NEWS 2004

AGM is to be held on Friday 17th September, 8.00pm at the clubhouse.

7 September - The season finished in disappointing fashion for the first team as they lost their last three games in almost identical fashion. Asked to bat first against Tewkesbury, Newent and Stone on wet wickets resulted in below par scores which the bowlers couldn't defend. A final position of fourth in the league was much better than could have been hoped for at the start of the season but the fact Rockhampton went on to finish top after trailing us by about 30 points at the start of August makes you wonder what might have been.

In contrast the second team finished on a high as succesive victories against Painswick and Stinchcombe Stragglers saw them clinch the runners-up spot. This is a real credit to Cliff and his team mixed with youth and experience, hopefully next season will see them make progress in division 2.

The season was completed withconvincing victories over Kempsford and Poulton in what were extremely friendly games!

13 August - Apperley gained revenge for their defeat earlier in the season with a 32 run win over the first eleven. Fairford bowled their hosts out for 235 which was about par given that one boundary was only 30 yards away. At 150 for 3 with 18 overs remaining the game turned with Mark Greener unsportingly run out (if you want details go to the guestbook). The rest of the batting collapsed to give Apperley a clear lead at the top and Fairford battling for one of the medal positions.

At home the second team fell to defeat despite Rcih Bennett's unbeaten 50 leading them to 180 all out. In reply veteran Brian Bright inspired his team to a comfortable 6 wicket win despite tight bowing from Paul Morris. The seconds now need one win to guarantee promotion from their remaining two games.

For those of you that bother to read this the end of season curry night is the 4th September. £10 per head and payment in advance to either Graham Clarke or Cliff Taylor.

4 August - Disappointment for the first team as they collapsed to 95 all out with only Collin Bullock making any impression on the opposition bowling. Earlier Rockhampton had raced to 135-0 but some inspired bowling and fielding saw them all out for 215.

In spite of the defeat Fairford rmain in second place although Apperley have increased their lead and Rockhampton are only narrowly behind in third.

The end of season presentation will be a curry night at the clubhouse on Saturday 4th September at 7.30pm Lack of a suitable venue ruled out anywhere else in Fairford and it is too late to organise a marquee at the club.

27 July - First team consolidated their position in second place despite a poor performance in beating Kings Stanley by 2 wickets. A lacklustre effort in the field saw the bottom club reach 80-1 at drinks but the magic orange squash saw them lose their last 7 wickets for 29 runs to be bowled out for 150, Newport and Bird sharing the majority of the wickets.

A steady opening stand led to thoughts of an easy victory but a collapse saw 6 wickets fall in quick succession on a wicket that was quickly losing bounce. Mark Leadbeater and Lee Clark then added a valuable 49 before Rich Moreing and Aiden Messer smashed 28 in 3.4 overs to seal victory with both hitting massive sixes.

The second team game was unfortunately called off as Charfield were unable to raise a team, although denied the opportunity to improve their average they maintained their top of the table place.

19 July- Rich Moreing has now mastered email so you can now view the match reports as submitted to the Standard by clicking on the links in the results section. These may not be the same as you see in the Standard as they either don't bother printing them or miss out the important bits.

This Saturday the seconds went top of the table thenks to an amazing 9th wicket partnership between 13 year old Duncan Scrivens and regular number 11 Steve Williams. A shortage of bowlers meant Fairford were chasing 191 to win despite the experienced Forrester and Williams picking up 7 wickets between them. No batsman made a major score and all hope looked lost with 35 required from 4 overs, but cometh the hour and our heroes weren't to be denied sealing victory with a wide.

The first team continued their pursuit of Apperley with a 22 run victory over Cheltenham Civil Service. Inserted on a green track Fairford made a poor start before Gray and Newport turned things around, both scoring half-centuries. Quick runs from Greener and Bullock increased the total to 235-5 at the close. In reply the visitors were always up with the rate despite Ed Bird only conceding 24 runs from his 12 overs. In the end the loss of wickets hampered their chase as Newport picked up five wickets with the game going to the final over. Another cracking match played in the right spirit.

15 July - First team defeat Kingsholm at home by 4 wickets after chasing 212 for 6. With both teams short of bowling it was always likely top be a high scoring affair even in bowler friendly conditions. Even after a customary improvement after drinks Fairford were unable to contain the visitors late order batsmen as they thrashed merrily to an imposing total.

A turbo-charged start aw the home side pass 50 very quickly with Del Townsend to the fore. After both openers fell Clive Gray and Adrian Newport added important runs with cameos from Greener and Leadbeater set the stage for Cook to finish off the game with a straight six.

Sunday's game saw Fairford put up their usual abysmal performance against Ploughmans. The visitors racked up 189 before dismissing their hosts for 155.

Earlier in the week Fairford wrapped up the league and cup double in their first season back in the midweek competitions. Both matches were "played" at Stowell Park but the circumstances of the cup win were extremely disappointing. After Bourton Vale declined to play on the appointed night Guiting Power were asked to take their place but they decided not to turn up so Fairford won by default, a waste of time for everyone. On Wednesday the hosts were dismissed for 82 with Clarke, Williams, Forrester and Townsend sharing the wickets. After a mini collapse left Fairford at 35-4 Paddy Bullock and Del Townsend shared an unbeaten partnership to take their side to victory.

8 July- First team fall to a disappointing 3 wicket defeat at Frampton. Batting first and 93 for 3 in the 20th over everything looked rosy but the dismissal of the in-form Mark Greener led to runs drying up. Adrian Newport anchored the innings but a late burst of 53 from the last 10 overs could not make up for the lack of runs in the middle overs and the innings petered out at 175 for 8. Despite an early wicket Fairford showed as much aptitude in the field as they had done with the bat - next to nothing - for the first 23 overs. However a dose of vitamin C and some E numbers caused a dramatic comeback as 4 wickets fell for only a few runs but ultimately it was too little too late. In a match of 90 overs you can't afford to play badly for 50 of them and expect to win.

On a pitch that had already seen 120 overs the second team were asked to bat and proceeded to smash 303-2. Captain Cliff Taylor carried his bat for 83 while the pyrotechnics came from Paul Freeman and Simon Embleton-Smith who both reached the 90's before avoiding the jug. In reply Churchdown understandably concentrated on achieving bonus points and despite a variety of bowlers being used in search of wickets they closed on 197-6.

Earlier in the week Fairford closed in on a possible league and cup double in the midweek competitions. Malmesbury were restricted to 85-8 thanks to disciplined bowling from Bird, Messer, Newport and Peyman, backed up by predatory fielding from the whole team - will this ever happen on a Saturday? Del Townsend then played a superb unbeaten knock of 44 on a difficult wicket to see his side to a comfortable victory at 86-6 with 4 balls remaining.

On Wednesday Minety were the visitors for the second time this year. Choosing to bat first some inspired running and shot making saw them reach 131 for 4 with the hosts not matching the previous night's good work in the field. Graham Clarke's maiden 50 for the club along with another rapid 50 from Greener saw Fairford reach their target for the loss of just 2 wickets with 3 overs remaining.

26 June - Both matches canceled due to continuous rain. So at the half way point in the season the first team are second and the second team are third. Midweek game at Tetbury was also rained off.

20 June - I'm not updating this early just because we won, it's because it's pissing down outside and I've got bugger all else to do.

First team defeated Newent by 7 wickets. As with the previous week the Fairford bowling display improved markedly after drinks with Newent losing 8 wickets in 22 overs, Ed Bird being the main beneficiary with 4-44.

Del Townsend gave Fairford an explosive start with a half century in the first ten overs and after his dismissal it was left to Mark Leadbeater with a sensible knock of 49 not out to guide the side to victory, Mark Greener providing the usual fireworks at the end with an unbeaten 40.

The seconds fell to another disappointing defeat this time at Stinchcombe. Despite Simon Embleton-Smith's 97 the side were all out for 177, again failing to use all their overs. In reply the Stinchcombe opener scored an impressive century to lead his side to a comfortable victory.

18 June - A midweek double for Fairford with victories over Minety and Cirencester. On Tuesday Fairford progressed to the semifinal of the knockout cup by knocking up 210 for 3, Mark Greener again in the runs with an unbeaten 104 well supported by Adrian Newport with 51. In reply Minety made a brave effort against a variety of bowlers but ultimately the task was too great.

Against a youthful Cirencester side Del Townsend hit 93 not out in a sensibly paced innings with support from Mark Cook and Simon Embleton-Smith taking his side to 162 for 2. After using the squad rotation system for the batting order captain Paul "Claudio" Freeman came to the realisation that it is a good idea to have four fit bowlers in your team, we had three. Fortunately Embleton-Smith's variety earned him 3-39 and the visitors came up 9 runs short in a thrilling finish.

15 June - First team win for the first time ever at Tewkesbury. Photographer's favourite Clive Gray guided Fairford home with a perfectly paced 70 not out ably assisted by the rest of the top order with Mark Greener's rapid 33 making the difference. Earlier the home side had reached 102-2 at drinks thanks to some indifferent Fairford bowling and fielding, but there must have been something in the squash as they were bowled out for 175 thanks to Ed Bird and Steve Bennett taking three wickets apiece.

Seconds fell to their first defeat of the season at home to Painswick. Over confident or suicidal batting left Fairford all out for 160 in the 39th over with only Ian McHardie-Jones showing any patience. In reply Painswick reached 130-2 before captain Tim Forrester belatedly introduced himself to the attack and proceeded to take 6-9. Unfortunately this didn't prevent the visitors reaching their target in the 46th

10 June - There will be a barbecue on Saturday 19th June after the home game to Newent. Everyone is welcome.

9 June - Always pisses me off when I look at other club's websites and they update them daily when they are winning and don't bother when they are losing - so I did the same, here comes two weeks of updates.

Quote of the year (so far): Clive Gray (answering phone) I'm sat here in my underpants with 10 other blokes. Mr Chairman - Your pants aren't that big.

On to the matches. First team lost at Rockhampton chasing 271 for victory and finishing up on 265. The wicket was like a road, and Mark Greener, Del Townsend and Adrian Newport looked to have played match winning innings but Greener's run out and some late panic led to defeat. Won't mention any bowling figures.

This was followed up by a surprise 38 run victory over league leaders Apperley. Batting first Fairford scored 158 all out after a late collapse saw 8 wickets fall for 33 runs despite Clive Gray hitting 66, his first 50 since 2002. In reply Apperley cruised to 30-1 after 5 overs but a devestating spell by Ed Bird with 4-25 left them in trouble at 42-5. A recovery saw them 79 for 5 at drinks but Adrian Newport cleared up the tail with 4-28 to give Fairford victory by 38 runs. Not sure which side was most surprised.

The seconds had a blank league so played a friendly aginst Purton 2nds. Innings of 60 by youngsters Dave Wynne and John Watts saw Fairford successfully chase down 184.

In a return to league action the twos beat bogey side Birdlip by 74 runs. After losing prolific openers Freeman and Williams it was left to close friends Paddy Bullock, with a career best 83, and Cliff Taylor to lead the recovery. Aiden Messer's rapid 46 put the icing on the cake. In reply Birdlip never looked like overhauling their target as Tim Forrester's slow medium pace earned him a personal beat of 6-34.

In the evening league Fairford overcame Oaksey thanks to big hitting from Derek Townsend (51) and Mark Greener (76*) in a total of 182. Oaksey crept over the 100 mark as wickets were shared between the Fairford bowlers.

In friendly matches Fairford recovered from 47 for 5 to defeat Cirencester by 57 runs. Adrian Newport scoring 76 well supported by Tim Forrester and then Baz Court with 4-18; and Adien Messer and Dave Wynne with 2 wickets doing the damage with the ball.

The annual very friendly match against Exeter Students saw Fairford total 164 with runs from the Bennett boys and Aiden Messer. In reply the visitors reached 138 against a varied attack using every shot in the book, and some that aren't.

After that I promise to update this every week!!

24 May - After doing the double over Fairford last year Kings Stanley were beaten by 47 runs at Park Street on Saturday. Mark Greener was the star again with another explosive innings of 79 not out, while all the top order chipped in with useful scores. In reply the visitors were cruising at 100 for 1 before Rich Moreing followed up his run out of one opener by bowling the other opener and the number 3. After that braces of wickets for Newport, Clarke and Bullock wrapped things up.

Quote of the year (so far): Clive Gray - I never knew what a difference good gloves made to keeping. Ed Bird - Don't you wear them then?

Seconds cruised to another convincing win with half centuries from Matt Williams, Paul Freeman and Simon Embleton-Smith with Ian McHardie-Jones adding an unbeaten 40 odd in a total of 245 for 2. Newcomer Dave Wynne then took five wickets as the hosts were dismissed for 65.

Wynne was in the runs on Sunday as his 60 helped defeat South Hill be around 30 runs, details on this are sketchy as I was pissed when Cliff phoned me.

17 May - First team tie against Cheltenham Civil Service, after all the experts suggested 150 would be a good score Fairford rattled up 191 for 4 with half-centuries for Mark Greener and Adie Newport. The over par score looked short as the hosts were healthily positioned at 175 for 4 with 3 overs to go but inspired bowling saw them 189 for 8 with one ball to go. A mis-hit ended up in no-mans land and the batsman was run out going for a third.

Second team demolish St Stephens, after 3 overs the opposition captain said " thank f*** I'm not batting on that," Paul Freeman (115) and Matt Williams (90) then put on 197 for the first wicket in a total of 282-5. St Stephens hold out at 124-9 to deny Fairford maximum bowling points.

When it comes down to it we know bugger all about wickets, it all depends on the quality of the batting and bowling, so we should all shut up and get on with it.

Cookie's quiz night is a roaring success. The cartoon round brought out the child in all of us (doesn't take much). Not sure organising our socials the night before league games is the best idea!

10 May - The visit to Lords is off for another year, Hambrook are winners by 48 runs. Wickets in hand allow them to run riot in the closing overs and end up 178 for 5, in reply we are 110 for 3 with 12 overs remaining but collapse to 130 all out. To see Mark Greener's six into the next field, and the look on the bowler's face, was worth the trip.

8 May - Both league games were cancelled due to waterlogged pitches. It's becoming a very frustrating non-start to the season. A bowl out tomorrow would top it off!

6 May - All three games last weekend were cancelled due to the persistant rain so the village knockout will be played this Sunday at Hambrook.

After last Friday's successful social event hosted by Mr and Mrs Clarke the next event is Cookie's Quiz Night on 14th May starting at 8.00pm.

29th April - Faiford have now played 3 matches which have all resulted in close finishes. The first saw Cirencester defeated by 14 runs in an enjoyable game which gave everybody a good run out. Two weeks later the tables were then turned as Birdlip successfully chased 180 in another friendly played in the right spirit.

In the first competetive game of the season in the Village Cup visitors Whitefriars were finally defeated by ten runs to see Fairford through to the second round to face Hambrook at home on Sunday 2nd May.
After Clive Gray got Fairford off to a rapid start wickets fell regularly to a combination of poor shots and accurate bowling. It was left to Mark Cook with an unbeaten 40, well supported by Graham Clarke and Paul Morris, to see Fairford through to their second 180 of the weekend.
A comfortable victory looked on the cards as Whitefriars lost early wickets to Ed Bird and captain Leadbeater took the opportunity to give all his potential bowlers a chance. The visitors middle order were in no mood to conceded defeat and some rumbustuous strokeplay coupled with a prolifigation of extras saw only 12 needed from 2 overs with 3 wickets in hand. Cometh' the hour and the experienced Clarke took 3 wickets in 5 balls to seal a thrilling victory.

5 April - Fairford Cricket Club are pleased to announce that The Old Police Station will be the club's main sponsor for 2004 and hopefully beyond, our thanks go to the propieter Mrs Edna Preece-Smith.
In addition Andrew Butler Butchers and Equilibrium (Fairford) Ltd have agreed to be match day sponsors

Dates for your diary :

29th February, nets begin at Fairford Sports Hall at 11.00am and run for six weeks.

11th April, first game at home to Cirencester

18th April, Village Knockout away to Charlton Kings and Whitefriars

24th April, final warm-up game away to Birdlip.

30th April, players night at the club following nets, Graham Clarke is kindly donating the food.

1st May, first league games. First team are at home to Frampton, seconds are away to Churchdown.

14th May, Cookie's annual quiz night at the club, 8.00pm start.