Record NCI Turnout for Tournament

I wish I could report we did better than the England boys and had some silverware to bring home but sadly we were outgunned by Peterborough and the Uni girls. Congratulations to Jane “I scored a Century at Lords wearing patterned pants” Allison and her team. It was actually a great final to watch and they gave us an excellent demonstration of how indoor cricket should be played. They beat Peterborough by one run.

However, I feel a round of applause is in order to NCI for turning out two teams. More evidence of DED! (Dedication Enthusiasm Determination) We out numbered the opposition if we didn’t beat them. It was a good chance for everyone to have a bat and bowl in a competitive situation and everyone did a good job. We won two out of our five NCI collective games.
Some good consistent bowling from Sam, Laura and Lois meant they all took wickets as did Beth who hasn’t bowled in a wee while. She also did some great drives but Erica shone with some walloping sixes - our top scoring batter. Labieba survived the bowling of Ferocious Freda with some solid batting. Louise batted herself into retirement after only the first few balls and later took pity on the Munchkins from March by easing up on the bowling pace. Margreta took to wicket keeping with great enthusiasm, competing with Naomi for commitment by diving around on the floor to stop the runs. Our fielding was exceptional – I believe we took the most wickets in a game when we played the Uni with some classic run-outs. So a lorra lorra laffs all round and thanks to everyone who turned out to play. Also thanks to our faithfull fellas Steve, Mattie and Richie for scoring, umpiring and day dreaming respectively.

Coaching
Monday 11th Dec is our last coaching session pre-Christmas. If anyone is around on Monday 18th and wants to continue we can have an extra session or just a game. Let me know what you want to do. 3 lanes is £25 for an hour. Coach on top. (If he’s willing. Ha ha!)

2007 Nets
Next year we start nets on Thursday nights 7-8pm for Ladies at Fenners. January 11th is the first session. The guys follow on 8-10pm and we can join them if we want. Their plan is to arrange coaching or skills training as and when they want it. They will not be paying for a coach but they will use the player/coaches in the club for free.

So my question is what do we want to do in our session? I personally think I would like some one-to-one coaching (Sunday showed I’ve got plenty to work on) but I am also happy with some group skills stuff as well. I will suss out who is available to offer some coaching on a free or paid basis and let you know the options. But do email me with suggestions.

Christmas Curry
All work and no play makes us seem like dull girls so Sam is organising our Annual Christmas Curry for Wednesday 13th Dec. She will be emailing you all but everyone is welcome – guys and gals.

AGM
Much was talked of at the AGM last Friday and you are welcome to read the minutes when we get them. My summary of key points as follows

I was voted back in as Ladies Captain (thank you – you fools!)
Louise Nitschke is my Vice Captain (congratulations and thanks)
Lois Clarke is our Welfare Officer (already got the job under control)
Richie is fourth team Captain (just getting the hang of it)
The committee is looking at a proposal to offer the ladies a reduced fee for matches (£8 is the norm). Subs have been proposed at £15.
Ideas for finding sponsors would be gratefully received. (I think we could do well at this so any ideas suggest them to Sam or me.) This would help subsidise or even pay for our match expenses.

See you all on Monday for the final (or not so final) coaching session!

We Are Famous! Well Nearly!

You've heard of Victoria's secrets? Well now the NCI Ladies' Secrets are revealed on the internet at www.localsecrets.com in glorious colour photos. I have to say I am most impressed with quality of the pictures which capture perfectly the batting technique of two clearly talented players. (We look like Alistair Cook and Rick Ponting - eh Louise? Well nearly.) Many thanks to Robert for taking the time and trouble to visit us and record the NCI Ladies Cricketing Academy in action.

Training Update
Last week we brushed up on fielding and moved into a bowling master class. There was great progress all round (the usual regression on my part, but I still bowled fewer wides than Harmie!) Next week we have a batting master class which should leave us nicely primed for our indoor tournament the following Sunday. Even if you haven't made the classes so far please do turn out next Monday. Any requests to learn specific shots do ask me or Coach.
Beth? Backfoot cover drive?
Be there 8pm!

The Tournament Sunday 3rd December
I finally got the low down on this and it looks like some serious competition is lined up. There will be six teams as follows

• NCI A
• NCI B
• Babraham
• Peterborough
• Camb Uni
• March/Papworth combo

Babraham is a team made up of mainly juniors I think. They have nets just before us on a Monday at Fenners so get there early next week to study their form. Peterborough is our arch rival from last year's friendly games. The score to date is even, one game all, so this promises to be a real needle match. However, we can confuse them totally by having two NCI teams. March/Papworth is a very odd combination. Papworth plays in a senior league in the south of England and wiped the floor with us last year. They probably don't think its worth turning out against us again, hence they can't find six people! March has failed to convince any of us that a team actually exists. They failed to materialise out of the fen vapour twice last year. The University team will be led by Jane Allison and she scored a ton at Lords last year. (Say no more!)

We have eight NCI players so far;

Mary Munley (local secret talent revealed)
Lois Clarke (childcare permitting)
Sam Bowker (back permitting)
Erica (player of the year; if I don't get a better offer) Harrison
Louise Ricky Nitschke (Don B. would be proud of you)
Labeiba (our dark horse and secret weapon)
Laura Reynolds (any siblings available?)
Margreta Sonnenwald (geht es oder nicht?)

We need another 4 players. So where are you Beth, Naomi and Connie? It's in Ely so local for you Jan Strugnell and Liz Burton? It would be a great chance to have a game for newer players too so Alison Nimmo please do volunteer, love to have you play.

Playing Format
6 overs per side, which should make each game approx 30 to 40 minutes long. An inter-cricket ball is to be used, so it is harder than an incrediball, but not as stingy on the hands as a proper indoor ball. Pads and gloves are optional to save time.
You score every time the ball hits a wall.

1 for side and back walls

2 if run between wickets but ball doesn't touch wall

3 if run and ball does touch a wall

4 if bounces before hitting back wall

6 for hitting back wall on the full

Out if out, but last man stands till all 6 overs used up.

Batters retire on 15 but can come back in at end.

5 bowlers, with one allowed to have 2 overs.

If time runs out before all matches played, team with highest run total wins.
Trophy and medals to be won!

Venue and Transport
Ely Community College just off the A10 on the Downham Road. Please let me know if you need a lift or can offer one. We will probably meet central Cambridge to collect everyone; very possibly Parkers Piece around 11.30am.

I will send/hand out more details on rules and location next week when I know exactly who is playing.

HOW EXCITING! I'm getting all competitive already. C'mon ladies, we've got a trophy cabinet to fill! If we win we have done better than any of the four NCI men's league teams who acquired no silverware this year at all!!

We were called the Lions last year and won the prize for the most noise if not the most runs. It is just a fun game so don't get nervous about it, just have a good Roooooaaaaaaar!!
Suggestions for team names and a theme song welcome.

C u Monday 27th November 8pm. Get there early to warm and check out the competition. We have loads of bats thanks to Paula and Caroline who have donated some kit for us. Thanks a bunch. We will really look the part of seasoned professionals at the competition. He he! (Could we be Sporty Spice Girls? (Seasoned! Spice! Geddit?) Or NCI Goddesses instead of NIKE Goddesses? Nicey Goddesses? Oh whatever.)

We're Nearly Famous

A fun coaching session on Monday night was captured on camera and in notebook by a journalist from the Local Secrets website www.localsecrets.com which features community news and activities in Cambridge. Robert will be helping us in our recruitment drive by publishing a feature in the run up to the Ashes. He has also promised to bring his 13 year old daughter along to nets in the spring. Hope your lippy was perfect!

I have circulated a flyer to post on any appropriate noticeboards to attract any girls or ladies. If you need it again I can email it to you directly.

Coaching
Thanks for another great turnout on Monday. A slightly extended session gave us chance to get batting as well as putting into practice our newly acquired fielding skills. Our newbies are progressing well but I seem to be regressing. (The journo chap couldn’t work out who the captain was. Hrrrmph! Well I wasn’t wearing my tiara of course.) Beth I am afraid you’ve been replaced as opening bat. Annette looks up for the job. Richard managed to coach on despite a creaky back. Hope it's on the mend.

If you have any requests for particular skills, drills or thrills, do let me know as I am sure Richard is happy to accommodate us in any way. (Except the thrills maybe - 'cos of his back!) I fancy a bit of batting skills refresher next week.

We are booked to play up to 11th Dec as I thought Christmas might come early. However, the hall is available Monday 18th, all three lanes, 8-10pm so if we wanted another session we could have a final game before Christmas. Lemme no!

Indoor Tournament – Sunday Dec 3rd
I am wringing details out of Richie gradually. It’s in Ely and teams are six-a-side so we could have two teams entered just to give everyone a go. Let me know if you are free and keen to play.

AGM Friday 1st December
I am looking for volunteers to be Vice Captain. You need to know something about cricket (ideally more than me) and be happy getting people organised for games/nets. You need a spreadsheet and a low cost phone/SMS system. I can recommend Skype.

Cricket is the New Football
The International Cricket Council claims women’s cricket is well on the way to becoming the “fastest growing female sport”. http://www.ecb.co.uk/womens/international/women-take-the-lead,10516,EN.html There are now 42 countries worldwide with structured girl’s or women’s cricket competitions. (They don’t say who and I am struggling after the obvious commonwealth countries!)

However, football claims to be the most popular and the fastest growing women’s sport in the UK with 1800 teams and 55,000 players. There is a great article on the BBC website about a game when Kerr Ladies from Preston, a team of factory workers, beat St Helen’s Ladies 4-0 at Goodison Park. This was Boxing Day 1920 and a capacity crowd of 53,000 (!!!! What?) watched with another 12,000 stuck outside the turnstiles, unable to get in. You can read how the FA responded to the popularity of ladies football by subsequently banning it on this link http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6143032.stm

Any comments, suggestions, feedback please post below or email me.

C u at coaching Monday 20th November 8pm.

Winter Draws on....Cricket Pads On

Thanks to all those who turned out for our indoor game on Monday including the 15 players, scorer Annette and umpire Steve. And the late Richi Young.

We had several new recruits with Lynnette and Annette (I'm sure there's a joke in there somewhere about nets), and some clearly talented players from the Papworth Academy who will be bringing a touch of class to the NCI Ladies cricket act. Thanks Louise for bringing Labieba who can certainly bowl a bit. Hope you enjoyed it and look forward to seeing you all again next week.

Coaching - How to Play like Freddie Flintoff in Six Easy Lessons
Well maybe he's not the most appropriate model for us girls but you get the idea. Next week we start the serious coaching with Richard Burgess which should make a big difference to our performance. We shall see the results when we play our indoor tournament on Sunday December 3rd. We might even be able to field 2 teams. Remember to invite new people along to a FREE taster session. The session will cater for absolute beginners and more experienced players.

8-9pm Monday at Fenners. If anyone is interested we could consider extending the session for half an hour the following week.

AGM Friday 1st December at NCICC
This is our chance to make some changes around here. And I don't just mean tiaras. It can start with state of the Hobbs pavilion. When did it last see a pair of marigolds and some harpic! Do come and voice your requirements for cricket in the club next year. We will be discussing subs, match fees, nets, captains etc.

Lost Gloves
Did someone leave their batting gloves behind? I will bring them on Monday.

Women's Cricket Development
Richie and I went to a meeting at Lords last Sunday about ways to help develop women's cricket. Cambs is rather behind the rest of the country in that we don't have a league or county teams and only two or three club teams. However, we bent the ears of people in high places and they have said they are willing to help us out. So if you have any suggestions for ways we can get more ladies playing cricket do say. Some suggestions are

• Getting girls to come along to a club session from other schools/colleges
• Arranging some extra friendlies against Norfolk, Herts ladies teams
• Poaching players from other sports - a summer game can fit in with other winter games like hockey
• Publicising our FREE Taster sessions at Fenners on Monday
• Flyers for company notice boards, fitness/leisure/health clubs
• mums'n'sons dads'n'daughters game

We have a local website journalist coming next week but if anyone has contacts in any other press or media let me know.

The State of Play
Apparently 19,000 girls have played cricket through Chance to Shine and 15,000 through ASDA's Kwik Cricket programme in 2005. But it seems very few progress to playing in clubs. Not surprising in Cambridge perhaps as there aren't any or weren't until NCI came along. There are six ladies teams in Suffolk and four in Norfolk.

There are 80 County teams, 32 in the Senior category but Cambs are not one of them. There must be three club teams minimum in a county to start a team.

Gill McConway Chief Executive of Women's Cricket estimates (she doesn't know exactly) that there are 300 clubs with a ladies team. Well now there's 301!!



C u at coaching!!

NCI Ladies are D.E.D – Long Live NCI Ladies!

It all began for me about this time last year when I heard a rumour that there was a ladies cricket team starting up in Cambridge. So I ambled along to Fenners and with a small band of other keen bunnies had several weeks skills coaching with Richard Burgess. He must have wondered what he was taking on as he started out by teaching us how to pick up a bat with the correct grip. But I am sure he is in a good position to judge just how far NCI Ladies have come in the last 12 months.

It is only when you look back that you realise how far you have come. So I looked back six months to our first game which was against Ipswich. They had several advantages over us. Firstly, they were top of the league and had been for three or four seasons. Secondly, they had an Essex county player in the team with a personal best of 168 not out. And thirdly, they had 11 players where we only had ten. But we went in to bat full of enthusiasm. Beth opened and scored one, I waded in with a Captain’s innings of two, and Erica slugged away and got four. Megan, the old hand on the team, steadied the ship with a top score of six. The rest ended up with a single run or a duck which gave us a grand total of 19 runs off the bat. Fortunately, extras played quite well and scored 45.

But we actually ended the game feeling really good about our performance because our bowling and fielding efforts brought us seven wickets. The champagne moment was when Lisa, who only started playing last winter, took two wickets including the Essex county player for a golden duck. That for me was an early taster of what a great game cricket is.

But we have come a long way since then. We have had 41 ladies and girls play in our six friendly games. Several more have turned out for knockabout games and coaching. There have regularly been five or six ladies playing in the ten 4th team league fixtures. We have also had players in the mid week and other NCI friendly games. Between us we have scored nearly 400 runs for the club and taken at least 30 wickets.

We tasted real success when we beat Peterborough Ladies XI. However, I think our best performance was in the 20:20 against Woolpit CC Ladies XI which we lost by only five runs. It is worth noting that Woolpit finished third in the Suffolk league this year not far behind Ipswich. We scored 68 runs off the bat and took eight wickets. There were some great team moments. Lois who had only recently started playing took two wickets with two consecutive balls and we so wanted her to make that hat-trick. Sadly the pressure got to her but she had bowled the Woolpit captain, Connie taking that great catch in her first game. Dharshie took three wickets, scored 19 runs and ran a four with me. Megan did a dramatic late arrival and scooped 13 runs. Maider a Portuguese lady who had never played cricket before scored six runs and kept wicket, without letting a single bye through. Our total was 111 runs off 20 overs and we took eight wickets which for a team of very inexperienced cricketers was a pretty good average.

In terms of individual effort many people are worthy of an award. The words that sum up the ladies team are Dedication, Enthusiasm, Determination. There has been a dedicated core of players who turned up for coaching last winter, continued with outdoor nets and graduated to playing competitive games. Naomi has played 14 games for the club this season, Beth has stalwartly batted 11 times for the 4th team, usually opening, as well as playing three ladies games. Lois, Sam and Deepti have all been down on Parkers Piece day after day practising their bowling. What we lack in cricketing experience we have more than made up for with DED.

We must acknowledge that we haven’t done it on our own. The initiative was taken by guys in the club most notably Richard Young. We also recognise the support from the coaches Richard Burgess and Thommo but also Matt, and John Baker. There has also been great support from Steve Taylor and JP with scoring, umpiring and just turning up to offer encouragement. It is something I know doesn’t happen in other clubs so we really do appreciate it. Thank you.

We have three awards tonight – bowler, Batter and Player.
Our Batswoman of the Year is not here but Karen Pearce is a great example of our feminine values DED. She is one of our few experienced players but has come back into the game after serious back problems, still causing her some trouble this season along with a displaced patella. But that didn’t stop her playing five games for the 4s and two games for the ladies and belting 88 runs in seven games. She has an average of 17.6 and her best score was a 33 not out. She is also the first and only lady to score a six this season.

Our Player of the Year is also absent. She had a better offer – an invitation to a wake. Erica was there at the start of our coaching last year and she too has a slight health issue but despite this she has turned out for ten games this season for the 4s and ladies' teams. She took up wicket keeping and suffered a broken finger standing up to Richie Young. But still she came back and scored a total of 48 runs this season. It has also been her final year at school and she finished her studies in style too.

Our Bowler of the Year is here. She been very keen to play our ladies' games despite the fact she doesn’t live near Cambridge and despite the fact her dad seems to like a laugh about her batting figures. But we are very grateful that Faith Pickering has played her part in our team and the performance against Peterborough which earned her this award and our first win. We’ve had some great bowling achievements from several players but this was exceptional - 5 overs 2 maidens 4 wickets for 8 runs.

We have an exciting year ahead. We will continue to field players for the 4th team but we ladies are now an official league team playing in the Three Counties League against six Suffolk and one Essex side. It’s a great opportunity for us to develop our skills and scores. I would like to think there will be several ladies scoring sixes next year.

My personal target is to finish in the top three of the league next year and to achieve a core player squad of 25 regularly turning up for nets and playing games. We are also still very keen to recruit new players. Our enthusiasm and dedication has attracted some new players from Cambridge Papworth Ladies who are willing to help us out with playing and coaching.

There will be days when we don’t win games I am sure but I found a story recently which I think will brighten up our darker days.

Goldsborough Second XI were bowled out for five in their Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League match with Dishforth. All five runs came from extras: four byes and a leg-bye. "We could have got a run but the batsman had just been hit on the foot the ball before and he turned down the chance," said the Goldsborough captain, Peter Horseman.

Good Luck everybody in the 2007 season.

Winter Coaching Sessions - How to Play Like Freddie Flintoff in Six Easy Lessons

This whole NCI ladies’ cricket thing took off with some coaching sessions last winter. It worked extremely well and we now have some serious home grown and groomed talent for the 2007 season. Having canvassed opinion amongst you ladies, it seems there is agreement that more coaching this winter is a good idea. In summer nets it is often difficult to get proper feedback so this will be very focussed and intensive. Richard Burgess is our professional coach who will be running sessions to build up everyone’s batting, bowling and fielding skills. We will have some other talented coaches on hand to help out with one-to-one coaching if you want it.
Richard's session will be followed by further optional coaching sessions down the pub - How to Perform Like Shane Warne. (Sponsored by Weightwatchers and News of the World.)

When Where
The sessions will be at Fenners as last year, Monday nights 8-9pm starting 30th October and continuing for 7 weeks up to Monday 11th December.
I know this doesn’t suit a couple of people (sorry Faith and Margreta) but this was the night that fewest people found unsuitable.
From January the nets will be Thursdays. (Sorry Lois – not my decision that one.)

How Much
Last year the club subsidised these sessions as a means of recruiting new people to the club and getting the ladies and IV teams started. This year it’s up to us to make sure we cover costs of the hall and the coach. Richard has very kindly offered to be flexible on his fee but I do feel it is important to pay for his professional services as he will be doing a professional job. So the bottom line is that the booking is in my name and the invoice comes to me. So I really need you to support these sessions so I don’t end up out of pocket.

For 7 weeks the cost is £3.50 per session, payable up front as £24.50. (You can let me know you are up for it and pay me before the first session.) We really need 12 people each week for a decent session. If you can’t make every week the drop-in rate is £4.25, payable at the session.

If you could let me know by email if you want to take up the offer of coaching then I know where we stand money wise and Richard can plan his sessions accordingly.

FREE Taster & Fourth Team Players
These sessions are also open to any IV team guys who want some coaching. Same price.
(Sam – do ask John if he wants to join in.)
If you know any ladies or junior girls who fancy a go at cricket, invite them along for a FREE Taster Session. If they like it they can then pay weekly for any further sessions.

Indoor Cricket Game – Monday 30th October 8-9pm Fenners
Last year we played in a Cambs Ladies Indoor Cricket Tournament in the spring. It was our first ever game together as a team - The Lions - rooaaaaar! We lost but it was great fun and we will be entering again this season. So to kick off our winter sessions the first week will be an indoor game with six a side.


End of Season Dinner - Sat 21st October
Yes Connie we are still taking bookings for this amazing extravaganza and I believe you are on Richard’s list. There will be a hot buffet which will have a selection of around 5 main courses (including veggie options) and a similar number of different desserts, with tea/coffee etc. To keep costs down we are not providing a free bar this year, but you are welcome to bring your own bottle of wine.We expect to gather at the NCI Club in Holland St from 7.15pm, with proceedings officially starting at 7.45pm. Dress code smart/casual.
(I expect tiaras all round girls!)
Cost is £15 (£10 for U16’s) if you pay in advance, but we will ask for an extra £2.50/head to whoever turns up to pay at the door – if there are still spaces available.Please make cheques payable to ‘N.C.I. CC’ and send to:Mary Munley (re. NCI Dinner)41 Kingsway, Mildenhall, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. IP28 7HPTel. 01638 583820


Player Awards
As Captain I believe I have to make a bit of a speech at the dinner and more importantly hand out some awards. I will be poring over the batting and bowling figures to choose our Batswoman and Bowlerwoman of the Year. There is also a Player of the Year award which I have decided you lot should vote for. Send an email to charlie@personalbestperformance.co.uk with the Subject “Player of The Year” and your candidate’s name. This does not have to be based on results; it can reflect effort and general contribution to the team, club and cause of developing women’s cricket at NCI. This system allows you to vote anonymously. Charlie is a lady golf captain and coach (Personal Best) who can of course be trusted to be scrupulous and honest in collating the results and passing them on to me. Entries to be received by Monday 16th October. Please vote even if you can’t come to the dinner. Player awards and a detailed report of all embarrassing moments at the dinner will feature on the Blog. (Somebody bring a camera. He he.)


Cambridge Catwalk
If you need another excuse to get dressed up and wear your tiara there is a great event happening at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on Friday 10th November. The Cambridge Catwalk is a fashion show to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Ian Botham is doing another of his nationwide walks to raise money for this charity. It’s a black tie do so get out the ball gowns and little black frocks for a glitzy evening www.cambridgecatwalk.co.uk


PLEASE DO SIGN UP FOR OUR COACHING SESSIONS SO WE CAN GET BACK TO PLAYING CRICKET!


C u at the dinner.

Better to be UP and IN than DOWN and OUT!

The season really has drawn to a close with the last matches played this weekend. So now is the time to plan for next year. It's Onwards and Upwards for the NCI Ladies as we are now IN a proper league. (Promotion after only one season! Well done girls.) We also aim to continue to make our mark in the Studs and Stumps League as members of the IV team. A slight concern is the fact the IVs Captain Richard Young has been seen heading Downwards and Outwards. In his usual unnecessarily dramatic style of fielding he ended up sprawling his way to a seriously busted knee. His good knee! Well at least he waited to the end of the season to get his crutches out. Here's hoping the new bionic knee will be working for next season. Get better soon Richi.

GIRLIE CONFAB AT THE CRICKETERS - Wed 20th Sep 7.30pm
I suggest we get together to discuss and plan our agenda for the AGM. We need to be able to put our proposals for coaching, subs, kit purchasing, roles and responsibilities such as Captain, Vice, Fixtures, Cakes Monitor, Website Admin, etc. Being democratic this is your opportunity to make requests or suggestions for what you would like to do or have. So please come along in person and have a sociable pint at least. Further details of the discussion topics are on the Blog. Please post comments if you can't come along.

COACHING COURSES
The club is prepared to subsidise a few select people to attend an ECB coaching course to become an Assistant Coach. If you are able to assist with Junior Coaching next summer, then the NCI Youth Section will contribute to the cost. There is a "women only" course in Feb 07, but women are also welcome on the other sessions in October and November. Email me if you would like further details and an application form.

WINTER COACHING
We are planning some intensive coaching at Fenners before Christmas. It will differ from last year in that we need definite commitment to fund the coach and hall. Last year the club subsidised to get the whole ladies thing off the ground. But I am sure you will agree the coaching was excellent and really launched some promising cricketing careers. If you are interested then let me know or better still come along on Wednesday to the pub.

TWO COUNTIES LEAGUE 2007
Now we have really hit the big time as we will be playing in a Ladies league next year. This will mean 6 home games (on Parkers Piece) and 6 away games, the furthest being Ipswich where we played a friendly last year. This is our chance to seek revenge on the non-appearing Battisford and the teenage tantrum Woolpit. You can see how they all ended up this season on this link; right at the bottom of the page after all the men's results (hrrrrmph!) http://www.twocounties.com/leaguetables.html
We will also have the opportunity to enter the National Knockout Tournament which took me to Lords as 12th man. If you fancy running out on the same ground as Shane and Freddie then sign yourself up for some winter nets.

MEETINGS! MEETINGS!
The AGM is Friday 1st Dec which you are all welcome to attend at NCISSC. You can voice opinion and vote on issues like subs, club officers/roles etc. There is a pre-AGM meeting on Thursday 28th September to discuss what will be discussed at the AGM. (I'm just the messenger.)

END OF SEASON THRASH
Saturday 21ST October at NCISSC. Buffet, bar and boogie for about £15.

CHARITY CRICKET MATCH
If you want to see the cult hero Monty Panesar, Mr 20:20 Darren Maddy plus other cricketers who I don't recognise, then join Charlotte Edwards, England Ladies Captain, at Ramsey CC on Sunday Sept 24th. Her dad died of cancer this year and she is raising money for the Macmillan Trust. See the link for further details.

http://www.ecb.co.uk/womens/international/edwards-holds-matches-for-macmillan-appeal,9961,EN.html

C u Weds. Mine's a pint of IPA.

A Perfect Day for Cricket on Parkers Piece

Despite the fact we had another case of the disappearing opposition, Sunday was a beautiful day for playing cricket on Parkers Piece. We had plenty of support so managed a 30 over game with seven a side. This included yet more new recruits to our development squad. Catherine from Romsey brought her personal coach (and dad) with her, which was an excellent idea as Andy proved invaluable as player/umpire/field placing consultant. Also we had Paula and Caroline moonlighting from Cambridge Papworth. Topped up with testosterone from Steve and Richi. It all made a very close game.

Everybody had a chance to bat (more than once in some cases) and bowl and get some real match style practice. Well done to Margreta for stepping in to bowl her first over – thanks to me inadvertently overlooking the rules for 10 year old bowlers. I would pass the buck to the Child Welfare Officer who should have been on the case but I know her own welfare was a cause for concern due to excessive alcohol abuse the night before. (What an example to younger players Naomi!) Catherine showed a very mature attitude to the game and was very competent bowling despite the fact I made her bowl several yards more than she is supposed to. (Naomi I really need a briefing on this stuff before I get struck off for child cruelty.)

Erica was back with a bang from chasing criminals in Barcelona. They obviously don’t realise this woman kept wicket to Richi AND survived albeit with a broken bone. She also does counselling for abandoned women. What a fine upstanding contribution to society – especially for a teenager. Well done in getting trillions of points in your funny old baccalaureate exams and how dare you go off travelling and abandon the team? We’re all going to need counselling now!

It was great to have the experienced hands of Caroline behind the wicket and trying some of her suggested close in fielding tactics was exciting. Paula scored 56 and showed us where the boundaries were – on all sides. Thank you Paula we hadn’t really noticed them up to now. Sam overcame her nerves to fox a few with her unique bowling style and took a very valuable wicket which brought to an end Caroline’s innings at 31 runs. Beth was really made to feel uncomfortable on the forward defensive (not) and plugged away at a good opening partnership with Paula. Tresco and Straussy have a lot to learn from you.

Our international duo Deepti and Dharshie were their usual consistent all-rounding selves. Some spectacular diving around the field Deepti. Lois made a most valuable contribution getting the urn going at a very critical stage of the game (the end) and bowled really well. Take those positive urn thoughts out with you to bat Lois. Imagine you are batting for the Ashes not tea leaves. Faith came galloping back into the game fresh from a horsy time on Exmoor and faced up to some testing bowling tempting her down the wicket. (Get your parents to stay in the pub a bit longer next time then you’ll get more wickets.)

I managed 21 runs, two wickets and played my part as bowler in what is often referred to by cricket commentators as a “horrible mix up” between Steve and Richi which left the latter stranded at the wrong end. Not a sight we see very often - Richi run out!!! And he couldn't blame Mattie 4 hats umpire for that one. (Thanks for umpiring Matt.)

The only down side of the seven a side is that we clearly had more running to do in the field as my legs are killing me today. Last word for the Woman of the Match – Connie. She took 7 wickets, got three run outs and was 126 not out!! Wow! I hope your boy had a great birthday and that he appreciates the sacrifices you and the team have made for him.

You did however miss a very enjoyable game and great atmopshere. But just when you thought it was all over.........

Practice 6pm Wednesday
Despite the nights drawing in the weather has improved and everyone seems optimistic of a knockabout on Wednesday evening. Pub afterwards is The Eagle not The Cricketers for some reason. Don’t take it personally Audrey.

Sunday Games
Richi is organising a 20:20 match Ladies XI v U13s in the morning.
Followed by
NCI v Romsey Friendly 1.30pm start. Applications from Ladies are welcome for this XI.

Let Richi know for both games as I am away up in Leeds doing a reverse Connie with my Mom.

C u Weds.

The End is Nigh

We have our last game on Sunday 10th September against Battisford. Last chance to hit a four or a six, take five wickets or catches - whatever it is you hoped would be your personal best this season. Would be great if everyone could come along and at least do a bit of fielding.

I would like to be able to quote the total runs scored and wickets taken by NCI ladies, and the total number of ladies who have actually played for us this season at the annual dinner. So let's try and up the total in our final game. In fact guess how many ladies have played for us this season? Prize for the best guess.

Sam has guessed 45. Any advance?

I have a few names already but please let me know if you can play on Sunday. Bring a bit of grub too, our last supper, so homemade cake please Beth. I will confirm start time later but it's Parkers Piece as usual.

Summer Practice
Nets have been taken down at Leys School so we are planning a session on Parkers Piece on Wednesday instead from 6pm.

Taunton - The Home of Women's Cricket
The ECB announced last week that Taunton, Somerset County ground, is the new home of women's cricket instead of Lords. The England Ladies celebrated by getting beat there by India in the second test to loose the series 1-0. Not a good start. It didn't look that exciting on a grey and very windy day last Saturday but I can at least say that I have been in the same showers as Marcus Trecscothick. He wasn't there of course but I used his shampoo. (Blokes are so untidy. The home changing room needed a damn good clean. And hair taking out of the shower plug of course.) Unfortunately Cambridge Papworth Ladies CC failed to score enough runs to hold out against City of Leeds Ladies CC. But I do have a little runners up trophy from the National Knockout finals to start my collection of cricketing silverware. (Or plastic ware.) I was told I deserved it for my very vocal support as 12th man. (Confused the opposition to hear a Leeds voice shouting for the other side.)

Next year I hope to be there as Captain of NCI Ladies, bringing home a trophy. Or maybe just another shower with Tresco. (I think he is also known as Banger. Interesting.)

End of Season Bash
The last I heard it was Sat 21st October. So do let me know if you want to jog along. I will be compiling funny stories about you all and lining you up for awards of course. If anybody wants to give a helping hand with arrangements do get in touch with Richi or myself. Megan is going to decorate the hall I gather? (So are you returning from the home of women's cricket just for the occasion Megs?) I assume Thommo is in charge of champagne. There will be lots of Bolly darling - won't there?

Winter Nets
We are still consulting on this one. Looks like Wed night may clash with hockey for some. Do let me know any preferences for time, duration and night of the week.

CRICKET WASHED OUT AGAIN!

Yet again the opposition cancelled on us. Malfunctioning covers led to a flooded wicket at Woolpit - they said. Hmmmm. Well done to those keen bunnies who had a practice on Parkers instead.

We are heading towards the end of the season and not getting much cricket in. Our last chance is 10th September when we play Battisford on Parkers Piece. I am sure they will be there, weather permitting, as they gave us a good reception and game last time. So it would be great to have a good turnout from NCI Ladies to pull off another win, just to underline our progress this year.

Inter NCI Game Sunday 3rd September on Parkers Piece
In the absence of any other challengers to take us on we have decided to have an all NCI game starting 12 noon. Absolutely anybody welcome to come and play and bring a spot of grub for tea afterwards. Let me know if you can be there. I will be back from Taunton after doing my 12th man thing for Cambridge Papworth in the final of the National Knockout Tournament on Saturday 2nd.

Two Counties League in 2007
Having failed to establish a Cambs league for Ladies Cricket the ECB has agreed that we can join the Two Counties League which features six teams from Suffolk. This will include Battisford, Ipswich and Woolpit who we have already played in friendlies. This will mean six home and six away games on Sundays through the 2007 season, May - Sept. We can also add in a few friendly games against our arch rivals Peterborough and maybe March will get their act together next year as well.
To have a look at the current league table go to http://www.twocounties.com/leaguetables.html - the ladies table is right at the bottom (of course!)

End of Season Bash
The proposed date is Saturday 14th October at the NCI Club. There will be buffet food, music and jigging about, speeches and prizes. This would be a good opportunity to present Karen with her champagne for scoring the only ladies six of the season (so far). I would like to recommend myself for the Gary Pratt award for being the most successful 12th man at NCI. Let me know if there are any big clashes of diaries and give me some idea of numbers.

Nets Wednesday 30th August
Usual time/place – from 6pm at Leys School, Trumpington Road.
Lois please be there with balls because Richie is away camping. I'll bring a bat. Anyone with gloves and pads please turn up.

Please leave your comments and suggestions. Some photos woud be good. I am sure Rishi has got some good ones - such as Pete wearing my hat!!? (That will teach him to bowl me out.)

Drama at Lords Today to Rival the Oval Yesterday

There were no accusations from the umpires of ball tampering or tantrums at tea from Hayes Hurricanes but I am sure they are feeling as gutted as the Pakistan Cricket team tonight.

The day started well for Cambridge Papworth Ladies XI. We won the toss, elected to bat and the 12th man was not needed to sub for any no-shows. (Phew! Time to relax and enjoy it.) The wicket was rather soft and the outfield greasy but we skipped around in our warm-up. (Well, I skipped around; everyone else was jogging and looking professional. I was also the only idiot not wearing spikes, which is where exuberant skipping nearly cost me a broken neck. I really must get some proper gear if I am to be any good at this cricket thing.)

It was a little disappointing to lose Hannah Smith our Captain, with the score at only 24 runs off 7 overs. However, as Kath Morgan, our number three arrived at the crease to join Caroline Ingarfield, the heavens opened and stair rods rained down. After 20 minutes the Lords nursery ground was covered in puddles. The umpires announced a pitch inspection at 2pm but the rumour was that the groundsmen weren’t keen. Apparently Pakistan would be practicing there next week (all except Inzy maybe) and they didn’t want us messing up their wicket. Sure enough the game was abandoned and a deep discussion ensued between the team captains and management. Well we didn’t have a manager but HH did. And he was adamant they could not replay on Bank Holiday Monday at Cambridge as we had offered. So it was to be decided on a Bowlout!

The Bowlout comprised a penalty shoot out between 5 bowlers from each team, each having two balls to hit the wicket. We did consider a protest at this stage and nearly refused to leave the changing room to eat the free lunch provided. No-one had indoor bowling shoes. (All wearing those silly spikes of course!) But the tomato and mozzarella foccacia sandwiches were too tempting so we scoffed our lunch and headed into the indoor nets to practice before mustering at 2pm for the shoot out.

HH went first.
Their first bowler bowled 2 balls. She missed both.
Our first bowler, Daisy bowled 2 balls. DIRECT HIT BOTH TIMES. TWO NIL!
Their second bowler bowled 2 balls. She missed both.
Our second bowler, Sally, stepped up. She missed both.
Their third bowler bowled 2 balls. She missed both.
Our third bowler, Hannah, bowled 2 balls. She missed both. STILL TWO NIL!
Their fourth bowler stepped up. She bowled 2 balls and scored with one. Aaaaaaaaaaaaagh! TWO ONE TO PAPWORTH!
Our fourth bowler Paula bowled 2 balls. (Surely Knibbsy, former England player, can’t miss?) She did – both of them – by a coat of varnish.
Their final bowler bowled two balls. DIRECT HITS BOTH OF THEM!
Nooooooooooooooooooooo! THREE TWO TO HH!
CUMONKATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kath bowled the 2 final balls. She scored with ONE. THREE ALL!!
Pheeeeeeuwwww!
We moved onto “Sudden Death”. (I got sudden indigestion.)

HH bowl and miss. Phew!
Daisy bowls and misses. Darn it!
HH bowl and miss. Pheeeeeeeeuw!
Paula bowls and misses. Oh Lordeee Lordeeeee!
HH bowl and miss. I need air!
Kath bowls AND HITS THE STUMPS INTO OBLIVION!!!!!!!!!
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WE WON!

So off to Taunton – The Home of Women’s Cricket (?!!) to play a mystery side from Up North in the final of The Lady Taverners National Knockout Tournament.

If you fancy a coach trip to Taunton for a tenner, book a date in your diary for Sat 2nd September. Who knows my spikeless trainers may yet again get to play a starring role in a Bowlout and you could be there to see them.

Owzat?

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Disappointing Lack of Cricket

In addition to our 20:20 and the IVs game being cancelled due to lack of opposition, our Sunday game v Peterborough Ladies was cancelled late Sat night due to a wet wicket (as opposed to sticky?)

I am still on for 12th man at Cambridge Papworth today for a league game. I really need to practice my drinks carrying for the game at Lords tomorrow. Although, the Met Office website shows double rain drops and a lightening strike directly overhead London. So I may just have to soak up the atmosphere as the famous ground soaks up the rain.

Stumps and Studs League Table
If you want to see how the IVs finished the season in the Stumps and Studs league you can check the table at http://cambhuntpremierleague.play-cricket.com/leaguetables/divisionTable.asp?id=6109&seasonID=7

Yes we are bottom but we seem to have won a game. I suspect this is because Burrough Green couldn't get a team for Sat. Well we all start somewhere and the only way is up.

Winter Nets
But the way up is paved with some work on technique and skills so our thoughts turn to winter nets. We will be running net sessions at Fenners, exclusively for ladies, with at least one coach taking the session. Last year we did Thursday nights 7-8pm. So let me know if this is OK or if you would prefer another night - Wed or Tues? Another time 6pm or 8pm? A longer session - 1.5 hrs or 2 hrs? Post your comments here or send me an email m_munley@btinternet.com

Fixtures
Sunday 27th August v Woolpit Ladies XI at Woolpit CC
Who is up for a competitive 30 overs?
Remember we only lost by 5 runs in our 20:20 game with a very friendly line up from NCI against a very competitive Woolpit side!

Catch u soon.

Crashing Sounds All Around

We have had two games cancelled this week because the opposition crashed out. March Ladies yet again failed to organise a game for our 20:20 Ladies tournament and Burrough Green have failed to muster a team for Sat against the IVs.

The biggest crashing sound came from Dave Bloc's magnificent six, straight through the windows of the house on the short boundary at Parkers Piece last night. (NCI v ARM) This awesome shot was sadly not recognised as such by the tenant who stormed out to demand recompense. Richie expertly smoothed over the situation in a professional and conciliatory manner by exiting sharp right into the changing rooms to pad up.

Peterboro' Ladies 20:20 is still on for Sunday but we need one more player.
I am very excited about being 12th man at Lords on Monday for Cambridge Papworth Ladies in the semi-final of the Lady Taverners National Knockout tournament. Just hope I manage not to drop the drinks.

NCI Ladies On Top!

Despite the very wet weather, the IVs were once more the only NCI team to complete their game on Saturday. We lost again to Dullingham but it was our smallest losing margin yet in terms of runs and we did take 6 wickets. The 6 girls scored 48 runs in total and the boys including Laurie from the U13s scored 37. There were several disappointing performances with the bat but Jane kept our end up with a top score of 35.

Our antipodean trio of Jan, Jane and Louise were clearly "bowling for England". Louise opened the scoring by taking their top three batters out of the game, bowling two and catching another off Bharat's bowling. It was the most exciting start to a game we have experienced so far this season. Top stuff Lou! Where you've been all year? Karen did a very impressive flying wicket keeping job as the wind was taking the ball all over the place. Beth and myself added a few runs and got very wet.

Someone needs to invent a helmet with a Perspex visor to be able to see in driving rain.

Next Week is a Very Busy Week for Lady Cricketers!

Wednesday 16th - nets at Leys School Trumpington Rd, from 6pm.
Thursday 17th - England Ladies are playing a one day game against India at Shenley which is Middlesex/Herts border. Richie, me and possibly some others are thinking of going so check with us if you fancy it. However there is also an NCI Mid Week Allstars game at 6pm on Parkers Piece. We girls are planning our curry afterwards 8pm ish. So come and watch or have a bit of fielding practice to work up an appetite. See Sam Bowker for further details.
(Dull note - forecast not good for Thursday at the moment but it can change of course. And won't affect ability to eat curry successfully.)
Friday 18th - Richie's mystery 20:20 tournament. 3pm at March CC. Meet Parkers 2pm.
Alleged to be a gathering of 4 ladies teams. March, Peterborough, Papworth and us. Silverware to be won and pride at stake. Let me know if you can play. Some of you have already said yes but can you just confirm this is all OK and who needs a lift. Open to absolutely anybody and a good chance of playing at least one game.
Saturday 19th - IVs v Burrough Green away - grudge match - we have a cunning plan to take revenge for a record drubbing last time. Watch this space. Richie is compiling the team.
Sunday 20th - yet another game against Peterborough Ladies. 10am at Peterborough. Meet Parkers 9am.
Let me know if you can play and need a lift. Should be finished by 1pm.