Reports 7th Aug

1st XI

Cheam re-ignited their Division 1 promotion challenge with a hard fought 6 wicket win at home to Old Whitgiftians in a rain reduced match.  Both teams observed a minutes silence before the game for Whits stalwart Brian Harris who sadly passed away earlier in the week. Harris was instrumental in the development of the Old Whits colts section and the sympathy of all at Cheam go to his family and friends. 

With the covers only partially doing their job Cheam Captain Danny Miller had no hesitation in asking Whits to bat first once the coin came down his way.  The dangerous David Ward was dismissed early, chasing a wide one, but Surrey Batsmen Laurie Evans and Sam Woodward battled against the Cheam openers in seamer friendly conditions for a partnership of  64.  Despite a groin injury Lee Harrison produced his usual excellent spell taking 3 for 31 but it was Miller (3 for 34), coming on first change, that induced Woodward into an uppish drive.  Raja and Goward followed in consecutive deliveries to Harrisoon and Miller found the Edge of Evans bat to leave the Whits innings in tatters at 109 for 6. 

Mid way through the innings the clouds, that had been threatening all day, finally opened and 90 minutes were lost.  Upon resumption the Cheam spinners took over as Burns and Scott restricted the flow of runs.  Former Surrey player Murtaza Hussain (50) marshalled the tail but once he was out the remaining wickets fell quickly to close the innings on 216.  Once the rain break was taken into account the Cheam target was reduced to 145 in 26 overs. 

David Houpapa and Miller launched the Cheam innings in a flurry of boundaries as both Evans and Jason Lewis were put to the sword.  17 came from Evans’ first over and 45 from the first 4 overs with one flicked six from Miller scattering the spectators.  Lewis eventually had his revenge when Miller was well caught on the long on boundary trying to launch one into the village, but the damage had already been done.  Whits skipper David Ward was forced into early changes as Surrey 2’s spinner Freddie Van den Berg was introduced with immediate effect.  Houpapa was adjudged LBW and Salmons spooned one to cover but runs continued to flow.  Hussain replaced Lewis and had Clark LBW reverse sweeping (!) but with Cheam well ahead of the rate it was left to Paul Cohen (30*) and Dan Johnson (19*) to calmly see Cheam home with 4 overs to spare to complete the double over Whits for the second year in succession. 

Cheam visit Brook next Saturday looking to continue the promotion charge.

2nd XI

Welcome readers, as the peak of summer is here, there weather has cooled down somewhat however the sun as shining bright over Cheam CC at present.   This week the 2XI were away to Camberley.  A 6.30am meet at the McDonalds drive through for breakfast allowing enough time to drive the length of Surrey and stop off at the services for a snack and to give the drivers a break halfway through. 

Upon arrival at Camberley CC the opposition were into an intense warm up, dressed in Aussie green and yellow diving around the outfield showed the intent of a side who knew that anything other than a win this week would shatter their promotion hopes and leave them with 4 games in which they make up the numbers.  MJ as usual was last to arrive, still sporting his smarter haircut on what was his 21st birthday.  Fi even brought cake!!  Selection this week revealed JP was jet setting round Europe for another week but Chris Manville has just returned from Thailand with a tan and a new rash so in he came for his first game of the year!  I love having Manville in the side.  He brings some consistency with the ball, a great pair of hands in the field, can hold a bat, but more importantly…. You can guarantee a number of stupid comments from one of the most intelligent people I have ever met!!!  Caddy had retained his spot after his 4 off 44 balls last week. Once again he was over the moon to be in the side.  "Thanks circus.  I know last week I was a little slow to get off the mark but I was so excited and couldn't take my eyes off Marcus at the other end.  He's very big and strong you know!  XXXXXXXXXX"

By the time Cheam had got to the ground a quick warm up was had and Circus lost the toss AGAIN!  I've decided I'm going to offer future captains a game of rock, scissors, paper for the rest of the season.  I've only won 2 all season!  Anyway, they batted and got off to a flyer.  Ollie Glanville back from a rugby tour came steaming in, and Manville at the other end getting some lift but Cheam were unable to maintain any pressure.  The rain came and Camberley were 90-0.  The rain stopped and a few balls later 'Mr Undroppable' popped up with a run out.  A few over's later 'The White Monty' bowled a half tracker that was smashed straight at point.  Next ball the batsman walked out, ignored his partner, didn't take a guard, left a straight one and was triggered by the umpire (TFC!!)  The hat-trick almost happened, the new batsman clipping the ball in the air in the direction of Dylan at midwicket but gravity did its job with the ball dropping just short.  Dribs and Max then has a 'spin off'.  "Anything you can do I can do better" was the attitude and the batsmen were mesmerised.  The next highlight came as their number 6 decided to play a slog sweep to a huge boundary with 2 men sweeping.  The ball was high in the sky, Caddy went past the boundary, though a garden fence interrupting a family BBQ to take a great catch in the conservatory.  There was a brief debate as to weather he was inside the boundary but the umpires agreed he was.  MJ then decided to argue with the umpires until being reminded they agreed with us, he then quietly returned to mid-off!  Caddy was in the game again a few over's later, the batsman taking a 2nd didn't realise how far he could throw a ball like a shot put, sent the ball whizzing thought the air, MOD didn't even need to move before whipping the bails off with the batsman 2 yards short.  The tail wagged slightly but Chris Manville took his 1st wicket of the game with a beautiful yorker.  Paul Manville on the boundary was running around kissing people, jumping up and down, throwing the 'team picnic' everywhere!  "Go on son" was heard, and as we walked off there was a tear in his eyes and hug for his son.  Very moving, Camberley all out for 204 on 49 over's.  Due to the rain Cheam were given 42 over's in return and after a long winded confusing calculation were set 187 to win.

Fi brought out the chocolate cake at tea time, no happy birthday was sang but the oppo tucked in forgetting they still had to field.  Cheam again got off to a flier with MJ and Dylan having a competition as to who could hit the most boundaries, and were sailing along at 9 an over until MJ took a wild swish at one and edging to the keeper.  MOD played a great supporting roll to Dylan who was dropped at square leg and made them suffer, hitting the ball to all parts with Gordon Jones acting as a sweeper around the boundary.  In fact, he's actually quicker across the ground than MJ.  Does anyone know if he can bat?  Dylan made his way to 70 odd before being caught in the deep with the bulk of the hard work done Circus joined Mod at the crease still needing 70 to win but at less that 4 an over.  They played hit and run for a while just to rub salt into the wounds of the Camberley players.  MOD was getting into his stride playing some positive strokes before completing his 50 to win the game.  Cheam winning by 8 wickets having knocked the total off in 29 over's and collecting the bonus point! 

The 'Baby award' wasn't as well competed for this week as last but it went to the 1 and only Chris Manville for a number of reasons.  You know when your parents are voting for you you're always going to struggle!

Man of the Match ; Max and Dribs share it this week, bowled their 10 over's each alongside one another taking 5-48 between them and proved to be breaking of the Camberley batting line up.  Well bowled boys!

League table looks as follows.  Purley 131 points, Cheam 108 points, BoE 79 points.

BoE lost to Cobham this weekend meaning a win with a bonus point this week will see Cheam promoted.  Come down to watch and support your side, tickets are still available from the box office!

In other news, I went to a restaurant on Friday night with some friends and needed the toilet.  3 urinals available.  I went to number 3 and someone followed me in and went to number 2 and started a conversation.  A total breach of male toilet regulations!  I think once "Boris' Bike's" is running smoothly he should start a "Boris' Bog's" campaign with toilet etiquette clearly displayed in all toilet facilities.