Mildenhall and their strangely familiar captain Mary Munley kindly stepped in to provide us with a friendly game this past Sunday, May 18. Mildenhall won the toss and used insider knowledge in their decision to put us into bat. NCI ladies were in short supply and with Naomi turning up nursing tonsilitis, a team of seven was all captains Sam and Lois could muster.
Lucy and Jan opened the batting and Lucy spectacularly avoided being run out on 1 when a Mildenhall fielder returned the ball into the back of her head. She then was bowled for 1. Gen came in next and top scored (other than a fine innings of 42 from Extras) with 14 but was run out by Tiff, but as she had already run Jan out (for a rapidly acquired 8), it seemed like poetic justice. Labieba was in next, running a lot of byes as well as her 2 runs. Sam 'leave the wides' Bowker took her own advice too seriously and left a straight one getting a golden duck, but as her hair wasn't right as she walked out to bat, is it any wonder? Naomi couldn't resist the opportunity and padded up in new NCI kit of jeans and a dress but retired after scoring three to roll back up in her blanket. Tiff advanced the score with a handy 10 and when she was out Lucy and then Sam snuck in for second goes. Lois was unbeaten at the end of the innings to leave NCI with a total of 84 runs off 25 overs.
The game proceeded to be very friendly as we borrowed 4 Mildenhall players (including one spectator) to supplement our 7. The NCI bowling was a solid effort all round, with a fair spread of wickets and maiden overs. Sam was particularly economic with only 2 runs off 4 overs, as was Tiff with a wicket maiden and some fine spin which Mildenhall's batters couldn't middle & giving catches to Gen behind the stumps & Lois at cover. Labieba did some of her best bowling yet, picking up 2-14 off 4 and Lucy got a run out with an excellent shy at the stumps from point, as well as wrapping up Mary, clean bowled ending up with 2-17. One of Mildenhall's borrowed fielders even chipped in with a catch off Lois's bowling. Mildenhall won, by one run on the last delivery with only one wicket spare. An excellent close game and as Sam says, 'you only get runs by running'.
Lucy Wrapson - 21/05/2008
Monday, June 02, 2008
Peterborough - Womens 1st XI beaten by Cambridge N.C.I. CC Womens 1st XI
After winning the toss, debutant skip Lois decided to bowl, which is exactly what she did alongside the other opener, Jan. Both got off to a good start with Jan taking the first wicket of the league season & Lois taking the second, in a wicket maiden; taking on the captaincy seems to have improved her game! She then decided to bring on Paula to dispatch the troublesome opening bat Jo, and dispatch her she did in another wicket maiden. Next up Sam and Tiff did their work with the ball, Sam keeping it tight with 2 maidens from 5 overs despite having a cold, and Tiff tempting the batter Farida until she lofted one. There couldn't have been a safer pair of hands waiting for it than Kate's at cover, taking her first (and we are sure not last!) catch of the season. At drinks wicket keeper Naomi swapped to let Gen have a go behind the stumps & she did try to get a stumping, though kicking the ball and the stumps with your foot won't be popular with the umpires. Naomi went on to prove she didn't need gloves to catch with a cool take off Caroline's bowling (when we say cool we mean….help, help, help, help, YES!). Caroline got another wicket leg before & an excellent run out thanks to a swift pickup & return from Kate to Caroline waiting at the stumps. Lisa was then brought on and bowled a maiden over (bring her on sooner next time!) and were restricted to 75 for 7 off their 25 overs.
Caroline and Naomi opened the batting positively, though Naomi had to retire hurt for a couple of overs when hit on the elbow trying to shield her face from a beamer. Kate continued her excellent form hitting a quick 18 including a four. Caroline retired not out on 25 and the wickets began to tumble, but Jan and Lisa chipped in some more runs for NCI to win comfortably, 76 for 5 in 22.2 overs. Lois's “feed them cakes” tactics really paid off!
Gen Madgwick - 05/05/2008
Caroline and Naomi opened the batting positively, though Naomi had to retire hurt for a couple of overs when hit on the elbow trying to shield her face from a beamer. Kate continued her excellent form hitting a quick 18 including a four. Caroline retired not out on 25 and the wickets began to tumble, but Jan and Lisa chipped in some more runs for NCI to win comfortably, 76 for 5 in 22.2 overs. Lois's “feed them cakes” tactics really paid off!
Gen Madgwick - 05/05/2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Town takes on Gown
Winter is officially over, although it didn't feel like it when NCI women's XI braved the cold on Sunday for the first match of the season: a 33 over friendly against the Cambridge University Women's XI. After winning the toss (hurray!) & interrogating our double agent Tiff, captain Paula decided to field first. A cold & creaky team soon warmed up to the usual NCI fielding standards and although the wickets didn't fall initially, runs were kept in check by opening bowlers Jan and Lois. After some missed chances off the other bowlers, Paula soon decided to rock the batting side taking the a wicket & going on to take another two wickets for a very economical 6 runs in 6 overs, including an LBW which she didn't get round to appealing for. Tiff proved her loyalty, picking up four for 15 including the opposition's top scorer – she will be in demand by both teams after this performance! Caroline didn't want to be left out of the wicket haul & after inducing a few juicy edges, finally one stuck …in slip fielder Paula's stomach; she went away with 2 for 15.
The chase was on for 121 runs, with 3.7 runs an over required…NCI got off to a rocky start with opener Emily out to an amazing catch. Gen and Jan steadied the ship with a 27 run partnership. Mary, unburdened from captaining duties, was in next compiling an elegant 42 not out while a few wickets fell at the other end causing nerves to fray (it's hard to keep up with Mary)! The finish was exhilaratingly close, but Mary and Sam were more than equal to the pressure, seeing NCI home with an over and two balls to spare. Man of the match was Mary for her fine innings, although the new season's sponsorship choccies haven't arrived yet. Bad luck!
The chase was on for 121 runs, with 3.7 runs an over required…NCI got off to a rocky start with opener Emily out to an amazing catch. Gen and Jan steadied the ship with a 27 run partnership. Mary, unburdened from captaining duties, was in next compiling an elegant 42 not out while a few wickets fell at the other end causing nerves to fray (it's hard to keep up with Mary)! The finish was exhilaratingly close, but Mary and Sam were more than equal to the pressure, seeing NCI home with an over and two balls to spare. Man of the match was Mary for her fine innings, although the new season's sponsorship choccies haven't arrived yet. Bad luck!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
2008 and the Training Begins!
NCI Batwoman checking the field for chocolate on Parkers Piece. Photo courtesy Fen Photos. Thanx Sue. www.fenphotos.co.ukTotally Focused on the Chocolat!
Cambridge NCI Ladies' cricket team have come a long way in just one year. They started as a friendly team in 2007 and ended 2008 as runners up in the regional ladies’ competitive league.
NCI is a cricket club with a long established history for the men’s game so in 2007 the ladies began with five friendly matches winning only one. In 2008 they entered the Two Counties League Ladies Challenge playing against six teams from Suffolk and despite many cancellations due to weather the ladies played a total of 27 fixtures including friendlies. A combination of dedicated winter training and top level coaching from Paula Knibbs, an ECB level 3 coach, took the girls and women of NCI to a new level. They started the season in determined style with an 84 run win over Woodbridge Ladies and finished the season second in the table, close on the heels of Ipswich, losing to them in the final match by only 9 runs. The game’s format is being extended from 30 overs to 35 for 2008 giving NCI a great opportunity to turn the tables on Ipswich. The team was sponsored by Hotel Chocolat who generously provided cash and chocolate.
NCI is a cricket club with a long established history for the men’s game so in 2007 the ladies began with five friendly matches winning only one. In 2008 they entered the Two Counties League Ladies Challenge playing against six teams from Suffolk and despite many cancellations due to weather the ladies played a total of 27 fixtures including friendlies. A combination of dedicated winter training and top level coaching from Paula Knibbs, an ECB level 3 coach, took the girls and women of NCI to a new level. They started the season in determined style with an 84 run win over Woodbridge Ladies and finished the season second in the table, close on the heels of Ipswich, losing to them in the final match by only 9 runs. The game’s format is being extended from 30 overs to 35 for 2008 giving NCI a great opportunity to turn the tables on Ipswich. The team was sponsored by Hotel Chocolat who generously provided cash and chocolate.
“A £25 Hotel Chocolat voucher was a brilliant incentive for the Woman of the Match,” says coach Paula. “You can’t say these women aren’t competitive – especially when there’s chocolate at stake!!”
With their home ground on Parkers Piece, the team had some prime advertising space and many new players arrived to try their hand. Over 30 women and girls participated in league games last season with even more playing in friendly games. The intensive coaching has successfully converted rugby players, footballers, hockey players, javelin throwers, martial artists and tri-athletes into competent cricketers.
“Anyone with a good eye for a ball can easily pick up basic cricketing skills. It’s amazing how naturally athletes from other sports can play,” said Paula Knibbs, the 2008 Ladies Captain. “We would really encourage women and girls to come along and try it. What else would you rather be doing on a sunny, summer Sunday afternoon? It’s a very sociable game; we keep fit, get a good tan and work up an appetite for a fantastic homemade tea.”
The ladies are already in training with coaching sessions at Fenners Cricketing Hall, Gresham Road on Thursday evenings 7-9pm. New players are welcome to join in for a free taster session and subsequent sessions cost £4. If you are interested just turn up, no equipment needed or call Mary Munley on 0794 1322 746 for more details.
Big thanks to Hotel Chocolat for their generous support financially and chocolatey. http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The Writing's On The Wall!
Read it and Weep Ipswich
One year ago I made my maiden Captain’s speech at the end of season dinner and boldly claimed that the NCI Ladies team would finish in the top three in the Two Counties League in their first competitive season. There were many who scoffed and smirked at my big ideas but I will stand up on 26th October at this season’s dinner and proudly say “WE DID IT!”
It’s been a long season; our first cancelled game was 5th May and our first win was 6th May. We’ve been frustrated by many other cancellations due to weather or non-existent opposition. But we have played a fantastic number of 27 games (compared to 5 last year) and experienced some brilliant cricket culminating in a very exciting close finish. 30 women and girls have participated in these games with a few more coming along to training and field sessions. What a long way we have come for a squad that is just 2 years old. So well done to everyone who has played a part on or off the field.
Cambridge NCI - Nine Runs Short
The drama began earlier in the week with a dispute over the start time for the match. My opening shot was a request to start the game 30 minutes late at 2pm as several of my players were away on holiday and I was concerned about them being late. (Economically true.) The fact was I knew that Paula and Caroline were at a christening and could only get to the game in time if we had a 2pm kick off. I knew I was already short of several key players due to other commitments or injury so I made a play to squeeze P&C in if I could. The Ipswich Captain wouldn't play ball and counter attacked with the announcement that the game should be starting at 1pm anyway. I got out the rule handbook which clearly states 1.30pm start for Sept and she grudgingly went away to consult her team. She left me a message later in the week to say "no go", it would be too dark to play 60 overs if we started later than 1pm and the umpire had confirmed the start time as well. In other words TUFF!
So I took it up with the league secretary and asked her to clarify. She acknowledged the start time was 1.30pm in the hand book (although it did say 1pm on the umpire's sheet) and that the claim of bad light was "rubbish!" So she spoke to Ipswich and cracked the whip so that when I phoned the Captain again she rolled over. It still meant we would be without Paula and Caroline but I felt a moral victory had been won by Cambridge and it was a clear statement that we would not be pushed around. On or off the pitch!
Won The Toss Again!
(I have actually won 75% of tosses this season. How's that for proof of PMA?) So I put them in to bat. It's been our winning strategy all season and I knew we had a strong fielding team. I was still aiming to win the league but knew we would need to bowl them out and keep the runs to less than 80 to do it. It was a big ask and despite some great bowling efforts we lacked another in form bowler to really peg them back. Louise did her job in conceding only 7 runs off 6 overs with 3 maidens. Lois found her form again but likewise wickets eluded her. Sam did get a breakthrough when the opening bat played on to her stumps. Jan also took the wicket of the other opener, bowling her best performance of the season. Well done to Tiff, Ivy and Kate who courageously stepped up in the final overs despite not having been around recently or being quite new to it. I admire you for having a go and I am sure that is was nerve wracking to be in at the tense finish. Our specialist fielders deserve a big up - Natasha, Kate, Ivy, Tiff and Liz made some awesome stops and stunning throws that really deterred Ipswich from taking that second run on most occasions. It saved us loads of runs - top effort y'all. Safe hands Benton was there behind the wicket consistent as ever. Ipswich scored 129 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Which meant we were never going to win the league even if we won the game from here.
Batting to Win the Game
Had we achieved our goal in the first innings we would have still had a tough job to win the league. We would have needed to score the runs required without losing more than 3 wickets. But that game was up so the batting order was designed to score the runs without losing 10 wickets. We had recently experienced a disastrous game against Hunts where we lost 9 wickets in 9 overs and I was pretty keen not to repeat that scenario. So I aimed for a balance of Big Hitters who can score runs but may not last long and Steady Eddies who dig in and keep adding to the runs. Louise got us off to a good start, breaking her bat to get 4 boundaries, but then was caught on 24 after 10 overs. Tiff was a great opening support and I came in to find myself facing the Ipswich Captain who proceeded to bowl a very eratic 3 overs with 9 wides. Very frustrating when you are dying to wallop it. Still they had their chances as I skyed a ball but they failed to catch it, Natasha ran me out but they fluffed the throw into the wicket and goodness knows how many catches behind they nearly had. So I survived to the end with 29 not out and a personal best for a league game this season. Ivy and Natasha gave it their all and added to the total before being bowled. Jan produced a very impressive 20 runs leaving just one over for Liz to preserve her average with 4 not out.
In the end 120 runs wasn't enough to win the game but it was our best performance this season without players like Paula, Caroline, Emily, Lucy, Gen or Labieba to help us out. I can assure you everyone who came out to that crease tried their best. The choccies went to Jan for a brilliant all round effort in batting and bowling - our final Woman of the Match for 2007. Big thanks to Sam for being helpful and positive on the sidelines by keeping the scoreboard current because we were watching it and knew exactly what run rate we needed. If you thought it was agonising on the sidelines you can't imagine what it was like to be out there.
So our arch rivals Ipswich have survived this season unbeaten at the top of the league but the writing is on the wall. Last year when we played them we were 64 all out with only 19 runs coming off the bat and the rest were extras. They scored 137. Well clearly their bowling has improved as they gave away fewer extras this season but their batting hasn’t changed much. We have closed the gap massively so they must know that next year if we continue to improve at this rate we are going to blow them out of the water. Something to look forward to - eh girls ?
One year ago I made my maiden Captain’s speech at the end of season dinner and boldly claimed that the NCI Ladies team would finish in the top three in the Two Counties League in their first competitive season. There were many who scoffed and smirked at my big ideas but I will stand up on 26th October at this season’s dinner and proudly say “WE DID IT!”
It’s been a long season; our first cancelled game was 5th May and our first win was 6th May. We’ve been frustrated by many other cancellations due to weather or non-existent opposition. But we have played a fantastic number of 27 games (compared to 5 last year) and experienced some brilliant cricket culminating in a very exciting close finish. 30 women and girls have participated in these games with a few more coming along to training and field sessions. What a long way we have come for a squad that is just 2 years old. So well done to everyone who has played a part on or off the field.
Cambridge NCI - Nine Runs Short
The drama began earlier in the week with a dispute over the start time for the match. My opening shot was a request to start the game 30 minutes late at 2pm as several of my players were away on holiday and I was concerned about them being late. (Economically true.) The fact was I knew that Paula and Caroline were at a christening and could only get to the game in time if we had a 2pm kick off. I knew I was already short of several key players due to other commitments or injury so I made a play to squeeze P&C in if I could. The Ipswich Captain wouldn't play ball and counter attacked with the announcement that the game should be starting at 1pm anyway. I got out the rule handbook which clearly states 1.30pm start for Sept and she grudgingly went away to consult her team. She left me a message later in the week to say "no go", it would be too dark to play 60 overs if we started later than 1pm and the umpire had confirmed the start time as well. In other words TUFF!
So I took it up with the league secretary and asked her to clarify. She acknowledged the start time was 1.30pm in the hand book (although it did say 1pm on the umpire's sheet) and that the claim of bad light was "rubbish!" So she spoke to Ipswich and cracked the whip so that when I phoned the Captain again she rolled over. It still meant we would be without Paula and Caroline but I felt a moral victory had been won by Cambridge and it was a clear statement that we would not be pushed around. On or off the pitch!
Won The Toss Again!
(I have actually won 75% of tosses this season. How's that for proof of PMA?) So I put them in to bat. It's been our winning strategy all season and I knew we had a strong fielding team. I was still aiming to win the league but knew we would need to bowl them out and keep the runs to less than 80 to do it. It was a big ask and despite some great bowling efforts we lacked another in form bowler to really peg them back. Louise did her job in conceding only 7 runs off 6 overs with 3 maidens. Lois found her form again but likewise wickets eluded her. Sam did get a breakthrough when the opening bat played on to her stumps. Jan also took the wicket of the other opener, bowling her best performance of the season. Well done to Tiff, Ivy and Kate who courageously stepped up in the final overs despite not having been around recently or being quite new to it. I admire you for having a go and I am sure that is was nerve wracking to be in at the tense finish. Our specialist fielders deserve a big up - Natasha, Kate, Ivy, Tiff and Liz made some awesome stops and stunning throws that really deterred Ipswich from taking that second run on most occasions. It saved us loads of runs - top effort y'all. Safe hands Benton was there behind the wicket consistent as ever. Ipswich scored 129 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Which meant we were never going to win the league even if we won the game from here.
Batting to Win the Game
Had we achieved our goal in the first innings we would have still had a tough job to win the league. We would have needed to score the runs required without losing more than 3 wickets. But that game was up so the batting order was designed to score the runs without losing 10 wickets. We had recently experienced a disastrous game against Hunts where we lost 9 wickets in 9 overs and I was pretty keen not to repeat that scenario. So I aimed for a balance of Big Hitters who can score runs but may not last long and Steady Eddies who dig in and keep adding to the runs. Louise got us off to a good start, breaking her bat to get 4 boundaries, but then was caught on 24 after 10 overs. Tiff was a great opening support and I came in to find myself facing the Ipswich Captain who proceeded to bowl a very eratic 3 overs with 9 wides. Very frustrating when you are dying to wallop it. Still they had their chances as I skyed a ball but they failed to catch it, Natasha ran me out but they fluffed the throw into the wicket and goodness knows how many catches behind they nearly had. So I survived to the end with 29 not out and a personal best for a league game this season. Ivy and Natasha gave it their all and added to the total before being bowled. Jan produced a very impressive 20 runs leaving just one over for Liz to preserve her average with 4 not out.
In the end 120 runs wasn't enough to win the game but it was our best performance this season without players like Paula, Caroline, Emily, Lucy, Gen or Labieba to help us out. I can assure you everyone who came out to that crease tried their best. The choccies went to Jan for a brilliant all round effort in batting and bowling - our final Woman of the Match for 2007. Big thanks to Sam for being helpful and positive on the sidelines by keeping the scoreboard current because we were watching it and knew exactly what run rate we needed. If you thought it was agonising on the sidelines you can't imagine what it was like to be out there.
So our arch rivals Ipswich have survived this season unbeaten at the top of the league but the writing is on the wall. Last year when we played them we were 64 all out with only 19 runs coming off the bat and the rest were extras. They scored 137. Well clearly their bowling has improved as they gave away fewer extras this season but their batting hasn’t changed much. We have closed the gap massively so they must know that next year if we continue to improve at this rate we are going to blow them out of the water. Something to look forward to - eh girls ?
Friday, May 25, 2007
GIRLS STILL ON TOP!
Another emphatic win BY TEN WICKETS keeps us top of the table and 2 points clear of Ipswich. Getting maximum points against Woodbridge has potentially given us the opportunity to lead right through the season. So let’s keep us there and use that psychological advantage.
It was a game of two halves; one a lot shorter than the other.
Some very hectic field changes to accommodate the Sudbury Captain and lefty batter, and some very boring play thanks to the same person. I was desperate for her to just once give it a good wallop but no she was happy to stodge her way through 29 overs for a grand total of 12 runs!
Ideally we wanted to get a good 30 overs batting in but there was a risk of rain later in the day and I didn’t want to end up like the England boys. (Imagine all those centuries scored and it was a draw? Strange game cricket.) So having won the toss I decided to field and aim to bowl ‘em out for maximum points. It didn’t quite work out like that as we got off to a slow start. The opening bowlers were playing their first game of the season so a touch of nerves is allowed but Sam and Louise soon got in the groove. Sam bowled 4 maidens in her 6 overs (awesome stuff Sam) and Louise bowled 6 tight overs, taking a key wicket in the last over. Caroline made a big impact taking 3 wickets and a catch which gave me a wicket. Thank you Caroline. Margreta made a truly original style stumping to give Emily a wicket too. Gen took a great high catch much to her own surprise and Labieba took a catch to hand me my second wicket. Thank you Labieba! Natasha was wielding that strong arm all around the field which really pushed some of the running between the wickets. Annette took a ball on the shin – it’s scary at slip eh Annette? (Get some shin pads from “chav world” to add to your gear collection.) But it all helped keep the pressure on and a significant contribution was made by our totally impartial square leg umpire Paula. Thank you Paula, for giving me the benefit of your 25 years’ experience in field placing strategy. And thank you Jill for interrupting me and Paula to remind us we have a leftie batting and we need to change over. Ooops. So Sudbury only managed 76 runs for the loss of 7 wickets.
The rain held off but it was a relief to see Caroline and Emily rack up 61 runs in 15 overs, including five fours from Caroline in her 44*. Disaster struck when with only 16 runs to get, everything stopped for drinks! Which caused Emily to lose her focus and she got bowled. Shame but Gen justified sitting around for 15 overs with her pads on by scoring the winning runs and protecting her average with a not out score. Well done team!!
Woman of the Match
Caroline hog-the-strike Ingarfield. A box of HOTEL Chocolat was hers to share with someone special. (Along with her pants.)
Other women worthy of mention Lois our 12th woman and Naomi, for running the catering, scoring, number waving and pom pom shaking. Also thanks to James for scoring (if he’s listening Megan) and all the chaps who turned out to support us (and drain the teapot just in time for tea.)
Next week first step on the steep ladder that takes us to Lords. Don't forget to sign up your availability for June.
Cheers
The Captain
It was a game of two halves; one a lot shorter than the other.
Some very hectic field changes to accommodate the Sudbury Captain and lefty batter, and some very boring play thanks to the same person. I was desperate for her to just once give it a good wallop but no she was happy to stodge her way through 29 overs for a grand total of 12 runs!
Ideally we wanted to get a good 30 overs batting in but there was a risk of rain later in the day and I didn’t want to end up like the England boys. (Imagine all those centuries scored and it was a draw? Strange game cricket.) So having won the toss I decided to field and aim to bowl ‘em out for maximum points. It didn’t quite work out like that as we got off to a slow start. The opening bowlers were playing their first game of the season so a touch of nerves is allowed but Sam and Louise soon got in the groove. Sam bowled 4 maidens in her 6 overs (awesome stuff Sam) and Louise bowled 6 tight overs, taking a key wicket in the last over. Caroline made a big impact taking 3 wickets and a catch which gave me a wicket. Thank you Caroline. Margreta made a truly original style stumping to give Emily a wicket too. Gen took a great high catch much to her own surprise and Labieba took a catch to hand me my second wicket. Thank you Labieba! Natasha was wielding that strong arm all around the field which really pushed some of the running between the wickets. Annette took a ball on the shin – it’s scary at slip eh Annette? (Get some shin pads from “chav world” to add to your gear collection.) But it all helped keep the pressure on and a significant contribution was made by our totally impartial square leg umpire Paula. Thank you Paula, for giving me the benefit of your 25 years’ experience in field placing strategy. And thank you Jill for interrupting me and Paula to remind us we have a leftie batting and we need to change over. Ooops. So Sudbury only managed 76 runs for the loss of 7 wickets.
The rain held off but it was a relief to see Caroline and Emily rack up 61 runs in 15 overs, including five fours from Caroline in her 44*. Disaster struck when with only 16 runs to get, everything stopped for drinks! Which caused Emily to lose her focus and she got bowled. Shame but Gen justified sitting around for 15 overs with her pads on by scoring the winning runs and protecting her average with a not out score. Well done team!!
Woman of the Match
Caroline hog-the-strike Ingarfield. A box of HOTEL Chocolat was hers to share with someone special. (Along with her pants.)
Other women worthy of mention Lois our 12th woman and Naomi, for running the catering, scoring, number waving and pom pom shaking. Also thanks to James for scoring (if he’s listening Megan) and all the chaps who turned out to support us (and drain the teapot just in time for tea.)
Next week first step on the steep ladder that takes us to Lords. Don't forget to sign up your availability for June.
Cheers
The Captain
Monday, May 07, 2007
WOWed by CAMBRIDGE NCI
The season has started with a Big WOW Factor - our emphatic 83 run win over Woodbridge and Old Woodbrigdonians! This gave us the maximum 20 points which puts us top of the league table 2 points clear of last year’s winner Ipswich. It was a fantastic game to get us started on our mission to win the league this year. WELL DONE – FANTASTIC EFFORT EVERYONE!
Batting
Losing the toss (deliberate tactic of course) gave us the opportunity to get a big total on the board – too big for them to chase down. 182 for 4 wickets was an awesome total. Thanks mainly of course to Caroline who opened and batted all the overs (68*) and Paula who came in at 15 overs to see us safely through (77*). So BIG thanks to them. (Hope the legs and knees have recovered you two.) Tiffany bravely opened alongside Caroline and had her first taste of scoring runs. Ivy followed her in and showed us just how quick you can be between the wickets to score her first runs. Liz did us proud with a great clunking 4. Fantastic to get a boundary first outing for us Liz! I added a few more runs and then at 15 overs we decided to crank up the pace and bring in Paula. It was great to watch the “Yoda-Ministry of Sound” team demonstrate how a good partnership works and all the text book shots. Fortunately for us, Paula’s strategy to get a 6 or get out didn’t work (she got dropped) and they put us in a totally commanding position at the changeover.
Fielding & Bowling
WOW probably thought chasing down 182 runs was a tough task but when they saw the state of our bowling and fielding I suspect they soon realised that the only team with WOW factor was us. But all credit as they plugged away and tried to make a game of it with good humour and spirit. Paula and Lucy opened the bowling and got us off to the best possible start with a wicket in the second over. With one run on the board Lucy took the first wicket with a great catch from Ivy. Then it became “The Lucy Light Show” as she went on to take 6 wickets in total from her 6 overs conceding only 13 runs and including one maiden over. (And the day before she had been back tracking from opening the bowling!!) Fantastic show Lucy – the best figures we have had yet by a lady in the club and might even be a record for the whole club!!
Our depth in bowling showed as Lois, Laura and Gen all took wickets and Tiffany had 4 good tight overs. Lois also got a good sharp run out of their key opening player. The fielding all round was amazing – we took eight catches!! Safe hands Ivy took 3 and Paula, Caroline and Lucy added to the tally. And you know what they say “catches win matches”. Naomi was as dynamic as ever diving around and taking it on the cheek if not the chin. Thanks to Margreta our 12th man for showing commitment and support.
Big thanks to Steve for scoring, and James for umpiring, carrying the bags, paying Tiff’s match fees and subbing me to pay the umpire. (Men are so useful!!) Big thanks Annette for coming to support. (Please thank your friend too Margreta.)
If you want to keep tabs on the points table this is the link http://www.twocounties.com/leaguetables.html
The Captain
Batting
Losing the toss (deliberate tactic of course) gave us the opportunity to get a big total on the board – too big for them to chase down. 182 for 4 wickets was an awesome total. Thanks mainly of course to Caroline who opened and batted all the overs (68*) and Paula who came in at 15 overs to see us safely through (77*). So BIG thanks to them. (Hope the legs and knees have recovered you two.) Tiffany bravely opened alongside Caroline and had her first taste of scoring runs. Ivy followed her in and showed us just how quick you can be between the wickets to score her first runs. Liz did us proud with a great clunking 4. Fantastic to get a boundary first outing for us Liz! I added a few more runs and then at 15 overs we decided to crank up the pace and bring in Paula. It was great to watch the “Yoda-Ministry of Sound” team demonstrate how a good partnership works and all the text book shots. Fortunately for us, Paula’s strategy to get a 6 or get out didn’t work (she got dropped) and they put us in a totally commanding position at the changeover.
Fielding & Bowling
WOW probably thought chasing down 182 runs was a tough task but when they saw the state of our bowling and fielding I suspect they soon realised that the only team with WOW factor was us. But all credit as they plugged away and tried to make a game of it with good humour and spirit. Paula and Lucy opened the bowling and got us off to the best possible start with a wicket in the second over. With one run on the board Lucy took the first wicket with a great catch from Ivy. Then it became “The Lucy Light Show” as she went on to take 6 wickets in total from her 6 overs conceding only 13 runs and including one maiden over. (And the day before she had been back tracking from opening the bowling!!) Fantastic show Lucy – the best figures we have had yet by a lady in the club and might even be a record for the whole club!!
Our depth in bowling showed as Lois, Laura and Gen all took wickets and Tiffany had 4 good tight overs. Lois also got a good sharp run out of their key opening player. The fielding all round was amazing – we took eight catches!! Safe hands Ivy took 3 and Paula, Caroline and Lucy added to the tally. And you know what they say “catches win matches”. Naomi was as dynamic as ever diving around and taking it on the cheek if not the chin. Thanks to Margreta our 12th man for showing commitment and support.
Big thanks to Steve for scoring, and James for umpiring, carrying the bags, paying Tiff’s match fees and subbing me to pay the umpire. (Men are so useful!!) Big thanks Annette for coming to support. (Please thank your friend too Margreta.)
If you want to keep tabs on the points table this is the link http://www.twocounties.com/leaguetables.html
The Captain
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Dynamic Diving and Strictly Salsa
Last week’s coaching session was a really good consolidation of fielding skills. I really felt like I had been running round a cricket field on a hot day. Next week we are upping the dynamism and practicing diving catches. (Crash mats supplied.) Beer and arnica down the pub afterwards.
Fixtures Spreadsheet
There was a small error on the spreadsheet I sent last week so I have emailed a new one. I have also amended the fixtures on our Play Cricket website.
Membership Subscriptions
If you are planning to play in the league games this summer you need to be a registered member of NCI CC. Membership is £15 for ladies and pays for the hire of pitches, umpire fees and match balls. It also covers you for insurance so I will start to collect subs this month so we are covered for accidents in the nets at Fenners. Not that I am anticipating any but one girl did break her arm last year whilst diving around on the floor. So bring cash or cheques payable to “NCI CC”.
Social Events
Signing up to the cricket club also gives you membership of the New Chesterton Institute which is a real place!! If you’ve never been – well you don’t know what you’re missing! However, it would be a great venue for social events and the potential for pulling a 60 year old pool player is enormous. Has that got you excited girls? So any suggestions? Beth what about a live gig from you? Rishi might agree to a double bill with his Karmadillos? Or we could have a Strictly Salsa Night and discover the Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash of the NCI men’s teams?
C u Thursday 7pm.
Fixtures Spreadsheet
There was a small error on the spreadsheet I sent last week so I have emailed a new one. I have also amended the fixtures on our Play Cricket website.
Membership Subscriptions
If you are planning to play in the league games this summer you need to be a registered member of NCI CC. Membership is £15 for ladies and pays for the hire of pitches, umpire fees and match balls. It also covers you for insurance so I will start to collect subs this month so we are covered for accidents in the nets at Fenners. Not that I am anticipating any but one girl did break her arm last year whilst diving around on the floor. So bring cash or cheques payable to “NCI CC”.
Social Events
Signing up to the cricket club also gives you membership of the New Chesterton Institute which is a real place!! If you’ve never been – well you don’t know what you’re missing! However, it would be a great venue for social events and the potential for pulling a 60 year old pool player is enormous. Has that got you excited girls? So any suggestions? Beth what about a live gig from you? Rishi might agree to a double bill with his Karmadillos? Or we could have a Strictly Salsa Night and discover the Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash of the NCI men’s teams?
C u Thursday 7pm.
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