15/9/01
Epsom 271 for something
Woodmansterne 72

An end of season friendly against Epsom resulted in a comprehensive win for the visitors. They rattled up 271 and Woods finished just short on 72 all out. Tony Phillips top scored with 20 odd, but other details were not forthcoming from those who played. The third eleven also lost, against Cheam.

A Woodmansterne spokesman has angrily denied that top Sussex batsman Baz Zuiderent has been approached by the club. The spokesman said 'the webmaster is losing his grip on reality and just wanted to mention somebody with a weird name in his increasingly bizarre match reports'. The webmaster says watch out for top soccer referee Uriah Rennie's closed season challenge for the Third X1 umpiring slot. You read it here first folks!

With Woodmansterne's first X1 already relegated, attention turned to the club's second X1 who were in a perilous position, occupying a potential relegation spot second from bottom in the Fuller's Surrey County League Division 1 table.

They were at home to bottom club Merstham, who were invited to bat on another good Woodmansterne track. The bowling attack was carried by three bowlers, Neil Griffin who took 3 for 43 in 20 overs, James Selby 4 for 73 in a marathon 31 overs and Ken Wright 3 for 37 in 12. The Merstham batsmen quite rightly fought hard for every run and occupied the crease for 63 overs.

Woods got off to a poor start losing their openers cheaply, but Chris Vagg (whose sudden, inexplicable, loss of form had seen him demoted from the first X1) was soon in to his stride, combining good shot selection with great power. Support came chiefly from Tom Stoker (16) and, with a telling contribution in the closing stages, from Andy Graves (14 not out). Victory was achieved with a couple of overs to spare leaving Vagg undefeated on 93 after another superb display.

The victory proved to be enough for the side to avoid the drop to Division 2, much to the relief of skipper Malcolm Wood and his team-mates.

With a weakened side the firsts were rolled over by Kingstonian. They were bowled out for 39, only George Miller (14) and Dave Clisby (17, with 3 fours so he says) making it into double figures. The talented Maz Hassan took 6 for 19 and the home side knocked off the runs without losing a wicket.

The promised report from a special correspondent has not been received (yet), it being apparently lost in the aftermath of the session which no doubt followed England's drubbing of Germany (FIVE - ONE to England). That's England 5 Germany 1. Best result since '66. Isn't it ? wasn't it? Geoff Hurst, Bobby Moore. Little Nobby Stiles, socks round his ankles. Cloth caps in the crowd... dad's thermos flask at half-time. Russian linesman...people on the pitch. Preston North End... Accrington Stanley.... jumpers for goalposts. Marvellous.

I digress. Rumour has it that the Sinjuns opening bowler was a bit quick and everybody apart from Dave Pryor batted in a helmet (wicketkeepers being mad). Dave 'B&Q' Clisby scored 23, Tony 'See the Bruises' Phillips a plucky 17 and Dave 'Basha' Butler a rapid 23.

Sinjuns had a couple of early setbacks but held on to win by 5 wickets. Spinners Tom Wortley (3 for 64) and Tony Phillips (2 for 21) took the wickets that fell.

The Third X1, who have suffered in recent weeks from call-ups by the firsts and seconds lost to Richmond Town. This was their last league game of a season in which they have performed very creditably, ending it in a comfortable mid-table position.

Woodmansterne came very close to causing a major upset against League leaders Old Wimbledonians. They were just one wicket away from their first victory of the season, but it was not to be and they now face the prospect of relegation to the Surrey County League Division 2.

Woods made first use of a batting strip which offered considerable assistance to the bowlers. They totalled 133 with all-rounder James Selby making 19 not out, Neil Park 16 and that useful performer extras top-scoring with 30.

In the Old Wimbledonians reply James Selby took a wicket with his first ball courtesy of a Tony Phillips catch, and thereafter the home side lost wickets at a rapid rate. Pick of the bowlers were leg spinner Tom Wortley with 5 for 55 which offered much promise for the future, and Chris Vagg with 3 for 34. Skipper Vagg also took an excellent one handed catch off Wortley. With the last Wimbledonians pair together over 20 runs were still needed for the victory but they managed to cling on to register the win.

Woods seconds had a losing draw against Shepperton, who posted 222 for 9 (Neil Griffin 4 for 51), Woods replying with 156 for 8. After Tom Stoker and Malcolm Wood provided the foundations of the Woods total with solid twenties, the promising Andy Graves stroked his way to a rapid 47. Despite a brave lower order effort to reach the winning draw total of 164, Woods fell just short.

The third eleven suffered a rare defeat, going down by 141 runs to Alleyn Old Boys after being bowled out for 67.

Woodmansterne's first and second eleven were done no favours by the weather as they struggle to avoid relegation from Fuller's Surrey County League Division 1. Better news came from the thirds who managed to force a win before the showers arrived.

In the first eleven game Haslemere took first use of an excellent batting track. Fast bowlers James Selby and Sam Beighton opened the attack for Woods, and found luck going against them as the Haslemere openers scored steadily. Spinners Tom Wortley and James Bull then took over and they too bowled well in the conditions.

Leg spinner Wortley confirmed his high promise with 4 for 79 in a marathon 20 over spell. Opener Gray scored 80, Clement 48 and Hastelow a hard hitting 62 not out in a Haslemere total of 251 for 5 declared.

Almost as soon as Woods began their reply the rain started, and although both sides gamely agreed to play on for a while the rain got heavier and the match had to abandoned after 6 overs with Woods at 11 for 1.

The seconds had a similar story in their game. Haslemere scored 178 for 7 in 37 overs, with Gary Napper picking up 4 for 69 and Del Gordon 2 for 81, before the rain forced their game to be abandoned.

The third eleven dismissed visitors Ashford for 69, Paul Benson returning figures of 3 for 24. Woods were able to knock the runs off without losing a wicket, with Mickey Joyce scoring 35 and George Miller 33.

With the bar opening early loyal club members did their bit selflessly to ensure a good evening's takings. Entertainment was provided by Neil Park clearly forgetting carefully planned arrangements and leaving before girlfriend Linda arrived to meet him. Really Neil. Lose 25 brownie points. Bob Conquest appeared to have been left behind by his lifeboat and Mickey Joyce and Dave Pryor entertained the stragglers to a unique display of pool skills, which left them comprehensively beaten by the ladies' team.

Woodmansterne firsts and seconds, both bottom of their respective Surrey County League Division One tables at last had something to cheer about. The firsts featured in a nail-biting tie with Churt and the seconds had a convincing 8 wicket home win against Stoke D'Abernon.

The firsts batted first against a very enthusiastic Churt side and were all out for 135, with the main contributions coming from Chris Munday (24) and all-rounders James Selby (23) and Tony Phillips (23). Woods were determined to put in a good performance in the field, and fought very hard. James Selby as ever bowled with great heart, returning 5 for 36 and spinners James Bull and Tom Wortley picked up 2 wickets apiece.

With the last Churt pair together and two needed for victory the batsmen set off for a suicidal second run to Woods skipper Chris Vagg, whose accurate return was collected by keeper Pryor, who triumphantly whipped the bails off, leaving the batsman stranded and the game tied. In close fought games like this the skipper has pointed out that it would be totally unfair to mention a crucial overthrow here (by Selby actually) and a run turned down there (Pryor this time) so I won't.

Woods seconds put in a disciplined bowling performance against Stoke D'Abernon, with Delroy Gordon picking up 2 for 57 in 20 overs, James Lander 3 for 32 and Jason Hiscox 2 for 40. Del Gordon (92) and Ray Turner (72 not out) gave Woods a tremendous start to their reply, putting on 149 for the first wicket, and Turner knocked off the winning runs with 9 balls to go. Skipper Malcolm Wood was delighted with the win and was happy to keep the beer flowing in the bar well into the evening.

In the Third X1 fixture, Woods went down by 62 runs to Warlingham. Warlingham scored 182 for 9, with Jim Bowen returning 7 for 87 from 28 overs. Woods were all out for 120, top scorers being Guy Burbedge (29) and Ryan Polley (28).

Woodmansterne came away with a losing draw in their rain affected Fuller's Surrey County League fixture against Old Grammarians. The result was of little help to either side as both are struggling in the Division 1 relegation zone.

Woods skipper Chris Vagg won the toss and put Grammarians in to bat. Despite an excellent spell from the ever reliable Ken Wright (3 for 24 in 10 overs) Grammarians scored at a rapid rate and were able to declare at 209 for 4 off only 39 overs.

Woods, needing desperately to win this fixture, were frustrated by rain showers which reduced the total number of overs they received to only 24. In the time available they scored 74 for 4 with Neil Park batting through for 24 not out, Dave Clisby making 21 and Dave 'Basha' Butler a quickfire 22 not out, which included a superb six.

The game between the two second X1's produced the same result. Old Grammarians rattled up 250 for 2 declared and Woods replied with 174 for 8. Dave Brazier scored 40, Ian Miller 37, Graham Polley 25 and Andy Graves 28 not out. For Old Grammarians Comer was the star, following an unbeaten century with 6 for 49.

With a number of their regular players being called up by the firsts and seconds, the third eleven were well beaten by Chipstead and Coulsdon. Ted Giles picked up 4 wickets in the Chipstead score of 242 for 5 declared and Woods replied with 95 (Gerry Geldard 24).

With the first X1 without a fixture, Woodmansterne 2nd X1 were hoping to salvage some pride for the club, in a season where neither side has yet won a game. They were once again disappointed, going down by 5 wickets to an efficient Blackheath side.

Skipper Malcolm Wood won the toss for Woods, but as four of his players were touring the south east in the Brazmobile and failed to make the start time, he had little option but to bat first. Tom Wortley (17) and Ray Turner with an excellent 70 put on 50 for the first wicket, and this was followed by a partnership of 59 between Turner and Chris Vagg (35) for the second.

109 for 2 off 33 overs was a good base, but the middle and late order failed to capitalise on this start and the side was bowled out for 175 in 55 overs. James Selby once again impressed, making light of a carefully set leg-side trap by holing out to mid-on.

Steady bowling from Selby (2 for 42) and James Bull (2 for 49) ensured that Blackheath had to work for their runs. However they batted without too much discomfort and were able to knock off the required total for the loss of 5 wickets in 45 overs.

Better news for the club came from the third X1, who seem unaffected by the self doubt afflicting the firsts and seconds. They rattled up 229 for 9 declared in 48 overs against Streatham with Polley junior and senior once again both passing 50. Streatham were dismissed for 179, with Ted Giles turning in a real captain's performance with 7 for 49.

Their visit to the undulating pastures of Marlborough Country at least managed to end a sequence of losses for Woodmansterne, but they remain firmly rooted to the bottom of the Division 1 table.

Stand-in skipper Dave Pryor put Marlborough in and after a slow start they soon accelerated their scoring rate. Bessant had to come off with a back injury but pace man James Selby ('The Storm from Sanderstead') kept up the attack with a marathon 22 over spell, which brought him all three Marlborough wickets which fell.

Leg spinners Tom Wortley and Tony Phillips had little luck, though Wortley held two catches off the persevering Selby. For the home side Logan (55), Gear (77) and Winterscale (64 no) all passed 50 before the declaration came at 225 for 3.

Woods began their reply carefully with Neil Park (22) laying the foundations. Readjustments had to be made to the batting order as Dave Clisby had picked up a hand injury, but Dave Butler once again put some of the regular first team players to shame with a well judged knock of 34.

Paul Benson (10) played a responsible innings which included a glorious straight driven six, but Woods were unable to keep up with the required rate, leaving Selby (10 not out) and Wortley (13 not out) to salvage a batting point at the end of the innings.

Woods Second X1 had looked well placed to win their match against Valley End but were denied by a match winning unbroken ninth wicket partnership of 45. Woods had knocked up 153 for 6 declared, with Dave Brazier unbeaten on 92 and Ryan Polley making 28. In the Valley End reply James Bull captured 4 for 56 from 22 overs.

Woodmansterne may not have had the best of the conditions in their game against Roehampton, but another poor performance leaves them in a parlous position at the foot of the Surrey County League table.

Tony Phillips once again experienced navigational problems before the start of the match, finding the ladies rather than the gents when a call of nature came his way.

Woods were put in to bat on a lively wicket and as has often been the case this year found themselves in trouble, at 28 for 5. Determined batting by skipper Chris Vagg (29) and Sam Beighton (15) retrieved the situation a little before Selby blasted a quickfire 33 with 8 boundaries, many of which flew with terrific power to the third man boundary. Pryor was once again left stranded, tantalisingly just 100 short of an unbeaten century. For the home side the pick of the bowlers were Dennis (4 for 15) and Walsh (3 for 9 in 13 overs).

Roehampton came out determined to play their shots and got away to a rapid start. Pryor claimed a caught behind off Bessant, but he and Selby could make no further inroads and were replaced by Beighton and Oxford blue Tom Wortley. They bowled well in combination, Wortley getting his reward when Vagg held a nicely judged boundary catch.

The modest Woods total proved too small to defend however, and opener Allisen (58 not out) saw Roehampton home by 8 wickets.

Roehampton were also triumphant in the seconds fixture, beating Woods by 103 runs despite a brilliant all-round performance by Ralph Patel (42, and 7 for 67 ) which invited comparisons with Richard Hatch. This kind of form should help Patel in his fight to regain a coveted first team place. The thirds had a losing draw against Old Hamptonians. Woods scored 202 (Dave Butler 61) and Hamptonians replied with 158 for 6, Ken Wright picking up 3 wickets.

Woodmansterne 2nd XI were comprehensively beaten by a strong Leatherhead side despite the return of star all-rounder Ralph Patel from injury.

Leatherhead won the toss and inserted Woodmansterne on a pitch offering the bowlers considerable assistance. Of the Woodmansterne batsmen only captain Malcolm Wood and Jason Hiscox offered any significant resistance as wickets fell rapidly and scoring proved difficult. Hiscox evoked memories of Ted Dexter as he repeatedly peppered the 'v' between mid-on and mid-off in his innings of 36. Hiscox's powerful batting could not however prevent Woodmansterne from being routed for a meagre 128.

The Leatherhead top order found the going much easier and quickly dominated some wayward bowling. Only spin twins Ralph Patel and James Bull made any impact on the Leatherhead batting capturing a total of 3 wickets.

Woodmansterne 3rd XI travelled to East Moseley with high hopes of continuing their string of impressive performances this season, but eventually had to settle for a losing draw. Woods failed to capitalise on conditions ideal for swing and seam bowling allowing East Moseley to score 196-4 of 41 overs with young Richard Hatch scoring a scintillating 103 not out. In reply Woods reached 149-7 off 45 overs mostly due to innings by Micky Joyce, with 53, and Paul Benson who scored 44.

The First XI game against Leatherhead was abandoned after just 15 overs due to persistent rain and bad light. In the brief period of play Woodmansterne reached 45-3 before some short-pitched bowling in murky conditions, and increasingly heavy rain forced the umpires to end the match.