Match reports

Ivanhoe’s second away game of the season saw them visit a lovely ground at Buttonhole Lane in Finchley, for match against Belmont and Edgware. The warm summer air greeted all and sundry for a somewhat early start, as mettle was to be tested on a pitch with a lovely dome at one end that threated to bring great movement and excitement to the bowlers.

The opposition had to borrow someone from another of their teams occasionally as they were only able to find 10 players on the day, took first use of the new ball. The opening bowler marked out his run, almost pushing off the sightscreen (admittedly short straight boundary)…what a way to start a Sunday afternoon; redheaded young speedster steaming in off the long run, pitch that looked uneven…fortunately the run up didn’t quite relate to the speed the ball arrived at, and the bowling could best be descried as wayward. Phil K managed to somehow get his bat onto one so wide he needed telescopic arms and was caught, Hansi got his bat stuck in his pad whilst trying to wallop it…but all around this batting with the utmost of serenity and without any degree of consternation was Bob Collins, who was joined by Ciaran who continued his majestic form. Runs flowed freely, with many a boundary struck, singles ambled before after Bob passed 50 and somehow missed a relatively straight one.  Things were on the up as a huge 6 was hit by Rich before he received the ball of the day (angled in, moved away and hit the top of off).  The situation looked precarious and there was a risk of collapsing like a house of cards. Enter Saqib, who batted with hitherto undiscovered ease and made an utterly untroubled 35. Ciaran remained 73 not out, scoring 20+ in the last over alone! The final total of 253 looked imposing but short boundaries and a fast outfield gave cause for concern.

The Belmont innings started serenely without fuss or fast scoring, when the first wicket fell (the batter who looked languid, having scored 170 the previous week) put further brakes on the scoring. Wickets fell reasonably frequently and the scoring rate dipped well below the asking rate through a combination of tight bowling and a lack of impetus from the batters. Tight bowling made scoring difficult but the batters seemed to settle for occupying the crease and enjoying facing the bowling with runs a second thought. Prasad was utterly miserly with his bowling, conceding 9 off his full quota of overs and taking a wicket, Saqib taking 1-5, Ciaran 3-29, John chipped in with 2-15 and Rich rounding it out with 2-12.

After the game, a beverage or two was enjoyed whilst watching a close finish from Belmont’s first XI losing a contentious match on the neighbouring pitch where a last ball 6 propelled the visitors to victory – the swearing and arguing over a catch on the boundary was 6 or out…highly enjoyable!

Author: Hansi B

The rosy fingered dawn greeted the hallowed turf of Verulamium park on Sunday 8 May, ready for Ivanhoe’s first home game of the season. A flat pitch situated in the rolling, verdant fields of the tree lined and picturesque countryside, overlooked by the cathedral proved an idyllic setting to test our mettle. 

Captain Richard won the toss and elected to have first use of the conditions and exploit anything the pitch had to offer. Tristan Parnell took a wicket in his first over, dismissing Octopus’ best batsman, setting the tone for a tough day for them. Tight bowling all round as well as some demons in the pitch, mayhap remnants of the Icini’s rampage through the area, were exploited to the fullest. Hansi Baumann added a few grey hairs to the batsmen with some slamming lift and movement, finishing with 3 wickets (earned through good bowling albeit the latter two taken with some questionable balls). Some late order hitting coupled with some awful catching (at least four drops throughout the innings) yielded a competitive total of 166 for 7 after 35 overs.

The gentle slope of the outfield gave cause to the fielders and value for shots down the hill, and added a gleam to any batter’s eye…Sadly the brave Ive’s openers were overcome by the glare caused by easy runs and within moments were 3-9 before Rich entered the fray. Batting with consummate ease, occasionally showing the utmost disdain for the bowling and not a care in the world accumulated, bludgeoned and powered the game’s balance towards Ivanhoe. Ciaran, Phillip Parnell and Hansi contributed small partnerships with Rich who bestrode the innings like a colossus to remain unbowed, unbeaten and undefeated on 85.An innings of style, substance and sophistication – if only Octopus had scored a few more then he would have been raising his bat with a century. In the end, the winning runs were smote by Tristan who finished the game off in style.

Huzzah and three cheers for all, a game played in excellent spirit overlooked by the historic cathedral, verdant grasslands and toasted at the local pub.

Author: Hansi B

Under leaden skies, Ivanhoe’s 2022 season got underway at the picturesque ground in Chipperfield, as the Ives bravely took the field having been favoured by winning the toss. Drizzle in the air did not deter the plucky Ives, the cool breezes and damp outfield could not sway the brave Ives, nor could the sloping and slightly rutted outfield divert the brave Ives from commencing the season in stye.

The 35 over game was played without interruption from the weather, albeit in trying circumstances due to a lush outfield that gave next to no value for strokes.  Run-scoring was at a premium and hard running the order of the day…with nurdles and nudges making up the bulk of the scoring…along with edges off the faster bowlers – much to the chagrin of those that had charged in off 12 or more paces to see the ball disappear to third man for 4…

Chipperfield were ambling along at 3 or so an over, impressed by the excellent ground fielding (with two direct hits early doors showing the benefit of the fielding training), never quite pegged back by losing a couple of wickets. The introduction of Andrew Hauser, bowling off the short run, started a slide with two well taken wickets. Peter Oakley steamed in and showed the other fast blokes how to take wickets – a lesson Saqib took to heart all but cleaned up the tail with 4 wickets – a missed catch leaving him agonisingly short of a five wicket haul.  Chipperfield ended on 160-9, fortified by a fighting 49 before their top scorer was cut off by a combination of Phil K and Peter. The score was probably 10 runs above a par score, but well within reach.

Aside from Ciaran, who bestrode the conditions to score freely and never be inconvenienced, Ivanhoe’s batting effort was stymied by the slow outfield, good bowing and fielding. Contributions throughout the order kept the run rate in check albeit at the cost of wickets reasonably frequently.  Any runs scored were probably worth at least double on another day, and through dint of hard running Ivanhoe were always in the game.

Entering the last over, a handful of runs were needed, Ciaran in the 60’s and three wickets in hand, all three results were possible…sadly it wasn’t to be, as Ciaran was deprived of the strike and two wickets falling, Ivanhoe fell 3 runs short…an agonising result but a fitting conclusion to a great game played in excellent spirit by two evenly matched teams…

Three cheers and huzzah to the colossus that was Ciaran – Player of the Match!

Author: Hansi B

Sandon batted first in a timed game. The openers were cautious in response to excellent opening spells from Woodcock and Parnell R, but it took some time before they each claimed a wicket, not helped by dropped catches (off Parnell). Replaced by the very economical but unlucky Prasad (5.1.10.0) and Loveday who bowled a pleasing spell (7.0.33.2) which included a delightful boundary catch for Parnell R. With 4 wickets down the Sandon 5th wicket pair knuckled down and gradually increased the scoring rate as Hausler (his spin not as tight as in previous outings), Vijay and Krshna all had their moments but no outright success. With 7 bowlers already used it was back to the opening pair to draw things to a rapid conclusion , with the economical Parnell R unlucky to only have 4 wickets in his figures of 9.3.28.4. A key runout (after another dropped catch off Parnell R) by Dinaker and Kenchington P was also crucial along with 2 more wickets for Woodcock (11.1.51.3) one of which came courtesy of one sublime left handed catch at 2nd slip by skipper Collins. 2 catches by Dinaker and P Kenchington’s athleticism behind the stumps were also highlights. Sandon were bowled out for 183, and Ivanhoe can reflect on an efficient bowling and fielding performance.

Thanks to Richard and Janet for a plentiful tea, which luckily included the Kenchington “bakewells”
Club skipper had to depart early to satisfy his girlfriend, but his batting was not missed as Ives had a ready replacement in Kenchington D, and, in any case, the heavy rain came down after 7.1 overs during which time Parnell S managed a golden duck courtesy of a well taken caught and bowled by bowler Atkins, and Ives reached 14-1 with Parnell R (10) and Vijay (2) steady and watchful against accurate bowling on a testing length. We will never know how the match would have ended without the deluge, but in 3 weeks’ time the return fixture may give some idea.

Bob C

The match was played at Rickmansworth CC. Nice scenic setting with good clubhouse and bar. Pitch was hard, pockmarked with a grassy cover.

As ever my prediction of a fast pitch was completely wrong with the ball keeping quite slow and low. Ivanhoe won the toss and sent in Batchworth, who had 10 players, into bat.

They had a slow start, accelerated, then were held back towards the end for a total of 208. Their captain starred with an unbeaten 77 not out whilst their number 3 got 50.

Pick of the bowlers were Andrew with 2 – 29, Ciaran (3-30), and Richard (1-36) and Prasad, who despite not getting a wicket, continually beat the bat and ended on 0 – 30.

Newcomer Vijay got 1-55, his wicket being a good reward after finally getting his length in bowling at the death.  Phil.K  did some great work behind the stumps with 2 catches (1 was a dive in front of 1^st slip who frankly had fallen asleep) and a stumping. Dexter ran around like crazy saving numerous runs (or rather his shins doing the saving) down at fine leg or long off.

After a nice Tea, Ivanhoe set out to try to get to an above 200 target which we have continually struggled to reach this season.

The tale of our Innings was a promising fast Start (after early loss of Phil.K) with Richard (59) and Steven (24) sharing a 68 run 2^nd wicket partnership, smacking the ball to all corners of the field, before Steven (bowled) and Richard (runout) were gone. Thereafter, a famous Ivanhoe mid-order collapse of 4 batsman (only honours going to Dexter getting his first run off the first ball faced). At this point one could throw up their hands in despair of an impending thrashing …… but Vijay (40) with John Loveday (11) shared an 8^th wicket partnership of 53, and then Prasad (9….but with a first ball 6) kept our hopes alive before we finally fell short on 196 all out!!

Good game and great to see some new faces in the squad. (Credit to Prasad for organising his friends appearance!!)

Andrew H.

After a number of close losses Ivanhoe finally prospered with its first win of the season.

It was an emphatic victory. We played at Bentley Heaths lovely ground in the Wroxham Park estate.

The pitch looked a bit dodgy and so it transpired with the ball shooting up and down unpredictably for both sets of batsmen.

Bentley Heath were weaker on the day but that should not detract from our performance.

Ivanhoe batted first with temporary captain Collins (until our regular tosser Woodcock arrived) loosing the toss.

The first two partnerships of 77 (Richard a steady 37 before trigger-finger Loveday gave an lbw) and 80 (Collins 66 and Max 52) were
the foundation of our Innings with not much else to write home about (Woodcock 11 and Nathan 10).

Ivanhoe finished on 191 for 7.

Of special mention was Bobs record breaking run of 14 consecutive singles!!

After a nice Tea, Bentley Heath started their Innings.

It was finished in 26 overs, all out for 54! None of their batsmen reached double figures. Ivanhoe fielded well with 2 catches for Max and 1 for Hausler.

Best bowling for Ives were Hausler ( 3-12), Loveday ( 2-10), Woodcock (1-5) and Richard Parnell (3-13).

Man of the Match would be a close call, with Richard’s all round performance being pipped by Bobs excellent Innings and Singles record.

Andy H.

Nearly 400 runs for13 wickets: not a bad afternoon for cricket but Ives were on the wrong side of the result, a match they had not looked like losing for long periods.

On winning the toss Ives batted on a used but benign strip. Openers Abrahamson and Kenchington faced the strongest bowling of the day and both perished. Parnell R struck some useful blows but also had to go. Dancer and Woodcock made progress, but when the former departed Ives were just 60-4. Woodcock (37) and Collins, the anchor, (41*) rebuilt and took Ives past 100. Parnell M (26), at number 7, struck one over particularly savagely, and Ives passed the 175 target early. Despite losing Zee and Saqib (4) (excellent boundary drive) Ives were able to declare 10 mins early, with Loveday showing he had learned the importance of a not out, defending the last 5 balls! A total of 195-8 was the highest of the season and Ives had plenty of overs to dismiss Octopus.

Tea courtesy of Earle and the Abrahamsons went down well before Octopus found themselves 12- 2 of about 10 overs. Everything was going to plan, but the next pair dug in and it was some time before the next breakthrough. However with 20 overs to go Octopus were 5 down with over a 100 needed. Eight bowlers were used (well 7 plus Zee!), a couple of catches missed, and the 6^th wicket pair, though they looked unorthodox, got their eyes in and creamed everything, finishing with individual highest scores and winning with 3 + overs to spare.

A disappointing result against a team we should play again. With hindsight, maybe on that pitch, we should have bowled first, but batsmen like to bat and dictate the game and there were no complaints at the start. Excellent fielding by Octopus saved many runs, and we could have batted longer, but we went for the win and with everyone fully involved it was what is was – a good match! 

R Collins

After having been inserted Ivanhoe enjoyed a slow but steady opening partnership between Collins and Kenchington, against tight opening bowling. With the change of bowlers came more opportunities and Kenchington (48) took them with a number of  aggressively struck boundaries. He had to go, with the total 63, to a stunning one handed catch and Rosaneri impressed throughout with their committed, energetic and skilful fielding. Zee (13) was just warming up with a couple of fours when he also departed to an outstanding catch. Skipper Woodcock arrived and had his sights on 175+. Challenging running between the wickets followed and innings anchor, Collins (32) departed run out, after a mini mix up and an excellent throw. Woodcock continue to pummel the bowling and neared 50 before more jug avoidance got him out for 48. Dancer, on return from injury, knew the benefits of a not out, duly achieved with 25 and Hausler completed the innings with a lovely cameo, and Ives reached a pleasing 185.

After a filling Kenchington repast, Ives had the best of starts when Hausler induced the opener to play on first ball. However his first spell was not up to his usual standard and Saqib was left on at the other end bowling a great length and getting significant movement. Woodcock bowled quickly and gave the batsmen much to think about though the number 3 (“uncle”) dispatched anybody and everybody to the legside boundary Ives were grateful to see him depart for 55. Otherwise the bowling was well on top and with 20 overs to go Rosaneri were 7 wickets down, though with less than 100 needed. Skipper Woodcock rotated the bowlers and Prasad, Loveday and Dancer all had their moments.  Hausler and Saqib and Woodcock all had second spells, but astute defence from some of the oppo ensured a winning draw, finishing on c 148-9.

Ives can reflect on an enjoyable match but one that should have been won. Too many chances went begging, though few were easy and the fielding awards went to Rosaneri. Of the bowlers  Dancer took his first wicket of the season and the other wickets were shared by Woodcock, Hausler and Saqib (who had 2 caught behind, always a good sign for an opening bowler.)

This match was organised very late in the day due to the Cancellation by Botany Bay.

We played at the quite picturesque Old Cholmeleians CC ground which is off Hendon Wood lane in Barnet.

Ivanhoe was a little weak in numbers (10) with a couple of newbies brought along by Richard.

It was a 40 over Match and Ivanhoe batted first.

Our lowest score of the season ensued – 116 all out (or for 9 wickets), with a number of our regular Batsman (Ciaran – 24, Steven – 16 [but more on Steven further down], Zee – 15, Richard – 10) making decent starts before getting out with the star Batsman being tail-ender John Loveday on 24 not out. His highest score to date and adding a tiny bit of respectability to our Innings.

After a very nice tea, Highgate opened their batting and lost a number of early wickets giving us some slight hope till one of their Batsman hit a quickfire 41 before being dismissed by Ciaran. Pick of the bowlers were Saquib (2-44), Richard (2-11) and Ciaran finishing with 3-33.

Man of the match (and Bravery award) would be Steven who was struck a nasty blow on the face when he opened our Batting, recovered later on to bat again and scored 16, then fielded and took a nice catch. All no doubt while suffering a throbbing head!

Better luck next time Chaps!

Andy H.

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.