Octopus CC vs Ivanhoe – 7th May 2023

A particularly late season start for Ives, following a rain soaked Spring; this match was a bonus following the rain of previous days and the forecast for the following day.

Returning to Ally Pally where a victory was achieved in the previous August, the pitch was a very different prospect this time – surprisingly playable but not exactly dry.  Put in openers Kenchington and Collins faced the worst conditions with the ball hooping around – too much, in fact, to catch an edge, though both survived difficult dropped catches. Progress seemed slow, but they ground out an opening partnership of 103, in about 21 overs, before a self-inflicted run out changed the game. Collins (39) was soon followed by Kenchington (52), leaving Parnell R as the only other batsman to reach double figures. 1st injury of the day occurred during the opening stand when umpires Loveday and Prasad returned to the pavilion, and a cockapoo (or was it a large Chihuahua?) sensing Prasad’s fear, decided to take lumps out of the RSPCA animal whisperer Loveday who bravely, as in a Monty Python sketch , declared it was a” a mere scratch”. The second injury followed quickly with Abrahamson running into a fielder and rising from the horizontal, bloodied but unbowed.

 From 154-3 Ives managed a spectacular CC (catastropic collapse) to 158 – all out – yes that is 7 wickets in 4 runs. John Loveday and Prasad’s resort to pre innings Peroni resulted in the grand total of 1 run (though to be fair Prasad managed a one ball not out).

Then came Ts -– a superb tea provided by Octopus – a rare and much appreciated delight. But tea did lead to the 3rd “injury”: on the weekend that King Charles gained a crown, Collins lost one on a salad sandwich – possibly the least of the 4 injuries, but also possibly the most expensive!

Ives began the second half looking rusty with too many full tosses from Saqib and leg side deliveries from Prasad, which keeper Brooks athletically leapt upon impressively. Saqib did encourage two thick edges which flew to Parnell P at gully, the second of which, whilst it could count as a dropped catch, also resulted in the departure of said fielder to A and E where an impressively broken digit was revealed as a “proper job”. Luckily the injury count stopped there at 4. We were grateful to Manny, from Octopus, who efficiently and helpfully fielded as a sub for 20 overs.

Change bowlers improved things with T taking 3 wickets in all, including a played on by John who was striking bad balls for 4 with ease. With Octopus 3 wickets down, a victory looked possible, but the 4th wicket pair each scored half centuries, initially accumulating slowly, but increasing their tempo superbly.  Some credit was taken as Ives took more wickets with 2 catches taken in the safe hands of Kenchington, along with superb fielding by skipper Parnell R.  Parnell C and Parnell T, also, can take credit from their reliable fielding. A second spell from Saqib proved better and brought a catch – put down by Collins. In the end Octopus took a 4 wicket victory in a good and enjoyable match, but Ives know they can do better and must aim to reverse the result at home to Octopus on August 27th.

Author: R Collins

Nets – 8th March 2023

Snow on the ground, hot and sticky conditions at the nets – who says the cricket season looms on the horizon? Only 4 brave, hardy and committed souls managed to overcome the conditions and make it to what turned out to be a test of fire and brimstone…

Somehow we lost track of time and went well over our allotted hour, but that was all for the good as all four batters saw a lot of bowling, and the bowlers really started getting into a rhythm. It was awesome to see Phil P coming in off the long-run and sending the ball whistling past one’s nose at high pace, good movement and accuracy…the opposition should be warned of another prong to the pace attack!

It was great to see Explorer Bob Collins, back from his European sojourn…and he looked like not a minute had passed since his last bat as he was back in the groove very quickly, nurdling and nudging it around. John’s front foot movement saw him getting down the pitch and looked comfortable and Phil P just smashed it to all parts, treating the bowing with disdain.

Despite our best efforts to concentrate on what we were doing, we were agog as the batter in the net facing the bowling machine was confidently coming forward to balls travelling at 99 miles per hour…we’ll get there soon, honest!!!

Although it was great to have an elongated batting session and as a bowler to work out plans for the batter, we’d love to see more people face the music next week!

Author: Hansi B

Nets – 1st March 2023

A new month dawned and brought out Ives in droves to the Hatfield Leisure centre. We were fortunate to have two nets once again, so there was no issue in accommodating all of us as we ease ever closer to the first ball of the season on an outdoor pitch.

The theme of the night was power batting – the crash, bang and wallop of leather on willow permeated through the air, the nets bulged with shots square and drives thumping into the back wall all evening. Both Phils and Mabs lead from the front, with Mab’s cover and straight driving something to see, as was Saqib’s unorthodox but effective technique sending the ball to all parts. From the signs of this evening, competition for runs amongst the top order will be fierce…

The furious and powerful batters did not have it all their own way though; the ball nipped around and the bat was beaten a bit, as well as the stumps being knocked back on occasion. The wily spinners gave pause to the batters, with John and Phil P often luring batters to their doom…Will and Bob will no doubt be licking their lips in anticipation of many stumpings next season! The pace bowlers success was all the sweeter given how well everyone batted; Tristan and Saqib caused problems and really ramped up their speed as the evening wore on.

A great time was had by all, and all 9 had a decent bat and good bowl, testing both skills and fitness that all passed!

Author: Hansi B

Nets with Ivanhoe Cricket Club

Nets – 8th Feb 2023

 

Nets with Ivanhoe Cricket ClubThe second iteration of Ivanhoes 2023 net sessions was another brilliant evening. 8 intrepid souls ventured out in the sun zero conditions to hone their skills…and what skills were on display. 

The cold weather outside belied the white hot atmosphere as again the Ives utilized two nets to give everyone a decent quarter hour of batting. Mabs and Bob Collins were immense (as usual, lots of runs expected from these two), Tristan batted well in anticipation of going on tour, Will showed great improvement and Saqib’s  improvisation needed to be seen to be believed! The ball was regularly thumping off the wall straight behind the bowlers!

Ciaran, Hansi & Saqib worked up some decent pace & tested the batters. Standing behind all the seam bowlers it was evident the ball is coming out well & moving in the air…here’s hoping that will be replicated in a match! John is no doubt taking inspiration from spinners’ performances in the sub-continent and wishing for a raging turner as his bag of tricks had a few batters tied up in knots. 

Again an excellent evening, great preparation for the forthcoming season…see you next time!

Author: Hansi B

Nets – 1st Feb 2023

First net session of the season – start as you mean to go on!

9 brave souls ventured out on a freezing evening for the first of Ivanhoe’s net sessions of 2023. Fortunately, although only one lane had been booked there was a spare we overflowed into and two batters were facing the music all evening. As we had two lanes, everyone that batted enjoyed about 15 minutes each whilst the bowlers were able to get into a rhythm and provide a stern examination.

Many people seemed to not have any time off during the dark and cold winter months and picked up where they left off last season, batting and bowling very well…if this continues and the few who were getting back into the groove show the same uptick in performance as last year, Ivanhoe should be a force to be reckoned with!

Mabs and Phil P were batting with great authority, exhibiting powerful strokes and looking utterly in control and unflustered by swing, seam and spin.  Ciaran, Peter and Saqib provided trial by pace and fury, regularly sending stumps flying. John is no doubt looking for revenge against Saqib who certainly had his number, Jess will once again relish bowing to Saqib and knock him over (again) and Will shall keep up the excellent progress he made over the hour.

Here’s to the next session – the intensity will no doubt be knocked up another notch! A gentle reminder to those attending, please arrive before 9 so we can start on the dot and give everyone the longest time batting.

Author: Hansi B.

Octopus CC vs Ivanhoe CC – 28th Aug 2022

A time game in the shadow of Alexandra Palace, Ives completed the double against a team we have lost to in the past. Bravely choosing to bat first, skipper Collins sent in Abramson Snr (after a long Commonwealth Games enforced absence) and Mabs (who rarely gets to bat these days!). One of those choices paid off with Earle receiving the direst of shooters early on. Mabs went from strength to strength with useful partnerships with the Parnell boys (P and S). Runs came at a good pace, around 5 per over but the boundaries were short and 200 seemed the minimum required, so when Mabs departed for an invaluable 72, the score of 121- 5 left the game on a knife edge and the tail enders with work to do. At this point Abrahamson Jr, playing his first innings for Ives, settled in and despatched the first of many boundaries to come. As he departed in came a new budding all-rounder, called John Loveday (the bowler of the same name is no more). He showed application and aggression and was determined to record another not out, but fell in the last over before the declaration, for 27, leaving Collins marooned on 49 NOT OUT!

With 208-7 after 41 overs, Ives had the overs they needed to complete the job, and in the end completed a win in 37 overs (with 4 left to bowl). However victory was only achieved through excellent all round fielding (especially Abramhamson Jr and Parnell T Jr on the boundaries, and Will behind the stumps) and teamwork and some outstanding individual performances. It was clear that Octopus had 2 danger men. Their opener, John, was targeted successfully by the rapid Oakley who bowled a mean and penetrating spell, and was unlucky to only take the 1 (but key) wicket. The second danger man, played fluently and effortlessly until a misjudged shot spiralled over and beyond Loveday who managed to pull off an amazing and possibly match winning catch. With Parnell T Jr bowling a most useful opening spell including a wicket, Saqib bowling 11 controlled overs and picking up 2 wickets in one over, Loveday taking another and Earle keeping things tight, Octopus looked I trouble , but well placed to access a draw… until Mabs appeared .. and took 5 for 8 – a superb spell to ensure Ives enjoyed a great game and a win to boot.

And not to forget – a superb tea provided by Octopus – a rare and much appreciated delight.

Author: R Collins

Theydon Bois CC vs Ivanhoe CC – 31st July 2022

Oh sing of the brave travellers, of Rich and Will, John and Steve, Venky and Vijay, Tristan and Prasad, Bob, Phil and Hansi who journeyed into Essex to take on Theydon Bois on a sun-baked and gently rolling ground…at least that’s what everyone found second time around as the postcode lead to an allotment…something the bowlers would have enjoyed but the batters might have complained about!

Having won the toss, the Ives padded up to take first use of the straw coloured pitch under sweaty and humid skies…the conditions were tempered by a breeze that oscillated between a zephyr and bluster, aiding movement through the air.

Bob and Hansi opened up, with Hansi exploring the edges of his bat whilst Bob striking many a leg-side boundary before a direct hit from distance left Bob watching on as Hansi was stranded. A few balls had reared but the first one that kept low scuttled Steve. Rich smote a couple of exquisite boundaries before he was dismissed then Phil got one that spun and spat at ankle height to bowl him.

Tight bowling was the order of the day as Will aided in the rebuild, as both batted serenely with occasional boundaries. Will surpassed his highest score before an edge popped up and the keeper bounded forward to effect the catch, and a frantic last couple of overs saw runs and wickets, including Bob sacrificing himself in a suicidal run in the final over.

The final total of 156 was built around Bob’s 76 but the general feeling was Ivanhoe had a chance but another 20-25 runs would have been a really challenging chase.

Tristan and Prasad opened the bowling, with T taking clean bowling one of the openers but boundaries aplenty put Ivanhoe behind the eight ball.  The bumpy outfield caused mishaps in the field but the beguiling and bedevilment the pitch had occasionally thrown up when the Ives batted was absent…Until Rich came steamed in off the long run and several exploded off a length.

Perhaps it was the fuller length Ivanhoe bowled than Theydon, but in contrast the run scoring areas were very different as down the ground was Theydon’s most productive area.

John got his customary wicket with a big turning straight one to add some pressure and slow the run rate down and Hansi bowled 8 tight overs on the trot.  After going at the best part of 5 per over things tightened up at around 25 overs. A couple of late wickets brought Ivanhoe back into the game, albeit as outsiders. It was probably a little too late to really impart pressure on Theydon, as too few runs were needed with many overs remaining. A last couple of hurrahs took the wickets tally to 7 before the winning boundary was struck.  

A great game that came to an end as the sun sank low, bruises from odd bounces in the field were forgotten as all and sundry retired to the clubhouse for a chat and enjoy the last few minutes of the Football.

Man of the Match – Bob C

Author – Hansi B

Ivanhoe CC vs Ley Hill CC – 26th June 2022

Always a treat to return to hospitable Ley Hill, and even better to be in midsummer and not just the end of season September weather lottery – and to think this author played a season for them in 1980! And even better was that a very acceptable tea was on the menu – how times change for this to be a special treat.

Having won the toss with a team better suited to bowling Ivanhoe elected to field. With Ley Hill at 100 in less than 15 overs this did not look like the best decision, even though Peter Oakley had bowled 6 economical overs, with figures of 6.3.18.1. At this point Oakley almost took a spectacular catch, but ended up with a ripped nail and hand, medical attention, early bath, no tea and no further participation in the match – kindly Ley Hill provided a sub fielder and, later, a replacement, young Luke Bell, who bowled and batted. The extremely talented and aggressive Henry Sussum (Bucks under 23s) swiftly made his way to 48 before Prasad returned for a second spell to bowl him – a key wicket. Meanwhile young opener Ted Sussum progressed to a well-judged half century.

Ley Hill progressed swiftly and smoothly to 157-3, before Brooks calmly ran out the wily and experienced McHugh (26). It was then Tristan time. Parnell junior bowled his 5 overs for 30 runs and took 4 wickets, one courtesy of the usual juggling family of Parnells – in this case his Dad. Six wickets fell for 28 and it was only a last wicket stand of 24 that took Ley Hill to 209 all out with 15 balls unused. Catches by sub Bell and Loveday, a stumping by Kenchington and a further run out by T Parnell completed a good performance and  ensured a much lower total than looked likely earlier. GOAT Loveday had bowled economically near the death with 5 overs 1 for 10, before Hausler eventually got his first wicket to end the innings.

Ivanhoe’s reply began with a surprisingly quick cameo of 24 from skipper of the day Collins, before Kenchington, after a slow start, settled in, mixing solid defence with outright aggression to form the backbone of Ivanhoe’s reply. Ably supported by Parnell P, Bell and Brooks, wickets fell regularly and Ivanhoe found themselves 116-4 in the 23rd over. With regular rabbit, Loveday, joining Kenchington the game looked over, but Kenchington progressed to a superb 80 (his second highest score for Ives) and, with Loveday, put on 52 for the 5th wicket. Loveday was no 2019 Leach – he overcame the shock of batting at 6 and soon went beyond his previous top score of 26 not out, and with Hausler took Ivanhoe beyond 200. Loveday reached 43 not out (strike rate over 87 and included a 6 – admittedly to the shortest of boundaries) and a famous victory was achieved with 2 balls to spare.

A great team effort which also included sound fielding from Parnell C and Saqib, the game leaves the question of where will Loveday bat next week?

With MOM still to be decided there are a wealth of candidates, including Kenchington, Loveday and Parnell T.

On a final note – good to see Ives legend Andy Christie (plus dog) circling the boundary and filming Ives’ heroics!

Author: Bob C

Ivanhoe CC vs Haddenham CC – 19th June 2022

Bravely the delegation from Ivanhoe proceeded to the outskirts of Amersham to take on Haddenham, in a fixture that is new to the rota – but will surely become a regular fixture.

Sometimes a game of cricket can be determined by a moment of luck, outrageous skill or the weather…this game certainly had all of these elements! Luck (bad for Ives) in losing the toss and being put into bat on a brown and damp pitch, outrageous skill in Rich receiving another candidate for ball of the season to be bowled comprehensively…and weather in the pitch improving remarkably over the course of the day.

Bob and Phil K opened up, striding determinably to the crease…several boundaries behind square from Bob had the watchers relaxing and worries over the pitch subsiding. What folly such thoughts proved to be as Phil was bowled of an under edge from a ball that didn’t come up, Bob following suit shortly afterwards and panic setting in. Rich was beaten all ends up by one that angled in a long way before swinging away late – an excellent delivery under any circumstances! Scoring became very slow, with a semi-repair job performed by Phillip Parnell and Hansi who scored slowly but were relatively untroubled. Then the pitch’s demons reared their ugly head once again…but not from conventional lengths and lines – almost the worse the ball, the more it did (sadly when bowling, Ivanhoe did not adopt the tactic of bowing badly to cause consternation, maybe a lesson to learn for the future!). Some last minute thrashing from the lower order (John deserves mention for his hitherto for highest score) took the total to something approaching respectability before being all out.

With the ball, Prasad continued his role as miser-in-chief conceding very few from his opening and second spells, Andrew taking 4 wickets and good fielding all around left Haddenham in a spot of bother. Hopes were raised as run-scoring was at a premium, accurate bowling and the pitch looming large in everyone’s heads and a spark charged Ivanhoe. Sadly this was extinguished by some classy batting from the 6th wicket partnership that carried Haddenham home.

A classic game of two halves, that rested on a few key moments but played in the utmost spirit and friendship ended under clear skies with warm handshakes all round.

Author: Hansi B

Ivanhoe CC vs North Weald – 29th May 2022

Ives batted first on a decidedly shaggy pitch, with Bob Collins and Philip K demonstrating exquisite timing, power batting and consummate ease in putting on 70 for the opening wicket…the opposition were crying out Nero’s legion to descend and lay waste to the ground to put them out of their misery, such was the command of the openers. A fast start was the ground for the fear and mayhem that derailed North Weald’s bowling; 24 runs were smote in the first two overs before some semblance of line and length was experimented with by the bowlers…. There was talk, given the lack of wicket taking deliveries, of the openers remaining unbeaten throughout the innings…the aforementioned tightening of the bowling slowed the scoring rate, as the game ebbed for a few overs until the unthinkable happened…a wicket fell! As ever, one wicket changed the complexion of the game as Bob’s dismissal caused a degree of consternation in all the other batters, which was exacerbated by the fall of Phil (stumped for a majestic 58). 70 without loss descended to 115 for 6 with single figure scores the order of the day. A sheen was put on the innings thanks to two sumptuous boundaries from Will Brooks as he was only the third batter to get into double figures.

In reply, North Weald never really got going – another excellent bowling performance that gave very little away, coupled with a lack of endeavour meant the asking rate climbed alarmingly and nothing was easy to score off. Venky bowled excellently with 1-17 off 7, Prasad continued his miserly season with 1-12 from 7 and Saqib 1-19 off 7 throttled the life from them. 112-4 was all North Weald could muster, leaving Ivanhoe the deserved winners. Hats off to all from a great effort.  

Author: Hansi B