Special Issue August/September 1997
Volume 1, Issue 4
I make no excuses for starting this month's newsletter with the final league game. It was a nail biting finish and all the Wiseton boys performed brilliantly to keep us in Bassetlaw 1D next season.
In this bumper end of season special you will find all the details from our tour, both on and off the pitch!!. Steve from Echuca South has answered some of your questions and an interesting article written by Mrs Carter on a match that took place in 1981.
We hope to produce one or two editions in the winter as there are still plenty of events happening
during the close season, race nights, quiz nights, indoor league and dinners.
ADZ
Controversial as ever club Vice Chairman and Scorer
Arthur Staves gives his views on this months matches.
Wiseton V Everton
13/9/97
An exciting victory in the final match has kept Wiseton in Division 1D.
Batting first Wiseton made 160 all out in 45 overs. Nev Carter batted well for his 31 as did James Sumner (22) and Richard Staves (26) Daran Hewitt hit a very good 53. His best innings of the season and gave Wiseton a lifeline.
Everton started well with an opening stand of 56. At 150 for 6 with 6 overs to go the 11 runs needed for victory looked certain. But the drama unfolded as the last 4 wickets fell in just 13 balls for only 8 runs. Nev Carter had a match winning performance of 6 for 50. He was helped by a good catch from Ryan Stubbins and other good catches by Simon Cox and Adam Kay off the bowling of Jack Bell. A two run victory but just enough to gain 20 valuable points.
M.O.M: Nev Carter
Wiseton v Mashalls
6/9/97
Ryan Stubbins accurate bowling reduced top of the table Marshalls to 100 for 9 in their 46 overs. His figures of 21 overs, 6 maidens, 5 for 45 gave Wiseton the opportunity to win and gain valuable points. Nev Carter took three good catches and Dave Pike kept wicket well taking a vital catch after Simon Cox had been hit in the face with the ball and had to leave the field.
Graham Bell played a captains innings with 47 not out and secured victory for Wiseton in the 36th over. Nev Carter returned to form with a good innings of 30. With one match remaining can Wiseton avoid relegation.
We shall find out at Everton next week.
M.O.M: Graham Bell
Wiseton v Ollerton
30/8/97
Had a chance of victory and took it sums up Wiseton's performance against third placed Ollerton.
An excellent performance by the bowlers had Ollerton all out for 94. Iain Ambler was outstanding with figures of 5 for 20. Jack Bell had 3 for 29 and Ryan Stubbins had a tidy spell of 8 overs, 1 for 22.
Wiseton had 7 overs to add to their 46 which made a scoring rate of less than 2 an over. Graham Bell and David Pike opened cautiously and took the score to 36 before Bell was out in the 18th over. This set the pattern with the batsmen scoring in one's and two's, Richard Stave hit a four, Daran Hewitt a mighty six and Iain Ambler two fours in his 15 not out. The winning runs came in the 52nd over. A Welcome victory and 20 valuable points.
M.O.M Iain Ambler
Wiseton v Marshalls
23/8/97
The match went to form as top of the league Marshalls easily defeated bottom of the table Wiseton. With five changes and only ten men Marshalls scored 178 for 7, D. Andrews top scoring with 64, I. Brooks 32 and P. Leeder 31. Andrews eventually fell to a good catch by David Pike. Ryan Stubbins was the pick of the bowlers with 13 overs, 2 for 31.
The home side had no answer to the Marshalls attack, being all out for 58 after only 26 overs. Daran Hewitt, the only Wiseton batsman to be bowled, top scored with 14, Nev Carter,13, was the only other player to reach double figures. Adam Kay defied the bowlers for 43 minutes for his 2 runs.
Marshalls held all the catches offered to them by our batsman. This is a part of the game which the Wiseton players need to improve upon if they are to make any progress in the league, both this season and next. Simon Cox suggested we re-advertise for the position of Man of the Match but the vote goes to Ryan Stubbins, a bowler who could be an asset if he continues to improve.
M.O.M: Ryan Stubbins
Wiseton v Cuckney
16/8/97
Another disaster brought on by our own inability to catch the ball. When Cuckney were 30 for 3 after 11 overs we had a chance of getting them out for a low score, but a stand of 115 for the 4th wicket took the game away from Wiseton. No fewer than SIX dropped catches, most of which were easy, cost us the game. Iain Ambler 3 for 47 and Jack Bell 5 for 38 had the home side in trouble at times. They also bowled well on this lively wicket.
Wiseton came up against two in form bowlers when batting, Ian Morley taking 4 for 24 but it was Rob Ashmore playing his first match for Cuckney used the pitch well and his 10 overs brought the reward of 5 for 13. Cuckney held all six chances and we were also involved in a very silly run out.
Four tough games are left and we will do well to avoid relegation.
M.O.M: Jack Bell
Richard Staves and James Sumner are fast becoming Wiseton's leading batsmen with a string of big individual scores and partnerships.
Including a mammoth partnership of 104 v Everton on the 2/8/97.
Wiseton in the Bassetlaw League
The season started on the 1st of May with a home game against Sutton on Trent. In an exciting game Wiseton won with two balls to spare. Nigel (Jack) Bell scored 63 not out including five sixes and Nev Carter was the most successful Wiseton bowler with 3 for 28. This match was followed by an away game at Weston. The home side scored 156 for 9 in their 46 overs. Barry Martin 59 not out and Nev Carter 88 not out knocked off the runs in 41 overs. Establishing a record 1st wicket partnership in the club in the Bassetlaw League of 157, Carter also made the highest league score by a Wiseton player. He then went on to take 5 for 39 with the ball. A good start to the season but disaster followed in the next game at Genefax . The home side batted first and scored 116 all out, George Platts taking 4 for 28. It was a very wet pitch and the Genefax bowler R. Miggles took advantage bowling 15 overs 6 for 13. Wiseton were all out for 36 of which Barry Martin made 17.This was the season of the Derek Randall Benefit year when they brought a county side to Wiseton. This was also the season when Ian and Richard Ambler made their first appearances and the shape of the present side began to take shape, Richard Bell also made his first appearance against Manton. In a close finish to the league at the end of the season, Wiseton made certain of promotion with a final victory, away, against Holy Trinity . The home side scored 142 for 6 and in reply Wiseton were 18 for 2 with Graham Bell (2) and Matthew Henton (0) back in the pavilion. But David Pike 39 not out and Nev Carter 92 not out saw the club through to victory. Two records were broken during this stand, Nev Carter broke the clubs individual record score in the league with his 92no and the pair also put on the highest 3rd wicket partnership in the league with a stand of 125.
How the club fared in Section E. We shall see in the next article of Wiseton in the Bassetlaw League.
Wiseton v Everton
2/8/97
A poor start again for Wiseton with both openers out for 17 runs, but a magnificent stand of 104 between James Sumner (40) and Richard Staves (67) put them in line for their highest total of the season. Daran Hewitt chipped in with 17 and Barry Martin 14no. Richard Staves innings contained six fours and one six, at 80 for 4 Wiseton had a chance of victory but Graham Turrell playing his first game for Everton and their Captain Don Hargreves stayed together to the end and victory with a ball to spare. Both players were dropped, so once again poor fielding let the bowlers down, we are now in a serious position in the league and a fighting spirit is called for.
M.O.M: Richard Staves
Wiseton v Edwinstowe
9/8/97
After last weeks disaster against Everton, Wiseton returned to winning form at Edwinstowe scoring 147 for 9 in their allotted overs. Thanks once again to James Sumner(37), Richard Staves (27) and a spirited 20 not out by Graham Bell in the final overs helped along with the improving Adam Kay making his highest score in the League side with 7. Two silly run outs gave away a bowling point but equally 4 silly run outs by Edwinstowe gave us a well deserved winning draw. Ryan Stubbins again impressed bowling 13 overs 2 for 28. Fielding was much better with this young side and helped keep the home side behind the run rate. A great catch by Richard Ambler at square leg and some good keeping by Nev Carter who was making his first appearance behind the stumps for Wiseton in the Bassetlaw League helped Wiseton to victory.
M.O.M: Ryan Stubbins
Sunday Friendly Results
Wiseton v Rotherham Locusts
By Roger"Jonty"Fawcett
The Wiseton opening bowlers were in contrast to each other. Dave Barker bowling ver well with figures of 8 overs, 3 maidens 2 for 18. Ryan Stubbins had an off day with no wickets at all from his 6 overs which cost 36 runs. The Captain then shared the remaining overs between seven bowlers. Joe Allen with 3 wickets for 11 and Adam Kay 2 wickets for 8 being the pick. At one time Locust looked as though they were going to make 200 but they finished their innings on 141 for 9.
On recent form it was a total that was well in reach for Wiseton. Wiseton had a new opening partnership of John Sumner and Ian Mather. John seemed to be very positive from the off, striking some excellent shots to the boundary before being stumped for a very good 39. Richard Ambler came in at No.3 and made a very steady start against some tight bowling. After 20 overs Wiseton were getting well behind the run rate required and none of the next four batsman were able to give Richard much support. As the overs went by and the run rate increased Richard was forced to attack the bowling but despite his brave efforts Wiseton's innings finished on 128 for 5 after 40 overs. Richard Ambler scored his second half century for Wiseton ending on 50no and Joe Allen 4no. M.O.M: Richard Ambler
Wiseton v Handsworth St. Josephs
The only mistake captain Daran Hewitt made on this memorable Sunday victory was to lose the toss. Having been put into bat Wiseton slumped to 15 for 2 with the early losses of Carter and Mather, however with some steady batting from Roger Fawcett (26) and some lusty blows from Scott Hunter the Wiseton innings started to take shape. The real star of the show though Was Daran"Homer"Hewitt, with good support from Fawcett and Kay Daran hit 84 not out including a huge six onto the Hall lawn and several others peppering the boundary. Daran's greatest innings meant Wiseton reached a total of 185 for 6, a very good team effort.
When Wiseton took the field Ryan Stubbins and Dave Barker bowled their usual tight spells each picking up a wicket. Joe Allen making his debut for the club bowled very well and took three wickets at a very crucial stage in the match because it looked as though Handsworth were about to mount a serious challenge. The next big shock in this game came with the introduction of Ian Mather to the bowling attack, he bowled with variable pace and direction and rolled back the years to take a well deserved wicket after fooling the batsman with his medium pacers. Ambler and Kay were left to mop up the tail, however Amblers figures of 3 for 25 were flattering to say the least and hide the real story of boundary catches. Handsworth were all out for 119 after and enjoyable and interesting match for both teams.
M.O.M: Daran"Homer"Hewitt
Wiseton v Brocklesby Park
In this away game at the pretty Brocklesby Park, Nev Carter took over the captaincy in the absence of Daran Hewitt and was rewarded with another victory.
Batting first Ian Mather scored his second half century of the season with 50 before falling to an LBW decision. Ian Adams also produced a fine innings making his best score since returning to Wiseton with 43. Matt Howcroft bagged another duck to take his seasons tally to 6. Wiseton finished on 143 for 8.
In reply it was the Bell's who dominated the bowling, Richard taking 3 for 37 and Graham 3 for 40. Brocklesby Park's number 3 T. Hartley made an unbeaten 73 as they edged ever closer to the Wiseton total. But he failed to get any support from the other batsmen and so Brocklesby fell 7 runs short of the winning total.
M.O.M: Ian Mather
Wiseton v Anston
By Daran Hewitt
The Wiseton Sunday side started the new season in winning form with a victory over our old rivals Anston
Daran Hewitt won the toss and chose to bat on what was a very damp wicket and outfield due to the previous days rain. A steady start was made by the two openers Simon Pixsley and Ian Mather which gave Wiseton a platform to build upon. Pixsley made 10 on his debut before being bowled middle stump. A fine innings of 23no by Adam Kay was well supported by Nev Carter who reached 16 before being caught. Wiseton eventually reached 98 for 7 in their 40 overs.
Anston's reply started badly when barker took an early wicket, Kay making a simple catch look devilishly difficult. Richard Bell took two wickets in his opening spell which put Anston under pressure.
It was Ryan Stubbins who took the final few wickets of the Anston innings finishing with a personal figures of 4 for 21. It was a good all round performance from Wiseton and lets hope it continues throughout the season.
M.O.M: Adam Kay
Wiseton v Bayfield
Wiseton put up a good performance in this new fixture and were unlucky not to come away with another victory.
Batting first Wiseton made 151 for 7 in their 40 overs largely helped with James Sumners 77 but some good batting also from Daran Hewitt, Adam Kay and Richard Bell added to the eventual total. In reply Bayfield opened with their Australian professional who had scored 120 for them the day before. When he hit Stubbins third ball for 6 a quick end looked on the cards, however Stubbins hit back and the Aussie top edged the final delivery of the over and was caught by Sumner Jnr. David Barker opened from the other end and bowled beautifully to finish with figures of 8-4-8-2 which earned him the man of the match award. Richard Bell playing his first game for some weeks picked up a wicket and Kay picked up two late on. Bayfield kept up with the run rate throughout the match and hit the winning runs off Nev Carters final over.
M.O.M: David Barker
Whitley Bay Tour
Wiseton v Morpeth
The first game on the tour had to be abandoned after only 19 overs due to persistent rain. In many respects it was a blessing as the Morpeth openers had raced to 128 for 1 in that time. David Pike bowled well and picked up the only wicket to fall.
Whitley Bay Tour
Wiseton v Ashington
Ashington proved to be too strong for the Wiseton touring team but a good game was had nevertheless. The game saw Ashington field an England U19 fast bowler who promptly went on to score 71, batting high up the order!! James Sumner scored the only half century of the tour with a stylish 51 against a good attack. Good knocks also from Iain and Richard Ambler and Richard Staves. The home side set a target of 241 all out, Nev Carter taking 4-47 Richard Bell and Ian Ambler also picking up two wickets a piece. Mike Potts was a surprise edition to the bowling line up but the veteran proved he could still do the business taking 1-8. Wiseton were always behind but made a spirited 160 in reply.
M.O.M: James Sumner
Whitley Bay Tour
Wiseton v Benwell Hill
Wiseton's final game on tour took us to Benwell Hill in a match that put most of the team into shock before it had started on hearing the news that they had eight Northumberland County players!!Two of whom also play for Durham 2nds on occasions.
Benwell got off to a good start taking 51 runs off of Iain Ambler 8 overs and 55 from John Sumner's 7, for the loss of just one wicket. Adam Kay and David Pike were then brought on to bowl. Both managed to pick up 3 wickets during their 8 over spells. Richard Ambler bowled 1.5 overs to claimed the final 2 wickets, leaving Wiseton a total of 229 runs to chase for victory.
In reply Carter and Sumner started well and were well up with the run rate until James nicked one to the keeper for 18. Carter soon followed for 20 but Richard Ambler played a steady innings in reaching 32 before being caught.
Roger Fawcett made 12, including a big six over mid wicket. Although the entertainment came when Roger thought he'd been bowled, he took off his helmet and walked off only to be stumped as he had not been bowled. He was then allowed back to resume his innings. Daran Hewitt played a typical innings for his 17. Kay made 19no but came in for a lot of stick after batting out a maiden over and then running both Mike Potts and Ian Mather out. Wiseton finished their innings on 159 for 8 some way off Benwells total but a good day none the less. M.O.M: Richard Ambler
Tour Diary.
The tour started for me on the Saturday night when myself Jack and Pikey met to discuss the travel arrangements for the following morning. It was meant to be a swift half and then home to bed, but as you might have expected it soon became much more than that. Jack soon decided that his belly was in need of filling and so persuaded us all to have a light snack. However Jack's "light snack" soon turned into a full on banquet and so in bed for 10pm soon turned into bed at 12am!!
It was decided that we would all meet at 7.15am at Blyth services to make our way up North.
All was going well. Everyone arrived on time at Blyth ready for the off Jack purchased enough food for the 50 mile trip to Scotch Corner whilst ADZ suddenly realised that petrol would be a good idea. ADZ was the designated King of the Road but my reign as leader ended at Scotch Corner when the route became more complex (for me at least!!). Jack took the opportunity to add another belly by devouring a roll - but this was no ordinary roll as it contained, beans, eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomato and almost his fingers!! Jack led us all to the hotel in Whitley Bay with time to spare.
One by one the team arrived, checked in and unpacked. The weather was rather dodgy to say the least but hopes were high for a game with the first team Morpeth.
As nobody really knew where the ground was, we decided to go in convoy. However no sooner had we got out of the gates when we discovered half the team had shot off leaving three other cars behind in another group. This soon became two groups and one car when I decided to go a different route. What a mistake to make! I soon found myself lost in Morpeth. By now everybody had found the ground except me and all were tucking into their BBQ burgers. I eventually found the ground some half an hour after the rest after asking directions from 3 petrol stations, 2 passers by and the Police, none of whom knew the location of the ground!!
Play started at 2.30pm and Wiseton chose to field. Two overs into the game Richard Ambler ran onto the pitch in a distressed state, due to Captain Carter had locking Richard in the toilet despite him telling Nev only moments before of his whereabouts. This was made worse by the fact Smelly Belly Bell had been in the toilet shortly before Richard!!! Our best fielder was then deposited at fine leg to recover from the traumatic experience. It must have been a day for Richard's because Mr Staves decided to entertain us in the field with a triple back summersault which Torvill and Dean would have been proud of!!! The match was eventually called off due to the rain and everybody made the journey back to the hotel. Yet again I managed to get myself lost and came in from the other end of Whitley Bay. The weather not only claimed the match but it also claimed Bill Henton's car after he tried to pass through 2ft of water on the sea front. His engine did not run too well on water and a tow was required back to the hotel.
That night it soon became apparent that Jack was in love with his new toy, a cam corder which he whipped out at every opportunity!! Richard"Merv"Bell was finding everything hilariously funny. His coat hanger shoulders were moving up and down all night long. The fact he was a tiny bit drunk may have had something to do with it!! Talking of drunkenness Louise decided she would get tipsy in order to have a good sing on the Karioke. However by the time the karioke came on it soon became apparent she had passed the tipsy stage and was now onto the staring wide eyed spinning rooms stage!!! We then booked a table for 16 at the local Indian. The taxi's arrived to take us there, we all piled in expecting a fair journey. Imagine the surprise when the Taxi took us 300 yards to the said Indian for the cost of =A31. After the meal we all WALKED back to the hotel. Everybody had gathered in the lounge for an evening of light entertainment, Gone With the Wind seemed to be the main entertainment for Messrs Mike Potts, David Pike and Jack Bell and others who had experienced the delights of the Indian restaurant!!!! Everybody stayed together until the early hours laughing, drinking and joking.
Day 2
Myself and Louise were the early risers for breakfast along with Bill, Ian, Mike and Helen. Pikey couldn't face any due to the previous nights festivities. After breakfast 24 of us walked along the beach decked out in green tour T-Shirts. When on the beach, a game of beach cricket began, although it wasn't long before the cricket was abandoned in favour of a 5 a side football match. The teams were evenly split although the larger members of the team made sure we played with shirts on whilst the skinny scrawny members, bar Roger, opted for skins!! Surprise additions to the match included Bill Henton who rolled back the years with a string of saves in the skinny's goal. Jack Bell proved to be no pushover. When tackled by Roger"Chopper"Fawcett Jack put all his weight behind him and left Chopper Fawcett flattened on the deck eating sand. Richard Staves claimed to be the new Andy Cole(say no more really!!!) as a string of chances went begging in the shirts area. The newly created Wiseton 5 a side team will need a few training sessions given this performance!! For the record, the shirts won, although I'm sure it is a hotly disputed result.
After the football it was time to head off to Ashington for the cricket. Like myself, Daran, Pikey, Roger and Jack had the day off due to the rota system for each match. Jack decided to stay in the bar with Sheila, whilst Louise, Helen, Sharon and Heather went off to the Metro Centre to spend some money. We decided to play golf. What a mistake!! The course was full of lakes, very windy and very hard. Some 20 balls were lost in the water!! Roger packed up after five holes and Pikey decided to fire a ball that almost knocked my head off!! The scores were way over par although Pikey went round with the lowest score.
On our return to the hotel, Jack informed us all that he had consumed 20 bottles of lager in 5 hours but better than that was the fact the fire alarm had gone off whilst he and Sheila were in bed(say no more!!!) but before they could make themselves decent the alarm had stopped. Dinner that night was at the Italian restaurant. A table was booked for 9 as the rest of the party were still playing at Ashington.
On returning to the hotel the cricketers had returned and duly informed us of their defeat at Ashington. It wasn't long before Beadle Bell had his cam corder out again, this time it was to film Richard Ambler drunk although anybody who knows him will tell you he always looks worst for ware!! Our own chairman Ian Mather was said to be rather tipsy and video evidence proved this as he sat on his stool with a silly grin on his face all night. Whiskey was thought to be the culprit although the jury is out on that one!!. Bill went for an late evening/early morning stroll and decided he would throw himself into the sea. Unfortunately he put his back out whilst trying to climb the railings, again all on video!! Jack was also in great pain due to a sore rear, how he got this injury is a mystery but he certainly gave Monty Python a run for their money as far as silly walks go. Watching him negotiate the promenade steps was a highly amusing experience for all present.
Tour Nicknames
Ian Mather - Old Spice
Nev Carter - Noel G
Roger Fawcett - Jonty
ADZ - Vidal
Richard Staves - Ivan
Pikey - Boon
Jack - Ten Belly Bell
Richard Bell - Merv
Daran Hewitt - Homer
John Sumner - Johnny Buck
James Sumner - Paradise
Richard Ambler - John
Iain Ambler - Wayne
Mike Potts - Knock Knock
Bill Henton - Water Baby
The Spice Girls
Scary - Sheila
Sexy - Louise
Posh - Helen
Baby - Heather
Smart - Sharon
Nice - Jean
Moody - Kate
The final morning for most members meant a lie in. Most decided to do their own thing in the morning, Neville went to see his castles, Sumner Snr went to the Sealife Centre, Some played football on the beach and the rest wandered around Whitley Bay with some pit stops in the amusements. The journey to Benwell Hill again resulted in myself and Daran getting lost due to people speeding off. Once at the ground it soon became clear that we were going to struggle when word got around about the six county players that were due to play!! David Pike volunteered himself as Number 11 on hearing one of them was an opening fast bowler for the county.
Jack was still in pain from his bottom and so withdrew from the match, he was then in shock from the news that he would be scoring in a small room upstairs rather than in the bar drinking beer all afternoon. Bill, keen as ever, chose to play for Benwell as they were short. Beadle Bells camera was again in operation, this time it was to record an unnamed female as she snored away in her car(All will be revealed at a later date!!) Predictions from the Spice Girls on how their partners would fare with the bat were also recorded and not appreciated!!!
Ian Mather was determined to run me out during the final overs but like Sir Geoffrey I was having none of it and so the chairman departed bringing The Pike to the wicket. He had obviously been watching Richard Staves summersault earlier in the tour, as first ball he promptly through himself in the air, doing some sort of triple swirl and landed back in his crease. He should have been out stumped but the wicket keeper was too busy laughing.
Nine of us decided to stay an extra night. A convoy back to the hotel made its way through Newcastle. Guess who got lost? Not only did I get lost but I also had the dubious honour of holding up the Tyne Tunnel for two minutes. After much arguing between myself and Louise I decided that we had to go through the tunnel in order to get back to Whitley. I asked the lady at the payment booth if I was going in the correct direction. The answer was "NO". Barriers came down on all the entry zones, alarms went off, lights flashed and a security guard appeared in order that I could be turned around. Embarrassed? Very!!
I eventually found my way back, some 45 minutes after the convoy arrived at the hotel. Richard Bell had decided to stay the extra night but he had to change rooms. We think he was given the cloakroom by mistake as it was so small. He invited us all back for a party, but once Jack squeezed himself in there was just no hope for the rest of us!! Or was that ADZ?
Beadle Bell was again in action on Wednesday morning. He burst into his nephews bedroom with his cam corder to wake him only to almost pass out due to the smell. Quite what this smell was, is a mystery, but it can stay in Whitley Bay!!!
Not content with that Beadle Bell burst in on Louise whilst in the shower As you might expect, he was shocked!!Sorry she was shocked (Copies available. Make cheques payable to N Bell !!). Fortunately his battery was running low so the camera had to be put away. Thank God cried everyone!!
The final few were now departing, a last photo on the steps of the hotel and we all went our separate ways. Six of us went onto the lake district to spend another few days together but that's another story. But I can tell you that I didn't get lost!!!!
The following article was written by Mrs Margaret Carter in 1981 for the Gainsborough News, it details a novel game played by Wiseton that year.
It is often difficult for women to break into a mans sport but the wives and girlfriends of Wiseton cricketers made a commendable attempt this month and at least went down laughing as Mrs Margaret Carter explains.
Last week was a memorable one for Wiseton Cricket Club, now approaching its 105th season. Having won promotion to the first Division of the Gainsborough Evening League they condescended to accept the challenge of a match against The Ladies.
In order to ensure a reasonable game (i.e.one lasting until opening time) some revised rules had to be drawn up. They were that all men had to bat and bowl "wrong handed", and all men were to field wearing a batting glove on their "normal"hand. If this touched the ball then five runs were to be awarded. Finally the Ladies were allowed to bowl over and underarm.
First problem for the women was finding suitable gear to wear. Men are not the same shape as women so borrowed trousers tended to fit in the wrong places. Skirts and shorts won more approval from the men of course (although a request by one member for black fishnet tights and suspenders to be worn had been refused and declared not cricket). Head gear varied from crash helmet to peak caps, floppy sunhats and even a disco type visor with flashing lights.
Some of the more enthusiastic women, determined to get in to the swing of the game, decided to have a practice session beforehand and found they were almost exhausted before the proper match began.
The men lost the toss and were put into bat. The ladies team walked gingerly onto the hallowed turf and found that a cricket ground was quite different when viewed from the middle rather than the usual seats on the boundary.
The square like a green velvet platform, was much admired and for the first time it was realised that the loving care and attention lavished on it by fanatical groundsmen was justified.
The men came out to bat looking slightly less confident than usual but they adapted well to batting the wrong way round.
One player in particular played BETTER this way and as he gained in confidence against the ladies indifferent bowling he declared he was aiming to get a ton. He didn't quite make it but was so good that he must now be classified as ambidextrous and as such is banned from taking part in future matches of this type.
When the score reached 200 or so the men began to feel embarrassed by their success and, taking pity on the weaker sex, tried to get themselves out deliberately. But its difficult trying to scoop up a ball to give a dolly catch when it travels from bowler to batsman along the ground!! The umpire also did his best by catching the ball himself and declaring the batsman out. Eventually the innings ended with a genuine catch by a fielder and it was time for tea.
While most people were taking welcome refreshment in the pavilion, two of the women decided this was an opportune moment to dash round the boundary and move the pegs in a few yards.
Then came the tiresome business on donning batting pads and gloves. What a shocking handicap!! (But what if boxes had been compulsory!!)
To walk out to the crease was just possible, though grossly inelegant, to run between the wickets was well nigh impossible. With feelings varying from mild apprehension to down right terror the ladies took their turn to face the bowlers.
If it happened to be a husband bowling to his wife there were various threats to be heard varying from deprivation of cocoa for supper or even divorce proceedings if he dared bowl her out. However, there was nothing worse than a chase with the bat and a token spanking when a fielder held a catch from his spouse.
It was quite a relief to see that the proper, regular bowlers were bowling wides which were even wider and more frequent than those from the Ladies team. In spite of this, and rather a lot of five run penalties, the Ladies were finding it difficult to get anywhere near the massive score of their menfolk. It must be said that all the ladies made a real effort to score runs and some even reached double figures but in the end were happy to admit defeat.
Nothing had been lost, however. The afternoon had provided a lot of laughs, some healthy exercise beautiful sunshine and, not least, a better understanding of the game of cricket.
Perhaps in future those wives who begrudged being cricket "widows" will be more tolerant and those who are regular supporters will appreciate the finer points of the game.
Just for the record the result was WCC 206, Ladies 144.
Can You Crack It??
In the English game of Cricket,
You must guard your precious wicket,
For if your courage fails,
You could quickly lose your bails,
So when you for a boundary try,
Don't put the ball up in the sky,
And most essential in the match,
For heavens sake, don't give a catch!!
When in the field you take your stance,
Don't dream about your last romance,
Or who you saw down the club,
Nor think of beer back at the pub,
For these diversions cloud your mind,
And shortly, I am sure you'll find,
Your concentration soon will rot,
The balls will fall where you are not!!
So in a vital cricket match,
You will not even make one catch.
Bowling perhaps may take your fancy?
A hero's work, but often chancy,
A maiden over - every one?
Easier off the field than on!!
Slow balls, fast balls, medium pace,
Googlies and bumpers all over the place,
Bowl with zest and plenty of verve,
Quite soon you will break the batsman's nerve,
Then at the wicket he won't linger,
When he gets the umpires finger.
And afterwards with aching joints,
If you've been lucky and made most points,
You'll talk and argue and chew the fat,
That's the game of cricket lads,
OWZATT!!!!
Although Wiseton finished third in the final league table it failed to tell the full story of what was a very difficult season for the team and captain Nev Carter. On many occasions Wiseton failed to field eleven men, and in two games fielded only eight. Despite these setbacks the players battled well and produced some good performances to beat three of the teams on two occasions. The most outstanding individual and team performance came against Retford in the cup. With only ten men Nev Carter produced what is widely thought to be one of his finest innings to make 68 in less than 10 overs, an innings which saw a variety of shots to the boundary. Bill Henton hit 35 to take Wiseton to 118 for 3. Wiseton almost pulled off a memorable victory only to see Retford hit the winning run in the final over. Other notable performances came from Richard Bell who claimed 6 for 5 in a match against Harworth, where he bowled fast and accurate to take what must surely be career best Evening League figures. Richard Staves was a consistent scorer throughout the season as is proved by topping the averages, his top score of 51 not out came against Misterton which also brought our first victory of the season. David Barker was another consistent performer, and he proved this by picking up 12 wickets throughout the season.
It was close towards the end of the season, at one point Wiseton were second from bottom, but victories over our nearest rivals ensured our survival in Division 2 with the added bonus of third place in the league.
The fist division title went to Albert Hotel who amassed 21 points from their 12 games including ten victories. Lea Park 2nd XI took the runners up spot. Morton and Marshalls Cavaliers were the unlucky teams to be relegated and so will be visiting Wiseton next season.
The second division title wasn't settled until the final week of the season which saw the top two teams, Marshalls and Retford, play each other. Retford were the victors and so took the title ,
although both were already promoted to Division 1. It was the same at the other end of the table between Lea Park and Misterton. Harworth were already relegated but the loser of the match between Misterton and Lea Park would join them in Division 3. Surprisingly it was Misterton who were the defeated and so will play their cricket in Division 3 next season. Wiseton managed to clinch third position with a victory over Harworth. Joining us in Division 2 next season will be Walkringham who took the title under the captaincy of occasional Wiseton player Simon Pixley. Blyton will also take their place in Division 2. Northern Rubber and Lea FC were relegated.
Division 4 saw local rivals Everton take the title with the Police coming a close second. Our own Ryan Stubbins captained his side, Clumber Inn, to 4th place in the division. Cottam were the team who came bottom of the 4th Division.
The Final Game
Wiseton v Harworth
This was a match which turned into a non event in many ways due to the way Harworth chose to perform just ask Graham Bell who commented on the fact it was the most boring game he had ever been involved in. Wiseton batted first and made a total of 147 for 3 with James Sumner top scoring with 62no, Richard Staves 30, Bill Henton 27 and Adam Kay with 14. In reply Harworth chose to drag out the innings and batted the whole 14 overs to finish on 54 for 7, George Platts leading the way with figures of 3 for 7. It was a disappointing match on which to end the season but it secured our place in Division 2 in what was a difficult year for Wiseton in the Evening League.
M.O.M: James Sumner
Bowling Star Bell
An added bonus to Wiseton's Evening League season was the news that Richard Bell has won the 2nd Division bowling award for the second year running.
Evening League Statistics.
Bowling...(Min of 20 overs)
1. Richard Bell 15wkts @ 10.80
2. David Barker 12wkts @ 19.00
3. Nev Carter 7wkts @ 19.57
4. Adam Kay 7wkts @ 20.71
5. Graham Bell 7wkts @ 31.86
Highest Scores
1.=3D Nev Carter 68 v Retford
1.=3D James Sumner 68 v Lea Park
2. James Sumner 62* v Harworth
3. Richard Staves 51* v Misterton
4. Bill Henton 41 v Cottam
Batting...(Min of 5 innings)
1. Richard Staves 33.00
2. Nev Carter 25.44
3. Jamie Sumner 25.25
4. Bill Henton 24.00
5. Richard Bell 18.00
Man of the Match Awards
1. Richard Staves 3
2. Jack Bell 2
3. Richard Bell 2
4. James Sumner 2
5. Bill Henton 2
Best Bowling
1. Richard Bell 6 for 5
2. David Pike 4 for 9
3. Richard Bell 4 for 22
4. Steve Firth 3 for 4
5. George Platts 3 for 7
Graham Bell
Ducks
1. Daran Hewitt 4
2. Ian Mather 3
3. Adam Kay 3
4. Richard Staves 1
5. Graham Bell 1
Dropped Catches
1. Nev Carter 3
2. Bill Henton 2
3. David Barker 2
4. Daran Hewitt 2
5. Adam Kay 2
Catches
1. Adam Kay 8
2. Richard Staves 4
3. David Pike 3
4. David Barker 3
5. Graham Bell 3
Full details of this seasons statistics of all the people who qualify for each category will be in the Wiseton Yearbook which is being produced with the help of Arthur Staves.
This month Steve from Echuca South CC has answered some of the questions which have been asked by various Wiseton members.
Q...Have you played against any famous cricketers?
A...Yes, a couple. At junior level I played against both Craig White and Mathew Elliott, who were playing for Bendigo and Kyabram respectively. Craig didn't look anything like an outstanding player at the time, just a good honest young cricketer. (I guess nothing has changed in that regard. )
Matt however had a touch of class that was apparent at U16 level. Unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to bowl or bat against these players, although I can tell you I dropped Matt at second slip when he was on 20 - he ended up making 84, and I like to brag that it was my dropped catch which spurred him onto bigger and better things. I was also 12th man for our association team when they played against a guy called Clayton Lambert, an opening batsman who played for the West Indies. As secretary of our league and sports reporter for our local paper, I have also had the honour of meeting several State players, including spending an entire day doing publicity stuff with Merv Hughes and Les Stillman.
Q...What Format does the game in Australia take?
A...Two day games are 80 overs per side minimum, no restrictions on the bowling. One dayers are 40 overs per side, with an individual maximum of 8 overs per bowler. I have forwarded the leagues rule book by post, this may make things clearer.
Q...Do you have 2 innings games?
A...The two day matches are theoretically two innings games. However it is rare to see a side dismissed under the 80 over limit, so outright results are rare and come only against weaker teams. When a team does have a second innings, it is usually to fill in time at the end of the second day, and is often when the batsmen bowl and tail enders are shuffled up the order.
Q...Do you have professional players?
A...Our club has a policy of not paying players, but there are other clubs who do employ one professional. Jamie Murphy, who played several seasons with Shane Warne at St Kilda and was in the Victorian squad in 1987, fetches about $3000 (£1300) per season in our league.
Q...Do you go on tour?
A...No, unfortunately not. The league takes part in five game tournaments called County Weeks, played in Bendigo (early January) and Melbourne (late February) against other leagues from all over Victoria. Melbourne County Weeks are played on VCA district grounds, and I was lucky enough to play a game at St Kilda's Junction Oval few years ago.
REMEMBER
To keep November 22nd free in your diary. This is the date for the Wiseton Dinner & Dance.
Hopes are high for a good turn out.
Details available from
D Barker 01777 703113
A personal milestone was reached by ADZ on tour. I notched up my 100th game for Wiseton.
This is an instruction note for all the Wiseton players who don't seem to know what to do with a cricket ball this season!!!!
This is a cricket ball,
You can catch it,
You can bowl it, or
You can whack it,
But please, oh please,
Don't drop it!!!
For those who are interested, Wiseton have just entered a team in the Retford 5-a-side League. If you are interested in playing please contact either Adam on 01427 614133 or Pikey on 01777 708156. All games are on Friday nights.
Tom and Rosy Barker found a mysterious object nine inches under ground in the cricket field, no doubt exposed by the Wiseton rabbits. After excavation during the match they decided it was a Dinosaur footprint. Higher authority thought it might be a bomb. After all a Wellington Bomber did crash land late in the war!!
The Bomb Squad attended, namely Phil Wood, John Risely and Ian Mather. After much discussion the object, a metal disc the size of a large dinner plate, was dug out. It turned out to the lid off a milk churn!!
Phil reckons it could have been left over fifty years ago by the Home Guard who used the field all the time. So, Dad's Army lives on, some say on the pitch when the Under 30's play the Over 30's.
Look to your laurels Captain Manwaring!!!
A warning has to be given to all Wiseton players when they are in the changing room. The man we have to be wary of is none other than Daran Hewitt. This is because whilst on a night out with Jack "Ten Belly" Bell he decided to stop off in a pub to watch a live act. Once in the pub they discovered that the live act was actually a male stripper. Jack wanted to leave but Daran was having none of it and insisted on staying. This was made even worse when the man in question decided to hand out T-shirts to the best looking women but instead made a beeline for Daran and handed him a T-shirt instead. Is there anything we should know Captain??
last updated: 25/8/97