Belhus Cricket Club - Saturday 4th XI Results
August 30, 2008
Sat 4ths: Club records set in fourth eleven league win
Hawks 3rd XI 225-7
Belhus 4th 229-3
This was probably the best-ever result for the Belhus fourth eleven since they commenced regular league cricket last year. Michael Randall and Aftab Ahmed put on 124 for the first wicket to set Belhus on their way to chasing a large total in this Lords International Essex league division three fixture at the Parmiters Sports Ground, Highams Park on Saturday. Randall struck six fours and one six in a fine innings of 62 until he was caught at deep mid-off from the bowling of Najeeb. Ahmed struck ten boundaries in a magnificent 71 until his innings was ended by Siddiqui. Belhus number three batsman Jabir Sarwar contributed 25, while Darren Frampton, who had earlier performed well as wicketkeeper, hit four fours and one six in an undefeated 29, while it was left to Ben Palmer (4 not out) to hit the winning runs with an incredible 9.4 overs remaining. Earlier, Sarwar, Owen Jefferies and Palmer picked up 2-38, 2-35 and 2-27 respectively. Several club records were broken for the fourth eleven, among them the highest team score.
August 23, 2008
Sat 4ths: Cliff Cansdale claims 5-20
Rainham 2nd 149 all out
Belhus 4th 75 all out
An excellent bowling and fielding display was partly overshadowed by some rather inept batting at Spring Farm Recreation ground on Saturday. Probably the catch of the season was taken by Mark Thomas at mid-off, diving to his right and holding a fierce drive from Kenny Sims off the bowling of Tony Ellis for five. That wonder catch gave Ellis a wicket in a fine economical spell of bowling which yielded 1-20 from nine overs, three of which were maidens. Alfie Rowley took 2-26 from seven overs (one maiden) but the master with the ball was Belhus skipper Cliff Cansdale, who bagged five wickets for just 20 runs from 8.2 overs. A partnership of Peter Bright and wicketkeeper Robert Pantelli accounted for Rainham run out victim Peter Elliot for just one run run, while Steve Jefferies grabbed a sharp one-handed catch at slip to dismiss Rainham opener Graham Dordoy for 35. The Rainham innings was eventually concluded when Ellis ran from square leg to mid-on to complete a good catch. However, there was little to enthuse about the Belhus batting display. Only three batsmen made double figures, being Mark Thomas with ten runs, Lee Hawkes with 17 and Steve Jefferies with 12. For Rainham, Alan Aviss took 3-13 and Scott Foster took 3-23 from six overs.
August 09, 2008
Sat 4ths: Lee Hawkes hits 37 as Belhus accumulate points at Barking
Barking 3rd XI 206-5
Belhus 4th XI 159-9
This was a much improved performance from the Belhus fourth string after two indifferent weeks. In this rain-affected match, Belhus made a good effort and chasing a daunting score as the middle order pushed the score along. Lee Hawkes top scored with 37 for the visitors, while Gary Hayers return to the side saw him reach 21. Laurie Hawkes added 13, Alex Jennings 16 and Don East 18 as Belhus accumulated some well-deserved bonus points. Top Belhus bowler was Laurie Hawkes with 2-26 from five overs (one maiden), while for Barking in this Lord's International League division three fixture, Lee Vickery mastered the tricky South Park pitch with an undefeated 69.
August 02, 2008
Sat 4ths: East scores 46 on criminal pitch at Metropolitan Police ground
Belhus 4th XI 97 all out
Hornchurch Athletic 4th XI 98-2
This was a weak performance from a Belhus team on a surface with criminal tendencies at the Metropolitan Police Sports Ground, Chigwell, on Saturday. Only Don East with 46 and Connor Ramsey with two wickets for just eight runs from four overs, backed up by some unrewarded seam bowling from Tom Wood, emerged from this Lord's Invitation League division three fixture with credit against a team which Belhus comfortably defeated earlier in the season.
July 26, 2008
Sat 4ths: Shovak shovels Belhus to defeat at Peter May Sports Ground
Belhus 4th 67 all out
Bishops Challenor 68-0
Belhus 4th XI knew they had a tough challenge on their hands when they travelled to the Peter May Sports Centre in Walthamstow to take on Bishops Challenor, the league leaders in this division three Lord's International Essex league fixture. Don East top scored for Belhus with 18 but the Belhus total was quickly matched by Mark Hortop and Shovak Ghoshal from the home side with 32 and 36 respectively.
July 19, 2008
Sat 4ths: Jack Thomas on Track with 46
Belhus 4th XI 162 all out
Goresbrook 3rd XI 163-6
Jack Thomas struck a fine 46 and there were other good scores for the Belhus fourth eleven from Ryan Prendergast, 12, Mark and Connor Thomas, both with 15 runs, while Laurie Hawkes made 15 not out. Martin Rooke was the leading wicket taker for the Dagenham-based visitors with 3-22 from four overs in this Lord's International league division three match at Ockendon Recreation ground on Saturday. After the break, Laurie Hawkes took 1-14 from five overs (one maiden), Cliff Cansdale bagged 1-27 from seven overs while Michael Cansdale, returning to the game from a lengthy spell of injury absence, partially atoned for his earlier duck by taking 1-21 from nine overs, two of which were maidens. Mark Thomas returned 1-39 from eight overs but the visitors edged home with four wickets remaining.
July 12, 2008
Sat 4ths: Canny Danny hits 83 not out as Belhus defeat Grays & Chadwell
Grays and Chadwell 3rd XI 173-8
Belhus 4th XI 175-6
Belhus had scored a meagre 36 runs for the loss of five wickets and were looking down the barrel of a heavy defeat until Danny Norris arrived at the wicket and promptly smashed his way to an undefeated 83 as his team staged an astonishing recovery in this Lords International Essex Cricket League division three fixture at Blackshots on Saturday. Norris was supported by Jack Day, who struck a fine 40 as these two put on 116 for the sixth wicket. Norris struck six boundaries and Day hit two fours and it was left to Tom Wood to join Norris for the final partnership to see Belhus reach their target with 4.3 overs remaining.
Earlier, Grays and Chadwell started the game in patient fashion through openers Colin Richardson and Dave Carter, who scored 10 and 19 respectively. Belhus had started the game with ten fielders and the late arrival, Don East, will probably never forget his entrance to the game. Hurriedly positioned at mid-off, the very first ball delivered in his presence was a lofted drive from Richardson straight to East, who gratefully accepted the chance. Downes also scored 19 until he was bowled by Wood, but then Jawed threatened to dominate the game, until Ben Palmer comfortably held a huge hit at deep mid-on off the bowling of Cliff Cansdale for 34. Groves, Gelder and Scott were then dismissed in quick succession for just three runs between them, but in this remarkable game Grays fought back superbly through York and Reece Downes who were both undefeated on 26 and 9 respectively as the home side looked to have set a very testing target.
Norris finished with 2-18 from six overs (one maiden), while Palmer and Cansdale finished with 2-11 and 2-16 respectively. Mark Thomas picked up one wicket, that of opener Richardson to finish with 1-41 from nine overs, but the most economical Belhus bowling performance was provided by Darren Wells, who conceded just 18 runs from nine tight overs, producing three maidens in the process despite being wicketless. Wood finished with 1-39 from eight overs. For Grays and Chadwell, opening bowler Paul Gelder returned figures of 2-24 from nine overs while Connor Scott took 2-23 from six overs in two spells. Reece Downes bagged 1-15 from three overs while Skeels finished with 1-29 from 4.3 overs.
July 05, 2008
Sat 4ths: Panteli and Chandler put on 53 in unbroken 7th wicket stand
Belhus 4th XI 192-6
Bairds 196-3
Robert Panteli and Danny Chandler put on 53 in an unbroken partnership for the seventh wicket on a first class surface at North Stifford on Saturday. Panteli finished with 39 runs and Chandler 22, as these two boosted the home score from 139-6 at the end of the 38th over to 192 at the 45-over innings completion. Earlier, a solid platform was built with the father and son opening partnership of John and Ryan Prendergast, scoring 36 and 11 respectively. Ian Wright gave valuable support in the middle order with 25. Bairds' first change bowler Saghar was the fastest bowler seen so far by Belhus in the Lords International division three, though Belhus offered brave resistance as he finished with 2-32 from nine overs, two of which were maidens. Imran, Sadat and Usman took one wicket each.
After tea, Belhus were off to a promising start as Lister was caught by Chris Dreher at mid-off from the bowling of Wright for 11 and four runs later, Guy was following him into the pavilion, bowled by Laurie Hawkes for seven runs. These two dismissals brought Shahid and Siraj to the crease. These two plundered a further 102 runs until Connor Ramsey fielded the ball off his own bowling. As the two batsmen tried to sneak a quick single, the alert Ramsey turned and threw down the wicket at the bowler's end to dismiss Shahid for 67. There was no further loss as Siraj went on to post an undefeated 58 while Rauf eventually hit the winning runs with 36. The two leading Belhus bowlers were Hawkes, 1-41 from nine overs (one maiden) and Wright 1-45, also from nine overs.
June 28, 2008
4th XI: Jack Thomas hits fine 43 as Old Parks hold on for draw
Belhus 4th XI 185-8 dec
Old Parkonians 5th XI 131-8
After Hawks 3rd XI cancelled the scheduled league match, Belhus entertained Old Parkonians who stepped in as an emergency fixture replacement. Belhus did not have the firepower to bowl the visitors out but their batting proved to be the team's strong point as Jack Thomas top scored for the home side with 43. Also in double figures on a belter of a pitch at South Ockendon Recreation Ground were John Prendergast, 17, Connor Thomas, 14, Mark Thomas 31, Robert Panteli 25 and Jack Day with 11. Owen Jefferies, guesting for Old Parkonians, took 3-27 from six fine overs, while Binney took 3-20 from twelve overs which included one maiden.
The very first ball of the Old Parkonians innings turned out to be a 'loosener' from Chris Sharp, playing in his first game for Belhus this season. A full toss wide of off stump was cut by Fernandez straight into the safe hands of Gary Hayers at cover point. Sharp finished with 2-19 from four overs, while Mark Thomas and Cliff Cansdale took 2-22 and 2-25 respectively while there was a wicket apiece for Connor Thomas and Robert Panteli. In the end, Belhus could not prise a victory and had to settle for a draw.
June 21, 2008
Sat 4th XI: Hawkes off to a Flyer as Belhus win by 105 runs
Belhus 4th XI 195-9
Locksbottom 2nd XI 90 all out
Lee Hawkes, Jack Day and Don East batted superbly for Belhus at Tugmutton Common at Farnborough (Kent) on Saturday. The hosts won the toss and invited Belhus to bat. East, making his debut for Belhus, opened the batting with Ryan Prendergast and these two put on 43 for the first wicket, the partnership coming to an end when Prendergast was yorked by Thompson for 12. East went on to score 35 in an innings which included five boundaries. Hawkes then joined East at crease and Hawkes wasted little time in reaching 42, striking five fours and one six in the process. Later in the innings, Day also struck the same number of boundaries as Hawkes, with a huge six with an excellently-timed pull shot behind square leg. Day finished undefeated on 37 at the close. For the home side, Snasmal took 3-49 and Shaw 2-34.
After tea, Richard Harvey removed the first four home batsmen to finish with 4-17 from eight overs (three maidens), while Laurie Hawkes generated genuine pace to take 2-15 from 6.3 overs, which also included three maidens. The medium pace bowling of Danny Chandler was, perhaps, the surprise package of the afternoon as he picked up 3-17 and two maidens in a six-over spell. Robert Panteli completed a fine team performance for the Belhus fourth eleven with 1-24 from eight overs (two maidens).
June 14, 2008
4th XI: Bowers Breaks Belhus Batting
Stratford Wesleyan 143 all out
Belhus 4th XI 67 all out
Belhus fourth eleven have a two-week break from competitive Lord's International League duties and visited Stratford Wesleyan at Barkingside on Saturday (14th June 2008). Second change home bowler Bowers took 5-23 from eight overs while Vaughn took 3-17 to dismiss Belhus for 67. Danny Norris top scored for Belhus with 23 but no other visiting batsman made double figures. Earlier, Alex Jennings and Tom Wood took 3-32 and 3-27 respectively and these two were backed up by Lee Hawkes, 2-22 from six overs (one maiden), Mark Thomas 1-27 from six overs and Norris 1-13 from eight overs (two maidens).
June 07, 2008
4th XI: Barking all tied up by Ricki Ellis, Tom Wood and Mike Randall
Belhus 4th XI 59 all out
Barking 3rd XI 59 all out
Defending a low score, Ricki Ellis, Tom Wood and Mike Randall bowled superbly to earn a fair share of the points in this tied match on a belter of a pitch at Ockendon Recreation Ground on Saturday. Ellis took 4-15 from eight overs (two maidens) while Tom Wood bagged three wickets for just six runs from 4.3 overs. Mike Randall continued his good form with the ball with 3-27 from eight overs (one maiden). Only two batsmen - one from each side - reached double figures, being Edward of Barking with 18 and Lee Hawkes from the home side with 11.
May 31, 2008
4th XI: Ryan Wells hits 27; opening bat Jim Robertson hits majestic 41
Bairds 306-5
Belhus 4th XI 142 all out
Three Belhus batsmen reached double figures chasing a big total in this Lord's International Essex Cricket League division three fixture at Ford Sports Ground, Rush Green, on Saturday. The surprise package was twelve year old London Schools' squad member Ryan Wells, who struck a fine 27 which included three boundaries against a mature attack. He put on a 34-run partnership with his dad, Darren, who made 20 until he was run out. No blame was apportioned and it is not believed that the week's pocket money was witheld. Both Belhus openers continued to show good form with Jim Robertson top scoring for the visitors with 41 and Mike Randall with 23.
May 24, 2008
4th XI: Career Best 7-30 for Mike Randall
Belhus 4th XI 157-9
Bishops Challoner 161-9
An incredible spell of left-arm spin bowling from Mike Randall, which yielded a personal best of 7-30 from nine overs turned this game on its head on Saturday. The visitors to South Ockendon recreation ground in this division three encounter in the Lord's International Essex Cricket League fixture found themselves at 125 without loss and coasting to what looked like to be a comfortable ten-wicket victory until fourth change Randall, coming on from the Brandon Groves end of the ground, ripped through the top and middle order. He first dismissed Hortop, thanks to a fine stumping from Gary Hayers, to remove the hard hitting opener for 62. Randall then bowled the remaining opener, Ghoshal for 58. Five other wickets soon followed as Bishops Challoner looked to be snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. But take nothing away from this Belhus team which had a well-balanced blend of youth and experience. Their never-say-die attitude reaped huge dividends and almost earned a shock victory over a the visitors who are in second place in the league table.
Earlier, Belhus had three batsmen in double figures, who were Jim Robertson with 33, Mike Anderson with 38 and Ryan Prendergast with 15, while Hortop laid the foundations for his fine all-round effort with 3-16 from 9 overs, two of which were maidens. Ragit Shail played a good supporting role for Bishops Challoner with 2-25.
May 10, 2008
4th XI: Thomas the Thank Engine
Belhus 4th XI 121-8
Grays & Chadwell 3rd XI 122-5
Usman of Grays and Chadwell made a fine undefeated 60 in the third division of the Lord's International Essex Cricket League at South Ockendon recreation ground on Saturday. Usman showed a propensity to latch on to anything pitched on a good length outside the line of off stump and frequently wielded his willow to score several lofted boundaries through extra cover. In fact he was the only visiting batsman to reach double figures, so Grays and Chadwell had every reason to be grateful for his match-winning performance. For the Belhus team, they were thankful that Mark Thomas was on form with the ball with 3-29 in a nine-over spell which included two maidens. His son Connor gained valuable experience with his off-spin guile with 1-27 from six overs, his victim being Kevin Hymas, caught at mid-wicket by Alfie Crowley for nine runs. Third change bowler Cliff Cansdale picked up the remaining Grays wicket to fall, when he bowled the promising Ross Fulbrook, also for nine runs, to finish with 1-14 from five overs.
Earlier in the day, Belhus had once again shown a much more resiliant approach to their batting, with Danny Norris again leading the way with a fine knock of 39, which included one six over deep mid-on and four other boundaries. Also in double figures were Daniel Dreher with 13 and Gary Hayers with 12. For Grays and Chadwell, Usman laid the foundations for his fine all-round display with 3-14 from six overs (one maiden), while veteran Colin Pomphrett continued to wheel away with his slow left arm to finish on 2-15 from nine overs, two of which were maidens. Singh, Scott and Fulbrook offered good support by claiming one wicket apiece for the visitors.
May 03, 2008
4th XI: Darren Wells and Danny Norris lead Belhus home
Belhus 4th XI 127 all out
Hornchurch Athletic 4th XI 77 all out
Belhus chalked up a fine Lord's International league division three victory at Ockendon Recreation ground on Saturday. Danny Norris top scored in the home innings with a fine 36 and there was valuable support from Charaka Sumanasekara 10, Michael Anderson 18, Ryan Lucas 12 and Darren Wells, undefeated on 18. Wells then turned his attention to the ball where he promptly removed four visiting batsmen, Coates, Davis, Collier and Jones to end with 4-10 from nine overs which included three maidens. Sumanasekara took 2-4 from three overs while Norris also completed a fine all-round performance with three wickets for just four runs from 2.4 overs. The Belhus fielding was good with catches being taken by Harry Levy, Daniel Dreher, Sumanasekara, Anderson, with the final Hornchurch wicket falling when Jim Robertson safely pouched a high catch at slip to dismiss last man Edwards off the bowling of Norris.
For the visitors, only number eight batsman G. Coates reached double figures with an undefeated 28, though earlier in the day Edwards took 3-27 from seven overs (one maiden) while J. Coates took 2-7 from 7.1 overs which included four maidens. G. Coates, Doyle and Walker took one wicket apiece.
April 26, 2008
Fours start their Lords International Essex League Campaign
Belhus 4th XI 88 all out
Rainham 2nd XI 89-1
The Belhus fourth eleven played their first ever match in the Lord's International Essex Cricket League at North Stifford on Saturday, having switched leagues with their third eleven, who now play in the Readers South Thames Cricket League. The fours found Sawyer and Blake to be in devastating early-season form with the ball. Sawyer took the wickets of Danny Norris and Connor Day, as well as the Belhus batsmen who made double figures, Jim Robertson and Darren Wells, to finish with four wickets for only six runs from his maximum permitted spell of eight overs, one of which was a maiden. Third change bowler Blake then picked up 3-19 from seven overs (one maiden) to claim the wickets of Ryan Wells, Paul Whitlock and Terry Squires as Belhus slumped to 88 all out. Robertson scored 27 from 78 balls, which included two boundaries while Wells struck one four in an innings of 14 from 33 deliveries. After the break, Rainham reached their target in the 21st over for the loss of just one wicket, when Callaghan was caught by Ryan Wells off the bowling of Terry Squires for 41 in a knock which contained six boundaries, while Blake completed a fine all-round performance by hitting five boundaries in his 38 not out to seal a fine nine-wicket victory for the visitors.
September 01, 2007
4th XI: It's all Wright as Belhus win first match in Readers South Thames League
Dulwich 5th XI 144 all out
Belhus 4th XI 146-6
It had been a long time coming - but worth the wait as the Belhus fourth eleven finally notched up their first ever league victory in the Readers South Thames League at North Stifford on Saturday (1st September 2007). Ian Wright was undoubtedly the Belhus man of the match. Bowling unchanged from the High Road end of the ground for 15 overs, Wright finished his stint with 5-46 which included four maidens. Offering good support were Ben Palmer and Danny Norris with 2-19 and 2-29 respectively. After the break, Belhus survived a hostile spell of bowling from Annais (5-51) as Wright completed a fine all-round match with an undefeated 57. He struck seven fours and two sixes to follow a fine opening partnership of 53 between George Brooks and Palmer. Brooks made 18 and Palmer struck a sublime 30. Belhus number eight batsman John Prendergast did a superb job to stay with Wright to halt a mini-collapse thus ensuring a fine home victory.
August 25, 2007
Belhus 4's Miss out
Belhus 4th XI 149 all out
Streatham and Marlborough 4th XI 153-6
Gary Hayers struck a top score of 44 for his side at Ockendon Recreation
Ground on Saturday but it was not enough to stop his team from eventually
sliding to a four wicket defeat in division two of the Readers South Thames
League. Other solid contibutions came from openers Richard Dopson and Paul
Huckstepp with 26 and 22 respectively, as these two put on 49 for the first
wicket. Danny Norris added a useful 20 batting at his favoured number six
position. Belhus were dismissed eight overs short of the maximum allotment
of 45, meaning that Streatham had the luxury of being able to pace their
response across 53 overs, being able to utilise those overs surrendered by
the Belhus batsmen. However, Streatham did not find life comfortable
despite a benign, slow pitch. It was the spin bowlers who stemmed the flow
of runs from the visitor's willow, even though wickets were hard to come by
as the Streatham team provided object lessons in crease occupancy. Young
opener Sbrensi struck a nurtured 82 while Mike Squires took 3-39 from 12.4
overs (three maidens) while Brian Edwards took 3-28 from nine overs, which
including one maiden.
Earlier, Reardon took 4-29 from eleven overs for the visitors while opening
bowler Shah supported well with 2-27 from seven overs. Barnard was also
highly effective by doing a mini-demolition job with the middle and late
Belhus order with 3-12 from five overs, which included three maidens.
Belhus, to their credit, never gave up in the field, with wicketkeeper Paul
Huckstepp on top form and their spirit was encapsulated by a first class
one handed diving catch by Norris at extra cover.
August 18, 2007
Sat 4th XI: Forrest fires 43 but Orpington hit the timbers
Belhus 4th 79 all out
Orpington 4th 80-5
John Forrest struck a fine 43 which included one six and six fours but received little support from any of his colleagues, apart from Darren Wells with ten runs. Opening bowler Jackson took 5-33 from 14 overs (four maidens). Belhus never gave up defending their low score as Robert Long took 3-22 while there was a wicket apiece from Michael Campbell-Jones (1-12) and John Forrest (1-24).
August 11, 2007
4th XI: Robertson strikes fine 52 at Belvedere
Belhus 4th XI 147 all out
Belvedere 2nd XI 149-2
A 55-run partnership between Jim Robertson and Billy Winter provided the backbone of a healthy Belhus total at the Belvedere Sports Club in the Readers South Thames League on Saturday (11th August). Robertson struck six fours in a fine undefeated 52, while Winter struck three boundaries in a knock of 18 until he was bowled. There were other significant contributions from opener George Brooks with 23 and Richard Harvey with 17. At the end of fourtieth over, Belhus were 116 for the loss of four wickets, but a strong well-timed run chase in the final five overs of the innings boosted the score to a creditable 147, despite losing all remaining wickets in the process. The visitors were dismissed of the last ball of the 45th and final over. For Belvedere, Demel took 6-49 from 13 overs (two maidens).
After the break, Belhus failed to make any significant breakthrough with the ball, though the introduction of spin bowler Harvey pegged the run-rate as he conceded just 28 runs from a 15-over spell, which included four maidens. Robertson trundled tirelessly in from the football stand end to finish with 2-28 from ten overs (two maidens). Belevedere eventually reached their target with just 4.1 overs remaining. Opening batsman Larney scored 53 while his opening partner Barrett batted throughout the innings for an undefeated 41. Thomas scored 15 and the other undefeated batsman was Elliot, also with 15.
August 04, 2007
4th XI: Norris strikes 42 not out then Harvey bags five victims - all clean bowled!
Belhus 4th XI 158 all out
Harold Park 159-7
Danny Norris struck a fine undefeated 42 on another excellent track at Ockendon Recreation Ground on Saturday afternoon (4th August 2007). Belhus 4ths, without a league match, also had opener George Brooks making a significant contribution with the bat. He featured in a first-wicket stand of 70 with Salvatore Farruggia as Brooks made 35 and Farruggia 28. Michael Campbell-Jones hit 19 as visiting bowler Haxell took 7-25 from twelve overs (two maidens). Thorogood gave valuable support with 3-56 from nine overs. Former Belhus member and Queensland professional coach Richard Harvey, who lists in his previous charges one Geraint Jones, took 5-35 from 13.1 overs on a pitch very conduicive to his tantalising spin bowling.
However, Harold Park laid some early foundations down with an opening partnership of 62 between skipper Cliff Leondiou with 49 and Duggan with 23. Harold Park eventually secured victory in a tense finish with just five balls remaining of the 51st and final over of the visitors innings.
July 28, 2007
Shelvey puts Belhus 4th XI on the Rack
Bexley 5th XI 237-4 dec
Belhus 4th XI 5 all out
Sixteen year old Christopher Castleton struck a magnificent maiden century in this Readers South Thames division two league match at Ockendon recreation ground on Saturday (28th July 2007). He carried his bat throughout and outshone his dad by a country mile as Castleton senior was dismissed for a duck, being trapped plum leg before wicket to the first of two wickets from Chris Sharp (2-36 from five overs). There were other contributions from visiting batsmen as the Belhus attack often failed to find any consistency of length. Chris Castleton's opening partner, Stanley Wells, had made 14 before he fell to a diving catch by Cliff Cansdale at mid-off off the bowling of Laurie Hawkes (1-15 from five overs, including one maiden). Richard Budden hit 24 until he lofted a clip through mid-wicket to the tallest Belhus player in the field - Trevor Sharp. He held on comfortably to the ball, high above his head. Lush became Sharp's second victim, caught in the deep by a well-judged take from Laurie Hawkes. When the declaration came, Adam Ferris was still at the crease with 15 to his name. Promising off-spinner Connor Thomas was the bowler when Sharp held on at mid-wicket, finishing somewhat expensively with 1-24 from three overs.
After the break, well, the least said about the Belhus batting the better. All out for just five runs. Bexley gave an object lesson in accurate seam bowling, giving nothing away. Opening batsman Trevor Sharp top scored with two runs, while the remaining contributions came from Gary Hayers, Lee Hawkes and Vishaaldeep Flora who made one run each. Kent County women's representative player Laura Daniels took three wickets for just two runs (two maidens) from three overs, while Stanley Wells also took three wickets for just one run from five overs (four maidens). Rounding up the Belhus innings were Michael Shelvey and Steve Griggs with two wickets apiece.
July 21, 2007
Connor Thomas hits 39 not out for 4th XI
Belhus 4th XI 103-8
Old Colfeians 4th XI 104-5
Belhus slid to a five-wicket defeat at Lewisham on Saturday in division two of the Readers South Thames cricket League. Connor Thomas was unbeaten on 39 as was Cliff Cansdale with 28. Michael Campbell-Jones supported well with a cameo innings of 11 runs. It was Thomas and Cansdale who were also amongst the wickets with their off-spin for Belhus as these two completed fine all-round performances. Thomas picked up 1-31 from eight overs, which included two maidens, while Cansdale took 4-16 from ten overs (one maiden). However, Nick Pye struck a match-winning, undefeated 34 for the home side.
July 14, 2007
Belhus 4ths in Local Derby Thriller
Belhus 4th XI 154 all out
Grays and Chadwell 3rd XI 155-9.
Belhus, without a Readers South Thames Cricket League fixture on Saturday, were entertained by near neighbours Grays and Chadwell at Blackshots. Acting captain for Belhus, Gary Hayers, struck a fine 43 and he was supported well by Rob Panteli with 21 and Mark Thomas with 31. Pick of the home bowlers were Scott 2-17, Luke Pitty, 2-22, Liam Gant 1-27, Laird 2-22, Woodcroft 1-18, Jake Pitty 1-0 and Knight 1-11. In reply, Neil Buckley hit 22, while Gant completed a fine all round game with an undefeated 32. Top Belhus bowler was Vishaaldeep Flora with 3-17 while Danny Norris, Mark Thomas, Connor Thomas, Danny Chandler, Ryan Prendergast and Owen Jefferies took a wicket each.
A special note must be made of the superb all round performance from eleven year old Jake Pitty of Grays and Chadwell. Having taken two difficult catches one from a lofted off-drive, the other an equally fine catch, diving low to his left, Jake then claimed a wicket maiden from his only over. Then, with willow in hand, featured in the unbroken last wicket partnership of 34 to clinch the narrowest of victories. Young Jake himself finished on 11 not out.
July 07, 2007
4th XI earn valuable draw in Readers South Thames League
Old Colfeians 2nd XI 217-6
Belhus 4th XI 142-8 (match drawn)
Belhus were able to stave off defeat in the Readers South Thames League for
the first time this season with a fine rear-guard action on a good track at
South Ockendon recreation ground on Saturday (7th July 2007). After left
hander G Moir senior had helped himself to 82 to boost the visitors to a
winning position, the first three Belhus batsmen all reached double figures,
being George Brooks with 17, Robert Panteli 13 and Salvatore Farrugia with
14. Later in the innings, Gary Hayers made 10 while suffering with a migrane,
James McCormack finished undefeated on 12 as belhus held on for the draw.
Earlier, Michael Campbell-Jones was the pick of the home attack with 2-4 from
a mammoth 15-over spell, with Connor Day, Cliff Cansdale and Brooks claiming one
June 23, 2007
By George, By Day, Belhus 4ths win at Locksbottom
Belhus 4th XI 175 all out
Locksbottom 2nd XI 148 all out
Belhus U16 Matchplay squad member George Brooks struck a fine 82 from 140 deliveries to put his team in a match-winning position in this non-competitive fixture at Farnborough Recreation Ground (Kent) on Saturday (23rd June 2007). The performance of Brooks cannot be over-stated because he, along with opening partner Robert Panteli, had to weather a severe onslaught from opening home paceman Martin Kennell, normally a first eleven player. The job of completing a first Belhus fourth eleven victory of the season fell to Connor Day, who responded magnificently to the challenge by claiming 4-17 from 7.3 overs covering two spells, which included four maidens.
Earlier in the day, the steady opening partnership between Brooks and Panteli had yielded an almost perfect start, these two putting on 49 for the first wicket until a needless run out saw Panteli back in the pavilion for ten runs. Paul Whitlock contributed to a 28-run partnership with Brooks for the fourth wicket as Whitlock scored 14 before being bowled, then Danny Norris came to the crease and after a very shaky start progressed well to score 13, putting on 33 for the sixth wicket. As an obligatory tea-time declaration approached, Cliff Cansdale struck an undefeated 17 runs in a 10-ball cameo, followed by a dramatic final over. The home skipper, veteran Simon Shaw, bowling his thirteenth over of flighted off-spin, bowled Belhus opener Brooks to end his marathon innings. Brooks had struck thirteen boundaries in total and had thrown caution to the wind in the team cause. A selfless act indeed. Next man in, Ricki Ellis, attempted a fierce cover drive but the ball took the outside of his bat and was snapped up at slip. Next, Day became a hat-trick victim as he, like Brooks before him, was bowled looking to boost the Belhus total still further. So Belhus were dismissed for 175 and Shaw returned superb figures of 7-35 from thirteen overs, which included one maiden. Naisbitt and Bull took one wicket apiece for the home side.
After tea, Day and Norris found themselves with the luxury of bowling with five slips and a gulley. With the reply on eleven runs, both openers were removed. Kale was caught by wicketkeeper Panteli off the bowling of Norris for a duck, then Day and Norris kept up the pressure with a maiden each, followed by the fall of Madgewick, caught by Gary Hayers at gulley of the bowling of Day for just four runs. Ellis was then introduced to the attack and first ball, with a re-adjusted field, number four bat Thompson was caught by Norris at cover, also for nought. A 66-run partnership then ensued between Kimber with 38 runs and Naisbitt with 25, until the latter eventually fell to a brilliant catch by Brooks. Naisbitt had made an attempt at a pull shot off the bowling of Whitlock but had succeeded only in lofting the ball high into the Biggin Hill flightpath where Brooks handled its return to Earth superbly by running a considerable distance from first slip to the vacant area in the deep behind the wicketkeeper. Seven runs later Bhogal was caught by Whitlock at backward square-leg off Barry Ruck without score.
Deep into the final hour's play, Belhus realised it was going to take something special to prise a draw from the hands of the home side and it was duly provided by Ruck who took a reflex one-handed catch away to his right off his bowling to give Belhus an outside chance of victory. Then thirteen year-old Day wrapped the game up in superb fashion, taking three wickets in six deliveries. Day started his second spell by completing a maiden, then Barnes was caught at short cover by Ruck for 16. With the first ball of his next over, Day ensured that Bull became the home side's fourth batsman not to trouble the scorers when he was clean bowled, then two balls later the game was all over, Day having re-arranged the woodwork yet again by dismissing Shaw for four runs.
For Locksbottom, Kennell was left high and dry on 27 not out while in support of Day for Belhus were Ruck 2-18 from five overs, Whitlock 1-17 from three including a wicket maiden, Ellis 1-25 from four overs, Norris 1-37 from seven overs and Cansdale 1-2 from three overs, including one maiden.
June 16, 2007
Belhus 4th XI so close to first league win
Belhus 4th XI 83 all out
Belvedere 2nd XI 84-8
Belhus became a whisker from winning their first Readers South Thames
Cricket League match at South Ockendon Recreation Ground on Saturday
afternoon. Belhus opener Rob Panteli led the way for the home side with a
fine 30, but most of his colleagues struggled in the bowler-friendly damp
conditions. Only Danny Norris, 13, and Paul Whitlock with 12 joined Panteli
in double figues as Belvedere's Michael Dolby took 4-11 from just 4.1 overs.
After the break, Belhus made an early breakthrough when Norris clean bowled
a Belvedere opener, then wickets fell at regular intervals, aided by good
catching, especially from Edwin Schreeche-Powell, who made two fine catches
at slip. Paul Whitlock held on to a fierce cover drive high above his head,
while Salvatore Farrugia held on to a steepler at mid-on to give Belhus a
glimmer of hope. Alas, Belvedere crept home by two wickets, while Cliff Cansdale and Michael
Campbell-Jones picked up 3-22 and 3-13 respectively (one maiden each), while
Norris and Schreeche-Powell picked up one wicket each.
June 09, 2007
Belhus 4th XI improve their batting
Dulwich 5th XI 234-5 dec
Belhus 4th XI 139 all out
This was a much improved batting performance by the Belhus fourth team in
perfect conditions at the South Bank University Sports Ground, Dulwich, on
Saturday. The home side won the toss and elected to bat first on a good
track. Opener Pengelly made a fine 65 until he was bowled by Danny Norris
for 65. Other opener Johnson was first to be dismissed, caught at backward
square-leg by Barry Ruck off the bowling of Cliff Cansdale (1-27). Number
three batsman Whittaker then cut loose with a fine 93, until he was
eventually bowled by Michael Campbell-Jones with 93. Dismissed likewise was
Grigg, for 33 as Dulwich declared after 37 overs, leaving Belhus 235 to win
from 53 overs. Campbell-Jones, returned the best bowling figures for the
Belhus team, with 2-32 from five overs, including one maiden.
Later in the day, several Belhus batsmen reached double figures, notably
Gary Hayers 14, James McCormack with 13 and Danny Norris with 12. However,
J. Hall took 5-17 and Belhus eventually succumbed to defeat despite some
resolute defending from the tail which saw a brave attempt to salvage a
draw.
June 02, 2007
Fours perform in the field - but don't mention the score!
Chevening Amblers 212-3 dec
Belhus 4th XI 16 all out
Belhus made the short journey to the outskirts of the Darenth Valley on Saturday for a non-competitive fixture at a picturesque ground at Chevening Road, Chipstead, on Saturday. As the score suggests, the game was a bit of a one-sided affair. The Belhus bowling and fielding was fine. The problem is that this team is badly lacking in the batting department - and it shows. Fifteen year old Ricki Ellis starred with the ball for Belhus, by taking 2-34 from ten fine overs to add to a good concurrent fielding performance. The other wicket to fall was claimed by the medium pace workhorse Michael Campbell-Jones. He dismissed opener Baldwin for 14 off what could be described as not the best delivery of the day. Baldwin attempted to square-cut a ball resembling a long-hop outside the line of off stump, only to see Gary Hayers dive low to his right to take a magnificent catch at cover point. Tony Udell was unlucky not to take a wicket in two spells, finishing with 0-51 from thirteen overs while Campbell-Jones finished with 1-35 from eleven overs, including two maidens. For the home side, opener Black made 56 before being bowled by Ellis and number three batsman Challis was undefeated on 86.
May 26, 2007
Belhus run chase thwarted by rain
Streatham and Marlborough 4th XI 282-5
Belhus 4th XI 60-1 (match abandoned as a draw - rain)
A finely-balanced game ended all square as the traditional Summer Bank Holiday climate swept in to halt proceedings at Dulwich Common on Saturday afternoon (28th May 2007). The home side had raced to a big total despite the best efforts of Michael Campbell-Jones, 1-53, Chris Sharp 1-32 and James McCormack 2-48. After tea, Belhus has reached 60-1 after just 14 overs, with Tony Lindoln, playing his first game of the season, looking in good form until the rains came with the veteran opening batsman undefeated just three runs short of a half-century.
Points: Streatham and Marlborough 7; Belhus 7.
May 19, 2007
Day of the Squirrel
Bromley Common 4th 167-9
Belhus 4th 128 all out
Michael Campbell-Jones, batting at number eleven for Belhus in this Readers South Thames Cricket League division two match on Saturday (19th May 2007), salvaged considerable respectability for his team with a fine undefeated 42, which included three fours and one six. Coming to the crease as Belhus were perched precariously on 56 for the loss of nine wickets, both Campbell-Jones - nicknamed "Squirrel" - and George Brooks put on 71 for the tenth wicket until Brooks was bowled for a defiant 14 from 45 deliveries. Campbell-Jones faced just 45 deliveries in his excellent knock. Sadly for Belhus, these two batsmen were the only two for the visitors in double figures, though openers Barry Ruck and John Prendergast weathered the initial early opening home attack quite well. In the middle order there were two self-inflicted run outs which did not help the Belhus cause. For Bromley Common, their top bowler was first change Aldridge, who picked up 3-26 from ten overs. His victims were Ruck, James McCormack and James Mendoza.
Earlier, there as a fine bowling and fielding performance from Belhus as wicketkeeper George Brooks took three stumpings, two off Ricki Ellis and one off Ryan Prendergast. Ellis finished with 3-22 from six overs but Prendergast was considerably more expensive, picking up 1-30 from just four overs. Danny Norris continues to impress with the ball, he took 3-15 from seven overs as well as taking a low diving catch and hitting the stumps at the bowlers end with a direct throw to run out Bromley Common's number seven batsman Aldridge for 27.
Points: Bromley Common 20 Belhus 5.
May 12, 2007
Campbell-Jones Claims 5-68 but Belhus Crash
ORPINGTON 4TH XI 193-9
BELHUS 4TH XI 15 all out
Michael Campbell-Jones took an impressive 5-68 from fifteen overs in a fine bowling and fielding performance at South Ockendon recreation ground on Saturday afternoon (12th May 2007). Stuart Milner and Keith Stockbridge scored 63 and 41 for the visitors in an innings punctuated by an early tea brought on because of a rain interruption. Later in the day, Belhus were routed when it was their turn to bat in this Readers South Thames League division two fixture. The total was believed to be the lowest under-achievement by a Belhus adult team since the formation of the club in 1960 as Nicky Waller took 5-4 and Lawrence Ives took 5-11.
Points: Orpington 20, Belhus 4.
May 05, 2007
Salvatore Farrugia strikes 30 as Belhus make history
BELHUS 4TH XI 80 all out
BEXLEY 5TH XI 83-4
Salvatore Farrugia struck a fine 30 for Belhus as his side made history by becoming the first Essex club to compete in the Readers South Thames League on Saturday (5th May 2007). Farrugia struck four boundaries until he was last man out, caught and bowled by fourth change bowler Wenham (1-2 off one over). No other batsman reached double figures, though extras contributed a valuable 28 runs as opening bowler Mike Shelvey caused havoc throughout the Belhus batting line-up. He finished with 6-13 from 12 overs, which included three maidens. Broomfield gave valuable support with 2-16 from six overs. After the break, Danny Norris snapped up the wicket of opener Garimella when caught behind off the glove by excellent Belhus wicketkeeper George Brooks for just five runs and fellow opener Cawley was brilliantly caught at gulley by Michael Campbell-Jones off the bowling of Darren Wells for 18. Wells finished with 2-25 from 11.3 overs from two spells which included three maidens. Campbell-Jones ended with 1-33 from seven overs (one maiden).
Points: Bexley 16, Belhus 1.
April 28, 2007
Belhus 4th XI Start their season
HUTTON 3RD XI 252-7 dec
BELHUS 4TH XI 87 all out
Belhus were able to field four teams on Saturday afternoon (28th April) which augers well for 2007 season. Despite suffering a heavy defeat at the Polo field, there were plenty of positives as a young Belhus team, containing seven players under the age of eighteen years, never gave up in the field and gave their all. The Belhus attack was fairly accurate all afternoon, the only difference being was that the Hutton team was vastly more experienced and was a full adult team. Opening bowler Danny Norris was unlucky not to take a wicket in his two spells, finishing with 0-47 from nine overs, which included one maiden. Connor Day, operating from the East end of the ground, took 1-49 from two spells of four overs. His wicket came when he held on to a firm drive for a fine caught and bowled dismissal. Essex Cricket Board squad member Sarah Webb took 1-40 from six overs and there was also one wicket apiece for veterans Cliff Cansdale, 1-28 from six overs and Ron Norris, 1-10 from two overs. There was also an excellent display of wicketkeeping from new member Robert Panteli.
After tea, Belhus openers Danny Norris and Trevor Sharp appeared to weather the opening Hutton attack quite well, but in the seventh over of the reply, Sharp was bowled by Darling (1-11) for just four runs. This led the way for fifteen year old Panteli to come to the crease. He top scored with a majestic 24, making batting look very easy in the process. He struck two boundaries on the large ground until he was bowled by Guilder (1-21 from four overs). Danny Norris stuck around for 11 until he lost patience, while there was some solid resistance and good technique from Ricki Ellis who struck one boundary in a fine 17. Robert Fogg also reached double figures with 13.
June 03, 2006
Whitlock Whitters Stortford
BISHOPS STORTFORD 4th 256-9
BELHUS 4th 102 all out
Belhus fourth team captain Paul Whitlock claimed 5-49 from ten overs, but there was little else he could do to stop Bishop's Stortford from recording a deserved 154-run victory at the Technical College ground on Saturday. Belhus U13 player Ben Palmer impressed by scoring 22, he was well supported with Andrew Mort with 15. Supporting his skipper with the ball was Jack Day who took two wickets for just two runs from a solitary over at the close of the home innings. Earlier, Stortford's Rust eroded the Belhus attack by plundering a fine century, scoring 119 in an innings which included 19 fours and five sixes.