Reports 14th Aug

1st XI

Cheam moved up to second in Surrey Championship Div 1, now just one point behind leaders Normandy, with a 25 run victory over Brook. Early morning rain and showers delayed the start until 4.15pmby which time the game was reduced to 20 overs per side. 

Winning the toss former Hampshire batsmen Matt Swarbrick had no hesitation in asking Cheam to bat on a pitch which had the consistency of plasticine having been under cover for much of the last few days.  Conditions for batting were tough as the ball seamed around and on occasions bounced alarmingly, but David Houpapa once again showed his class in a battling innings of 30.  Captain Danny Miller threatened briefly with one mighty blow into the tennis courts but was well held by George Adolphus on the long on boundary. It quickly became apparent that even a low score would be competitive and that every run was vital.  The running between the wickets became aggressive, as fielding was not easy on the damp outfield, with ones turned into twos and singles attempted when perhaps they wouldn’t normally have been.  The Brook spinners Tarun Nethulla (3-14) and Adolphus (4-14) bowled well as poor shot selection saw wickets falling at regular intervals. Batsmen tried and, more often than not, failed to clear the ropes when accumulation was more the name of the game.  Cheam committed the cardinal sin of not batting out the overs being dismissed for a more than competitive 115 from 19.1 overs. 

In reply Brook were never really in the hunt after losing two wickets in the opening over, both caught behind of the bowling off the excellent Steve Clark.  Both Clark and Harrison enjoyed the conditions taking 2-14 and 1-16 respectively and keeping a check on the Brook run rate.  The Cheam fielding backed up the bowling with Michael O’Donnell in particular putting in a superb performance behind the stumps.  On a tough day for keepers O’Donnell finished with 5 victims including 4 catches and a stumping. 

The strength in depth of the Cheam seam bowling told as Miller (1-10) introduced himself and Chris Salmons (3-19) to good effect as wickets continued to fall.  Contributions from Will Young and Jack Austin gave Brook a glimmer of hope but once Young fell, trying to keep up with the climbing run rate, Cheam closed out the game in clinical fashion with Brook ending on 90 for 8 from their 20 overs. 

This Saturday Cheam visit 3^rd placed Spencer in a top of the table promotion clash.  With the top 3 teams separated by just 5 points there is everything to play for. 

2nd XI

4 games to go, 2 wins would guarantee promotion for the 2XI!  This week Warlingham made the journey from Croydon hopeful of not getting car jacked on route!  The height of the summer is now with us being August, however someone forgot to tell the Gods about this, after rain on Thursday and Friday left this a question mark over this weeks fixture.  Saturday morning remained dry and Circus had the hour by hour forecast in his head!

Selection this week saw JP return following his 2 weekends away, Mod went up to the 1's following Mini B's broken nail and with the 3's still needing to do some work to confirm their status this season Simon Carter, I mean Rat (did you know he was the Chairman) was called up / down / in…. Oh I don't know.  Now he retired at the start of last season and has played more games than most this season, could someone check with Steven Hyde he has paid a sub please?  Caddy replied by to the weekly message by saying, "yeah cool." to try and save him for getting frilled in this report, read on people!!  Cheam warmed up whilst the opposition lighted up another cigarette, Circus offered their skipper a game of rock, scissors, paper instead of tossing a coin.  He declined, called heads, heads it was, Cheam were put into bat!  Regs!

Nerves must have been in the players minds, as it was a nervy start from the batsman, with both Dylan and MJ falling early leaving the score 12-2.  Circus joined Mr undroppable at the crease in an attempt to rebuild the innings, looking for singles at every opportunity.  Callum looking like he shouldn't have had that extra portion of chips at work last night.  By the way, he went to a birthday party Friday night and whilst I was playing golf with DJ received a text saying, "What are you wearing tonight mate?"  Always thought there was something suspect about him!  After a few over's Callum was gone and Caddy made the walk to the crease.  "Hi Circus, I'll stay with you, I'll copy you, you want me to run I will, I just want to play in the side."  Caddy came and went in a few over's, snicking out to their off spinner and the scoreboard was making pretty depressing reading.  Smokey promoted to 6 on the back of his fine displays with the bat this season was given out taking on a quick single, the 3rd umpire suggesting he was in by a yard!  Max fell to a long hop he toe ended to square leg giving Beefy the chance to prove his worth with the bat.  All circus needed was someone to stay with him.  Circus made his way to 50, but that was only half a job done, he needed to be there at the end to give his side any chance of victory.  Beefy batted sensibly and straight making his way to 15 before hitting a full toss to mid off.  JP came out, holding his bat like a tooth pick, he soon fell with Cheam on 140-8.  Dribs played his best innings of the season supporting circus whilst the captain started to up the pace, getting his hundred and the 2 of them got Cheam to 212-9 off their 50 over's, circus falling last ball of the innings for 118.

Captains team talk was simple.  We've got out of jail with the bat, lets not throw this away.  JP had the ball swinging like I though only Machine could!  Smokey had the President of the Surrey Championship caught behind 1st ball (Early indications suggest that could be a season long ban for Smokey!!).  Their number 3 came out and hit through the line from ball 1 and got Warlingham to 55-1 off 10 over's.  Not content with knocking the ball about for singles, he hit one in the air to the nimble Marcus at mid off who took the catch. Relief all round as Max and Drib's turned the screw with a mixture of Jaffa's and bad balls that took wickets.  Some time was then lost for rain and the revised total was 199 off 47 over's.  In fairness they never got near it, Beefy bowled his best spell of the season and was supported well in the field including a direct hit run out by Rat at mid on.  When things like that happen you know its your day!  Warlingham all out for 139 off 42 over's giving Cheam the bonus point also.

A phone call to Pyrford discovered they had beaten BoE meaning Cheam were promoted!  Purley had their game called off meaning Cheam are now only 15 points behind with 3 games remaining, including the top two playing each other in 2 weeks time.  The title race is back on!!!! 

The Baby award this week went to Simon Carter.  After Cheam's innings was complete he walked out to bat thinking there was another ball, he failed to join the side following the 1st wicket, and basically we just stitched him up.  Although, if Drib's bowls another no-ball this season, the bib and dummy are coming his way!

Next week see's Old Wimbledonians come to Cheam for what is always a competitive fixture.  10 points would put the pressure on Purley.