked up. John Meredith (31) played his part in a fantastic 100 partnership for the 3rd wicket. Charlie reached his 50 with a quality on drive.
Chris Smith came, and went, and Ivor Chivers sent his own private balmy army into raptures with 2 sweetly timed 4's late on. Aptly, Charlie hit a boundary to win the match and finish on 88 not out.

For full scorecard click on this link http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10129234

Charlie Walker stars in 7 wicket win over Harptree.

Somerset u14 skipper Charlie Walker starred with bat and ball in this comfortable victory for the 3rd's.
Having elected to bat the Villages struggled to cope with the exaggerated seam movement of Charlie and Steve Fear on a sporting wicket. In his second over Charlie had the opener caught at slip by Chris Smith and then dispatched the nr 3 with the mother of all slower balls. Jamie Fear got into the act by getting a wicket with his 1st ball. A period of consolidation ensued for the home side before spin twins Bob Andrews (2 wickets) and John Meredith (3 for 4) regained control. Charlie was reintroduced to mop up the tail and finished with 3 for 17. During the innings regular skipper Steve Pursey demonstated fine agility, in breaking away from scoring duty, and sprinting out to give stand in skipper Dick Whittington his wicket keeping helmet.
A fine match tea was consumed and after much consideration the batting order decided upon. The Grey family covered themselves in glory during this period. Graham Grey selflessly agreed to drop down the order, to accomodate Charlie at nr 3 - and his son, and F&P u11 star, Adam, went one better by receiving many brownie points, and a mention in this report, for providing, unprompted, the webmaster with a chair to sit on.
Opener John Skinner got a beauty that removed his off stump and the stage was set for Charlie. Solid defence was gradually replaced with a supreme exhibition of batsmanship and timing. Ruthlessly pulling anything short and driving anything pitched up the tempo picked up. John Meredith (31) played his part in a fantastic 100 partnership for the 3rd wicket. Charlie reached his 50 with a quality on drive.
Chris Smith came, and went, and Ivor Chivers sent his own private balmy army into raptures with 2 sweetly timed 4's late on. Aptly, Charlie hit a boundary to win the match and finish on 88 not out.

Chris Smith ton fails to halt Blue Flame

After losing the toss Failand were surprisingly asked to bat first, saving the grandfathers of North Somerset the toil of running around in the field 29 degrees. Cleeves decision was vindicated as the first three wickets fell for 24 runs inside 7 overs. John Parfitt and Chris Smith compiled a competent and watchful 70 run partnership, ended as John tried to up the tempo in the 25th over. Steve Pursey added a useful 24 and Neil Harrison clouted two amazing flat batted sixes back over the bowlers head, but it was Chris who held the innings together with a brilliant hundred against a useful bowling attack. On a good batting track this was probably forty or fifty runs too little, but coming from the precarious 24 for 3, the home side devoured Chris Smiths' tea satisfied with their performance.
Alas, with Phil Dungey, Steve Fear, Graham Grey and John Meredith all missing or rested, and Steve Pursey pulling a calf muscle whilst batting, it was left to Failand third team newcomers Richard Breen and Mike Trenouth to prove their worth. Both picked up important wickets and proved useful additions to the squad, but the regular bowlers were not allowed to settle. Jamie Fear bowled well but was still expensive, and Neil Harrison used his secret weapon of a straight run-up, but the Bob Andrews spin option badly backfired against some big hitting.
Cleeve are now undefeated and on this showing will win the league with little trouble, and Failand should take heart that they at least gave their visitors a good game.
Teas by Chris Smith.
Champagne moments include Neils flat batted six and John Skinners fearless fielding in the covers.

Cleeves' report

Cleeve Blue Flame remain unbeaten after a very good win over Failand and Portbury, played in beautiful surroundings and in good spirit. Failand batted first and were quickly in trouble after 7 overs at 24-3 after an impressive opening spell from Ware (1-25) and a fiery one from Rich Poole(4-37) also accounting for the wicket keeper's index finger. Failand rallied posting a decent score of 209-7, with Chris Smith reaching 101. The Flame's fielding and bowling performance was top draw with the wickets shared amongst Andy Smoldon (2-40) and Rob Tucker (1-17). Special mention for Ian Johnson (0-17) and a terrific slip catch from Si Empson. Flame got off to a steady start but lost opener Andy Smoldon (17). The scoring picked up with John Pinkney smashing 7 sixes and 3 fours in a destructive innings of 66. Rich Poole continued the momentum 50no hitting 4 sixes and 3 fours and with ever dependable Matt Budd carrying his bat for a well made 52no.
Ian Pinkney - 12/06/2006

Torrential downpour ruins good game.

11.2 overs into Saltford Fairways' reply, the thunder and the gloomy clouds that had been visible over the Welsh hills, took a turn to the East and descended upon Horserace Lane, and that was the end of what looked like a good game that could have gone either way. Although, at the time of the downpour, Failand had just been rocked by a vicious onslaught by the Saltford number three Wes Tayntum, who had scored 26 runs in no time, and were glad to get a breather.
John Meredith had earlier extended his seasons tally to 211 runs in four games at an average of over 105, with a well paced openers innings of 79. John has now carried his bat for the last two games. The surprise loss of two early wickets, with both Paul Bachelor and Chris Smith falling to 14 year old Jamie Pattemore for ducks, left Failand reeling at 5 for 2 in the third over.
Graham Grey survived a couple of early scares, and made an excellent 80 runs, and with John put on 150 runs for the third wicket before he was well caught on the long off boundary. John Skinner showed urgency with his running betwwen the wickets and made a useful 16, and a score of 215 was about par on a useful batting wicket.
At 78 for 1 in just 11 overs of Saltfords reply there were doubts as to whether 215 was enough, but a couple of wickets may have changed the game, but the downpour means we will never know.

Chew Stoke - Sunday 28th May

This fixture was cancelled due to the wet pitch.

COMPLETE WASHOUT

For the third time in succession the North Somerset fixture against Grendels was abandoned. .

Third time lucky for the thirds
After two narrow defeats, the third team applied the pressure and came out easy winners over Blagdon, who won the toss and decided to field first. The loss of two early wickets brought together John Meredith and Chris Smith who constructed a 100 run partnership last week, and this week they improved this by a further 50 runs. This was not by any means an easy strip to bat on, very slow with a lot of sideways movement. Chris and Johns' effort under such conditions was all the more applaudable.

Chris was out in the 35th over, and John took over the role of the aggressor at this point, and a target of 199 was set, which was felt to be a par score. Blagdon managed to bowl their 40 overs in 2 hours and 5 minutes, which was all the more amazing as they bowled 17 wide balls.
The Phil Dungey/Steve Fear opening bowling partnership produced the usual resulting economy, this time they shared four wickets. A pin point accurate throw from John Parfitt removed Blagdon skipper Roger Hemming in the 2nd over, and by the 11th over the visitors were struggling at 47 for 5. The fielding generally was of a standard to be admired for a team mainly in their 50's.

Dick Whittington added another two stumping scalps to his collection, and who would bet against him beating last years record breaking 19 stumped victims. [In his dreams - none such. It was 18 - see Playing Stats page. Marvin.] The Blagdon top order batsmen threw away any chance they had of winning the game by playing a succession of suicidal shots, and gave Failand their simple victory on a plate.

Tea by John Parfitt and Sandy, memorable for the warm quiches and the exemplary tidying up!

Champagne moments must include a John Meredith six and a Steve Fear six. And worthy of consideration would be each of the well taken catches. But this weeks champagne moment must go to John Parfitt for his wonderful run out, aiming at a single stump, and leaving the Blagdon skipper totally stranded.

And Harry the dogs' on field antics proved luckier than Lucky of Backwell.

See scorecard at http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10129212

Thirds lose on the last ball again

Another thrilling game decided by the very last ball of the game, and unfortunately the wrong result for the second consecutive week, this time the losing margin was three runs.
It all started so well for Failand, with some excellent fielding and tight bowling. Backwell must surely boast one of the longest boundaries in this league, and it was no surprise that Backwell, batting first after winning the toss, could only manage 7 fours in their entire innings. The ball seemed as if it was magnetically powered, judging by the number of times it was hit straight at a fielder. Dangerman Tim Martin added another fifty to his record, and was well supported by Adam Watts. Phil Dungey and Steve Fear bowled straight through, conceding just 38 runs in their combined 16 overs. Graham Grey, making his first appearance for Failand, removed both openers in a promising spell, before John Meredith showed his usual guile and cunning to take three late wickets. The helmetted Dick Whittington added a further two stumpings to add to last weeks two victims. Backwell managed to score 169, which was probably 30 runs less than they would have hoped for.
A teatime shower dampened the pitch.With last weeks' collapse still fresh in everyone's minds, Ivor Chivers and John Meredith were installed as openers to add stability to the top of the order. John played an anchor role, batting until the 35th over, and setting Failand on their way. Bob Sheppard was out LBW for the second week, and Chris Smith played a great innings of 57 which all but won the game for Failand. But once Chris and John were out, it seemed to be a re-run of last week, with the same figures coming up - 21 required from 3 overs!! With only 8 runs required from the last over, which was expertly bowled by 14 year old Alex Norman, Failand managed just 4 runs, and lost another tight game.

Champagne moments include Lucky the Dog invading the pitch and proving ultimately unlucky. Graham Grey hammering his first ball one bounce into the hedge.

Full scorecard at http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10129170

Kilmersdon win by two runs
In a game full of ups and downs, Kilmersdon emerged as winners by just two runs. Failand never looked like winning after slipping to 26 for 6 chasing a meagre 149. John Meredith and Dick Whittington steadied the sinking ship with a valuable and sensible 77 run partnership, and a quickfire 16 from Jamie Fear left Failand requiring 21 from the last 3 overs, but this proved to be 2 too many as Kilmersdon tightened their grip on the game.

After winning the toss, the visitors were asked to bat first, and made steady progress. Skipper Darren Gould made an intelligent 49, and Kilmersdon looked set to make 200+. Failand captain Steve Pursey took 4 wickets in his first two overs which moved things back in Failands favour. Jamie Fear and John Meredith finished things off and the game was perfectly set for a close finish.

Batchelor and Gould, the Kilmersdon opening bowlers, who between them bowled 16 overs and took 5 for 34, turned the game totally back to their sides' advantage, and victory was within their sights before Meredith and Whittington made a game of it.

Champagne moments : Phil Dungeys' spectacular catch on the boundary and Jamie Fears' six which almost swung things back to Failand
Average age of this Failand team was 56 years and 7 months.
Grass cut by Wendy Bachelor.
Tea prepared by Jane Pursey.

Full scorecard at http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10129218

Dangerous pitch causes cancellation

23rd April

Despite all the hard work of groundsman Paul Bachelor in preparing the pitch, an overnight shower which just wouldn't dry out, caused the game to be cancelled at the last moment. The Failand players took advantage of a vacant afternoon by having an extra net practice. This was curtailed at 4.00 by heavy drizzle, which would have ruined the game, had there been one!!
Oh well, 2 points each, Failand and Bristol Pakistanis joint top of the table.

"North Somerset XI Skipper 2006"
by Manet, Paris Impressionism Exhibition 1894

Review of 2006
Failand and Portbury 3rd XI probably boast the honour of being the oldest team in the league. The grandfathers of North Somerset boast 14 players over 55 in their squad of 22 players.

Skippering the side for the third year running is relative youngster Steve Pursey (52). With a further 3 regulars in their 40's, one would be forgiven for questioning F&P's youth policy.
However the U11's and U13's have both enjoyed considerable success in the last few years, and the future looks rosy for the club. The elderly arthritic players may soon be asked to stand aside.

Despite their age, Failand have managed to hold their own in division VA, finishing comfortably mid-table for the last couple of seasons. The 'running' between the wickets can be slow (there is no such thing as a three in Failands' scorebook) and the fielding can be described as comical at times, but in wicket-keeper Dick Whittington they have the leagues leading stumper (2005). Hard-hitting Scott Meredith scored two centuries last season, and Failands experienced bowlers know all about line and length.

With a picturesque village ground, a well kept square, good facilities, yummy teas and a bunch of players that enjoy their cricket, Failand is an enjoyable away fixture for the teams in division VA. With the prospect of the successful youth policy filtering through to the thirds during the season, a top three finish can be anticipated.

New season only 3 months away.

We are closer to next season than last, so now is the time to start thinking forward about what could be, rather than what could have been.

Winter nets start on 7th February at 7.15 and every Tuesday thereafter until April at the Downs School, offering everyone an opportunity to get in shape.

There are still places on the winter tour to Vienna, which proved a great success last year.

An indoor tournament also takes place at the Downs School in March, involving some of our close neighbours. Two sides representing Failand, one of these for the over 40's, will participate.

Third XI - End of Season report.

Overall, 2005 has been a disappointing season. Firstly, of a scheduled 16 games in the North Somerset league, only 9 were completed. Due to the way the fixtures fell, the first home league game wasn't played until July 3rd. (The first scheduled home game was on April 23rd, which was cancelled). With two league games scheduled for September, there were a lot of gaps mid-season. The fixture secretary must be thanked for arranging friendlies to help fill these gaps. (Of the six friendlies played it might be worth keeping Longney, Bill Owen xi and the popular Nailsea over 40’s game, which was generally felt would be better played on a Sunday).
With poor weather causing cancellations, our victory over Barrow Gurney on 19th June left us joint top of the table and undefeated after 6 games (2 wins and 4 cancelled). We then proceeded to lose the next 8 games we played, although in the middle of this losing run we were gifted 4 points by Bristol Pakistanis who could not raise a team.
Looking through the statistics may offer some reasons for our lack of success throughout the season. We were bowled out only twice all year, and yet we bowled out the opposition seven times. We lost fewer wickets than we took. And yet our average score batting first was only 188 for 6, which was not enough. When we bowled first, the opposition averaged 224 for 8, which was too many.
In conclusion, our bowlers were as good if not better than our opponents, but our batting was not good enough, with the exception of Scott Meredith, who scored 479 runs in the 8 games he played, including two centuries and two fifties. In fact, in two games Scott scored 266 runs while the rest of the team mustered a mere 109 between them. Furthermore in the same two games we only lost 8 wickets in total. This reflected the season - our batsmen were not taking the necessary risks to move the score onwards, once they have played themselves in. Players that can bat are padded up waiting to come in and club the ball to all corners of the ground, or at least they think so! Neil Harrison showed what could be done when opening as a pinch hitter, taking 19 runs off of the first over.

Nevertheless we survived in division 5a for another year, and perhaps we should not be too harsh on ourselves, as it is generally agreed that the opposition have been of a higher standard this year, with most teams having batsmen of first team standard who have domineered proceedings.

Even with top of the table Bear Flat, we managed to bowl them out at their place, and had them struggling at 31 for 3 in the return game. But what they had that we don’t have is a batsman that can come in and bash 178 runs, even though 9 men are stood around the boundary edge.
There have been some positive performances. As already mentioned Scott Meredith amassed 479 runs. Dick Whittington averaged over 50 with the bat, as well as 11 stumpings, making him the leading stumper out of the whole North Somerset league. Dick should also be congratulated on his unselfish approach to the game, always allowing others to have a bat before him, even if this means he doesn’t get a bat himself. (six occasions this season). Phil Dungey and Paul Duffy also made matters easier by volunteering to drop out of the thirds to play in less competitive games to save disrupting the squad.
Steve Down, Bob Sheppard, John Parfitt, Paul Bachelor, John Skinner, Matt Meredith and Darren Nash all had to make way in one game or more this season, and others offered, and as a captain this is appreciated.
John Meredith took a famous hat-trick, Sid Mistry shied and hit the stumps on three consecutive occasions, getting two run outs. Paul Duffy showed what an obstinate old bugger he can be while playing for Bill Owen. Phil Dungey, Steve Fear and Jamie Fear persevered all season with no luck despite constantly beating the bat. Steve Down prepared tea, then scored 84. John Skinner prepared tea, then scored his highest of the season. Matt Meredith decided to retire halfway through the season, although he is pledging to stay fit for next season. It was good to see Ivor Chivers back behind the stumps towards the end of the season, and Ian Bullock was back in action for one game. JJ O’Sullivan made quite an impact for four games as well as successfully helping Ian Schroeter through a bowling stint. Mark Walker, the dependable Paul Bachelor and Chris Smith all contributed useful 50’s. Jonas Williams, Sid Mistry and Charlie Walker were the youth policy. They all made their mark, but unfortunately we didn’t see enough of them. I ended up as the leading wicket-taker by using the canny ploy of bowling at tail-enders (captains’ prerogative).
Next season, presuming things stay the same, we will be joined by Blagdon, Cleeve Blue Flame, Harptree and Saltford Fairway, but will lose Barrow Gurney, Bear Flat and Purnells.

Steve Pursey

Season finishes as it started.

Purnells visited Failand for the last game of the season in 2004, and with an identical outcome. Last year the game lasted for 3 overs, this year just 10 overs were possible.
In that time Failand got off to their best start of the season, reducing their visitors to 36 for 5, although the score was flattered somewhat by a reversed batting order. Steve Pursey took a one handed catch at Mid Off in Steve Fears' first over, and Sid Mistry clean bowled the next batsman. Dick made another excellent stumping from Sid, before Sid took a catch off of his own bowling. Scott Meredith finished off the afternoons' on-pitch entertainment with an over the shoulder catch from Steve Fear.
Then it rained. Wendy Bachelor supplied an excellent tea while the pitch was drying out. Unfortunately it rained again and that was the end of that.
Most of the Failand team remained in the pavillion watching the football latest scores while avid Bristol City fan Jamie Fear cheered each of Swanseas' seven goals on the assumption that the more goals Swansea scored the more likely that bad guy Tinnion would get the sack.
Another season over. Another winter to come, and next year we will all return just that little bit older.
To view what little there was of a scorecard visit: http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=239001

Last ball victory for Badminton

Failand got off to a slow start against accurate bowling on a grassy wicket, but a belligerent innings from Bob Sheppard got the innings going. When he was out to a direct hit, Chris Smith held the innings together with an excellent unbeaten 69, and the total of 163 was about par given the slowness of the outfield.
Phil Dungey and especially JJ O'Sullivan bowled with real accuracy at the start of the Badminton innings, but the young openers kept the score ticking with some enterprising running between the wickets, reflecting the age difference in the sides. As rain began to fall, so did the wickets, with Steve Down taking 3 wickets with some very tidy seam bowling. The experienced Packer kept his side in the game with some strong hitting, but Ian Bullock rolled back the years with a masterly spell of bowling – albeit a little way off the hostile pace of many years ago – and 8 were wanted off the last two balls. Helped by gathering gloom and some dodgy bounces in the deep, Packer found the mid wicket boundary twice to secure an unlikely victory for the home side.

To see the scorecard in detail visit: http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10127728

Meredith hat-trick burys Barrow

Barrow Gurney had no answer to Failand, as they slumped to 79 for 8 chasing a useful 236 for 6 scored by Failand. Due to holiday commitments, Phil Dungey led the side. Things started well when Phil won the toss and then just got better and better. John Skinner top-scored with 44, ending a dismal run with the bat. Useful contributions from Andy Trineman and Bernard Raines helped Failand to their total, which was always going to be enough with an in-form Phil Dungey, still celebrating his midweek hat-trick, backed up with the added strength of Sid Mistry, Andy Trineman, John Meredith, Bernard Raines and master exponent of the 'ordinary ball' , Chris Smith.

But just days after Phil took his hat-trick, John Meredith did the same. His match-winning return of 4 for 20 ensured a deserved victory for Failand, and ironically the two stars for Failand also supplied the tea, which is not the first time this season that this has happened.

Full scorecard click: http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10063549

The Bear Essentials

If a side can bat, bowl and field better than their opposition they will win, and Bear Flat deserved their comprehensive victory over a ragged, tired, ageing and bickering Failand side. Bear Flat were runaway champions of division 5a irregardless of this game and brought along a supporting contingent to celebrate their success this season. With memories of the devastating defeat in the away fixture still fresh in captain Steve Purseys' mind, and without some of the stronger batsmen available for this game, Steve asked the opposition to bat first, believing that this could be Failands only realistic chance of causing an upset. After six overs, with the visitors 31 for 3, and with both Steve Fear and Phil Dungey beating the bat with amazing regularity, this looked like a good decision. Even at the halfway stage 129 for 4 was not out of control. But S. Porter, having been dropped three times and looking decidely uncomfortable with length balls outside off stump early on, gradually took command, and bludgeoned the Failand attack to every corner of the ground with an masterful innings of 178 in 121 balls, containing 15 fours and 14 sixes. Even with the field spread all around the boundary line he hit good balls and bad balls over the top. Bear Flat totalled 308 for 6.

Another exciting finale to an Ashes Test Match at Trent Bridge distracted from Phil Dungeys tea time treats.

Realistically there was no chance of victory, but inserting Neil Harrison as a pinch hitter paid dividends as he took 19 off the opening over, and Failand were on target!! Neil made 33 valuable runs in no time at all. Dick Whittington scored a solid 40, including two sixes, but other than a late flourish from Steve Fear (25) and top scoring Paul Duffy (42*), Failand were totally outplayed. The visiting supporters added fun to the occasion by singing from the Barmy Army songsheet, including Pete Wilkie my Lord amongst others.

Celebrations started as soon as the game finished, with the fridge cleared of Becks in less time than it took Bob Andrews to bowl an over. The Bears headed off towards the woods of Bristol Harbourside. The remaining Failand players drowned their sorrows and started to look back on a difficult season, in which the same players as last year have failed to reproduce last years form.

First to arrive and last to leave Steve Pursey locked up and set off on a weeks break, hoping the team will do better under Phil Dungey in the game against Barrow Gurney next week. For full scorecard click : http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10067365

Failand present Bill Owen the ideal Birthday gift

Bill Owen celebrated his 61st birthday by leading his side to victory in a close fought affair. Steve Pursey won the toss and decided to bat on what looked liked a firm strip, perfect for batting on. Or so he thought. Failand regular Paul Duffy opened the bowling for the opposition, by whom he is known as Duffers. Steve Pursey (24) and John Meredith (5) opened the batting, bringing back memories of some legendary opening partnerships from the nineties. After John departed, he was replaced by Keith Greenidge (2) who reminded everyone "I'm 73 you know" as he sauntered to the wicket. Steve Down, who is in his forties followed Keith and was looking good until he became one of Neil Pollards' five victims with his in-swing. Scott Meredith played a subdued and yet sensible innings of 41, joint top scoring with Steve Down. The tail tried in vain to keep Scott company, and a final score of 149, although less than desired,at least gave the bowlers something to bowl at.
Bill Owens team have a system, whereby every player brings enough tea for two, and judging by the amount of cakes on display, they must have a sweet teeth.
Darren Nash was off-colour, probably as a result of too much Jamaica ginger cake, but JJ O'Sullivan made up for Darrens wayward line with a good spell, resulting in two wickets for 25 runs from his 10 overs. Scott Meredith spoiled Bills birthday by clean bowling him. The deadly Bob Andrews (4 for 41) was introduced into the attack, and it looked as if Failand might pull off a famous victory. Paul Duffy played an obstinate innings for the other side. The much improved Ian Schroeter bowled without reward, before John Meredith and Bob took the game into the last over. Bill Owens xi won with 2 wickets to spare.
An enjoyable game with two evenly balanced sides at a pleasant ground on one of the better days of summer. Lets hope we can arrange another afternoon fixture with this team next year.

for full scorecard please click on: http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=278268

GRUMPY OLD MEN

Failand over 40s v Nailsea over 40s

How things have changed. Youngsters nowadays argue with umpires, sledge the opposition, have group huddles, don't tuck their shirts in, besides having brightly coloured inserts in their boots and shirts, and worse of all they don't discuss the finer points of the game with a luke warm beer after the game, but seem to prefer an ice cold bottle of designer alcho-pops and talk about girls and Big Brother. Cricket ain't what it was, or should that be cricket is not what it once was.
Monday 15th August, Failands grumpy old men turned up for the annual over 40s game against Nailsea and an opportunity to play the game as it used to be played. Groundsman Paul Bachelor said "I don't know why we're playing this on a Monday this year, and surely it's Nailsea turn to play host". Unfortunately Paul was umpiring a Gloucester under 19 game and was unable to play.
Nailsea batted first on a wicket that had withstood 120 overs the previous day. Opening bowler Phil Dungey had the batsmen playing and missing and muttered under his breath "Mama Mia, thats it for me, I am going to retire and take up golf and tiddlywinks. How do I get a wicket. In my day batsmen would have walked even if they were not out as a mark of respect for the bowler" The other opening bowler, Paul Duffy, was overheard in the tea interval "What more could I do, I screamed at him 'Howzat' for about 5 minutes as well as raising my famous claw skyward and he still didn't give it out. In my day a polite 'how was that sir' and the umpire would oblige, even if the batsman was halfway down the pitch and had an obvious inside edge on to the pads." John Meredith was introduced into the attack, and two wickets fell in his second over. His cunning change of pace from slow to slower has fooled many over the years. "nowadays these youngsters are too impatient" smiled John on removing a junior who was making up Nailseas numbers. " when I was younger players would block out the first five overs before even contemplating a scoring shot" John O'Sullivan, playing his first game for Failand against his old club, bowled a tight line taking a wicket with his last ball. He was none too pleased when a whipper-snapper of an umpire stopped him in his delivery stride, forcing him to go through the whole run-up rigmarole again "that's five minutes of my life I won't see again" remarked a clearly disgruntled 'JJ' as he is known to his friends, sensing some gamesmanship by the umpire. Steve Pursey and Steve Down were despatched to every corner of the ground by Simon Hopkinson who scored 58 in 31 balls. So at tea Nailsea had set a target of 209 for the home side.
Steve Pursey supplied the teas, most of which was left over from the weekends' cancelled matches. "Whatever happened to cucumber sandwiches" Steve commented reflecting on a bygone era " offer a cucumber sandwich to todays youth and they would probably throw it back at you, calling you a m*therf***er and stealing your mobile phone at the same time" he continued, before realising that Chalkie White was giving him the evil eye and it was probably better to shut up, but turned his phone on to vibrate just in case.
Bob Sheppard and Dick Whittington gave Failand the perfect start of 73 in just 14 overs. Bob was first to depart for 32, caught on the boundary. Keith Greenidge looked out of sorts. "why do people have to mess with the game? - what was wrong with it before? - why do we need to have 8 runs instead of 4? Rum and Coke please Bob" John Skinner didn't last long " That just about sums up my season" he said as he walked off the pitch "years ago the opposition used to call a batsman back for a second chance if he hadn't scored many - it's all changed now." Steve Down, the youngest player in the side, also moaned about the way the game had changed as he marched out to bat "I remember the ashes in 1981 when the whole country came to a halt. Cricket games were cancelled, work was cancelled, trains and buses were cancelled, politics were cancelled - everyone was watching England win the ashes. God only knows what I might miss while I am batting". Luckily for Steve he failed to trouble the scorers and was able to resume watching the test match having missed just two dot balls from Flintoff. Dick Whittington meanwhile asked "can I have a tonic water please" which was an unusual request to say the least, but it was duly delivered to him between overs. "He wants a 'bloody'waiter service now" quipped Bob Sheppard pouring in a double gin for good measure. This unfortunately made Dick even more irratable than usual as he shouted out " could you please ask people to stop cheering because I can't bat (with all that noise going on)." He scored a heroic 90 runs. "if I had known I was that close to a ton I wouldn't have played that awful shot" Dick claimed as he returned to the dressing room, in an attempt to justify missing a straight one. Chalkie White also asked the crowd to stop cheering as he reached for his Tippex yet again. John Meredith and Steve Pursey tried but failed to give Failand the boundary balls needed to win the game. Paul Duffy tried to win the game single-handed in smashing five fours, but alas it was not enough. There were only 10 runs between the sides at the end.
Some sides wash and go, some sides stay for a drink if they win, some sides stay for a drink out of politeness, a few sides might stay for a second drink, but Nailsea are always welcome to Failand, as they stay for as many luke warm beers as is legal. Nailsea captain Ray 'Reggie' Perrin slurred in the bar afterwards that we were lucky they were not at full strength, but he was politely reminded that neither were we and that our missing secret weapon, Paul Bachelor, would be playing next year.

To view the scorecard please visit:http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=278267

Failand conquered by Kilmersdon

Failand opted to bat upon winning the toss, but failed to set a decent total for Kilmersdon to chase. It all started to go wrong in the very first over when run-machine Scott Meredith departed for a duck. Although John Skinner and Bob Sheppard put on 32 for the next wicket, 14 overs had passed by this time. Kilmersdon opening bowler Terry Anthony bowled 4 consecutive maidens, and Bachelor kept things tight at the other end, conceding only 20 runs from his 8 overs. At the halfway stage the home side were 51 for 5. Steve Pursey, who prepared the teas, tried a different orange squash for the halfway break, and very popular it proved. Several Kilmersdon players asked Steve what brand it was, and he was unable to tell them at the time, but can now reveal that it was Tesco special premium brand orange squash, priced at 99p.
Mark Walker (54) and Charlie Walker (31) put on 77 in 10 overs, both playing some excellent shots and hopes were raised briefly. Alas both fell with the score on 128, and with only 8 overs and 3 wickets remaining the tail needed to behave sensibly, which it did. A score of 181, although better than could have been anticipated at halfway, was never likely to be enough unless the bowlers made some early progress, which they didn't.
All the bowlers tried their hardest, and were well backed up by some decent fielding, but dangerman Steve Jackson (78*) held the visitors innings together, and he was well supported by skipper Darren Gould (51*) who was particularly brutal on anything loose outside leg.
Without a league game for two weeks, Failand will be hoping that Barrow Gurney or Grendels don't overtake them in the league.
Last 3 fixtures, all at home are against Bear Flat, Barrow Gurney and Purnells.
For full scorecard click on the link http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10067999

PURNELLS PERSEVERE AND FAILAND FAIL

After winning the toss, captain Steve Pursey made the decision to bowl first, believing that the conditions would favour the bowlers early in the game, with better batting conditions as the pitch dried out. With Purnells reaching 116 for 1 at the ice cold 'fizzy' orange break, it was becoming apparent that he had misread the pitch. With quite a sharp slope, almost as steep as Blagdon, and a surprisingly quick outfield, it was essential that the bowlers bowled to their fields. They didn't, and a 150 second wicket partnership took full advantage of some wayward bowling. The home side used the shorter boundary down the slope to full advantage. The re-introduction of Jamie Fear partnered by Scott Meredith, who took 3 wickets each, stopped Purnells reaching a collosal total in the region of 300, which seemed a possibility at one stage. Nevertheless a target of 250 was always going to be difficult against a young and enthuisiastic side that made Failand look depressingly ancient.
Scott Meredith set off in his usual blistering style, and was unlucky to hole out on the boundary. Paul Bachelor batted for 17 overs, but was only able to make three scoring shots before falling to the leggie, who also captured the wicket of Bob Sheppard, after an entertaining knock of 24. The rest of the team mustered a mere 33 runs between them, with an indisciplined display of batting.
Purnells supplied an excellent tea. After the game the players reflected on what could have been, while enjoying a pint or two of Fullers London Pride with Nobbys nuts, discussing how Phil Dungey would strengthen the team next week against Kilmersdon as a replacement for Matt Meredith, who as the youngest member of the side announced his retirement from cricket. Matt said he will continue to attend nets to keep himself in shape, which invited some rather uncalled for remarks. John Skinner won £10 on the football scratchcard with Southampton.

To view the scorecard please click on the link:http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=239013

Grendels fixture washed out

Pitter patter, pitter patter, pitter patter, pitter patter.

Sixth game out of eleven without a ball being bowled!

Only five games left!

Down and Out in Failand and Portbury

Steve Down racked up his highest score this season, but it was not enough to save Failand against young and enthusiastic opposition.

On a lovely batting track, Chew Stoke elected to bat upon winning the toss, which was no surprise. Steve Fear, Failands' caught and bowled specialist, took the first wicket in his usual manner, but thereafter Chew Stoke took the initiative, adding the runs at will. At the Robinsons 99p orange squash break, the visitors were 99 for 1, and looking good. John Meredith forced an error from Kyle Bradley after a fine 51, and spin twin Steve Down reduced the opposition to 134 for 3. New batsman Hooper hit both of the first two balls he faced for six, and added a further four sixes and two fours in a quickfire 51, which ripped the heart out of Failands brief revival. Steve Pursey, sensing a wicket, re-introduced himself into the attack and bowled an off side line to the two leg side scoring batsmen, both falling to excellent stumpings by Dick Whittington. Steve took a further two wickets, and along with a run out by Jamie Fear, plus a wicket each for the father-son combo, Chew stoke appeared to be restricted to 250, except a late flurry saw them to 267. Failands' fielding at times seemed geriatric, especially when compared to the youthful Chew Stoke.
Steve Down supplied an excellent tea, which included scones with strawberries and cream.
In reply Failand stuttered along to 23 for 3 after just 7 overs. Scott Meredith and Steve Down amassed an essential 101 partnership, but after Scott departed, having scored 52 very important runs, the run rate slowed up. Steve Down tried his hardest to advance the scoring rate and eventually fell for 84, but once he was out the game was effectively over for Failand. Matt Meredith and Jamie Fear played out the closing overs, but never threatened the visitors total.
It was decided in the bar after the game that Steve Down should supply the teas for the rest of the season.
Chew Stoke came out easy winners, and deservedly so. They fielded, batted and bowled better and are appreciated by Failand for always providing decent opposition in hard fought (usually close) games.
For full scorecard details visit:http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/content/view.asp?id=10072919&cid=218&tid=14&referer=&fixture=&team=38044

Bristol Pakistanis cancel fixture

Due to wedding commitments of a number of their players, Bristol Pakistanis cancelled their game with Failand on Monday. This would have been a difficult, although by no means impossible, away game for us, so the 4 points we will recieve is a welcome bonus. Our league season thus far reads

9 matches

2 wins

2 losses

1 opposition cancelled (4 points)

4 games cancelled through weather

20 points

Chew Stoke at home next week.

Whacked off the tracks by Flax

Despite another century by Scott Meredith, the Failands' third xi failed in their bid to rise up the table and to be considered serious contenders for promotion. Backwell Flax won the vital toss, and predictably asked Failand to bat on a green top. The wicket played better than expected, but was very slow early on. Scott and Paul Bachelor put on 72 for the first wicket in 22 overs, and a further 114 for the second wicket with younger brother Matt. The total of 218 for 2 gave the bowlers something to bowl at, but against a side including the NS league leading scorer with over 500 runs this season and on a drying wicket, it was not going to be enough unless the bowlers excelled, which they didn't.

Tim Martin, that very same leading scorer, added further to his tally with an unbeaten chanceless 106, especially brutal square of the wicket. Scott Meredith captured the only wicket to fall in the Flax reply, but the visitors had 110 on the board at this stage with plenty of overs left. Failand badly needed another wicket, but the bowling deteriorated and the fielding deteriorated and heads slumped.

After the game some uneaten cheese sandwiches were thrown on to the pavillion roof in a ritual that is believed to bring luck to the team. Tradition has it that ham sandwiches are luckier, but unfortunately these had all been eaten.

For full scorecard please visit :http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10066632

For the latest league table click on the link below

http://nscl.play-cricket.com/leaguetables/divisionTable.asp?id=2203&seasonID=6

Bears flatten Thirds.

Bear Flat 218 ao - Failand 3rds 158 for 8

After winning the toss, Bear Flat 2nds set off at a scorching pace, reaching 136 for 1 at the 20 over drinks break, on a large ground which tested the stamina of Failands veterans. Mike Colbeck scored a stylish 85, but it was not a chanceless innings, and if any of the difficult chances had stuck there may have been a different outcome. Nevertheless Failand stuck to their mission, rotated the bowling, and the last 9 wickets fell for 65 runs, all bowlers cashing in and Dick making another excellent stumping.

Alas, despite Paul Bachelor(27) and Matt Meredith(23) seeing off the Bears opening attack, when Paul was run out by a direct hit, the ask was 153 off the last 20 overs. Although not an impossible task, the rearranged middle order collapsed as Dick hunted high and low for his glasses. It was hurtfully suggested that he bat without them. The Fear father and son combo, a bespectacled Dick and a first bat of the season for Phil Dungey gave the score some respectability, but in truth the victory margin was easier for Bear Flat than the scores suggested.
In the bar after the game John Meredith was presented with his player of the year award for 2004, in appreciation of a batting average of 45 as well as the leading wicket taker.
For full scorecard visit www.fpcc.play-cricket.com and click on results.

Phew what a scorcher - glad we won the toss.

With temperatures in the early 90s, this was definitely a toss to win for Failands' seven over 50s. Youngster Scott Meredith batted for 38 overs to score a masterful 136, including 17 fours and 4 sixes. As an indication of Scotts' dominance, the remaining batsmen managed only 58 between them, although there were 39 extras in the score of 233 for 6. Scott scored freely on either side of the wicket, and his partnership with his father John was worth 84. Johns' fathers day present was to be run out by his son, but it was a worthy sacrifice as Scott scored another 30 runs before exaustingly attempting yet another mighty hit and being bowled. Jamie Fear bought his father a pint of fine ale in the Plume of Feathers after the game.
Pete Holdaway led the reply with a spirited knock of 60, but Failand kept the pressure on to take wickets at regular intervals, each wicket making Barrows' chances of winning less likely. Phil Dungey snared 2 wickets and he was ably supported by Steve Fear, who bowled an economic spell. Jamie Fear, back from injury, and John Meredith picked up three wickets each before Steve Pursey mopped up the tail to give Failand a deserved win and remain unbeaten in the league this season.

For full scorecard go to

http://fpcc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=10063542
Steve Pursey - 20/06/05 0

Scott Meredith scores 136 to lead Failand to 56 run victory over Barrow.

Report to follow soon, but full scorecard and report can be viewed at www.fpcc.play-cricket.com

Do you ever get fed up with computers?

Well I do. Having written a comprehensive review of the third team game against OD CUACO, which was lost by 16 runs incidentally, I posted it on this site and it was there for 24 hours if anyone was lucky(?) enough to read it. I pressed a button as I wished to edit out an error and it deleted the lot. So, I am not going to write it all again, highlights were

Phil Dungey 7-1-22-1

Jonas Williiams 7-1-15-1

Scott Meredith 4.5-0-31-3 and 67

Paul Bachelor 55

John Meredith an aggressive 33*

John Skinner an outstanding one handed catch

Wendy Bachelor and Margaret Whittington a fine BBQ.

Low points were

Steve Pursey a lack of restraint

Chris Smith's abysmal run continues

Darren Nash just couldn't find the spot

Thirds foiled by the weather again.

So the 4th game out of 5 possible is ruined by the weather. This is a disastrous start to the season, but at least Failand are not losing home advantage. There are no real positives as the next league game is not until 19th June, and due to a lack of match practice, captain Steve Pursey urges his team to try and attend nets to at least try and find some form and suggests players make themselves available Saturday as well as Sunday to get a better chance of a game.

Failand avoid ducks at Slimbridge

On a pitch with uneven bounce, Failands' total of 150 was always likely to be enough, as long as the bowlers did their job. Paul Bachelor (18) and Dick Whittington (30) took the score to 63 for 1 at the halfway stage, and further contributions from Steve Pursey (20) and John Meredith (26*) plus a generous donation of 41 extras helped Failand to 150 after 40 overs.

The bowlers shared the wickets between them, although Phil Dungey was unlucky not to pick up any. Paul Duffy was the star bowler, taking 3 wickets his outswingers, including the prize scalp of the Slimbridge skipper Steve Gallagher who was their most threatening batsman.

Sid Mistry hit the stumps with direct hits 3 times out of 3, twice achieving run outs.

An enjoyable pint was taken at the Tudor Arms at Shepherds Batch, where 'Sparky' won the football scratchcard with Chester.

Thirds move to top of the table.

Grendels 2nd x1 were Failands' fourth opposition this season. Winning the toss, Captain Steve Pursey decided to field as threatening clouds hovered above. 1.5 overs later it rained, then it stopped and everyone returned to the centre to continue, but then it rained again. It stopped raining briefly so as everyone could walk around with their hands in their pockets, passing on metrological observations to anyone that was interested. Then it rained again and at 2.50pm everyone had a cup of tea. It was at this point that the groundsman, a man who appeared to have little humour, entered the room and informed everyone that the game was 'off'. This ruined any prospect of further play. Oh well, 2 points are better than none and Failand now sit proudly at the top of division 5a, as yet unbeaten. With only one league game in the next 3 weeks though, the other teams have a chance to catch up.

3RDS PULL OFF LATE WIN
Chew Stoke provide a close game year after year, and invariably come out on top. This year Failand bucked that trend in an exciting game, that could have gone either way.

Chew Stoke needed 12 runs from 8 overs with 4 wickets in hand, but 2 wickets apiece for Steve Pursey and Scott Meredith with some excellent back-up fielding, resulted in the home side falling 6 runs short.

After losing the toss, Failand batted first. Scott Meredith and Paul Bachelor laid a solid foundation, and at the halfway stage a target of 200+ was in sight with John Parfitt getting the better of the bowling. But a middle order collapse saw Failand collapse from 114 for 2 to 134 for 8. Dick Whittington and Paul Duffy tcok the score to a respectable 156 by playing cautiously, and these runs transpired to be essential.

Phil Dungey and Paul Duffy both bowled economic opening spells. Despite some ropey bowling, Steve Pursey managed to take 4 vital wickets, but it was Scott Meredith with the last 2 wickets in 2 balls and a well held catch in the covers that ensured victory for Failand.

CLOSE VICTORY FOR THE THIRDS V LONGNEY

Bob Andrews is back. After a year off through injury, Bob sent a message to all Failands' rivals with an 8 over spell of guile and cunning and marvellous figures of 3 for 10. Darren Nash also produced an economic spell despite a wayward 1st over. Longney scored 174 for 6 in their alotted overs with half centuries from Watt and Harvey.

In reply Bob Sheppard led the way with 32, but at 64 for 4 the game tilted in Longneys' favour. John Parfitt(48) and Steve Down(22) made sure that Failand stayed on top taking the score to 140. Although wickets continued to fall, John Meredith stayed calm to see Failand home with 3 balls to spare.

Longney must be thanked for their hospitality, because besides a wonderful tea which included some smashing home made cakes, they also came up trumps in the Anchor Inn at Epney, where sausages and chips and samosas were laid on for the lads.

FIRST LEAGUE GAME IS ON SATURDAY 23RD APRIL

The captains' thoughts on this rainy evening, having just watched a prediction for snow on the normally accurate BBC weather forecast, is who will be playing in the first home game against Bristol Pakistanis scheduled for just 17 days time.

And then he thought that he'd have another whisky, watch Questiontime and go to bed. But then he thought, NO, he must let other third team players know that preference will be given in this first game to players that have helped prepare the ground and facilities for this first fixture, and players attempting to capture some sort of form at the nets which have been held since January. Incidentally an additional indoor net has been arranged for Tuesday 12th April, normal time and place.

There are also friendlies arranged for the 16th and 17th April - if you want to play let me know. A players get-together is planned for Thursday 14th April at 8.00p.m. at the pavillion, where players old and older can have a chat and a pint of beer and hear expectations for the forthcoming season. A large turnout is anticipated.

See you soon!

North Somerset (3rd) XI Captain's Report 2004

Playing all our games on a Sunday made selection simple. In a bid to ensure all club members were able to have a game, it was thought sensible to pick the 3rds first, starting with the oldest club member and work downwards, with the youngest members playing in the firsts. On the weeks that Keith Greenidge was unavailable it was sometimes possible to select a player under 40 years of age.

Unfortunately the young Ivor Chivers was badly injured in a car crash after only 3 games and was replaced behind the stumps by the slightly younger Dick Whittington, but on a positive note the average age was reduced to 52.4. Had it not been for the very young (still in short trousers young) Tony Bamber and the even younger Charlie Walker (only just out of nappies) the average age would have been even higher.

To win eight games out of sixteen was a reflection of the guile and cunning of the Failand veterans.

We batted first in 7 games, with an average score of 217 and won four times. We bowled first in the remaining 9 games and restricted the opposition to an average 177, but only managed to win 4 times. Some of our losing games were very close and we gave most teams a good game with the exception of runaway leaders Parveez Iqbal and a Chew Stoke team that turned up with two first team 'ringers'.

The coming season: 2005

Winter nets finish on 5th April 2005 (8.00pm to 9.30 pm at The Downs School) and then there will be outdoor nets at the ground to further prepare for the new season. This year we will still be a 'Sunday orientated' team, with just two Saturday league games (both in September) and fixtures (league and friendly) every week from 16th April to 3rd September 2005.

We will be revisiting most of the teams we played last year, with the exception of the promoted Parveez, Downend and Hampset. These will be replaced by Bristol Pakistanis, Grendels and Bear Flats 2nds. There will also be a number of attractive friendly fixtures including against Slimbridge CC (A) and Badminton CC (A).

If you wish to view any of last seasons fixtures, have a look at the stats etc. or look at the comprehensive review of the 3rd xi 2004 season, visit www.fpcc.play-cricket.com for further information.

Steve

New safety guidance on the wearing of cricket helmets by young players

The England and Wales Cricket Board has issued new safety guidance on the wearing of cricket helmets by young players. It is recommended that a helmet is worn by young players when batting and when standing up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard cricket ball in matches and in practice. A young player should not be allowed to bat or to stand up to the stumps when keeping wicket without a helmet against a hard ball except with written parental consent. Coaches, teachers, managers and umpires should always ensure that a young player wears a helmet if this written parental consent has not been received. Players should regard a helmet with a faceguard as a normal item of protective equipment when batting against a hard ball, together with pads, gloves and, for boys, an abdominal protector (box). There is a British Standard (BS7928:1998) for cricket helmets and it is in the best interests of players to ensure that their helmet confirms to this standard.

The ECB is recommending that this guidance is followed by all players up to the age of 18. It applies to young players in adult cricket as well as to all junior cricket played with a hard cricket ball.

The ECB is requesting that the new guidance is communicated to the parents or guardians of all young players through clubs and schools, and that parental consent is always obtained before young players are allowed to bat or stand up to the stumps when keeping wicket against a hard ball without wearing a helmet.

ECB Cricket Department
February 2003

PERSONAL CONDUCT: RULE 21
21. As members of a "family" club in which both ladies and children participate actively, and as members of a cricket club with a very long tradition it is expected that behaviour off the field shall be courteous, supportive and moderate, and that behaviour and turn out on the field shall be:
(a) subject to the Captain's leadership;
(b) in the best interests of cricket as a sporting game.