Philip

First home game of season always takes extra organisation, collecting together everything needed, so thanks to all for helping out, with Richard sourcing the urn and boundary markers and Adrian delivering the tea pot. Even the club kit was remembered.

On a rock hard surface North Weald elected to bat in a time game. Skipper, Parnell R, gave the bowlers short spells, as there was little in the pitch for them, and change was the greatest challenge to the batsmen. The bowling and fielding were of a high standard (despite missing 4 difficult catches) and after one opener finally departed, having scored a half century, the scoring rate was reduced by particularly economical bowling from debutant Poynton (6-1-11-1) and Parnell R (6-2-7-2). The other bowlers were also successful with Hausler (14-2-44-2) and Prasad (11-4-21-2) bowling 2 spells each  and Loveday having his most successful spell since joining the club (8-0-35-1), bowling a little quicker and seeing a proper leg spinner’s wicket caught by keeper Kenchington. Unable to bowl North Weald out they declared on 145-8 after 48 overs.

Tea went down very well, thanks to John Loveday who came up trumps by volunteering and setting a high culinary standard complete with catering health and safety certificate (allegedly).

The Ivanhoe reply was dominated by Kenchington at number 3, after Poynton (13) departed after showing clear potential. Kenchington selected shots wisely and punished anything wide, having the power and timing to reach the boundary regularly. He was rewarded with an invaluable half century (57), and it was perhaps inevitable that his departure changed the game in North Weald’s favour. Parnell S (22) kept things going with at the loss of his wicket went the chances of an Ivanhoe win. The 8^th wicket fell with 9 balls remaining. Parnell C calmly played out the penultimate over, before Prasad, rashly took a single on the 2^nd ball of the last over. Chris was caught next ball, leaving 3 balls to go. Earlier in the innings Parnell P had gone down as if struck by a sniper’s bullet, and had to withdraw for specialist calf treatment from Abrahamson. Suitably bound up, he returned at the death, as only a former captain and leading club officer could. Rather superfluously his brother entered the fray as a runner! The tension rose, the feet were not moving, but the bat was classically angled down with soft hands and Ivanhoe emerged with a draw at 123-9, having received 36 overs (12 less than North Weald).

Overall encouraging, but the batting, with some exceptions, let us down on a blameless track, though credit should also go to the opposition bowlers. Last year we had beaten North Weald by c 90 runs, and this time they played much better and, as before, in absolutely the right spirit, a fixture to hold onto, cherish and enjoy.

Bob C.

This was originally a Tour fixture for the Tour that never was. So after meeting for a pleasant Brunch at Newmarket we headed to  the outskirts of the village of Reach where our opponents relatively new Cricket Field was located. The field was sat in a patch of National Trust land, surrounded by  recent plantings of fruit and traditional trees. The ground was flat and windy, with a telegraph pole within the field, and lacked a Clubhouse. The pitch was rock hard and pock marked with a thin cover of green grass and promised to provide some challenge to batsmen.

Reach batted first. The bowling was opened by Richard (2-46) and Ciaran with an economical and fiery (managing to bruise Reach’s openers) spell of 1-24. Wickets from Andrew, John Loveday (First for club), and a welcome return from Max (1-19) made some progress at slowing their Innings before we had an excellent spell from Matt of 4-13 which ended the Reach Innings at 197. Ciaran starred in the field with 4 decent catches in the outfield. Phil.K performed a brave job behind the stumps and suffered much bruising caused by the variable bounce of the pitch.

So a gettable target and after a pleasant Tea, Ives started our innings. Bob and Phil.K fell cheaply before Richard, with an excellent knock of 60 (with his typical batch of 13 boundaries) was aided by Matt (26) and Ciaran (23). Chris P was elevated to the middle order and did not disappoint by swatting the ball round the field for 4 runs. The match see-sawed with Ives at times looking certain to win before late wickets in a second spell from their quickish opening bowler stopped us in our tracks. Phil.P (24) batted solidly at the end but was left without partners after Max and Andrew were out.

So an exciting but in the end disappointing result but a lot of fun had by all with drinks with the friendly opposition at the “Dykes End” (hmmm – puzzling choice of name for the village pub!).

Andy H.

This was a last minute arranged match due to Coopersale cancelling on us; Potten End were stronger than us but
promised to “make a match of it”. Sometimes  in Cricket Parlance that means the opposition will somewhat limit the Batting practise that their
first team Batsmen get. So we weren’t annihilated, instead we were beaten convincingly.

Potten End batted first on their picturesque ground and soft wicket and reached 300. Their openers started strongly, despite two dodgy umpiring decisions in Richards first over (clear LBW, and clear Runout) but Andrew (2 -41) and Richard pegged them back slightly. However their opener (90 odd) and two 50’s from other players saw them to a large total.

Ciaran’s spell of 1 – 41 was noteworthy as was Saqibs second spell. Catching was good, especially John Loveday’s boundary fumble and catch on the second attempt.

Nice lunch was had then Ivanhoe began our Innings. Potten Ends opening bowler was quite quick off a short runup (I think Zee was expecting leg spin 😉) and ended up with 4 wickets.

After Zee’s quick departure, Matt, and Richard (20) got off to good starts with nice shots. Steven and Bob fell cheaply then with Ivanhoe struggling to reach 100 Andrew came in (29) and had a good partnership (45) with John (high score of 19!!!).

The tail wagged somewhat with Saqib and Prasad knocking 4’s but Ivanhoe finished on ~145.

Man of the match??? (My vote goes to John Loveday for 1. Annoying the hell out of their Batsman with his Banter 2. Making a wonderful catch in the outfield. 3. Getting his high score and annoying the hell out of their Bowlers with his Banter!)

Andy H.

The season finally got underway at Arkley on a day of mixed weather, and, after the recent rain, a very stodgy track. A timed game, Ives were inserted, having lost the toss.

Runs were difficult to come by, and the openers did well to blunt the opening attack, until Parnell P departed. Kenchington complemented watchful defence with some powerful blows and reached 31 before an unfortunate hit wicket dismissal. A stand between Collins and Parnell R was slow but runs were accrued, until Collins’ first aggressive shot found him caught at deep square leg for 22. Parnell R played exceptionally well, cautious but selecting the one to hit, and hit very effectively, reaching 41, before a surprise run out. The tail wagged with everyone making a contribution except for Hausler who made 0 not out, admittedly from only one ball. The declaration came at 150-8 and no one knew how that would shape as a target.

Tea went down very well and then Arkley batted, on a track that seemed a little quicker and drier, but no easier. Loveday opened the bowling and had his best, most economic spell for the club, but could not break the partnership. The openers made useful but slow progress and then stagnated at 34 with 2 wickets down. The bowling of Hausler (18 overs for 28) and Saqib (11 overs for 21) were superb and contained, whilst taking wickets as well.  Parnell R came on late and bowled well, even taking a wicket off the final ball….. unfortunately it was only the 9^th so an honourable winning draw was achieved with Arkley  c 90 -9.

Everyone contributed.. Parnell M had his first bowling spell of the season; Parnell S had lost none of his fielding finesse, though he almost came to a sticky end in a fielding collision. Our two guests, friends of Saqib, performed well after a long break from cricket, and we hope to see them on the field again soon.

All in all, a positive, enjoyable and encouraging start to the season.

Bob C.

Thanks to our enterprising and resourceful fixture secretary this last minute fixture was clutched from the ether and proved to be a jewel that will be worth keeping at all costs. Following a very eventful journey for some (including avoiding head on crashes with yellow sports cars, dodging Hare Krishna and avoiding being sideswiped on the A1) we found ourselves in the deepest wilds of northern Hertfordshire in an ideal bucolic setting (however any idea of moving there were soon discarded after a look at local house prices on Zoopla!)

Skipper won the toss but having elected to bat, a popular decision, he thought things were going wrong very quickly with the uneven bounce and some poor shots sending back the first 3 (Dancer 0, Parnell R 2, Collins 12) in 10 overs with few coming off the bat. Luckily extras supplements the score and they came in at 35, a not inconsequent amount. However repairs were don with President and Captain first absorbing the bowling and then attacking it.When Parnell P left for 20, a low total was still a real possibility, but younger sibling Stephen was the replacement and launched his innings with a grand boundary. Woodcock (63) and Parnell S (79) put on 87 together at a rapid rate and despite the loss of both before the close their run rate meant that those following (well not Christie 0). John RSPCA Loveday struck 7 * and began to realise the importance of a “not out”!! Hausler struck a six and managed to avoid being run out by Loveday’s erratic calling.

231 –7 was a fine score, and illustrated the importance of building an innings .. those that did reaped the rewards of looser bowling later on.

Prasad and Christie opened the bowling and bowled well, with Christie particularly parsimonious, but without luck .. and just a dropped catch to show for it!

Then Loveday and Dancer, the spin twins came on and, though turning the ball little, they ended with contrasting figures. Loveday (8.0.66.2) lulled top batsmen into charges and won 2 stumpings whilst Dancer kept thing very tight with 2 maidens and a caught behind. 2 run outs contributed to the decline of the Strollers with quick thinking and accurate throws to the keeper from Hausler and Parnell P. As Strollers were up with the run rate it was important to slow things down and Woodcock came on to bowl 2 batsmen spectacularly with stumps uprooted. With Hausler and Woodcock bowling accurately the run rate soared and Strollers took risks before closing at 181 All Out, 50 short.

And after the match we repaired to a fine hostelry, The Orange Tree, in Baldock and mixed with our superb hosts. For some it was a school night and an early departure was required (oh those were the days…). As the nights draw in and October arrives, this will be a venue to remember and treasure.

Bob C

Both teams struggled to put a full side out and in the end it was agreed to have an abbreviated 30 over match between the two 10 person sides,
both containing some youngsters.

The day was extremely hot with the sun beating down on Ivanhoe who fielded first.

First incident of the day was a strained thigh muscle from Andy.C, pulled while making a feeble attempt at catching a chance off Andrew.H.

(No prizes for guessing who is writing the match report!!)

After 3 early wickets from Earl (1-42) and Andrew.H (2-18), Millet (42) and “HandleBars” Ringer (78) ran us a merry chase with plenty of 6’s and 4’s.

Finally Adrian (1-55) had Millet caught in a special way involving 2 players. The ball was hit high, Phil.K bellowed “mine” and proceeded, after the ball thankfully had
velocity reduced via deflection through his hands, to head the ball, Harry Kane style, to Chris Parnell taking his first catch for 10 years!!

John Loveday provided some leg spin entertainment, replete with running commentary, with an over of Noballs, catches off Noballs, and dropped catches.

Finally the innings was wrapped up by Phil.P (2-11) and Jess Parnell who took her first wicket for the club courtesy of a one handed catch from Andy.C who clearly
was redeeming himself for that appalling early display of dismal catching. Old Citizens finished with 193.

A lovely tea was had….possibly too many scones, and cakes.

Ivanhoe batted next and whilst occasionally were on or around the required run rate, we just didn’t have the legs to get to the total, finishing on 6 – 162.

Starring with the bat were Phil.P (49), Bob “Jug Avoidance” Collins (47no), and a cameo from Andy.C (28no).

Runner up Man of the Match was Andy.C for his efforts, suffering great pain, in field and with bat!!

Girl of the Match – Jess Parnell, who saved many runs fielding effectively, almost took a brave catch from a screamer that most of us would have ducked away from, and then took her
first wicket for the Club.

On  the hottest day of the year Ivanhoe visited Wooburn Green, where the facilities were ideal, even including a shady spot under the scorer’s tree.

Skipper Woodcock won the toss and much to the joy of Ives, he elected to bat. After the early loss of Abrahamson, a second wicket stand between Parnell R and Dancer justified the captain’s decision. Progress was made until the great Ivanhoe collapse. Dancer, suffering from heatstroke (not sufficiently acclimatised following too many days away in the cold environs of Italy), got himself out for 49 (jug avoidance again…) and was followed by the middle order disappearing. Luckily last pair Hausler (24) and Prasad ensured Ives passed beyond 200 to  finish on 2015 All Out.

Narcs began briskly and maintained 6 an over for some time, but as things began to look grim for Ives Conor took an amazing one handed catch to open the flood gates.. suddenly 6 wickets were down, but the game was far from won, and  a 7th wicket partnership continued scoring at above the required rate. After an expensive start Dancer began bowling very tightly  and Parnell R and Prasad also slowed the scoring so the run rate magnified to the unattainable. With a fine catch from Parnell S the innings ended after 40 overs at 178-9, for another Ives win.

Our young opposition played the game in absolutely the right spirit and hosted us superbly, with the tea  a genuine contender for No 1 of the season.

R Collins

Again a thoroughly nice bunch of blokes to play cricket against – Rosneri being a wandering team made up from North Londoners.

Ivanhoe batted first again and scored 216 for the loss of only 5 wickets.

After a knock of 32 from Collins, M.Parnell scored 55 – his first for the club (well done Matt!!), then innings from Max (28), and S.Parnell (35 no) and Woodcock (36no) finished us off nicely.

Max was bitterly disappointed to be on the opposite end of a runout (from Ciaran) for a change.

Rosneri then batted and put up a spirited display – Peter (2-41), Andy.C (1-38) picked up wickets but the star was Ciaran (5-56)

Rosneri ending on 179! Another Win!! Man of the Match – Ciaran.

North Weald were a replacement for Arkley who pulled out being unable to get a team together.

Ivanhoe won easily enough for a change scoring 154 after batting first – Collings (42), P.Parnell (34) and Dancer (35) leading the way.

North Weald were then bowled out for 62 – Dancer (4-12), Christie (2-10), and S Parnell (2 – 0) starring.

Man of the Match would have to be Adrian!!

Opposition was a nice bunch of guys who I’m sure we would be up for playing back at their ground next season.

What a game!!

Lovely weather, lovely ground, friendly oppo with game played in right spirit, lovely tea, and really good performance from Ivanhoe with ……. a win for us!!!!

Botany Bay batted first. Andrew (1-27) and Ciaran (3-25; fantastic spell) opened. Prasad bowled really well and unlucky to finish 0-33.  Richard chimed in with a good spell of 2-25. But the star of the bowling was Max whose 4-30 included a couple of their strong batsmen!! A shame his hat trick ball lacked the finishing touch. Great fielding and 3 catches for Ciaran!

Botany Bay finished on 146 (their highest scorer the opener with 28)

So a good pitch to Bat on and Ivanhoe started confidently before Bob fell on 4. Conner (15) and Richard (21) shared good partnerships with Earl. Max somehow contrived to be runout for 0. Earl ended up runout for 44, a great knock with plenty of fine shots. And when Stephen fell for 10 we stood at 6-142 with 6 runs to get. But we staged a mini collapse with Ciaran (16) and Prasad (0) falling in quick succession before Phil (7) brought us home with fortuitous 4 run overthrow to win the game with an over and 2 wickets to spare.

Lovely! How good an experience compared to last week.