The North Holmwood Gallery http://andy723.fotopic.net/ 12 rows en-gb 60 NH Cricket Awards Night 25th September 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1761305.html On a late summer's Friday night in September, those who have given their all (and a few like me who haven't!) every weekend for the NH cause gathered to munch on curry, pizza or fish and chips. For the lucky few, it was a night to remember; for most it was a night they won't remember, as strawpedoes, jelly beans (unfortunately the cocktail!) and various shots were heartily quaffed. After munching and awarding, the camera was put away so the lads and lasses could enjoy themselves without fear of global coverage - just as well really! Friday 25 September 2009: On a late summer's Friday night in September, those who have given their all (and a few like me who haven't!) every weekend for the NH cause gathered to munch on curry, pizza or fish and chips. For the lucky few, it was a night to remember; for most it was a night they won't remember, as strawpedoes, jelly beans (unfortunately the cocktail!) and various shots were heartily quaffed. After munching and awarding, the camera was put away so the lads and lasses could enjoy themselves without fear of global coverage - just as well really!

The bun fight starts as people try and remember what they ordered. Joey wants to know why I always take pictures of him? Absolute role model in everything he does! Where there's a bottle, there's Thirsty Dazzer about to attack a pizza (what else!) whilst Adam rings to see where his is. I know it's a bit dark, but I felt like David Attenborough capturing a quality moment And to the formalities. Chairman Welly with one eye on the England game. In full flow To a captive and clearly amused audience! A highly amused audience! Funny how the youngsters are laughing at his jokes, well we've heard it all before! Nobby's so bored he's getting the shots in Although Malc's not sure which one to have. So to the important bit of the evening, the Awards, presented by yours truly Il Presidente. Most Improved Player under 21 - Alex W, complete with the latest fashion accessory - the strawpedo! Most Improved Player Over 21 - Morgs Best Bowling - Captain Dazzer Best Performance - Dazzer again for a marvellous 8 for 9 Fielding Award - Steve 'Steady' Edwards Century Cup - Rob 'Junior' Lines Sportsman of the Year - the 6-a-side committee - Janet and Dan accept on behalf of the team Injury of the Year - for excessive injuries on tour - Rob Lines And then there was Guesty with a special award for Alex The story goes that on the first night of the tour, Al decided he would join the hardened drinkers until the early hours. Worse for wear, he set off for the digs a mere 500 metres down the road; it took him an awful long time to get there! Guesty presented him with a memento of that evening, a map showing his journey (on hands and knees) and highlighted with little red flags to mark the points where he stopped to shout for his friend Hughie! Last but not least, the Captain's Award and Dazzer had no hesitation in choosing Joey for all his help and support during the season - not to mention a hatful of wickets and well over a 1000 runs! I bet he didn't mind me taking this one!

Published in The North Holmwood Gallery

]]> Fri Sep 25 2009 The Tour 2009 - the collection of Jones the Sober http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1759398.html Following on from the last set, comes the next chapter. Secretly taken by Jones the Sober, we have a startling collection of photos from inside the Tour. Life as we know it is over - and for some, it clearly should be! Saturday 15 August 2009: Following on from the last set, comes the next chapter. Secretly taken by Jones the Sober, we have a startling collection of photos from inside the Tour. Life as we know it is over - and for some, it clearly should be!

Steady Eddie ready to tour with a little apprehension in those eyes On the bus, Wyo, Alex, Thirsty & Junior Big Malc veteran of many NH tours Stevie, Thirsty and Malc with what I hope is the fines sock in his hand! NH in a huddle - there's probably a jug and eleven straws in the middle Strawpedo time!! and our first look at Wet Weather's tread getting a little thin! Welly's bicep - sometimes I worry about Jones It's a tour! drink, play cricket, drink, sleep etc and drink, more drink etc The traditional game of blow football. Take a tray, fill it with water, supply 2 straws and then blag two gullible drunks to play... then stand back You start the game by ensuring the players are hunched over the tray ready to blow. WHAM, hit the tray= 2 wet players - Adam the Gullible one step forward! Next, take an unsuspecting cricketer and put a stump across the back of his legs. Encourage him to see how many times he can twist a teatowel around his hands and the stump; when truly trussed up, hang him between two tables and rock gently! The gullible one! A beautiful days dawns somewhere up north! So, you may recall from the other collection that Steady said, 'I bet I can run through that and not get wet' - Mmmmm! Well, if someone's hogging the bathroom there's nothing like a nice cool shower after a night on the booze Did someone tell Adam that? Glasses on, but no-one's at home!! The Tyers' A pair of ... the two captains The tour pennant, and Des's thumb The gift of the bat from one Tyers to another Wet weather checks to see if it has been used Happy that it hasn't, he accepts the gift Jones the Sober, Guesty, Wyo, WW, Adam, Thirsty, Junior, Steady and Alex Alex, modelling cricket wear! The tour party from another angle Adam finds that dunking himself in a paddling pool is the hamgover cure to beat all Told you! Relapse! Guesty, either playing ball or trying to sneak up on people Hear no, see no and speak no. By the way, XIII is Dazzers tour number, not the pizza count Thirsty holds court, and one of many bottles Thirsty had a hair cut! Groovy! The man of the tour!! Almost as pleasant as NH Adam wins musical statues! With Wyo a close second! When darkness falls oop north, strange creatures come out to play Oh Yes, one for the dressing room I think this one deserves a caption - anyone fancy emailing a suggestion? Whereever there's a bottle, Thirsty may be attached to it. But what are Steady and Guesty up to? Sooner or later, wearing a pink cowboy hat will leave you isolated Chateau nomates sir? Would sir like to try it? Pukka!! Steady's underpants still haven't dried out from the fountain incident

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]]> Sat Aug 15 2009 The Jim Elliott Memorial Trophy 6-a-side 31 August 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1751168.html The Charity weekend to end all Charity weekends (until next year!) came to a glorious head on Bank Holiday Monday with the annual 6-a-side. All proceeds from the weekend will be shared between the British Heart Foundation and the Tadworth Children's Trust, and at the time of posting these photos, the total raised was £7800. Capel were worthy winners and retained the trophy on a day where most people knew FUN was the order and taking things too seriously would earn you a chorus of boos and a shot of something foul courtesy of Spoons. We all enjoyed the day, please enjoy the piccies! Monday 31 August 2009: The Charity weekend to end all Charity weekends (until next year!) came to a glorious head on Bank Holiday Monday with the annual 6-a-side. All proceeds from the weekend will be shared between the British Heart Foundation and the Tadworth Children's Trust, and at the time of posting these photos, the total raised was _7800. Capel were worthy winners and retained the trophy on a day where most people knew FUN was the order and taking things too seriously would earn you a chorus of boos and a shot of something foul courtesy of Spoons. We all enjoyed the day, please enjoy the piccies!

The success of the day is all in the preparation; Jackie and Clare in charge of the all dya BBQ the NH boys prepare by making sure they take on sufficient fluids! Lines snr sits in solitude (probably for the best!) and prepares himself for scoring all day Dan and Welly extract money from the competitors Spoons, the shotmeister, alas not with the bat but with the bottle NH Old Boys and the Rugby Club are next on Dan's hitlist Tess & Vanessa sort the raffle - huge raffle - 50 prizes all donated, big THANKS all round Morgs wasn't feeling himself (er...!) And to the cricket, first game, Capel vs Dorking and the man from Dorking is walking! The Old House team, excellent example of what the day is about Welly with Mark Jacques from the Children's Trust Wyo junior playing for the Rugby Club!! Chavo has some breakfast and what on earth is the other guy wearing? Wingnut in action Alas, this one went straight up in the air. A fine body of men. Steady displays the NH pre-match warm up routine Rugby Club, Brockham and Clive's Team (aka Tadworth) The NH guys and gals enjoy the sunshine Nh vs Old House and Spoons - with matching socks, is on the attack as ever The Old House were having a go Spoons treats Guesty with contempt; well Spoons treats every bowler with contempt - very fair man! Lines junior vs Dorking, and the first of a day of big 6's for him Lots of gaps to be exploited when there are only 4 fielders Stand & deliver from Steady Rob says it goes further if you stand on one leg! The Old House deploy their secret weapon, but there's a bit of a delay whilst the umpires find a lid that's small enough Headwear sorted, Spoons's mini-me swings into action The NH guys and gals a little more subdued as the fluid intake begins to take effect Adam and Rob compare tans Meanwhile, the Old House have sent in the big guns! I may be the square leg umpire, but I thought I'd act as 3rd umpire just in case - Smokin' Joey (playing for Brockham!!) vs Tadworth An awful lot of people. A prize for anyone who can tell me how many people are in this photo.......... and name them!! And the Old HOuse continued in the spirit of the day! Much to the delight of the kids, the Childrens Trust provided a couple of interesting visitors The stoolball girls were enjoying the party And Linesy senior said, 'can anyone tell me what happened that ball, I had a giant dog standing in front of me?' I'm sure this guy was in the Hofmeister ads! Evenyually, you have to put 1 fielder round the corner Rugby Club vs Tadworth, and BO on the attack! Perhaps a couple of slips in hindsight? The game of the day, Dorking vs Old House - Jacquesy on the attcake Spoons takes up the run chase and he means business! But alas, 5 runs short of a victory that would have kept a lot of us going for years! Nobby decides to go and meet the bowler halfway Staying where he is gets the same result - dead flies, no runs! I really thought this was coming my way courtesy of Old Boy Welly I kept this one in, 'cos it looks like the bowler has pinned the heart motiff!! Pud, class, 4 runs 2nd ball a bit trickier Ah well, needs must, but no takers!!

Published in The North Holmwood Gallery

]]> Mon Aug 31 2009 The Tour 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1745923.html Well this is it. Parents turn away now lest your offspring let you down. North Holmwood on tour for the first time in ages - rampaging across the northern territories of England. A pictorial history of the event through the lens of the Chairman - great cricket, great camaradery, great socialising - enjoy! Friday 14 August 2009: Well this is it. Parents turn away now lest your offspring let you down. North Holmwood on tour for the first time in ages - rampaging across the northern territories of England. A pictorial history of the event through the lens of the Chairman - great cricket, great camaradery, great socialising - enjoy!

Rough Rew at 6.30am Monday morning, the troops gather for the off, except.... Wyo, late on parade! The touring party - Wyo, the camera's over here, hello.. The touring party - take 2!! 'Thirsty' Welton and Wyo, 9 wickets down, rain falling, trying to win 'Thirsty' surveys the field Umpire Dunn overseeing play Rob (Slick) Tyers and brother at Oughtibridge before the toss (who ate all the pies in that family?) Slick and nephew Ben at the toss We give Ben the Club pennant The 'give us a bat signed by all the Yorkshire team' seemed a fair swap 'Smokin' Joey Jordan swishes at Oughtibridge Very long run up for this pie chucker!! The sun is out and the lads look happy (if not drunk!) 'Thirsty', man of the tour! Adam finds another spot to be sick in! Rob soaks up the rays whilst the game progresses behind 'Thirsty', beer in hand; Big Malc behind, and the painted man (Dazza) soaking up the rays The lads making Adam feel SOOO much better! The Chairman joins the photo - late as ever - and I bet that made Adam feel even better! My Role Model!!! Smoking? The scene of 'Steady's' dare the night before when he ran through these to see if he'd get wet! Bradfield, beautiful Village Hall at the top end of the pitch looking down - funny thing, you sort of think you might see Adam disappearing off behind it! The Pavilion Looking up past the hall to the ruin further up - I think he means the building as I can't see Adam! The lads; knackered, defeated, but still a thirst to quench - the essence of touring! Especially Rob!

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]]> Fri Aug 14 2009 NHvsNewdigate18th July 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1729564.html It had to come to an end! But if you're going to lose an unbeaten record, then lose to the team at the bottom rather than the one challenging you at the top. A below par NH lost to Newdigate. You've read the report, now see the effort and the despair. Saturday 18 July 2009: It had to come to an end! But if you're going to lose an unbeaten record, then lose to the team at the bottom rather than the one challenging you at the top. A below par NH lost to Newdigate. You've read the report, now see the effort and the despair.

Despite the pace of Dazzer up the hill, veteran opener Bill Turner stands defiant and sometimes a little fortunate as one whistles past the edge! Nobby gives it the kitchen sink! The slip cordon waits with old stonehands at first. Mr Turner takes the attack to NH The Chairman gets some tap! No love lost between veterans as BT drives Welly It's buttock clenching stuff - at least they're his own!! Newdigate sensed that they had a chance and really went for it. Welly rues a dropped caught & bowled chance - his second spillage of the afternoon - costly, for the team and for him in fines! The Skipper back into the attack, but no let up from BT Just checking how the eyes are - wow, half open; or half shut depending on your point of view! Welly mulls over a missed opportunity But Mr Turner ploughs on Fair play, chance your arm and sometimes it comes off. This shot sailed for 6 and virtually sealed the win Joey does his Max Wall but gets the same treatment Joey off his long run It's all over. Bill Turner has carried his bat and led from the front. Steady looks a tadge disappointed. Nobby's not impressed The Chairman is philosophical Heads down boys, you had an off day The Skipper now has to pick his side up for Tadworth next week.

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]]> Sat Jul 18 2009 NH vs Chipstead & Coulsdon 12th July 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1725663.html Oh the entertainment that is the Sunday side batting! Mind you, it was a tricky pitch to play your shots on, but even so, never a dull moment. Sunday 12 July 2009: Oh the entertainment that is the Sunday side batting! Mind you, it was a tricky pitch to play your shots on, but even so, never a dull moment.

The 'Curator' eyes his creation with suspicion as one pops past his nose! Wally, elegant in defence Having decided there's nothing wrong with his creation, the Curator cuts loose With the bat heading for magnetic south, the ball heads for magnetic north! If at first you don't succeed, pull something and leave the field. Poor Sav continues his injury prone season. Wally advises Guesty about the wicket And gets out having gently placed the ball in gully's hands Guesty on the attack Lots of aerial stuff today - the ball wasn't coming on to the bat Joey was on the march as ever! Guesty was enjoying himself To run or not to run, that is the question? Priceless, Joey gets pinned by a 3feet high 13 year old!! Guesty glances to leg To combat the pace and variable bounce of the ankle biter, Joey decides to meet him half way And then moos one straight up in the air - small youth 1, embittered batsman 0; tis a cruel game Enter Cairnesey, hero of Kensington, no messing with this boy, first ball crashed for 4 No, this isn't the same picture, it's his 2nd ball. Note the slightly different angle of the bat thus ensuring it went straight to a fielder; oh dear! Goulis decided discretion was the watchword Alas Guesty didn't, straight up and out! The last act of the photographer is to capture Goulis on the attack.

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]]> Sun Jul 12 2009 NH vs Kensington 28th June 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1720793.html Following on from their fine win at Capel on Saturday, the Sunday team are playing Kensington, quite a strong side, who enjoy their cricket and have one of the finest fixture cards I've ever seen. Anyway, we join the action as the visiting batsmen are making hay in the sun and NH's answer to Shane and Murali are trying to stem the flow!! Sunday 28 June 2009: Following on from their fine win at Capel on Saturday, the Sunday team are playing Kensington, quite a strong side, who enjoy their cricket and have one of the finest fixture cards I've ever seen. Anyway, we join the action as the visiting batsmen are making hay in the sun and NH's answer to Shane and Murali are trying to stem the flow!!

In an attempt to stem the flow, the Chairman uses all his flight and guile to command respect from the free scoring batsmen And at the other end, Joey is slowing the scoring rate as well And forcing the batsmen to play some interesting shots! Having sussed the Chairman, the batsman drives confidently And then smashes one for 4! After the drinks, and having taken a wicket, the new batsman has trouble reading the wise old master of spin Having got to the other end, he attempts a reverse sweep - very badly, and much to the bemusement of Joey Nothing ventured, nothing gained, he fails miserably again the very next ball Joey coils for the appeal as the charging batsman misses the ball. Alas, the ball missed the stumps and Ollie missed the ball!! The wise old heads at NH know when to give up chasing a ball as the rather daunting boundaries rush towards them. Goulis has yet to gain that knowledge and slides himself into the fence! Meanwhile, the Chairman gets one to turn and bounce leaving everyone staring in disbelief Joey's quicker arm ball deceives the batsmen and hits Ollie straight between the eyes. Note that in the background, Guesty displays masonic tendencies! Spot the ball as Joey induces an edge It's really not Ollie's day as he again fails to spot the quicker one! Alex into the attack, and the runs begin to flow as the overs run out The skipper joins the fray and the run fest begins Throwing the kitchen sink comes to mind! Umpire Adam decides his biceps need a tadge more sun As the mayhem continues, Messrs Chairman and Secretary converse - surely finesmaster Morgs must punish such a lack of concentration on the playing field? Meanwhile, the onslaught continues and young Alex is not a happy bunny. The Wyatt/Cleal brothers together conceded well over 100 runs in their short spells (8 overs max per bowler) oh dear!! NH batting, Joey and Dazzer to lead the attack. Dazzer stands ready The crowd (Morgs, Malc, Derek, Steady, Des and the new boy take limited interest in proceedings. Oh, that's Wyo in the middle, the sightscreen is to the left! Joey as ever attacks from the start The crowd remain unmoved, yet transfixed by the words of Morgs, the Sunday vice captain, with his back to the game - fineable offence? Joey doing what Joey does best

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]]> Sun Jun 28 2009 NH vs Ockley 20th June 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1715261.html Time to concentrate on the fielding and bowling, as NH had posted a 200+ score. We join the action with Dazzer and Morgs opening the bowling and Ockley already 2 down, but the writings on the wall and a large points total is within NH's grasp Saturday 20 June 2009: Time to concentrate on the fielding and bowling, as NH had posted a 200+ score. We join the action with Dazzer and Morgs opening the bowling and Ockley already 2 down, but the writings on the wall and a large points total is within NH's grasp

Morgs down the hill and the slip cordon waits; great to see Dan back in the side and grazing at second slip. Stubborn opposition from Colin Smith as Dazzer gets some treatment - he sliced 2 consecutive 4's over the slips before this one! Is it Alfred Hitchcock I hear you say? No, the unmistakeable profile of ex Captain Cheesy ensuring fair play NH might have been concerned that Ockley would shut up shop The guys were ready just in case there was strokeplay And all the while Colin was there, that was assured! Dazzer breaks through, stumps, bails and dust everywhere! Colin fights on Morgs gets his man; a rap on the pads, an exhuberant appeal and Cheesy raises the dreaded digit And Morgs is clearly happy The new man is a bit more circumspect Which can't be said for Colin - still fighting Morgs, the longest short leg you'll ever see! When I took this, he was moving backwards! Steve 'Steady' Edwards into the attack Dazzer strikes again!! The Chairman replaces Dazzer, and serves up his usual mixture of flight, guile and occasional turn This one went a very long way for 6. However, all part of the plan.. as he chipped the next one straight to Adam. The next batsman (the brother of the recently departed, hence the lookalikie!) goes on the charge, misses the ball and Dave is about to remove the bails. Wickets are tumbling. Colin has drilled one straight back at Steady, so it's 9 down and victory in sight. The NH umbrella field greets nos 10 & 11 and they get the same at the other end as Nobby powers down the hill The finesmaster deliberates on just how much it will cost Petrol who has just dropped a catch! Joey replaces the Chairman to introduce some leggies Meanwhile Nobby is still battering away Joey is still flighting them, but overs are running out. Take a blow Joey, and enter Morgs. This delivery had the desired result, straight up in the air for Wet Weather to pouch; game, set and match And were the lads happy? Some more than others! Steady and Morgs are just good friends!

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]]> Sat Jun 20 2009 NH vs Shepperton 14th June 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1714151.html The Sunday side had a resounding victory vs Shepperton, and it was my privilege to witness the batting. There seemed to be a tendency for individuals to show their skills at only having 'one shot' as a number of these photos will show. See if you agree. Sunday 14 June 2009: The Sunday side had a resounding victory vs Shepperton, and it was my privilege to witness the batting. There seemed to be a tendency for individuals to show their skills at only having 'one shot' as a number of these photos will show. See if you agree.

It's a team game, and everyone does a shift of umpiring - probably the most thankless job, and although it looks like a country dance step, Alex and the Page boy are changing shifts So, to the first of the 'one-shots'. The Chairman demonstrates the fine art of cover driving... again, and ............ Again! He bowls with his eyes shut, he bats with his eyes shut and now he does the scoring with his eyes shut! Don't give him a cheese grater, he'll try and read it! The Chairman shows us the half sweep. Only half, because he can't actually get down on one knee! Meanwhile, at the other end, Joey is seemingly disinterested Until that is, he gets to his 50 and treats us to a little dance Then displays his prowess at the back foot drive Whilst old one shot smacks another one through the covers - has he never heard of cow corner? Joey shows his other shot of the day, the front foot drive - which always looks more graceful when executed by a left hander; why is that? With the Chairman's departure, young Goulash briefly encourages the bowlers While Adam and Steady juggle with their balls! Exit Goulash, and enter Richard who evidently does only have one shot; this is it, and it went a long way, but........ he missed this one and was bowled! Enter the Page boy. This, as the head position might suggest, went straight up in the air and goodnight! Time for Joey to bring some calm to the mayhem going on around him In the vain hope it might rub off on whoever might stay around long enough at the other end to take notice Alas, Alex will bat the way Alex does which seems to affect Joey as he runs to leg to play an off drive and Alex displays his one shot and again! I have a theory - his bat has some metal in it and is drawn to magnetic north?Why not? And yet, clever stuff, with exactly the same finishing position, he manages to get this one over cover - that's talent.... or a complete mishit! Anyway, Joey departs and enter Morgs on a pair for the weekend. He said to me that everytime he looked up all he could see was me and my effing camera... and is it any wonder when he provides such rich entertainment! The other extreme! Nervously trying to avoid a pair And Alex? Well Alex bats as Alex does Morgs gets his run very nearly his only run! But then finds his range and sets about the bowling This is the Morgs we know The skipper in full flow and in semi-flow! The skipper was given out stumped; the skipper didn't think he was out; and the Chairman displays the result of what the skipper thought about being given out stumped Rumour has it that the skipper is sponsored by an Australian company that makes boomerangs and is trying to braek into the British market - rumour is kind, reality says tw*t!

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]]> Sun Jun 14 2009 NH Stoolball Tournament 7th June 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1712999.html The rain held off to enable this annual event to take place, and I arrived just as the group stages were coming to a close. NH were to play arch rivals Dorking with the winner going through to the final - no tension there then! Dorking were fielding a very young side (with the exception of Sue and Penny!!!) and batted first; follow the game in the pictures Sunday 7 June 2009: The rain held off to enable this annual event to take place, and I arrived just as the group stages were coming to a close. NH were to play arch rivals Dorking with the winner going through to the final - no tension there then! Dorking were fielding a very young side (with the exception of Sue and Penny!!!) and batted first; follow the game in the pictures

So, Dorking to bat and young Sara waits patiently She attacks from the start With a bit of a 'stand and deliver' attitude reminiscent of a few cricketers I know, but effective never the less The experience of Jan doesn't seem to be stemming the flow of runs As the ball is hit to all parts And Dona's bowling suffers a similar fate And Dona, if you've followed other stoolball stories in the gallery, is a canny lass But the run fest continues The keeper has to be on her toes Jan is replaced by Kaz But Sara is still literally throwing her bat at the ball Dona was getting the treatment, but sooner or later the guile will get ya! For example, this beautifully flighted slower ball floated past the swipe and bowled her whereas the quicker delivery can almost take your head off! Innings over. So, Kerry and Jackie to open needing 44 in 4 overs and the fearsome Sue to open the bowling - she's quick - and Kerry is casual (or just happy to put bat to ball) Believe me, she is quick! Kerry gets in her stride as does Jackie Now, if you're standing in front of the wicket which is about head high, it's odds on that sooner or later you'll have to fend one off your face! The crowd are looking worried - the run rate isn't high enough Kerry gives it everything, but alas is caught Enter Kaz with only one thought - runs - this went for 4 And this went for 4 And this went for 6.... don't believe me? Ask the umpire See, told you Oh, and this went for 6 as well So Jackie thought she'd better join in as well! This over was getting a bit expensive, but just what the doctor ordered Sometimes you can't look elegant! And sometimes you need to reflect Right, one over to go, how many do we need? The crowd are looking slightly happier, even Sue who broke her elbow the previous Monday (playing stoolball!) and has sat out her first NH tournament for 75 years (or something like that, I might have misheard) So, let's go for the win. From any position in the book! this went for 4 That went for 4.... game... .......... set........... and match!! unfortunately, the girls lost in the final to Chiddingfold who retain the trophy.

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]]> Sun Jun 7 2009 NH vs South Park 6th June 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1711820.html So I turn up to find that South Park have carted the NH bowling all over the pitch in the last 8 overs and have very ungenerously taken 48 overs to set their target. Guesty and Dazzer are at the crease trying to up the run rate, but upon their departure, the tail waggeth not and a draw is settled for. Saturday 6 June 2009: So I turn up to find that South Park have carted the NH bowling all over the pitch in the last 8 overs and have very ungenerously taken 48 overs to set their target. Guesty and Dazzer are at the crease trying to up the run rate, but upon their departure, the tail waggeth not and a draw is settled for.

Guesty is playing each ball on its merit With little foot movement with VERY little foot movement! at the other end, Dazzer is eyeing up the areas for some cultured swatting You can't say he didn't give the oppo a clue as he clips one exactly where he was looking A glorious cover drive for 4 Pay attention Guesty it might be coming your end! Guesty lofts one through the covers... and then digs out a yorker The run rate needs to accelerate, so Guesty slashes one for 4 Then puts every muscle of his diminutive frame into a mighty heave; and I can't actually remember where it went Ready, and very steady - the baseball stance and very effective too!! Not shy to join the chase, Dazzer charges down the wicket...... and misses the ball completely! so decides to stay where he is and lofts one straight. But wait, do my eyes deceive me? We know he bowls with his eyes shut, but does he bat with them shut as well? Alas, Guesty's quest for runs falls short and he departs. Enter Adam, carefully taking guard and ready to do battle. Attack it has to be, so he does. Unfortunately it went straight up in the air - bye bye! Enter Nobby to try and keep the momentum going At the other end, Dazzer is gone and Steve Edwards joins the fun and throws the bat from ball 1 This one was given a wide....... .... so how come this one wasn't? The bowling was accurate, but they tried to whack the runs They tried very hard, but discretion being the word, and overs running out, NH settle for a draw.

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]]> Sat Jun 6 2009 NH vs Dorking 25th May 2009 http://andy723.fotopic.net/c1703940.html A dry Bank Holiday in May? Well let's play cricket!! A mixed NH side entertained Dorking in a 40 over contest - a bit one sided, but hey everyone got a game including yours truly who donned the whites for the first time since 2007; took a wicket (should have been 2 - thanks Morgs!) and was last man out or as the match report put it, the tail that failed to wag - it was raining, I wear glasses, no point in hanging around! Monday 25 May 2009: A dry Bank Holiday in May? Well let's play cricket!! A mixed NH side entertained Dorking in a 40 over contest - a bit one sided, but hey everyone got a game including yours truly who donned the whites for the first time since 2007; took a wicket (should have been 2 - thanks Morgs!) and was last man out or as the match report put it, the tail that failed to wag - it was raining, I wear glasses, no point in hanging around!

If his chiropractor sees this, he's in trouble!! Seasonal debut, asked to open and square cutting... Whilst Joey goes for the favoured off drive And sometimes the lofted version! Savo being restrained A gentle single, after all, we only need 4.5 an over. Whey-hey, a Sav special, the Holmwood drive in all its glory The too late cut!! With Sav's departure, Steve 'Steady' Edwards steps up to the plate and shows his intentions Meanwhile, Joey is still following the coaching manual with an exquisite drive At the other end, 'Steady' lives up to his name. Sort of!! A flurry of wickets and enter Morgs to entertain us with some country dancing! Followed by a good old stand up and slap for 4. I mentioned the coaching manual earlier - kids, this is not how to play a push to off - I was seriously considering superimposing a bus passing between bat and pads. Oh, nets are Wednesday nights by the way. Enter the Page boy, solid as a rock And this one went miles - a huge 6. Then, seeing the writing on the wall, I had to go and put my pads on!

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]]> Mon May 25 2009