Hampshire League 1st XI
Captained by Alex Nippard
Managed by Keith Clarke
Parley's 1st team plays in the Hampshire County 1 League.
Upcoming Fixture: |
23 June (H) Fareham & Crofton 1.00pm start
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Outdoor Training |
Fixtures & Match Results |
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Every Tuesday from April 2018 from 6pm onwards
At Parley Sports and Social Club, 275 Christchurch Road, West Parley, Ferndown BH22 8SQ. NEW PLAYERS ALWAYS WELCOME Contact KEITH CLARKE for more details |
5 May (A) Ropley - Lost by 25 runs
12 May (H) Shrewton - Won by 186 runs 19 May (A) Hursley Park - Lost by 6 wickets 26 May (H) Hythe & Dibden - Lost by 42 runs 2 June (A) Longparish - Lost by 10 runs 9 June (H) US Portsmouth - Won 154 runs 16 June (A) Bishops Waltham - Won by 7 wickets 
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2018 Match Reports
16th June - “Greens hit gold to give Bishops Waltham the blues”. You read it here first!
Skipper Alex Nippard’s blueprint for success was to give BW the green light to bat first on a green looking track with grey skies overhead. This was away at BW and a blue ribbon performance was requested. The red carpet was laid out for the return of Sam Ayres to the first team.
In their 50 overs the home side scored 206 for 8 wickets – a good restricting effort by us. Brownie points to bowlers Harry Beardsley 10-2-23-1, Shane Green 9-0-41-2 and Ollie Green 10-2-31-1. Shane Green also had two direct hit run outs. Sadly it was a black day for Alex Cridland who needed hospital red cross treatment for a dislocated and broken left thumb whilst completing a great catch. Evergreen and renowned sage Keith Clarke completed ten overs of 12th man duties out of the blue.
The reply began well and being 101 for 1 at halfway we were tickled pink. Then Stutter was LBW. In fact plumb. BW did not wave a white flag and a purple patch brought a couple of wickets. After 31 overs 122 runs scored. Shane Green, no shrinking violet and tiring from blowing out numerous candles earlier in the week and Ollie Green, our resident green fingered expert, came together and left BW green with envy of their 88 run winning partnership. Ollie Green creamed a six to win which left him not out on 49 after a lovely knock. Shane Green produced a silver spoon innings batting throughout to finish unbeaten on 91 from 128 cherries. Total 210 for 3 in 45 overs. Victory by 7 wickets.
No grey areas here. A blue chip performance. Thanks to Andy Neill who volunteered to make the ‘blue light’ drive to hospital – no blackmail required. The headline says it all in black and white. Who said cricket was not a colourful game!
9th June - Sam Collins broke a finger against Longparish last week and faces a minimum six week absence. Alex Nippard returned as the Club tosser. He was successful and Parley had first use of the Fry/Crispo produced track against a previously winless United Services Portsmouth. Jamie Hicks stepped in to play his season opener.
Stutter (36) and Shane Green (30) eased the score to 70 in the 17th over. Later Embalagama (54 in 58 balls) added some impetus before four wickets fell in 6 overs for the addition of just 13 runs. From 178 for 8 a lively ninth wicket partnership of 47 between Arun Subbhian (47 from 27 deliveries) and Jamie Hicks (20) took the final total to 243 all out in 49.5 overs.
Wow! – after 7 overs the visitors were in trouble after scoring 16 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. The innings closed on 89 after 18.1 overs with wickets for all bowlers – Ollie Green 6-3-7-4, Jamie Hicks 6-1-28-2, Jack Nicholls 3.1-0-20-2 and Chris Williams 3-0-29-2. The last 8.1 overs produced 62 runs as the tail wagged. A comprehensive result and a 6pm finish. Good to get back to winning ways and KC rewarded the team with beverages.
During the beers the competitive element of half the side remained unsatisfied and ‘back to school’ challenges were issued and undertaken. With sprints, a round the boundary run and throwing the cricket ball competitions there was strong evidence of the kindergarten culture which is regularly exhibited. Still a good time was had by all! Teacher’s marks for today 10/10.
2nd June - Next up was away at Longparish. A damp track. Toss won and insertion completed.
With the first ball Ollie Green bowled their opener and at 12 for 3 with all clean bowled by OG the decision seemed justified. It was and half way through the allocation they were 85 for 4. But for 51 extras, including 39 wides, the game would have been won. After 50 overs the opposition totalled 208 for 7 wickets. Harry Beardsley bowled a miserly unchanged spell of 10-3-18-2. He was quick to find some turn and clearly benefitted from his even quicker 100 mph journey up the M27.
A steady reply began and at 130 for 3 with 18 overs remaining the pursuit was well on track. However Embalagama (40) and Stutter (62), who had batted well together, both fell within four overs of each other. Thereafter nobody was able to stick around long enough and wickets fell at regular intervals. The innings ended ten runs short on 198 from 48.5 overs.
Availability and injury issues have continued to deplete the team. Notwithstanding this lessons need to be learned about bowling straighter and catching with confidence. The tide will change and when United Services Portsmouth visit next week hopefully we can ride high on the crest of a wave.
26th May - Annual challenge regarding player availability. Enormous thanks to all captains for getting sides out and to those who played for Parley in the four matches. No thanks to those who chose to attend the alternative entertainment.
First team defeated by Hythe & Dibden who won the toss and batted to score 256 for 4 wickets. Chasing we achieved 214 for 9 with an excellent knock of 88 by Shane Green.
Regrettably the writer did not see enough of the game, due to other duties, to comment further. Thank you to Brian Nippard for stepping in as scorer on the day, relieving the writer of that task and allowing all of those other duties to be undertaken and a game of cricket to be completed.
19th May - An away day at Hursley Park on a glorious sunny day after breakfast in Ringwood. The Quarters, home of HP, looking resplendent to match. However the result of our cricket performance was second out of two. This game said much about County 1 cricket.
Toss won and choosing to bat first a score of 186 all out in 46.3 overs was disappointing. With Embalagama (55 runs from 50 balls) and Shane Green (33 from 60 deliveries) as main contributors we need to bat longer and be selective. Although there was early movement from the HP attack poor shots and a run out accounted for most of our dismissals.
After tea our ground fielding was good but not supported by vital spilled opportunities. Similarly with 37 wides our bowling lacked direction. Harry Beardsley (10-2-33-3) being the exception. For the loss of four wickets the winning runs were struck after 41.4 overs, thereby reflecting the extra deliveries. In summary were we outclassed? No. Are we capable of better? Yes.
Later we received the news that Tom Blackley had broken a bone in his hand whilst attempting to field from his own bowling and would miss the next 6 weeks of the season.
Big thanks to Brian Nippard for providing his scoring prowess. Also thank you to Mark Barber, Chairman for hosting a Club BBQ back home for members and supporters after the game. Much appreciated gentlemen.
12th May - What a difference a week makes! Same team, same game but a very different performance!! Top of the table Shrewton were the visitors. With the toss won and a decision to bat made the innings total of 246 for 7 in 50 overs reflected the long outfield. It could have been a score of 350 plus. Captain Alex Nippard led from the front with a positive and fluent 77 in 102 balls. He was ably supported by 66 from Shane Green in a partnership of 144 and later 25 not out from Roshan Embalagama. The writer, ever the perfectionist, would have wished for an additional 4 runs to achieve maximum batting bonus points.
After tea Ollie Green set the tone with a wicket in the first over of the Shrewton reply. The tone intensified and at 20 for 6 after 9 overs Ollie had taken five wickets, including an impressive hat-trick. After 24.4 overs the visitors were 60 all out with Ollie Green (8.4-0-21-6), backed up by Tom Blackley 2 for 17 and Harry Beardsley 2 for 15.
Club members, you know who you are, have worked tirelessly through the winter months and more specifically on the ground over the last week before the game, to ensure cricket continued at Parley. All players owe a huge vote of thanks and a sincere debt of gratitude to those people. Achieving a result like this makes it satisfying and unconditionally worthwhile to those same members.
Standards have been set and the team has something to build on. However after the game Jack Rowett, performing in his own music video in the showers, showed there is always room for improvement. I wonder if that You Tube recording will ever become public? We go again in another week.
5th May - Following promotion last year the entry to HCL County 1 was much anticipated. However as in 2017 the opening fixture away to Ropley saw us defeated.
16 year old Luke Neill made his First team debut and claimed two victims behind the stumps and conceded just a single bye as Ropley were all out for 202 in 47.5 overs. Wickets were shared about with Tom Blackley taking 3 for 36, Shane Green 2 for 35 and Jack Rowett 2 for 54. There were two run outs, including a smart field and direct hit by Sam Collins. The other fielding highlight was a ‘left handed over my shoulder behind my back grab’ by Harry Beardsley to dismiss Shaun Udal, ex-Hampshire and England, off Blackers bowling. A top score of 77 from their overseas being vital to the overall score.
So four runs an over required within the allocated 50 overs. With the exception of skipper Alex Nippard (50 in 92 deliveries) and Shane Green 27 the batting could have been better. Some may look back and have chosen an improved shot selection given the chance again. Application and ‘batting with our heads’ must feature in the future. All out for 177 in 45 overs shows there was scope to have won with better innings management. 9 bonus points achieved.
This narrow loss was against a team who finished 5th in the last campaign. We can do better with stronger belief in our individual and team capabilities.
2017 Match Reports
26th August - A glorious sunny day greeted the last match day of the season. Ahead of the trip to Redlynch & Hale the maths were simple - 3 points needed for promotion and 21 points needed to become the champions of the County 2 League. An early morning (well 10.30 am) team breakfast was well attended and all the talk was about........the warm up football match!
On arrival 90 minutes before start time the deck was found in good nick but very dry. With the football, stretching exercises, fielding drills and separate batting and bowling practices it proved to be one of the best pre-match warm up sessions of the summer. Our tosser Sam Collins won the coin battle and elected to bat. Basically the next 6 hours went as close to plan as could be expected. After our 45 overs we had scored 332 runs for the loss of 7 wickets and R&H were bowled out for 183 runs.
The runs were scored by Sam Collins (38), Shane Green (60), Alex Nippard (15), Ollie Green (87 in 47 balls), Alex Cridland (36), Roshan Embalagama (24), Jack Rowett (32 n.o.), Chris Jennings (22) and Tom Blackley (1 n.o.). Jamie Hicks and Harry Beardsley were not required to bat. R&H innings lasted 32.2 overs and Extras with 41 was top scorer. Bowling figures were Tom Blackley (7-0-22-2), Ollie Green (3-0-20-0), Harry Beardsley (10-0-76-2), Alex Nippard (3-0-12-1), Jack Rowett (3-0-16-1) and Jamie Hicks (6.2-1-11-4). Whilst all individual statistics have been listed this was a team performance for the badge. Victory completed and 24 points achieved equals County 2 League winners. Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After a celebratory bottle of beer at the ground the 'shit shirts' returned to Parley for further alcohol consumption and mutual patting of backs. After all the 2017 campaign has not been at all shabby!
On behalf of the players thanks go to the Chairman and committee for their backing. Also a big thank you to the loyal band of supporters who have driven many miles to follow and be there for the team. You know who you are and the support is very much appreciated. Thanks a bunch to Chris 'Willow' Williams, Brian Nippard and Alan Graham for scoring so proficiently during the season - we all look forward to Willow returning to the players balcony next year. Just remember as scorers 'we cannot play without you being there'. Thank you to John Barber for his umpiring duties. He stood for every game so we were never 'one short'. Lastly thanks to Mick, Jimmy, Jim and the Parley Club team for all on pitch preparation, teas and off pitch support.
On behalf of Parley Cricket Club a thank you to each and every one of the 23 players who represented the Hants 1 team in the 13 completed fixtures during the season. Everyone can look back and know they have contributed to the success. Special mention to Sam Collins as leader of the gang, in a year when his Dorset Minor Counties credentials came to the fore. There have been many notable performances on the field so please take a little time to savour the winning. Off the field most games enjoyed 'jugfest' proportions and real spirit! Be proud of your achievement. You have made history which you can now enjoy and look forward to 2018.
From a personal viewpoint it has been my absolute pleasure to have been with you on each step throughout the season. Thank you for your company and commitment in 2017. In years to come you may not remember scores or the opposition but you will remember Parley and your team colleagues. KC
On arrival 90 minutes before start time the deck was found in good nick but very dry. With the football, stretching exercises, fielding drills and separate batting and bowling practices it proved to be one of the best pre-match warm up sessions of the summer. Our tosser Sam Collins won the coin battle and elected to bat. Basically the next 6 hours went as close to plan as could be expected. After our 45 overs we had scored 332 runs for the loss of 7 wickets and R&H were bowled out for 183 runs.
The runs were scored by Sam Collins (38), Shane Green (60), Alex Nippard (15), Ollie Green (87 in 47 balls), Alex Cridland (36), Roshan Embalagama (24), Jack Rowett (32 n.o.), Chris Jennings (22) and Tom Blackley (1 n.o.). Jamie Hicks and Harry Beardsley were not required to bat. R&H innings lasted 32.2 overs and Extras with 41 was top scorer. Bowling figures were Tom Blackley (7-0-22-2), Ollie Green (3-0-20-0), Harry Beardsley (10-0-76-2), Alex Nippard (3-0-12-1), Jack Rowett (3-0-16-1) and Jamie Hicks (6.2-1-11-4). Whilst all individual statistics have been listed this was a team performance for the badge. Victory completed and 24 points achieved equals County 2 League winners. Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After a celebratory bottle of beer at the ground the 'shit shirts' returned to Parley for further alcohol consumption and mutual patting of backs. After all the 2017 campaign has not been at all shabby!
On behalf of the players thanks go to the Chairman and committee for their backing. Also a big thank you to the loyal band of supporters who have driven many miles to follow and be there for the team. You know who you are and the support is very much appreciated. Thanks a bunch to Chris 'Willow' Williams, Brian Nippard and Alan Graham for scoring so proficiently during the season - we all look forward to Willow returning to the players balcony next year. Just remember as scorers 'we cannot play without you being there'. Thank you to John Barber for his umpiring duties. He stood for every game so we were never 'one short'. Lastly thanks to Mick, Jimmy, Jim and the Parley Club team for all on pitch preparation, teas and off pitch support.
On behalf of Parley Cricket Club a thank you to each and every one of the 23 players who represented the Hants 1 team in the 13 completed fixtures during the season. Everyone can look back and know they have contributed to the success. Special mention to Sam Collins as leader of the gang, in a year when his Dorset Minor Counties credentials came to the fore. There have been many notable performances on the field so please take a little time to savour the winning. Off the field most games enjoyed 'jugfest' proportions and real spirit! Be proud of your achievement. You have made history which you can now enjoy and look forward to 2018.
From a personal viewpoint it has been my absolute pleasure to have been with you on each step throughout the season. Thank you for your company and commitment in 2017. In years to come you may not remember scores or the opposition but you will remember Parley and your team colleagues. KC
19th August - Match cancelled as Ellingham have forfeited the game.
12th August - Next up was a visit to Compton & Chandlers Ford. This game saw a welcome return to Parley cricket for OT (Ollie Thomas), fresh from a season at Bryanston and a three week cricket tournament in Barbados. We arrived to find the deck and ground quite damp and little activity. However 15 minutes before the game was due to start a gang mower was paraded around the outfield with a 4x4 vehicle taking the lead. Then a white line was painted to determine the boundary perimeter. The combination of these actions was hardly breached during the afternoon play but they did provide the entertainment for the day as witnessed on social media.
Toss won and shock horror C&CF inserted. It did not take long to realise just how important winning the toss had been. From ball one and difficult to visualise the ball did not bounce above ankle/shin height for the whole game. The first over from Tom Blackley brought the first LBW dismissal. There followed a further 5 successful LBW decisions, lots of unsuccessful LBW appeals and four balls hit the stumps direct at no higher than a third of stump height. 80 all out after 30.1 overs. Top marks for bowling straight to Jack Rowett (8-0-27-5) displaying his new economical run-up and Ollie Green (7.1-1-12-4) displaying enjoyment in his achievements.
The early loss of two wickets, both being LBW decisions, brought Alex Nippard (33 n.o.) and Ollie Green (23) together for a match winning partnership. The successful run chase of 81 for 3 was completed in 16.2 overs.
A ninth win on the bounce !!!
Toss won and shock horror C&CF inserted. It did not take long to realise just how important winning the toss had been. From ball one and difficult to visualise the ball did not bounce above ankle/shin height for the whole game. The first over from Tom Blackley brought the first LBW dismissal. There followed a further 5 successful LBW decisions, lots of unsuccessful LBW appeals and four balls hit the stumps direct at no higher than a third of stump height. 80 all out after 30.1 overs. Top marks for bowling straight to Jack Rowett (8-0-27-5) displaying his new economical run-up and Ollie Green (7.1-1-12-4) displaying enjoyment in his achievements.
The early loss of two wickets, both being LBW decisions, brought Alex Nippard (33 n.o.) and Ollie Green (23) together for a match winning partnership. The successful run chase of 81 for 3 was completed in 16.2 overs.
A ninth win on the bounce !!!
5th August - Petersfield arrived without a win on the road this season and no win at home either. Unseasonal rain arrived and caused several interruptions to play with covers deployed regularly in roadshow fashion.
The opposition skipper described the track as 'a road' before winning the toss and asking Parley to bat. However with an opening partnership of 174 in 27.4 overs he may reflect it was more of motorway proportions. Clearly his choice was looking like a road to disaster. Sam Collins (97 in 104 balls) and Shane Green (54 in 87 balls) both dominated and were licenced to punish any loose deliveries. On the road to the innings stopping at 323 for 6 the tempo was maintained throughout with good contributions from Ollie Green (42) and Alex Cridland (36 not out). It was good to welcome Jack Rowett back to the side after his road to recovery from serious illness.
Due to the earlier rain delays the Petersfield target was reduced to 229 from 26 overs. Starting well their second wicket fell at 104 from 15.3 overs. However the momentum declined as wickets fell to Ollie Green (5-0-30-3) and Jack Rowtt (6-0-44-3). The innings closed on 158 for 9 wickets.
After the previous two weeks washouts it was nice to play again. A shout out to the roadbuilder and all who ensured the game reached a conclusion between the rainbreaks. Effort rewarded with a positive result.A few drinks followed and of course one for the road.
The opposition skipper described the track as 'a road' before winning the toss and asking Parley to bat. However with an opening partnership of 174 in 27.4 overs he may reflect it was more of motorway proportions. Clearly his choice was looking like a road to disaster. Sam Collins (97 in 104 balls) and Shane Green (54 in 87 balls) both dominated and were licenced to punish any loose deliveries. On the road to the innings stopping at 323 for 6 the tempo was maintained throughout with good contributions from Ollie Green (42) and Alex Cridland (36 not out). It was good to welcome Jack Rowett back to the side after his road to recovery from serious illness.
Due to the earlier rain delays the Petersfield target was reduced to 229 from 26 overs. Starting well their second wicket fell at 104 from 15.3 overs. However the momentum declined as wickets fell to Ollie Green (5-0-30-3) and Jack Rowtt (6-0-44-3). The innings closed on 158 for 9 wickets.
After the previous two weeks washouts it was nice to play again. A shout out to the roadbuilder and all who ensured the game reached a conclusion between the rainbreaks. Effort rewarded with a positive result.A few drinks followed and of course one for the road.
29th July - Match cancelled due to rain.
22nd July - Match cancelled due to ground conditions/rain.
15th July - East Woodhay in Berkshire, close to Newbury, provided us with our longest away trip of the season. The day out had been planned and the KC charabang pulled out of Parley at the unearthly time of 9.45 am. This was an hour many of the team had not seen on a Saturday morning for many weeks (unless they were returning home from a good Friday night out). Despite a maximum bus speed of 62 mph we were on our way. A pit stop for a full English was the order of the day and the excited 'kindergarten kids' were set up to play.
On what looked like a belting deck the toss was won and East Woodhay invited to have first use? Clearly shocked only 16 runs came from the opening 8 overs. The tempo did increase and at 84 in over 20 the first wicket fell. The remaining 25 overs produced a further 145 runs to close on 229 for 6. Probably under par. Good spells from Jamie Hicks (10-2-34-3) and Harry Beardsley (10-0-51-2) captured the majority of the wickets. Our fielding could have been better (blame the tantalising and succulent breakfast gravy!)
Collins and Cridland began the reply with positive intent and found the deck to their liking. In the twelfth over Alex perished having looked good for 56 runs from 38 balls and with 81 on the board. Alex Nippard entered the fray and a 100 run partnership ensued. Broken at 181 in the 28th over Sam fell for a lovely 64 (thanks to Jenna for adding width to the Collins weapon). The winning line was crossed in over 36 with Roshan Embalagama not out on 28 and Nips remaining undefeated with an excellent 68. Final score 230 for 3 wickets.
A pleasing victory and smiling faces all round. A slight detour to the Whitchurch Tesco Express alcohol counter was successfully completed. As the smiles on faces widened there were arbitrary fines announced but penalties of additional alcohol easily accepted. Suffice to say the return journey literally 'rocked the bus'. Thanks to DJ Willow for his entertaining selection of musical masterpieces! A pre-planned curry back at Parley awaited the victors (thanks to chef Jim) and a supply of jugs were happily consumed. For some a visit to town also featured.
A great day out and compelling evidence of what club cricket is all about.
On what looked like a belting deck the toss was won and East Woodhay invited to have first use? Clearly shocked only 16 runs came from the opening 8 overs. The tempo did increase and at 84 in over 20 the first wicket fell. The remaining 25 overs produced a further 145 runs to close on 229 for 6. Probably under par. Good spells from Jamie Hicks (10-2-34-3) and Harry Beardsley (10-0-51-2) captured the majority of the wickets. Our fielding could have been better (blame the tantalising and succulent breakfast gravy!)
Collins and Cridland began the reply with positive intent and found the deck to their liking. In the twelfth over Alex perished having looked good for 56 runs from 38 balls and with 81 on the board. Alex Nippard entered the fray and a 100 run partnership ensued. Broken at 181 in the 28th over Sam fell for a lovely 64 (thanks to Jenna for adding width to the Collins weapon). The winning line was crossed in over 36 with Roshan Embalagama not out on 28 and Nips remaining undefeated with an excellent 68. Final score 230 for 3 wickets.
A pleasing victory and smiling faces all round. A slight detour to the Whitchurch Tesco Express alcohol counter was successfully completed. As the smiles on faces widened there were arbitrary fines announced but penalties of additional alcohol easily accepted. Suffice to say the return journey literally 'rocked the bus'. Thanks to DJ Willow for his entertaining selection of musical masterpieces! A pre-planned curry back at Parley awaited the victors (thanks to chef Jim) and a supply of jugs were happily consumed. For some a visit to town also featured.
A great day out and compelling evidence of what club cricket is all about.
8th July - Basingstoke & North Hants 3rds late arrival due to traffic congestion meant a 2.25 pm start and a reduction in overs to 42 per side. Jack Rowett had to excuse himself late on match day with Delhi belly and was replaced by Arun Subbhian, our Delhi welly, to make his first team debut.
Toss lost and asked to bat. Wickets fell at regular intervals and tidy spells from Adam Fowler-Watt (9-0-18-1) and James Miller (10-2-26-0) restricted the opposition. The innings closed at 154 for 8 with Dave Elrick (10-3-36-3) and Shane Green (4-0-20-2 and a Mars bar) capturing the majority of the wickets. Extras were the second highest scorer with 25.
In reply an opening partnership of 69 set a base before Mark Stutter was stuttered out by a JB LBW for 29. Shane Green reached 51 before falling at 105. When the winning runs were scored in the 31st over Alex Nippard remained undefeated on 39. Final total was 157 for 3.
Six wins in a row have shown what the team is capable of and with the standard now established there is a good opportunity to achieve the promotion aspirations set a the start of the season.
Toss lost and asked to bat. Wickets fell at regular intervals and tidy spells from Adam Fowler-Watt (9-0-18-1) and James Miller (10-2-26-0) restricted the opposition. The innings closed at 154 for 8 with Dave Elrick (10-3-36-3) and Shane Green (4-0-20-2 and a Mars bar) capturing the majority of the wickets. Extras were the second highest scorer with 25.
In reply an opening partnership of 69 set a base before Mark Stutter was stuttered out by a JB LBW for 29. Shane Green reached 51 before falling at 105. When the winning runs were scored in the 31st over Alex Nippard remained undefeated on 39. Final total was 157 for 3.
Six wins in a row have shown what the team is capable of and with the standard now established there is a good opportunity to achieve the promotion aspirations set a the start of the season.
1st July-A visit to Locks Heath - they had no umpire, no scorer, no bails, no spare ball etc. Dave Elrick and James Miller (Bis to his Parley colleagues and Queen groupies) were promoted from the Dorset side to add strength to the bowling attack. Toss lost and inserted.
An opening stand of 164 may have prompted the LH captain to think he could have chosen more wisely. Shane Green with an excellent and dominant 122 (nine 4's and seven 6's in 129 balls) and Sam Collins with a fine and patient 55 provided the platform. Although wickets were lost in the chase for later runs a final total of 255 for 7 was accumulated with Ollie Green, caught at long on off the final ball of the innings, after scoring 40 from 27 deliveries.
Although the first wicket fell at 12 a partnership of 129 followed to leave a target of 114 from 14 remaining overs with 8 wickets in hand. Our ground fielding had not been the best and two catches had been put down. Despite this Locks Heath were unable to increase the tempo to the required rate. Four wickets were captured for five runs in the final two overs and the score rested on 225 for 8 with Ollie Green claiming 4 for 40 from his ten overs.
With Jack Nicholls already in Canada for 8 weeks we saw Owen Morris depart for the season today. With a three week school cricket tour to Barbados and an extended Australia trip coaching rugby he is back in June 2018. Clearly the world has shrunk since the writers schooldays. Yes planes, cars and TV have also arrived since then! The Parley boys go with our best wishes.
An opening stand of 164 may have prompted the LH captain to think he could have chosen more wisely. Shane Green with an excellent and dominant 122 (nine 4's and seven 6's in 129 balls) and Sam Collins with a fine and patient 55 provided the platform. Although wickets were lost in the chase for later runs a final total of 255 for 7 was accumulated with Ollie Green, caught at long on off the final ball of the innings, after scoring 40 from 27 deliveries.
Although the first wicket fell at 12 a partnership of 129 followed to leave a target of 114 from 14 remaining overs with 8 wickets in hand. Our ground fielding had not been the best and two catches had been put down. Despite this Locks Heath were unable to increase the tempo to the required rate. Four wickets were captured for five runs in the final two overs and the score rested on 225 for 8 with Ollie Green claiming 4 for 40 from his ten overs.
With Jack Nicholls already in Canada for 8 weeks we saw Owen Morris depart for the season today. With a three week school cricket tour to Barbados and an extended Australia trip coaching rugby he is back in June 2018. Clearly the world has shrunk since the writers schooldays. Yes planes, cars and TV have also arrived since then! The Parley boys go with our best wishes.
24th June-Close neighbours Bournemouth 2nds were todays visitors and included three ex Parley players in their ranks - George Wilson, Salman Khattak and James Hardy. Our tosser was Alex Nippard, replacing the usual tosser Sam Collins, whose arrival had been seriously delayed. Checks with local police cells and hospitals had thankfully produced negative responses.
Choosing to bat first 107 for 1 wicket was achieved at 22 over drinks. Collins (38) became the 'drinks wicket' after three more balls. A good knock from Alex Nippard produced 74 runs from 76 deliveries and ended on 173 in the 34th over. With 4 wickets falling in just four overs final score expectations were reduced. But 55 runs came from the last ten overs to end on 232 for 9 wickets.
In reply the opening partnership produced 39 runs from the first 9 overs and a further 58 from the next 8 overs. However Harry Beardsley bowled an excellent spell (10-1-21-2) and together with Nippard reduced the run flow so that 15 saw only 51 runs scored with 4 wickets lost. With 10 overs remaining, 65 runs required and 6 wickets in hand Parley were not favourites to succeed. Six overs left, 42 required and 5 wickets available. The Bournemouth supporters were looking increasingly confident. Jack Nicholls, who had bowled 2 overs for 25 runs returned and despite his stature stood tall under pressure. He took 4 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs, all clean bowled. The final wicket fell at 221 after 44.5 overs to achieve victory by 11 runs and claim another maximum 24 points haul.
Choosing to bat first 107 for 1 wicket was achieved at 22 over drinks. Collins (38) became the 'drinks wicket' after three more balls. A good knock from Alex Nippard produced 74 runs from 76 deliveries and ended on 173 in the 34th over. With 4 wickets falling in just four overs final score expectations were reduced. But 55 runs came from the last ten overs to end on 232 for 9 wickets.
In reply the opening partnership produced 39 runs from the first 9 overs and a further 58 from the next 8 overs. However Harry Beardsley bowled an excellent spell (10-1-21-2) and together with Nippard reduced the run flow so that 15 saw only 51 runs scored with 4 wickets lost. With 10 overs remaining, 65 runs required and 6 wickets in hand Parley were not favourites to succeed. Six overs left, 42 required and 5 wickets available. The Bournemouth supporters were looking increasingly confident. Jack Nicholls, who had bowled 2 overs for 25 runs returned and despite his stature stood tall under pressure. He took 4 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs, all clean bowled. The final wicket fell at 221 after 44.5 overs to achieve victory by 11 runs and claim another maximum 24 points haul.
17th June-Away day at Sway on a fantastic sunny day. Toss won and choosing to bat an LBW brought a loss with only the fourth ball of the game. Steady progress made therafter and Sam Collins (31) and Alex Nippard (50) took the score to 103 for 3 after 26 overs. Step forward Ollie Green, looking really good and adding impetus with 61 runs from 45 balls. Supported by Alex Cridland (27) and later an unbeaten 28 from Chris Jennings this produced an above par total of 251 for 7.
Sway began well with both openers finding the boundary against an attacking field. Jamie Hicks (10-1-24-3) made the breakthrough at 68 in over 18 thanks to a superb mid-on catch by Tom Blackley. With the introduction of Jack Nicholls (7-2-14-3) a tight ring field suppressed the runs and produced wickets. Jamie and Jack bowled with energy and enthusiasm, supported by a pumped fielding group. Sway lost six wickets for 8 runs to be 87 for 8 in over 29. In the remaining 16 overs the team were unable to secure maximum points, despite a 'heat' over from Cridland and two 'even hotter' overs from the captain. Sway ended on 193 for 8 wickets.
A good game of cricket played in the right spirit.
Sway began well with both openers finding the boundary against an attacking field. Jamie Hicks (10-1-24-3) made the breakthrough at 68 in over 18 thanks to a superb mid-on catch by Tom Blackley. With the introduction of Jack Nicholls (7-2-14-3) a tight ring field suppressed the runs and produced wickets. Jamie and Jack bowled with energy and enthusiasm, supported by a pumped fielding group. Sway lost six wickets for 8 runs to be 87 for 8 in over 29. In the remaining 16 overs the team were unable to secure maximum points, despite a 'heat' over from Cridland and two 'even hotter' overs from the captain. Sway ended on 193 for 8 wickets.
A good game of cricket played in the right spirit.
10th June-Arguably the strongest eleven of the season to date were selected for this fixture and featured Adam Fowler-Watt, returning to Parley after only 3 games in 2016 and a recent 3 month trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Although he did not find a new leg spinner for the Club he almost broke the world record for wearing a multitude of silly hats!
Todays visitors were Andover 2nds and were welcomed by a used, damp and green tinged Parley deck. Sam won the toss and elected to bat despite being very undecided. The decision looked flawed at 58 for 4 in the 19th over. By this time the opposition had been reduced to nine men as one had still to arrive and the opening bowler required A&E with a broken thumb attempting to field from his own delivery. However a positive approach led to a match winning stand of 111 between Shane Green (88) and Roshan Embalagama (49) which was broken in over 35. The last ten overs produced 67 runs for the loss of an additional 3 wickets to leave a final total of 236 for 8.
Miserly opening figures from Tom Blackley (7-1-9-1) and Ollie Green (6-0-13-0) eventually saw the opener dismissed on 27 from 14 overs. The innings remained subdued and ultimately ended after 36.3 overs with the score on 132. Alex Nippard with 3 for 26 and Jack Rowett with 3 for 39 were the main wicket takers.
Another maximum haul of 24 points and signs of a winning confidence.
Todays visitors were Andover 2nds and were welcomed by a used, damp and green tinged Parley deck. Sam won the toss and elected to bat despite being very undecided. The decision looked flawed at 58 for 4 in the 19th over. By this time the opposition had been reduced to nine men as one had still to arrive and the opening bowler required A&E with a broken thumb attempting to field from his own delivery. However a positive approach led to a match winning stand of 111 between Shane Green (88) and Roshan Embalagama (49) which was broken in over 35. The last ten overs produced 67 runs for the loss of an additional 3 wickets to leave a final total of 236 for 8.
Miserly opening figures from Tom Blackley (7-1-9-1) and Ollie Green (6-0-13-0) eventually saw the opener dismissed on 27 from 14 overs. The innings remained subdued and ultimately ended after 36.3 overs with the score on 132. Alex Nippard with 3 for 26 and Jack Rowett with 3 for 39 were the main wicket takers.
Another maximum haul of 24 points and signs of a winning confidence.
3rd June - Next up was the destination of Dolmans Farm against an unbeaten Ferndown Wayfarers. Toss lost and asked to bat. A steady response with Mark Stutter first to fall for 35 with 82 runs on the board after 20 overs. Alex Nippard departed early before Sam Collins, playing a good patient innings of 94, avoided the double jug to leave the 40 over total at 183 for 3. Four further wickets fell in the chase for late runs, including Shane Green for 35. Two of those were lost in the final over but maximum batting points were achieved with a total of 226 for 7.
Ferndown Wayfarers began positively but had lost both openers for 40 by the tenth over. Some tight bowling and fielding then restricted the advance to another 51 runs before rain interrupted proceedings after over 27 at a score of 91 for 2. With 10 overs lost and umpires and scorers doing overtime a target score of 176 was calculated. This meant FW required 85 runs in 8 overs with 8 wickets in hand to win. First over after the resumption saw 15 runs scored. However the next 27 deliveries produced 8 wickets for the addition of only 20 runs. Ferndown Wayfarers all out for a total of 126. Ollie Green with 5 for 35 and Tom Blackley with 4 for 30 bowled well in tandem as FW tasted League defeat for the first time this season.
The game was played in a good spirit and comments from both sides afterwards reflected that. As well as a victory for Parley cricket as a sport was also the winner.
27th May - The decision of half of the regular first team to find alternative entertainment this Saturday allowed the introduction of a number of the younger generation to cricket at this level. U15 Connor Chubb notably the youngest of four aged 19 or less.
After being inserted EMWCC were 48 for 3 after 9 overs but the next partnership took them to 184. After 45 overs they closed on 257 for 6 which included 40 extras. There were 2 wickets each for Jack Nicholls, Tom Blackley and Jamie Hicks.
Captain Sam Collins opened with 43 runs, supported by Alex Cridland and Owen Morris with 24 runs each. Wickets fell at regular intervals and there was a late order response from Jack Nicholls 38 and Jamie Hicks 24. However a total of 227 all out in 44.2 overs was not good enough.
County One looks a distance away. If wanted it will only be realised with some serious cricket and commitment.
20th May - Game cancelled due to a plenitude of precipitation.
13th May - Visitors Old Basing included Shaun Udal, the ex-Hampshire and England player in their line-up. There were also HCL County 2 debuts for Shane Green and Harry Beardsley, following Mark Stutter's introduction to the Parley ranks last week. Which proved to be the inspiration to us as winning the toss and electing to bat produced a good and controlled performance? Totalling 249 for 7 in 45 overs the scoring was led by Alex Nippard with an excellent and positive innings of 125 runs in 129 deliveries, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. He was ably supported by skipper Sam Collins and Jack Rowett who both scored 35 runs.
Ollie Green set the tone with an LBW victim off the first ball of the visitors reply. The opposition recovered from 46 for 4 after 12 overs to finally achieve 198 all out in 43.5 overs. Wickets were shared about with Jack Nicholls taking 3 for 28, Ollie Green 2 for 18, Roshan Embalagama 2 for 20 and Tom Blackley 2 for 31.
The most unusual sight of the day was the umpire signalling a six following a shot by the captain. Later video analysis indicated a massive top edge to the pull by Sam Collins. This meant Sam had pulled twice within 24 hours! No video footage of the first event has yet come to light.
As well as the superb individual performance there were good signs of teamworking. Nice to get maximum points, something to build on, a happy bunch of campers and a few shots consumed in the bar after the victory.
6th May - A much anticipated first game in HCL County 2 produced a poor performance against a side who will be in the mix for top spot at the end of the season based on this game. In their warm up preparation and game performance the opposition showed what will be required to be at the forefront for promotion this year.
Overall the bowling was disappointing and 56 extras were conceded. Fielding standards will need to be dramatically improved, which is not an accusation generally linked to this side. Bedhampton scored 290 for the loss of 3 wickets in their 45 overs. This was on a good deck but a particularly uneven outfield.
The batting was marginally better although some may look back and have chosen an improved shot selection given the chance again. All out for 173 in 31.3 overs.
We were poor, we can do much better, we need to believe in our individual and team capabilities and we get the chance to demonstrate these next week. On Saturday 13 May we go again.
Ferndown Wayfarers began positively but had lost both openers for 40 by the tenth over. Some tight bowling and fielding then restricted the advance to another 51 runs before rain interrupted proceedings after over 27 at a score of 91 for 2. With 10 overs lost and umpires and scorers doing overtime a target score of 176 was calculated. This meant FW required 85 runs in 8 overs with 8 wickets in hand to win. First over after the resumption saw 15 runs scored. However the next 27 deliveries produced 8 wickets for the addition of only 20 runs. Ferndown Wayfarers all out for a total of 126. Ollie Green with 5 for 35 and Tom Blackley with 4 for 30 bowled well in tandem as FW tasted League defeat for the first time this season.
The game was played in a good spirit and comments from both sides afterwards reflected that. As well as a victory for Parley cricket as a sport was also the winner.
27th May - The decision of half of the regular first team to find alternative entertainment this Saturday allowed the introduction of a number of the younger generation to cricket at this level. U15 Connor Chubb notably the youngest of four aged 19 or less.
After being inserted EMWCC were 48 for 3 after 9 overs but the next partnership took them to 184. After 45 overs they closed on 257 for 6 which included 40 extras. There were 2 wickets each for Jack Nicholls, Tom Blackley and Jamie Hicks.
Captain Sam Collins opened with 43 runs, supported by Alex Cridland and Owen Morris with 24 runs each. Wickets fell at regular intervals and there was a late order response from Jack Nicholls 38 and Jamie Hicks 24. However a total of 227 all out in 44.2 overs was not good enough.
County One looks a distance away. If wanted it will only be realised with some serious cricket and commitment.
20th May - Game cancelled due to a plenitude of precipitation.
13th May - Visitors Old Basing included Shaun Udal, the ex-Hampshire and England player in their line-up. There were also HCL County 2 debuts for Shane Green and Harry Beardsley, following Mark Stutter's introduction to the Parley ranks last week. Which proved to be the inspiration to us as winning the toss and electing to bat produced a good and controlled performance? Totalling 249 for 7 in 45 overs the scoring was led by Alex Nippard with an excellent and positive innings of 125 runs in 129 deliveries, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. He was ably supported by skipper Sam Collins and Jack Rowett who both scored 35 runs.
Ollie Green set the tone with an LBW victim off the first ball of the visitors reply. The opposition recovered from 46 for 4 after 12 overs to finally achieve 198 all out in 43.5 overs. Wickets were shared about with Jack Nicholls taking 3 for 28, Ollie Green 2 for 18, Roshan Embalagama 2 for 20 and Tom Blackley 2 for 31.
The most unusual sight of the day was the umpire signalling a six following a shot by the captain. Later video analysis indicated a massive top edge to the pull by Sam Collins. This meant Sam had pulled twice within 24 hours! No video footage of the first event has yet come to light.
As well as the superb individual performance there were good signs of teamworking. Nice to get maximum points, something to build on, a happy bunch of campers and a few shots consumed in the bar after the victory.
6th May - A much anticipated first game in HCL County 2 produced a poor performance against a side who will be in the mix for top spot at the end of the season based on this game. In their warm up preparation and game performance the opposition showed what will be required to be at the forefront for promotion this year.
Overall the bowling was disappointing and 56 extras were conceded. Fielding standards will need to be dramatically improved, which is not an accusation generally linked to this side. Bedhampton scored 290 for the loss of 3 wickets in their 45 overs. This was on a good deck but a particularly uneven outfield.
The batting was marginally better although some may look back and have chosen an improved shot selection given the chance again. All out for 173 in 31.3 overs.
We were poor, we can do much better, we need to believe in our individual and team capabilities and we get the chance to demonstrate these next week. On Saturday 13 May we go again.