Hampshire League 1st XI
Captained by Sam Collins
Parley's 1st team plays in the Hampshire County 2 League.
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Upcoming Fixture: |
Redlynch & Hale vs Parley on Saturday 26 August 2017.
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Outdoor Training |
Match Results |
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Every Tuesday from w/c 24th April from 7:00pm onwards
At Parley Sports and Social Club, 275 Christchurch Road, West Parley, Ferndown BH22 8SQ. |
6 May - Bedhampton (A) - Lost by 117 runs
13 May - Old Basing (H) - Won by 51 runs 20 May - Bramshaw (A) - Match cancelled due to rain 27 May - Easton & Martyr Worthy (H) - Lost by 30 runs 3 June - Ferndown Wayfarers (A) - Won by 100 runs 10 June - Andover 2nds (H) - Won by 104 runs 17 June - Sway (A) - Won by 58 runs 24 June - Bournemouth 2nds (H) - Won by 11 runs 1 July - Locks Heath (A) - Won by 30 runs 8 July - Basingstoke & N.Hants 3rds (H) - Won by 7 wickets 15 July - East Woodhay (A) - Won by 7 wickets 22 July - Fair Oak 2nds (H) - Match cancelled due to rain 29 July - Totton & Eling 2nds (A) - Match cancelled due to rain 5 August - Petersfield (H) - Won by 165 runs 12 August - Compton & Chandlers Ford (A) - Won by 7 wickets 19 August - Ellingham (H) - Match cancelled |
Match Reports
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 alcoholic 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 alcoholic 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.
